Just a few of..

MY FAVORITE THINGS

Freshly baked cookies and running at night,

Sleeping and sewing and flying a kite,

Movies that tug at my little heart strings,

These are a few of my favorite things.

Dark chocolate almonds and jumping in water,

Making up dances and finding a quarter,

Hearing a song that Justin Bieber sings,

These are a few of my favorite things.

Wonderful people that smile all the time,

Writing a story and making it rhyme,

Deep breaths and sushi and warm days in spring,

These are a few of my favorite things.

When the snow falls, when the car stalls, when my friends are sad,

I simply remember my favorite things and than I don’t feel so bad.

Oh My, Oreo

Oreo Truffles
Ingredients:
-1 pound Oreos (don't skimp on the brand. Nothing can replace an Oreo.)
-8 ounces cream cheese
-Dipping chocolate (Dark, Milk, White... be creative.)
-Wooden skewers (optional)

Preparation:
Soften cream cheese, crush oreos and combine. Roll into 1 inch balls and freeze for 30-45 minutes. Stick skewers into truffles, melt chocolate, dip and refridgerate!
I found that the most effective way to melt the chocolate to avoid curdling is to heat a bowl of water, place chocolate into a seperate bowl. Set bowl of chocolate into water bowl (do not let water overflow into chocolate) and stir chocolate until creamy and divine.
More truffle/cake pop ideas: bakarella.com

JACKPOT

My sister, Sari, has some great in-law's who do some great things. But her sister-in-law Cass just topped all of thee above. She showed me heaven. She took my mom, my sister Jessica, and I to a fabric haven. I got all of this fabric for $18!! Words can't describe my happines.. Time to get to work!

A Very Merry Unbirthday

Our lovely little Liza turned 2 on June 17. All she wanted was an Alice party, so it was the least we could do... Maybe we went a little overboard, but it sure was fun making everything and it sure did turn out cute! Love my beautiful nieces.

Alice joined our tea party
The cake started melting.
Note to self: Do not let fondant overheat
Birthday Girl.
"Eat Me"
"Take One"
Party Favors
Classic Quotes: Read the directions and directly you will be directed in the right direction.
Homemade teacup tower
PB & J. Ham and Cheese. Turkey Pinwheels. Strawberry Lemonade. Fruit. Cucumber Sandwiches. Ants on a Log. "Eat Me" Cookies.
Artichoke Dip. Chips. Baguettes. Pasta Salad. Too much food:)
"Drink Me"
Alice was GREAT with all the kiddles. She played with them forever. Swings. Croquet.
Jace Boy
Liza Belle
Ava
Keadon: Our very own pooper scooper
Grandpa and Eliza having a special moment.

Many tutorials and recipes from this party at Just Sew Darn Cute

Ode to My Dad

(Check out the calculator watch)When it comes down it, I have the best dad.

He reminds me of happy:) when I start feeling sad.

Although, real life and work take time each day.
He makes time for running and biking and play.

An all-star chef, he sure can cook.
But do not disturb him when he starts a good book!

He's the best father I ever did meet.
And always makes sure I get enough to eat;)

Sometimes we frown and disagree just a tad.
But, when it comes down to it, I have the best dad.

Happy Fathers Day Daddy. Love you.

All Day Event

So... I wasn't able to check anything off my list because baking a cake and learning to make fondant wasn't exactly on it, but I would still classify it as productive! It took my sister Jessica and I all day to make this cake in order to celebrate..... well we just wanted to make it! I've always been scared of the thought of making and using fondant, but it was surprisingly simple!
Step by step instructions from Make It and Love It here: Making and coloring fondant

Fish for the Greek Gods

Sometimes I pretend I live on a Grecian Island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. I say "νόστιμα!", while I eat my fresh catch, because I like to pretend I can speak a foreign language. I'm sure Zeus and Hera ate this...

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups sliced zucchini
• Cooking spray
• 4 (6-ounce) tilapia fillets
• chopped fresh or dried oregano
• chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
• 1 cup thinly sliced yellow bell pepper
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• crumbled feta cheese
• 8 lemon slices

Preparation

Preheat oven to 450°

Arrange zucchini slices in an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Place fish over zucchini; sprinkle fish evenly with oregano, rosemary, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Arrange bell peppers and onion over fish; drizzle with oil. Top with cheese and lemon slices. Bake at 450° for 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Recipe inspired by: Oxmoor House

I'm getting really creative with tilapia, because 10 pounds of fish goes a LONG WAY. I have to say that I was extra pleased with how my dish turned out, I've made it 2 nights in a row!! Second time I would make a few adjustments.. Make sure to be extra generous with the feta and lemon juice. Citrus compliments the fish SO greatly and the way the cheese toasts in the oven is almost better than you know what.... S'mores.

Plant. Water. Weed

Plant. Water. Weed. Plant. Water. Weed; the life of a gardener

As old fashioned as it sounds, I love to garden.
In my younger years, my mother planted a little seed inside of me. The seed of TLC for plants. In the backyard, we grew everything from corn to rhubarb.
I was raised on the fruits of my labors. Literally.
Keeping up on a garden got harder when my mom got a job, us kids got busy with school, and to tell the truth, we all just got downright lazy!
This year, my dear mama and I wanted to start again. We planted a few of our favorites.
This little guy will need some extra attention. Hang in there!
In order to prepare the soil and land so we could plant properly, we had to remove a few dead and, sadly, some living shrubbery. I don't like to waste good branches, so I put them to use!
I've been wanting to make this vase for a while. Inspired by rufflesandstuff.blogspot.com.
This week it finally came together because, magically, all the supplies fell into my lap.
It was meant to be!

