Valentine's Day Blitz: Day 13, Dinner Prep

I'm a deals shopper for sure, but when it comes to Valentine's there are few worthy deals in the dinner  department. And the wait!  Even with a reservation you will wait forever and a crowded restaurant hardly feels intimate. So for the last couple of years I have resorted to creating a beautiful meal in my own home. These always end up being more memorable (thanks to a fiasco or 2 in the kitchen) and more romantic than any when we've blown a paycheck at a fancy restaurant. My husband isn't the fancy type anywhere. Being able to eat in his slipper spells romance to him! To me, romance is being with my hubby and not slaving away alone in the kitchen after working all day so I'm keeping it simple. My "theme," so to say, this year is his favorite things. I've bought him the autobiography of Tiff Needle, one of all time favorite race car drivers and tv personalities.  I've also put together one of these adorable worm pail from Lil Luna:

My hubby loves fishin' and gummy worms are one of the only sweets he likes so this is perfect!  I will show you a picture of mine when I photography my V-day set-up here at the house.

Then to top it off I will be making him his very favorite foods. Luckily for me these are both simple recipes that be made ahead...especially good for me because my oven is still dead so I had to take this to a friend's house to bake yesterday!

The main course is the ultimate one pot comfort food meal - chicken pot pie.  Haven't met a man yet who didn't include this dish in his all-time favorites so you can't loose!  Now I have gone about this the hard way before to no avail. I roasted the chicken, dealt with all the veggies and made the crust by hand. He was not shy to tell me he preferred this one...men...

Veg-All Chicken Pot Pie

2 cans (10 3/4 oz) cream of potato soup
1 can (16 oz) veg-all
2 cups chopped white meat chicken (I hate the canned stuff so I just grab a couple of roasted breasts from my grocery store's hot bar)
1/2 cup of milk
Seasoning salt to taste (I use a combination of Crazy Jane's Seasoning Salt and Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute - yum)
Pepper to taste
2 frozen pie crusts
1 egg, beaten

1.) combine potato soup, veg-all, chicken, milk and seasonings
2.) grease pie dish and line bottom with 1 crust
3.) spoon mixture into dish and cover with remaining crust
4.) pinch edges closed, removing excess, and cut slits in top to vent (or in our case, arrange your hearts with a hole in the middle
5.) brush with egg wash
5.) bake at 375 for 40 - 45 minutes, until crust is golden
6.) cool for 10 minutes and serve hot

Now since it's V-day we need to dress up our pie. I have taken my top crust and used a heart shaped cookie cutter to punch out a series of hearts that I have layered in concentric circles - a la Martha Stewart (see below). The inverse of this idea would be adorable too if you had a very small heart cutter to make small vent holes in an intact crust. Be creative - I've even rolled bits of dough to spell out messages before!

                          http://www.marthastewart.com/335569/pear-raspberry-heart-pie

There is only one dessert my husband will eat and that is funfetti cake made with sprite. I went as far as to have a friend make his groom's cake out of funfetti at our wedding...surprisingly a big hit. So that's what he's getting. All I did here was follow the box.  Now since it'x V-day I'm making it heart-shaped - an no girlfriend, do NOT go out and buy some expensive heart-shaped pan.  Here's what you do:

1.)  Bake 2 layers of cake - one in a round cake pan and the other square
2.)  Cut your round layer in half
3.)  Turn your square into a diamond
4.)  Put a little icing on the top 2 edges of your diamond and "spackle"
5.)  Fit the 2 halves of the round layer flush with the top edges of your diamond - round humps facing out obviously.  Trim edges where needed.
6.) Voila - a perfect heart!

