Leprechauns Are Coming

Top o' the mornin' to ya!

Photo Living Locurto

I just downloaded a new St. Patty's themed wallpaper for my iphone, and you know what that means! I'm scrounging for ideas! The first cool thing I found was, of course, the iphone wallpaper. Free!, 'cause you know cheap is how I roll. And I'm nice, so I'm sharing where I got it with you. Just click on the iphone wallpaper link and follow the instructions. While you're there, check out the home page of Amy Locurto, who claims to be a "fun" mom because she doesn't worry about the dishes piling up. Come on, why don't you just say it... you've got a maid, right? Kidding aside, hop on over to her site 'cause there's lots of cool stuff there!

I'm also digging up ideas and printables over at Fantasy Jr. If you click on that link, it will take you directly to the St. Patrick's Day printables section. So much to look through there, but a good resource if you're in charge of classroom parties, a teacher, or just want to find something fun to keep your own kids busy!

If you were following this blog last year, you'll remember I made a fruit rainbow and pot of gold jello snacks, along with the lucky charms poem to take into the classrooms. If you're new here, you can find those ideas here. There are so many cute printables out there now, and I really loved the pot of gold idea. Somehow, I've got to work that in again this year...but with a new twist.  From a quick little google image search, I found tons of ideas.

This is inspiration:

Images from Craftomaniac, Family Fun and Edible Crafts

I'm seeing rainbows...lots and lots of rainbows.  And rolos.

Must go shopping for supplies!  Later tonight, we're off to see the Globetrotters.  This weekend, we attend 3 birthday parties (one of which I'm hosting).  And my coupons expire for the shutterfly photo books I need to make and order.  So you won't be hearing from me for a couple of days.  But when I'm back, I'll have lots to share.

Coming up in my next posts will be

1. How to create your own display wall
2. Avacado Pasta & Calico Salad
3. Coffee Cupcakes, Tiramisu Shooters & Russian Tea Cakes
4. Cousin Campout Weekend
..........AND
5. I announce my Stylish Blogger Awards

I know, you're excited now right?  I'm such a tease....

happy weekend everybody!

Super Bowl Highlights

No, I don't mean the actual game...I mean the food, of course! Here's two yummies from this year that will be repeats for sure!


BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP

• 2 (10 ounce) cans, chunk chicken

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup Ranch dressing

• 3/4 cup Texas Pete

• 1 1/2 cups sharp shredded Cheddar cheese
  

Heat chicken and hot sauce in a skillet over medium heat, until heated through. Stir in cream cheese and ranch dressing. Cook, stirring until well blended and warm. Mix in half of the shredded cheese, and transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover, and cook on Low setting until hot and bubbly. Serve hot with toast, crackers or tortilla chips.

AND.....

FOOTBALL CUPCAKES



Super easy...boxed cupcakes. Homemade buttercream icing, dyed green. Reserve some white for the "threads". I used the "grass" tip, wilton tip 233. You can read up more on how to make buttercream icing and how to use the grass tip here... http://www.wilton.com/technique/Grass
The grass tip is great, imagine all the possibilities. Sports grass, outdoor fun, Spring, Easter...you get the idea. To be honest, it's not "super easy" to use, you'll have to practice a bit to get the hang of it. But for the most part, just go with it. It won't be perfect, but in the end, it will look like "grass", so it's all good.
For the footballs, yep...tootsie rolls. Unwrap, warm in the microwave about 10 seconds. Roll them into a ball, then an oval. Flatten the oval and shape into a football. Top the cupcake and add the white "threads". Easy, right!?



Tip: I made these for my son's birthday 2 years ago and sent them into school. I made them the day ahead and after 24 hours, the tootsie rolls started to get "soggy" on top of the cupcake. If you make it all ahead of time, store the tootsie rolls on wax paper inside a ziploc or plastic container. Top the cupcake right before the party.

Happy 5th To My Little Snow Princess

Last month, we were able to celebrate our "baby" girl turning 5. She requested a "ice princess" party. With her birthday one week before Christmas, I gave myself a break this year and did the whole "book it" thing instead of trying to handle it all myself. We booked the Ice Skating Rink, they gave the kiddos lessons, pizza, drinks, and cake was all provided...along with a helper who even wrote down the "who gave what" list for us. It was awesome. I have to admit I've always been reluctant to book a party like this. I've always felt it's not as personal and have preferred to do all the little details myself. Ehhh, I'm over it. She had a blast and I hardly lifted a finger. Enjoy the pics!

The kids had a 30 minute lesson from the rink staff...which was great since most have never skated before. I kept the party small at 8 kiddos. Big bro was happy to have 30 minutes to himself to practice his speed laps. Both of my kids are wild on ice skates!

