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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BalancedNewYear #CollectiveBias
I love making resolutions. To me they always represent opportunity and hope. They might not all stick (and they usually don’t) but that’s fine. You can’t succeed if you never even start. So this year instead of going to extremes I’m focusing more on balance. Instead of choosing to exercise 2 hours a day, I’ll try to work in a few extra steps here and there. Rather than cut out every food that doesn’t register at zero carbs I’m going for a good balance. I think that the old saying about moderation really is the key to success.
For this recipe I chose to use a dinner entree that is easy and delicious and combine it with a dessert that incorporates both taste and balance. It’s lower in sugar and uses a variety of ingredients to keep it well rounded. Keep reading for the incredibly tasty and super easy recipe.
Balsamic Whipped Ricotta Strawberries
var pfHeaderImgUrl = '';var pfHeaderTagline = '';var pfdisableClickToDel = 1;var pfHideImages = 0;var pfImageDisplayStyle = 'right';var pfDisablePDF = 0;var pfDisableEmail = 0;var pfDisablePrint = 0;var pfCustomCSS = 'https://docs.google.com/document/d/10vmkyVccdXO2oubVmRS-Imh7kaliBSK45GCUGXVD0oo/edit?usp=sharing';var pfBtVersion='1';(function()var js, pf;pf = document.createElement('script');pf.type = 'text/javascript';if('https:' == document.location.protocol)js='https://pf-cdn.printfriendly.com/ssl/main.js'elsejs='http://cdn.printfriendly.com/printfriendly.js'pf.src=js;document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(pf))();Recipe by: Dean Ludington Prep Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 25minutes Ingredients: 16oz. Strawberries 1 C Ricotta 1 C Heavy Cream 2/3 C Splenda Granulated – divided 1/2 C Balsamic Vinegar 1/2 C Whipped or softened Cream Cheese 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
Instructions:
Reduce balsamic vinegar over high heat (easy instructions here)
In a food processor pulse granulated Splenda turning into powder. Set aside.
Beat ice cold heavy cream on high with an electric mixer. After cream starts to thicken, slowly add 1/3 c. of powdered splenda. Continue mixing on high speed until stiff peaks form.
In a separate bowl mix the ricotta and cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and fluffy. Slowly add remaining 1/3 c. splenda and vanilla until thoroughly blended.
Fold the ricotta mixture into the whipped cream with a spatula until just mixed.
Meanwhile slice strawberries and toss with ricotta reduction. Layer the whipped cream and strawberries. Drizzle with extra balsamic.
Gently fold everything together just before enjoying.
Whipped cream is surprisingly easy to make. For some reason people get intimidated when it comes to whipping (pun intended!) out the blender and making homemade whipped cream. Trust me, it’s soooo easy. Just make sure you use heavy cream. You’ll be pleasantly pleased when you start to see those foamy peaks start to form.
You have to whip the ricotta mixture separately. When you make whipped cream, to get the mixture light and frothy, you need to start with only cold cream. Any other ingredients will impede the process. After you’ve whipped the cream enough to see those frothy stiff peaks and valleys you can then begin to add additional ingredients. Just be careful you don’t go overboard with the mixer or you may end up creating…… yup you guessed it: butter! Here’s a great article if you want to read more about cream, heavy cream, light cream and whipping cream.
To ensure the Splenda blends well into the whipped cream, pulse until you have a powdered mix. This is not to be confused with the Splenda packets. You want to start out with Splenda granulated to achieve the correct volume.
I love this quick dinner by STOUFFER’S® Fit Kitchen. It pairs really well with the balsamic strawberries. Both are easy to make, delicious and fit completely into my plan for balanced living. I Picked up a bunch of them at Walmart while I was there buying ingredients for my dessert. On a side note, if you want to find them, they are not with the regular STOUFFER’S® meals but instead by the convenience foods and healthy entrees. This meal prepares in just minutes and is awesomely delicious. What is perfect for my resolution is that STOUFFER’S® Fit Kitchen is both balanced and satisfying, a great way to start off 2016! I love how the bourbon sauce with the steak isn’t too sweet and has just enough spice. It also has the perfect balance of protein, vegetables and good carbs. These meals are definitely going to become a staple in my house.
I hope you enjoy this quick and simple recipe to accompanySTOUFFER’S® Fit Kitchen Bourbon Steak.
I’d love to hear your comments or suggestions.
