One Haven Maven

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Dec 05

GINGERSNAP COOKIES & PUMPKIN DIP

Dec 05

All the flavors of fall in these melt-in-your-mouth gingersnaps with pumpkin dip. You’ll want to make these for dessert tonight!Mr. Maven and I were newlyweds when I made this recipe for the first time. Our Bishop’s wife (like a pastor or priest, but unpaid) gave all of us newbie’s a little recipe book of her family’s favorites. When I served these cookies and dip after a dinner party one night, I received rave reviews. Our guests couldn’t stop eating them!  Right then and there I decided these gingersnaps with pumpkin dip had to be a fall tradition. They’re magical!

Perfect Fall Cookie! These gingersnaps always get oohs and ahhs. Come over to the blog for the recipe.Now, these cookies do take a little time to make because you have to refrigerate the dough for an hour before rolling it into balls. So, plan ahead. They’re so worth it!

Also of note, this recipe makes a lot of cookies (it helps save counter space if you have stacking cooling racks like I do). Make some now and freeze some baked ones for a later date. They freeze nicely and should last 2-3 months in a freezer bag. You can also freeze some of the rolled dough so you can have freshly baked cookies when a last minute event comes up (like parent/teacher conferences, your Aunt Martha shows up on your doorstep, a pity party, whatever). Or… when you want your house to smell A-MAZING!

The perfect fall gingersnap. Guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Come on over and get the recipe!Cinnamon, ginger, cloves, molasses & pumpkin.  All the incredible cozy, warm, sweet flavors of fall.

Perfect Fall Gingersnaps. Melt in your mouth, these cookies will be your most requested recipe! Come on over and get the recipe.These cookies are not thick, which sometimes can be a deal-breaker for me. Not so with these babies. Lightly rolling them in sugar gives them that crisp, crunchy edge and they’re perfectly chewy in the middle. If you like them crispy all the way through, try baking them 2 minutes longer.

Perfect Fall Gingersnaps. Guaranteed to be a hit! Come on over to check it out.I tried not eating any because I felt like I was coming down with something and sugar isn’t so great for you on the best of days. Sigh…I didn’t win the battle and I had one.

Perfect Fall Gingersnaps with heavenly pumpkin dip. Come on over and get the recipe!I had to eat the ones that were in the pumpkin dip because they would go soggy. Oh, and the one I took the bite out of for the photo. Oops!

The dip isn’t absolutely necessary, but it does add a little something special and kinda different. So, you’re gonna wanna make it. Just sayin’.

Save Print
GINGERSNAP COOKIES & PUMPKIN DIP
Author: Donnette Tew
Recipe type: Cookies
Prep time:  1 hour 15 mins
Cook time:  12 mins
Total time:  1 hour 27 mins
Serves: 48 cookies
 
Ingredients
GINGERSNAPS
  • 1½ cups butter, softened
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup molasses
  • 4 cups + 2 tbsp flour
  • 4 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ginger
  • 1 tsp cloves
  • 1 tsp salt
PUMPKIN DIP
  • 1 8 oz-pkg softened cream cheese (I used low-fat)
  • ¼ cup pureed pumpkin
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ginger
Instructions
  1. Cream butter and sugar.
  2. Add eggs and beat well.
  3. Add molasses and mix well.
  4. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt.
  5. Add dry to creamed mixture and mix.
  6. Chill dough for 1 hour or until firm.
  7. Preheat oven to 375F.
  8. Form into 2-inch rolls and roll in sugar.
  9. Bake on cookie sheet at 375F for 12 min.
  10. Let cool on tray for 2 min before transferring to cooling racks.
  11. For the dip:
  12. Mix all ingredients with an electric mixer until smooth.
  13. Serve with cookies.
  14. Cover and refrigerate leftover dip for up to 5 days.
3.5.3208

Amazing melt in your mouth gingersnaps with pumpkin dip. Come on over and get the recipe.

Please let me know if you love these cookies as much as we do! Enjoy!

(*Note: The links in this post are Amazon affiliate links, which means I get a little kickback if you buy something through that link. No cost to you, but it does help me to be able to continue creating awesome posts)

Posted by Lauren 1 Comment
Filed Under: Dessert, Recipes Tagged: cookies, fall, ginger, pumpkin

Sep 16

4 SUREFIRE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY MEMORABLE

Sep 16

Looking for ways to make your child's birthday special? Check out these 4 easy ways.

Years ago, my husband and I decided that we wanted to change how we were celebrating birthdays and Christmas in our home. Birthdays were always fun; with a party and one or two presents from Mom and Dad, but never anything big. We tended to buy the “bigger” gifts for Christmas.

Christmas had become all about, “How many presents are under the tree for me?” and less about the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

After some thought, we decided to make a switch. Big birthdays to celebrate our kids! A day just about them, to let them know how grateful we are that they are a part of our family. Christmas would be small; just one meaningful gift from us to them.

So, how did we do this? We created some fun traditions that our kids look forward to each year.

