Ambush Blog Makeover!

Greetings, friends!

Whoosh, it's been a busy few weeks with a complete S&S makeover underway...ambush style. We went from brown paneling and shag carpet to...well...this! Lovely, don't you think?

With over a year of blogging under my belt, it was time for a complete overhaul. When I started, it was ALL foreign. I literally thought "HTML" was shorthand for "Hotmail".

Turns out...nope.

12+ months and MANY hours of research later...I'm all better, up to speed, feeling less blonde (some days).

Since it's the day of the big reveal...here goes!

Taaaaadddaaaaaaaa!

The design is all new, more basic colors with clean lines. This will allow for more color within the body of the blog posts to stand out (and prevent your senses from completely shutting down).

The sidebar ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------} over here...also has a new look...with a couple of extra buttons to breakfast, lunch, and dinner ideas.

Also new for the sidebar ------------------------------------------------------------------} over here are these links, inspired by your requests.

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There is also an option for a handy dandy printable on each future recipe at the bottom of the post (be patient, I'm still updating all past posts). No more scrolling from the bottom...to the top...back to the bottom again while you're cooking. Read through it and click at the end of the post on the link, printing one page is better than ten...says your printer.

 

Foodie Friday will start later in the month. Each Friday, I will share a few of the scrumptious finds that I've been cooking. New recipes from some of our favorite Foodies, just in time for your weekend. If you have one you'd like to share, shoot me an email.

 

Finally, the part that makes me break out in a happy dance, our new Guest Contributors. I won't spoil it for you today but these five ladies are elevating S&S to red carpet status. From interior design tips to super crafty DIY projects, you won't want to miss a minute!

 

So many more things to come (Cooking 101 Tips & Tricks, Cooking with Courtney Info, etc), I hope you'll stay tuned.

 

Enjoy and may you find something that makes your life even more delicious!

 

 

Baked Oatmeal

This is a recipe where oatmeal haters and oatmeal lovers find common ground. For the worldwide cause of eating more fiber, let us unite!

If you're like me, the texture of regular oatmeal makes your toes curl. You'd rather crawl in a dark corner and rock uncontrollably than eat one spoonful. Blah!

There's hope!

My bestie, Rekah, first made this recipe for me while visiting her little oasis in the Texas panhandle. I was skeptical because of my above mentioned aversion to slimy oats.

I awoke, stumbled to the kitchen, my senses were awakened by the sweet smells of deliciousness!

To my surprise, it tasted magnificent and was void of any slimy gooeyness.

And it's also a SUPER EASY recipe! For you, I offer this gift...

Baked Oatmeal

1/3 cup melted butter
2 large eggs
1 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
a pinch of ground cloves (big pinch, little pinch, you decide!)
1 1/8 cup milk
3 cups quick oats (uncooked)
Add nuts or dried fruit (chocolate chips are good too if you're feeling adventurous.)

Combine first nine ingredients in mixer (you can also use a hand mixer...or a whisk if you want a workout) until well combined. With mixer on low, slowly add oats to mixture. Stir in nuts, if desired.

(Hey goober, the paddle must be in the mixture in order to mix. I'm a dork!)

(I added 1/4 cup chopped pecans to mine. Feel free to add more or less, go crazy!)

Pour into favorite greased baking dish (I have also used a 9x13, it makes the oatmeal a little thinner).

You can prepare and store it covered in the refrigerator, baking it the next morning. I often make it for the weekend because it's a fast, satisfying breakfast before Sunday church.

Bake in 350 degree oven for 35-40 min. If you use a larger pan (9x13), check on it occasionally as it won't take as long to cook.

Serve warm with milk poured over. Top with fruit of choice! Enjoy!

PS. It's kid approved! Yum!

 

(For your handy printable, click here. Right-click in the document and choose Print.)

 

 

Handsome Peanut Butter Pie

A great many things can be solved with kindness, even more with laughter, but there are just some occasions that require PIE!

