Make Your Own Soccer Ball Cake (or Tennis Ball Cake.. or Baseball Cake... or...)

So, now you know how to make the best ever chocolate cake recipe (from a mix).  It's time to decorate it, with no Martha Stewart skills or tools required!

To make a soccer ball, tennis ball, baseball, volleyball (you get the point!) cake, you have two choices... You can purchase a ball-shaped cake pan from somewhere like Jo-Ann Fabrics.  I used this Wilton Soccer Ball 3D Cake Pan.  Don't forget to google for a Jo-Ann coupon (at least 40% off). Plus, they frequently offer $0.97 flat shipping.   They also sell baseball cake pans, volleyball cake pans, etc., but any of them will do...  You're just going to cover it with frosting anyway, so the little details from the pan won't be visible.

Don't feel like ordering a cake pan?  I've heard that you can use glass bowls to bake a round cake.  Disclaimer:  I've never tried this, so proceed at your own risk!  Interested? Here's a tutorial from livestrong.com. 

Okay, now that we've covered the pan part, let's get to the fun, sweet stuff!!

Make Your Own Easy Soccer Ball Cake
(or Tennis Ball Cake or Baseball Cake or Basketball Cake or Volleyball Cake)

Best Ever Chocolate Cake Recipe - From a Mix!

In another life, I would be an ace cake decorator.  I would effortlessly take a regular cake and turn into a work of art.  In real life, I have not been as successful.  There was the time where I dropped an unfrosted cake on the floor (true story).  There was another time where we ran out of frosting at 10:00 PM the night before my son's birthday (thank goodness for Genaurdi's!).  But, I still keep trying, and I love it!

This past year, I tried something a little different.  I ordered a cake pan from JoAnn Fabrics (sometimes they have free shipping, which is awesome) and decided to make a soccer ball cake.  There are also ways to bake a cake in a glass bowl, to simulate the round shape.  I haven't tried that, but I'll include links to that in part two of this post.

Before I share with you how to make the easiest soccer ball (or baseball or basketball or volleyball) cake ever (using no special tools), I'm going to give you the BEST chocolate cake recipe on the planet (using chocolate cake mix as a base, no less!).  THIS is the recipe that I use year after year, and every year, it does not disappoint.

Best Ever Chocolate Cake Recipe (from a mix!)
(Source:  The Cake Mix Doctor - I cannot recommend books from the Cake Mix Doctor highly enough!  Man - that's my kind of doctor!  Nurse, get me the frosting, STAT!)

Fried Matzoh - Buttery, Crispy, Salty, Easy

Fried Matzoh is not a complicated recipe AT ALL, but it is FULL of warm comfort-food flavor!  Traditionally made during Passover, you'll want to make this year-round (whether you celebrate Passover or not).

When you fry up this recipe from my DIY Heirloom Cookbook, the house smells like heaven, and this dish only requires 4 ingredients.  This is one of those recipes you can't get wrong.  Good for breakfast, lunch or dinner! 

Fried Matzoh Recipe (also known as "Matzoh Brei")

Hamentaschen - The Best Dessert You've Never Had!

Maybe you celebrate Purim and this is the year you've decided to try baking Hamentaschen, a light, delicious, triangle shaped cookie with tasty chocolate or fruit filling tucked inside.  Or, maybe you've never heard of this fun Jewish holiday, and just want to try an easy, new dessert recipe that will knock EVERYONE's socks off.  Here is the recipe for YOU!  

TheCityofMotherlyLove.com baker extraordinaire Wendy sent me this recipe, and me and my son made these show-stoppers this afternoon!

Hamentaschen - The Best Dessert You've (Probably) Never Had!  

 

Dirty Money Coin Activity - Great for President's Day (or any day)

We did a fun little project this weekend in relation to President's day, but you could do this anytime!  My son loves collecting coins, and throughout my Pinterest travels (ah, Pinterest, how I love thee), I saw a cute, easy project for us to do.

Dirty Money Coin Activity - Good for President's Day or Any Day!

Egg in a Heart - Easy Valentine's Breakfast

Looking for an easy way to get Valentine's Day (or any day) started?  Try this tasty breakfast that is  my son's favorites.  Not only is it cute, but it's delicious, too.  I haven't made it in a month or two (and plan to make it for Valentine's morning), so I don't have any pictures to show you.  But, I'm sure you'll get the gist!

Egg in a Heart

Can You Feel the LOVE? An Easy, Fun Valentine's Day Decoration

My son has been super into arts & crafts lately (which is heaven for me!), and he's been asking me to come up with different projects for us to do together.  Last week, we were doing all things Valentine's Day and came up with this little ditty.  It's great because it helps hone cutting skills, uses things you have around the house, and can be as simple or complex as you want!  Also, coming from thecityofmotherlylove.com, I do love me some love-themed projects!!!