Now couple of other cake decorating tip.  I hate icing cake - its messy, a pain and never looks professional.  So first off, freeze those layers!  About an hour in the freezer will keep the crumbs to a minium.  Secondly, take the two minutes to cut some parchment paper and line the bottom outside of your cake so you won't have icing all over your cake plate, or in my case, pizza box)  Here's the best one though: an easy shortcut is to cut your buttercream icing with some whipped cream.  I throw it all into my mixer and whip it until I like the fluffy consistency.  This makes for easy spreadable icing that looks divine!

Naturally I took every Valentine colored sprinkle in the kitchen and threw those suckers on there.  That will hide any inperfections!

And Mr. Man is happy with his favorite comfort foods and I'm happy to have spent so little time and money. Plus I'm done a day early! Make this ahead and all you have to do is throw the pie in the oven and light the candles. Don't be surprised if your effort is rewarded by a bubble bath while he does the dishes...

Valentine's Blitz: Day 12, XO Wreath

I love wreaths.  I just think they're a great way to dress your home up for any holiday and bring a little joy to your neighborhood. It brightens my day to come home and see a cheery display at my front door and I don't believe in decorating your entry way for just the Christmas season. I try to have something bright on my door year round, but I haven't been on my game since Christmas so I decided to do a Valentine's Day wreath. I pulled my inspiration from this Etsy listing http://www.etsy.com/transaction/71291548:

I love her idea and execution. I didn't way to copy her out right and my local craft store didn't carry anything similar to this so I just shopped the sale items until I found a bargain and boy did I! This is a VERY busy month in our household so I don't have a lot of time to invest in this project and we've had several vet bills come up so I wanted to keep it economical too. These two beautiful garlands fit the bill at $12.99 + 40% off.

Supplies:
- 2 garlands of contrasting colors - length depending on the size you want to make your wreath
- 1 round wreath frame
- 1 wooden dowel (I used a 3/8" thickness) - cut 2 lengths of this by placing your dowel across the diameter of your round wreath so they will match the size of round wreath
- wired satin ribbon - length depends on your door hanger and relative wreath size
- saftey wire pliers - they cut through thick wire and twist it to perfection (this is one of my very favorite, cannot-live-without craft tools - they are actually used for wiring bolts and such to racecars so that nothing flies off onto the track - find them at jegs.com - p.s. a pair of these around ensures your sweetheart will be keen to help with your projects!)
- floral wire
- scissors
- lighter

Directions:
1.) Take a length of garland secure it all around your wreath frame every few inches using your pliers and floral wire until you reach a nice, full consistency.  Trim remainder.

*Easy does it with the pliers - these are actually made for much more industrial stuff than floral wire - you'll get the hang of it:)

2.) Repeat this process with both dowels using the other color of garland.
3.) Cross your dowels to form your X and secure with floral wire at the cross point creating a loop.  Fluff your foliage over your wire to hide when complete.
4.) Lay your X on a table below your O and bring it to where the top of the X is just hanging below the O.
5.) Cut 2 extra long lengths of floral wire - this will depend again on your size of wreath and the "fluffiness" of it - just eyeball it so that when it hangs the O and X are legible and not smushed too close together.
6.) Create a loop connecting it with wire to the top of one X's side then loop around the O wreath where it will hand down.  Repeat on the other side so the whole thing is connected.

(I know it's hard to see, but you'll get the idea when you're putting it together)

7.) Take ribbon and fold in half - thread through top of round wreath frame.
8.) Start your bow approximately 6" (again based on your wreath and door hanger) from the wreath and fluff out.  Curl your ends around as well as shown in the final picture.
9.) Slightly burn your edges of your ribbon to prevent fraying.

10.) Hang and enjoy! Happy Valentine's Day!

Hugs & Kisses!

