The Perfect SNOW DAY Treat: Chocolate Chip Pecan Snowballs

This is the perfect snow day cookie recipe. These chocolate chip pecan snowballs are crispy on the outside… and the insides melt in your mouth. I even made a video to show you how easy they are to make!

You’ll need: 1 cup salted butter (softened) 3/4 cup powered sugar (plus an additional 1 cup for coating the cookies after they are baked) 1 tsp vanilla 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon almond extract 3/4 cup chopped pecans (toasted ... on a cookie sheet at 350 for 5 minutes) 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
3/4 cup powered sugar (plus an additional 1 cup for coating the cookies after they are cooked) 1 tsp vanilla 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon almond extract 3/4 cup chopped pecans (toasted) 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

And here's a video showing you how to put them together...

 

1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2) Mix butter and 3/4 cup icing sugar with a hand mixer (on medium for about 1 minute)... just until light and fluffy.

3) Stir in vanilla and almond extract.

4) Add 1 3/4 cups of flour and mix on low (just until incorporated).

5) Stir in pecans and chocolate chips.

6) Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refridgerate for 20-30 minutes.

7) Remove from fridge, and roll dough into 1 tbsp balls. Bake on parchment lined cookie sheet for 15 minutes.

8) As soon as cookies are cool enough to touch (but still warm), roll the cookies in powdered sugar.

9) Allow to cool completely, and sift another layer of powered sugar to the top.

These cookies are soooooo good with a warm mug of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate!!!

If you give them a try, let me know what you think!

💗 

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

You might also be interested in these easy and inexpensive winter DIYs on my YouTube channel. Don't forget to like the video and hit the subscribe button. It really helps my channel. 😃

Budget-friendly WINTER DECOR diys... simple crafts with a high-end look

When all the Christmas decorations come down, it's nice to have a few simple pieces of winter decor to fill up the blank space. When the temperatures outside are chilly, a few budget-friendly winter DIYs can make a home feel warm and cozy.

DIY WINTER WREATH - What do you think of this gorgeous budget friendly wreath made from dollar store supplies? I used an 18" wreath form, faux fur ribbon, silver skate ornaments, and silver florals. I cut strips of fur ribbon and used hot glue to attach it to the wreath form. Then, I hung the ornaments and used hot glue to attach the florals to the top of the wreath. Check out the video at the bottom of this post to see the step by step instructions.

SIMPLE CUSTOM WINTER SERVING TRAY - With a dollar store vase, tray and trinkets, you can make a gorgeous winter-themed serving tray. Fill the vase with glittery florals (or whatever you like), and use glue to attach the tray to the top. Easy peasy! Check out the video at the bottom of this post to see the step by step instructions.

CUSTOM (and cheap) WINTER ARTWORK - Dollar store ornaments can be repurposed to make adorable winter artwork. Cover the glass of a dollar store frame with contact paper, and use hot glue to attach an ornament to the front. Check out the video at the bottom of this post to see the step by step instructions.

WINTER TERRARIUMS - I love these terrariums, and they are super-easy to make using glassware you likely already own. Add some epsom salts to the bottom of a jar, pop in some bottle brush trees, and insert one of the fun snow characters that you can download for FREE here. Check out the video at the bottom of this post to see the step by step instructions.

For all the details on these fantastic projects, check out the video I made below.

What do you think? Do you have a favorite? I think they are all totally adorable!

These are the perfect DIYs for cold winter days. Happy crafting!!!!

💗 

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

You might also be interested in these easy and inexpensive winter DIYs on my YouTube channel. Don't forget to like the video and hit the subscribe button. It really helps my channel. :-)

Adorable DIY Winter Terrariums... including FREE printables

Sometimes the simpliest ideas are the best ones, and I am absolutely obsessed with making DIY winter terrariums. They are easy to make, inexpensive, and totally adorable. Today, I'm sharing a few I made, the step by step instructions, and FREE prints for you to download. Let me know which one is your favourite!

To make a DIY terrarium, you'll need: a glass container, epsom salts/glitter, bottle brush trees, and a 4x6 (which you can download for free below).

Then: add epsom salts and glitter to the container, insert a couple of trees, cut out one of the prints I designed (below), and insert it into the epsom salts. That's it!!!!

Check out the THREE versions I made below. Cute, right?!?!

To download one of the super-cute winter characters: click on one of the pictures below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo. 

Make sure you use copy paper or cardstock!

What do you think? Do you have a favorite? I think they are all totally adorable!

This is the perfect DIY for a cold winter day. Happy crafting!!!!

💗 

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

You might also be interested in these easy and inexpensive winter DIYs on my YouTube channel. Don't forget to like the video and hit the subscribe button. It really helps my channel. :-)

How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets: tips, tricks and my BIG reveal

I have been looking at my stained oak cabinets for years and yearning for a a more modern and bright kitchen. After getting a quote, I knew hiring a professional was out of my budget, so I decided to do it myself. My husband and I did research, purchased supplies, and got to work. Today, I'm sharing the result, the products I used, and what I learned.

Here is the before picture of my kitchen.

And here is the after. I love how bright and modern it looks.

It wasn't hard... but it was a lot of work. For me, the key was to just do small sections when I had the time to do them. I took my time and got it done.

