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Tag: spring

  • Make a PEEPS® Garden for Easter + WIN a PEEPS® Package

    Make a PEEPS® Garden for Easter + WIN a PEEPS® Package

    The PEEPS & COMPANY® products, information, and additional gift pack have been provided by PEEPS& COMPANY®. All opinions are my own. 

    I was looking at all the fantastic PEEPS® products and wondering what fun thing I could do with them for Easter while at the same time looking at our backyard and wondering what I want to plant this year. When it hit me. A PEEPS® Garden was the perfect spring pairing.

    How fun! Plant Mike and Ike® Jellybeans and grow a PEEPS® Garden ad #PEEPSEASTER

    I was overwhelmed, in a good way, with all the fun springtime colors and flavors coming from PEEPS & Company®. My personal favorites are the MIKE and IKE®, and the Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Chicks – those were always what I was looking for in my Easter Basket. 

    Plant MIKE and IKE® Jellybeans and grow a PEEPS® Garden.

    I love reusing egg cartons, and spring is when I tend to reuse them the most. Possibly because I buy more eggs in the spring – hello egg hunts, and deviled eggs. So my craft closet tends to get overwhelmed with these egg cartons this time of year. Often I will use them for starting seeds, so that is exactly what we’re doing today! 

    You can set your kids up with the supplies and let the kids have at it while you plant your actual seeds! Together you can then watch the gardens spring to life. 

    Grow a PEEPS® Garden with Mike and Ike® Jellybeans and PEEPS®

    The kids absolutely loved seeing their PEEPS® Garden come to life. The jellybeans multiplied overnight, and we all know that MIKE and IKE® Jellybeans attract PEEPS® Chicks and Bunnies. You did know that right? Spring and PEEPS®, and PEEPS® and MIKE and IKE® go hand in hand. 

    WIN a PEEPS & Company® Easter Package ends 3/22/16 US only

    Who wants to fill their kids Easter Baskets with PEEPS & Company® Treats? What flavors will make it to your PEEPS® Garden? One reader will win the same package of edible PEEPS & Company® products I did. Giveaway is open to US residents 18+ and ends 3/22/16

    Don’t want to wait?! Use code EASTERTREATS to get 20% off your entire order now until April 15th. No minimum required.  

     

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Loved this?! Check out the PEEPS® Hot Cocoa Bar

    peeps

  • Spring Cupcakes with Strawberry Curd Filling

    Spring Cupcakes with Strawberry Curd Filling

    Let’s continue National Strawberry Month with these beautiful, simple, and tasty spring cupcakes. Fill them with a little strawberry curd, and top with a candy flower that anyone can create.
     
     
    The strawberry curd I shared last week was the inspiration for these, however, the Starburst flowers on top add to the spring look and flavor beautifully. You can find the recipe below, but it is so incredibly simple you can switch it up to fit your fancy.  
     

     
    Spring Cupcakes with Strawberry Curd Filling
    A quick cupcake with strawberry curd filling, topped with a starburst flower creates a beautiful spring centerpiece.
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    Ingredients
    1. 1 box White Cake Mix + ingredients to make it
    2. Strawberry Curd
    3. Vanilla Frosting
    4. Starburst flowers
    Instructions
    1. Mix and bake cake mix according to the package directions for cupcakes.
    2. Put the strawberry curd in a piping bag fitted with a filling tip.
    3. Insert into the cupcakes and fill with yummy goodness.
    4. Use another piping bag and fill with the frosting.
    5. Frost your cupcakes, and top with Starburst flowers.
    Home Maid Simple https://www.homemaidsimple.com/
    On to the Starburst flowers! So I was walking around the store grabbing items to make the strawberry curd when these flowers just popped into my head. I’ve been playing with starbursts since I was a kid, but had never made flowers like this before. They are incredibly easy, however, your fingers will get pretty sticky, especially if you’re making a couple dozen. 
     
     
    You’ll need a pair of scissors, starbursts, and candy pearls. Start by unwrapping your starbursts, and then flattening them with your fingers until they’re about half their normal thickness. 
     
     
    Next, you’ll make 2 small cuts towards to the center, without cutting all the way through to the center. After the first two cuts, you’ll shape the corner into your first petal. Then work your way around cutting and making the rest of the petals. 
     
     
    Once your petals are all formed, add a pearl candy to the center, and Voila! Starburst flowers to make any dessert spring worthy. 
     

    Related – Valentine Toppers


  • Spring Fashion has Arrived

    Spring Fashion has Arrived

    I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for OshKosh B’Gosh. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

    Spring Fashion at OshKosh. Bring color and fun to your kids wardrobe #ImagineSpring #sponsored

    I’m in crazy love with this photo above! The flip flops, hats, and big sisterly smiles – it just doesn’t get much better when snapping pictures of the kids. OshKosh has their Spring line out, and while browsing, I could not help myself – how cute are these dresses and hats?! The colors are so bright and fun in the hats, while the dresses are a bit more mild with just a pop of color. 

