Cupcakes, Cupcakes, Cupcakes - Features of the Day

In honor of my son's birthday today, I am featuring one of his favorite desserts.. Cupcakes! I will be featuring the wonderful cupcakes from this week's Dare to Share Party, but also some of my kid's  favorite cupcakes we have had at past parties. 

Chunky Monkey Cupcakes (upper left) by Kelly of Virtually Yours (KellyStillwell.com) are Chocolate Banana Pudding Cupcakes  that your family will love.  I know my son loves bananas and would be thrilled to have these for a birthday treat. 

Paddington Bear Cupcakes (upper right) by Courtney of Optimistic Mommy would be adorable at a Paddington themed party or movie night.  

Disney Pixar Inside Out Cupcakes (lower left)  also by Kelly of Virtually Yours are a fun and colorful treat for the upcoming movie Inside Out. They would be fun to serve after seeing the movie, or at several types of colorful parties. 

Churro Cupcakes (lower right) by Mariah of Formula Mom are full of  sweet cinnamon goodness that would be perfect for your upcoming Cinco De Mayo celebrations. 

Thank you so much Kelly, Courtney, and Mariah for sharing your cupcake making talents to this week's Dare to Share!

Even More Cupcakes to Enjoy 

Several years ago I started serving cupcakes at our at my children's parties.  I found that they were easier to make, and faster to serve when you have several impatient children who want cake.  Here are some of our favorite cupcakes we have had at our parties in the past. 

I once made these Flower Cupcakes for a friend who shares her birthday with my son (Happy Birthday R!)  Flowers were a great theme for late April and upcoming Mother's Day holiday.  

These Cloud Cuckooland Cupcakes were made for a Lego themed party.  They would also be good for a rainbow or St. Patricks Day party.  

 My daughter loved her Kitten Cupcakes at her cat themed party.  

At her Zoo Animal Party we had cupcakes that looked like Elephant, Lions, and Monkeys. 

At one of our most recent parties,  Kara's Butterfly Party, we used edible butterflies that looked like the real thing.  

Do you prefer cake or cupcakes at your parties?  

Dare to Share #160

It's Friday night, and you know what that means.. 

It is time to Dare to Share!

Sorry it is has been such a quiet week on the blog.  I had to take care of some family matters, and Kara had a bad week with her migraines.  She missed four days of school this week.  We also had lots of Drs appointments on the schedule.  On the plus side, I had my annual physical and my Dr was happy with me even though I was a few months behind schedule.  Hopefully next week will be a bit calmer.  

My Dare to Share Features of the Day this week were Chicken Recipe Ideas  for family dinners. 

Easy Mustard Chicken by Simply Stacie

Garden Fresh Grilled Cheese by Homegrown and Healthy

Homemade Enchiladas by Lemons and Laughs

Applesauce Chicken by Strength and Sunshine

My cohost Kim had many posts on her blog this week.  I used to love to play the game Frogger, so i really like these Frog Log Cookies. 

Now it is time for this week's party.  You are welcome to share anything that you would like to share.  If your chosen as a Dare to Share Feature of the Day,  you post will be shared on the blog and social media.   This party is also seen on Kandy Kreations for double the exposure.  Kim also picks features to share on her blog and social media.  

Now link up and HAVE FUN! 

   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

Chicken Dinner Ideas - Features of the Day

I am always looking for new ways to make chicken for dinner. My entire family likes it, so it is a go to meal.  I saw several interesting chicken recipes that I would like to try on this week's Dare to Share, and I hope you will too.  

Easy Mustard Chicken (upper left) by Stacie of  Simply Stacie is a meal that is easy to make but looks like it was served in a restaurant. 

Garden Fresh Grilled Cheese (upper right) by Aubrey of  Homegrown and Healthy is an interesting and healthy twist on a family favorite. 

Homemade Enchiladas (lower left) by Miranda of Lemons and Laughs  is a another favorite meal that the entire family will enjoy. 

Slow Cooker Applesauce Chicken (lower right) by  Rebecca of Strength and Sunshine is another super easy meal idea that you will want to make again and again.  

Be sure to check out these wonderful recipes for your next family meal.  Thank you so much Stacie, Aubrey, Miranda, and Rebecca for linking up to this week's Dare to Share. 

Dare to Share #159

It is Friday night, and you know what that means.. 

It is time to Dare to Share! 

