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20 Classic Summer Dessert Recipes

Summer is nearly here, and with it, tons of outdoor parties and requests to bring "a dish to pass". If you are outside of Minnesota, that means pot luck. Now, everyone will be going to Pinterest looking for the newest and cutest idea....but not you, oh no. You're going to click on one of these links, make one of these nostalgic gems, and grab all the attention because people are going to straight up go, "Oh man! I remember these from when I was a kid!" and gobble everything all up. Then there … [Read more...]

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St. Patrick’s Day Libations

The idea of green beer has never really been that appealing to me but the festive fun surrounding St. Patrick’s Day is something I look forward to each year.   So the ScrapPop Popstars have compiled a few fun ideas to help everyone feel a wee bit Irish this St. Patrick’s Day! The Sparkling Shamrock Cocktail I like this recipe from Happy Healthy and Motivated is refreshing, fun and takes less than 5 minutes to make.  And who doesn't love a creative use of a garnish? Mike's March … [Read more...]

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A Tale of Two Elephants-a pattern review with bonus cocktail recipe (yeah, it was that kind of project)

So, here's my review for this month. I decided to make elephants for my little carnies as part of their Valentine's Day gift. I had no idea what I was doing... I chose the DIY Fluffies Love Elephant pattern. My pattern was delivered, and I printed it out, looked it over quick, and didn't think much of it...then I sat down to make these guys and read that the seam allowances WERE NOT included in the pattern. No problem, I thought. I'll just trace 1/4" around all the pieces. Ah? Nope. I was … [Read more...]

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A Dragon Birthday Party, and a word about first birthdays

First? Can I say a something to you new parents planning your little anklebiter's first birthday? YAY YOU! You made it through the first year....I'd like to say the next years will be a breeze, but that would be a big friggin lie. Now, I'm sure you feel all this Pinterest-y pressure to throw a huge, perfect celebration with everybody and their brother invited. You know what I say? EFF THAT NOISE. Seriously, your kid is not going to care if you have 4 people or 400 at his first big … [Read more...]

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Star Spangled Hammered?…. or Just Some Festive Fun!

4th of July fun doesn’t have to be just for the kids!? Keeping that in mind, we will keep this post short and sweet so you have time to sample a few of these ideas in planning your 4th festivities.  Nothing draws your attention to a cocktail like a splash of color or fancy garnishes. Here are a few Pinterest Inspired drink ideas to spice up the adult bevi’s this 4th of July. Boozy Bomb Pop from Simply Fresh Cooking Yes -- you guessed it, not only do they look like the childhood … [Read more...]

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Derby Party Win!

Thank you for some of the fun ideas and all the encouragement as I planned our Derby Party.  After sharing so many of the pre-party projects along the way, I wanted to also share some of the party updates.  I might be biased but I think the party decor was fun and festive. In addition to the vinyl horses and tissue pom horseshoe wreath you might have seen on Instagram, we also added paper lanterns and some circle garland from the Paper Lantern Store.  Once again,  3M command hooks saved the day … [Read more...]

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Minnesota Winter Stew (Crock Pot Friendly, dontcha know)

It.is.friggin.FREEZING! When the temperature drops below 30, this Minnesota Girl starts craving stew.....So, here is a  German-y, warm, sweatshirt season recipe for when you need a little warming up. Ingredients: 4 Gangster brats from Stokkes Meat Market at The Adolph Store (or whatever kind of brats you can find) 2 onions, sliced a buttload of garlic, diced 1 Grain Belt beer (or whatever you like) 3 lbs or so of potatoes, cut into chunks 4 c Beef or Chicken Stock 1 large … [Read more...]

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Drunken Strawberries

Who doesn't enjoy a chocolate dipped strawberry?  And sure anyone can buy those, but why not spice it up for a little Valentine's fun! Here is a quick and easy way to have a little fun with very little effort! Supplies: Fresh Strawberries Your favorite dipping chocolate (Chocolate chips, candy melts or Dolci frutta) Bottle of Vodka (I have tried whipped cream and chocolate flavored vodka as the flavors take a little out of the alcohol bite.)   Instructions: First, rinse … [Read more...]

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Sunday Funday – Superbowl Snacks!

It’s Superbowl weekend and I am sure folks are going crazy in Seattle and Boston - right FinPop? Here in Chicago, the game is not anywhere near as exciting without our beloved Bears. However, Chicagoans never miss an excuse for a party, or an excuse for some great party food. Those that know me, know that there is always a reason to get excited about the food that comes along with watching those can’t miss commercials. Our annual Superbowl party hosts have put our party on hold until 2016 (Da … [Read more...]

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Cake Pops En Pointe

One of the most favorite things I recall about being 5 was when it was my week to bring treats to Kindergarten. I LOVED it when my mom would bake cookies and send them to school with me! Once I became a mom, I couldn't wait for the days where I could bake and send homemade treats to school.  I was so bummed when I learned that you can't do that anymore!  As far as I was concerned, it was going to be one of the BEST parts of being a mom. I now understand all the reasons why this is and of … [Read more...]