S’Mores Cookie Cups

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Friends! Hello! I feel like it’s been a while since I’ve been over here, and I’m so glad I’m back!

I’ve been staying really busy in NYC, with so many visitors and adventures. I spent a weekend in The Hamptons at the end of June, G came to visit for a long weekend over the 4th of July, my friend Alex was here in the city last weekend, and my parents come on Thursday! I absolutely love being surrounded by loved ones, and in such a big city, familiar faces are always welcome :)

Onto this week’s recipe… S’Mores Cookie Cups! I love anything chocolately, and in summer, not much is more perfect than a roasty toasty s’more. What I don’t like are sticky fingers and a mess, so if you aren’t outside, s’mores can be really tricky!! Because of this, I decided to whip up S’Mores Cookie Cups – s’mores cookies baked in a cupcake tin {with liners}. It was a completely new concoction for me, but let me tell you, they were SO worth it! They stayed m-o-i-s-t {does anyone else hate that word?} and the texture was consistent throughout, sometimes hard to achieve when baking in a cupcake tin. I’m so glad they turned out, because I have so many wonderful memories of sitting around a fire all snuggled up in PJs roasting marshmallows to perfection. But, a perfect fire and the ability to spend a whole day in the country just isn’t happening for me this summer, so these will have to suffice :)

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S’Mores Cookie Cups
Recipe Type: Dessert
Prep time: 20 mins
Cook time: 17 mins
Total time: 37 mins
Serves: 24
Ingredients
  • 1 c. butter, softened
  • 3/4 c. sugar
  • 3/4 c. brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 2 1/4 c. flour
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 c. chocolate chips
  • 1 1/2 c. mini marshmallows
  • 1 1/2 c. crushed graham crackers
Instructions
  1. With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
  2. Add eggs, 1 at a time, and vanilla.
  3. Gradually add flour, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Using a wooden spoon, mix chocolate chips into dough.
  5. Add mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers.
  6. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, or until slightly chilled.
  7. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  8. Line a cupcake tin with liners.
  9. Drop balls of dough into each liner.
  10. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until lightly browned on top.
  11. Cool and enjoy!
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I hope you and your loved ones enjoy these as much as we do! I think they’re going to become a year-round staple, reminding us of the wonderful long and lazy days of the summertime, even in the dead of winter.

What reminds you of summer? Any particular foods, smells, or memories come to mind?

Make it a GREAT Monday, and I’ll visit again soon!

xo, Hilari

PS: Remember you can always catch up on my NYC adventures {or southern living starting August 17} by following me on Instagram – my favorite!, Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter! Come say hello :)

Unexpected Blessings

 

BLESSINGSI am still constantly amazed at the things that have happened through my blog. Encouragement has been given, smiles {and tears} have ensued, inspiration has flown freely and lasting friendships have been made. I never dreamed that when I started this blog, it would grow to be where it is today or that I would build/ develop such amazing bonds with my readers. The title of this post really does say it all….

Last week, after a particularly rough week of recovering from a concussion and the craziness of trying to work in the midst of it, I was feeling downright exhausted and dare I say, defeated. In the past, I considered myself to be a fighter in life, but with blow after blow from the accident, my thoughts on this have started to dwindle. What started out to be a ignited fire to figure out what was wrong with me and get to the root has slowly progressed to frustration, disappointment and many other feelings. Don’t get me wrong, we are still actively trying to find out what is wrong with me, but I think I’m a little more realistic in my hopes and mentally telling myself I may need to learn to live life like this.

It’s in these moments of discouragement, frustration and tears, God has a way of bringing sunshine into my darkest days. It could be as small as having my younger brother say he prays for me daily {I nearly bawled when he told me this} to a friend sending an encouraging text or getting REAL mail in the mailbox. Then there are the moments when you get bigger rays of sunshine and your best friend makes you dinner, you receive an abundance of birthday flowers from different people,  an unexpected monetary gift to help with medical bills is given, or you have a friend unexpectedly drive out to your house with flowers and a card*. All of these things have happened this last week and I cannot even begin to say how my heart has swelled with joy, love and thankfulness.