This week we started our last quarter of school.  The next few weeks are going go by really fast, especially for my Senior.  There will be a lot of big things happening that we have not experienced before, and I am not sure I am ready.  

I kept busy this week with a few things.  I bought supplies for a couple of new Cinderella party posts, coming soon.  I also was asked to do a Hometalk Board for 9 Smart Ways to Upcycle a Pringles Can. 

I was also asked to share a #sponsored post about Hamburger Helper and a FREE beef rebate.  It is a really great deal to check out if you like free food. 

With the warmer weather, I am starting to think about summer and lots of color.  For the Features of the Day this week, I chose Colorful Party Treats.

Cotton Candy Party Popcorn by Krystal's Kitsch

Confetti Donuts by The Mandatory Mooch

Cowboy Cactus Dessert by Bombshell Bling

Homemade Sno-Con Syrup by AttaGirl Says

My co-host Kim keeping with the video game theme of last week, shared these super fun Pacman Ghost Pretzels. I can see serving these at your next game party, and for the upcoming PacMan movie. 

Now it is time for these week's party.  You are welcome to share anything that you would like to share.  If you are chosen as a Dare to Share Feature of the Day, your post will be shared on my blog and on social media.  This party is also seen on Kandy Kreations for double the exposure.  Kim also chooses features to share on  her blog and social media.

Now link up and HAVE FUN! 

   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

Quick and Easy Hamburger Helper Meal and FREE Ground Beef Rebate

This post is sponsored by Hamburger Helper but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Having three teenagers with busy schedules, it can sometimes be difficult to sit down to a family dinner.  It can also be expensive to feed three teenagers who have very different tastes.   Recently after dance class we stopped at the store to pick up some groceries. Hamburger Helper is a dinner they all agree on, and it is easy to make on those busy days.  

We were happy to see that Hamburger Helper was on sale the day we were there and picked three flavors that all enjoy,  Sweet and Sour Chicken,  Four Cheese Lasagna, and Crunchy Taco. I also picked up a package of ground beef which was also on sale.  

What was even more exciting than seeing Hamburger Helper and hamburger on sale was when you bought three boxes and hamburger there was a rebate for a FREE lb of ground beef.    Not only were we going to have an easy to make  meal that all of use would enjoy, but it was going to super affordable as well.  Awesome! 

The kids decided on Four Cheese Lasagna on this night.  I browned the hamburger in the skillet.  All I had to do then was add the sauce mix and pasta  with 1 1/4 cup water and 1 3/4 cup milk.  I loved that I could do everything in the same skillet, it really cut down on the messy dishes. 

A few minutes later it was ready and we had a cheesy, meaty meal that disappeared quickly. All three of the kids said they would like to eat this meal again.  When all three agree, I know it is a big hit.    

How to get your  FREE Ground Beef Rebate

1. Visit your local grocer, and purchase three Hamburger Helper products and Ground Beef. 

2. Visit the campaign landing page.  You will see the digital rebate: “Free Ground Beef, when you buy 3 boxes of Helper.” Please note that you may also buy Chicken Helper or Tuna Helper.

3. Click on the rebate. 

4. Print and mail in the rebate form.

  

Colorful Party Treats - Features of the Day

It's a gray, dreary day today, so I was thinking I needed some color to brighten things up. Today's Dare to Share Features of the Day are all bright, colorful and perfect for a party. 

Cotton Candy Party Popcorn (upper left) by Krystal of Krystal's Kitsch is a great mix of sweet and salty, and part of a Confetti Themed Party.  At this party she served confetti cupcakes, made a confetti craft, and my favorite had a confetti themed photo booth.  I love how the confetti photos turned out! 

Confetti Donuts (upper right)  are a fun and colorful treat by Nichi of The Mandatory Mooch. They are so bright and cheery, they would be great to serve at so many different types of parties.  In fact I would just make up a party so I could serve some.

The Cowboy Cactus Dessert (lower left) by Sarah of Bombshell Bling is a fun and simple treat perfect for a Cowboy or Western Themed Party.  Sarah whipped these up for a class party, and the pudding cups made them easy to take on the go.  

Homemade Sno-Cone Syrup (lower right) by Amy of Atta Girl Says would be great to serve at pool parties, picnics, and many summer parties. With her simple recipe you can make all kinds of great colors and flavors.  

So if you are looking for some colorful party ideas, be sure to check out these fun features.

