Quick and Easy Cookie Cake

It's time to celebrate, so let's make a Cookie Cake! We recently made this Cookie Cake for my Daughter-in-law's birthday, and the grand-kids had a great time helping! It's quick, easy, cute, and yummy-delicious! 

Team Ornament Contest Announced!!

Do you like to win? I certainly do! Ms. Nancy's Nook is hosting contests on Facebook. Like, Share, and WIN!

The Fruitcake Tradition

Again this year, I carried on the Family Tradition of making Mom's "Old Fashioned" Fruitcake for my Dad. Enjoy the memories and photos of this annual adventure!

Winner Announced! New Contests Continue!

Do you like to win? I certainly do! Ms. Nancy's Nook is hosting contests on Facebook. Like, Share, and WIN!

Pineapple Turkey with Fruit Dip

Need a quick, easy, and edible table decoration? This Pineapple Turkey with Pineapple Fruit Dip is both festive and delicious for Thanksgiving, and the head and wings can easily be modified to look like various birds for other events and holidays.

Like, Share, and Win!

Help me reach my new goal of "300 likes" on Facebook and WIN! This set of 5 of my homemade ornaments could be yours! 

"Pizza Planet" Banner DIY

It's a Toy Story Party for Grandson Lucas, and we need a large banner! Here's my DIY with photos for creating a colorful, low-cost, Pizza Planet Banner. The directions for this banner can easily be adapted to other party themes.

It's a "Toy Story" Birthday Party!

"Reach for the sky!" It's a Toy Story Birthday Party for grandson Lucas! You are invited to check out the decorations, food, and cupcakes, as well as the handmade Pizza Planet Banner and "Woody" costume! "Yee-haw! Giddyup, pardner! We've gotta get this wagon train a-movin'!"

Chocolate Sheet Cake

Chocolate Sheet Cake - it's like a gigantic, decadent brownie with a creamy chocolate fudge icing! This family-favorite recipe was given to me by my mother-in-law, and it is sure to be a crowd pleaser! It's great for birthdays, holidays, anytime! Step-by-step directions and photos are included.

"It's-a-me, Mario" Costume

"It's-a-me, Mario!" Here's a quick and easy DIY with photos for the Mario costume that I created for Grandson Alex.  Included are directions for the hat and "fake" buttons as well as tips for the other costume items. Ready? "Let's-a-go!"

Jessie "Toy Story" Costume

Costume "Upgrade" - Grim Reaper 2.0

New Halloween costumes every year? That's big bucks! Grandson Noah likes to wear the same costume for at least 2 years, with a few "upgrades"! Here's how I "upgraded" Noah's Grim Reaper Costume for very little cash!! DIY includes sew and no-sew directions with step-by-step photos.

Woody Costume How-to

It's a "Toy Story" Birthday Party for grandson Lucas! Of course, he needs a "Woody" costume! Included are directions for the quick and easy-to-sew cow-print vest, sheriff's badge, and button covers as well as tips for buying the cowboy hat, shirt, etc.

"Have a Heart" Beads and Lace Ornament

Show your love with with "Have a Heart" Beads and Lace Ornaments"! These quick and easy ornaments may easily be personalized for your favorite sports team or holiday. They are great for year-round decorating, for hanging on your Christmas tree, as package ties, and also add a personal flair to gift cards and/or homemade edible gifts! Make some today!

Quick & Easy Halloween Crafts, Part 2

Are you looking for some quick and easy Halloween Crafts? Quick & Easy Halloween Crafts, Part 2, features more simple, cute, low-cost paper crafts that are perfect for last-minute kids' projects. Included are Gil the Ghost, Pumpkin Pete, and the Witch Sisters.

Breakfast Burgers

The kids have a day off from school, and they are holding their tummies and moaning that they are going to die from starvation! (They have already eaten cereal.) What do you do? Make "Breakfast Burgers", and let the kids help! This quick and easy, "Kid-Friendly" recipe is delicious for breakfast, brunch, or anytime! Variations are included.

My "Outhouse" Spa

Welcome to my "Outhouse" Spa, my little piece of paradise in my own backyard! My driftwood decorations and antiqued walls make this a very interesting as well as relaxing spot! Enjoy your tour!

"Monster Spray"

Is your child plagued by nightmares? Try my recipe for "Monster Spray"!
"A spray a day keeps the monsters away!"

Clean Those Fans!

