Father's Day Treat?

So here's a cool (pun intended!) treat for Father's Day - "special" freezer pops (don't share these with the kids!).  Redbookmag.com has some great recipes for adult freezer pops with just a touch of alcohol.  Pina colada looked amazing:
 
Takes 5 minutes to make and 24 hours to freeze so think ahead!

Ingredients:
2 cups fresh sweet pineapple chunks (about 12 oz)
1 (15 oz) can sweetened cream of coconut (i.e. Coco Lopez)
1 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup light rum or coconut rum (and this is optional if you want the non-alcohol version!)
2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
pinch of salt

Directions:
Puree ingredients in a blender until smooth and transfer mixture to a large pitcher.  Pour into ten
3 oz. freezer pop molds and insert sticks.  Freeze at least 24 hours before unmolding.

Check the website above for other fun recipes! (Where were these on Mother's Day?!)

Baby Showers Made Simple

So admittedly, I won't be having another child (phew!) and I'm quite a way from being a grandma, but for those who are expecting or know someone who is this link could be your answer to all things baby shower:  www.realsimple.com/babyshowerideas.

They give you ideas for themes, invitations, decorating and refreshments, so relax!  It will be easier than you thought!

Instant amplifier!

Have an iPhone or iPod, but you don't really want to fork over even more cash to get speakers for the pricey little gadget? Here's a cool trick - increase its volume by placing it in an empty bowl. The concave shape acts as an amplifier! Who knew?

Last minute party idea!

Let the countdown begin! No doubt if you are hosting a party where family and friends are planning to bring children, you probably have the food options well in hand by now. But what about something other than the TV to entertain the younger set? Martha Stewart suggests getting plain plastic top hats (the ones pictured are from Oriental Trading) and setting out all sorts of basic craft supplies (easy to get at Michaels, Jo-Ann's or Target if you don't already have some) - glue, stickers, child-safe scissors, pom-poms, streamers (left over tinsel?) and double-sided tape. Soon you will have your own New Year's "mad-hatters" creating their own party hats! (Personally I'd recommend more tape and less glue and stay away from glitter!).

Have fun and be safe out there!

Sweet treat for any occasion!

So here's a great dessert idea, especially for a party! (Thanks, Charlie!) - Take a muffin pan/cupcake tin and turn it upside down. Cover the "molds" with cookie dough and bake. When they are done you have cookie bowls for ice-cream, sorbet or fruit! Easy yet a little bit different!

Decorate and party at the same time!

OK, so we are a little late in the season with this one, but still a fun idea and I'll offer another twist at the end as well!

Why not host a holiday decorating party (now my source was suggesting Christmas, but there are plenty of options during this season). First, set up a small artificial tree and ask guests to bring an ornaments that they feel define themselves. You serve beverages and flavored popcorns and they decorate the tree. What a nice way to remember friends each year!

Now for the twist - have friends come by each with an appetizer for a party - you provide beverages and cut-out cookies with all the decorating goodies - sprinkles, frosting, etc. and everyone leaves with a few cookies and fond memories. (This is also great for a kids' holiday gathering).

Nuts about the holidays!

Looking for a last minute gift for someone and minimal budget remains for your holiday list? I came across a recipe that is simple and can be used as a holiday gift, hostess present, midnight snack (for Santa?) or even a great game day munchie! Here you go - you can thank me later!

Spiced Nuts

3 cups pecans

1 cup shelled pistachios

2 cups almonds

1/2 tsp. ground coriander

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

3 Tbsp. butter

2 Tbsp. brown sugar

1 and 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 and 1/2 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 325 F. Place nuts on a rimmed baking sheet. Place in oven, shaking the sheet several times during baking, about 10-15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small skillet over low heat, add coriander, cumin, butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne and salt. Stir until the butter melts and the sugar is dissolved. Place nuts in a bowl and drizzle with the warm, spiced butter; stir until well-coated. Let the nuts cool completely. Store in an airtight container. Makes 6 cups.

You can certainly substitute peanuts (not great idea for a gift in case of recipient having allergies), cashews or other favorites in the recipe. Play with it and make it your own signature holiday gift!

A Gallery at your Fingertips!

Ah yes, the holidays are around the corner and you have a little time off, but not enough to travel (to say nothing of the lack of funds after that last trip to the mall)! What to do, you ask? Check out http://www.googleartproject.com/ for virtual tours of the most amazing museums in the world - "visit" the Tate in London or MoMA in NYC. There are no crowds or lines or expenses, just you and some great masterpieces!

So before I rush you into December...