I won’t say that these things happen to me often, but I will say that if we look {and sometimes we REALLY need to look}, there are blessings that happen all around us everyday. For example, today my dad offered to cook up some dinner for me. Is this a small thing? Yes. However, it’s a blessing and now I have leftovers for lunch tomorrow. Let’s see…another blessing that happened today….the Starbucks barista was super cheery when I got my coffee this morning and definitely helped kickstart the day off in a happy way. It’s little things like this that can sometimes go overlooked that I’m learning {and trying to make a conscious effort} to take notice of and be grateful for.

Sweet friends, what unexpected blessings are you thankful for this week? It can be something small or large, I would love to hear about them and rejoice in your blessings with you! Let’s make an effort to take notice of the blessings around us!

*The picture in the graphic featured is with my dear, sweet friend, Robyn. We had gone to church together for years and years but our paths never crossed. After we both started going to different churches, she started following my blog and has been such an amazing source of encouragement, tips on health information and a prayer warrior. So blessed by this gem!

10 Minute Craft Dash #22

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It’s time for a new 10 Minute Craft Dash and this time around I’m introducing you to a new sponsor, along with a few special guests. I don’t know about you, but I’m a HUGE fan of coral and will try to bring it out any chance I get. Today I snuck it into the color palette to round out a fresh color palette that can be used for all sorts of occasions. I hope you love the colors as much as I do! :)

* If you aren’t able to stay within the 10 minutes, you can still link up your item! While it won’t quality for the winner spot, it still could qualify as a favorites pick!

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Please join me in welcoming Paper Sweeties as the sponsor of this challenge!  This is a relatively new company {they’ll be celebrating their first birthday next month} and they carry the most darling stamp sets. They have an assortment of paper doll-like stamps with matching outfits & accessories and they also have other adorable sets that are whimsical and oh-so-sweet!

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Not only do we have a fab prize, we have Debbie, owner of Paper Sweeties, joining along in this challenge, along with one of her DT gals! Be sure to stop by their blogs to see their sweet creations!

Paper Sweeties Blog

Jeanne Jachna

Lori Hairston

Maria Patrick

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How to Play

  1. Create a card/craft project within 10 minutes featuring the color palette.
  2. Post the time it took to create.
  3. Be sure to include the challenge graphic in your post and link to the challenge.
  4. You may combine a total of three challenges with your entry. You may enter the challenge a maximum of two times.
  5. Subscribe to Pretty Pink Posh via Email

You can pull out your supplies before your timer starts!

 

 

10 Minute Craft Dash #21 Highlights

Before I start off with this highlights post, I want to apologize for not being able to leave comments for everyone who participated in the 10 Minute Craft Dash #21 challenge. With my birthday weekend, still recovering from my concussion and then life, things have been a little crazy around here. I DID get to visit each of your posts though and want to say you all did an AMAZING job with the star theme. Thank you to everyone who joined along!

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Before we get to the winner and favorites, I wanted to bring attention to a semi new tab under the “craft dash” section here on the blog. If you have played in at least three 10 Minute Craft Dash challenges and/ or consider yourself a “Craft Dasher” or fan of the challenge, feel free to link up your site! This will be a great resource for those looking to follow new blogs and I think it would be fun to see the list grow as time goes on.

Okay, now onto the real reason for today’s post….

Congratulations to Rema T!

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Rema, I’ll be emailing you soon so I can get your mailing information and the Clearly Besotted Stamps sets you’d like! Feel free to grab the badge below and proudly display it on your blog!

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Here are my favorites picks from this last challenge. If you haven’t already, be sure to stop by each of the blogs to take a look at the beautiful cards! {Ladies, feel free to grab the badge below and put it on your blogs!}

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Tracey Cuccia

Janelle

Lyndal

Arielle H. Gordon

Karli

Renee L.

If you are interested in getting a head start on the next Craft Dash, I have the colors that will be featured on the Pretty Pink Posh Facebook page. This is EXCLUSIVE to those who like my page. If you go there and go to “exclusives”, you get to see the next 10 Minute Craft Dash challenge a day early!

