Tara's Bridal Shower

This past weekend we celebrated with my brother's fiance, Tara. We had a bridal shower and bachelorette party. It was a lot of fun to spend the day celebrating with her and be able to meet all of her friends and family. I made the cake for her shower, and had a lot of fun making it. It only needed to serve 25 to 30 people, but I ended up making enough cake for about 90! I just wanted to make it three tiered, so there were lots of leftovers. The color of their wedding is the purple color i used on the cake and they are having orchids in the wedding. Tara made a wonderful suggestion for the cake flavor and filling (that I believe they are having as their wedding cake). I made white cake with a lemon mousse and raspberry preserve. It was a really good combination of flavors!

At the shower they had a champagne bar, where you could make your own champagne drinks. They had champagne flutes out, with different recipes to follow. This was such a cute idea! They had all different mixers; orange juice, a peach puree, strawberry mixer, pomegranate juice, pineapple juice, and other fun things to add.

Robot Invitations

 

  

 

After much searching online for robot party invitations I decided to make my own for Hudson's birthday party. I ordered the rubber stamp that I used to make these invitations on Paper Source for $8.50. I bought the card stock, ink pad, embossing powder, and the embosser at Michaels with their coupons. It is really easy to emboss a stamp.

1. Press the rubber stamp into the ink pad and then onto the paper.
2. Sprinkle the embossing powder onto the paper, so that the powder covers all of the wet ink.
3. Pour the excess embossing powder onto a piece of paper or in a tray.
4. Turn on the embosser and hold about two inches from the stamp moving it back and forth until the powder has melted.

I used a blue ink for both stamps that I put on the invitations. However, for the robot on the invitation I used a transparent embossing powder that gives the robot a smooth shine. For the robot that I stamped onto the envelope I used a blue glittery embossing powder.

Marley Farms

Today I took Hudson to Marley Farms with some friends and all the kids had a good time. Marley Farms takes in animal rescues and helps the animals become healthy so they can become adopted. They have a petting zoo where the kids are able to brush the goats, and you also can buy a bag of feed for one dollar. They have goats, llamas, horses, donkeys, ponies, and other animals as well. The cost for the petting zoo is $3, however kids 2 years of age and under are free.  They also have a picnic table area where you can eat a packed lunch. We also found out today that they offer pony rides on Fridays. Check out there website for more information. They are located on Val Vista Drive North of Hunt Highway.

Unique Cupcakes

 

Lemon Meringue Cupcake

  

Buttermilk Cupcake in a Jar

  

Tiramisu Cupcake

 

Meringue Cupcakes with Stewed Rhubarb and Raisins

I love that all of these cupcakes are so unique and also really pretty. They are all found on Martha Stewart's website with the recipes. I love the idea of the cupcake in a jar for gifts or favors, so cute!

Pasta with Zucchini and Toasted Almonds

Ingredients:

• 2  cups  cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2  tablespoons  minced shallots
• 1  teaspoon  minced fresh thyme
• 2  teaspoons  fresh lemon juice
• 3/4  teaspoon  kosher salt
• 1/2  teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4  teaspoon  sugar
• 5  teaspoons  extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1  (9-ounce) package refrigerated linguine
• 1 1/2  teaspoons  bottled minced garlic
• 3  cups  chopped zucchini (about 1 pound)
• 3/4  cup  fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 3  tablespoons  chopped fresh mint, divided
• 1/3  cup  (1 1/2 ounces) grated fresh pecorino Romano cheese
• 3  tablespoons  sliced almonds, toasted

Directions:

1. Combine first 7 ingredients in a medium bowl. Add 2 teaspoons oil, tossing to coat.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain well.
3. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to pan, swirling to coat. Add garlic to pan; sauté 30 seconds. Add zucchini; sauté 3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Add broth; bring to a simmer. Stir in pasta and 1 1/2 tablespoons mint; toss well. Remove from heat; stir in tomato mixture. Place 1 1/2 cups pasta mixture in each of 4 bowls; top evenly with remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons mint. Sprinkle each serving with 4 teaspoons cheese and 2 teaspoons almonds.
Olive tapenade breadsticks: Combine 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 15 finely chopped pitted kalamata olives in a small bowl. Spread olive mixture over 1 (11-ounce) can refrigerated breadsticks dough. Twist each breadstick; bake at 375° for 15 minutes or until browned.

