Creating Me

Hip Hugger Bars

Posted on September 2, 2025 by Anita

Hi friends,

I just had to share this recipe again in case you missed it – it’s been a while since I made them (or shared the recipe) and they are just so good! 😋

This is one of our favorite desserts, but we don’t make it very often because…well, look at all the yummy things in it! I usually make it when I need to take a dish to share since we certainly don’t need to eat a whole 9 by 13 pan ourselves! 😳

Disclosure: Some of the links on my site are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This is an easy recipe to make and will make your kitchen smell amazing!

Hip Hugger Bars

30 light caramels (like Kraft individually wrapped)
1/3 cup evaporated milk
1 pkg Betty Crocker German Chocolate cake mix
1 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup melted butter
1/3 cup milk
12 ounce bag chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Unwrap caramels. Melt caramels in evaporated milk in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring often. Set aside.

Combine cake mix, milk, and melted butter. Mix well. Add nuts. Pat 2/3 of dough into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake 6 minutes. Remove from oven. Cake will have risen but still be quite soft.

Sprinkle chocolate chips over crust, then drizzle caramel mixture over melting chocolate. Drop remaining dough by spoonfuls over the top. Return to oven for 15 minutes or until set. (I usually have to go a little longer – it will depend on your oven.)

Cool completely before cutting.

This is how it looks after baking the first layer for 6 minutes…

Fresh from the oven…cooled, cut into bars, and ready to eat!!

Hip Hugger Bars are yummy at room temperature, but are also amazing warmed for a few seconds in the microwave with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. 😋

If you’re a chocolate lover, try this recipe…I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Anita

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Crochet Snowman Belly Potholder

Posted on August 29, 2025 by Anita

Hi friends,

Did you see this cute Crochet Santa Belly Potholder from Blackstone Designs that I shared in this post?🎅🏼 She also has the cutest Crochet Snowman Belly Potholder pattern, too!⛄️

I stitched up my potholders using I Love This Cotton yarn in White, Red, and Black with an H/5mm crochet hook. This is the batting I used in my potholders. You can find the pattern here at Blackstone Designs.

This one has the pocket, too just like the Santa Belly Potholder. Perfect for filling with baking utensils and cookie mix for a fun gift!🎁

Whip up a few of these cute potholders now and you’ll be ready for gift giving when the season hits.🎄🎁

Anita

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Red Balloon – Handmade Card

Posted on August 27, 2025 by Anita

Hi friends,

This is a simple card, but it sends big birthday wishes! 🎈

Disclosure: Some of the links on my site are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

To make my card, I punched several balloons from white card stock and one from red card stock. (My punch is discontinued, but this is a fun set of balloon dies.) Using a white gel pen, I added the little accent to the red balloon.

I used these Scallops & Rectangles Nesting Dies to cut a piece of red polka dot patterned paper and attached it to a white card. The white balloons are attached randomly over the patterned paper.

I attached the red balloon with foam tape, catching a piece of red/white bakers twine underneath. I tacked the twine with tiny drops of glue in a couple of places on the card. I added a bow made from the twine to the balloon.

The sentiment is stamped with red ink on white card stock, die cut with these Scalloped & Stitched Sentiment Nesting Dies and attached it to the card with foam tape.

You can make this card in any color – I love how simple it is and how the red balloon just “pops” 😂 off the card!

I think it took me longer to write this post than it did to make the card! 😉 It was so fun to make!

Anita

Posted in Cards, Stamping | Tagged Cards, Stamping | 2 Comments

Sweet Christmas – August 2025 Christmas Card

Posted on August 26, 2025 by Anita

Hi friends,

What could be sweeter than a cute little gingerbread man for Christmas? 🎄 This month’s Christmas card features a little guy from the Unity Stamp Company 2023 advent calendar.

You can find the other Christmas cards I’ve created each month so far this year in these posts – January, February, March, April, May, June, and July.

I stamped the gingerbread man with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored him with Copic markers. Using these Scallops & Circles Nesting Dies, I die cut around the image and layered it to red card stock cut with the same set.

I added patterned paper to red card stock and attached it to a white card. Then I attached a strip of coordinating patterned paper to the card and attached the gingerbread man with foam tape.

The sentiment is stamped with green ink on white card stock and layered to red card stock. It’s attached to the card with foam tape.

Both my gingerbread man and sentiment stamps are no longer available, but any smaller Christmas stamp with your favorite sentiment would work great with this layout. 😊

Have you started creating your Christmas cards yet? 🎄

Anita

Posted in Cards, Christmas, Stamping, Uncategorized | Tagged Cards, Christmas, Stamping | 6 Comments

Crochet Granite Stitch Cotton Cord Coasters

Posted on August 22, 2025 by Anita

Hi friends,

I have been having so much fun working with cotton macrame cord! You can find my Easy (and super quick) Crochet Car Coasters in this post and my Crochet Granite Stitch Cotton Trivet/Hotpad in this post.

