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Reclaimed Farmhouse Joy Sign

This farmhouse joy sign was made entirely from reclaimed materials to add a festive touch to your home.

I have been making a ton of things with pallets. From creepy Halloween signs, wooden black cats and even some fun pallet Christmas trees that I am going to share with you soon. I knew exactly what I wanted to make the last time I tore apart some pallets. Rustic and charming farmhouse holiday signs.

These reclaimed farmhouse joy signs are so easy to make. They add a festive touch to your space or are perfect for gifting. Plus, they are so budget friendly you can make dozens for a dollar!

This is a really easy project. Gather some supplies, finding inspiration in trash.

Supplies for one sign

One pallet board section

One pop tab

One screw

One penny nail

Glue

One Christmas Bauble

Paint

Paint Brush

Screwdriver

Hammer

I cut one pallet board into 4 smaller boards, just big enough to proclaim my message, Joy.

I pulled tabs off of empty soda cans for my method of hanging.

Line up the soda tab so that it is even with the board.

Place the screw in the small hole and tighten.

In the center of the other side of the board, place the penny nail. Drive it in half way.

Paint the board in the color of your choice.

After the board is dry, place a Christmas bauble over the nail. Add a bead of glue to secure and allow to dry.

Use stencils, or with another color of paint, freehand your letters J and Y. Allow to dry.

Now you can display your Joy sign, or share it with a friend this holiday season.

In the mood for more creative projects?
Check out some of my favorites here:
Ribbon Tree Ornaments Barbie Serving Tray Button Tree Ornaments

Crumbl Copycat Golden Graham Cookies

Looking for a really good cookie recipe? These golden graham cookies are just what you need. They have such a lovely flavor and are perfect for anyone who loves cereal and milk. These are even better than Crumbl cookies! I think it is safe to call these a copycat crumbl recipe.

I love to bake cookies, muffins, biscuits and even popovers. It is my dream to someday have a bakery of my own where I can spread cheer and cookies all around.

Well, until that happens, I keep myself happy coming up with recipes like this one. It is perfect for creating huge, delicious cookies with a wonderful texture. These are so big you can only make 6 to a cookie sheet and you will need your ice cream scooper to form them!

Bake these for a friend, to share with family or for a bake sale, and prepare for compliments! Go on and pin this recipe for later because you are going to want to make these all the time!

1 c salted butter, softened to room temperature

1 ½ c sugar

2 large eggs

2 ½ c flour

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp baking powder

1 ½ c crushed golden graham cereal

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Line a cookie sheet with a silicon baking mat or parchment paper.

Add butter and sugar to a medium mixing bowl. Beat for 2-3 minutes or until light and fluffy.

Add eggs and vanilla, mix for 1 more minute.

Add baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon. Mix for 1 minute.

Add flour and mix until you can’t see any flour in the dough.

Crush the golden graham cereal with a food processor.

Add the crushed cereal to the dough and mix for a minute

Use an ice cream scoop to make large dough balls.

Place them 6 to a cookie sheet.

Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.

When the cookies are completely cool you can add glaze or frosting to them.

Garnish with golden graham cereal.

Glaze

1 ½ c powdered sugar

¼ c softened butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

1-2 tbsp of half and half of milk.

Add the powdered sugar and butter to a mixing bowl.

Add vanilla and 1 tbsp of milk or half and half.

Begin mixing.

If your glaze feels too thick add an additional tbsp of milk and continue to blend until you achieve the desired consistency.

These cookies are SO GOOD. I think they are even better than CRUMBL cookies!

These would be incredible for a cookie exchange, or to add into your cookie tray at the holidays. But, these are awesome anytime of the year. So don't wait for the holidays to roll around to bake this recipe.

Look at those scrumptious cookies! They are great with both milk and coffee. They have a wonderful flavor!

You can find all of my dessert recipes here

Homemade Rice Pudding

Instant Pot Banana Rice Pudding

Brown Sugar Overnight Oats

More copycat recipes:

Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Strawberry Shortcake Floats

All of the flavors of a Strawberry Shortcake, but in a decadently cool float form! There is nothing like an ice cream float on a hot summer day!

You will want to pin this recipe to your dessert board for future reference!

Summer is the perfect season to make ice cream floats. This one is perfect for a dessert or a decadent way to cool off on a summer day.

I love strawberry shortcake on a summer day! But, sometimes I want something cooler than cake. A float is a perfect solution to cure my cravings.

These floats look and taste gourmet, but they are so easy to make! The most basic of ingredients come together to create a treat that is going to become a most requested drink in your house!

