{TUTORIAL THURSDAY} Hello Spring with Egg Carton Flowers

It’s starting to get warmer around here but not many flowers yet, so we made our own. I just took a quick trip through the house and found everything we needed to make a nice little bouquet.

What you need:

Egg carton

Paints

Glue

Pom poms/embellishments

Pipe cleaner or popsicle sticks

How to:

Start out by cutting the egg cartons into flower shapes.

Then paint them.

Put a small hole in the bottom and stuck a green pipe cleaner or popsicle stick through. Add a dab with glue to hold.

Glue your embellishment to the center of the flowers.

{WHAT I WHIPPED UP WEDNEDAY} Weekly Planner & Easter Party Collection

Are you like me and feel like one day of your weekend always goes to cleaning and getting your house in check? Not anymore, I’m taking my weekends back to enjoy with my family instead of stressing about getting everything ready for the week ahead. Hello…. WEEKLY PLANNER! The weekly cleaning printable is great for keeping all those chores in check, I’ve also added space for your menu, activities, and monthly cleaning too. I’ve found that if I spread out some of the chores throughout the week, I don’t have to spend my entire Saturday cleaning. Thank goodness!

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Also here is my printable Easter Party Collection!

This fun collection includes:

an invitation

large party circles

2" party circles

party labels

favor tags

drink and food tags

food tents

and a "Happy Easter" banner

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{PARTY CIRCLES}

Use these to make cupcake toppers, candy jar labels, favor tags, napkin rings, placecards, party hats, thank you cards & much more!

Materials Needed for Cupcake Toppers:

4” lollipop sticks

1” white circle labels

Scissor or 2” scallop circle craft punch

How to:

Download and print file. Cut into squares or punch with a 2” scallop circle or circle punch.

For cupcake toppers, attach a 4” lollipop stick with a 1” white circle label. Place cupcake toppers in middle of cupcakes.

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{PARTY BANNER}

Materials Needed:

Bright white card stock or matte photo paper

Jute

Ribbon

Craft knife

Paper cutter or scissors

How to:

Print banner pages on white paper. Cut circles out with scissors or paper cutter.

Use craft knife to cut slits in top corners of circles.

String the jute through each circle panel.

Use decorative ribbon to tie knots to the jute between each letter.

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I would love to see how you use the collection for your party, don't forget to come back and share!

If you would like the full PDF file of the collection please leave a comment or send an email to pinkinkdoodle@gmail.com

{I’ve Been Featured} Krafty Kat

I Just wanted to say a BIG THANKS to the lovely Katherine from Krafty Kat, who has spotlighted my Easter Subway Art on her blog.

{TASTY TUESDAY} Crispy Baked Tilapia with Fried Corn

Crispy Baked Tilapia

This baked tilapia recipe has a nice crisp coating that makes the fish taste almost fried, but it isn't. The topping is a mixture of Panko (Japanese bread crumbs), crushed potato chips and grated Parmesan cheese, giving this tilapia recipe a nice flaky texture. Serve with fried corn.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Makes 4 servings.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium leeks, washed and chopped (white and light green parts)

• 1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and diced

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tsp. olive oil

• 1-1/2 lbs. tilapia

• kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper

• 1 cup Panko (Japanese bread crumbs)

• 1/2 cup crushed potato chips

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 Tbsp. butter, melted

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Coat a 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Toss leeks, red peppers, garlic and olive oil together. Spread out in an even layer in baking dish.

3. Place fish on top of vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Toss Panko, potato chips, Parmesan cheese and butter together. Sprinkle evenly over fish, pressing lightly into the fish to form a loose crust.

5. Bake 20-25 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork.

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Fried Corn

Fried corn is an excellent side dish for everything from burgers to Steak Fajitas.

If corn is in season, fresh corn is delicious in this fried corn recipe. You'll need about 6 ears (shucked, corn cut off the cob).

