Tasty Tuesday - Lemonade Cookies

This has to be one of the easiest recipes for cookies that I have ever come across.  They take no time to make and are so yummy that they won't last very long!

Ingredients:

1 - Box of Lemon Cake Mix
1 - Egg
1 - 8 oz. Cream Cheese (Room Temperature)
1/4 cup Butter (Room Temperature)
1 tsp. vanilla
Powdered Sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream the butter, egg, vanilla and cream cheese together.  Slowly mix in the cake mix.  Once the dough forms, refrigerate for 1-2 hours or freeze for 45 mins.  This is so that you are able to roll the dough into balls easily. Once the dough sets, roll into balls and then into powdered sugar.  Place on parchment paper or silicone baking sheets for easy removal later.  Otherwise just place them on a greased baking sheet.

Bake for 10-13 mins.  Once cooled sprinkle with more powdered sugar.

All In All:  These cookies are so easy to make.  I have played around with other flavored cake mixes too like red velvet, white cake mix and added almond flavoring and you can even use french vanilla cake mix and add chocolate chips for a quick chocolate chip cookie mix.  They were all so yummy!

Make It Monday - Hello Kitty Lanterns

Hello Kitty decorations are hard to come by so I was blown away when I saw how easy and inexpensive these lanterns are to make.  My friend's wedding shower was a Hello Kitty theme and we were really having a hard time coming up with decorations.  So I decided to make these lanterns instead of buying pre-made items this way we could customize it to the wedding theme as well.  

You start out with a plain basic white paper lantern.  I used a 12 inch but you can use any size that you would like.  

I then printed out Hello Kitty's ears, eyes, mouth and whiskers.  (See below for cut-outs)  You just need to adjust the printing size to fit your lantern.  You then cut them out and just start gluing to the lantern....simple!  I used regular craft glue.  To glue the ear, I folded about a 1/4 inch of the ear at the bottom to form a lip so I had something to glue to the lantern that was flat.  For the ear with the bow, you should glue most of the bow to the lantern but then you need to bend the ear forward so it is 3 dimensional.  You can't see from the picture above but I also purchased tulle from the craft store and made a veil on top so it had a bridal theme.  

All In All:  We used them for centerpieces so I glued the bottom of the lantern to a cheap flat tea light holder I found at Michael's.  I added a flameless candle to the inside and they were too cute!  Very easy to make!  Each one cost under $5.00 to make and were such a hit at the shower.

*GIVEAWAY* - Tarte Lip Surgence

To celebrate all of the Olympic fever, I decided to do a giveaway for one of my all time favorite products, Tarte's Lip Surgence in the color Fever.  Here are the details on the product, if you don't already know about it.

What it is:

A lip treatment that gives lips a natural shimmering flush while softening and moisturizing lips.

What it does:

As a follow up to Tarte's best-selling LipSurgence™ natural lip tints, these shimmering lip lusters give a high dose of color and shine in an easy twist-up stick. Just like the original, Tarte's LipSurgence™ technology delivers a surge of moisture on a cellular level for a naturally plump appearance; natural peppermint adds a refreshing burst of flavor with each application.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:

- Parabens

- Sulfates

- Synthetic Fragrances

- Petrochemicals

- Phthalates

- GMOs

- Triclosan

So here are the rules to the giveaway:

1.  You must be a follower of this blog via Google Friend Connect.

2.  You must be at least 18 years of age.

3.  Comment below on why you are excited about the Summer Olympics along with your email address.

Giveaway will run 7/27/12 - 11:59pm EST on 8/2/12.  Winner will be chosen at random and will be announced on Friday, August 3rd.  Good luck!

Thrifty Thursday EXTRA - Bluum Box Special

Yesterday I gave my thoughts and review on Bluum Box.  I saw that it was listed on Totsy today.  If you don't know what Totsy is...it is a website that features discounted deals everyday!  They have some really awesome deals.  Today they have a Bluum Box special!  Only $18.00 for a 3 month subscription!  That is an awesome deal because if you sign up for the monthly plan, each box will cost you $12.00!  So if you are interested in trying them out sign into your Totsy account or sign up for a free account here.  Once you are in the Totsy site, click on New Deals and scroll down until you see Bluum.  


All In All:  This is the perfect chance for you to try out Bluum!  For less than the cost of 2 months, you will get to try them out for 3 months!  Hurry up though the sale ends soon!

Thrifty Thursday - 30% off GAP, Old Navy & Banana Republic

Head over to GAP, Old Navy & Banana Republic to get 30% off your entire purchase including sale items! Just enter JULY2012 at checkout.  But hurry, you only have until 11:59pm today to take advantage of this deal.  Remember, you also will get free shipping for any order $50 or more!

What Do You Think Wednesday - Bluum Box

There are so many product monthly subscription plans out there from food to beauty...just about anything you can think of.  So when I came across Bluum Box, which is a monthly subscription plan for Mommy + Baby, I was super excited!