Today I have a new pattern to share with you – Crochet Granite Stitch Cotton Cord Coasters. These work up in about 10 minutes and I love the texture of this stitch!

I stitched up my coasters using 3mm Cotton Macrame Cord with a K/6.5mm crochet hook. You can find the super quick and easy pattern below along with links to free PDFs – one with photos and one without – if you’d like to easily print it.

Crochet Granite Stitch Cotton Cord Coasters

3mm Natural Cotton Macrame Cord

K/6.5mm crochet hook

Stitches used in US terms:

Chain – ch

Single Crochet – sc

Note: don’t crochet too tightly, the cord does not stretch.

Chain 14.

Row 1: sc in the 4th ch from hook. *ch 1, skip next ch, sc in next ch* Repeat from * to * across. Turn.

Row 2: ch 2. sc in first ch 1 space, *ch 1, sc in next ch 1 space* Repeat from * to * across, ending with a sc in the ch 3 space in Row 1. Turn.

Row 3: ch 2. sc in first ch 1 space, *ch 1, sc in next ch 1 space* Repeat from * to * across, ending with a sc in the ch 2 space in the previous row. Turn.

Repeat Row 3 (7) times.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Finished coaster measures about 4 by 4 inches.

Here are the links to the free PDFs…

Crochet Granite Stitch Cotton Cord Coasters pattern with photos

Crochet Granite Stitch Cotton Cord Coasters pattern without photos

I used a natural color cord, but it comes in a whole array of colors to match any decor. These would also make a great gift. Tie them up with a pretty ribbon and add a cute tag. 🙂

Anita

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On My Mind – Handmade Card

Posted on August 20, 2025 by Anita

Hi friends,

Monochromatic cards are so pretty! This card is easy to make and you can make it in any color.

I stamped the flowers from the Insightful Meadows stamp set from Unity Stamp Company with turquoise ink on white card stock. This particular stamp set is discontinued, but the Serene Silhouettes stamp set has images that would work great. Any simple flower or foliage stamps are great on this layout. I trimmed it close and applied turquoise ink to the edges of the piece using a blender brush.

I stamped the sentiment on turquoise card stock with turquoise ink and punched around it with a scalloped oval punch (similar to this one). I punched a slightly larger oval (here’s a similar punch) from white card stock, inked the edges with turquoise ink, and layered the scalloped oval on top.

To make the card, I embossed a piece of turquoise card stock and attached it to a white card. I attached both the stamped flower piece and the sentiment to the card with foam tape. I finished the card by adding 3 enamel dots.

This card can be used for so many different occasions – thinking of you, birthday, just a note, even for a sympathy card.

Anita

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Taco Stuffed Avocados

Posted on August 19, 2025 by Anita

Hi friends,

Now that school has started back up, quick and easy dinner recipes will come in handy! 😋

This is a really simple main dish recipe that comes together in just minutes. I found the recipe here at House of Yumm. It’s a great way to get all the taco flavors without the carbs from the tortillas – if you’re watching those. Or it’s just a tasty meal even if you’re not!

After cutting my avocados in half and removing the pit, I carefully scooped out each half keeping it intact. I placed the halves on my plate and added the cooked taco meat. Then just add your favorite toppings – cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, lettuce, cilantro – all the yummy toppings you would add to a traditional taco.

Add a side of chips and salsa or Mexican rice and you have a tasty, quick, and easy meal!

This a super easy recipe to double if you need to. I hope you enjoy it! 🙂

Anita

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Crochet Ghost Potholder

Posted on August 15, 2025 by Anita

Hi friends,

I’ve got a cute Crochet Ghost Potholder pattern for you today. 👻 It’s simple to make and will add a little spookiness to your kitchen for Halloween. 🎃

I stitched up my ghost potholders using I Love This Cotton yarn and an H/5mm crochet hook. This is the batting I used – just make sure that you use 100% cotton yarn and batting so they can withstand the heat.

You can find the pattern below along with links to free PDFs – one with photos and one without – if you’d like to easily print it.

