I know the feeling! Been there. Done that. Doing that today. :(
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Peanut Butter "Cheese Ball"
Oh, how I am loving this new take on the classic cheese ball! This would be awesome for our next kid's birthday party - we always do 'em here at the house and set out snacks/drinks. The Girl Who Ate Everything (gotta love that name!) has adapted a Nestle recipe and come up with this amazing concoction. She's got a full tutorial (complete with pics) on her website if you need it. Here's the recipe:
Ingredients:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (not all-natural)
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
3/4 cup milk chocolate chips
3/4 cup peanut butter chips
Graham cracker sticks, teddy grahams, and/or apple slices for dipping
Directions:
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, peanut butter and brown sugar in large mixer bowl until blended.
Spoon onto a large piece of plastic wrap; bring up all four corners and twist tightly forming into a ball shape.
Freeze for 1 hour 30 minutes or until firm enough to keep its shape. Place peanut butter and chocolate chips in flat dish. Remove plastic wrap from ball and roll ball into morsels to completely cover, pressing morsels into the ball if necessary.
Place ball on serving dish; cover and freeze for 2 hours or until almost firm. (Can be made ahead. If frozen overnight, thaw at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.) Serve with graham cracker sticks, teddy grahams, or apple slices for dipping or spreading.
Fun Lunches
Here are some fun (and easy) lunchbox ideas from Lisa Storms to get you inspired! If you click on her name you can go to her website for more ideas. I love that these are special, but don't take TONS of time to make.....
I love this guy. Mostly his hair. I just cut off the crust from the sides and bottom beginning where the loaf dips in. I wanted him to "talk" so I added a Cheerio for an open mouth. The speech bubble is just punched cardstock. The eyes are slices of marshmallow with edible marker.
This guy was cut with a circle with sliced carrot sticks sticking out for hair. The eyes are slices of cheese stick with edible marker. The nose is an almond, and the mouth a cut from pepperoni.
You can even make a face in their salad!
Start out with a Smuckers Uncrustables sandwich, and you'll save some time! Give your snowman raisin features glued on with peanut butter, and of course a carrot nose. Another compartment is full of more "noses" on top of grapes, and the last is a marshmallow snowman on a bed of pistachios. In order to make the marshmallow snowman... spear three marshmallows with a pretzel stick, break another pretzel in half for the arms, and draw on features with food markers.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Grilled Cheese Croutons
Boy howdy, does this look yummy! We all love tomato soup in this house ('cept my hubby, but he's a weirdo!). I love the idea of fixing a grilled cheese sandwich for all, and instead of serving it on the side with the soup....you cut it up into tiny little baby sandwiches and use it for croutons! Brilliant, yummy, cute, LOVE IT!
Mommy's Not Real Pretty When She's Sporting A Moustache
SaveMore has a daily deal that I will most definitely be purchasing. You see, now that I'm 43, my upper lip area tends to grow a little more fur than it used to. And it's really starting to aggravate me! Today SaveMore has six laser hair removal sessions for just $89. Apparently this normally goes for $1,200 normally, which I would NEVER pay. But $89 for a smooth upper lip? Sign me up! Go HERE to purchase this deal.
Marble Race Track
Monday, August 29, 2011
School Supply Door Organizer
I like to take every advantage of the Back To School sales, so when I can pick up glue sticks for a dime, scissors for a quarter, notebooks for a penny, I do it. My boys are very crafty (which I love), but that also means that we have lots and lots of supplies that I need to find a home for. In years past this home has been in a box in my closet. When the boys needed something they knew to head for Mommy's closet. This year I finally got a clue. I'm going to do like ICanTeachMyChild.com and purchase an over the door shoe organizer, and get busy organizing. Is this a thing of beauty or what?! And it is extremely functional - as everything has it's place, and is readily visible. What an awesome idea!
Flavored Water Recipes
Yes, we should all drink more water. But if you're like me, you're more apt to reach for a carbonated beverage (i.e. soda, in my case Dr. Pepper). I've gotten into a REALLY bad habit of reaching for a soda first thing in the morning. Then another later in the day, and yet another if I'm really bad. Seriously, it's an addiction. So I've resolved/promised/threatened myself that I WILL drink more water. I will put down the can, and pick up the glass. To help inspire me, I found this great website full of flavored water recipes. I tried the cucumber water (basically just sliced up cucumbers in a pitcher of ice water), and it was surprisingly delish!
Go HERE for a bunch of recipes. And just to tease you, here is the recipe for the awesome looking fruit water pictured above:
- 1 each of the following fruits - apple, lemon, orange, pear
- 4 large strawberries
- Handful of raspberries
- Handful of mint leaves
- 1 half-gallon of water
Cut large slices or thin wedges of each fruit. Place them in a large glass pitcher and add cold water. Refrigerate 4 hours, and then serve in tall glasses. YUM!
Always Believe
Currently, there is something wet falling from the sky, which I have not seen in a very long time. And I think that's WONDERFUL!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Pancake Fun
I wish I had the time and/or patience to make these grand pancake creations. Maybe someday when my kids are all grown and I have nothing BUT time I will create amazing breakfasts like this for my hubby and I to enjoy while we sit on the porch in our rocking chairs.
Until then, I will go to www.JimsPancakes.com and admire his amazing creations. Seriously, this dude has mad skills with the pancake batter. You must check him out. Especially the 3D ones - like the T-Rex (seriously!). Way to (flippin') go, Jim!
He also has some great How-To Videos posted on his facebook page HERE.
No Excuses Not To Shave Your Legs! :)
You can score free Skintimate shave cream at CVS the week of 9/4/11. Here's how to do it:
CVS will have Skintimate on sale for $1.99
Stack one $1/1 CVS coupon HERE
with the manufacturer $1/1 coupon HERE
Hold onto both coupons until next week. You should be able to print both of them twice, for TWO Skintimates Shave Cream for FREE. Thanks ForTheMommas.com!
Inexpensive (but beautiful) Bouquets
Look at the beautiful flower arrangement above. Isn't it stunning? Now imagine it without the lemons. The lemons are what make it - not doubt about it. These are stuck in a plain mason jar (which, as a canner I happen to have around the house), but you could use any old thing you have. I challenge you to go to your nearest grocery store. Buy the cheapest bouquet they have - whatever's on sale. Swing thru the produce department and grab a half dozen lemons. Come home, slice your lemons up, grab an old pickle jar (or whatever) and stick it all in there. Now kick back and enjoy the beauty you've created. I'm totally doing this today.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Get It?
My middle boy is starting football this fall (can I get a yikes?!). He's got his first scrimmage today, and the oldest has drivers ed drive time (so you might want to stay off the streets this afternoon!). We're off to the races with another busy weekend. Hope you have a great time with your family!
Got A Crabby Princess?
I have all boys, so this really doesn't apply to me (although my hubby will tell you that I am a Crabby Princess!), but I LOVE this concept. There is an entire lineup of Crabby Princess apparel HERE. I personally like the hats, but they have shirts, mugs, aprons. Cute!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Stamping With Pencil Erasers
My kids always get cranky and super-amped up hyper around dinner time (not a good combination, by the way). So I am always in search of ways to keep them busy at the table while they wait for dinner to be served. This looks like a fun, simple activity that just might do the trick. No, silly, there is no tutorial. Just grab some blank paper, pencils with fresh erasers, and a stamp pad. Then let your kids' imagination run wild. If you've got a fancy rainbow pad like the one in the photo above you are a ROCKIN' Mommy and we all bow down to you!
This Mom Is Way Cooler Than I Am
Ya gotta admit that this lunch is totally rockin'. My boys love Angry birds, and would freak if they opened up their lunchbox and saw this. Sadly, that ain't gonna happen. I am not this creative, nor do I have this kinda time. But I do have time to pack them a healthy, kid (and eco) friendly lunch with lots of finger foods that they can quickly down in the short timeframe they have to eat lunch. Just to give you a window into our lunch world, I took a few pics of their lunches this week.
Yes, I do have THREE boys. So why only two lunches? Well, the oldest is 15 and would go hungry before allowing me to pack him a sweet little lunch like this. He brown bags it! :D I'll take pics periodically throughout the school year so you can see what we're doing in our house. I'd love to see what you're packing - especially if you've got something you're particularly proud of and want to show off!
For those of you who've asked, the green and purple boxes are Goodbyns, and you can purchase them thru my Amazon storefront right here on the blog. We luv 'em!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Bacon, Egg & Toast Cups
Once again, leave it to Martha! This looks so yummy, I'm making it this weekend. I'm wondering how this would be frozen and then popped in the microwave for a weekday breakfast? Any thoughts? Here's Martha's recipe:
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 slices white or whole-wheat sandwich bread
- 6 slices bacon
- 6 large eggs
- Coarse salt and ground pepper
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly butter 6 standard muffin cups. With a rolling pin, flatten bread slices slightly and, with a 4 1/4-inch cookie cutter, cut into 8 rounds. Cut each round in half, then press 2 halves into each muffin cup, overlapping slightly and making sure bread comes up to edge of cup. Use extra bread to patch any gaps. Brush bread with remaining butter.
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium, until almost crisp, 4 minutes, flipping once. (It will continue to cook in the oven.) Lay 1 bacon slice in each bread cup and crack an egg over each. Season with salt and pepper. Bake until egg whites are just set, 20 to 25 minutes. Run a small knife around cups to loosen toasts. Serve immediately
Love It! Left Brain vs. Right Brain
Left Brain:
I am the left brain. I am a scientist. A mathematician. I love the familiar. I categorize. I am accurate. Linear. Analytical. Strategic. I am practical. Always in control. A master of words and language. Realistic. I calculate equations and play with numbers. I am order. I am logic. I know exactly who I am.
Right Brain:
I am the right brain. I am creativity. A free spirit. I am passion. Yearning. Sensuality. I am the sound of roaring laughter. I am taste. The feeling of sand beneath bare feet. I am movement. Vivid colors. I am the urge to paint on an empty canvas. I am boundless imagination. Art. Poetry. I sense. I feel. I am everything I wanted to be.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Don't Forget!
Be ready for Outback Steakhouse's Great Aussie Steak Out TONITE at 8:00 CST. Go HERE to participate. You're gonna be kickin' yourself if they give out free steak and baked potato dinners and you didn't nab one! Good Luck!
Brown Sugar Smokies
photo/recipe credit
Can I just say that I will devour about 50 of these in one sitting? Anything wrapped in bacon is a winner in my book. Yep, it's easy. Yep, it's yummy. Yep, you're welcome!
Can I just say that I will devour about 50 of these in one sitting? Anything wrapped in bacon is a winner in my book. Yep, it's easy. Yep, it's yummy. Yep, you're welcome!
Ingredients
Directions
Cowboy Booty
Why is it that cellulite on babies is adorable, but grown women? Not so much so. I call NO FAIR!
Mini Marshmallow Popper
I can assure you, these will be a huge hit in my house full of boys. Thanks to the great folks over at RealSimple.com, there is a tutorial for all of us craft-challenged Mommies.
What You Need
Scissors and utility knife, rubber band (for younger children), uninflated balloon, paper cup with the bottom cut off, and the all important mini marshmallows
Directions
1. Knot the end of the balloon, then snip off 1/2 inch from the top
2. Stretch the balloon over the cutoff end of the cup so that the knot is in the center. (You'll need to hold the balloon in place when you "pop," or secure it with a rubber band for little hands.)
3. Place a mini marshmallow into the cup so it fits snugly in the knotted center of the balloon. While aiming the cup away from you (and others), pull the knot back, release, and see how far you can send the marshmallow soaring.
What You Need
Scissors and utility knife, rubber band (for younger children), uninflated balloon, paper cup with the bottom cut off, and the all important mini marshmallows
Directions
1. Knot the end of the balloon, then snip off 1/2 inch from the top
2. Stretch the balloon over the cutoff end of the cup so that the knot is in the center. (You'll need to hold the balloon in place when you "pop," or secure it with a rubber band for little hands.)
3. Place a mini marshmallow into the cup so it fits snugly in the knotted center of the balloon. While aiming the cup away from you (and others), pull the knot back, release, and see how far you can send the marshmallow soaring.
Pancake Art
I have a long, sordid history of ugly pancakes. They are always weird shapes, they spread out and stick together. Not too long ago I discovered the secret to pretty pancakes - put your batter in an old ketchup bottle (like you buy at the dollar store), snip off the top a little with scissors and you will have much greater control of your batter. You'll also be able to create pancake art!
Something great happens when you draw a couple of spots and a smile, then wait a minute before you add more batter to make a round pancake. The pancake batter that was first on the griddle browns more.So draw a face and wait a minute. Then add enough batter to create a round pancake right over the top of the face.
When the round pancake has cooked a little flip it over to reveal your artistic creation. Those features you drew first are now a darker color than the rest of your pancake. You’ve created a smiley face pancake and you've learned the biggest secret to great pancake art.
Great Re-purposing Of An Old Frame
I love this idea for re-purposing an old frame (perhaps bought at a garage sale?). Take an old frame, add wood and paint. Affix vinyl lettering and coat hangers. Very cute!
For My Zachy
My six year old and I used to say this to each other every night at bedtime. Recently he's decided to change it to "I love you to infinity and beyond!" I guess I should consider that an upgrade?
I Just Hope His Name Is Chewie!
For all those hard-core Star Wars fans, this little guy must surely be the holy grail of pets!
Awesome (and cheap!) Teacher Gift - Today ONLY
UPDATE: They also have an option to buy 6 vases for $14. I just bought it. And if you are a new subscriber to SaveMore.com you will get a $10 credit just for signing up, so THIS DEAL WOULD BE FREE, with free shipping (with $4 left over to use next time).
Ya gotta love today's deal from SaveMore.com. You get TWO expandable vases from The Vase Store with FREE shipping. I really like getting flowers (no duh!), but have a bunch of cheap glass vases under my sink that I don't know what to do with, yet cannot bring myself to throw away. This is a great alternative to that - and look how stinkin' cute they are. Can anyone say Teacher Appreciation or Birthday gift? Throw in a cheap bouquet and she'll love it. She won't even have to worry about the kids breaking it, and when the flowers are dead she just rinses out the vase, rolls it up and sticks it in her desk or purse to take home. Brilliant! Click HERE to purchase this deal.
Ya gotta love today's deal from SaveMore.com. You get TWO expandable vases from The Vase Store with FREE shipping. I really like getting flowers (no duh!), but have a bunch of cheap glass vases under my sink that I don't know what to do with, yet cannot bring myself to throw away. This is a great alternative to that - and look how stinkin' cute they are. Can anyone say Teacher Appreciation or Birthday gift? Throw in a cheap bouquet and she'll love it. She won't even have to worry about the kids breaking it, and when the flowers are dead she just rinses out the vase, rolls it up and sticks it in her desk or purse to take home. Brilliant! Click HERE to purchase this deal.
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