Microfiber Couch Cleaner- Easy as Pie!

So our couches have gotten pretty nasty after 6 years and 2 kids. I try my hardest to spot clean as I see messes being made but let's be real here- no person in the world can keep up with 2 kids under the age of 4 at all times.

I looked on pinterest and combined some recipes to make the almost perfect couch cleaner.

What you will need:

1 bottle of rubbing alcohol (size of the bottle will depend on the size of your couches)
1 pack of sponges (I choose a color that was close to the color of my couches, you should try to do the same)
1 soft white brush for after
Elbow grease (think of this as an arm workout)
Spray Bottle

Disclaimer- always test a small spot on your couch first

You will want to leave windows open as the rubbing alcohol has a pungent smell. Rubbing alcohol is used as it evaporates much quicker than water and is able to remove inks/ water rings. You can also spot clean with rubbing alcohol as long as you thoroughly scrub the area.

This removed water rings, crayon, marker, ink, greasy hand prints and whatever else my children smear throughout my house.

before

Thoroughly spray the rubbing alcohol on your your couch cushions- they should be visibly wet but not dripping by any means

comparison of wet versus dry sides

Now using your elbow grease and sponges, begin scrubbing your cushions, You don't have to use any particular pattern (strokes versus circles) as long as you are through. I used the soft side of the sponge initially but decided that wasn't good enough so I switched to the rough side and am very pleased with the results. 

TA-DA!!

We also implemented a new house rule- no sippy cups or snack hands on the couch. 

CHEAP and EASY Toy Organizer!!

So I have no qualms about asking people for free things- especially if I get the sense that the item is going to be thrown out anyways. I was browsing at my local Walmart killing time when I noticed wooden shelving units in the garden center. Come to find out these are the units used for the succulents and cactus displays. There were 3 of them just sitting in the corner so I asked an Assistant Manager what the store does with them upon being emptied of the product.
**I think the key here is to find a manager who has decision making power**
He shared with me that if I were willing to make a donation to the Children's Miracle Network they would be happy to part with the shelves. So I ran home, found some cash and came back with my truck.

Upon unloading the shelving unit at home I searched in our basement to find some fun paint that I knew we would not be using anytime soon. This color was actually in a children's bathroom at our old house so it was perfect.

I painted 2 coats on the unit. I then measured the height between the bottom and middle shelves and ran to Lowes to find small bungee cords that would fit in the space without being too far stretched. The measurements are approximately 10 inches which the bungee cord was 8 inches.

I drilled small holes in the top of the middle shelf and bottom of the last shelf and then stretched the cords across the gap, spaced evenly- instant ball storage.

The only change I would re-do and could still do would be to buy some plastic shelf liners with durability. Some of our smaller chalk buckets are able to slip through the spaces between the wooden slats if not positioned perfectly.

Summer Spaghetti with Goat Cheese and Vegetable Medley

I have loved this recipe since I first tried it. I believe that it originated from Cooking Light when I was a teenager, however I have since revamped it to suit my taste buds.

Ingredients

1lb spaghetti
1 pint cherry tomatoes cut in halves
1 broccoli spear chopped into bite sized pieces
4oz Vermont Creamy Herbed Goat Cheese-room temperature
1T olive oil
1 clove of garlic chopped
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Directions:
Bring water in a large pot to a boil and cook spaghetti as directed- drain pasta
Warm oil in a large fry pan and saute tomatoes and broccoli until al dente
Saute garlic
 Using the pot from the spaghetti combine spaghetti, vegetables, goat cheese, chicken broth and Parmesan until spaghetti is fully covered.

Enjoy!

Fuzzeez Toys

We received 2 of the Fuzzeez Toys compliments of the company in exchange for this review.

This is not a toy that I would purchase. My children were not able to complete the project themselves as it required a lot of water and soap which can be quite messy but also the buttons to close the templates together were somewhat difficult for my children to close on their own.

My husband and I followed the directions and then washed and dried the product as directed. Upon removing the products from my drier my husband did a little repair work to "reattach" the limbs and then dried them again in attempts to secure the limbs to the body.

