tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43150635589293510482024-02-07T10:49:40.117-06:00Pirates & PrincessesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315063558929351048.post-2777134070999751932013-01-12T17:15:00.001-06:002013-01-12T17:15:58.195-06:00Brock's 6th Birthday - LEGO Style<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMO0yo6o2M2NrMYN068z4HsgqDQPZtc4DcNsk1gxIRph_8gT6hui70d4KfevRH7s7-ghvArjKVUg-sup_Du0Vt4HsbChIvOadZzW7XNY85vEkc6iXyUqYhKTmeNe9AvEIp1_epQJ7OipY/s1600/IMG_3414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>It's still hard for me to believe that I have a 6 year old in Kindergarten.</div>
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I think I say something to that effect every year around birthday time...</div>
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But it's TRUE.</div>
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This year Brock has been all about LEGOS.</div>
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So, we of course went with the LEGO theme. </div>
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Balloons courtesy of A Pink Poppy Balloons & Flowers in Urbana.</div>
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Lisa is always a pleasure to work with and does a GREAT job!</div>
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THANK YOU!!!!</div>
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Be sure to go check her out on Facebook <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Pink-Poppy-Balloons-Flowers/119288748123704?ref=ts&fref=ts" target="_blank">HERE</a></span> for all your balloon and floral needs!</div>
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And how seriously CUTE are these LEGO cookies from The Sweetest Thing?</div>
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It doesn't matter what your theme is, Nikki can make cookies that will work perfectly! </div>
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And not only are they stinkin' CUTE, they are DE-LISH! </div>
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You really need to check out some of her other art work on facebook <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheSweetestThingCookies" target="_blank">HERE</a></span> because she really is a cookie artist! You can also visit her blog <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thesweetestthingcookies.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a></span> where I notice she has a special going on for Valentine's Day (or Groundhog's Day!) cookies ordered by January 31st, you'll get 10% off! </div>
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Thanks, Nikki!!!!!! :)</div>
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Super SIMPLE favor bags. </div>
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I used my cricut to cut out circles and then used some of those glue dots that make things look 3-D to stick them on. Inside the bags I put some LEGO crayons, coloring sheets, a LEGO memory game, and of course a cookie! </div>
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As an additional party favor and fun activity to do during the party, I found these Bat-mobiles at Target and the boys got to put them together and then have races on a ramp that TJ built. </div>
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And how GREAT is his shirt?</div>
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My sweet friend from church, Kathy, made it for him.</div>
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I gave her a TON of notice on what I wanted...</div>
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No, not really.</div>
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It was another wild hair up my fanny ideas and I'm just LUCKY that she is so flexible and great to work with.... Plus, she loves us. </div>
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Hmmmm.... I wonder who won that race?</div>
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I love his face. </div>
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And then it was time for some bounce house fun.</div>
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We had rented a bounce house from a rental company in town, but when we got it inside the building, what do you know? It was too big and almost went through the ceiling. A little dramatic, but what party of mine goes perfectly without a hitch or little excitement? </div>
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So, back to the rental company it goes, thank goodness they gave me a refund since it isn't exactly their busy season. But in the mean time, I've got 5 boys running around, wrestling on the floor, with nothing to do since the thrill of racing their cars had worn off.... I call TJ in a sweat. Off he heads to ToysRUs to purchase a bounce house and saved the day. Wasn't exactly looking to purchase a bounce house that day, but now we've got one. It'll come in handy in the spring and maybe if I ever get my basement in order.... Right? </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy 6th Birthday, Brockers!!!!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315063558929351048.post-66318372459310293422013-01-04T09:39:00.000-06:002013-01-04T09:39:20.511-06:00Christmas Tree Cupcakes & Reindeer Pops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Where did the month of December go?</div>
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I mean really, I think I blinked and the holidays were over.</div>
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In keeping with tradition, I brought my kids on the show to help me make some Christmas goodies.</div>
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Boy, were they in rare form. You can just never predict how a 4 & 6 year old are going to act on LIVE tv. </div>
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But it was a lot of fun, and they were of course super cute... not that I'm biased.</div>
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Here's the YouTube video of the segment...</div>
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(Thanks YouTube for picking the perfect freeze frame shot!)</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/rz7OsxzQgdA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Here's some more shots from our Christmas shows...</div>
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(Just FYI, TJ made sure to get all my best faces! LOL!)</div>
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Fun times.</div>
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In case you want to book mark these recipes to do with your kids for next Christmas, here ya go!</div>
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Reindeer Pops</div>
Get a nutter butter cookie, split cookie, put Popsicle stick in, add extra peanut butter, place cookie on top. Dip in chocolate, set on parchment paper, before chocolate hardens, add white choc chip for eyes with dot of chocolate, m and m for nose, sprinkles and broken pretzel.<br />
<br />Christmas Tree Cupcakes<br />Make a batch of cupcakes<br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Place a sugar cone on top of each cupcake and press into the cupcake firmly. Next, ice the entire cone with green frosting. (Tip: Hold the cone steady by placing your index finger on the top of the cone and pressing down.) Then, using a fork, texturize the green frosting until you reach your desired "Christmas tree" finish. We topped off our mini trees with gumdrops and added a little extra frosting around the base to make it look like snow. Decorating the trees is entirely up to you-just have fun and make them your own!</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315063558929351048.post-63350876329656165082012-09-06T22:34:00.002-05:002012-09-06T22:34:30.872-05:00"Mint" to Be... Teacher Gift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Someone started Preschool today...</div>
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{tear, tear}</div>
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I found these free printables on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheCelebrationShoppe" target="_blank">The Celebration Shoppe's</a> Facebook page.</div>
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I thought they were too cute, and who doesn't LOVE them some Junior Mints?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315063558929351048.post-35906967354397250472012-08-05T18:07:00.001-05:002012-08-05T18:13:27.650-05:00The Roberts Diamond Jubilee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjve27aUQBc0x4UZm-kF1L8xCtrv8h-Ui19NIXe1gID4ns2feB7UcUm0banlWXPRdT-3yW9h5f8VkvO5Loys1EyXI8vrnaz8Tcujs-1Lu9fV00SaRkvGA27KKnRruwYACay5p-RwjPnvek/s1600/DSC_3808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjve27aUQBc0x4UZm-kF1L8xCtrv8h-Ui19NIXe1gID4ns2feB7UcUm0banlWXPRdT-3yW9h5f8VkvO5Loys1EyXI8vrnaz8Tcujs-1Lu9fV00SaRkvGA27KKnRruwYACay5p-RwjPnvek/s400/DSC_3808.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Last month marked my grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Goodness, that's a LONG time!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">My Aunt Linda and Granny have been busy planning this anniversary celebration in Branson for months, so we had been anticipating getting together with everyone for awhile.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was put in charge of party details and after watching all the coverage on the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrating her 60 year reign, I thought... But, of course! <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Roberts Diamond Jubilee</span>, </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">celebrating 60 years of wedded bliss. </span></span></span></div>
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It really wasn't hard pulling it altogether. </div>
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I hit up the party store after the 4th of July and found so much cute stuff.<br />
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I think this photo that my brother photoshopped for me was my favorite part of the table display!</div>
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I "borrowed" the Queen's formal portrait and had my brother, Dustin, implant my grandparent's faces in their place. He also made me the subway art below, and I think he nailed it. It's so hard to share your vision with someone over e-mail, but he got it spot on. Love that brother of mine.<br />
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This was my first attempt at freezing cupcakes and it was a success since I made them at home and then took them on the road with me to Branson.</div>
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I made my <a href="http://pirates-n-princesses.blogspot.com/2011/04/kinley-turns-one.html" target="_blank">white cupcakes</a> with a <a href="http://pirates-n-princesses.blogspot.com/2011/01/dora-boots-3rd-birthday-party.html" target="_blank">caramel buttercream </a>and then a chocolate cupcake with a Reese's peanut butter cup type filling and my favorite go to peanut butter cream cheese frosting. I found the recipe via Annie's Eats, <a href="http://annies-eats.com/2009/11/06/chocolate-peanut-butter-cupcakes/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. My Uncle Steve said these chocolate cupcakes were the BEST he's ever eaten... Just sayin', they were YUMMY. </div>
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And what would an Americana celebration be without apple pie?</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Thanks, Sams Club!</span></div>
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My super sweet Mom helped me with the red tutu for the cupcake stand. She loves me.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">And I really need to learn how to sew.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span> </div>
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And these cookies...AMAZING!</div>
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Brittany of <a href="http://fairytalesweets.shutterfly.com/" target="_blank">Fairytale Sweets</a> made just what I wanted.</div>
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Every time I ask her if she can make such and such type cookie, I always think I'm going to stump her, but NOPE. That girl can make any shape of cookie you could possibly want or need!</div>
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And they are soooooo good! She's the only cookie gal I know who uses actual buttercream on her cookies and they keep so beautifully.</div>
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Go LIKE her on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fairytale-Sweets/151791234894218" target="_blank">HERE</a>! </div>
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And it just would NOT be an official Jubilee without fancy party hats! </div>
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After the photoshopped photo of my grandparents, this was my second favorite part of the party. When I sent out my mass e-mail to my family telling them the theme of the party and to all bring their best party hats, I worried no one would participate and would think I was nuts-o, but everyone really got into it and it was so much fun! </div>
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I wish I would have thought to bring a prize for the BEST hat, because my cousin Kyle and his sweet wife, Anna, would have won hands-down. She made those! They were so cool...and soooo tall!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3mJqpUl2Qoxt1HEkW35isOUoGTymJNcpv-JupE6KvPdChXr1r-SYW9l9uLW8tV7OoByqf59z9ymQ9p2_oBv675Zy_QtOjy2T30OadyQDuX49G-kNth9JvR_uqiPoamd3nDFdMoomegs/s1600/DSC_3837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3mJqpUl2Qoxt1HEkW35isOUoGTymJNcpv-JupE6KvPdChXr1r-SYW9l9uLW8tV7OoByqf59z9ymQ9p2_oBv675Zy_QtOjy2T30OadyQDuX49G-kNth9JvR_uqiPoamd3nDFdMoomegs/s400/DSC_3837.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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And I had to end this post with my Uncle Steve, remember the guy who said my cupcakes were the best he's ever eaten? Yea, that's him and my Aunt Marcia holding my sweet nephew, Reid. Don't worry, him saying my cupcakes were the best is legit, he's really not "special," just super special to us.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Diamond Anniversary, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Granny & Granddad!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We love you! </span></div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315063558929351048.post-16467334636656482562012-07-19T20:45:00.000-05:002012-07-19T20:45:11.597-05:00Frozen Reese's Peanut Butter Pie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://illinoishomepage.net/fulltext?nxd_id=394282" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfGmzqmTVG1mSQgAyGpsLgcggjiV5LsmfQVhlP29Ib8UhgXftw-uCV1Eest1ldc60mHq-C8ocesV66htGFOz25tItrRZ8flo_dnF9bpCo95C4A3C5YfmPFTnZxmpsEyqjS2g7MLcD-94/s400/pie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Simply said... You've GOT to LOVE live TV.</div>
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Today on <a href="http://www.ciliving.tv/" target="_blank">ciLiving</a> during our Cool Treats Week, I attempted to make <a href="http://www.elizabethannsrecipebox.com/2012/05/frozen-reeses-peanut-butter-pie.html" target="_blank">Elizabeth's yummy recipe</a> for Frozen Reese's Peanut Butter Pie from her blog, <a href="http://www.elizabethannsrecipebox.com/" target="_blank">Elizabeth Ann's Recipe Box</a>.</div>
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I made one the night before... no problems.</div>
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Today... PROBLEMS.</div>
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Watch for yourself <span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://illinoishomepage.net/fulltext?nxd_id=394282" target="_blank">HERE</a></span>.</div>
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Pretty sure TJ had to watch the part where I spilled the Reese's pb cups all over the place like three times. </div>
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If you'd like to make this yummy, cool treat yourself without the pressure of bright lights and cameras, it is delicious!</div>