Father's Day is rapidly approaching and I know you're planning a multitude of festivities. Well, what better way to say "I love you this much" than a big ol' peanut butter pie?!

I believe in this pie, I support this pie, I've vowed to live out my days with Super Hunk, Little Man...and this pie. (How many times can I type the word "pie"?)

Give it a try. It's simple, delicious, and the dessert featured in the June issue of North Texas Farm & Ranch Magazine (which automatically elevates it to star status).

Serve it up, hug it out, and high five all the super duper dads in your world.

Handsome Peanut Butter Pie

1 graham cracker crust

1 pkg. instant chocolate pudding mix

2 cups cold milk (cut in half)

4 oz. (1/2 block) cream cheese

1 pkg. instant vanilla pudding mix

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

2 cups whipped topping

1 tablespoon Nutella

1/3 cup milk chocolate chips, chopped

In small mixing bowl, whisk chocolate pudding mix with 1 cup of milk. Add nutella and mix thoroughly (it will be thick).
 

Pour in bottom of crust. (I used a disposable pie plate because we are planning a backyard bash. Besides all the regular "outdoor dining" challenges, I didn't want to add mangled pie dish to my list. And, let's face it, Dad prefers functional over frilly.)
 

In large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and remaining milk together. Slowly add vanilla pudding mix, peanut butter, then 1 cup of whipped topping until combined.
 

Layer on top of chocolate mixture in pan (reserving about 3 tablespoons for top).
 

Spread remaining whipped topping as third layer.
 

Place reserved peanut butter filling in piping bag or Ziploc bag with corner trimmed. Squeeze small drops to dot top of pie.
 

Sprinkle with chopped chocolate chips.
 

Refrigerate for 3-4 hours before serving.
 

Words of wisdom: Today's pie for tomorrow's breakfast is a beautiful thing...err, handsome! :-)

Enjoy!

 

Italian Broccoli Pasta

I'm a sucker for all things P-A-S-T-A.  While my waistline can't handle it on a regular basis, I say "everything in moderation". Where's my Kit Kat? Just kidding (maybe).

Most of my beloved pasta dishes are served warm. With a summer heat wave around the corner, I can't imagine sucking down a steaming pile of spaghetti. To satisfy my craving (and keep from spontaneously combusting), I whipped up the following solution to my hankering.

It's so deliciously easy, I think I'll give myself an early release from the kitchen tonight. I almost feel guilty.

I said "almost".

2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
10 ounces bowtie pasta (Farfalle)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/8 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic salt
2 tablespoons dry Italian salad dressing mix
1/2 cup diced mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup pepperoni, sliced in strips
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered

Boil pasta according to package directions. Once cooked, drain and toss with one tablespoon of olive oil.

Pour in large mixing bowl and add broccoli, sliced pepperoni, tomatoes, and parsley. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this bowl...ahhhhhhh.

Whisk remaining olive oil with Italian dressing mix. Pour over pasta mixture and toss to coat. Sprinkle salt and stir. Next comes my favorite part, mozz-a-rella.

 

Say cheese!

 

Mix it all up and refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving.

Reserve a few pepperoni slices and a little fresh parsley for garnish and you have an entire meal in one bowl. Easy, breezy, beautiful summer meal!

 

(Tip: For leftovers, you may need to toss with a little extra oil to give it new life. The cold pasta can soak up all the original goodness...oil hog!)

Now grab a fork and enjoy!

 

(The first time my toddler had this dish, he actually said "Mmmmm, good broccoli". Yep, that's quite an endorsement!)

 

Tiny Tummies

This is a shout out to all my little friends with Tiny Tummies...and the wonderful people who feed them.

As a parent, I want delicious...homemade meals and treats for my little squirt. He's also at an age where I think it's important for him to help with the process of preparing them. It keeps his hands busy, his mind occupied, and my sanity intact (all while creating moments I'll forever treasure).