Do you have ceiling fans in your home? I love mine! They are great to keep you cool, circulate the air, and they help lower energy bills. The question is: how do you clean them? Today was "Fan Cleaning Day" at my house, for all 10 ceiling fans. Here's my techniques and tips...

ATTACK!!!

What's that circling my head? Is it a mechanical plane? Is it a UFO? No, it's the ATTACK Bird!!

It's Labor Day!

It's Labor Day, and people celebrate the holiday in many different ways. I wonder where my Dad will be? Of course, I know! Dad will be at the Labor Day Celebration at John Slack Memorial Park at Racine, West Virginia!!

Pulling the Weeds!

I've been pulling weeds in my flower garden AGAIN!! I am reminded of a song that Brushton United Methodist Youth Group used to sing, "Pulling the Weeds"!

Sherman High School Class Reunion

Class Reunions - what a great time to reminiscence with old friends, renew acquaintances, greet new friends, and make new memories. I recently attended my Sherman High School Class of 1969 - 45 Year Class Reunion in Seth, West Virginia, and I had a great time. Enjoy the photos and memories!

Beads and Lace Candy Cane Ornament

When I think of candy at Christmas, I always think of candy canes. Here's directions and photos for a beautiful, quick and easy, low-cost Beads and Lace Candy Cane Ornament that's guaranteed to be calorie-free!

...and the WINNER Is...

Choosing a Logo for my blog was not as easy as it sounds, so I decided to let my followers help me decide. Unbelievably, there was a tie. Here's how I settled it.

Beach Cover-Up/Beach Towel How-To

Are you searching for the perfect Swimsuit Cover-Up? How about a new large beach towel?? Use my "sew-easy" directions and photos to sew this quick and easy, versatile project that solves both problems! At the pool or beach, it unzips to become a beach towel, and after your swim, it can easily go from the beach to the street!

New Orleans Day Trip: The Aquarium!!

Have you visited New Orleans? There's many exciting sights there. On a recent trip with our son Jacob and family, we toured the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, and we had a Fantastic time. Enjoy the photos and memories!

Upcycle - Papaw's Jeans to "Sparkle" Shorts!

Don't throw those jeans away! Upcycle them into one-of-a-kind "Sparkle" Monogrammed Shorts with Iron-on Rhinestones for pennies! Use my easy to follow step-by-step directions and photos to for your own creation that your "Little Princess" will love!! You could also modify this design for your "Little Prince"! It's "SEW Easy"!

Mailing a Package - It's a Wrap!

My son Jacob suggested that I do a Blog Post entitled, "How to Mail a Package". I thought everyone knew how to mail packages, and then I remembered being at the local Post Office a few days before Christmas when a frantic young couple rushed in with a giant 4 ft. package wrapped in festive Christmas gift-wrap and covered with colorful bows. They could not understand why the package couldn't be mailed in that condition! Maybe, he is right, so here's my techniques...

New Refrigerator - Ways to Save!

I just bought a great new refrigerator, and it has been delivered! What's different about that? I shopped without leaving my home, and the $1,595.99 in savings and rebates was tremendous!  

Ultimate Lego Party 2!

It's Party Time! This Lego Party that we "constructed" for my grandson was definitely awesome! View my photos and easy-to-follow directions to "build" your own party - complete with Colored Chocolate Legos, Lego "Brownies", Lego Cupcakes, Lego Door Cover, and Lego Pinata!

Quilted Denim Shoulder Bag with Pockets

After "shopping-'til-I-dropped" for the perfect bag to take on a trip, I made it myself! This easy-to-sew, machine washable, quilted denim "hobo" bag with adjustable shoulder straps has a place for everything, including water bottles and/or "sippy" cups. It can also double as a large purse or diaper bag! Pockets can also be added to some purchased fabric bags using these directions.

"Frozen" Pillow-Case Dresses with Applique

"Frozen" Dresses - the perfect birthday outfit for "princess" granddaughters and their "Frozen" Party! Here's my easy directions and photos for the pillowcase dresses and "Olaf" Applique! 

DIY - Building Olaf

I needed to make a free-standing snowman for my granddaughters' "Frozen" Birthday Party. The "Olaf" poster snowman that I found online was $34.99, so I made a 3-D Olaf with materials I had and a piece of foam-board from Dollar Tree! Cost = $1.00

"Frozen" Birthday Party

It's a "Frozen" Birthday Party for 2 "princess" granddaughters, and you are invited to check out the many activities, treats, free-standing Olaf, appliqued Olaf dresses, and adorable crocheted Anna and Elsa hats! I hope you enjoy the party!

