Jun 12, 2019 | DIY Holiday Crafts, House Hold Tips, Parenting Tips
All occasions, including weddings, birthdays, holidays and anniversaries, are incomplete without a cake. Whether you are getting a cake for an event or as a dessert, your choice will determine if it was a worthwhile investment. This is why some people predictably choose the same type of cake every time they are asked about their preferred option. Factors such as the theme, flavor, and design are vital when seeking the best birthday cakes.
Choose a neutral flavor
Unfortunately, it is difficult to find a flavor that everyone will agree is the best when used in cakes. For example, If you are to buy a flavor that is favored by everyone in a family of four, you may be forced to buy four different flavors to make everyone happy. This may not be a realistic approach if you are purchasing a birthday cake that will be eaten by several people.
Some flavors are considered neutral and acceptable by most people. Consider vanilla, chocolate, hazelnut, strawberry, butterscotch, coffee, and blueberry. If in doubt, ask the cakemaker for his or her opinion. You may also request for more than one flavor if you wish. If you have doubts about the flavors, you may sample some of the cakes to help you decide.
Pick an ideal theme and shape
Before anything else, a cake is always judged by its outward appearance. A cake may be tasty, but if it is not attractive, it will create a bias that will affect people’s perception of its taste. This is why a cake needs to be appealing before it is cut. Having a theme will help you appreciate the cake even more. For example, if you want a birthday cake for your son, friend, spouse, or even yourself, consider a theme that is telling of the person. You may pick a child’s favorite cartoon, a fashion theme for someone interested in fashion, or a sports theme for your favorite game.
Pick the right size
If a tasty cake is not enough for all your guests, it may not be considered the best, both by those who were lucky to have a bite and those that missed out. It is essential for you to review the number of guests when ordering a cake. Understandably, cake may not always be enough, especially if you are hosting cake lovers. However, everyone deserves a taste.
Find out cake trends
Cakes have changed significantly, especially in the recent past. A few years ago, cakes were pretty basic. All one needed to do was decide the flavor and size, and pick it up at an agreed time. The flavors were limited to a few choices, the icing and finish were left to the baker to decide, and creativity was not as it is today. Today, more options are available when it comes to cake decorations. If it has been a while since you last ordered a cake, it may be best to look at the current trends before deciding on the perfect cake for your birthday.
It is always best to order your cake early. This will give you the time to get the best person to bake the cake, and also for you to scout for the best cake.
Jun 1, 2019 | Bridal and Baby Showers, Corner, DIY Boys Party, DIY Crafts, DIY Girls Party, DIY Holiday Crafts, FREE Patterns, FREE Printables
Should your baby shower have a theme? Here we’ll help you find the perfect theme to kick off your new life with your baby as you explore dozens of creative baby shower theme ideas.
Picking a baby shower theme should reflect the personality and interests of the parents, but narrowing down all of the options can be a hassle. Depending on if your shower is a neighborhood potluck, a gender reveal or a simple Sunday brunch, we’ve gathered hundreds of baby shower theme ideas that will delight any parent-to-be.
This gender neutral baby shower theme features vintage toys, sweet baby’s breath flowers, and white decorations.
Elephants make great baby shower themes for girls that your guests will never forget!
Your favorite iconic children’s toy is great inspiration for a baby boy shower theme, like the classic sock monkey.
Skulls and cactii from the desert are the ultimate decor for a modern chic themed baby shower right now.
An amazing boy baby shower always includes adorable decorations, sweet printable details, a delicious assortment of desserts (cake, cookies, and candy) and charming details. This yellow vintage baby shower features the cutest duck printables, old children’s books, gingham checks and vintage glassware. You will be smiling over all of the bright, cheerful details.
A new baby definitely calls for tossing some confetti in celebration! This confetti baby shower is a unique theme and fun way to honor an expectant mother. Recreate the look by incorporating plenty of confetti inspired dots throughout the decorations and treats. You can DIY paper circle garlands by punching circles of varying sizes in party colors and sewing them into strings for hanging. Wrap boxes in polka dot paper to display a variety of delicious treats like cookies, cupcakes and cake pops.