Admittedly my last post may have pushed all the holiday stress buttons, so let's step back into November! "Woman's Day" (11/17/11) had an easy, interesting way to decorate your Thanksgiving table...one of many in that issue I might add!

If you are using a solid color tablecloth (red looks great), spray paint whole walnuts (in shell obviously) with gold spray-paint and lay them around the table. They add a feeling of texture and color to the dinner table! Go a step further and try it with miniature pumpkins or squash!

Here comes Santa Claus...

Now my regular readers may recall, I am always early in my Christmas preparations - particularly cards and gifts. (This is NOT to insinuate that I like Christmas decorations and music the day after Halloween in my grocery store!). But, in case you are wondering, yes, my shopping is done, all out of town gifts have been shipped (I detest lines at the post office) and I will mail my already addressed cards out on December 1st.

But for the more normal holiday shoppers out there, here are some ways to sparkle up your wrapping for very little expense (way to go Martha Stewart!):

• Use silver garland to create pom-poms for bows.
• Layer colors of tissue paper when wrapping to give a unique look.
• Use knotted paper "rope" to make really easy, stylish bows.

Check out more at marthastewart.com and start wrapping!

Fun food fast!

In the Phoenix area, we can boast that we have our own Food Network star, Robin Miller ("Quick Fix Meals with Robin Miller"). But what is really cool about this is that she specializes in 30-minute simple family meals. A few of her favorite tips? Check these out:

• Double recipes and freeze half for a second meal.
• Always have "must-have" items on hand (herbs, pasta, rice, olive oils, vinegars, etc.)
• Build meals around seasonal foods - they will taste better and cost less.
• Freeze 1/2 cup measures of ingredients such as onions and peppers to make quick soups or stir-fries without all the chopping.

For more of these helpful hints, check out Robin's latest book, "Robin Takes 5."

The perfectly ghoulish Halloween treat!

Looking for something unique to take to a Halloween party (for adults or teens)? Check out Cost Plus World Market's "body parts" candy sushi! Each tray is only $2.99 and comes complete with chopsticks. Creepy yet oh so chic!

Getting out without going under!

We've always enjoyed going to museums, exploring the state we live in, catching a play or movie...but with the economy in rather dire condition, we are not going out nearly as often. Fortunately, The Arizona Republic had a feature in the Aug. 29th issue entitled "September Savers: 20 Ways to Have Good Fun at a Good Price"...Many included deals I've mentioned before - free museum nights (first weekend of every month courtesy of Bank of America) and the Culture Passes you can check out of the Phoenix Public Library branches - 2 free passes to everything from the Science Center to the zoo to the Botanical Gardens!

But they also listed half-price tickets to see plays at the Herberger Theatre during lunch-time shows, restaurant buy-one/get one free deals, free ballet performances and area farmers' markets. I realize most of my readers are not in Phoenix, but keep an eye on local "to do" articles online or in your newspapers so you don't miss these great (and inexpensive or even free) opportunities!

Drive in for cheap flicks!

Leave it to AARP to think of drive-ins for cheap entertainment (after all isn't it our age group that remembers them in the first place?)!

Cheap movies, fresh air (ok, maybe a bit of exhaust), no one blocking your view and you can bring in your own food if you want! There are 371 drive-in theatres still open in the U.S. (One is near me in Scottsdale, AZ!).

Check out www.Drive-ins.com to find your closest one!

Christmas in July?

I admit it! I am one of those annoying people who shop year-round for the holidays...why not catch a great sale on Memorial Day or Labor Day? I hate the lines and chaos that hit in November and December - I'd rather sip hot chocolate and watch "White Christmas" and enjoy my holidays.

So, given my mindset on this topic, I am offering some ideas for holiday gifts (but you can always use them as hostess gifts, birthday gifts, etc.)! Once again, Martha (check out marthastewart.com for more ideas) has some great ideas for creating gift packages or baskets.

For example:

* Buy some classic board games (checkers, scrabble, Twister, puzzles, etc.) - stack several together and tie with a wide, colorful bow. Great gift for a family at the holidays!

* Bar in a box? Why not? Martha suggests putting items such a cocktail napkins, paper straws, coasters, a cocktail recipe book, cocktail shaker, mixed nuts and umbrella picks (or other similar types of items together on a wooden tray and wrapping it with cellophane and a bow. Very chic for a housewarming party, shower gift or hostess gift!

Some of my own suggestions:

* Basket for babies (everyone does the toys or clothes, but what about a rubber duckie, baby lotion/shampoo, towel, etc. placed inside a baby tub?)

