This time I made Double Berry Cheesecake Frozen Yogurt
Topping with some frozen berries made it all the yummier (is that even a word?)
Can you tell I am just loving these little pails from the $1 bin at Target.
Double Berry Cheesecake Frozen Yogurt
Ingredients
- 1- 32 oz container strawberry yogurt
- 1- 8 oz pkg cream cheese - softened
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup raspberry marmalade
- crunched graham crackers for topping
Instructions
- In mixer bowl, whip cream cheese until soft & fluffy.
- Add in yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, vanilla.
- Beat until well combined - scrape down bowl as needed.
- Add to ice cream maker & churn 20 minutes.
- Transfer to airtight container & fold in raspberry marmalade leaving ribbons of it through the mixture.
- Add crunched graham crackers- fold in just a little.
- Freeze approx 4-6 hours before serving.
- Top with additional graham crackers & frozen berries if desired.
Looking for more great dessert recipes?
Don’t miss these great ideas from these bloggers….
Baking-Ginger – Watermelon Coconut Ice Cream
The Novice Chef – Black Forest Trifle
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Frozen Kit Kat Pudding Pie
Frozen Kit Kat Pudding Pie
Yeah- this really didn’t last very long. I had just about everyone coming out to check on my progress as I was taking these pictures. They did not want to wait any longer for this treat. It was bad enough I made it the night before & they didn’t want to have to wait until the following night to enjoy it. I really do have to make things early enough in the day so that they are ready to be photographed before dinner. Otherwise people around here start getting a bit irritated that there are treats staring at them in the fridge & they can’t have any. 🙂 I know- I’m mean right??!!
Frozen Kit Kat Pudding Pie
Ingredients
- 1 Oreo pie crust
- 1 pkg Jell-O chocolate pudding prepared to pkg directions for pie filling
- 20 mini Kit Kat bars
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- whipped cream as desired
Instructions
- Chop mini Kit Kat bars into 3 pieces each
- Prepare chocolate pie filling according to pkg instructions
- Stir in 1/2 of the chopped Kit Kats & 1/2 of the chocolate chips
- Pour into pie crust
- Sprinkle with remaining Kit Kat pieces & chocolate chips.
- Freeze for at least 3-4 hours.
- Let sit for 20 minutes on the counter before serving.
- Top with whipped cream as desired.
Want more chocolate- don’t miss these recipes.
Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52
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Getting Organized with Rubbermaid All Access Organizers
**This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Home Depot & Rubbermaid, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #AllAccessOrganizers https://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO
This week I was able to Get Organized with Rubbermaid All Access Organizers – WhoooHoooo!
When we made our cross country move 7 months ago we knew things would be tight on space. You see we only had 30 days to get relocated for the new job & apparently things like moving are a seasonal thing up here in Northern Idaho. This wasn’t something we were used to being that we are both CA natives & lived in the desert of NV for the last 12 years. So house choices were slim pickin’s. We actually took this house on a leap of faith- sight unseen. Yep- we went off of photos, phone conversations & our faith that everything would be okay. Fortunately everything worked out.
That being said- this house is 1000 square feet smaller than our last. Even though we sold or donated 50% of our belongings to make this move happen- we are still very tight on space. I used to have my entire office plus 2 closets & a bunch of space in the garage to store my crafting supplies. I had to use our new garage space for my studio (which I am grateful for) & don’t have a full dedicated office space like I used to. This means that I had to take over half the linen closet & most of the coat closet to accommodate what I still have left of my crafting supplies.
It’s been driving me INSANE!!
So you can imagine how positively THRILLED I was when given the opportunity to try the new Rubbermaid All Access Organizers.
I could barely wait to get on over to The Home Depot & pick up my organizers.
I was not only super excited to see how affordable they are- but I love the blue & green colors they were available in.
They are also much larger than I expected. So I got them home & immediately got to work.
YEP- embarrassed to say that I have been living with my closet like this for the last couple months. As I would keep collecting new craft supplies they would just get dumped in here because we hardly ever open the door. But every time I wanted to make something I would have to tear it all out & hunt for things. Did I mention I have NO PATIENCE for this. It literally puts me in an instant bad mood when I have to hunt for things. I want them within my sight & easy to access. I really don’t like feeling disorganized so this situation had to end.
Check out how neatly all this stuff fits in my bin. This is the small bin but it wasn’t small at all. I was shocked at how much I was able to fit in here. I absolutely LOVE the fact that it has the clear side door so that I can access my things without taking the lid off. I like seeing things from the label view instead of the tops of the lids. Being able to reach in from the side is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!! Sticking in a standard tote would have been equally as annoying for me because I’m one of those people that has to see what I have or I forget it exists. Then I end up re-purchasing things I already own just because I can’t see that I have it. Do you see now why being organized is so important for me. It’s how I survive. I can’t function otherwise. I just have too much going on & my mind is in too many places to try to remember it all. So these clear doors letting me see what I have & access it so easily- LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is the large bin. It holds a TON of stuff. I decided that I would use this for corralling all the fabric & supplies for making my camera straps. I literally had it all just dumped in a large (person sized) tote with all my other fabric & anything else that would fit in there. Every time I would make a sale I would have to drag everything out & hunt for the supplies I needed. This HAD TO STOP. I can’t live like that. I swear it’s some sort of torture to be disorganized in this way. 🙂 So now I have everything I need all in this easy to grab space. I was able to fit 30 stacks of fabric in here & all the other things that go with it- batting, spray adhesive, & most of my packaging supplies (minus the shipping boxes) in here too. That makes me HAPPY!!!