May 19, 2019 | Health & Fitness, House Hold Tips, Main Course, Parenting Tips, Parties, Recipes, Snacks, Thanksgiving
Do you know how the products you are buying were made? Are they environmentally friendly? Do you budget? If you answer yes to these questions then it means you are a conscious consumer.
Over the past decade consumption levels have increased across the globe. As the income level rises, so is the greater access to a wide variety of consumer products. Presently, unconscious and unethical consumerism has brought about several problems such as pollution and erosion of income savings. It is for this reason that the idea of a conscious consumer is being propagated.
Therefore, how do you become a conscious consumer?
Know the Product Background
Ever wondered how your favorite snack or t-shirt is manufactured? Well, many people are not aware of how many of the products they consume are made.
Over the years, several companies have been accused of unethical and inhumane manufacturing practices regarding their products. So, to be a conscious consumer, it is prudent of you to dig a little and find out the background details. How are they made? Where are they manufactured? Who manufactures them? How are they shipped?
Knowing all this will ensure that you consume products that have been ethically produced. Besides, it will allow you to hold accountable the companies should they contravene the consumer protection laws and regulations.
Avoid Unbudgeted Spending
Currently, consumption rates have increased tremendously as people’s spending powers also increase. However, it is prudent to undertake sound budgeting to ensure conscious consumption every day. It calls for sound financial and budgeting skills.
Start by determining your net monthly income and then use it to budget as per your needs. As a conscious consumer, you should be able to meet most of your monthly needs comfortably without feeling the need to overspend. Moreover, with a budget, you will minimize spending your money on unnecessary purchases.
Aim for Lower Cost Purchases
Well, with lots of money comes the power to spend. Nonetheless, it is imperative to cut on cost where necessary. Shop well, shop less, and shop consciously.
If you can find a way to make purchases at a lower price, then take it. By doing so, you will be able to save extra cash on the side for other essential life investments such as education.
Aim to cultivate a more conscious consumer mindset by distinguishing between wants and needs. For instance, you could make purchases on second hand retail stores, where surprisingly, you will find quality stuff for low prices. But as you do that, also be mindful of the quality of your purchases. You do not want to buy a piece of furniture only for it to break within a few days.
Embrace Environmental Consciousness
Much of the products people consume have their raw materials sourced from the environment. So, it makes sense to take care of Mother Nature in return.
One way would be to ensure that you minimize using plastic products and embracing disposable and biodegradable made products. For instance, instead of buying products from fast food stores that serve using plastic cups and plates, you could opt to visit a store that uses disposable take out boxes.
Proper management of trash is also an excellent way to cultivate ethical consumer consciousness. As a conscious consumer, you should prioritize on recycling and reusing where necessary.
Apr 29, 2019 | Corner, DIY Crafts, DIY Holiday Crafts, DIY Projects, FREE Printables
Mother’s Day is fast approaching, this year it’s Sunday, May 12th. If you’re planning to take mom out for breakfast, lunch, or dinner you should make reservations now if you haven’t made them already; Mother’s Day is one of the busiest days for restaurants and reservations fill up fast.
Along with taking mom out for a meal the kids like to give her a gift as well, and what better gift to give mom than something made lovingly for her. Here are some really unique ideas that kids can make with just a bit of help from dad, aunties, or older siblings. Moms can make them too for grandmas, friends, and aunties!
This is one of my favorite gifts, my grandson Devon made it for me a few years ago.
His mom, my daughter, helped him make the hand print tree and write the poem. She then had it framed and Devon presented it to me on Mother’s Day. It proudly hangs in our family room.
Here’s the poem, feel free to use it for your projects.
This cute idea from Her Split Ends recycles baby food jars.
Learn how to make it
here!
Give mom some of these yummy strawberry bath salts by Crafts Unleashed. And Cute Gifts for new moms.
Learn how to make it here!
The Keylor Family made this lovely framed silhouette.
Learn how here!
Cover terracotta flower posts with fabric.
