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Valentine’s Day Goodies

February 7, 2013 By Leave a Comment

I have a serious sweet tooth and I am afraid my pants have proven that since Christmas. Yikes. So instead of eating my way through Valentine’s, I’m going to pass along my finds for YOU to make and eat. I know, so very sweet of me eh? ;) You’re welcome!

This deliciousness over at Glorious Treats has some sweet and salty which is a very dangerous combo!

Valentines-Snack-Mix

How about some corny Valentine’s sweetness? Shaken Together Life used a Mason jar to put together this treat.

corny little Valentine

 

I always love the M&M, pretzel and Kiss recipe but this one is different. What’s Cooking Love used Raspberry Kisses. Yum!

Chocolate Raspberry Pretzel Bites4

Iowa Girl Eats made these Brownie Mix Truffles. OMG!!!

BrownieMixTruffles_01_mini

 

Of course you need some pink milk to wash it all down. Lil Luna has a fun Valentine’s party going on including printables to pull it all together.

pink milk

 

Wishing you a Valentine’s Day full of sweet treats and zero calories.

 

Filed Under: Bee Inspired, Fun finds, Holidays, In the Kitchen Tagged With: ,

Super Bowl Yummies

January 30, 2013 By 2 Comments

Super Bowl Sunday is right around the corner and for us Northern California folks, it’s a big one! I don’t watch much sports but I am a wee bit excited that the Niners made it. I love the energy that comes about when local teams make it to the play offs, etc. It’s a happy contagious kinda energy. Plus I enjoy the parties that bring people together and provide endless amounts of food and drink ;) I’m pretty simple like that!

That being said there will be a lot of Super Bowl parties. Whether you are hosting or heading to a party, here are a few appetizers that look too good to pass up.

Appetizer collage

1} Baked Fontina by Smells Like Home

2} Meatball Stuffed Biscuits by Recipe by Photo

3} Mini Mexican Pizzas by Dashing Dish

4} Baked Chicken Taquitos at Chef in Training

Of course I must share some sweet treats as well.

Desert collage

1} Loaded Cookie bars by Pip and Ebby

2} Peanut Butter Graham Cracker Balls at Baby Gizmo

3} Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites by Two Tiny Kitchens

4} Cookie Dough Millionaire Bars at Bake or Break

 

All of the above recipes came from my Foodie Love Board over at Pinterest {yes, I do pretty much rule my world through Pinterest these days. Don’t we all? ;) } I do however have a few favorite recipe sites that I visit quite often and I wanted to share those sites for you as reference. You know, just in case you ever feel like looking at amazing recipes and drooling all over your keyboard. Or meal planning, they are also good for that! I adore Picky Palate, Smitten Kitchen, Food Network, All Recipes and of course a constant source of inspiration for just about everything is Better Homes and Gardens.

Whatcha doing for Superbowl? Do you have any special treats that you make for this big sporting event?

 

Filed Under: Bee Inspired, Fun finds, In the Kitchen Tagged With: ,

Our Garage Entry

January 26, 2013 By Leave a Comment

If your house is at all like mine then you have kid paraphernalia everywhere. I’m constantly on a mission for the perfect system to keep my kids from throwing their stuff all over the ground. I have found socks in so many odd places including stuffed in-between the couch cushions, in the magazine rack in my bathroom and under my bed. I don’t know what it is but socks {dirty ones mind you} show up everywhere. Well, now that I go on and on about socks I realize my latest storage solution will do nothing to remedy the sock debacle BUT it does help with getting backpacks and jackets hung up upon coming home from school. We have a coat rack by the front door but we usually enter from the garage so this just makes more sense.

This simple DIY involved a 1 x 6 board cut down to fit my wall and then we {by ‘we’ I mean my husband} attached 6 coat hooks which I picked up at Target. I found the idea here. I like her use of bronze hooks but I had silver so it made sense to use what I had. Resourceful eh? I also stumbled upon this super cute burlap weaved cork board over at Jones Design Co and because I ‘had to’ make one, I also ‘had to’ find a space for it. This worked out perfectly. I also had an old cork board and the burlap on hand. Because it’s not in a space that I utilize for my daily must do’s, it will really just be a fun space filler. I’ll just hang up  photos, some quotes, maybe a hand made flower or two, etc.

I think this whole project cost about $20 and that it has already been so useful.

Garage entry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By the way, if anyone has any tips about the dirty sock situation, I’d love to hear it ;)

Filed Under: Bee Inspired, Bee Organized, Crafts, Fun finds Tagged With: ,

My New Office Lamp and Corkboard

January 24, 2013 By Leave a Comment

As you might have guessed, I am all about being organized and I love how a cork board can help you stay that way {just make sure you purge and reorganize every now and again or you will look like a hoarder – just sayin!} Anyway, awhile ago I found this lampshade at Target that I was just in love with. It was $25 though and that was just too much for one lampshade. So I watched and waited. It went on clearance to $17 and some change. I still waited. Then I went back and it was not marked down but seemed like it should have been so I scanned the barcode just in case. My intuition paid off cause it was on clearance for $7.48 Woo hoo! Done. Mine. I bought it immediately. Then of course I had to find a base. Well bases are also not so cheap so I ended up with a $15 base plus ugly shade at Ross. The shade is burlap which I love but it has some funky burgundy swirls. I’ll probably attempt to recover it at some point. The base was a dark cherry brown. Not quite my thing so I got crafty with some spray paint. I painted it a cream which matched the lampshade. I wanted to make it look a little rustic so I took the sander to it and roughed it up a bit. Now I love it! I ended up paying about $30 for the whole project which included the lampshade, base and spray paint. The original shade was $24.95 all by itself pre-clearance.

Here is the finished product — not quite the way it’s typically set up but I wanted you to get the full view of the color scheme.

office diy

Of course I needed to tie the colors of the shade to something else in the space so I went on a mission to recover another old cork board. I couldn’t find a fabric that I loved at any of my local fabric stores so I made a trip to Triad Plus in Roseville. I’d wanted to go for some time so this was the perfect excuse opportunity. I headed there with my lampshade in hand so I could pull from the colors in the shade. I really loved the orange in the lamp but I just couldn’t find a good match. I ended up pulling from the shade of grey-blue.

I used a spray adhesive and voila, done! I was going to add tacks to serve as a nailhead edge but I opted to keep it simple. I could go back and add that at another time if I felt like it. Note: the spray adhesive worked awesome on this fabric but I also tried using it on burlap and it would not hold which was so weird.

To finish it off, I added a burlap pennant made by me. These are just 6×6 squares of burlap which I then stencil my choice of word on. Finish it up by tying the squares together with twine. It’s a cheap and adorable way to dress up a space. I chose the word Create because that is what this space is supposed to be used  for. I end up crafting and creating in the kitchen most often though cause it’s the hub of the house. I like to be where the action is!!

Filed Under: Bee Inspired, Bee Organized, Crafts, Fun finds Tagged With: , ,

Citrus Salt Gifts

December 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Tis the season for baking but sometimes there are so many sweets {is there such a thing really?} Anyway, if you want to give something that can be used for months to come and it isn’t going to pack on the pounds, try this gift. I made several of these for the yard duties, admin staff and librarian at my kids school. They looked like I worked super hard on them were super easy.

A couple of tips, I used sea salt as the ‘flake salt’ was not available at any of my local markets. I also ordered the cute little wooden spoons from here. I picked up the 4 oz jars at WalMart. Sunset Magazine has the printables. Just print on plain printer paper, cut down and use a pretty ribbon to attach it to the jar. Done — just like that you have something pretty and that will last beyond a few days. I had some leftover and used in a pasta dish the other night. Delish!

 source

Citrus Salt with lemon zest

Ingredients

  • 1 cup flake salt, such as Maldon, or coarse salt
  • 3 tablespoons citrus zest (any kind)

Preparation

  1. Mix salt and zest in a bowl; work zest into salt with your fingers to release oils and flavor. Spread on a baking tray. Air-dry until dried completely, 8 hours to overnight.
  2. Note: Zest’s color will fade over time, but this won’t affect taste.
  3. Make ahead: 2 months, kept airtight at room temperature.
  4. Bottle it: 4-oz. jam glass jar

Filed Under: Bee Inspired, Fun finds, Holidays, In the Kitchen Tagged With: , ,

Feeling Crafty – Homemade Advent Board

November 27, 2012 By 2 Comments

A couple of weeks ago, I held a holiday open house. Including myself, there were five vendors. Last year I also hosted this event. I wasn’t sure that I was going to do it again and then decided to give it a go. It was definitely worth it. The energy was amazing and a good time was had by all {or so it seemed!}. I crafted several things — wreaths, chalkboards, pennants, magnets, clothespin Christmas card holders and advent boards. Things literally flew out of baskets and off of shelves. It was crazy and in all the madness. I didn’t snap photos of my stuff! Eeek! Anyway, I was able to craft a couple of more Advent boards. One of which was for myself and I am sharing it with all of you.

Supplies needed:

  • Scrapbook Paper
  • Coin Envelopes {found them at Staples}
  • Embellishments {stickers, etc}
  • Stamps
  • Ink
  • MDF Board {Home Depot)
  • Ribbon
  • Modge Podge
  • Hot glue gun

Cut board down to 24.25 x 21.5 {I forget the exact dimensions of the wood but it cost about $7 and I was able to get two Advent boards out of it with some to spare}.

Paint your board — I have done some in red and others in white. The one I am showing you was lightly painted white, sanded down a bit and then I rubbed a dark stain over the top. It made it an ashy color.

Count out 25 of the envelopes, cut off the tops. They should be 4 inches long.

Pick out your scrap paper and cut the pieces to the size of the envelopes.

Now it gets messy, you will use the Modge Podge to adhere the scrapbook paper to the envelopes {open side facing up}. Let them dry and spend that time getting the gunk off of your hands ;)

Add embellishments. This can be whatever you want — I used ribbons and various numbers stickers and stamps. Make it your own and use whatever makes you happy ;)

Last but definitely not least is adding the things you want to do this season in your decorated pockets. This is a list of things I have used. You could change them to anything of course. I know many of us have our own traditions so be sure to make this special keepsake unique to your family :) I just printed mine out in a word document, cut them in strips and added them to the pockets.

  1. Shop for a new toy to donate to a charitable organization.
  2. Make holiday cards and take them to a nursing/retirement home.
  3. Donate gently used toys, books, and clothes to a shelter.
  4. Give out secret gifts to neighbors and friends.
  5. Perform a random act of kindness for a stranger.
  6. Check out books from the library on how children around the world celebrate winter holidays.
  7. Bake and decorate sugar cookies.
  8. Host a holiday party complete with a hot cocoa bar.
  9. Have a family holiday movie night.
  10. Drive around and look at Christmas lights.
  11. Attend a holiday-themed play or event.
  12. Create a winter themed craft
  13. Make an ornament.
  14. Bake cookies and deliver to a firehouse.
  15. Build a snowman.
  16. Go sledding.
  17. Pick out and decorate the ‘perfect tree’
  18. Wrap presents.
  19. Make homemade gift tags.
  20. Have a candlelit dinner with your best china.
  21. Read T’was the Night Before Christmas.
  22. Pick out a new Christmas CD and have a dance party.
  23. Go ice skating.
  24. Make an Eggnog milkshake.
  25. Work on a Christmas puzzle as a family.
  26. Make paper snowflakes.
  27. Donate a food box to a local homeless shelter.
  28. Write letters to Santa.

You could hang your board on a wall or do like I do and stick it on your mantel or in a niche.

I hope you are enjoying the holiday season — I know I am!!

