DIY CRAFT read more PARTY DECOR read more PATTERNS read more RECIPES read more DIY CRAFT read more PARTY DECOR read more TRAVEL TIPS read more Party Planner and DIY Projects Patriotic Suncatcher Kids Craft For Fourth Of July & Memorial DayApril 12, 2023Kids can make a flag inspired Patriotic Suncatcher Craft for the Fourth of July (or Memorial Day and how about Flag Day too) that glows… Kids can make a flag inspired Patriotic Suncatcher Craft for the Fourth of July (or Memorial Day and how about Flag Day too) that glows like fireworks when put in the sun. They turn out so enchanting, you will almost want to salute! When my kids were done with their red, white, and blue craft they immediately wanted them hung on the window so the tissue paper would “glow”. They were excited and I was too because their craft’s turned out perfect because each one was unique and made by my two kiddos. The other reason I was excited was because there was no mess to clean up except for a few scraps of tissue paper. I thought to myself, “Why don’t we do more Contact Paper Crafts because that was seriously so easy! SUPPLIES: Red and blue Tissue Paper-affiliate link Craft paper Clear Contact Paper White craft paper White Paper Stars (I used 3 different sizes of Star Paper Punches-affiliate link) Ruler Pen DIRECTIONS: To make the frame use the ruler to draw a line around the outside of the craft paper. Carefully cut the inside out. Use the inside of the paper as a template. Leave extra space and trace around the template onto the contact paper. Cut out the contact paper, peel off the backing, and stick it to the back of the frame. Use tape to secure the contact paper to the frame. Have child decorate the contact paper with the paper stars. Have child tear pieces of tissue paper and stick them to the contact paper. Little Tiger made big chunky pieces of tissue paper and Little Dragon made little tiny pieces. Once the kids are satisfied the craft is done and ready to be hung up. (Isn’t is nice that you don’t have to wait for it to dry!?!) Thanks for crafting with us today. If you enjoyed this free printable and craft please pin & share it with others! Love, Katie & the Kiddos [...] Read more...Craft Stick BasketApril 7, 2023Craft sticks have never looked so good! Here’s how to make this playful Easter basket: Materials: – Large craft sticks – Screw hole punch – Hot glue – Top of a round take-out container (ours was about a 4” circle) – White acrylic paint – Craft brush – Burlap or another fabric scrap (for the inside) – ½ burlap ribbon Steps: Make a template craft stick where you put a hole about ½” down from the top in the center. Using your ‘template’ mark 18 (or more!) craft sticks with where you need to make the hole and punch it out. Paint each craft stick white and let them dry. Hot glue the bottom of a craft stick (without the hole) to the round and hot glue the rest of the craft sticks until the entire plastic base is covered. Cut a piece of burlap or fabric and attach it to the inside of the basket with a few dots of hot glue to make a nicer finish. Finish the basket with a strip of burlap ribbon on the bottom of the basket. Attach the bow with a few dots of hot glue and trim it to fit. [...] Read more...Cute Easy Carrot Treat Cone Free Printable For EasterApril 5, 2023Who is ready for a straightforward Easter gift idea this year? Because it makes such a cute gift idea, I can’t wait to show you today’s free printable carrot treat cone. Additionally, it is affordable! For Easter gifts this year, simply print, assemble, and fill these carrot treat cones with treats. Get your printer set up, get a bag of Robin Eggs or Mighty Malt Eggs (my favorite), and start working on this adorable carrot cone treat for a gift today. The Easter bunny isn’t the only one who likes carrots — your guests will too (well these carrot-shaped treat cones, anyway)! Materials Needed To Make A Carrot Treat Cone: carrot template coffee filters orange paper double stick tape green craft paint twine a clothespin a wire hanger paper towel and scissors Steps: Mix a few drops of green craft paint with water until it reaches the consistency of milk. Soak coffee filters in the paint mixture until fully saturated (you can do this several simultaneously). Squeeze out excess paint and lay the filters flat to dry on paper towels or hang them from a hanger with a clip or clothespin. Download our template and trace it onto orange paper. Cut out and roll the template into a cone shape, adhering the sides with double stick tape. Cut out the center of the painted coffee filters. Attach the remaining paper to the inside edge of the cone with double-stick tape. Fill the “carrot” cone with small treats and tie twine around the top to close. That’s it, buddy. I promised you that making a carrot treat cone would be easy, didn’t I? If you want, you can give these as Easter treats to friends, neighbors, family, and even strangers. I hope this free printable is useful to you. Also, happy Easter to you! [...] Read more...Paint Pen EggsApril 3, 2023It’s fun and simple to decorate Easter eggs with paint pens. Paint pens can be used to decorate Easter eggs in a variety of ways. Following the supply list and step-by-step instructions, we have provided some delightful paint pen Easter egg decorating ideas. When we made these, I wish we had more than 18 Easter eggs to decorate with paint pens because we had more ideas than eggs. We tried our best to demonstrate each paint pen Easter egg decorating idea with at least one example, but we had more ideas than eggs–lol!! We had so much fun coming up with imaginative paint pen Easter egg decorating ideas that my husband, daughter, and I raced to get the last eggs to decorate! Natural brown eggs can even be colored with paint pens! Please take a look at the painted brown Easter eggs that we made. Here’s a quick, easy, and mess-free egg idea. In addition, you just need white eggs (hard-bubbled or extinguished liked) and fine paint pens. FLOWERS: Create flower patterns on the eggs, starting with dots. Expand on them to make more of a petal shape. LEAVES: Make a vine pattern by drawing lines vertically from the top to the bottom of the egg. Add a leaf shape to the ‘vine.’ Let everything dry completely. SWIRLS: For the abstract swirl pattern, create a swirl and add dots in between and around it. Make sure everything is dry before displaying! [...] Read more...DIY Felt Flower Easter BasketMarch 31, 2023Are you looking for a method to transform a simple basket into a sweet Easter basket? Check out how we made this homemade Easter basket with felt flowers. It’s springtime outside! For Better Homes and Gardens, we made this adorable DIY Easter Basket with felt flowers. This one-of-a-kind spring basket was made with only a few craft supplies, like felt sheets and a hot glue gun. You can make this gorgeous flower-adorned basket in less than an hour if you choose your felt colors, prepare your scissors and glue gun, and choose your felt colors. Making blooms that are reminiscent of ranunculus, dahlias, and even a small cabbage rose, is a lot of fun. However, be careful because creating these felt flowers will make you want to keep making them. They really only take a short amount of time and are so beautiful. You won’t want to put them anywhere else! Head on over to BHG.com for the full instructional exercise. Think our daughters will adore their brand-new Easter baskets this year! [...] Read more... Recipes, Parties, Crafts & Travel Pepperoncini BeefMay 25, 2023Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 8 hrs Additional Time: 10 mins Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins Servings: 8 Yield: 8 servings Gyro sandwiches can be stuffed with garlic-pepperoncini-roasted beef that has been cooked in a slow cooker. With provolone or mozzarella cheese, your choice of condiments, and hoagie rolls, serve. Ingredients 1 (3 pound) beef chuck roast 4 cloves garlic, sliced 1 (16 ounce) jar pepperoncini 8 hoagie rolls, split lengthwise 16 slices provolone cheese Directions 1. Make small cuts in roast, and insert garlic slices in cuts. Place roast in the slow cooker, and pour the entire contents of the jar of pepperoncini, including liquid, over meat. 2. Cover, and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours. 3. When making the sandwiches, place meat in rolls, top with cheese, and zap in a microwave for a few seconds. Don’t forget to use the pepperoncini in the sandwiches! [...] Read more...Millie Pasquinelli’s Fried ChickenMay 18, 2023Prep Time:30 mins Cook Time:30 mins Total Time:1 hrs Servings:12 Using a few common pantry items, this recipe for fried chicken without buttermilk is simple to prepare. Every time, the chicken is juicy and perfectly fried. The homemade ravioli and sauce on the side make this dish even more delectable. Ingredients 3 cups all-purpose flour 5 tablespoons seasoned salt 3 tablespoons garlic powder salt and pepper to taste 4 large eggs, beaten 2 (2 to 3 pound) whole chickens, cut into pieces 1 quart vegetable oil for frying Directions 1. Mix flour, seasoned salt, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow plate or bowl. Place eggs in a separate shallow bowl. 2. Roll or shake chicken pieces in the flour mixture and place on a platter. Then dip each chicken piece in the egg and roll again in the flour mixture. 3. Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large skillet to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). 4. Fry coated chicken pieces in hot oil for about 5 minutes on each side. Cover skillet and cook on lower heat for about 10 minutes. Remove cover, turn up the heat, and fry for 5 minutes on each side to make chicken crispy. Chicken is done when it is no longer pink inside and its juices run clear. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). 5. Drain fried chicken on paper towels and keep warm in an oven until ready to serve. Editor’s Note: Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of breading ingredients. The actual amount of breading consumed will vary. We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. The exact amount will vary depending on cooking time and temperature, ingredient density, and specific type of oil used. [...] Read more...Potato SaladMay 16, 2023Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 15 mins Additional Time: 6 hrs Total Time: 6 hrs 35 mins Servings: 20 My daughter renamed this ice cream sandwich cake “The Best Dessert I’ve Ever Eaten” for Memorial Day. It had been prepared in advance, but before she could taste it, my husband consumed it all! While I carry this desert to an enormous social occasion, my significant other could do without it since he will not have any extras! Ingredients 5 pounds red potatoes, chopped 3 cups mayonnaise 2 cups finely chopped pickles 5 large hard-cooked eggs, chopped ½ cup chopped red onion ½ cup chopped celery 3 tablespoons prepared mustard 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste ½ teaspoon ground black pepper Directions 1. Place potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain. Return potatoes to the empty pot to dry and cool. 2. Stir together mayonnaise, pickles, hard-cooked eggs, red onion, celery, mustard, cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Fold in cooled potatoes until well combined. 