Best Ever Sugar Cookies
January 1, 2009 by Cassie · 10 Comments
Happy New Years Day! One of my favorite things about the Holiday season has been all the baking I’ve been able to do. I remember growing up my mom would ask each child what their favorite holiday treat was and we would then spend a day baking each item.
Even though the holidays are wrapping up, I was just introduced to this sugar cookie recipe and had to share with everyone because they were amazing!
Cookies
- 1 cup shortening
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 5-7 cups flour
Preheat oven to 350. MIx all the ingredients in order. When rolling them out, it is best to take a ball of dough and flatten it with your hands (this is the key to making them fluffy). Cut out cookies with cookie cutters and bake for about 10 min.
Frosting
- 2 cups powder sugar
- 1/2 cup oil
- 2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon milk
- Food coloring
Hope you enjoy!
Written by Cassie of Madison Envy
A New Year - Tips and Ideas For Setting Goals
December 31, 2008 by Cassie · 8 Comments
The start of a new year is very empowering to me. I feel as though each January 1st is a fresh start and a time to start over and be better. I am sure many of you, as I do, use the beginning of a new year to set new goals and make a list of things you would like to accomplish in the coming year.
Here are some neat tips and ideas about setting goals for your New Year:
Goals:
Set a reasonable amount of goals. Having an endless list will usually leave you feeling like you have too much to do. Try focusing on 2-4 main areas and include subgoals within those areas. This year I have chosen 3 main areas of my life to better myself: Family, Spiritual, and Self.
One Word:
I love the idea of having one word to focus your goals and year on. A wonderful blogger, Tanja, wrote a neat post about her Word of the Year and why she chooses this method of goal setting. If you decide this route, why not have your word put on a charm to be a constant reminder? You can buy a Word of the Year Charm like this at Lisa Leonard Designs (pictured above).
Quote or Saying:
If you have a favorite quote or saying, you can center your goals around your quote. You can use the quote to guide you in making decisions, setting other goals or when transitioning through life changes (i.e. taking a new job, etc).
Hopes:
Use the things you are looking forward to this year as a way of goal setting. If one of your goals this year is to lose weight write on your list “weighing X lbs” rather than “lose X lbs”. Seeing that goal accomplished on paper sends positive messages to your brain.
What do you do when it comes to New Year’s Goals and Resolutions? Share your ideas with us!
Written by Cassie of Madison Envy
Mom-Preneur Shop-a-thon
December 12, 2008 by Cassie · 2 Comments
This Christmas I have made an effort to buy from women in business. Owning my own business, I know how much it means to receive orders and build up my clientele, so I thought why not help others out as well. Tip Junkie has been hosting a Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon with links to women owned businesses. There are over 20 different categories that I am sure every woman on your Christmas list would fit into. Hop on over there and get a few gifts checked off your list, while also supporting other women and mom-preneurs!
Cassie’s shoppe: Madison Envy
Simply Happy Designs
November 13, 2008 by Cassie · 3 Comments
It’s that time of year again. The leaves have fallen, snow will soon be here and Christmas cards will be in the mail. I made it a goal this year to get my cards done and sent by the 5th of December and am proud to say that I am well on my way.
This year I wanted something simple, yet eye catching and cute. I searched the internet and looked at many different graphic design companies. There were a lot of fun designs out there, but the ones at Simply Happy Designs definitely caught my attention.
Their card designs are very modern and classy, and their prices are even better. For $15 you can have your pictures put on a card with any text or colors that you would like. I had my card made through Simply Happy Designs and I am so excited to send them out! Here is a little sneak peak into what our Christmas card looks like this year!
Cassie’s shoppe: Madison Envy
Baby Mia
November 6, 2008 by Cassie · 1 Comment
I have come across many touching stories since I have started blogging, all of which have made me so excited and proud to be apart of the blogging community. Today, I saw a story that I had to share.
