I ordered this project kit and stamp set from Stampin' Up mostly because I'm obsessed with clip boards and the little standing one that comes with this kit was just too cute to pass up. I thought I'd make a couple of their cards to display on the clip board but then I would use it to display lots of other things too - recipes, photos, etc. Well I started making the cards that came with the kit and I couldn't stop - since it's a kit most of it is done and you just assemble it all, a little bit of stamping is about the only thing left to do so it came together very quickly. I made a little video montage while I was assembling so you can see how easy it is to do - don't worry, I did it in time-lapse so you don't have to watch every second of me putting these together, I sped it all up for you but hopefully you get the sense of how quick and easy it is. And it was fun! Even though I will still use this little clipboard to display other things, I now have like 10 cute cards to use with it.
I can order the kit for you if you want, just let me know. I don't think the stamps and all the ink pads are totally necessary to buy if you already have some that would work with the cards - it would not be hard to change these using whatever stamped sayings or patterns you would like and personalize them to your own taste and style. I highly recommend getting the fine tip glue, there are lots of little bits to glue on that would be harder to do with a wider tip craft glue.
Monday, February 15, 2016
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Tuna Over Nice (Nicoise Salad)
This is a recipe I've been making for years and years - actually I don't know where the original recipe
is anymore, I just throw it together now and it's probably changed over time. I'm not sure why the name is "Tuna Over Nice" instead of Salad Niçoise because it seems the same to me but whatever, I didn't name it. And it's really good so you can even call it "salad with tuna and a bunch of other stuff" and people will still be impressed.
For 2 servings I use:
-1 pound Tuna steaks, fresh or frozen, grilled how you like. I don't like rare or seared but that seems to be the traditional way people like it.
-4 red potatoes or 6-8 baby potatoes, boiled and chopped in big pieces (or halved if you use baby potatoes)
-1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
-a big handful of steamed green beans (don't overcook, you want them a little crunchy), I leave them whole but you can chop into bite sized pieces.
-2-3 hard boiled eggs, halved/quartered/or chopped up
-1 Tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained
-lettuce (enough for 2 people. I like to use spring mix or spinach/arugula mix - once again, whatever you like or have on hand)
-the original recipe called for black olives but I don't use them
-olive oil, vinegar (whatever kind you have) or bottled vinaigrette
-salt and pepper
In a big bowl mix together olive oil and vinegar, salt and pepper to make a vinaigrette. I don't measure them out, just pour in some oil (I'm going to say maybe 1/3 cup, it can be whatever you want depending on how much dressing you like) and then some vinegar (maybe a tablespoon or more depending on how vinegary you want it) and whisk it together with a fork. Season with salt and pepper. Sometimes I just use bottled vinaigrette, or I'll add a spoonful of dijon mustard just to change it up. You just need an oil and vinegar type dressing of some sort.
So, put the dressing in the bowl first. On top of that add chopped up cooked potatoes, halved cherry tomatoes, and the steamed green beans. I let that set without mixing or stirring it while Dave grills the tuna. When the fish is done, add the lettuce on top of everything in the bowl and then gently toss. Divide onto 2 plates, top with capers and hard boiled eggs (it doesn't matter how you cut them up, usually I just chop them and sprinkle over the salad but it's pretty to have them halved or quartered and arranged around the outside of the tuna). Top with the grilled tuna.
It might seem like there are a lot of steps because of the way I rambled while writing this recipe, but it's easy - vinaigrette, boiled potatoes and eggs, steamed green beans, grilled tuna. It's not hard, please try this recipe!
PS: I don't steam the beans separately, when the potatoes are almost done boiling I throw the beans on top of them for the last couple of minutes and then drain the whole pot. Done, and one less pan.
is anymore, I just throw it together now and it's probably changed over time. I'm not sure why the name is "Tuna Over Nice" instead of Salad Niçoise because it seems the same to me but whatever, I didn't name it. And it's really good so you can even call it "salad with tuna and a bunch of other stuff" and people will still be impressed.
 |
| Dave took the picture for me, he didn't get the pretty tomatoes and beans in the shot but they're in there! |
For 2 servings I use:
-1 pound Tuna steaks, fresh or frozen, grilled how you like. I don't like rare or seared but that seems to be the traditional way people like it.
