May 17, 2013

15 Fantastic Father’s Day Gift Ideas from Kids

15 Fantastic Father’s Day Gift Ideas from Kids #fathersday #gifts

Hi friends! Can you believe it? Father’s Day is right around the corner! And if you have little ones – or even older kids – running around the house, they may just want to make something special for good ‘ol Dad this year! So we’ve rounded up some bright and fun gifts that kids of all ages could whip up! I can’t wait to give one {or more} of these a try!

    1. Cool Desk Organizer for Dad {Parents.com}
    2. Paint Dipped Tools {Parenting.com}
    3. Personalized Coasters {BHG}
    4. Dressed-Up Gift Wrap {BHG}
    5. Necktie Key Ring {Positively Splendid}
    6. Homemade Treasure Box {BHG}
    7. Father’s Day Cutout Frame {Martha Stewart}
    8. Father’s Day Coupons {Martha Stewart}
    9. Daddy Art {Pink Sugarland}
    10. Colorful Mustache Mugs {Crafts by Amanda}
    11. Dad Coffee Cozy {That Artist Woman}
    12. Father’s Day Notepad {Martha Stewart}
    13. Magnetic Board for Dad {BHG}
    14. Daddy’s Car Wash Kit {Inner Child Fun}
    15. Carved Leather Bracelets {Lil Boo Blue}

So which one is your favorite? What do you think you and your kiddos might make? I’m really digging the Homemade Treasure Box – it reminds me of the fun Travel Keepsake Boxes that’s been on my to-do list for a couple of months! Do you have a great Father’s Day gift idea? Leave it for us in the comments! I’d love more great ideas!

 

linked up here, create & inspire, lil’ luna, tatertots & jello, the 36th avenue, tip junkie, i {heart} naptime, frugal girls



Posted by · 11 Comments

Filed Under: Father's Day, Featured Posts, Gifts ·


May 13, 2013

Strawberry Box Cake – Tastes Like Homemade!

Tastes Like Homemade Strawberry Box Cake #cake #recipe

Hi friends! I hope you had a fabulous weekend and if you’re a mom, that you had a great Mother’s Day! Today I’m sharing a delicious strawberry cake that, yes – starts with a box cake – but you’d never know by the taste! Now, the story behind this cake. Strawberry cake is my husband’s favorite cake. And I’m sure I’m not the only one in history who’s tried a shortcut here and there – right? So when I was shopping for Easter lunch and saw a strawberry boxed cake and strawberry frosting in the store I thought I had hit the jackpot! But then I made the cake. And whoa. It was not at all what I had in mind! It tasted like some kind of strawberry candy – and when most of the cake went uneaten, I knew I wasn’t the only one who wasn’t impressed. So I set out for a delicious compromise.

So like many of our cupcake recipes here on A Night Owl, our Tastes Like Homemade Strawberry Cake starts with a box cake mix!

Strawberry Box Cake – Tastes Like Homemade!
5.0 from 3 reviews

Print
Recipe type: Dessert
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 8
A delicious strawberry cake starting with a box cake mix, but tastes like homemade!
Ingredients
  • 1 plain white cake mix
  • 1 3oz box strawberry Jello
  • 4 tbsp flour
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • ½ cup chopped strawberries and juice (fresh or thawed frozen)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Mix cake mix, strawberry Jello, flour, oil, sugar, milk, eggs and strawberries and juice with an electric mixer until well blended.
  3. Pour batter into a rectangular cake pan or into three round cake pans.
  4. Bake for 33-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.
  5. If you’re stacking round cakes, remove from the pans and allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before frosting.
  6. Frost with Easy Strawberry Frosting and enjoy!

Easy Strawberry Frosting
5.0 from 3 reviews

Print
Recipe type: Dessert
Author:
Cook time:
Total time:
Ingredients
  • 8 tbsp (1 stick) butter at room temperature
  • 4 cups sifted confectioners sugar
  • ½ cup chopped strawberries
Instructions
  1. With an electric mixer, blend softened butter.
  2. Add sifted confectioners sugar and strawberries (with minimal juice) and mix on low until blended.
  3. Continue to blend on low until the frosting is creamy.
  4. If the frosting is too thin, add more sugar; if it is too thick, add more strawberries.

 

Tastes Like Homemade Strawberry Box Cake #cake #recipe

Well there you have it! The cake is fairly easy and tastes oh so delicious! And if making your own frosting is too much, you could even use a can of frosting from the store and I’m sure it would taste great as well. I think a yummy cream cheese frosting would be fantastic too – I just try to limit the amount of dairy in desserts I make for my boys.

