Archive for July, 2012

Glad Mom Made

Tuesday, July 31st, 2012

These last few weeks of summer and the beginning of the school year can be a true challenge for moms. This month  I am excited to be partnering with Glad to showcase some great strategies for moms to help keep kids entertained and get your school year off to a great start.

If you read magazines like Taste of Home or Family Circle, you may have spotted a familiar face tucked within the pages of your magazine. I had the opportunity to work with Glad on a fresh initiative arming moms with ideas to keep the kids entertained during the summer months, lunchbox inspiration to breathe life into tired lunches,  and great printables to help you get organized for the back-to-school season.

If you would like to see some of my fun ideas including my favorite bubble recipe, homemade play dough, homemade sidewalk chalk, easy lunchbox noodles, and snag some great free printables to add a little sparkle to your child’s lunchbox, be sure to join Glad’s Facebook Community and click on Glad’s Mom Made tab for tips and tricks to manage the back-to-school madness.  That is just the tip of the iceberg though! Head over to Glad to get the full scoop on all of these fantastic ideas to get your school year started out right.

It thrills me to no end to get to share my ideas with Glad and I can’t wait for you to see what I was hard at work on this summer! Hurry over today for monthly inspiration created by some really fabulous mom bloggers.

 

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An Apron Full of Giveaways: 3 Copies of iPhone Photography Visual Guide Book

Tuesday, July 31st, 2012

Suburban 50s, $28

Welcome to our Apron Full of Giveaways! I hope everyone is having a great week this week! As we do each week, here is our round-up of giveaways for our readers. We hope that this is beneficial to you and your family! Please let us know if you guys win anything- I love to hear the success stories!

Below are the contest links-if you are hosting a contest please link it up below. Sorry, we aren’t giving away the aprons just showcasing them! Please put your site name and then what type of contest you are hosting. For example, “MomAdvice (Kid’s Movies).”

This week I am also hosting my own giveaway. I am giving three copies of the, “iPhone Photography Visual Guide Book,” by Alli Worthington away to three lucky readers on our site.

This book is the book that I wished that I would have had when I first purchased my iPhone and started taking pictures. Since I got my phone, I have become obsessed with using my iPhone camera and apps to create beautiful images that I can share through Instagram (user id: momadvice) as our family is on-the-go and living our life.  This book shares everything you need to know to take beautiful images and what apps will give you the right look and feel to each of your photos. I read it cover to cover and learned so much and I can’t wait for you to do the same!

After reading this book you will know how to:

  • Take amazing photos with your iPhone
  • Easily edit photos on the go
  • Post photos to your WordPress blog directly from your phone
  • Back up your photos so you never lose them
  • Turn your images into stories
  • Create photo collages from your iPhone
  • Make your images pinnable
  • Turn videos into pinnable graphics
  • Easily create visual content for your brand
  • Turn iPhone photos into gifts for family and friends
  • Use your iPhone to get organized
  • Make money from your visual content

To enter simply leave a comment and tell me why you need this book!  Three winners chosen at random, will receive a copy of, “iPhone Photography Visual Guide Book.” Please submit your entries by Tuesday (08/07) at 8PM EST.  Our winners will be drawn at random. Good luck, everyone!

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Baked Shrimp Scampi

Monday, July 30th, 2012

Sometimes an episode of a great cooking show will get stuck in my head and never let me go. It is often the case with the infamous Barefoot Contessa. Let’s face it, there is very little from that show that would not make me happy. Fancy food, fancy friends, a florist pal who brings the perfectly arranged flowers to every meal, the husband who jets off in his convertible to pick up the perfect wine or cheese to compliment all of my suppers. It all sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? It is one of those episodes that I could not escape from and decided to finally recreate the perfect shrimp scampi.

I have started a tradition of making a fancy Sunday supper each week for our family. I love Sunday afternoons spent in the kitchen while my husband keeps the kids entertained. I have been trying to challenge myself to make those dishes that I have always wanted to try and allowing myself the chance to truly enjoy the cooking process, instead of simply rushing to get everyone fed.

This Shrimp Scampi is sinfully delicious. Jumbo shrimp are coated in a topping created from fresh herbs, crunchy panko, a tiny bit of heat from red pepper flake,  and an unbelievable amount of butter. The results yield a perfectly rich shrimp that is the perfect topper to a pile of linguine and a loaf of bread to mop up all the deliciously buttery sauce.

Shrimp Scampi

 

Baked Shrimp Scampi
Recipe Type: Main
Author: Barefoot Contessa
Prep time: 30 mins
Cook time: 13 mins
Total time: 43 mins
Serves: 6
Delicious shrimp are coated in a butter coating of panko, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon and spice. These are the perfect topper to your favorite pasta!
Ingredients
  • 2 pounds (12 to 15 per pound) shrimp in the shell
  • 3 tablespoons good olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons dry white wine
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 4 teaspoons minced garlic (4 cloves)
  • 1/4 cup minced shallots
  • 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 extra-large egg yolk
  • 2/3 cup panko (Japanese dried bread flakes)
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. Peel, devein, and butterfly the shrimp, leaving the tails on.
  3. Place the shrimp in a mixing bowl and toss gently with the olive oil, wine, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Allow to sit at room temperature while you make the butter and garlic mixture.
  4. In a small bowl, mash the softened butter with the garlic, shallots, parsley, rosemary, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, egg yolk, panko, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper until combined.
  5. Starting from the outer edge of a 14-inch oval gratin dish, arrange the shrimp in a single layer cut side down with the tails curling up and towards the center of the dish.
  6. Pour the remaining marinade over the shrimp. Spread the butter mixture evenly over the shrimp. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until hot and bubbly.
  7. If you like the top browned, place under a broiler for 1 minute.
  8. Serve with lemon wedges.