-4 red potatoes or 6-8 baby potatoes, boiled and chopped in big pieces (or halved if you use baby potatoes)
-1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
-a big handful of steamed green beans (don't overcook, you want them a little crunchy), I leave them whole but you can chop into bite sized pieces.
-2-3 hard boiled eggs, halved/quartered/or chopped up
-1 Tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained
-lettuce (enough for 2 people. I like to use spring mix or spinach/arugula mix - once again, whatever you like or have on hand)
-the original recipe called for black olives but I don't use them
-olive oil, vinegar (whatever kind you have) or bottled vinaigrette
-salt and pepper
In a big bowl mix together olive oil and vinegar, salt and pepper to make a vinaigrette. I don't measure them out, just pour in some oil (I'm going to say maybe 1/3 cup, it can be whatever you want depending on how much dressing you like) and then some vinegar (maybe a tablespoon or more depending on how vinegary you want it) and whisk it together with a fork. Season with salt and pepper. Sometimes I just use bottled vinaigrette, or I'll add a spoonful of dijon mustard just to change it up. You just need an oil and vinegar type dressing of some sort.
So, put the dressing in the bowl first. On top of that add chopped up cooked potatoes, halved cherry tomatoes, and the steamed green beans. I let that set without mixing or stirring it while Dave grills the tuna. When the fish is done, add the lettuce on top of everything in the bowl and then gently toss. Divide onto 2 plates, top with capers and hard boiled eggs (it doesn't matter how you cut them up, usually I just chop them and sprinkle over the salad but it's pretty to have them halved or quartered and arranged around the outside of the tuna). Top with the grilled tuna.
It might seem like there are a lot of steps because of the way I rambled while writing this recipe, but it's easy - vinaigrette, boiled potatoes and eggs, steamed green beans, grilled tuna. It's not hard, please try this recipe!
PS: I don't steam the beans separately, when the potatoes are almost done boiling I throw the beans on top of them for the last couple of minutes and then drain the whole pot. Done, and one less pan.
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Wine Label for Valentines Day
Super easy to do - download and print the free printable on cardstock (there are a few to choose from, I made other friends the one that says "Happy Valentine's Day - Now Drink!); cut the label out, brush glue evenly on the back and stick it over the existing wine label that is on the bottle. That's it!
Friday, February 12, 2016
Kids Craft: How To Make Cootie Catchers... starring Brooke and Sydney
This weeks cute kid craft is Brooke showing Sydney how to make a cootie catcher (basically that's a paper fortune teller).
For each cootie catcher you'll need:
- a square piece of paper 8.5" x 8.5"
-scissors
-markers, crayons, or colored pencils
Basic directions (in the video Brooke shows you easily how to make the folds, but I'll also type it out for you to follow along):
-you can decorate the backside of the paper or use patterned paper if you want.
Step 1: on the white/front side, fold all 4 corners in so they meet in the middle of the square (you now have a 6" square).
Step 2: turn the square over so the folds are facedown and once again fold all 4 corners in so they meet in the middle (the square is now 4.25")
Step 3: fold the square in half
Step 4: insert your thumbs and index fingers into the four flaps (2 on front, 2 on back) and push together until the cootie catcher shape is made.
Step 5: flatten it back out. In each of the outer four corners write a word - whatever you want. Brooke did dessert theme "cupcake, cheesecake, pie, donut". Sydney knows some letters but can't write very many words yet so she drew a picture in the 4 corners instead :)
Step 6: in the 8 triangle spaces next to each corner square write a number - any number you want. Brooke did 2, 3, 8, 12, 11, 23, 14, 7 on hers.
Step 7: In the large middle white 4.25" square write whatever category of fortune you are telling. Brooke did "your future job".
Step 8: draw a line down the remaining 4 triangles to create 8 smaller triangles. In these spaces write the answers to your fortune telling. Brooke wrote 8 future jobs you might have (nurse, principle, no job (think she means unemployed!), teacher, lawyer, engineer, farmer, and "famous").
