What I Got For Christmas ♥ Christmas Haul

I hope you guys had a wonderful Christmas. I thought I would share with you guys what I got for Christmas because it's always fun to see what people got on Christmas. I received a some really cute stuff too! Enjoy!

After weeks of crocheting a bunch of Baymax for other people I finally got one myself! He's so cute! I also got Breakfast At Tiffany's (I have a weird obsession with that movie and Audrey Hepburn) and my sister gave me the first manga to the pretty guardian, Sailor Moon.

My mom got me that scarf and my younger sister got me the Naked 2 Basics palette. So excited to use it! In my stocking I found a STAY CUTE sticker.

I got a lot of cute stuff from my older sister including these adorable crochet hooks, a Hello Kitty pin and The Hello Kitty Baking Book, she knows me too well!

My mom got me an amazing smelling body lotion and this perfume sampler kit from Sephora. The kit comes with a voucher for a free full size perfume bottle. What perfume should I get?

Happy Holidays

X♥X♥

-Michelle

Peppermint White Mocha Recipe ♥ 12 Days of DIYs

Welcome to the last 12 Days of DIY post! If you've been counting you probably noticed this is the 11th post and that's because there will be no 12th DIY post this year. If you follow me on twitter you already know this month has been super stressful for me not only with Christmas but also my shop, blog and other personal matters. So instead of squeezing another blog post in one day I decided to just make this post the last. I hope you guys are alright with that and enjoyed these blog posts because I loved making them. I have one more blog post for tomorrow and then I will be taking a short break (I will probably resume blogging before the new year). Until then,
Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

One of my favorite holiday drinks from Starbucks is their Peppermint White Mocha (I usually drink it iced or as a frappuccino depending on how I'm feeling), it's a mocha with white chocolate sauce and peppermint syrup and it's amazing! I wished they carried this drink all year around but sadly they don't so I decided to make my own version so that I can enjoy this delicate drink whenever I want.

You will need:
- A cute mug
- Espresso or strong coffee
- Milk of your choice (I used vanilla soy milk but I prefer almond milk)
- White chocolate sauce
- Peppermint extract
- Sugar (I used Splenda because we were our of Stevia)
- Whipped cream
- Milk frother (optional)

Recipe:
1 cup of strong coffee
1 cup of milk
4 tablespoons of white chocolate sauce
1/4 teaspoons of peppermint extract
2 packets of sugar sweetener
Whipped cream for topping

First make 1 cup of your favorite strong coffee (the Nescafe Clasico Dark Roast is my favorite instant coffee). While the coffee is still hot add a packet of sweetener and mix. Pour the coffee in your mug then set aside and work on the next mixture.

Warm up your milk and add 4 tablespoons of white chocolate sauce, 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract (a little goes a long way), and another sweetener packet. Use a milk frother (if you don't have one use a spoon and stir) to incorporate everything together and pour the liquid in your favorite mug. Froth the drink one last time and serve.

Top with whipped cream and any other finishing you like to drink and you are complete!

Happy Holidays

X♥X♥

-Michelle

Gift Card Cozy ♥ 12 Days of DIY

I have a great last minute DIY that you can crochet in minutes! If you are giving a gift card to someone this Christmas this DIY project will add a warmth handmade touch to your gift. Enjoy!

You will need:
- Yarn (you can use whatever colors you want)
- H/5.0 mm hook
- Yarn needle
- Scissors

Abbreviations + tips

ch - chain

sl st - slip stitch

st(s) - stitch(es)

sc - single crochet

*If something doesn't seem right let me know and I will try to fix the pattern.

Pattern:
- Ch 11, start with 2nd ch from hook, sc 10 sts. Total =10
- Ch 1, turn, sc 10 sts (30x times). Total = 10
Cut off, weave in ends

Fold your crochet piece in half and sew the two sides closed with the scallop lining I mention below.

To create the scallop lining insert your hook (I changed to a smaller hook size) at the bottom of one side and sl st so the yarn stays in place. Next ch 3 and sl st in the following st, repeat until you reach the end of the row.

Lastly, you can crochet a design on your gift card holder. I decided to make a snowflake but you can choose whatever design you want. You can even personalize the cozy with the name of whoever is getting the gift card. Then you are finished!

Happy Holidays

X♥X♥

-Michelle

Santa Coaster Crochet Pattern ♥ 12 Days of DIY

So today is day 9 of the 12 Days of DIY. I can't believe it's almost Christmas! However I still have three DIYs that I am going to share before Christmas arrives so keep checking my blog to see those handmade goodies! Today's DIY is another crochet pattern on how to make a cute Santa cup coaster. I think these would be adorable to have at a holiday party. You can place your tea or hot cocoa on top of these Santa's and not how to worry about your tables and counters getting messy.

You will need:
- Red, black and cream colored yarn
- A scrap of yellow yarn
- I/5.50 mm crochet hook
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
- A cotton puff
- Glue (I used a hot glue gun)

Abbreviations + tips

ch - chain

sl st - slip stitch

st(s) - stitch(es)

sc - single crochet

dec - decrease
inc - increase

cc - color change

*If something doesn't seem right let me know and I will try to fix the pattern.

Santa coaster (start with red yarn)

- Ch 9, starting with the second ch from hook, sc 8 sts. Total = 8 sts

- Ch 1, turn, inc 1st and last st, sc in between. Total = 10 sts 

- Ch 1, turn, sc 10 sts. Total = 10 sts

- Ch 1, turn, inc 1st and last st, sc in between. Total = 12 sts 

- Ch 1, turn, sc 12 sts. Total = 12 sts

- Ch 1, turn, inc 1st and last st, sc in between. Total = 14 sts 

- Ch 1, turn, sc 14 sts. Total = 14 sts

- Cc to black, ch 1, turn, sc 14 sts. Total 14 sts

- Cc to red. ch 1, turn Dec 1st and last st. Total = 12 sts

 Ch 1, turn, sc 12 sts. Total = 12 sts

- Ch 1, turn, dec 1st and last st. Sc in between. Total = 10 sts

- Ch 1, turn, sc 10 sts. Total = 10 sts

- Ch 1, turn, dec 1st and last st. Sc in between. Total = 8 sts

- Ch 1, turn, sc 8 sts. Total = 8 sts

- Cc to cream, ch 1, turn, sc 8 (2x times), Total = 8 sts

- Ch 1, turn, dec 1st and last st. Sc in between. Total = 6 sts

- Ch 1, turn, sc 6 sts. Total = 6 sts

- Ch 1, turn, dec 1st and last st. Sc in between. Total = 4 sts

- Ch 1, turn, sc 4 sts. Total = 4 sts

-  Cc to red, ch 1, turn, sc 4. Total = 4 sts

- Ch 1, turn, dec 1st and last st. Total = 2 sts

- Ch 1, turn, sc 2 sts. Total = 2 sts

- Dec the last st and cut off

I added the eyes by sewing through a couple of stitches with black yarn. To create Santa's beard I torn open a cotton puff and glue it right under his eyes. I also glued a scrap of cotton on top of his hat. You can also glue some cotton where is hat begins, I think that would look cute!

Happy Holidays

X♥X♥

-Michelle

Crocheted Olaf Tsum Tsum ♥ 12 Days of DIY

Do you want to crochet a snowman? Well if you do then today's 12 Days of DIY project is just for you! I will be showing you how to crochet a Olaf Tsum Tsum. For those who don't know what Tsum Tsum are check them out here! I got this idea after watching this tutorial but instead of sewing the Olaf Tsum Tsum (which would probably take me FOREVER) I decided to make a crochet version and share it with you guys! Enjoy!

Here's our small Tsum Tsum family. Hopefully this Christmas I will be getting more (wink wink).

Here is the size of the Olaf Tsum Tsum I made next to a Dumbo Tsum Tsum.

You will need:

- White worsted yarn

- Brown worsted yarn

- Orange worsted yarn

- F/3.75 mm crochet hook

- Black felt

- Scissors

- Yarn needle

- Glue

Abbreviations + tips

ch - chain

sl st - slip stitch

st(s) - stitch(es)

sc - single crochet

dec - decrease

*If something doesn't seem right let me know and I will try to fix the pattern.

Body: (use white yarn)

- Ch 6, sl st to form circle. Total = 6 sts

- 2 sc in each st (6x times). Total = 12 sts

- 2 sc in next st, sc 1 st (6x times). Total = 18 sts

- Sc 18 sts (10x times). Total = 18 sts

- Dec 1, sc 1 (6x times). Total = 12 sts

- Dec 1, sc 1 (6x times). Total = 6 sts

Cut off

With the yarn needle weave in and out of each stitch and pull close. Weave in remaining ends.

Muzzle: (use white yarn)

- Ch 8 sts, sl st to form circle. Total = 8 sts

- 2 sc in next 3 sts, sc 1 (repeat once). Total = 14 sts

- Sc 14 sts. Total = 14 sts

Cut off leaving a long tail for sewing

Assembly:

Attach the muzzle by sewing it on the lower center of Olaf's face.

* Make sure to sew Olaf's nose to his muzzle before you sew the muzzle onto his head.

Feet: (make 2 white and 2 brown)

- Ch 3 sts, sc starting from the 2nd ch from hook, sc 2 sts, ch 1 and turn. Total = 2 sts

- Sc 2 sts. Total = 2 sts

Cut off leaving a long tail for sewing

Assembly:

Sew the two white feet on the back and the two brown feet on the front. Try to sew the feet on the lower bottom around Olaf's tummy.

Nose: (with orange yarn)

- Ch 4, sl st to form circle. Total = 4 sts

- Sc 4 sts. Total = 4 sts 

- Dec 2 times

Cut off leaving a long tail for sewing

Hair: (with brown yarn) make 3

Ch 5 and cut off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assembly:

Now sew Olaf's hair twigs on the top of his head. Try your best to make sure the brown yarn isn't visible. Lastly you can either sew on black eyes or do what I did and cut out two eyes in black felt and glue them above of Olaf's muzzle. You can also add more of Olaf's features like his mouth and tooth but I just kept my Olaf like this because I liked him better this way.

Done! This little Olaf was so fun to make! I actually want to make more Tsum Tsums in the future. Any requests?

Happy Holidays

X♥X♥

-Michelle

Crocheted Santa Dog Hat ♥ 12 Days of DIY

Since getting Lucy (my adorable Pomeranian puppy dog) earlier this year I couldn't wait to start crocheting her sweaters, toys and other accessories. I made her this adorable crocheted Santa hat with a giant pom pom on top so that she be festive and wear during Christmas. This is a super cute DIY project that you can easily whip up in minutes!

This is the best picture I could get of Lucy. She's actually pretty calm when we give her clothes to try on but she wouldn't stay still while I was taking pictures (probably because of the pom pom).

What you need:

- Red and white (or cream) worsted yarn

- I or 5.50 mm Crochet hook

- Yarn needle

- Scissors

- Pom pom maker (optional)

Abbreviations + tips

ch - chain

sl st - slip stitch

st(s) - stitch(es)

dc - double crochet

dec - decrease
cc - color change

*If something doesn't seem right let me know and I will try to fix the pattern.

Hat (start with white yarn)

- Ch 24 sts, sl st to form circle. Total = 24 sts

- Ch 1, dc 24 sts, sl st and cc to red yarn. Total = 24 sts

- Ch 1, dc 24 sts (x3 times). Total = 24 sts

- Dec 1, sc 1 (x8 times). Total = 16 sts

- Dec 1, sc 1 (x5 times). Total = 11 sts

Cut off and leave long tail for sewing.

Sew in and out each chain and pull to close the hat. Weave in ends.

Strap

Stick your hook on one side of the hat and ch 30 (always test to see if this fits your dog). Pull off the yarn after your 30 ch and leave a long tail for sewing. Sew the remaining strap on the opposite side. Cut off and weave ends.

*I would suggest you to use a tape measure to see how many chains you need for your dog's head.

Now make a white pom pom to place onto of the hat. You can use a pom pom maker like I did or whatever pom pom method you normally use. Attach the pom pom by sewing it on the center of the Santa hat. Done!