So if you’re looking for a shortcut that won’t taste like a shortcut (ahem, strange-tasting strawberry box cake), then give this a try! Let me know what you think! This is one cake that didn’t go to waste in our home, and I’ll be making it again soon!

linked up here, create & inspire, lil’ luna, tatertots & jello, the 36th avenue, tip junkie, i {heart} naptime, frugal girls

Posted by · 20 Comments

Filed Under: Featured Posts, Recipes · Tagged With: ,


May 2, 2013

Zoku Original Quick Pop Maker + Orange Julius Popsicles

Zoku Original Quick Pop Maker Review and Orange Julius Popsicles Hi friends! It’s starting to heat up out there – at least it is for those of us in sunny Arizona! Time to break out the lemonade and popsicles, right? A few weeks ago I shared 50 Perfect Popsicles – The Ultimate Summer Survival Guide and today I’m sharing part of the reason why I put that post together. We recently received a Zoku Original Quick Pop Maker for review! And you know that I had to put some research into what yummy popsicles we could make at home.

The Zoku Original Quick Pop Maker freezes ice pops in as little as seven minutes right on your countertop without electricity. You can quickly make striped pops, yogurt pops or (for the first time ever at home) flavored core pops. To enjoy Quick Pops at a moment’s notice, you simply store the compact base in your freezer. The kit that comes with the Zoku includes six durable, reusable plastic pop sticks that have unique ridged designs that allow pops to adhere securely, with special drip guards for tidy eating. And you know that’s a plus! Also, a specially designed Super Tool helps to quickly release the frozen treats from their molds. The maker can make up to 9 pops before refreezing the unit again. Doesn’t that sound fabulous? I thought so – and it was! Take a look at our pop maker in action…

How to use a Zoku Original Quick Pop Maker It was just so easy! And I have to tell you, I’ve made so many popsicles since we’ve had it. I originally thought it would be for the boys, so we could control the sugar and dyes that went into their popsicles. I still have those plans, but I have to be honest that I have probably had more! And so far, my favorite recipe that I’ve come up with is for Orange Julius Popsicles! Do you remember Orange Julius? You probably still have one in a mall near you, but I’ve always loved that creamy orange drink! So I set out to make one into a popsicle. And I have to say – they turned out delicious! Here’s the recipe…

Orange Julius Popsicles

Orange Julius Popsicles
4.8 from 12 reviews

Print
Recipe type: Snack
Author:
Serves: 4-6
Do you love Orange Julius drinks? Then you’ll love these quick and easy, homemade popsicles!
Ingredients
  • 6 oz thawed orange juice concentrate
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup water
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
  1. In a bowl, stir together orange juice concentrate, milk, water, sugar and vanilla until well mixed.
  2. Pour orange mixture into Zoku Original Quick Pop Maker and wait 7 minutes or until frozen.
  3. Using the Super Tool, remove the popsicle from the maker and enjoy!
  4. Note: you can use this recipe with regular popsicle molds; allow to freeze as usual.

So now are you excited about the Zoku Original Quick Pop Maker? You should be! It’s just such a fun little device to have. And no cords or electricity to mess with. Just stick it in your freezer and you’re ready to make popsicles in minutes, anytime! Be sure to check out Zoku and all the fun products they have to offer! And that’s not all! Today we’re also giving away an Original Quick Pop Maker! So enter via the Rafflecopter below today! Good luck!

Win a Zoku Original Quick Pop Maker

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Giveaway is open to US residents ages 18 and over and ends at 11:59 ET on May 9, 2013. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness. Number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Approximate retail value is $49.95. One winner will be selected. All liabilities and responsibilities with product is directly responsible by ZokuHQ. Winner will drawn by random.org from all verified entries, contacted by email provided, and announced on this page at the end of the contest. Winner has 48 hours to respond or prize will be redrawn. Entrant is responsible for the email address they provide, whether through typing it directly or through the Facebook entry method. A Night Owl is not responsible for lost or misdirected emails. All prizes will be awarded. No prize substitutions allowed. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook and we hereby release Facebook of any liability. Information is provided to A Night Owl, not to Facebook and your information is never sold or shared. Facebook is not a sponsor of this giveaway. ZokuHQ is a sponsor of this giveaway. Prize is awarded directly through ZokuHQ and requires confirmation of delivery. Protected tweets do not count as an entry method for tweeting. Tweets must come from a public account. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law.

