Holiday Tablescape

Are you entertaining this holiday season?  Do you like to set a nice table?  I do and this year I found some plate from Home and Garden at Walmart that I will be using to do my Holiday Tablescape.

Chocolate Cranberry Meringue Dessert - #CIC

December 20th already... Are you ready for Christmas?  Have you thought what you will be serving for  dessert or maybe a Christmas coffee?  This recipe would work perfect for either.  It is light and just the perfect amount of sweetness to work after a big dinner or have with your coffee or tea.

This month we picked Cranberries and Cocoa for our Crazy Ingredient Challenge and I thought a dessert would be perfect to make for this month's challenge.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #178

We are finally getting winter here in the UP... although I shouldn't complain as last year by this time we had 100 inches of snow and we have had only a few inches this year... but I am going to complain.. bitterly.  But one good thing is that with the storm coming it will be a good time to crawl under a blanket with a good cup of tea and check out the party... What party you ask....

Homemade Coffee Creamers

I love my coffee, and creamers make them even better.  Did you know that you can make your own creamers at home?  You can for half the costs and the ingredients are something that you can pronounce.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #177

Thursday again, I think these weeks are going by faster and faster.  This week has been a busy week for me.  I helped host our Staff Christmas Party...  a great party with good food and I had fun decorating for this party.  We also had a Mitten Tree where everyone could donate mitts, scarves and hats to the children in need in our community.  How has your week been and if you are looking for more ideas for your holiday planning, you have come to the right place..

Decorate with Crochet Thread Trees

I came across a video to make these trees on Facebook and thought that they would be awesome to make for our Staff Christmas Party and also use in my own decorating.  They looked easy to do, which they were but not so easy to get off the cone forms.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #176

I can't believe that it is December already... and as we don't have very much snow it doesn't seem real.  Where does the time go?  But even thought it is hard to think that it is already December, it is Thursday and that means it is time to party.....

Gingerbread Snowman Cookies #fillthecookiejar

Too cold to go outside to make snowmen, you can still make them in your cozy warm kitchen.  Make them with gingerbread and chocolate... and enjoy as many you want with a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate ~ your choice!

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #175

I hope all my American Friends are having a wonderful Thanksgiving and as you sit with your bellies full of turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pies you will come to visit us here at....

A Few of My Favorite Things

Christmas is coming and I decided I would like to share a few of my favorite things.  Some of these items I have but some I am placing on my wish list.  Maybe this list will give you some ideas to give (or put on your wish list).

Sweet Potatoes Fries and Jalapeno Salmon Sauce #CIC

I have to tell you a secret.  I really don't like Sweet Potatoes.  So when I found out that Sweet Potatoes and Jalapenos was picked for our Crazy Ingredient Challenge I knew I would be going outside of my box.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #174

Thanksgiving is next week are all my American friends ready?  Do you still need ideas for food, crafts and DIY... You have come to the right place, as I am sure you will find everything you will need and more here at......

Lemon Brownies Bites

Bite size morsels of chocolate with a hint of lemon,covered with a lemony butter frosting that is drizzled with chocolate makes these brownies awesome.

Fall Tablescape

I found these awesome plates and bowls from Better Home & Garden in Walmart and knew that I had to get them for my Fall Tablescape this year.  My husband also gave me a tea set this fall that worked perfect with plates as the plates have a gold trim that worked great with the gold trim of the tea set.  This tablescape would be perfect for a coffee/tea party.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #173

I missed last week's party as I was downstate learning all about "Trauma".  We had a great trip even though the car we drove got broken in... But we did get the last laugh as all there was in the car were pens, fridge magnets from the conference.. {{poor thieves for picking our car}}...We weren't hurt and the car window can be fixed so all is good.

Gingerbread Latte

We have had a wonderful fall here in the UP this year.  Ok, so we did have a few days that it was mighty cold and yes we did even have some snow and ice already.... but for the most part we have had a beautiful fall.  Gingerbread is one of the spice that make me think of fall and winter and it is perfect in your coffee.