So you can see here that I bought both colors. Yeah- I really wanted the green in both sizes but they didn’t have the green in the small at the time we were there. So I decided that the colors reminded me of going home to the ocean- so that was okay with me. 🙂 I had planned on stacking a set in each of these spots- but they were so much bigger than I expected so one of each. These do stack well & open when stacked- but they didn’t fit stacked here in my closet because of these shelves. But this works really well for me because of – again- that nifty side door. I don’t have to remove them from the shelves to get to my stuff – but if I wanted to, they do open from the top as well.
You can see my projects I still have yet to complete- unfinished boxes, a shelf that needs repainting, all sorts of rope for things & the waffle box that is currently holding burlap & raffia that needs to be covered with either paint or contact paper so I don’t have to look a the logo anymore. 🙂 I will be buying a whole lot more of these Rubbermaid All Access Organizers. Every single closet in this house needs more organization along with my laundry room. My prop cabinet is also bursting & these would be great in addition to that for storing all my things for photos. The kid’s school supplies need to be moved into these organizers too so we don’t have to store them with their crafts & games. SO MANY possibilities. Looks like I will be spending a lot more time at The Home Depot picking up more of these organizers from Rubbermaid.
You can connect on Facebook with The Home Depot & Rubbermaid.
Thank you Pollinate, Home Depot & Rubbermaid for helping me get organized!
Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52
To see where I am linking today- visit HERE
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Fried Hot Dog Sliders
Today is National Hot Dog Day so we are celebrating by making Hot Dogs the theme for July’s Recipe Round-Up.
Fried Hot Dog Sliders is my celebratory recipe
Looking for Easy Family Dinner Ideas? The hubs is a bit of a hot dog nut. He will vote to have hot dogs just about any time. So it’s fair to say that we have tried them in all different ways & have narrowed it down to just a handful of the best brands. Yes we take hot dogs fairly seriously in this house despite their fun nature. So I really couldn’t resist taking advantage of National Hot Dog Day & celebrating. So today not only am I sharing my new favorite way to eat them- but a bunch of my friends are sharing either their recipes with hot dogs or recipes that go great with them. 🙂
Fried Hot Dog Sliders
Ingredients
- Hot Dogs 2 per slider
- Provolone Cheese
- French Loaf
- 1 Stick Butter
- Garlic Powder
- Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
Prepare your bread
- Cut french loaf into slices & lay on ungreased baking sheet
- Melt butter & brush over each slice of french bread to coat.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder & Parmesan cheese.
- Broil until golden brown.
Cook your hot dogs
- Start by slicing each hot dog length wise until it's not completely separated but you can open it to lay it flat.
- Fry in skillet until you get those nice crunchy, blackened strips on them & they are good & hot.
Assemble your slider
- Lay fried hot dog on one slice of your un-toasted side of your bread.
- Add provolone cheese slice.
- Return back to broiler to melt & bubble cheese slightly.
- Remove from broiler & add top piece of bread. Cut as desired.
- Serve immediately.
Hot Dog on a Stick from The Taylor House
Watermelon Daiquiri from One Martini at a Time
Fried Hot Dog Sliders from Kleinworth & Co.
Campfire Cooking from Nap-Time Creations
Peanut Butter Banana Hot Dog from Random-osity
Wisconsin Beer Brats from Joyful Healthy Eats
National Hot Dog Day from Little by Little
Loaded Oven Chili Dogs from Semi-Homemade Mom
To see where I am linking today- visit HERE
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Creamy Watermelon Lime Chiller
Welcome to Project 52- week 29
Wow- hard to believe that we are more than half way through July. I am seeing more & more people pinning Christmas things. I know!!! Part of me wants to start planning & then the other part of me feels overwhelmed because I have all these other months to think about first. If I plan out too many at once- I’m going to burn out I think. So I think I will be focusing week by week & see how far I go. At the moment the munchkin has a birthday coming up- fairly soon. So I need to really start planning for that & doing things to prepare. So if you are wondering what I am up to when I am not in the office much this week- that is it.
As part of that prep for munchkin’s birthday- I have been playing with creating drinks.
She loves pink so this Creamy Watermelon Lime Chiller was a top pick.
Plus all this drink creation gave me the chance to play with these straw flags from Life n Reflection.
As part of being on the design team for Kristy- I was given this Spring party Set.
Since it’s not spring anymore- I focused on the flags. I can use them all year long- which is awesome!
You can pick up the set HERE.
As I mentioned yesterday in my Scavenger Hunt post- we spent part of the weekend at one of the stations having a cleaning party & BBQ afterwards. So I didn’t get too many personal photos- most of them are for the FD. I was happy to be able to capture these drinks & share them with you. We all loved them & apparently so do the yellow jackets. The stinging/flying things around here are in abundance & poor Mini-Me not only got stung on her eyelid (what are the chances??) during our Bayview Days celebration but then again on her leg this past week. Sooooooo- I’m not all that thrilled about that. I AM however happy that we found out she’s not allergic.
So do you want the recipe??
Creamy Watermelon Lime Chiller
Ingredients
- 2 C watermelon- cubed
- 1-1/2 C simple syrup
- 1/2 C whipped cream
- 1/2 a lime - juiced
- 1 oz rum opt since this is for kids- I withheld it.
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients until smooth & well combined.
- Serve immediately.
Now share what you have been up to!!
Project 52
* Post 1 photo or as many as you like each week on Mondays.
* The button or text link should be present in your post- but not absolutely necessary.
* Please visit some other blogs & leave some love & encouragement.
* Submit the URL of your blog post – not your home page.
Grab the button HERE
To see where I am linking today- visit HERE
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Blog Payment Tracking Printable
So I finally made my own Blog Payment Tracking Printable.
Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52
To see where I am linking today- visit HERE
If you love this – you don’t want to miss our latest book!
Creative Reflection – 365 Days of Journaling Color Pages
365 Journaling prompt coloring pages + monthly & yearly goal sheets AND 14 free color pages
Nearly 400 printable coloring pages for just $8.99
Looking for more awesome printables?
30 Days Bullet Journal Prompts Free Printable
2017 Mandala Adult Coloring Page Calendar Free Printable
With Enough Coffee Free Printable
Cursive Handwriting Practice Sheets
Don’t miss these great ideas from these bloggers….
free printable initial wall art from burlap and blue
Organizational Printables from landeelu.com
To see where I am linking today- visit HERE
Easy Kids Crafts Room Decor DIY
*Disclosure: Sponsored Post- I have been compensated for this post either monetarily or with product. All opinions are truthful & my own.
Hi Everyone!!! Happy to see you today! I have been up to my eyeballs in projects for about the past week. I have been focused on trying to spruce up the girl’s room. Ever since moving in here it has been bugging me. Then shortly thereafter the largest frame on their largest wall broke. So they have had this huge blank wall for a while now & it finally bothered me enough that I did something about it the other day.
I was so thrilled when I was offered the opportunity to be a part of the Summer Kids’ Crafting Streat Team for July. Summer is a great time to craft with your kids. I had so much fun working with the girls to find out what they wanted for their room. I was so inspired by Plaid Kid Crafts & so were they. We decided that the first issue we would tackle was that huge blank wall & then see where our creativity took us from there.
Easy Kids Crafts Room Decor DIY
I started out with these items from my Plaid kit I was sent. Then I added a few of my own things I had on hand. I am already a HUGE Plaid user – so I was thrilled to work on a project with them.
Product list:
Mod Podge Extreme Glitter
Plaid Stencils
Plaid Apple Barrel Paints in 20492 Neon Blue, 20487 Neon Pink, 20489 Neon Orange, 20491 Neon Green, 20408 Gloss White, 22814 Tropical Blue
Cardboard
Rope
Painting sponges
First I painted on the yellow at the top, then mixed the orange & pink in the middle, then mixed the green & neon blue at the bottom. Let dry.
Then I coated with white – rubbed off some with a paper towel to not only let the colors back through but to give a more distressed look.
I added the Tropical Blue paint to the bottom on the blue/green part to give it a more ocean feel. Let dry.
Then I stenciled on my letters. Painted on some ocean waves freehand. Let dry again.
Then the REALLY FUN PART!!!! Once it was dry I added 2-3 coats of Mod Podge Extreme Glitter. OH MY GOSH- I love this stuff. Can I tell you a secret?? Before my Plaid box arrived- I had never used Mod Podge before. GASP!!!! I know, right??!!! I don’t know why- I just never did. But I can tell you I am TOTALLY HOOKED!!! Be prepared to see a whole lot more projects using all variations of Mod Podge. OH YES- it’s my new favorite toy.
So I let it dry between coats – which it dried REALLY FAST. Once finished I punched holes in the corners for the rope & tied it through. So simple. The whole project only took a couple hours & the girls had so much fun helping me. They LOVE their new art in their room. Now we will be using these same colors with their already neutral base colors to punch up the fun in there.
Want to find out more about Plaid & their awesome products??
-
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspiredByPlaid
-
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PlaidCrafts
-
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/plaidcrafts/
Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52
To see where I am linking today- visit HERE
Want more Plaid Kids Crafts?? Check out all of these…
*Disclosure: Sponsored Post- I have been compensated for this post either monetarily or with product. All opinions are truthful & my own.
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Drawing with Light Tutorial – Project 52 Week 28
Drawing with Light
It’s really quite simple & the kids will have some summertime fun.
But before I get in to the tutorial I have to share with you this image I captured of the fields around our house. This is after all Project 52- so I need to share with you an image that was taken this past week 🙂 I just love the golden tones of this particular shot.
Okay- so now on to the fun stuff. First thing- you are going to need a tripod or some other steady surface to set your camera on because your shutter is going to be SLOW.
Settings for a DSLR should be set to Manual ISO 100 f/3.5-5 depending on how many people you have in your shot. SS 10-30 seconds.
For point & shoot style camera- choose the night or fireworks setting. You will have less control over the length of time your shutter stays open unless you have a manual setting & can follow the same settings as listed for DSLR. The key here is to not have a super deep depth of field so that you are keeping the people drawing out of focus. The shutter speed will depend on how much you want in the shot.
I found that using a flashlight with a click button on/off worked well. That way we could control when the light was on. You could use glow sticks if you like- but you will have to have the kids move them to behind their back’s when they are done drawing.
I had my son stand in front of me with the lights on- I took a single test shot to make sure I was in focus- you will need to manually focus. You may need a couple test shots for this. Once you get your focus- don’t move your tripod & try to have the kids keep their feet in one place even though their arms will be moving . This is part of the fun to see who can do all these crazy things with their hands while keeping their feet in one place.
Then we turned out the lights. I gave the countdown- when I said “GO” I pressed the shutter button & he clicked on the light- drew what he wanted to & then clicked it off when he was done. I found that even with the longer things he wanted to write- 15 seconds was more than enough time & we had extra time where the shutter was hanging open a lot of the time. So I just started adjusting the shutter speed accordingly.
It’s super fun to see how creative they get with the things they want to draw. We had shapes & then he tried to write messages.
OR- you can just flip the image in Photoshop if it’s too hard for them. My son liked the challenge of writing backwards.
If it’s too light out where you are – like it is for me (doesn’t get really dark until 10-10-:30 here in the summer) then you could do this in a dark garage.
Have fun- as far as processing, not much needs to be done to images like these.
That makes it even better in my book. I think I only sharpened these & sized for the web.
Give it a try- the kids will laugh until they are aching.
The P52 Details
* Post 1 photo or as many as you like each week on Mondays.
* The button or text link should be present in your post- but not absolutely necessary.
* Please visit some other blogs & leave some love & encouragement.
* Submit the URL of your blog post – not your home page.
Project 52
Grab the button HERE
To see where I am linking today- visit HERE
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Sour Shirley Summer Drink Recipe
This Sour Shirley Summer Drink Recipe is a twist on the iconic childhood drink. Made with added lemonade & optional rum – this can be enjoyed by all ages.
Mod Podge Picture Plaque
Mod Podge Picture Plaque
Super simple- basically just cut the paper to fit the plaque.
Then I just painted the edges, added some lace around the edge of the image & nailed in some more lace on the back for the hanger.
I love that it’s sealed & I don’t have to worry about the image fading. Like all grandmothers, I am sure she will love having a little something with the images of her grandchildren for her to gaze at since we are so far apart. I wish we were able to be together for her birthday but I’m sure as soon as she’s well enough to travel again we will be together.
Don’t miss my other post today- HUGE photo dump of our 4th of July weekend.
Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52
To see where I am linking today- visit HERE
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Cherry Limeade Slurpee
Cherry Limeade Slurpee
Oh yeah- it’s SO GOOD. I think by now you have noticed that I have a bit of an obsession with cherry limeade- so it should come as no surprise that I made a Cherry Limeade Slurpee. I seriously can’t get enough.
Cherry Limeade Slurpee
Ingredients
- 2 c crushed ice
- 1/2 c sugar
- 2 c cherry limeade soda
- 1 pkt black cherry Kool Aid
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into blender- mix on ice crush for 1-2 minutes.
- You may want to so this in pulses as the soda may cause it to overflow depending on the side of your blender.
- Top with cherry for garnish.
- Enjoy immediately.
So refreshing on these hot summer days. I could drink one all day long.
Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52
To see where I am linking today- visit HERE
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Raspberry Chocolate Chip Donuts
Good Morning!!! How are all of you today?? I made a special – healthier treat for breakfast the other day.
Raspberry Chocolate Chip Donuts
Raspberry Chocolate Chip Donuts
Ingredients
- 3 c flour
- 1 c sugar
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 2 sticks butter-melted
- 1-1/2 c milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup mini-chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp raspberry marmalade
Instructions
- Preheat donut machine or Preheat oven to 350
- Combine dry ingredients in large bowl
- Make a well in the center.
- Whisk in milk, then eggs.
- Whisk in melted butter once slightly cooled.
- Continue whisking until batter is smooth.
- Add in chocolate chips & marmalade & fold to slightly mix.
- Fill donut pans or wells in donut maker.
- For full size donuts in the oven- bake approx 10-12 minutes
- For mini-donut maker bake 6 minutes
- transfer to wire rack to cool
- Serve immediately OR
- Store in airtight container in refrigerator.
- Warm in microwave 20 -30 seconds before eating.
If you make this recipe- please leave a link or tag me on Instagram @KleinworthCo
Looking for more of our favorite breakfast recipes?
Bacon Cheddar & Spinach Quiche Cups
Peanut Butter Overload Pancakes
Don’t miss these great ideas from these bloggers….
Overnight Cinnamon Apple Baked French Toast Casserole from Life Love & Sugar
Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake from OMG Chocolate Desserts
To see where I am linking today- visit HERE
No Sew Sleep Mask
No Sew Sleep Mask
So simple. I just love simple kid crafts- especially when they are no sew diy projects. What could be better??!! The kids get a fun project that they can use night after night. Plus it gives them some really restful sleep free from any light that may be filtering in. Now I just have to come up with a more manly solution for the dudes in the house.
AND!!!!! I’m now a contributor for Reasons to Skip Housework. Today I’m sharing my Spiced Apricot Fro Yo Pops
So be sure to head on over & check it out & grab the recipe.
To see where I am linking today- visit HERE
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Strawberry Pineapple Slush
Strawberry Pineapple Slush is an easy summer drink recipe that’s so delicious! Strawberries & pineapple are a great combo!
Happy Saturday Everyone!! Are you staying cool?? Have you had a great 4th of July weekend so far?? We have been running around here like headless chickens this week but it’s all in good fun & we have had a blast so far.
I wanted to share with you not only a tasty recipe to keep you cool this weekend but also a FABULOUS giveaway too. So I’m sharing with you…this delicious Strawberry Pineapple Slush!
Scroll to the bottom for the Printable Recipe
Cherry Pie Parfait
Cherry Pie Parfait
They loved them!! Just one more thing to add to the treat menu that doesn’t take too much time.
Cherry Pie Parfait
Ingredients
- 16 oz Plain or Vanilla low fat yogurt
- 6 vanilla Oreo cookies
- 6 oz cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Layer each ingredient into your glass to your liking.
- That simple
- ENJOY!
Really- the most time consuming part is making the cherry pie filling. But even that is less than 20 minutes. I love this because they look so pretty that people don’t realize just how simple they are to make. The perfect little treat for those that want to be a bit more health conscious. If you want to go all out & be bad- you could substitute the yogurt for either pudding or ice cream or whipped cream. 🙂 Yeah- I’m all about how you can jazz it up & make it super sinful. You know how it goes!
Have an AMAZING weekend everyone!
Looking for more awesome 4th of July ideas?
Patriotic Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
Patriotic Chocolate Chip Cookies
To see where I am linking today- visit HERE
Patriotic Table Decorations
Happy 4th of July!!!