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Ingredients:<br />One Oreo Pie Crust<br />Large Tub Cool-Whip<br />3/4 C. Creamy Peanut Butter<br />1/2 C. Powdered Sugar<br />1/2 C. Crushed PB Cups<br /><br />Directions:<br />Heat
peanut butter and powdered sugar on low heat in a sauce pan until
combined and melted. Set aside for 5 minutes to cool down. Gently fold
in peanut butter mixture to the Cool-Whip. Fold in crushed peanut
butter cups and pour into Oreo crust and freeze for 3 hours. Garnish
with caramel and chocolate drizzle. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315063558929351048.post-90973435178941484442012-05-31T23:06:00.001-05:002012-05-31T23:06:44.611-05:00Teacher Appreciation Gift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPKvCyBzSky4GwwXR9FBPuRqhyphenhyphenBJ1grRbNCQShEDSPoQhVloYyxSOpTp95RXSIQCMtWgb0PumT4DDIpYoo0p8aBIN87RH84zufctBrEOEmijF8Q27eQxcu0ST87Hh6hEcPnD6ADkhXVw/s1600/DSC_3366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPKvCyBzSky4GwwXR9FBPuRqhyphenhyphenBJ1grRbNCQShEDSPoQhVloYyxSOpTp95RXSIQCMtWgb0PumT4DDIpYoo0p8aBIN87RH84zufctBrEOEmijF8Q27eQxcu0ST87Hh6hEcPnD6ADkhXVw/s400/DSC_3366.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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Can you tell he just woke up?</div>
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We aren't morning people at our house.</div>
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For Teacher Appreciation Week at Brock's Pre-School, I headed to <a href="http://pinterest.com/HRciLiving/">pinterest</a> to find a cute idea we could whip up <i>quickly</i>. This couldn't have been simpler. I used my cricut to cut out the flower and then wrote Thanks for helping me "grow" this year! Love, Brock</div>
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He signed his name and off it went to school for Mrs. Erin.</div>
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Easy-Peasy.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315063558929351048.post-63448589587353257522012-04-09T10:18:00.000-05:002012-04-09T10:18:28.762-05:00Behind the Scenes...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFmkqq29Ees2p5NKC0p0eCd6UNXVsgAdIFpAYBXjXmy6e3fbAZKpEsfiePlHCtx_0HTnrhbUdz38zoHVYegGsR80b8mkCcTTKS2Cc5LuyGFIiGfcqk1j0qV6IX6CPAhxk01yy8LuOglQ/s1600/DSC_3194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFmkqq29Ees2p5NKC0p0eCd6UNXVsgAdIFpAYBXjXmy6e3fbAZKpEsfiePlHCtx_0HTnrhbUdz38zoHVYegGsR80b8mkCcTTKS2Cc5LuyGFIiGfcqk1j0qV6IX6CPAhxk01yy8LuOglQ/s400/DSC_3194.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are some behind the scenes photos from my two segments during March Madness Week.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">To see them again click <a href="http://illinoishomepage.net/fulltext?nxd_id=354772&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=facebook">HERE</a> & <a href="http://illinoishomepage.net/fulltext?nxd_id=354762&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=facebook">HERE</a>. </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcz-XbRtaAHzQYz_LxS-U1_VPwmNVwQKsbcDJiL0uR8aAxXEacHHc7-nv05skZama_QT3AEoJMkE4fIVdWvdLofCA_x-ONvD1E50HGxDsEel4T8o1OIGD3wOHvo9yAxbfQ9ak8L2EWLQ/s1600/DSC_3219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcz-XbRtaAHzQYz_LxS-U1_VPwmNVwQKsbcDJiL0uR8aAxXEacHHc7-nv05skZama_QT3AEoJMkE4fIVdWvdLofCA_x-ONvD1E50HGxDsEel4T8o1OIGD3wOHvo9yAxbfQ9ak8L2EWLQ/s400/DSC_3219.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkwuQlx_dmiQyLhy-g0E6dt099xv3j7QpMIlJvImQmyR7HJTGoSS-bnLhDgEF1HeroU6QDYPXGS2RX39Gmxl4Lx5TU1xoCOm0CzS4FAbXtf3IvwzBh5y1jqY-XJRFKNDQcm_ZYhTZ-GE/s1600/DSC_3225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkwuQlx_dmiQyLhy-g0E6dt099xv3j7QpMIlJvImQmyR7HJTGoSS-bnLhDgEF1HeroU6QDYPXGS2RX39Gmxl4Lx5TU1xoCOm0CzS4FAbXtf3IvwzBh5y1jqY-XJRFKNDQcm_ZYhTZ-GE/s400/DSC_3225.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> During the first segment I made Marshmallow Popcorn.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Super yummy, but would probably make EXCELLENT popcorn balls.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 bags popcorn (pop and take out extra kernels) </div><div style="text-align: center;">2 sticks of butter </div><div style="text-align: center;">16 oz bag of marshmallows </div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup brown sugar </div><div style="text-align: center;">Microwave butter, marshmallows, and brown sugar for 2 1/2 min. Take out and stir. Microwave again for 1 min. Repeat until thin sauce. When done pour over popcorn and mix. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sCo0Ax9rixg6JEpWXgIht3ju22Sk3Ap6NSEpumuNQ8ciiPN8zm61QOMkjdNIst7Xup2uCii9wPQYX9m89IKJoIvd6Qe34pCzqzkW-DcL9kItL1grjAWg9on_HC6XzAmS6SGsfkiAvpo/s1600/DSC_3227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sCo0Ax9rixg6JEpWXgIht3ju22Sk3Ap6NSEpumuNQ8ciiPN8zm61QOMkjdNIst7Xup2uCii9wPQYX9m89IKJoIvd6Qe34pCzqzkW-DcL9kItL1grjAWg9on_HC6XzAmS6SGsfkiAvpo/s400/DSC_3227.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Then I made some bacon wrapped smokies with brown sugar and butter that I found the recipe for over on pinterest from this <a href="http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/appetizers-and-snacks/bacon-wrapped-smokies-with-brown-sugar-and-butter/">website</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">SUPER YUMMY!!!!</div><h2><span style="font-size: small;">Ingredients</span></h2><ul class="ingredients" id="ingredients-79671"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1 pound</span> <span itemprop="name">Bacon, Cut Into Thirds</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1 pound</span> <span itemprop="name">Smokies</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1 stick</span> <span itemprop="name">Butter</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">2 cups</span> <span itemprop="name">Brown Sugar</span></span></span></li>
</ul><h2><span style="font-size: small;">Preparation Instructions</span></h2><span style="font-size: small;">Preheat oven to 375F. Cut the bacon into thirds and wrap each smokie. Place all the wrapped smokies in a single layer in a baking dish. Then melt the stick of butter and then 1 cup of brown sugar and stir until mixed well. Pour the butter and brown sugar mixture on the smokies and bacon. Then take the other cup of brown sugar and sprinkle evenly over the smokies. Bake them for about 15-20 minutes and then turn the heat up to 400F for about 5 minutes or longer until the bacon becomes crispy.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyIR6PAskzt_thQ4Jhhvh7yuSDMLzRjk7SAtRaDWoLzXLw8yR7nIUAXMvY-Co_FBkusQGqS2xTNSo28P75exRR3KhsVq8SUqupl7ezFRpRQoiid-SWZaf0MIEWG0zOOC_P0WGo1HzTtY/s1600/DSC_3229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyIR6PAskzt_thQ4Jhhvh7yuSDMLzRjk7SAtRaDWoLzXLw8yR7nIUAXMvY-Co_FBkusQGqS2xTNSo28P75exRR3KhsVq8SUqupl7ezFRpRQoiid-SWZaf0MIEWG0zOOC_P0WGo1HzTtY/s400/DSC_3229.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Then for the second segment I stuck to the dips.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Who doesn't love a GOOD dip?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just NO double dipping at my house when my husband is around!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">First I made some S'More's Dip which I found on pinterest <a href="http://www.tastebook.com/recipes/1114661-S-more-Dip">HERE</a>.</div><h2><span style="font-size: small;">ingredients</span></h2><ul class="ingredients"><li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-size: small;">1 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-size: small;">1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 cup marshmallow creme</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-size: small;">1 box (13 oz) graham cracker honey sticks</span></li>
</ul><h2><span style="font-size: small;">directions</span></h2><div class="instructions"> <ul class="inst_list"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="step_count"></span></span><div class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions"><span style="font-size: small;">1) In small microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips and condensed milk on High 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chips are melted. Stir to mix well. Pour into 9-inch glass pie pan, spreading evenly.</span></div></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="step_count"></span></span><div class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions"><span style="font-size: small;">2) Drop marshmallow creme by tablespoonfuls randomly over chocolate mixture. Microwave on High about 30 seconds or until marshmallow creme is softened. Immediately with knife, make several small swirls through marshmallow and chocolate, creating a marbled appearance.</span></div></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="step_count"></span></span><div class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions"><span style="font-size: small;">3) Serve immediately with graham sticks for dipping.</span><br />
</div></li>
</ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9qUbmsPLhG-6u9oDfxTNMG0T5MWHamWjsWwvIIvojvrmbfDQoGJlbX7tVuVfYnjbqKk3cNiEkra6rDShprW6-Cmzkji2jDtjlWJFNKLCoHylT_iDhmQ9O27ZGUMfDtYwU83tRLjRgeQ/s1600/DSC_3230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9qUbmsPLhG-6u9oDfxTNMG0T5MWHamWjsWwvIIvojvrmbfDQoGJlbX7tVuVfYnjbqKk3cNiEkra6rDShprW6-Cmzkji2jDtjlWJFNKLCoHylT_iDhmQ9O27ZGUMfDtYwU83tRLjRgeQ/s400/DSC_3230.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And then I made some Brownie Batter Dip which I also found on pinterest <a href="http://crumbsandchaos.blogspot.com/2012/02/brownie-batter-dip.html?utm_source=BP_recent">HERE</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This recipe came from the <a href="http://www.crumbsandchaos.blogspot.com/">Crumbs and Chaos blog </a>which I LOVE now after having found it on pinterest. This stuff was AMAZING, and it looked a lot prettier prior to all the people dipping into it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div id="ingredients"> <div class="single_recipe_header" id="ingr_header" style="color: #ef729a; font-size: 18px; padding: 0pt; text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: black;">I</span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">ngredients</span></div><ul class="single_recipe_text" id="ingr" style="color: black;"><li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;"><span style="font-size: small;">8 oz CREAM CHEESE</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 cup BUTTER</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;"><span style="font-size: small;">2-3 cup POWDERED SUGAR -- varies by desired consistency</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;"><span style="font-size: small;">5 Tablespoons FLOUR</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;"><span style="font-size: small;">5 Tablespoons COCOA POWDER</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 Tablespoons BROWN SUGAR</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;"><span style="font-size: small;">3+ Tablespoons MILK -- varies by desired consistency</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 teaspoon VANILLA</span></li>
</ul></div><div id="instructions" style="color: black;"> <div class="single_recipe_header" id="inst_header" style="padding: 0pt; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Instructions</span></div><div class="instruction" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"> With a mixer, beat together the cream cheese and the butter. Add 2 cups of the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and 1 tablespoon of milk until combined. Add the flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, vanilla and 1 more tablespoon of milk if needed. Beat until smooth. Add remaining powdered sugar and milk alternately until dip reaches your desired consistency.</span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315063558929351048.post-17603217634519356592012-03-05T10:16:00.000-06:002012-03-05T10:16:29.128-06:00Cupcake Monday - Birthday Cake Oreo Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxLSjd_srGGQdJx1E4a4GRgMhR0du6mA2prVJBmDNmBy_UgSoJp3k5VkRA1NysFtWVV8_1HDxAV4t_PnHARwbZYa9gRBTBqCxZeqjQ0FrEWRUIL8KOqFQxqSvnYY3bfgtuAQGo1qFttg/s1600/oreo+cupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxLSjd_srGGQdJx1E4a4GRgMhR0du6mA2prVJBmDNmBy_UgSoJp3k5VkRA1NysFtWVV8_1HDxAV4t_PnHARwbZYa9gRBTBqCxZeqjQ0FrEWRUIL8KOqFQxqSvnYY3bfgtuAQGo1qFttg/s400/oreo+cupcake.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I finally got around to making some new cupcakes this weekend.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have y'all seen these..... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPuxMuOkZ53L6AfjB8_w_UIJCjUDjFz3VrSM-FyC2XcBNCXCYvBEwpfS6J-rWz1hmp4f0xB9aanNZ3JnjqnHBFNf3SuZz8_ftpVcpcu4fLWVLHrrMRD2kHrRyNaEDXUSEs83bgExi3ow/s400/2012-02-15-oreobirthdaycakecookiesJErdos1200.jpg" width="400" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">OH.MY.WORD. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Delicious!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It makes me sad that they are only available for a limited time, because they are yummy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, I thought, let's try these in a cupcake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got my inspiration from <a href="http://gingerbreadbagels.com/2012/02/28/birthday-cake-oreo-cupcakes/">Gingerbread Bagels, </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but I wanted to make it a little simpler.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I took my <a href="http://pirates-n-princesses.blogspot.com/2011/04/kinley-turns-one.html">Super Moist White Cupcakes</a>, folded in 7 crushed Birthday Cake Oreos, and baked for about 18 minutes. Then I took my <a href="http://pirates-n-princesses.blogspot.com/2011/04/best-chocolate-cupcake.html">basic buttercream</a>, put a small amount in a bowl and added about 3-4 very finely crushed Birthday Cake Oreos, mixed it up really well, and using my <a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/cuisipro-cupcake-corer/">cupcake corer</a> I made little holes in the center of my cupcakes that I then filled with the oreo frosting. Then I just colored the rest of my frosting pink, per Jillian's request, frosted my cupcakes, and then she topped them with lots of sprinkles. She was my BIG helper!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YzjS2weDI7cBQY1oQPlY3dPCdwz4N5BF6UmRGKcOMoongSXoxPNX1TA472f26Iy_cDKUHs58CsZa2whgPWMPzHnVYi7kjyDca1yQoltdyVjDiheSCJBaGk-PzFyu4QUjHxj1yIzXt0g/s1600/DSC_3156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YzjS2weDI7cBQY1oQPlY3dPCdwz4N5BF6UmRGKcOMoongSXoxPNX1TA472f26Iy_cDKUHs58CsZa2whgPWMPzHnVYi7kjyDca1yQoltdyVjDiheSCJBaGk-PzFyu4QUjHxj1yIzXt0g/s400/DSC_3156.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Check out all those sprinkles...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizupUJ2nH6jHfo_LYQIdW4E-uol3lrCN7gycW1qhvMpSMa1MH4OqkY5NDPzkMFuFW-MbBYtsIzJVYNX4uIfYjR1S1mOZTq9agyGzEUFHL4Dp_jsuc7RE8wS8u5WAbdqLjSZEnKxfwBndM/s1600/DSC_3143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizupUJ2nH6jHfo_LYQIdW4E-uol3lrCN7gycW1qhvMpSMa1MH4OqkY5NDPzkMFuFW-MbBYtsIzJVYNX4uIfYjR1S1mOZTq9agyGzEUFHL4Dp_jsuc7RE8wS8u5WAbdqLjSZEnKxfwBndM/s400/DSC_3143.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And here's my sweet helper...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Always has to be right there in the kitchen with me, love that girl!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">These got rave reviews at church tonight!</div><div style="text-align: center;">HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY TO MILK'S FAVORITE COOKIE, THE OREO!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315063558929351048.post-38308942741036542962012-01-21T14:26:00.001-06:002012-01-21T14:33:49.299-06:00Just a Little Vent Session...<div style="text-align: center;">I <i>love</i> facebook.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I <i>love</i> reading blogs.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I <i>love</i> pinterest.