Oh Snap

Lemon Garlic Chicken

2012-01-16T09:49:00.000-08:00

Definitely a new favorite in our house! This is AMAZING! I got the recipe from http://sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com/

1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 T. butter
1/4 c. water
3 T. fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. chicken bouillon granules
1 tsp. chopped fresh parsley (I didn't have fresh parsley, so I just used dried and it worked perfectly)
1 package cream cheese (you can use 1/3 less fat or fat free)
1. In a bowl, mix the oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture into chicken. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Brown chicken in butter for 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Place chicken in a slow cooker.
2. In the same skillet, mix the water, lemon juice, garlic, and bouillon. Bring the mixture to boil. Pour over the chicken in the slow cooker.
3. Cover, and cook on High for 3 hours, or Low for 6 hours. Add the parsley to the slow cooker 15 to 30 minutes before the end of the cook time.
4. About 15 minutes before you're ready to serve, remove the chicken and place on a serving platter. Add the cream to cheese to the juice in the crockpot, and whisk until smooth.

Ladle the sauce over rice or pasta, then place your chicken on top!

Italian Sausage Soup

2012-01-16T09:44:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't posted in....years. I have been on a "try new recipes kick" lately thanks to pinterest and recipe club here in Ohio. So I decided I will post a few of my recent favorites for y'all to try and enjoy!

Ingredients:
1 pkg. hot or sweet Italian Sausage (could do turkey sausage for a more healthy approach)
2 c. diced carrots
1 c. chopped onion
8 c. chicken broth
2 (14.5 oz) cans diced italian tomatoes
1 c. small shell pasta
4 c. bagged baby spinach leaves, finely chopped
4 tb grated fresh parmesan or romano cheese
4tb chopped fresh basil (I used dried)

Cook sausage (stir to crumble), carrots and onions in a large pot over medium-high heat until sausage is browned. Add broth, tomatoes, and pasta. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer about 10 minutes or until pasta is done. Remove from heat. Stir in spinach until wilted. Sprinkle each serving with cheese and basil. Serves 8-10.

Cilantro rice & creamy taco mac!

2011-01-31T09:48:00.000-08:00

You should come to dinner sometime........

(ok, not the best picture, but seriously delicious!!!!!)

CILANTRO RICE

3 cups rice
6 cups of water
4tsp chicken bouillon
4tsp minced garlic
1/2 bunch of cilantro (substitute dried cilantro)
1 can green chilies
3/4 tsp salt
1Tbs butter
1/4 cup dehydrated onion

Pour all into rice cooker and cook or cook on stove
bring to boil and simmer for 30 min
Mix and squeeze fresh lime juice is desired

CREAMY TACO MAC

1/25 lbs ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped
8oz dry pasta + 1 cup reserved pasta water
1 16oz jar of salsa
4Tbsp mild taco seasoning
3oz cream cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
salt & pepper
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese, plus more for garnish

Bring a large pot of water to boil & cook pasta per directions. Reserve once cup of pasta water.
Over medium heat, brown ground beef until no longer pink. Add onion and cook 5 minutes
Add taco seasoning and salsa. Allow to simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.
Add pasta, reserved water, cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese. Give it a good stir until cheeses are melty and incorporated.
Simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt & pepper if desired
Top off with cheddar cheese for extra cheesy goodness.

Another CSN Stores Giveaway... $45!!!

2010-12-29T09:02:00.000-08:00

UPDATE.... COLLEEN IS THE WINNER OF THE GIVEAWAY!

I am in love with CSN stores….and they are offering yet another giveaway for $45.

CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find anything you need whether it be a chic handbag, modern dining furniture or even cute cookware! I love browsing all their sites.I love browsing all their sites.

I have ordered several things from CSN and must say they have so many great options.
If I was the one that won I think I would order some Kettle Bells… LOVE those things

…So… the important part… TO ENTER….

Just leave a comment telling me what you would use or put the $45 for…
and leave your email address!

Giveaway ends January 7th!

{please note this will not cover international fees}

2010-10-28T09:47:00.001-07:00

BAKED CARAMEL APPLES

Apples are not my thing. Never have been.
Caramel, now thats my thing.

You will need:
Apples
Chopped Nuts (any kind)
Bits of caramel

Butter/Margarine

Step 1.) Cut the top off the apple hollow it out and remove the core & seeds.
Step 2.) Fill the apple with nuts & caramel. I used chopped walnuts on these, which are fine, but peanuts would work better. Especially if you aren't the biggest fan of walnuts (me). I
also used regular caramels that i had, and just cut them into 1/4ths. Caramel chips
would be fine.
Step 3.) Put a dollop/slice/dab of butter on top of the walnut/caramel mixture. Butter makes all
things delicious.

Step 4.) Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes

Voila!
(sorry for the poor picture quality & the child bathing in the background)

At this point I decided to take the deliciousness to a whole other level and sliced the apple open and added a little brown sugar & cinnamon. It was a decision I did not regret.

So good, so simple, plus you get your apple a day in!!

And the WINNER is....

2010-10-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

There were 24 entries....

and the winner is....

Congratulations Melanie!!!!
I am sending your information off to the CSN Store rep and they should contact you soon!!!

Thanks to all who entered!

Did you do it???

2010-09-23T19:00:00.001-07:00

Umm if you did not enter giveaway below....you need to!
and if you didn't go to the other blog and enter as well....

Well YOU SHOULD!!!!

Because you need to comment on each one...they are SEPARATE Giveaways!!!Click the pic...it will take you right there...

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!
(almost)

CSN Stores GIVEAWAY!!!

2010-09-21T04:17:00.001-07:00

CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find everything from a nesting tables to fantastic fitness equipment to cookware!

I LOVE CSN STORES!!!!

(I got my food dehydrator from them)

I had such a great experience!!!

CSN Stores is graciously offering an Oh Snaps reader

a $45 gift card...

ALL you have to do is leave a comment with your email address below and what you would use the giftcard for.

Contest ends Friday October 1st!

(winner announced October 2nd)

P.S. It might be in your best interest to check out my other blog too...(wink wink)

Covered Letters

2010-08-12T18:19:00.000-07:00

This is my go-to bridal shower gift for family and close friends.
I love to make the letters that will spell the couples last name.
This example below is the one's I just made for Jadon and Amanda.