Foodie Friends Friday LInky Party #171

Are you ready for Halloween?  Do you go out Trick & Treating or stay in and have a party?  If you need some help getting ready, need some recipes for cool food or instructions to make cool crafts... you have come to the right place......

Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake {No Bake}

Did you know that October is National Dessert Month?  I think every month should be Dessert Month... and cheesecake is my favorite dessert.  I could eat cheesecake everyday... baked, no-baked, any kind of baked cheesecake.  I love cheesecake and this recipe is heavenly.

All Things Halloween

Are you ready for Halloween?  

Are you planning an awesome Halloween party?

Do you need some help?

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #170

It seems to me that the days are going faster and faster.  It just seemed like yesterday I was typing up my party post and here again it is Thursday and I am typing it up once again.  Only thing about the days going so fast it seems like we party all the time and that it is ok with me.....

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #169

Have you been getting it all things fall?... pumpkin, apples, falling leaves and Halloween?  Let me tell you a little secret.....  You can find some awesome ideas here on......

Fall Porch Decorations

I am having a very hard time getting my fall decorating done. I have been procrastinating for about a month.   This year I wanted to do some decorating on my porch.  I don't have a big porch but I still wanted to do something.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #168

I missed last week's party and it is something that I really don't like to do.  Last week I started day shift and I found out that I need to figure out how to get organized.  But I am here this week and even if I am working... I am ready to  PAR-TAY with....

Salted Caramel Cookies {Fill the Cookie Jar}

Today is National Homemade Cookie day, so it is perfect that it is also the day that we Fill the Cookie Jar.

National Coffee Day

The Aroma of coffee fills the house.... it tickles your nose hairs as you wake up.  Is it a dream or is it real........

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #166

Yesterday was the first day of Fall.  I am so excited about fall... I can't wait to start making fall recipes, decorating for the season and heading out to see all the wonderful fall colours we have here in Michigan.  I know I will go so many ideas that you will be bringing today...

Welcome Fall {free printable}

Fall is my favorite time of year.

I love all the changing of colours....

the reds, oranges and gold.

Today we welcome the first day of Fall.!

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #165

Hope everyone is having a great week.  This week I have traveled downstate to Kalamazoo.  We are having wonderful weather here and I have enjoyed checking out the sites and stores here.  Today I headed over the Farmer's Market and can't wait to see the recipes you have dropped off at our party so I can make some of the recipes.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #164

Thursday already, I just can't believe how fast these weeks go by.  This week I am downstate.  The exciting part is that I get to see my hubby for a few days... So as I party down here, we can also party online with..

Grandparent's Day Crafts ~ Free Printable

Grandparent's Day is September 13th.  Time to celebrate those wonderful people in our life.  I found saw some chalkboard designs from either Pick Your Plum or GroopDealz that I thought I could replicate and would be perfect for anyone to print out and give to their grandparents as a gift.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #163

Thursday already, NO WAY!

But seeing that is what the calendars says!

Let Par-TAY with....

No Bake Chocolate and Pumpkin Cookies ~ Fill The Cookie Jar

When you hear the word Fall what goes through your mind?  I think of pumpkin, sweatshirts, leaves turning colours and falling and cooler weather.  Fall is our theme for this month's Fill the Cookie Jar and although the weather hasn't isn't cooler yet, it looks like it when we look outside... leaves are turning and floating to the ground.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #162

It's Thursday and that means party time.  I love this time of the week, to see what everyone is up to and get some brand new ideas for recipes, crafts and DIY.

Back to School ~ Clipboards

Have your kids gone back to school, or going to school soon?  Are you heading back to school?  Or maybe you are just getting an office ready.  These inexpensive, cute clipboards are fun to make and will make going back to school easy.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #161

This week I am downstate for a conference... but just because I am doing other things it doesn't mean that I can' party with....