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Tomorrow we have a brand new sponsor for the challenge that I’m excited to introduce you to. If you saw my most recent haul video, you already heard who it’ll be. *wink*  I hope that all of you will be able to join along!

July Craft Haul + Giveaway Winner

As some of you know, I celebrated my birthday over the weekend. In between the craziness of moving at work, the new release, going back and forth with insurance and talking to doctors, on top of keeping up with the blog, I’ve been exhausted. Despite the various invitations to celebrate and have gatherings, I opted for a low-key day filled with Starbucks, catching up on emails and crafting and a nice, long nap. It was utter bliss!

One of the gifts that I received was an Ellen Hutson gift certificate from my thoughtful and generous aunt. I’ve been really good about cutting back on my spending, which has meant my wish list has gotten to be quite long. With the gift, I was able to cross off a lot of the items, which I’m so excited about. I filmed a quick video showcasing the items {see below} and I’m also linking to the items in this post.

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Last week I hosted the Fresh Summer Roses Giveaway and it’s time to announce the random lucky winner! Congratulations to Judy! I’ll be emailing you shortly to get your mailing info so I can get this set mailed off to you. solidrosewinner

Have you purchased anything craft related recently? Big or small hauls, I would love to read or see what you got. It’s always so fun when my friends post what they got on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve added items to my wish list after seeing my friends lists/ pictures!

That’s all for today’s post. I’ll be back tomorrow for the highlights post for the 10 Minute Craft Dash #21 and info on how to get a sneak peek at the new challenge. Hope to see you then!

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Summer Splash Blog Hop

It’s time for the monthly DeNami Blog Hop and this month the theme is Summer Splash. If you started from the beginning, you should be coming from Dana Seymour’s blog {this girl has the greatest tropical cards EVER}!

The name of this hop immediately prompted thoughts of drinks and I thought I’d go a little different route and create something other than a card. After playing with my options, I decided on summer straw toppers. They’re super quick and easy to whip up and they could make any BBQ or party a little more festive.

Be sure to leave comments on each blog stop. We’re giving away gift certificates to two random comments  and with the new release here, you’ll definitely have fun shopping!

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If you follow my blog, you know I’m a fan of these adorable striped paper straws by Little Free Radical. They could make any special occasion more festive and who doesn’t love sipping yummy drinks out of pretty straws? I pulled out my orange ones for this hop, but there are so many other colors in her store…. you really could have them match whichever color palette you’d like.

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In case you’re wondering which stamps I featured today, I used the Medium Solid Hibiscus and the Large Solid Bamboo Leaf. These solid images worked so perfectly with my new neon inks {you’ll see which ones in my haul video tomorrow}.

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It’s time to head on over to the next stop of the hop: Ardyth’s blog! This gal has such creative ideas and the way she showcases DeNami stamps is astounding. I can’t wait to see what she created for this hop.

I hope you’ll join me tomorrow for a small haul video featuring some goodies I’ve been eying for a while. I still haven’t decided what else to include in the post, so you’ll have to stop by and check it out! *wink*

Fresh Summer Roses + GIVEAWAY

Do you ever see a stamp set and fall in love instantly? That’s what happened as soon as I saw the sketches that Nami did for what is now the Solid Rose Accents set {that just released today over at DeNami Design}. The rose captured  my heart and I knew the possibilities with it would be endless. I have definitely found my new favorite stamp set!

I wanted to go use some bright and happy colors and chose  melon/ berry colors as my base. After playing with these roses, I had to restrain myself from going out in search of flowers these colors!  I’m such a sucker for fresh cut flowers, especially ones in pretty colors!

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You may have noticed that I faintly stamped the roses on my main panel. Since I didn’t have any good light colored inks that matched it, I did the tried and true stamp on scratch paper/ stamp on panel trick. I haven’t done this in ages, but it got the job done for this project!

