Easy Easter Bunny Marshmallow Pop

Easter is right around the corner, and that means bunnies and sweet treats are on the way! If you’d like to make some sweet treats of your own, then check out this recipe for Easy Easter Bunny Marshmallow Pops. Maybe you can get the kids in on the fun too, if they don’t eat all the ingredients before you’re done!

Easter Bunny Marshmallow Pops

Regular, Jumbo, Stacker, & Mini Marshmallows (Jet-Puffed)

Orange Star Burst (for carrots)

Green & Pink Edible Grass

White Cookie Frosting (Betty Crocker)

Black Sprinkles (or edible eyes)

Pink heart candies (or sprinkles)

Jelly Beans

White Pipe Cleaners

Decorative Straws or Lollipop Sticks

For this bunny we started out by decorating a regular sized marshmallow. We cut a mini marshmallow in half and attached them on the front using the white frosting.  We also attached black sprinkles for the eyes and a pink heart sprinkle for the nose. We cut a stacker marshmallow in half and cut around the edges to make ears.  We attached them with white frosting. We wrapped a white pipe cleaner around the top of the straw leaving a opening at the top for the marshmallow.  Cut off a piece of pipe cleaner to make the arms. We looped it at the bottom to make feet.  We put a orange Starburst in the microwave for 8 seconds and then shaped it into a carrot.  We pressed pieces of green edible grass in the top.

We also made a bunny tail with the pipe cleaner that looked like this....

For this bunny you want to use a jumbo marshmallow.  Decorate the face using mini marshmallow halves, black sprinkles, pink edible grass, & pink heart sprinkles.  Leave a opening at the top to wrap and loop the pipe cleaner into bunny ears....

We did the same with this bunny as the first, but added another regular sized marshmallow for the body.  We wrapped a pipe cleaner around the middle to make the arms.  We also cut a stacker marshmallow in half to make bunny feet.  This bunny is holding jelly beans....

We also attached a mini marshmallow to the back for a bunny tail....

More here: http://bit.ly/11f40zC

Read more »

Old Navy Cash Back

Who doesn’t want cash back?! A little money saved during your usual shopping is always great. Now at Old Navy, whenever you spend at least $25, you’ll earn super cash! If you or your family is in need of new clothes for spring-time, check out this great deal.

More here: http://bit.ly/13T7JmZ

Read more »

Creative School Lunches

Do you want to get creative with your kid's school lunches? Here are some great ideas and tips to surprise your son or daughter when they open their lunch box tomorrow.



1. Funky Lunch design gallery
2. Wendolonia’s bento boxes and bento products
3. Creative bento lunches
4. Disney Family Food school lunches kids love



5. Bonnie’s simple lunch solution
6. Katie’s tips on packing healthy school lunches w/ the kids
7. Panelled insulated lunch bag pattern
8. Everyday Mama’s lunch kit suggestions



9. Creative Organizing lunch bin and lunch mail
10. Sandwich box made out of a milk carton from Thrifty Mom
11. Printable school lunch notes from Amy
12. Lunch bag ideas

For more tips and tricks see Tip Junkie.

Read more »

Breaking Bad Star to Join School Board

The show Breaking Bad has filmed in Albuquerque for five seasons now.  The show is in it's final season, but Steven Quezada who plays a federal drug agent in the show has four children in the Albuquerque school system.  He will take his oath tonight to join the school board, and he has already sat on the board of the Performing Arts Academy.  You can learn more Kob.

An actor from the TV show "Breaking Bad" is set to be sworn in on Albuquerque's school board.

Steven Michael Quezada is scheduled Wednesday to take his oath during the board's regular meeting.

 

He won a seat on the city's west side last month after running unopposed. Quezada plays federal drug agent Steven Gomez on the Albuquerque-based show.

Three of Quezada's four children attend the Public Academy for the Performing Arts, a charter school where the actor has been active on the governing board. The AMC hit television series is finishing filming its fifth and final season.

"Breaking Bad" follows former high school teacher Walter White, played by Bryan Cranston, producing and selling methamphetamine with a former student, Jesse Pinkman, played by Aaron Paul.

