A Gift For Dad

I found the inspiration for this Father's Day gift on a craft blog. I loved the labels -- so with that in mind, I took an empty four pack of Starbucks bottles and covered the carton in decorative paper. I printed, cut and adhered the labels to the front and back of the carton and then filled each bottle with a different snack -- pretzels, m&m's, caramel corn and mixed nuts.

My Niece's First Birthday Party

For my niece's first birthday, I helped my sister throw a safari-themed party. I made a cupcake stand using foam, ribbon, patterned paper and glue. I adorned the top of the stand with a wooden letter for her first initial. I also put together treat bags filled with animal crackers, animal-shaped plastic treat containers and a small copy of the Jungle Book. I decorated a plain wreath with black and purple feather boas to welcome guests at the door and used left over patterned paper to make a cute pennant banner.

Fun Find: Herb Savor

Check out the Prepara website for cool new products like the Herb Savor.

This product will prolong the life of your fresh herbs for up to 3 weeks so you can enjoy fresh, flavorful meals every time you cook.

This product - and other cool gadgets like Volcano Pops - made by Prepara can be purchased from retailers like Macys, Bed, Bath and Beyond and Amazon.

http://www.prepara.com/herb_savor.php

Fun Find: A great entertaining website

Check out The Hostess With The Mostess website for tons of ideas on throwing a truly inspirational, fun and fabulous party.

The website has great photos and ideas on throwing any kind of party, from a baby shower to a birthday to any kind of holiday party.

Each party theme comes complete with suggestions on table top, party decor, menu and drink ideas. See the full line up of party ideas here.

Recipe: Fun Party Snack Mix

Check out the Chex Mix website for new recipes that put a twist on the traditional party snack mix. I especially like their recipe for Buffalo Chex Mix (below), but they have other recipes like Pumpkin Pie Crunch or Lemon Rosemary Chex Mix here.

Buffalo Chex® Mix

Prep Time: 15 Minutes
4 cups Rice Chex® cereal
4 cups Wheat Chex® cereal
2 cups Parmesan-flavored tiny fish-shaped crackers
2 cups pretzel twists
6 tablespoons butter
2 1/2 tablespoons hot sauce
1 packet ranch dressing mix
2 teaspoons celery seed

In large microwavable bowl, mix cereals, crackers and pretzels; set aside. In small microwavable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on High about 40 seconds or until melted. Stir in hot sauce and seasonings. Pour over cereal mixture; stir until evenly coated.

Microwave uncovered on High 4 to 5 minutes, thoroughly stirring every 2 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool. Store in airtight container.

Fun Find: Cowgirl Cookies

I found a great website called Bakerella that shares "sweet inspiration and fun baking ideas." One of the neatest gift ideas on the site is the recipe and complete how-to instructions on making these Cowgirl Cookies.

These would be great to give or to make at a girl's night in party - or they'd make a thoughtful gift for a friend who's been touched by breast cancer.

You can also change up the color of the fabric and the m&m's and make these into any holiday-themed cookie mix: Christmas Cookies, Halloween Cookies, etc. Click here for the link to the recipe and the instructions.

Fun Find: Festive Homemade Halloween Wreath

Visit the Swell Life website for fun ideas and crafty inspirations. I especially love her post detailing her 24 crafts created in 24 hours. One of the projects she created was this really cute and relatively inexpensive Halloween wreath using black boas and glass and plastic ornaments.

For full details on how to create her Frightfully Funky Wreath, click here.