Shamrock Garland CraftSince the real thing is way too small and scarce this time of year, let’s get crafty for St. Paddy’s Day with some construction paper shamrocks!
So without further ado, back by popular demand… wait for it… heart garland (audible cheers!) in its CLOVER configuration!
Yarn Hearts
Take a look around your home… Are you feeling the Valentine’s love yet? Is there a serious lack of hearts in sight? What if I told you you just need 30 minutes, some left-over chunky yarn, Elmer’s glue, and plastic wrap to whip your home into shape for Cupid’s arrival (now less than 1 month away)! Continue reading
cheap,yum,fast,&relatively healthy dinner-Sicilian lentil soup mix add broiled sweet Italian sausage at end; serve w fresh whole grain bread
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Dry lentils
I prepared such a successful dinner last night I had to share it right away in a tweet! I am sharing it here for those who might have missed it and including a bit more detail.
I made Lentil soup with sweet Italian sausage and served it with fresh whole grain bread with butter. What makes this meal great is that it is yummy, relatively healthy, cheap, easy, and super fast! It cost around $10 to feed a family of 4 and almost all of us enjoyed it. Continue reading
Since my 6 year old daughter already has her Valentines made up, I thought I better get my act together and start my Valentine’s preparation!
Today I am sharing an easy to make heart garland. It is versatile and you only need construction paper, staples, and scissors. You can also use an Xacto knife to cut the strips which makes cutting faster and more accurate. You can create a vertical or horizontal version. I also made some singles to just play with, stack, and have fun arranging. You will need several sheets of construction paper (2 or more colors) and lots of staples! Continue reading
Homemade Chicken pot-pies with a shortcut
Chicken Pot-pie (felt-tip pen on marker paper)
I made chicken pot-pies for Christmas dinner this year! My family loves them and it turns out I am the only one who likes spiral ham and I just can’t eat a whole ham myself again this year! I balance the comfort and decadence of the pie by using all white breast meat and serving with a fresh salad chuck full of a variety of crunch veggies and walnuts and Craisins to make it seasonal. It is not even that much work when you take advantage of a couple of prepared store bought ingredients and reuse cooking pots and bowls. Continue reading
Lemon-pepper chicken and rosemary roasted potatoes (crayons and construction paper)
Here is my recipe for lemon-pepper chicken “you only think you don’t like dark meat” thighs with roasted rosemary potatoes. You can team this meal up with any number of seasonal steamed vegetables. The reason I say “you only think you don’t like dark meat” is because maybe you have never had it like this! What’s my secret? I cook the LIFE out of that chicken at least 3X over! The result is the perfect crispy skin to meat ratio with only one bone to negotiate and meat with the texture and taste similar to roasted duck. And the potatoes – they are full of flavor and crispy goodness. Your whole family AND your pocket-book will love this meal! Continue reading
holiday print (styrofoam, tempera, & craft-paper)
Styrofoam Printmaking
Save those to-go Styrofoam containers or well cleaned meat trays! Here is a kid-friendly art project that you will enjoy too: A print-making method which is great for making holiday cards, gift-wrap, or customized gifts. The great thing about prints is once you have a design you like, you can make multiples! Everyone on your list this season will love getting a personalized gift with your artistic touch (or at least they will say they do)!
Ideas for personalized gifts…
Journal, tote-bag, keepsake box, ornaments, t-shirt, apron
