Saturday, March 12, 2011
And the Winner is...
This week's Giveaway winner is Atutudes. Congratulations! I hope that you enjoy your fabulous accessories from the Sweetharts shop.
Friday, March 11, 2011
A Devastated Japan: Sending Heartfelt Thoughts, Prayers, and Hope
When I turned on the news this morning to check the local weather my heart sank at the devastating news of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan. How horrible. I have a dear friend that is originally from Japan and still has all of her immediate family living there. I instantly began to think of her (and them) and couldn't imagine what she and so many other families must be feeling. I know that I would feel panic, desperation, terror, and sadness. This afternoon I learned that her family and friends are all safe. Thank goodness. My heart breaks for those that were not as fortunate and for their families.
In times like these, it is so important for us to come together and support those who need our help. The American Red Cross "stands ready and willing to assist following a magnitude 8.9 earthquake in Japan and the resulting tsunami that affected other countries in the Pacific region". If you would like to help you can go to www.redcross.org and donate to Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami or you can also text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific.
Praying that tomorrow will be a brighter day...
In times like these, it is so important for us to come together and support those who need our help. The American Red Cross "stands ready and willing to assist following a magnitude 8.9 earthquake in Japan and the resulting tsunami that affected other countries in the Pacific region". If you would like to help you can go to www.redcross.org and donate to Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami or you can also text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific.
Praying that tomorrow will be a brighter day...
What's Cooking?: A Collection of Recipe Favorites
Ever since our youngest has turned 2 and become a little more independent, I feel like I am re-discovering my love of cooking and food. I have always loved to bake for special occasions but cooking just wasn't my thing. I think that it probably had to do with trying to occupy 3 young children while I was attempting to prepare the night's meal or that fact that I wasn't always the best at planning out our menu. Either way, my new-found love of discovering recipes that our family can prepare together and enjoy has inspired me to start a collection of posts called {What's Cooking?}. I will be sharing family favorites as well as great new recipe finds. Appetizers, entrees, desserts, and everything in between will be included. Maybe some of my favorites will make their way into your home. Whether you add them to your weeknight menu line-up or share them with guests at your next Shindig, I hope that I am able to inspire you to re-discover your love of food as well!
Last week I shared the first recipe in the {What's Cooking?} collection, Grilled Zucchini Poppers. This week's recipe is a new Cooking Light find that our family just recently tried and LOVED. It is healthy, hearty, and easy to prepare for a quick weeknight meal.
Last week I shared the first recipe in the {What's Cooking?} collection, Grilled Zucchini Poppers. This week's recipe is a new Cooking Light find that our family just recently tried and LOVED. It is healthy, hearty, and easy to prepare for a quick weeknight meal.
Caprese Wraps with Chicken
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups prechopped hearts of romaine lettuce
1 1/2 cups shredded skinless, boneless rotisserie chicken breast
3/4 cup (3 ounces) fresh mozzarella cheese, chopped
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
Cooking spray
4 (2.8-ounce) multigrain flatbreads (such as Flatout)
1 large garlic clove, halved
Preparation
1. Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add lettuce and next 4 ingredients (through tomatoes), tossing to coat.
2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Working with 1 flatbread at a time, cook bread 1 minute on each side or until toasted. Rub 1 side of each flatbread with cut sides of garlic. Arrange 1 1/2 cups chicken mixture in the center of each flatbread; roll up.
* A few side notes: I do not eat meat but my husband and oldest son do. So, I prepared all of the ingredients and added the chicken in at the end, allowing the meat-free wraps to be prepared first. I have used balsamic vinegar in place of the white wine vinegar...yummy! Also, you can use any type of shredded chicken that you have leftover or on hand. My husband used Tyson's All Natural Crispy Chicken Strips one night and loved the result. Experiment and have fun!
Nutritional Information
Calories:328
Fat:15.9g (sat 4.5g,mono 6.2g,poly 2.7g)
Protein:30.3g
Carbohydrate:22g
Fiber:9.5g
Cholesterol:61mg
Iron:2.9mg
Sodium:573mg
Calcium:180mg
Last Chace to Enter to Win!