"Let's Plan a Mother's Day Skit!"

Do you work with kids at church, school, or other places? If so, you probably do programs from time to time. This easy-to-perform skit, complete with songs, poems, and a cheer, was done for our annual Ladies Tea on Mother's Day at our church, but the skit can be easily adapted to other holidays and events. The great thing is, nothing needs to be memorized! (Don't) break a leg!!!

Mamaw 911 - "Triple Spring" Tour

Spring is my absolute favorite time of year! One year, unbelievably, I experienced Spring not once, not twice, but 3 times! How did this happen? It was during a babysitting adventure in 3 states that my family calls my "Mamaw 911" Tour!

My Country Bunny Collection

I just love my Country Bunnies! My collection started with a gift of 1 bunny from my niece, and, naturally, the bunnies multiplied! Most of these bunnies are special handmade gifts, and they are part of my country home decor all year long. 

Oatmeal Cinnamon Raisin Cookies

These delicious and nutritious Oatmeal Cinnamon Raisin Cookies are definitely a kid-pleaser! Since they start with a mix, they are extra quick and easy to make. Kids love to help make and eat them! 

Peeps Bunnies Candy Bouquet Arrangement

It's Spring, and everyone loves Peeps, especially when they are "Dipped and Sprinkled"! Use my easy-to-follow directions and photos to create a beautiful Peeps Candy Bouquet Arrangement that can be enjoyed this Easter and/or Spring as a centerpiece or gift. Individual Peeps Pops are also great to hand out as treats. Variations of the arrangement are included.

Take a Survey!

Need a fun, high-interest, Math/Science Project? Try this Math/Science Survey! This project involves student interaction, predicting, analyzing and recording, graphing, as well as mean, median, mode, and range. Writing skills are also utilized. My class loved this activity!

VOTE for a Logo!!

Ms. Nancy's Nook needs a Logo, and I have been busy sketching! I am having trouble deciding on the best one. Will you help? Please go to my Facebook Page and vote for your favorite!

"I am Thankful!" Road Trip

Over the River and Through the Woods ... Well, our Thanksgiving 2013 Road Trip wasn't exactly like that, but we did cross the Mississippi River among many others, and my husband did hunt in the woods!

"EGGcellent" Activities

It's Springtime, and Easter is just around the corner! It's a great time for these high-interest, hands-on "EGGcellent" Science and Math Activities. These fun learning activities can easily be done at home, also, with materials you probably have on hand. Worksheets are included for teacher use.

Dealing With "The Stuff", Part 1

Again this year, I made the "unofficial" Resolution of "Organizing My Home". I have started this project before, but it seems like I always get to a certain point and stop - but not this time! Here's Part 1 of my story, Daybed and Filing Cabinet Organization!

"Build" a Lego & Lego Friends Party!

Kids' birthday parties are great fun, and this combination Lego and Lego Friends Party for 2 of my grandkids was a definite winner! View my photos and easy-to-follow directions to "construct" your own party - complete with Chocolate Legos, Lego Cookies, Lego Cupcakes, Lego sign, and Lego Pinata!

Strawberry Shortcake "Punch Bowl" Recipe

Strawberry "Punch Bowl" Shortcake is a family favorite, and it so quick and easy to make with a purchased Angel Food Cake. It looks beautiful in a clear bowl and is great to serve at family get-togethers  and social gatherings. Easy to follow directions and photos are included.

Bite-Size Nachos

Bite-size Nachos are the perfect snack for kids of all ages - quick, easy, nutritious, and delicious! Kids love to help make them, and they are great for after-school snacks and parties. My grandkids love these, and Noah said, "Mamaw, put this on your Blog!" I let him give them a name, and here's our recipe!

Cereal Box House Learning Center

A Cereal Box House??? It can be done using these easy-to-follow directions, photos, and diagrams!!  This Cereal Box House recycling project was constructed in my first grade classroom, and it definitely created a lot of excitement and interest in the whole school! It can be used as a learning center in Reading and other subjects and will last for years. This house was even used in a play! It can fold for storage, making it very portable. Since this project requires about 100 cereal boxes, it is a great 100^th Day of School Activity!

Jello and Popsicles - Math Is Delicious!!

Math is delicious! When kids can "cook" and eat while doing Math, they really have fun while learning! These activities involve measurement, division, multiplication, addition, problem solving, and prediction/estimation along with some science skills. Both activities can  be done at home or at school by following these easy directions and photos. Enjoy!