Great Website!

I was just told about this website this week:  www.dollarstorecrafts.com.  They tell you what to buy and how to make something from things you find at the dollar store! What an awesome site!  My sister made the carrot centerpiece for Easter and everyone loved it.

Easter Cake!

This is the cake we're having for Easter - it was super easy to make!  Check it out!

Bright Furniture

Painted furniture - just one piece - can brighten up and make a whole room. Check out these cute ideas from Pinterest!

Sliders

I just might make these for our Easter lunch outside on the picnic table. They look so tasty and easy!  Check out these philly cheesesteak sliders.

Strawberries & Cream

Sometimes for a snack I eat graham crackers with a bit of strawberry cream cheese spread over top, and sliced strawberries on top of that!  Then I found this fancy version of the same ingredients!  Check it out and make it for your next party!

Grilled Cheese croutons

Did you know you can make cheesy croutons by using your panini grill?  Just take 4 slices of country white bread and spread  melted butter on all four (to the edges).  Turn 2 slices over and pile with shredded Gruyere cheese, then top with the other 2 slices, butter sides out.  Grill in the panini maker for about 3-5 minutes til golden brown.  Let them sit, then slice into cubes.  Use them in tomato soup - yummy!

Cheese Board

I'm into learning more about all sorts of cheese this year, and I ran across this cool board for displaying cheese at your next party!  So cool! Comes in red...or black.

Rain barrel?

Have you ever thought of adding a rain barrel to your yard?  I have several friends who have, and they enjoy having fresh water for their gardens, water in the case of emergencies, and they enjoy saving money!

Cool Camera

We attended a wedding tonight where they took instant pictures with these cool cameras.  Each guest had their picture made and that way the bride/groom placed these in their guest book.  What a great idea for parties!

Sugar Cookies

Are you making sugar cookies to decorate for Easter? I found this recipe today and made these cookies - easy - no chilling of the dough - and they are oh so tasty.  They are not the kind you roll out and use cutters with, but they make great round cookies to sprinkle and ice.

Dollar Store Crafts

What a cool website! dollarstorecrafts.com! Look at this one entry where a metal necklace was revamped with supplies found at the dollar store!  Amazing...

Bow Ties

Got a wedding coming up?  These bowties are so cool and affordable for your husband/son!  And they dress up an outfit completely!  Check them out at Kohls.

Easy Enchiladas

Easy chicken enchiladas - tasted pretty good!  Just roast chicken breasts rubbed with olive oil at 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes till they are done.  Let them cool and shred the chicken, then add in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese (and a bit of salt if you like)

Place the chicken mixture in corn tortillas and roll up, placing seam side down.  Pour 2 cups of enchilada sauce over the filled tortillas, and top with another 1/2 cup of cheese and heat in the oven 15 minutes until heated through.  Sprinkle cilantro on top and serve.

Tanks

I think whoever created tank tops must be a genius.  They really are a staple in every woman's closet because of all the necklines of shirts nowadays, and the varying lengths.  Tank tops that are long, with straps that cover your bra straps are the best!  Wear them under sheer shirts, jackets or just any blouse!

Rue 21 has tables of tanktops and some are buy one - get one for $3.  And they're not just your basic colors - they're all sorts of patterns.  Check them out!

Cute Flats

I saw these today on a friend's feet and I loved them!  They are great for spring and summer wardrobe! You can find them and more like them at Target!

Chili's new stuff!

Have you tried the new menu at Chili's?  (Or at least it was new to us) I hope there's one near you.  They have new items and the ones we've tried are delicious.  Today it was the club sandwich and their pizza!

Egg Carton Centerpiece

I saw this today and thought I'd pass it on - an egg carton centerpiece for Easter!  It's look simple and yet lovely! Click here for more information on how to put it together.

Easy Dinner

Great dinner tonight -

Mix one egg with 1 tsp cumin and whisk.  Dredge thin chicken cutlets in the egg mixture then coat with Panko bread crumbs, and fry in olive oil, turning often, until golden and crisp and cooked - about 10-12  minutes.

Meanwhile cut up a tomato, red onion, and avacado to make a salad - drizzle with olive oil and cover with lime juice.

A delicious easy meal!

Gold Necklace

Did you know World Market has some nice jewelry?  Check out this gold triangle necklace.  It's a great addition to you spring wardrobe! It's $16.99 and a very pretty piece!

Silly Supper

This is  not healthy, but it's tasty and quick in a pinch - and kids love it.

Bake a package of oven fries according to the directions.  While they're baking, cut five franks lengthwise and then into slices.  Mix in a bowl with a can of chili and microwave for 5 minutes, stirring halfway through.  Grate 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese.

On a platter lay out the golden fries (salted) and top with the chili mixture, then the cheese.

Enjoy!

Ice cream bars

Have you seen these in your grocery store?  They're a sweet treat for about 1/3 of the calories of a regular candy bar - Twix Ice Cream Bars!  They're just big enough to satisfy your sweet tooth! There are other candy bar flavors too!

Americana Vintage Candles

While out of town, we bought a new candle that literally smelled up a very large store - Americana Vintage.    They said their best seller is caramel flan, but we chose lemon parsley for the spring season.  I have it burning and it's awesome! They are huge candles and rolled in a crust of spices and herbs which serve as a casing so that the candle never drips.

Coffee cups with no handles

I learned something today on a tour of an old inn - Fanthorp Inn.  Back in the day, there were actually cups with no handles, because coffee was poured into the saucer and they drank it from there!  Did you know that?  I did not.  So I searched on line and found an interesting read about it...  Who knew?

If you can find these cups and saucers, let me know!

A Skillet Full

I bought this cookbook today in a little town in East Texas and I'm anxious to cook the good food listed inside!  It has great reviews on line. I got a cast iron skillet for Christmas, so this is the perfect compliment!

Grill Comb Skewers

I saw these skewers today on The Chew and think they seem pretty cool.  Try them!

World Watch

Found this cool watch from Urban Outfitters  - what a great accessory!

Pecan Pesto w/ Sausage

Delicious meal tonight - made with pasta shells, pecan and parsley pesto (delish) and italian sausage - all topped with parmesan cheese.  The recipe came from Real Simple Magazine.  It was easy to make and made a lot!

French Onion Burgers

I made this sauce tonight from The Chew - Michael Symon's Shasha Sauce.  Then I used it to help make the burgers he makes with onions.

Basically it's potato rolls, hamburger meat formed into patties and grilled, and arranged on the rolls with
Gruyere' cheese, crispy bacon, caramelized onions (dipped in cornstarch and flour mixture - then fried), and the Shasha sauce. I didn't have time for the Bechamel sauce, but the cheese was just great anyway!

They were super delicious!

Sheer Cardigan

These cute cardigans are so inexpensive and they are just what you need for the spring season - you can afford to buy several in lots of colors! I wear them all the time and they are so great for a little warmth and a cover-up over tank or flowy blouses.  These are from Papaya.

Plantain Chips

I made plantain chips today - so tasty and easy.

Heat about 2 inches of canola oil in a pan. Take two plantains and peel them, then use your slicer to make thin chips.

Drop them in batches in the oil (don't crowd the pan) and fry about one minute or so til golden, remove and let drain on paper towels.  While still hot, sprinkle with chili powder and salt.  Serve with salsa!

Apple Berry Hand Pies

I made these apple berry hand pies tonight for our guests, and they were deliciously good and a fairly healthy dessert!  Fresh fruit wrapped up in phyllo dough, with a greek yogurt dipping sauce.  Yum.