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Since this set JUST released today and I want to pass on my love of it, I purchased one to giveaway!  To enter, you just need to tell me what your favorite flower is! Easy peasy!  I’ll run the giveaway through the weekend and announce it on the blog Monday, July 15th.

solidroseI hope you all have a fabulous Wednesday. For those of you who plan on shopping over at DeNami later on, HAPPY SHOPPING!

Pretty Paisley + Holiday Weekend

For my readers that are fans of DeNami Design, you know that we are in the process of sneak peeks right now. In fact, there’s only a couple more days until the new release goes live {hello July 10th}! Normally I provide videos to coordinate with the sneak peeks and card samples of the stamps, but as you may have noticed, that didn’t happen this time around. Between health issues and a crazy schedule, I just couldn’t make it work this time around.

Not to fret, the DeNami DT has created AMAZING samples and I was able to create a few myself. If you haven’t already, be sure to head on over to the DeNami blog to see what the design team has created and to enter for a chance to win one of the SIX gift certificates we are giving away!

Today’s card is a little peek into one of the new sets- Pretty Paisley, which is a cling set with three individual images. I always love the aqua and green color combination and I must say, it looks fabulous with these paisley stamps.

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These paisley stamps are so easy to use and I love how you can customize them to be whichever colors you like. I plan on trying out lots more colors in the future, so stay tuned!

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As some of you may have seen on my Twitter or Facebook pages, this weekend didn’t go how I planned at all. On Friday morning, I passed out under a less than ideal situation and it put quite a wrench into my plans. These last few days I’ve been nursing a concussion and my bed has been my best friend. It’s the moments when I’m secluded to my bed that I realize I really need to spend some time dressing up my room. Pinterest, since you and I are buds and I can spend time with you in bed {hello handy dandy iPhone app!}, I’ll be pinning up some ideas stat.

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For those of you who have emailed me, I’ll be responding as soon as I can. The moments of not feeling dizzy and nauseous come and go, so I’m trying to make the most of them. To all of you who have uploaded to the 10 Minute Craft Dash #21 thus far, thank you! The entries that have come in are amazing and I’m thrilled they are coming in so quickly! Crossing my fingers I can find time to visit each of your blogs! :)

10 Minute Craft Dash #21

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I am so excited that you have stopped by for the new 10 Minute Craft Dash challenge! With the 4th of July upon us here in the United States, I thought it would be fun to make the theme for this week STARS! These can be incorporated in so many different ways and colors, I’m sure you’ll find all sorts of creative uses to add them to your projects this week!

This week I have a new sponsor to introduce you to, along with a fabulous prize, special guests AND let’s not forget this is the first post with the new design team! It’s an exciting week for the challenge and I hope you’ll join in the fun!

* If you aren’t able to stay within the 10 minutes, you can still link up your item! While it won’t quality for the winner spot, it still could qualify as a favorites pick!

CD_21_PaulinaWatch video below | Watch on YouTube

 

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Now onto the great prize! I’m so thrilled to announce that Clearly Besotted Stamps will be sponsoring this challenge. They have a growing collection of photopolymer stamp sets and steel dies and the quality is fantastic! CD_21_prizeIf you were inspired by the star projects above, wait until you see what some of the Clearly Besotted DT has created! These gals are all so talented and I cannot wait to see how they did on their first Craft Dash challenge!

Debby Hughes

Michelle Short

Amy Wanford

Maureen Plut

Stephanie Wincott (owner)

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How to Play

  1. Create a card/craft project within 10 minutes featuring stars.
  2. Post the time it took to create.
  3. Be sure to include the challenge graphic in your post and link to the challenge.
  4. You may combine a total of three challenges with your entry. You may enter the challenge a maximum of two times.
  5. Subscribe to Pretty Pink Posh via Email

You can pull out your supplies before your timer starts!

Welcome New Design Team!

The day is finally here- I get to announce the new 10 Minute Craft Dash design team! I received so many incredible applications from around the world, the decision was such a difficult one. After making my final picks, I also ensured that there was a range of crafting styles within the team. We each are inspired by different things and I tried my best to make sure there was something for everyone {based on the applications submitted}.