Now fold it all back up. Have whoever's fortune you are telling pick one of the four words you first wrote (in this case: cupcake, cheesecake, pie, or donut). The person chooses and you count out however many letters are in the word - for instance if you pick "cupcake" that is 7 letters, open and close the cootie catcher (fingers spread apart one way and that's one letter, close fingers together then open away from you for the next letter - does that make sense? Watch the video for better example) 7 times.
After opening and closing 7 times have them pick one of the 4 numbers that are visible (in this case I was left with 2, 7, 11, 12), and then open and close the catcher that many times. I pick the number 11 so open and close 11 times.
I'm now left with the numbers 3, 8, 23, and 14 showing. Pick a number (I'll say 23) and open that triangle to reveal what job you will have in the future (under 23 is a nurse).
You can tell whatever fortune you want - the answers under the flaps could also be "yes", "no", "maybe" "we'll see" "doubt it", etc. if the fortune category is more of a question ("will I become a movie star" or "will I have a cute boyfriend"...whatever!). You could make it so instead of fortunes they have to act out whatever is under the flap ("do 10 jumping jacks" "stand on your head"), or truth or dare...use your imagination!
I know this seems like a lot of instructions but these are quite easy to make. I just took lots of pictures to try to help explain in case you have questions.
For each cootie catcher you'll need:
- a square piece of paper 8.5" x 8.5"
-scissors
-markers, crayons, or colored pencils
Basic directions (in the video Brooke shows you easily how to make the folds, but I'll also type it out for you to follow along):
-you can decorate the backside of the paper or use patterned paper if you want.
Step 1: on the white/front side, fold all 4 corners in so they meet in the middle of the square (you now have a 6" square).
Step 2: turn the square over so the folds are facedown and once again fold all 4 corners in so they meet in the middle (the square is now 4.25")
Step 3: fold the square in half
Step 4: insert your thumbs and index fingers into the four flaps (2 on front, 2 on back) and push together until the cootie catcher shape is made.
 |
| step 5. write a word or draw a picture in the outer corners I have marked with 1, 2, 3, 4 |
Step 6: in the 8 triangle spaces next to each corner square write a number - any number you want. Brooke did 2, 3, 8, 12, 11, 23, 14, 7 on hers.
Step 7: In the large middle white 4.25" square write whatever category of fortune you are telling. Brooke did "your future job".
Step 8: draw a line down the remaining 4 triangles to create 8 smaller triangles. In these spaces write the answers to your fortune telling. Brooke wrote 8 future jobs you might have (nurse, principle, no job (think she means unemployed!), teacher, lawyer, engineer, farmer, and "famous").
 |
| Brookes completed cootie catcher unfolded |
After opening and closing 7 times have them pick one of the 4 numbers that are visible (in this case I was left with 2, 7, 11, 12), and then open and close the catcher that many times. I pick the number 11 so open and close 11 times.
I'm now left with the numbers 3, 8, 23, and 14 showing. Pick a number (I'll say 23) and open that triangle to reveal what job you will have in the future (under 23 is a nurse).
You can tell whatever fortune you want - the answers under the flaps could also be "yes", "no", "maybe" "we'll see" "doubt it", etc. if the fortune category is more of a question ("will I become a movie star" or "will I have a cute boyfriend"...whatever!). You could make it so instead of fortunes they have to act out whatever is under the flap ("do 10 jumping jacks" "stand on your head"), or truth or dare...use your imagination!
I know this seems like a lot of instructions but these are quite easy to make. I just took lots of pictures to try to help explain in case you have questions.
 |
Steps 6-8. Follow this template to fill in the cootie catcher.