Listed at Blog Giveaway Directory.

Posted by · 84 Comments

Filed Under: Featured Posts, Giveaway, Reviews ·


March 30, 2013

{Late Night Snack} Salty Butterscotchy Chocolaty Yummy Cookies

Salty Butterscotchy Chocolaty Yummy Cookies

Hi friends, Jen here for this months Late Night Snack!!  This month I’m gonna share with you recipe that is from scratch but still pretty easy and believe me WORTH the hassle. Especially if you’re a salty/sweet combo loving fool like me!  Let me introduce to you my Salty Butterscotchy Chocolaty Yummy Cookies!

I created this recipe to use up the partial bag of chocolate and butterscotch chips I has leftover and then decided to throw in some kosher salt because I’m obsessed with salty sweet combinations.

{Late Night Snack} Salty Butterscotchy Chocolaty Yummy Cookies
5.0 from 1 reviews

Print
Recipe type: Cookies
Cuisine: Dessert
Author:
A salty sweet treat!
Ingredients
  • 2¼ cup flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ cup of butter
  • ½ cup Nutella
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup chocolate chips
  • ¾ cup butterscotch chips
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl.
  3. Mix sugar, butter, Nutella, vanilla extract and eggs. Stir until smooth.
  4. Stir in flour mixture a little at a time until fully combined.
  5. Stir in chocolate and butterscotch chips.
  6. Spoon rounded balls of cookie dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
  7. Bake for 10 minutes.
  8. Cool and enjoy.

  Salty Butterscotchy Chocolaty Yummy Cookies

Salty Butterscotchy Chocolaty Yummy Cookies

Enjoy!

Jen of Life According to the Streets is a contributor for A Night Owl.

linked up here, create & inspire, lil’ luna, tatertots & jello, the 36th avenue, tip junkie, i {heart} naptime, frugal girls, home stories a to z, savvy southern style

 

Posted by · 10 Comments

Filed Under: Featured Posts, Late Night Snack, Recipes · Tagged With:


March 28, 2013

{Thrifty Thursday} DIY Mercury Glass Succulent Planters

DIY Mercury Glass Succulent Planters

Hi friends! It’s Thrifty Thursday and I have a fun and easy project for you today – DIY Mercury Glass Succulent Planters made from Dollar Store glassware! A few months ago I picked up this gorgeous little ridged goblet from the Dollar Store for another project. It didn’t up making the cut, so it’s been sitting in our cupboards somewhat unused for a while. While I just loved the look of it, you could certainly tell that it wasn’t high quality. Something pretty to look at but maybe not use for those fancy dinner parties. So I knew I wanted to find a better use for it. Then one day I saw some fake succulent picks at Hobby Lobby and I thought – hey wouldn’t that look pretty in the goblet? So I bought it and headed home.

Now one of my favorite upcycles to glassware, as you may know, is spraying it with Krylon Looking Glass Spray to give it a Mercury Glass effect. You can check out all of our Mercury Glass Projects here! I typically spray inside of the glass but I’ve seen so many tutorials where you can simply spray the outside, spray on a light misting of white vinegar and rub to give an antiqued mercury glass look. And that’s what I did here:

Mercury Glass Succulent Planter Tutorial

Next to hold the succulent pick in place, I cut down a styrofoam cone (also from the dollar store) and made a hole in the middle with scissors to stick the pick in. And here’s how it turned out:

DIY Mercury Glass Succulent Planters

So pretty, right? I think it was the perfect use of the goblet, and I love it even more! You can also do this with glassware you have lying around the house AND real succulents! A few weeks back I shared our BHG Room Refresh Challenge where we made over an area of our back yard. I purchased succulents and I had a little guy that I wanted to put in a cute shiny planter. So I found a glass in our cupboard that fit it perfectly and applied the same mercury glass effect:

DIY Mercury Glass Succulent Planters   DIY Mercury Glass Succulent Planters

I also love how this one turned out! So whether you’re looking for real or “faux” succulent planters, either are easy to put together and the end effect is just so pretty!

