Here Comes Peter Cottontail....

It's been a little strange decorating for Holidays recently. All of the children are grown. I'm sure in their own way, they still appreciate that the house is festive, when they visit. However, my decorating has dwindled quite a lot. Everything is much more subdued and neutral. I love it!! It's very calming and soothing. So this year, the Easter decorations got a neutral overhaul also.

Open House Anyone?

Warning! Lots of pictures. Just to get me in the mood. (Cue the swanky 70's music.)

It's mid-March. Three months until "Open House Season" is well upon us. Time to get started! Are you ready?

Farm Fresh Basket

Spring has sprung. The grass is rize. I wonder where......oh phooey! Way to early for this little saying.

The snow is melting. It's sunny as heck. I can actually see my deck!

Cake Decorations On The Fly

Honesty first.....I am not a baker. My cakes aren't beautiful, they are never baked from scratch, they will be lopsided to some degree, but.... there's a big BUT here....they are always made with LOVE.

Missing In (Craft) Action

I know it's been a long time. Missing in action is what has happened. The "action" of every day life completely took over.

Historic Homes

Where's my big girl camera when I need it? Really?!! Even my point and shoot would have been welcomed.

Hubby and I took off on an adventure and it led us to Muskegon, Michigan.  We went to a little festival called Taste of Muskegon. Area restaurants had small dishes of their signature menu items to sample. Admission was free, and you purchased tickets to buy sample dishes of the various foods. There was a nice assortment of restaurants, beers, and wine. It was a nice setup, with plenty of picnic tables, areas to walk, benches, port-a-potties, music, and there was even an area with about 8 sets of Cornhole (or Baggo) boards and bags setup. We had a great time, and I would go again. However, the festival turned out to be the opening act.

End of School Year Teacher Gifts

The school year has ended. Time really seems to fly when the family is so busy and going in different directions. Maybe this summer will be a time of relaxation and new beginnings.

Coordinating Thank You Notes

Thank you notes seem to have dropped off by the way side. That hand written note expressing one's appreciation for something often seems to be replaced by an e-mail, text, or phone call. That is if it's remembered at all. Hand written notes are so personal, and such a nice touch.

Thanks For Your "Thyme"

The DIY plant markers that I made for end of the school year teacher appreciation gifts were so darn cute that I just couldn't let them be given without including a plant. I'm horrible when it comes to these types of decisions. Is the gift okay? Or does it need something else? Seems I always go with the "something else". Oh well. That's just how I work.

Baby Shower Favor To Teacher Appreciation Gift

Morning all. I must start with a confession. This gift I'm sharing with you is kind of a cheat. I know. I know. How could I do such a thing? Very easily in this particular case.

DIY Plant Markers

The end of the school year has rolled around….again….and very quickly. It's caught me a little off guard this time, even though I was "sooooooo ahead of the game this time". That's the snarky little voice in my head that makes me think I'm actually organized. It lies! It lies!

Caramel Apple Snickers Salad

Do you love caramel apples with peanuts? Oh, and a little chocolate? Oh, and some cool whippy pudding? Yes, yes, and yes? Great! This little concoction of a "salad" is very awesome, and very easy. This was the third super easy and simple recipe that I tried on Memorial Day. The other two were Feta Dip and Grilled Asparagus. Both were delicious. Today's bit of deliciousness is a dessert. A friend up north often makes a version of this for get togethers. The other day I found out why. It's super easy.

Again, no foodie pics were taken on Memorial Day, therefore the pics you see are not mine, but there is a link back to their original source. This recipe is from Lindsay at her Potpourri Mommy blog. Please show her some love for the amazing recipe. My notes are in blue text.

Caramel Apple Snickers Salad

Ingredients:

* 3 apples (I used four apples and a mixture of sweet and slightly tart)

* 12 fun size Snickers or 6 full size Snickers (I scoured the house for more…use more)

* 1 cup milk

* 1 large package vanilla instant pudding (not made)

* 1 16 oz. Cool Whip (I like a little less cool whip in mine) (it's a lot of whip, maybe that's why I added extra apples and snickers)

Directions:  

Mix milk and pudding in a large bowl.  Add cool whip.  Cut the Snickers and apples into small pieces and add to the mixture.  

This dessert is best if you make it close to when it is being served.  I wouldn't recommend making it the night before. (the apples add too much moisture to serve the following day. Definitely a make and eat the same day dish. A couple of hours ahead is good, as it gives the pudding and cool whip time to set a bit.)

I happened to have shaved chocolate on hand, so I use it as a garnish. Very pretty. The dessert is easy, quick, no-bake, and delicious. Another keeper.

Thanks for visiting. Now go tend to your garden.