Sew a Baby Swaddle Blanket

We needed a couple more blankets for Connor and I didn't want to spend $14 on them when they were just a piece of cute fabric. Why not make my own? The other benefit besides saving money is that you can make them whatever size you want.

I bought some cute flannel fabric and washed it before beginning. Then I trimmed the edges to the size I wanted for the blanket plus a 1/2 seam allowance.

I folded all the edges up 1/2 inch and pinned.

I cut a little triangle off each corner so the fabric would not overlap.

The I ironed all the folded edges to crease the fabric.

Kitty "helped" as I used a tight zigzag stitch around the edge of the blanket.

Here's the corners up close where I cut out the triangle.

The back side of the blanket looks nice with the stitching showing.

Connor keeps this one at daycare and it's held up very well!

Colorful Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels

This has become my go-to dessert when I need something for an occasion and I'm starting to be known for these. They're super easy and nothing too special, but they always seem to be a huge hit at parties. I love that you can customize them for different occasions with colors too!

These particular ones I made for Connor's sock monkey 1st birthday party to match the color scheme I used throughout the party. I thought I was making way more than I needed and I'd have tons of leftover, but they went so fast that I didn't even get to have more than 1 myself!

Ingredients:
• pretzel rods
• Wilton Candy Melts in a few different colors

Pour candies into a tall glass and microwave for about 1 minute until mostly melted. If the candies aren't melted enough, put them back in for 10-15 second intervals. If you put them in too long, they burn and will thicken up too fast.

Dip pretzels into the glass with the melted chocolate. Spin the pretzel around so it gets covered with chocolate and then tap off the excess.

Place the pretzel on a baking sheet covered with wax paper to cool.

I usually start with one color and then start melting another color after I have a few done. That way, I can take the second color and use that as the decorative drizzle on the first color and vice versa. To do the drizzle, just tap the excess chocolate off a pretzel you're working on or use a spoon and lightly tap it to drizzle on the pretzel.

Let pretzels harden and cool for a couple hours and serve. They'll be gone in no time!