Scotcharoos Popcorn

Scotcharoos Popcorn

(adapted from this recipe for peanut butter cup popcorn)

22 cups of popped popcorn

1 bag butterscotch chips

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 tbsp. vegetable shortening or oil

1/2 c. toffee bits

2/3 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips (for drizzling)

Pop the popcorn and put in a large bowl.  In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butterscotch chips, one cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, and vegetable oil or shortening and heat for 2-2 1/2 minutes or until smooth, stirring every 30 seconds.  Pour the melted chip mixture over the popcorn and toss to combine.

Spread the popcorn onto two wax paper-lined baking sheets.  Sprinkle the toffee bits over the popcorn evenly.  In a Ziploc bag, heat the semi-sweet chocolate chips until just melted and smooth (about a minute in the microwave, mashing the bag every 20-30 seconds). Cut a small corner in the Ziploc bag and drizzle the chocolate over the popcorn. Allow to stand long enough to become solid (you can transfer the pan to the fridge or freezer to hurry this step along). When done, break the popcorn into small pieces and enjoy!  

TIP: Store this popcorn in the fridge if it doesn't set up all the way.  Some chocolate chips are softer at room temperature than others.

Toddler Slip-Ons

I took on a project for my daughter last week to decorate some plain white slip-on shoes for her.  Here's what I started with:

After a few hours of drawing with my colored Pigma Micron pens and some help from my mom on the rhinestone heat-setter, I came up with these sweet kicks:

The design is completely original, and I pretty much made it up as I went.  I am very pleased with how this project turned out!

I found the blank white shoes at Hancock Fabrics for $7.50, and I already had the pens.  I did all of the drawing in one day, and I wouldn't recommend that if your hands aren't used to that kind of work.  I could barely hold the pen by the end!

My next projects will most likely be baby-related, since I will be having another girl in November.  I am planning to turn my craft room (sigh. . .) into another nursery, so that will definitely have to start happening soon.  Here are some of my inspiration pieces (I think) for the room:

I am definitely set on aqua and yellow for colors, but I can't decide between hot pink and coral red.  These are the colors I originally chose:

Decisions, decisions.  We'll see what happens.

Kitchen Chairs

I recently overhauled my kitchen chairs, and the result was great!  Here's what they looked like before:

 And here is the after:

It was a bit of work, but soooooo definitely worth it!  I removed all the seats, cleaned and spray painted the wood, reupholstered the seats, and put it all back together.  I also added some extra batting and foam to the seat cushions when I reupholstered them, so they are also extra comfy now.  I was able to do all six seats for under $100.  The extra chair cushions were the most expensive part.  I got the fabric at Hancock's on a 40% off sale.  Here's a closer look at it: