Mini DIY, Sweet Treats & Gossip Girl

I love simple DIY projects that don’t require much planning or materials. The idea for this mini Christmas Tree came to me when I was walking my dogs and saw a bunch of branches and pine cones on the ground. As with most of my DIY projects, I love the simplicity of this tree and the fact that I was able to use materials I already had on hand.

I hot glued a few smaller twigs to a larger branch.

I found an old container which I wrapped in some white fabric. You can add tiny ornaments, beads, stars…whatever you have in your stash.

We enjoyed these Peanut Butter Oat Chippers while watching Season 3 of the Gossip Girl. Thanks to my daughters, I know all about Dan, Blair and Serena.

I wonder who Gossip Girl is? I also wonder if rich people in Manhattan ever eat since everyone on this show looks like a stick figure. How come Chuck Bass always whispers? Perhaps Season 4 will clue us in.

Well, Serena, Blair & Company,  these cookies are so good they are worth gossiping.

Peanut Butter Oat Chippers 

(American Lifestyle Magazine)

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup peanut butter

2/3 cup sugar

2/3 cup brown sugar

3 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

3 1/2 cups oats

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips (you can use peanut butter chips, nuts or raisins instead)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream butter, peanut butter, sugars until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla.

On low speed, gradually add flour mixture. Gradually stir in oats. Fold in chocolate chips.

Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, drop dough about 2 inches apart on cookie sheets. Bake for 12 minutes or until edges start to turn lightly golden.