Crochet Ghost Potholder

Worsted Weight 100% Cotton Yarn – I used I Love This Cotton in White and Black

100% cotton batting

H/5mm crochet hook

Stitches used in US terms:

Chain – ch

Single Crochet – sc

Magic Ring

Slip Stitch – ss

Potholder – Make 2

Chain 30 with White

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook. *ch 1 skip next ch, sc in next ch * Repeat from * to * across. Turn. (29 stitches)

Row 2: ch 1. sc in 1st stitch, sc in ch 1 space. *ch 1, skip next stitch , sc in next ch 1 space.* Repeat from * to * across to last stitch. sc in last stitch. Turn. (29 stitches)

Row 3: ch 1. sc in 1st stitch, *ch 1, skip next stitch, sc in next ch 1 space.* Repeat from * to * across to last 2 stitches. ch 1, skip next stitch, sc in last stitch. Turn. (29 stitches)

Rows 4-31: Repeat Rows 2 and 3 (14) times.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

To make the face:

Eyes – Make 2

Round 1: Make magic ring with Black. ch 1 and work 6 sc in ring. Join with ss to first sc. (6 stitches)

Round 2: ch 1. 2 sc in each stitch around. Join with ss to first sc. (12 stitches)

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Mouth – Make 1

Round 1: ch 6 with Black. sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 3 ch. Work 3 sc in next stitch. Working in the opposite side of the chain, sc in next 4 stitches. Work 3 sc in last stitch. Join with ss to first sc. (14 stitches)

Round 2: ch 1. sc in same stitch as ss and next 4 stitches. Work 3 sc in next stitch. sc in next 6 stitches. Work 3 sc in next stitch. sc in last stitch. Join with ss to first sc. (18 stitches)

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assembling the potholder:

Sew eyes and mouth onto one of the potholders.

Cut a piece of batting slightly smaller than the potholder. Layer onto the bottom potholder and place the piece with the face on top. Pin to hold in place.

Using white yarn, tack the corners and the center of each side together through all 3 layers. Go from back to front and the through to the back again. Tie the ends together in a double knot. Using your crochet hook, pull the yarn ends through the back of the potholder so they are hidden between the potholder and the batting.

Border:

With right side facing you (face side), attach yarn in bottom right corner. sc evenly around potholder through both layers, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with ss to first sc.

If you want a hanging loop:

When you get to the top left corner, sc 2 in same stitch, ch 12, sc in same stitch to make the 3rd corner stitch. Continue the sc border around to first sc. Join with ss to first sc.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Finished Ghost Potholder measures about 7 by 8 inches.

Here are the links to the free PDFs…

Crochet Ghost Potholder Pattern with photos

Crochet Ghost Potholder Pattern without photos

These are so fun and whimsical – and super easy to make! 👻

Anita

Posted in Crochet, Fall, Gifts, Halloween | Tagged Crochet, Fall, Gifts, Halloween | 1 Comment

Summer Treats – Handmade Cards

Posted on August 13, 2025 by Anita

Hi friends,

Unity Stamp Company has this cute Here’s the Scoop stamp set and matching Ice Cream Stencil. They make such fun Summer cards! There is even a matching patterned paper pack available that I used on my cards.🍦😊

I stamped the various ice cream images with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on white card stock. Using blender brushes with the matching stencils, I applied color from dye ink pads to each image. I used a small sponge dauber to add the circles on the yellow popsicle. Then I cut the images out using my favorite detail scissors.

Using these Deckle & Stitches Nesting Dies, I die cut a piece patterned paper, layered it to coordinating card stock cut with the same set, and attached it to a white card. The ice cream images are attached to the card with foam tape.

The sentiments are stamped with coordinating ink on white card stock, die cut with these Scalloped & Stitched Sentiment Nesting Dies, and attached to the card with foam tape.

Such a sweet way to send Summer birthday wishes!🍦🎉🥳

Anita

Posted in Cards, Stamping, Summer | Tagged Cards, Stamping, Summer | Leave a comment

Seashell Art

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Anita

Hi friends,

Did you collect some beautiful seashells on your Summer vacation? I have to admit that if I am anywhere near a beach, I am going to be out looking for shells. 😊🐚

I saw this fun way to create some Seashell Art – I wish I could remember where so I could give them credit. ☹️ Anyway, I thought I’d give it a go with a few of my many seashells I have stashed away. 😊 Be sure to soak your seashells in bleach water for an hour or so to kill any bacteria on them! Rinse and let dry before crafting with them.

You’ll need some seashells, a stretched canvas (mine is 8 by 10), spackling compound (I used this one), and a putty knife or scraper to spread the spackle. I ended up using a jumbo craft stick to spread my spackle and it worked great! And no cleanup – I just threw it away after I was done. 😊

Spread a layer of spackling compound onto the canvas – it doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth – just thick enough to hold your seashells. Then push your shells into the spackle in whatever arrangement you want. Set it aside to dry completely. I let mine dry overnight. Don’t worry, the spackle will dry white!!

That’s all there is to it! Now you have a fun and different keepsake from your Summer beach vacation. 🐚

This would be a great project to make with the kids! They can collect shells on the beach and use their favorites to create their own Seashell Art. 🙂🐚

Anita