Coffee Rubbed Steak & Cashew Salad #CIC

It is the 20th of the month and that means time for Crazy Ingredient Challenge.  Each month we pick two ingredients from a list and the ingredients with the most votes are the ones we make a recipe from.  This month's winners are  Coffee and Cashews.

Preparing for a Garage Party

If you are anything like me, your garage is not always a place you want to have a party.  Mine is like that, it isn't finished and along with our vehicles we have many other things in there.  This week I had a work party and we held it in my garage.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #160

This week has been flying but then again it seems every week does.. The morning are starting to feel like fall with cool weather and the leaves are falling but as the day progresses we have had very warm weather here in the UP... high 70's and low 80's (yes, I said hot, to me it is hot).  The best part of week's flying by so quickly is that it is time for.....

Banana Chai Smoothie

Do you like Chai? 

 Do you like Bananas?

  How about having them together?

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #159

It is Thursday again and that means only one thing.......

Healthy Fruit Nut Bites ~ Fill The Cookie Jar

I can't believe that it is already August and soon it is time to go back to school.  Do you have kids that are going back to school... or maybe you are going to school this fall?  With school coming it is time to get cookies made and Back to School is our theme for this month's Fill the Cookie Jar.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #158

It is time to party tonight!

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party is where it is...

Join us and link up your recipes, crafts and DIY

Cheesecake Brownies with Espresso Ganache

Cheesecake, brownies with espresso ganache a wonderful combination and everything you want in a bar.  These bars are perfect to make for a gathering or just to eat yourself... A little secret they are even so yummy right out of the freezer ~ that is if you can get them into the freezer.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #157

I can't believe that it is Thursday already... It feels like we just finished up last week's party and it is time to start again.  I know I have had a very busy week ~ we are moving into the new expansion at work.. So excited, so along with being party day I can celebrate working in a new state of the art facility.  I hope you will join me and bring all your wonderful recipes, crafts and DIY too...

Coconut Pesto Pasta with Chicken #CIC

Can you believe that it is just about the end of July already?  Where has the time and the summer gone?  This recipe is perfect for summer as it is easy to make, doesn't take to long and won't heat up your kitchen.... So to me, who doesn't have a/c that is perfect.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #156

It is time to come and join us for
Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party...
A great place to share your best recipes, crafts and DIY...
Make sure you check out what everyone has been working on.

It is always so fun to see what all you awesome bloggers are doing...

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #155

It is Thursday and guess what that means....

It is time to PAR-TAY...

Come join us and link up your recipes, crafts or DIY

BBQ Honey Garlic Chicken {slow cooker recipe}

Last weekend my hubby came home from downstate.  He told me that he wasn't going to come until Friday instead of after work on Thursday and would need food when he got home.  Well, I knew that this wasn't absolutely true but decided to make something in the slow cooker for the next day.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #154

Do you have plans for the 4th? 

 Are you hosting a get- together or are you invited somewhere? 

 Do you have your menu planned?

Well, don't fear, if you don't I know where you will be able to find some great ideas..

AT

Caramel Apple Pie Cookies #fillthecookiejar

What is more American than Apple Pie?  With the 4th of July nearly here I wanted to make something that was patriotic and I thought why not apple pie... Patriotic or Summer is the theme for this month's Fill the Cookie Jar.

Cups, Sticks and Nibbles Book Tour

Cups, Sticks and Nibbles, doesn't that title make you wonder what this cookbook is all about?

I am so excited to be part of this book tour and to be able to tell you about this wonderful cookbook. 

Roasted Vegetable Salad with Granola

I was given a bag of Golden Girl Granola - Creative Cranberry to make this recipe.  When I received the granola we had a hard time saving enough to make this recipe.  It was so delicious.  This recipe will be entered into a challenge that is sponsored by Golden Girl Granola.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party

I am back... I spent most of June on vacation but now I am back full force and ready to party.  I can't wait to see what you will bring to the party.