{don't know why I can't turn the picture}
So I get the letters at Hobby Lobby or Michael's

Any wood or cardboard letters work. Find the paper you want. I normally try to coordinate with their living room colors.
I normally alternate a solid and then pattern.
{Honestly picking the paper and laying out the way I want the paper laid out is the toughest part.}
Trace the letter on the paper. Both upside down.
Cut on the inside of the trace. This will save you time in trying to trim down the letter.
Then Mod Podge the paper to the letter.
Put the mod podge on the letter and then lay the cut paper on top.
Smooth any bubbles and let dry.
After it has dried. Take some sand paper and sand down the excess paper on the edges.
Then stain the edges. I normally do brown or black paint {just craft paint}
and mix it with water and use a sponge.
I find a ripped sponge works best {that yellow thing on the top of the plate}
It allows a messier look and gives you more control of what you want to do.
There is no rhyme or pattern to follow.
Just stain the edges. Make it messy.
I don't think there is any way you can go wrong here.

Then do another layer of Mod Podge on the top.
A nice layer works good. It will dry clear.
Once dry you can embellish.
Use buttons, ribbons, brads, beads, gems, whatever you can find.
A nice rule of them is start embellishing the solids.
Then if if you want to you can add a small embellishment to the patterned letters. And there you have it. The final product.

There is no limit to what you can make!
You can spell out anything or just do an initial.
Super easy and fun!!!

Call it love, call it an obsession . . .

2010-08-11T13:35:00.000-07:00

I call it a new hobby! Digital Scrapbooking. I love it and have spent a lot of time on it recently.

Here's what I learned:

First you need a program. I bought Digital Scrapbook Artist from Costco.

This program comes with a few kits

with digital scrapbook images,

as well as information about Daisytrail.

(Daisytrail is a website for those who love digital scrapbooking.)

Next, you pick a kit (or kits) that follow the theme you want to scrapbook.

pick your background,

materials

embellishments

photos

text

[Digital Scrapbook Artist also has a photo editing tool and lots of effects you can add]

Design it how you want, and you're done. *No Mess to clean up!!!

This is a page I made using Digital Scrapbook Artist.

(The picture was taken by Callie of Callie's Gallery)

Lastly, print your pages.

Print them from home.

Find a store or website that prints scrapbook pages.

I recently ordered from Shutterfly.

Shutterfly can print your pages in a photobook, in lots of sizes.

I was fairly happy with the quality,

but I would recommend that you double check each preview

to make sure none of your text or images were cut off.

More Websites

The Shabby Shoppe

Cute Links for You

Digital Scrapbook Experts

A word of advice . . .

When I went to upload my pages on Shutterfly,

I learned they needed to be in jpeg format.

In order to get them that way,

I had to export them from Digital Scrapbook Artist.

*make sure they get saved in a file you can find:)

2010-08-07T09:30:00.001-07:00

SALSA!

My first attempt at homemade salsa happened just a few years ago, and I'm sad it took me so long in life to come up with a recipe that I like. But now that I've got it just how I like it, I'll share.

INGREDIENTS:

3-4 Large Tomatoes

1 Green Bell Pepper
1 Red Bell Pepper
1 Yellow Bell Pepper/Orange if available
1 Bunch of Scallions (those are those long green onions)

1 Bunch of Cilantro
1 Jalapeño
1 Yellow Onion
1 Red Onion
1 Head of Garlic
2 Small Cans of Tomato Sauce
Salt/Pepper
1 Large Avocado (optional)
2 Lemons
2 Limes

After I wash everything I start by cutting up the tomatoes, small pieces of course. This is the only thing besides the Avocado that I cut by hand. Everything else i use the food processor to chop up.
So I chop up all the different types of onions. With the scallions I only use the white parts up to where it starts to turn dark green. With the Red/Yellow onion I use the whole onion, but you can put in as little/much as you prefer.

After getting rid of the stem & seeds of the bell peppers they are also chopped and added. I should add that you do not HAVE to add all the different assortments of bell peppers. I just like the color and taste they add.
I chop and add about 1/2 of the head of garlic.
With the jalapeño I advice to to use some caution. Last batch I made I added 1 whole jalapeño and it was almost too hot for me (but i am a big baby). This time I added half of one and while it had it's spicy moments it was a pretty good level of hotness.
Avocado I cut by hand and add in.
Lemons/Limes give it a little zest as well as keep the avocado from turning brown, but you can add as little as you like.
With the cilantro I usually cut most of the top leaves off and chop them up. But some people don't like cilantro, so this could be optional as well.
Lastly I add salt/pepper and the 2 cans of tomato sauce- the sauce helps add juice.

And that's it! The best part about the salsa is how fresh it tastes, and how healthy you feel for eating all those vegetables.

This recipe makes A LOT though, so if you don't think you'll store it or use it all, I say half it. Or call me up and I'll take some of it off your hands!

Personalized Table...Stand?

2010-08-03T13:08:00.001-07:00

Recently I went to a wedding reception (congrats Amanda & Jadon) and decided that instead of buying something I wanted to make something.
HOWEVER, i take ZERO credit for this idea. I saw it on a blog...I just can't remember which one so I can't give the creator proper credit!

Supplies that you need:

*A picture frame (bigger frame would make a tray that would be good for breakfast in bed maybe?) I got mine at a 50% off Saturday at Goodwill, and it was already painted a color I liked!
*Scrapbook paper/embellishments/ribbon and such
*Hot glue
*Wooden letters. You pick the size.

First you decorate the paper inside of the picture frame. Mine was actually a piece of cardboard (I did get it at Goodwill after all) so it was pretty sturdy! I decided to put the bride/grooms last name on the inside to make it more personal, but any phrase, quote or single word would work.

Next cover the letters (I did W since their last name is Walters) with scrapbook paper. I just used a glue stick to glue them on. After that dries, hot glue them to the bottom of the frame.

Done!

Things I learned for next time:

*Make sure your letters are the same size before purchasing them. For some reason one W (yes I'm sure it was a W and not an upside down M) was abotu 1/4inch longer then the other. Took lots of sanding to get it to fit.

*If your not going to cover both sides of the letters w/ paper make sure the uncovered side isn't dirty/scratched or else you might have to paint it white to cover that up.

*I would also suggest gluing a dowel to connect the letters at the bottom, just for extra stability.

* Don't get mad if people say "what thats suppose to be".

*Hold the letters in place one at a time so that when the glue dries the letter is straight.