Step 6: follow numbers 5 thru 12
Step 7 is shown by the number 13
step 8: draw a line down the triangles shown and follow numbers 14 thru 21
|
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Valentine Nail Art
I was sitting at my craft table playing around and decided to give myself a very quick little nail art for Valentines day. I haven't done any since my google eyes at Halloween and this is even easier than that was - it took me maybe 30 seconds. I'm not into elaborate designs and certainly am not talented enough to paint much on my nails so I stopped after 2 little hearts. Not going crazy with it :).It's simple - I painted my nails pink a couple days ago; start with yours painted any color you feel like. Then dip the tip of a small brush in a coordinating color (or two - I did one red heart, one white), make two dots next to each other and then drag the brush tip down from the dots to make the point of the heart bottom. I only did it on my left ring finger, but try it wherever you want for a quick easy last minute Valentine idea!
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Individual Layered Jello for Valentines Day
I'm not a huge Jello lover, but this is so pretty and has cool whip mixed into some of the layers so that makes it mo' betta for sure! This is very easy to make, the downside is it's a little time consuming because you have to wait for each layer to set up - for me that was about an hour in between. I only wanted to make 2 glasses (I don't have room in my fridge for a lot of these glasses), so with a little math I figured out how to divide 2 big packages (.6 oz each) of strawberry jello into 5 layers. If you want to do more servings just double these amounts for every 2 more you want to make.
First layer: put 2 teaspoons of jello in a measuring cup and added 1/2 cup hot water, stir until dissolved and then add 1/2 cup cold water. Pour into 2 clear glasses, chill until set.
Second layer: put 2 teaspoons of jello in a measuring cup and add 1/2 cup hot water, stir until dissolved and then add 1/2 cup cold water. Stir in 1/2 cup cool whip until completely blended. Pour on top of first layer, chill until set.
Third layer: I only used 1 teaspoon of jello and 1/4 cup hot water, stir until dissolved and then add 1/4 cup cold water. Pour over second layer, chill until set.
Fourth layer: use 1 teaspoon of jello and 1/4 cup hot water, stir until dissolved and add 1/4 cup cold water. Stir in 1/4 cup cool whip until completely blended, pour on top of third layer, chill until set.
Top layer: use remaining 2 teaspoons of jello and repeat directions for first layer. Chill until set.
To serve, top with a dollop of cool whip and a strawberry.
*obviously you can use any flavor you want!
 |
| this picture is a little deceiving, the top layer is the same depth as the bottom layer. |
First layer: put 2 teaspoons of jello in a measuring cup and added 1/2 cup hot water, stir until dissolved and then add 1/2 cup cold water. Pour into 2 clear glasses, chill until set.
Second layer: put 2 teaspoons of jello in a measuring cup and add 1/2 cup hot water, stir until dissolved and then add 1/2 cup cold water. Stir in 1/2 cup cool whip until completely blended. Pour on top of first layer, chill until set.
Third layer: I only used 1 teaspoon of jello and 1/4 cup hot water, stir until dissolved and then add 1/4 cup cold water. Pour over second layer, chill until set.
Fourth layer: use 1 teaspoon of jello and 1/4 cup hot water, stir until dissolved and add 1/4 cup cold water. Stir in 1/4 cup cool whip until completely blended, pour on top of third layer, chill until set.
Top layer: use remaining 2 teaspoons of jello and repeat directions for first layer. Chill until set.
To serve, top with a dollop of cool whip and a strawberry.
*obviously you can use any flavor you want!
 |
| the cool whip layers sort of separate and make their own layers, so it gives the illusion of even more layers than you made! |
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
"Bee Mine" Honey Bear
Here is a Valentine craft idea that is super cute, simple, and easy. I like to buy honey in the cute little bear dispenser and usually keep them after I've finished the honey cuz they're too cute to throw out - I just finished one the other day and since it's close to Valentines Day I knew immediately what I could do with him...fill with chocolate hugs and kisses of course.
Remove the labels from the bear container by soaking in hot water and then using Goo Gone to remove the residue, then fill with candy of your choice - I used Valentine colored hugs and kisses, pink and red m&m's would work too (or conversation hearts, any kind of Valentine candy that will fit in the top). I searched to see other people's ideas and found this free "bee mine" template (she just put it on a bear still filled with honey - that would be even easier than filling with chocolate!) so I printed it out, hole punched it and tied it on with pretty Valentine ribbon I have in my stash - if you don't have actual Valentine ribbon then just use red, white, pink, silver...whatever!
