Mama's Day is almost here. What are you gonna give your mom to show her how much you care? A springy basket is pretty 'n' perf for the occasion. Moms love clever ways to organize their things, and you can help her do it with some style. Transform any everyday basket into a chic catch-all.
What You'll Need:
Basket
Hot-glue gun
Glue sticks
Fabric scraps
Dried or silk flowers
Ribbon
Scissors
What You'll Do:
1. Plug in your hot-glue gun, and have the glue sticks handy. Have an adult help you use the gun safely. Hot glue on the hands hurts!
2. Dot the inside of the basket with hot glue. Quickly lay fabric scraps inside. Push, tuck and glue to fit the fabric neatly.
3. If your basket has a handle, wrap it tightly with ribbon and secure the ends with hot glue.
4. Whether you are using artificial or dried flowers, you’ll need to cut off the stems. Hot-glue the flower buds around the outside of the basket.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Easy Cheesy Mac 'n' Cheese
If boring old boxed mac won't do, try this mix of five (yeah, five!) super cheeses. School your family's pasta skills with this easy dinner proj and save the rest for lunch the next day!
What You'll Need:
1 box of store brand macaroni and cheese with yellow cheddar powder
2 slices of Swiss cheese
1 mozzarella string cheese
1 cup of Parmesan flakes
1 cup of crumbled blue cheese
1 cup of milk (your choice if it's skim, 1%, whole, whatevs!)
What You'll Do:
1. Prepare the boxed mac n cheese by boiling the water, adding the pasta, and waiting till it's cooked.
2. Strain the pasta but place it back into the cooking pot.
3. Pour in the cup of milk- be careful, the pot will make the milk hot!
4. Cut up the string cheese and Swiss slices into tiny pieces and mix it in.
5. Mix in the powder and keep turning with a spoon to melt the large chunks of powder and the other cheeses.
6. When these are mostly mixed in, sprinkle in parmesan flakes and blue cheese crumbles. Put as much or little as you like!
7. Wait till all the cheeses are slightly melted in, and spoon into your own bowl.
What You'll Need:
1 box of store brand macaroni and cheese with yellow cheddar powder
2 slices of Swiss cheese
1 mozzarella string cheese
1 cup of Parmesan flakes
1 cup of crumbled blue cheese
1 cup of milk (your choice if it's skim, 1%, whole, whatevs!)
What You'll Do:
1. Prepare the boxed mac n cheese by boiling the water, adding the pasta, and waiting till it's cooked.
2. Strain the pasta but place it back into the cooking pot.
3. Pour in the cup of milk- be careful, the pot will make the milk hot!
4. Cut up the string cheese and Swiss slices into tiny pieces and mix it in.
5. Mix in the powder and keep turning with a spoon to melt the large chunks of powder and the other cheeses.
6. When these are mostly mixed in, sprinkle in parmesan flakes and blue cheese crumbles. Put as much or little as you like!
7. Wait till all the cheeses are slightly melted in, and spoon into your own bowl.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Earth Day Exercise
We all know exercising is good for your bod. But let’s make it healthier for Mother Nature, too. Its time to revamp your workout routine and make it oh-so green!
1. Ditch the treadmill, turn off the workout DVDs and put down the iPod. Get away from the powered equipment and become besties with nature by rejuvenating with a run or even a brisk walk in the good ol’ outdoors. Even hopping on your bike will avoid using power.
2. Next time you plan to take a jog around the neighborhood, bring a garbage bag and pick up the excess wastes lying around. The community and your abs will most definitely be thanking you for the difference you’ve made!
3. Don’t forget some of the more simple things you can do to have a greener workout routine. Before you go to grab yet another bottle of water to keep you totally hydrated, wrap your hands around a reusable bottle instead.
4. Yoga and Pilates workouts are super soothing, but you can really get relaxed by lighting a few candles rather than turning on the lights. You will be conserving electricity and your method of lighting will help to completely immerse you in the zone. Just be careful!
If you’re a yoga babe, try using a mat that is 100% eco friendly. Stretch and do those breathing exercises on something that is completely biodegradable and recyclable, not to mention comes in a variety of totally awesome colors that can go great with your workout clothes/bedroom (which is totally one of the most important factors-duh!).
1. Ditch the treadmill, turn off the workout DVDs and put down the iPod. Get away from the powered equipment and become besties with nature by rejuvenating with a run or even a brisk walk in the good ol’ outdoors. Even hopping on your bike will avoid using power.
2. Next time you plan to take a jog around the neighborhood, bring a garbage bag and pick up the excess wastes lying around. The community and your abs will most definitely be thanking you for the difference you’ve made!
3. Don’t forget some of the more simple things you can do to have a greener workout routine. Before you go to grab yet another bottle of water to keep you totally hydrated, wrap your hands around a reusable bottle instead.
4. Yoga and Pilates workouts are super soothing, but you can really get relaxed by lighting a few candles rather than turning on the lights. You will be conserving electricity and your method of lighting will help to completely immerse you in the zone. Just be careful!
If you’re a yoga babe, try using a mat that is 100% eco friendly. Stretch and do those breathing exercises on something that is completely biodegradable and recyclable, not to mention comes in a variety of totally awesome colors that can go great with your workout clothes/bedroom (which is totally one of the most important factors-duh!).
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
EARTH DAY CRAFT SPECIAL: Trash to Treasure
Celebrate Earth Day in a big way by turning your family's unwanted trash into treasures! Instead of throwing some of your ol' stuff out, give Mama Earth big ups by creating a place for plants to thrive, a resting spot for li'l birdies or your very own edible garden.
Flavor In a Can
What You'll Need:
Tin cans from fruit and veggies
Herb seeds
1 cup of soil per can
What You'll Do:
1. Clean out each tin can very well with soap and water.
2. Fill the cans half way with soil
3. Dig a tiny hole with your fingertips and press the herb seeds gently into it.
4. Place the tins near lots of sunlight and water them when the soil is dry.
A Home For the Birds
What You'll Need:
1 plastic milk container
Scissors
Bird seed
String
What You'll Do:
1. Clean the milk container out with soap and water
2. Start from the middle and cut across the front and up to the top, making a U-shaped opening in the container.
3. Fill the bottom of the container with bird seed and attach a string to the top so the bird house can hang from a nearby tree.
Eco-System in a Bottle
What You'll Need:
Plastic soda bottles
Pre-planted cactus's or other very small pre-planted plants from the nursery and gardening store
Extra soil
A handful of pebbles
One or two sheets of moss
What You'll Do:
1. Cut your soda bottle in half so you have two pieces.
2. Fill the bottom half with pebbles, then moss, then a little potting soil.
3. Place your cactus into the soil, including the soil that came with it.
4. Dig it in really good and place a few extra pebbles on the top layer.
5. Put the top of the bottle back on, pushing it to the edges slide into the bottom half.
6. Leave your terrarium near sunlight – but not direct sunlight since the plant inside the bottle can get very hot!
Flavor In a Can
What You'll Need:
Tin cans from fruit and veggies
Herb seeds
1 cup of soil per can
What You'll Do:
1. Clean out each tin can very well with soap and water.
2. Fill the cans half way with soil
3. Dig a tiny hole with your fingertips and press the herb seeds gently into it.
4. Place the tins near lots of sunlight and water them when the soil is dry.
A Home For the Birds
What You'll Need:
1 plastic milk container
Scissors
Bird seed
String
What You'll Do:
1. Clean the milk container out with soap and water
2. Start from the middle and cut across the front and up to the top, making a U-shaped opening in the container.
3. Fill the bottom of the container with bird seed and attach a string to the top so the bird house can hang from a nearby tree.
Eco-System in a Bottle
What You'll Need:
Plastic soda bottles
Pre-planted cactus's or other very small pre-planted plants from the nursery and gardening store
Extra soil
A handful of pebbles
One or two sheets of moss
What You'll Do:
1. Cut your soda bottle in half so you have two pieces.
2. Fill the bottom half with pebbles, then moss, then a little potting soil.
3. Place your cactus into the soil, including the soil that came with it.
4. Dig it in really good and place a few extra pebbles on the top layer.
5. Put the top of the bottle back on, pushing it to the edges slide into the bottom half.
6. Leave your terrarium near sunlight – but not direct sunlight since the plant inside the bottle can get very hot!
EARTH DAY SPECIAL: Recycle Your Old Clothes!
We know it's hard to let go of some of those old threads. Even if they're getting a little ratty, you can totally recycle them into awesome new pieces for your wardrobe!
Have some jeans that are worn like whoa? Make them into some cute cut-offs!
1. Decide whether you want to make them into bermudas or shorties.
2. Make the jeans face inside out. Use a ruler and chalk to measure the inseam. Decide where you want to cut them off (start with 4-5 inches for short ones or 9-10 inches for longer ones).
3. Use a ruler to draw lines straight across.
4. Use a good pair of scissors to carefully cut along the line.
Old tee getting funky? Make it an art project with paint!
1. Pick up some fabric paint in the color(s) of your choice. You can find it at either JoAnn's or Michael's. Also get a few paintbrushes in diff sizes.
2. On a nice day, go outside and spread some newspaper out on the ground, laying your tee flat on top.
3. Dip your paint brush into your fabric paint.
4. Using your finger, spray paint splatters onto your shirt until you get your desired look.
5. Wait for it to dry completely. Cha-ching! Brand new shirt!
Are last year’s plain flip-flops boring ya to tears? Make ’em fresh with glam embellishments.
1. Grab some fabric or hot glue and some cool rhinestones or fake flowers and other embellishments at Michael's or JoAnn's.
2. Lay some newspaper down on the floor.
3. Lay out your jewels where you'd like them to be.
4. Use your glue to attach them.
5. Let the flips rest for 24 hours.
Other ways to recycle clothes:
Donate them to Goodwill, the Salvation Army or a shelter near you.
Cut cute screen prints off of t-shirts. Use them like patches on hoodies or bags.
Have an accessories swap with your BFFs.
Hold a yard sale and donate the money to an earth-lovin’ charity.
Cut the neck off of old t-shirts to make them 80s chic.
Chop the sleeves off of t-shirts and turn them into workout tanks.
Have some jeans that are worn like whoa? Make them into some cute cut-offs!
1. Decide whether you want to make them into bermudas or shorties.
2. Make the jeans face inside out. Use a ruler and chalk to measure the inseam. Decide where you want to cut them off (start with 4-5 inches for short ones or 9-10 inches for longer ones).
3. Use a ruler to draw lines straight across.
4. Use a good pair of scissors to carefully cut along the line.
Old tee getting funky? Make it an art project with paint!
1. Pick up some fabric paint in the color(s) of your choice. You can find it at either JoAnn's or Michael's. Also get a few paintbrushes in diff sizes.
2. On a nice day, go outside and spread some newspaper out on the ground, laying your tee flat on top.
3. Dip your paint brush into your fabric paint.
4. Using your finger, spray paint splatters onto your shirt until you get your desired look.
5. Wait for it to dry completely. Cha-ching! Brand new shirt!
Are last year’s plain flip-flops boring ya to tears? Make ’em fresh with glam embellishments.
1. Grab some fabric or hot glue and some cool rhinestones or fake flowers and other embellishments at Michael's or JoAnn's.
2. Lay some newspaper down on the floor.
3. Lay out your jewels where you'd like them to be.
4. Use your glue to attach them.
5. Let the flips rest for 24 hours.
Other ways to recycle clothes:
Donate them to Goodwill, the Salvation Army or a shelter near you.
Cut cute screen prints off of t-shirts. Use them like patches on hoodies or bags.
Have an accessories swap with your BFFs.
Hold a yard sale and donate the money to an earth-lovin’ charity.
Cut the neck off of old t-shirts to make them 80s chic.
Chop the sleeves off of t-shirts and turn them into workout tanks.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Berry Good Smoothie
It seems as though every smoothie in the world contains banana and I’m not crazy about bananas, even if they are the perfect breakfast food. For all of you banana-haters, I’ve found that if I add a quarter or a half of a banana, it’s barely noticeable to my taste buds. It’s okay to use milk instead of soy milk but we love the creamy taste of “White Wave’s Silk” soy milk. Also, us girls need to eat soy and here’s another way to get it.
What You’ll Need:
1/2 banana
1/2 cup each: frozen strawberries
frozen blueberries
apple cider or juice (or orange juice)
vanilla soy milk (or milk)
What You’ll Do:
Put all the ingredients in a blender. Hold down the blender top with one hand and blend until smooth. If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more juice and blend again. Drink immediately before the shake melts.
Cool Brunch Ideas!
Sure, it's sooo much fun stayin' up late at a sleepover – calling up your crushes, watching scary movies and giving each other makeovers – but what happens when the morning rolls around? Do you and your girls scramble for the same ol' frozen waffles, cereal and OJ? Punch up your slumber party brunch with these great theme ideas.
Our tip? Make the decor beforehand and wake up a li'l early so you can set it up and surprise the girlies. Ask mom and dad if they wouldn't mind serving them up (give them a big hug and a nice li'l thank you card after!) or DIY and get the whole gang to pitch in.
Eco Chic
Perfect for girls who love all-things green. Too chilly to go outside still? Bring your picnic indoors!
DECOR
Grab a giant blanket (or a couple depending how many girls you have), and lay it out on the grass. Use mom's dishes so you don’t have to waste any paper or plastic, and the ‘rents' cups and napkins too. If you’re feelin’ classy, pick a couple flowers from your yard and set them up in a vase in the middle of everyone. Or give each friend a flower in her fave color. Kick back, relax and enjoy those sweet nature sounds!