Today is your last chance to enter to win this week's GIVEAWAY sponsored by the Sweetharts shop. Don't miss out on this chance to win some fabulous accessories. Click here to go to the giveaway link.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
An Easy & Inexpensive DIY St. Patrick's Day Party Table, Part 2
As promised, here are the super EASY and INEXPENSIVE DIY tutorials and ideas for the St. Patrick's Day Party Table that I shared yesterday.
I will start with the superstar of the party...the Rainbow Jell-O! I have to admit, I am not a Jell-O fan. But, I was dying to try to make this colorful concoction and my kids were beyond thrilled to try it out.
Here's what you need:
- A 3oz box of each color Jell-O: blue, yellow and red
- A box of knox gelatin
- Cups of your choice (I used Chinet "Cut Crystal" Cups in the 9oz size)
To create your Rainbow Jell-O cups, mix the blue jello with 1/2 an envelope of the knox gelatin. Pour in 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve the gelatin. Add 1/2 cup of ice. Stir until thick. Remove any remaining ice cubes and any bubbles that may have formed. Pour into each cup, filling about 1/3 of the way. Let set in the refrigerator until firm. Repeat with the yellow jello and pour it over the set blue. Repeat with the red jello and pour it over the yellow. Easy peesy, right! These Jell-O cups are beautiful when the sunlight hits them. And the kiddos will love diving into them and seeing all of the "extra" colors that were created from the primary colors being stacked. Lots of fun!
** The amounts listed above made 4 9oz filled Jell-O cups **
Next up are the Chocolate-Covered Pretzels. I did another post on creating these around Valentine's Day BUT I came up with an even easier version. Here's what you need:
- 1 bag of Synder's Pretzel Dips (or a similar brand)
- Candy Melts in the colors of your choice
- 1 Squeeze Bottle (can be found at craft store in baking section)
This is SO EASY! In the past, I have dipped my own pretzels into chocolate. Then I stumbled across Pretzel Dips. Why didn't I think of using pre-dipped pretzels before?? Simply lay your dipped pretzels out on a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Place candy melts in your squeeze bottle and microwave in 30 second increments until melted. Next, squeeze/drizzle the melted candy melts over your pretzels to create the look that you are going for (I happened to have green candy melts in my pantry, which was perfect for St. Patrick's Day. If I had planned ahead, I would have used a variety of colors to create Rainbow Chocolate-Covered Pretzels). Place baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15 minutes or until candy has hardened. Serve and enjoy!
To dress up your napkins, make these easy, DIY Rainbow Ribbon Napkin Rings. To create, I used a wide piece of red ribbon and hot glued smaller yellow, green, and blue ribbons to it (see pictures below. I apologize for the horrible picture quality...not really sure what happened). Once complete, simply wrap around your napkin, glue, and cut off any extra ribbon. I chose to embellish my rings with handmade shamrock toppers. Yours will look just as fun and colorful, either way!
And last but not least, you can create cute and inexpensive Favor Bags for your St. Patrick's Day Party by using small colored paper bags (found at your local craft store), some ribbon, and a little embellishment of your choice. Simply fold the top section of your bag down and punch a hole near the crease. Open your bag up, fill with goodies, and wrap a ribbon around the bag lenght-wise. Tie and embellish as you wish!
I hope that I have inspired you to create a fun little St. Patrick's Day Shindig of your own. It really is that easy!
I will start with the superstar of the party...the Rainbow Jell-O! I have to admit, I am not a Jell-O fan. But, I was dying to try to make this colorful concoction and my kids were beyond thrilled to try it out.
Here's what you need:- A 3oz box of each color Jell-O: blue, yellow and red
- A box of knox gelatin
- Cups of your choice (I used Chinet "Cut Crystal" Cups in the 9oz size)
To create your Rainbow Jell-O cups, mix the blue jello with 1/2 an envelope of the knox gelatin. Pour in 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve the gelatin. Add 1/2 cup of ice. Stir until thick. Remove any remaining ice cubes and any bubbles that may have formed. Pour into each cup, filling about 1/3 of the way. Let set in the refrigerator until firm. Repeat with the yellow jello and pour it over the set blue. Repeat with the red jello and pour it over the yellow. Easy peesy, right! These Jell-O cups are beautiful when the sunlight hits them. And the kiddos will love diving into them and seeing all of the "extra" colors that were created from the primary colors being stacked. Lots of fun!