Skillet Lasagna

2010-07-25T20:50:00.001-07:00

Ingredients
2 lbs. Ground Beef
1 Onion
2 Cans (Petite) Diced Tomatoes (drained)
1 ½ (13.25 oz.) Jars Spaghetti Sauce
1 ½ boxes of Noodles (Bow Tie or Rotini)
2 Cups shredded Zucchini (optional)
1 (16oz.) Cottage Cheese
2/3 Cup Sour Cream
2 Cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Italian Seasoning
Salt & Pepper
Garlic Salt

Directions
-Cut onion and cook the ground beef and onion and in another pan cook noodles according to package instructions.
-After noodles are cooked, drain and drizzle with olive oil.
-If needed drain meat and then season meat according to taste.
-Combine ingredients in a pot & fold together and allow it to combine over low heat for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

(WARNING! This makes a lot. So you may want to cut it in half.)

Quiche

2010-07-10T17:01:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
1/2 C. Butter
1 C. Flour
2 t. Baking Powder
24 oz. Cottage Cheese
2 (7 oz.) cans Green Chile
35 Egg Whites
6 C. Shredded Cheese (mozzarella, pepperjack)
1 bag/bunch Spinach
Salt, Pepper, Garlic Salt

Grease an 12x15 pan
Melt butter
Mix in flour and baking powder
Squeeze water out of steamed spinach and cut
Stir in the rest of the ingredients

Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 mins then turn oven to 350 degrees and cook for another 35-40 minutes.

****** We did all egg whites to make it healthier and more low calorie. You can use a pie crust or crescent dough at the bottom for a crust. You can add whatever you want to taste. Like bacon or green onions. We have tried a few different things and its an easy recipe to add what you want. We have also made these in cupcake pans too {as you see from the picture}.

We make this much to freeze some. We cut the pan of quiche into bars and we put them in freezer bags. Then when we want them we just pull it out and cook it. Tastes great!!!

Try it and see how you like it!

Black Bean Brownies

2010-06-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

THIS IS NOT A JOKE.
The following is a real recipe.

Take these 2 ingredients:

Drain and rinse the black beans. Put them in a blender/food processer along with 1 cup of water. Puree.

Mix the beans in with the brownie mix.
THATS ALL.
No eggs, oil, anything.

Taste the batter and wonder where the bean taste/smell has gone to.
Bake according the the box directions.
(actually took about 10 min longer then what it said)

Let them cool, then eat.
Then give them to your family but don't tell them what's different.
After you explain the ingredients prepare to defend yourself against accusations of trying to be "vegan".

Low calorie/Low fat brownies.
With lots of fiber.
That taste just like brownies.
Only different.
In a good way.
It has been decided that adding chocolate chips in wouldn't be such a bad idea either.
I dare you to try it.

Coconut Bread!

2010-06-18T08:00:00.001-07:00

Coconut Bread

Ingredients:

4 eggs
1 cup oil
3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons coconut extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk
1 cup coconut flakes

1 cup chopped nuts

Directions:

1. set oven to 325 degrees and spray two loaf pans; set aside
2. cream eggs, sugar oil and coconut extract together.

3. blend dry ingredients together and add to creamed mixture; mix well

4. add buttermilk, coconut, and nuts until well blended

5. bake 45 minutes to an hour depend on oven.

Topping

Ingredients:

1/2 cup water

1 cup sugar

2 tablespoons butter

2 teaspoons coconut extract

Directions:

1. bring water, sugar and butter to a bil for approximately five minutes; stir constantly.
2. remove mixture from the stove and add the coconut extract

NOTE: When you take the coconut bread out of the oven, leave in pans, divide the topping and then pour over both breads. I suggest moving the bread from side to side to let all the topping soak in over the sides and bottom. Let it stand for three to four hours. After the tremendous wait, remove from the pans and wrap.

Soooooo good!!

Hair Ideas!

2010-05-19T16:40:00.000-07:00

So do you want to know how to do this fun hairstyle and many more?! Check out Becki over at Whippy Cake. Seriously you will be impressed with how easy her hair do's are!! Have fun!

Pasta Salad

2010-03-20T16:20:00.000-07:00

This is a mixture between a recipe I got from Samantha and what I ate at Paradise bakery. I love that you can adapt the recipe to what you like. So feel free to do the same!

Pasta Salad

Ingredients:
2 lbs. pasta
1 head/bunch broccoli
1 bottle Caesar Salad Dressing
1/4 of a red onion
cherry tomatoes
1 can olives
Parmesan cheese
Salt to taste

Directions:
Cook pasta according to instructions on bag
Once cooled mix all ingredients and chill

***you can add or change the additional ingredients according to what you like. Other ingredients you could use could include bell peppers and chicken. You can also change what type of cheese you use as well. So good and super easy!***

Angel Biscuits

2010-03-20T16:13:00.000-07:00

Angel Biscuits - super easy and super good

Ingredients:
2 C. Bisquick
1/2 C. Sour Cream
1/2 C. 7-UP

Directions:
Mix sour cream and 7-UP together
Stir in Bisquick just until moist
DO NO OVER MIX
Drop batter by spoonfuls into cupcake pans.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes

{1 batch makes approx. 12 biscuits.}

Oreo Truffles

2010-03-01T09:41:00.001-08:00

Family potlucks mean a chance to try out great new recipes. I found this little beauty here, and was dying to try it.
TURNED OUT AMAZING!!
Super simple and super delicious.

Oreo Truffles

1 package Oreos
1 1/2 pkg (12oz total) cream cheese softened. *I used 2 whole packages b/c well I love cream cheese!
12oz chocolate* I used a bag of semi sweet chocolate chips and a bag of milk chocolate chocolate chips and it was great!
1 oz white chocolate

1. Finely crush the oreos using a food processor
2. Mix oreos in a bowl with the cream cheese (I used a spoon to mix, not a blender). Mix until there are no white streaks visible.
3. Form into small balls

4. place on parchment lined baking sheet.

(hopefully no one pokes their fingers into the balls like they did to some of mine.)

5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight * I did it overnight just to make sure they set correctly.
6. Melt chocolate over double boiler, stirring constantly.
7. Dip each truffle into chocolate using a spoon, drop onto parchment baking sheet.
8. Repeat.