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 344

Fat: 12.7g (sat 3.1g,mono 6.6g,poly 2g)

Protein: 14g

Carbohydrate: 45.5g

Fiber: 5.3g

Cholesterol: 58mg

Iron: 3.4mg

Sodium: 601mg

Calcium: 163mg

 

Recipe from Cooking Light

Flounder Piccata with Spinach

I have not yet tried this recipe, but I think it sounds really good. One of my favorites is chicken piccata, and we've been eating a lot of spinach lately, so I think this recipe may be a hit. You could use any kind of white fish for this recipe if you didn't want to use flounder.  


Ingredients:

• 1  (3 1/2-ounce) bag boil-in-bag long-grain rice
• 1/2  teaspoon  salt, divided
• 1/4  teaspoon  black pepper, divided
• 4  (6-ounce) flounder fillets
• 2  tablespoons  all-purpose flour
• 2  teaspoons  olive oil
• 1/3  cup  dry white wine
• 2  tablespoons  fresh lemon juice
• 1  tablespoon  drained capers, chopped
• 2  tablespoons  butter
• 4  cups  fresh baby spinach

Directions:

1. Cook rice according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Place rice in a medium bowl; stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
2. Sprinkle fish with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Dredge fish in flour.
3. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add fish to pan; cook 1 1/2 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork or until desired degree of doneness.
4. Add wine, juice, and capers to pan; cook 1 minute. Add butter to pan, stirring until butter melts. Remove fish and sauce from pan; keep warm. Wipe pan clean with a paper towel. Add spinach to pan; sauté 1 minute or until wilted. Place 1/2 cup rice onto each of 4 plates. Top each serving with about 1/3 cup spinach, 1 fillet, and 1 tablespoon sauce.

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 332 (28% from fat)

Fat: 10.2g (sat 4.4g,mono 3.5g,poly 1.2g)

Protein: 31.3g

Carbohydrate: 27.4g

Fiber: 1.9g

Cholesterol: 95mg

Iron: 3mg

Sodium: 713mg

Calcium: 51mg

David Bonom, Cooking Light, MARCH 2008

Creative Kid's Birthday Party Invitations

 Fill the inside with all the Birthday Party Details.

This invitation folds into a child's hat.

Find other creative Birthday Party Invitations and instructions for these at parents.com

Robot Party

Robot Stickers 12 pack for $2.50

by Paper Source

Robot Large Rubber Stamp $8.50

by Paper Source

Wind-Up Robots $9.99 per dozen

Oriental Trading

Robot Tattoos $4.99 for 72 pieces

Oriental Trading

Robot T-shirt in size 2T $14.00

On Etsy by Happy Family

Hello Robot Placemats $14.95 for pack of 8

by Hello Hanna

I officially decided to make Hudson's 2nd Birthday Party a Robot themed party. These are some items that I have ordered so far and thought I would share them, because I think they are good finds. Paper Source has some other Robot items, including stationary, invitations, and more stamps. Oriental Trading is a great place to look for party supplies, especially toys for goodie bags. I have also been finding lots of great items and ideas on Etsy. I have been trying to find robot cookie cutters, and it seems they are hard to come by or expensive when you do. I placed a custom order on Etsy with yarnNink for two robot cookie cutters. Hello Hanna has some adorable placemats for kids and other items will be for sale coming February and March.

Valentine's Day Kid's Crafts

Make some paper valentine's by tracing your child's hand, hang some hearts in the window using wax paper and crayons, or make flower valentine's using paper and lollipops. You can find more kids crafts and the details to these on Martha Stewart's site.

