Archive for the ‘DIY’ Category

I recently went to a potluck dinner party and spent most of the time before hand just trying to figure out what to take. After going over all the possibilities, of cancelling this and that idea because it was too involved or too temperature sensitive, I finally decided to make a pasta salad. Let me tell you, pasta salad is the best invention ever. Not only is it varied and versatile in its preparation, but it also stands up well in room to elevated temperatures.

I decided on Tortellini pasta with artichokes and sundried tomatoes. It was so delicious, I’ve been giving recipe instructions ever since. As such, I thought I’d share it with all of you because it is certain to work well for DIY showers, Girls Nights, or even a wedding menu option. Enjoy, and let us know how your own efforts turn out!

Tortellini Pasta Salad

Ingredients:
1 Lg package of Tortellini pasta (prepare as instructed)
1 12oz jar of artichoke hearts
1 12 oz jar of Julienne cut sundried tomatoes
1 can of sliced black olives
Parmesan Cheese
Basil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper

Instructions:
1. Once you have boiled and drained the pasta, place in a large mixing bowl.
2. In another bowl, pour the drained artichoke hearts and olives.
3. Warm the sundried tomatoes in a small skillet, then add to the artichokes and olives.
4. Toss the ingredients together with a bit of olive oil.
5. Add to the Tortellini and mix well, making sure all ingredients are coated with oil.
6. Add about a cup of Parmesan (more or less depending on your taste), salt, pepper, and the basil.
7. Mix well, pour into serving bowl, and use fresh basil sprig to garnish.

If you wish, grilled chicken would be an excellent addition for a heartier salad. Bon Appétit!

You have planned an entire event, negotiated contracts with vendors, matched the perfect shades and stalked the internet for the ideal honeymoon. Now, when you return from 7 days in paradise, is the room you will share as husband and wife living up to all you want it to be? I say coming home to a drab space after living, what is hopefully, the best time of your lives should be criminal. Maybe it is the HGTV junkie in me but I think having a fabulous bedroom to start your new lives in is romantic and a great way to keep the wedding high going.

After spending a ton of money on your wedding, you probably do not want to think of shelling out more on home renovations so be frugal and creative. A change of the paint color, new curtains and linen, maybe an inexpensive flat screen for the hubby and soft lighting can transform a pre-wedded bedroom into a lovers haven without putting a huge dent in your bank account.

The second half or our food filled weekend is a recipe suggestion from the warm, tropic regions of the globe. We are in the middle of summer and planning Louise’s Caribbean baby celebration (post-delivery in order to partake in a bit of festive rum), so naturally the combination of hot and caribbean brings to mind yummy island food. To be honest I’m pretty sure we can find a food for any ocassion, but I digress.

We came across this delicious looking dish while searching for all things Caribbean, and it was love at first sight. The recipe looked pretty easy, and our efforts this weekend proved it to be exactly that. So, we share this wonderful discovery with all of you looking for a fresh, tangy, island-flavor dish for a shower, a wedding menue, a girl’s gathering, or just because you want to treat yourself to something new. Enjoy and let us know how you like them!

Caribbean Cornbread Crab Cakes
Ingredients
1 (6 oz.) package Cornbread Mix

SALSA
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (parsley or basil will work as a sub)
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
2 mangos, peeled and cubed
1 cup chopped fresh pineapple

CRAB CAKES
2 large eggs
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon seafood seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 cup sliced green onion
2 (6 oz.) packages pasteurized lump crab meat, lightly drained
Black pepper to taste
1/2 cup Crisco® Pure Vegetable Oil
Preparation Directions

BAKE cornbread according to package directions in 8-inch Lodge cast iron skillet. Cool and crumble.

WHISK together lime juice, honey, ginger and salt in medium bowl. Add cilantro, red bell pepper, mango and pineapple; stir. Refrigerate.

COMBINE eggs, mayonnaise, lemon juice, seafood seasoning and dry mustard in large bowl; mix well. Add crumbled cornbread; blend. Fold in green onion, crab meat and black pepper.

HEAT oil in cast iron skillet over medium heat. Form crab mixture into 12 cakes. Cook in hot oil 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until lightly browned.

DRAIN on paper towels. Serve topped with salsa.

Recipe found at The Power of Family Meals.

Looking for inspiration and unique wedding ideas, I stumbled across the idea for these cute and fun wedding favors- cootie catchers! Surely you remember cootie catchers from childhood… telling you what boy you were going to marry, kiss, and/or from who you’d catch the cooties.

Luckily, there are two options for featuring these favors at your event. For those of you who don’t trust your craft skills or just don’t want to devote time and energy to the project, cootie catchers can be ordered through Etsy and are relatively inexpensive.

However, if you are looking to save money and come out with stylish, unique, and eye catching catchers, there are tons of templates to chose from, one of which can be found here. Whichever route you decide, these favors are sure to be a hit at your special celebration!

Centerpieces are a major topic for brides-to-be. They are the impact statement of the reception and help create the feeling for your event. Using water pearls and silk flowers, twigs or candles in your centerpieces is a simple DIY project that can create the same dramatic impact with far less damage to your bank account.

I know many wedding professionals will tell you incorporating silk flowers instead of real flowers is a serious faux pas but there are many options that have a more life-like feel and, let’s keep in mind, this is your day and your budget. Do what works best for you. If you are going to use tall vases, pairing the water pearls and silk flowers can be a beautiful combination (and it’s up so high no one will know the difference).

Ice Standard has the best price on a 2 oz. package:
Like the Mystic crystals these polymer pearls are created by simply adding water. This causes them to expand into perfect miniature spheres. Use them to add some extra color to your decorating scheme. They are available in pink, aqua, sapphire blue, black or clear. Use separately or mix colors in one vase for a stellar effect! One package will create approximately 5.75L or 1.5 gallons of hydrated water pearls.