Thank you so much Krystal, Nichi, Sarah and Amy for sharing your wonderful recipes on this week's Dare to Share! 

9 Smart Ways to Upcycle Pringles Cans {A Hometalk Curated Board}

I was recently asked to curate a board for Hometalk on ways to upcycle Pringles cans. Do you remember when I made my Pringles Can Scarecrow a couple of years ago? I think it is still one of my favorite crafts.  There are other crafters on Hometalk that have also used an upcycled chip can for inspiration.  They can be used for holidays as decorations, and treat baskets.  They are great for storing things such twine, your curling iron, and other household items. You can use them in your decor by turning them into  candle holders  Another great use for upcycled Pringles cans is for giving gifts and goodies.  Do you love to watch football with your friends and family? How about turning a few cans into a goal post for your party table. There are just so many fun ways to reuse a Pringles can.  You can read more about each of these projects here on my Hometalk Board. 

Dare to Share #158

It is Friday night, and you know what that means.. 

It is time to Dare to Share! 

This week was our Spring Break.  It was nice to have a much needed break before the craziness of the end of the school year.    Because of the Robotics meet, we did not have to color our eggs this year until the night of Easter.  This year Kara experimented a bit with the food coloring.   The Robotics meet went well. We were chosen to go to the final rounds as part of an alliance and ended up in 5th place.  We did not advance to the state meet, but came close. The state meet was four days long and across the state, so we were okay with not advancing. Hopefully next year that the meet will be closer to home.   

We have started working on our Cinderella Party ideas.  Kara shared how to make Cinderella Butterflies. 

I had two Dare to Share Features of the Day this week.. If you are a blogger, you may want to check out these Blogging Tips to help grow your blog.  

How to Make a Full Time Income by Serendipity and Spice

10 Ways to Make Your Business Cards Stand Out by My Thoughts, Ideas, and Ramblings

Manage Your Blog with Google Calendar by Hey, Let's Make Stuff

Running Your Blog Business by Pink Heels Pink Truck

Today's Features of the Day were how to make these pretty Spring Wreaths.  

Orchid Spring Wreath by Bombshell Bling

Monogrammed Spring Wreath by Life Anchored

Frugal Yarn Wreath by The Jenny Evoluation

Burlap, Lace and Button Wreath by Busy Being Jennifer

It is almost my son's birthday again.  Last year I made him Video Game Party Treats for his birthday.  This  Pac Man Fever Power Pills Printable by my co host Kim of Kandy Kreations is  definitely something I know he will enjoy. 

Now it is time for this week's party.  You are welcome to share anything that you would like to share. If you are chosen as a Dare to Share Feature of the Day, you post will be featured on the blog and my social media.  Kim also chooses features, so you may be featured on her blog and social media as well.  

Now Link Up and HAVE FUN! 

   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

Spring Wreaths - Features of the Day

I noticed another trend on this week's Dare to Share Party.  Several bloggers were featuring colorful Spring Wreaths.  Each one were very different from the others.    If you are looking for some wreath ideas for your front door, definitely check out these posts 

The Orchid Spring Wreath (upper left)  by Sarah of  Bombshell Bling really makes a statement. I can be made with a from, pretty fabric, and flowers.  

The Monogram Spring Wreath (upper right) by Lani of Life Anchored recycled a fall wreath by changing out the flowers and adding a colorful initial.  Her tutorial might inspire to do a wreath makeover of your own.

The Frugal Yarn Spring Wreath (lower left) but Jennifer of The Jenny Evolution shared how to make this colorful wreath with not a lot of money or time. She also has  Spring Clothespin Wreath you can make out of dollar store clothespins 

The Burlap, Lace, and Button Wreath (lower right)  by Jennifer of Busy Being Jennifer is fun and colorful, and a great way to use up extra craft supplies.  

Be sure to stop by these blogs and see how they made their wreaths.  Thank you Sarah, Lani, Jennifer, and Jennifer for sharing your creations on Dare to Share!

Cinderella Butterflies and Paper Review

Disclosure:  We were given a sample of the paper used in this craft to review.  All opinions in this post are 100% ours. This post also includes an affiliate link.  