Monkey Madness & Incredible Elephants

The Phoenix Zoo has "Breakfast with the Animals" for ages 2-5 and a caregiver, coming up in March and May. For the month of March it is Monkey Madness, and then Incredible Elephants in May. It is from 8 am to 9 am. I have never been to this event, but thought it sounded like fun. Hudson loves monkeys, but won't be 2 until April so not sure if we will get to go. For dates and to sign up go here. The cost is $22.50 per child/caregiver pair for members, and $40 for non-members.

Pecorino Crackers

 This recipe is found in Giada de Laurentiis cookbook, Giada's Kitchen. These crackers are really yummy, and can also be used crumbled over soups or salads.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups grated pecorino Romano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine the cheese, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a medium bowl and stir to combine. Add the butter. Using a hand mixer, beat the cheese mixture and butter until combined. Add the flour 1/4 cup at a time, mixing only until incorporated and the mixture holds together.

Place tablespoon-sized balls of the dough on 1 or 2 parchment paper-lined baking sheets, tapping the dough down gently with your fingertips. Bake until just beginning to brown at the edges, about 15 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer to a serving plate.

Recipe also found on foodnetwork.com

Robot Party Theme

Loving the idea of having robot costumes for the kids to wear.

Found on Cookiemag.com

 

Robot cake also found on cookiemag.com

 

Adorable robot cupcakes by hello naomi

Robot party put together by Hostess with the Mostess

Kids Robot Craft found on plaidkidscrafts.com

Hudson's 2nd Birthday is getting closer, so I have been trying to think up some theme ideas. I love all of these amazing Robot Party Themes that I am finding online. This is one theme I am thinking about, but I still have some time to decide.

Valentine's Day Treat

Ingredients

• 15  caramel squares
• 32  vanilla wafers
• 16  lollipop sticks
• 1  cup semisweet- or milk-chocolate chips
• Valentine sprinkles

Directions 1. Melt unwrapped caramels in a microwave according to package directions. Working quickly, spoon small dollops of caramel onto 16 wafers. Place a lollipop stick in center, and top each with another wafer to make a cookie sandwich.
2. Melt chocolate chips according to package directions. Dunk each cookie sandwich in chocolate and shake to remove excess. Top lollipops with sprinkles and place onto wax-paper-lined baking sheet. Chill for 5 to 10 minutes or until firm.

I haven't tried making these yet, but think you could try many different variations of fillings and cookies. I found this recipe at Parents.com

Give a Day Get a Disney Day

Disney is giving away one million tickets in 2010 to people who volunteer in their community. All you have to do in sign-up with a participating organization here and you get one day at Disney for free. They will also allow you to volunteer to receive a ticket and then donate your ticket to their participating organizations. What a great idea!!!

(photo from LA Times)

Cupcake Toppers

Yo Yo CupcakeToppers

by Muffintopbakeshop on Etsy

Personalized Cupcake Toppers

by Sevencupcakes on Etsy

Retro Cupcake Toppers

by Lauri on Etsy

My New Favorite Thing

I fell in love with these headbands the first second I laid eyes on them! They are from Anthropologie of course! I got one for Christmas and had to go back and get another one because I love them so much. They are $32 at Anthropologie.

Feathery Hair Accessories

These are few hair accessories that I made the other day. I will be posting these on my Etsy shop as well. I was inspired by some feathery hair clips that I spotted at Anthropologie the other day. I picked up some feathers, buttons, and things at SAS. SAS is located in Tempe on the corner of Apache and McClintock. They have great prices and a wide selections of materials, the store isn't the cleanest, but it is still a great place to shop! :)

Tortilla Soup

I thought I should post this recipe while it is still cold outside. It is one of my favorite tortilla soup recipes, and is by Emeril Lagasse. It is different then most tortilla soups, because it is more of a broth based soup, then a thick creamy texture. It is packed with flavor and the fresh tortilla strips, chipotle crema, and sliced avocado top it off! The ESSENCE seasoning used on the tortilla strips, is also a great seasoning to use on fish or shrimp.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 2 teaspoons chopped garlic
• 1 poblano pepper, seeded and chopped, or 1 pasilla or green bell pepper and 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 6 cups chicken stock
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
  
• 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
• 6 stale corn tortillas, cut into 1/4-inch-thick strips
• 1 teaspoon Essence, recipe follows
• 1 avocado, peeled, seeded, and chopped, for garnish
• Chipotle Crema, accompaniment, recipe follows

Directions:

In a Dutch oven or large heavy pot, heat the oil on medium-high heat. Add the onions, garlic, peppers, salt, cumin, and coriander for 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add the chicken and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the cilantro and lime juice, and stir well. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.