I hope you all have some really great things planned out for today! We kick off our 4 days of celebration today with a parade – the hubs & all the fire engines will be there throwing candy for the kids. That is always fun & I hear there is a lot of community spirit here. Can’t wait to see that. Then there will be the 1st of many fireworks shows late tonight. Since the sun isn’t totally set until about 10pm here- it will be a very long day. I think I may try to catch a nap if I can sometime this afternoon before heading back out.
As I told you yesterday- I wanted to make some cute little table decorations to make all the festivities just a bit more fun.
So along with the luminaries from yesterday- I also made these
Patriotic Table Decorations
So simple- with Jelly Bellies & Tootsie Pops.
Then as the night goes on- the kids have some treats to keep them happy while they wait for the fireworks to start. 🙂
Have a SAFE & HAPPY 4th of July!!!
Be FIRE SAFE!!!
To see where I am linking today- visit HERE
Glow Band Luminaries
Hi everyone!!! Can’t believe that tomorrow is the 4th of July!!!
Exciting things happening- wanted to share some last minute decorating ideas with you this week. I decided that I wanted to make some table decorations. I never really get too festive in this department but I thought with all the gatherings going on- there will be a lot of food involved & the tables should probably look cute too! So I made these super simple…
Glow Band Luminaries
I love these because they bring a pop of color & are fire safe too. (you know me- always worried about fire safety)Just take a short mason jar & stick some glow band bracelets in there (I bought mine at Target $1 bin area)
Then I took another taller jar & stuck it in the middle- filled with M&M’s & tied some decorations.
They will make your party come alive once the sun goes down!
If you are looking for more 4th of July inspiration- or maybe you missed one of these posts.
Simple Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwich
Red White & Blue Daiquiri (cocktail/mocktail)
Patriotic Cookie Dough Brownie Bars
Hope this gives you some great ideas for your festivities this 4th of July!!!
I will have one more quick decorating idea for you tomorrow too. Have a great one!
Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52
To see where I am linking today- visit HERE
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No Sew Patriotic Hair Ties
First- I want to say just how deeply saddened over the loss of the Arizona Hot Shot Crew. As most of you know- my hubs is a fire chief. But what you probably don’t know is that wildland is his specialty. Way back in the day he was a Hot Shot for USFS long before I met him. Through his career he has always been on wildfires- even while working for municipalities- he’s always been sent & has been on nearly all of the largest & most catastrophic fires in recent history. But this touches a bit closer to home for me. About 8 years ago- he was nearly killed in a burnover incident. The details are great & I won’t go in to them now. But having gone through that- this devastation is too much to handle sometimes. We are absolutely distraught with this news.
My hubs found this image & sent it to me. GaryVarvel.com
This breaks our hearts.
This week I’m going to be focusing on all the 4th of July activities we have coming up. It’s going to be a very full week. Especially with the 4th being on Thursday- that means a 4 day weekend for us PACKED full of things happening in all the different communities that the hubs is responsible for. I’m pretty sure we have at least 2-3 different firework shows, BBQ’s every day & community gatherings & parades filling up the week. So my goal is to keep it low key. Because of that I decided to keep the sharing easy too. This week I’m focused on last minute things that you can create to make your holiday festive!! So I bring you today…
No Sew Patriotic Hair Ties
I whipped these up in a couple minutes so the girls would have something cute to pair with their 4th of July clothes.
So simple & adorable.
Then just tie the poof on to the hair tie or head band.I like these because once 4th of July has passed- I can untie it & they can continue to use the bands all year long.
Have a FABULOUS Tuesday!
Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52
To see where I am linking today- visit HERE
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White Chocolate M&M Popcorn
White Chocolate M&M Popcorn is an easy dessert recipe for popcorn coated with melted white chocolate & loaded with patriotic M&M’s. Perfect holiday treat!
Oatmeal Raisin Muffins w/ #LACTAID
**Disclosure- I was sponsored by LACTAID for this post & future posts. All opinions & thoughts are my own.
As I have told you before- I have incorporated LACTAID into many of my recipes lately after I was able to sit in on a LACTAID Briefing Session with dietitian Michelle Harrington, Cooper Munroe of The Motherhood & celebrity chef Melissa d’Arabian back in May. Some of you may have seen Melissa d’Arabian Wednesday on the TODAY Show talking about cooking lactose-free dinner options with LACTAID. You can watch the video of that segment below.
Cooking with LACTAID has been just as easy as when I was previously cooking with milk. One just substitutes for the other & there really isn’t any change in flavor. So I decided to share with you a recipe that I have been making quite often in my quest to stop buying pre-packaged breakfast foods for the kids. This means that every couple days I bake something & a lot of the time it’s muffins or a breakfast cake/bread of some sort. One of the kid’s favorites are these
Oatmeal Raisin Muffins
They taste like an oatmeal raisin cookie- but so much healthier.
Adding LACTAID to them has made it so everyone in the house can enjoy them too.
Oatmeal Raisin Muffins w/ #LACTAID
Ingredients
- 2 cups LACTAID
- 2 cups quick cooking oats
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2/3 cup raisins
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp cinnamon/sugar mix for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Line muffin tins- set aside.
- In small bowl combine LACTAID & oats & let soak for 10-15 minutes.
- In mixer bowl- beat oil & eggs- then add oatmeal/LACTAID mixture.
- Add flour, sugar, baking powder & salt to your wet mixture & beat until just combined.
- Spoon into prepared pans.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon/sugar mixture.
- Bake 25 minutes or until they spring back when touched.
Check out Melissa d’Arabian on The TODAY Show Wednesday!
Melissa shared a recipe for Chicken with lactose-free Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Watch HERE.
