Easy Father's Day Decoration Ideas

So maybe this is a bit too easy to be blog-worthy, but I love ideas that are sweet, simple and to the point!  I'm hosting 20 of my favorite in-laws for Father's Day tomorrow and needed to set up three tables.  I've seen edible centerpieces.  Why not drinkable ones?

Dad's Root Beer needs no explanation or further ornamentation for the Father's Day theme and I love the fact that they still come in these cute old-fashioned bottles!  These inexpensive centerpieces will do double duty.  After dinner, we'll have Root Beer (Or Orange Cream) Floats for dessert!

 Don't forget these cute paper napkins and paper straws from Target!

To change things up a bit, put small glass jars inside the cardboard carrier and fill them with wild flowers.

I'm also displaying these framed 8 x 10 posters which you can down load HERE

and HERE!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Wild Flower Vases

Whenever my mother-in-law comes to visit, she always brings me a little something.  She's thoughtful like that. Recently she arrived with a beautiful wildflower arrangement.  Even more than the flowers (they were beautiful), I just loved the vases! Three little bottles inside a chicken wire basket. I refilled them with some lilacs from our yard.  I will definitely be using these all summer. 

I always find that the tricky thing about wild flowers is getting enough of them to make a statement.    By filling little bottles contained in a basket, the flowers create a presence suitable for any table!  My entire kitchen now smells like lilacs.  Ahhh...... Spring!


THIS POST MAY BE LINKED TO: MONDAYS:  MADE BY YOU MONDAY, FLOUR ME WITH LOVE, MANIC MONDAY, TUESDAYS: TALENT SHOW TUESDAYS,TRICK OR TREAT TUESDAY ,GET YOUR CRAFT ON,  MANDY'S RECIPE BOX  WEDNESDAYS: WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAY, GINGER SNAP CRAFTS,  THURSDAYS:, STRUT YOUR STUFF, FULL PLATE THURSDAYS , CHIC & CRAFTY PARTY,FRIDAYS: I’M LOVING IT, FOODIE FRIDAY, FOOD ON FRIDAYS, TATERTOTS AND JELLO,   SHINE ON FRIDAYS, FRIDAY FAVORITES, BACON TIME , KITCHEN FUN WITH MY THREE SONS, WEEKEND RETREAT PINWORTHY PROJECTS SATURDAYS:SWEETS FOR A SATURDAY SIX SISTERS STUFF, CRUMBS AND CHAOS, SUNDAYS: NIFTY THRIFTY THINGS

Rita's Strawberry Salsa

My SIL, Rita, came over for dinner recently and brought this amazingly fresh and summery Strawberry Salsa.  Of course, being the good blogger that I am, I immediately took a picture of it and asked her for the recipe!

Bits of jalapeno and red onion balance out the sweetness of the strawberries and a cream cheese base gives it a rich and tangy edge.  Serve it with Lime Tortilla Chips for a delightful, summery appetizer!

Rita's Fresh Strawberry Salsa

1 pound strawberries, diced

9 Tbsp uncooked red onion(s) – (½ Large red onion)

9 Tbsp cilantro, fresh, chopped – (1/3 bunch)

3 Tbsp jalapeno pepper(s), minced – (1 large seeded jalapeno)

2 Tbsp fresh lime juice

1 tsp lime zest, finely grated – (I grated ¾ lime)

½ tsp kosher salt 

½ tsp ground cumin

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Enjoy!

Optional version – spread 1 tub light whipped cream cheese on a platter then top with salsa and garnish,

***The recipe states to serve immediately, but I liked it better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.

THIS POST MAY BE LINKED TO: MONDAYS:  MADE BY YOU MONDAY, FLOUR ME WITH LOVE, MANIC MONDAY, TUESDAYS: TALENT SHOW TUESDAYS,TRICK OR TREAT TUESDAY ,GET YOUR CRAFT ON,  MANDY'S RECIPE BOX  WEDNESDAYS: WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAY, GINGER SNAP CRAFTS,  THURSDAYS:, STRUT YOUR STUFF, FULL PLATE THURSDAYS , CHIC & CRAFTY PARTY,FRIDAYS: I’M LOVING IT, FOODIE FRIDAY, FOOD ON FRIDAYS, TATERTOTS AND JELLO,   SHINE ON FRIDAYS, FRIDAY FAVORITES, BACON TIME , KITCHEN FUN WITH MY THREE SONS, WEEKEND RETREAT PINWORTHY PROJECTS SATURDAYS:SWEETS FOR A SATURDAY SIX SISTERS STUFF, CRUMBS AND CHAOS, SUNDAYS: NIFTY THRIFTY THINGS