Here are a few of our family favorites that are yummy and oh-so-easy!

1. Pecan Pie Muffinettes

 

2. Blueberry Yogurt Bites

 

 

3. Ham & Cheese Rolls 

 

 

4. Baked Oatmeal 

 

 

5. Cricket Cookies

6. Graham Banana Bites

 

7. Fruity Water

 



 

8. Santa Pancakes

 

9. Hot Cross Buns

 

 10. Peanut Butter Toast Balls

11. Owl Toast

12. Zoom Zoom Fruit

Stay tuned, tiny tummies...more to come!

The Gift of Correspondence

Looking for the perfect wedding gift? How about a Correspondence Crate?

Mixing bowls and hand towels are on their registry but you want something a bit more personalized (and let's face it, more CREATIVE). Why not provide the happy couple with a massive amount of greetings? You can make sending their first "thank you" easy by including a variety of gratitude cards. They can scribble a "just thinking of you" on their new personalized stationery, and seal them with a few initial envelope seals.

It's the quintessential "gift that keeps on giving"!

 

Ideas for items to include:

Thank you cards

Blank inside cards

Happy birthday (generic) cards

Sympathy (generic) cards

Thinking of you cards

Monogrammed stationery

Envelope seals

Letter openers

Colorful writing pens

Stamps

 

I found this cute chalkboard crate at Hobby Lobby for 50% off . The goodies inside, I collected from a few different retail establishments (the Mr. & Mrs. truck cards are from Reeds & Ink Designs). The shower was a display shower, so no wrapping required. Genius!

 

A little burlap and an adorable bow were the perfect finishing touches! Don't forget the stamps, it's an added expense but makes the whole mailing process much easier for the happy couple.

 



 

A cheerful addition to the gift table too, don't you think?

 

This is also an excellent idea for new moms, graduates, teacher appreciation, etc. A gentle reminder to "be crate-ful"!

 

Happy Thank You Thursday, friends!

 

 

("Be crate-ful" credit goes to the crazy creative, Steve the Great!)

The Simply Fabulous $6 Sign

A friend and I recently hosted a wedding shower for a sweet pal of ours (stay tuned for more photos). Her colors for the big day are metallics and neutrals, which I find very exciting. Sparkle, shine, repeat!

 

With the shower planning in full swing, it gave me an excuse to spend unacceptable amounts of time on Pinterest. Happy dance!

 

I was in love with the idea of initials on the mantle as a sparkly "welcome to the festivities" message. However, when putting my plan into action, I was a bit discouraged. Even the most inexpensive letters (times three) were more than I wanted to pay with all the other glitter décor we had planned.

 

So, I improvised and here's what my super-duper-frugal-self came up with...a simply fabulous $6 sign.

 

It definitely made a statement without breaking my piggy bank. Mission accomplished!

 

Items you'll need:
1 Foam Board (your preferred size)
1 Ampersand (if needed)
Glitter
Elmer's Glue
Duct Tape
Pencil
Ruler

To start, I measured the height of the board and calculated the distance between each stripe in order to make them centered. Instead of painting (and since the bride's theme was metallics), I chose to use duct tape as a much easier and faster option.

My design included the initials of the happy couple with an ampersand (&). I purchased the ampersand from a craft store for 50% off. SCORE! To make sure they were also centered, I measured the width of the board and ampersand. This gave me an idea of how large the letters could be.

I then sketched (you can also trace them from a template) the letters.

Next, I traced the letter outline with Elmer's glue, filled in the letter, and topped with glitter. Then a little more glitter.

And the grand finale of lots more glitter.

When both letters were glued and glittered, I set it aside to dry overnight.

Finally, I attached ampersand with hot glue and taaaaaaaaaaaaadddaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa...FABULOUS!

Look at her shimmer! It's a job well done!

 

Inexpensive, fast, and perfect for any type of celebration!