Well suffice to say, the stuffed animals did not last more than 5 minutes. They ended up looking like toys that my dog had a grand old time with rather than something that we just made 5 minutes ago.

mine

the box...

slightly different 

SparkleUps Cupcakes review

We recently received the SparkleUps Cupcakes craft and let me tell you- My daughter LOVED it!

The kit comes with 8 stickers of various shapes (cupcakes, strawberries, cherries, candy etc.) and more than 550 jewels as stated on the package. It was very easy for a 4 year old to do on her own and occupied about 1 hour of her time which is great for a mom trying to get some things done. She was easily able to remove the gems from the plastic backing- think stick on earrings.
The stickers stick nicely to our windows and are able to easily peel off with no residue left behind. This is a craft I would buy again for my daughter as well as kiddos her age to keep them occupied!

Excuse the glare in the picture.

Easy Asparagus and Ravioli

This is one of my favorite dishes to make for dinner, it is easy, light and delicious. I especially enjoy making this during the summer months or fall months when you can purchase a variety of raviolis (butternut squash, pumpkin...).

Ingredients:
1 bag ravioli- fresh or frozen
1 bunch of asparagus, washed and chopped
1T olive oil
1T lemon juice
1/4c Parmesan cheese

Directions:

In a pot bring water to a boil and cook ravioli. When you have 2 minutes remaining to cook the ravioli, drop the asparagus into the boiling water to blanch for 2 minutes. Drain both ravioli and asparagus.

In a separate fry pan warm oil and dump your ravioli/asparagus mix into the pan, allow to cook for 5 minutes, occasionally flipping ravioli. Pour lemon juice and Parmesan cheese into the pan just before serving.

Cookie Cake for an A**hole

Ok so my friends and I were FORCED into a birthday for a non-existent kid. 
There were 17 of us (children and adults) total and we wanted to go to an indoor water park in our area, we called to buy tickets and were told that they were not selling tickets for the day as it was historically a busy day, so they were only booking birthday parties. So what did we do? We booked a fake birthday party for a kid who didn't exist. Here is the cookie cake I made for the kid. 


Pre-Heat oven to 325*

10 Tablespoons butter, melted

1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ cup  chocolate chips or however much you want

I actually doubled this recipe as when I put it into a 14" pizza pan it was quite thin, however I made a batch following the recipe and then made a 2nd batch and added it to the pan, I would not recommend doubling the recipe and trying to fit it all into a large household bowl at one time unless you have the Terminator of all mixers.  

Line your pizza pan with parchment paper so that your cookie does not stick. 

Mix the first 4 ingredients in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on low for about 2 minutes until it is a smooth consistency. 

In a separate medium bowl mix together the flour and baking soda. Add the dry mixture to your wet mixture 1/4 cup at a time, leaving 1 cup to the side. (I recommend the 1/4 cup at a time so as to not create a flour bomb in your kitchen).

Once the dry mixture is added with your 1 cup of dry mixture to the side, add in your chocolate chips. I find that if I wait until the end to add in the chocolate chips they don't get mixed well throughout. 

Add in the rest of your dry mixture. 

Spread evenly out on your lined pizza pan. Use aluminum foil to cover the edges of the cookie so that they do not burn. 

Cook for 20-25 minutes until your cookie cake is golden brown across the top, the cookie will continue to bake when you remove it from the oven due to the internal heat. 

Frosting:

Not gonna lie- I used canned, this kid doesn't deserve homemade, plus it was like 11pm when I made this. 

Honey Havarti Grilled Cheese on Rosemary Sea Salt Bread

Let me start by saying that if you do not have a Wegmans near you, I am extremely sorry. Seriously I extend my heartfelt apologies. This recipe calls for a bread sold by Wegmans, however if you can find something similar, have at it! I am all for adjusting!

2 slices of Wegmans Rosemary Sea Salt bread, cut thick (1/2 inch)
2 slices of Havarti cheese
1t honey
1T butter, halved

Heat a skillet to medium low, place 1/2 of the butter in the pan and allow it to melt. Quickly place 1 side of your bread in the skillet and move it around in the butter to ensure quality coverage.

Center your bread over the heat, place the 2 slices of Havarti on the bread and drizzle with 1t honey. Cover with 2nd slice of bread.