** The amounts listed above made 4 9oz filled Jell-O cups **
Next up are the Chocolate-Covered Pretzels. I did another post on creating these around Valentine's Day BUT I came up with an even easier version. Here's what you need:
- 1 bag of Synder's Pretzel Dips (or a similar brand)
- Candy Melts in the colors of your choice
- 1 Squeeze Bottle (can be found at craft store in baking section)
This is SO EASY! In the past, I have dipped my own pretzels into chocolate. Then I stumbled across Pretzel Dips. Why didn't I think of using pre-dipped pretzels before?? Simply lay your dipped pretzels out on a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Place candy melts in your squeeze bottle and microwave in 30 second increments until melted. Next, squeeze/drizzle the melted candy melts over your pretzels to create the look that you are going for (I happened to have green candy melts in my pantry, which was perfect for St. Patrick's Day. If I had planned ahead, I would have used a variety of colors to create Rainbow Chocolate-Covered Pretzels). Place baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15 minutes or until candy has hardened. Serve and enjoy!
To dress up your napkins, make these easy, DIY Rainbow Ribbon Napkin Rings. To create, I used a wide piece of red ribbon and hot glued smaller yellow, green, and blue ribbons to it (see pictures below. I apologize for the horrible picture quality...not really sure what happened). Once complete, simply wrap around your napkin, glue, and cut off any extra ribbon. I chose to embellish my rings with handmade shamrock toppers. Yours will look just as fun and colorful, either way!
And last but not least, you can create cute and inexpensive Favor Bags for your St. Patrick's Day Party by using small colored paper bags (found at your local craft store), some ribbon, and a little embellishment of your choice. Simply fold the top section of your bag down and punch a hole near the crease. Open your bag up, fill with goodies, and wrap a ribbon around the bag lenght-wise. Tie and embellish as you wish!
I hope that I have inspired you to create a fun little St. Patrick's Day Shindig of your own. It really is that easy!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
An Easy & Inexpensive DIY St. Patrick's Day Party Table
With St. Patrick's Day just a little over a week away, I thought that I would put together some easy ideas and tips to help you create a St. Patrick's Day Party Table set-up without having to spend a lot of time or money. I was able to create a cute party table using items that I already had at home and then adding in a few inexpensive, DIY "extras".
I decided that I wanted to use the traditional St. Patrick's Day decor of shamrocks and shades of green as well as some rainbow elements to brighten up the party table. I started by using a basic white tablecloth to cover my table. I have some great green dessert plates my Grandmother gave me several years ago that I decided would be perfect for a St. Patrick's Day celebration. I layered these with a smaller glass dessert plate and then added a homemade cup of Rainbow Jell-O (DIY instructions to come later this week). The result was a colorful place setting that cost next-to-nothing and is really easy to re-create!
I had some green polka-dotted napkins leftover from the summer that I dressed up with a DIY Rainbow Napkin Ring and a handmade shamrock topper (Sheek Shindigs Etsy Shop)to add some of the rainbow elements that I wanted to incorporate into the table's set-up.
For the table centerpiece, I put multi-colored gumballs that I had leftover from another event into glass vessels and added cut-out Rainbows to each one using Love the Day's free St. Patrick's Day printable download. Skittles, gold "coins" or any other colorful candy or trinket that you have at home would also work well. And, if you don't have glass vessels, use a clear vase.
I used clementines with DIY rainbow flags, snow cone holders, small green paper bags, ribbon, and some easy-to-make chocolate covered pretzels to add a few more fun elements to the table. With the exception of the rainbow Jell-O cups and chocolate-covered pretzels, I was literally able to put this table together, start to finish, while my youngest two napped.
By using similar items that you have around your house, you can easily re-create this St. Patrick's Day Party Table for a playdate, classroom party, or family celebration. Stay tuned for DIY instructions for the Rainbow Jell-O Cups, chocolate-covered pretzels, rainbow napkin rings, and favor bags later this week!
I decided that I wanted to use the traditional St. Patrick's Day decor of shamrocks and shades of green as well as some rainbow elements to brighten up the party table. I started by using a basic white tablecloth to cover my table. I have some great green dessert plates my Grandmother gave me several years ago that I decided would be perfect for a St. Patrick's Day celebration. I layered these with a smaller glass dessert plate and then added a homemade cup of Rainbow Jell-O (DIY instructions to come later this week). The result was a colorful place setting that cost next-to-nothing and is really easy to re-create!