I've probably said "cute" too many times in this post but seriously - how cute is this?
I've probably said "cute" too many times in this post but seriously - how cute is this?
Monday, February 8, 2016
Valentine Slider Box
I made a video to show you how to make this cute slider box filled with wrapped mini chocolate bars for Valentines day - I was having a hard time demonstrating in pictures so hopefully doing it on video makes sense to you and is easy to follow along this way!
There is a base to hold the chocolates and a wrap sleeve that the base slides into, then you wrap the chocolates with strips of paper that have letters on them to spell out whatever word you want. I'm making these to put on everyone's place setting at our "Palentine" dinner party on Valentines day - a nice little gift for them to take home. This is definitely a craft kids can do, no hot glue and just a bit of cutting. It's mostly folding and sticking the pieces together once they are cut out.
Supplies for each slider box:
-3.5" x 10.5" cardstock for the base (I used white)
-4.5" x 9" cardstock for the top (I used patterned)
-ruler
-tape or adhesive
-scorer (optional)
-pencil
-scissors
-9 1"x3" strips of paper with a letter printed on each one (computer or handwritten)
-9 Hershey's Nugget chocolate bars
-Optional: things to decorate the slider box after it's completed - scrap cardstock, ribbons, etc.
Watch the video for instructions on how to make this slider box - you could also customize it for any occasion - the one I made holds 9 mini chocolate bars, if you want this as a thank you or birthday gift I would either shorten the box a bit or wrap the extra chocolate in a label that is plain, or maybe put a picture/symbol/sticker on it. That'd be cute!
Note: Oops, I mistakenly bought Hersheys miniatures instead of Nuggets at first...and they don't fit in this size slider box - use Nuggets for this project to work. If you want to make it using different sized candy you will need to adjust the dimensions of the slider box. Just a warning - I don't want you to be surprised if you get miniatures thinking they are the right size!
2026 UPDATE: I don't know what happened to the video but this post is pointless without instructions hahaha. Click here for the link to the video on youtube. I also did another post with some photos that you can see here.
Supplies for each slider box:
-3.5" x 10.5" cardstock for the base (I used white)
-4.5" x 9" cardstock for the top (I used patterned)
-ruler
-tape or adhesive
-scorer (optional)
-pencil
-scissors
-9 1"x3" strips of paper with a letter printed on each one (computer or handwritten)
-9 Hershey's Nugget chocolate bars
-Optional: things to decorate the slider box after it's completed - scrap cardstock, ribbons, etc.
Watch the video for instructions on how to make this slider box - you could also customize it for any occasion - the one I made holds 9 mini chocolate bars, if you want this as a thank you or birthday gift I would either shorten the box a bit or wrap the extra chocolate in a label that is plain, or maybe put a picture/symbol/sticker on it. That'd be cute!
Note: Oops, I mistakenly bought Hersheys miniatures instead of Nuggets at first...and they don't fit in this size slider box - use Nuggets for this project to work. If you want to make it using different sized candy you will need to adjust the dimensions of the slider box. Just a warning - I don't want you to be surprised if you get miniatures thinking they are the right size!
2026 UPDATE: I don't know what happened to the video but this post is pointless without instructions hahaha. Click here for the link to the video on youtube. I also did another post with some photos that you can see here.
Sunday, February 7, 2016
"Pal-entine" Dinner Menu
I'm starting to plan for Valentines Day and wanted to share our new tradition with you. It's a fun idea if you aren't doing the whole romantic couple dinner thing - have friends over and make it a "Pal-entines" day party instead! Last year was the first time we did this and it was fun, I found the pictures so I'm able to show you our menu:
I made my standard meatloaf recipe and using a large cookie cutter shaped the meat mixture into individual heart shaped portions, bake at 350' until cooked thru.
The potato galette is so good, and pretty easy to make. A galette is sort of like a flatter potato gratin.