If you don't have prosciutto, substitute bacon. Just leave out the olive oil, and saute the peppers and onions in the bacon fat instead.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil

• 3-4 slices prosciutto (or bacon -- if using bacon, omit the olive oil)

• 1 small green pepper, diced

• 1 small red pepper, diced

• 1/2 cup diced onion

• 16 oz. frozen corn or 2 cups fresh corn, shucked and cut off the cob

• kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Chop prosciutto into bite-sized pieces. Add to the hot oil. Fry 1-2 minutes until crispy. Remove from skillet and let drain on paper towels.

3.Add green peppers, red peppers and onions to the skillet. Saute 3-4 minutes until vegetables are softened.


4.Add corn. Saute until corn is glistening and tender, another 3 minutes.

5.Return prosciutto to the pan. Stir. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

{WEEK 11} Garage/Storage

This a designated area used for storing "needed" items until it is time to use them. It is not "someplace else" for procrastinators. It can be the attic, basement, section of garage, closet, shed or even a rental unit.

 

An efficient storage area is the backbone to your home. Overload it & the whole house suffers. There are basically two types of items that should be stored: seasonal/occasional (Christmas, camping, Baby stuff only if anticipated need, suitcases, etc.) & home management (backup supplies used in managing a home), (extra paper goods, soaps, kitchen supplies, light bulbs).

 

Remove everything from storage area. Sort everything into related piles, boxes, or bags. Streamline these piles until only keepers are left. (Other items go to the place they belong, i.e. trash, Goodwill, garage sale)

 

Designate centers in your storage area according to available space and keeper categories. Your categories of keeper piles automatically determine your centers.

 

Maximize your space & increase your storing efficiency by using the following techniques:

1. Hang as much as possible in drawstring bags.
2. Consolidate by placing related items inside each other (bag of baby bedding inside bassinet, suitcases inside each other, etc.).
3. Use shelving around area & make aisles like they do in warehouses. You can use metal shelves or boards on blocks, buckets, pipe, etc.
4. Always consider how any given item is used, where it is used, & how often it's used -- then put things where they belong.
5. Keep things that are used together stored together. It's simple but it works!
6. If no room for it, you don't need it!!
7.  Group and store like things together, just as the grocery store does, don't scatter. Consolidate as much as possible.

{MENU} Sunday Scoop

Our menu this week

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Sunday: Mexican Meatloaf

Monday: Chicken with Broccoli & Garlic Sauce

Tuesday: Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Wednesday: California Health Sandwich

Thursday: Taco Salad Dinner

Friday: Cheesy Chicken Bacon Avocado Quesadillas

Saturday: Tilapia, Mashed Potatoes, and Salad

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Share a recipe from your weeks menu. I would love to get some new dinner ideas.

{FRIDAY FAVORITES} “I’m Bored” Jar

It's hard to come up with things for your kids to do that don't require getting in your car, driving somewhere and spending money. This cute jar system is super helpful!

Here is how I made it:

I simply took a plain jar- you could even recycle something from a spaghetti sauce jar or something you already have.

I filled the jar with strips of paper with printed "activities" on each of them. Here are the activities I used. Feel free to print them out and use them if you'd like!

(click on the photos to enlarge)

{TUTORIAL THURSDAY} Yarn Wreath Tutorial

I’ve noticed that yarn wreaths are all the rage right now in blog-land. So I had an "I could make that!" moment. I decided to try my hand at making a yarn wreath.

So, here’s how I made mine:

Materials:

Glue gun

Foam wreath

Yarn (thicker is better)

Fabric for flowers

Beads for fabric flowers (optional)

Decorative letters (optional)

Other elements of decoration (i.e. buttons, sequins, etc.)

Wrap the yarn around the wreath. This part takes forever, but once you get into a rhythm it’s not so bad.

 

Secure the end of the yarn with your glue gun.

I decorated my wreath with rosette fabric flowers.

{you can find my tutorial on those here}

Are you working on any DIY projects? If so, what are you making?

{WHAT I WHIPPED UP WEDNESDAY} Easter Subway Art

No matter where you live, I bet you're excited for spring. I know I am! To welcome spring, I whipped up this cute colorful piece of Subway Art. Ahhh subway art so easy, no messes, customizable, and CHEAP! Love it! What an great way to decorate for any holiday or gathering.

