Tasty Tuesday: Scrapbook Sweets

Not long ago, I wrote about my adventures getting to know my great-grandfather through his old journals.

For the final five years of his life, he shared his thoughts and kept clippings in a scrapbook.  There are articles that struck him as funny or important.  There are quite a few pictures, cards, and old sayings.  I also found this simple recipe.  This isn't a gourmet dessert.  It's not for the highly sophisticated.  This is simply a dish that my great-grandfather enjoyed enough to keep in his scrapbook.  If this sounds good to you, give it a try.  More importantly, take the next few minutes to scribble down your favorite recipes to add to your scrapbook.  Your great-grandchildren just might enjoy your favorite dessert as much as you do.

Mixed Media Plaque

Hello there!  It's Amy from Mod Podge Rocks.  I've been in the small project mood lately.  Sometimes you just need instant gratification!  I've also been thinking a lot about gifts lately - I think because so many of my pals have summer birthdays.  I love making gifts and I love personalizing, so this was a natural fit.  It's sort of a mixed media plaque, sort of an experiment, because I think my friend would like it.  I encourage you to play, too.  Here's how I made this.

Tasty Tuesday: Cracker Sandwich Cookies

My mother is always getting new recipes from the ladies at the office.  I'm afraid I don't know who came up with this cracker cookie idea, but I can vouch for it.  I was lucky enough to be one of the taste-testers.  It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it.

I rarely make desserts, but I love this recipe because even I could make it.  This isn't too hard for anyone.  This does not involve any baking.  This is fairly inexpensive.  The results are fantastic.

They taste similar to the Tagalong cookies that you'd buy from Girl Scouts, which I still recommend you do for the kiddos.  But, when you run out, these are a great alternative and they don't cost nearly as much.

Beware:  You can't eat just one.

If you are interested in testing out the sweet little cracker sandwich cookies, you only need a few materials and a few simple ingredients:

Ingredients:
Peanut Butter
Chocolate Brick (to melt)
Crackers (I use Ritz)

Materials:
Bowl
Spoon
Tin Foil

Assembly:
Spread your peanut butter onto a cracker.  Top it off with another cracker to form your sandwich.  Make several in advance.

Melt a large chunk of chocolate in a small bowl.  Dip your entire cracker sandwich into the melted chocolate, until it is completely covered.  Place your covered cookies onto a sheet of tin foil.  Fill the foil and then place it in your refrigerator to harden.

Serve and enjoy the compliments.  It seems crazy that such a simple treat could be so tasty.  My mother made a batch last time I was home.  She sent four cookies back home with me and they were gone in one day.

Patriotic Pops

Happy 4th of July!!!!  If you've been invited to a party today, but you don't have anything to bring, here is something you can whip up this morning.

The creative minds at Family Fun have come up with a patriotic pop.  You might even have these ingredients and materials around the house.  You can find the list of ingredients, materials, and a video tutorial here.  While these are easy to make, the freezing time will draw out the preparation a bit.  Put the kids to work.  They should be able to help you with this dish.  Stay cool with your patriotic pops and have fun celebrating the ole' red, white, and blue today.

Shutterbug Sunday: America The Beautiful

Recently I was in New York City and took some time out for a little sight seeing between meetings. I took my Blythe Doll "Watermelon Sherbet" and wanted to snap some pictures of her in the big city. Imagine my excitement when I saw the "Naked Cowboy".  Crafty Cat says he's an American institution. He certainly is an American attraction. He was so nice and when I pulled out my doll for a picture, he was more than willing to pose!  Sometimes you just gotta get the picture and I did!  I was so excited. To see more pictures from my recent trip to NYC click on our flickr page!

Getting Rid Of The Shine

 A big attraction to the Blythe doll world for me has been the opportunity to customize my own doll. The crafty side of me just got all excited when I saw some amazing before and after examples. Granted, I'm new to this craft- so I'm learning. I've already given a boil perm with success.  So, I decided to sand the face of a doll and reapply her makeup. Above is the before picture. I don't have a complete after picture because I'm still working on her- but I will show you what I did to make her shiny plastic look go away. I went to the hardware store and purchased fine and ultra-fine sand paper.

For the first layer of sanding- I used the fine sponge. The factory makeup and the shine instantly disappeared with no problems. The ultra-fine paper naturally helps you tackle the fine details. Wet your ultra fine paper and work in small circles, making sure you don't leave any lines or scuffs. This was such an easy process and now her face is more lifelike with a matte finish.  The next step with be adding new makeup.

Eagle Bites

The idea of eating an eagle never sounded so good.  July has arrived and it is time to start thinking about what you'll serve to friends and family on Independence Day.  Looking at the creations of others always makes me humble.  This is a perfect example.  If someone told me to make dessert in the image of an eagle, I doubt I would have come up with this yummy treat.

As you get ready for the 4th of July holiday, we're sharing a couple of ideas that will wow your guests or your host.  Even if you aren't a fan of coconut, this dish would no doubt inspire a smile and some conversation.  You can find all the directions here, on the family fun site.  Bravo to the person who came up with this idea.  Anyone who can get crafty with food is talented in my book.

Independence Cake

Our Independence Day celebration generally involves a BBQ, perhaps strawberry shortcake, and several cold dishes brought by my aunts.  This patriotic piece of cake would knock my family's red, white, and blue socks off.

I can appreciate an interesting artist in the blog world.  So, I was thrilled when I stumbled upon 17andbaking.com.  When I was 17, I was featured in the high school play.  This young lady, now 19 years old, is being featured in national magazines.  

I think this adorable cake is a great idea and deserves more attention.  You can find out how to make it here.  This teenager may make you feel a bit inadequate.  Hopefully, she'll also inspire you to do something you love.

Lamp Shades

Have you ever wondered how to take an item from drab to fab?  Try using a little hot glue and ribbon! That's what I did with these lamps. These were simply white shades before I touched them up.  I thought it would be great to use some decorative trim and ribbon to give them interest and a better connection to the room.

Such a simple idea. In less than an hour, I trimmed four shades and gave my room a fresh look for the summer.  If you want to change the ribbon down the road, you can!

Tasty Tuesday: Fabulous Feast

Doesn't this just make your mouth water? YUMMY! This was the meal my lovely hubby made me for Mother's day! I just wanted to share with you this amazing meal! Filet Mignon topped with some melt in your mouth cheese that I can't remember the name of, lobster, risotto and asparagus!