Cinnamon Heals

I believe that Cinnamon is a little stick of heaven.

In all it's glory, it adds sass and flavor to anything from spaghetti to fruit.

Since I'm a Reader's Digest junky, I was reading up on some of their new articles.

Recently published, 10 Healing Herbs and Spices was right up my alley and Cinnamon happened to be the highlight of the article. Let me share with you the benefits of this little guy!

Cinnamon on toast or oatmeal is so tasty it's hard to believe the brown powder has any health benefits at all, but it's actually one of the most powerful healing spices. It's become most famous for its ability to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes. Some of its natural compounds improve insulin function, significantly lowering blood sugar with as little as 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon a day. The same amount could cut triglycerides and total cholesterol levels by 12 to 30 percent. The apple pie spice can even help prevent blood clots, making it especially heart smart.

Like many other spices, cinnamon has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It's been shown to conquer E. coli, among other types of bacteria. Researchers have even discovered recently that it's rich in antioxidants called polyphenols — another reason it's good for your heart. It's also high in fiber (after all, it comes from the bark of a tree) and can reduce heartburn in some people.

To read about the other natural heal ailments in the goodness of nature:

http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/10-healing-herbs-and-spices/article180480.html

Spinach-Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

I volunteered to make dinner again tonight. I love cooking for my family, although sometimes we end up calling for take out! I guess that's part of the wonderful life of experimental cooking!
(I didn't take this picture but it gives you an idea of the final product. Except, my chicken was swimming in bright, delicious tomato sauce.)

Spinach-Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
Servings: 8

Serve with rice, noodles, or, my personal favorite, sourdough bread!

Ingredients:
18 ounces packaged prewashed fresh spinach
2 1/2 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
Freshly ground black pepper
Salt
Ground nutmeg
8 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 family-sized can garlic and herb spaghetti sauce
1 14-15 oz. can of diced tomatoes
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 450°.

To prepare chicken, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add spinach to pan; cook 5 minutes or until spinach begins to wilt, stirring frequently. Drain any excess liquid and finely chop spinach. Place spinach, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and a dash nutmeg; stir well to combine.

Place each chicken breast half between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; pound to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Place 1/4 cup mozzarella mixture in the center of each chicken breast, fold over, and secure with 1-2 toothpicks. Place rolls in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish (I used a slightly larger dish). Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over rolls. Combine spaghetti sause, diced tomatoes, and onion. Pour sauce over chicken and sprinkle with 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup parmesan cheese. Bake at 450° for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is done (gage with meat thermometer. Poultry is thoroughly cooked once the meat reaches 180° F).

Don't forget to remove toothpicks before you dig in! That would be a nasty surprise..

Fancy That

I love PETALS

I love BIG BOWS

I love LACE

Bijou Market

If I had a million dollars..... I would buy everything at the Bijou Market. Wow. Props to everyone that contributed and created such wonderful, funky, glamorous items. I came home with these earrings. There were so many cute patterns, but I decided to go with the retro red. Maybe someday I'll be lucky enough to make it into the Bijou. Until then, I'll be sitting, waiting, wishing.

Dream of Green Cream

Every night I crave the Irish Mint and Dreamy Dark Chocolate frozen yogurt from Spoon It Up. Every time I go get my treat, I end up spending at least $5! I found an awesome alternative that is waiting for me in my freezer every night! These are delicious and refreshing! Creamies remind me of my childhood:)

Fresher Fish Tacos

What to do when there is a sale on tilapia and you buy 10 pounds of fish? Have a FIESTA!

Fresher Fish Tacos:
4 servings (serving size: 2 tacos)

Fish:
1 1/2 pounds white fish (I prefer tilapia)
Cooking spray
ground cumin
smoked paprika
ground red pepper
chili powder
cajun seasoning
dash of salt and garlic powder

Lime-Cilantro Crema:
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped FRESH cilantro
4 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 garlic clove, minced

(If you're looking for a little bit lighter version, use reduced-fat sour cream and mayonnaise!)

Additional Fix-ins!:
8 (6-inch) corn tortillas
1 bag pre-shredded cabbage
Lime wedges
Avocado
Your favorite tomatoe salsa (My favorite can be found at Ridley's. Their fresh made salsa is absolutely devine!!)

Preperation:

To prepare crema, combine ingredients in a small bowl and store in fridge.

To prepare tortillas, heat a large, dry skillet over medium-high heat, toast tortillas one at a time until crisp and slightly charred on each side. Wrap in a cloth napkin to keep warm.

To prepare fish, preheat large skillet. Sprinkle both sides of fish with seasonings. (I never pre-measure the seasoning for my meat or protein, just go with my instinct. If you don't want super spicy fish, ease up on the chili powder, red pepper, and cajun seasoning. Or, make your own mixture!) Coat skillet with cooking spray. Cook fish about 4 minutes on each side until it flakes easily with a fork. Break fish into chunks and place in a bowl. Keep warm.

Top tortillas with golden fish, crunchy cabbage, a dash of crema, zesty salsa, a slice of avocado, and a spritz of lime!

Three little birds headband

NATALIE:

"Sing the three little birds song!"

ADDIE:
"Three little birds sat on my window,
and they told me to told me to worry."

My beautiful niece, Addilyn, helped me show off the new headband I just made. She'll pose all you want but will not look at the camera. I love the navy blue contrast with her blond hair :)

I had a "Vision"

My eyes are dim. I can not see. I have not brought my specs with me.

I have not brought my specs with me

Sometime my backyard has treasures just waiting to be discovered.