Valentine Mailbox

This Valentine Mailbox from Tip Junkie is adorable!  Looks pretty simple to make, too.  I bet it could be used for storing other things, like Barbie clothes, crayons, or something else...

Stuffed Valentine Card

What a great craft to do with kids!  Get all of the details at Simply The Sweet Life.

If I can find the time, I know my 4 year old would love to make these for family and friends.

Sangria Punch

Sangria Punch


Ingredients:
1 packet (makes 1 pitcher) Crystal Light Raspberry Ice
1 qt (4 cups) cold cranberry juice cocktail
1 cup cold orange juice
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
3 cups lemon-lime soda
2 medium oranges, sliced
2 medium limes, sliced


Directions:
Empty drink mix into large pitcer.
Add cranberry, orange, and lime juices.
Stir until drink mix is completely dissolved.
Refridgerate until ready to serve.
Serve over ice, filling half the cup with the juice mixture and half with soda. Add sliced fruit.


Makes 8 servings, 1 cup each.


(Note: I originally found this recipe in a Kraft Foods magazine, but I cannot find the exact same one on their website http://www.kraftrecipes.com/.  Check out the site for a lot of great simple recipes!!)

Lemon Shakes!

Lemon Shakes sound like a delicious summer treat!  Plus, I never know what to do with my extra buttermilk.  I may have to try it out while the weather is still warm.  I found the recipe at Old Fashioned Tips.

Lemon Shake


Put 3 cups chilled buttermilk , 1/2 cup cold lemon juice, pinch of salt, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 tsp. lemon rind, 2 small scoops ice cream into mixer. Shake or beat thoroughly. Serve at once with a dash of ginger. Makes about 1 quart

Snack Cracker Mix

This recipe looks simple but delicious.  I found it on the Old Fashioned Tips blog.

Snack Cracker Mix



Ingredients:

2 cups oyster crackers

1 cup mini pretzels

1 cup square cheese crackers like Cheeze-Its

3/4 cup vegetable oil

1 (1 ounce) package dry Ranch-style dressing mix

1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder



Whisk together the oil, dressing mix, lemon pepper and garlic powder. Pour over the crackers in a large bowl, and stir until coated. Place the crackers evenly on a large baking sheet or two if needed. Bake in the preheated 275 degrees F oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and cool before storing in a resealable plastic bag.

Notes: I often use garlic pepper in place of the lemon pepper and garlic powder-- using 1/2-1 tsp. to spice this up. Another variation is to use garlic powder AND 1/2 tsp. of Cajun seasoning.

The cracker mixture can vary depending on your family's tastes.

Summer Party Invitations

With two summer babies, I know I have a lot of summer birthday parties in my future.  Here's another GREAT project from the Idea Room.

Popsicle Invitations!

Dr. Seuss Onesies

I added some extra Dr. Seuss iron-ons to plain onesies to make these gifts.  The possibilities are endless!

The "A" and Flower are my faves.