A Girl's Birthday Party in Scandinavian Style

I just love it when I run across a mom that is creative, inspiring and thinks outside the box.

Case in point, this adorable Scandinavian inspired birthday party!

When Violet turned eight,  her mom invited all the second grade girls to a Scandinavian brunch,
 complete with traditional Dala Horses.

Second grade girls are definitely big enough to use real silverware and drink from goblets.

Avoiding paper products is eco-friendly and definitely Scandinavian!

So much nicer, too, don't you think?

Brunch consisted of Swedish Pancakes with fresh berries, Lingonberry Butter and bacon.  

A squeeze of lemon is also very Scandinavian.

A traditional celebration cake was a show-stopper with layers of cake, fresh whipped cream, fresh berries and mint.

Oh, so delicious!

Beautifully wrapped party favors awaited guests.

Inside, a useful Dala Horse Cookie Cutter!

Can't wait to use ours!

Happy Birthday, Violet!

THIS POST MAY BE LINKED TO: MONDAYS:  MADE BY YOU MONDAY, FLOUR ME WITH LOVE, MANIC MONDAY, TUESDAYS: TALENT SHOW TUESDAYS, TEMPT MY TUMMY TUESDAY, TRICK OR TREAT TUESDAY ,GET YOUR CRAFT ON,  MANDY'S RECIPE BOX  WEDNESDAYS: WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAY, GINGER SNAP CRAFTS,  THURSDAYS:, STRUT YOUR STUFF, FULL PLATE THURSDAYS , CHIC & CRAFTY PARTY,FRIDAYS: I’M LOVING IT, FOODIE FRIDAY, FOOD ON FRIDAYS, TATERTOTS AND JELLO,   SHINE ON FRIDAYS, FRIDAY FAVORITES, BACON TIME , KITCHEN FUN WITH MY THREE SONS, WEEKEND RETREAT PINWORTHY PROJECTS SATURDAYS:SWEETS FOR A SATURDAY SIX SISTERS STUFF, CRUMBS AND CHAOS, SUNDAYS: NIFTY THRIFTY THINGS

A Car Conversation

My High Schooler had half days this week due to finals, which left me with even more than the usual trips to school.  I didn't complain. He'll be driving soon, and all that precious time in the car together will be gone. Forever. All those one on one conversations. All those glimpses into his day.....

ME:  How were finals?
HIM:  Great!  I cleaned out my locker.  Do you know what I found at the very bottom?
ME:  Food?
HIM:  Yes.  A Slim Jim.
ME:  Was it in the wrapper?
HIM:  Yes.
ME:  Did you eat it?
HIM:  Yes.  Do you know what it tasted like?
ME:  What?
HIM:  Freedom.

I get it.  The last bite out of the locker tastes like the first bite of summer. I love my baby boy!

Happy Summer, Everyone!

"Thanks a Latte" Gift Card Holder

Today is the last day of school for the girls.  Where has the year gone?  It seems as if we just moved into our new house, just had those First-Day-of-a-New-School jitters, just played in the snow..... Oh yeah. We did just play in the snow. Earlier this month!

I always get a bit teary-eyed at the end of the school year when I realize how much our teachers have invested in our children, when I think of the strides my kids have made, or when I look at their First Day of School pictures and discover how much they have grown in such a short time!

A coffee card doesn't seem like adequate thanks, but it is still a token of my appreciation for all the teachers have done. I especially like to give something to our middle school and high school teachers who don't always get the recognition that the grade school teachers do.  So I made 20 of these. That was our magic number this year. Twenty teachers in grade school,  middle school and high school that influenced the lives of my children!