The prints are designed to fit 8x10 or 5x7 frames.

{8x10}

{5x7}

If you use one of the printables, be sure to snap a photo and send it along so we can see how you used it. I’d love to see how you welcome spring.

{TASTY TUESDAY} Parmesan, Chicken & Broccoli Pasta for Two

Parmesan, Chicken & Broccoli Pasta for Two

Prep 10 min  | Total Time 25 min  |  Serves 2, 2 ½ cups each

What You Need:

1/4 lb. whole wheat spaghetti, uncooked

1/4 cup KRAFT Light Zesty Italian Dressing

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

2 cups broccoli florets

1/2 cup chopped tomatoes

1/2 cup KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided

4 tsp. KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

Make It:

COOK spaghetti as directed on package, omitting salt.

MEANWHILE, heat dressing and garlic in large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Add chicken and broccoli; cook and stir 5 to 7 min. or until chicken is done. Stir in tomatoes and 1/4 cup mozzarella; cook 1 to 2 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally.

{WEEK 10} Attic, Basement, or Storage

First I would like to say Thank You for all your kind words and prayers for my family this past week! It has been hard on us, but we are ready to move forward and celebrate life. 

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So back to our Monday Challenge...

 The attic works the same way every other room does,

except it's probably got mostly stored boxed and old clothes. Remember what our motto has been? If you haven't worn it in the last year, and you can't figure when you'll wear it in the next year, get rid of it! (Donate it somewhere, or throw it out if it's not in good shape.) This can really make a big dent in the storage facilities.

Don't get caught with "well, Johnny can wear this when he's 14." Let's be honest, how many kids really want to wear hand-me-downs that are way out of style? We must swallow our pride (if my daughter doesn't want to wear my wedding gown when she's old enough, I guess I won't get upset!) and get rid of what truly we won't use, and will have no value later on (but not that wedding gown! I can't part with that!). Everyone will have treasures that you can't part with, and that is fine, but set a limit.

As for those boxes, bring a few downstairs and work on them in front of the TV, or at the bottom of the stairs. The old "can't go to bed cause I can't get past these boxes yet" works nicely here. Or do it while the kids are at school if you are able. Once again. Ask yourself if you will really use the item again. If no, and it has no sentimental value worth passing to the next generation (and collecting dust!) then donate it to somewhere that might really appreciate it.

Love the Life You Live

My family and I have lost two wonderful family members this past week. Please excuse my absence this week as we gather to celebrate their love for life!

Thank you!

{TUTORIAL THURSDAY} St. Patrick's Printable Party Collection

Here is my printable PDF file for St. Patrick’s Day Party collection!

This fun collection includes:

an invitation

large party circles

2" party circles

party labels

favor tags

drink & food tags

food tents

and a "Happy St. Patrick's Day" banner

{PARTY CIRCLES}

Use these to make cupcake toppers, candy jar labels, favor tags, napkin rings, placecards, party hats, thank you cards & much more!

Materials Needed for Cupcake Toppers:

4” lollipop sticks

1” white circle labels

Scissor or 2” scallop circle craft punch

How to:

Download and print file. Cut into squares or punch with a 2” scallop circle or circle punch.

For cupcake toppers, attach a 4” lollipop stick with a 1” white circle label. Place cupcake toppers in middle of cupcakes.

***********************************

{PARTY BANNER}

Materials Needed:

Bright white card stock or matte photo paper

Jute

Ribbon

Craft knife

Paper cutter or scissors

How to:
Print banner pages on white paper. Cut circles out with scissors or paper cutter.

Use craft knife to cut slits in top corners of circles.

String the jute through each circle panel.

Use decorative ribbon to tie knots to the jute between each letter.

*********************************
I would love to see how you use the collection for your party, don't forget to come back and share!

If you would like the full PDF file of the collection please leave a comment or send an email to pinkinkdoodle@gmail.com