Walking Dead Dinner Party

It's finally back! The Walking Dead has been on hiatus Since November, but the new episodes start this today! Being Atlantans, we are particularly vested in this show so several of us are getting together to watch it. Naturally I can't pass up such an obvious theme for a party. Just a low key dinner party full of blood and brains! Here are my preparations to get you started and I will be sure to post our party pics tomorrow. Then it's back to Valentine's Day schemes:)

So to start I'm doing a classic spaghetti bake. It's always yummy, thrifty and feeds a crowd. Here's a great easy recipe I will be following:

Easy Speedy Spaghetti Bake

1 lb ground turkey
1 box of spaghetti noodles
2 jars marinara sauce
1 clove garlic, grated
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
Italian Seasoning mix (Costco has a great one)

1.) mix italian seasoning (to taste) and garlic into ground turkey and brown in a skillet
2.) boil noodles (hint: add a little olive oil to the water to keep the noodles from sticking together)
3.) in a large bowl, mix noodles, Parmesan, turkey and 1 1/2 jars of sauce
4.) transfer to a pre-greased casserole dish
5.) bake at 375 for 20 minutes
6.) top with mozzarella and bake until bubbly and golden
7.) serve with garlic bread

And for my piece de resistance, red velvet cupcakes iced with cream cheese brains! I'm not going to lie, I'm definitely making a box mix and using canned icing. I have a lot going on with V-day this week! My effort will be in piping the brainy swirls onto my cupcakes like in this picture.

I hope you all enjoy these easy recipes and kick back to enjoy The Walking Dead! Eat more brains!

The Next Day....
WHOA!! What a great episode...did NOT see that coming!  We had a great time!  The hubby said that spaghetti bake was a recipe he'd definatley like to see again and just look at my adorable brains!  They were hit.  Just as the lights went off and the show came on, I passed them out and we all ate our brains in silent horror:)

                        Looks like somebody stole one fo my brains....JIMMY!

Valentine's Day Blitz: Day 11, Ric Rac Rosette Hair Pins

I promise I wasn't intentionally searching for a theme here, but I found these and couldn't resist!  They are SO simple and sweet - I want a pair in every color...and can you really ever have to many hair bobs?  I say no...
Pin these to your valentine's and you have a winner.  Seriously you will be shocked how easy they are to make!

               http://www.gingerlymade.com/2011/09/ric-rac-rosebud-tutorial.html

Valentine's Day Blitz: Day 10, Strawberry Brownie Bundt

I love this idea!  I want to make this so bad - unfortunately my oven has taken a hiatus...further investigations are required.  BUT when she's back on her feet I will be making this for somebody's birthday.  Chocolate and strawberries...such a perfect combination!

        http://www.thecardswedrew.com/2012/01/valentines-strawberry-brownie-bundt.html

Valentine's Day Blitz: Day 9, Rosette Hair Pins Round 2

I was so excited to see this craft tutorial from Henry Happened.  I actually have one of these that I love and have practically worn to death.  As simple as it looks, I get more compliments on this hair pin every single time I wear it.  I received it as a bonus gift from an etsy crafter I bought my wedding garter from - she had it tied to the box lid with ribbon and it was a beautiful presentation.  I love this red one for Valentine's Day, but I,m going to try to find some fabric of the same peachy tone as the one I already have - perfect for a red-head!

                          http://www.henryhappened.com/diy-rosette-hair-pins.html

Valentine's Day Blitz: Day 8, Breakfast Round-Up

Good Morning Sunshine!

Nothing says L-O-V-E like french toast!  French toast is one of those foods that says you went the extra mile and that's what I think Valentine's Day is all about.  However, V-day is on a Tuesday this year, and most of us have school, work, etc.  We can have our cake, or in this case toast, and eat it too, with this easy prep-ahead recipe.  Start Valentine's Day off on a sweet note that your sweetheart or whole family will be thinking about all day!

*Shortcuts*
1.) I'm doing a little extra cheating here:)  At Christmas, my Aunt Judy went on a canning rampage and I had a jar of her cinnamon-apples left over.  If you need to make your's though, do it the night before and you'll have plenty serve as a side dish with dinner or spoon over vanilla ice cream - or even better, dolce de leche ice cream!

