Friday, March 29, 2013

Funfetti Easter Cookies

Today is B's Easter party at his school.  Originally, the Hubs signed us up for jelly beans.  Since I didn't think that jelly beans were a good idea for a group of 1 year olds, I signed us up for cookies instead.  My original intention was to just buy cookies.  I've been swamped at work and traveling this week, so who has time to actually make cookies??  However, as I was browsing the aisles at Target, I saw all of  these cute Easter things and suddenly felt that just buying normal cookies wasn't good enough (insane, I know).  So instead of unpacking last night, I made Easter cookies.  But at least B will have something "cute" to bring to his party today (just imagine when he's in real school and not the 1 year old room at daycare...thanks Pinterest for pressuring all us parents to go above and beyond all the time).

I decided to make Funfetti cookies.  I used this recipe.  They're soft, taste great and easy to make.  I used food coloring in the frosting and pastel sprinkles.  They came out great.  I've listed the recipe below.  Enjoy!

xoxo,
Jen




Ingredients

1
(18.9-oz.) pkg. Pillsbury® Moist Supreme® Funfetti® Cake Mix
1/3
cup oil
2
eggs
1/2
(15.6-oz.) can Pillsbury® Creamy Supreme® Funfetti® Vanilla Frosting



1
Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, combine cake mix, oil and eggs; stir with spoon until thoroughly moistened. Shape dough into 1-inch balls; place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. With bottom of glass dipped in flour, flatten to 1/4-inch thickness.







  • 2Bake at 375°F. for 6 to 8 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets.

  • 3Spread frosting over warm cookies. Immediately sprinkle each with candy bits from frosting. Let frosting set before storing. Store in tightly covered container.





  •  



Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Easter Inspiration

I can't believe Easter is already this weekend!  I've put up my Easter decorations, but I still need to put together B's Easter basket, put together his teacher's gifts, buy stuff for his class Easter party/egg hunt (the Hubs signed us up for jelly beans....1 year olds eat jelly beans?!?!), bake Easter treats for Sunday....Ahh!  Luckily, there's tons of great ideas out there (i.e. Pinterest).  I've pulled together a few of my favorite finds below.  Enjoy!

xoxo,
Jen


101 Easter Basket Gift Ideas from The Mom Creative

Easter Egg Dyeing Techniques and Tips from The Celebration Shoppe

Easter Decor Inspiration

Sweet Treats- Easter Basket Cupcakes
(I used to make these every year when I was growing up!)

Monday, March 25, 2013

Meatball Monday

This weekend, while at brunch with the fam, the conversation of meatballs came up.  My sister-in-law told me that she was looking for a good recipe.  To which I replied, "Hello, I'm Italian, of course I have a good recipe!"  My grandma (my dad's mom) used to make these meatballs, and then taught my mom, who then taught me.  Over the years, everyone has added their own spin by adjusting the level of seasoning, but in general, its remained the same.  Unfortunately, this is not the kind of recipe that gives exact measurements (isn't that the case with all family recipes??).  I've listed out the ingredients and steps below, but basically I just eye-ball the seasoning until I feel that its "just right".  This recipe makes a large batch, so I suggest making them for a group of friends, or freezing some for additional meals.  This is one of the Hubs favorite things that I make.  He actually tells me not to make them that often because he eats way too many!  Enjoy!

xoxo,
Jen

Ingredients:
1 lb Ground Sirloin
1 lb Ground Round (I usually substitute this with lean ground beef)
2 Eggs
Parmesan Cheese
Romano Cheese
Garlic Cloves or Minced Garlic
Garlic Powder
Italian Bread Crumbs
Salt
Pepper
Oregano/Basil (or Italian Seasoning)
Water

Directions:
Add all ingredients into a bowl.
Mix together with hands (you may want to wear gloves)
Add a little bit of water if you feel that the mixture is getting dry along the way
(I usually go back and repeat seasoning/breadcrumbs/garlic and mix again, at least 1-2 times, depending on how flavorful you want your meatballs)


Shape meat mixture into balls and place on a cookie sheet


Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees



Serve with pasta, alone with sauce, in a sub, etc.


Thursday, March 21, 2013

Floral Print

Yesterday was the first official day of Spring.  It sure didn't feel like Spring to me.  I was in Minneapolis where the temperature was a high of 21 degrees.  Yikes.  While I'm waiting for the weather to warm up (even back home in Atlanta), I'm dreaming of Spring appropriate clothing.  Floral print just screams "Springtime"!  You can find this print everywhere right now; anything from shoes, to pants, to accessories.  Make a bold statement with floral pants paired with a solid top, or add a subtle accent to your outfit with a clutch or a pair of pumps.  I've listed a few of my favorite floral pieces below.

xoxo,
Jen

Floral Print



Forever 21 floral dress / Forever 21 scoop neck tank / Forever 21 flower print pants / Forever 21 floral skirt / Friis & Company high heel, $32 / Kate Spade handbag

Monday, March 18, 2013

Weekend Recap

With the Hubs being sick, we didn't do much this weekend.  I decided that Brayden needed new shorts and PJs since the weather is finally warming up.  So we headed to BabyGap.  They have so many cute things right now for Spring.  Check out these cute PJs and fun shorts.  B looks so cute in everything!

Gap

After the Gap, the Hubs needed to rest, so I decided to get B out of the house (so that the Hubs could actually get some rest!) and wander around Target.  I love all the Spring stuff that they have out right now.  I especially love this dresses and sandals.  And of course, they have cute shirts for B too!

Target



Hope you had a great weekend too!  Happy St. Patty's day from our little leprechaun!



Friday, March 8, 2013

Crossbody Bags

Anyone who knows me, knows I love a BIG bag.  The bigger the better.  I'm always the one that has an umbrella, band aid  nail file, etc.  I'm always prepared.  I love the look of a big bag (plus it makes you look skinny!).  However, between carrying a diaper bag, a child and who knows what else, a large purse can sometimes be a hassle.  I guess I don't really need to bring my large Louie to the park, right?  A small crossbody bag is my solution.  They're everywhere lately.  They're small, but can still fit the necessities, they won't fall off my shoulder while I'm carrying 10,000 other things, and best of all, I love the bright spring colors that are out now.  I just need to decide which one to buy!

xoxo,
Jen




Crossbody Bags

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Give A Gift

Do you ever need to give someone a gift, but have no idea what to get?  Whether its a friend, teacher, neighbor, etc, there's a gift out there for everyone.  I've pulled together some of my favorite things to give.  They're all relatively inexpensive and can be used for any occasion.  What are your favorite things to give as a gift?

xoxo,
Jen

Give A Gift

Top Row:  Jewelry Dish, Coasters, Kate Spade Idiom Bangle, Olive Oil Set
Middle Row:  Style Book, Gift Card Case, Travel Food Carrier, Kitchen Set
Bottom Row:  Wine Charms, Wine Stoppers, Candle, Note Cards

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Fitness Fashion

I'm definitely sick of winter. Lately, I've been dreaming of spring and summer and vacationing on the beach.  However, then it hit me...I'm definitely not "bikini ready".  I have to admit, I've been really unmotivated lately.  In an effort to drag myself back to the gym, I started shopping (duh) around for fun fitness fashion and gear.  There's a lot of great stuff out there.  Maybe if I'm excited about all my new "gym stuff", I'll be excited to go to the gym.  Yep, that's how I'm selling it to myself.  I've listed some of my favorite finds below.  Enjoy!

xoxo,
Jen

Fitness Fashion