9. Melt white chocolate. Pour into ziploc bag and make a tiny hole in the corner. Drizzle over chocolate.

10. Refrigerate until ready to serve * I would suggest refrigerating for at least 2 hrs prior to eating.

11. ENJOY!

NOTE: You should be aware that the chocolate can stick to your teeth when you bite into the goodness and therefore cause you to look like a pirate that is missing some teeth. Also, the chocolate can be a little melty when your eating them and you may not notice this until your putting your child into pajamas and notice little black fingerprints over his back.

Picture Frame Clock

2010-02-14T20:07:00.000-08:00

I got this great idea for a clock from my friend Kelsie. {She's super crafty and even has two etsy shops. Here and here} All you do is find picture frames--I got mine from Goodwill for about a dollar each--and then paint them black. I added scrapbook paper and little embellishments that I had lying around the house in 8 of them, and then in 12, 3, 6 and 9, I put wedding pictures of my husband and me. {It is, after all, for our master bedroom} I found the clock hands online for about 15 dollars. There are several places that sell them. All you do is assemble everything, mount it on the wall, add a battery and voila! Your very own personalized clock for less than $30. This project was so much fun to make! Definitely one of my favorites so far!

P.S. Sorry about the crappy lighting. :)

Jar-Vase

2010-02-11T20:06:00.000-08:00

Have you ever tried to put a flower arrangement in a skinny vase, and THEY WOULDN'T FIT! It is really annoying. This was the problem facing me tonight. So, I was looking through my cupboards, deciding what I could use instead. I saw an empty glass jar, and thought, that might work. (If I make it pretty first:) So I got out my faithful jar of modge podge and found some cute scrapbook paper. Then I measured the paper and modge podged the paper to the jar. I added a second layer of paper with "Happy Birthday" on it. (Any saying would work.) Then I tied some ribbon around the top and I had a flower vase. (Now I don't have to buy one!!)

Miniature Shelf

2010-02-01T16:22:00.000-08:00

This shelf was made for less than $5.00.

I just bought a plain shelf and painted it.

Then I modge-podged the paper to the shelf.

Voila, it is ready to hang up in our kitchen and hold our cute aprons we got at Disneyland!

Valentine's Advent

2010-01-29T12:02:00.000-08:00

So we all know this one, right? I saw this here and just had to do it for my hubby! What you do is make 14 cards (I made 16 because I'm starting tomorrow). On the back, you write an activity you and your spouse can do together that day. The point is to bring you closer together in an inexpensive way. There are lots of ideas listed in the link above. I seriously did all mine in 45 minutes with my baby getting into everything (e.g. spilling modge podge in my carpet). It's very easy and really fun!

(I was in a hurry, that's why 15 & 14 are in the wrong places. Oops!)

Have fun crafting!

Potato Chip Cookies

2010-01-06T16:54:00.001-08:00

Yes I know the name throws you off...just promise that you will give them a try...They are delicious! They are my brothers favorite cookie...{one of my favorites too}Potato Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
1 lb butter
1 cup sugar
3 1/2 cup flour
4 oz. crushed potato chips
1/2 cup nuts (optional)

Directions:
Cream butter and sugar till smooth.
Add the rest and Mix thoroughly
Drop from teaspoon on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes
When cool...give them a dunking in powdered sugar.

--I don't ever recall doing these with nuts. But I think they would be good that way too. Make sure the cookies are completely cool before tossing them in a bag of powdered sugar. --

Now GO make them!

Sweet and Sour Chicken and Chinese Rice

2009-12-20T12:46:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! I have been listed as a poster of this wonderful little blog but have never actually posted. So I thought I might share a delicious recipe that is a HUGE favorite in our home. Sweet and Sour Chicken and Chinese Rice!

Sweet and Sour Chicken:
4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
3/4 C Sugar
3/4 C Vinegar
1/4 C Chicken Stock
4 tbs Ketchup
1 tbs Soy Sauce
Dash Salt

Directions: Cut chicken into small cubes. Dip in beaten egg and then cornstarch. Brown lightly on both sides. In a pot, add sugar, vinegar, chicken stock, ketchup, soy sauce, and salt. Bring to a boil (until sugar is melted). Put chicken in a square, glass pan. Pour sauce over the top. Sprinkle LIGHTLY with garlic salt. Cover with tin foil. Bake @ 350 for 1 hour.

Chinese Rice:
2 tbs Olive Oil
3 Large Carrots chopped
3 Large Celery sticks chopped
1/2 an Onion Chopped
1/2 a package of bacon chopped
4 eggs
2 cups of Rice

Directions: While Rice cooks... put olive oil in large frying pan on low to medium heat (depending on your stove), add carrots, celery, and onions. Let cook until done. (Add a little soy sauce to them and other seasonings that you like...I do salt, pepper and a little garlic salt). When they are done, set them aside and fry the small bits of bacon. When bacon is done add it to the veggie mix. Then beat the eggs and scramble them in the pan (so they get the yummy bacon flavor). When the eggs are done mix it all together in a bowl. Fry the rice in the same pan...and then add the whole mix together.These pictures don't really make it look very good, but I promise it's DELICIOUS! Happy Cooking!

Super Mario Baby Shower

2009-12-13T17:25:00.001-08:00

The Mission: Jessica's Baby Shower

The challenge: Mario themed for a boy

I must say I was quite surprised at the lack of Mario stuff out there. I was so very lucky to find a stamp on etsy. And with help of Samantha, Suzi, and Natalie, we pulled off a great shower!

We framed one of the invites. {And we used plastic gold coins as accents.}

This is my favorite. It was so fun to put together. I am loving the bright happy colors.Brought to you by the letter "P"Triangle banner.Sam found some super cute clothes to put on the clothes line.The Diaper CakeThe food table...so FUN!And last but not least the beautiful Mom to be {Jessica} with her diaper cake.
Thanks for letting us throw you this shower.
I had so much fun!
Now we just wait for Baby Preston!

oh...and MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Christmas Wreaths

2009-11-28T15:21:00.000-08:00

I made the first wreath a year ago. All I did was buy a plain 24 '' wreath and some holiday picks in the colors I wanted and wire them to the metal circle supporting the wreath. This year I made the other two wreaths for my mother and sister and I did the same thing. It's really simple and looks great for a whole lot less money than buying a pre-decorated wreath.

Corn Maze Munch

2009-10-31T16:41:00.000-07:00

CoRn MazE MUnCh!

This is so so good.
Someone brought it in for a potluck at my Mom's work.

Definitely a must try!

