Make Your Own Scratch-Off Valentine's Day Cards!

Hi everyone! Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and today I wanted to 

share with you a really cute homemade card idea I saw in my new issue of 

Better Homes and Gardens. It's the little things that amaze me and I was 

fascinated to find out you can make your own scratch-off paint with acrylic 

paint and dish soap! 

Now I haven't tried it yet, but finding this out raises the 

bar for creative card and thrifty gift ideas.  I can't wait to try making the paint 

myself along with some fun cards for all occasions.

Here are the instructions with a link to BHG and free templates:

Make this fun Valentine's Day card with our template and type in your date-night choices. To finish the card, follow the easy steps below.

1. Print the card onto cardstock and trim. Print the heart template and cut out, then cut a strip of clear Con-Tact paper long enough to make four hearts. Trace around the heart template on the paper side of the Con-Tact paper.

2. To make the scratch-off solution, mix 2 parts metallic acrylic paint with 1 part dishwashing liquid. Using a small, flat paintbrush, apply a thin coat of the scratch-off solution onto the front side of the Con-Tact paper and let dry for an hour. Repeat with a second coat, and add a third coat if your paint looks streaky.

3. Cut out the hearts (following the traced outline), peel off the backing, and place over the heart spaces on the card. Package the card with a new penny.

Get the card template.  >>

Hope you enjoyed this and thanks for visiting ReMadeSimple! 

Source: bhg.com via Kristina on Pinterest

Irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Popcorn

That's right Poppy Chow. No I didn't misspell "Puppy Chow"-the sweet treat you might be familiar with  using rice Chex. This recipe is even better than that one, in my opinion, because you use popcorn=Pop-py Chow!
 And it is an easy, delicious snack to make and place in a pretty tin as a Christmas gift  or whip up for those hungry house guests.

About a month ago I shared an amazing cookie recipe from a great blog called Brown Eyed Baker. This recipe is also hers. She uses my favorite combination of peanut butter and chocolate to make amazing things. It is a dangerous site! Here are the easy steps to follow:

pop a large amount of popcorn-I used a tall stockpot.

{Peanut Butter Chocolate Popcorn} 

Yield: About 8 to 10 servings (possibly more if you’re not chocolate/pb obsessed like me)

Prep Time: 25 minutes

9 cups plain popcorn
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
½ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups powdered sugar

1. Put the popcorn in a very large bowl.

2. In a microwave (at 50% power) or over a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter until melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla.

3. Pour the chocolate mixture all over the popcorn. Using a large spoon, stir until all of the popcorn is evenly coated with the chocolate/peanut butter mixture.

4. Sift the powdered sugar over the chocolate-covered popcorn and stir until each piece is evenly coated. Spread the mixture out onto a baking sheet and place in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate is set.

5. Break it up and serve! Store leftovers in an airtight container.

originally posted by: Brown Eyed Baker

I bet there are lots of variations you could try with this recipe (think melted M & M's, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups....mmmm...)  .

Linking up with these parties and this party.