Read more »

Spring Cleaning Time

 Are you ready for some warm weather?  If you are, you can start prepping now for your apartment's spring cleaning.  Check out this week by week chart to get your house ready for summer and spring.  Keep reading to learn some tips and tricks for your spring cleaning marathon.


I don’t know about you, but by mid-February each year, I’ve had it with winter. I’m tired of the short days, the cold weather, and flu season. Maybe most of all, I’m tired of the dirt and grime that seems the settle on everything — my house, my car, my kitchen floors — after the snow becomes mixed with road salt, soot, and dirt and finds its way into every nook and cranny. You can imagine, then, how delighted I am to say that spring cleaning season is just around the corner. (See also: Control Your Allergies with Regular Cleaning)

Don’t know where to start with your own spring cleaning? Try breaking it up into small, manageable bits by assigning just three tasks to each weekend in March. Follow my week-by-week checklist below to restore order and cleanliness to your home and prepare for a relaxing, rejuvenating spring!

Week One: De-Clutter Your Kitchen

1. Fridge

I know, I know. We all hate to clean the fridge, but what better time to do it thoroughly than spring cleaning? Start by cleaning out the freezer. Although the USDA says frozen foods remain safe to eat indefinitely, you do start to sacrifice taste and food quality after a certain amount of time. Use their chart to determine whether to throw away that casserole in your freezer. Next, clean your freezer with a sponge and 1:3 mixture of vinegar and water (vinegar is safe on areas that touch food and will remove stains and odors). Repeat with your refrigerator. Finish by dusting the top of the fridge, wiping down the sides, and vacuuming your refrigerator coils. Added bonus: Keeping your coils clean can help your refrigerator run more efficiently, saving you money.

2. Cabinets

“Cabinets” is a broad area to clean, I know. My advice pertains more to organizing your kitchen cabinets than to cleaning the outside of them, however. Attack your spring-cleaning cabinet organization by assessing the problem areas (junk drawer, Tupperware cabinet, or pots and pans cabinet, for example). Try to articulate what the problem is, and why it’s a problem for you. For example, my pots and pans cabinet is in shambles because my BF loves to throw things in there all willy-nilly after they come out of the dishwasher. Think of a solution that might address the root of the problem. For me, that would involve either buying a pot rack to hang my pots and pans (one per hook; problem solved!) or making clear dividers in the cabinets (skillets on the left, sauce pans on the right, thank you very much). It could be as simple as delineating the spaces with two tablecloths, or could be solved with an organizational tool from the store.

3. Oven/Dishwasher

OK, there’s nothing really similar between an oven and a dishwasher, but I said just three tasks per weekend, right? Plus, all you really need to do for the oven is turn on the self-cleaning feature or, for a lighter cleaning, use these oven-cleaning tips from Good Housekeeping. To clean your dishwasher, start by wiping down the outside and work your way in. Wipe the front, sides, and bottom (none of which gets washed during a normal cycle), and then clean debris out of the spinning arms and the grate/grill under the arms. Finally, run an empty cycle with distilled white vinegar to help remove hard water deposits and other grime you can’t reach. Week one: done!

Week Two: Beautify Your Bedroom

1. Thin the Herd (in Your Closet)

I clean my closet every six months or so but still seem to find a bounty of clothes to discard after each go-round. To decide which pieces to keep and which to give away, I go with the six-month rule: If I haven't worn it in six months, I probably won't miss it if it goes. In fact, I can't ever remember thinking, "I wish I had kept that out-of-date white sweater; it would go great with these shoes!" After a healthy wardrobe trimming, switch out your winter clothes for the lighter-weather wear. Decide whether you’re a person who likes to organize by color or by type. Store out-of-season clothing under the bed or in an out-of-the-way spot.

2. Organize Dresser Drawers

Dresser drawers are kind of like kitchen cabinets and luckily, you have experience organizing those from week one. Do the same for your boudoir boxes and systematically identify problem areas, causes, and solutions. In my case, my sock drawer is a real pain. I have trouser socks, warm fuzzy socks, and running socks all jumbled together in one, socky mess. A simple solution is to sort socks by use (work, casual, and running) and divide the drawer according. For a budget-friendly solution, try using shoe boxes, pencil organizers, or tissue boxes.