Ingredients

1 (11 oz.) pkg mini pretzels
1 (10 1/2 oz) pkg mini peanut butter filled crackers (ritz)
1 C. dry roasted peanuts
1 C. sugar
1/2 C. butter
1/2 C. light corn syrup
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
1 (10 oz) pkg M&M's
1 (18 1/2 oz) pkg candy corn

Directions
In a large bowl, combine first 3 ingredients.
In a large saucepan, combine sugar, butter and corn syrup. Bring to a boil over mdeium heat; boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and baking soda (mix will foam)
Pour over pretzel mixture and stir until coated.
Pour into greased 15x10 pan.
Bake at 250 for 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
Break apart while warm.
Cool completely.
Toss with M&M's and candy corn.
Store in airtight container.

**We made it last night to take to the football game. We left with 5 quart size bags and only came home with one. It was gone this morning. So today we made it again, with some revisions. We added some Chex cereal and some of those tiny soup crackers and cheerios. We also leave out the candy corn. Just be sure that you don't cook the mixture too long as you will not see it fowm when you add the baking soda. It should about double in size. The first time we made it it didn't. The second time it did. So just don't cook too long.**

my FIRST post:)

2009-10-27T21:07:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Cookies

1/2 c. shortening

1 1/2 c. sugar

1 egg

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. nutmeg

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 1/2 tsp. ginger

2 1/2 c. flour

3 Tbsp. molasses

2 c. pumpkin (canned pumpkin mix)

1/2 c. chopped nuts

1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Mix together and drop by the spoonful on a cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.

Hello Dolly's

2009-10-14T17:19:00.000-07:00

Well...I have always known them as Six Layer Bars...never knew they were called Hello Dolly's till I told my mom I could not find the recipe. But now I know.
These are very similar to Jessica's Candy Grahams they are just slightly different. And SO SO EASY!!!!
Ingredients
1/4 C. Butter
1 C. Graham Cracker Crumbs
1 C. Coconut
1 C. Chocolate Chips (6 oz.)
1 C. Chopped Nuts
1 CAN (15 oz.) Sweetened Condensed Milk

Directions
Melt butter in a 9x9 pan.
Cover evenly with graham cracker crumbs.
Make thin layers in order: of coconut, chocolate chips, and nuts.
Pour sweetened condensed milk over all.
DO NOT STIR!
Bake at 350 degree for 30 minutes.
Cool before cutting

*** These are my absolute favorite dessert. I request these for my birthday. And as Jessica's I would highly recommend doubling these!***

ENJOY!!!!!

Chocolate Chip Cupcake

2009-10-11T19:51:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate morsels
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, divided
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation

Beat first 3 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended; stir in chocolate morsels, walnuts, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Set aside.

Beat remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, butter, sugar, and 1/3 cup brown sugar until creamy. Add egg, and beat until blended.

Combine flour, soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; stir into butter mixture.

Place paper baking cups into miniature (1 3/4-inch) muffin pans, and coat with cooking spray; spoon 1 1/2 teaspoons batter into each cup.

Bake at 350° for 12 minutes. Spoon morsel mixture over cupcakes, and bake 10 more minutes.

Note from Me: We doubled this recipe and it made 24 regular cupcakes. They are delicious!!! If you like Blonde Brownies you will love these!

Recipe from HERE

Banana Bread

2009-10-01T17:21:00.000-07:00

{Okay....I totally forgot to tke a picture so I am borrowing one...

this is basically what it would look like. HaHa}

Banana Bread!

I have had a serious craving for it and the other night my Mom and I set out to make it!
Seriously Delicious..It did not even last a week...and the recipe was doubled!

Ingredients:
1 C. shortening
1 1/2 C. sugar
6 eggs
5 1/4 C. flour
3 t. baking powder
1 1/2 t. baking soda
1 1/2 t. salt
3 C. mashed bananas
1 1/2 C chopped nuts {optional}

Directions:
-Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Cream together: shortening and sugar.
-Add eggs and beat well.
-Sift together dry ingredients.
-Add to creamed mixture alternating with bananas, blending well after each addition.
-Stir in nuts.
-Pour into well greased 9x5x3 loaf pans and bake @ 350 for 45 minutes to an hour.
-Insert knife to check if done.

So good!!!! Give it a try and let me know how you like it!

Super Easy Bulletin Board

2009-09-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

Look at this treasure I found at Goodwill on Saturday for $9.99.

So I decided to make a bulletin board for my kitchen/great room. The following is a list of items needed for this project:

1. Beautiful ornate frame :)

2. Corkboard

3. Spray paint (I used ivory satin from Walmart)

4. Burnt Umber craft paint

5. Hot glue gun

6. Nails and hammer

7. Tacs for bulletin board

I started off with a few coats of spray paint on my frame. After those dried completely I watered down the craft paint a lot and brushed it on. I immediately wiped it off with a paper towel. This brought out all the detail and imperfections.

Then, my hubby cut down the cork board to size and I hot glued into the frame and then added nails as well to strengthen it. That is seriously it! Hang it on the wall and enjoy! Here are some pictures

Gyozas

2009-09-05T14:03:00.000-07:00

Gyozas

These are delicious! My Dad went to Japan on his mission and I remember my parents making these when I was younger. We gave it a go on Friday. They turned out amazing!
Ingredients:
1 lb. ground chicken (or pork)
1/2 Napa cabbage
1 bunch green onions
Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1 T. soy sauce
1 tsp. sesame oil
1 tsp. sesame chili oil
gyoza wrappers/skinsWhat to do...
-CUT up cabbage REAL FINE, sprinkle with salt, mush up cabbage with hands for 2-3 minutes.
-ADD very finely cute up green onions.
-ADD ground chicken/pork with garlic powder and ginger,salt and pepper, soy sauce,and sesame oil,
- MIX with hands like meat loaf...mush well.
- Put in wrappers - COOK on med-high in 2 T. vegetable oil to coat pan. Make sure the pan is HOT. Be sure to not over-crowd the pan. Roll them to cook them on ALL sides.Sauce: white vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame chili oilServe with Rice or eat alone....just EAT them...they are so good!

{ We also added shredded carrots, and finely cut bean sprouts to ours and
they were SO good, and yes we ground our own chicken.
Which took forever, but it was much cheaper.
We doubled this recipe and are freezing some.}

FEATURED!

