Lemon Buddies

In my family, there are certain people who have veeeeeery particular tastes. My mom happens to be one of these people. If you even start saying the word "lemon", her ears instantly perk up and her mouth faucets turn on.... So, in honor of my cute mama I'm making these Lemon Buddies for her stay with us over Christmas!! I am so excited to give her one of my cute little bottles of love all for her very-own-self. Hooray for the wide world of Chex Mixes! haha!

LEMON BUDDIES
9 cups Rice Chex® cereal
1 1/4 cups white vanilla baking chips
1/4 cup butter or margarine
4 tsp grated lemon peel
2 T fresh lemon juice
2 cups powdered sugar

Tips
Vary this mix by stirring in chopped dried tropical fruits, coconut or macadamia nuts after coating the cereal mixture with powdered sugar.

Preparation Directions
Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside. In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chips, butter, lemon peel and juice uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag. Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; gently shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper or foil to cool. Store in airtight container.

I was thinking of putting something cute together like the little "Reindeer Chow" bottle below to hold these Lemon Buddies in. Cute, right?

Talk to you soon!

XOXO

Our First Nebraska Guests!

Yaaaay! It's the start of the Christmas Season and I couldn't be more excited for it to be here! I'm loving (LOOOOOVING) our new house here in Nebraska and can't wait to show you how cute and cozy it's going to look after we get the Christmas decor up. EEEEE!!! So excited!!

In addition to being able to pull out my "treasures" of the season, we also get a fun surprise for the actual holiday too.... MY FAMILY IS COMING FOR CHRISTMAS! Holy cow, we were so sad that we weren't able to go home this year since we just barely got here and my family decided they'd come out here instead! I just hope that the weather holds up long enough for them to get here.

So, since we get our first guests, my "stash-room" now needs to hurry up and become the Guest Room it's destined to be! haha! We've got a bed coming (no more air mattress, people!!) and I'm trying to decide exactly which bedding will look best with my beige walls and hardwood floors. I'm thinking reds or browns.... hmmm. Besides the bedding though, I'm so ready for them to get here. I've decided to go all out and make it kind of like a little B&B for them - complimentary gifts, mints, and everything!!

For the bedding, I'm trying to decide between all of these 3 - of course the stripey one will only be seasonal, but it sure looks cute! 

I love this whoooole ensemble. The color of the little table is the color of my hardwood floors too.

This one just makes me want to jump right in and snuggle in with a good cookbook. : ) It also totally screams the style of Susan Branch! (see below for her idea on how to make the room even cozier!)

This one here is the one that is the easiest to choose - I've already found where to buy it.... just not totally sold on it yet.

For my guest's enjoyment during their stay with us, I've also put together some fun "complimentary" items as well. 

 

Perfectly portioned "toiletries" for their convenience and for what they might have forgotten. (forget about that gold butterfly though - eesh!)

I just love the ideas inside of these baskets. Plus, who doesn't love unwrapping something ESPECIALLY for them!!?!

These toiletries are PERFECT! Mouthwash and all.

A "Fun" basket for their room - Including: a list of fun places for them to see while here. A few homemade snacks. A few good magazines or books/games. A cozy, snuggly blanket for those wintery days out here, and all wrapped up in a cute, festive bucket or something!

A fun little snack selection is ALWAYS  good thing. Of course, in my house, it would probably be cookies and fresh bread...mmmmm.

.... And of course we've GOT to have the mints for their pillows. Now I don't know about you all, but that 1 little Andes mint or whatever they typically give you is never enough... so I'm thinking this portion is MUUUUCH better!  : )

Of course you've got to have it all smelling scrumptious and welcoming for your guests when they arrive, so some delicious, pungent, spicy-smelling oranges are JUST the thing!

To sum this all up, here are some little idea lists if you're planning on doing something like this down the road for your guests. I found some of the things on there to be fabulous ideas!!!

Susan Branch does things the best - if you're one of us down-home-comfort kind of people <3

XOXOX

We made it... Just in time for the Holly-days!

Hey ya'll! It's definitely been a while, but my word we've been busy!!!! We made it here to Nebraska just in time for winter to settle in. We got to spend a good time with our families as well which was sooo needed, I can't even say.

