New Year's Bowling Bunko Party Theme

How do you plan a party in January for twelve of your girlfriends when you're home (and hubby) has had it with entertaining? You serve them a Seagram's Sweet Tea Palmetto along with Thai Chicken Wraps and take them to a bowling alley.

On the way to the bowling alley we played CASH CAB.  The twelve girls were split into two teams of 6.  I drove the first team down to the bowling alley giving them a chance to win money for their team.   They got three strikes before we got there.  The second team answered the same questions and won!  I got the questions from the CASH CAB app (2.99) BEWARE it is addicting!

There is a game you can play at the bowling alley called ALLEY HOLDEM however I didn't order it in time.  I would love to try this in the future.  Prize money went to Most Strikes, Highest Score, Most Spares, Lucky Draw and Lowest Score.

DECORATING IDEAS
The combination of turquoise, silver and black is a classic for new years parties.  I simply reused our New Years Eve Decorations.  Then I served a phenomenally,  fabulous Dessert in champagne flutes.

Do you like what you see?  Then become a fan of the 30days of blog on facebook or share it with others via the link below.  I get inspired when I can help others!

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SCRABBLE ART

Looking for a great gift to make for a special family?  Personalize a SCRABBLE BOARD with words that symbolize who they are.

1. For the UNDERWOOD family I wrote a list of memories we've shared together. 

Frank Sinatra

Beer

Balboa saloon

Beach

Golf

Traditions

Music

Love

BBQ's, etc.

2. Cut the board so it can be framed as shown above.  Take it to your local framers and measure the size of frame and mat you would like. They should be able to cut the heavy chip board for you. 

3. Starting with their last name UNDERWOOD, I used the list to fill the board while trying to use as many tiles as possible as well as covering the majority of the board.  

Tip - if you buy two games you can share letters and make two at a time.   OR each scrabble game comes with an order form to order extra tiles. If you need an extra s, simply order ahead of time.

4. After the majority of the tiles were used, I glued them down with MOD PODGE glue. 

5. Get it matted and framed at least two weeks in advance.  If you would like to make it a table piece, put a piece of acrylic on top of it and attach it to a lazy susan. 

OR you can include a gift certificate with the completed art so they can customize it for their home.

SCRABBLE art fun craft to make and great piece of art to give to friends or family.

In the meantime, if you are a WORDS with FRIENDS player, find me...I'm BEOBI.

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Cherry Dump Casserole - It's Ridiculishes!

After the first bite of this delicious dessert, the little orphan's voice from Annie echoed in my mind, "oh my goodness, oh my goodness."  Look how ridiculously easy it is to make.  The only word to describe it would be Ridiculishes!  (Ridiculous + Delicious)

Cherry Dump Cake

1 (21 ounce) can cherry-pie filling
1 (18-1/4 ounce) box yellow cake mix
1 stick butter, sliced then cut the slices into quarters
1 cup flaked coconut

1/2 cup chopped pecans
Ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375 F. Dump cherries into the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch pan (lightly sprayed). Cover with the dry cake mix and press down with a spatula. Slice small sections of butter and place on top of cake mix. Sprinkle top with cinnamon, coconut, and chopped pecans.  Cover with foil and  bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10-15 more minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream (or whipped cream)


Looking for a great dinner casserole to serve, see the list of casseroles I featured in August.   

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Lunchi's - Little Utterances Neatly Condensed Helping Impact Little Souls- A CONTEST!

A couple of months back I was inspired to focus on prayer in my life.  It was uncomfortable at first but as I did it more the 'fear' was lifted.   Prayer now has become a daily ritual in our families life.  


When I asked GOD to work through me so I may better serve others, I had the idea for http://www.lunchi.org.  


Lunchi's is an acronym for little utterances neatly condensed helping impact little souls. Parents can print them out and put thoughtful notes, bible verses, and jokes in their child's lunch.  They cost $2 and every penny will benefit the following charities as well as a child's mind, body, and soul.


EXPAND THEIR MINDS
School Supply Drive by DoSomething.org
One way to help a child achieve better results in school is by ensuring they own school supplies to complete the work.  This summer, Staples and DoSomething.org are hosting their third annual Do Something 101 School Supply Drive! You can help right now by holding school supply drives in your school and community or by purchasing a Lunchi.


NOURISH THEIR BODIES
Jaime Olivers Food Revolution by America Gives Back
Every child in America has the right to fresh, nutritious food. A diet of processed food is undermining the nation’s health and essential cooking skills are being lost. If you care about your country and the health of your children please support Jamie’s Food Revolution with a donation. Your funding will help his campaign to change the way America eats and ensure the health of future generations.  