DIY Mercury Glass Succulent Planters

DIY Mercury Glass Succulent Planters

What do you think? I just love how they turned out! They sit on our little side table we put together for the BHG Room Refresh Challenge and I smile each time I see them! So that’s my upcycle for this week – DIY Mercury Glass Succulent Planters! What have you upcycled lately?

linked up here, create & inspire, lil’ luna, tatertots & jello, the 36th avenue, tip junkie, i {heart} naptime, frugal girls, home stories a to z, savvy southern style, fox hollow cottage

Posted by · 11 Comments

Filed Under: Featured Posts, Thrifty Thursday · Tagged With:


March 27, 2013

Easy Enchilada Casserole

Easy Enchilada Casserole

Hi friends! Today we’re sharing an EASY but delicious Enchilada Casserole! This is my go-to party recipe; a few ingredients can feed a lot of folks without a lot of work!

Easy Enchilada Casserole
4.8 from 5 reviews

Print
Recipe type: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 8
Love enchiladas but don’t have the time to prepare? Pull this casserole together in minutes with the same great taste!
Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 dozen corn tortillas
  • 1 can chopped olives
  • 1 10oz can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 10oz can cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ chopped onion
  • 1 lb shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can diced green chilies
  • 1 10oz can enchilada sauce
  • Optional garnish: sour cream, guacamole and salsa
Instructions
  1. Cook the ground beef until well done.
  2. Mix together soup, enchilada sauce, olives, onion, and chilies.
  3. Add ground beef and cheese.
  4. Cut corn tortillas into strips or sections and add in to the mix.
  5. Transfer to a casserole dish and bake for 45-60 minutes at 350.
  6. Garnish with sour cream, guacamole and/or salsa (optional).

 

Easy Enchilada Casserole

Easy Enchilada Casserole

Easy Enchilada Casserole

And just like that you’re done and you have a delicious meal that is sure to please! Do you have a go-to recipe that is so easy but is a crowd-pleaser? Share it with us here in the comments!

linked up here, create & inspire, lil’ luna, tatertots & jello, the 36th avenue, tip junkie, i {heart} naptime, frugal girls, home stories a to z, savvy southern style, fox hollow cottage

Posted by · 32 Comments

Filed Under: Featured Posts, Recipes ·


March 20, 2013

50 Fabulous Smoothie Recipes

50 Fabulous Smoothie Recipes #smoothie #recipes

Hi friends! I have another tasty list for you today – 50 Fabulous Smoothie Recipes! Now recently you may have seen that I shared 100 Nutella Recipes and 50 Sweet & Savory Pies. While those lists are terrific and tasty, they may not be swimsuit friendly. I received a specific request (you know who you are) for a healthier smoothie list – so here you are! Do you love smoothies? I do! In fact when I’m trying to make healthier choices I tend to make more smoothies to help curb my sweet tooth that so often gets me into trouble! So I’m definitely taking note of some of these new-to-me recipes as well as sharing them with you!

    1. Papaya-Ginger Smoothie {Martha Stewart}
    2. Blueberry Swirly Smoothies {BHG}
    3. Apple Pie Smoothie {The Bestest Recipes Online}
    4. Raspberry + Coconut Smoothie {A Beautiful Mess}
    5. Peanut Butter Banana Green Smoothie {Mom On Timeout}
    6. Mocha Covered Banana Smoothie {Shibley Smiles}
    7. Cherry-Almond Smoothie {BHG}
    8. Hawaiian Smoothie {Delish}
    9. Easy Strawberry Smoothies {The Gunny Sack}
    10. Apple and Beet Smoothie {Citron Limette}
    11. Chocolate Avocado Smoothie {Knead to Cook}
    12. Pomegranate-Berry Smoothie {Delish}
    13. Blueberry-Pineapple Smoothie {BHG}
    14. Blood Orange Smoothie {Hungry Hannah}
    15. Healthy Shamrock Mint-Flavored Smoothie {An Edible Mosaic}
    16. Quick Strawberry Smoothies {Winner Dinners}
    17. Raspberry-Avocado Smoothie {Delish}
    18. Tutti-Fruity Smoothie {BHG}
    19. Blueberry Chia Blast Smoothie {The Curvy Carrot}
    20. Dark Chocolate Blackberry Smoothie {A Girl Worth Saving}
    21. Walnut-Date Smoothie {Aida Mollenkamp}
    22. Banana Smoothie {Clever Pink Pirate}
    23. PB+J Smoothie {BHG}
    24. Peach Smoothie Recipe {Taste of Home}
    25. Kiwi-Pineapple Smoothies {BHG}
    26. Coconut Orange Pineapple Smoothie {M Double M}
    27. Orange Cranberry Smoothie {Sparkles and a Stove}
    28. Melon-Ginger Smoothie {Delish}
    29. Coconut Blueberry Smoothie {Coconut Recipes}
    30. Blueberry Sunrise Smoothie {BHG}
    31. Orange Banana Smoothie {Social Cafe}
    32. Very Berry Banana Smoothie {Cookies & Clogs}
    33. Vegetable Smoothie {Delish}
    34. Peach Green Smoothie {Let’s Talk Fitness}
    35. Carrot Lemonade Smoothie {Let’s Talk Fitness}
    36. Green Piña Colada Smoothie {The Kitchn}
    37. Pumpkin Smoothie {About a Mom}
    38. Kiwi-Melon Coolers {BHG}
    39. Mango Coconut Smoothies {Kitchen Confidante}
    40. Banana-Peanut Butter Smoothie {Delish}
    41. Avocado Berry Breakfast Smoothie {Avocado Central}
    42. Mudslide Smoothie {The Breakfast Project}
    43. Watermelon Smoothie {Food Doodles}
    44. Vegan Cinnamon Bun Smoothie {Pop Sugar}
    45. Blueberry Lemonade Superfood Smoothie {Let’s Talk Fitness}
    46. Cherry Banana Smoothie {Weight Watchers Recipes}
    47. Raw Chocolate Strawberry Superfood Smoothie {Linda Wagner}
    48. Strawberry Ginger Smoothie {The Lemon Bowl}
    49. Orange-Berry Smoothie {Whole Living}
    50. Pineapple Coconut Smoothie {All Healthy Recipes}