3. Tend to Bedding

There is conflicting advice on whether you should flip your mattress every so often in order to lengthen its useful life; I’m in favor of the practice. You might also want to vacuum your mattress using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner and then cover your mattress with a good cover to help keep dust mites and allergens at bay. While you’re at it, either replace old pillows or check to see whether you can wash them (most types of pillows, whether made from natural or synthetic materials, are machine-washable). Lastly, change out your warm, winter blankets and comforter for lighter bedding.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

ADVERTISEMENT

Week Three: How About That Home Office?

1. File, File, File

Of all the tasks on my spring cleaning list, this is the one I dread the most. On the other hand, I know it will feel amazing to finally have my file drawers organized. During week three of March, organize your file drawer. If you don’t have a designated file cabinet or file drawer, you should. Motivate yourself to organize by buying brightly colored labels (I love Post-It® Filing Tabs! Download coupons here.) and hanging file folders. Then, get to filing — my folders are divided by categories like insurance information, taxes, medical bills, receipts, coupons, etc. If you already have a filing system in place, use this time to go through documents and shred what you no longer need. Here is a list of how long to hold on to important documents.

2. Clean Up Your Computer

Spring cleaning isn’t just about cleaning your physical space; it’s about the electronic sphere, too. There are a number of quick tasks you can do to improve the speed of your PC or Mac, including getting rid of unused files and programs, cleaning up your desktop, and defragmenting your hard drive.

3. Update Antivirus & Anti-Spyware Software

After you’ve improved the speed of your computer, keep it safe by updating your antivirus and anti-spyware software. Top Ten Reviews has a comprehensive list of the best antivirus and anti-spyware programs available, while PCWorld has reviews of the best free antivirus and anti-spyware out there. Finally, don’t forget to put a file backup strategy in place, so you don’t lose all your important electronic documents or programs.

Week Four: Tackle Outdoor Spaces

1. Clean Gutters

If you’re a homeowner, you’ll want to periodically clean out your gutters in order to prevent water damage to the roof and walls of your home. DIY Network has a great tutorial on cleaning and repairing your gutters yourself.

2. Clean Outside of Windows

As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, let in more sunlight by cleaning the outside of your windows. Start by clearing away cobwebs and debris using a soft cloth, then clean the glass itself using a window-cleaning product or a 1:1 mix of vinegar and hot water (vinegar to the rescue again!). Make your job easier by purchasing a squeegee to wipe of excess water and prevent streaks. Wipe dry.

3. Clean Patio Furniture

Nobody likes to sit on a dirty, mucky patio chair. Increase the chances that you’ll make use of your outdoor spaces this season by cleaning your patio furniture. Mix dishwashing liquid with warm water and use this with a brush to scrub tables and chairs. While you’re at it, clean up your porch or patio by clearing away debris and sweeping the area. Treat stains with a 1:3 mixture of bleach and water and scrubbing the area with a hard-bristle brush.
There, you’ve made it! Four short weeks of three tasks per week. Now sit back, and enjoy the weather! Or, if you have extra time, take care of some other miscellaneous once-a-year tasks:

1. Change your air filter
2. Clean out your dryer ducts to help prevent fires
3. Inventory items in your home in case of theft or fire
4. Discard old beauty and bath products
   For more information see Wisebread.
   

Read more »

Winter Colors Show

These are your last days to see the Winter Fire Colors Show at the Mediterranean Conservatory.   The event runs until February 24th at the ABQ BioPark Botanical Garden.  It is even included in your admission price!

Warm up with the blaze of colors in the Mediterranean Conservatory starting Jan. 19.

When

Jan 19, 2013 09:00 AM - Feb 24, 2013 05:00 PM

 

 

Where

ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden

2601 Central NW

Albuquerque, NM 87104

Description

Join us each day for the annual Winter Fire Colors Flower Show. Warm up with flowers in hot colors from the Mediterranean climates. These fiery hues provide welcome relief from winter's chill.