WHAT TO SERVE
Whole grain waffles with organic peanut butter
All-natural yogurt with honey
Apples, oranges and bananas
Sweet treat? Fresh mini blueberry tarts for everyone!
To drink: Hand-squeeze your own orange juice
Pretty Pretty Princess
This breakfast is sure to reign supreme if you and your pals love all-things regal.
DECOR
Treat yourself and your girls like the princesses you are! Break out everything pink, from the napkins to the plates, and you'll be sittin' pretty in your very own fairy tale. Use lacy doilies to make your place settings look just darlin'. Create crowns out of construction paper (or just buy 'em), add each girl's name in glitter and set the twinkling tiaras at their assigned thrones. Find any fancy fabrics (velvet and pretty floral patterns are oh-so-regal) or beads lying around the house and drap them around as decor.
WHAT TO SERVE
Heart shaped pancakes topped with fresh cut strawberries and powered sugar
Scones with your favorite jam
Fresh watermelon and grapes
Sweet treat? Strawberries dipped in pink chocolate (white chocolate with a little red food dye)
To drink: Chamomile (or your fave flavor!) tea
Tropical Time
Got cabin fever? A tropical-themed brunch is a sure cure for the hometown blues. Add some tropical tunes to up the ante.
DECOR
Give your your breakfast nook a faraway fiesta feel. For your center piece, use some brown construction paper to make a Tiki statue. Draw a face, and you can use some feathers to make it look extra fierce! Set the scene with bright colorful plates and silverware and dress it up by putting untied hula skirts around the table. You can make your own napkin rings out of the paper, too. Use a green strip for the circle around the napkin, and draw a flower on one of your bright colorful pieces. Use glitter pen to add each guest's name.
WHAT TO SERVE
Banana Pancakes
Pineapple smoothies
Tropical Breakfast Parfait (think mango, pineapple, kiwi and other tropical fruits...plus yogurt)!
Sweet treat? Key lime pie
To drink: Pineapple smoothies
Wild West
Giddy, up cowgirl. Our Western-style breakfast lassos in new takes on old brunch faves. Yee haw!
DECOR
Turn your kitchen into a way-cool corral. Using some construction paper, cut out some boot shapes and use them to decorate the walls. If you’re feelin’ super creative, make your very own wanted signs to hang around the room. Print out a pic of each girl or draw one to put on the posters (include the "crime" they're charged with of course!). For napkin rings, take red construction paper, and cut the ring, then cut a piece to look like a tied up bandana. Use a marker to give it a real western feel. Ask your ‘rents to take you to a party store to pick up a hat for each of your guests so you can dress the part!
WHAT TO SERVE
Breakfast burritos (start with eggs and line up different fillings – chopped up bacon, veggies, avocado, whatever you want to go inside each girl's burrito!)
Buttered biscuits
Slices of cantaloupe, oranges, and grapefruit
Sweet treat? Corn bread drizzled with honey
To drink: Coffee (have a few diff flavored syrups to choose from)
Our tip? Make the decor beforehand and wake up a li'l early so you can set it up and surprise the girlies. Ask mom and dad if they wouldn't mind serving them up (give them a big hug and a nice li'l thank you card after!) or DIY and get the whole gang to pitch in.
Eco Chic
Perfect for girls who love all-things green. Too chilly to go outside still? Bring your picnic indoors!
DECOR
Grab a giant blanket (or a couple depending how many girls you have), and lay it out on the grass. Use mom's dishes so you don’t have to waste any paper or plastic, and the ‘rents' cups and napkins too. If you’re feelin’ classy, pick a couple flowers from your yard and set them up in a vase in the middle of everyone. Or give each friend a flower in her fave color. Kick back, relax and enjoy those sweet nature sounds!
WHAT TO SERVE
Whole grain waffles with organic peanut butter
All-natural yogurt with honey
Apples, oranges and bananas
Sweet treat? Fresh mini blueberry tarts for everyone!
To drink: Hand-squeeze your own orange juice
Pretty Pretty Princess
This breakfast is sure to reign supreme if you and your pals love all-things regal.
DECOR
Treat yourself and your girls like the princesses you are! Break out everything pink, from the napkins to the plates, and you'll be sittin' pretty in your very own fairy tale. Use lacy doilies to make your place settings look just darlin'. Create crowns out of construction paper (or just buy 'em), add each girl's name in glitter and set the twinkling tiaras at their assigned thrones. Find any fancy fabrics (velvet and pretty floral patterns are oh-so-regal) or beads lying around the house and drap them around as decor.
WHAT TO SERVE
Heart shaped pancakes topped with fresh cut strawberries and powered sugar
Scones with your favorite jam
Fresh watermelon and grapes
Sweet treat? Strawberries dipped in pink chocolate (white chocolate with a little red food dye)
To drink: Chamomile (or your fave flavor!) tea
Tropical Time
Got cabin fever? A tropical-themed brunch is a sure cure for the hometown blues. Add some tropical tunes to up the ante.
DECOR
Give your your breakfast nook a faraway fiesta feel. For your center piece, use some brown construction paper to make a Tiki statue. Draw a face, and you can use some feathers to make it look extra fierce! Set the scene with bright colorful plates and silverware and dress it up by putting untied hula skirts around the table. You can make your own napkin rings out of the paper, too. Use a green strip for the circle around the napkin, and draw a flower on one of your bright colorful pieces. Use glitter pen to add each guest's name.
WHAT TO SERVE
Banana Pancakes
Pineapple smoothies
Tropical Breakfast Parfait (think mango, pineapple, kiwi and other tropical fruits...plus yogurt)!
Sweet treat? Key lime pie
To drink: Pineapple smoothies
Wild West
Giddy, up cowgirl. Our Western-style breakfast lassos in new takes on old brunch faves. Yee haw!
DECOR
Turn your kitchen into a way-cool corral. Using some construction paper, cut out some boot shapes and use them to decorate the walls. If you’re feelin’ super creative, make your very own wanted signs to hang around the room. Print out a pic of each girl or draw one to put on the posters (include the "crime" they're charged with of course!). For napkin rings, take red construction paper, and cut the ring, then cut a piece to look like a tied up bandana. Use a marker to give it a real western feel. Ask your ‘rents to take you to a party store to pick up a hat for each of your guests so you can dress the part!
WHAT TO SERVE
Breakfast burritos (start with eggs and line up different fillings – chopped up bacon, veggies, avocado, whatever you want to go inside each girl's burrito!)
Buttered biscuits
Slices of cantaloupe, oranges, and grapefruit
Sweet treat? Corn bread drizzled with honey
To drink: Coffee (have a few diff flavored syrups to choose from)
Friday, April 17, 2009
Earth Day Recipe Special: Healthy Salad and Snack!
Want to green-up your everyday grub in honor of Earth Day? These healthy salad and snack recipes are sure to satisfy any earthy appetite. They're packed with tons of garden-fresh fruits and veggies that'll keep you feeling just as spring-fresh as Mama Earth herself.
Citrus Surprise Salad
Since it's Earth Day, indulge in some of the very best Mother Nature has to offer. Spice up your usual salad with tasty fruits. Sweet AND healthy? We're sold!
What You'll Need:
1 bag of green mixed lettuce
4 or 5 strawberries
1 orange
1/2 pink grapefruit
1 cup of grilled chicken – try Chicken Selects prepared chicken packages at your supermarket.
1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese
1 bottle of balsamic vinaigrette dressing
What You'll Do:
1. Chop up the strawberries and add them to the lettuce in a big bowl.
2. Peel the grapefruit and oranges and add the small slices to the
strawberry and lettuce mixture.
3. Pour in the grilled chicken pieces and mix
4. Sprinkle on some crumbled blue cheese, pour on a little vinaigrette dressing and you're done!
Perfect for Earth Day Trail Mix
Need a boost of energy while you're out hiking some trails in good ol' Mother Nature? This trail mix is yummy – and it'll keep you super energized. Race ya to the top of the mountain!
What You'll Need:
8 oz. raisins
6 oz. diced dried fruit (dried apricots, apples, pineapple, etc.)
1 qt. popped popcorn
1 cup M&M's
1 cup Chex cereal
What You'll Do:
1. Put popped popcorn into a bowl
2. Add dried fruit, raisins, Chex and M&M's
3. Mix all together
*Our tip: If you have more of a sweet tooth, substitute regular popcorn for caramel corn!
Citrus Surprise Salad
Since it's Earth Day, indulge in some of the very best Mother Nature has to offer. Spice up your usual salad with tasty fruits. Sweet AND healthy? We're sold!
What You'll Need:
1 bag of green mixed lettuce
4 or 5 strawberries
1 orange
1/2 pink grapefruit
1 cup of grilled chicken – try Chicken Selects prepared chicken packages at your supermarket.
1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese
1 bottle of balsamic vinaigrette dressing
What You'll Do:
1. Chop up the strawberries and add them to the lettuce in a big bowl.
2. Peel the grapefruit and oranges and add the small slices to the
strawberry and lettuce mixture.
3. Pour in the grilled chicken pieces and mix
4. Sprinkle on some crumbled blue cheese, pour on a little vinaigrette dressing and you're done!
Perfect for Earth Day Trail Mix
Need a boost of energy while you're out hiking some trails in good ol' Mother Nature? This trail mix is yummy – and it'll keep you super energized. Race ya to the top of the mountain!
What You'll Need:
8 oz. raisins
6 oz. diced dried fruit (dried apricots, apples, pineapple, etc.)
1 qt. popped popcorn
1 cup M&M's
1 cup Chex cereal
What You'll Do:
1. Put popped popcorn into a bowl
2. Add dried fruit, raisins, Chex and M&M's
3. Mix all together
*Our tip: If you have more of a sweet tooth, substitute regular popcorn for caramel corn!
Six Moves to a Toned Tummy…
We chatted up Carrie Rezabek, creator of the Pure Barre workout method, to get the skinny on the must-do abdominal moves. “It’s great to have flat abs, but more importantly, if your abs are not strong, you are at a higher risk for injury and won’t be able to do the activities and sports you enjoy as effectively,” Carrie warns. Her fab ab workout can be done three times a week, in addition to your strength and cardio plan.
Forearm Plank
Start in a push-up position. Lower down onto elbows, so your palms are on the ground and your shoulders are straight over your elbows. Keep your toes curled under and your legs hip-width apart. Pull in abs and squeeze your butt, ensuring that your body is straight as a ruler. Hold for 45 seconds.
Pilates Hundreds
Lie on your back with your legs up in the air. Lower legs slightly to form a 45 degree angle. Peel your shoulder blades off the mat and place your chin on your chest. Extend your arms straight out, so they almost touch your hips. With your palms down, cup your hands into “blades.” Pull in your abs and pump your arms up and down, in small quick motions. Continue vigorously with five inhales and five exhales. Repeat 10 times.
Roll Up
Lie on your back with your legs together and your feet flexed. Keep your arms by your ears, stretched over your head. Do a huge sit-up, keeping your chin to your chest. Continue to slowly roll forward, reaching toward your toes. Reverse the move slowly, so one part of your back hits the mat at a time.
Single Leg Switch
Lie on your back with your chin on your chest. Curl into a ball by pulling your legs into your chest. Shoot your right leg straight out in front of you, keeping your left leg tucked in. Reach your right hand toward your right ankle. Switch legs and arms, using your abs to keep your core stable. Repeat 10 times on each side.
Criss-Cross
Lie on your back, with your arms behind your head. Slowly bend your right knee into your chest while crunching your left elbow to meet it. Make sure your elbow extends past the opposite knee. Slowly switch sides. Repeat 10 times on each side.
Kickstands
Lie on your back, resting on your elbows. Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor. “Tuck hips under, squeeze your seat and curl upper body forward,” Carrie tells us. Slide your elbows forward and lift your arms off the ground. Hold your arms up for 10 seconds. Lower arms down and repeat five times.
Forearm Plank
Start in a push-up position. Lower down onto elbows, so your palms are on the ground and your shoulders are straight over your elbows. Keep your toes curled under and your legs hip-width apart. Pull in abs and squeeze your butt, ensuring that your body is straight as a ruler. Hold for 45 seconds.
Pilates Hundreds
Lie on your back with your legs up in the air. Lower legs slightly to form a 45 degree angle. Peel your shoulder blades off the mat and place your chin on your chest. Extend your arms straight out, so they almost touch your hips. With your palms down, cup your hands into “blades.” Pull in your abs and pump your arms up and down, in small quick motions. Continue vigorously with five inhales and five exhales. Repeat 10 times.
Roll Up
Lie on your back with your legs together and your feet flexed. Keep your arms by your ears, stretched over your head. Do a huge sit-up, keeping your chin to your chest. Continue to slowly roll forward, reaching toward your toes. Reverse the move slowly, so one part of your back hits the mat at a time.
Single Leg Switch
Lie on your back with your chin on your chest. Curl into a ball by pulling your legs into your chest. Shoot your right leg straight out in front of you, keeping your left leg tucked in. Reach your right hand toward your right ankle. Switch legs and arms, using your abs to keep your core stable. Repeat 10 times on each side.
Criss-Cross
Lie on your back, with your arms behind your head. Slowly bend your right knee into your chest while crunching your left elbow to meet it. Make sure your elbow extends past the opposite knee. Slowly switch sides. Repeat 10 times on each side.
Kickstands
Lie on your back, resting on your elbows. Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor. “Tuck hips under, squeeze your seat and curl upper body forward,” Carrie tells us. Slide your elbows forward and lift your arms off the ground. Hold your arms up for 10 seconds. Lower arms down and repeat five times.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Cheery New Chairs
Hey there, earth mama! Want a stylin' way to spruce up your room just in time for Earth Day? Turn any ol' chair around the house into a divalicious new decoration with these easy how-tos. The bright colors will freshen up your room and you'll save it from ending up in trash. You can try this trick with other old furniture, too (ask your 'rents first, natch!). Spring cleaning AND saving the planet?