Feel the LOVE Banner

Chocolate Dipped Marshmallow Bouquet - Easy and Delicious for Valentine's Day!

Hello out there everyone!  I am so sorry I've been missing in action...  A stomach bug visited and took me down for a little while, but I'm back.  Unfortunately, I only lost a few pounds (and gained it right back), but I'm still going to eat and pretend like I need to get back to my fighting weight.  Indulge me!

Valentine's Day is almost here, and City of Motherly Love contributor, Wendy, has been at it again!  You may remember her Candy & Chocolate Covered Pretzels and her
Chocolate Covered Mini Pretzels.  Now, here is another recipe in her classic, easy, pretty, delicious style:


Chocolate Dipped Marshmallow Bouquet 
(better than flowers!)

Chocolate Toffee - Only Four Ingredients and SO Delicious!

I could tell you that this dessert is great for a New Year's party.  I could tell you that this dessert is great as a gift.  I could give you tons of reasons, but, once you taste it, you won't need any!  I've been on a MAJOR dessert making kick this holiday season, and this one is by far the best I've made!!!!  Plus, it only takes FOUR ingredients!

Make your own Chocolate English Toffee

You CAN Do This - Easy, Quick Fleece Winter Hat with Ear Flaps

The days leading up to the holidays are always packed, with everyone rushing around to get things done!  But, what about when everything's come and gone and your hands are still looking for something to do?

Here's the EASIEST, cutest project ever - A quick fleece winter hat with ear flaps, for kids or adults.  You can sew this ALL by hand if you are allergic to your sewing machine like I am, and it takes 1 - 2 hours maximum.

Confession time:  This project was actually my first completed sewing project that followed a pattern!  I haven't had much luck with patterns in the past, but this one restored my confidence!  And, it's sturdy.  I made it for my son about 6 weeks ago, and it's still good as new.  Plus, it gets tons of compliments.  It feels really good when son proudly says, "My mommy made it!"

Are you ready to get started? 

Salty, Sweet, Easy & Pretty Dessert Recipe - Chocolate Covered Mini-Pretzels

City of Motherly Love reader, Wendy, was at it again this week!   After making the following treats for lucky co-workers and neighbors, she shared the pictures and how-to's with us.  I just wish the computer had taste-o-vision!

Without further adieu.....

How to Make Chocolate Covered Mini-Pretzels

A Little Friday Afternoon Cheer....

It's Friday afternoon - the stores are getting crazy, people are starting to cut you off in traffic (in a festive way, of course), and you can use a little pick-me-up!  Here is one, just for you, courtesy of Jimmy Fallon, The Roots, Mariah Carey, some cute kids, and toy instruments! 

Such a cool idea - I wish I'd thought of it!!!!

With help from other creative mommies, Ashley at She Makes a Home whipped up an issue of an online magazine.  It is absolutely gorgeous -  with tons of great recipe, decorating, entertainment fashion and DIY gift ideas.  Filled with lots of beautiful pictures, Snowed In is just inspiring to look through!  I wish I'd thought of this idea :)  Maybe next year, you'll be reading a "City of Motherly Love" special issue ;)

I'm not crazy about snow, so thankfully you don't actually have to be snowed in to enjoy it!

Easy Famous Fudge Recipe, plus THREE other dessert classics!

Are you trying to figure out what to make for Christmas next week?  Do you need an easy recipe for your family get-together?  Is New Year's counting down to something sweet?  Look no further - The City of Motherly Love is HERE!  (Cue Superhero music) 

I plan on making my trusty fudge recipe for next week.  Calling it "trusty" makes it sound boring, but, believe me, it is NOT!  It only takes about 15 minutes hands-on time and tastes professional.  You can also change it up with all kinds of variations (but you probably won't want to!).

Greeting Cards - How to Save Money and Time (and Stay Organized)

Two Scenarios - 

A.  You're standing in Hallmark, surrounded by too many choices.  You look from option to option, starting to sweat.  Which wording would be best?  Finally, you choose a card.  You pick it up, turn it over, and see that this simple little card costs $4.99!  You put the card back and run out of the store!

B.  Your child gets invited to a last minute birthday party.  The night before, you realize you don't have a birthday card.  You run out to the grocery store just for a card.  Then, the following week, you do it all again.

Everyone loves a nice greeting card.  It sends the message that someone is thinking of you fondly.  But, that doesn't mean that finding the right cards should be stressful or expensive!

Are you ready for my system?!  It's easy, organized and saves you time and money!

How to Make Your Own In-Home Greeting Card Store

Turn Family Memories into Art - Great as a gift! Easy to do!