At this age, it's all about barbies, squinkies, babies and jewelry for this girly girl!

Happy Birthday big girl....now STOP GROWING UP!!!

Birthday Brunch

Disclosure: The above photos contain images that some viewers may find offensive. I apologize in advance for the morning hair, wrinkles and blemishes not covered by make-up.

I told you, we partied all weekend! Labor Day morning (aka, my birthday) we kicked off the day with a brunch. The kids were so cute hiding out that morning making me cards. My daughter helped mix the waffles, my husband made the sausage, Grammy made the eggs, and I tried out a new muffin recipe. After breakfast, I opened my gifts. I was so blessed this year to receive clothes, a new purse, new books, gift cards, money to put towards some new crafty stuff...fun fun fun!

The next time you have an easy, carefree morning with nowhere to go and no place to be...try out these recipes - No birthday necessary.

Banana - Chocolate Chip Waffles

2 1/2 cups flour
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
2 large eggs, beaten
2 1/2 cups milk (I used skim, but buttermilk is the best)
3/4 cups vegetable oil
3 bananas, mashed
1/2 cup mini-chocolate chips

Combine all dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, sugar) in a bowl, "sift" with a wire whisk.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, then add the milk and oil, whisk again. Make a well in the dry ingredients, and pour the egg mixture into the well. Stir well with a wooden spoon. Add the mashed bananas and stir again. Fold in the chocolate chips. Cook in a preheated waffle iron until golden. Makes about 20 waffles.

My waffle iron only makes 2 at a time (a total pain in the butt, so if anyone needs a Christmas idea...hint hint), and nobody wants to eat a cold waffle. So, to keep everything warm while I make 20 something waffles, we kept them in an oven, heated at 200, until we were ready to serve.

French Breakfast Puffs
*a Pioneer Woman recipe

Puffs:
3 cups all purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup shortening
2 eggs
1 cup milk

Coating:
2 sticks butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the muffin pans. In a large bowl (I used my mixer), stir together the flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. Set aside. Add the eggs and mix again. Alternately adding 1/3 of the flour mixture and 1/3 of the milk to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. (I messed up here and dumped in all the milk, then added the flour). Fill the muffin cups 2/3 full (I use an ice cream scoop). Bake for the 20-25 minutes, until golden. Remove the muffins from a pan and set aside.

To make the coating, melt the butter in a bowl or glass pan. In a separate container, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Dip the warm muffins in the butter, coating thoroughly (I did tops only). Then roll the muffin in the sugar mixture.

*My review: these are good, no doubt...but not what I was expecting. From the pictures and ingredients, I guess I was expecting something very "doughnut-like". These are much drier and just very very sugary.

You can find her recipe on Pioneerwoman.com, a website I highly recommend anyone take a look at...love love love it! And it's in her book, "The Pioneer Woman Cooks Recipes From An Accidental Country Girl", which I received for my birthday from my sis-in-law, Amy. Thanks Amy!!!

Spoiler alert: I will be giving these gorgeous books as Christmas gifts this year, so if you're female and in my family...don't go buying these for yourselves!!

Also: Quick question for you bloggers out there. I do not know why my text size keeps doing funky things. For example, I have "banana chocolate chip" waffles on the same font as everything else, but set to "smallest". I have "french puffs" set to normal size...but obviously "banana" is still HUGE! What is up!?!? And how I fix it....help, please???

Back in the Saddle

Finally, I'm back at it. It's embarrassing how long it's been since my last post. My iphone notepad is full of "blog ideas" that I jot down while I'm out and about with my kiddos...literally pages of ideas that I plan to blog about as soon as I get back home and sit down at the computer. Several times, I've even snapped a few pics for the blog as well. Then, they float around out there in digital space...never making it to their final destination. Such is life lately - busy busy busy! Mike's photo business has been picking up, which means every spare moment I've had, I've been editing photos lately. I easily have 3 sessions now I should be working on, not to mention getting his blog site up and running...as well as learning photoshop templates. BUT...the hubby got home early(er) from work today, and the kids were standing by the door... ball, bat, glove and bubbles (daughter) in hand, expecting him to walk them up to the ballpark for a quick game. What a great dad - he walked right in changed his clothes - and took them right up. Of course, we're only closing on our TX house, with 1000's of little "to-do's" going on there...scheduling "research" appointments in SC with Realtors and corporate recruiters (whole other blog story) for the end of the month, as well as trying to find time to go over all of our finances and see where we're at now that the TX house is (almost) sold....and still house-hunting a bit. Like I said, BUSY! But...he walked them right out the door, ditched the homework, and left me standing here wondering what to do?! I knew immediately I SHOULD be working on the photo business, SHOULD be getting things together for my son's 1st Communion this Saturday, SHOULD be finishing the laundry, and I SHOULD be vacuuming, but I DI'N WANNA! So, I grabbed a glass of wine and sat my butt down at the computer to type a spell. And I've given myself the liberty to post about a couple of the fun little projects we've done lately for school....even though we did most of them 2 months ago! Maybe I can get some Easter things posted by Christmas? I have a blast doing these types of things for my kids and their friends at school, but I'm going to have to be careful in the future. I just had a call on the answering machine today that I've been nominated for a PTO position....because, really....I did something else to do to keep me busy! BTW, I declined. Besides, if I take on too many responsibilities, when am I going to have time to sit down with my kids and actually do any of these fun things??

