Time for a Baby Shower!

What did we do before Pinterest? Can you find all the projects I gleaned from the idea powerhouse? Diaper wreath, gluten free almond cheddar crackers, cheap plastic bath caddie fluffed up with ribbon, paper straws (Amazon.com), glass Mason jars, and Girly Wine with rubber duckies. It was fun to put all my ideas to use, FINALLY! I have my friend to thank...and her little baby boy. 

1. Girly Wine : 

1 large bottle Moscato (not Moscato d'Asti) -- I used Barefoot.

1 frozen concentrate lemonade 

(use pink if you want more pink color--I used the regular Kroger brand yellowy lemonade)

3-4 cups of Sprite

1.5 cups frozen mixed berries (or berry of your choice) 

**Note: This probably served 15 people easily. I doubled the recipe (cheaper to buy a big 2L bottle of Sprite anyway). I also froze 3 plastic cups worth of lemonade/Moscato/water mix so I had 3 giant ice cubes in the container that wouldn't dilute the mixture. Stayed frozen for the entire 3-4 hours...and then some. Duckies came three in a pack thanks to the dollar bins at Target.

2. Ribbon for filler:

A quick trip to Hobby Lobby resulted in finding the perfect teal sheer ribbon (with metallic polka dots) to add color to the tables, flowers, and decorations. This was 5" wide ribbon. I used it everywhere. It was a fairly cheap way to incorporate the color scheme (and the clocks were borrowed from a friend--FREE).

3. Diaper Wreath:

I needed something large to hang above the snack table, and this was perfect. I bought a small package of diapers (size 3, Pampers, about $9), used some of that blue sheer ribbon I mentioned already (about $3), and a macramae hoop (about $2). It was a great decoration AND gift. Just cut ribbon long enough to tie around the mid center of diapers, sandwich the hoop with a diaper and tie the top closed. The wreath is a little floppy, so it wouldn't free hang very well, but up against a wall/door/window it did splendidly! I used contrasting color ribbon (gold) to place a large decorative bow at the top. **Note: I used size 3, because not all babies wear the newborn size, or grow out quickly, AND by the time the baby is in size 3, the parents are trying to save every penny for diapers and don't necessarily care that you've touched all these diapers and are more apt to use them.

Homemade Artisan Bread (...in 15 min of work)

Getting tired of buying the yummy, yet expensive ($4), artisan breads from the grocery store? I did too. I turned to HyVee (grocery chain) and their cooking demos. I lucked out and happened to attend one of their sessions with a dietitian on "How to bake bread". Yes! So, today, I made my first loaf of bread. This recipe only takes 10 minutes to measure the ingredients and mix. THERE IS NO KNEADING INVOLVED! It was hearty, warm, and flaky. My 4 year old ate all her bread AND all the clam macaroni (with spinach, Parmesan, and mushrooms) that was served with it. Double YES! Even better? It only cost me .83 cents to make a loaf. OK, all the supplies cost me $11, but I didn't use them all...and the portions I did use, would cost about $3.32...divided by 4 since it makes 4 loaves.  :) 

Here's my step by step (sorta):

1. Mix yeast and salt in 100 degree F water, then add all the other dry ingredients. I did add 1/2 cup of  Flaxseed flour/meal to the mix and decreased my all-purpose flour by 1/2 cup. Not very scientific, but turned out great! 

2. Mix (I used wet hands to mix the last little bit of flour in) Dough will be sticky!

3. Cover dough (I used wax paper...you don't want it airtight) and let sit 2 hours.

4. After it has risen properly, it will be flat on the top.

5. Once risen, you can throw entire bowl (covered) into fridge for up to 14 days.  Use it whenever you need bread. However, I was hungry so...You can quarter the dough to make 4 (1 lb) loaves. A quarter of the dough is about a "grapefruit" sized amount. Make sure to flour your hands and use floured parchment paper underneath (parchment paper ISN'T necessary, but handy). Here I have just pulled the sides down and under to give the top a round shape. This will make a "boule" style loaf. Shape anyway you please. Baguette (will cook in half the time), wreath, etc.

6. Next, for the boule loaf, I cut slices about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch down. Let rest another 30 minutes.

7. While my oven preheated, I placed my pizza stone in there as well...and a pan of water underneath. Once it was at temp, I slid the parchment paper and bread into the oven to bake. I use a gas stove,  so the humidity/steam from the water pan below is critical to getting a nice crusty crust.

8. Its done when the internal temp reaches about 200-210ish degrees F. I let it cool a bit before serving warm with dinner. MMMM! 

RECIPE FROM HYVEE:

Kicking Cancer to the Curb...Advent style!

Thanks to my sister and CuresRock!, my mom set forth on a very domestic project for a friend that will be in the hospital for a while. My sis  wanted to do some sort of advent calendar that could hold messages, treats, goodies for her friend as a "pick-me-up" during her hospital stay. My sis emailed all her crafty friends for ideas...and we all attacked Pinterest in true crafty style. My mom, preferring the old school method of craftiness, just headed to the fabric store where she found some adorable "Tree of Life" fabric panels. And so it began...