When your bottom bread is a delicious golden brown (about 4-5 minutes) use a spatula and slide your sandwich onto a plate (I know you didn't cook the other side yet, hold your horses!!)

Place the last 1/2 of the butter in the pan, allow it to melt and then carefully turn your sandwich over and again move it around with a spatula to ensure quality coverage. Once this side is a delicious golden brown, remove your sandwich from the pan with a spatula and enjoy.

I couldn't take a picture of the finished product because I wasn't patient enough to get my camera, instead I scarfed this delicious creation down.

Grey and Yellow Bathroom

I wanted a bathroom with gender neutral colors for my son and daughter as they will share this growing up. I also didn't want a bathroom that I would have to update in the next 5 years, so I stayed away from using characters or decals on the walls.

I used the following:

Threshold Paisley Shower Curtain (Target)
Threshold Paisley Bath Mat (Target)
Room Essentials Grey Bath Mat (Target)

Sonoma Good For Life- yellow towels (Kohl)

Behr-Grey Marble (Home Depot)

I waited until the Target items were discounted through Cart Wheel.

Front Hall Foyer

Letters: 
I used a large monogram letter from AC Moore and then spray painted it with navy blue matte. 
Next I went to good old Wally World, in their craft section they have durable letters that I used for the EST 2009 and spray painted those as well. 

Pictures:
I then found 4 vinatage picture frames from our local antique shop in colors that would compliment one another as well as the current wall color in the foyer. 

Bench:
I found an old coffee table that would work as the bench, I went to JoAnne Fabric and found a 3inch foam that I had cut to fit the bench, then I found a cloth that would compliment the rest of the decor and just folded the sides over. I have been thinking about getting a baby crib sheet and see if that stays put a little better. 

Shelf:
Lastly I went to home depot, you can scrounge in the discounted wood pile and find a piece that is relatively flat. I asked them to cut the board into 4- 3ft sections. I sanded and stained it with Minwax American Walnut with Polyurethane. I coated it about 3 times, sanded 1 more time with a final coat. I then affixed the 4 screws on the bottom with the hooks pre-attached- also at Home Depot. 

Lastly I convinced the DH to help with the drilling into the wall for the hardware to hold the shelf. I used 2- 6in. pipes from the plumbing section with 2 flanges and 2 caps all 3/4 inch openings and WALAH!

Chocolate Layer Cake~ Super Easy

This is super easy. I really like boxed Devil's Food cake mix, I add chocolate chips into mine to make it more chocolatey!!

Cake
Spray your cake pans with non-stick and then flour them lightly! You need this if you bake them flat. 
Make box as directed and allow to cool until cake is cool to the touch. I used 2 9inch circle pans and I baked them flat- here is a really simple method:

Use 2 CLEAN towels and cut them into 2 inch strips, soak them in cold water and ring out, use safety pins to secure them around the pans. When the batter is in the pans, tap them on the counter lightly until you no longer see air bubbles surface. When you put your cakes in the oven, pull the shelf out and place the pans on. If you slide them, the towels make get stuck and pull off of your pans.

Frosting
 2 cups of confectioner sugar
2 T butter (use real butter) softened
2T milk
1/2-1t vanilla extract (depends on how much vanilla flavor you like)
In a bowl, combine the sugar, butter, milk and vanilla, beat on medium speed until smooth and fluffy.This should take you about 5min for truly smooth frosting

So how to make the layers:
When the cakes are completely cool,  use 2 pieces of wax paper and 2 plates; layer in this order
Plate
wax paper
cake
wax paper
plate on top

You are cutting your cake into 3 thin pancake layers. Repeat this next step.
Using a long serrated edge knife, slice the cake using the edge of the plate as your guide. Then carefully flip the thin pancake that you just make onto your cake platter. frost

Peanut Butter filled Chocolate Cupcakes

Cupcake

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream

1/3 cup canola oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 12-cup standard muffin tin with paper liners.
Into a medium bowl, sift together cocoa, flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each, then beat in vanilla. With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture in two batches, alternating with sour cream and beginning and ending with flour add in 1/3rd cup oil.
Pour batter into cups, filling each 3/4 full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes.