“Mia was born with a dysfunctional heart and is on a waiting list in Seattle for a heart transplant. Mia has been patiently holding on for the past 3 months. But, she’s one of 8 babies in the Seattle Children’s Hospital on the Washington waiting list. In order to put Mia on other waiting lists, the McDonalds need $450,000.00 up front for the heart transplant. Sadly their insurance is falling short of paying for the surgeries and health care Mia has already received.”
Stephanie, a friend of the McDonald’s, is having a giveaway for a beautiful quilt on her blog in hopes of generating donations for Baby Mia.
It is things like this that remind me how precious life is and how we truly have so much to be thankful for. You can read more about Baby Mia on her blog.
Cassie’s shoppe: Madison Envy
Little Shop of Shavs
October 30, 2008 by Cassie · 3 Comments
Whether for a birthday, shower, or Christmas, like many of you I love to give unique one of a kind gifts, which is why I liked Little Shop of Shavs, where they offer very unique custom made gift ideas.
After choosing your favorite picture, Shauna (Owner of Little Shop of Shavs) creates a high contrast Black and White painting of it. These modern paintings are awesome and would look so great hanging on the wall, and what grandma wouldn’t love a huge painting of their grandchild to look at every day?
Discount:
Little Shop of Shavs is offering all LWS readers $30 off their order through October. This would be a great time to get a little Christmas shopping done early. Just let Shauna know you are a LWS reader upon checkout for your discount!
Cassie’s shoppe: Madison Envy
Gideon Photography
October 23, 2008 by Cassie · 4 Comments
A couple years ago I came across a photographer whose work I instantly fell in love with. Jimmy the owner and photographer of Gideon Photography has quite a talent and I wanted you all to be able to see his amazing work.
Gideon Photography specializes in weddings and engagements, modeling, portraits, and location. The best part is that his shots are not the every day “sit there and smile”. Jimmy captures real life images and he is very creative when it comes to original shots and poses.
Earlier this month, I was in St. George, Utah visiting my parents and as an early birthday present they gave my husband and I a photo shoot with Jimmy. He was so great to work with, and I was more than happy with the results.
Cassie’s shoppe: Madison Envy - offering the latest items in fashion.
Fresh Ideas for Modern Living
October 9, 2008 by Cassie · 8 Comments
In the last couple weeks, I have loved finding new Halloween décor ideas while surfing blogs, all of the creative people out there amaze me. I came across Matthew Mead from another blog and really liked his clean, fresh, and modern ideas. You can take a look at more of his entertaining tips on his web site Matthew Mead Style.
He also has two awesome books that you can find at Barnes and Noble and Borders Bookstores. Tricks and Treats is his Halloween book and recently Matthew wrote an entertaining book called Entertaining Simple.
The best thing about Matthew Mead’s ideas are that they are simple and easy that won’t take going out to the store to buy all new items, they are meant for real people like you and me!
What are your favorite Halloween décor ideas that you have discovered this year?
Cassie’s shoppe: Madison Envy - offering the latest items in fashion.
Sweet Shoppe: OneFourThree
October 2, 2008 by Cassie · 3 Comments
Twins, Jane and Kristine, are full of style, personality, and creativity. Their Etsy shop OneFourThree has darling jewelry and items including vintage fabric hot pads, which would be a darling gift with a spatula and favorite cookie recipe. One Four Three just recently opened so this would be one to add to your favorite etsy shops, because I know they have a lot more coming!
Cassie’s shoppe: Madison Envy - offering the latest items in fashion.
Over The Tipsy Top
September 25, 2008 by Cassie · 8 Comments
I love anything with glitz, glamour, and glitter so when I came across Over The Tipsy Top Designs I fell in love! Tonia and Marla are always up to something new and usually it involves MP&G (Modge Podge and Glitter).
The best thing about what the Tipsy Girls do is they find basic items from The Dollar Tree or Wal-Mart and make them Over The Top. So not only are their designs darling but very affordable and easy to do. Check out Over The Tipsy Top for their latest on Halloween décor that will have all your friends asking, “Where did you get that?!?”
P.S. These girls do the most amazing giveaways…even if you aren’t into the girly décor their giveaways are well worth the look!
Cassie’s shoppe: Madison Envy - offering the latest items in fashion.