She purchased two panels so one could be cut up for the "pockets", some side panels, ribbons, iron on numbers (for the days), thread, and some glittery buttons and baubles to accessorize the advent calendar. If you are looking for the same fabric, try this link:
http://www.fabric.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=3c66c922-3dea-4276-9576-6f33c61d4222

Thought I'd post this idea for my Mom who is just too clever for Pinterest.  hehe. Nice work Mom! And thank you CuresRock (http://www.curesrock.org) for your great blogs and links.

Together, lets ALL kick cancer to the curb!

Those Problematic Pit Stains

Ok, totally not glamorous to even mention this, but ... I will anyway. I love my white shirts and cute white tees, but I really don't like the fact that after a couple months of wear and tear, the armpits begin to yellow. Thinking it was just my sweat, I was grossed out. I tried adding bleach to the whites load, to no avail. UNTIL...I learned that it is actually the deodorant that discolors the shirts and that bleach is one of the worst things for deodorant stains. A little Oxyclean and some detergent, and VIOLA! Shirt as white as new! Really easy, use the measurements as a guide, not a rule. You really can't go wrong. Here are some pictures of my most recent wash. The lacey white shirt was actually in the "to donate" pile since I didn't appreciate the yellow pit stains...and now its saved!  Love stuff like that.

HOW TO WHITEN THE YELLOW STAINS:
1. Mix about a tablespoon of Oxyclean granules with about a tablespoon or two of regular fabric detergent (any liquid detergents will work) in a cup (I used the soap cup that came with the fabric detergent). Stir.
2. The mixture will get slightly warm. Don't wait to use this stuff...it will harden within the hour.
3. Once stirred, spoon/slather/wipe the mix onto the armpit areas that are yellowed.
4. Let it sit for 20 minutes or so. I accidentally left mine unattended for about 3 hours, and nothing bad happened.  :)
5. The mix will harden on the shirt. Wash off in a sink until most of the soapy bubbles subside.
6. Throw in with the next load of appropriately light to white colored clothing.
7. Wash. Dry. and be WOWed!

Rainbow Dash (MLP) Cupcakes

I came across this clever idea for a My Little Pony themed cupcake (thank you to all the 4 year olds and college students that are still fantasizing about these fillies)...can't remember where, but I loved the simple idea. The MLP rings I purchased for about $4 for 12 (free shipping) via Amazon.com.

1. Headed out to the local mall's candy shoppe for the rainbow sour ribbons. They were a little on the flimsy side, so in hindsight, I'd double up the rainbows to give a bit more oomph. Then again, your candy shop may have thicker ribbons that don't bend so easily.

2. Made confetti cupcakes and baked according to the box.

3. Used a can of cream cheese frosting, of which, I mixed in blue food dye (a few drops does the trick--you can always add more later). I then spread that onto the tops of the cooled cupcakes.

4. I made a small batch of cream cheese frosting using a package of cream cheese and half bag of powdered sugar. I wanted it thick like playdoh...so if you need to, add more powdered sugar. I dumped this in to a baggie and used the baggie like a pastry bag (just cut the corner off to squeeze frosting out). This white frosting was used for the clouds. 

5. Once cloud piles are in place, I cut up the sour ribbons in to 3 inch sections and stuck one end in a cloud and the other end, in the other cloud.

6. If needed, reinforce edges of rainbows with frosting "clouds". 

7. Place in the refrigerator until needed.

Prosciutto Wrapped Tilapia

Picture by: Evan Sung, New York Times

OK, I was tired of my usual go-tos like tacos, fish and rice, tacos, spaghetti, burritos...you get the idea. So, while I was in line at the deli department I decided to buy a few thin slices of prosciutto (all $2 worth!). Then bought a jar of pesto and a bag of frozen tilapia fillets (because I am too cheap to buy fresh stuff...and KS hasn't wowed me with it abundance of fresh fish) and headed home. This recipe took about 22 minutes only because I was waiting about 10 minutes for the frozen tilapia to defrost a little, about 3 minutes to wrap up the fish and place it in the skillet, 2 minutes to cook the wrapped fish in butter, and 7 minutes waiting for it to bake. At the get go, I also started the rice cooker so the rice was done within 20 minutes. While I waited for fish to bake I made a quick tossed salad. Easy!!!

Prosciutto Wrapped Tilapia with Pesto

(inspired by http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/05/dining/051mrex.html)
Ingredients:
4   4-6oz thick fillets of white-fleshed fish (I used tilapia)
2 or 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto (I used one slice each-- depends on how wide slices are that you are 
     buying...I bought Boar's Head brand from the deli section and its was wide enough to wrap all the way  
     around--second slice not needed)
2 tablespoons butter, or more oil. (butter makes it brown so nicely)
1 jar of pesto (or make your own, but for $5 a jar, you'll save time AND have more for later!)