2009-08-27T16:06:00.000-07:00

Guess what!?!?!?!
Samantha's baby shower was featured on Creative Parties and Showers

Go check out there site...It is packed full of amazing party and shower ideas!
We are excited to have our new followers!

Candy Grahams

2009-08-06T17:57:00.001-07:00

The first time Patrick took me to meet his mom he told me that she was making his favorite snack/dessert- Candy Grahams. Now the only experience I've even had with a candy graham was in Jr. High where you could buy a candy graham for $1 and it consisted of some card stock where you could write a message and then add a sucker and it would be delivered to the recipient. So I was very surprised that something like that would be his favorite. Boy was I wrong! Candy grahams are NOTHING like candy grahams of ole!

THE INGREDIENTS:
1/2 C Margarine
1/2 C graham cracker crumbs (@ 1 sleeve)
1 Can Eagle brand sweet and condensed milk
1 Pkg of choc. chips
1 C angel flake coconut
1 C chopped nuts (pick your favorite)

Now I always double this recipe, quadruple it if there is a potluck at work!

Step 1: Crush graham crackers into crumbs and mix with melted butter. Spread, and push to flatten in a 9x13 pan (or biggger if doubling)
This is also known as the worst step of the process.... takes forever and my fingers always hurt!

Step 2: Pour Eagle brand evenly over the top. Top with choc chips, coconut and nuts. Press gently.

Step 3: Bake 25-30 min at 350 degrees . Cool thoroughly, then cut!
Now this part is very important. Cut all the corner parts and bring them to my house because those are the BEST parts!!!

Cookie Dough Cuppy-Cakes!

2009-07-30T17:26:00.000-07:00

I saw this recipe here and was waiting for the right occasion to try it out. Lucky for me my manager asked me to make cupcakes for a team members birthday this week and try it out I did!

THE INGREDIENTS:

1 package yellow cake mix (I recommend Pillsbury low-sugar yellow cake mix)

1 package sugar-free vanilla instant pudding mix

1 cup milk

1 cup vegetable oil

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 package chocolate chip cookie dough

Your favorite frosting, enough to frost 24 cupcakes

THE MIXING:

1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place cupcake wrappers in 24 muffin pans.

2. Combine all cupcake ingredients (except cookie dough and frosting, of course) in bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on low until combined, scrape bowl, then mix on medium for 2 minutes. Batter will be very thick.

THE PREPARATION:

3. Divide batter between cupcake pans (about 1/4 cup in each cupcake wrapper), each cupcake wrapper should be about 2/3 full. Roll cookie dough into 24 balls and place one on top of each unbaked cupcake.

*Now this is where the recipe and I differ. In the original post the cookie dough was pushed into the batter. I was afraid that this would result in uncooked cookie dough, which is never good overnight, and I made the cookies the night before. Also important to make sure you have regular cupcake wrappers not just Christmas ones, or else you might have to run back to the store.

THE BAKING:

4. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until tops spring back when touched. Cool 2 minutes and remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

THE RESULT:

5. Frost with your favorite frosting (chocolates always good) and garnish with a baked cookie (cut in half placed in the frosting), sprinkles, or toasted pecans.

While I myself didn't try one out (I wasn't feeling like something sweet at the time) they were a HUGE success! People are work are STILL talking about them! Someone even said I bake better then his grandma. I don't know about all that, but I do know they were super tasty!

Lime Meringue Pie!

2009-07-24T11:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, so if you like Key Lime Pie, you should like this as well.

Pie Filling
1 ½ cups sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Dash salt
3 slightly beaten egg yolks
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
½ teaspoon grated lime peel
1/3 cup lime juice
Use whatever kind of crust you want! My husband whipped up a graham cracker crust for me real quick on this one.

In saucepan, mix sugar, cornstarch, flour and salt. Gradually add hot water, stirring constantly. Cook and stir over moderately high heat until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat.

Stir a moderate amount of hot mixture into egg yolks (so the yolk doesn’t cook itself in the pan) then return to hot mixture in the pan. Bring to boil and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add butter and lime peel. Slowly add lime juice, mixing well. Pour into your crust.

Meringue
3 egg whites
½ teaspoon vanilla
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
6 tablespoons sugar

Beat egg whites with vanilla and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff and glossy peaks form and all of the sugar is dissolved.

Spread Meringue over pie filling. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes or until meringue is golden. Cool. Enjoy!

P.S. If you're not into meringue, just put cool whip on top of the pie because the filling is seriously delish!

NEW button

2009-07-23T18:37:00.000-07:00

I just made a new button by following April's directions... and I actually did it!
Thanks April!!!!

So GRAB ONE!
It matches now :)

New Peeps

2009-07-18T11:48:00.000-07:00

Guess What?!!?!
I am super excited to announce we will have some more people posting to this here blog.
Why am I so excited you ask?
I'll tell you...
These girls are AMAZING!!!
Seriously!
I would not ask them to post if I did not think they were. Honest.
Are you on the edge of your seat curious as to who these amazing women are???
I thought so...

There will be more info about them soon.
Right now here are the links to their blogs!
Go check them out :)

Natalie
Jessica
Samantha

Ice Cream Pie

2009-07-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

This is super easy...
All you need is:
Pie Crust (store bought or homemade)
Ice Cream (of choice)
Whip Cream
and whatever toppings you would like.

Let the Ice cream soften and put it in the pie crust
and then put the whip cream on top and then add your toppings.
Then put it back into the freezer.
Its really good and oh so easy.
Plus you can do whatever flavors you want.
This one is a chocolate store bought pie shell with cookies and
cream ice cream and Oreos smashed on top.
I wish I would have thought of putting hot fudge on top.
That would have been delicious.
The next one I would love to do a graham cracker crust
with cheesecake ice cream and strawberries on top. YUM!

Sam's Baby Shower

2009-06-21T18:21:00.000-07:00

Me and Sam{The food table and all its yummy goodness. I made cake balls that many people seemed to enjoy. I dipped them in a white chocolate and then drizzled milk chocolate over the top to make it look like a zebra.}

{name plaque: I got the wood at Hobby Lobby and just used paper and modge podge to put it together}{Another name frame}{Clothes line. the white ones I made with the iron-on's you can print off your computer}{It's a boy banner}

I really enjoyed putting this shower together!
Here are a few pictures of the decorations.
I just love the theme. I got the idea from a blog online.