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Thanks to Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser for sponsoring today’s post. All opinions are mine alone. #Scott100More #CollectiveBias
A few weeks ago I decided it was time to remodel one of my bathrooms. It was seriously outdated and in need of a major makeover. When I say outdated, I’m talkin’ major, decades old outdated. Golden oak cabinet, pink tile, chrome fixture outdated. The more I looked around the more I realized this bathroom was in some serious need of a trip to the 21st century. I started looking for some ideas that would be quick, easy and wouldn’t cost a fortune.
I began my DIY remodel quest where all great ideas are born. Yup, you guessed it… Pinterest! It all started with a before-and-after pin of a bathroom cabinet. It looked exactly like my golden oldie, and I could see the potential ahead. The secret apparently lied in a revolutionary staining method. This technique involved using a gel stain made by General Finishes. The medium could be used on everything from traditional solid wood to veneer and even… paper laminate. Before I tackled the cabinets head on I wanted to get a feel for this new gel stain. I decided to make something I’ve been wanting for a while: a small decorative wood crate type bath tissue holder. I was so excited with the result I couldn’t wait to continue staining away! For this first post in my bathroom makeover series I’m going to show you how to make this cute, stylish decorative bath tissue holder. What’s even better is that you can customize to fit your own color scheme. Keep reading and you’ll see exactly what you’ll need to make it.
Small Crate approx. 10-15″ x 5.5″ x 4.5″
Martha Stewart Craft Paint try Pool, Surf or Beach Glass
General Finishes Gel Stain in Java
Thick bristle brush, Sanding sponge/sandpaper, Old cloth rag
Latex gloves
Definitely check out BJ’s Wholesale for all your supplies including brushes, sanding sponge, gloves and SCOTT® 1100 Bath Tissue. You’ll be surprised at the variety of products they have for DIYers like myself. I love it because I know I’m getting the best deal on all of the things I need…plus you’ll be surprised how fast you can go through a case of sanding sponges! PLUS, I am providing a link at the bottom of the post for SCOTT® 1100 Bath Tissue & BJ’s Wholesale coupons to help you out with your purchase!
Start with a highly pigmented paint, such as Martha Stewart Crafts, for best results. To create a lightly distressed look you’ll want to concentrate the paint on the outside corners and any edges of the crate. You also want to dry brush a few paint strokes on the faces of the wood. These painted areas will show through the stain and enable to piece to have a rustic look.
After the paint is fully dry you’re ready to start applying the stain. Make sure you have your rubber gloves! The last thing you want is dark brown stained hands and nails…unlike paint, this stuff doesn’t wash off.
You can use a foam brush or cotton rag for best application. Make sure to get into the corner and crevices of the crate.
At this point you want to wipe some of the stain off the areas you painted. Wipe off around the corners and raised edges. Don’t worry if you don’t remove all of the brown color since we’ll be sanding once the stain is dry.
Make sure you give the stain enough time to dry very well. This is a gel stain,which you’ll see, has a higher viscosity than regular stain and longer dry time since it isn’t completely absorbed into the wood as quickly as traditional stain.
Once the stain is dry lightly sand away excess stain on previously painted spots on wood. You may even want to sand some areas right down to the bare wood. This will depend on how distressed you want the piece to look.
I finished the crate with a coat of satin finish Varathane polyurethane. That part is completely up to you. I wanted to seal the piece for easier cleaning but it’s not 100% necessary. You might also want to try one of the waxy chalk paint sealers. They’re primarily used for sealing and finishing chalk paint but can be used anywhere.
I love being able to have this crate for storing extra bath tissue. I think it’s great for a guest bathroom so you don’t have that awkwardness of running out. One of the many reasons I chose SCOTT® 1100 Bath Tissue was the fact that each roll lasts so long – which means less changing! No one likes to run out, and this holder plus the 100 extra sheets per roll will ensure that happens a lot less often. Another reason I love SCOTT® 1100 Bath Tissue is because green environmental impact compared to other brands. The cardboard cores for all SCOTT® 1100 Bath Tissue are made from 100% recycled paper. How great is that!
Make sure you check back for my complete bathroom makeover series.
You’re gonna love to see how easy it was to use the gel stain on thepaper laminate of my decades old cabinets!…
Thanks to SCOTT® for sponsoring today’s bathroom make-over series.Be sure to pick up your coupon here* for SCOTT® 1100 Bath Tissue.
*coupon availability may vary based on proximity to BJ’s Wholesale locations. Coupons.com may or may not use locations services on your PC, tablet or smartphone to determine store distance and selected coupons provided.
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Thanks to Collective Bias and it’s advertiser for sponsoring today’s blog post. #CollectiveBias #SpringCreations
It’s that time of year when wedding and graduation dates start filling up my calendar. There’s nothing better than a mailbox filled with big envelopes decorated with fancy calligraphy or bold colorful high school photos turned postcard invites; I love love love them. It’s a great time to connect family and friends and an even better excuse to get out and party.
