Fiesta Time! Easy Ideas for a Festive Celebration!

April 21
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Fiesta time is just around the corner…and I’m so excited for Cinco de Mayo celebrations and the food that goes with them!  But as much as I love a good fiesta, May 5 is a busy time with spring sports, the school year wrapping up, and all the endless yard work!  Today I’m going to share some really easy ways to kick up your heels without much fuss!  Simple food ideas and DIY party decorations can help you throw a festive gathering that looks like a custom event!  Even if you’re pressed for time, you can find everything you need at most grocery & party stores.  A few “extras” will make your semi-homemade munchies AND decor look like a million!  Let’s get ready to celebrate the 5th of May…or any taco Tuesday!

it’s time for a fiesta!

A Springtime Breakfast Treat on the Patio!

April 14
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A springtime breakfast treat can be a fun and delicious way to celebrate the season!  When warm weather comes calling, I love eating outdoors…and that includes morning treats!  You know I preach that things never have to be crazy elaborate to look & taste great…and this tiny but cheerful breakfast is a perfect example!  For this sweet treat I focused on one of my favorite snacking fruits as the simple inspiration. Cutie clementines not only taste great but they make beautiful garnishes for drinks AND sweets alike!  Grab a few pretty decorations from the house to bring a touch of the inside out, and let a small spread bring big joy!  I’m excited to bring these ideas to you today with the help from friends at Lucid Candle.  Their pretty candles are really exceptional and a perfect addition to any decor or celebration…like my little soiree!  So lets say “good morning sunshine”…

springtime served on the patio!

Spicy Sips and Snacks for Spring & Summer!

April 7
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Spicy sips and snacks are so fun for summertime weather!  Appetizers served outdoors somehow taste even better in my opinion. Now that spring is officially here, we have a long stretch of lovely seasons to pile some delicious appetizers on platters for casual entertaining…indoors or out!  AND Cinco de Mayo is not that far away either…making these delicious recipes perfect for your next fiesta too!  If you like a little spice in your food and drink, you’ll be in for a mouth-tingling treat!  Today I’d love to share a few wonderful options for spicing up the snack platter and the bar cart.  And I’ll be sharing two easy recipes that will be a flavorful hit!  We sampled them over the holiday weekend and they got an A+!  I’m really excited to partner with Grand Rapids Popcorn to bring you this inspiration…so let’s get spicy and serve up some tasty fun!

sips & snacks on the spicy side!

Easy Cupcake Decorations for Easter!

March 31
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Easy cupcake decorations are a fun way to top your treats any time of year!  Today I’d love to share some really simple ways to turn purchased mini cakes into a whimsical Easter treat!  Semi homemade ideas are so wonderful for last-minute celebrations, but perfectly acceptable for ANY occasion.  Toppers, sprinkles, and pretty liners can take grocery store favorites to the next level in a snap!  So let’s get in the Easter spirit and decorate & serve some darling cupcakes…see how easy it can be!

cupcakes for Easter…two easy ideas!

Easter Hot Cocoa DIY

March 16
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Easter hot cocoa makes a delicious holiday treat.  But if you package it up in a cute mason jar, it makes a wonderful gift too!  What makes Easter cocoa different than traditional?  It’s a pretty pink pastel color with a mild flavor to match!  Today I’m going to share the easy recipe and DIY wrappings to dress it up for the holiday.  You can tuck it in an Easter basket or just deliver it to a friend…either way it will be a yummy surprise!  Let’s get in the kitchen for a little springtime fun!

holiday hot cocoa…Easter bunny approved!

Strawberries and Chocolate Breakfast Treat!

March 10
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Strawberries and chocolate are delicious together!  They make a wonderful dessert…but have you thought about the combo for breakfast?  I happened upon a box of chocolate strawberry cereal and it became the inspiration for a fun, morning treat!  Today I’m sharing how to take this flavor idea and turn it into a tray of deliciousness for a breakfast surprise.  All you need to do is gather some simple goodies and you can begin the day on a sweet note!

strawberries and chocolate…for a good morning!

St. Patrick’s Day Snack “Parfaits”

March 3
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St. Patrick’s Day snack “parfaits” are a savory alternative to serve to your leprechauns this holiday!  Now that March is here all the shenanigans are getting underway…but celebrating doesn’t have to be hard!  Each year I try to come up with a few ideas for St. Paddy’s day fun.  Cupcakes, soda bread, krispie treats are all goodies we’ve indulged on during the days leading up to the 17th!  I’m sure I’ll still serve up some sugar…but I thought I’d try a new twist this year!  I hope you love this SUPER easy snack idea and a festive way to dish it up!  Keeping it simple & savory today…

snack “parfaits” for a lucky holiday!

Springtime Table Inspiration

February 24
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Springtime table inspiration can help us think ahead to warmer holidays!  I don’t know about you, but I’m beyond ready for a new season and the blooms it brings.  And since gathering around the table is how most of us celebrate these days, I thought I’d jump ahead and start sharing some fresh ideas!  Spring brings holiday celebrations like Easter and Mother’s Day, but it also inspires us to share special breakfasts or brunches for no real reason at all!  I think it’s a season that makes us feel refreshed & hopeful for new beginnings, so why not have plenty of any-day-celebrations around a pretty table!  Today I’m sharing some simple ideas with hints of Easter…it’s early this year so it’s OK to start thinking ahead!  I hope you enjoy it…

egg-cellent springtime table

Irish Soda Bread…with a Twist

February 19
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Irish soda bread is something I serve every St. Patrick’s Day!  It’s a holiday tradition my family loves and looks forward to each year!  Typically, Irish soda bread calls for caraway seeds and raisins…neither of which are favorites of my boys.  Tweaking the recipe allowed me to omit certain ingredients and make room for new ones!  But even though there’s an unexpected flavor, this rendition has the same unique texture with a dense, soft & crumby inside with slightly crisp top.  It’s a delicious bread for a holiday breakfast, a snack, or to serve aside your corned beef and Irish stew.  You’ll love how easy it is to bake this quick bread without any fuss!

Irish soda bread…served sweetly!

A Popcorn Bar for Valentine’s Day!

February 10
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A popcorn bar is a fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day!  Not only is it delicious but it can be so easy to create for some delicious holiday joy!  Happy Hearts Day is just around the corner and this festive idea might be something your family will love. The great thing about popcorn?  It’s a wonderful treat for ANY kind of occasion!  I’m really happy to share this inspiration with you today with help from my friends Grand Rapids Popcorn and Sunshine Tulip Design!  With a click of your mouse, you can grab everything you need to make a popcorn buffet that will have hearts a flutter! So share the joy…

peace, love & popcorn!