Pineapple Rosemary Syrup - #CIC

It is the 20th of the month and time for Crazy Ingredient Challenge.  This month's ingredients didn't seem to crazy to me and ingredients that I use often, although not together.  So, what ingredients are they you ask --- Pineapple and Rosemary.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #150

Welcome and we are glad that you are joining us for Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party.  We can't wait to see what you brought us this week.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party - #149

Some days I wonder where the times goes.  It just seems like we just had a party and it is time to party again.  Good things us girls here at Foodie Friends Friday love to party and we love that you are coming over to party with us.  Can't wait to see what you link up this week.

Balsamic Caramel Chicken with Roasted Vegetables

My hubby has been going through my cookbooks and tagging the recipes that he wants me to try.  I was very surprised when he showed me this recipe as any time I have made a roasted chicken he thought that it was too dry.  But it sounded good and I thought I would give it a try...

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #148

This week has been quite the week.  We have gone from 70 degree weather to ice and snow and back to normal spring weather in the Copper Country. Even though the weather is ever changing, our Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party always is on Thursday (even though I may be a little late getting this posted).

Crazy Ingredient Challenge - Mango Chipotle Chicken

Do you ever have weeks or even months that you feel that you are always behind the eight ball?  That has been me for the last few months.  I just can't seem to get everything done.  When I heard about the ingredients for this month's challenge I was excited.  I knew exactly what I was going to make but it wasn't until late last night that I got anything made, so was pretty excited that it turned out.

Turkey and Avocado Pizza with Garlic Crust

We don't have pizza often but when we do I like to make homemade.  I found this awesome recipe for pizza crust and added some garlic.  Then added all the leftovers that I had in the fridge to make this recipe.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #147

It is Thursday again and time for Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party.  I can't wait to see what recipes, crafts and DIY you bring this week.

Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's Day is and has been a bitter sweet day for me.  My own mother pasted away 30 years ago and when everyone is celebrating with their own mother I always am sad and feel that my mother has missed so many years of mine and my siblings life.

Happy Nurse's Week (and a free printable)

I have been  a nurse for over 30 years now and for the most part it is a very enjoyable job.  This week, starting yesterday May 6th we celebrate nurse's week.

This weekend is mother’s day and every mother deserves a little something special even if you are short on cash and something homemade is perfect for any mother.  Although I think every mom would say that it is the thought that counts and not the money you spend – at least I know that my mom was like that.

Mother's Day Gift and Free Printable

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to buy your mom something special.  Last week when I was at the Dollar Store browsing I thought wouldn't it be cute to give your mom a pail full of items that she can use to either pamper herself or with items that she can use to garden or you can customize the pails to whatever your mom likes - maybe a pail full of candy.

At the Dollar Tree they had some cute pails in pinks, blues and green.  I had some pails that I bought last fall from Target that I used instead but the Dollar Tree ones would be super cute too.  As I was walking around the store I found some garden clippers that I knew I just had to use in one of my gifts and of course some seed packets.  I also found some cute tape that I could use to decorate the basket.

A Garden Basket for Mom

For the garden basket I found two types of metal pruning tool in wonderful colours, there are also were small shovels in the same colours that would go great.  I also bought some seed packages (ok I cheated my seed packages came from Walmart but you could get them at the Dollar Tree too).   My Dollar Tree was all out of gloves which would have looked cute draped over one side.  I had some miracle grow that I put in the pail and a bottle of dirt.  You could use any type of bottle and decorate it with washi tape as I did.  I also added some washi tape to the bottom of my pail to decorate it. Print out the tag and tape it too a stick or I used a plastic straw. 

This whole project costed $6-7 plus a few incidentals that I had at home.