This was so good. I had to have a second float! My guilt subsided when my husband asked for another one but in a bigger glass. This is an easy way to impress a guest or a delicious addition to any day of the week!

If you love floats, you won't want to miss this delicious strawberry cheesecake float or this blackberry cheesecake float.

Click through for the recipe.

More Fun This Way --->

Brew Like a Barista: Craft Your Own Cold Brew Concentrate at Home

Summer's heat calls for cool, refreshing drinks, and what's cooler than a delicious iced coffee? Cold brew concentrate is a fantastic way to keep your fridge stocked with a base for endless iced coffee creations. It's surprisingly simple to make and offers a smooth, less acidic coffee flavor compared to traditional hot brewing methods.

Bean There, Done That: Choosing Your Coffee Beans

The foundation of any great coffee drink starts with the beans. For cold brew concentrate, medium or coarse ground coffee works best. Since the brewing process is less intense than hot brewing, using high-quality beans will ensure a full-flavored concentrate. Consider trying a medium roast for a balanced flavor profile.

Steeped in Perfection: The Brewing Process

The beauty of cold brew is its simplicity. Here's what you'll need:

Freshly ground coffee beans (1.5 cups for a potent concentrate, 1 cup for a milder one)
Cold filtered water (4 cups)
Large airtight container
Cheesecloth or coffee filters
Fine-mesh sieve

Combine: Add the coffee grounds to your container and pour in the cold water. Stir gently to combine, making sure all the grounds are saturated.
Steep: Cover the container and let it sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours, depending on your desired strength. For a more mellow concentrate, opt for 12 hours.
Strain: Patience is key! Straining slowly is essential to avoid a gritty concentrate. Line your sieve with cheesecloth or coffee filters set over a separate container. Slowly pour the coffee mixture through the sieve, discarding the grounds afterward.

Frothy Finish: Enjoying Your Cold Brew

Now comes the fun part - enjoying your cold brew! Here are some ideas:

Classic Cold Brew: Dilute your concentrate with water or milk to your preferred strength. Serve over ice.
Cold Brew Latte: Combine cold brew concentrate with milk and ice for a creamy treat.
Cold Brew Frappe: Blend cold brew concentrate with ice, milk, and your favorite flavors like chocolate syrup or caramel for a thick and icy beverage.

Top Tips for Brewing Success:

Fresh is Best: Use freshly ground coffee for the most flavorful concentrate. Pre-ground coffee can lose its potency over time.
Grind Matters: A coarse grind is ideal for cold brew. Finer grinds can lead to a bitter concentrate.
Storage Solutions: Store your cold brew concentrate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

With a little planning, you can be brewing barista-worthy cold brew concentrate at home in no time. So ditch the store-bought stuff and impress your friends with your coffee-making skills!

While you are here check out these recipes for favorite homemade drinks.

Strawberry Peach Soda Pop

Blueberry Lime Soda

Bomb Pop Cocktails

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and Dumplings are the ultimate comfort food. Cracker Barrel is well known for having some of the best dumplings around but this recipe brings all of that famous flavor to your dinner table. If you are craving comfort food, you will want to make this Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings recipe asap!

Chicken and dumplings are one of my favorites. When I have had a really rough day, a steamy bowl of chicken and dumplings is like a warm hug! I used to think they were super hard to make, and I would have never tried to do it at home. I left my cravings to Cracker Barrel. But then the Coronavirus pandemic happened and all of my favorite places had to close their doors. What was a girl to do? Learn how to make dumplings!

This recipe is so easy! You are going to want to make it for Sunday dinner with the family, you are going to want to make it for cold winter days and anytime you want comfort. It tastes just like Cracker Barrel!

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings

Ingredients

1 Rotisserie chicken
6-7 cups of Chicken broth
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp. shortening
3/4 cup buttermilk

Directions

Remove the meat from the bone of your rotisserie chicken and set to the side in a covered dish.
In a large crock pot set to high add broth your and pepper. (KitchenAid has a good 6-quart one)
Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Cut in the shortening.
Add the buttermilk, stirring with a fork until moistened.
Knead the dough 4 to 5 times.
Place the dough on a flour covered cutting board.
Begin to cut your pieces into 1/2 inch pieces.
Place the pieces into the crock pot.
Reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 4 hours.
Stirring occasionally.
Add the chicken back and lightly toss to combine
Continue to cook for 1 more hour
Enjoy

Find all of my favorite recipes here
Crab Cakes
Carrot Soup

Blackberry Cheesecake Float

You guys! I have an awesome summer drink recipe to share with you that is so easy and literally only requires 2 ingredients!