One of the problems I always face for these special occasions is coming up with unique and personal gift. I know everyone loves good ole’ cash but that just feels so impersonal to me. Well I’ve found a great way to solve my gift giving dilemma .
I’ve discovered a fast and easy way to take a favorite quote and turn it into a spectacular frameable foil print. I just love this idea. A homemade personalized gift is one of the best you can give. You can choose any quote or phase that suits the occasion and frame it any way you’d like. It will definitely be something your recipient will love.
All you need to get started is a few simple supplies. Keep reading and I’ll show you exactly what you’ll need to create your own custom foil printable.
Scotch® Thermal LaminatorTL901
Foil
Laser Printer or access to copy machine, Staples, FedEx, etc.
Scotch® Brand Tape and Spray Adhesive
Command™ Strips
Frame
Distress Stains and Inks (optional)
You can find the products needed by clicking the highlighted links. If you as impatient as I am, you can also find most of the items right at Walmart. You’ll want to look for the craft aisle which can be found near the gift cards, party supplies and sewing equipment. You’ll want to grab the Scotch® Multi task clear tape, Command™ Strips, (optional) Scotch® Spray adhesive and utility knife. If they have the listed laminator available you’ll want to purchase that also. Walmart usually has some of the best prices so you know you’re always getting the best deal. Oh and make sure you don’t forget your frame…
Begin by going to Canva.com to start your design. The site is super simple to use. You can easily log in using Facebook or Google. Canva is completely free and is very user friendly.
On the opening screen you’ll see a few options. For our printable you want to click the custom dimension box on the top right of the screen.
In the dark gray box switch the dimension option to “inches.” Next choose your size. I choose to enter 8 x 10 inches but you can choose the standard paper size of 8½ by 11 if you’d like; It might make it easier to visualize your final printed design.
All the way on the left you’ll see various options. You want to choose “text.” Next, click on “Add heading.”
You now have a few different options for your text. There’s a great font called “Brusher” that comes with the free version of Canva. With the paid version you’ll have the additional option to add your own fonts. In figure 2 you’ll see an option for size. I chose to use 120pt for my design. You can also grab the sides of the text box to make it larger and fit the entire body of your text. If you click the arrow in figure 3 you’ll have access to a drop down menu.
A great option that Canva offers is the ability to change the line spacing of your text. Click on “text spacing” and you’ll see what I mean. By moving the lines of text closer together you’ll be able to achieve a more professional look . You might also want to play around with other options such as “uppercase” or “centering.”
So now that you have you’re amazing quote all designed and ready to go you want to save it somewhere. I usually just use my “desktop” if I need a quick temporary place to save that I’ll easily remember.
Now that you have your quote saved to your computer you’ll want to print it out. If you already have a laser printer you’re one step ahead of the game. Unlike inkjet printers which use dye and/or pigment ink, Laser printers use toner. The toner, which is essentially static charged plastic powder, is heat pressed into the paper. This foil transfer method uses the laminating machine to re-melt the toner and bond it to the foil sheets. If you don’t have an inkjet printer you’ll need to go and have a copy made. You have several different options. A standard photo copier will work fine, as it uses toner. You can also have copies made for only a few cents each at Staples, UPS or FedEx stores.
After you have your laser printed copies you’re ready to begin the application of the foil!
Keep in mind that not all laminating machines work well for foil transfer. Some machines do not get hot enough or they roll paper through too quickly for the foil transfer to take place. Scotch® Thermal Laminator works well and the price is great compared to similar machines!(Make sure you use the model specified)
You want to adhere your foil Securely to your laser copy. A great all purpose tape that is both photo safe and can stand up to the heat of the laminator is Scotch® Multi purpose tape. Every time I’m at Walmart I definitely stock up. If you’ve ever bought dollar store tape you can definitely appreciate real Scotch® tape. Before using it on your paper you might want to prep it by sticking it several times to a non-porous surface to reduce the adhesion slightly.
After running my copy through the laminator and admiring the gloriousness of it all… Believe me when you see it in person it is really impressive…. I decided to give the foil print a light wash of Distress Stain and used a mister to add small amounts of water to slightly reduce the opacity.
When your finished and ready to gift wrap the frame, you might want to throw in a package of Command™ Strips. Your recipient will sooo love you for it. Command™ Strips are literally the best, most convenient way to hang anything! When you use Command™ Strips you won’t need hammers, nails or hooks. These babies attach right to the frame and wall. Not only do they hold amazingly well but they’re damage-free which means they can be easily removed.