Pamper Mom Pail

Another easy project that can be done is fill your pail with soaps, body wash and bath scrubs. Decorate the pail with tape (I found the one I put on the bath pail at my local Dollar Tree).  Print out the tag from the bottom of the page and add tape to a stick or I used a plastic straw and your done. Easy and inexpensive - this cost me $4 plus the incidentals I used from home (paper, ink and straw).

Printables

3.5 inch tags (all 3 colours on one page)

Heart Printables (cut in squares)

These pails can be used for your mom or that special person that may be a mother-figure in your life. I think these would be great as a teacher's gift or even a gift for a special nurse in your life as this week is nurse's week too.  I need to make some printables for nurse's week and for teachers gifts.  

 

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #145

I can't believe that it is time for this week's Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party.  Where does the time go?  Last week's party was great with many great recipes, crafts and diy.  I can't wait to see what you bring this week.

Ultimate Grilled Apple Bacon Gouda Sandwich

I love grilled cheese and I think if it wasn't for my waist getting bigger with each bite, I would eat them everyday. April is Grilled Cheese Month, so I couldn't missed this opportunity to let you know how I have been making my grilled cheese lately.  I do have to give this disclaimer before you go on... this recipe is not for the light of heart.

The Magical Slow Cooker Cookbook Tour

I am so excited to be a part of a group of awesome bloggers on this cookbook tour.  I love reading cookbooks and love using my slow cooker, so this tour was a win-win for me.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #144

Our spring/summer was very short lived and we are back into winter.  I hope that you are having great weather.  Even though our weather isn't what I would like it to be in April, I can still look forward to a great party here at Foodie Friends Friday.

Earth Day- Recycling K-Cups

It is Earth Day today.. 

Did you do anything to help the earth?

We can't see the Earth here yet in the UP as yesterday nature decided to give us a surprise with more of the white stuff falling.  Instead of going out to celebrate earth day we started to get ready for when we can finally plant our garden and did some recycling.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #143

I am late, I am late, I am late for an important date and party... Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party is up and running for many hours already but I am now here and ready to party.  I hope you are too.

GlobeIn Subscription

Do you like getting surprises in the mail? 

 How about artisan made products from around the world?
Intrigued yet?

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #142

I hope everyone had a nice Easter weekend and are enjoying great weather.  We are under Winter Storm Warnings again and hope that everything bypasses us.. but as we wait and see what happens we can spend our time in doors checking out all the wonderful links that are being dropped off at our Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party.

Easter Decorating

Are you ready for Easter?  Do you have your meals all planned?  What about decorating are you are done or still need some quick ideas?  I have some quick and easy ideas that may help you will your Easter Decorating.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #141

Are you ready for Easter?   Are you having company coming for a big Easter Meal and not sure what you are making yet?  Fear not, you are sure to find great recipes here on Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party... It is Thursday and we are ready to have a great time.

Chocolate Coconut Cookie Sticks

I love the first Thursday of the month because that means it is time to Fill the Cookie Jar.  This month I found something something so exciting to show you…. Cookie Sticks.

Coconut Herb Mahi Mahi with Citrus Salsa

I  am so excited to be able to be part of Healthy Solutions Spice Blend Recipe Challenge.  Not only am I able to use some awesome spice blend but make an equally awesome recipe (at least I think it is awesome).  When deciding what to make, I wanted to do something healthy and even thought of using Tilapia which the spice blend that I picked is for but as I had Mahi-Mahi, I decided to  use that instead and glad that I did.

Hot Cross Buns with a Twist

Are you a fan of Hot Cross Buns?  Many people don't like them because of the peel or the currants/raisins that are put in them.  I decided to do mine a little bit differently this time and because of that these Hot Cross Buns were more like a bagel instead of a bun.. but still very tasty (if I say so myself).

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #140

It is Thursday and that only means one thing....

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party

I hope you will join us again this week, we always have a fun time

Bunny Treats and a free printable

Making treats to give away at anytime is so rewarding. These treats are easy to make and a great gift to giveaway for Easter.  You can whip them up in an evening, put them in some mason jars, print out the free printables and Voila... a fun gift to give.

