Chalkboards - Not only for the Classroom

Inspiration Photo

 Pictures taken by Lisa Flory

Chalkboard paint is a wonderful invention. One day while walking around in Michaels, I came across a small pamphlet of crafty ideas to make with chalkboard paint and my creative juices started flowing.

I loved the idea of painting pots to hold things in my little girls rooms and applied the idea to a baby shower I hosted for a dear friend last fall.

I bought some clay pots, chalkboard paint, craft paint, chalk, and pansies.

After two coats of the paint I sealed it with a spray on pot sealant and planted my flowers. 

After the flowers lived out their lives the mother-to-be could wash out the pots and use them for storage containers in the nursery. 

This idea can be applied to pots holding herbs in your kitchen or even gift idea's for your friends and family.

This week we will be discovering the many wonderful things you can do and make with chalkboard paint.

Easter - Peaches & Pinks

Country Living

Trees and flowers are in bloom, the weather is finally feeling like spring is here, and everyone is dressed up...a party needs to be had.

This outdoor setting is perfect for an Easter brunch or lunch. It is a bit on the girlish side but if the food is good I don't think the guys will notice the pink pillow they are sitting on.

Martha Stewart

Tulips are one of my favorite flowers and I love the way they are displayed in these Easter baskets for centerpieces. Color coordinated jelly beans are the perfect accessory!

Martha Stewart

This is obviously not pink but I love the idea so I thought I would include it in my last post this week.
Hope you all have a very lovely Easter!

Easter - Flowers & Candy

Jelly Bean Centerpiece

I love using candy to decorate with whenever I can. Easter and Halloween are two holidays that I can rely on for inspiration...just by walking down the candy aisle at Martins.

Celebration Shoppe

I admit that I do not particularly care for Peeps to eat but how adorable are they to decorate with?!?

Now that Peeps are made for every holiday the possibilities are endless.

Easter - The Napkin Fold

Martha Stewart

I love dressing up a table for guests. It's like putting on your Sunday best or the appetizer to the food.

This adorable bunny napkin fold is perfect for your Easter celebration. For a less formal addition sprinkle some colorful jellybeans on the plate around the bunny. Your guests will enjoy a little dessert before the meal.

Better Homes and Gardens

Any full flower will work in this napkin fold but I definitely agree with BHG that a daffodil works well for a spring table.

Easter - Nests

Martha Stewart

As with spring, Easter is a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings for my family. A bird's nest with eggs inside is a warm and fuzzy image of that. This very easy project would be perfect for your Easter table. (especially the kids table!) Have fun with it and try different colors of string. For a more realistic approach try using tan/brown twine.

the celebration shoppe

edible nests

Both of these edible nests are a great addition to an Easter celebration or baby shower!
The addition of the bird house at the top of the tier really adds to the presentation of the nests below.
The Chinese noodle nests are a great project to do with your kids. Snacking along the way IS allowed!

Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods

Picture taken by Lisa Flory

This my be cheating a bit with putting pretzel rods in this category of treats on a stick, since you eat the stick, but they are yummy and a stick nonetheless. 

I have been making chocolate covered pretzel rods for both of my girls birthday parties since they had their first birthday. I've thought of not making them but the guests tell me how one of the things they look forward to are the pretzel rods!

These treats are VERY easy to make and they are an instant crowd favorite. 

1. Buy a bag (or 2,3,4...) of pretzel rods. (I prefer Rold Gold pretzels)

2. Buy Almond Bark chocolate - white and milk chocolate are sold at most grocery stores

(chocolate wafers would work as well and they come in a rainbow of colors)

3. Buy sprinkles of any color and shape

(it is a horrible crime if you do not have some sort of sprinkles in your kitchen) 

5. Cover a baking sheet with wax paper

6. Follow the instructions for melting the chocolate on the back of the package

7. Dip the end of the pretzel rod into the chocolate and swirl around until you have a nice coating.

(I use a spoon to help cover a larger portion of the pretzel rod)

8. Lift the the pretzel rod out of the chocolate and swirl again to remove the access chocolate.

9. Sprinkle with desired sprinkles or drizzle with a different color or type of chocolate

10. Lay the chocolate covered pretzel rod on the wax covered baking sheet and put into the refrigerator for approximately 10 minutes.

11. After the chocolate has set after being chilled you can package them in clear bags for gifts, put them in your cookie jar or use them in your next party.

You will inevitably have some broken pretzel rods that I have nicknamed "niblets". I cover these with chocolate and sprinkles as well and my girls (and husband) devour them in no time.

One of the great things about this treat is you can customize them for whatever theme or color scheme you would like. I have made Halloween, Christmas, Valentines, and every color you can think of chocolate covered pretzel rods. If you can think it up then you can make it.

Your guests will thank you!

recipe.com

Amazing Cake Pops

bakerella

While browsing some of my favorite blogs I came across something called cake pops and this website www.bakerella.com. Intrigued I went to the site and instantly fell IN LOVE with this lady and her sweet invention. It is exactly what it sounds like...cake on a stick! There area A LOT and I mean A LOT of ideas that you will want to incorporate into your next party. She keeps coming up with new and adorable cake pops and I admit I have not attempted to make these yet but it is on the long list of things I will try this spring.

Today's post is mostly eye candy and the link to bakerella's site on how to make these cute cakes yourself. 

Enjoy and have fun with it!

How to make bakerella's cake pops:  red-velvet-cake-balls

bakerella cupcake pops

bakerella Easter cake pops

These pops are perfect for the upcoming holiday. Stick a few into Easter baskets or host an Easter Egg hunt party and add these to your dessert buffet!