* A colorful canvas bin (the kind you see at Target to slide in sectioned shelves) could be filled with a selection of paper, scissors, stamps and similar goodies for your friends who are fanatical about
scrapbooking.

The possibilities are endless - pasta kits, wine & cheese baskets, baskets for jewelery-makers, pet-owners' goodies in a dog dish, coffee & tea basket, a spa set, movie package (popcorn, candy, and rental coupons, a watering can with gardening items...You get the idea!

None of these have to break the bank either...look for sales (yes, throughout the year!), coupons, and great deals at places like Michael's, JoAnn's or Tuesday Morning. Even your local dollar stores are likely to have items perfect for these occasions. Watch out! I may just have changed your perspective on Christmas in July!

The Dog Days of Summer (& Fall, Winter & Spring)!

I found some great ideas for entertaining our five dogs (yeah, you read that right!). Everyone needs some R&R and "WagWorld" magazine (also found on www.WagWorld.com) shows how you and your canine buddies can share some downtime.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Find a dog-friendly cafe near home (also check WagWorld.com) and share breakfast or brunch (my favorite is Einstein's - they even sell doggy "bagels" and put water dishes outside).
• Learn a new game together or add a new toy to their collection - change it up!
• Hit the floor - move off that sofa and hang-out on the floor with your furry pal(s); play tug, watch "Animal Planet" or whatever sounds like fun!

Here's to the dog days of summer!

Spritz it up!

It's outdoor living time and that means cool drinks by the pool! Once again, thanks, Martha! (4/11) for some lovely looking spritzers! Here's one that sounds amazing (for more, check MarthaStewart.com):

White Wine:

Divide 2 cups chilled dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) between 4 ice-filled wine glasses. Top the off with 1 and 1/2 cups chilled sparkling (very important that it's sparkling!) lemonade. If you like, garnish with lemon wedges! How easy is that?

Ahhhh...off to enjoy in the sunshine!

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream!

I can't remember the last time I had real homemade ice cream, but "USA Weekend" (6/24-26, 2011) provided a great substitute! Simply start with a pint of store-bought iced cream (plain vanilla, chocolate or coffee-flavored) and "smash" in your favorite goodies...some examples:

Use vanilla ice cream to make these versions:

* Salted Caramel - fold in 1/4 cup of caramel sauce and 1 cup coarsely crumbled pretzel nuggets.

* Ginger-Peach Cobbler - plump 1/2 cup finely diced dried peaches in 3 Tbsp. peach schnapps over low heat. Fold mixture into the ice cream with 1/2 cup candied pecans and 1 cup coarsely crumbled ginger snaps.

Use chocolate ice-cream for these variations:

* Black Forest - stir in 2 Tbsp. brandy into 1/2 cup cherry preserves. Fold into chocolate ice cream along with 1 cup crumbled chocolate wafer cookies.

* Chocolate-Hazelnut - stir 1/4 cup Nutella, 1 cup of crumbled chocolate wafer cookies and 1/2 cup roasted chopped hazelnuts into chocolate ice cream.

And here's a great mixture with coffee ice cream:

* Mocha Latte - stir 1/2 cup crushed chocolate-covered espresso beans, 1/2 cup heavy cream (whipped to stiff peaks) and 1 cup crumbled chocolate wafer cookies into slightly softened coffee ice cream...

Yum! Some hints: Don't soften the ice cream too much. Cut the carton away from the ice cream and then cut the ice cream into chunks on a work surface to make it easier to fold items in. Finally, return the ice cream to the freezer to firm up and to allow flavors to blend (about an hour or so).

To watch a video of these recipes being made, go to usaweekend.com. Also check out ThreeManyCooks - a blog that offers lots more great ideas for easy cuisine!

Cooling down!

Alas, I took a little longer off for my birthday than expected, but I bring you a refreshing treat to make up for the delay! Found a great idea from an grocery ad insert of all places! To add color and flavor to ice cubes drop fresh berries and herbs (mint is a great choice) into ice cube trays. Fill the trays with water or even ginger ale or lemonade and then freeze to add some zing to your summer beverages! And if you aren't the type to have ice cube trays on hand, fill a pitcher with ice and water and add slices of lime, lemon or cucumber to make a refreshing drink!

Document this!

Most of us are well-acquainted with NetFlix and Hulu, but here's a great site you may not have tried!
Visit snagfilms.com to choose from over 2,000 streaming documentary titles...and they even let you "snag" your favorites to post on Facebook or your blog! Make some popcorn and have a movie night!