More Information

Price

Included with admission. 

 

For more information see CABQ.GOV.

Read more »

New Brownie Recipe

Do you always make the same brownies for dessert?  Check out this great recipe for double chocolate cherry recipes. 

I have my go-to brownie recipe and I generally don't mess around with it. If I'm going to make brownies, it's what I reach for. But then there are days (like today) when there are dried cherries in the pantry and I begin to wonder what would happen if I jammed a few different kinds of chocolate, some quinoa flakes, and said dried cherries into one pan of brownies? The answer: something quite wonderful.

 
In the most recent issue of Cooks Illustrated, they featured a Classic Brownie recipe, discussing in great length what makes them different. I tend to be of the camp that thinks, "What's new under the sun when it comes to brownies?" but the thing that caught my attention was the mention of cake flour. The recipe testers insist, "Cake flour makes tender brownies with a delicate chew." I was intrigued.

As you well know, there are many different kinds of brownie folks out there. There are the fudgy folks, the cakey folks, and the chewy folks — and all of you who fall in between, happily straddling one or the other. I tend to prefer a pretty fudgy, rich brownie, but I also love them to have a bit of a chew and that nice crackly layer on top. So I decided to give it a go with cake flour. I amped up the quantity of chocolate that I usually use, relying on both chopped chocolate and cocoa powder, and experimented with one of my new favorite ingredients: quinoa flakes.

If you're not familiar with quinoa flakes, you can find them in a box at most well-stocked grocery stores (I buy Ancient Harvest brand); they're essentially quinoa that's been pressed flat into quick-cooking flakes. Many folks use them as a speedy warm breakfast cereal, but I've been folding them into cookies and quick breads lately. And now brownies. I love quinoa flakes because they're an easy way to get an extra little hit of protein in unexpected places and they don't change the taste or texture of a recipe very much.

While this recipe has a few unexpected ingredients, it doesn't stray far from simplicity. That's one of the things I love about brownies: you should be able to whip them up in under 30 minutes. Always. I don't believe even the most deluxe brownie recipes warrant multiple dirty bowls or kitchen thermometers. I don't really even believe in sifting the dry ingredients, actually. So these brownies reflect my desire for a simple, decadent brownie — yet one into which we can sneak a few grains and dried fruits when the urge strikes. Enjoy!

Quick recipe note: I used chocolate feves for this recipes — they're essentially nice, round disks of dark chocolate that make it easier when it comes to baking as you can eliminate all that chopping. But use whichever chocolate you really like. A nice dark chocolate is my preference.

Double Chocolate Cherry Quinoa BrowniesServes 9-12

3/4 cup dried cherries
1 cup cake flour
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
6 ounces dark chocolate (between 60-72% is ideal), finely chopped
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, plus more for pan
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1/2 cup quinoa flakes
1/4 cup confectioners sugar, to top

Soak the cherries in warm water for at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours. This will help plump them up nicely.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 9x13-inch square baking pan (or spray with a little cooking spray)

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the two flours, cocoa powder, salt and baking powder. Set aside.

Combine the chopped chocolate and butter into a small saucepan and warm over low heat until the mixture is melted completely and smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix together the sugar and the eggs on medium speed until quite pale and aerated, about 3 minutes. Reduce the speed to low and slowly add 1/3 of the dry ingredients, mixing just long enough to incorporate them. Add 1/3 of the butter/chocolate mixture and mix to combine. Repeat, until the dry mixture and butter/chocolate mixture are both fully incorporated. Turn off the mixer and fold in the quiona flakes by hand. Drain the cherries and fold them in as well.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly using a spatula.

Bake for 27-30 minutes, or until a toothpick is inserted into the center and comes out with just a few crumbs clinging to it. Cool at room temperature for at least 45 minutes before slicing. Using a fine-mesh sieve of sifter, sprinkle the tops with a little powdered sugar before slicing. 

For more information see The Kitchn.

Read more »