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Having said that... While on facebook the other day I ran across a post that confused me. So I had to do a little investigating, and upon my investigation, what I found really upset me. A fellow party planner, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Creative-juice/179638152099775">Creative Juice</a>, planned and put together a <a href="http://getcreativejuice.blogspot.com/2011/11/our-parties-potty-party.html">Potty Party </a>to celebrate their child finally being potty trained. Any parent that has successfully gotten their child out of diapers knows what a BIG deal that is and what a huge accomplishment that can be, not only for the kid, but for mom and dad who NO LONGER have to drop $$$$$ on diapers!!! Whoo Hooo!!! Now, would I throw my kid a Potty Party... probably not. We celebrated that milestone by going to Monster Jam. To each their own. And her party was amazing. So cute... All the way from the cute little fondant undies that topped the cupcakes to the toilet paper wreath. But then, some blogger found her party utterly annoying and disliked it so much that she felt the need to rip her a new one by posting about it on her blog called <a href="http://www.peopleiwanttopunchinthethroat.com/2012/01/potty-parties.html">People I Want to Punch in The Throat.</a> Why would people even visit a blog with that name? That is so distasteful! She went on and on and on about how much she hated the idea of this party and just everything about it, that then other blog readers jumped on her band wagon and went on and on and on about how stupid they thought it was as well. And if that wasn't bad enough, then they went over to the Creative Juice blog to then comment again about how stupid of a party they thought it was... just flat out ugly, rude, and disrespectful comments. I just don't get how people can be so inconsiderate of other people's feelings. What ever happened to the "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" standard or what about "treat others the way you want to be treated"? I think too often people forget that their words can be so hurtful and damaging to a person's feeling of self worth. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I guess this all just hit too close to home for me because now that I've got this gig on tv, it just reminded me of how people have NO filters and don't think before they speak... or as now with facebook, blogs, and even pinterest, they can hide behind typing. People feel they can hide behind their computer screens and just lay it all out there, not even thinking of the damage their rude comments can have on others... when in all actuality, they would NEVER say anything like that to that person's face. I knew going into this co-hosting job that I would need to get some pretty thick skin, because as hard at it is to believe, not everyone is going to like me. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I know, crazy, huh?!)</span> But the first time I saw a rude comment about me on facebook, it stung. A lot. And I wish I could say there's only been one hater, but that would be a lie. People must not think that the person they're bashing and tearing down has feelings, I guess, because I can't think of any other reason why they would do that, like what they have to say and their opinion is more important than the person's feelings they're trashing. What do they have to gain from it all? Does it make them feel better? I know I should just ignore it all, but that's so hard to do. They say, don't even check facebook... ummmm... do you even know me?? Like that would ever happen. I know there will always be haters. I can't control that... but I can control how I respond and react. And that is something that Mindy of <a href="http://getcreativejuice.blogspot.com/2011/11/our-parties-potty-party.html">Creative Juice </a>has done gracefully. She has had so much support from other party gals and even got her party featured on <a href="http://www.hostessblog.com/2012/01/party-of-5-potty-like-a-rockstar-southern-wedding-baptism-safari-valentine/#more-55628">Hostess With the Mostess</a>! That's amazing! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So why? Why even go there? If you don't like it (or <i>someone</i> in my case), keep it to yourself. Instead of tearing each other down, how about we give a little praise? Would that kill ya? Or how about we just keep our sweet little pie holes shut...</div><div style="text-align: center;">If only the saying "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" were true...</div><div style="text-align: center;">It couldn't be any further from the truth...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Words hurt. Words sting. Words suck sometimes. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, how about for 2012, we think before we speak.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm so thankful that I haven't had any P-n-P haters and I'm thankful for each and every one of my blog followers and facebook fans. They're the best.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, from now on... </div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyone who feels the need to bash me and say ugly things to me via ciLiving's facebook page or e-mail will get the following response from me... "Bless your heart. Have a nice day!" </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315063558929351048.post-17384420697355325592012-01-15T20:43:00.000-06:002012-01-15T20:43:11.439-06:00Jillian's hello kitty Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2W3MlAcVns5plClfg0CCvqr8b2Q2AU0EXgzqBpgFPdsxaj6EcLHdMBtbNXtl1-QdiOiaUQ08McWSv739eiQorcvu1_PFrXKUEKBm1SLAqTkh-Jtf9iUSS5jjv2-8XQejDZFYYCkWYB0/s1600/DSC_0154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2W3MlAcVns5plClfg0CCvqr8b2Q2AU0EXgzqBpgFPdsxaj6EcLHdMBtbNXtl1-QdiOiaUQ08McWSv739eiQorcvu1_PFrXKUEKBm1SLAqTkh-Jtf9iUSS5jjv2-8XQejDZFYYCkWYB0/s400/DSC_0154.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Let me start this post by saying...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I pulled this party together in 24 hours.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJNOv0Tx1OZF5WkCBoTOBSAu9P-VMPiAWm8BMSePLjE3TkM0LkuZuNpQJxnrNLRJh3lzNGHgFZsPIbxatBYozTLNyD7j0PQD0T5O9fIb1PcX6CGqia1lMxj8BowSZP53yFEN9NHJ8nss/s1600/DSC_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJNOv0Tx1OZF5WkCBoTOBSAu9P-VMPiAWm8BMSePLjE3TkM0LkuZuNpQJxnrNLRJh3lzNGHgFZsPIbxatBYozTLNyD7j0PQD0T5O9fIb1PcX6CGqia1lMxj8BowSZP53yFEN9NHJ8nss/s400/DSC_0184.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is the <i>MOST</i> unprepared I have ever been when planning a party and I have to blame the birthday girl. She kept going back and forth on what kind of party she wanted, so finally the week before her birthday I asked her one final time... and she said hello kitty, so that is what we did! She kept going back and forth between hello kitty and Barbie, and then she'd throw in a party at a hotel (what?) and then she'd want a Christmas holiday party... so you can see my frustration. Typical girl. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, with a little help from pinterest and my mama, this is what I pulled together! I think it turned out pretty cute!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrC-BBxhrv6k9rtMRcYMwaUHOp1c6nAoQ0dZPRkzBYXpqGxukysAgT6sauKoe7kDBXAjIMYcKbnOSM-ZXXG3hvVR8I3r67gLYsNH0Uye7DtqnXOJSIMUfNi6fMNgT7uhuVDX7wlvt8ys/s1600/DSC_0155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrC-BBxhrv6k9rtMRcYMwaUHOp1c6nAoQ0dZPRkzBYXpqGxukysAgT6sauKoe7kDBXAjIMYcKbnOSM-ZXXG3hvVR8I3r67gLYsNH0Uye7DtqnXOJSIMUfNi6fMNgT7uhuVDX7wlvt8ys/s400/DSC_0155.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">{Cake Table}</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dJdD2VXUcofaZPmZOs7TSjwEzg0kceUbviE2Xx1AUoqmLiV7xfW_Uc4RKESqOp4s2aZ4jK5Fu0fpdwvqmJxrsV2Dn0AUYeU3R-D6A7JifamxxXSZ4gsVckCWBoQwoeiTYFuxO3SXjak/s1600/DSC_0160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dJdD2VXUcofaZPmZOs7TSjwEzg0kceUbviE2Xx1AUoqmLiV7xfW_Uc4RKESqOp4s2aZ4jK5Fu0fpdwvqmJxrsV2Dn0AUYeU3R-D6A7JifamxxXSZ4gsVckCWBoQwoeiTYFuxO3SXjak/s400/DSC_0160.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1UDIZa6QkvRGSpYbgx6OJPK4VRuBrsZxZWE5G-wok6almw9AmWsCBrxeS22iOmSJXEI0Xq2udbM60Wxsh5Vkdu4cOBJE44rVSONtAR5x7XxQ16MqQEhiqM-mg0t0hMEl5jc-31vJ8gk/s1600/DSC_2941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1UDIZa6QkvRGSpYbgx6OJPK4VRuBrsZxZWE5G-wok6almw9AmWsCBrxeS22iOmSJXEI0Xq2udbM60Wxsh5Vkdu4cOBJE44rVSONtAR5x7XxQ16MqQEhiqM-mg0t0hMEl5jc-31vJ8gk/s400/DSC_2941.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">I found the idea for these cute hello kitty lanterns on pinterest <a href="http://zakkalife.blogspot.com/2010/10/hello-kitty-birthday-party.html">here</a>. She made them using poms, but I thought this would be a little easier, and they were! Cut out the eyes, ears, and mouth and then used black pipe cleaners for the whiskers.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7j4hzONSrmlPuepANF0imEFPtMWLn9yKyS6s5eR_DKdStDhDe6WnZbQ1ITnmhrgtVCcTo8MnWSOD5kWE-KN_aYdf26_Qf2MvaddMGEEv1W85N5p2j5ks75THmvW0HdDmi2jLLInBkaIs/s1600/DSC_0169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7j4hzONSrmlPuepANF0imEFPtMWLn9yKyS6s5eR_DKdStDhDe6WnZbQ1ITnmhrgtVCcTo8MnWSOD5kWE-KN_aYdf26_Qf2MvaddMGEEv1W85N5p2j5ks75THmvW0HdDmi2jLLInBkaIs/s400/DSC_0169.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I really wanted a ruffle cake, but just didn't feel confident enough to make one myself and with not a lot of time on my side... I outsourced! And I think it turned out GREAT! Lori with Hawthorn Suites here in Champaign made this cake for me and the super cute cupcakes. The cake was just as delicious as it was gorgeous. It had a yummy strawberry-bavarian cream filling on the inside! You can go LIKE her on facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Cakes-By-Lori-at-Hawthorn-Suites/220195161366404">here</a> and check out some of her other cake creations! Be sure to tell her Pirates-n-Princesses sent ya!</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZtLaqfLMKr-Il5jwtuoTJZHk6L4yi56dXNQpr72Jt-AMT-di3WJWPyxg9AwC-zqYQqMv2No7EW8Q9vPIAv1WgzTR1yomcyYEguniDO0y664vkjDQzgAnPV2Phet120pdcUeJKee-Dkk/s1600/DSC_0168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZtLaqfLMKr-Il5jwtuoTJZHk6L4yi56dXNQpr72Jt-AMT-di3WJWPyxg9AwC-zqYQqMv2No7EW8Q9vPIAv1WgzTR1yomcyYEguniDO0y664vkjDQzgAnPV2Phet120pdcUeJKee-Dkk/s400/DSC_0168.JPG" width="321" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">How stinkin' cute are these cookies from <a href="http://fairytalesweets.shutterfly.com/">Fairytale Sweets</a>?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Brittany whipped these up for me and I think she did such an amazing job! I'm pretty sure Brock ate like 3 or 4 of them. If you are local and have any cookie needs, you should totally look her up! And even if you aren't local, you can still ohhh and ahhh over her adorable cookie creations <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Fairytale-Sweets/151791234894218?sk=wall">here on facebook</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sNbhfaXGAk6Bp805XrXfySC5ofs9kJZ5YK7OJcmV2T6XZXKEGxQZmKz8vWIMsRwS3bt7pmvTbcnImTVK6cxVprXlH64teUTJJ8CXUKUkqeMRK5Ao7k966bJN5PI2iBLo2yFVR576n_Q/s1600/DSC_2946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sNbhfaXGAk6Bp805XrXfySC5ofs9kJZ5YK7OJcmV2T6XZXKEGxQZmKz8vWIMsRwS3bt7pmvTbcnImTVK6cxVprXlH64teUTJJ8CXUKUkqeMRK5Ao7k966bJN5PI2iBLo2yFVR576n_Q/s400/DSC_2946.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now... who's seen these adorable crepe paper ruffled streamers out there in blogland and pinterest? Cute, huh? Apparently they are not as quick and easy to whip out as other bloggers make it appear. Me, having ZERO sewing skills, asked my mom to help me with this project, and thankfully she <i>always</i> does, but apparently these are a little more time consuming than I thought they should be. I had big plans for them to go over a span of two windows, but after 2 hours and only 10 three feet long streamers and party time quickly approaching, we had to go to plan B and put them over the back door, which luckily turned out just fine! But if you know the trick to making these little puppies quicker, PLEASE share!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4c1rWru7oWl588Jpa0oQhuXJwzdqPWdH4rYJyGYC0fy18DGUIWaXUwRm8zlrPwVi1RSkiEKJQXZXNqS7Cn5YAODcuCV-zbW0vTx8KFcww0jR7JLtfnremgIeASKwTulMQHJo63ZvqlQ/s1600/DSC_0174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4c1rWru7oWl588Jpa0oQhuXJwzdqPWdH4rYJyGYC0fy18DGUIWaXUwRm8zlrPwVi1RSkiEKJQXZXNqS7Cn5YAODcuCV-zbW0vTx8KFcww0jR7JLtfnremgIeASKwTulMQHJo63ZvqlQ/s400/DSC_0174.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Again, thanks to pinterest, found the idea for the treat bags <a href="http://peachprints.blogspot.com/2010/11/whats-new-mondays-birthday-party-favor.html">here</a>. And since we kept her party just family, I only had to make and fill four of them, not that they were hard, these were super easy.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsLHnKou6brTyxav18EMwQ7f5nyh_rTk30Ae_CuNHApVrF1wwiwbLsbr5IL8sodsHVeDgA3Z48nngjTaw3ZP0ubec7jES0BBiXNPW6wfcPJ-fNFXKRzs20xoIvi7gPaB9Z1G-N2rsbYA/s1600/DSC_0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsLHnKou6brTyxav18EMwQ7f5nyh_rTk30Ae_CuNHApVrF1wwiwbLsbr5IL8sodsHVeDgA3Z48nngjTaw3ZP0ubec7jES0BBiXNPW6wfcPJ-fNFXKRzs20xoIvi7gPaB9Z1G-N2rsbYA/s400/DSC_0175.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">At the kids table I set out some hello kitty crayons and coloring sheets, that again, thanks to pinterest, I found <a href="http://www.coloringpages.cc/hello-kitty.php">here</a>. Then each kiddo got to take a little hello kitty stuffed animal home with them.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DLHgcrqb2hxE_RCaoF3i9lnvj-Rp7hbWS12dqjRgU5STM9Rgd9g6w941ruTplsQAcPnmtRtDSgGLpo6XDbX7kOkzJskXyGX8O-ZVqu_LMu-kx3A5H107-jxjYCZs5x01BhSS9aVdB7Y/s1600/DSC_2954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DLHgcrqb2hxE_RCaoF3i9lnvj-Rp7hbWS12dqjRgU5STM9Rgd9g6w941ruTplsQAcPnmtRtDSgGLpo6XDbX7kOkzJskXyGX8O-ZVqu_LMu-kx3A5H107-jxjYCZs5x01BhSS9aVdB7Y/s400/DSC_2954.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And what party wouldn't be complete without a balloon or two?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This party was actually fairly easy to pull together since I think I kept it fairly simple. I used a lot of stuff that I already had at home, so I didn't need to buy a whole lot of stuff, which is always nice. It was a nice family gathering and at the end of the day when I tucked my sweet birthday girl in her big girl bed, she told me she loved her party and that she had the best time....which makes it all worth it.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315063558929351048.post-21700279087576190792012-01-04T09:51:00.002-06:002012-01-04T10:04:23.870-06:00Yummy Lasagna Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdJhfc3AYZj3B1j7ftrJS5alg38Du7_ANz0sjrzXE1_awH1oCrrbyCBUHwyVTSiSurPx06dGVuqIAu0eOREfu8DTjslzT7y9Lozp7vuyH9w_AvGrwgHHdT_OT-JOt3gs4WYpgpNjX3GU/s1600/lasagna+soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdJhfc3AYZj3B1j7ftrJS5alg38Du7_ANz0sjrzXE1_awH1oCrrbyCBUHwyVTSiSurPx06dGVuqIAu0eOREfu8DTjslzT7y9Lozp7vuyH9w_AvGrwgHHdT_OT-JOt3gs4WYpgpNjX3GU/s400/lasagna+soup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(photo via <a href="http://www.afarmgirlsdabbles.com/2011/03/24/lasagna-soup/">A Farm Girl's Dabbles</a>)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you LOVE lasagna, you must give this soup I found from <a href="http://www.afarmgirlsdabbles.com/2011/03/24/lasagna-soup/">A Farm Girl's Dabbles blog</a> a try! It's amazing and the perfect comfort food for those chilly days or nights! And it was really easy to throw together, which is always a bonus in my book! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> So, here's what mine looked like, since I couldn't find the noodles called for in the recipe, but these noodles were fun and I'd never had them before, or even heard of them for that matter.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhui7O2McnGFnnFlbWj8N6O1o2VF886B-26TVYYKGgwFjZ9hxC9rw2ccWwYFmxnFeGkxBD9VhrVyBcyZnOAiPHZvnfC7Tm5755Jsi5aN8UuErJzT4FW0hHK4r2Mz4i5AFYhMd1JnjJecFs/s1600/DSC_0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhui7O2McnGFnnFlbWj8N6O1o2VF886B-26TVYYKGgwFjZ9hxC9rw2ccWwYFmxnFeGkxBD9VhrVyBcyZnOAiPHZvnfC7Tm5755Jsi5aN8UuErJzT4FW0hHK4r2Mz4i5AFYhMd1JnjJecFs/s400/DSC_0096.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> My version</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixql9F_vkAMX3JNj90Y4DsCvfoifwlWTJHPQrFaM0_JAz9yXfjbgJ9q86mG5dDFm7tDqtQXBJdqe-Z1f35X_ldzE5o9XCYXbe-4cqvSrtwYMZxRo8HLfsCyunNhrmdBoRRofk8CA8L0U/s1600/DSC_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixql9F_vkAMX3JNj90Y4DsCvfoifwlWTJHPQrFaM0_JAz9yXfjbgJ9q86mG5dDFm7tDqtQXBJdqe-Z1f35X_ldzE5o9XCYXbe-4cqvSrtwYMZxRo8HLfsCyunNhrmdBoRRofk8CA8L0U/s400/DSC_0099.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Have you ever heard of these??? </div><div style="text-align: center;">Or am I just noodle-sheltered?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And here is proof that this soup is GOOD...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Check out who's eating it...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUp8aZeZBIkR3iNfa3btCFTeyiVYFJFgePUupJdKxJDuJTTnzRv05vCfE0w1qx6VcEfSPW7TZmmO8tW3wBLVmHruHpafJL3D-h_LWIEnp4k-xw7g_sflccOGzFR6tQXFdLPavMfdWZ8A/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUp8aZeZBIkR3iNfa3btCFTeyiVYFJFgePUupJdKxJDuJTTnzRv05vCfE0w1qx6VcEfSPW7TZmmO8tW3wBLVmHruHpafJL3D-h_LWIEnp4k-xw7g_sflccOGzFR6tQXFdLPavMfdWZ8A/s400/DSC_0088.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpvnjmO-qm2o_tp9b-RxVwO1pk0VizDQUXhmAgaCikQlJ3gacUo0KwMLYitHBI6H4pdxmEY4hm94osyRsGlOp7NwYIuy10PuQfa_37LNsgJo0DlkVU2DiC4zxJlpCFgO6xlRjVIk5JsaE/s1600/DSC_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpvnjmO-qm2o_tp9b-RxVwO1pk0VizDQUXhmAgaCikQlJ3gacUo0KwMLYitHBI6H4pdxmEY4hm94osyRsGlOp7NwYIuy10PuQfa_37LNsgJo0DlkVU2DiC4zxJlpCFgO6xlRjVIk5JsaE/s400/DSC_0091.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I can NEVER get them to eat soup of any kind.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Proof positive that you must try this out tonight!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; text-align: justify;"><u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Lasagna Soup</span></b></u></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(recipe via <a href="http://www.afarmgirlsdabbles.com/2011/03/24/lasagna-soup/">A Farm Girl's Dabbles</a>)</span><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-style: normal;">8 Servings</span></i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>INGREDIENTS:</b></span></i></div><i>for the soup:</i><br />