Happy Holidays

X♥X♥

-Michelle

Cute Teddy Bear Jewelry ♥ 12 Days of DIY

I have another quick and easy DIY project for you guys today. If you have a lot of family/friends you want to give gifts to this year then this DIY is perfect for your situation. I made these adorable teddy bear and bunny rings in just a few minutes. They would also making cute stocking stuffers! Enjoy!

A few weeks ago I was browsing my local craft store and found these adorable colorful teddy bears and bunnies at the dollhouse aisle. I immediately snatched them up and now I'm using them in today's DIY tutorial.

You will need:

- A glue gun

- Ring bases (I got mine from eBay but you can find these at a craft store)

- Cute trinkets like these teddy bears and bunnies (also found at a craft store)

To make these rings you simply plug in your glue gun wait for it to be fully heated and carefully apply hot glue to the button of your trinkets and quickly place them on top of your ring base. Apply a little bit of pressure to make your rings stay in place. Let them stand for a few minutes until the glue cools off and you are done!

You can also use other jewelry findings to make necklaces, hair clips, etc.

Are you guys loving 12 Days of DIY?

X♥X♥

-Michelle

PokePuffs Crochet Pattern ♥ 12 Days of DIY

Since a lot of you loved the Sailor Moon lip balm cozy I made last week I have another cartoon/anime inspired crochet pattern! This time I will be showing you how to crochet a Pokepuff, as shown in the Pokemon X + Y games. I am going to be making the strawberry Pokepuff with a swirly frosting and cherry on top but you can also use this pattern to make some Pokepuffs in different colors (you can use brown yarn to make a chocolate Pokepuff).

You will need:
- 2 types of pink worsted yarn (a light and a bubblegum pink)
- Cream or white worsted yarn
- A scrap of red yarn for the cherry
- H crochet hook
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
- Stuffing
- Hot glue (optional)

Abbreviations + tips

ch - chain

sl st - slip stitch

st(s) - stitch(es)

sc - single crochet

dec - decrease

blo - back loop only (used to make the frosting)

*If something doesn't seem right let me know and I will try to fix the pattern.

Base (use bubblegum pink yarn)
- Ch 6, sl st to 1st st to form circle. Total sts = 6 sts
- Sc 2 sts in each st. Total sts = 12 sts
- Sc 1 st, sc 2 sts in next st (repeat 6x times). Total sts = 18 sts
- Sc 18 sts (repeat 2x times). Total sts = 18 sts
- Sc 2 sts, sc 2 sts in next st (repeat 6x time). Total sts = 24 sts
- Sc 24 sts (repeat 2x time). Total sts = 24 sts
- Dec 10 sts, cut off, and stuff

Middle "icing" (use white or cream yarn)

- Ch 6, sl st to form circle. Total sts = 6 sts
- Sc 2 sts in each st. Total sts = 12 sts
- Sc 2 sts in each st. Total sts = 24 sts
- Sc 24 sts. Total sts = 24 sts
At this point you are going to start creating the dripping look.
- Sc 3 sts, ch 1, turn, sc 3, ch 1, turn, dec, sc 1 st, cut off
Skip 2 sts
- Sc 4 sts, ch 1, turn, dec 2 times, cut off
Skip 1 st
- Sc 3 sts, ch 1, turn, sc 3, ch 1, turn, dec, sc 1 st, cut off
Skip 3 sts
- Sc 4 sts, ch 1, turn, dec 2 times, cut off
Cut off and weave in ends

Frosting (use light pink yarn)
To create the frosting I follow this frosting pattern by Twinkie Chan, because she makes the best sweet creations in my opinion.

Cherry (use red yarn)
You can also follow the same Twinkie Chan pattern to create the cherry.

Assembly
To assemble the Pokepuff you are going to sew the icing on top of the Pokepuff base. Then sew (or glue) the frosting on top of the Pokepuff and garnish with a red cherry. Now you can feed your Pokemon some handmade Pokepuffs of your own!

Any Pokemon fans out there?

X♥X♥

-Michelle