Like I said though, we made it here just in time for Halloween and you KNOW this girl decorated - even amid our piles of boxes. I loved having all the huge spooky trees blowing leaves down our street. It's funny to watch the 2 squirrels romp around the yard and up and down the trees. Fabulous-Fall. <3

In honor of the upcoming Holidays, I've put together my list of Winter/Holiday ideas. These are things I'd like to do or just love the idea of... Let me know if you have any you think I might like to!! I'm so ready to get my craftiness on!

OUTFITS:

Snuggly Sweater, Rockin' Boots, and a cute Headband are a MUST!

Nothing says the Holidays to me as much as a red plaid, flannel shirt does. Love the asymmetrical buttons too.

You know you're going to need a warm, fuzzy robe for Christmas morning! I love the idea of a floor-length one - just like Grandmother used to wear.

CURB APPEAL, BABY!

I'm loving the length and uniqueness of this door decor.

With a couple of these on either side of the door, who wouldn't feel welcome stopping by to say "hi!"

CUTE AND FESTIVE:

How easy would this be to put together! Love the bell as the "O"

Cute and YUMMY little pedestal gift decorations. These colors are FABULOUS too!

Okay, what a great idea. I love the idea of lights within the glass lanterns, but have always had a tough time with seeing all that ugly green cord! Problem solved = fill that puppy up with festive ornaments! It would probably work great for Halloween too; filled with pumpkins and spider web.

Can we say WOW! I mean, this is the most gorgeous little "Hansel and Grettle-esque" gingerbread house I've ever seen!

This could go either way - as a decoration for yourself or even as a neighbor/friend gift! Cute with scrapbook paper and matching ribbon.

Love, love, love this idea! I've even seen this mounted in a cute picture frame with cream background behind it. Darling!

NEIGHBOR GIFTS:

I loved this cute idea to "dress up" the ol'paper plate for my neighbor treats this year. (The red one's my fave!)

Cute little felt mittens and a nice cardboard hat box make this so festive and that much more memorable for the receiver. Plus, how fun to make the mittens!!! :)

More to come I'm sure.... These Holidays are my favorite!

XOXO

Future Dream Office

Well, with the move coming up and the vision of a new house (oooo, I can't wait!!), I've been scoping out new home office ideas. I've basically been "style-less" up to this point so I'm DYING to jump on the design train and make something inspiring, peaceful and FABULOUS! Here are some of my ideas....

I love the room for inspiration of this one.

Sweet and professional.

I love the clean lines and open space of this one.

Oh my goodness, I L.O.V.E. this one. Craft Room / Office / Sewing Room. YES PLEASE!

This would be great and client friendly, should the need arise. Very clean space for sure.

I. NEED. THIS. Holy girliness personified. Plus, check out the view!

I love how clean, yet cozy this one is. No "stress-vibes" from this room!

Words can't begin to describe the fabulousness of this room. I'm loving the vintage feeling that awesome Retro Branch gives, from the background. Colors are amazing too.

This one would be great if kids are around. They could be playing in the big room, while you do what you need to here. Cozy and comfortable.

Huge. Fabulous. Organized... just to name a few things I love here. This was originally a sewing room....

What do you think are "must-haves" for a home office?

It's coming... Moving day!

Well, the day is coming.... Yes we're MOVING!

REF

I'm still trying to get my ahead around everything that we need to do before we leave, but yet, I'm leaving my beloved West Coast and moving inland... as in middle of the middle Nebraska! All I seem to hear people say when I tell them where, is "hope you like corn" (followed by a laugh or two). It wouldn't be so bad, but because it's a military move, we get about 1 mile and a half of red tape to take care of during the whole process! yay!(note the sarcasm) I guess we'll take it as it comes. Mr Hubby will be back from his assorted trainings in a month and then things will sure move fast! We have to report by the 12th of October! whew! Wish us luck!

Another crazy thing that's happened is I've changed jobs! Holy cow it still feels weird to say it out loud. I've been with job A for about 5 years and it literally has become my second half. However, job B popped up last year and the situation arrived that I had to make a decision.... I decided to stay with job A. WHAT?! ya, so I quit A and B jumped in with a fabulous proposition and the decision was made. Amazing! I can't even begin to tell ya'll what kind of things are in front of me for the next month transitioning from A - B, but honestly, I'm learning something new each day. About training someone to learn how to think and project, how to read job A's mind(a she, to be specific), and how to cover her butt by learning to email about everything! Then there's job B and learning where I fit into the puzzle that is a newly forming team of Entrepreneurial masterminds. It's crazy... that's about all I know myself at this point. We'll see how this plays out. Yipes!