Every Memorial Day, we go to the local Memorial Day parade.  My son gets so excited, and loves all of the cars and trucks that go by.  This year, I took pictures of all of his favorites.  Don't get me wrong, I love digital cameras.  They have turn me into a virtual paparazzi, but we almost never print out pictures.  If you take a picture and no one looks at it, does it exist??

After getting a free collage coupon code from Shutterfly, I decided to turn those pictures into something productive.  I made a collage, purchased a frame, painted it, and viola, instant art!!!!  It has been one of my son's FAVORITE presents, and he loves looking at it every day.  The thing that I really love about it is that it offers double the benefits - you get something pretty to look at, and it's meaningful because the pictures represent experiences you've actually had!































Here's how to do it!  It took me about 1 hour of hands-on time (with waiting time in addition to that), it cost me $15 total.

Make Your Own Memory Collage Art

Supplies
-  Six to ten of your favorite photos
Tip:  Ideally, they'll all be of similar themed subjects, like honeymoon pictures, vacation pictures, beach pictures, holiday pictures, etc, and taken in decent resolution.
-  Inexpensive 11 x 14 frame
Tip:  If you're going to paint your frame a different color, make sure it's made out of wood or another paintable surface.  Shiny plastics are impossible to paint.
-  A Photo Site, such as Shutterfly, Snapfish, etc.

How to Make It
The Collage - 
- Select your photos and edited as needed.  Crop them, change the orientation (from vertical to horizontal, and vice versa, if necessary), etc.  Make them pretty!
- Google for "coupon codes" for Shutterfly, Snapfish, etc.  Right now there are tons of deals, so take advantage of them!
- Select which site you want to use, and create a new "Collage" product.  Select which way you want it (horizontal or vertical), upload your pictures and play around with it until you're happy.  Using Shutterly, I added lines between the pictures to make them stand out.  I knew I was going to paint the frame navy blue, so I used that color for the lines.
-  Order the collage.  Some sites offer the ability to pick the collage up at a store that day.  If you don't want to wait to receive it in the mail, give that a try.
The Frame - 
-  Go to a place like TJ Maxx, Michael's, or AC Moore.  If you're going to a craft store, make sure to bring your coupon with you!
-  Purchase an 11 x 14 frame.  I got one for $10 from TJ Maxx.  It was beige, but I knew I was going to paint it, so I didn't mind.
-  If you're going to paint the frame, make sure you have at least one or two containers of your favorite acrylic paint from a craft store.  They only cost about $1.50 each, so it's a steal!
-  Remove the glass and backing, and put the frame on newspaper.
-  Start painting!  My frame took three coats to completely cover.  The frame will only need about 30 minutes between coats, so you can get it done in one day!
-  Let the final coat dry for at least 4 hours, put in the collage, and enjoy the results :)

 Here's the $10.00 frame before I got to work.... From the exclusive "Valerie Bertinelli" collection, apparently!

  I took out the glass and the backing, squirted my paint on a paper plate.....

 And got to work....  Here it is after the first coat!  You'll notice that my favorite paintbrush for frames is a nubby little guy.

The finished product turned out great!

Blueprint for an Easy, Inexpensive Gingerbread House

It's that time of year.... Gingerbread House time.  Until last week, I had never made one before!  My son's class had a gingerbread house making party where the parents got to help.  

And now, I'd like to share my newly acquired knowledge about how to build your own gingerbread house.  Don't get me wrong, if you're looking for Architectural Digest to come knocking after you're done, this isn't the tutorial for you.  But, if you want to have fun with your kids and make a fairly inexpensive, easy gingerbread house, please read on!

 

The supplies - Yum!  

Don't worry, you won't need anywhere near this much for your house!

Homemade Gingerbread House Made Easy

Supplies:
A one pint carton (could be from milk, half and half, egg beaters, etc.)
-  Tip:  A smooth carton is best.  The ones with the built in plastic spouts make it a little harder.
Frosting (either homemade or store bought)
-  If homemade, see the recipe below.  You'll need egg whites and confectioners' sugar.  Yum!
-  If using prepared frosting, one can of vanilla frosting should more than cover it! 
One box of graham crackers
Various decorations
-  You don't need to break the bank on this... Use what you have around the house; M&Ms, cookies, chocolate chips, pretzel sticks, marshmallows, cereal, raisins, licorice, hard candy, candy canes, lifesavers, tic tacs, shredded coconut, jelly beans, etc.  If you don't have a lot of supplies, the check-out aisle at the grocery store should have plenty of choices.  Get a couple of small bags of candy, and you're good to go!
A sturdy plate, either plastic or otherwise

Construction:

Step 1:  Spoon frosting into a bowl and cover with a wet paper towel to keep it moist
Step 2:  Turn your (clean & dry) carton over and place a healthy dollop of frosting on the bottom.
Step 3:  Place the (frosting covered) bottom of the carton on the plate and let it dry for about 15 minutes.
Step 4:  Using a spoon or spatula, apply a nice layer of frosting all over your carton.  Make sure to get the sides and the angled tops.
Step 5:  Affix the graham crackers onto the sides and top.  Break them into pieces along the joints to make them fit nicely.
Step 6:  Slather frosting all along the open creases where no graham cracker is present.
Step 7:  Put decorations all along the creases!!!
Get creative - Flaked coconut can be snow on the bottom of the plate (with frosting glue, of course!), Marshmallows can be snowmen, Lifesavers can be windows.  And, if some of the decorations accidentally get eaten before they make it onto the house, that's okay!!!!
Step 8:  Let it set for about 15 minutes.
Step 9:  Admire your work (and don't let the dog eat it!)

To Fancy

From Plain

                                

*Basic Gingerbread House Icing Recipe

• 2 egg whites
• 5 cups confectioners' sugar

In a large bowl, lightly whisk egg whites.  Gradually beat in approximately confectioners' sugar. The icing should be smooth and stand in firm peaks.

DIY Heirloom Cookbook - Great as a holiday gift, bridal shower gift, or anniversary gift!

Are you looking for a unique, meaningful, useful gift you can make for a family member or friend?  Look no further....  Here is one of the most memorable gifts I've ever received, and I want to share it with you.

Do-it-Yourself Heirloom Cookbook
This gift can be tailored according to how much or how little time you have.  I received this gift from my mom at my bridal shower, and I treasure it to this day! 

Supplies:
1 recipe binder that has slip in, transparent sleeves and dividers (Hallmark has nice ones)
Plenty of recipe cards
A little bit of creativity

Instructions:

• Come up with the recipe categories:  Some examples.... Appetizers, Soups & Salads, Entrees, Side Dishes, Desserts, Snacks 
  
• If you have a lot of time: Solicit family members, friends, and co-workers for their favorite recipes.  The more tried and true the better.  Provide everyone with a blank recipe card.  If this is for a shower or anniversary party gift, include a blank recipe card with each invitation.  My mom even sent the recipe cards to special people from my past, like teachers and neighbors.  Everyone jumped at the chance to participate!
• Hint:  To make sure there is a wide variety of recipe types, assign everyone a different category.  For example, some people are asked to provide an appetizer recipe, some are asked for a dessert recipe, etc.  Otherwise, you'll get a lot of cookie recipes (not that there's anything wrong with that).
• If you don't have much time: Fill in the recipe cards yourself with your favorite recipes.  Call family members and ask them to e-mail you with their favorite recipes, and complete the cards on their behalf.  Make sure to say who the recipe is from!
• Include a personal inscription:  Inside the front cover, include your own "recipe for a happy life together" or whatever is appropriate for the occasion.  My mom wrote the most beautiful, creative "dedication"... Here's a starter, "Take a wonderful couple, mix, and let simmer for 5 years"...  It's so cute and personal.  
• Organize by Recipe Category:  Put all of the completed recipe cards in the sleeves, and organize by category.
• Include extra recipe cards and sleeves:  This is a great way for the lucky recipient to grow their collection as the years go on!
• Hint:  Make sure to save the box that the recipe binder came in, so the recipe binder is even easier to keep in heirloom condition!

So easy....
Purchase a sturdy recipe binder:

Make sure you have plenty of blank recipe cards.....

Come up with the categories for the recipes and assign everyone a category (or, assign yourself all of the categories!).

 

Send out the cards (or fill them out yourself) and slip the completed recipes into the sleeves, by type.

Then, add your own personal inscription on the front.

Make sure to include plenty of extra recipe cards and recipe sleeves.  Get ready for this to be the favorite gift the recipient receives!!!!!

Do Drinks Taste Better in Creative Mugs?

I think they just might....

This mug always makes me smile....  I got it from Our Name is Mud years ago... Our Name is Mud offers the kinds of ceramics I aspire to make when I go to Color Me Mine.  They're cute, fun and funny.

Or, if you have a shutter bug in your family, they will love the Camera Lens Coffee Mug from Tanga.  Just make sure they don't try to put it on their camera.

Free Shipping Day - Helping You Procrastinate!

Do you remember the episode of Friends where the gang procrastinates and needs to buy Christmas presents for each other at a gas station on Christmas Eve?  To make sure that no one on your list receives candy bars or antifreeze like Monica did, sign up for an e-mail reminder about Free Shipping Day on December 17th.





On this magical day, over 1,000 merchants will offer free shipping and other discounts, with delivery to the 48 contiguous United States by Christmas Eve.

Even if you don't need to order any present because you finished your shopping in September, or because Hanukkah is over, you can still get great deals on things you might need anyway.