There you have it.
Your own gold foiled custom quote.
What’s more personal than that?!
I’d love to see what your design looks like.
Feel free to share your favorite quote
in the comment section below.
I’m literally always on the look out for new and inspiring
quotes to pin or print.
Thanks for stopping by and
please be sure to follow and subscribe
for new and upcoming posts!
Feel free to right click and save the quote below to print out for yourself.
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This Strawberry Cream Cheese Fruit Dip is the perfect way to encourage children {and adults!} to eat more fruit! With only 2 ingredients, you can whip it up in no time! Serve it with your favorite fruit or graham crackers for an easy snack idea! #SpreadTheFlavor #CollectiveBias #shop
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Fruit Dip is the perfect way to encourage children {and adults!} to eat more fruit! With only 2 ingredients, you can whip it up in no time! Serve it with your favorite fruit or graham crackers for an easy snack idea! #SpreadTheFlavor #CollectiveBias #shop
Thanks to #CollectiveBias, Inc. and its advertiser for sponsoring today’s garden tutorial. All opinions are 100% mine. #LoveYourLawn
This past winter I’ve been collecting wood pallets. I need a few weathered pieces of board for this new project I’m about to start. I found this awesome piece of wall art on Pinterest that I’ve been dying to make. Since the weather started warming up a bit I decided to take inventory on my stash of pallets. As it turns out I’ve accumulated way more than I need for this wall decor piece. You might say I’ve taken wood pallet hoarding to a new level. I decided to come up with a new project. I was starting to get my yard ready for spring and remembered the planters I had on my lawn last year. I needed to make something to put on my lawn to “anchor” them on the ground and give the planters a more organic feel. I knew just what to do. I would disassemble the larger pallets and turn them into mini pallets. Keep reading and I’ll show you exactly what you need to do…
Hand saw or circular saw
Wood Pallets*
1x2x8 furring strips
Hammer and crowbar
Medium 80-120grit and (optional) extra fine 220grit sandpaper
Reciprocating saw *optional
If you have a reciprocating saw taking apart a pallet is super simple. There are actually a bunch of great tutorials on Youtube. Unfortunately my saw is currently not cooperating. And by that I mean it’s either A) completely broken or B) I just don’t know how to use it… I’m betting on B. Anyway I decide to just go at it the old fashioned way using a hammer and crow bar.
So as it turns out, wood pallets are made a little bit stronger than they appear. Those suckers are definitely build to last. Fortunately I discovered that it’s not as difficult if you go about it the right way. Here is a great video showing you different options for disassembling a pallet.
Ok so now that you have a few good pieces of wood from your pallet you’re ready to begin.
You need 5 pieces of pallet board each 12″ long. You’ll also need 3 pieces of 1×2 each 13″ long….you can find them near the 2x4s and are sometimes referred to as furring strips. They’re very inexpensive (about $2) Make sure you sand off any splintering pieces of wood. If you want your mini pallet to have a more refined look you can follow up with a finer 220 grit sandpaper
I designed this quick and easy printable to take with you outdoors for reference. For most PCs you simply right click on the image and choose Save or Print.
Last year I had the planters right on the lawn and I didn’t really like the way they looked. They needed an anchor, something to tie them into the lawn and look like they belong there. This year I think they’ll be perfect. These mini pallets are going to do just the trick. Now I just need to get my lawn back in shape. I found Scotts® Turf Builder® Weed & Feed at Walmart while I was there picking up some some sandpaper. I figured I’d better pick up a bag while I was there. You can’t miss them, they’re right in aisles in special displays as well as in the garden department.
I like the one in the yellow bag called Weed & Feed. What makes this specific Turf Builder® my favorite is that you apply it now as opposed to traditional feeding in the fall. It gets rid of the weeds you see starting to sprout up. It also stops new ones by growing thicker grass to crowd them out. Best of all is that one bag covers up to 5,000 square ft. Now it will only be a matter of time before I can sit back and admire my planter pallet and my beautiful lawn!
I hope you enjoyed this quick tutorial.Don’t forget to enter belowfor a chance to win a$1000Walmart gift card or Scotts products!
I’d love to hear what you think.
Feel free to share in the comment section below
with any links to your own outdoor decor projects!
Scotts® #LoveYourLawn Sweepstakes
Thanks again to Scotts® and Collective Bias for supporting today’s blog tutorial. For more information on Scotts® products click here.
