A Gift for a Special Baby, Some Yummy Cupcakes and Earrings

Hi and happy Saturday evening.  I am posting a little earlier this week so that I can have more crafting time tomorrow.  I wanted to start out with a project I am very proud of. 

A good friend had a new baby, a boy named Gunner.  I can't wait to get over and see him in person.  He looks so cute in the pictures I have seen of him.  I decided to make this African animal cap holder.  I thought it was a great gift for a second baby, her first boy.  Even if it doesn't go with the theme of the room, it would be useful on the back of the baby's room door.  If hung low enough, he could hang things on it himself when he gets older.  I used this tutorial  which led me to the original Martha Stewart tutorial.  I got useful information from Katie at Made To Be A Momma.  I went with her suggestion to use freezer paper as a stencil because she and I share the same crafting philosophy-keep it as uncomplicated as possible and use what you have. 

The toughest part of this project was getting the right size hooks.  We had to return some and go to another store to get the right size.  I am pleased with the results and as soon as I am 100% over my cold, I will pop over and see the happy and no doubt, slightly tired family and see little Gunner in person.  I want to whip up a puzzle bag for the big sister so she won't feel left out. 

I also wanted to share a pretty sweet recipe for Apple cupcakes.  I have this adorable little girl in my class this year who brings me an apple several days a week.  She is just such a doll and so thoughtful!  Anyway, I am coming up with ways to use the apples and this recipe used a couple of them. 

 Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.  Put foil or paper muffin cups in a 12 cup muffin tin.  Spray them with baking spray so your cupcakes won't stick. 
Peel and chop a couple of decent sized apples and put them in a small bowl.  Sprinkle with 3/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and a healthy dose of freshly grated nutmeg.  Set aside.
In a medium bowl, put 1 cup Bisquick, 2/3 cup sugar, 2/3 cup milk, 4 Tablespoons melted butter and 2 eggs.  Stir together with a whisk.
Put 1 heaping tablespoon of batter in the bottom of each liner.  Divide the apples evenly among the liners on top of the batter.  Put another heaping tablespoon batter on top of the apples.  Bake for 15-20 minutes until they are golden.  Cool for 5 minutes and remove the muffins from the tins to a cooling rack.   Serve them with sweetened whipped cream and drizzled caramel sauce.  Enjoy!

Here are some earrings I made.  They are similar to some other ones I have made.  I loved the iridescent clear beads.  I love making earrings because they are so quick and easy and don't require many materials.  Also, with my hairstyle, they are something that gets noticed right away. 

I hope you all have a great week ahead.  I have a doctor's appointment in a town about an hour away and after that, my husband and I are going to spend the night at a resort for a little getaway.  It is my birthday Wednesday so I am excited for a three day work week and a four day weekend.  Take care.  Nancy