Ok which is your favorite? Which one will you try first? I think I might give the PB+J one a try! Let me know if you try one or if you have an award winning smoothie recipe of your own! Leave your link in the comments!

linked up here, create & inspire, lil’ luna, tatertots & jello, the 36th avenue, tip junkie, i {heart} naptime, frugal girls, home stories a to z, savvy southern style, fox hollow cottage

Posted by · 16 Comments

Filed Under: Featured Posts, Recipes · Tagged With:


February 14, 2013

{Thrifty Thursday} True Love Tree Carving

True Love Tree Carving - upcycle a Goodwill plaque into a cute and loveable wood carving for your home!

Happy Valentine’s Day -AND- Thrifty Thursday friends! I’m wrapping up our endless love-themed posts today with a cute project little love project that can last all year long – this True Love “Tree” Carving! Now you know how carving initials into a tree used to be the big thing? Now you can bring that nostalgia, innocence and true love into your home for just dollars!

I picked up this lovely piece of wood at my local Goodwill for just $1.99! Now it had a saying plastered to the top along with some glaze, but I took care of that! Then I purchased a wood burning kit (how FUN is that?) from Hobby Lobby with their 40% off coupon, so that it was just a few dollars! I’m already trying to think of more projects to use the burner on, because it was just so much fun and brought back childhood memories!

What you’ll need:

  • Wooden plaque
  • Wood burning kit

And the steps:

  • Now since my wooden plaque was from Goodwill and had stuff plastered to the top, I soaked it upside down in water overnight and peeled the top layer of junk off.
  • Once that was dry, I sanded the top until I had a clear, smooth finish.
  • I then plugged in my wood burner to let it heat up.
  • I lightly traced the letters and a heart onto the wood as guidelines.
  • Then I ran the wood burner over the lines until I was happy with the result!

A Goodwill trash to treasure project - turn a $1.99 plaque into a cute wood carving!

And here’s how it turned out…

True Love Tree Carving - upcycle a Goodwill plaque into a cute and loveable wood carving for your home!

True Love Tree Carving - upcycle a Goodwill plaque into a cute and loveable wood carving for your home!

True Love Tree Carving - upcycle a Goodwill plaque into a cute and loveable wood carving for your home!

For now I have moved it to our Valentines Mantel…

True Love Tree Carving - upcycle a Goodwill plaque into a cute and loveable wood carving for your home!