Cook:
1. Heat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Season fillets with salt and pepper (I did NOT add salt as the prosciutto and pesto are both pretty salty). Lay two slices (one, in my case) of prosciutto on a board, slightly overlapping like fish scales. Smear prosciutto with a layer of pesto, then lay fish in center and wrap it up.
3. Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes; add butter. When foam subsides, cook fish for a minute on each side, then roast (in oven...in the same skillet) until tender, 5 to 10 minutes depending on thickness. Fillets are done when a thin-bladed knife will pass through their thickest point with little resistance (tilapia cooks quickly, so 6-10 minutes was enough!). Serve.
Yield: 4 servings.

Candied Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies



Candied Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies

Hey, why not?! Armed with the Google and some inspiration (thanks Ann and her cookie bake sale cohorts!), I stumbled across a recipe for these cookies. Sounded delightful. This is somewhat of a repost from http://www.beantownbaker.com/ with some minor changes that I made...and easier options for those of you that just buy cookie mix.

 

Candied Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies

For the Candied Bacon:6 slices of thick-cut bacon (or do entire package and save 1/2 for another batch!)

1/2 cup brown sugar

For the Cookies:2 1/4 cups flour

1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp vanilla
1 egg
1 egg yolk
2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place bacon in single layeron foil lined sheet. Sprinkle brown sugar on top of bacon. Bake 18-25minutes, or until crispy (I cooked mine until it was consistency of

shoe leather--your choice). Turn bacon after 10 minutes. When cooked, remove from oven. Let cool, then chop it finely.

For the cookies:Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, cream butter with the sugars. Add vanilla, egg, and yolk to bowl and beat untillight and creamy. Add flour mixture which is sifted flour and baking

soda (I have no patience for this, so I dumped in all together and mixed well!). Add diced candied bacon (I dredged mine in flour before adding them) and chocolate chips and stir until just combined.

Place Tbsp sized balls of dough on a parchment lined cookie sheet (I got these awesome professional cookie pans from Williams and Sonoma that kick butt and don't need parchment...nothing sticks to them!) and bake 13-15 minutes or until edges are brown. Remove from oven and let sit on pan for a few minutes before placing them on a wire rack.

**Little Red's note: OK, I also wanted to see if this recipe would work with sugar cookie mix--AND YES IT DOES!!!  In fact, I liked it almost better as they were a little sweeter. So, its okay to cheat on this

recipe. Just be sure to dredge diced bacon in flour (so bacon won't stick in a glob) and add 1 egg yolk extra (my Betty Crocker Cookie Mix called for 1 egg...I added 1 egg and an egg yolk). These are even better after they've cooled (refrigerated) the next day!



Color Blocks Inspired by Ellsworth Kelly

Using some ideas I gleaned from http://www.projectnursery.com/ and some imagination and patience, I turned my daughter's room in to a vibrant and fun space to match her personality. I'd never worked with "color blocking" before so I did some research on how to proceed successfully. I came across this other website on "How to make crisp tape lines". So, armed with that knowledge, paint, and some Frog Tape (yes, this had the BEST success at perfect tape lines...its worth the extra $1-2!) off I went to design a wall.

To choose color, I went off some inspiration from a South American pillowcase (see colorful pillow on bed), the bedcover (a dark sage), and the color of the current chest-of-drawers (brighter sage and red). From there, my daughter and I went to Home Depot and just started pulling color samples (she, of course, veered immediately to the Disney brand). After 6 colors (one for background "grid"(pint) and 5 "square" colors (sampler containers, $3ea) were selected, HD just color matched our paint chips and mixed up little sampler containers of each (about $20). Grabbed 5 cheap foam brushes (so I could just toss when done -- $5) and 2 rolls of Frog Tape (about $8).

To mark grid I measured the section of wall to paint (I did entire height of wall, but not entire width) making each square 1 foot and sure to add a 1 inch tape line between each square. Since I only bought 1 pint of grid paint (and didn't want to paint ENTIRE wall), I painted grid lines first. Once dry, I measured out the grid and placed the tape over the grid (light aqua color in pic).  Then painted more grid (aqua) paint over the tape edges. That way, if the paint bleeds under tape edge, it won't show...and now the tape line is sealed! That's the cool trick I learned from http://www.houseofhepworth.com/. This trick works like a champ! Next, just paint each square with color.

Peeling the tape to revel crisp paint lines was incredibly enjoyable. The big mess of colors turns into an amazing "art" piece...might even make Ellsworth Kelly proud (your art is the whole wall AND abstract!).



http://www.houseofhepworth.com/



close-up of my paint edges

Welcome to my picnic!

This is a blog about random things that happen in my life that were inspired by things around my life. Mirriam-Webster defines picnic as "a pleasant or amusingly carefree experience". Sort of a Pinterest meets Facebook meets the paint can.

Horseshoe Plateau, Grand Canyon photo by JM