Wish me luck!

It's all about the hair

Let me start by saying this.... I need an update. I've been working on this gradually since 2009 but I've now come to the most dramatic portion- MY HAIR. I need to tell you that this is  HUGE thing for me because my hair is completely who I am. I had a horrendous hair cut when I was younger that scarred me from ever having short hair EVER again, so my hair is and always will be long. It's hard to mix things up with long hair sometimes, unless you've got

BANGS.

There it is. That's what I've been contemplating for the last little bit. I found the CUTEST style ever the other day on A Beautiful Mess. I LOOOVE Elsie's hair!!! Her bangs are completely rocking my world. (okay, basically her entire style!!!! *sigh*) So now the decision remains.... can I pull the bangs off?

Exhibit A: This is me with straight hair (please excuse the funky pose - it's the best straight hair pic I've got handy). Notice the roundness of the face - I don't want the bangs to accentuate any of the chipmunkness that is my cheeks.

Exhibit B: My curly hair. I'm a tad worried that the bangs with my curls might look a bit...uh, ferocious... because of how short they'll be.

* OK - NOW FOR THE CUTENESS *

Below is Elsie.... Oh the foxiness is KILLING ME!!!

If the full bang thing just isn't right, than I think I'm gonna go for a cute side-swept thing...

What's the verdict? ANY feedback given would be appreciated.... Oh decisions, decisions.

XOXO

Genius Toddler Eat-Out Placemat

So I am in love with this idea and I don't even have kids yet! Gwen over at Gwenny Penny thought this brilliant little thing up after taking her little girl out and being grossed out by the typical restaurant tables out there. I'm loving those cute utensils too - I happen to be a fanatic about small eating-things (cups, plates, forks, etc)! 

Check out the whole tutorial HERE.

 

Yummy Summer Foods

After this last long weekend, I've decided that there's just something about Summer-Food. It's always so scrumptious and refreshing! I mean, you've got fresh sun-ripened tomatoes, sweet, juicy corn-on-the-cob dripping with butter(oh yes), along with sweet and plump strawberries and blueberries. The list goes on and on....There are so, so many delectables our summer month's bring. To be kind, I tried to slim the list down: here are my Top 5 Summer Must-Haves:

1) Fruit Produce Treats
There's just something about light snacky, finger foods. I love popping berries into my mouth as I work. (Guilt free!!) I love how refreshing the tastes of ripe peaches and strawberries are on a hot summer afternoon. I love the crisp, juicy POP! of cherry tomatoes as you eat them fresh from the garden. This Fruit Pizza is a classic and always a good thing when it comes to light summer treats.

Thank you SUNSHINE for this yummy picture and recipe!

Easy Fruit Pizza

1 package Sugar Cookie Mix
8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Enough bright, colorful fruit to cover your pizza. You can use fresh or frozen. Just thaw frozen fruit before you place on pizza. 

Crust: Preheat oven to 350.  Slightly grease the bottom of a pizza pan.  Prepare sugar cookie mix as directed and spread evenly on the bottom of pizza pan.  Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes or until slightly brown around outside of crust.  Cool completely.
 
Cream Cheese Layer: Beat cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar & vanilla until smooth & creamy. Spread on cooled cookie crust.
 
Fruit: Wash, dry & cut fruit as necessary. Arrange on top of cream cheese layer in a circle pattern, starting from the outside and going in.

2) Pasta Salad 

Oh pasta salad....How I love you so. I love sneaking into the fridge and stealing a forkful every few hours. I love finding little cubes of cheesy-love hiding behind a dressing soaked noodle. I love the light-heartiness you are so I can eat a little bit of you and not feel stuffed. I love the scrumptious mixture of flavors you can create: Italian and zesty, Creamy and savory, Crunchy and sweet... the list is endless. 

This recipe was one shared by my Mother In Law and is one of my absolute favorites. I don't get to make it very often because of how much a recipe makes(a freaking TON!) so when I do make it, it's a treat for sure.

Thank you to KRISTEN for this gorgeous pic!