 

This week I am linking up to:

Filed Under: Bee Inspired, Crafts, Fun finds, Holidays Tagged With: , ,

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Buttercream Frosting

November 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Do I have your attention? I know we just went from Thanksgiving to Christmas as far as the season goes but I had to share this recipe from yesterday. I felt like whipping up something other then pie {cause you know, we have like 10 of those in my house!!}. Pumpkin screams Fall so I decided on these Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Buttercream Frosting. They were a hit and oh so yummy! The frosting is very rich but spoon licking good. I added the candy corn for a little pop of color and well you know how I feel about candy corn if you’ve been following along ;)

 

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Buttercream Frosting

Adapted from Made in Mel’s Kitchen

Pumpkin Cupcakes

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Line cupcake pans with paper liners; set aside.  In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice; set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the  brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, and eggs. Beat on medium speed until well combined.  Add dry ingredients, and mix on low until smooth. Fold in pumpkin puree.

Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about halfway. Bake until tops spring back when touched, and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes, rotating pans once if needed. Transfer to a wire rack; let cool completely.

Makes ~ 18 cupcakes.

Source: Adapted from MarthaStewart.com.

Salted Caramel Buttercream

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 stick salted butter
  • 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 cups powdered sugar

In a saucepan, stir together granulated sugar and water.  Bring to a boil over medium high heat.  Cook without stirring until mixture turns a deep amber color, about 10 minutes.  Remove from heat and slowly add in cream and vanilla, stirring until very smooth.  Let caramel cool for about 20 minutes, until it is just barely warm and still pourable. Alternatively, you could use just under 1/2 cup of your favorite caramel sauce.

In a mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat butter and salt together until lightened and fluffy.  Reduce speed to low and add powdered sugar.  Mix until thoroughly combined.
Scrape down the side of the bowl and add the caramel.  Beat on medium high speed until light and airy, and completely mixed (about 2 minutes).  Mixture should be ready to use without refrigeration.  If your caramel was too hot when added, it will cause your icing to be runny.  If this happens refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.
What do you think? Are you a pumpkin fan?

Filed Under: Bee Inspired, Fun finds, In the Kitchen Tagged With: , , ,

Pumpkin Cuties

October 31, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Ah Halloween Parties — well kids Halloween parties that is!! The kids are having parties at school tomorrow and I signed up to bring the Pumpkin Cuties. These were easy and so cute! Equipment needed: Cuties and Sharpies. Boom. Done!

Do your kids get to have Halloween Parties at school? It seems that so many schools are not allowing kids to dress up and they are also scrapping the parties. This makes me sad! Kids love Halloween and taking away something that has brought so much joy for so many years is a bummer. What do you think? Should the schools still have Halloween Parties?

I’m linking up to these parties:

Filed Under: Crafts, Fun finds, Holidays Tagged With: , , ,

November Giveway

October 29, 2012 By 16 Comments

Alright friends — it’s that time again, the second monthly giveaway. Yep, free stuff people. You gotta play to win. OK here is the deal – this one will be picked randomly. Here are the rules:

Subscribe to my blog ——–> over there on the sidebar.

Follow me on Twitter ——–> Yep, over there again.

Follow me on Facebook ———> You get the message now, right? ;)

Follow Young Love Boutique on Facebook {by doing this you also get a 20% discount at her Etsy store through October 31st}

Now, for each comment you leave on any of the above {blog, Facebook, Twitter} you will get one entry into the drawing for these fabulous Fall prizes. The winner will be randomly drawn on November 2nd.

Young Love Boutique Chunky Navy Scarf, Target wiry twig pumpkin, Sur La Table copper mercury glass votive holder, Stein Mart Blessings sign.

These items are things that I own or love so I hope you enjoy them too!!

 

Filed Under: Bee Inspired, Fun finds Tagged With: ,

Day 26: 31 Days of Being Present

October 26, 2012 By 1 Comment

This day of being present is brought to you by my super handsome and fabulously creative son, Mason. He got this Lego Hospital at Downtown Disney and he built it in under two hours. He is super focused when it comes to Legos and he is also super fast! This is the end result:

 

 

 

 

Pretty awesome uh? He was so proud that he had me take a photo send to his daddy at work. Daddy also thought it was pretty awesome.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Fun finds, The Hive Tagged With: ,
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