2.) Monday night go ahead and make the egg dip and seal it up in tupperware so it's ready to go.

3.) Also the night before, mix your cream cheese and apples together and refrigerate.

4.) If you have one, break out your panini maker!  I had mine out from making pressed sandwiches last night so I decided on this route.  If time is an issue and a sit down breakfast is out of the question, this is a great option because the filling is sealed into the bread like a pocket.  Put a little maple syrup in a to-go container and send them out the door with it!

Cinnamon-Apple Stuffed French Toast

Ingredients:

4 slices of bread

4 tbls cinnamon-apples

3-4 tbls cream cheese

3 eggs

1/4 cup milk or cream (whatever is on hand)

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

cinnamon

butter or cooking spray

Directions:

1) Heat skillet to medium-high and melt butter or coat with cooking spray.

2.) Beat eggs with vanilla, milk and cinnamon to taste - set aside

3.) Mix cream cheese and apples together (look for this approximate consistency)

4.)  Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture saturating completely.

5.)  Divide the apple mixture between 2 slices of bread and spread out, but not quite to the edges.

6.)  Top with remaining slices of bread.  (If using a panini maker, be sure to trim your sandwich to fit.)

7.) Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side.  (Or wait for the panini maker to stop steaming and open easily.)

8.)  Garnish with cinnamon and serve warm with maple syrup!

Here are some more great V-day breakfast ideas!

                                 http://pinchmysalt.com/heart-shaped-cinnamon-rolls/

                       http://ediblecrafts.craftgossip.com/heart-shaped-eggs-2/2012/02/01/

Valentine's Day Blitz: Day 7, Bath Bombs

This is too hysterical - I love it! I've made bath products before, but not a fizzy bath bomb. I like a video for this sort of thing so I can see technique and consistency. This is a great play-by-play tutorial. However, I haven't run across any of those round bottles in my grocery store. Alternatively, check your local dollar store for something like a child's plastic ball. Also, he uses cinnamon essential oil for his bomb. Personally I'd prefer lavender, plus it's actually less expensive. You can find it at your local herb shop along with the vitamin C powder.
*While you're there, they might carry some fillable tea bags for our homemade tea project I posted the other day.

Valentine's Day Blitz: Day 6, Tea Time

When I was 11 my grandparents took me to Montreal where I stayed in my first 5 star hotel. After the long trip, (by train from Atlanta, I kid you not, they didn't believe in flying for anything short of a required Life Flight) my grandmother was delighted to discover they had proper tea, none of that Lipton nonsense, in the room. Being a good southern girl, I thought of tea strictly in the confines of iced and sweetened til it made your teeth hurt. So she taught me all about brewing, tea traditions and varieties. To this day, peppermint tea takes me back there. And that's what is nice about a simple cup o' tea - it's not just a hot beverage, it's a moment to unwind, catch up or reflect. I love this idea of making tea bags as a little v-day present. It may seem insignificant or trite, but everyone needs a quiet moment and in this one they will be thinking of you, their valentine!

http://www.designsponge.com/2011/02/diy-project-valentines-tea-three-ways.html

These little sugar cubes would be a perfectly sweet addition to your gift! Go the whole 9 and pick up an inexpensive vintage cup and saucer from your local flea, drop the bag in the cup, nestle a couple cubes on the saucer and tie the whole thing up with tulle and ribbon!

http://www.cutefoodforkids.com/2011/02/decorated-sugar-cubes-sweet-hearts.html

Valentine's Day Blitz: Day 5 Homemade Chocolate Kisses

Few things scream Valentine's Day more than the iconic Hershey's Kisses. And here I thought it couldn't get any better - then I saw this awesome recipe from Bakerella (love, love, love this website). My momma loves the kisses so I think I will bring these simple ingredients over when I visit next week. She will love giving these to her girlfriends and will really love how easy they are!