The batter is somewhat thicker than typical cupcake batter but it tastes great.


Frosting:
Fluffy, light, delicious, peanut buttery... what more can I say? This is the frosting I used on top of the chocolate cup cakes and it was a hit. My niece was literally eating it out of the bowl.

2 cups confectioner sugar
1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup stick of butter room temp
4-6 T milk
1 bag of reeces mini bites

Place the confectioner sugar, peanut butter and butter in a medium bowl. Add in the Milk 1 T at a time and use a hand mixer to blend in between each addition of milk. Add more milk as you go until it is the desired consistency, for a thicker frosting use 4T for something smoother use 6T.
*You want the frosting smooth enough to flow through a decorating tip No.12 without getting jammed but also not so smooth that it loses it's shape on the cupcake. 
Top each with a mini bite

For added fun, I actually filled these cupcakes with left over frosting that I added 2 more T of milk to. I used a catheter syringe (thank you medical friends). If you cannot find one of these, use a turkey baster. You want to fill the cupcake until you see it puff out a bit.

Strawberries and Cream Pancakes

This is so delightful and simple. I use a boxed pancake mix, I have found that homemade mixes tend to be a bit too thick for my taste.

1 box of chocolate chip pancake mix
1 pint of strawberries
1 tub of coolwhip

Make the pancakes as directed, while they are cooking wash and slice the strawberries, remove Cool Whip from the freezer to give it time to thaw a bit.

When pancakes are finished, layer pancake, strawberries (about 4 per pancake) and cream in 3 stacks.
Enjoy!!

Lavender Cupcakes- The Hummingbird Bakery

The cupcake sponge- compliments of the HummingbBird Bakery- This is not my recipe but I made them and they are tasty!

* 120ml whole milk
* 3 tablespoons dried lavender flowers
* 120g plain flour
* 140g caster sugar
* 1½ teaspoons baking powder
* 40g unsalted butter, at room temperature
* 1 egg
* 12 small sprigs of lavender (optional)
* 25ml whole milk
* 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers
* 250g icing sugar, sifted
* 80g unsalted butter, at room temperature
* A couple of drops of purple food colouring (optional)
* A 12-hole cupcake tray, lined with paper cases
1. Put the milk and dried lavender flowers in a jug, cover and refrigerate for a few hours, or overnight if possible. Do the same with the milk and lavender flowers for the frosting, in a separate jug.
2. Preheat the oven to 170°C/325°F/gas mark three.
3. Put the flour, sugar, baking powder and butter in a freestanding electric mixer with a paddle attachment (or use a handheld electric whisk) and beat on slow speed until you get a sandy consistency and everything is combined.
4. Strain the lavender-infused milk (for the cupcake) and slowly pour into the flour mixture, beating well until all the ingredients are well mixed.
5. Add the egg and beat well (scrape any unmixed ingredients from the side of the bowl with a rubber spatula).
6. Spoon the mixture into the paper cases until two-thirds full and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sponge bounces back when touched. A skewer inserted in the centre should come out clean.
7. Leave the cupcakes to cool slightly in the tray before turning out onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Lavender frosting

1. Beat together the icing sugar, butter and food colouring, if using, in a freestanding electric mixer with a paddle attachment (or use a handheld electric whisk) on medium-slow speed until the mixture comes together and is well mixed.
2. Turn the mixer down to slow speed. Strain the lavender-infused milk and slowly pour into the butter mixture. Once all the milk is incorporated, turn the mixer up to high speed.
3. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy (at least five minutes). The longer the frosting is beaten, the fluffier and lighter it becomes.
4. When the cupcakes are cold, spoon the lavender frosting on top and decorate with a sprig of lavender, if using.

Mantle

After the holidays my mantle was so bare so here is what I did to spruce it up...

Dollar Store Finds:
6 tea light medium height candle holders
6 pillar candle holders
2 tea light tall height candle holders
2 tea light short height candle holders
1 class ball
tall vase
white paper jack o'lantern
silver vase filler
styrafoam board
Large mirror

Take your 6 medium height tea light holders and flip them upside down- hot glue the pillar candle holders to the base of the tea lights

Use the rest to arrange as needed

The styrafoam board I cut out an L with OVE cascading down.

