Tie-Dye Milk

This was a blast and the kids really enjoyed it too. E is for Explore! gives us so many fun craft and experiment ideas for kids of all ages to enjoy. When I saw the tie-dye milk I thought it would be a fun craft for a hippy like me. 

Mastering the Art of a Hard Boiled Egg

Go ahead, get it out, and laugh. I know, your thinking... "Really, a tutorial on cooking a hard boiled egg?" I love to cook and create fun new recipes, however my cooking nemesis -- a stubborn egg. I am absolutely horrible at boiling eggs. They either turn out cracked while they are boiling and the egg white is running out the shell, still runny in the center or dryer than the desert, there is never a happy medium...until now.

Here are a few steps to make boiling eggs a little easier:

1. Boil (starting with cold water) desired amount of eggs in a saucepan with about 1 to 2 inches of water covering them
2. Add a pinch of salt to help prevent cracking and to make them easier to peel
3. Boil on medium-high for 15 minutes (when finished test one egg before removing them all)
4. Remove from heat and immediately drain hot water and fill sauce pan with cold water while eggs are still in the pan
5. Crack egg on side of pan and gently peel back the part that has cracked (you want to make sure you are able to peel off the thin white membrane that is directly under the shell)
6. Peel your egg under the running water. Once you have peeled back part of the membrane slide your thumb around the egg lifting up the rest of the membrane which will also lift the shell.

If your looking to turn your eggs into artwork try Anna The Red for a heart shaped hard boiled egg.

French Onion Soup Crock Pot Style

It's winter and on a brisk day all I can think about is snuggling on the couch and eating some pipping hot soup -- french onion soup that is. "Ogres are like onions" ,quoted from Shrek, is really all I could think about as I was starting the soup this morning made with tons of onion love.

Smashed Peas and Carrots has an amazing crock pot recipe for this classic and elegant soup. Knowing me and how I make my recipes I pretty much eyeballed it with the ingredients. My entire home smells intoxicating with aromas of sweet onion, beef broth and just pain heaven. I'm enjoying a cup of the delicious soup as I'm writing. It definitely speaks to my soul and makes my tummy happy.

On that note --- time for another bite.

This is a "Definitely Do" for you crock pot and french onion soup lovers. You don't have to slave over the stove, just throw the ingredients in your crock pot and let that baby do the cooking.

My Tip: As a wino and self- proclaimed connoisseur I added a touch (and in my vocabulary that means about 1/2 a cup) of red wine to my soup during the cooking process -- I also drank a "touch" of wine while making it too. Finally, when cooking the bread for on top go crazy with the swiss, it's not perfect unless every bite is stringy and hanging from your face.

"Now get out there and make something beautiful and from the heart"

Winter Sunrise

A "Definitely Do" -- taking a snap shot of each morning for creativity and inspiration.

Be silent and notice the world around you

Bring each new day to life and create something beautiful

Sexy Grilled Cheese

Everyone loves grilled cheese but it's not just about the buttered bread and slice of cheese anymore. Oh no. It's about bringing sexy back and changing the look of the classic grilled cheese sandwich. 

  

I found the grilled cheese rolls on Care's Kitchen and fell in love with the idea especially because they are crust-less and those of you with kids will appreciate that because especially with my kids, they do not like the crust. Making them was super easy and I mean super easy. After they were finished I cut them in half and served them with a cup of tomato soup for the kids to munch on. And I helped. A little.

These are a "Definitely Do" taking only 10 minutes to make and putting a huge smile on the kid's faces, they will not disappoint.

And if your looking for even more ways to spice up the grilled cheese in your life here are some more ideas:

- Avacado, bacon, and swiss on rye

- Tomato and bacon with american on toasted wheat

- Pickles, swiss and american on ciabatta

How do you make your grilled cheese?

Reception Kids' Table

The vows are said, your newlyweds now, and as you head into the reception to be seated, there they are --  tons of children running around aimlessly. Yes, you love them but when it comes to inviting the kids there is always a question as to whether you should or not.

"Definitely Do" Top Three DIY Picks: Candle Center Pieces

When we are little most of us gals dream of the picture perfect princess wedding but I doubt we ever think about the cost or stress that goes into planning and creating the most beautiful day of our lives. These next Top Three were picked to give you inspiration into the new trend of the DIY wedding and hope you fall in love with them just as we did.


1. Picture Perfect Mason Jars

How beautiful, elegant, classy and economical. These floating candle mason jars we found on tinywhitedaisies are perfect for any wedding, big or small. Just add marbles or stones to the bottom, fill with water, add the floating candle and a little ribbon, twine, or yarn and your DIY wedding will be picture perfect. I can see these along the isle as the bride walks down to her groom, in the sand surrounding the sunset beach wedding, and in the center of all your tables during your reception. With this idea each bride can turn it into their own to match their theme. And you can make these all while staying way under budget.

My Tip: Add a drop of essential oils to the water before lighting your candles. This will light up your room and also give off a romantic aroma. Try Jasmine, Vanilla, Sandalwood and Rose just to name a few.