Start this up, ASAP!
What You'll Need:
Drop cloth (or newspaper!)
Sand paper
Paintbrushes
White primer
Latex paint (for your background color)
Acrylic paint (for your designs)
Permanent marker
Clear gloss Varnish
Anything Extra to decorate your chair (glitter, gems, ribbon, etc.)
What You'll Do:
Sandpaper off any old flaking paint from the surface of your chair. Paint one coat of white primer over the entire surface and give it time to dry. Using a latex paint, paint the background color of your chair. Allow this to completely dry (leave overnight!) before moving on.
Draw designs on the surface of your chair in permanent marker. (Practice drawing some design ideas on paper before you do this.) You can use store bought stencils, or make your own!
Paint right over top of your marked designs with acrylic paint. (Try to not drip paint – but if you do, don’t freak. Just sponge it up of change your design to include some polka dots). Feelin’ really creative? Add some gems and glitter to it! Dress it up with a funky ribbon or your favorite quote. You can do anything you think of to make your chair look new.
Once the paint is fully dry, cover it with clear gloss varnish. (When you’re done, you might want to sign and date the back of your “new” chair!) Kick back, relax, and admire your artistic talent!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Italian Easter Bread
INGREDIENTS
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup warm milk (120 to 130 degrees F)
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
7 eggs
1/2 cup chopped mixed candied fruit
1/4 cup chopped blanched almonds
1/2 teaspoon anise seeds
vegetable oil
DIRECTIONS
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, yeast and salt. Add milk and butter; beat 2 minutes on medium. Add 2 eggs and 1/2 cup flour; beat 2 minutes on high. Stir in fruit, nuts and aniseed; mix well. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl; turn once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. If desired, dye remaining eggs (leave them uncooked); lightly rub with oil. Punch dough down. Divide in half; roll each piece into a 24-in. rope. Loosely twist ropes and tuck eggs into openings. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan; cool on a wire rack.
Braided Easter Egg Bread
INGREDIENTS
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
2/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 eggs
5 whole eggs, dyed if desired
2 tablespoons butter, melted
DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, salt and yeast; stir well. Combine milk and butter in a small saucepan; heat until milk is warm and butter is softened but not melted.
Gradually add the milk and butter to the flour mixture; stirring constantly. Add two eggs and 1/2 cup flour; beat well. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1hour.
Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal size rounds; cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Roll each round into a long roll about 36 inches long and 1 1/2 inches thick. Using the two long pieces of dough, form a loosely braided ring, leaving spaces for the five colored eggs. Seal the ends of the ring together and use your fingers to slide the eggs between the braids of dough.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place loaf on a buttered baking sheet and cover loosely with a damp towel. Place loaf in a warm place and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 45 minutes. Brush risen loaf with melted butter.
Bake in preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until golden.
Healthy You Survey!
What exercises did you do (or will you do) over spring break?
Dream workout spot?
Did you eat anything healthy on Easter or just junk food?
Would you rather swim in a pool or bike around the neighborhood for exercise?
Are you planning on going to any sports, dance or cheer camps this summer?
Sports camp or yoga retreat?
Fave outfit for warm weather exercise?
Would you rather be the team captain or the MVP?
Running outside or running on the treadmill or no running?
All-time fave exercise?!
Would you rather exercise alone or work out with teammates?
Do you ever lift weights?
Dream workout spot?
Did you eat anything healthy on Easter or just junk food?
Would you rather swim in a pool or bike around the neighborhood for exercise?
Are you planning on going to any sports, dance or cheer camps this summer?
Sports camp or yoga retreat?
Fave outfit for warm weather exercise?
Would you rather be the team captain or the MVP?
Running outside or running on the treadmill or no running?
All-time fave exercise?!
Would you rather exercise alone or work out with teammates?
Do you ever lift weights?
Monday, April 13, 2009
Tea Party
Tea sandwiches, English tea time style, are dainty sandwiches made without crusts and any filling that you desire. Unlike the overstuffed sub sandwich, tea sandwiches have a thin layer of filling so that they’re not messy to eat. With permission, get out the good china plates with perhaps a few doilies and pretty napkins.
The Bread: Tea sandwiches call for a plain, soft whole wheat or white sandwich bread. Or, have a two-tone sandwich – white on the top, wheat on the bottom. As you cut the bread into shapes, keep them in a plastic bag so they won’t dry out. Serve the same day.
Triangles: Using a bread knife, slice the crusts off of each slice of bread. Put a thin layer of filling on the bottom slice and put on the top slice. Cut the sandwich in half through the corners; cut again so that you have four triangles.
Shapes: Experiment with your cookie or biscuit cutters to see which ones will cut through bread. (Most of the simple-shaped metal ones will cut bread.) We like to use simple shapes such as a circle, heart, or diamond. Cut out the bread shapes; you should be able to fit two cookie cutters on one slice of bread. (Save the scraps to make salad croutons or bread crumbs.)
When all of the bread shapes are cut, spread a thin layer of filling neatly onto one of the bottom shapes; put on the top shape. Arrange the sandwiches on a plate, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until serving time.
The Fillings: You could use Egg Salad or Red Spread for sandwich fillings, or cream cheese with jam or marmalade, sliced cheese, turkey, or ham with a little mustard or mayo to hold it together. Cheese slices, sliced turkey and ham can be cut with a cookie cutter so they fit the sandwich. (French mustard, apricot jam, or fruit chutney can be the glue that holds the sandwich together.) Traditional tuna salad works also; but not the chunky tuna salad in this book.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Easy How-Tos for Spring Dance Updos
Every girl deserves to feel fierce and fab at her spring dance. And the right updo is a surefire way to make you feel like a picture-perfect princess. If you can rock a ponytail, you’re already on your way to a posh updo! Achieving a classy updo doesn’t have to be a headache with these quick and easy steps. You won’t need three hands and eyes in the back of your head, we promise!
For the …Carefree Chica
A laid-back 'tude doesn't always mean wearing your hair down. This updo is quick, easy and fuss-free. PLUS, It works well with any hair length—short, medium, or long!
Celeb Style Inspiration: Blonde bombshell Scarlett Johansson knows a thing or two about effortless updos.
1. Separate your hair into a front and back section, creating a horizontal line across the back of your head.
2. Tease the front of your hair to create a medium-sized poof, securing the poof with bobby pins.
3. You can gather the rest of your hair into a messy bun, or take small sections of your tresses and tie them into knots. Hold the knots in place with some bobby pins and you’re done!
The number one rule to rocking this style? Feel free to do what you want – the messier the better!
For the …Funky Femme
Traditional updos get a major update with this daring 'do. For a style that's sassy, not stuffy.
Celeb Style Inspiration: Everyone’s fave Cheetah Girl, Adrienne Bailon knows how to rock fun ‘n’ fashion-forward twists.
1. If your hair isn’t naturally curly, use a curling iron to create sassy spirals.
2. Gather your hair into a loose pony at the crown of your head.
3. Adorn with a jazzy headband. Feathers, bows, beads and flowers create a spunky new ‘do.
For the …Glamour Girl
High buns don't have to mean high maintenance. This look is dramatic AND soo easy-to-do.
Celeb Style Inspiration: Beyonce is famous for her bootylicious buns and fierce sense of style.
1. Gather your hair into a high ponytail at the top of your head. Then, start curling 1-inch sections of hair at the outside of the ponytail.
2. Next, take the first section of hair and pulling it toward the ceiling, bend the section in the middle and then pin it to the base of your scalp.
3. Repeat until you’ve pinned all of your hair to your scalp.
Pair this style with flashy chandelier earrings to make it a true diva ‘do.
For the …Pretty Princess
This fairy tale hairstyle is sure to break hearts. Crown, carriage and prince not included.
Celeb Style Inspiration: Romantic updos like country songstress Taylor Swift’s take nearly no time at all.
1. Curl your hair into soft ringlets using a jumbo curling iron.
2. Gather most of your hair at the nape of your neck into a loose ponytail.
3. Secure your hair with bobby pins.
For a truly royal look, leave a few loose strands around your face.
For the …Sweet Sistah
Want the best of both worlds? A half-updo is ultra elegant...and anything but simple.
Celeb Style Inspiration: Country sweetheart Carrie Underwood is known for sportin’ an ultra-glam half-updo.
1. Gather hair on each side of your head and gradually add pieces from the back of your head to create a ponytail at the crown of your head.
2. Then, place the hair you’ve gathered into an elastic hair band or spice it up with a jeweled-clip or sparkly hair accessory.
3. Push the hair band or barrette up toward the front of your hair to get the full updo effect.
Remember, patience is a virtue. If your updo isn’t perfect the first time, take it down and try again. Perform a trial run a couple of days before your big dance. Once your style is good to go, keep it in place with your fave hair spray and get your groove on!
For the …Carefree Chica
A laid-back 'tude doesn't always mean wearing your hair down. This updo is quick, easy and fuss-free. PLUS, It works well with any hair length—short, medium, or long!
Celeb Style Inspiration: Blonde bombshell Scarlett Johansson knows a thing or two about effortless updos.
1. Separate your hair into a front and back section, creating a horizontal line across the back of your head.
2. Tease the front of your hair to create a medium-sized poof, securing the poof with bobby pins.
3. You can gather the rest of your hair into a messy bun, or take small sections of your tresses and tie them into knots. Hold the knots in place with some bobby pins and you’re done!
The number one rule to rocking this style? Feel free to do what you want – the messier the better!
For the …Funky Femme
Traditional updos get a major update with this daring 'do. For a style that's sassy, not stuffy.
Celeb Style Inspiration: Everyone’s fave Cheetah Girl, Adrienne Bailon knows how to rock fun ‘n’ fashion-forward twists.
1. If your hair isn’t naturally curly, use a curling iron to create sassy spirals.
2. Gather your hair into a loose pony at the crown of your head.
3. Adorn with a jazzy headband. Feathers, bows, beads and flowers create a spunky new ‘do.
For the …Glamour Girl
High buns don't have to mean high maintenance. This look is dramatic AND soo easy-to-do.
Celeb Style Inspiration: Beyonce is famous for her bootylicious buns and fierce sense of style.
1. Gather your hair into a high ponytail at the top of your head. Then, start curling 1-inch sections of hair at the outside of the ponytail.
2. Next, take the first section of hair and pulling it toward the ceiling, bend the section in the middle and then pin it to the base of your scalp.
3. Repeat until you’ve pinned all of your hair to your scalp.
Pair this style with flashy chandelier earrings to make it a true diva ‘do.
For the …Pretty Princess
This fairy tale hairstyle is sure to break hearts. Crown, carriage and prince not included.
Celeb Style Inspiration: Romantic updos like country songstress Taylor Swift’s take nearly no time at all.
1. Curl your hair into soft ringlets using a jumbo curling iron.
2. Gather most of your hair at the nape of your neck into a loose ponytail.
3. Secure your hair with bobby pins.
For a truly royal look, leave a few loose strands around your face.
For the …Sweet Sistah
Want the best of both worlds? A half-updo is ultra elegant...and anything but simple.
Celeb Style Inspiration: Country sweetheart Carrie Underwood is known for sportin’ an ultra-glam half-updo.
1. Gather hair on each side of your head and gradually add pieces from the back of your head to create a ponytail at the crown of your head.
2. Then, place the hair you’ve gathered into an elastic hair band or spice it up with a jeweled-clip or sparkly hair accessory.
3. Push the hair band or barrette up toward the front of your hair to get the full updo effect.
Remember, patience is a virtue. If your updo isn’t perfect the first time, take it down and try again. Perform a trial run a couple of days before your big dance. Once your style is good to go, keep it in place with your fave hair spray and get your groove on!
Host Your Own Photo Shoot Slumber Party!
There's nothing better than being able to look back at pics of you and your BFFs having the best time ever. Want to mix those pics up a li'l bit? Host your own makeover 'n' fashion photo shoot where you and your girls get to play the stars. Use the pics to make your own scrapbook and keep these memories forever!
STEP 1: Gettin' Set To Be On Set
Before the party ask each girl to bring any size scrapbook (or a binder with some sheet protectors), a pair of scissors, some stickers, lots of colorful papers, tape (or glue), glitter, markers and anything else they would want to have in their scrapbook. Don’t forget to get yours before the party too!
(**If you have a disposable cam, each girl can bring a couple bucks and you can shop for these things while you wait for your photos to develop. Make sure you ask your ‘rents first though).
STEP 2: Get Dressed 'n' Diva-fied
Pull out your chicest clothes, and ask your BFFs to bring theirs over too. Do your make up like you’re the next superstar about to come down the red carpet, or look like you're gettin' ready to shoot a rad new music video. Choose a rockin' outfit to match your makeup.
You could even dress up as your fave starlet!
STEP 3: Flashing Lights
Let the photo shoot begin! If you have a digi cam, take as many pics as you like. Turn on some pump-up music, have a mini dance party and snap up a storm. The more photogs you have, the better the selection for your scrapbooks.
If you have a disposable cam, be a little more careful with the pics you take. Since you've got a limited amount of film, make sure you get every girl in at least a couple pics. And take turns playing photographer so everyone gets equal face time.
STEP 4: Play Photo Editor
Once you've got enough pics, load 'em on to your comp. You and your BFFs can edit out your faves (and the funnies!) for your scrapbook selection. Then, it's time to print away. Make sure your print enough copies for each girl at the party!
If you have a disposable cam, this is the time when you need the ‘rents to drive you and your girls to the store to develop those photogs.