Speaking of my kids......they're BAAAaaaccccckkkkk! And in prime screaming/fighting/kicking/pitching a fit mode. So, I'll put on my referee hat before they hurt each other. Until next time, enjoy trying these fun things with your own kiddos!

Thumbprint Note Cards

This image is from the familyfun.com website, and for once...our project actually came out looking just like this!

These are just so much fun that my kiddos and I are going do more of these. We had purchased the Ed Emberly ginormous idea book of thumbprint art last summer (maybe two summers ago now? Can't remember...time flies by way too fast). Anywho.....we had only done it once or twice, and I already had the supplies, so when I saw it as a teacher gift idea online, I knew this is what we would make for teacher appreciation gifts this year. I had it made because my 4 yr old loved sticking her fingers in the ink (the neat freak in me standing right beside her with wet wipes trying to calm myself when she would double dip into the colors). My 8 yr old was great with the sharpies (he should be, he had lots of practice coloring all over his crib, toy chest and nursery carpet when he was only two)! He filled in all the lines to make the thumbprint animals "come to life". After he'd done 1 or two and got bored with the project, I ended up finishing them later that night in front of the TV - didn't mind...it was kinda' fun. When they're all done, tie 'em up with a pretty (grosgrain) ribbon and stick them in a baggie with an apple and "wha-la" instant gift! We ended up making a few extra sets for Mother's Day gifts and for the kids to have their own personal stationary. A box of 100 cards & envelopes at Target is all we needed...and at only 10 bucks - it definitely suited our budget!

Pot of Gold

Fruit Rainbow

Got kudos from the school nurse for these - these two snacks I provided for the parties were a huge hit because they met all the nutritional requirements that the school recommended. Not only are there huge allergy issues and concerns in my son's class/school (my son included), so much junk food comes into the school almost every single day. Honestly, how many cupcakes, cakes and cookies can anybody eat before getting sick of them? So after seeing these cute ideas in an issue of Family Fun magazine at the Dr.'s office (while at the 4 hour allergy appointment), I googled it when I got home & had a blast making them. This may shock some, but I'm not much on following the recipes, directions, or rules...so I just looked at the pictures and did my own thing. For example... for the fruit, I used canned mandarin oranges (which my kids love) instead of cantaloupe, bananas instead of pineapple, etc. (which can be an allergy link for nut allergy kids? who knew?) For the jello "pot of gold", again...I think the directions called for pineapple flavor, but I chose lemon. I also chose clear plastic cups instead of sitting there scooping out 12 limes (too wasteful and expensive for my taste). It took about 8 boxes for a class of 24 because I just made the "jello jigglers" recipe on the side of the box. They came out nice and thick, easy to cut into squares, and held their shape nicely. However, I should have taken a picture of the refrigerator full of casserole dishes with jello in them - stacked top to bottom for 24 hours - hilarious to me...not so much for anyone else trying to get to the food behind all that jello! The craziness of these projects I take on if part of the fun for me, but for those of you who want to give these ideas a try, and prefer to cross every "t" and dot every "i", check them out on familyfun.com!

Lucky Charms Poem

A little bit of luck goes a long way!

When my son started 1st grade, his wonderful teacher sent each child home with a snack bag full of lucky charms. Stapled to the bag was the cutest little poem that of course just made me tear up reading it. He came home with such a huge grin on his face, his little ego had been boosted for the day, all because his teacher took the time to show the kiddos that she cared! It could have also been the sugar high, being as I'd never allowed Lucky Charms in the house before that day, but I'd prefer to think it was the former. Of course, after he realized what he had been missing, Lucky Charms became a staple in our cereal pantry. This year, for my kiddos' St. Patty celebrations, I decided to make the bags and send them in for the party favors. They turned out rather cute, got lots of compliments, and if you ever want to make them for any occasion - here's the poem...you can always adapt it for first day of school, last day of school, preschool graduation, etc...just by changing the wording a little bit. You can also do google search and come up with some ideas.

Next Up: A rose petal painting craft made out of celery stalks!