There are six brand new designers joining the team and I have one returning designer. Words cannot express how excited I am to work with these talented ladies from across the globe. Last term, I put together a calendar showcasing the designers locations and I thought I would do it again. Isn’t it neat to see that there are fellow Craft Dashers all over the globe?!

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Are you ready to meet and get to know the design team? Below are a few questions to get to know them a bit and if you click their pictures, you’ll be taken to their blogs. Remember, you’re always welcome to follow them and share some blog love!

cassie

Describe your craft style in three words: Fun, fresh & cute

Most used craft embellishment: For almost every single card I use stamps, then die cut shapes and ribbon/ twine

Name something that never leaves your craft desk: scissors, rulers, and double sided tape

Why do you enjoy the 10 Minute Craft Dash:  I enjoy it because it gives me the impulse to be better, faster and organized. Having the challenge to make a project in 10 minutes teaches you to make right choices faster, all these things will make you a better crafter every single day.

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betty
Describe your craft style in three words: Colorful, clean & simple

Most used craft embellishment: twine, ribbon and bling

Name something that never leaves your craft desk: paper trimmer, tape runner and scissors

Why do you enjoy the 10 Minute Craft Dash: I love the color combinations and the time pressure.

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caryn
Describe your craft style in three words: CAS (technically 3 words, but who’s count?!), chaotic and eclectic

Most used craft embellishment: At the moment it’s probably ribbon but it changes with the weather

Name something that never leaves your craft desk: My Fiskars Stamp Press- LOVE it

Why do you enjoy the 10 Minute Craft Dash: I get a bit of a kick out of the sense of urgency- it really makes you focus and cuts out so much of the procrastination.
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leighDescribe your craft style in three words: Pretty with stitching

Most used craft embellishment: It would be a toss up between my stamps and patterned paper

Name something that never leaves your craft desk: My ruler (everything has to be straight!)

Why do you enjoy the 10 Minute Craft Dash: I can waste a lot of time at my craft table, pulling out different options, debating on what to use. I like that the 10 Minute Craft Dash has me choose my supplies and challenges me to stick with my plan and get something accomplished quickly.

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poorvi
Describe your craft style in three words: Diverse (I hope!), Stampy, Layered

Most used craft embellishment: Buttons and stick pins. I go through these faster than anything else. Oh, and lace.

Name something that never leaves your craft desk: Everything… seriously, it’s like a bomb went off. I could not create without my blocks – I almost never create a project that doesn’t include any stamping

Why do you enjoy the 10 Minute Craft Dash: I love to push myself and see just how much I can get done in 10 minutes. From when I first started playing along in these challenges to now, I think I’ve really developed a system and a confidence that allows me to get a lot done in a little bit of time. Not to mention that Paulina always comes up with the most incredible colour combinations – which also force me to stretch outside my comfort zone

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rachel

Describe your craft style in three words: Simple, bold and fun

Most used craft embellishment: Twine, followed closely by blingy embellishments : sequins, enamel dots, rhinestones

Name something that never leaves your craft desk: My trusty paper trimmer

Why do you enjoy the 10 Minute Craft Dash: Time is limited for me with a very busy 16 month old running around- it can get really frustrating to want to create, but feel like you never have the time. The 10 Minute Craft Dash pushes me to get in my craft room, take 10 minutes to make something, and get on with my day. I can feel accomplished instead of bummed I couldn’t carve out an hour to craft!

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thuy

Describe your craft style in three words: Colorful, spunky, and simplified

Most used craft embellishment: Washi tape

Name something that never leaves your craft desk: my glue gun

Why do you enjoy the 10 Minute Craft Dash: I enjoy the 10 Minute Craft Dash because life is hectic and something all I have is 10 minutes to use my creativity and produce a stellar project!

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A brand new challenge starts TOMORROW, but  if you go to the Pretty Pink Posh Facebook page– you’ll get an exclusive peek at the challenge a day early! You’ll just need to go “like” the page, head to the exclusives tab and then you can start creating and have your project ready to link up first thing in the morning!

Thank you for visiting and celebrating this new team with me. See you bright and early tomorrow!