Hunk Calendar

You know those cheesy, "look at this hunk with his shirt off who fights fires and risks his life on a daily basis" calendars? They may have their place, but not on my fridge...just wouldn't match my decor. This hunk, in his shiny red boots and drooly face, however, matches the decor perfectly. May's calendar boy...this one's a looker.


I wanted to post this mainly to show off the boots we received in the mail from one of our good friends. Aren't they fun? We don't have any details about how to purchase them, but they sure are cute!

Beef and Noodle Toss

This one is a keeper. It's quick, easy to make, and most of the ingredients are ones you have already. Can't take credit for whipping this meal together. My husband took over the stove on a busy night and pulled out a success. One of my faves to date. Can't decide if it's on the top of my list because it's that awesome or because someone else made it for me. So hand this recipe off to your spouse/roommate/other person in your life you cook for and give it a whirl. You won't be disappointed.

Beef and Noodle Toss from Better Homes and Gardens

Ingredients:

• 8 0z. lasagna noodles
• 12 oz. boneless beef sirloin, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 Tbsp. flour
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 pint grape tomatoes
• 8 oz. mushrooms (optional)
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 1 14 oz. can beef broth

1. Break noodles in half and cook according to package directions. Drain, but do not rinse.
2. Meanwhile, season beef with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Toss with flour. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meat, any remaining flour, and the tomatoes to skillet. Cook 3 to 4 minutes or until beef is well browned, stirring often. Add mushrooms and garlic. Cook 5 minutes more. Add broth; cook 3 to 4 minutes more or until beef is done and liquid is slightly thickened.
3. Add cooked noodles to skillet; stir gently to coat. Heat through; Spoon into bowls to serve.

First and Last

We have a winner for our first giveaway...Carmella. You can look forward to a mini prize package in the mail! I drew the old school way for our first giveaway; you know, names in a hat. Just keeping it real. Next time we'll get a bit more techie.

Tomorrow is my last day of school for the year. Why do you care? Well, maybe because the posts are about to rock your world since I'll have more time and energy to work on them. Or maybe you'll notice how many rockin' projects I'll be completing and posting. We'll see how that goes. These things will be true only if I can tear myself away from this gentleman:


It's highly likely that I'll spend all my free moments with this mustached fellow, neglecting housework and errands, but hey, what are summers for?

All my best,
Robin

P.S. I know it's "Good Food Friday" round these parts, and I posted randomness instead. I've got some good eats coming your way this weekend!

I'll quit my job and become a party planner

Below are photos from a bridal shower given for this lovely bride. Her groom's aunts hosted a beautiful shower, as you'll see below. Hopefully you can gather some inspiration.










One of these things is not like the other... I couldn't resist. All the pictures were feeling delicate and fanciful--could work for a FB photo. All the kids are doing it, the arm length photo thing. Fun shower, huh?

All my best,
Robin

Birthday Season

It's birthday season around here. Between family and friends, the spring months are packed with these annual celebrations. Unfortunately, I can't seem to get it together on the gift-giving front.

I usually prefer to present the birthday girl or boy with a thoughtful, sometimes handmade or specially ordered gift on the day of his or her birth or before, just to be safe. No longer. I am slacking in this department, sending gifts nearly a month late. *Had a birthday recently and didn't receive a present from me? Give it a couple weeks.*



Here is a gift I put together for my sister-in-law, a busy mom often looking for meal inspirations. I scoured my cookbook for recipes her family might like and compiled them in a binder. I added pictures to each one, and tried to put together recipes that used like ingredients...you know, for ease in the grocery store. I had this fun paper left over from a previous project, so it was a cost-effective gift, while still being personal.

I love the uniform look, as opposed to the junk drawer of a recipe binder I got going on currently. The book has 14 recipes in it, all main course meals, with more being added daily. If you would like a copy, comment below with your email address and I'd be happy to send it to you.

Before I leave you, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Mama Pear. You are an amazing woman, and we wish you many more to come!

All my best,
Robin

Blogging 101

My title may have been misleading. I am not conducting a how-to session on blogging tips just yet. Not that skilled. But we do have 101 followers! Pretty pumped about that. We have been waiting for this exciting landmark for days now and are grateful to have faithful readers that keep coming back. We love you for this. So to celebrate, we will be giving away a few small tokens of our affection. What will you receive if you win?

This bag and headband combo, made by The Sweetest Pear. Maybe some chocolate, too.

You'll love it. I do. I'd keep them for myself, but then I wouldn't have a reason to buy more craft supplies. It's an addiction. Feed it.

This one is simple. You can enter by:

a.) Following this blog (If you're already a follower, or a new follower, just comment that you follow) 1 entry

b. ) Leave a comment on this or any other post on The Sweetest Pear 1 entry.

We'll draw on Thursday. Good luck!


While you're busy finding something to comment on, I'll be adhering fabric to plates to eventually resemble wall decor. I'll let you know how this one works out.

All my best,
Robin

Monsters Aren't All Scary

Holy hiatus from blogging. What's up with that? Life got a little busy, then Blogger got a little buggy. But we're back. With projects and recipes and more craft supplies than time. No kidding on the supplies bit. Between Hobby Lobby, garage sales, and a quick raid of some family members' goods this weekend, I now possess enough craft garb to deck out a small boutique hotel. Or maybe just our split level. I won't even get started on the amount and types of adhesives I couldn't live without. Either way, I am hooked up and ready to get my craft on.

Little progress was made in the way of home decor, but I did get a chance to whip up this little package for a special two year old.
Details: The birthday boy is currently into monsters, so I took my cue from there. Found an uglydoll online...so ugly they're cute. Wanted to make the matching shirt, so I bought a kids' cotton shirt, some felt, and embroidery floss all at the craft store. The felt is cut into similar shapes and sewn on by hand with embroidery floss. You could also machine stitch, but I liked the look of the hand stitch. I used a button for the eye.

The card was impromptu and made using the blank side of another, not-birthday, not-that-cool card I had on hand. I stitched on a matching felt orange eye and then stitched yellow around the edge for a border. Turned out way cuter than I had planned, and was reminiscent of those lacing activity cards I did as a kid.

My own monster model. The drool is not part of the shirt. It is an accessory.
Here is the lucky recipient clutching the monster as he flees gift opening.

I see more custom kids' clothing in my future. Maybe next time with a machine, though. You know, for the instant gratification and all.

I'm guest posting over at My 3 Little Birds today, and have shared this delightful recipe:
Head on over and check it out!

All my best,
Robin