Shamrock Sugar Cookies

Cut out the shenanigans! Stop talking blarney and be sweet on St. Patrick's Day.  For it was the Irish who originally wanted us all to GO GREEN...and how can you not like tiny leprechauns?  Or are they now called little "green" people?    

So to honor all little "green" people we started a new tradition this St. Patrick's Day...we "shamrocked" the neighbors and the teacher. 

I baked the same sugar cookie recipe I do every month (great to freeze and cut up when the kids come over). I bought a shamrock cookie cutter and got my green on!  I was literally covered in green sparkle by the time it was over.  

While baking and cooling, I printed out my notecards with the You've Been Shamrocked poem written on it - written by ME.  These are available for a $2 donation at the website lunchi.org. All of the money raised at Lunchi.org is donated to charity...so your support is appreciated.  

Ready for the recipe?  Here is it!  

In the meantime, may the GOOD LORD take a liking to you...but not too soon!

I FOUND LOVE in the cookie dough! See it?

SHAMROCK SUGAR COOKIES 

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups butter, softened (must be softened, not melted in the microwave)
2 cups white sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (I USE Pure Madagascar Vanilla Bean Paste from SurLaTable)
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Directions

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour. This is MANDATORY (or overnight).
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with the shamrock cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on parchment paper or a clay cookie stone.
 

Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.  

Decorate with your favorite vanilla frosting and green sugar sprinkles.  

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Traditions

Home Away Poem

Looking for love

And if you like this can you please share!  Or become a fan...Thanks.

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A "sweet" 40th Birthday Party Theme

If you have a friend who is turning 40 but doesn't want to make it a BIG DEAL...this party theme is a "sweet" idea. 

The "sweet" theme was inspired AFTER the invitations were sent and the rsvp's started coming in.  Over 10 people regretted they couldn't celebrate our friends 40th because they had other plans.  The adjective "sweet" preceded the birthday girls name in every one of these regrets.

So the party became an intimate gathering.  We booked a "suite" at the Waterfront Hilton in Huntington Beach (suite 1125 offer the following views.)  

In the hotel room I decorated a manzanita branch with the birthday girls favorite flower and used it as the centerpiece.  Sprinkles Cupcakes and Gelsons Market supplied her favorite sweets - cupcakes and french macaroons along with assorted platters of gourmet cheeses, meats, fruit, and crackers.  The cocktail of the evening, a Chief Lapu Lapu geared us up to dance the night away to the 80's tribute band FlashBack Heart Attack at the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach.  Get an Imix of the songs here.

The birthday girl went home with a beautiful box of birthday wishes I typed on custom designed notecards as well as a set of beautiful bracelets from Brighton. Set up your wishlist for your party today!

This event turned out to be a great night in honor of a truly special and SWEET friend.

And if you have a friend who frets turning 40, here are 10 reasons why it is really NOT that bad! 

1. 40 is the new 30!!!

2. You're not 40, you are 18 with 22 yrs. experience!!

3. Enjoy the moment because when you are 50 or 60 you will wish you were 40.

4. Just think of all the wisdom you have, pass it on and make a difference in the world!

5. Turning 40 is better than the alternative.   

6. Look for balance in everyday of your life. Don't sign up to do things that will overwhelm you.

7. Like fine wine we get better with age! 

8. Best birthday ever, really! Life starts at 40!

9. It only gets better. What you have learned the first 40 years seems almost irrelevant as you develop into your new and spiritual self. You love deeper, appreciate life more and divine great pleasure in the little things and the world around you.

10. Depends are cheaper at Stater's   

Do you have a great 40th party theme to share? Please share below. 

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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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