3. Chill potato salad in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours to overnight before serving. [...] Read more...Ice Cream Sandwich CakeMay 11, 2023Prep Time: 30 mins Additional Time: 30 mins Total Time: 1 hrs Servings: 12 Yield: 1 9×13-inch cake This Memorial Day, my daughter renamed this ice cream sandwich cake “The Best Dessert I’ve Ever Eaten.” I had previously prepared it, but my husband consumed it all before she could taste it! When I bring this desert to a large gathering, my husband doesn’t like it because he won’t have any leftovers! Ingredients 24 vanilla ice cream sandwiches, unwrapped 2 (8 ounce) containers whipped topping (such as Cool Whip®), thawed 1 (12 ounce) jar hot fudge ice cream topping, warmed 1 (12 ounce) jar caramel ice cream topping ¼ cup chopped pecans, or to taste Directions 1. Arrange a layer of ice cream sandwiches in the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish; top with a layer of whipped topping, hot fudge topping, and caramel topping. Repeat layering with remaining ice cream sandwiches, whipped topping, hot fudge topping, and caramel topping, ending with a top layer of whipped topping. Sprinkle with pecans. 2. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and freeze until set, about 30 minutes. [...] Read more...Smooth Sweet TeaMay 9, 2023Prep Time: 5 mins Additional Time: 3 hrs 15 mins Total Time: 3 hrs 20 mins Servings: 8 Yield: 8 cups A traditional Southern beverage, this sweet tea is ideal for hot summer days! Ingredients 1 pinch baking soda 2 cups boiling water 6 tea bags ¾ cup white sugar 6 cups cool water Directions Sprinkle a pinch of baking soda into a 64-ounce, heat-proof glass pitcher. Pour in boiling water and add tea bags. Cover and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Remove tea bags and discard; stir in sugar until dissolved. Pour in cool water; refrigerate until cold, about 3 hours. [...] Read more... Get Our Newsletter Thank you for signing up. You will be the first to know new releases, giveaways & special projects. Stay tuned. First Name Last Name Email Subscribe Latest Posts Pepperoncini BeefMay 25, 2023Beef / Main Course / RecipesPrep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 8 hrs Additional Time: 10 mins Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins Servings: 8 Yield: 8 servings Gyro sandwiches can be stuffed with garlic-pepperoncini-roasted beef that has been cooked in a slow cooker. With provolone or mozzarella cheese, your choice of condiments, and hoagie rolls, serve. Ingredients 1 (3 pound) beef chuck roast 4 cloves garlic, sliced 1 (16 ounce) jar pepperoncini 8 hoagie rolls, split lengthwise 16 slices provolone cheese Directions 1. Make small cuts in roast, and insert garlic slices in cuts. Place roast in the slow cooker, and pour the entire contents of the jar of pepperoncini, including liquid, over meat. 2. Cover, and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours. 3. When making the sandwiches, place meat in rolls, top with cheese, and zap in a microwave for a few seconds. Don’t forget to use the pepperoncini in the sandwiches! [...] Read more...Not-Your-Everyday Smoked Pork SpareribsMay 23, 2023CornerPrep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 3 hrs 30 mins Additional Time: 4 hrs Total Time: 7 hrs 50 mins Servings: 6 Our family’s favorite are these smoked spareribs. The cider-based mop sauce, which is light and slightly sweet and spicy, doesn’t overpower the delicious meat that falls off the bone. We’ve also made pork shoulder with this recipe. Divine! It is never necessary to use barbecue sauce, but if you must, use your preferred brand. Ingredients Ribs: ½ cup packed brown sugar 2 tablespoons chili powder 2 tablespoons garlic powder 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper 2 teaspoons onion powder 2 teaspoons kosher salt 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon jalapeno seasoning salt (Optional) 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 6 pounds pork spareribs 3 cups apple wood chips, soaked Mop Sauce: 1 cup apple cider ¾ cup apple cider vinegar 1 medium jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (Optional) 3 tablespoons hot pepper sauce 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon onion powder 1 tablespoon garlic powder kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste Directions 1. Make the ribs: Mix brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, onion powder, salt, cumin, cinnamon, jalapeño seasoning, and cayenne pepper together in a small bowl. 2. Place spareribs into a glass baking dish and rub generously with seasoning mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. 3. When ready to cook, prepare an outdoor charcoal grill for indirect heat, or preheat a smoker to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). 