STEP 5: Book It
Get all your supplies together and start cutting out the pics the way you would like, keeping or taking out the backgrounds. Cut the photos out in different shapes, leave them as is or collage them together.
Place the photos on the paper where ever you want them and stick them down with tape or glue.
STEP 6: Snazzify That Scrapbook
Add stickers, glitter, paint or anything you want to make your book look sooo YOU! Write captions for the photos (serious or silly!). Include any inside jokes or fun memories that you have with your BFFs.
In the morning serve up some breakfast and share your scrapbooks (after you're done eating of course. Wouldn't want to smudge syrup on those chic scrapbooks ya made!).
STEP 1: Gettin' Set To Be On Set
Before the party ask each girl to bring any size scrapbook (or a binder with some sheet protectors), a pair of scissors, some stickers, lots of colorful papers, tape (or glue), glitter, markers and anything else they would want to have in their scrapbook. Don’t forget to get yours before the party too!
(**If you have a disposable cam, each girl can bring a couple bucks and you can shop for these things while you wait for your photos to develop. Make sure you ask your ‘rents first though).
STEP 2: Get Dressed 'n' Diva-fied
Pull out your chicest clothes, and ask your BFFs to bring theirs over too. Do your make up like you’re the next superstar about to come down the red carpet, or look like you're gettin' ready to shoot a rad new music video. Choose a rockin' outfit to match your makeup.
You could even dress up as your fave starlet!
STEP 3: Flashing Lights
Let the photo shoot begin! If you have a digi cam, take as many pics as you like. Turn on some pump-up music, have a mini dance party and snap up a storm. The more photogs you have, the better the selection for your scrapbooks.
If you have a disposable cam, be a little more careful with the pics you take. Since you've got a limited amount of film, make sure you get every girl in at least a couple pics. And take turns playing photographer so everyone gets equal face time.
STEP 4: Play Photo Editor
Once you've got enough pics, load 'em on to your comp. You and your BFFs can edit out your faves (and the funnies!) for your scrapbook selection. Then, it's time to print away. Make sure your print enough copies for each girl at the party!
If you have a disposable cam, this is the time when you need the ‘rents to drive you and your girls to the store to develop those photogs.
STEP 5: Book It
Get all your supplies together and start cutting out the pics the way you would like, keeping or taking out the backgrounds. Cut the photos out in different shapes, leave them as is or collage them together.
Place the photos on the paper where ever you want them and stick them down with tape or glue.
STEP 6: Snazzify That Scrapbook
Add stickers, glitter, paint or anything you want to make your book look sooo YOU! Write captions for the photos (serious or silly!). Include any inside jokes or fun memories that you have with your BFFs.
In the morning serve up some breakfast and share your scrapbooks (after you're done eating of course. Wouldn't want to smudge syrup on those chic scrapbooks ya made!).
Friday, April 10, 2009
Three Easy Easter Recipes!
Hey, baker babes. Need new ideas for a sweet spring treats? These Easter treats are fun 'n' easy to make. Serve 'em up at a springy soiree, a family dinner or make it a group proj and bake 'em with your pals this weekend.
Magic Marshmallows
Tired of the usual Peeps and Cadbury crème eggs to celebrate your Easter? It's time to make a new tradition with this yummy 'n’ easy chocolate marshmallow snack. Best part about it is you can mix and match the toppings!
What You’ll Need:
2 cups chocolate chips
2 Tbsp canola/vegetable oil
1 package large marshmallows
Different toppings (colored sprinkles, fruity pebbles, M 'n' M's, etc)
What You’ll Do:
Stir chocolate and oil in a saucepan over low heat until it is nice 'n’ smooth. Let it cool. Place each topping you choose in a dish. Get a baking sheet with foil all prepped up.
Dip 1 marshmallow in the chocolate mix – making sure that the 'mallow is fully coated. Next, dip it in your candy topping of choice. Repeat steps with remaining marshmallows.
Put each marshmallow on baking sheet. Freeze about three hours and enjoy!
*Tip: If you’re not a marshmallow fan, or if you're super serious about shaping up for summer, this recipe is just as delicious when substituted with banana slices!
Easter Bunny Cake
Wanna make a cool cake to celebrate spring? Our Easter Bunny cake is simple, delish and sure to get you hopping into the season.
What You'll Need:
Yellow or Funfetti cake mix (and all the ingredients that your mix calls for)
Rainbow sprinkles
Easter-colored M 'n' M's
2 round 9-inch cake pans
One can white frosting
Cookie sheet
Twizzlers/licorice
Colored jellybeans
Food coloring
Package of coconut flakes
Assorted Easter candy of your choice
What You'll Do:
First, make the cake itself. We recommend color-filled Funfetti mix to celebrate all the bold blooms of spring. Another way to get a colorful cake? Add rainbow sprinkles or pastel colored M 'n' M's to a box of regular yellow cake mix. Bake the cake according to box directions, using two nine-inch round cake pans. Let cakes cool completely.
Turn one cake over on the middle of a cookie sheet. This will be the bunny's face. The second round cake will be used to make the bow tie and ears. Cut a curve to form an oval from the top to bottom on one side of the cake. This will be one ear. Make another curve on the opposite side. The leftover middle part will placed under the bunny's face to be his bow tie.
Use white frosting to frost the face and ears. For the bow tie, you might want to mix the white icing with your fave color. Use diff colored jelly beans for the nose, eyes and polka dots on the bow tie. To make the mouth and whiskers, use licorice or Twizzlers.
Now, it's time to give your bunny a li'l garden to hop around in. Add green food coloring to coconut shavings to make garden grass. Sprinkle the grass around your cake on the cookie sheet. Make your garden super springy by adding other Easter faves - colorful jellybeans, Easter-colored M 'n' M's, chocolate bunnies, candy Easter eggs and Peeps chickies. Use any leftover rainbow sprinkles or anything else you can think of!
Colorful Chocolate Popcorn Balls
Looking for a snack that'll satisfy both your sweet and salty taste buds? These chocolate popcorn balls will do the trick AND ring in spring. Plus, the bold colors really match this season's bright vibes.
What You’ll Need:
½ cup sugar
½ cup corn syrup
¼ cup butter
8 cups popped popcorn
1 cup tiny cooking M&Ms
What You’ll Do:
Combine sugar, corn syrup, and butter and cook in saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add popcorn until fully coated. Remove mix from heat. Stir in mini M 'n' Ms. Shape into small popcorn balls and let cool.
*Our tip: If you want to make these balls even more colorful for spring, add rainbow sprinkles (or even fruity pebbles) to the mix!
Magic Marshmallows
Tired of the usual Peeps and Cadbury crème eggs to celebrate your Easter? It's time to make a new tradition with this yummy 'n’ easy chocolate marshmallow snack. Best part about it is you can mix and match the toppings!
What You’ll Need:
2 cups chocolate chips
2 Tbsp canola/vegetable oil
1 package large marshmallows
Different toppings (colored sprinkles, fruity pebbles, M 'n' M's, etc)
What You’ll Do:
Stir chocolate and oil in a saucepan over low heat until it is nice 'n’ smooth. Let it cool. Place each topping you choose in a dish. Get a baking sheet with foil all prepped up.
Dip 1 marshmallow in the chocolate mix – making sure that the 'mallow is fully coated. Next, dip it in your candy topping of choice. Repeat steps with remaining marshmallows.
Put each marshmallow on baking sheet. Freeze about three hours and enjoy!
*Tip: If you’re not a marshmallow fan, or if you're super serious about shaping up for summer, this recipe is just as delicious when substituted with banana slices!
Easter Bunny Cake
Wanna make a cool cake to celebrate spring? Our Easter Bunny cake is simple, delish and sure to get you hopping into the season.
What You'll Need:
Yellow or Funfetti cake mix (and all the ingredients that your mix calls for)
Rainbow sprinkles
Easter-colored M 'n' M's
2 round 9-inch cake pans
One can white frosting
Cookie sheet
Twizzlers/licorice
Colored jellybeans
Food coloring
Package of coconut flakes
Assorted Easter candy of your choice
What You'll Do:
First, make the cake itself. We recommend color-filled Funfetti mix to celebrate all the bold blooms of spring. Another way to get a colorful cake? Add rainbow sprinkles or pastel colored M 'n' M's to a box of regular yellow cake mix. Bake the cake according to box directions, using two nine-inch round cake pans. Let cakes cool completely.
Turn one cake over on the middle of a cookie sheet. This will be the bunny's face. The second round cake will be used to make the bow tie and ears. Cut a curve to form an oval from the top to bottom on one side of the cake. This will be one ear. Make another curve on the opposite side. The leftover middle part will placed under the bunny's face to be his bow tie.
Use white frosting to frost the face and ears. For the bow tie, you might want to mix the white icing with your fave color. Use diff colored jelly beans for the nose, eyes and polka dots on the bow tie. To make the mouth and whiskers, use licorice or Twizzlers.
Now, it's time to give your bunny a li'l garden to hop around in. Add green food coloring to coconut shavings to make garden grass. Sprinkle the grass around your cake on the cookie sheet. Make your garden super springy by adding other Easter faves - colorful jellybeans, Easter-colored M 'n' M's, chocolate bunnies, candy Easter eggs and Peeps chickies. Use any leftover rainbow sprinkles or anything else you can think of!
Colorful Chocolate Popcorn Balls
Looking for a snack that'll satisfy both your sweet and salty taste buds? These chocolate popcorn balls will do the trick AND ring in spring. Plus, the bold colors really match this season's bright vibes.
What You’ll Need:
½ cup sugar
½ cup corn syrup
¼ cup butter
8 cups popped popcorn
1 cup tiny cooking M&Ms
What You’ll Do:
Combine sugar, corn syrup, and butter and cook in saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add popcorn until fully coated. Remove mix from heat. Stir in mini M 'n' Ms. Shape into small popcorn balls and let cool.
*Our tip: If you want to make these balls even more colorful for spring, add rainbow sprinkles (or even fruity pebbles) to the mix!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Tortellini Salad
This is for all you carb– o–holics out there! Get your pasta fix without getting a grain gut …you know, the bloated feeling you get when you pound pasta or bread. Try out this noodle-rific recipe.
Ingredients:
2 packages of cheese stuffed Tortellini
1 can black olives
∏ pound cherry tomatoes
1 jar of marinated artichoke hearts
1 block of mozzarella cheese
Olive Oil
Balsamic Vinegar
Salt and Pepper
Directions:
Cook pasta according to directions and set aside to cool. Cube mozzarella cheese and cut tomatoes in half. Drain artichoke hearts. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Drizzle with olive oil until everything is lightly coated but not sopping wet. Add in some balsamic vinegar for a little zest. It doesn’t take a lot. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve cold.
Raspberry Slushies
Ice yourself with these chilly slushies. Customize them with whatever flavor you want. Just make sure you make them a day before you actually need them to give them time to slush. You could even try layering different flavors to make things pretty.
Raspberry Slushies
Ingredients:
2 small boxes of raspberry gelatin (or strawberry /blue raspberry, any flavor)
1 can frozen lemonade or limeade juice
2 cups cranberry-raspberry juice (or any other juice that you’d like to use)
Directions:
Make the gelatin according to the directions on the box. Add juices and stir completely. Place in a covered container and put it in the fridge. Stir the mixture every one to two hours to keep it mixed and allow it to slush. Do this until the mixture is frozen and chunky but not frozen completely, there can be a little liquid left.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: Make-'em-Yourself
Low on funds this holiday season? Don't be a scrooge and skip the prezzies! Instead, put your creative juices to the test and whip up a little somethin' somethin' straight from the heart! These super fun and easy DIY crafts are the perfect gifts that won't break the bank. A quick trip to your local craft store or just a peak around your kitchen cupboards is all you need to wow over your friends and fam. Get to work Ms. Crafty Claus!
Gingergirl Body Scrub
This scrumptious gingerbread scrub smells good enough to eat (but don't).
What You Need
12-ounce jar
3/4 cup each fine sea salt
Granular brown sugar
Almond oil
1/2 tsp each cinnamon and pumpkin-pie spice
1/4 tsp ginger
Few drops vanilla
What You Do
Mix all ingredients in a bowl, and transfer to a clean jar. That's it!
For a sweet finishing touch, cut a gingerbread shape from a brown paper bag, and glue it to the lid of the jar. A ribbon is the icing, honey!
Sweet Striped Soaps
Whip up a batch of these for all your beauteous buds.
What You Need
Brick of glycerin soap
Essential oils
Soap dyes
Small plastic rectangular container
Sharp knife
Clear cellophane
Colored ribbons
What You Do
Cut two blocks from soap, and heat each in large Pyrex measuring cups at 30-second intervals until melted.
Add a few red soap-dye drops to one bowl and green drops to the other. Add several drops of essential oils to each as desired (we used eucalyptus and rose).
Pour red soap into rectangular container to make a 1/4-inch line. Let sit until firm-soft, at least 20 minutes. Drag the knife over the top, making stripes across the surface (this scoring keeps the layers together).
Pour a half-inch layer of green (you'll need to re-melt) over the hardened red, let dry and score the top as you did with the red. Repeat this process, alternating colors until the container is full. Do not score the top layer. Let sit several hours or overnight.
Pop the soap out of the container, and use the knife to slice it into thick bars. Wrap like a present in cellophane, and tie a ribbon 'round it.
Gingergirl Body Scrub
This scrumptious gingerbread scrub smells good enough to eat (but don't).
What You Need
12-ounce jar
3/4 cup each fine sea salt
Granular brown sugar
Almond oil
1/2 tsp each cinnamon and pumpkin-pie spice
1/4 tsp ginger
Few drops vanilla
What You Do
Mix all ingredients in a bowl, and transfer to a clean jar. That's it!