Learn how from Shelterness.
This cute planter recycles tuna cans decorated with clothespins.
Learn how to make it from Family Chic click here!
I love this idea of taking a picture in a frame, my daughter did this with her kids last fall!
This pic was done by Moose Photography, professional photographers and posted by Cool Mom Picks But you can DIY it!
You’ll need the same frame in 3-4 sizes depending on how many generations you want to include. Take a photo of the smallest member, the baby, frame that. Take a photo of the next, mom, holding the framed picture of the baby, frame that.
Continue with each generation, grandma, great-grandma, etc.
Be sure the pictures are all taken using the same background.
This is too cute!
This idea came from Tips from a Typical Mom.
Just take photos of your child in 5 different poses, each pose holding a letter to spell “Mommy”. Mat and from the photos. Easy peasy! Great gift for Moms and Grandmas!
Here’s a unique way to use a picture frame from Making the World Cuter.
Not only is it cute, it will help organize mom’s bathroom or dresser. Learn how to make it click here!
Kids will love to make these fizzy bath bombs and moms will love soaking in them!
Learn how to make them from Playdough to Plato.
Apr 26, 2019 | Corner, DIY Crafts, DIY Holiday Crafts, FREE Printables, Recipes
Mother’s Day is fast approaching; but you still have plenty of time to think of something to give Mom this year. If you’re thinking about taking her out to brunch or dinner you better make reservations now! Mother’s Day is one of the busiest days for most restaurants, that’s probably because Moms don’t want to cook on Mother’s Day, I know I don’t!
Instead of taking her out this year why not make Mom breakfast in bed? You don’t have to be a great cook, it can be as simple as bringing her a bowl of cereal or even a pop tart and a glass of orange juice. The idea is to make the day special by doing something for Mom instead of how it usually works, Mom getting up and doing for everyone in the house!
Here are some ideas and recipes for Mother’s Day breakfast in bed. I hope it will inspire you this Mother’s Day!
How to serve it?
First things first! It all begins with a tray, you’ll need to put her food on something to carry it to her room. Even if it’s just a pop-tart it will look yummy dressed up plated on a nice dish and served on a pretty tray with a flower from the garden.
Buckets of Burlap up-cycles pallet wood to make this pretty breakfast tray table.
Click here to learn how!
Mother Earth Living makes this cute tray from an old suitcase lid and bits of wallpaper.
Click here to learn how!
For a multi-purpose tray try this up-cycled cabinet door by So You Think You’re Crafty. You can serve her breakfast and wish her Happy Mother’s Day on the chalkboard tray!
Click here to learn how!
If you don’t have an old cabinet door you can paint an old metal or plastic tray with chalkboard paint and add a couple of cabinet pulls from the hardware store to make a similar tray. Or just paint the frame of a chalkboard and add the cabinet pulls for handles. Lots of possibilities here to show off your craftiness!
What to serve?
Now that your “stage” is set you’ll need to move on to the main event, FOOD! Whether you’re a top chef or a kitchen klutz I’m sure you’ll find something yummy to serve Mom. Just remember presentation is everything; even a store bought donut can look special plated on fine china with a paper doily from Walmart.
Want to impress Mom with your culinary skills? Cook her up some of these yummy things from Donal Skehan.
Click here for recipes!
Ok, so you don’t cook, you can still impress her with a yogurt parfait topped with fresh fruit and granola. You can buy it all from the market or go ahead try your hand at some homemade granola.
Click here for granola recipes!
Somewhere in between chef and klutz? How about these “Love” pancakes from Stepable?
It’s done using boxed pancake mix, you basically just add water and stir if you get the quick pancake mix!
You can fry up any letter you want to send your own special message.
Click here to learn how!
If you really want to impress Mom with your craftiness and culinary abilities whip up this edible arrangement from Hungry Happenings.
Click here to learn how!
Oh, right! You’re banned from the kitchen because you’re the burn the kitchen type of cook! No worries, pop on over to the neighborhood coffee shop and pick up a couple of pastries and her favorite tea or coffee. Slip them out of the bag and plate them on a doily covered dish and pour the hot drink in a pretty cup or mug, she’ still love it!