Breakfast in Bed

Birthday Traditions

Usually the week before their birthday, I find out what they’d like for breakfast. Frequently, the request is for crepes with whipped cream and berries (probably because I forget to make them the rest of the year!). But we’ve also had breakfast burritos, puffy oven pancakes with buttermilk syrup and pop tarts. I get up early and my other two children help me make and assemble breakfast on a tray, which we take to the birthday child for breakfast in bed. We serenade them with “Happy Birthday” as we enter, in our most terrible beautiful singing voices. The rest of us, sit on the floor and join the birthday child in eating their yummy breakfast of choice!

Presents after breakfast

Birthday Traditions

After the yummy breakfast, we bring in the gifts. Usually, there are about four gifts. I don’t necessarily plan to buy four gifts, it just ends up that way. I think it’s fun to open a bunch of presents and be spoiled once a year. It doesn’t always matter what’s inside. Sometimes it’s just about the opening! We try and get them things off of their amazon wish list that they keep throughout the year. I also keep a running list of gift ideas for each child in my phone. As they mention something they really want, I jot it down.

Themed Parties

Themed Birthday Party

We have a rule that determines the number of party guests that can be invited. If they’re turning seven, they can invite seven kids for example. However, we cap the guest list at eight children. With my three kids and eight others, that’s more than enough for this only child (me!) to handle! I love doing a themed party with decorations, cupcakes and games. The kids really enjoy it and the games and activities keep everyone occupied. I won’t lie-this is a bit of work. It takes some planning and lots of pinterest surfing (that’s the fun part), but in the end, it’s all worth it. In the past, I’ve done a puppy party, spy party, halloween-themed party, garden party, spa party and more.

Pick Your Dinner and Cake

Burger and Fries

In addition to choosing what they have for breakfast, I let the kids pick the menu for dinner. Yes, they’re getting spoiled, but it’s only one day a year. Usually, their request is something like mac n cheese, hot dogs or burritos. Easy peasy! The odd time they want to go out for dinner, but it’s typically a request for Denny’s or Sonic, which are pretty cheap. The best part is that if we go out, I don’t have to clean up!

Then comes dessert! My favorite =) I prefer to make cupcakes, but sometimes they really want cake. This past year, K wanted a key lime cheesecake. I found a copycat cheesecake factory recipe that was to die for!

Take Lots of Photos

Birthday Traditions

I know, this is a given. Sometimes though, in the midst of all the celebrating, it’s easy to forget to take pictures of the amazing day you’ve created. Not only is it great to have photos to send to relatives or get inspired for future events, but your kids will love looking back on the fun birthday memories they’ve formed from year to year.

These are just a few simple birthday traditions to your make your child’s special day one to remember, and make them feel like a king or queen for the day. I don’t know about you, but that’s all I want on my birthday! Good food, some gifts to open and relaxing time with my family. A perfect day in my book. Well, as long as chocolate is involved in there somewhere.

What does your family do to make birthdays memorable? Do you have some of the same traditions?
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Posted by Lauren Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Gifts, Parenting Tagged: birthdays, kids, traditions

Sep 16

FAMILY ROOM-MAKEOVER EDITION

Sep 16

Family Room Makeover

Four months ago, we left our home in the mountains and moved into our rental home. It’s an older home that needs a lot of love. This post is part of a Makeover Edition Series that I will add to often. I’m excited to share our own little “fixer upper” journey with you!

Here’s where we started:

Ugly Family Room

A long, narrow, dark room that’s really difficult to arrange.

We ripped up and replaced the pet-stained (ew!), worn-out carpet, scraped the popcorn ceiling, painted the ceiling, walls, trim and fireplace. Oh, and the mantel. Isn’t paint the best? It’s such a quick, easy fix and I love it.

After a lot of furniture moving and hours of sweat and tears, (ok, there wasn’t really sweat and the tears) it’s finally….in progress! (you thought I was going to say done, didn’t you!?)

family-room-2

We have the furniture where I want it and it’s partially decorated.

Mantel

The mantel was the first to be beautified in this room since the fireplace is the focal point. I knew I wanted to use my big mirror to anchor everything else together. I scored this mirror for $10 at a garage sale about 12 years ago. It used to have a cream colored frame, but I decided it needed to be black to “pop” against neutral walls.

The flowers and candlesticks I’ve had for a while. Everything else I’ve purchased recently.

Black and Turquoise Mantel Decor

Candlesticks & Candles: Hobby Lobby

yellow-bird

Hobby Lobby

faux-boxwood

Burlington Coat Factory

letter-m

TJ Maxx

Mantel

Mercury Glass Vase: Target, Hydrangeas: Hobby Lobby (these were a part a table centerpiece we used at our wedding 14 years ago!)

After the mantel was finished, I tackled the sofa table. This table has been in our family for at least 75 years, but is more like 150 years old. It’s one piece I refuse to part with, no matter what life brings! I’ve never actually used it as a soft table before. Usually, it’s the home for framed photos and stands near the entry way.