For a sweet finishing touch, cut a gingerbread shape from a brown paper bag, and glue it to the lid of the jar. A ribbon is the icing, honey!
Sweet Striped Soaps
Whip up a batch of these for all your beauteous buds.
What You Need
Brick of glycerin soap
Essential oils
Soap dyes
Small plastic rectangular container
Sharp knife
Clear cellophane
Colored ribbons
What You Do
Cut two blocks from soap, and heat each in large Pyrex measuring cups at 30-second intervals until melted.
Add a few red soap-dye drops to one bowl and green drops to the other. Add several drops of essential oils to each as desired (we used eucalyptus and rose).
Pour red soap into rectangular container to make a 1/4-inch line. Let sit until firm-soft, at least 20 minutes. Drag the knife over the top, making stripes across the surface (this scoring keeps the layers together).
Pour a half-inch layer of green (you'll need to re-melt) over the hardened red, let dry and score the top as you did with the red. Repeat this process, alternating colors until the container is full. Do not score the top layer. Let sit several hours or overnight.
Pop the soap out of the container, and use the knife to slice it into thick bars. Wrap like a present in cellophane, and tie a ribbon 'round it.
Recycled Boxes
This is a perfect way to reuse old boxes. Cover them with fabric, magazine cut-outs, postcards, wrapping paper, whatever. Each box can be personalized to fit your hobbies.
What You Need:
*Boxes
*Old magazines
*Scissors
*Old paint brush
*Decoupage paste
What You Do:
1. Cut out pictures to fit the theme you want your box to have.
2. Paste images all over the box with decoupage paste, and let dry for about five minutes.
3. Brush two to three coats of the decoupage paste over the top of the pictures.
The Perf Beach Bag
It’s a beach bag… It’s a pillow… Stash your stuff and take a surfside snooze!
What You Need:
*Three washcloths
*Matching thread
*Needle
*Pillow stuffing
*Patterned plastic tablecloth
*Pins
*10 snaps
*Scissors
*Fleece material for strap
What You Do:
Pillow: Fold one washcloth in half. Sew up both ends, and turn it right side out. Stuff the washcloth with pillow stuffing until it is nice and firm, and then stitch along the top.
Pockets: Place other two washcloths on a table, and cut tablecloth (for lining) to the size of cloths. Pin plastic onto cloths, and sew through plastic to keep it in place. Fold cloths in half (plastic out), and sew along both ends. When finished, turn right side out.
Before attaching pockets, make a strap. Cut out three 40-inch strips of fleece, and braid, leaving 6 inches unbraided on each end. Sew ends of braided strip along both sides of the pillow. Next, sew four snaps on one side of pillow about 2 inches in from edges. Do the same on the other side of the cushion, and then line each pocket up to sew the other half of the snaps into place (don’t sew through your pocket).
To keep your beach bag closed, sew two snaps (3 inches in from the ends) on the inside rims of the outer flaps of your pockets. Now, you have somewhere to store your SPF and sunglasses and—when you get to the beach—a nice cushion to rest your head on!
PUT TOGETHER A POTLUCK PICNIC
Tuckered out from chowin' down at the mall food court? Change things up by organizing a potluck picnic for your crew. On small pieces of paper, write down parts of the most delish portable meal you can think of––sandwiches, salads, sides, desserts and drinks. Now put all of the pieces of paper in a bag, shake it on up, and have each of your buds fish one out––whatever lunch category you yank, you’re responsible for.
Each chica can choose ANY chow from category to bring, and should keep her food choice a surprise (it's more fun if the dishes at your picnic DON'T go together!). You should take on the responsibility of gathering a colorful blanket, funky dishware and unique utensils. Then, tell your peeps to meet you somewhere fun and fresh to eat—like next to that cute little brook you just discovered near the park. Everybody meets and eats––totally fun!
Each chica can choose ANY chow from category to bring, and should keep her food choice a surprise (it's more fun if the dishes at your picnic DON'T go together!). You should take on the responsibility of gathering a colorful blanket, funky dishware and unique utensils. Then, tell your peeps to meet you somewhere fun and fresh to eat—like next to that cute little brook you just discovered near the park. Everybody meets and eats––totally fun!
Healthy Summertime Snacks!
Finally! Tonsa healthy ‘n’ yummy snacks that’ll keep you satisfied whether you’re lounging by the pool or going for a major hike. These quick, easy and VERY cheap eats are perfect for summertime snacking. YUM!
Chocolate Graham Delights (50 calories for Cool Whip variety)
Take 2 chocolate graham cracker squares and fill the inside with Cool Whip or your fave mint chocolate chip frozen yogurt. Place in the freezer for an hour or two for a yummy frozen treat that chocolate-lovers won’t be able to resist!
Summer Trail Mix (About 150 caloriess for a handful)
Mix ¾ cup of your favorite healthy cereal (I like Honey Nut Cheerios or Fiber One) with ¼ cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, peanuts, etc.), ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins, ½ cup pretzels, and ¼ cup teeny semi-sweet chocolate chips or mini M&Ms. This sweet/salty combo will keep you full and energized for your fun summer days!
Frozen Fruit Bites (50 calories for 25 grapes, 40 blueberries, or 25 strawberries)
Freeze fresh summer fruit in a plastic baggy, like strawberries, blueberries, or grapes for a refreshing snack that’ll cool ya off. Pop a couple in your water bottle to make for tasty sipping, too.
Easy “Homemade” Frozen Yogurt (About 100 cals)
Mix a cup of your favorite yogurt with ½ cup of fresh fruit (like strawberries, bananas, or blueberries). Then, place in a small bowl or cup and pop it in the freezer for a few hours. The protein will help keep ya full for a while.
Chocolate Graham Delights (50 calories for Cool Whip variety)
Take 2 chocolate graham cracker squares and fill the inside with Cool Whip or your fave mint chocolate chip frozen yogurt. Place in the freezer for an hour or two for a yummy frozen treat that chocolate-lovers won’t be able to resist!
Summer Trail Mix (About 150 caloriess for a handful)
Mix ¾ cup of your favorite healthy cereal (I like Honey Nut Cheerios or Fiber One) with ¼ cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, peanuts, etc.), ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins, ½ cup pretzels, and ¼ cup teeny semi-sweet chocolate chips or mini M&Ms. This sweet/salty combo will keep you full and energized for your fun summer days!
Frozen Fruit Bites (50 calories for 25 grapes, 40 blueberries, or 25 strawberries)
Freeze fresh summer fruit in a plastic baggy, like strawberries, blueberries, or grapes for a refreshing snack that’ll cool ya off. Pop a couple in your water bottle to make for tasty sipping, too.
Easy “Homemade” Frozen Yogurt (About 100 cals)
Mix a cup of your favorite yogurt with ½ cup of fresh fruit (like strawberries, bananas, or blueberries). Then, place in a small bowl or cup and pop it in the freezer for a few hours. The protein will help keep ya full for a while.
Fruit Kebobs
What You’ll Need:
*Wooden shish-kebob sticks
*Fruit possibilities: kiwi, pineapple, strawberries, navel oranges, red or green grapes, watermelon, melon, papaya
*2 limes
Note: Sometimes the grocery will sell fresh pineapples with the top, core, and skin removed. Buy one of these – you can see if it’s ripe and it’s a lot easier than cutting it yourself.
What You’ll Do:
1. The kebobs need to be made the day of the party so they don't deteriorate, allowing enough time to cut up the fruit. Wash and dry the fruit as needed. Cut into one-inch pieces. Make sure that fragile fruit such as kiwi and papaya are cut into thick enough pieces so they stay on the sticks.
2. Figure out a pattern for your sticks such as melon-grape-strawberry, repeat, etc. Put the fruit on the sticks in that order, leaving room on each end for handling. Cut the limes into wedges.
3. Lay the sticks on a round platter so the ends are around the edge of the circle. Place the lime wedges around the outside of the platter. Place a flower in the middle of the platter if you have one. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving time.
*Wooden shish-kebob sticks
*Fruit possibilities: kiwi, pineapple, strawberries, navel oranges, red or green grapes, watermelon, melon, papaya
*2 limes
Note: Sometimes the grocery will sell fresh pineapples with the top, core, and skin removed. Buy one of these – you can see if it’s ripe and it’s a lot easier than cutting it yourself.
What You’ll Do:
1. The kebobs need to be made the day of the party so they don't deteriorate, allowing enough time to cut up the fruit. Wash and dry the fruit as needed. Cut into one-inch pieces. Make sure that fragile fruit such as kiwi and papaya are cut into thick enough pieces so they stay on the sticks.
2. Figure out a pattern for your sticks such as melon-grape-strawberry, repeat, etc. Put the fruit on the sticks in that order, leaving room on each end for handling. Cut the limes into wedges.
3. Lay the sticks on a round platter so the ends are around the edge of the circle. Place the lime wedges around the outside of the platter. Place a flower in the middle of the platter if you have one. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving time.
Veg-Out Sub
Here’s a veggie alternative to the meat sub.
What You’ll Need: Serves 2-3
Sauce
*1 tablespoon each: mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, such as “Grey Poupon”
*1 (eight-inch long) baguette or a thin loaf of Italian bread, white or wheat
*1 ripe avocado
*1/4 lb. thinly sliced cheese; smoked mozzarella, provolone, pepper jack, or your favorite
*1 cup fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried
*1 small tomato, plum tomatoes work well
*1 small red onion
What You’ll Do:
1. Stir the sauce together in a small bowl and set aside. Using the bread knife, slice the baguette in half lengthwise.
2. Carefully cut open the avocado, using a paring knife. Scoop out the flesh with a spoon and spread, or mash, half the avocado on the bottom piece of bread. Lay the cheese slices on top of the avocado.
3. Lay the spinach leaves on top of the cheese. Using a serrated knife, slice the tomato into thin slices. Using a paring knife, slice the onion into thin circles, throwing out the ends. Lay the tomato and onion slices on the sandwich.
4. Spread the sauce onto the top layer of bread and press it down onto the sandwich. Wrap in butcher paper and refrigerate or place toothpicks every two inches and slice the sub, with the bread knife, into four pieces.
What You’ll Need: Serves 2-3
Sauce
*1 tablespoon each: mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, such as “Grey Poupon”
*1 (eight-inch long) baguette or a thin loaf of Italian bread, white or wheat
*1 ripe avocado
*1/4 lb. thinly sliced cheese; smoked mozzarella, provolone, pepper jack, or your favorite
*1 cup fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried
*1 small tomato, plum tomatoes work well
*1 small red onion
What You’ll Do:
1. Stir the sauce together in a small bowl and set aside. Using the bread knife, slice the baguette in half lengthwise.
2. Carefully cut open the avocado, using a paring knife. Scoop out the flesh with a spoon and spread, or mash, half the avocado on the bottom piece of bread. Lay the cheese slices on top of the avocado.
3. Lay the spinach leaves on top of the cheese. Using a serrated knife, slice the tomato into thin slices. Using a paring knife, slice the onion into thin circles, throwing out the ends. Lay the tomato and onion slices on the sandwich.
4. Spread the sauce onto the top layer of bread and press it down onto the sandwich. Wrap in butcher paper and refrigerate or place toothpicks every two inches and slice the sub, with the bread knife, into four pieces.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Easy Easter Egg Crafts
Having an Easter egg hunt? Giving a springy basket to your BFF? No matter how you're celebrating this holiday, awesome, decorated eggs are a must. How to get 'em? That simple dip 'n' dye is so last year! This Easter, add a li'l somethin' extra to your basket with these easy and fun egg crafts.
What You'll Need:
About 1 dozen hard boiled eggs - ask the 'rents for some help with this
since you can burn yourself if you aren't super careful.
1 box of bright crayons - neon hues work best
1 white wax crayon
1 Easter Egg Dying Kit like Pas or anything drug store brand.
2 or 3 household rubber bands
1 roll of lace or mesh ribbon
Any color glitter spread out in a bowl or plate.
White or clear glue
1 thin bristled paintbrush
Five Easy Egg Looks:
Pastel Picasso
When your eggs are still warm and fresh out of the pot, gently towel dry 'em. Then, use your wax crayon to draw original works of art. Because the egg heats up the crayon, you get a smooth color that looks like painting!
Shh...it's a Secret!
Use a white wax crayon to write anything you want across your Easter Egg. When you're finished, dip the egg into the dye of your choice. When the egg takes color, pull it out and towel it off gently with paper towels, making sure not to rub. Your secret message will appear in white against the rest of the egg's bright color.
Springtime Stripes
Secure a rubber band around your egg (careful - don't snap it or tie it around too many times or you might break the egg!). Place it in the dye. After you pull it out, gently towel dry it off and pull off the rubber bands. Voila! You've created clear stripes where the bands once were. Get different colored stripes by dipping your egg into another dye after the bands are off.
Fresh 'n' Fancy
Tie a piece of lace ribbon around your egg and secure the end with a rubber band. Dip your egg in your dye and wait a few minutes. Towel dry when you pull your egg out and carefully remove the lace. The imprint of the lace will create
Springy Sparklers
After your egg has been dyed the the color of your choice and dried, it's time to get sparklin'. Line up a stencil on your egg's shell, and using your paintbrush, paint over the designs with your white glue. Then roll the egg in a small plate of glitter, making sure to get all the the glue covered. Let your shiny shell dry.
What You'll Need:
About 1 dozen hard boiled eggs - ask the 'rents for some help with this
since you can burn yourself if you aren't super careful.