But I know that it will be out on display year round because I just love it! So I hope that you all have a great Valentines Day and that you can spend the day with the ones you love!

linked up here, create & inspire, lil’ luna, tatertots & jello, the 36th avenue, tip junkie, i {heart} naptime, frugal girls, home stories a to z, savvy southern style

Posted by · 24 Comments

Filed Under: Featured Posts, Thrifty Thursday, Valentines ·


February 7, 2013

{Thrifty Thursday} A Goodwill Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Upcycle

A Goodwill table updated with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint! #ASCP #Goodwill #Thrift #Upcycle

Hi friends! I have a FUN project to share with you today, on Thrifty Thursday – a raggedy Goowill side table updated with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint! Now this project has been done for a while, I don’t know why it took me so long to share it with you! But now as a functional piece in our home, I just adore it. I’m so glad I didn’t pass it by…

A Goodwill table updated with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint! #ASCP #Goodwill #Thrift #Upcycle

Would you have? I don’t remember the exact price, but I think it was around $7. And I was looking for a small entryway table for my handbag and such and this seemed like the perfect fit.

A Goodwill table updated with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint! #ASCP #Goodwill #Thrift #Upcycle

So I took it home and added two coats of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Emperor’s Silk to the table. There were also some pegs missing, but I found easy replacements at Hobby Lobby that fit right in. A coat of paint on those and you couldn’t tell the difference.

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Emperor's Silk #ASCP

I’m really in love with this color.

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Emperor's Silk with Dark Wax #ASCP

Now once dry, I started to work on the table with the Annie Sloan Dark Wax. We have quite a few burgundy accent pieces in our home, and when picking out the paint color I noted that the Emperor’s Silk with the Dark Wax took on more of a burnt red hue that I thought would be perfect for our home.

A Goodwill table updated with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint! #ASCP #Goodwill #Thrift #Upcycle

And here’s how the little guy turned out. What do you think?

A Goodwill table updated with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint! #ASCP #Goodwill #Thrift #Upcycle

I also added a fun wire basket to the center so I can store things there as well.

A Goodwill table updated with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint! #ASCP #Goodwill #Thrift #Upcycle

And now you can see where my handbag lives! I’m so happy I have a place to put it, and we have a key holder to match that sits right above. Now this is right next to our garage door so when I’m ready, I can grab my things and go!

A Goodwill table updated with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint! #ASCP #Goodwill #Thrift #Upcycle

Convenient, and I think pretty! What do you think? What kind of thrifty treasures have you found lately? Any good upcycles? Be sure to share them with us in the comments below!

linked up here, create & inspire, lil’ luna, tatertots & jello, the 36th avenue, tip junkie, i {heart} naptime, frugal girls, home stories a to z, savvy southern style

Posted by · 34 Comments

Filed Under: Featured Posts, Thrifty Thursday · Tagged With: ,


February 3, 2013

100 Ways to Washi – The Ultimate Washi Tape Project Guide

100 Ways to Washi - The Ultimate Washi Tape DIY Project Guide! TONS of great uses for your washi tape collection. #washi #washitape

Hi friends! I’m so excited to share this list with you today – 100 Ways to Washi – The Ultimate Washi Tape Project Guide! If you follow me on Instagram, you may know that washi tape, though it’s been around for a while, is my NEW obsession. I’ve started to grow my collection and had fun coming up with fun uses for the tape, but then I started doing some “research”, you know hours on Pinterest, just to see what fun projects others have come up with. And that collection has given way to THIS collection! Some of the most fun and creative uses for washi tape that I have found. I hope you click around and become washi inspired! And if YOU have washi projects that aren’t listed here, how about you add them to the comments below! Let’s make this one WONDERFUL washi list, friends!