ENRICH THEIR SOULS
Children's Ministries at Crossroads 
In Kids House at Crossroads Christian Church it is our desire for children to fall deeply in love with Jesus and His Word which proclaims HIM.  It is my goal to use the money raised to donate to Crossroads so they may purchase bibles for children across the world.

PAY IT FORWARD
You can make a difference for people with Lunchinotes. 
Personalize them to fit the occasion.  I left a note for the people at church who count the money. I purchased the coffee for the person behind me in the drive thru and left this note.  (someone had done it for me awhile back so I wanted to pay it forward.)
Or just print out the following verses and stick it in your wallet when the server or cashier is doing great at their job.




ALSO ON THE WEBSITE...
We feature 30 fabulous lunch choices to pack for the kids.  I had a bad habit of packing the same thing every day.  That is not inspiring at all.  Browse through the album on the 30daysof facebook fan page to get inspiration on fabulous lunch's to nourish your child's body. Or you can view Laptop Lunch Ideas in their photo gallery.  There are over 30 different lunch's to choose from.

LAPTOP LUNCH
includes case, silverware, book,
and box with separators. $40 values

CONTEST
From now until October 1st, the 30daysof...blog will be giving away  a laptop lunchbox (similar to the one shown here) to a randomly selected comment answering the following question.  *If you purchase and download a lunchi from now until October 1st, 2010, you will also be entered to win.  


HOW DO YOU INSPIRE YOUR KIDS TO GIVE BACK?  
Leave your comment below or underneath this image on the 30daysof...facebook fan page HERE!

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Macaroni Salad - A Tradition

No 4th of July BBQ is complete without hamburgers...and no hamburger is complete without macaroni salad.  Serve sliced watermelon and you'll have yourself the perfect classic american meal.    
This macaroni salad recipe has been served in our family for over 30 years.  Here's how to make it:

INGREDIENTS
12 hard boiled eggs
1 bag of salad macaroni
1 white onion finely diced
2 cups of finely diced sweet gherkins (pickles)
2 cups of finely diced celery
2 cups of best foods mayonnaise
1 cup of yellow mustard
1 TBLS White pepper
1 TBLS Salt

HOW TO MAKE
This is best if made the day before.
Hard boil the eggs.  Dice all the eggs except one. Save the last egg for a garnish.  Cook the macaroni until tender.  While macaroni is cooking, finely dice the celery, onion, and sweet pickles.
Mix all the ingredients together and season with the salt and pepper.
Add the mayonnaise and mustard...stir until all ingredients are coated.  If you want it more creamy, add more mayo.
Garnish with the sliced egg.

Enjoy!

See other egg recipes from the 30daysof...blog: Cayenne Deviled Eggs, Oatmeal Egg Pancake, Breakfast Casserole, and Spinach Artichoke Quiche.

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Graham Cracker Pudding Casserole

My daughter's nana makes this recipe and it is a family favorite.   It's so easy, even the kids can make it!  


INGREDIENTS
2 packages of cinnamon sugar graham crackers
1 box of instant vanilla pudding
3/4 container of dark chocolate frosting
3 bananas sliced
1 container of whipped cream (not in can)
1 cup pecans, choc. chips, almonds (optional)


HOW TO MAKE
Cover the bottom of the casserole dish with the graham crackers (whole)
Prepare the pudding as directed and spread evenly over the graham cracker layer.  Add the sliced bananas on top of the pudding layer.  (OPTIONAL - you can add pecans, chocolate chips, almonds, etc for an extra crunch over this layer or on the top of the casserole)
Defrost the whip cream and spread the entire container over the banana and pudding.
Top with the second package of graham crackers.
Melt the frosting for 1 minute in the microwave and pour directly over the entire dish.  (OPTIONAL - you can add pecans, chocolate chips, almonds, etc for an extra crunch over this layer or on top of the pudding layer in step 2.)
Chill for one hour (at least) before serving. The chocolate topping will harden and the graham crackers will absorb the pudding causing them to be soft.  


ENJOY 

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Chicken Divan Casserole

This casserole has is all - protein, vegetables, creamy sauce and crunchy bread. Even nicer, you choose the spice you are in the mood for - curry or Essence of Emeril.


INGREDIENTS
3lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast
2 cans of cream of chicken soup
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 cup mushrooms
1 broccoli head
1/2 cup of curry OR Essence of Emeril
5 cloves of garlic (frozen) Trader Joes
4 slices of your favorite bread. 
1/2 cup of salted butter
Garlic salt

HOW TO MAKE
Boil 3lbs of boneless skinless chicken breast in 1/2 cup chicken broth and top with water.
Steam 1 head of broccoli until al dente.