4. While the grill is preheating, make the mop sauce: Stir cider, vinegar, jalapeño pepper, hot pepper sauce, lemon juice, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together in a medium bowl. 5. When the coals are gray and ashed over, place two handfuls of soaked wood chips directly on them. Place ribs onto the grill grate, bone-side down. Cover and cook for 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Every hour, baste ribs with mop sauce and throw handfuls of soaked wood chips onto the coals. Add more coals as needed to ensure the cooking temperature doesn’t drop below 225 degrees F (110 degrees C). Discard any leftover mop sauce. Editor’s Note: Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of seasoning rub and mop sauce. The actual amount consumed will vary. [...] Read more...Millie Pasquinelli’s Fried ChickenMay 18, 2023Main Course / Poultry / RecipesPrep Time:30 mins Cook Time:30 mins Total Time:1 hrs Servings:12 Using a few common pantry items, this recipe for fried chicken without buttermilk is simple to prepare. Every time, the chicken is juicy and perfectly fried. The homemade ravioli and sauce on the side make this dish even more delectable. Ingredients 3 cups all-purpose flour 5 tablespoons seasoned salt 3 tablespoons garlic powder salt and pepper to taste 4 large eggs, beaten 2 (2 to 3 pound) whole chickens, cut into pieces 1 quart vegetable oil for frying Directions 1. Mix flour, seasoned salt, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow plate or bowl. Place eggs in a separate shallow bowl. 2. Roll or shake chicken pieces in the flour mixture and place on a platter. Then dip each chicken piece in the egg and roll again in the flour mixture. 3. Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large skillet to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). 4. Fry coated chicken pieces in hot oil for about 5 minutes on each side. Cover skillet and cook on lower heat for about 10 minutes. Remove cover, turn up the heat, and fry for 5 minutes on each side to make chicken crispy. Chicken is done when it is no longer pink inside and its juices run clear. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). 5. Drain fried chicken on paper towels and keep warm in an oven until ready to serve. Editor’s Note: Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of breading ingredients. The actual amount of breading consumed will vary. We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. The exact amount will vary depending on cooking time and temperature, ingredient density, and specific type of oil used. [...] Read more...Grilled Tri-TipMay 4, 2023Beef / Main Course / RecipesPrep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 35 mins Additional Time: 1 hrs 5 mins Total Time: 1 hrs 55 mins Servings: 8 This recipe for grilled tri-tip with a delicious dry rub tastes gourmet but is actually quite simple to prepare. It is the ideal meal for guests. It will certainly impress! Ingredients 4 pounds tri-tip roast 4 cloves garlic, peeled and very thinly sliced ⅓ cup salt ⅓ cup black pepper ⅓ cup garlic salt Directions 1. Using a sharp knife, cut small slits in the top of the roast; insert garlic slices into the slits. 2. Mix salt, pepper, and garlic salt together in a small bowl; rub all over the tri-tip and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 1 day. Remove tri-tip from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before grilling. 3. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil the grate. 4. Place the meat directly above the flame to sear the meat and lock in the juices, about 5 to 10 minutes per side. 5. Turn the grill down to medium heat and continue to cook, turning occasionally, for another 25 to 30 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 145 degrees F (63 degrees C) for medium-rare. Let stand, covered loosely with aluminum foil, for 5 minutes before slicing. Tips Tri-tip is not a common cut where I live, so I usually call the butcher at my local grocery store and request it the day before I need to prepare it. Editor’s Note: Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of dry rub. The actual amount of dry rub consumed will vary. [...] Read more...The Very Best HamburgerMay 2, 2023Beef / Main Course / RecipesPrep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 10 mins Total Time: 20 mins Servings: 4 Yield: 4 hamburgers The best burger recipe for grilling in the summer! This juicy burger has no tasteless bread crumbs and is packed with everything. Serve with your preferred condiments on buns. This recipe was very good when I served it a month ago. My best burger yet was this one! It was very flavorful and not at all dry! Will definitely make again. Ingredients 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef ½ onion, finely chopped ½ cup shredded Colby Jack or Cheddar cheese 1 egg 1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon dried parsley 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried oregano ½ teaspoon crushed dried rosemary salt and pepper to taste Directions 1. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil the grate. 2. Meanwhile, combine ground beef, onion, cheese, egg, onion soup mix, minced garlic, garlic powder, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, basil, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands to form the mixture into 4 patties. 3. Cook patties on the preheated grill until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). [...] Read more...