              http://www.bakerella.com/for-valentines-day-give-someone-a-big-kiss/

Valentine's Day Blitz: Day 4, Easy Flower Headband

Ok so we might need a breather after yesterday's onslaught of paper doily crafts. Therefore today's V-day craft is a 5 minutes to fabulous YouTube find. My husband was watching this video over my shoulder and informed me she is making a lanyard - they used to do that all the time in school he says. Then she pulled the ends to make the little flower - "ok well we never did that with a lanyard...". If we end up with a little girl baby here in the next few months, it wouldn't surprise me if caught him making her lanyard flower headbands. After watching this, I raided my ribbon stash and went a little nutty with idea! My girl dogs now have one day for practicaly every day of the week - and, yes, I have matching ones!

Valentine's Day Blitz: Day 3, Lace Doilies

So you may have picked up by now that I'm a girl who can't resist a theme. When I saw this sweet paper doily garland it tickled something in my brain from way back in my wedding planning days...and then came the tidal wave...

I found this pic on several blogs, but never could determine its origin or find specific directions, although it appears pretty self-explanatory. I think the key to achieving this affect is different types of doilies and multiple overlapping strands.

                             Possibly originating from this awesome blog?             http://chelseaandbrian.blogspot.com/

This garland then led to my discovery of, oh joy, a matching wreath!

                             http://www.marthastewart.com/how-to/paper-doily-wreath

I love paper lace doilies! They are cheap, plentiful and oh so versatile! I dug back in the copious wedding files and found this alternative doily garland I never did get to during my own wedding preparations.

http://www.projectwedding.com/wedding-ideas/how-to-make-a-paper-lace-garland

Like I mentioned, this paper doily thing is really a sickness with me and once I got started there was no stopping me. I think the best of the best though are concentrated in this Martha Stewart Weddings article. Check out all the details - the chair swags!It would be so easy do your entire Valentine's Day dinner or party with this theme! If you want some more ideas, just go to marthastewart.com and type in doilies to the search engine and you will get the motherload! Let the creative juices and lace doilies flow like champagne!

       http://www.thesweetestoccasion.com/2010/06/diy-paper-doily-chandelier-martha-stewart-weddings/

                        http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/226201/doily-chandelier-how

Valentine's Day Blitz: Day 2 The IPod Valentine

Last night I went out with My husband to a local haunt and spent nearly 3 hours sorting through Valentine's Day related projects while he mingled. Finally he asked me just how long I could possibly stand looking at hearts and cupids...silly rabbit!

I would highly recommend those of you out there with kiddos check out all the great children's projects on oneprettything.com and of course she has a million great crafts as well. I know every year in school we would all exchange little valentines and candies - even in high school I would be sure to bring in treats for my buddies. Who wants to just staple a sucker to Cinderella card from the drug store though? Here is just one idea I thought would be great for kids - and what adult wouldn't get a kick out of receiving this little candy craft?!

                             http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/rock-candy-675037/

Valentine's Day Blitz: Day 1, Red Felted Wreath

My apologies for the late posting, but I've spent my day participating in one of the many joys of pregnancy, prenatal testing. Being that we live in the middle of nowhere, that involved a trip to "the big city" and turned into an all day affair...with, horror of horrors, no wi-fi connection! But we are off to the races now...

http://www.theidearoom.net/2010/01/valentines-day-craft.html

We're starting the countdown to my favorite holiday, Valenine's Day! I love the romance, the little fatty cupids, the color scheme, and I love all the food and craft projects! So from now, Februrary 1st, to that most auspicious day on the 14th, I will be bombarding you with my Valentine's Day Blitz of recipes and projects, some of my own and several I've found from other crafters out there in cyberspace. We are starting with one of the more time consuming ones first. I love the simplicity of this eye-catching wreath. Next week I will be demonstrating a different wreath, but this one is very blitz-worthy and I wish I had the time this month to pound one out. If you take a stab at it, let me know your results!