If you have considered painting your cupboards, I highly recommend getting started. It really is amazing the difference paint and new handles make!

Check out these photos for inspiration...

Ready to take the plunge? I made a video showing you all the steps you need to take to get a fantastic result. Check it out on YouTube!

You might also find these links helpful...

LINK TO THE HANDLES I USED: https://amzn.to/3Z4UZsQ (aff.link) LINK TO THE PAINT PYRAMIDS: https://amzn.to/3GyGXsj (aff.link) LINK TO THE CABINET DOOR BUMPER PADS I USED: https://amzn.to/3Z1XFY5 (aff.link)

I hope you are inspired to tackle this project in your own home. And if you have any questions, leave them in the comments below, and I'll answer you as soon as I can.

Good luck, and thanks for checking out my painted kitchen cabinets!

💗 

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

The BEST Ideas for Celebrating NEW YEAR'S EVE at Home

When you have kids (and even when you don't)... sometimes dressing up and heading out to a fancy New Year's Eve party isn't always desirable. So, hosting a family-friendly celebration can be the perfect way to ring in the new year. Today I'm sharing the BEST ideas for celebrating New Year's Eve at home.

Activity Bags - I love making activity bags that can be opened each hour leading up to midnight. The bags can contain noisemakers, the supplies for a midnight toast, games, and more.

I love having one bag contain the items needed to set up a photo booth.

And including a year in review questionnaire is fun too. 

To download a FREE copy of the one I designed: click on the picture below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 8x10 photo.

Special New Year's Eve Treat - To make this festive treat, simply add candys to the bottom of a wine glass and top with a decorated cupcake. Cute, right?!?

Adorable New Year's Eve Mocktail - To make this adorable beverage, add sparkling water or 7up to a champagne flute, add a bit of cotton candy to the top, and insert a straw. Easy... but so much fun!

New Year's Eve Party Favours - Every party needs a party favour, and I have three simple options to share.

Breakfast for tomorrow - Add a tag to a small box of cereal or a pop tart.

Midnight Kisses - Add a tag a little bag of Hershey kisses.

Rings to ring in the new year - Add a tag to candy rings.

For a closer look (and full instructions), check out the YouTube video I made.

Will you be celebrating at home this year? I hope you find some of these ideas fun and helpful. Happy New Year!!!!

💗 

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

7 DIY Gifts Made Using DOLLAR STORE Blanks

I love a budget friendly gift, don't you? And when it comes to saving money, the dollar store is your best friend. Today, I'm sharing the BEST dollar store blanks for making DIY gifts!

1) Movie treat caddy - These caddies are great for school and cleaning supplies, but they are even better for holding movie treats. There is a section for popcorn, a drink, and a treat. Cute, right?

2) Personalized drinkware - The dollar store has so many fantastic glasses, water bottles and mugs. They are inexpensive, practical, and perfect for personalizing.

3) Dog/cat treat container - If you have a cat or dog on your list, you can make them an adorable personalized container for their treats. I love the paw print on the top, don't you?

4) Personalized cookie jar - I love the shape of these jars, and they make perfect cookie jar containers. I added the words "Mom's Cookies... hugs accepted as payment" to mine, and I absolutely love how it turned out.

5) Treat bowls - Putting together gift baskets is one of my favourite things to do, and I love using a reusable container. Who wouldn't love to receive this family movie night popcorn bowl filled with goodies?

6) Tray for Santa - I love this tray, don't you? It's made from a dollar store cutting board, handles I salvaged from my kitchen renovation, and a Cricut decal. Santa is going to LOVE it!

7) Custom night light - Dollar store nightlights can be customized for any gift recipient. I made a Santa Cam, but characters or names can be added instead.

For a closer look at all these projects, check out the short video I made (below).

Do you have a favourite?

If you are looking for a thoughtful, unique, and budget-friendly gift idea, you should definitely try one of these DIY gifts.

♥ 
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

You might also like the Christmas DIYs here.

15 TOP Christmas Family Movies... and a FREE printable checklist

Aren't Christmas movies a special part of the holidays? I really feel like the season isn't complete until I watch all my favourites with my boys. Today, I'm sharing a fun checklist of family-friendly Christmas movies you can all watch together. You can even print off my list to keep you on track -- that's what my family is doing. 😄

To print a copy of my top 15 family Christmas movies: click on the photo above, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 8x10 photo.

Did YOUR favourite make my list? What would you add? I found it really hard to narrow it down to just 15. There are so many great ones!

1) Elf

2) Home Alone

3) The Polar Express

4) The Santa Clause

5) It's a Wonderful Life

6) Christmas Classics (Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and Santa Claus is Coming Town)

7) National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

8) A Christmas Story

9) Miracle on 34th Street

10) Arthur Christmas

11) A Christmas Carol

12) A Charlie Brown Christmas

13) The Grinch

14) The Christmas Chronicles

15) One Magic Christmas

I put my list in a cheap dollar store frame, so we have it handy when we are picking movies.

I hope you enjoy this list and it inspires you to have some themed movie nights with your friends and family this year.

Happy holidays!!!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

You may also enjoy the fantastic Christmas ideas here.