1 box of bright crayons - neon hues work best
1 white wax crayon
1 Easter Egg Dying Kit like Pas or anything drug store brand.
2 or 3 household rubber bands
1 roll of lace or mesh ribbon
Any color glitter spread out in a bowl or plate.
White or clear glue
1 thin bristled paintbrush
Five Easy Egg Looks:
Pastel Picasso
When your eggs are still warm and fresh out of the pot, gently towel dry 'em. Then, use your wax crayon to draw original works of art. Because the egg heats up the crayon, you get a smooth color that looks like painting!
Shh...it's a Secret!
Use a white wax crayon to write anything you want across your Easter Egg. When you're finished, dip the egg into the dye of your choice. When the egg takes color, pull it out and towel it off gently with paper towels, making sure not to rub. Your secret message will appear in white against the rest of the egg's bright color.
Springtime Stripes
Secure a rubber band around your egg (careful - don't snap it or tie it around too many times or you might break the egg!). Place it in the dye. After you pull it out, gently towel dry it off and pull off the rubber bands. Voila! You've created clear stripes where the bands once were. Get different colored stripes by dipping your egg into another dye after the bands are off.
Fresh 'n' Fancy
Tie a piece of lace ribbon around your egg and secure the end with a rubber band. Dip your egg in your dye and wait a few minutes. Towel dry when you pull your egg out and carefully remove the lace. The imprint of the lace will create
Springy Sparklers
After your egg has been dyed the the color of your choice and dried, it's time to get sparklin'. Line up a stencil on your egg's shell, and using your paintbrush, paint over the designs with your white glue. Then roll the egg in a small plate of glitter, making sure to get all the the glue covered. Let your shiny shell dry.
Fruity Jello
Got a crush who's not a chocoholic? Have a BFF who fancies fruit more than marshmallow brownies? Our Fruity Jello V-Day treats take a twist on the typical chocolate and candy goodies that cupid usually doles out.
What You'll Need:
3 envelopes Knox unflavored gelatin
1 cup cold, red fruit juice
2 1/2 cups of the same juice
1 12 cups fresh strawberries, sliced thin
1 heart shaped cookie cutter
What You'll Do:
1. Have a 9x13-inch baking pan ready.
2. In the saucepan, heat the 2 1/2 cups of juice until it starts to boil. Remove from heat.
3. Meanwhile, sprinkle the gelatin into the cup of cold juice and let sit a minute.
4. Carefully pour the hot juice into the large pan. Add the gelatin juice and stir in with a whisk until well mixed.
5. Add the fruit pieces and carefully place on a level spot in the refrigerator. Chill for at least two hours. Cut out heart shapes with a cookie cutter. If you like, top with whipped cream and a berry.
What You'll Need:
3 envelopes Knox unflavored gelatin
1 cup cold, red fruit juice
2 1/2 cups of the same juice
1 12 cups fresh strawberries, sliced thin
1 heart shaped cookie cutter
What You'll Do:
1. Have a 9x13-inch baking pan ready.
2. In the saucepan, heat the 2 1/2 cups of juice until it starts to boil. Remove from heat.
3. Meanwhile, sprinkle the gelatin into the cup of cold juice and let sit a minute.
4. Carefully pour the hot juice into the large pan. Add the gelatin juice and stir in with a whisk until well mixed.
5. Add the fruit pieces and carefully place on a level spot in the refrigerator. Chill for at least two hours. Cut out heart shapes with a cookie cutter. If you like, top with whipped cream and a berry.
Peek-A-Boo Jelly Valentines
Still searchin' for a sweet treat to show your valentine how much you heart them? Our Peek-A-Boo Jelly Valentines are sure to make everyone else's sweethearts totally jell-ous.
What You'll Need:
Batch of chilled sugar–cookie dough
Raspberry or strawberry jelly
Plastic wrap
Flour
Rolling Pin
Large heart cookie cutter
Greased cookie sheets
What You'll Do:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface, and cut out big hearts. On every other cookie, use the small cookie cutter to cut a little heart out of the big heart. You will need one big heart and one heart outline for every cookie. Roll the cut-out little hearts back into the dough, repeating the above until all the dough is used.
3. The outline will cook faster tan the solid hearts, so place them on separate cookie sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until each is cooked but not brown.
4. Allow the cookies to cool, then spread jelly on each big heart
5. Top the big heart with the cut-out heart
Sweet! You're all set to spread the love with your perfectly delish prezzies. Happy Valentine's Day!
What You'll Need:
Batch of chilled sugar–cookie dough
Raspberry or strawberry jelly
Plastic wrap
Flour
Rolling Pin
Large heart cookie cutter
Greased cookie sheets
What You'll Do:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface, and cut out big hearts. On every other cookie, use the small cookie cutter to cut a little heart out of the big heart. You will need one big heart and one heart outline for every cookie. Roll the cut-out little hearts back into the dough, repeating the above until all the dough is used.
3. The outline will cook faster tan the solid hearts, so place them on separate cookie sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until each is cooked but not brown.
4. Allow the cookies to cool, then spread jelly on each big heart
5. Top the big heart with the cut-out heart
Sweet! You're all set to spread the love with your perfectly delish prezzies. Happy Valentine's Day!
Corn and Cheese Quesadillas
Quesadillas, quesa meaning “cheese” in Spanish, are south-of-the-border grilled cheese sandwiches. Any cheese will do as long as it’s a good melting cheese and not a hard, aged cheese. You can add whatever fillings you like as long as you cook them first. Top your quesadilla with a spoonful of sour cream, salsa, or Pica de Gallo (see below).
What You’ll Need: Serves 1
1/2 cup frozen corn kernels, defrosted
1 green onion
1/2 cup grated cheese: jack or pepper-jack, Muenster, mild cheddar, smoked gouda, Chihuahua (a Mexican melting cheese)
2 corn tortillas or 1 flour tortilla
2 teaspoons oil
What You’ll Do:
1. Chop the green onion into thin circles, grate cheese, and set them next to the stove, along with the defrosted corn. (Frozen corn is already cooked.) Heat the oil over medium heat in the non-stick skillet. Tilt the skillet so the oil spreads evenly.
2. When the oil is hot, lay a tortilla or two, if they fit, in the skillet. Sprinkle cheese on one-half of the tortilla. Next, sprinkle the corn and green onions over the cheese. Fold the empty tortilla half over the other half, press down.
3. When the bottom of the tortilla has just started to brown, flip it over with a pancake turner to brown on the other side. Don’t let the tortilla get too brown or it will get hard – quesadillas should be flexible. Cut the quesadilla in half and serve.
Other ideas: Possible fillings are chopped, frozen spinach (defrosted with the water squeezed out), sautéed mushrooms and red onion, broccoli bits, diced sweet peppers or zucchini, shredded chicken or ham
Pica de Gallo
What You’ll Need: Serves 2-4
Also called salsa fria (cold sauce) or salsa fresca (fresh sauce), you may have had this chunky relish at a Mexican restaurant. Prepare this easy salsa no longer than an hour before you make the quesadillas. If you don’t want to fool around with hot peppers, add a few drops of hot sauce instead.
2 medium tomatoes
1/2 medium red or yellow onion
1/2 teaspoon, or more, of minced jalapeno pepper
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
2 teaspoons each: olive oil, lime juice
Dash of sugar, salt to taste
What You’ll Do:
1. Using a serrated knife, cut out the core and slice the tomatoes into quarter-inch slices. Cut each slice into a quarter-inch dice. Do the same to the onion. Put into a medium mixing bowl.
2. Using a chef’s knife, cut the hot pepper in half and mince. Chop the cilantro leaves. Add to the bowl along with the olive oil, lime juice, sugar, and salt. Winter tomatoes won’t have much flavor so you may need more salt. Stir and serve over the quesadillas.
What You’ll Need: Serves 1
1/2 cup frozen corn kernels, defrosted
1 green onion
1/2 cup grated cheese: jack or pepper-jack, Muenster, mild cheddar, smoked gouda, Chihuahua (a Mexican melting cheese)
2 corn tortillas or 1 flour tortilla
2 teaspoons oil
What You’ll Do:
1. Chop the green onion into thin circles, grate cheese, and set them next to the stove, along with the defrosted corn. (Frozen corn is already cooked.) Heat the oil over medium heat in the non-stick skillet. Tilt the skillet so the oil spreads evenly.
2. When the oil is hot, lay a tortilla or two, if they fit, in the skillet. Sprinkle cheese on one-half of the tortilla. Next, sprinkle the corn and green onions over the cheese. Fold the empty tortilla half over the other half, press down.
3. When the bottom of the tortilla has just started to brown, flip it over with a pancake turner to brown on the other side. Don’t let the tortilla get too brown or it will get hard – quesadillas should be flexible. Cut the quesadilla in half and serve.
Other ideas: Possible fillings are chopped, frozen spinach (defrosted with the water squeezed out), sautéed mushrooms and red onion, broccoli bits, diced sweet peppers or zucchini, shredded chicken or ham
Pica de Gallo
What You’ll Need: Serves 2-4
Also called salsa fria (cold sauce) or salsa fresca (fresh sauce), you may have had this chunky relish at a Mexican restaurant. Prepare this easy salsa no longer than an hour before you make the quesadillas. If you don’t want to fool around with hot peppers, add a few drops of hot sauce instead.
2 medium tomatoes
1/2 medium red or yellow onion
1/2 teaspoon, or more, of minced jalapeno pepper
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
2 teaspoons each: olive oil, lime juice
Dash of sugar, salt to taste
What You’ll Do:
1. Using a serrated knife, cut out the core and slice the tomatoes into quarter-inch slices. Cut each slice into a quarter-inch dice. Do the same to the onion. Put into a medium mixing bowl.
2. Using a chef’s knife, cut the hot pepper in half and mince. Chop the cilantro leaves. Add to the bowl along with the olive oil, lime juice, sugar, and salt. Winter tomatoes won’t have much flavor so you may need more salt. Stir and serve over the quesadillas.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
A Perfect Parfait
Searching for a revved up way to start your day? Hunting for a healthy after-school snack? GL's Granola Parfait is the perfect pick-me-up!
Serves 1
What You'll Need:
about 1/2 cup granola, homemade or store bought
about 3/4 cup vanilla or lemon yogurt
Fresh Fruit Possibilities:
(about 1/2 cup) sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, banana slices, grapes, chopped peaches or mango, chopped oranges or kiwi, chopped apples
Tools:
tall, clear glass or plastic glass
cutting board
paring knife
soup spoon
What You'll Do:
1. Find a tall, clear glass or plastic glass. (For breakfast on the run, use a disposable glass and plastic spoon). Using a soup spoon, put 3 spoonfuls of yogurt into the bottom of the glass. Sprinkle 2 spoonfuls of granola over the yogurt. Add 2 spoonfuls of fruit if you like.
2. Repeat; yogurt, granola, and fruit on top. Eat immediately before the granola gets soggy.
A Word about Yogurt: Look for plain or flavored yogurt containing these ingredients – milk, a culture, sweetener such as sugar, natural flavoring – not a long list of artificial ingredients. Also, some yogurt companies, such as “Dannon”, refuse to stop using milk containing rBGH, a growth hormone given to cows and hasn’t been proven safe for girls and women. If it doesn’t say, “BGH-Free” on the package, call the company and ask.
Serves 1
What You'll Need:
about 1/2 cup granola, homemade or store bought
about 3/4 cup vanilla or lemon yogurt
Fresh Fruit Possibilities:
(about 1/2 cup) sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, banana slices, grapes, chopped peaches or mango, chopped oranges or kiwi, chopped apples
Tools:
tall, clear glass or plastic glass
cutting board
paring knife
soup spoon
What You'll Do:
1. Find a tall, clear glass or plastic glass. (For breakfast on the run, use a disposable glass and plastic spoon). Using a soup spoon, put 3 spoonfuls of yogurt into the bottom of the glass. Sprinkle 2 spoonfuls of granola over the yogurt. Add 2 spoonfuls of fruit if you like.
2. Repeat; yogurt, granola, and fruit on top. Eat immediately before the granola gets soggy.
A Word about Yogurt: Look for plain or flavored yogurt containing these ingredients – milk, a culture, sweetener such as sugar, natural flavoring – not a long list of artificial ingredients. Also, some yogurt companies, such as “Dannon”, refuse to stop using milk containing rBGH, a growth hormone given to cows and hasn’t been proven safe for girls and women. If it doesn’t say, “BGH-Free” on the package, call the company and ask.
Pizza...with Pizzaz
You can always find a few hamburger buns in the freezer for this tasty insta-treat. How to make this snack super snazzy? Add some toppings to make it look like a smiley. Serve 'em up at your next soiree or sleepover.
What You'll Need:
2 hamburger buns (4 halves)
1/3 cup tomato or pizza sauce
4 slices salami/pepperoni
4 slices cheese (such as mozzarella or muenster)
dried oregano or basil
any other toppings – olives, avocado, pineapple, ham, etc.
What You'll Do:
1. Toast buns in toaster or toaster oven.
2. Spread sauce on each bun.
3. Put a slice of salami/pepperoni and then cheese on each bun.
4. Sprinkle some dried herbs on top of the cheese. (Add other toppings if you want!)
5. Place in the toaster oven or under the broiler on a foil-covered cookie sheet (watch carefully!) for a minute or so until the cheese is bubbly.
6. You could also microwave them, but they won’t be quite as crispy!
What You'll Need:
2 hamburger buns (4 halves)
1/3 cup tomato or pizza sauce
4 slices salami/pepperoni
4 slices cheese (such as mozzarella or muenster)
dried oregano or basil
any other toppings – olives, avocado, pineapple, ham, etc.
