Shrinky Dink Flower Bouquet for Barbie -Recycling DIY

If there's one thing we know about the male dolls in Barbie's life, it's that they are romantic little devils:@) I've wanted to try making a Barbie Flower Bouquet from Shrinky Dinks for a while and finally gave it a try... I think it turned out cute! I will say upfront, I used the wrong type of plastic, mine didn't shrink as much as expected. *Please look for the number 6 inside the recycling label on the container. But I am happy with the way the Sharpie colors deepened. I also like the way I cut into the zinnia looking flower to create separate petals, that turned out pretty neat. My best tip: Be sure to trim all of the plastic before putting it into the oven, it will become brittle afterwards (I did break the stem of one flower). Over all, this was a fun project, and I'm looking forward to trying it again.

Much to Ken's chagrin, we chose an action figure doll today because the hand was better at holding and presenting the flowers:@) How to make a no-sew Ken tank top from sock here. Halter top with beaded necklace pattern here.

I won't reinvent the wheel, there are plenty of tutorials and instructions online... You may find this one helpful here. 

♻Let's recycle creatively and 

Have a Happy Day🌼

Apple and Marshmallow Salad

I love it when I see something a little different and realize I already have everything on-hand to make it:@) That was the case with this Apple and Marshmallow Salad. This is cool and creamy, and what I like best is, it calls for mayonnaise, so no need to run to the store for pudding or Cool Whip. I also feel that the mayo tames the sweetness a bit, and makes it a little more of a side dish as opposed to a dessert. But, you can honestly call it either/or, or both. One son would eat it with dinner, one after dinner. Good stuff folks, and easily cut in half for a smaller batch. My apple was a little sad so I peeled it, the pretty red would add some nice color.

Other sweet apple salads:

Snickers Apple Salad ~ Fruit Salad w/Pudding

I've added a Marshmallow Love Pinterest Board...

All Pig In Mud Pinterest Boards here.

Apple and Marshmallow Salad-from Taste of Home

3 C apple, 1/2" diced-peeled or not, your call

2 Tblsp fresh lemon juice

1 C celery, sliced

1 C miniature marshmallows

2/3 C mayonnaise-original calls for fat free, I used regular

1/2 C pecans or walnuts, toasted is best

1. Mix apples and lemon juice in large bowl.
2. Mix in everything else except nuts, store covered in refrigerator until ready to serve.
3. Mix in nuts and serve.

Eat well and Have a Happy Day:@)

Kentucky Derby! Mint Julep Tea, Peach Pecan Spritz Cookies, & Barbie's Hat...

The Kentucky Derby is today at 6:45-ish, are you watching? May I suggest a little something smooth to sip on... This Mint Julep Tea was very nice:@) I've added my son's recommendation for a bourbon, and even a friendly little betting game if your crowd is into that sort of thing...

Maybe you'd prefer a cup of hot tea and nice little cookie... These Pecan Spritz Cookies with Peach and Bourbon Icing were very good, and look oh-so-fancy:@)

And if ~anyone~ wants to get dressed up and wear an extravagant hat, it would be Barbie:@) I found a pack of spotted craft feathers at the thrift store and thought they would be the perfect embellishment. I started with a crochet hat, added a small cluster of feathers anchored by a sheer organza ribbon bow, and of course, we have to have at least one satin rose for this race.

My picture tutorial for how to make a Barbie dress from 6" square of fabric can be found here. And Barbie says every southern lady should have at least one string of pearls... How to make a Barbie necklace here.

📌My Pinterest Boards here.

Enjoy the race, and 

Have a Happy Day😉

Inspirational Friday

 

Have a great weekend:@)

Bird/Butterfly/Bee Watering Station & Taco Stands -Dollar Tree Alert!

Popping in with two fun holiday, or any day, finds... Dollar Tree has these small (what they are calling) bird feeders or birdbaths. Right upfront, they are too small and shallow for most birds. ~But~ they are perfect for butterflies and bees:@) Love this idea! And it would be a nice little $5 extra gift for Mother's Day. We just had three mid-80 degree days and I could already see the birds and bees, everything, looking for water. 

They come in two colors with a metallic finish that changes a bit in different sunlight. 20" high, 9" round, and it holds about 1/3 C water. The raised petals will give the butterflies a place to land and drink.