Spring Flower Vase Craft

I saw this craft at Michaels Store and loved it.  You could buy it already made and it was so cute that I decided that I was going to make it myself and save a few dollars.  It was easy to make and I really only paid a few dollars for the complete project.

Cheesy Garlic Cauliflower Crackers - #CIC

Happy First Day of Spring!  Along with the first day of spring, today is also the day for our Crazy Ingredient Challenge.  This month's challenge is cauliflower and cheese which wasn't so much of a challenge or at least I didn't think so....

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #139

Time for another great party.  I love seeing what you all bring and can't wait to see your spring recipes, crafts and DIY or anything else you bring.

Spring Craft Blog Hop #3

Welcome to the third in a four-part spring craft blog hop challenge for the spring season! This hop will run from March 18th - May 25th and will be the longest and biggest of the hops. We're challenging you to create a craft project that reflects Easter, recycled crafts, Earth Day, Mother's Day, Teacher's Day, May Day, Cinco De Mayo or a General Spring theme.  

Minty Mocha Brownie Crunch

Which part of the brownie do you like the best?  Is it the soft middle or the crispy edges?  I love the crispy edges the best.  The harder and the crunchier the better.  I decided to try and make a thin crunchy brownie for St Patrick's Day.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #137

Thursday again and I haven't even had time to check out all the links from last week's party.  We have had some tremendous parties and I love to see all the recipes, crafts and DIY that you have to share.... Can't wait to see what you will bring this week.

Luck of the Irish (free printables)...

Are you Irish or just want to be? 

t Do you decorate for St Patrick's Day? t

Do you make sure that you wear something green so your not pinched?

Well, I am not Irish not sure I want to be.  I don't decorated for St Patrick's Day but I decided to make some printables for you to help with your decorating.... Oh! and by the way I do try to remember green.. because I sure don't want to be pinched! 

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #137

It is Thursday again... and it is time to have Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party.  Doesn't it seem like we just finished the last party?   I can't wait to see what you will bring this week, with St Patrick's Day, Spring and Easter just around the corner... I am sure I will be able to find some great inspirations from all of you.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #136

I am late this week getting my party up and running.. I took a small vacation from blogging and just to relax and rejuvenate.  But I am back and the party has been going strong without me.  I hope that you will come and bring your recipes, crafts and diy.  We love seeing what everyone brings.

Lemon Basil Focaccio - #CIC

I am cutting this month's challenge to the last minute. I am not sure where the month went, before I knew it the 20th was just around the corner.  Our challenge this month is Basil and Lemon and as I had both, I thought I can do this.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #135

It is Thursday again and time to PAR-TAY.  We had an outstanding party last week and hope that you will join us again for this week's party.  Bring your recipes, crafts and DIY.

Chia Mocha Shakeo Pudding

I have been trying to eat healthier this year.  The program that I have been using is called Beachbody and have been doing the 21 Day Fix.  My progress has been slow but I am losing weight and inches and my clothes are starting to feel better.  One thing I have been doing is having Shakeology every day.

Valentine's Mantel

Love is in the air
and everything is pink and red.
Today I am excited to show you my Valentine's Mantel.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party

Are you ready for Valentine's?  If you need some help you will probably find some great inspirations here on Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party.

Cinnamon Dolce Chai Latte

I am a big Chai fan.  I have to have at least one cup of chai per day.  I also like to make my own simple syrups and one of my favorite simple syrup is Cinnamon Dolce.  Putting the two together is Awesome!

Easy Valentine Craft ~ Love Heart

This year I have been really busy decorating for Valentine's.  I don't usually do anything except decorate some on my table, but for some reason this year has been different.  I have been busy crafting.  I made this fun and easy Valentine Heart that takes no time to make and even the smallest of child can give you a hand with this craft.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #133

We had an absolutely great party last week.  So many great recipes, crafts and DIY.  I can't wait to see what you will be bringing this week.  