    1. washi tape globe upcycle {a night owl}
    2. washi cocktail umbrellas {lebenslustiger} 
    3. washi tape window treatment {the 36th avenue}
    4. washi tape spoons {life unfluffed}
    5. washi tape magnets {allison waken}
    6. washi tape cards {omiyageblogs}
    7. washi tape craft storage {mom endeavors}
    8. washi ornaments {the sweetest occasion}
    9. washi phone case {clever pink pirate}
    10. washi tape deer antlers {decorhacks}
    11. washi tape business cards {a place for us}
    12. washi tape serving tray {lovely little life}
    13. washi tape spring egg wreath {tatertots & jello}
    14. washi tape car toy car track {apartment therapy}
    15. washi tape lampshade lining {teal & lime}
    16. washi tape favors {the 36th avenue}
    17. make your own washi tape {nifty thrifty things}
    18. washi tape vases {how about orange}
    19. washi tape place cards {uncommon designs}
    20. washi laptop cover {apartment therapy}
    21. washi tape picture app – masking tape {a night owl}
    22. washi drink tags {liebesbotschaft}
    23. no sew washi tape + fabric bunting {tatertots & jello}
    24. washi tape pencils {sew woodsy}
    25. washi shot thru the heart treat bags {a night owl}
    26. washi tape picture frames {design sponge}
    27. washi tape chalkboard {dukes & duchesses}
    28. washi tape dry erase board {dukes & duchesses}
    29. digital washi tape download {bonjour! blog}
    30. washi wrapping paper {popppytalk}
    31. washi tape covered matchboxes {live.laugh.rowe}
    32. washi tape notebook {adore}
    33. washi tape clutch {makezine}
    34. washi tape wall art {apartment therapy}
    35. washi summer bucket list {see vanessa craft}
    36. washi tape snack bag {snap}
    37. washi tape ornaments {paisley petal events}
    38. washi decorated letters {martha stewart}
    39. paper mache + washi boxes {live.laugh.rowe}
    40. washi tape chopsticks {by wilma}
    41. washi tape heart art {the scrap shoppe blog}
    42. washi binder clips {artsyville}
    43. washi tape push pins {under the sycamore}
    44. washi tape + crafting party {kara’s party ideas}
    45. washi envelopes {no big dill}
    46. washi treat boxes {snap}
    47. washi valentine’s goodie bags {a night owl}
    48. washi tape wedding {brooklyn bride}
    49. washi bunting paper lantern {you had me at bonjour}
    50. washi gift tags {ishtar olivera}
    51. washi tape + button cupcake {all washi tape}
    52. washi tape twist ties {free time frolics}
    53. washi geometrics {objects & use}
    54. washi patterned napkin rings {martha stewart}
    55. washi tape star {creature comforts}
    56. washi bulletin board {apccork}
    57. washi tape pumpkins {real simple}
    58. washi pencil tin {whiskergraphics}
    59. washi party glasses {fresh home ideas}
    60. washi tape jewelry boxes {missus d}
    61. washi tape christmas planner {pink cake plate}
    62. washi switchplates {crab + fish}
    63. washi tape mason jar lids {happy tape}
    64. washi tape guest book {martha stewart weddings}
    65. washi tape bracelets {delicate construction}
    66. washi christmas tree card {back to the drawing board}
    67. washi kitchen organization {my sister’s suitcase}
    68. washi tape clock {tatertots & jello}
    69. washi tape fairy wands {my sister’s suitcase}
    70. washi tape pots {inspired to share}
    71. washi tape monogram {my sister’s suitcase}
    72. washi tape keyboard {eclectically vintage}
    73. halloween boo buckets w/ washi {clever pink pirate}
    74. washi tape chair {heart handmade uk}
    75. washi tape flowers {just something i made}
    76. washi cord organizers {our thrifty ideas}
    77. washi tape cake bunting {sugar & cloth}
    78. washi christmas coasters {hey kessy}
    79. washi chalkboard clibpoard {a pumpkin & a princess}
    80. washi desktop storage {i heart organizing}
    81. washi clothespin wreath {allison kreft designs}
    82. washi tape arrows {thompson family blog}
    83. washi drawers {kimono reincarnate}
    84. washi iphone charger organizing {shaken together life}
    85. washi deer art {clever thursday}
    86. washi soap packaging {lottie loves}
    87. washi tape embroidery hoop {summerday studio}
    88. washi tape easter eggs {lovely indeed}
    89. washi paper clips {tambouille}
    90. washi tape pendant necklaces {kimono reincarnate}
    91. washi bird house key hooks {torie jayne}
    92. washi tape silhouette {design editor}
    93. washi tape bows {i am doe}
    94. washi tape votives {martha stewart weddings}
    95. washi notebook {illi style}
    96. washi tape food picks {bento zen}
    97. washi tea lights {just make stuff}
    98. washi tape trivets {bluet & clover}
    99. washi tape tin cans {the crafted sparrow}
    100. washi tape topiary {tatertots & jello}

Whew! That’s quite a list, right? If you love washi like I do, then head over to The Washi Blog! A new feature site sharing All Washi, All the time! If you have washi projects, submit them to be featured on The Washi Blog!

The Washi Blog - All Washi, all the time!