You can also view/print my other LACTAID recipe for – Ban-Apple Muffins
Melissa d’ Arabian
LACTAID Brand Spokesperson – Mom of four girls, Author of NY Times best selling cookbook, Ten Dollar Dinners, Celebrity Chef & Television Host, Was on live segments on the TODAY Show with Kathie Lee & Hoda
Michelle Harrington , R.D.
LACTAID® Regulatory and Nutritional Affairs Manager, Pediatric Dietitian at Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia
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Coco Piña Colada
One thing about me- I’m crazy for all things coconut. I love coconut flavored treats, the smell of coconut & especially the smell of sunscreen when it has that coconut scent. I can’t get enough. It takes me home & reminds me of the days of spending my summers with my aunt & cousins either playing by the pool or loading the surfboards in the back of the VW & enjoying the beaches of So Cal. Cherished memories that all come flooding back with every hint of coconut. So it’s no surprise that I use it in a lot of recipes- Piña Colada is no exception. Only this time I had to add even more coconut to amp it up a bit. 🙂
Coco Piña Colada
Coco Piña Colada Mocktail/Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 cups Pineapple Juice
- 1 cup chunk pineapple + more for topping
- 6 oz cream of coconut
- splash lime juice
- 1/3 cup sweetened coconut + more for topping
- 1-1/2 cup ice
- 1 oz clear rum if desired
- *I like my drinks the kid friendly way- so we made this without the rum & then those that like it added it after we poured everyone else's)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to blender & pulse until ice & pineapple chunks are the desired consistency that you are after- should be thin enough to go smoothly through a straw.
- Pour into serving glasses & top with additional coconut & pineapple.
This was really yummy & really took me back home. I could drink these all day- everyday.
Blueberry Pie Frozen Yogurt
One of my favorite frozen summer recipes is frozen yogurt. I love making my own & I certainly love jazzing it up to create my own flavors for more fun. I got really good at making frozen treats when we lived near Death Valley & spent most of our year hovering around 100 degrees. I was making some sort of easy frozen dessert almost every day. This time I decided to use some of the blueberry syrup that I made & add it to my simple vanilla frozen yogurt. It was SO GOOD!
Blueberry Pie Frozen Yogurt
Blueberry Pie Frozen Yogurt
Ingredients
- 1 container 16 oz low fat vanilla yogurt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pkt low fat french vanilla pudding mix
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup low fat milk
- 1/4 cup blueberry syrup
- 1/2 sleeve graham crackers- crumbled
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except syrup & graham crackers in mixing bowl & beat until well combined.
- Transfer to ice cream maker & churn for 15 minutes.
- Transfer to air tight container & fold in graham crackers & syrup- not mixing too much
- Cover & freeze at least 4 hours to firm up.
This is so simple & a great way to cool off this summer!
Also- We are wrapping up Watermelon week today. Be sure to check out these AMAZING ideas from these talented ladies.
Brenda: https://wp.me/p39A28-jU wrapping paper
Sarah https://www.craftquickies.com/a-sweet-watermelon-inspired-outfit-for-a-sweet-little-lady/
Summer https://www.summerscraps.com/2013/06/sweet-watermelon-trio.html
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Cherry Limeade Ice Cream Soda Pops
Today is Ice Cream Soda Day!!!
So I decided what better way to celebrate than to make Ice Cream Sodas our theme for the June Recipe Round-Up.
We have grown our monthly part this month & we have 10 of us together sharing our favorite take/ spin or twist on the classic Ice Cream Soda.
After doing a more traditional ice cream soda recipe & the images not working out at all- I decided to try again with a different take. I decided to take my favorite drink- Cherry Limeade & turn it into not only an ice cream soda but to then turn it into a frozen dessert & make ice popsicles with it. Turned out SO GOOD!
Cherry Limeade Ice Cream Soda Pops
Ingredients
- 3 cups Cherry Limeade Soda
- 1/4 cup Lime Juice
- 1/4 cup Grenadine
- 1/2 scoop Vanilla Ice Cream per pop
Instructions
- Combine liquid ingredients in small pitcher & stir to mix.
- Scoop ice cream into each pop mold & push down into bottom.
- Slowly pour your liquid mixture on top of ice cream.
- Insert stick- ice cream in the bottom should hold it in place.
- (if soda makes it float up- clip a clothes pin to the stick to weight it down.
- Place in freezer & allow to firm up at least 4-5 hours before removing from mold.
- Serve immediately or store in airtight container in freezer or up to 1 week.
You have GOT TO try these this summer!!!!
Check out all the fabulous Ice Cream Soda Recipes posting for June’s Recipe Round-Up
Ice Cream Soda Cupcake from Chrissy @ The Taylor-House
Patriotic Ice Cream Soda from Kelly @ Mostly Homemade Mom
Ice Cream Soda from Emily @ Nap-Time Creations
Ice Cream Soda Cocktail from Jessica @ One Martini at a Time
Independence Day Ice Cream Soda Bar from Danelle @ Let’s Dish
Blackberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Soda from Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats
Raspberry Ginger Ice Cream Soda from Julie @ White Lights on Wednesday
Vegan Ice Cream Soda from Tamar @ Random-osity
Ice Cream Sodas from Kim @ Little by Little
Cherry Limeade Ice Cream Soda Pops from Gina @ Kleinworth & Co.
Do you want to participate in future Recipe Round-Up’s & join in on the fun??
email Gina at Kleinworth & Co (chichomeschoolmama{at}att{dot}net) for details.
Also continuing on with Watermelon Week- be sure to catch the fun ideas shared today by these great bloggers.
Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52
To see where I am linking today- visit HERE
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Watermelon Cherry Limeade
So excited!!! This week I have teamed up with 15 other fabulous bloggers for Watermelon Week!!! That means that all this week I have been & will be sharing with you 15 different things to do with watermelon. I’m super excited about it because the family is crazy for watermelon & I am always looking for new ways to use it. Watermelon is the one thing that just screams summertime doesn’t it??!! Every summer gathering involves watermelon & what better way to make those festivities more fun than by adding some of these watermelon ideas to them!!
For my recipe I decided to make Watermelon/Cherry Limeade
I have a super huge obsession with all things cherry flavored. So it was only natural for me to take that & add it on in to Watermelon Week!!
The kids love it OR you could add a little vodka to for more of a grown up drink. I’m not one for alcohol- so I keep mine original.
Watermelon/Cherry Limeade
Ingredients
- 1 pkt Cherry Limeade Powder Drink Mix
- 1/2 glass Lemon/Lime Soda
- 1/2 Glass Watermelon Puree
Instructions
- Add about 1/4 watermelon to blender
- Sprinkle in cherry limeade powder from packet & blend until you have a nice puree consistency.
- Pour over ice in glass to about the 1/2 way point
- Fill remainder of glass with soda
- Stir to combine. Add any additional garnish if desired.
- I added watermelon, pineapple & blueberries frozen on a skewer.
Check out these other AWESOME Watermelon recipes posting today- be sure to check back to catch all the others this week!!
Lindsey https://www.redheadbabymama.com/2013/06/summer-watermelon-mojito.html
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American Flag Printable
It’s flag day-
so I thought I would give you this American Flag Printable image that I captured this past weekend.
I have an obsession with capturing the flag. We can’t pass a flag pole without me having to snap at least one shot of it. In this case I was able to get right up close to it while we walked around Coeur d’Alene park. As you can see the weather was amazing & the vibrant colors of the flag against the blue sky was awe inspiring. I was so grateful for all the blessings we have being here in this country. I had to stop, take it in & reflect for a moment.
I had to add the verbiage from one of my favorite songs- You’re a Grand Old Flag
Download- print & enjoy as part of your Flag Day remembrance, or 4th of July decorations.
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4th of July Paper Roll Craft
The hubs thinks I have LOST MY MIND. Yep- I save all the paper rolls in the house. I have this huge bag of them. He keeps saying “what on earth are you doing with all of these?? don’t you think you have enough by now” NOPE!! I don’t. I have all sorts of plans for these things & he just shakes his head & hopes that I find a new place to store them all. 🙂 Hehehe. Then I go & use a bunch for projects like these & then he sort of understands.
4th of July Paper Roll Craft
Yep- I just had to make a little painted decoration for the porch to help make it festive for the holiday. Flag Day is Tomorrow!!
I taped off & painted just a piece of cardboard. Then I cut & painted the rolls, glued them together & glued them on.
Obviously for the stars & pinched them to make them look more like stars. Added holes at the top & put a wire on for hanging.
I like this because I was able to re-purpose things around the house AND it’s super lightweight so I can hang in on just about anything.
Great project for the kids. My girls helped me with the cutting & pinching of the rolls.
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Patriotic Luminaries
There is something that I really love about summer gatherings- especially for 4th of July. It’s that wonderful theme of Americana decorated everywhere & the lovely glow all about. Be it from the late sunset, fireworks in the sky or luminaries decorated all about the back yard- it’s something I love. So I decided to make some of my own for this year’s 4th of July decorations.
Patriotic Luminaries
These were so simple. I just marked out where I wanted the holes & grabbed the drill & started making holes.
A couple coats of regular craft acrylic paint & that was it. They were done in a couple hours – start to finish.
**Now being a fire chief’s wife- I’m going to tell you that putting actual candles in these freaked me out. Open flame in the summer is something that keeps my hubs SUPER busy. So I am strongly advising the batter operated “candles” or you can stick a glow stick in these & get the same effect.
Happy holiday decorating!!
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Chocolate Sweet Potato Cake
You all know that we have our weekly food co-op. We don’t get to pick & choose what gets put in it. We pay a flat rate each week & when we pick up our basket it’s always a surprise as to what we will get for the week. This sometimes ends up with us getting a bunch of things that we don’t typically eat- or flat out dislike altogether.
This past basket we received a sweet potato. NONE of us like them- not even a little bit. So we did have a fleeting thought to mail it to my mom as a joke since they like them. But we thought better of it. I decided to push my creativity & find a way to make it into something we would like. I knew that back in the 1940’s, during & after the war- things like sugar & butter were hard to come by & people like our great grandmothers & grandmothers were doing what they could to get creative in the kitchen while doing without. They made Potato Cake. I decided to adapt a recipe for potato cake & see if it would still come out good with the sweet potato. So I made…
Chocolate Sweet Potato Cake
Chocolate Sweet Potato Cake
Ingredients
- 1/2 large sweet potato
- 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate 3 squares
- 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup 1 stick butter
- 1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk I used lactaid
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Line 10" round baking pan with parchment on the bottom.
- Spray parchment lined pan with cooking spray on bottom & sides. Set aside.
- In microwave safe bowl- place sweet potato in with enough water to cover bottom.
- Pierce sweet potato several times- microwave approx 10 minutes. Turn over- microwave another 5-10 minutes until soft like a baked potato. Set aside.
- Melt chocolate in microwave safe bowl - about 20 seconds. Set aside.
- In large bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, salt. Set aside.
- In small bowl, remove skin from sweet potato- mash with fork until no more lumps remain.
- Use electric mixer, beat butter & brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Reduce mixer to low- mix in mashed sweet potato & then melted chocolate.
- Add flour & turn on low- pouring in milk as it mixes the flour into mixture.
- Spread batter into your prepared pan.
- Bake 35-48 minutes- or until toothpick test is clean.
- Cool in pan 15 minutes.