Fill the Cookie Jar - Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Have you ever halved a recipe but didn't half all the ingredients like salt?  That is what I did with this recipe when I made it.  I had decided to only make half this recipe as I am really trying hard to watch my weight... and all I seem to do is watch the numbers get bigger and bigger.  So to make a long story short... my cookies for this month's Fill the Cookie Jar were just a bit salty...

Valentine Trees

Trees are just for Christmas are they?  They can be used for any season depending on how you decorate them...  Well, I am not one to leave my Christmas tree up and decorate it with Valentine's decorations but I had some styrofoam cones that I bought to make at Christmas and never got them done.... So now they are going to be for my Valentine decorations.

Valentine's Giveaway

 ** This Giveaway is Sponsored**

Giveaway Details

Date: February 1-14th 2015 11:59PM EST

One item for per winner selected!!

The giveaway is for:


1 set of Old fashion Candles


1 set of Jamberry nail wraps


1 iBbeautiful inspiration box


1 copy of Skeleton Key book


1 copy of a Tommy Nelson book


1 Purex detergent


$10 gift cert to Bonegrill


$10 gift card to PDP game system online

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Valentine Bottles

I have always wanted to decorate bottles and have loved the bottles decorated with jute or twine.  So this year I decided that I was going to do it and I love the results.  They are easy to make and you could use them for vases or even just as a decoration.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #132

It's Thursday and that can only mean one thing.. Partay!

We are having such a great time here at Foodie Friends Fiday

and 

I hope you are too.

Frozen Michigan Sunrise

Have you ever looked at a recipe and said to yourself.... I can do this?  It looks so good and easy to make and then go to make it and it doesn't turn out properly.  That is what happened with this recipe but I made it work.

Valentine's Mocktail ~ Orange Pomegranate Mocktail

Love is in the Air o

It is time is time to start thinking about what you are going to make for your special Valentine's meal. Do you have a plan of what you are going to make?  Do you make a special meal for your loved ones?  I have made you a Mocktaill that would be perfect for you and this can be even shared with your children..  gv 

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #131

Welcome back to Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party

I can't wait to see what you bring this week..

We had a wonderful party with great links.

Crazy Ingredient Challenge - Lemongrass and Quinoa

It is time to think outside of the box and use ingredients that you may not think go together or that you may not ever tried before.  This month's ingredients are Lemongrass and Quinoa, two ingredients that I use frequently, although the Lemongrass I usually only use for tea.

Spring Craft Blog Hop #SCBH2015

Welcome to the first spring craft blog hop challenge for the spring season! We're challenging you to create and share a Valentine's Day, President's Day, or Mardi Gras craft tutorial. This hop will run from January 20 - February 17 and you can share your creations in the link-up at the bottom of the post.

Meet all 18 hosts!

*Please follow your hosts on at least one or more social media platforms of your choice. Let us know you're following from #SCBH2015*

• Erlene @My Pinterventures Pinterest/Twitter/Instagram/FB/G+
• Lou Lou Girls @Lou Lou Girls Pinterest/Twitter/Instagram/FB/G+
• Sarah @Creative Ramblings Pinterest/Twitter/Instagram/FB/G+
• Rachel @Craving Some Creativity Pinterest/Twitter/FB/G+
• Shirley @Intelligent Domestications Pinterest/Twitter/Instagram/FB/G+
• Julia @Happy House and Home Pinterest/Twitter/FB/G+
• Amanda @The Kolb Corner Pinterest/Twitter/Instagram/FB/G+
• Misty @The Lady Prefers 2 Save Pinterest/Twitter/FB/G+
• Emily @Our House Now A Home Pinterest/Twitter/FB/G+
• Shana @Technotini Pinterest/Twitter/Instagram/FB
• Sahana @Vilkapah Pinterest/Twitter/Instagram/FB/G+
• Jessica @Designer's Sweet Spot Pinterest/Twitter/FB/G+
• Theresa @Beauteeful Living Pinterest/Twitter/FB
• Lauren @Mom Home Guide Pinterest/Twitter/FB/G+
• Jamie @Tiger Strypes Pinterest/Twitter/Instagram/FB/G+
• 
• Beverly & Gloria @Across the Boulevard Pinterest/Twitter/FB/G+/G+
• Renee @Creative Mama Messy House Pinterest/Twitter/Instagram/FB/G+
• Marlys @This and That Pinterest/Twitter/Instagram/FB/G+