    I couldn’t leave little Prince out, so found this dapper polo shirt, and khaki shorts for him. He was fairly disappointed that there wasn’t a hat for him, but as soon as I showed him the pockets in the pants he was sold. Little boys need pockets after all. 
    OshKosh B'Gosh #ImagineSpring #sponsored
    He still wanted a hat though, so while we were out enjoying this nice spring day, he stole a couple. First Princess R’s, and later mine. 
    dapper little boy clothes at OshKosh B'Gosh #ImagineSpring #sponsoredWe went on this adventure today, out to the practice field across the road, and then on to the kids elementary school playground. There was a bit of a breeze (when isn’t there in North Dakota?), but with the sun shining we had to take advantage. Our neighbor keeps warning us that more snow will be coming. As much as I love snow, I kind of hope she’s wrong. It’s so nice right now. 
    Spring Hat Love from OshKosh B'Gosh #ImagineSpring #sponsored
    Big floppy hats anyone? Or perhaps a fedora with a big pink flower? You’ll find it all in child size at OshKosh. Seriously just so cute. I have my own big floppy hat, but I’m thinking I need a fedora now too. The wind made it difficult to keep the hats on, but the girls were troopers, and did their best.
    OshKosh B'Gosh Spring Adventure #ImagineSpring #spsonsored
    Are you ready for spring adventures yet?  OshKosh is offering my readers a 25% off $30 purchase coupon!! Find your local OshKosh B’Gosh store. 
    OshKosh B'Gosh Coupon #ImagineSpring #sponsored
    right click to save and print
    Follow the adventures with OshKosh
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    OshKosh B'Gosh #ImagineSring #sponsored
    Sorry last one! I tried not to photo dump on you today, but these kids and clothes are just too stinking cute!
  • Springtime Giveaway Hop

    Springtime Giveaway Hop

    photo springtimegiveawayhop_zps51e362b7.png

    Welcome to the Springtime Giveaway Hop
    hosted by Weidknecht.com
    I can’t believe I’m late getting this post up! I’ve been pretty excited to share this giveaway with you!  See over the last year, I’ve slowly collected items from events, reviews, and free samples that I was getting a little overwhelmed.  I knew I needed to do a giveaway, but wasn’t sure when to do it. While Spring cleaning the last few weeks, I realized right now is the best time. So of course I joined a hop, so you can keep hopping around and enter a bunch more giveaways as well.
    What do I have for you?  Well let’s take a peek shall we?

    I kid you not! This is no April Fools joke. One very lucky reader will win
    – Bratz Cloe Fashion Boutique
    – Bratz for Nintendo 3DS
    – 2 packages of Deo Perfume Candy
    – 3 Toothbands
    – Tidy Tots, toilet training seat liners
    – All Beach Ball
    – Game Rating Foam Dice
    – 2 Pine Bros cough drops
    – Coupons for toddler formula
    – and other product info and swag items.
    Of course you’ll get to keep the Home Maid Simple Tote as well
    Now to the nitty gritty details:
    Fill out the Rafflecopter form to enter. This giveaway is open to US and CA.
    All entries will be verified, so please make sure you did them before claiming.
    

    This giveaway will end at11:59PM on April 7, 2013.

    Don’t forget to hop on to the other bloggers for more giveaways! Linky is found under the rafflecopter.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

  • Spring Weddings

    Spring Weddings

    It’s the first week of Spring! YAY!  The snow is gone finally.

    Spring is a popular time for weddings.  Although we got married in the summer, I know many friends who chose spring. They also all wore white dresses – who doesn’t?  Do you know where the history behind the white wedding dress?  This video is a fun little history lesson on wedding dresses – Enjoy!

    Wasn’t that interesting?  Are you getting married this spring, or know someone that is?  Share a little history with the bride to be, and then check out the Spring Wedding collections at One King’s Lane


     

  • Thin Mint Chocolate Fudgesicle

    Thin Mint Chocolate Fudgesicle

    This week started out so beautiful. All the snow had finally melted, the kids were spending more time outside, and my Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookies arrived by mail (yes, I supported a friend and had them shipped across the states to me!)
     
    Well, after eating box 1 of the Thin Mints and Caramel Delights, mostly by myself (I will not tell you how fast they went….that’s between me and my stomach), I decided maybe I should get a little creative with the last box of Thin Mints. I’ve seen ideas and recipes all over Pinterest for using “leftover” Girl Scout Cookies, that I thought maybe I should hang onto some. Mind you, these were not leftovers, I don’t believe in leftover cookies.  They were just put to a better use.
     
    These Thin Mint Chocolate Fudgesicles are delicious!
     