Looking for other recipes to enjoy with shrimp? Try Shrimp Pasta with Oven Dried Tomatoes, Easy Grilled Shrimp Kabobs, or Roasted Shrimp with Rosemary & Thyme for three other great ideas!

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Fun Ways to Celebrate the Olympics

Tuesday, July 24th, 2012

Are you as excited as I am for the Olympic games to start?

In our family, the Olympics is something to watch and celebrate together through fun crafts and activities.

It is an opportunity to learn about other countries, to admire amazing athletes, and a time of celebration for our country.

The Olympic games are fast approaching and I am so excited to share a few fun ideas for craft and activities you can do to celebrate this exciting time.

Today I wanted to share with you seven fun activities you can try together as a family to make the Olympics extra special for your kids.

 

 

 

Olympic Medal Cookies

What could be sweeter than receiving an Olympic medal?

How about an Olympic Medal filled with a cookie?

AlphaMom offers this sweet little Olympic craft to do with your little ones.

Stumped for a cookie idea?

I highly recommend an Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Sea Salt Cookie for your medal filling!

 

 

Olympic T-Shirts

With a simple painted ring pattern on an inexpensive thrift store shirt, this is a craft that is easy enough to do with kids of all ages.

Kate’s Creative Space offers this fun craft idea to her readers and we think it pairs perfectly with a great t-shirt your probably already own!

 

 

 

 

DIY Olympic Torch

What child doesn’t dream of carrying around their very own Olympic torch?

Hoosier Homemade showcases a fun craft that you can do to create your very own Olympic torch made from some commonly found items at your local craft store.

 

 

Olympics Party Fun

Why not throw a party for your family or for a group of families to celebrate the Olympics?

A Small Snippet has you covered with everything from patriotic foods to great Olympic game ideas to play together, to fun ideas for decorations that don’t cost a lot.

Before heading to your local superstore, check your favorite thrift store for creative games and prop ideas for your very own mini-Olympics.

 

 

Olympic Torches Made From Recyclables

If hitting your craft store for supplies to make an Olympic torch isn’t in your budget, this Olympic Torch from The Idea Room is made from common items you have in your home and recyclables.

These torches are made from a paper plate, a paper towel roll, and red & gold tissue paper.

This is one that even the smallest child can do.

Be sure to lift these high and participate in your own round of fun family Olympic games.

 

 

Olympic Rings Necklace

Even moms can jump in on the Olympic excitement with this cute craft, from Remarkably Domestic, for an Olympic Rings Necklace.

This necklace is made from simple rings covered in Chinese knotting cord to create those Olympic rings everyone loves so much.

This would be a fun craft to do while watching your favorite games this year!

 

 

Discus Throw Frisbee

Are your kids excited about the Discus Throw?

This craft from My Sister’s Suitcase is a fun one for kids of all ages.

Print a design for the front of your Frisbee and then have your child decorate it to their heart’s delight.

What are some ideas you have for celebrating the Olympic games with your family?

 

Don’t miss these other great ideas from MomAdvice.com:

 

 

S’more Toppings Bar Party

 

 

 

4th of July Block Party Tips

 

 

 

Minecraft Costume Ideas

 

 

 

No-Sew, No-Glue, No-Cut Burlap Wreath

 

 

 

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An Apron Full of Giveaways 07.24.12

Tuesday, July 24th, 2012

love elaine, $35

Welcome to our Apron Full of Giveaways! I hope everyone is having a great week this week! As we do each week, here is our round-up of giveaways for our readers. We hope that this is beneficial to you and your family! Please let us know if you guys win anything- I love to hear the success stories!

Below are the contest links-if you are hosting a contest please link it up below. Sorry, we aren’t giving away the aprons just showcasing them! Please put your site name and then what type of contest you are hosting. For example, “MomAdvice (Kid’s Movies).”

Please let me know if you have any questions and good luck to each of you!

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Amy’s Notebook 07.18.12

Wednesday, July 18th, 2012

Welcome to my little notebook of ideas to help improve your life. This is a collection of gathered links to DIY crafts, food projects, and thrifty ways to spruce up your home. Nothing brings me more joy then to highlight other fabulous bloggers. I hope you will enjoy this weekly does of loveliness with beautiful links that are individually handpicked just for you!

 

Can’t wait to print out this, “being you while being amazing,” printable for my office (@ Oh My!)