And just in time for a weekend of Cinco de Mayo fun, my Dollar Tree loaded up on red and yellow taco stands:@) We all love tacos, and many folks make a nice easy, kid friendly, Taco Tuesday meal every week. These were in with the Mexican foods, they may also be in the kitchenware section of the store.

A helpful item at a pretty good price:@)

Grab it when you see it, and

Have a Happy Day:@)

Large Flower Charcuterie Board

I'm still channeling my inner charcuterie self... This Large Flower Charcuterie Board is a nice easy idea that would be fun for Mother's Day or any spring/summer event. The idea is to start with a small round bowl of dip or dressing as the flower's center, and simply build the flower petals with slices of carrots and peppers. I used my Homemade Honey Mustard Dip for the center. Only difference, I used yellow mustard instead of Dijon for the color. The pretty asparagus is from Dollar Tree (and great with the mustard dip), I just had to try a jar:@) I was expecting it to be super mushy, but it still has ~some~ body to it and can be picked up with fingers. Just be sure to gently drain it well on paper towels. Candied whole pecans add a little earthiness and a sweet note, soft pretzel nuggets would be another good choice with the dip. Wa-la, that's how easy it was! 

The asparagus:

It's ok to play with our food every once in a while folks:@)

Try something just for fun and

Have a Happy Day:@)

Barbie's Cinco de Mayo Fiesta!

Barbie loves a party and wanted to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! The dolls pushed the furniture back against the wall, turned up the music and did a little salsa dancing... She believes you never need a reason to get dressed up (although holidays do help:@) As for Ken, he's digging the alter ego his mustache is providing and has never been smoother on the dance floor...

After a couple hours of dancing, Barbie and Ken sit down for dinner and a drink. Barbie's wondering how much of that taco will end up in his mustache😄

Only to be followed by...

Yep, more dancing:@)

Barbie says es una fiesta!!!

DIY project links below:

Flag Banner/Bunting=Yarn and triangles cut from magazine pages.

Necklace ~ Maracas ~ Guitar ~ Ribbon Top ~ Taco ~ Vest

A better look at Ken's vest...

The chihuahua was a button:@)

Free No-Sew Pattern here.

📌All of my Pinterest Boards here.

We wish you all a festive Cinco de Mayo:@)

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting -Two Ingredient Frosting

The strawberry cream cheese spread kept catching my eye at the store, and I knew I'd have to come up with at least one thing to make with it... This Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting couldn't be easier, and everyone gave it a big thumbs up:@) I happened to whip up a brownie mix, but the frosting would be good with anything, and there is enough to easily cover a 9x13 pan. It only calls for two ingredients and about two minutes of your time. Gotta love that! It's sweet and fluffy, and you will taste the strawberries. You can adjust the sweetness as desired, and I love that we save a few calories by not adding butter. Don't hesitate to give this quick frosting a try folks, I think you'll like it. 

The icing will be pinker in person:

The cream cheese spread I used:

📌My Pinterest Boards here.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz tub Strawberry Cream Cheese Spread, softened

1/4 to 1/2 C powdered sugar-I used 1/4 C

1. Using electric beater, mix cream cheese to soften, then mix in sugar until light and fluffy. Taste and adjust sweetness-you know your crowd...

Enjoy an easy snack and 

Have a Happy Day:@)

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Weekend Potluck

Cinco de Mayo! Easy Fajita Marinade, Rice Side Dishes & Mexican Brownies

For today's ReView I thought I'd gather a few ideas to add to our Cinco de Mayo fun next weekend:@) As the cost of eating out keeps skyrocketing, how about trying something different at home... This Fajita Marinade was inexpensive, easy to put together, and very tasty. The chicken can be cooked on the stove, on a grill, or on your George Foreman grill. Good stuff folks!

What to have with it? Rice makes a great (and filling) side dish and I have three good recipes that fit our theme. All three can be served as is, or added to fajitas, burritos, or enchiladas, etc. And leftovers make a great lunch by adding a little protein. Restaurant Style Mexican Rice,  Arroz Amarillo (Yellow Rice), and  Southwestern Rice

And for dessert, Mexican Brownies. Simply doctor up a mix, easy and delicious!

📌My Pinterest Boards here.

Happy Cinco de Mayo Planning:@)

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Weekend Potluck