Chicken Club Pizza

2009-06-20T18:29:00.001-07:00

Chicken Club Pizza

This pizza is SO good. We had it a few weeks ago at girls night and I made it the following Monday. It is delicious and super easy

Ingredients
1 ready made pizza crust (Pillsbury, in the area by the biscuits)
Cooked Chicken (I used some of the chicken from those Rotisserie chickens in the store)
Bacon
Mozzarella Cheese
2 Roma tomatoes
1 avocado
Red Onion
Lemon juice

Directions
-Preheat oven to temperature on pizza crust package
-Roll out pizza crust (You can cook it on a pan or on a stone)
-Sprinkle cheese, chicken and bacon onto crust
-Put in oven for about 18 minutes or until golden
-While in the oven cut up tomatoes (remove all seeds), avocado, and onion. (The Red onion is strong so use what you think is best.)
-Put in bowl and mix with some lemon juice enough to just coat so the avocados don't turn brown.
-When pizza is done cut and then spread the tomato mixture on the top
-ENJOY!

(before the tomato mixture)
(After)

Shower Invites

2009-06-03T15:17:00.000-07:00

I am doing my friend's baby shower.
My mom and I finished the outside of the invites.
I saw these colors on another blog for a shower and fell in love.
It's too fun!
I am excited to get everything else ready for the shower!

(thanks mom for helping)

Craft Day

2009-05-17T16:50:00.000-07:00

I did a craft day with Sam and Natalie Saturday.
It was a lot of fun. I found this at Hobby Lobby and really thought it was cute.
Hobby Lobby has a lot of different ideas for crafts posted throughout the store.
I might do a giveaway in the next month or so for one that says LOVE...so stay tuned...
I am looking forward to many more craft days. That was a lot of fun. I love those girls!

Ham, Bacon, and Cheddar mini muffins

2009-05-13T19:54:00.000-07:00

I saw these and knew I wanted to make them. I saw them here.

Ham and Cheddar Mini Muffins
3 Tbsp. butter

1 medium sweet onion, finely chopped

1 1/2 cups Bisquick

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup milk

1 large egg

1/2 cup finely chopped cooked ham

1/2 cup "Real Bacon"

Melt butter over medium-high heat; add onion, and saute until tender. Combine bisquick and cheese in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture.

Stir together milk and egg, blending well; add to cheese mixture, stirring until moist. Stir in onion, ham, and bacon. Spoon into lightly greased(PAM) mini muffin pans, filling 2/3 full. Bake at 425 for 18 minutes. Let stand 2-3 minutes before removing from pan. Makes 2 dozen.

***These were pretty good! and really easy to make! I would probably add salt and pepper to the dough before cooking. They would be great served with eggs or somthing. Delicious!

Let me know how you like them!

Earring making

2009-05-11T12:27:00.000-07:00

Mom and I made these earrings for her Mom for Mother's Day as she was going to get her ear's pierced. I have not made jewelry for the longest time. It was nice to get all the stuff out again and make stuff. I am looking forward to doing more crafts now that school is done with. We made a total of 14 pairs of earrings.

Ballin'

2009-04-05T11:55:00.001-07:00

These have been floating around the blogosphere... Have you seen it???
Cake Balls...Brownie Balls

I saw this post and knew I had to try it. I am thinking of doing them for a baby shower for my friend. These would be cute as mock baby rattles.

Ingredients:
1 13"x9" cake, baked as directed (I used chocolate but you could use any cake)
16 oz. cream cheese frosting
Candy wafers in a few different colors
lollipop sticks

1. Make cake and let cool. Crumble cake in a bowl and add cream cheese frosting.
2. Form into balls. (I also thought of finding a pan that would keep the form of the ball on the bottom so it would not be flat)
3. Put into freezer for at least 30 minutes or in the fridge for a few hours.
4. Insert stick
5. Melt Chocolate and dip them, tap off excess chocolate on the side of bowl.

These turned out really good actually. I was quite pleased. They are SUPER easy to make and worth it!

Some tips from my experience:
---I left the balls in the freezer for quite a few hours. So you can leave them for however long you want.
---You can do any combination of cake and frosting. Just watch the consistency as you are adding your frosting so it is not to wet or to dry.
--- You can also do this with brownies, and mix it with some cream cheese frosting.
--- Someone commented that Michael's has a pan/mold that you can cook the brownies in with out adding frosting that are already formed into balls. I am just unsure as to how those would hold up. I am sure you would still have to freeze them so the chocolate would not crumble them.
--- For me...one cake mix made approximately 30 balls. I also only needed one 1lb. bag of the chocolate melts to cover them all.

So here are some blogs that I have seen with these...check them out...give it a try and let me know how you liked them.

Or so she says: offers GREAT step by step instructions and pictures
Be Different...Act Normal: addresses using brownies instead of cake...YUM!
All Recipes: this one shows that you dont have to use a lollipop stick...hmm...I like this idea as well....
The Pioneer Women
Bakerella: she has made a few of these...more great ideas on how to decorate them HERE too...Get creative!

I think they would be perfect for any occasion!

Vanilla Bean and Orange Cupcakes

2009-03-08T16:31:00.000-07:00

My Mom and I made these amazing cupcakes Friday night. This was a bigger task than we imagined but we had a lot of fun. We doubled the cupcake recipe as the recipe only makes 12-14. The frosting recipe makes a lot so we actually made another dessert with the leftover frosting. Vanilla Beans are expensive (I did not know this) so instead of doing 4 in the cupcake batter we did 3 and only 1 in the frosting, thus saving $10.00. We also decided we would add more salt probably double what it calls for. Also, START with the frosting. It is a long process so start with that so it is done by the time the cupcakes are completed. Try them out...they were delicious!

Vanilla Bean and Orange Cupcakes

4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 vanilla beans, split and scraped
1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
2 large eggs
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

**Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners. Cream butter for about 3 minutes, then slowly add the sugar, vanilla seeds, and orange zest and continue to beat until the mixture is pale and fluffy. With mixer running, add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down sides of bowl.

**Combine cream, orange juice, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture to butter mixture in 3 batches, alternating with cream mixture, ending with flour; beat until just combined. Make sure you are scraping down the sides of the bowl between additions.

**Divide batter among muffin cups, filling each 3/4 full. Bake, rotating tins halfway through, until testers inserted in the centers come out clean, about 25 minutes.

