New Year’s Eve game

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I thought I would share a simple game that I came up with to help entertain your kids (and even adults) during your New Year’s Eve Countdown party this year.  The whole premise behind the game is fairly straightforward and simple so even the youngest of children can play along with minimal help.

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We named it Rolling Around The Clock.  Simply because that is all you do. First off you will need some clock faces.  I found some fun free printable clock faces from White Life. They have the following four clock faces that you can download for free.

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If you download some, be sure to drop them a quick note and tell them thanks! Aren’t they so fun? They also print out the perfect size.

I printed them out onto some white Cardstock paper. You can also glue them onto some chipboard or cardboard to give them some stability. Adding a quick layer of Matte Finish Mod Podge will also seal them up nicely and keep them from ripping from little hands and overuse.

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I cut some thin strips of cardboard to make the clock hands.  I made one small for the hour hand and then one longer one for the minute hand of the clock.  I colored them black with a black permanent marker.

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Then I simply took some brads which can be found in any craft store that sells scrapbook supplies and used them to attach the hands to the clock face.

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Now that you have made your game pieces here are the rules for the game.

Roll Around the Clock Game Rules:

Each player will need their own clock face.  You will need two dice to play.  To begin each player will roll the dice.  The player with the highest number will go first.  Each player will start with their clock at 1:00. Then you will take turns rolling the dice.  To start out everyone will just roll one dice. You need to roll the time that is next on your clock and make it from 1:00 to 2:00 to 3:00 and so on all the way to 12:00 or Midnight.  The player needs to roll the number of the dice that corresponds to the next number needed.  After you have gotten to 6:00 you will begin to roll two dice to get the higher numbers. If you don’t roll the number you need, your turn will end and it is the next players turn.  The person who rolls to 12:00 first wins.

You can even add some strategy to the game if playing with older people.  For example, if someone rolls doubles they can choose someone to trade clocks with or choose someone to lose a turn.  Etc.

{Phew…that was tough…explaining the rules of play…if that doesn’t make sense, leave a comment and I will try to re-explain them. The game is much simpler than trying to explain it apparently}.

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I would love to hear if some of you end up making and playing this with your kids and family this year! My kids are excited, but I think that mainly has to do with the fact that they get to stay up past their bedtimes!!

And…one last thing…I made some Oreo Pops for New Year’s Eve…who is shocked?!  Haha! You knew it was coming right? But these have a special surprise inside.

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I am not going to take the time to write up a tutorial since there are so many other Oreo Pop Tutorials you can choose from, that I have already shared with you, to follow if you need one. (For example my Snowman Oreo Pops, Santa Belly Oreo Pops and my Mummy Oreo Pops) This is basically a Double Stuft Oreo covered in white chocolate with some sprinkles on it.  BUT…these are special because of what is inside of them…

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Exploding Candy!!

{I found mine at the Dollar Store…Pop Rocks will work too…I just couldn’t find any}

How fun huh?!  And…they really work! I simply removed the double stuff icing and put some melted chocolate on the inside of BOTH cookies.  Then I opened and poured a package of the Exploding Candy on one of the cookies right on top of the chocolate.  Stick the sucker stick on and then place the top cookie on top.  Then I let them harden by popping them in the freezer.  Then simply cover the Oreo with the chocolate and add some sprinkles.  For full instructions for making an Oreo Pop you can see these other tutorials.  For the little New Years Eve Cheers tag go here.

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These are so fun! I had to test one out to make sure it worked.  And they really do pop right in your mouth…like edible fireworks for your mouth!

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How To Make Play Dough—Peppermint

Sorry about not getting this up sooner.  Things have been crazy around here with that wind storm.  I just finally found some time to sit down and get this typed up.  Have you ever wondered how to make Play Dough?  It could not be simpler.  I have shared how to make some fun Kool-Aid Flavored Play Dough and Pumpkin Spice Play Dough.  Well, since it is Christmas time, I decided we needed to make some Peppermint Play Dough.  So I fiddled with the recipe a bit and came up with a recipe for some yummy smelling Peppermint Play Dough.

