PB&J Sticks

How is it that everything is cuter when it's miniature?! I love this simple kid friendly snack idea from Sweet Paul...PB&J Sticks! This bite size treat not only looks adorable and party worthy, but is simple and inexpensive to make. If you are worried about peanut allergies, try replacing the peanut butter with cream cheese instead!

{Recipes} Fuzzy Navel Mimosa

{image via Style Me Pretty}

This twist on a mimosa sounds very refreshing and would be perfect at any spring soiree or a Mother's Day brunch!

Fuzzy Navel Mimosa

makes 1 drink

* 1 ounce fresh orange juice

* 1 ounce peach nectar

* 1/2 ounce peach schnapps

1/4 ounce orange-flavored liqueur

4 ounces chilled Champagne

Combine the first four ingredients and top with Champagne.

Lunch Bunch at Amanda's

My friend Amanda is one creative mommy! She has been that way as long as I have known her. So, it comes as no surprise to me that she spruces up her playgroups when she is the hostess.

The Juice Bar

The Coffee (CAFFEINE!) Bar

Amanda printed labels in a cute font for the throw away coffee cups

Amanda labeled each child's cup with "little" and then the mommies name..."little christi". Really cute idea...especially if you are just meeting new moms and their little ones!

The Breakfast Bar

Carb overload! Shh, don't tell...all of these yummy breakfast treats came from Walmart!

And of course there was an activity for the older kids.

Now on to Amanda's most recent play group! Today she set up a pizza bar with many toppings. The crust was pre-made and purchased from HEB.

Thank you Amanda for sharing these fun and affordable ideas!! You can read more about the playgroups on her blog.

Happy Easter!!!

Happy Easter to you and your families! Thank you so much for reading and for inspiring me everyday! Here is a picture of my two little men at an Easter egg hunt this morning.

Now it's time for me to start baking and getting things ready for our family meal tomorrow! What are you serving? We are going to feast on brown sugar glazed ham, corn pudding, twice baked potatoes, sauteed mushrooms and peas, sour cream rolls, coconut meringue pie and an almond cake!! Can't wait! I'm also going to bake banana bread and pecan pie muffins and serve a pear champagne cocktail.

Again, Happy Easter!

xoxo,

Christi

PS - I wish I could edit out the pink caution tape they put up for perimeters for the egg hunt! Oh well, at least it's pink for Easter and not that awful bright yellow construction tape.

Late Night Party Snack

{image via Keely Thorne Events}

There are NO WORDS to describe how excited I would be to find this waiting for me at the door as I left a late night wedding!! We have all seen sweets, such as cookies or a candy station, set up for guests to indulge in as they make their exit, but how great would it be to find a hamburger or chicken fingers with fries waiting for you!!

This would not only work after a wedding reception, but would be a nice touch after any late celebration!

Black & Yellow Candy Station

I am loving this perfectly coordinated candy station created by Amorology Weddings. It is so cheerful and chic! This would also work great for bridal shower, an anniversary party or a bee themed children's' party.

More pictures of the yellow, black and white damask wedding HERE.

S'mores Bars

OK, YUM!!!!

We spent the weekend at our farm this weekend and even though we travel there often, I like to pretend it's vacation and splurge. I tried a few dessert recipes I have been wanting to make. Oh my goodness...these s'mores bars were divine!! Thank you Paula Deen!

S'mores Bars

makes about 2 dozen

1/2 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/3 cup all-purpose flower

3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 6 sheets)

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 (1.5 ounce) Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bars

1 cup marshmallow creme (I used 1 1/2 cups)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease an 8-inch baking pan.

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer at medium speed, until creamy. Add egg and vanilla; beat until combined.

In a small bowl, combine flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder and salt. Add to butter mixture, and beat until combined. Press half of dough in the pan, spreading evenly. Lay chocolate bars on top of dough, breaking apart as needed to create an even layer of chocolate. Spread marshmallow creme over chocolate bars.

Spread remaining dough over marshmallow creme and chocolate bars. Bake 30 to 35 minutes, depending on your oven temperature (I took mine out after 25 minutes).

Could This Be THE Cake?!

Tomorrow is my sweet hubby's birthday! I LOVE to bake, but my two crumb gobblers don't always "let" me hang out in the kitchen that long. J.P. told me that all he wanted was yellow cake from the box with chocolate icing from the can. Easy enough! But then I stumbled across this recipe from Smitten Kitchen via Birthday Girl...

image via Smitten Kitchen

images via Smitten Kitchen

For years I have tried to find THE yellow cake recipe, but ultimately, in my opinion, the box mix is so much better. But I gave it yet another shot tonight! It's cooling on the rack right now, so I will let you know how it turns out tomorrow. =) Until then!

Click HERE for the recipe.

July Fourth: Drink Ideas

Here are two refreshing drinks I plan to make this weekend...

Watermelon Cooler

image via Southern Living

The watermelon wedges on the glasses are what caught my eye. Then, I read the recipe and thought "yum!" I'm not a big fan of watermelon, but this drink recipe from Southern Living sounds good.

Cherry Limeade

image via Taste of Home

I made this non-alcoholic beverage last summer when I was pregnant and it was delicious! Plus, the recipe calls for a sugar substitute (I used Splenda), so that really cuts down on the calories.  It's perfect for kids too!

** side note: if you happen to click on the image credit link for the watermelon cooler, you might notice it leads you to a different recipe. The magazine offers two versions and I prefer the one I listed, but liked this picture better. =)

Cupcake Trend: Souffle Cups

image via paper+cup

image via Cannelle et Vanile

image via Martha Stewart

After reading some of my favorite blogs, I have noticed the rise of souffle cups being used as cupcake liners.  What a neat and different idea!

Drink Flags

My eye has always been drawn to these little drink additions.  Lately, I have noticed them pop up everywhere...and for good reason.  They make a big statement in a small glass.  Now I need to find a reason to make some!

Top row:  Brides, Amy Atlas, Brides

Bottom Row:  Celebrations at Home, Miss Pickles, Brides

Cake Balls

I have a major sweet tooth right now which is nothing unusual for me.  My day would be made if an order of Cake Balls magically appeared on my doorstep.  These decadent treats are nothing short of amazing!  They make perfect gifts (Father's Day!) and they look precious stacked on a small dessert stand at a shower.  They have a handful of delicious flavors available, but will work with you if you need something customized.  Red Velvet and Birthday Cake are my two favorites...yum!