Crafts n' Things by Mary

Today I get to feature one of the kindest, coolest, most creative individuals I know, 

Mary from Crafts n' Things by Mary.  Enjoy!!! ❤ Kari

I’m just going to jump into my first blog entry EVER here folks!

I’m a mama who loves to find something that works well and merge it into my life until it is simply familiar…this principle pertains to all areas of our family’s world…from crafting, baking, or making our detergent-! (I’m thankful to have a highly gifted husband because it means the lawn has been mowed, vehicles repaired, and BBQ chicken is on the grill…all in one afternoon---something awesome about the kiss from a hard working man who smells like the fresh spring air, with a tint of manly grease under his otherwise manicured nails!)

Why on earth do I share this? Where on earth is this going?(Who knows right!?)

BUT, I am someone who loves to share a good thing…which leads me here

Today our house smells of our now mastered Family Cookies! I have taken my favorite things about a few recipes, suggestions from “expert” cookie makers, thrown in my own surprises and doubled the recipe…because one more thing about me—I don’t like to waste time!

Dusenbery Family Cookies from the kitchen of Mary Dusenbery

5 ½ cups of sifted flour

4 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons salt

2 cubes slightly cool butter

1 cup butter flavored Crisco

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

1 ½ cups brown sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

4 cold eggs

¼ cup soy protein powder

¼ cup toasted wheat germ

¼ cup golden flax seed

½ of a small pkg. m & m’s

¾ cup semi sweet chocolate chips

¾ cup butterscotch chips

2 cups Honey Bunches of Oats

(or Corn Flakes frosted or plain)

Beat butter, Crisco, sugars, vanilla together…add one egg at a time.

Sift in dry ingredients…add chips and chill in refrigerator for a few minutes.

Remove from the refrigerator and preheat the oven to 375.

With a scoop, ball up dough, using about half the total amount…place in an airtight container (or large Ziploc bags) with wax paper in between layers and freeze.

Now add the 2 cups of cereal to the remaining amount and ball up to freeze for a later time or bake immediately on 375 degrees for 8 minutes, cool on the sheet…and EAT!

*There are some details here that one may want to skip, but in all honestly they don’t turn out as well if even one is left out!(i.e. using cool butter and eggs, and slightly chilling the dough ; )

…and take the time to put on your apron…it’s just more fun that way!

Make it with love,
Mary Anne Dusenbery

Maryanne0914@yahoo.com 

 One product I enjoy making are tissue party puffs! They are whimsical and fragile and wonderful all in one! This particular party order was made this afternoon and came directly from a three year old who since January has known what she wants in a party!

They can be made with plain or patterned tissue. They can be put together with one solid color or mixed. They can be made with scalloped or zig zag edges. They can be made small or large…and when hung in an odd number, in bunches across the ceiling at different heights---the overall effect is “awesome” as my youngest sweet pea would say!

As the case with all of my Crafts n’ Things by Mary, this item started out as something I wanted to create for our family…and after requests from others have started selling so they too can enjoy at their own shin digs : ) l

If you place an order and mention Kari’s blog…

Small: 4 for $10 or Large 4 for $25.

These can be shipped. They are constructed and packaged ready to be puffed by customer the day of their gathering if desired.

Sometimes you don’t have the time….so let me know if I can create Party Puffs for child’s bedroom or nursery…for your wedding reception, shower,  next birthday party!

Make time for fun,

Mary Anne Dusenbery

Maryanne0914@yahoo.com

Makes me hungry and I want to go make some now!!  Do you have a favorite family recipe?  

AND.....Aren't those puffs so cute!  What a great way to add some fun to a party or decorations for a room.  Contact Mary at Maryanne0914@yahoo.com if you'd like to make an order.