I adore this paper doll birthday party (@ Picnics in the Park)

I can’t wait to try this ombre dying technique (@ Instructables)

I am madly in love with this wall collage (@ I Am Momma Hear Me Roar)

I want to try these grilled pesto potatoes (@ Two Peas & Their Pod)

This tile Scrabble board wall art for grandma is such a sweet gift (@ Childmade)

I love these ideas for thrift store pieces transformed into craft room organizers (@ The 36th Avenue)

I love this tips for restoring an old fire pit (@ Infarrantly Creative)

These whiskey lemonades made with a honey simple syrup look like a great summer cocktail (@ Foodie Crush)

I love this idea for throwing a cupcake fondue party (@ Hoosier Homemade)

This apple pie ice cream looks like a winner! (@ Annie’s Eats)

The Perfect Mojito

Tuesday, July 17th, 2012

I am often inspired by my travels to create dishes and drinks that replicate the flavors of some of my favorite vacations. If there is one drink that simply screams, “VACATION,” it is the Mojito.

I indulged in a poolside mojito this summer and it was a deliciously minty lime indulgence that I couldn’t wait to replicate. The price tag for this delicious poolside drink was a whopping eighteen dollars! The price tag on my version is a mere two or three in supplies per drink and will make you feel like you are on vacation…even when you are only in your own backyard.

The trick to creating a great mojito is all in using the freshest ingredients, selecting a great white rum, and taking the time to prepare a simple sugar syrup that you can have on hand for all of your drinks.  Having a few fun straws or paper umbrellas can up the wow-factor on this and will let your whole family know that you will be on vacation for the evening.

The Perfect Mojito
Recipe Type: Drink
Author: Amy Allen Clark
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 5 mins
Total time: 10 mins
Serves: 1
An overabundance of mint in the garden is the perfect excuse to make these perfect mojios!
Ingredients
  • 10 fresh mint leaves
  • 1 lime cut into wedges
  • 3 tablespoons of prepared simple syrup (see directions below)
  • 1 cup ice cubes
  • 2 ounces white rum
  • 1/2 cup club soda
Instructions
  1. Place mint leaves and 2 lime wedges into a sturdy glass jar.
  2. Use a muddler to crush the mint and lime to release the mint oils and lime juice. If you don’t have a muddler like me, just use the end of a wooden spoon.
  3. Add 2 more lime wedges and your prepared sugar syrup, and muddle again to release the lime juice. Do not strain the mixture.
  4. Fill the glass almost to the top with ice.
  5. Pour the rum over the ice, and fill the glass with carbonated water.
  6. Stir, taste, and add more prepared sugar syrup, if desired.

How to Prepare Your Simple Syrup

1 cup sugar
1 cup water

In a small saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and stir constantly until sugar is dissolved. Stir in the peppermint extract. Cool to room temperature and store in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to three months. This same syrup is great with a little peppermint added for my infamous peppermint mochas.

 

Find this and many other fun recipes & ideas in the summer issue of Splendidly Homemade Magazine!

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An Apron Full of Giveaways 07.17.12

Tuesday, July 17th, 2012

ImaginAprons, $34

 

Welcome to our Apron Full of Giveaways! I hope everyone is having a great week this week! As we do each week, here is our round-up of giveaways for our readers. We hope that this is beneficial to you and your family! Please let us know if you guys win anything- I love to hear the success stories!

Below are the contest links-if you are hosting a contest please link it up below. Sorry, we aren’t giving away the aprons just showcasing them! Please put your site name and then what type of contest you are hosting. For example, “MomAdvice (Kid’s Movies).”

Please let me know if you have any questions and good luck to each of you!

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Ice Cream Sundae Bar Party

Monday, July 16th, 2012


This week you will find me over at the Snackpicks site sharing about a food that I am sure we are all passionate about…ice cream. Visit this article for tips and strategies for throwing your very own ice cream party. I am sharing everything from shortcuts to make the party process easier to creating your very own ice cream sundae topping bar.

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Amy’s Notebook 07.11.12

Wednesday, July 11th, 2012

Welcome to my little notebook of ideas to help improve your life. This is a collection of gathered links to DIY crafts, food projects, and thrifty ways to spruce up your home. Nothing brings me more joy then to highlight other fabulous bloggers. I hope you will enjoy this weekly does of loveliness with beautiful links that are individually handpicked just for you!

 

I adore these DIY family of string puppets for a fun summer craft (@ Salsa Pie)

This DIY rope basket would be a fun addition to home storage (@ I Heart Organizing)

These no-sew mermaid tails would be a cute craft project (@ Living Locurto)

I love this whimsical grandfather clock makeover (@ Nesting Place)

I am in love with this knock-off Restoration Hardware decoupaged map (@ gardners two bergers)

These sticky balsamic ribs look divine (@ shutterbean)

I love these ideas for a Michigan-inspired vacation (@ Enjoying the Small Things)

I am in love with this mini track & field Olympics set for LEGO play (@ Alphamom)

I love this cute idea for making your deck into a game board (@ The 36th Avenue)

I need this inspiration to start another no spend month project (@ Small Notebook)

I want to try this honey mustard grilled pork tenderloin (@ Two Peas & Their Pod)