For these coffee gift card holders I found these awesome Petal Folders at Target.

They are essentially a card and envelope in one.  I taped the gift card to the inside.

I found this great printable over at Just A Girl and Her Blog.  

Ahhh....  I just love it when other people do all the creative work for me!

The kit comes with its own special seal.

Add a bag of these delicious Chocolate Chunk Rolo Bars and their coffee break is complete!

Thanks, Teachers!

THIS POST MAY BE LINKED TO: MONDAYS:  MADE BY YOU MONDAY, FLOUR ME WITH LOVE, MANIC MONDAY, TUESDAYS: TALENT SHOW TUESDAYS, TEMPT MY TUMMY TUESDAY, TRICK OR TREAT TUESDAY ,GET YOUR CRAFT ON,  MANDY'S RECIPE BOX  WEDNESDAYS: WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAY, GINGER SNAP CRAFTS,  THURSDAYS:, STRUT YOUR STUFF, FULL PLATE THURSDAYS , CHIC & CRAFTY PARTY,FRIDAYS: I’M LOVING IT, FOODIE FRIDAY, FOOD ON FRIDAYS, TATERTOTS AND JELLO,   SHINE ON FRIDAYS, FRIDAY FAVORITES, BACON TIME , KITCHEN FUN WITH MY THREE SONS, WEEKEND RETREAT PINWORTHY PROJECTS SATURDAYS:SWEETS FOR A SATURDAY SIX SISTERS STUFF, CRUMBS AND CHAOS, SUNDAYS: NIFTY THRIFTY THINGS

Chocolate Chunk Rolo Bars

Sometimes you just need to amp up a classic.

Introducing:  Chocolate Chunk Rolo Bars.

Did you know that Rolos now come in minis? These are the perfect size for adding to pretty much anything..... cookies, brownies, cupcakes, trail mix, salad, lasagne...... (OK, just kidding about the last two.) 

For these amazing cookie bars, just whip up a batch of your basic cookie dough (see recipe below) and throw in the entire bag of mini Rolos.

Top that off with a bag of semi-sweet chocolate chunks.

Spread the dough out into a 1/2 sheet cake pan

(or two 9 x 13's).  It's all about the math.

Can you see the chocolate caramel chunks?

Don't forget the milk!

Chocolate Chunk Rolo Bars

1 1/3 cups butter or shortening (I like Earth Balance)

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

2  tsp vanilla

3 cups flour (I use white whole wheat flour)

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 8-ounce bag mini Rolos

1 12-ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chunks

Blend butter and sugar and beat until light and fluffy.  Add eggs and vanilla.  Beat until light and fluffy again.  Add flour, baking soda and salt.  Beat until well mixed.  The dough will be stiff.  Add chocolate chips and combine with a spoon.

For the bars, line a 1/2 sheet cake pan with parchment paper.  

Pat the dough into the pan evenly.  If the dough sticks to your fingers, put a plastic sandwich bag over your hand and spray the palm side with cooking spray.  

Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes.

THIS POST MAY BE LINKED TO: MONDAYS:  MADE BY YOU MONDAY, FLOUR ME WITH LOVE, MANIC MONDAY, TUESDAYS: TALENT SHOW TUESDAYS, TEMPT MY TUMMY TUESDAY, TRICK OR TREAT TUESDAY ,GET YOUR CRAFT ON,  MANDY'S RECIPE BOX  WEDNESDAYS: WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAY, GINGER SNAP CRAFTS,  THURSDAYS:, STRUT YOUR STUFF, FULL PLATE THURSDAYS , CHIC & CRAFTY PARTY,FRIDAYS: I’M LOVING IT, FOODIE FRIDAY, FOOD ON FRIDAYS, TATERTOTS AND JELLO,   SHINE ON FRIDAYS, FRIDAY FAVORITES, BACON TIME , KITCHEN FUN WITH MY THREE SONS, WEEKEND RETREAT PINWORTHY PROJECTS SATURDAYS:SWEETS FOR A SATURDAY SIX SISTERS STUFF, CRUMBS AND CHAOS, SUNDAYS: NIFTY THRIFTY THINGS