What You'll Do:
1. Toast buns in toaster or toaster oven.
2. Spread sauce on each bun.
3. Put a slice of salami/pepperoni and then cheese on each bun.
4. Sprinkle some dried herbs on top of the cheese. (Add other toppings if you want!)
5. Place in the toaster oven or under the broiler on a foil-covered cookie sheet (watch carefully!) for a minute or so until the cheese is bubbly.
6. You could also microwave them, but they won’t be quite as crispy!
Wholly Guacamole
What’s cool about this guacamole is that because of the salsa verde, it doesn’t darken (and look gross) after it’s been sitting out. We like to use “Frontera Salsa Verde” or “Desert Pepper Trading Company’s Salsa Del Rio”. Make as much as you want –for a crowd of six, you’ll need four avocados and one cup of salsa verde.
Avocados – Ripe or Black?
Avocados are tough. You bring home some rock hard avocados, wait patiently three or four days for them to ripen, cut ’em open, and uck! Black again. Avocados should be a beautiful shade of green inside without any black spots. It’s okay to buy your avocados hard – look for the “Haas” sticker on the avocado. (If the organic avocados aren’t too expensive, buy them because they’re usually better quality.) Let the avocados sit out on the kitchen counter just until the skin STARTS to get soft when you press it. Check the avocados everyday. Once they ripen, you can store them in the refrigerator for two or three days but not longer.
What You’ll Need: Serves 2
1 ripe avocado
1/4 cup salsa verde (green salsa)
Salt to taste
Optional:
1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
Garnish: 1 finely diced plum tomato
What You’ll Do:
1. Using a paring knife, carefully cut open the avocados. Scoop out the flesh with a spoon and put into a medium mixing bowl. Pour in the salsa, cilantro, and red onion if you’re using them.
2. Using a potato masher or a fork, mash the avocado into the rest of the ingredients until it’s blended but still a little chunky. Taste to see if it needs salt. Spoon into a serving bowl. Using a serrated knife, dice the tomato and sprinkle on top of the guacamole.
To Serve: Put the guac bowl on a platter of corn chips, blue corn tortilla chips, or carrot and celery sticks.
Note: Taste your brand of salsa before using to make sure that it doesn’t taste too hot. If the guacamole is too spicy, add a little lime or lemon juice.
Avocados – Ripe or Black?
Avocados are tough. You bring home some rock hard avocados, wait patiently three or four days for them to ripen, cut ’em open, and uck! Black again. Avocados should be a beautiful shade of green inside without any black spots. It’s okay to buy your avocados hard – look for the “Haas” sticker on the avocado. (If the organic avocados aren’t too expensive, buy them because they’re usually better quality.) Let the avocados sit out on the kitchen counter just until the skin STARTS to get soft when you press it. Check the avocados everyday. Once they ripen, you can store them in the refrigerator for two or three days but not longer.
What You’ll Need: Serves 2
1 ripe avocado
1/4 cup salsa verde (green salsa)
Salt to taste
Optional:
1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
Garnish: 1 finely diced plum tomato
What You’ll Do:
1. Using a paring knife, carefully cut open the avocados. Scoop out the flesh with a spoon and put into a medium mixing bowl. Pour in the salsa, cilantro, and red onion if you’re using them.
2. Using a potato masher or a fork, mash the avocado into the rest of the ingredients until it’s blended but still a little chunky. Taste to see if it needs salt. Spoon into a serving bowl. Using a serrated knife, dice the tomato and sprinkle on top of the guacamole.
To Serve: Put the guac bowl on a platter of corn chips, blue corn tortilla chips, or carrot and celery sticks.
Note: Taste your brand of salsa before using to make sure that it doesn’t taste too hot. If the guacamole is too spicy, add a little lime or lemon juice.
Super Fab Cereal Squares
Want a cooler way to eat you corn flakes? Add some peanut butter and chocolate to turn this early-morning fave into a to-die-for dessert
What You'll Need:
1 cup corn flakes
2 cups crispy rice
½ cup light corn syrup
¼ cup brown sugar
1 cup smooth peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
What You'll Do:
1. Pour the corn flakes into a medium-sized mixing bowl and smash them slightly with your hand.
2. Mix in the rice cereal and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, heat the corn syrup and sugar on medium heat until it boils.
4. Stir in the peanut butter and remove from heat.
5. Stir in the cereal, vanilla, and chocolate chips with a wooden spoon until just blended. (The chocolate chips will melt into the mixture.)
6. Pat into an eight or 9-inch baking pan.
7. Chill at least one hour before slicing into squares. (We got impatient and put the bars in the freezer for the first 20 minutes and then into the refrigerator so we could eat them sooner. Yum!)
Our tip? Add your fave fruit to make this dessert look a lil' gourmet.
*Note: Use only smooth peanut butter in a jar, such as Skippy. The peanut butter from the bulk bin at the health food store doesn’t work out too well. Also, we used stale corn flakes we wanted to get rid of, and the bars still turned out fine.
What You'll Need:
1 cup corn flakes
2 cups crispy rice
½ cup light corn syrup
¼ cup brown sugar
1 cup smooth peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
What You'll Do:
1. Pour the corn flakes into a medium-sized mixing bowl and smash them slightly with your hand.
2. Mix in the rice cereal and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, heat the corn syrup and sugar on medium heat until it boils.
4. Stir in the peanut butter and remove from heat.
5. Stir in the cereal, vanilla, and chocolate chips with a wooden spoon until just blended. (The chocolate chips will melt into the mixture.)
6. Pat into an eight or 9-inch baking pan.
7. Chill at least one hour before slicing into squares. (We got impatient and put the bars in the freezer for the first 20 minutes and then into the refrigerator so we could eat them sooner. Yum!)
Our tip? Add your fave fruit to make this dessert look a lil' gourmet.
*Note: Use only smooth peanut butter in a jar, such as Skippy. The peanut butter from the bulk bin at the health food store doesn’t work out too well. Also, we used stale corn flakes we wanted to get rid of, and the bars still turned out fine.
Punched Up Pasta
Take your typical pasta dish for a twist. This easy no-bake recipe will give you that boost of energy you need to make it through the final weeks of winter. Not a fan of zucchini? It’s okay, just leave out what you don’t like and the pasta will taste just as yummy!
What You'll Need:
1 lb. small seashell pasta
¼ cup diced red pepper
¼ cup shredded carrot
½ cup chopped broccoli
1 tomato, diced
¼ cup finely chopped red onion
¼ cup chopped zucchini
1 cup bottled creamy Italian dressing
1 tablespoons dried parsley
salt and pepper to taste
What You'll Do:
1. Cook the pasta as directed on the back of the package. Pour cooked pasta into a colander, rinse and cool.
2. Add remaining ingredients, mixing gently, so as not to tear the pasta.
3. Refrigerate at least one hour.
Our tip: To make your recipe a little gourmet, save some of the parsley till the end and sprinkle it on top with some grated parmesan cheese!
What You'll Need:
1 lb. small seashell pasta
¼ cup diced red pepper
¼ cup shredded carrot
½ cup chopped broccoli
1 tomato, diced
¼ cup finely chopped red onion
¼ cup chopped zucchini
1 cup bottled creamy Italian dressing
1 tablespoons dried parsley
salt and pepper to taste
What You'll Do:
1. Cook the pasta as directed on the back of the package. Pour cooked pasta into a colander, rinse and cool.
2. Add remaining ingredients, mixing gently, so as not to tear the pasta.
3. Refrigerate at least one hour.
Our tip: To make your recipe a little gourmet, save some of the parsley till the end and sprinkle it on top with some grated parmesan cheese!
Make-Your-Own-Nut-Butter
Ever wonder how peanut butter is made? Supermarket peanut butter usually contains peanuts, oil, salt, sugar and ingredients we can’t pronounce. Homemade nut butters have a fresh, nutty flavor and a crunchy texture. Some nuts, such as almonds, are too hard to grind up in a food processor. Try to find unsalted nuts so that you can control the salt. The nuts should be roasted, not “dry roasted.”
What You’ll Do:
1 cup unsalted, roasted nuts (peanuts, cashews, macadamia)
1 teaspoon - 2 tablespoons canola oil
Pinch of sugar
Salt to taste
What You’ll Need:
1. If you need to roast the nuts, do that first. Let them cool for 10 minutes or so before using. Put the nuts into the food processor. Grind until a paste starts to form. Using a spatula, scrape down the sides of the food processor bowl and grind again.
2. Add a little oil and pulse the processor a few times. Add the salt and sugar. Continue to add oil until the butter is the consistency (thickness) that you want. The butter should be creamy but it will have tiny bits of nuts, which give it a crunchy texture.
3. Taste to see if the butter needs more salt. Store in a jar or plastic container. For a thicker butter, store in the refrigerator.
Macadamia Butter: This is our favorite but macadamia nuts can be expensive. Check for sales or shop at discount markets such as “Trader Joe’s” or “Costco.” We found that since macadamia nuts contain more natural fat than other nuts, only a teaspoon of so of canola oil is needed. Also, we prefer to roast the macadamias a little longer until they’re browned (not a dark brown) because it gives the butter more flavor.
Roasting Nuts: If only unroasted nuts are available, it’s easy to roast them yourself. Preheat the oven to 400. Spread the nuts out on a large baking sheet. Bake for about 6-7 minutes; remove from oven. Stir the nuts so they’ll brown evenly. Bake for another 3-4 minutes just until they start to brown. (Don’t let them burn or your nut butter will have a burnt taste.) Remove from the oven and let cool on top of the stove.
What You’ll Do:
1 cup unsalted, roasted nuts (peanuts, cashews, macadamia)
1 teaspoon - 2 tablespoons canola oil
Pinch of sugar
Salt to taste
What You’ll Need:
1. If you need to roast the nuts, do that first. Let them cool for 10 minutes or so before using. Put the nuts into the food processor. Grind until a paste starts to form. Using a spatula, scrape down the sides of the food processor bowl and grind again.
2. Add a little oil and pulse the processor a few times. Add the salt and sugar. Continue to add oil until the butter is the consistency (thickness) that you want. The butter should be creamy but it will have tiny bits of nuts, which give it a crunchy texture.
3. Taste to see if the butter needs more salt. Store in a jar or plastic container. For a thicker butter, store in the refrigerator.
Macadamia Butter: This is our favorite but macadamia nuts can be expensive. Check for sales or shop at discount markets such as “Trader Joe’s” or “Costco.” We found that since macadamia nuts contain more natural fat than other nuts, only a teaspoon of so of canola oil is needed. Also, we prefer to roast the macadamias a little longer until they’re browned (not a dark brown) because it gives the butter more flavor.
Roasting Nuts: If only unroasted nuts are available, it’s easy to roast them yourself. Preheat the oven to 400. Spread the nuts out on a large baking sheet. Bake for about 6-7 minutes; remove from oven. Stir the nuts so they’ll brown evenly. Bake for another 3-4 minutes just until they start to brown. (Don’t let them burn or your nut butter will have a burnt taste.) Remove from the oven and let cool on top of the stove.
AM Bagels
Bagels are great – so portable. Keep sliced bagels in baggies in the freezer. The night before, take a bagel bag out of the freezer and throw it on the kitchen counter. Instead of the usual cream cheese and jam, have a spread or two made up in advance in your refrigerator.
Cream Cheese vs. Cream Cheese
All cream cheese tastes the same, right? Wrong. That’s like saying all bagels are created equal. Here’s where you need to shop around and read labels. Cream cheese should contain milk, cream, a possible cheese culture, a stabilizer or two, and that’s it. Our favorite brand is “Organic Valley”, made in Wisconsin from organic cow’s milk.
Maple Cream Cheese Spread
What You’ll Need:
4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese (Buy an 8-ounce package.)
2 tablespoons real maple syrup
1 tablespoon finely chopped walnuts (Buy a 2–ounce package.)
What You’ll Do:
Let the cream cheese sit on the kitchen counter for about 20 minutes to soften. Put all the ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Using a large spoon or wire whisk, beat the ingredients until well blended and smooth. (The whisk gets rid of the lumps.) Beat the whisk on the side of the bowl to loosen any clumps of cheese. Using a rubber spatula, scrap the bowl and put into a plastic container. Chill overnight or for a few hours.
Tools:
Medium mixing bowl
Measuring spoon
Mixing spoon or wire whisk
Rubber spatula
Plastic container
Red Spread
This spread is a little spicy. Use it as a bagel, sandwich, or tortilla spread. Try it as a veggie, cracker, or pita chip dip.
What You’ll Need:
1/4 lb. pepper jack cheese
4 ounces (a half package) reduced fat cream cheese
1/3 cup chopped bottled roasted red pepper (You’ll need to dice it.)
1 green onion
Salt to taste
What You’ll Do:
1. Cut the jack cheese into one-inch chunks and place in a food processor. Chop the red peppers and put into the measuring cup. Cut the green onions into one-inch pieces.
2. Process the jack cheese until it is ground into pea-sized pieces. Add the cream cheese, red peppers, green onion, and a dash of salt. Process until smooth. Scrape the sides with a rubber spatula and process again. Store the spread in a covered plastic container in the
refrigerator for up to seven days.
Cream Cheese vs. Cream Cheese
All cream cheese tastes the same, right? Wrong. That’s like saying all bagels are created equal. Here’s where you need to shop around and read labels. Cream cheese should contain milk, cream, a possible cheese culture, a stabilizer or two, and that’s it. Our favorite brand is “Organic Valley”, made in Wisconsin from organic cow’s milk.
Maple Cream Cheese Spread
What You’ll Need:
4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese (Buy an 8-ounce package.)
2 tablespoons real maple syrup
1 tablespoon finely chopped walnuts (Buy a 2–ounce package.)