Bluum sends out a box of sample sized and full size products each month.  They have a different themed box each month.  It is a great way to discover some wonderful brands that you may have wanted to try or even a brand that you have never heard of.  There are so many products out there that it is a great way to try them before making the commitment of purchasing a whole bottle or full size product that you may end up not liking. 

Bluum starts at $11.00 per month if you choose the monthly plan.  They also offer a 3 month subscription plan where your boxes are slightly cheaper.  Here is what I received in my July box:  (Theme was Joel Harper - Fitness Guru)

1.  Sample sized Pure Bar Pure Organic

2.  Sample sized Dr. Sears Baby Wash & Shampoo

3.  2 sample sized Udderly Smooth Lotion

4.  Full size of Triple Paste

5.  Full size green sprouts Fruit Soothing Teether

To make Bluum even better, they offer reward points when you refer a friend, shop through their site and do product reviews/feedback.  After you get 500 points, you can cash it in for a free box!  Sign up here!

All In All:  I actually look forward to receiving this box each month.  You don't know what you will get and so far I have liked all the products that I have received.  My daughter LOVED the teether!  It is a great way to try products out before you pay full price for an item!  I can't wait to see what Bluum will send next month!

Tasty Tuesday - Olympic Themed Cupcakes

 I was looking online for some creative Olympic themed recipes to make this weekend to celebrate the opening of the 2012 Summer Olympics.  I came across these adorable cupcake torches from the blog Sweetology.  They are so adorable!  Click here for step by step instructions on how to make these little torches yourself to get into the spirit of the upcoming Olympics.

Make It Monday - Mirror Shelves

I have been looking everywhere for shelves that have a mirror front.  A few years ago, I had purchased two on clearance from Bed Bath & Beyond and have been unable to find them anywhere since.  Sometimes mirrored items tend to be on the pricey side, but I love the look of anything mirrored.  It is so classy.  So I decided to make them myself.

I went to Target and purchased a 2 pack of dark wood shelves.  They retail for $14.99 but sometimes you can snag them on sale for $9.99.  Online they only have Maple shelves available but really the preference is yours.  You will only see the wood from the sides and the top.  

I then purchased craft mirrors from Michael's for about $4.00 a bag for 25 pieces.  You can almost always find some coupon on Michael's Website.  I bought two bags since I was making two shelves.  You can also purchase the craft mirrors from online sites like Amazon.

Next step is to start hot gluing!  Just be careful because the mirrors can get hot.  Start at one corner and put some hot glue onto the back of a mirror piece and then apply to the shelf holding for about 5 seconds.  Within a few minutes you will have a glamorous shelf!

Here is the finished project.  

All In All:  These mirror shelves look like you spent a lot of money but in reality you made them for a fraction of the cost that you would pay if you purchased them already made.  They take under 10 minutes to make and look fabulous!  Super quick and easy to make!

Get Your FREE Lettuce Wraps from P.F.Chang's

What is better than lettuce wraps from P.F.Chang's?  FREE lettuce wraps from P.F.Chang's!  I love their lettuce wraps.  It is my favorite appetizer from them by far.  If you head over to their site you can get yours. Click the link below and fill out a short form to join the P.F. Chang's Warrior Rewards program. Within 24 hours, your offer for free lettuce wraps will be sent to the email address you provided for your Warrior Rewards account.


Free Lettuce Wraps

So head over there now!

Thrifty Thursday - E.L.F. 50% off Deal

E.L.F. is celebrating their 8th Birthday!  For two days only starting today, using the code BDSTUDIO when placing an order of $20 or more (from the studio line), all of their studio line products will be 50% off.   Most of the products from the line are $3.00 but some are more.

I highly recommend their new Pout Perfecter.  It gives the illusion of bigger lips without all of that stinging and tingling that some volumizing glosses can give.  You just apply it to the center of the lips and bam...bigger lips.  It is usually $3.00 but with the code it will only be $1.50!

Also their new baked eyeshadows are wonderful.  I have it in Burnt Plum.  Great pigmentation and nice texture.

Don't miss out on this great deal.  Coupon code is only good until 7/20/12.

All in All:  My cart totaled $21.00 in products and then $6.95 in shipping totaling $27.95.  Using my coupon code I saved $10.50 off my products.  My order then came to only $17.45!  Not bad for 7 make-up products!

What Do You Think Wednesday - Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadow

In the summer I like to keep my eye makeup simple and one that will stay all day long even on those hot days.  Also as a mom of two, my time to get ready is very slim.  I had heard a lot about the Maybelline Color Tattoo eyeshadows.  So I went and picked up two in the colors Bad to the Bronze (bottom) and Pomegranate Punk (top).