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Peppermint Play Dough Recipe

1 cup flour
1/4 cup salt
2 tablespoons
cream of tartar
1 Tablespoon Peppermint Oil Extract
1 tablespoon
vegetable oil
1 cup water

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1. Mix flour, salt, & cream of tartar in a medium cooking pot.
2. Add water, peppermint extract and oil.
3. Stir over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes stirring constantly.
4. When mixture forms a ball in pot, remove.
5. Knead until smooth.
6. Play and explore with this fragrant, brightly colored dough as you would any play dough.
7. Put in a plastic bag and refrigerate to store.

A great way to entertain the kids during Christmas break.  Or a great gift for a neighbor, classmates or friends.  It is so easy to make and is the softest (non sticky) Play Dough recipe I have ever used.  I like it better than the store bought stuff…plus…it smells amazing!!  And if you are feeling extra festive…throw in a handful of red glitter to give it some fun sparkle!

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And, in the spirit of giving, I have provided you with a free printable Peppermint Play Dough label for the tops of your jars or Tupperware containers to label it for a gift.  The labels are 3 inch circles.  If you need them smaller you can simply print the label smaller than 100% to get the size you need.

{Download Peppermint Play Dough Label}

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I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.  I would love to hear from those of you who are planning on making some for yourself or who plan on gifting it.  19 more sleeps till Christmas…but who’s counting!!

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French Macarons—GNO

Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend an awesome French Macaron cookie baking class by Mercedes White from Mercedes Macarons. 

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I was pretty excited to learn a few tips and tricks for making the perfect Macaron.  (French Macarons are spelled with one “o” instead of the American spelling of Macaroon with two).  Mercedes was adorable in every way.  She truly has a love for making Macarons and has made it her mission to create the perfect looking and tasting french macarons…and I dare say she has succeeded.

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Jen, Lara, Elizabeth, Shelley, Me, Amelia, Emily, & Mercedes

image courtesy of Collin from Collin Kartchner Studios

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Mercedes and her assistant Amelia, helped us make a few batches and taught us several great tips and techniques for making the perfect macaron.  I have always been scared to even attempt to make them due the fact that I had heard they were really difficult to make with good results.  But with Mercedes tips and one on one instruction, I think I could actually make them successfully on my own now!

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images courtesy Dear Lizzy

Mercedes sells her French Macarons in  ready made mixes that make is so easy for you to whip up a batch for your next party in your own home.  The directions are clearly spelled out and she shares her tips to getting them to come out perfectly.  Mercedes also shares lots of great tips on her website, Mercedes White, so that you can make the perfect Macaron as well.  I am planning on whipping up a batch of French Macarons here shortly and sharing some of the tips that I learned from Mercedes.  Crossing my fingers that they turn out just as fabulous!

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image courtesy Dear Lizzy

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Collin from Collin Kartchner Studios was also in attendance and was able to capture some fun shots and some videos of our class.  He even created a fun little video of the event.

Mercedes White Macarons- Blogger night from Collin Kartchner on Vimeo.

Mercedes will be selling her macarons and her pre-made Macaron mix at the Bijou Market here in Utah.  If you don’t live in Utah, but would still like to be able to purchase some Macarons or the mixes, you can purchase them from Mercedes ETSY site.

Emily, who was also with us, is one of the founders of The Bijou Market, which is a hip handmade market being held this weekend in Provo, Utah and the following weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah.  So if you live in the area you can head on over to the market and get some great deals on unique handmade gifts and items just in time for the holiday gift giving season.

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November 18-19, 2011
Provo, Utah

Historic Southworth Hall

116 West Center Street Provo, UT 84606
Friday November 18th 10 am – 8 pm
Saturday November 19th 10 am – 6 pm

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November 26, 2011
Taylorsville, UT

Aspen Landing
6388 South Redwood Road Taylorsville, UT 84123
Saturday November 26th 9 am – 5 pm

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For more details and information be sure to check out The Bijou Market’s website or FB page.