- Flip onto wire rack to cool completely.
- Flip back to right side onto serving plate.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar or add icing of choice to taste.
I used a standard donut glaze & just drizzled it on in a pattern. This cake didn’t really need heavy frosting.
Add some berries & you have yourself a 4th of July party treat.
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Simple Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwich
Sometimes it’s the little things that make me smile. I love when something so effortless & yet fun brings a little light into my day. This is especially true with desserts. I love things I don’t have to slave in the kitchen for hours on & yet end up being huge hits at a gathering. I am not the fist person to think of this idea- in fact I’m know of at least a few other of my favorite bloggers that have done this for various different holidays in various different ways. But for me- I’m all about these little 4th of July nonpareils. I love them in all color combos but I think the red, white & blue make me the happiest. Which means that I had to use them for this little 4th of July dessert.
Simple Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwich
As you can see- it’s as simple as inserting a Popsicle stick (I used tongue depressors because they are easier to hold) into a semi-soft ice cream sandwich. Then I just sprinkled on the nonpareils & pressed them in a bit. Had to work fast because they were melting quickly. I stuck them back in the freezer to harden again. So easy & yet guests at your party will love the festive touch.
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Pink Velvet Funfetti Donuts
It’s National Donut Day!!!! It’s time to celebrate with some….
Pink Velvet Funfetti Donuts
You know I wasn’t going to let National Donut Day go by without making something to celebrate right??!!! I mean- every donut should be celebrated. I have so much fun with my little mini-donut maker. I try to make some for a Saturday morning at least once a month to sort of break the cycle of muffins & breakfast cakes & other things. Besides- don’t you just have those days when you just REALLY CRAVE a donut?? I definitely do.
These were SO MUCH FUN!!!!
I was going to do red velvet but as I was adding the food color the pink just grabbed me
& I thought it was better for summer to do something a little lighter.
Pink Velvet Funfetti Donuts
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-1/2 c buttermilk
- 2-1/2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 4 eggs slightly beaten
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp red food color
Instructions
- Sift together flour, sugar, salt & baking powder.
- Add buttermilk, eggs, vanilla to dry mixture- mix.
- Add butter- mix until combined.
- Add cocoa powder & food color- beat until just combined.
- Fill full size donut pans & bake 5-8 minutes.
OR! fill mini-donut maker & bake 3-5 minutes.
- Donuts are done when they spring back when touched- do not over cook.
- Allow to cool on wire rack.
- Dip in glaze & sprinkle with Funfetti before glaze dries.
Want more Donut recipes- head HERE
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Desserts for Summer
It’s June!!! That means it’s time to revisit some great
Desserts for Summer
My criteria for making recipes in the summer is that it has to be simple & quick. I don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen- especially now that we live in a place where it’s nice to be outdoors this time of year. I’m not sitting in a puddle of sweat anymore- however that doesn’t mean I don’t want to still enjoy some great frozen treats. I will use any excuse I can to have something sweet. 🙂
I have compiled my top favorites here for you today.
Banana Cream Pie Frozen Yogurt
Vanilla Frozen Yogurt
Peppermint Patty Frozen Yogurt
Raspberry Pineapple Frozen Fruit Pops
Coffee Ice Cream, Oreos & Cool Whip
Raspberry White Chocolate Frozen Yogurt
Raspberry & Cream Pops
Iced Espresso Pops
Strawberry Cheesecake Frozen Yogurt
YEP- I think it’s safe to say I have a healthy obsession with all things sweet. 🙂
Hope these help you all cool down this summer.
Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52 & Wednesdays for Your Best Weekly
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4th of July Fashion Ideas
Some things are great paired together. Some awesome worn in cutoffs with a pretty flowy tank top or a cute little dress with a nice chunky sweater to warm the shoulders when the sun goes down. Some things are just better together, right?!! After living in the desert for so long- seems I have a much larger summer wardrobe than anything else. But that isn’t stopping me from wanting to update things this year to include some adorable things to wear this 4th of July. I was browsing Polyvore & found so many things I want to or will be adding to my closet. I also got some really great ideas for pairing things that I already have with things I never thought of before.
maurices.com
$42 – houseoffraser.co.uk
usa.frenchconnection.com
$12 – hm.com
$155 – jades24.com
$52 – nafnaf.com
$25 – only.com
$83 – houseoffraser.co.uk
theoutnet.com
wallisfashion.com
papayaclothing.com
stylebop.com
$25 – pret-a-beaute.com
$68 – glam-net.com
$115 – witchery.com.au
matchesfashion.com
$23 – chiarafashion.co.uk
$27 – fatface.com
stylebop.com
matchesfashion.com
wetseal.com
bloomingdales.com
Aren’t these all so cute??!!!!! You can click on each one to see where you can pick them up.
Knowing that I need to keep my clothes looking their best as long as possible I am always looking for new products & systems to help me do that. I was asked by DailyBuzz Moms to try Tide, Downy & Bounce (available at Target) together to see how well they keep my clothes looking their best & brightest wash after wash. First – I have to tell you- I love using Tide products. I love the smell & I know that when I am using Tide I’m using the very best I can for my clothes. Adding Downy & Bounce along with it really makes me feel like I am extending the life of my clothes. That is a very good thing because justifying things like new denim at $175 a pair is a hard sell to the hubs. So anything I can do to keep them looking new longer is great!
**This post is part of the DailyBuzz Moms Tastemaker program for P&G.
This post is sponsored by P&G.
With Tide ®, Downy ® and Bounce ®, you can keep your summer fashions looking new up to 50% longer.
* Text CLEAN to TARGET (827438) for mobile coupons.
*vs. leading value detergent alone
P&G Tide + Target Campaign
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