How to Make Homemade Gingerbread Man Cookies

Several years ago when our daughter was about 13 years old, we started a holiday tradition together. About 2 weeks before Christmas, we would spend an afternoon together baking gingerbread flavored holiday goodies.

When it comes to holiday baking, it just wouldn't be complete without making some cute gingerbread man cookies. The follow recipe is pretty easy, although its not quick since you will be hand making your dough, rolling it out and then cutting out your cookie shapes.

Gingerbread Man Cookies Recipe

2 1/2 sticks butter, softened
2/3 cup molasses
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
2 1/2 cups all purpose-flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
4 cups confectioner's sugar (powdered sugar)
4 tablespoons milk

In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup softened butter, molasses, brown sugar and egg together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Add in the flour, spices, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, salt, baking soda and then the baking powder. Beat mixture at low speed with an electric mixture until all ingredients are well combined. Place mixture in a large zipper close plastic bag and place into the refrigerator for 4 hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with a silicone nonstick baking mat or lightly grease them. Split cookie dough into three equal sections. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured dough board until it measures approximately 1/4" thick. Use a purchased gingerbread man cookie cutter and cut out your shapes. Place shapes onto your baking sheets and bake in the oven for 6-8 minutes or until done. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.

Frosting Recipe

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the confectioner's sugar, milk, remaining 1/2 cup of butter and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer and beat until mixture is creamy and fluffy. If desired, you can tint the frosting with food color. Decorate your completely cooled gingerbread man cookies with frosting and set aside to dry.

Store your cookies in an airtight cookie canister. These cookies will keep for 2-3 weeks if properly stored.

Shelly Hill has been working from home in Direct Sales since 1989 and is a Manager with Tupperware. Every December, Shelly enjoys spending a few days doing holiday baking with her daughter and her mother. It is a family tradition that all 3 women enjoy doing together. You can visit Shelly online at http://www.workathomebusinessoptions.com or her recipe blog at http://wahmshelly.blogspot.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shelly_Hill

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Plain Wedding Bands - Beautiful and Simply Classic!

Crafted of 14k or 18k white or yellow gold, plain wedding rings are crafted artfully and can include precious gems and stones of all kinds. Of course depending on the taste of the betrothed bride and groom, you can create whatever plain wedding bands you desire. There are so many beautiful designs in the varied classic looks that are called plain wedding rings. And as you glance through rings for her you will notice that the same design is created for the men's wedding bands as well.

Wedding bands are more than jewelry rings to wear. They are the embodiment of the relationship, bond and commitment between two people as they enter into marriage. This day deserves the best so investigate every type of wedding band that is available so you'll be proud to wear the ring that is a symbol of "I do."

Plain wedding rings that dome shaped are very simple but timeless. They have been a favorite of many bride and grooms for decades. Available in platinum, white gold or yellow gold, the design is rounded from one side of the ring to the other. This one is definitely a wedding ring that is truly classic elegance.

A unique take on the classic plain wedding rings is the flat wedding band. Like the others, it is one of the wedding bands classified as plain, but instead of the rounded design from side to side this wedding ring has a flat surface but with a rounded band.

Another ring that is in the plain wedding rings category and is just simply stunning is the milgrain wedding band. Many jewelry rings besides wedding bands, use this grooved edge for the detailing on the side of the ring. This group of wedding rings took the simplicity of the dome band and the flat wedding band and grooved the edges of the ring. This is also a favorite of those looking for men's wedding bands.

There is another design that is part of this very popular group of wedding bands. The beveled edge in a ring means that the edge is not perpendicular but designed to be cut at a 45 degree angle. Again, this is perfect for men's wedding bands as well as women's. This beveled edge is also very popular as regular jewelry rings as well.

Gaining in popularity among plain wedding bands is the knife edge ring. This is similar to the dome, but instead of the ring rounding from one side to the other, the ring slants from the edges to the center creating a dramatic knife type affect which is really beautiful when made into a ring.

Last, but definitely not least, is the Park Avenue wedding band. This is basically a flat band with recessed, milgrain edges. It got its name because no matter what metal is used to create this ring, it looks very high end and designer. If you'd like something that is still classic but with a unique twist, this wedding ring would be perfect for you. Whatever you decide for your wedding bands, remember that they have great meaning and should be loved and cherished by both the bride and the groom.

Robert Lowe - Jewelry Information Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Walter_Lowe

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Beauty and Makeup Made Easy For Busy Women

There is more to beauty and makeup than slapping on the war paint. Even when you are busy there are some simple rules you should follow when applying your cosmetics. Here are some must-have, free beauty tips that no woman should be without.

Like fine art, good makeup application begins with a clean canvas, so do not forget about facial skin care products. After cleansing your face, apply a good moisturizer and allow it to soak in. This will keep your foundation on top of the skin. The next step is to apply concealer and foundation to hide any dark circles and discoloration. Foundation should match your skin tone perfectly, so use great care when choosing your shade. Test the color just under the jaw line instead of on your cheek or hand. This will immediately let you know if it will be invisible on the face. If your skin is oily, then opt for an oil free or water-based foundation. Dry skin works best with a liquid foundation or rich cream. Always make sure that your foundation is well blended to avoid looking like you are wearing a mask.

With regard to beauty and makeup, after you have applied and blended your foundation, set it with loose powder. Choose a lightweight powder that will absorb into your skin instead of just sitting on top. This will help your makeup last all day. Use a large makeup brush and apply in a circular motion. Like your foundation, the color should match your skin tone perfectly. Use a light hand and dust off any excess powder. A matte finish will give your makeup a dated look.

Less is more when it comes to health beauty tips. Only apply powder or cream blush to the apples of your cheeks. Blend the blush in so that the color looks natural. If you make a mistake, then just moisten a sponge and gently dab your cheeks until you get the color you want. The lipstick you choose should match the tone of your skin, hair and eyes. Most women opt for softer colors during the day and darker shades in the evening. The same goes for your eye shadow. To give your eyes some extra pop, apply a shimmering highlighter just beneath the eyebrow and apply a thick, even coat of mascara to your lashes.

Now that you know the beauty and makeup basics, you can get creative with color. Blend trendy shades of eye shadow and liner for a smoky look worthy of a dark red silk scarf. Or, pick up a striking shade of lipstick that you never thought you would wear. The key is to create a pulled together, polished look that highlights your best features. Got great eyes? Layer on the waterproof mascara! Got a sexy pout? Play it up with red lipstick. You will love the way your new look will make you feel.

If you want to splurge, then companies that make high end cosmetic lines will provide consultations by appointment. However, do not feel that you have to buy costly products, try to get a sample first to make sure it suits you and your skin. If you practice your technique and choose the right shades for your skin tone, then you will look flawless every time.

Brian has been writing articles for many years across a wide range of subjects. Come visit his latest website over at http://www.best-anti-aging-cream.net/. For more great tips on skin creams and anti aging creams http://www.best-anti-aging-cream.net/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Stanley

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