Oh my gosh.  These are great products.  They last all day long even when I am in the pool and sweating all day.  The pigmentation is wonderful and they are buildable for more color.  They are just like the MAC paint pots.  You can use them as a primer for powder shadows but they are great on their own.  I use them on their own and without a primer.  They are also 1/3 the cost of the MAC paint pot.  I picked up mine at Target for $5.39 each.  It takes me under a minute to apply to both eyes.  They have a pretty good amount of colors to choose from.  Some of them though I personally won't wear like the orange or the blue.  I am more of a neutrals girl.

All in All:  I highly recommend these eyeshadows.  The price is amazing especially for their quality.  You can't beat a makeup item that last all day long and is inexpensive.  Hopefully they will come out with more of a color selection for the fall!

Tasty Tuesday Recipe - Panera Potato Soup

I came across this recipe a few months ago and it has been a staple in my house ever since.  It tastes just like Panera Bread's Potato Soup and is so easy to make.  We add shredded cheese, pieces of bacon and scallions as a topper.  You must try it....it is the best potato soup recipe I have ever come across.  Believe me I have tried a bunch!

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes
• 1/4 cup minced onion
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, cut into chunks

Directions:

1. 1
   Combine broth, potatoes, onion, and spices.
2. 2
   Boil on medium heat until potatoes are tender.
3. 3
   Smash a few of the potatoes to release their starch for thickening.
4. 4
   Reduce to low heat.
5. 5
   Add cream cheese.
6. 6
   Heat, stirring frequently, until cheese melts.

All in All:  This recipe is yummy and cheap!  Serve along side your favorite sandwich and you have a great meal!  Can't beat that!

Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/paneras-cream-cheese-potato-soup-150863#ixzz20tMjwT4o

What to Expect

Since this blog is going to have a little bit of everything, I thought it would be a good idea to let you know what to expect on each day.   Here is the schedule of what kind of posts to expect each day.

Monday - Make It Mondays where a DIY project will be the feature

Tuesday - Tasty Tuesdays where a recipe will be the feature

Wednesday - What Do You Think Wednesdays where I will have a product review

Thursday - Thrifty Thursdays will announce a great deal

Friday - Random Fridays where anything will be the feature

Favors That Double as a Centerpiece

Trying to save money when planning a party is always a challenge.  For my daughter's Christening party, I wanted to make something that would double as centerpiece but also as a favor so that I wasn't stuck with 15 centerpieces in the end.  Doing some research online I discovered Wanderfuls.  They are such a great idea!  I knew that they had to be expensive because any website, in my opinion, that I have to call to get a price is never a good sign.  After calling I was blown away by the price they quoted me at and thought to myself...I can make them for way cheaper.

So I looked online for plastic tubes that I could use for filling with candy.  They were fairly cheap when you buy in bulk.  I bought a bunch of candy from Target to fill the tubes with.  Then came the tube topper.  I decided to make a tissue paper flower for the topper.  Tissue paper you can always purchase from the Dollar Store.  

Tissue Paper Topper

I then made tags to hang from the tube with a picture of my daughter and the date of her Christening.  I just purchased scrap paper from Michael's and cut out tags.  I ordered stickers with her picture and information from Shutterfly.com.  You usually can always find some kind of coupon code for Shutterfly.  

Finished Tube

Finally I just needed to get vases to put the favors in to look like a flower bouquet centerpiece.  IKEA is the best place to find inexpensive good quality vases.  I  purchased each vase for only $1.99!!!  You can't beat that! 

All in all:   In the end each favor cost under $2 a piece.  They were such a hit!  Best part is that I wasn't stuck with centerpieces in the end and saved a ton of money!  

Finished Centerpiece

Quaker Soft Baked Oatmeal Cookies

I was lucky enough to receive the Mom VoxBox 2012 compliments of Influenster.  If you don't know what Influenster is, it is a FREE website that you sign up for and they will randomly select participates to receive VoxBoxes based on badges that you earn.  It is such a great website to sign up for so do so at www.influenster.com

In the box I received a Quaker Soft baked Oatmeal Cookie to test out.  Oh my!  It is so yummy and tasty!  My son even loved it and he is super picky!  We went out and purchased a whole box.  Here is the lowdown on the cookie:

-Made with Whole Grain Quaker Oats

-Individually packaged

-Provides a good source of fiber

-Contains 6 grams of total fat per serving

 You can find Quaker Soft Baked Oatmeal Cookies at most major retailers.

Suggested retail price: $2.69 for a box of 6 cookies

They taste like they came out of your own oven without all the work and especially no oven heat on a hot summer day!  Couldn't ask for more!

This blog is going to be a little bit of everything in life.  I will have product reviews, recipes, crafts, tips & tricks.  As a mom of two, life can be a little hectic so I am all about saving time and money but not sacrificing in the good things.  So sit back, relax and enjoy a little bit of everything!