The Pioneer Woman Did Me In

So. Did you see this post?

Decorated Christmas Cookies

For years, I have wanted to make pretty sugar cookies featuring royal icing. The Pioneer Woman's step-by-step instructions and photos inspired me. I knew I could do it.

And I did. I made the sugar cookies (way crumbly dough), mixed the royal icing (what a royal pain), and selected colors.

But alas, here are my results.

It was a kitchen disaster of epic proportions.

Lessons were learned:

• Be prepared and have everything laid out ahead of time.
• Keep it simple. Stick with one or two designs, two or three colors.
• Make the cookies ahead of time, so that it is not an overwhelming day.
• Don't promise two little pesky kids that they can help. They make a mess and lose interest quickly.
• I'll stick with the cinnamon rolls, Ree.