Heat the oil in a heavy pot or electric fryer to 350 degrees F. Add the tortilla strips in batches and fry until golden and crisp, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Season with the Essence.

Ladle the soup into 4 or 6 serving bowls. Garnish each serving with the diced avocado, the fried tortilla strips, and Chipotle Crema.

Emeril's ESSENCE Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast):

2 1/2 tablespoons paprika

2 tablespoons salt

2 tablespoons garlic powder

1 tablespoon black pepper

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Yield: 2/3 cup

Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch

Published by William and Morrow, 1993.

Chipotle Crema:

1/2 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

1/8 teaspoon salt

In the bowl of a food processor or blender, combine all the ingredients. Process on high speed until smooth. Serve with the soup.

Yield: 1/2 cup

Etsy Shop

I posted my first items on Etsy today. I decided to sell some of the earrings and hair clips that I have been making. You can take a look at my Etsy Shop here, and there will be more to come!

ABC's

I love these fabric magnets that I found on the purl bee's site. I think I am going to make some for Hudson's magnetic wall in his playroom. So cute! You can find their tutorial here.

Potty Training

We started potty training Hudson this week, he has been ready to start for a little while now. He took an interest in it when he saw his friend Jackson using the potty. I printed out a couple potty training charts and hung them in the bathrooms. Each time he goes in the potty he gets a star sticker to put on his chart. He really likes being able to get a little reward each time. The charts are free to print online and they have all different characters to choose from.

Stacked Pear Salad

I made this Stacked Pear Salad to go with our Christmas dinner. I had it last year at Christmas dinner party and loved it. They look so pretty and taste great too! You can make the salad with many different variations.
This year I made a spinach salad with toasted pine nuts, goat cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette. Last year my friends served it with a spinach salad with feta, chopped pecans, and a raspberry vinaigrette. You serve the salad stuffed inside a cored pear that has been cut into thirds. And you can drizzle honey on top or a little extra salad dressing. The honey looks really pretty on top, I forgot to do that to these in the picture. It also helps the pear sit flat on the plate if you cut a small slice off the bottom.

Champagne Cocktails

Frozen Champagne

Ingredients:

• 4 scoops lemon sorbet
  
• 2 ounces chilled vodka, citrus vodka or limoncello (Italian lemon liqueur)
• 2 ounces prosecco or other sparkling wine or Champagne
• 2 sprigs fresh mint

Directions:

Blend lemon sorbet on low speed and pour in vodka or lemon liqueur in a slow stream. Add prosecco or Champagne. Pour cocktails into a chilled martini glass and serve, garnished with a sprig of mint.

Recipe by Rachel Ray

White Nectarine and Raspberry Champagne Floats

Ingredients:

• 3 very ripe white nectarines, halved, pitted and cut into eighths
• 1/2 pint fresh raspberries
• 2 tablespoons sugar
  
• 2 pints vanilla ice cream
• 1 bottle chilled Champagne, Prosecco, or sparkling wine
• 1/4 cup Chambord
• Mint sprigs, for garnish

Directions:

Combine nectarine slices, raspberries and sugar in a small bowl and mash with a fork.

Add scoops of ice cream to 4 large glasses and divide most of the nectarine and raspberry puree among the glasses. Top each with a few more scoops of ice cream then the remaining puree. Fill the glasses to the top with the prosecco and drizzle each with some of the Chambord. Garnish with mint sprigs.

 Recipe by Bobby Flay