In a bowl combine the cans of soup, 1 can of milk, 4 cloves of crushed garlic, 1/2 cup dehydrated onions.  Add the diced chicken and broccoli to the mixture. (Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms (optional) Pour all ingredients into the casserole dish. Add the spice.
Top with 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
For the bread topping: melt 1/2 cup of salted butter and 1 clove of garlic.  Add diced bread and coat evenly.  (I used old hot dogs buns for this recipe but sourdough works well)   Evenly spread the bread atop the casserole. 

Bake covered at 350˚ for 40 minutes.  Remove foil and cook for 10 more minutes at 375˚.

Enjoy.

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Shepherds Pie Casserole

Is your man a meat and potatoes kind-of-guy? If yes, then this casserole is for him!


INGREDIENTS
2 lbs. of ground beef or a pot roast*
1/4 cup of  Montreal Steak Seasoning
1 cup Beef Broth
3 dashes of Worteshire
1 white or yellow onion finely diced
2 garlic cloves finely diced*
1 pound bag of assorted vegetables* (corn, green beans, carrots and peas)
4 large baking (russet) potatoes
1 box of Trader Joe'sTurkey Gravy*


HOW TO MAKE
Prepare the potatoes and boil.  While boiling, chop the onion and cook in a pan along with the meat.  Brown the meat until cooked through and onions are translucent.  Drain grease. Add beef broth,  Worstershire, seasoning to the meat and onions.  Mix thoroughly and taste to see if you need more seasoning.  Place the meat in the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish.  Add the garlic to the pan along with the vegetables.  Cook until softened.  Pour vegetables atop meat in the casserole dish.
When pototoes are soft, mash them.  Add 1/2 cup and 1 stick of butter and season with salt and pepper.  Beat until creamy.  Layer the mashed potatoes on top of the vegetable and meat in the casserole dish. 
Bake at 375˚ for 30 minutes.  
Heat gravy in a saucepan and pour ontop of the casserole upon serving. 


*VARIATIONS
Cook a round roast in a crock pot with lipton onion soup mix and water.  Shred it and use as the base.
Put cheese on top of the potatoes. 
Substitute above vegetables with mushrooms, broccoli, etc.
Add garlic to your mashed potatoes.


Have you tried this recipe or any of the other casserole dishes we feature?  Make it a Monday Night habit.

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7-layer dip

WARNING:  This recipe will only last for 10 minutes before it is completely devoured. (as seen in the picture featured right)

HOW TO MAKE: 
In layer order


1. 1/2 can of Refried Beans mixed with 1 can of Frito Lay Bean Dip (Jalapeño flavor optional) Cover the bottom of the casserole dish
2. 1 layer of Classic Guacamole (Wholly Guacamole provides consistent quality and flavor)
3. 1 layer of Sour Cream mixed with Taco Seasoning  
4. 1 layer of your favorite Medium Salsa (I used Pace Picante in this batch)
5. 1 layer of mexican blend cheese
6. Diced tomatoes (sprinkled on top)
7. Green onions (sprinkled on top)


VARIATIONS OR ADDITIONAL LAYERS
Sprinkle cilantro on top or mix it with the guacamole
Use Trader Joe's Refried Black beans with Jalapeños in place of regular Refried Beans.


Looking for something else to wow your guests?  View other great casseroles or bite-sized goodies to bring as a appetizer, meal or dessert.

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Potato Casserole with Bacon and Chives

In our family we have an uncle we call "Uncle Buck." He earned this title during a vacation in which everything went wrong starting with hitting his head on the taxi upon arrival to waking up with chocolate left at the turn down service all over his face.

He happens to be the best person to take on a trip or introduce any new meal to as his most famous comment is, "this is the best thing I've ever eaten" or "this is the most fun I've ever had."

For this reason, we call this dish Uncle Bucks Famous Potato Casserole.  This is how it's made:

• 10 large russet potatoes
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream OR milk 
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 pound bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled 
• 3/4 pound mild Cheddar, grated (3 cups)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Peel and Boil the potatoes well and rinse under cool running water. When the potatoes have cooled place them in  potato ricer and "rice them" in a large bowl.  Add 1 stick of the butter, sour cream, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Add the bacon, green onions, and eggs and mix thoroughly.

Butter a 9 by 13-inch casserole with the remaining tablespoon of butter and reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees F.

Place the seasoned potato mixture in the prepared casserole and top with the remaining grated Cheddar. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until bubbly around the edges and heated through and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden. Serve hot.

If you want to try a casserole using mashed Potatoes, here is Paula Dean's Version. I have yet to try it but will for the holidays.

See also the sweet potato casserole we featured in 30daysof...Casseroles.

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