    I am at the moment wishing I had saved more of the thin mints. These were absolutely delicious!  I happened to try out a new ingredient with these fudgesicles as well – chocolate extract. Did you know they made chocolate extract? It’s a very new discovery for me, and I’ve already got my head spinning around the things I can create with it! 
    Thin Mint Chocolate Fudgesicle
    Creamy delicious Thin Mint Chocolate Fudgesicles
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    Ingredients
    1. Ingredients
    2. 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
    3. 1 cup 2% Milk
    4. 1/2 cup sugar
    5. 2 egg yolks
    6. 1/8 tsp salt
    7. 1 tsp corn starch
    8. 1/3 cup Rodelle Dutch Processed Cocoa powder
    9. 1/2 tsp Rodelle chocolate extract
    10. 5 Thin Mint cookies
    Instructions
    1. In a medium saucepan mix together the Cream, Milk, sugar, eggs, salt and corn starch.
    2. Cook over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes. Whisk every few minutes.
    3. Remove from the heat and add the Cocoa Powder.  Mix well.
    4. Return the pan to medium heat. Cook for another 10 minutes, whisking every few minutes.
    5. At this point if you stick a spoon in and let it drip off, it will look and feel like melted ice cream.
    6. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate extract.
    7. Cool on the counter for 1-2 hours.
    8. Meanwhile, place your thin mints in a small Ziploc bag. Using a potato masher (or bottom of a cup, or rolling pin), crush the cookies.
    9. You’ll want to use approximately 10 Popsicle molds.  Evenly distribute the crushed cookies into the molds.
    10. Once the chocolate mix has cooled, pour it on top of the crushed cookies.
    11. Using a chopstick (or skewer), slide into the molds to help the chocolate surround the cookies and reach the bottom of the mold.
    12. Add the popsicle handles, and freeze for 3-4 hours.
    13. Once frozen, run the mold under hot water for a few seconds to help loosen it.
    14. Remove from the mold and enjoy!
    Adapted from Shop Cook Make
    Adapted from Shop Cook Make
    Home Maid Simple https://www.homemaidsimple.com/
     
      Kids enjoying Thin Mint Chocolate Fudgesicles
    I kid you not, the Thin Mints permeated the whole fudgesicle so every bite was full of that girl scout cookie goodness. This easily tripled my cookies and made sharing them with the kids not so hard. 
     
    And would you know it, I woke up to it snowing this morning!  Thank goodness it didn’t stick, but it sure is cold here again.
     
     
    Thank you for joining us at Foodie Friday! Make sure you check out my co-host Diane at Simple Living and Eating.

    ~FEATURES~

    I just need to say this – It’s getting too hard to pick features!! You all have so many wonderful looking recipes!  So since Diane and I can’t feature you all, please please go check out the linky, and visit some of the other blogs. You are sure to find something yummy to add to your menu’s!
      
    Family Favorite Pork Chops
    Family Favorite Pork Chops
    from Wyoming Girl *Turned* Coastie Wife
    Pork is our families choice of meat, so I know these won’t disappoint. Plus they are super simple!
     
    IMG_4786-003
    Ranch Dressing
    from A Bright and Beautiful Life
    We run out of Ranch too often in this house! Now I can always have some on hand, because yes it does go with everything.
     
  • Spring Gardening: Time to Prep!

    Spring Gardening: Time to Prep!

    I can’t believe I’m already thinking about my garden. I always thought I had to wait until the snow melted and it was more spring like to get started in the garden. Obviously, I’m pretty new to this gardening thing. Last year was our first gardening attempt, and we had minimal success with it.  I’ve been itching to get started since Christmas this year though.  Thanks to my awesome present from my parents – basket, tools, and tons of seeds – and the Craftsy Gardening class I’m taking.

    When getting ready to garden, you want to start by deciding what you want to plant. For me, I’m going with the seeds my parents gave me –
    ~Corn
    ~Sweet Peas
    ~Zucchini
    ~Green Beans
    ~Onions
    ~Cucumber
    ~Tomatoes

    These are all veggies I love, and know we’ll be using plenty of.  As I go, I may toss in some peppers and herbs to make our own salsa come harvest, but I have a little time to figure that out still. Right now I need to get my onions and tomatoes started indoors.  Thanks to pinterest I found this handy website that tells me when to start the seeds – SproutRobot – you just tell them your zip code and it does the work…er the easy work of giving you info, you still have to do the planting.

    I don’t really have the money to invest into an indoor grow center, so I found some other great ideas to start my seeds indoors.  I’ve been fishing toilet paper tubes out of our bathroom trash all week, and trying to use all our eggs so I can have the cartons as well. 

    toilet paper roll seed starters 6

    What I love about both these ideas, besides being frugal, is that I can plant the “carton” with the seed, and not worry about disturbing the seeds. I’m pretty sure that’s how I killed my watermelon last year..although maybe watermelon shouldn’t be started inside either…

    I purchased the Garden Fresh class from Craftsy (affiliate link) back in the fall, but just started watching the lessons.  Lesson 1 is over, and I feel very overwhelmed, but also extremely excited to get started. We have very clay like soil here in Utah, so I need to find a good top soil to till into it. I’m also really hoping a neighbor has a rototiller I can borrow – doing our garden space with a rake and pitch fork just doesn’t sound fun…It’s a huge space! 

    This is going to be worth it though! Fresh vegetables every day, I can’t wait!

    Are you putting in a Spring Garden?