Family Room Makeover

Isn’t she pretty? I’ve secretly always wanted a sofa table and I had one all the time!

mirrored-tray

Green vase & greenery: Hobby Lobby, Peony in Vase: Target, Mirrored Tray: Ross

yellow-picture-frame

Hobby Lobby (they have the best selection of unique frames!)

lantern

Lantern: BHG at Walmart, Bowl: my Mom! I have no idea where she got them.

I guess I should’ve dusted the lantern before I took this shot…I didn’t realize it was dusty until I opened the photo in my editor. Oops! You’ll learn pretty quickly that I’m not perfect 😉

The rest of the room still needs some fixing, but considering that we moved in almost four months ago and during that time, my Mom was here for a month, my husband was working day and night, I’m cooking about 85% from our food storage (more about this later) we had camps, conferences to attend and school started…

The plans:

couches

  1. Finish cleaning couches. I tossed my couch seat covers in the washing machine and air-dried them and they came out mostly like new. I’ve been struggling with them for a few years now and was afraid of ruining them. I was pleasantly surprised! Now, I need to tackle the arms and skirt with my upholstery attachment on my carpet cleaner. Wish me luck 🙂
  2. Recover or possibly buy new throw cushions. These ones aren’t that comfortable and I need to have turquoise, yellow and gray in the patterns. I’m thinking maybe a mixture of flowers, polka dots and/or stripes.
  3. Repaint the stripe on the magazine tray. Probably turquoise, ‘cause it’s my favorite.
  4. Hang some pictures on the wall. If you look in the photo below, theres an empty wall across from the couches on which I want to create a gallery wall. I just need to figure out the design.

family-room-2

Gallery wall coming soon to a wall near you…or, rather..me

green-window

     5. Finally, I need to paint the window sills white and get rid of the green.

Well, there you have it. From ugly and stripped down to nothing, to pretty and getting there. I’m sure it will take a while to get everything the way I want it.  I’ll post an update when I’ve made significant progress.

Any thoughts on new throw pillows? Do you have a go-to store for new cushions? If so, let me know in the comments below. I’m pretty thrifty, so I hope they have good deals 😉

 
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Posted by Lauren Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Decor, DIY Tagged: decorating, family, makeover, mercury glass, turquoise

Apr 30

WHY I CHOSE TO BE A BLOGGER

Apr 30

Welcome

Welcome!!

Are you ready to hang out with me and have some fun while we learn, laugh and make our homes lovely places to be? I can’t wait! I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you’ll visit often!

First things first, I thought you might want to know why I wanted to be a blogger…

One of the scariest things to me about becoming a blogger is really putting yourself out there. The online world can be wonderful, supportive and exciting…and cruel, critical and harsh. I really thought about this blogging thing, as in, thought about it for 2 years!

Did I have anything relevant or inspiring to share?
Does the world really need another home & family blogger?

In the end, I decided to go for it and here I am!

Making home a beautiful, joyful, safe place is my livelihood and my passion. I’ve learned more than a few things along the way that will be helpful to you and I’m excited to share. If there’s something you want me to post about, just let me know and I’m happy to oblige if I can.

Here’s the scoop:

I plan to share incredibly delicious recipes, test-tasted by family and friends. Some will be quick and easy; some might take some time, but will be well worth it. We eat pretty healthy in our home, but we also love our sweets!

pizza

Since family is #1 to me, I’ll give you great ideas of how to strengthen your family through traditions, fun family night activities, parenting tips that have worked for me and more.

Mormon Helping Hands

I will state here and now, I am not a crafter. I repeat, I am not a crafter. Don’t expect cutesy little crafts for every season and whim. But….

We are do-it-yourself-ers in our home and I’ll happily share how-to’s on our awesome finished projects.

kitchen

I’ll also include some cheap and simple decorating ideas to spruce things up.

DIY

Finally, my LDS faith is my way of life. I am a Christian. I won’t be preachy, but I will share some things here and there related to that. You can expect some posts about prayer, teaching children about faith, fun activity ideas related to faith and more.

LDS Baptism

Many bloggers refrain from sharing personal posts with their readers. I’m not one of those bloggers! This is not going to be a “Diary of Lauren’s Daily Life”, but I will share things with you that I feel could help inspire you, cheer you or even prevent you from making a similar mistake. I’ve learned so much from reading my favorite bloggers stories and I want to pay that forward to you.t

I’ll post every Monday, Thursday and Friday.

I look forward to getting to know you! If you want to know more about me, check out my about page. See you Thursday!
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Posted by Lauren Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: Blogging, decor, family, home, recipes

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I’m Lauren, the wife, mother of three and homemaker behind One Haven Maven. I love dark chocolate, old movies and all things pretty! Stick around for a while and enjoy mouth-watering recipes, ideas to help you strengthen your family and discover some easy ways to make your house a home.
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Day in the Life Vlog: Laundry+Cleaning+Cupcakes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9zN8RXPYHI&t=1s
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