Galette:
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, rosemary, and garlic and saute for 2 minutes. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and add the oil mixture and the heavy cream, tossing gently to mix. Add the goat cheese and toss again. Generously season with salt and pepper. Transfer the potato mixture to a shallow 1 1/2 quart, 9- or 10-inch baking dish. Bake until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown, 40 to 45 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serves 6
I don't know what this years dinner will be yet, I'm looking for menu ideas that I can make heart shaped of course!
In case you can't open the recipe for my meatloaf, here it is :)
- Heart shaped individual meatloaf
- Heart shaped potato and goat cheese galette (went a little crazy with the heart shaped theme)
- Roasted asparagus
- Janis's famous bread pudding (I don't have her recipe or a picture, but it's pretty and delicious!)
Galette:
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, sliced thinly
- 1 T. fresh rosemary leaves
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 6 medium red potatoes, peeled and very thinly sliced (1/8")
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces mild goat cheese, such as chèvre
- kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, rosemary, and garlic and saute for 2 minutes. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and add the oil mixture and the heavy cream, tossing gently to mix. Add the goat cheese and toss again. Generously season with salt and pepper. Transfer the potato mixture to a shallow 1 1/2 quart, 9- or 10-inch baking dish. Bake until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown, 40 to 45 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serves 6
I don't know what this years dinner will be yet, I'm looking for menu ideas that I can make heart shaped of course!
In case you can't open the recipe for my meatloaf, here it is :)
1 pound each lean ground beef, ground pork, and ground lamb
2 eggs
1 ½ cups bread crumbs, (crumbled bread, oatmeal, or smashed saltines also work)
Chili sauce (homemade or store bought)
salt and pepper
ketchup (optional)
Mix the eggs, bread crumbs, ½ jar chili sauce, s and p together in a large bowl - if it seems dry I’ll add a splash of milk. Then add the ground meat and mix well. Divide into 2 equal portions, place each portion in a 9” cake pan and shape into a circle leaving a 1” space between mixture and side of pan for grease to collect in (you can use loaf pan, but I always make it in a round cake pan). Mix the remaining ½ jar chili sauce with some ketchup and spoon over each meatloaf. Cover with aluminum foil and bake 350’ for one hour or until done - remove the cover during the last few minutes.
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Nana's Pralines
For Christmas she sent over some homemade pralines. I thought pralines were sort of like turtles and didn't think I liked them so when Dave gave them to me (he is allergic) I was thankful for the gift of course but not terribly excited. Then I tried one - O.M.G. Seriously I can't think of another thing to say about them - except I LOVED THEM. So of course I begged her for the recipe and she was nice enough to share it with me. I kind of forgot about them after that but today I was going thru my baking supplies to see what I could make without having to go to the store and found some pecan chips - I remembered her recipe and decided to give it a try. This is where the whole "I hate her" thing comes in - I just made a batch and they are SO good that I am really struggling with not eating more of them. Or more accurately with not eating all of them. I hate her for exposing me to this new favorite candy, for giving me the recipe, and for contributing to my diet downfall. Make these at your own risk people.
Nana's Pralines
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup milk
Place in a saucepan over medium high heat, bring to a soft boil stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until it reaches soft-ball stage on a candy thermometer (240 degrees). Remove from heat and add:
4 Tablespoons butter
1 cup pecans (break in large pieces)
1 Tablespoon vanilla.
Stir with a wooden spoon for a couple minutes until it begins to lighten in color and gets thicker, but not too thick (that's the tricky part). Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper to cool and set up.
A couple notes: I used pecan chips instead of breaking up whole pecans which changes the texture a little bit of course. I don't have any of the original amazing sample left to compare these to but I remember hers were more of the boiled sugar mixture spread out in circles with big pieces of pecans, mine are thicker and more like cookies almost - they are similar in texture to no bake cookies - because the nuts and sugar are not separated as much. Might be that I didn't boil them or stir them enough (or too much) but even though they aren't exactly like hers they are still SO good. So so good. Mmmmm......I hope you'll try these and then you'll hate her too :)PS: Just to be clear - I don't hate my neighbor. I love her! And I love these pralines.
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