2 tsp. olive oil<br />
1-1/2 lbs. Italian sausage <i>(I used 2 pounds)</i><br />
3 c. chopped onions<br />
4 garlic cloves, minced<br />
2 tsp. dried oregano<br />
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes<br />
2 T. tomato paste<br />
1 28-oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes<br />
2 bay leaves<br />
6 c. chicken stock<br />
8 oz. mafalda or fusilli pasta <i>(You saw what I used...)</i> :)<br />
1/2 c. finely chopped fresh basil leaves <i>(I just tossed in a few shakes of some dry basil)</i><br />
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste <i>(didn't even need any!)</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>for the cheesy yum:</i><br />
8 oz. ricotta<br />
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese<br />
1/4 tsp. salt<br />
pinch of freshly ground pepper<br />
<br />
2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>PREPARATION</b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking up into bite sized pieces, and brown for about 5 minutes. Add onions and cook until softened, about 6 minutes. Add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute. Add tomato paste and stir well to incorporate. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the tomato paste turns a rusty brown color.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Add diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and chicken stock. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Add uncooked pasta and cook until al dente. Do not over cook or let soup simmer for a long period of time at this point, as the pasta will get mushy. Stir in basil and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheesy yum. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">To serve, place a dollop of the cheesy yum in each soup bowl, sprinkle some of the mozzarella on top and ladle the hot soup over the cheese.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315063558929351048.post-3744365186934381252012-01-02T22:42:00.000-06:002012-01-02T22:42:32.252-06:00Overnight Caramel French Toast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWIx0NcXTAF4q-2So-DX5OmCHV9ZEOp-AnSjHntNOwBUTLPUUqTYl63tAl3h_QLYqjkGHjCtRkvZr20-eqOBQsJPXj7y3AGFqEIivgdkZWekZmIzMmfX2ldGFeb4WBG69Dn0FYGCCVYE/s1600/french+toast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWIx0NcXTAF4q-2So-DX5OmCHV9ZEOp-AnSjHntNOwBUTLPUUqTYl63tAl3h_QLYqjkGHjCtRkvZr20-eqOBQsJPXj7y3AGFqEIivgdkZWekZmIzMmfX2ldGFeb4WBG69Dn0FYGCCVYE/s640/french+toast.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">HAPPY NEW YEAR</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> PIRATES & PRINCESSES FANS!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks so much for following my little blog and liking me on facebook! I know with working now that my blog has been on a little hiatus, but have I got a treat for you today! Awhile back, we went down to southern Illinois to visit my hubby's grandma. While we were there, his grandma's friend, Charlene, invited us over to her lovely house for breakfast and let me just tell you... it was a SPREAD! Everything was delicious and why wouldn't it be when Charlene used to own and operate her own little successful restaurant??? One item on the menu was this Overnight Caramel French Toast. De-Lish. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(And is it caramel or carmel... is there really a difference? Kinda like tomato-tomatoe??)</span> I guess it doesn't really matter how you say it, because it is amazing! I finally got a chance to make it this weekend down at my aunt's house in Kentucky for all my family, and it was a hit! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, here it is all Pre-Powdered Sugared Up...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-R_mAOmCt5dPAww0tyWVBxfIqZuiOZ5yLOK_JIijVxY2ZLhsp2NQw0xcBvXXkQCWm2JTf45Je9z52ycnWGy0IhcMhb0fSJEZgvsJ4EadzTF2IXSDlcV1hxogLaa38KgZZlJIX4nRXNgo/s1600/DSC_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-R_mAOmCt5dPAww0tyWVBxfIqZuiOZ5yLOK_JIijVxY2ZLhsp2NQw0xcBvXXkQCWm2JTf45Je9z52ycnWGy0IhcMhb0fSJEZgvsJ4EadzTF2IXSDlcV1hxogLaa38KgZZlJIX4nRXNgo/s400/DSC_0150.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhikK521ahEei0Iw6lepxnhNYy4xQXnn4U_rf1vOG-1kWWoOkcX00oXBkHwGqqoSX31CxivuaNCkh3CJTL1sOOwkL-z3VgCEXXBlOLUL6WXs6o8ZhlxC6J-wJdE8dDA0k_WklB0OneC24/s1600/DSC_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhikK521ahEei0Iw6lepxnhNYy4xQXnn4U_rf1vOG-1kWWoOkcX00oXBkHwGqqoSX31CxivuaNCkh3CJTL1sOOwkL-z3VgCEXXBlOLUL6WXs6o8ZhlxC6J-wJdE8dDA0k_WklB0OneC24/s400/DSC_0152.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And then another glimpse with the powdered sugar.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you LOVE bread pudding, you will LOVE this french toast. If you don't like that consistency that bread pudding has, well, you will still like this recipe, just eat the top slice of bread rather than a bottom slice! It was really easy to throw together, and best part, you can make it the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning. And, no syrup required for this toast, it's caramel-gooey yumminess takes care of the usual syrup requirement! Now, those of you starting diets to keep in line with your New Year's resolutions... may want to just drool over the photos, not exactly dieter friendly...unless of course you are going to do a little working out that afternoon! </div><div style="text-align: center;">You should totally GO FOR IT!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Overnight Caramel French Toast</span></u></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ingredients:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Caramel Sauce:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 stick of butter</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 C. brown sugar</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 Tbsp light karo syrup</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Loaf of French bread <span style="font-size: x-small;">(next time I might try sourdough, or you could even use Texas toast)</span> cut into 12 slices</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/4 C. sugar</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 tsp cinnamon</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">6 eggs</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 1/2 C milk</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 Tbsp vanilla</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 1/2 tsp cinnamon</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/8 C sugar</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Grease 9X13 pan. In a saucepan, bring butter, karo syrup, and brown sugar to a boil and then pour into 9X13 pan. (I doubled this caramel sauce, but I may try it next time without doing that since I'm not a HUGE mushy bread fan, even though it was good) Top with 6 slices of bread. Mix the 1/4 C. sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon and sprinkle on top of bread, reserving some to top on remaining 6 slices. Put remaining bread slices on top and sprinkle remaining cinnamon sugar. Mix up the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar and pour over the top of the bread. Cover and pop it in the fridge overnight. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving.</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315063558929351048.post-16043800422018546572011-12-27T22:49:00.000-06:002011-12-27T22:49:02.247-06:00Gingerbread Houses on ciLiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWHgyt3Wjzu8gD9pIbodHPZPZCbyP8PGsGT0McvBBAeXld8RYMJgchgvkmLXI8liKLWZcZfBr-8_nvMNA4_Y966bN6dsL6FCj8_VPdg3LCVPUwl0rDNVhvKEgAG6RuaEyE0NXS9Ly9is/s1600/DSC_0122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWHgyt3Wjzu8gD9pIbodHPZPZCbyP8PGsGT0McvBBAeXld8RYMJgchgvkmLXI8liKLWZcZfBr-8_nvMNA4_Y966bN6dsL6FCj8_VPdg3LCVPUwl0rDNVhvKEgAG6RuaEyE0NXS9Ly9is/s400/DSC_0122.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For one of our Holiday Week shows, my kids got to come and help me decorate some gingerbread houses that we constructed out of milk cartons. They were super easy, and just their size for decorating! Brock & Jillian totally morphed into little celebrities once we went live. And to think I thought they were going to be quiet and shy... not a chance. I'm hoping to have a link to the segment up soon so you can see them in action.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUy9zHmR2hZTScXzgKKYiFLOYVKExBOC8-SyAw-4OePjf_hqD9ahEEpmVMqaf4fhz1H1n6h-yf1wRkYpKdpX4xiA7h2bYKYkesCp2eWtu0VkxUr5dIDSEH_2DRFavIZ0dPjPGV5tc9l0/s1600/DSC_0114+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUy9zHmR2hZTScXzgKKYiFLOYVKExBOC8-SyAw-4OePjf_hqD9ahEEpmVMqaf4fhz1H1n6h-yf1wRkYpKdpX4xiA7h2bYKYkesCp2eWtu0VkxUr5dIDSEH_2DRFavIZ0dPjPGV5tc9l0/s400/DSC_0114+%25283%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZPWHIsbnm_ikBINcldzwATvtjA3iSlfzAsYwF-dkWFDh1R791EOykAdCrWJcfrXsIvPElMMp-S7F5ryuLi2HUO2PDNWGDzp5xZQMtFtokNmXsyx2nGnPsRoQcwfadk6KA5OWmppcqrs/s1600/DSC_0111+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZPWHIsbnm_ikBINcldzwATvtjA3iSlfzAsYwF-dkWFDh1R791EOykAdCrWJcfrXsIvPElMMp-S7F5ryuLi2HUO2PDNWGDzp5xZQMtFtokNmXsyx2nGnPsRoQcwfadk6KA5OWmppcqrs/s400/DSC_0111+%25283%2529.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLNTMvhW2GL3rMymmqZ62AUwoBlaRT3biEnGPw1YcFkwFxQqCz-jgpvf3LCVT5bDBU-ZizSCrrwI4FIvroLezDhyqgX4lOPDmx1nMjWkIG2-F161at60XulWFX_xDQ_4ta32COo2wWwg/s1600/DSC_0115+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLNTMvhW2GL3rMymmqZ62AUwoBlaRT3biEnGPw1YcFkwFxQqCz-jgpvf3LCVT5bDBU-ZizSCrrwI4FIvroLezDhyqgX4lOPDmx1nMjWkIG2-F161at60XulWFX_xDQ_4ta32COo2wWwg/s400/DSC_0115+%25283%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My gingerbread house decorating skills are less than ideal...</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OB98PukUMRx-iiL1s6LQD577INb22ih2RuFHeVq1BseCpBvfiAfSgU8uylBr5hw6BgnT3ayUhE2e0cILD7KE6n70eQ-3V7QIAfrL9Kr8PGF3nJkTlaJnyXDzA29I2TYZE96g5IJE3Ro/s1600/DSC_0112+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OB98PukUMRx-iiL1s6LQD577INb22ih2RuFHeVq1BseCpBvfiAfSgU8uylBr5hw6BgnT3ayUhE2e0cILD7KE6n70eQ-3V7QIAfrL9Kr8PGF3nJkTlaJnyXDzA29I2TYZE96g5IJE3Ro/s400/DSC_0112+%25283%2529.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I LOVE this recipe for royal icing on allrecipes.com</div><div style="text-align: center;">Works like glue. You can find it <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/royal-icing-i/detail.aspx">HERE</a>!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I actually use 4 1/2 C. powdered sugar and vanilla instead of lemon, but it's completely up to you! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDTsiokHnVnrDUEcUi5gGzHnulPkafGvIjR2yQ5P548yZqaD5ufw9dR1gyBZAxHUmsJd_th1ryPGNKGB8pPRQdu2_C_lUKQdfXpTYSs9rjH5JV2iNntsee6kKShd8_f0lK_hdNFZCs8Q/s1600/DSC_0109+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDTsiokHnVnrDUEcUi5gGzHnulPkafGvIjR2yQ5P548yZqaD5ufw9dR1gyBZAxHUmsJd_th1ryPGNKGB8pPRQdu2_C_lUKQdfXpTYSs9rjH5JV2iNntsee6kKShd8_f0lK_hdNFZCs8Q/s400/DSC_0109+%25283%2529.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocFM7ScQxWGrKv13RKHNIsw6ZsfK82_2sSxfJtdI7HXa6b3Y5OlxDQoCRadwMcpGdO2NMCLyWhc1rEgDfP9IynW9zXdOFSK-C9p8w_VTjwgImYIJ8S8ZDeu3aX3Y3Mm7EtwFdofxA9Q8/s1600/DSC_0107+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocFM7ScQxWGrKv13RKHNIsw6ZsfK82_2sSxfJtdI7HXa6b3Y5OlxDQoCRadwMcpGdO2NMCLyWhc1rEgDfP9IynW9zXdOFSK-C9p8w_VTjwgImYIJ8S8ZDeu3aX3Y3Mm7EtwFdofxA9Q8/s400/DSC_0107+%25283%2529.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And aren't these the CUTEST???</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just recycled some Starbucks jars, hot glued on some buttons, tied felt scarves around the neck, popped a donut hole on top with two brown sprinkle eyes, a tic tac nose and a mouth drawn on with a food writer pen. So easy! Gotta love pinterest for pointing me in the right direction! I found the idea <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/milk-men/">HERE</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Stay tuned for the link to the segment!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315063558929351048.post-26934539189681939342011-12-18T20:44:00.000-06:002011-12-18T20:44:08.126-06:00Brock's Power Ranger 5th Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nbVupT6zCsnkRDzTXcqdx2RaBkEnmisBV6cCh29hYV2UuyuhAYb4cbDqFXZmC9GqAmNIwC3Dj7WBDQGsXQI8r_8z_vPzG8lbTx1Bjmx6iF35oMY7f3mlIq_MXl2hU6JiADts4dve0pk/s400/power+ranger+invite.jpg" width="267" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I can't believe I'm the mother of a 5 year old...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Where have the last 5 years gone???</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">As I'm sure you can tell, this 5 year old LOVES Power Rangers. He has pretty much been obsessed with Power Rangers ever since going to a flea market with TJ's mom and finding some Power Ranger action figures. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And can I just say that it is seriously difficult finding Power Ranger party ideas out there that aren't from way back in the day... </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, I used one of the pictures from our church fall fest as the party invitation and used picnik.com to jazz it up. Then on the back I added...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Go, Go Samurai!<br />
It’s time to morph on over<br />
To Jupiter’s at the Crossing<br />
to help defeat the nasty<br />
Nighlok’s before they eat<br />
all our pizza and steal<br />
everyone’s tokens at<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Brock’s 5th Birthday Party!</span></span><br />
December 17, 2011<br />
2511 Village Green Pl.,<br />
Champaign, IL<br />
11:00 am – 1:00 pm<br />
Please RSVP regrets to<br />
the Head Power Ranger,<br />
Queenieh@aol.com</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So as you may notice, we had his party someplace other than my home. You would think having a party at a fun location would mean less work for mom, but ohhhhhh no. Not this mom. I still had to go all out with the balloons and party favors and cupcakes. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWwG9b49P9gWs5pVt14mRvRaxIcktlCvQmWil6BGX-jydLGBiS0ErUFbapXIUL7Nfk_PBvf-7uuls7cqjzrduVi58u_JS4UWuPwa3GeGGRyIhMJOtTH26JJGitbhLGFs066KYAwOyi4o/s1600/DSC_0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWwG9b49P9gWs5pVt14mRvRaxIcktlCvQmWil6BGX-jydLGBiS0ErUFbapXIUL7Nfk_PBvf-7uuls7cqjzrduVi58u_JS4UWuPwa3GeGGRyIhMJOtTH26JJGitbhLGFs066KYAwOyi4o/s400/DSC_0127.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I just stuck with <a href="http://pirates-n-princesses.blogspot.com/2011/04/kinley-turns-one.html">vanilla cupcakes</a> and plain <a href="http://pirates-n-princesses.blogspot.com/2011/04/best-chocolate-cupcake.html">buttercream frosting</a>, then I topped them with a black gumball. I found these really neat plates at Hobby Lobby, meant mainly for decorations, not for food purposes, but I thought they were cute and at 50% off, couldn't really pass them up. Then I took a jar and threw some red sparkly confetti shreds (is that what you call those things?) in and topped it with the plate and cupcakes.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinz0Ylk-rTHNHuM7t41Kj6MVvDRbxbHTBvX8EjWCl3JsPlXlkILFxo76LmgwC2YqIDALvReL5_t2pmKfRxnDo0YTY6Z2elQeheSwiL06ozrPNleXbZ532t4Z66D29P9eV4tNlzu8UB2Jg/s1600/DSC_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinz0Ylk-rTHNHuM7t41Kj6MVvDRbxbHTBvX8EjWCl3JsPlXlkILFxo76LmgwC2YqIDALvReL5_t2pmKfRxnDo0YTY6Z2elQeheSwiL06ozrPNleXbZ532t4Z66D29P9eV4tNlzu8UB2Jg/s400/DSC_0128.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I thought they turned out cute...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQmridCYYnUKtSnCGtjdhga-ZZdW9KGjzLUJCYek57CTSWDWSUlYiWBCJ6H15d3MtbhSKiwmtL9yVTsmbXAzcF2xhO71rK1lSgj18-Q1FOelIUnpG4LkZHFj58A5p5YKJd8wlEuFgGMs/s1600/DSC_0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQmridCYYnUKtSnCGtjdhga-ZZdW9KGjzLUJCYek57CTSWDWSUlYiWBCJ6H15d3MtbhSKiwmtL9yVTsmbXAzcF2xhO71rK1lSgj18-Q1FOelIUnpG4LkZHFj58A5p5YKJd8wlEuFgGMs/s320/DSC_0129.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then I took some red pails and used my cricut and some black vinyl to add each kid's name to them and threw in some candy to represent each of the Power Rangers. Then I tossed in a little sheet of paper to explain each piece of candy that said...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</style> <![endif]--> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Pea Shelley Belley"; font-size: 16pt;">Power Ranger Goody Bag</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Pea Shelley Belley";">Red Ranger, Jayden’s, cherry bubble gum</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Pea Shelley Belley";">Blue Ranger, Kevin’s, blue rock candy</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: green; font-family: "Pea Shelley Belley";">Green Ranger, Mike’s, watermelon pop rocks</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffcc00; font-family: "Pea Shelley Belley";">Gold Ranger, Antonio’s, gold rolos</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Pea Shelley Belley";">Pink Ranger, Mia’s, strawberry sour straws</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow; font-family: "Pea Shelley Belley";">Yellow Ranger, Emily’s, banana now and laters</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Pea Shelley Belley"; font-size: 16pt;">Go, Go Power Rangers!</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PFaXch7H_pih_F4JFBjq760OwXfQi6kFJbm33hYR9QoclUfZiaolNExdmiX8a3KNwMB_zhJuknhBKSwmbxDjEHgDrETHF14IS1nue7OZ7vETU3Fifi7_1OnQA9WMvraIPyqqxPYgkVY/s1600/DSC_2517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PFaXch7H_pih_F4JFBjq760OwXfQi6kFJbm33hYR9QoclUfZiaolNExdmiX8a3KNwMB_zhJuknhBKSwmbxDjEHgDrETHF14IS1nue7OZ7vETU3Fifi7_1OnQA9WMvraIPyqqxPYgkVY/s400/DSC_2517.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAeKQC1MfBY7MgLaxL7RvNXEtj9aELlJOXii2UXEAauzPYApkQ_A6aPeaWArJ1HuTuN6RuWx-c1hEWnB7baDpf62Mh24y12shY1QMARGmCGaUpiEEGCgdtK_ZRaOox39aYeIlCJd7c4M/s1600/DSC_2532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAeKQC1MfBY7MgLaxL7RvNXEtj9aELlJOXii2UXEAauzPYApkQ_A6aPeaWArJ1HuTuN6RuWx-c1hEWnB7baDpf62Mh24y12shY1QMARGmCGaUpiEEGCgdtK_ZRaOox39aYeIlCJd7c4M/s400/DSC_2532.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I attached red with white polka dots balloons and black balloons from Hobby Lobby to each pail. I was so excited to find polka dotted balloons at Hobby Lobby since I had won a helium tank from a giveaway I won, so doing the balloons myself was a <i>deal</i>! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwr1taPT8UJOCpeKcRoqPLzOWrXap-NVu0TprmbdhuJ9Cc_6u6yCx56lCEvt0PrwK8aybDAXCkFS2yuubbkGtDlURpgQt2uLzujn1R7sj-YqigFNDo8yZ8DYROiReqwks5dgEGJhd7pY/s1600/DSC_2561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwr1taPT8UJOCpeKcRoqPLzOWrXap-NVu0TprmbdhuJ9Cc_6u6yCx56lCEvt0PrwK8aybDAXCkFS2yuubbkGtDlURpgQt2uLzujn1R7sj-YqigFNDo8yZ8DYROiReqwks5dgEGJhd7pY/s400/DSC_2561.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I LOVE this picture of Brock opening up his presents with all his little helpers. They all just look so genuinely happy. Isn't that why we go to all this work putting parties together for our kids, to get faces that look like those??? Love.It.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUmDHMzSQqnBkadWYlwrCR77iHwC0WjBTkCOWi9lA-iHbTEO6aYCERpUE2forB1dtWESaeOQyqprpZ3XrMzma3bIOiaAJ3daXOT0xzrboq6Ghy0pmQIeM7KnirWyEZoL7jbuDwafuSq8/s1600/DSC_2592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUmDHMzSQqnBkadWYlwrCR77iHwC0WjBTkCOWi9lA-iHbTEO6aYCERpUE2forB1dtWESaeOQyqprpZ3XrMzma3bIOiaAJ3daXOT0xzrboq6Ghy0pmQIeM7KnirWyEZoL7jbuDwafuSq8/s400/DSC_2592.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEwAGLIWp_KiuqqLKMN_ItLc5NnkQPdEqv-gu334yortz4ZN2ZdtfuVknalXodq9wuZPElI6dAI0JCJMeAHMhBkMvGvVEQdrrvc4xDvjRhZl0ztmHtnxin44-0DcB-y38ynZpBXkdQ14/s1600/DSC_2593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEwAGLIWp_KiuqqLKMN_ItLc5NnkQPdEqv-gu334yortz4ZN2ZdtfuVknalXodq9wuZPElI6dAI0JCJMeAHMhBkMvGvVEQdrrvc4xDvjRhZl0ztmHtnxin44-0DcB-y38ynZpBXkdQ14/s400/DSC_2593.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Time to blow out the candles...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2Tyv4QU_CqEWbGIrVt9UfbtxpwcValgOGCoAo9iLswt1-ul-VxflbXVCN0QuThlBsCu3qGYUDEtL1s4oJ3nrLjnNDDr4dM7qo7okWZGBzJnlT5FK1Ud3lrf0XAJCARRLR4LFCkC0AhI/s1600/DSC_2608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2Tyv4QU_CqEWbGIrVt9UfbtxpwcValgOGCoAo9iLswt1-ul-VxflbXVCN0QuThlBsCu3qGYUDEtL1s4oJ3nrLjnNDDr4dM7qo7okWZGBzJnlT5FK1Ud3lrf0XAJCARRLR4LFCkC0AhI/s400/DSC_2608.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Next up... time to use those tokens on some fun games and collect some tickets!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1rMo1sVPBLdnMc5sqD0r7Mom8njq5sO_-1lIdXHbm8YAt_9QZUTit1kfwZWfQX8X3obh4APrffxbD63ku-S6AWPUeb9zPJPBurwUZTMkracJeBuOYGcUrq-0Kt9wRllRt-Bcg_A10lQ/s1600/power+ranger+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1rMo1sVPBLdnMc5sqD0r7Mom8njq5sO_-1lIdXHbm8YAt_9QZUTit1kfwZWfQX8X3obh4APrffxbD63ku-S6AWPUeb9zPJPBurwUZTMkracJeBuOYGcUrq-0Kt9wRllRt-Bcg_A10lQ/s400/power+ranger+cookies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">How AMAZING are these cookies?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's so nice making friends with other party gals in blog-land, I'm lucky enough to be friends with Nikki from <a href="http://www.thesweetestthingcookies.blogspot.com/">The Sweetest Thing</a>. This summer we did a little bartering of our services, I made her son a birthday banner in exchange for cookies at a later date. Hello later date... They were gorgeous and delicious! I guess I didn't get a picture of the yellow ranger cookie, but she does such amazing work! You should totally check out her work and LIKE her on facebook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/TheSweetestThingCookies">HERE</a>. </span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-z2IWs8mIRCeb6ncolaUosMDSxFp1iSBo1eJ_aqrRP8WhdKFYOei7RZRCJbu9Ph98bCtJ1jpC0f4Jj1vsdnMTAdudiOQyfqZADxf_atRSLZzGgln-MIPmhWd_2ykjHfbtHP4lbYb9QkU/s1600/DSC_2623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-z2IWs8mIRCeb6ncolaUosMDSxFp1iSBo1eJ_aqrRP8WhdKFYOei7RZRCJbu9Ph98bCtJ1jpC0f4Jj1vsdnMTAdudiOQyfqZADxf_atRSLZzGgln-MIPmhWd_2ykjHfbtHP4lbYb9QkU/s400/DSC_2623.JPG" width="387" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm04odMaLaVZjsWioyWehg545E545G3qnioatRJMoUo7hsyP-S5pqQNpIgSi5gGZKjVjsEBFd_5rtq_riNfUF505jCCC3J2xxdIvXqDzIhC5A7O2ZOuy0FgtGA_Y2XMB0UpuopeU0TFK8/s1600/DSC_2624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm04odMaLaVZjsWioyWehg545E545G3qnioatRJMoUo7hsyP-S5pqQNpIgSi5gGZKjVjsEBFd_5rtq_riNfUF505jCCC3J2xxdIvXqDzIhC5A7O2ZOuy0FgtGA_Y2XMB0UpuopeU0TFK8/s400/DSC_2624.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgbtW56gcixdRy8P7A4CLQ1M0wHdvlSoGcxpOO_Lzdt85hXbynTNvdkTXiyD_4EkKBzLYk3HR2Qdepjasplmg-VwZhh1ypp1yYn-h8iv1ZdaNKFFrAOXxqfPipzLiXUPidJUkX_fZZRI/s1600/DSC_2627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgbtW56gcixdRy8P7A4CLQ1M0wHdvlSoGcxpOO_Lzdt85hXbynTNvdkTXiyD_4EkKBzLYk3HR2Qdepjasplmg-VwZhh1ypp1yYn-h8iv1ZdaNKFFrAOXxqfPipzLiXUPidJUkX_fZZRI/s400/DSC_2627.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then as if pails filled with candy and balloons weren't enough for a party favor, I found this idea for some fun swords on pinterest <a href="http://ashleyannphotography.com/blog/2011/06/15/diy-pvc-foam-swords/">HERE</a>. They were pretty easy to put together... well, I guess I shouldn't say that... let's try that again... They were pretty easy for MY HUBBY to put together! <span style="font-size: small;">(Gotta love having a crafty hubby!) <span style="font-size: large;">The kids LOVED them! </span></span></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMz92xB6xR4SoovNZJB7nqEAhrr0UXXW2poXyqqiiuM_1UhFRk5Uuhe1W2D7lELVRW7deLHlMb-cbyO-iJpJgEEVA9bBop5cEZZ97gLHnwDbGTw-A5ZxyUjj1TnLFeNLUkRCj0aukXiP8/s1600/DSC_2622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMz92xB6xR4SoovNZJB7nqEAhrr0UXXW2poXyqqiiuM_1UhFRk5Uuhe1W2D7lELVRW7deLHlMb-cbyO-iJpJgEEVA9bBop5cEZZ97gLHnwDbGTw-A5ZxyUjj1TnLFeNLUkRCj0aukXiP8/s400/DSC_2622.JPG" width="306" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
So, all in all I think Brock had a GREAT time at his party! It was actually pretty easy throwing together. But I still can't believe he's 5... say it ain't so.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315063558929351048.post-39506813422539011882011-12-11T14:39:00.001-06:002011-12-11T14:43:45.980-06:00Eggnog Cupcakes and Ugly Christmas Sweater Invites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yVnwNsMS2armYlQnilVlqEY61iCcW8NoHp37A5VFHT5c3BpSlkTlaX0hJPfY6dXPKGLW4yjK9BhbWMqc6A9BE154jkSFfXW72mmsPDqzfcdsX0QBlLN3OU27IL1eyzQxFsTpo3yuHTs/s1600/eggnog+cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yVnwNsMS2armYlQnilVlqEY61iCcW8NoHp37A5VFHT5c3BpSlkTlaX0hJPfY6dXPKGLW4yjK9BhbWMqc6A9BE154jkSFfXW72mmsPDqzfcdsX0QBlLN3OU27IL1eyzQxFsTpo3yuHTs/s400/eggnog+cupcakes.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{photo via <a href="http://annies-eats.net/2010/12/17/eggnog-cupcakes-2/">Annie's Eats}</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Friday's show was quite interesting...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Not only did I make these <span style="font-size: x-small;">(well, not those <i>exact</i> cupcakes up there, but some that look remarkably close to those since I managed to forget my camera at home)</span> yummy cupcakes</span></span> <span style="font-size: large;">for my cupcake segment on <a href="http://www.ciliving.tv/">ciLiving</a>, I also somehow agreed to start the show with no make-up and no hair done in order to get a holiday make-over from one of our guests. Not sure I'd agree to do that again... no make up was a scary look with those lights shining down on me! YiKeS!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">But, I found this recipe on pinterest and thought they sounded pretty holiday'ish and yummy. I'm not an eggnog fan, but my dad and brother look forward to eggnog being in the stores every season and can guzzle that stuff down <span style="font-size: x-small;">(the non-alcoholic stuff)</span> so I made these with them in mind. They turned out great, the batter is pretty thin and runny, but don't let that scare you... they were good, and the frosting is just as de-lish! We don't drink at our house, but I did use the rum called for in the recipe in these cupcakes and thought they turned out great. Thanks to <a href="http://annies-eats.net/2010/12/17/eggnog-cupcakes-2/">Annie's Eats</a> for the amazing recipe, which I'll share at the end of this post.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now, where would the perfect place be to serve eggnog and eggnog cupcakes? Why, at an Ugly Christmas Sweater party... where else? So, here I am on the show with a big ol' hair-do and a face full of holiday party make-up... and I bust out my ugly Christmas sweater! Very funny. Just had to pre-face that in case you choose to watch the clip of my segment on the show which you can view <a href="http://illinoishomepage.net/fulltext/?nxd_id=318817">HERE</a>. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I found the PERFECT ugly sweater invites on pinterest from j&paper. Jessica has such cute invites and she graciously made me one for the show... </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqPsCdv84W6-VYdjMLNQpKr6CvAn9k0SVsPqyzXv5lAm0ZJlAo7hkra95nYsR7Cp1z_ZbHO3klFwnpmsHGtkBGeraIdFiE8hNcxVEQtTNcZdmmqEk3zlgCqOSO0qprXc4x2sO4_dLego/s400/UglySweater-Heather2.jpg" width="308" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">You should totally go and like her on facebook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/jandpaper">HERE</a> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">and check out her etsy site <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jandpaper">HERE</a>. Super cute stuff!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you so much, Jessica! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, anyone hosting any fun parties coming up? </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eggnog Cupcakes:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Recipe via <a href="http://annies-eats.net/2010/12/17/eggnog-cupcakes-2/">Annie's Eats</a></span></span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0 c7"><br />
</span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0 c4">Yield: </span><span class="c0">about 18-20 cupcakes</span></div><div class="c2 c1"><span class="c0"></span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0 c4">For the cupcakes:</span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0">1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour</span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0">¼ tsp. baking soda</span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0">½ tsp. baking powder</span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0">½ tsp. salt</span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0">¼ tsp. freshly ground nutmeg</span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0">¼ cup dark rum or bourbon (optional)</span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0">1 cup eggnog</span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0">¼ cup vegetable or canola oil</span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0">1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar</span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0">1 tsp. vanilla extract</span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0">1 cup sugar</span></div><div class="c1"><br />
</div><div class="c2 c1"><span class="c0"></span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0">For the frosting:</span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0">20 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature</span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0">2½ cups confectioners' sugar, sifted</span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0">Pinch of salt</span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0">Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg</span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0">2½ tbsp. eggnog</span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0">1 tbsp. dark rum (0ptional) </span></div><div class="c2 c1"><span class="c0"></span></div><div class="c1"><br />
</div><div class="c1"><span class="c0">For garnish: </span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0">Ground cinnamon or grated nutmeg</span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0">Cinnamon sticks </span></div><div class="c2 c1"><span class="c0"></span></div><div class="c1"><br />
</div><div class="c1"><span class="c0 c4">Directions:</span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0">To make the cupcakes, preheat the oven to 350Ëš F. Line cupcake pans with paper liners. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and nutmeg; whisk to combine. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the rum, eggnog, vegetable oil, vinegar, and sugar. Beat on medium-low speed until well blended. Add in the dry ingredients and mix on low speed just until incorporated. </span></div><div class="c2 c1"><span class="c0"></span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0">Divide the batter between the prepared cupcake liners, filling the cups 2/3 full. Bake 22-24 minutes (mine only needed to bake for 16-17 minutes), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. </span></div><div class="c2 c1"><span class="c0"></span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0">To make the frosting, place the butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on medium-high speed until smooth, 20-30 seconds. Add in the powdered sugar, salt and nutmeg, and mix on medium-high speed until incorporated and smooth, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add in the eggnog and whip on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 4 minutes. With the mixer on medium-low speed, blend in the rum. </span></div><div class="c1 c2"><span class="c0"></span></div><div class="c1"><span class="c0">Fill a pastry bag with the frosting and decorate the cooled cupcakes as desired. </span><span class="c0 c4"> </span><span class="c0">Sprinkle with ground cinnamon or grated nutmeg, and garnish with cinnamon sticks if desired. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315063558929351048.post-2929450442159084412011-12-03T11:13:00.000-06:002011-12-03T11:13:25.330-06:00Nutella Hot Chocolate, Cupcakes, & Hot Chocolate Stirrers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICQ5pNVACM_pwVAd84X1zTEJ-JzES4facxJkjh7ZZa8gtdhZQJW7LntWa5-c5tRGUfkEy0-tkWxj2JuABA7_ieamRiKaiMAm3o5kWOM0Rg4-tSEMDlw8BBzUwIwd76EyjVNArIthZFlA/s1600/DSC_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICQ5pNVACM_pwVAd84X1zTEJ-JzES4facxJkjh7ZZa8gtdhZQJW7LntWa5-c5tRGUfkEy0-tkWxj2JuABA7_ieamRiKaiMAm3o5kWOM0Rg4-tSEMDlw8BBzUwIwd76EyjVNArIthZFlA/s400/DSC_0087.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What do you know??? </div><div style="text-align: center;">I finally remembered to take some pictures of one of my cooking segments at <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.ciliving.tv/">ciLiving</a>! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fridays in December I'll be featuring holiday goodies, so for my first segment I went with some Nutella Hot Chocolate and then made some cupcakes that look like sweet little mugs of hot chocolate and some hot chocolate stirrers. Again, found these ideas off <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">pinterest</a> and again, didn't make the nutella hot chocolate until live on tv! I knew you really couldn't go wrong though with anything containing nutella, so I felt pretty confident! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigu-KqtVrxrGNX20DeDoou5H8g2BDOaIz0fe_3LwFEPaOA_-A6j3MQpz2VjS5JmHErOskYPQ3sJIXLpmEWMJ5EfMF-FbB56j5STs4lImKktf-9eu3u34CLcjLDsOyRprM81_ircN6BPsU/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigu-KqtVrxrGNX20DeDoou5H8g2BDOaIz0fe_3LwFEPaOA_-A6j3MQpz2VjS5JmHErOskYPQ3sJIXLpmEWMJ5EfMF-FbB56j5STs4lImKktf-9eu3u34CLcjLDsOyRprM81_ircN6BPsU/s400/DSC_0088.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The cupcakes were super easy, especially since I ran out of time and had to buy store made cupcakes (gasp!) but I say when you are in a pinch and are just flat out of time<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (can someone please send me extra hours in the day as a Christmas present? I'd love you forever!)</span> there's nothing wrong with buying pre-made cupcakes, even if you are known as <i>The Cupcake Lady</i>. But I jazzed these chocolate cupcakes up with a small candy cane for the mug's handle and topped them with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. Easy Peasy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9y33Td54SGaAX-TpK8Us-kJ3G8W2XWW8qNnhpK38P9CfsRnXMiUyOqmLzvidwRjgCQlJOEqaCyYPDpCq_lHuxXrh3VpxyX5EO2qsTLFrumGyPpyltdt_Ne7_w0rL0VCS7-8qBsJSOw7Y/s1600/DSC_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9y33Td54SGaAX-TpK8Us-kJ3G8W2XWW8qNnhpK38P9CfsRnXMiUyOqmLzvidwRjgCQlJOEqaCyYPDpCq_lHuxXrh3VpxyX5EO2qsTLFrumGyPpyltdt_Ne7_w0rL0VCS7-8qBsJSOw7Y/s400/DSC_0090.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zdfKVhEvgY2-hWK3UBsIAXS-rwDJumM1Qm30OnyIwVNHgmWOhJsZ0uHVuifAJiAJGR807W5RQ-kVWk0wxlPqpkFrf3tLtxlUT6MA9q12pbo7MN_pP-yDfqYm3v_GdcvrBzG9SDXkVfA/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zdfKVhEvgY2-hWK3UBsIAXS-rwDJumM1Qm30OnyIwVNHgmWOhJsZ0uHVuifAJiAJGR807W5RQ-kVWk0wxlPqpkFrf3tLtxlUT6MA9q12pbo7MN_pP-yDfqYm3v_GdcvrBzG9SDXkVfA/s400/DSC_0093.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then I found the idea for these marshmallow stirrers on <a href="http://icingdesignsonline.blogspot.com/2010/12/peppermint-stick-white-chocolate.html">Icing Designs</a> blog. Unfortunately I couldn't find those peppermint sticks, so I just used a candy cane, broke off the hook, and stuck them in marshmallows, dipped them in almond bark and rolled them in coarse sanding sugar. Could not have been easier! Other great ideas for hot chocolate stirrers could be candy canes, cinnamon sticks, or even dipping a plastic spoon in the almond bark! So many different options out there, just get creative!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then I made the Nutella Hot Chocolate... </div><div style="text-align: center;">which has probably been the easiest thing I've whipped up thus far on the show. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaNquMuubxtIyFBde5vh_9ozTDg3Jr0RFUiVTsNCQYkD14vIYXSXs2ZXaLiuzQGpAmonYXTPh9YcmFZadDcQX-LjBRUHMyX9dey8Gn3wkw7fPkGQPG3-1sAV8b2GWZWPduqiUGgbiwNg/s1600/Nutella-Hot-Chocolate1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaNquMuubxtIyFBde5vh_9ozTDg3Jr0RFUiVTsNCQYkD14vIYXSXs2ZXaLiuzQGpAmonYXTPh9YcmFZadDcQX-LjBRUHMyX9dey8Gn3wkw7fPkGQPG3-1sAV8b2GWZWPduqiUGgbiwNg/s400/Nutella-Hot-Chocolate1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via <a href="http://realmomkitchen.com/4725/nutella-hot-chocolate/">Real Mom Kitchen blog)</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I found the idea on <a href="http://realmomkitchen.com/4725/nutella-hot-chocolate/">Real Mom Kitchen's</a> blog and she has lots of other hot chocolate variations you should check out, but I thought this one sounded easy and yummy! And it was! Here's the recipe:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><strong>Nutella Hot Chocolate</strong><br />
<ul><li>4 cups whole milk</li>
<li>1/2 cup Nutella</li>
<li>mini marshmallows or whipped cream</li>
</ul>In a medium sauce pan over medium-low heat, whisk together milk and Nutella until the Nutella is melted and milk gets nice and warm. Serve in mugs and top with marshmallows or whipped cream. Makes 4 servings.<br />
This can be made ahead of time, cooled, and stored in the fridge. Reheated on the stove or <span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook4w0" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; color: black; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">microwave</span> in individual mugs. If microwaving, reheat each cup for about 1 minute.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">To see the clip of me and Drew making these treats, you can check it out <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://illinoishomepage.net/fulltext?nxd_id=316597">HERE!</a></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Coming up next week....</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm thinking <span style="font-size: large;">EGGNOG CUPCAKES</span>...</div><div style="text-align: center;">What do you think???</div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you have any ideas of what else I could feature this month or something you'd like to see?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315063558929351048.post-6656353272597361622011-12-03T10:49:00.000-06:002011-12-03T10:49:05.809-06:00No Bake Turtle Pumpkin Pie<div style="text-align: center;">Recently in honor of November being <span style="font-size: large;">Diabetes Awareness Month</span> and it being so close to <span style="font-size: large;">Thanksgiving</span>, I made some <span style="font-size: large;">No Bake Turtle Pumpkin Pie</span> for a cooking segment on <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.ciliving.tv/">ciLiving</a></span>. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I found the recipe on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">pinterest</a> (where else?) on a blog called <a href="http://www.singforyoursupperblog.com/">Sing For Your Supper</a>. (I love that name!)</div><div style="text-align: center;">But it looked easy enough, and who doesn't love anything when caramel is involved?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYd6S_MhpDteMIoIGpu9CNjK5fOHXbSPnWe8ly_rV4WlPgwn2y-NJmcZXUYJKoFVWcqJj3MeByqEU0UrXJllknKzdABObc0U_jWthPVu9DC1tiHgsuGALeihgt8d-3WXny3yEOkdfYbs/s400/pie.jpg" width="400" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via <a href="http://www.singforyoursupperblog.com/">Sing For Your Supper</a>)</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Again... another recipe I had never tried making until live on tv, but it turned out GREAT and you would never know it was diabetic friendly! To see me make it on the show, check it out <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://illinoishomepage.net/fulltext?nxd_id=313967">HERE</a></span>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the recipe:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><strong>No-Bake Turtle Pumpkin Pie</strong><br />
<br />
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1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar free caramel ice cream topping, divided<br />
1 graham cracker pie crust<br />
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons pecan pieces, divided<br />
1 cup cold 1% milk<br />
2 packages (4-serving size) vanilla sugar-free, fat-free instant pudding<br />
1 cup canned pumpkin<br />
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg<br />
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves<br />
1 tub (8 ounce) light whipped topping, thawed, divided<br />
<br />
Pour 1/4 cup caramel topping into crust; sprinkle with 1/2 cup pecans.<br />
Beat milk, pudding mixes, pumpkin, and spices with whisk until blended. Gently fold in 1 1/2 cup whipped topping. Spread into crust.<br />
Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Top with remaining whipped topping and 2 tablespoons pecans. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons caramel topping.<br />
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Nutritional analysis: (per one slice)<br />
Calories – 165<br />
Fiber – 2.7<br />
Protein – 2<br />
Total fat – 7<br />
Carbohydrate – 23<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315063558929351048.post-80146543635591169252011-12-03T10:29:00.000-06:002011-12-03T10:29:32.619-06:00W-O-W!<div style="text-align: center;">Oh my goodness...</div><div style="text-align: center;">My blog has had such a nice vacation, but it recently told me that it was ready to work again.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's ready to share what all I've been up to at <a href="http://www.ciliving.tv/">ciLiving</a>, time to share the yummy treats I've been whipping up with central Illinois and share them with the rest of blog land. (Especially since all the treats I've whipped up have been found online... in particular <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">pinterest</a>! Let me know if you need an invite!)</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, I guess I should start back with Halloween...</div><div style="text-align: center;">At the last minute I was asked to whip up some Halloween treats, and two different segments at that! So, I went to my girl, Elizabeth's, <a href="http://www.elizabethannsrecipebox.com/">blog</a> because I knew she would have something yummy to make and that it would be easy! Sure enough she didn't fail me. I found her recipe for <a href="http://www.elizabethannsrecipebox.com/2011/10/pumpkin-fluff-dip.html">Pumpkin Fluff</a> on pinterest and decided to go with it. Super easy, super fast, super delicious...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ydeD0CZpymi8VI20H_4WnMPQZvLg3b0YiLB7XkRK3nYycKQVD2xwGujhUffC2fUPpvgY5tbigLVMQiakkkGNrAap8edeAjete5-w9RA1UzkAbhEF0Ln-55IydUv3rmzW0DYxXuvLUBk/s1600/pumpkin+fluff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ydeD0CZpymi8VI20H_4WnMPQZvLg3b0YiLB7XkRK3nYycKQVD2xwGujhUffC2fUPpvgY5tbigLVMQiakkkGNrAap8edeAjete5-w9RA1UzkAbhEF0Ln-55IydUv3rmzW0DYxXuvLUBk/s400/pumpkin+fluff.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo via <a href="http://www.elizabethannsrecipebox.com/2011/10/pumpkin-fluff-dip.html">Elizabeth Ann's Recipe Box</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then I also shared how to make these yummy Oreo Mummy Pops that I had actually made the very first time I ever appeared on the 7:00 news show. Can't get much easier than oreos and almond bark!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDHjsHmaHDOww6Lh6kvyeqSkvg_fKM-7i4W-mITOPtNVN9xJIjJeMcl7b_0v9QnjNGjJsW4jO_o7v52cee4WAM0ensaSnT6omgLs7hi-A-70IRTprF2oxsPhAtF1vJZHlkROqKXoySHc/s1600/oreo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDHjsHmaHDOww6Lh6kvyeqSkvg_fKM-7i4W-mITOPtNVN9xJIjJeMcl7b_0v9QnjNGjJsW4jO_o7v52cee4WAM0ensaSnT6omgLs7hi-A-70IRTprF2oxsPhAtF1vJZHlkROqKXoySHc/s320/oreo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">To see the entire clip of me making these treats you can watch it <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://illinoishomepage.net/fulltext?nxd_id=304067">HERE</a></span>. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then during this same show I also whipped up some Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Again.... something I'd never tried before until show time!)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">And note to self.... don't make frosting on live tv. Takes wayyyyyy tooooo long!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before the show I made my yummy <a href="http://pirates-n-princesses.blogspot.com/2010/10/marthas-pumpkin-cupcakes.html">Martha Stewart Pumpkin Cupcakes</a></span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">which I usually top with pumpkin buttercream, but I wanted to try something new and so I found a recipe for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting. SUPER DE-LISH!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's the recipe:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">8oz cream cheese (softened)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 C. pumpkin</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 C. butter (I use unsalted)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 tsp. vanilla</div><div style="text-align: center;">4 C. powdered sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mix it all up and it's super yummy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Want to see me mix it up?? Click <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://illinoishomepage.net/fulltext?nxd_id=304057">HERE</a></span>!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wish I had a picture of them to share... but I usually forget my camera at home or when I do actually remember to take it to the station I never have time to whip it out and take photos! So, watch the clip and you can see just how I did it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315063558929351048.post-91927048012780284592011-10-09T21:01:00.000-05:002011-10-09T21:01:29.618-05:00Kelsey's Wedding Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIFdA_AkCtBN6Ha9MdvcNqrG2ctINvQTFcvTh8UhagDq7SNUeiqpQBTNWBOZGoTCJiskC6Mmx-wdqOx852mOV1efk0hxQPM8s1Su8pbPllShA1pw2eQlyU2_wr96skhXonxNZuCODxXo/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIFdA_AkCtBN6Ha9MdvcNqrG2ctINvQTFcvTh8UhagDq7SNUeiqpQBTNWBOZGoTCJiskC6Mmx-wdqOx852mOV1efk0hxQPM8s1Su8pbPllShA1pw2eQlyU2_wr96skhXonxNZuCODxXo/s640/DSC_0005.JPG" width="428" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jfLNy1tHP2nuT8P7wzL2Q5OpjWwA5hfObfe1jOKF07ac-7jG7dmR3KnlbEHw4n8kp9hOuk_c1ndb7qlLLwWJq4TvVihHPMqJH9skam-bzgixmRCGf1pcOlvTrVWytclCrL4AIsxx59w/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jfLNy1tHP2nuT8P7wzL2Q5OpjWwA5hfObfe1jOKF07ac-7jG7dmR3KnlbEHw4n8kp9hOuk_c1ndb7qlLLwWJq4TvVihHPMqJH9skam-bzgixmRCGf1pcOlvTrVWytclCrL4AIsxx59w/s400/DSC_0004.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWJRjwA8gEcf768svBDeXtd1lVSgern-j-rXCFDsXVLqGBj-ZmzUWlhShYarP6uTk0pG95-CIjN_yoOd5pRpZYNQIVUMeksiVcFGvJVvHWqKlLg1GUrO8wuiggXTtOr-3zeAmxYcqTE4/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWJRjwA8gEcf768svBDeXtd1lVSgern-j-rXCFDsXVLqGBj-ZmzUWlhShYarP6uTk0pG95-CIjN_yoOd5pRpZYNQIVUMeksiVcFGvJVvHWqKlLg1GUrO8wuiggXTtOr-3zeAmxYcqTE4/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SE34HO12vi94C80tiPT8zWjiw7uMVMOpLgrzfpyR-EgRVGgqQXia5UgoA0QATwPFSOEeEPZ8saDn68CMdaNpP55BVl0Tv_m6RXeGdIEt-rhS9ja-tZQG_BSpuvW3Xn7pG50GJ0x-bvA/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SE34HO12vi94C80tiPT8zWjiw7uMVMOpLgrzfpyR-EgRVGgqQXia5UgoA0QATwPFSOEeEPZ8saDn68CMdaNpP55BVl0Tv_m6RXeGdIEt-rhS9ja-tZQG_BSpuvW3Xn7pG50GJ0x-bvA/s400/DSC_0006.JPG" width="267" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This summer our sweet friend from church, Kelsey, got engaged. She only had a matter of weeks to get things planned and organized before making a move down to Florida, but she knew she wanted me to help with making cupcakes. 200 cupcakes (red velvet, white, and chocolate) to be exact, and to make Grandma happy, a BIG cupcake that could be something to cut. (Gotta keep that cake cutting tradition, ya know.) So, this was all before I began working, so I thought, hmmmm.... 200 cupcakes... that is something I've never done before. I'm pretty sure I could handle that.....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Oh my good golly, that is a.lot.of.cupcakes!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then add that monster of a cupcake.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">That thing made me nervous.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Like a nervous wreck to be exact!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">But while I was at work, my mom was over watching the kids and did a little research for me and learned we could make the base out of white almond bark. Not sure how she did it... but it turned out great. Then after a disaster of a first attempt using red velvet cake, I made a white cake, kept it in the freezer all day while I was at work, came home, shaved off the top with a serrated knife, popped it out of the mold, and that seemed to be the trick. I stuck the bottom part in the almond bark mold, trimmed off the top, and then put a layer of buttercream on it before applying the top part of the cupcake. I think it turned out better than I had pictured... and Kelsey loved it, so that made spending hours in a kitchen that looked like a cupcake exploded everywhere all worth it! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Congrats Kelsey & Jordan!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">May God bless your new life together! </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315063558929351048.post-11049231389916103992011-09-30T11:14:00.000-05:002011-09-30T11:14:58.628-05:00Queen Bee by CJM Apron and YUMMY Recipes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vuZynmYQoOw2ha4UFNnf7iIvBASUHZmy3pE10-P5JwGwiws22aYJJ84rrQs0vcPYwZDH4LZzKjxP5oUTqIznHgEEZJYA1R2flYAiLntnmNPKRVf70gRNpSgSTgXqGRh9If1tWYLxU1w/s400/307723_173172649429494_114677181945708_368593_584198659_n.jpg" width="400" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjZw09s2U4GBwnMzbn3fhLex0wfsJN09ZV_d-iqLOPpbM7iY0dl5oWc1r1wOT5nMnKoevxLrquCuHMgTLdehQij4z-3LLXUgERowKKzXbJe-Uw5CuTGidsFHB678ZiT7KpNcxFDJhhZg/s1600/341353_290868190926621_287786911234749_1345953_480866025_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjZw09s2U4GBwnMzbn3fhLex0wfsJN09ZV_d-iqLOPpbM7iY0dl5oWc1r1wOT5nMnKoevxLrquCuHMgTLdehQij4z-3LLXUgERowKKzXbJe-Uw5CuTGidsFHB678ZiT7KpNcxFDJhhZg/s400/341353_290868190926621_287786911234749_1345953_480866025_o.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, you may notice that I've been a little (ok, a lot) MIA lately from blogging. This new part-time co-hosting job has really taken a lot of time out of my schedule, even though it's only 4 hours a day. But, one of the cool perks about being on TV is that I get to do really fun cooking segments, learn new recipes, and wear super cute aprons, like this one from <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/QueenBeebyCJM">Queen Bee by CJM</a></span>. I LOVE this apron! Not only is it so stinkin' CUTE, it's really practical and functional as the bottom part is made out of a kitchen towel. One of my FAVORITE college professors from Harding University, Dr. Carroll, is designing and crafting these aprons with her daughter and they have quite the variety over on their etsy site, <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/QueenBeebyCJM">HERE</a></span>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are some of my favorites!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncFRdrsyPwxaJZFfYGfDjNzIe6oN3aGxyRqOFm0f2I-pNcGt8tfQRdfanlPFvfpSwqXEHf_3b5d_ruy96gDoaUy6gWtCP219z_yJJ0MzFAvcXzjZ6j2PZQvtlBHQXa-ElZdnKbLwh-VA/s1600/apron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncFRdrsyPwxaJZFfYGfDjNzIe6oN3aGxyRqOFm0f2I-pNcGt8tfQRdfanlPFvfpSwqXEHf_3b5d_ruy96gDoaUy6gWtCP219z_yJJ0MzFAvcXzjZ6j2PZQvtlBHQXa-ElZdnKbLwh-VA/s400/apron.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YMfTbXFwoQO2S85NCnGhkgp-prVRfUgvviaXknI4nboIP-xHw1VGhkPElNKWl-1oDD9wd3cS9mRa0z2YSdn9JQy6l6Uk16Ls_nsyYqwTX1X6c7y6s4EnAamq5ib7Naej4YixiUifLMI/s1600/apron1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YMfTbXFwoQO2S85NCnGhkgp-prVRfUgvviaXknI4nboIP-xHw1VGhkPElNKWl-1oDD9wd3cS9mRa0z2YSdn9JQy6l6Uk16Ls_nsyYqwTX1X6c7y6s4EnAamq5ib7Naej4YixiUifLMI/s400/apron1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjck5bh_KM2HO_u0rKlQJc4zGZJh-zv5NOpynTvkBoR4_MGxh3iYdzL1yh7k4vKLtVkeD-Sg8-Y6do9QN0ofFTb5YudqxbHfTAas5ylMJRWhVnwLQS_PUefuhuzNJErPcXeut_pJXOTfeg/s1600/apron2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjck5bh_KM2HO_u0rKlQJc4zGZJh-zv5NOpynTvkBoR4_MGxh3iYdzL1yh7k4vKLtVkeD-Sg8-Y6do9QN0ofFTb5YudqxbHfTAas5ylMJRWhVnwLQS_PUefuhuzNJErPcXeut_pJXOTfeg/s400/apron2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cute, huh???? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You need to go LIKE her fan page on facebook <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/queenbeebycjm">HERE</a></span> and show her some PnP LoVe!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(please & thank you!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, yesterday on the show we had Chip from 5 Flavors on cooking up some marinated flank steak, fall ratatouille vegetables, and their house potatoes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can watch the segment <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://illinoishomepage.net/fulltext/?nxd_id=294867&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=facebook">HERE</a></span>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But, I just had to share the House Potatoes recipe with you all! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They were DELICIOUS! I can totally see why they were his "house" specialty!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: large;">5 Flavors Signature Potatoes</span><br />
-serves 10<br />
Ingredients: <br />
10 large Idaho potatoes<br />
1 quart of heavy cream<br />
Salt and pepper<br />
Peel potatoes and using sharp knives carefully slice potatoes and keep them in their original shape. Place in large casserole dish side by side. 5 potatoes on one side and 5 on the other. Pour quart of heavy cream over the potatoes and heavily salt and pepper. Using your hand, gently press and spread the potatoes out evenly. Immediately place in a 325 degree oven for 1 hour or until brown and bubbly on top, may garnish with parmesan if desired.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315063558929351048.post-91810547905760927392011-09-06T10:38:00.000-05:002011-09-06T10:38:32.223-05:00Step Over Oprah...<div style="text-align: center;">Well, I promised a BIG announcement today on the blog....</div><div style="text-align: center;">Drum roll please...</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm going to be a co-host on the new <a href="http://illinoishomepage.net/dynamic/illinoishomepage/ftp/cilivinglaunch/">ciLiving.tv </a>show starting this Monday from 4:00-5:00 on WCIA!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRw_3DC88qAi8Dt25cQxlVzDWdtsgmdO39YRfHIZmr_QOZTKlcnsc_yzXkajdv9LWFeIedlnRDNVtp_ENCZUVoD4yR0AQ6YIl39qruF9x4zdGGMYCWm7Nqh3MMPgQjKeTLB0NIghfiM8/s1600/DSC_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRw_3DC88qAi8Dt25cQxlVzDWdtsgmdO39YRfHIZmr_QOZTKlcnsc_yzXkajdv9LWFeIedlnRDNVtp_ENCZUVoD4yR0AQ6YIl39qruF9x4zdGGMYCWm7Nqh3MMPgQjKeTLB0NIghfiM8/s400/DSC_0075.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here I am with my fellow co-host, Drew.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This guy is a lot of FUN! Very quirky and I'm so excited to be working with him!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
So, a little back information...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Back at the end of July TJ & I were watching tv and a commercial comes on about this new show coming this fall. They said they were looking for someone with pizazz and energy and immediately I felt like they were talking to me through the tv. I knew this was MY job for the taking and I had to go for it! So, with the help of my sweet mama and hubby, we made a little audition video, featuring me with cupcakes (what else?) and we sent it in. About a week or so later I got an e-mail from one of the producers telling me they'd like to get to know me better and tell me about this new show. EEeEEeeKKK! So, in I went. It was never really called an "interview" but that is exactly what it was. After hearing about the show and it's concept, they wanted to do some test interviews with me on camera. Yowzers. Ok, I can do this... So, we role played a few interviews, bombed the first one and by the third one I was feeling a bit more comfortable. So, then it was a waiting game. I finally heard back from them a couple weeks ago wanting to meet with me again, and this time it was to offer me the J-O-B! Super excited. Super nervous. They put me right to work, and let me tell you.... it.was.work! (j/k) One of our clients, The Studio, was having a grand opening celebration with celebrity hairstylist, Dean Banowetz, and wanted me to come in and get a celebrity makeover. Shut.the.front.door.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was <span style="font-size: large;">AMAZING!</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrTTSullcqSRB3sKc3Pwz0VTKS_D-LYCZndq3-EPeYf2yIt5Bu-l411SfGRhFaHIbS6Lp4hmcqSGj5h28QRO1KZ_qyupnB6tw8CjDlgQ4ttFLEWe9hisLFKssJeOtVEijsH9hQkL4Hlw/s400/DSC_0007.JPG" width="400" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meeting Dean. This guy is awesome!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He does Simon Cowell's hair every 10 days,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">was the stylist for American Idol the first 6 seasons, and</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ryan Seacrest's stylist the past 9 years just to name a few of his clients.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxOjvKwQjF7jvMGv8YQSomKIW_hyb8vS2BaGKD93ZSptKLtBDf3fEpcrUaSw3B3vh9uJISLDYYU0jM8B9AdFpS7NWirn63XGeCwudBQrUtsmIRmlbt_udkVOKftnsM0qXSLYuMnV4GEc/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxOjvKwQjF7jvMGv8YQSomKIW_hyb8vS2BaGKD93ZSptKLtBDf3fEpcrUaSw3B3vh9uJISLDYYU0jM8B9AdFpS7NWirn63XGeCwudBQrUtsmIRmlbt_udkVOKftnsM0qXSLYuMnV4GEc/s400/DSC_0009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Consultation time...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94ZsE6ZYUak-KrC1k9obbxkNMxxN7IaQ1sY0WJXK4fiTO-zPZjrocYBnVjtpZiKPAaTjSzbsNAfnfoB1Njk_fYfnxiEjYnvkK1FSeHbT_d5qJPfUpAH_K_3AnORgmdHLRKWVQXGNIPwo/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94ZsE6ZYUak-KrC1k9obbxkNMxxN7IaQ1sY0WJXK4fiTO-zPZjrocYBnVjtpZiKPAaTjSzbsNAfnfoB1Njk_fYfnxiEjYnvkK1FSeHbT_d5qJPfUpAH_K_3AnORgmdHLRKWVQXGNIPwo/s400/DSC_0026.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Time to color those "more mature" hairs as Dean likes to call them! LOL!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bJOo88VotKhx945ryiiBHziCoVquFMFXyh6deOjoT_aBVUK0ZWh6XPx8M9a4c9y_ldj0-pnxZLOoc1j5CWy2WKopQqBq3z_7hQwc1GkSaBMYYiQiKmM1LzjJICjCN9q5Ly5NFC8hz28/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bJOo88VotKhx945ryiiBHziCoVquFMFXyh6deOjoT_aBVUK0ZWh6XPx8M9a4c9y_ldj0-pnxZLOoc1j5CWy2WKopQqBq3z_7hQwc1GkSaBMYYiQiKmM1LzjJICjCN9q5Ly5NFC8hz28/s400/DSC_0030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTHvaYswZFvqjAG6KCA3hNmBv9MP5O7vAtQY-JdTV3WTQvfWj3jEdY6g5gJJbqCYp9XakKxdsI_1Qcs9qMGG-OtRxYKu7oV70l-eey8kJJjSheuy-ZgnCEPGoQcTsTARDXhYYkUI9-os/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTHvaYswZFvqjAG6KCA3hNmBv9MP5O7vAtQY-JdTV3WTQvfWj3jEdY6g5gJJbqCYp9XakKxdsI_1Qcs9qMGG-OtRxYKu7oV70l-eey8kJJjSheuy-ZgnCEPGoQcTsTARDXhYYkUI9-os/s400/DSC_0040.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjko3dj7wsafInRLtLRttO5QMtQs0ryycJL927Zz5phRGdAOsZyYrGN6QCxJ3Aa3v-2xB34jCo9ja9XAcH6yUwPIQgo3ryVibmgl1-7U23S6_imo6TVOQPBLqv5xqifdhE-Jh8BGWiAigM/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjko3dj7wsafInRLtLRttO5QMtQs0ryycJL927Zz5phRGdAOsZyYrGN6QCxJ3Aa3v-2xB34jCo9ja9XAcH6yUwPIQgo3ryVibmgl1-7U23S6_imo6TVOQPBLqv5xqifdhE-Jh8BGWiAigM/s400/DSC_0043.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbSHzJUFoCjpS7BfDHPhRDMbSbJFucJcNnJH_8aMOENl0d9Ki0d_U-_TApuyj46CyZ_ZWACp-ajeHXDQ9S_4UHz_44IuLfN7rYH4eUU4_9KfLcMEP5I-AFtO2ccJ2QNBVhuhy3Gw_3eU/s1600/DSC_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbSHzJUFoCjpS7BfDHPhRDMbSbJFucJcNnJH_8aMOENl0d9Ki0d_U-_TApuyj46CyZ_ZWACp-ajeHXDQ9S_4UHz_44IuLfN7rYH4eUU4_9KfLcMEP5I-AFtO2ccJ2QNBVhuhy3Gw_3eU/s400/DSC_0063.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LR3AZKi_3Xwzoux5t7a2u3zlM_w2HLcvYY8rt6wEMfCsG7si3PbqrL1kAfLS8ghCVji9rSmJ7lFBUq9zyZAXpfk0isp1ybJfXPFMgGcXyglfp6IHhHsCCEgoN1wG3eHYuRHcQxDA0Sk/s1600/DSC_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LR3AZKi_3Xwzoux5t7a2u3zlM_w2HLcvYY8rt6wEMfCsG7si3PbqrL1kAfLS8ghCVji9rSmJ7lFBUq9zyZAXpfk0isp1ybJfXPFMgGcXyglfp6IHhHsCCEgoN1wG3eHYuRHcQxDA0Sk/s400/DSC_0071.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Now, any guesses on whether or not I've been able to re-create this look....</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nope.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVh2WJO_v8XAkuNYWWD9wgD2VWjaFdUwYv7IhdScNvIZc3mr9WBuRlZMBK8HGzzK_0kVTgfmbd_OlrHZ9uZh5v4HckW63O3EPLDhwcDtkEjb6CzqTdlAY686-29MJYgpTMeEfhqDA0mE/s1600/DSC_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVh2WJO_v8XAkuNYWWD9wgD2VWjaFdUwYv7IhdScNvIZc3mr9WBuRlZMBK8HGzzK_0kVTgfmbd_OlrHZ9uZh5v4HckW63O3EPLDhwcDtkEjb6CzqTdlAY686-29MJYgpTMeEfhqDA0mE/s400/DSC_0072.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGY4fx5syB1IERfak8Myg0DvLvxT0Apwc4d1ECtaLpbfl6guCSsVkOZRNYHoWFYEcNVVBQ1qmU2yHRiAnMqs0JC8wr-e8HfIylvuCP_ybxHWVVPd9i-h-xaMENwb1GR9anTTE17sWol8/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGY4fx5syB1IERfak8Myg0DvLvxT0Apwc4d1ECtaLpbfl6guCSsVkOZRNYHoWFYEcNVVBQ1qmU2yHRiAnMqs0JC8wr-e8HfIylvuCP_ybxHWVVPd9i-h-xaMENwb1GR9anTTE17sWol8/s400/DSC_0085.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">After it was all over, we did a little interview with Dean. I'm telling you, nicest guy ever.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a link to see the interview and a fast forward version of my makeover that <a href="http://www.thestudiowebsite.com/">The Studio</a> put together. Check it out <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2KMdn3Rl4c&feature=youtu.be"><span style="font-size: large;">HERE</span></a>. It's really fun!</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, that was a tough first day on the job, let me tell you!</div><div style="text-align: center;">But, since then it's been rehearsals and making sure I'm comfortable on set and doing interviews, because this show is LIVE, no take twos! Eeekkk!</div><div style="text-align: center;">We went on the morning show today to promote the show, so in case you missed that, here's the link to go check it out. Click <a href="http://illinoishomepage.net/fulltext/?nxd_id=286917"><span style="font-size: large;">HERE!</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Meet and greet luncheon today, premiere party Wednesday and Thursday and then one last rehearsal Friday and then SHOWTIME! I hope you'll tune in and support me in this new adventure, it's going to be fun and I promise to keep it real and exciting. (Now if anyone has a cure for the butterflies, send the antidote my way!)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315063558929351048.post-28083746543367557942011-09-05T09:56:00.000-05:002011-09-05T09:56:57.614-05:00Cupcake Monday - Princess Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwRkwMWi4Hq3_fzQ8sY3LIVaWUhMj7WxOoxI-JP8Yg1-1KLXKFmBBZNzi1QscOrt82KcObLeoffSBLRJjU-MIDYxbrOeJRERjd0bCrvoJHhfyQuAF4rW7sb9SsX4Hhc9n-g0UY4V3rOY/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwRkwMWi4Hq3_fzQ8sY3LIVaWUhMj7WxOoxI-JP8Yg1-1KLXKFmBBZNzi1QscOrt82KcObLeoffSBLRJjU-MIDYxbrOeJRERjd0bCrvoJHhfyQuAF4rW7sb9SsX4Hhc9n-g0UY4V3rOY/s400/DSC_0007.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihy7d4AcQqOytuUU9T72o7i3lKFQ4el56AnZIkOai1Hw2c1g0FWeQcBYs2v2wUAqcRIRGHPGPp3MSDn3vNUHLJpsCR6iC7hiY5tgxV9OJcBdLBXyHtv6068RQymc9CJYzsHOPuuRhPzas/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihy7d4AcQqOytuUU9T72o7i3lKFQ4el56AnZIkOai1Hw2c1g0FWeQcBYs2v2wUAqcRIRGHPGPp3MSDn3vNUHLJpsCR6iC7hiY5tgxV9OJcBdLBXyHtv6068RQymc9CJYzsHOPuuRhPzas/s400/DSC_0018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, remember awhile ago back on facebook when I said I just got done making some super cute princess cupcake toppers???? Well, here they are.... Cute and sparkly, huh??? I tell you what, having a cricut makes making cute cupcake toppers a breeze!</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I know these <a href="http://pirates-n-princesses.blogspot.com/2011/04/kinley-turns-one.html">white cupcakes</a> are nothing new to the blog, but they are my sister-in-law's favorites, so that's what we went with for my sweet niece's 3rd birthday! (Stay tuned for party pics, hopefully up this Friday!)</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, I also know that I have been about MIA from the blog for awhile, but it's only because I've been super busy and have a BIG announcement coming tomorrow!!!!! I've been dying to share it with everyone, but haven't been able to, that is, until TOMORROW! So, stay tuned!!!! It's BIG, I promise.</div><div style="text-align: center;">XOXO</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(and NO, not pregnant!)</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315063558929351048.post-11109141697391202812011-08-15T09:58:00.001-05:002011-08-15T10:02:12.655-05:00Cupcake Monday - Pina Colada Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIW_nfbGPJVTT2LWZJC8da4D6Hb2ELsu0p0ueudme4j4fheUxj4tyI9YF03iZWQQVg_wEUdne3yPJ9mHsfY5Z4LOcRwhUXCymQthoXJQFs_wv8_ilj03WpYNGkwkdzmfLg9enZYRZS9HY/s1600/pina+colada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIW_nfbGPJVTT2LWZJC8da4D6Hb2ELsu0p0ueudme4j4fheUxj4tyI9YF03iZWQQVg_wEUdne3yPJ9mHsfY5Z4LOcRwhUXCymQthoXJQFs_wv8_ilj03WpYNGkwkdzmfLg9enZYRZS9HY/s400/pina+colada.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">While wasting a lot of time on facebook one day, I ran across a cupcake shop featuring their pina colada cupcakes. They looked soooo good, so I figured, I best try making some myself since I don't live anywhere close to this cupcake shop. I asked on facebook for some recipe recommendations and got a few good ideas. I still have one more recipe I want to try, which is from scratch, but I went with this one which is a box mix jazzed up a bit. They turned out really good and moist! I think next time I'll be adding a little more rum, since I went with the real stuff and not the extract. I topped them with a coconut rum buttercream and it was de-lish! These were definitely a hit and you should give them a try!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pina Colada Cupcakes</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Recipe via <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/pina-colada-cupcakes/208a504b-cb68-4b35-829f-3a4f3c48fa9a">Betty Crocker</a> - with some alterations</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Makes 24 cupcakes</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ingredients:</span></span></span></div><div class="RecipeIngredientItemNumber" style="float: left;">1 </div><div class="RecipeIngredientItem"> box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® yellow cake mix - <i>I used a Pillsbury white cake mix</i> </div><div class="RecipeIngredientItemNumber" style="float: left;">1/3 </div><div class="RecipeIngredientItem">cup vegetable oil </div><div class="RecipeIngredientItemNumber" style="float: left;">1/4 </div><div class="RecipeIngredientItem">cup water - <i>I used 2 C. coconut milk at room temperature</i></div><div class="RecipeIngredientItemNumber" style="float: left;">1 </div><div class="RecipeIngredientItem"> teaspoon rum extract- <i>I used 1 T. coconut rum</i></div><div class="RecipeIngredientItemNumber" style="float: left;">1 </div><div class="RecipeIngredientItem">can (8 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained </div><div class="RecipeIngredientItemNumber" style="float: left;">3 </div><div class="RecipeIngredientItem"> eggs - <i>I used 3 room temperature egg whites</i></div><div class="RecipeIngredientItemNumber" style="float: left;">1 </div><div class="RecipeIngredientItem">teaspoon coconut extract </div><div class="RecipeIngredientItem"><i>Then I added a box of coconut instant pudding</i></div><div class="RecipeIngredientItem"></div><div class="RecipeIngredientItem">Frosting:</div><div class="RecipeIngredientItem">1/2 C Butter - <i>I used unsalted</i></div><div class="RecipeIngredientItem">4 C powdered sugar</div><div class="RecipeIngredientItem">3 T. coconut rum - <i>I wish I had used more, but I ran out!</i></div><div class="RecipeIngredientItem"><i> </i> </div><div class="RecipeIngredientItem"><br />
</div><div class="RecipeIngredientItem">Directions:</div><div class="RecipeIngredientItem">Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</div><div class="RecipeIngredientItem">Mix all of the wet ingredients and then add the cake mix and pudding, beat just until combined. Scrape down sides as needed. Fill muffin cups and bake for 16 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.</div><div class="RecipeIngredientItem"><br />
</div><div class="RecipeIngredientItem">Frosting Directions:</div><div class="RecipeIngredientItem">Beat butter and rum until creamy, gradually add in powdered sugar 1/2 C at a time until you get the right consistency. Top with shredded coconut and garnish with a cherry. </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315063558929351048.post-62847187346141145952011-08-10T17:35:00.001-05:002011-08-10T17:38:53.301-05:00Back to School Segment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigN0kEolPBC57TPnh68VCw5JOz9W5aJljyPY-39TW70tw6De3NSjhIqPK_5g70JjjiBnoNRNd_hec8u2RuFVsdFwX2hxIswwsarXBJ-rich54_rQFudla6nqfhUXFLRtbnAw5vqPO8Z48/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigN0kEolPBC57TPnh68VCw5JOz9W5aJljyPY-39TW70tw6De3NSjhIqPK_5g70JjjiBnoNRNd_hec8u2RuFVsdFwX2hxIswwsarXBJ-rich54_rQFudla6nqfhUXFLRtbnAw5vqPO8Z48/s400/DSC_0012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Yesterday I had the pleasure of going on the Morning Show on WCFN to share some cute back to school ideas and cupcakes. In case you missed it, click<a href="http://illinoishomepage.net/fulltext/?nxd_id=278347"> <span style="font-size: large;">HERE</span></a> to watch the clip.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttoaiOC5mUci6Yc4uslTFKEAk8xxjJmFSiOoRtZVI-c7K3-AIBWZ5Z3nKjOzYrcgULP8zFtKZysKZG0dwUKXW59iE07HsotJJsyHq3YDlELwn5j5ZcUGer4LGHo-Sv-MWWwVW8qpIi0I/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttoaiOC5mUci6Yc4uslTFKEAk8xxjJmFSiOoRtZVI-c7K3-AIBWZ5Z3nKjOzYrcgULP8zFtKZysKZG0dwUKXW59iE07HsotJJsyHq3YDlELwn5j5ZcUGer4LGHo-Sv-MWWwVW8qpIi0I/s400/DSC_0014.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvbQsSR8N_XhN1ETIM_1i7YpHZkyJ4NLNcp6VGb5XTlN3gBz7s4WJvUMzLu7rZEJ7A0r31KrX2TKio7O9uGtC4oP-bdtT0pHwqCnY0vxJDdwRLybShTj5RJrcXqsQwo2BJlpssYn7wzw/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvbQsSR8N_XhN1ETIM_1i7YpHZkyJ4NLNcp6VGb5XTlN3gBz7s4WJvUMzLu7rZEJ7A0r31KrX2TKio7O9uGtC4oP-bdtT0pHwqCnY0vxJDdwRLybShTj5RJrcXqsQwo2BJlpssYn7wzw/s400/DSC_0017.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I found the idea for the pencil vase over on Shindig Parties TO GO.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was super EASY and turned out really cute.</div><div style="text-align: center;">To see a tutorial, you can get all the details over on Shindig's blog <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://amandaparkerandfamily.blogspot.com/2011/08/tutorial-teacher-pencil-vase.html">HERE</a></span>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FNLBhalgfSMFMXvPfxfzxKpHNfEk9PwfDvUf_g5q7p8aNJf3oHZatKaH1uZN5aLGY-mch6odNpnj_t8-C6geBGPoYVBPddf8Ke4jLhgziIvO-ut5DK75mvh1fj2G63wh1isCq6AiLSU/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FNLBhalgfSMFMXvPfxfzxKpHNfEk9PwfDvUf_g5q7p8aNJf3oHZatKaH1uZN5aLGY-mch6odNpnj_t8-C6geBGPoYVBPddf8Ke4jLhgziIvO-ut5DK75mvh1fj2G63wh1isCq6AiLSU/s400/DSC_0018.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUnjwShF_bU4-5JrX-w8oo2RmWR6cw8a11fCNzfFC5PaTvy_Ao0VHUUf6HjdAuvh61QqdZw0uUtUrYJTtDYQq5eqOfgwcGdzmhpJu8vxsHgyxn6BBQ-PcKCZ6Xxa4Q0wkveoZEgxE2YM/s1600/DSC_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUnjwShF_bU4-5JrX-w8oo2RmWR6cw8a11fCNzfFC5PaTvy_Ao0VHUUf6HjdAuvh61QqdZw0uUtUrYJTtDYQq5eqOfgwcGdzmhpJu8vxsHgyxn6BBQ-PcKCZ6Xxa4Q0wkveoZEgxE2YM/s400/DSC_0019.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOamJsaAZg2YvkzmIZrV0Ks2Sp0irPcPmz82theSVZYrRpBT8w7AWl83K9_svgYCg__SvK-lWE24qosrXM2LmhaRgd770QgDJUfr6DAaMD7i5XVkIAtC-97-iXyWAHNtKwx7CGvB0IvY/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOamJsaAZg2YvkzmIZrV0Ks2Sp0irPcPmz82theSVZYrRpBT8w7AWl83K9_svgYCg__SvK-lWE24qosrXM2LmhaRgd770QgDJUfr6DAaMD7i5XVkIAtC-97-iXyWAHNtKwx7CGvB0IvY/s400/DSC_0022.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Can you really go wrong with oreos and melted chocolate?</div><div style="text-align: center;">I found this idea via Shindig's blog, too! </div><div style="text-align: center;">To see a tutorial on how to make these you can find it <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://amandaparkerandfamily.blogspot.com/2011/07/tutorial-teachers-oreo-apple-pops.html">HERE</a></span>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">She also has some FREE back to school printables you can download, too!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi438PrRl9DykAod2z1qN0yTD1KaACq1tt9C59kSudIVCZFPsQ9t5MS6hOX29g_DGaBB14ptGyf4_DE3GDCl81C5OehXfW_vlxOwtIhNtsuPd9VaccnyWbSK4P46XWmB3HwUC2PFd-SrfY/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi438PrRl9DykAod2z1qN0yTD1KaACq1tt9C59kSudIVCZFPsQ9t5MS6hOX29g_DGaBB14ptGyf4_DE3GDCl81C5OehXfW_vlxOwtIhNtsuPd9VaccnyWbSK4P46XWmB3HwUC2PFd-SrfY/s400/DSC_0023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I found these cute cupcake liners and toppers at Williams-Sonoma.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhey4GDiQ7pnq-j9CS5C-wTrs_8Pgb0_RVm8xHnTEDxVucCe9L9VhWagCoH7nd_oNQNBupCSrIiDKRgJUDLom4FQx4rfOdN0X0_sFgT8uelv1i79lCAPmkKf6ipwAj-dH1gl-u9OrBBJmE/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhey4GDiQ7pnq-j9CS5C-wTrs_8Pgb0_RVm8xHnTEDxVucCe9L9VhWagCoH7nd_oNQNBupCSrIiDKRgJUDLom4FQx4rfOdN0X0_sFgT8uelv1i79lCAPmkKf6ipwAj-dH1gl-u9OrBBJmE/s400/DSC_0025.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOn6X7WhV3JJcksqoY3-zjC-h7s08e-vF1FXii053fVT4HlMoQvdnyPSOA3UGaqoxSyrLPIZzMFYfHt8a_ZY0sj8dv5wiDTcTMG47cFaBaOs0JFKpWa83PSOe2aa5LzcUCU-eL0MY4UzQ/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOn6X7WhV3JJcksqoY3-zjC-h7s08e-vF1FXii053fVT4HlMoQvdnyPSOA3UGaqoxSyrLPIZzMFYfHt8a_ZY0sj8dv5wiDTcTMG47cFaBaOs0JFKpWa83PSOe2aa5LzcUCU-eL0MY4UzQ/s400/DSC_0027.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> These "I'm So Lucky to Have You" tags are so cute! </div><div style="text-align: center;">I found them via The Girls at Eighteen25. </div><div style="text-align: center;">You can download your FREE set <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/2011/02/im-so-lucky.html">HERE</a></span>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiX02ZpjhbS55ZpWeMKjOzHQzxsB9mrzO8VQeDNb_t_UI62BEYfEmkqGwqnTaJ5ag7wM_UeM1Uc5GySk42on76OY5oEYSXavqSbeNP9MaK-_xVUydfzGcyHgtbInF4Yk0tefbNn3riUyg/s1600/DSC_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiX02ZpjhbS55ZpWeMKjOzHQzxsB9mrzO8VQeDNb_t_UI62BEYfEmkqGwqnTaJ5ag7wM_UeM1Uc5GySk42on76OY5oEYSXavqSbeNP9MaK-_xVUydfzGcyHgtbInF4Yk0tefbNn3riUyg/s400/DSC_0028.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAx78UHFAWGW0kNYXOgp8kSHjDp4qF6SwfY4i0C8uGh1UK1AsFaaJOQwHBOTCiKbbAJwTiCPlXUIwrN7BAwFb6_uCEPhfzGK1Vg6UKtYqDEoCwxfaIRyePQ6E2Yq27gQNQbGKS2r8OgDU/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAx78UHFAWGW0kNYXOgp8kSHjDp4qF6SwfY4i0C8uGh1UK1AsFaaJOQwHBOTCiKbbAJwTiCPlXUIwrN7BAwFb6_uCEPhfzGK1Vg6UKtYqDEoCwxfaIRyePQ6E2Yq27gQNQbGKS2r8OgDU/s400/DSC_0029.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> My grandma passed two chalkboards down to me when she was doing some cleaning awhile back, and as soon as I got them I KNEW what I was going to do with them. I'd seen back on <a href="http://www.livinglocurto.com/">Living Locurto</a> last year that you can put what grade your child is going into and the year, and have them pose with the chalkboard on the first day of school each year for a picture. It would be a fun tradition each year and would make for some cute photos to display at the high school graduation party! I've had a few people ask me where to find these chalkboards, and I actually saw some today at Hobby Lobby so look there! :)<br />
For the high lighters, I found this cute tag that says, You are the Hi-Lite of my day! Super cute and what teacher can't use some new high lighters? To get your FREE printable, head over to One Charming Party's blog <a href="http://onecharmingparty.com/2011/08/03/teacher-gift-ideas/"><span style="font-size: large;">HERE</span></a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWUvlUXVBnWW9AroNb4z0oZmdsESKtPv6efMu7M1KVMf25_uSRqxzFPEQ4W2cjvM8bHsGyDCwIzfLyPGw4g2Ajq4JWlDqMz6qK9JYTT6DXU9QOJT6zu_Orm2fivl1SWuzv4oDb5XMqRU/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWUvlUXVBnWW9AroNb4z0oZmdsESKtPv6efMu7M1KVMf25_uSRqxzFPEQ4W2cjvM8bHsGyDCwIzfLyPGw4g2Ajq4JWlDqMz6qK9JYTT6DXU9QOJT6zu_Orm2fivl1SWuzv4oDb5XMqRU/s400/DSC_0033.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprv7txTFof0XWHGS-WGOjDQcy3uABmD0jURZlLF4LpD0rP-m2z22xtSRa4sbTj_mfvpv5qaj528vbmoX6QiAt3ICEtU2OZgx-ioufgSQchP_o0He54gvqmkwU4h-tPmzB_O4HpDwCKvw/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprv7txTFof0XWHGS-WGOjDQcy3uABmD0jURZlLF4LpD0rP-m2z22xtSRa4sbTj_mfvpv5qaj528vbmoX6QiAt3ICEtU2OZgx-ioufgSQchP_o0He54gvqmkwU4h-tPmzB_O4HpDwCKvw/s400/DSC_0034.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love these cupcakes!</div><div style="text-align: center;">They turned out so cute.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I had seen the idea in my Martha Stewart cupcake cookbook and have also seen them on pinterest, where they linked back to <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/adorable-applesauce-cupcakes/e6ffec94-9a94-4480-b81f-307d10da1179?sr=2&st=6#/?term=cupcake&fv=HasGridViewImage:True&pi=12&mr=9">Betty Crocker</a>. They are super easy to make and very kid friendly. To get a demo on how to make them, go watch the clip! :)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315063558929351048.post-34234455150770568742011-07-25T15:05:00.000-05:002011-07-25T15:05:22.920-05:00Willow Designs WINNER!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Congratulations to Dorie!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">You are the $15 Willow Designs winner!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I will be sending your contact info on to Kasey.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you to everyone who entered!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Don't forget, you can still check out Kasey's cute hair bows and clips <a href="http://www.wb-designs.blogspot.com/">HERE</a>!</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0