Cake Pops

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This week my nieces came to visit!  We had a blast swimming, going to the Indiana State Fair, shopping, and hitting downtown Indianapolis...somewhere in there we found time to make cake pops!

This was my first attempt at making them...

We took a picture of one of the "pretty" cake pops....but really they all turned out a tad sloppier.  We had a little trouble during the dipping phase.

The sloppy pops did not stop us from having a blast eating them though...they were delicious and fun!  I think I will make these for birthday snacks at school this year.

The little girls had lots of fun playing dress up for hours!

Mugshots

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Well, it's the first day of school.....I admit, it did a teeny tiny happy dance on the inside.  I have had a great summer with my kids, but boredom had definitely set in...it will be good for me to get back to work and them to get back into a routine.  

Here are the obligatory I look like I just rolled out of bed because it's the first I've been up early all summer long first day of school pictures!  lol

 I am cracking up because McKinley agreed to hold the sign at home, but not where anyone could see him.  Little did he know these pictures would be on my blog and probably facebook too...heehee...

I am also cracking up because they look like mugshots!  Hilarious!

Sugar & spice...and new canisters

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A few weeks ago I shared my inspiration for new chalkboard canisters.  The little project is complete and I am loving the new corner of my kitchen!

  Things have been busy around here the last week or so and I haven't had much time to cook in my new space.  I had the opportunity last night and I am so happy with the way things turned out!  I have to admit the whole Ikea knife magnet used to creep me out...but having my knives, canisters, and most used spices (kosher salt, black pepper, minced onion, minced garlic, seasoning salt, and Italian seasoning) right there above long counter makes cooking very seamless!

The chalkboard canisters were the perfect choice for me!  I am thinking of adding one more for powdered sugar or whatever else I might be using at the moment.  I love that the chalkboard allows me to rewrite what is in the canister and play with the "fonts."

I really wanted the metal scoops and my BFF saw them at Walmart...I ran out that day and picked them up!  They were $3.97 for 3.   The canisters were from Target and chalkboard contact paper came from Amazon.

In case you had forgotten here was my little kitchen corner before:

When projects don't work....

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Do you remember the last time I showed you my entry way...this was before we repainted everything to light blue...

I loved the leaf prints against the green...but against the light blue they did not work at all, they just blended into the lighter wall color.

I had the idea to repaint the canvases and spray adhesive these fun photo letters that I found at Hobby Lobby for $1.99 each to them.  (In case you are wondering the letters spell our last name.  lol) Well the project came out pretty good!  However...it looked horrible above the new mirror I picked up for over the dresser.    (If you haven't heard this...mirrors brighten up spaces and it's true!  I love what that little mirror has done for my entry.)  The scale was way too large.

 

Here is a grainy picture I took with my phone to give show you how it looked.

On my last trip to Ikea I picked up some Ribba frames and the scale is much better!  I also snagged a large wire basket for $2.49 that fits perfectly under the dresser.  It's a great place to stash things that need "returned"...such as library books or Target purchases gone wrong.

I am keeping the canvases and will use them somewhere else in the house.  ;)  So there is my project that didn't quite work out, more sneaks of my new paint color, and my new entry mirror.

Now I have to make a decision on if  I want to paint that dresser or leave it stained...I am on the lookout for a new lamp...I need to pick up some Rub 'N Buff for the dresser knobs...look for a new rug...it never ends!

Never too late...

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...to start new traditions, right?

I have always loved when I see first day of school pictures and the kids are holding a sign telling what grade they are entering.  Yet, I have never done this with my own kids....

Today on Pinterest I came across these adorable, FREE, printables. Perfect!  CLICK HERE to print your own!

7th Birthday

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I know every mom says this...but seriously...where does the time go? I cannot believe my baby girl is 7! Yesterday was her birthday and in my true fashion I waited until about Wednesday to start planning her party.

Because our house is small and gets hot in the summer, I decided to order pizza. I invited my mom, dad, sisters, and BFF's family. My planning also morphed into a Soda Shop theme...

Stephanie over at room*6 whipped up one of her signature patchwork skirts on Friday for Evie to wear! Make sure you check out her Etsy store! I found the free birthday printable on Pinterest.

Welcome to Evie's Soda Shop! I admit...I wanted to buy cool looking bottles of different soda flavors...but after much debate in the grocery store, I knew the kids would love the little cans and they were $15 cheaper.

I made the little signs in photoshop and my sister helped me with the pizza banner...she also taught me how to make the tissue pom pom's. The "sundae" cupcakes were topped with little cherry candies, sprinkles, and a straw. I was going to do an ice cream toppings bar...but again...after pricing it out root beer floats were more affordable and my kids LOVE them! I did pick up a set of Mason jars to use as our frosty mugs. We rounded out the soda shop with a bright tablecloth, strawberry lemonade, and a little candy bar for the kids to make goody bags.

The kids had a blast and loved their root beer floats!

Happy Birthday dear, sweet Evie! I love you so much!

Sweet & Tangy Pork

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While we were on vacation we ate the most amazing pulled pork! Ever since then I have been trying to replicate the taste...I stumbled upon this recipe and gave it a try today. I think it was pretty close!

Here is what you need, along with a pork loin roast.

In a bowl mix:

Jar of apricot preserves
Minced onion (or chopped fresh onion)
2 Tbs dijon mustard
2 Tbs Soy Sauce

I threw in some salt, pepper, and minced garlic because I figured why not?!

Cook in your slow cooker on low for 8-10 hours, shred and allow it to cook in the juices for another 30 minutes or so...

Here is the final result! This would also be great with cole slaw or thin sliced cucumbers on the sandwich. Tomorrow night we will be having leftovers...pork nachos with cheese and salsa!