I have been craving all things blackberry lately. Normally I am not the biggest ice cream eater, but this little pint of blackberry cheesecake ice cream practically fell into my cart and begged to come home with me.

Immediately I knew how I was going to enjoy this treat! In an ice cream float!

Ice cream floats completely change the ice cream game in my book. I cannot resist them and love to try different flavors! They can be as simple as root-beer and vanilla or as complex as you care to make them.
This one is not too wild in terms of the combination, but it is wildly delicious!

To make a Blackberry Cheesecake Float you will need:

2 scoops of blackberry cheesecake ice cream
1 can of Cream Soda {I used Diet A&W}

optional:
graham cracker crumbs
whipped cream

Directions

Add ice cream to a tall glass
Top with cream soda

Optional:
Top with whipped cream and 1 teaspoon of graham cracker crumbs

This was a fantastic flavor for a float for a summer indulgence that took only a moment to prepare and share!

You might also like this Strawberry Shortcake Float recipe.

Spooky Pallet Sign

Need a last minute Halloween decoration? These spooky pallet signs are perfect for a quick craft that adds a lot of character to your space.

I have been making lots of stuff with pallets. From my cute reclaimed black cats, to some sweet serving trays to share with friends. I also made a slew of these spooky signs and shared them with a few neighbors.

These are so easy to make. You need no skills and no special tools. You can truly create them completely from scrap materials. If you are able to find scrap wood in a 12-18" size, that would ideal. If not, a hand saw or circular saw will be useful in cutting down a pallet to the size you want to use.

Supplies:
An MFD board
Paint in several colors
A small paint brush
A soda tab
A screw
A screwdriver.

Directions:
Place a soda tab in the center of the board, line it up so it is even with the board at the top.
Screw it in.
Flip the board over and paint it the color you desire. I went with a light orange.
Allow to dry.
When the base coat is dry, paint Spooky on the board. I did this by hand, but you can use a stencil to get perfect letters. I was going for a creepy look, and perfection wasn't needed.
When the spooky letters have dried, dip a paint brush in another color, like green, or purple.
Extending an index finger, tap the paint brush against the finger to create splatters on the sign below.
Repeat as desired.
Allow to dry before displaying.
If you are displaying outside, spray with a sealant.

Make a few in a variety of creepy phrases and decorate your space in spooktacular, splendor without spending a cent! You can make this sign in only about 15 minutes, asides from the waiting for the paint to dry.

If you liked this easy pallet project you might want to check out more of my favorite DIYS!

Reader favorites include:

Homemade Photo Puzzles

iPad Mini Stand

Strawberry Cheesecake Float

Strawberry Cheesecake has been a favorite treat for many years. I decided it would be fun to bring that decadent flavor to a refreshing drink, ice cream float style! The results? Completely mouth watering!!! Fresh fruit, luscious cheesecake, and smooth ice cream come together to create a completely gourmet ice cream float!

Ice Cream Floats are the perfect drink for summer. They can be as simple as a root beer float, or as gourmet as this Strawberry Cheesecake Float! While this one looks and tastes like a million bucks, it comes together in a few steps to create a luscious treat everyone will love.

This recipe is one you are going to want to bookmark or pin for later. The results are so decadent that you will want a second glass, guaranteed!

This is the perfect treat to make for a group of friends on a hot summer day. It is delicious, fancy and easy to make. Everyone loves a great ice cream float! This one is sure to become a favorite!

You might also like this Chocolate Cherry Dr. Pepper Float recipe or this Blackberry Cheesecake Float recipe.

Click through for the recipe.

More Fun This Way --->

A Day At Kelley's Island With My Sweetie #LakeErieLove

I just returned from a few lovely days from the Shores of Lake Erie. I can't wait to tell you about a simple adventure I took with my 5 year old and why this was the highlight of the trip.

Since I gave birth to Harper, Roo and I don't get a lot of one on one time. He is now 5, and I have missed him in many ways, despite the fact we spend most of our days together. On Monday night I whispered to Roo "Wanna go on an adventure with me?" He whispered back "And Harper?" I shook my head no and said "No, this is a special day for just you and me." Roo smiled and drifted off to sleep.

At noon my husband dropped us off in Sandusky and Roo and I strolled over to the Jet Express to get tickets for our adventure. We were headed to Kelley's Island, Ohio.