What You’ll Do:
Let the cream cheese sit on the kitchen counter for about 20 minutes to soften. Put all the ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Using a large spoon or wire whisk, beat the ingredients until well blended and smooth. (The whisk gets rid of the lumps.) Beat the whisk on the side of the bowl to loosen any clumps of cheese. Using a rubber spatula, scrap the bowl and put into a plastic container. Chill overnight or for a few hours.
Tools:
Medium mixing bowl
Measuring spoon
Mixing spoon or wire whisk
Rubber spatula
Plastic container
Red Spread
This spread is a little spicy. Use it as a bagel, sandwich, or tortilla spread. Try it as a veggie, cracker, or pita chip dip.
What You’ll Need:
1/4 lb. pepper jack cheese
4 ounces (a half package) reduced fat cream cheese
1/3 cup chopped bottled roasted red pepper (You’ll need to dice it.)
1 green onion
Salt to taste
What You’ll Do:
1. Cut the jack cheese into one-inch chunks and place in a food processor. Chop the red peppers and put into the measuring cup. Cut the green onions into one-inch pieces.
2. Process the jack cheese until it is ground into pea-sized pieces. Add the cream cheese, red peppers, green onion, and a dash of salt. Process until smooth. Scrape the sides with a rubber spatula and process again. Store the spread in a covered plastic container in the
refrigerator for up to seven days.
Blender Chocolate Pudding
“Silken” tofu can be found at health food stores and some supermarkets in the unrefrigerated grocery section. It’s just what it says it is – silky tofu.
What You’ll Need:
1 package firm "silken" tofu* (we use “Mori-Nu”)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
A dash of cinnamon
1/4 cup real maple syrup
1/2 cup chocolate chips or barley-malt sweetened chocolate chips
What You’ll Do:
1. Carefully cut open the tofu package on one end with a scissors. Put the tofu, vanilla, and cinnamon in a blender.
2. Pour the maple syrup into a glass measuring cup until it measures 1/4 cup. Pour into a small saucepan with the chocolate chips. Heat over low heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to help the chocolate chips melt.
3. Using a rubber spatula, scrape the mixture into the blender. Put the lid on tightly and blend until smooth; stop the blender occasionally and scrape the insides of the blender with the spatula. Taste to see if it needs more maple syrup; some syrups are sweeter than others.
3. Pour into a covered plastic container and chill for 3-4 hours until very cold. If you're in a hurry, chill the pudding in small bowls or custard cups for about an hour.
To Serve: Eat plain or with toppings such as sliced bananas or strawberries, raspberries, whipped cream, sprinkles, crumbled "Oreo" type cookies, or whatever you want to try!
Other Ideas: If you want to get fancy, make a parfait in a tall, thin glass layering pudding/a topping, pudding/another topping; repeat the same order until the glass is full. By itself, the pudding will keep, covered, for about 4 days in the refrigerator.
What You’ll Need:
1 package firm "silken" tofu* (we use “Mori-Nu”)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
A dash of cinnamon
1/4 cup real maple syrup
1/2 cup chocolate chips or barley-malt sweetened chocolate chips
What You’ll Do:
1. Carefully cut open the tofu package on one end with a scissors. Put the tofu, vanilla, and cinnamon in a blender.
2. Pour the maple syrup into a glass measuring cup until it measures 1/4 cup. Pour into a small saucepan with the chocolate chips. Heat over low heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to help the chocolate chips melt.
3. Using a rubber spatula, scrape the mixture into the blender. Put the lid on tightly and blend until smooth; stop the blender occasionally and scrape the insides of the blender with the spatula. Taste to see if it needs more maple syrup; some syrups are sweeter than others.
3. Pour into a covered plastic container and chill for 3-4 hours until very cold. If you're in a hurry, chill the pudding in small bowls or custard cups for about an hour.
To Serve: Eat plain or with toppings such as sliced bananas or strawberries, raspberries, whipped cream, sprinkles, crumbled "Oreo" type cookies, or whatever you want to try!
Other Ideas: If you want to get fancy, make a parfait in a tall, thin glass layering pudding/a topping, pudding/another topping; repeat the same order until the glass is full. By itself, the pudding will keep, covered, for about 4 days in the refrigerator.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Fun Fluff Dip!
It's always a challenge to get the kids to eat fruit. Try dipping their after-school apples and bananas in this sweet fluff dip. It'll be their fave snack in no time, plus you'll score points with the parents!
What You'll Need:
4 ounces cream cheese
3/4 cup marshmallow fluff
What You'll Do:
1. Put cream cheese in a mixing bowl and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
2. With a fork, smash cream cheese and fluff together with a marshmallow until completely blended.
3. Serve with fresh fruit.
4. Refrigerate up to three days.
What You'll Need:
4 ounces cream cheese
3/4 cup marshmallow fluff
What You'll Do:
1. Put cream cheese in a mixing bowl and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
2. With a fork, smash cream cheese and fluff together with a marshmallow until completely blended.
3. Serve with fresh fruit.
4. Refrigerate up to three days.
Cute Pom-Pom Chicks
Old-school pom-pom crafts are fun to make and really adorable. Plus, they're super easy to make with the kids you're sitting for! We used a pom-pom maker to turn a wad of yellow yarn into a cute lil' chickie. They're a great way to remind the kids that spring is coming soon!
What You'll Need:
-Bucilla Doodle-Loom* (plaidonline.com)
-skein of medium-worsted yellow yarn
-yellow pipe cleaner
-felt scraps
-glue
-scissors
What You'll Do:
1. Following the directions on your pom-pom tool, make four medium pom-poms. Tie all four tightly together at their centers to form the body.
2. Make two small pom-poms, tying them together to form the head.
3. Cut a 5-inch section of the pipe cleaner, and bend in half. Push through the medium pom-pom to make legs. Cut two 1-inch lengths of pipe-cleaner, and bend around bottom of each leg to form feet.
4. Use craft glue to attach the slamm pom-pom to top of body.
5. Cut 1/4 -inch square of orange felt; glue to the front of the chicks' head for the beak. Cut teeny black circles from black felt, and glue just above the beak to make eyes. Peep-peep!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Vanilla Berry Parfaits
INGREDIENTS
2 (8 ounce) containers vanilla yogurt
1 (10 ounce) package frozen mixed berries
2 tablespoons crushed graham crackers
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
DIRECTIONS
Cover the bottoms of two small glasses with a layer of yogurt. Cover layer with berries. Repeat until both glasses are full, ending with a fruit layer. Sprinkle with graham crackers and nutmeg.
2 (8 ounce) containers vanilla yogurt
1 (10 ounce) package frozen mixed berries
2 tablespoons crushed graham crackers
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
DIRECTIONS
Cover the bottoms of two small glasses with a layer of yogurt. Cover layer with berries. Repeat until both glasses are full, ending with a fruit layer. Sprinkle with graham crackers and nutmeg.
Berry Cheesecake Parfaits
INGREDIENTS
1 (8 ounce) package PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups cold milk
1 (3.4 ounce) package JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
1 1/2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, divided
24 NILLA Wafers, coarsely chopped
1 1/2 cups mixed blueberries and sliced fresh strawberries
DIRECTIONS
Beat cream cheese with mixer until creamy. Gradually beat in milk. Add dry pudding mix; mix well. Whisk in 1 cup COOL WHIP.
Layer half each of wafers, berries and pudding mixture in 8 parfait glasses. Repeat layers.
Top with remaining COOL WHIP.
1 (8 ounce) package PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups cold milk
1 (3.4 ounce) package JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
1 1/2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, divided
24 NILLA Wafers, coarsely chopped
1 1/2 cups mixed blueberries and sliced fresh strawberries
DIRECTIONS
Beat cream cheese with mixer until creamy. Gradually beat in milk. Add dry pudding mix; mix well. Whisk in 1 cup COOL WHIP.
Layer half each of wafers, berries and pudding mixture in 8 parfait glasses. Repeat layers.
Top with remaining COOL WHIP.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Fruit 'n' Yogurt Yummy Smoothie
This easy smoothie recipe will quench your thirst and help you get your summer bikini bod. Best part about it? You can mix ‘n’ match different fruits to create the smoothie flavor that suits you best! It's a great bet for a healthy breakfast or an energizing after-school snack.
What You’ll Need:
1 frozen banana (Freeze it the night before)
6 frozen strawberries
2 scoops Dannon All Natural Vanilla Yogurt
2 scoops sherbet or sorbet (flavor of your choice)
½ cup Orange Juice
What You’ll Do:
1. Freeze the fruit you decide you want to put in your smoothie the night before
2. Add the ingredients into a blender
3. Blend the ingredients until there’s no clumps
4. You may have to add more juice depending on the thickness of the smoothie
5. Pour into glass and serve!
Fab Recycled Capri Sun Bags
Want to go green AND glam this Earth Day? These cool bags – custom-created from good ol' Capri Sun juice boxes – make recycling look rad. Use it as a beach bag, a sleepover duffel or an everyday tote!
What You'll Need:
-About 20 Capri Sun juice boxes
-Needle (make sure it's strong enough to go through the boxes, we found denim needles work best)
-Thread (choose your fave color!)
-Material for straps/lining (give your old jeans a second life or use a pretty patterned shirt that you don't wear anymore)
-Scotch tape
What You'll Do:
Make two rows of three bags with the Capri Sun label facing down (use more or less, depending on how big you want your tote to be!) and tape together. Sew the bags and remove tape. Repeat for the other side. Stack two Capri Sun containers vertically to make the side panel. Tape and sew. Repeat for the other side. Measure out the width of the large side and stack Capri Sun boxes vertically to fit. Two Capri Sun boxes should do the trick (overlap more if needed!). Tape and sew.
Lining: Cut lining material of your choice a little larger (about and inch on each side) to the proportions of the base, panels and sides. You should now have five separate pieces. Sew all the pieces together, on the opposite side of the fabric. Flip inside out. Tape the Capri Sun box base to the base of the liner and sew. Repeat with all four sides. Sew straps on the inside of the bag. Remove any remaining tape.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Hamburger Cookies
INGREDIENTS
4 drops green food coloring
1/2 teaspoon water
1/4 cup flaked coconut
48 vanilla wafers
24 chocolate covered thin mints
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
In a bowl, combine food coloring with a few drops of water. Add coconut and cover the container, shake until coconut is tinted. Set aside.
Place 1/2 of the vanilla wafers, flat side up, in an ungreased cookie sheet. Top each wafer with a peppermint patty. Place in the oven about 1 minute or just until chocolate begins to soften.
Remove cookies from oven and sprinkle each mint with 1/2 teaspoon coconut (for lettuce). Place another vanilla wafer on top and press gentle. With a clean paint brush, brush the top of each hamburger with just enough water to moisten so that the sesame seeds will stick when sprinkled on top of each cookie. NOTE: You can use canned chocolate frosting in place of peppermint patty, then eliminate the baking.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
April Fools' Day: Jokes on You!
Why do YOU love April Fools' Day? Is it because you can pull pranks on your closest girlies? Or do you like a good joke? Prankster or not, it’s your lucky day. GL’s got your guide to pullin’ off the funniest pranks this year.
ABCs
Gently pop off a few keys from a friend’s keyboard and rearrange a few of the letters in different positions. With so many letters, she’ll never notice and be totally confused. Happy typing!
Eek! Spiders
Get a small Styrofoam ball, and insert 4 black pipe cleaner legs on each side to make this an eight-legged creature. Remember to glue on plastic googly eyes and your set. You can place the spider on your friends or in their lockers and here them scream, “Eek!” This trick is harmless and oh-so cute!
Pick Me Up
Glue a quarter to the ground in a hallway at your school. (Make sure it’s still removable!) Stand close by and hysterically laugh at all the peeps attempting to pick it up. Nothing in life is for free! Tee hee.
Mousing Around
Wait till your BFF is away from her laptop or comp and stick a piece of electrical tape under the mouse’s sensor. Your friend will try with all of her might, but for some strange reason her mouse won’t move?! Hmm…wonder why?
Baffled Bfast
Grab the cereal boxes in your house and switch out the plastic bags of cereal and put them in each other’s boxes. When your fam gets ready for their morning meal, they’ll be doing double takes.
Swap Meet
Know the combo to your friend’s lockers? Get to school early and swap all their stuff with each other’s books, clothes, gym bags, whatever. When they open their locker, they’ll totally be confuzzled.
ABCs
Gently pop off a few keys from a friend’s keyboard and rearrange a few of the letters in different positions. With so many letters, she’ll never notice and be totally confused. Happy typing!
Eek! Spiders
Get a small Styrofoam ball, and insert 4 black pipe cleaner legs on each side to make this an eight-legged creature. Remember to glue on plastic googly eyes and your set. You can place the spider on your friends or in their lockers and here them scream, “Eek!” This trick is harmless and oh-so cute!
Pick Me Up
Glue a quarter to the ground in a hallway at your school. (Make sure it’s still removable!) Stand close by and hysterically laugh at all the peeps attempting to pick it up. Nothing in life is for free! Tee hee.
Mousing Around
Wait till your BFF is away from her laptop or comp and stick a piece of electrical tape under the mouse’s sensor. Your friend will try with all of her might, but for some strange reason her mouse won’t move?! Hmm…wonder why?
Baffled Bfast
Grab the cereal boxes in your house and switch out the plastic bags of cereal and put them in each other’s boxes. When your fam gets ready for their morning meal, they’ll be doing double takes.
Swap Meet
Know the combo to your friend’s lockers? Get to school early and swap all their stuff with each other’s books, clothes, gym bags, whatever. When they open their locker, they’ll totally be confuzzled.
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