Thanks for stopping by!

linked up here, create & inspire, lil’ luna, tatertots & jello, the 36th avenue, tip junkie, i {heart} naptime, frugal girls, home stories a to z, savvy southern style, fox hollow cottage

Posted by · 69 Comments

Filed Under: DIY, Featured Posts · Tagged With:


January 28, 2013

Easy Peasy Pizookie

How to make your own BJ's or Oregano's Pizookie (Pizza Cookie) at home by { anightowlblog.com }

Hi friends! It’s likely my favorite dessert on planet Earth – the Pizookie. If you know of it, it’s probably from the likes of BJ’s Brewery or Oregano’s. Both delicious, both high on my list. But did you know that they are also so very easy to make at home? We had a night alone this weekend while the kids were at the grandparents, so I whipped up a couple as a sweet treat for me and the hubs. And I posted it on Instagram, and you all asked for the recipe! PS – I also showed a sneak peak on Vine, the new 6-second video sharing app, HERE! If you’ve joined, be sure to come find and follow me at “anightowlblog” and I’ll follow you back! And back to the recipe…

Easy Peasy Pizookie
4.5 from 2 reviews

Print
Recipe type: Dessert
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
Adapted from Nestle Chocolate Chip Recipe.
Ingredients
  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. salt (I use sea salt)
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 2 cups vanilla ice cream
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Mix flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl.
  3. Cream together butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large bowl with hand or stand mixer.
  4. Add eggs and beat until well mixed.
  5. Add in flour mixture slowly until completely blended.
  6. Here I add dough to 1 pt sized Pyrex baking dishes, which work perfectly for the pizookie. You can also use small cast iron or other glass baking dishes.
  7. Since my husband likes white chocolate and I like milk chocolate, I then add chocolate chips to the top of the dough. You could always incorporate them into the dough first if that is what you prefer.
  8. Bake the pizookies at 375 until golden brown around the edges, approximately 18 minutes.
  9. Remove from the oven; the center will be somewhat mushy still, but perfect for a pizookie!
  10. Serve with a scoop of ice cream on top and you’re good to go!

This is how they look before going into the oven…

How to make your own BJ's or Oregano's Pizookie (Pizza Cookie) at home by { anightowlblog.com }

And here’s how the goodness turns out…

How to make your own BJ's or Oregano's Pizookie (Pizza Cookie) at home by { anightowlblog.com }

Top it with some ice cream and you’re golden!

How to make your own BJ's or Oregano's Pizookie (Pizza Cookie) at home by { anightowlblog.com }

That’s it! If you love a good pizookie, I hope you’ll give this a try! Let me know how it turns out for you!

linked up here, create & inspire, lil’ luna, tatertots & jello, the 36th avenue, tip junkie, i {heart} naptime, frugal girls, home stories a to z, savvy southern style

Posted by · 24 Comments

Filed Under: Featured Posts, Recipes ·


January 23, 2013

{14 Days of Valentines} Dark Chocolate Bacon Cupcakes

Yummy Dark Chocolate Bacon Cupcakes - perfect Valentines treats for your man! { anightowlblog.com }

Hi everyone, it’s Jen, A Night Owl Contributor and resident cupcake baker! Did you know you can also keep up with the going-ons of my crazy little life at Life According to the Streets? Anyhow, sorry I missed you all last month but I’m back to share with you this months reci-tweak!

Is it just me or are the men in our lives hard to buy for? I have the hardest time figuring out what to do/make for my husband…especially for Valentines Day! So I decided to dedicate this cupcake post to the men in our lives! I think it’s a scientific fact that all men love bacon! At least every man I know does. So I thought with all the bacon infused treats out there lately that I would give in to the fad and give it a try as well!

Dark Chocolate Bacon Cupcakes
Print
Recipe type: Dessert
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 24
A delectable combination of dark chocolate and bacon make these cupcakes to die for!
Ingredients
  • 1 box dark chocolate cake mix
  • Ingredients according to package directions
  • 4-6 thick slices of bacon, crumbled
  • Vanilla frosting
  • Pecans, chopped (optional)
Instructions
  1. Mix cake mix according to package directions (or with beer instead of water)
  2. Add ¾ of the crumbled bacon
  3. Cook according to package
  4. Once cooled, add frosting and sprinkle the remaining bacon and chopped pecans

 

Yummy Dark Chocolate Bacon Cupcakes - perfect Valentines treats for your man! { anightowlblog.com }

Yummy Dark Chocolate Bacon Cupcakes - perfect Valentines treats for your man! { anightowlblog.com }

Another fun twist that we enjoyed was using stout beer in place of the water. The alcohol cooks out and I felt like it made the cake such a nice texture. Well I hope you give this tasty recipe a try! The man in your life will surely appreciate you making him this salty/sweet treat!

Posted by · 10 Comments

Filed Under: Featured Posts, Late Night Snack, Recipes · Tagged With: ,