I had some green polka-dotted napkins leftover from the summer that I dressed up with a DIY Rainbow Napkin Ring and a handmade shamrock topper (Sheek Shindigs Etsy Shop)to add some of the rainbow elements that I wanted to incorporate into the table's set-up.
For the table centerpiece, I put multi-colored gumballs that I had leftover from another event into glass vessels and added cut-out Rainbows to each one using Love the Day's free St. Patrick's Day printable download. Skittles, gold "coins" or any other colorful candy or trinket that you have at home would also work well. And, if you don't have glass vessels, use a clear vase.
I used clementines with DIY rainbow flags, snow cone holders, small green paper bags, ribbon, and some easy-to-make chocolate covered pretzels to add a few more fun elements to the table. With the exception of the rainbow Jell-O cups and chocolate-covered pretzels, I was literally able to put this table together, start to finish, while my youngest two napped.
By using similar items that you have around your house, you can easily re-create this St. Patrick's Day Party Table for a playdate, classroom party, or family celebration. Stay tuned for DIY instructions for the Rainbow Jell-O Cups, chocolate-covered pretzels, rainbow napkin rings, and favor bags later this week!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
{Party Inspiration} A Library-Themed Party
Did you see this party idea in the latest issue of Family Fun Magazine? Host a Library-Themed Party! Whether it's for a birthday party, playdate, or just with your own kiddos, Family Fun has provided some wonderful ideas and tools to help make this party a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved. Here are some tips and tools for putting your Library-themed party together:
Party Invite:
Make sure guests know the date they're due at your party! Print these invitations, then stamp the date of the event using an old-school rotating date stamp and write in the party details, using your best penmanship. Insert the cards in manila envelopes cut to resemble the pockets traditionally stuck inside a library book's cover and deliver! (You can find the rotating date stamp online or at office supply stores)
Set the Scene:
Since enjoying books together is the main party activity, set up a nook with a rug and pillows (they used tacky glue to attach felt letters to pillow forms). Display faves from your collection and from the local library.
Library Cards:
Give each guest an official-looking card, filled out with her name and the date. Appoint a librarian (an ideal job for an older sibling) to stamp the card each time a guest checks out a book to read at the party. Patrons who collect five or more stamps can be rewarded with inexpensive books or other take-home goodies.
Snacks:
Worms are delicious — when they're bookworms made from crispy rice and marshmallows! Kids will LOVE snacking on these while they enjoy reading or listening to a good book! You can find the recipe and instructions, here.
Party Favors:
Send your guests home prepared for their next visit to the library. These Stamped Book Bags are inexpensive and easy to make. Instructions can be found here.
This has to be one of my favorite theme ideas in awhile, especially for a playdate. It is inexpensive and easy to put together AND it encourages one of my favorite activities to do with a child--READ!
Party Invite:
Make sure guests know the date they're due at your party! Print these invitations, then stamp the date of the event using an old-school rotating date stamp and write in the party details, using your best penmanship. Insert the cards in manila envelopes cut to resemble the pockets traditionally stuck inside a library book's cover and deliver! (You can find the rotating date stamp online or at office supply stores)
Set the Scene:
Since enjoying books together is the main party activity, set up a nook with a rug and pillows (they used tacky glue to attach felt letters to pillow forms). Display faves from your collection and from the local library.
Library Cards:
Give each guest an official-looking card, filled out with her name and the date. Appoint a librarian (an ideal job for an older sibling) to stamp the card each time a guest checks out a book to read at the party. Patrons who collect five or more stamps can be rewarded with inexpensive books or other take-home goodies.
Snacks:
Worms are delicious — when they're bookworms made from crispy rice and marshmallows! Kids will LOVE snacking on these while they enjoy reading or listening to a good book! You can find the recipe and instructions, here.
Party Favors:
Send your guests home prepared for their next visit to the library. These Stamped Book Bags are inexpensive and easy to make. Instructions can be found here.
This has to be one of my favorite theme ideas in awhile, especially for a playdate. It is inexpensive and easy to put together AND it encourages one of my favorite activities to do with a child--READ!
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