Have you had the chance to see the new Cinderella movie yet?  Kara and I saw it opening weekend, and we have to say it has become a new favorite.  Butterflies can be seen throughout this beautiful movie.   In the beginning of the movie,  Ella receives a purple origami butterfly from her father.  It becomes one of her most prized possessions.  When Fairy Godmother's magic transforms the ball gown, butterflies decorate both the dress and her glass slippers.  You can frequently see butterflies flying in the outdoor scenes.  Since butterflies are such an important theme, Kara helped me  put together some origami butterflies perfect for a Cinderella themed Party.  

We had recently been asked if we would like to try Orchid Origami Paper, and since Kara loves Origami, of course we said yes.  The first thing we noticed was it came in 10 gorgeous colors. We knew this paper would be perfect to use for this butterfly project.  Kara made all of the butterflies in a short amount of time.  I asked her what she thought about the paper. She said it has a good quality, and is easy to fold. She liked the size (6 x 6 inches) and thinks it would be great for paper projects of all kinds. Even though the color is only on one side, when folding into butterflies you do not see the white side.  When asked if she would recommend the paper, she said "definitely". 

Using a butterfly origami pattern found in multiple places online, Kara shows step by step how to make a butterfly. 

Step 1.   Fold your paper in half in both directions. 

Step 2.  Fold the paper diagonally in both directions. 

Step 3. Lay the paper flat, and then fold the sides in forming a triangle 

Step 4. Fold the corners of the top layer up to the center point, forming a diamond shape. 

Step 5. Flip the paper over, and fold the top corner over the top edge. Fold the corner tip behind.  

Step 6.  Turn the butterfly over and fold along the center line.  When you let go, it should look something like this.   

You can use these butterflies as party decorations, a craft project, gift toppers and so much more.   

Blogging Tips - Features of the Day

Today while looking at the Dare to Share party, I noticed there were several links that had blogging tips for bloggers.  There is so much to learn as a blogger, especially if you are a new, so I thought that these posts by seasoned bloggers would make a great Feature of the Day.  

Melissa from Serendipity and Spice has been blogging for quite a while, and has a successful blog.. She has a series of posts on How to Build a Better Blog.  In this post she shared How to Make a Full Time Income Blogging that has a lot of of information that any blogger can use 

Lisa of My Thoughts, Ideas, and Ramblings  shared 10 Ways to Make Your Business Cards Stand Out.  As you go to conferences, or want to share the word about your blog, you will want really great business cards. 

Cori  of Hey, Let's Make Stuff  shared how to Manage Your Blog with Google Calendar. She gives some great tips on how to organize and color code all of your important information. If you are on your smart phone a lot, you will want to check out this post. 

Taylor of Pink Heels Pink Truck has also been blogging for quite awhile. The post she shared is Running Your Blogging Business. She runs a full time blog  while also having another full time job.  This post is part of her Bloggingedumaction series, which also has a lot of great blogging information any blogger can use. 

Thank you so much Melissa, Lisa, Cori and Taylor for linking up your blogging knowledge to this week's Dare to Share.

Dare to Share #157

It's the Friday night before Easter! 

And you know that that means, it is time for Dare to Share!

Are you ready?  

I am so not ready..  the last few days have been more Drs. appointments, school finals, and this..  

We are in the middle of a two day Robotics meet on Easter weekend.   R2D2 in the pictuer because I am doing something fun for Hallmark.   You can see all the fun that R2D2 is up to on Instagram. We are taking a MUCH NEEDED rest during break, so we will have to have fun in our home town.  

We have not had a chance to color our Easter eggs yet this year.. (thank goodness I have teenagers who don't mind if we do them last minute) but I shared some of our Coloring Techniques for Unique Easter Eggs

I figured there are some other busy people like me, who also are not quite ready for Easter, I chose Last Minute Easter Treats as the Features of the Day.   

Peeps Cookie Cake is by Growing up Gabel

Easter Muddy Buddies is by The Rebel Chick

Macadamia Nut Easter Candy Bark is by Woman of Many Roles

Candy Filled Easter Chicks are by One Little Project

My co-host Kim from Kandy Kreations shared this free printable  for a Super Easy Peeps Table Runner.  I LOVE Peeps so I will be printing this one. 

Now it is time for this week's party!   You are welcome to link up anything that you would like to share.  If you are chosen for a Feature of the Day, your post will be featured on my blog and social media.   This party  will also be seen on Kim's blog, for double the exposure.  She also picks features from the linky party to share on her blog and social media  

Now link up and HAVE FUN! 

   

    An InLinkz Link-up