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I am so excited be a host to this Spring Craft Blog Hop with all this great crafters.

This is a great opportunity for me to be able to get some of the crafts ideas that I have stored up in my little brain and also I know that I will be able to find some great inspirations from all the crafters around the world that will be linking up.

For my first project of this season, I made a simple candy jar.  I found these cute little jars in the dollar bins at Micheals Store and I really wish I would have bought more than 2.  Hopefully they will still have them there when I am able to get back to the store.

This project I thought would be a great Valentine's gift to make and give for family and friends.  It is also a great craft that you can make with your children and give as a teacher's gift.  

Candy Jars

Materials:

Jars with lids (I bought mine from Michaels but you could use any kind of jars)

Washi Tape

String

Buttons (or any type of embellishments)

Valentine Tags

Glue

Candies to fill the jar

Directions:

Wash and dry your jars to make sure they are clean.

Apply Washi Tape on jars and lids.  I taped one or two stripes around the jar.  I did make a design on the lid of the small jar.

Attach buttons or embellishments with glue.

I did make some Valentine Tags which you can print out and use (for some reason my printer doesn't want to work.  I will add a picture when I can get one.

For this project I added hugs and kisses candy to one and the other one I added S'More Goldfish crackers so my tags correspond to these.  Below are the tags that I made.  Print them, punch a hole in the corner and add them with a string to your project.  I have both tags on the same page.  Let me know if you just want one of them and I will make a new you a printable with just one of the tags.

Remember to scroll down to the bottom and link up your Valentine's Day, President's Day and Mardi Gras crafts... I can't wait to see what you will bring.  This blog hop is open until February 17th so you have lots of time to come up with your wonderful crafts.

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Spring Craft Blog Hop - Valentine's Day, President's Day, & Mardi Gras

RULES

1. Link-up your craft or DIY tutorial that fit the themes of the Spring Craft Blog Hop. Links that do not fit the themes will be deleted.
2. DO NOT link-up food or recipes.
3. DO NOT link-up round-ups unless all the craft posts are yours.
4. Link directly to your post and not your blog.

Show us what you've created and be seen on 18 blogs!

An InLinkz Link-up

Perfect Cup of Coffee (and free printables)

Do you have to have coffee first thing in the morning?  Can you make it through a day without a cup? Are you one of  of the 54% of American's that drink coffee everyday?

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #130

Hope you enjoyed our wonderful party last week... We had so many great recipes, crafts and DIY links.  I can't wait to see what you will drop off this week.

Travel to South Seas Island Resort #JustEscape

Is winter getting you down?
Is the snow and the cold too much for you right now? 

Are you ready to for some fun in the sun?

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #129

• Hope everyone is having a great week and staying warm.  We have had a week of cold and snow.. I am getting so tired of it.  So tonight I am going in and check out all the wonderful links you will be bringing to our.....

Quinoa Oat Cereal

I am not an oatmeal person but I love this recipe.  It is full of goodness, sweetened with maple syrup and dried fruit and an added crunch of nuts.  This recipe is made overnight and heated in the morning, so a quick breakfast.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #128

Happy New Years!  Hope everyone is still in a partying mood as we here at Foodie Friends Friday are ready to bring in this New Year with a bang and celebrate in the style I know that you all want.. With new recipes, crafts and DIY.