*When looking for wood pallets first try local independently owned hardware stores. Often times they have to pay someone to take away their shipping pallets so they’ll welcome the chance to give you a few. Also don’t be afraid to try the big box stores such as Lowe’s or Home Depot. Each store’s policies vary but generally if you ask someone in the outdoor department or customer service they’re more than happy to let you take a few at no cost.
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cute & little blog | 2-year old toddler dishes chore help tips | #SparklySavings #CollectiveBias #shop
cute & little blog | 2-year old toddler dishes chore help tips | #SparklySavings #CollectiveBias #shop
Thanks to Collective Bias, Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company for sponsoring today’s post. All opinions are mine alone.! #SavorTheMemory #CollectiveBias
My absolute favorite part of the holidays are the great conversations with family and friends. It’s the perfect time to catch up and share stories of the past year. Let me tell you, sometimes the stories are the real gift of the holidays! They can get quite colorful if you know what I mean.
It always seems like everyone congregates in the kitchen for the juicy gossip. That’s always where the great conversation really happens. Throw in some finger food and a beverage bar and you’ve got the start to something good!
I’m going to show you how you can create a really amazing fully stocked Coca-Cola beverage bar. Many times the simplest of details can get overlooked so I’ll provide a complete checklist along with a few great simple tutorials. We’ll make cranberry, mint-infused ice cubes and candied lemon/orange peel Christmas tree stirrers. Keep reading for the easy and fun details!
I found everything I needed right at ACME. Feel free to print out the free printable I’ve provided below to take along with you. While you’re shopping keep in mind that Coca-Cola and Shutterfly.com have a great holiday promo they’re running right now. When you buy 4 participating Coca-Cola products you’ll receive a $20 off at Shutterfly.com via Catalina register print out. Ii will provide you with your own code to redeem online! You’ll definitely want to take advantage of that offer once you realize all of the great pictures you’ve taken this holiday season.
I love the way these candied lemon and orange peel Christmas trees came out. They were super easy to make and taste delicous -think all natural sour patch kids! I’ll also show you a trick to making these cranberry-mint ice cubes look even better.
Lemons, Limes, Oranges & Cranberries
Mint Leaves
Superfine Sugar
Vanilla Extract
Bamboo Skewers
Square Ice cube trays
Distilled Water
Step 1. Begin by slicing the lemons and oranges into 1/4″ strips.
Step 2. Boil the fruit strips for about 20 minutes. Drain. Repeat. This helps remove the bitterness from the peel.
Step 3. Add equal parts sugar and water and bring to a simmer. Reduce to about half. Do this in two seperate sauce pans, one for the oranges and lemons, and a seprate one for the cranberries.
Step 4. You can add the oranges and lemons right to the simmering sugar water.
Important: For the cranberries, you want to remove the pan from the heat for a few minutes then, gradually stir in. If you add the berries too soon, the heat will make them pop.
Step 5. Set the syrup covered fruit to cool on a cookie rack or waxy freezer paper. After the cranberries have cooled you can start making the ice cubes. The trick to suspending them half way into the cube is to freeze them twice. First fill the tray half way with water (Using distilled water and gradual freezing makes for a more clear, transparent cube.) Add the cranberries and mint. They will float to the top. Freeze about 1 1/2 hours. Once set, add water to top off the cubes. Now your cranberries will appear “suspended” in the cubes. Pretty cool right!
Step 6. Skewer your candied peels throught the center. Carefully cut sides on an angle to resemble tiny trees. Add a cranberry to the top.
Step 7. Sprinkle superfine sugar to completely coat peels. If needed, drizzle extra syrup on top so the sugar adheres better.
Now you’re all ready to set up your beverage bar.
Add any left over candied fruit to a glass jar and top with remaining syrup, or use prepared corn syrup. Add about a teaspoon of vanilla extract. You’ve just created your own homemade vanilla syrup. How easy was that! Your guest will love to add it to Coca-Cola and make fresh vanilla soda.
Make sure you have plenty of bowls set aside for freshly cut fruit.
Cranberry-mint ice cubes are perfect for Sprite cranberry.
Add a sprig of fresh mint to your Gold Peak Tea for an extra burst of flavor!
Use your candied lemon and orange peel Christmas tree stirrers with your Sprite cranberry as a garnish and a treat!
What’s your favorite way to enjoy the holidays, share stories and get the perfect photos? I think having a great, fully stocked beverage bar is a good start for some great conversation. It always seems to make my friends and family feel welcome. What are your tips for making unforgettable memories this holiday season?
OH, and don’t forget to grap your $20 off Shutterfly.com coupon!*
*With purchase of 4 qualifying Coca-Cola products. Some restrictions may apply. See full details at Shutterfly.com
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