Chicken Pasta Salad 

24oz Cooked Rotini
4 - 5 Cooked Chicken Breasts; chopped
1 lg can Pineapple Tidbits; drained
4 Green Onions; chopped
4 ribs Celery; chopped small
2 c Red Grapes; halved
4oz Salted Cashew Pieces (cashews are the best for this)
2 cans Water chestnuts; sliced/drained
DRESSING
2 c Mayonnaise
1 16oz bottle Kraft Coleslaw Dressing

Mix all ingredients except mayo and dressing, together. In a separate bowl, combine the mayo and dressing together - you can add some herbs here if you'd like(ie: tarragon, basil, etc) - and pour over the salad. Stir to combine well and chill until ready to serve; at least 1 hour.
*Serves 15-20!

 

3) Classic BBQ

When thinking of Summer-Food, my first thought was of BBQ's. I love picturing Daddy out on the deck or back patio, grilling up some burgers or some scrumptious ribs. I love the yummy grilled crust a juicy steak gets after cooking over charcoal for a while. I love the smokiness zucchini gets when skewered along with Kielbasa or pork and grilled to perfection. I love the crispy-tenderness a chicken breast gets after spending some time over the hot coals.

This San Pete Marinade is my very favorite for chicken and turkey - one of the birds we don't use very often for grilling. After a bite of this, you'll never use anything else!!!

Heaven!!! Thanks all you girls over at The Mother Huddle for this great pic!

San Pete Turkey Marinade

2 cups Sprite or 7up
1 cup cup Soy Sauce
1 cup oil
1 TBSP horseradish sauce
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
5 lbs  fresh turkey breast or fresh chicken breast

Combine first five ingredients in a large bowl (Use a clean 5 quart ice cream bucket.) Once you have the marinade mixed well add the meat and put a very tight fitting lid on it. Refrigerate over night. You can also use zip-lock bags. If you use zip lock bags you will probably need to divide the meat and marinade evenly between two gallon size bags. Refrigerate over night or at least 12 hours.  Pull the meat out and grill it on your barbecue until cooked through.YUM!

4) Homemade Ice Cream

This is the classic of all classic's. I remember 4th of July picnics, playing with my cousins and hearing the grind of the ice cream machine in the front yard - knowing you get a taste of that cold, creamy treat. That is the best memory I have of all my 4th of July celebrations. 

Growing up, my mom loved tangy strawberry ice cream and we 4 kids knew we'd get this treat at least a couple of times during the summer. As I've grown older, I've found that I love the creaminess without the zing! of the lemon my mom loved so much. This recipe is FANTASIC-LY creamy and perfect for a hot summer afternoon.

 

Thank you JulieVR for the Recipe and Picture....I'm drooling already!

The Very Best Strawberry Ice Cream

1 lb. ripe strawberries, hulled and halved
1/2 cup sugar or 1/3 cup honey
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 cups heavy (whipping) cream, 18% coffee cream or half & half

In a bowl, mash the strawberries, sugar and lemon juice with a potato masher (or squish them between your fingers, or whiz in the food processor); stir in the cream. Freeze in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s directions. If you want it firmer, transfer to a container or bowl and put in the freezer until firm. 

5)  Fruit Salad or Jell-O Salad

 Growing up in Utah, you know you can expect to see Jell-O salad at most every group luncheon or picnic. I love creamy orange Jell-O salad with mandarin oranges and orange sherbet. 

I also love fresh fruit salads! One of my favorite fruit salads is just fresh fruit-of-the-season, mixed with lemon, cheesecake, or vanilla pudding. IT'S TO DIE FOR!! My mom told me she's even had a fruit salad with the pudding and little Keebler Elf Cookies mixed in. Hello?!? Where has that been all my life!!? 

This Cherry Salad was served at a church dinner I went to a couple of years ago. My MIL's best friend made this and I honestly haven't stopped thinking about it since. The parent's were just out here at the first of May and my loooovely MIL was able to track this recipe down for me! I'm sooo happy to say that I'm storing it here so it's never lost again! XOXOX Mom!

Fluffy Cherry Salad

1 large can Cherry Pie Filling (fat size can)
1 large can Crushed Pineapple; drained
1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 cup Pecans or Walnuts; chopped
12oz Cool Whip; thawed

Mix all together and chill until ready to serve. THIS IS THE YUMMIEST. I PROMISE!