Peanut Butter Caramel Apple Crisp

This dish is delicious but also very rich.

4 apples cored, peeled and sliced (I used Cortland)
1 8oz jar of caramel sauce warmed
1 cup of peanut butter warmed
2 T milk
3/4 c flour
3/4 c brown sugar
1/2 t cinnamon
1/2c butter cubed

Heat the oven to 375*, spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
Place the apples in the baking dish, pour both caramel and peanut butter over apples, mix to coat evenly.
Combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the mixture over the apples. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 45-50 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes
Serve with ice cream and whipped cream!

Quick and Easy Au Gratin Potatoes

I was in a pinch the other night and wanted to make Au Gratin Potatoes but didn't want to bake them for over an hour, so here goes!

4 large potatoes sliced thin
1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
1/4 onion minced
3/4 cup milk
4T butter into 4 pieces
8 slices American Cheese

Heat oven to 400*, in a large stock pot boil water enough water to cover potatoes, place potatoes in pot and boil for 10 minutes.
Spray a 9x9 safe pan with non-stick. Layer cheddar cheese, boiled potatoes, milk, onion, butter and American cheese.
** add black pepper if you wish before putting on American cheese.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, uncover and bake for 5 more. The dish should be bubbling and browning on the sides.
Serve and enjoy!!

Super Easy Peanut Butter Layer Treat

MMMM There is not much that can go wrong when you mix peanut butter into a dessert. I whipped this up one night when we were having company and then again 3 days later because it went over so well.

1 package of graham crackers  (save 2 for the last step)
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup cream cheese
3 cups of whipped topping, separated into 1 and 2 cup increments
3T powdered sugar
chocolate sauce
3 T peanut butter

Spray a 9x9 inch pan with non stick spray. In a gallon size ziploc bag crush the graham crackers, remembering to leave 2 for the last step. Spread the crumbs into the bottom of the pan evenly.
In a microwave safe bowl combine the peanut butter, cream cheese and 1 cup of whipped topping and heat for 30 seconds until it is easy to mix. If you prefer not to microwave use a mixer to combine ingredients.  Add in powdered sugar and mix thoroughly.
Spread this mixture over the graham crumb layer, I find it easier to spread it if it is warmed.
Use the 2 cups of whipped topping that was set aside and spread this over the peanut butter layer.
With the chocolate sauce drizzle enough to your liking over the top and then warm the 3 T of peanut butter for 30 seconds and drizzle over the chocolate. Next use the last 2 graham crackers, break them into small bits in your hands and sprinkle over the top.
Let it set in the refrigerator with tin foil on top before serving (approx 30 min)

Enjoy!

Lemon Parsley Pasta with Lemon Sauce

MMMM If you live in Rochester, NY you are lucky to have access to one of the best public markets. The pasta in this recipe is purchased from there, however if you don't have the pleasure to live here, this is the website if you wish to order...
http://www.pappardellespasta.com/

1/2 lb Lemon Parsley pasta
1 T olive oil
1 clove minced garlic
1 jar Artichoke Hearts, chopped
1/2c white cooking white
2 T lemon juice
1/4c Parmesan cheese

Boil and cook pasta for approximately 9-11 minutes until cooked. Place pasta in strainer in the sink and let sit when completely cooked. In the same pot that you used to cook the pasta, heat the olive oil and add in garlic until sauteed.
Add in the rest of the ingredients and bring to a simmer. Add pasta back into the pot and stir to coat. Take off of heat source and let sit for approximately 5 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly.

Enjoy!

Homemade Nutty Goat Salad

I get this every time that I go to Great Northern Pizza but it's so easy to make at home!!

2 cups lettuce
1T goat cheese (I like the option available to my grocer, it's a goat cheese rolled with cranberries and cinnamon)
1/4 cup pecans
Croutons if you wish

Dressing
I just do a olive oil and balsamic vinegar, but be careful to not add too much balsamic vinegar otherwise it's overwhelming.

In a large bowl mix all of the ingredients and toss with dress, enjoy for a great summer meal!