What about the beverage?
You can serve mom her favorite tea or coffee in a pretty cup or mug and a pitcher of OJ or her favorite juice. If you want to make it really special whip up one of these morning beverages.
Wake her up with a fruity Sunrise Mimosa from Wine & Glue.
Click here for recipe!
Mom prefer something spicier? How about this Perfect Bloody Mary from Pieces of a Mom?
Click here for recipe!
If Mom’s not into booze mix up this refreshing non-alcoholic Citrus Rosemary Spritzer from The Kitchn.
Click here for recipe!
Serve your beverages, hot & cold, in pretty carafes and tea or coffee pots so she can have refills. Saves you from going back and forth to the kitchen for them.
Still need a GIFT?
If you still feel breakfast in bed is not enough then make her a keepsake and pop it on the tray.
Spruce up the breakfast tray with a card or mini banner.
Click here for Mother’s Day FREE Printables from B. Lovely Events!
Serve her coffee or tea in this Hand-Warming Mug from Better Homes and Gardens. It will surely warm her heart!
Click here to learn how!
Or put the flowers in this Mason Jar Picture Frame by Home Stories A to Z.
Click here to learn how!
If Mom prefers potted plants to cut flowers then give here these succulents in a Mason Jar from Lolly Jane.
Click here to learn how and for FREE printable!
Mom doesn’t have a green thumb? Combine flowers and photos with this Flower Tree from Better Homes and Gardens.
Click here to learn how!
Whatever you decide to give Mom this Mother’s Day rest assured that she’ll love it specially if it comes with a great big hug!
For more Mother’s Day craft ideas click here!
Apr 22, 2019 | Corner, Easter, Recipes, Uncategorized
Easter Sunday will be much more perfect if your house is anything like mine you will have at least a couple of dyed hard boiled eggs on your hands before lunchtime.
My first inclination is usually to chop the eggs up and make egg salad sandwiches for lunch for the next few days if not longer.
This year if you want to try something a bit different here are some recipes using hard boiled eggs along with some new twists on old time favorites like egg salad sandwiches and deviled eggs.
Try out one or two, perhaps you’ll find a new family favorite to make year round. Click on picture for recipe.
To make these recipes you will need hard boiled eggs. Click here for a tutorial on how to make the perfect hard boiled eggs from Recipe Lion.
Add a bit of zip to regular deviled eggs with my Roasted Red Pepper Deviled Eggs. It’s become a family favorite![spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
Make your favorite deviled egg recipe into these pretty pastel eggs.
Here’s a photo tutorial on how to dye your hard boiled eggs from Donkey and Carrot. Just dye the whites and pipe in your favorite yolk mixture![spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
Or serve these deviled egg chicks from She Knows. [spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
Lighten up your egg salad recipe by using adding Greek Yogurt. Here’s a recipe from Damn Delicious.[spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
Here’s another egg salad recipe from My Yummy Life using Greek Yogurt, this one adds a bit of dill for some extra yum![spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
Two Peas and Their Pod has a great recipe for Avocado Egg Salad.[spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
For a lower carb alternative try these Light Egg Salad Wraps by Lady Behind the Curtain.[spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
Skip the Egg Salad and use those hard boiled eggs in this Egg Wrap with Avocado and Ham from the Cookin Canuck.[spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
Try these Scotched Eggs, they’re a complete meal! Hard boiled eggs wrapped in sausage with a crispy shell. Here’s a recipe for Baked Scotched Eggs from Left Side of the Table. [spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
For something a bit with a bit more spice try these Egg Masala Curry In Spicy Tomato Gravy from Lisa’s Kitchen.
Served over rice this would make a filling meal. [spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
Here’s another Egg Curry, Indian Onion and Yogurt Egg Curry recipe from Girl Cooks World, this one uses Greek Yogurt.[spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
Learn how to make this Mason Jar Picture Frame Vase from 
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