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

We had some time before our boat boarded, so we strolled around the area. We stumbled into a great shop featuring basically every old fashioned candy imaginable as well as a vast selection of soda. (I believe it is called Soda Pop's on W. Water Street.) This was a fun stop to make as we waited for our ferry. Roo got an apple juice and a few gummy candies to hold him over until lunch.

We made our way back to the ferry, and my little guy snacked happily on his sweets and a small bag of local chips. As he saw the boat approaching his eyes were wide with excitement. He said "Hold my hand Mommy!" and he bounced his way to the line to board. We climbed to the top deck and sat down, he slid closer to me and said again "Mommy! Hold My Hand!!!" He was excited and a touch nervous.

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

We enjoyed taking a few photos together and of the scenery. The ride wasn't too long, I didn't time it as I wanted to savor the moments with my growing son. I did hear that the boat can travel 34 mph, which is impressive!

Roo was quite impressed by the sight of Cedar Point from the water!

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

As we arrived my son was happy. We looked at the boats, we walked around town for a few minutes, scoping out restaurants. We held hands and happily walked around taking it all in. I asked him questions, he answered, we laughed. He very cutely told me that sometime he was going to have 20 babies of his own. I smiled. I said "What will you name all 20 babies?" He said "I don't know. I have to get 20 beds first Mom!"

We wandered into the Captains Corner. We weren't really hungry, but we knew we would be eventually. Roo opted for lemonade and we shared a basket of fries.

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

The conversation with my son, giving him the chance to make all the choices. My heart pinched me to savor every second, to let him eat junk food, to laugh with him and soak it all up. We rarely get the chance to do anything just the two of us these days.

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

We rode back after a walk around, we admired the view of the lake, the boats, the peaceful atmosphere, the feeling of community in such a lovely place in the world. I have been going to Kelley's Island since I was just a kid, my first trip was at the age of 14. But, experiencing it with my son.... having a day alone. It made the experience new again.

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

After we arrived back in Sandusky, we sat on a bench and talked, looking at the boats and water. We walked around town, enjoyed a fountain and decided we had a great day.

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

If you are looking for a trip that takes you away to a slice of paradise, hidden in Ohio, I have to recommend that you get Jet Express tickets and exploring Kelley's Island. It is so much like being at the ocean, that you will forget you are in Ohio!

June is a lovely time to visit in my opinion. The temperatures were perfect (high 70s, low 80s) and going on a weekday gave us plenty of time to explore without the crowds I normally encounter on weekends. If you are looking for a great getaway in Ohio, #LakeErieLove the Lake Erie Shores and Islands make an exceptional option for families!

Thank you to my friends at Lake Erie Shores and Islands and Jet Express for hosting this day of #LakeErieLove with my son.

Chocolate Espresso Cookies

Deepen Your Chocolate Fix with Espresso Cookies!

Calling all chocoholics and coffee lovers! This recipe for Chocolate Espresso Cookies is the perfect meeting of your two favorite indulgences. The rich, dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the subtle kick of espresso, creating a delightful flavor combination that's both sophisticated and satisfying.

These cookies are easy to whip up, requiring just a few bowls and common pantry staples. They're chewy on the inside and crisp on the outside, offering a textural contrast that's impossible to resist. Plus, with a touch of espresso powder in the dough, these cookies will give you a little afternoon pick-me-up alongside that decadent chocolate flavor.

Here's what you'll need:

1 cup of melted butter

½ cup of dark cocoa powder

1 cup of granulated sugar

2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup

1 egg

1 teaspoon of vanilla

1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder

1 ½ cup of all purpose flour

1 teaspoons of baking soda

A pinch of salt

For rolling:

½ c sugar and 1 teaspoon of espresso powder

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Add cocoa and maple syrup to melted butter.

Mix until well blended.

Add 1 cup of sugar, vanilla, and egg to the mixing bowl, and beat for 1 minute.

Add flour, baking soda , espresso powder and salt.

Stir until all ingredients are well blended.

Using a cookie scoop, form balls of dough.

Drop them one at a time into the espresso and sugar mix.

Roll each ball around until completely coated with sugar.

Place the dough balls 3” apart on the prepared cookie sheet and bake for 11 minutes.

Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from the cookie sheet.

Tips for Success:

Don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Once the dry ingredients are incorporated, stop mixing.
Chill the dough (optional): Chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour can help the cookies spread less and create chewier centers.
Play with the chocolate: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark, milk, or white chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts.

The reward? A batch of irresistible Chocolate Espresso Cookies that are perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea, sharing with friends, or indulging in all by yourself.