Magnolia Bakery creamy vanilla frosting (makes enough for 3 dozen generously frosted cupcakes)

6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 vanilla beans, split and scraped (my addition)
2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sugar (I only use superfine baker's sugar for this recipe)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Zest of one orange (my addition for this particular cupcake)

**In a medium-size saucepan, whisk the flour into the milk until smooth. Do this by adding a tiny bit of milk to the flour, whisking it into a thick paste and then slowly adding a bit more and stirring until it is all incorporated. This takes a bit of time, but if you try to do it too quickly you will end up with a lumpy mixture that is even more of a hassle. If using vanilla beans, add them here. Place over medium heat and, stirring constantly, cook until the mixture becomes very thick and begins to bubble, 10-15 minutes. Cover with waxed paper placed directly on the surface and cool to room temperature.

**In a large bowl, on the medium high speed of an electric mixer, beat the butter for 3 minutes, until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar, beating continuously for 3 minutes until fluffy. Add the vanilla and beat well. Add orange zest if desired.

**Add the cooled milk mixture, and continue to beat on the medium high speed for 5 minutes, until very smooth and noticeably whiter in color. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes before using.

These were so good!!!! Thanks Mom for making them with me, so Fun! They were delicious!

Oh this is DANGEROUS!

2009-02-28T21:19:00.000-08:00

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

We liked it but found that it tasted kind of bland and rubbery. So we decided to try an alternative experiment.

5 Minute Cake Mix Cake
1/2 cup Cake Mix
1 egg
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup oil

Follow the same directions as above. We spiced it up with some powdered sugar.

ENJOY!

Seven Layer Dip

2009-02-01T14:58:00.000-08:00

I had a potluck on Friday for the superbowl and made 7 layer dip.
It was soo good and soo easy!

Layers:
2 cans of refried beans
Guacomole
8 oz. sour cream mixed with 1/2 a package of Taco Seasoning
Cheese
Green Onions
Tomatoes
Olives

Many people commented on how pretty it looked... That is all thanks to my mom, she likes when things go to the edges ( I agree!) Thanks for helping!

Sugared Bacon Smokies

2009-01-29T19:50:00.000-08:00

These are so good. And so so easy!

Ingredients
Lit'l smokies
Bacon
Brown sugar

Cut the bacon into thirds and wrap around a lil smokie. Secure with a toothpick. Line on a foil covered cookie sheet and cover with at least 1 pound of brown sugar. Cook at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. They are so good and would be great as a Superbowl snack!
Let me know how you like them!

Honey Bun Cake

2009-01-29T06:11:00.000-08:00

We made this from a recipe I found here!

-Ingredients-
1 box yellow cake mix
4 eggs
3/4 cup oil
8 oz sour cream
-Filling-
1 cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp cinnamon
-Icing-
2 cups powdered sugar
4 Tbsp milk
1 Tbsp vanilla

I tweeked it a bit and instead of doing icing we did a crumb topping so it turned out to be more of a crumb cake...
-Crumb Topping-
1/4 C. butter
1/2 C. sugar
3/4 C. Flour
(we also added in a bit of the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture)

Cook at 325 degrees for 30-40 minutes...

Its delicious...Try it and let me know how you like it!

Crownies

2009-01-08T18:37:00.000-08:00

It's not quite brownies and not quite cake. Therefore we decide to call them Crownies. And the they will be called Crownies. And they shall be my Crownies. ok...sidetracked...

The Ingredients

1 cup margarine, melted

1 cup water

3 rounded Tbsp. cocoa

Boil above ingredients and let cool.

Add to cocoa mixture:

2 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

2 cups white sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup sour cream

Bake in large cookie sheet at 350F for 20 minutes.

Icing:

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

1/3 cup margarine/butter, melted and cooled

3 Tbsp. cocoa
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla and mix well.

Pour over cake while still warm. Enjoy!

Quote Frame

2009-01-07T19:33:00.000-08:00

Wow...looks like we are trying to catch up all at once after the Holidays!

I have had this project in mind for quite a while. I got a collage frame at Michael's. It did not come in the color I wanted so I spray painted the frame as well as the mat. I collect 6 of my favorite quotes and printed them on vellum. Mounted them on white paper and then put them on various color backgrounds. And topped it off by embellishing with flowers. It did not take to long to do after I just got started on it. It was a fun and easy project.

Shredded Green Chile Chicken

2009-01-07T14:46:00.000-08:00

I altered this recipe a little bit as I have a bigger family and I wanted some leftovers to use in an additional meal. Below is the original recipe as well as my altered recipe.
The Original Recipe
3-5 Chicken Breasts
Couple Bouillon Cubes
1 Jar Herdez Salsa

The Altered Recipe
8-10 Chicken Breasts
Couple Bouillon Cubes
1 Jar of Herdez Salsa
1 Can Green Chile Enchilada Sauce

Add everything to a pot and let cook for an hour. Take out chicken and shred. Add chicken back to pot of juice. Allow to simmer for a few minutes to allow chicken to soak up juices.
This chicken can be used on anything from burritos, tacos, tostadas, etc.
Also made these delicious cookies...thanks Chelsea for that post ... I completely forgot about these cookies. They are so good. An alternative to dropping them on wax paper is spreading it out on a cookie sheet.

The Final Result!

2008-11-24T18:11:00.001-08:00

Here are the final pictures of the Bachelorette Party...It turned out great and everyone loved the decorations. It was a lot of fun.

Bachelorette Party decor

2008-10-27T21:04:00.000-07:00

Krissa came up with this really darling idea for some fancy glasses for the party! They are soo cute and will add some pizazz to the table!

Crystal stones in a champagne glass with ribbon tied around.. you could put a votive candle in the stones.. or just leave them as they are... and you have a darling accent decoration!

Here is a picture of them!!

~Cake plates~

2008-10-27T20:46:00.000-07:00

We were at the dollar store on Saturday and had an epiphany to make cake plates for the bach. party out of plates, and candle holders... We were going to buy a cake plate buffet set somewhere but why not just be crafty and make our own?! The cake plate from a retailer would have cost upwards of $25... our crafty version.... $12... nearly half the cost and 100x cuter!!

The start of our Crafty Blog

2008-10-16T18:59:00.000-07:00

Krissa and I have been inspired by others in the blogging world! So we started our own blog that will showcase all of our crafts that we will be working on. Below are things that we have already been working on....

Our friend Kelly is getting married, so for her bridal shower we made a cube for her sign in table, and a sign in book.