shaken together

{create this} lucky penny votive holders

2012-03-01T01:51:00.002-07:00

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Hi there! I'm so glad you stopped by shaken together! It's March 1st and I figured this was the perfect day to post my first St. Patty's day idea!!

I shared this fun tutorial over at Between U & Me (thanks, Courtney!) and I wanted to make sure that my faithful readers and followers, here, got this tutorial delivered right in their laps! How about a quick (and inexpensive!) way to doll up some plain glass votive holders and add a little St. Patrick's Day charm to your table or mantle!

Okay, so my family is not Irish and I don't really have a ton of St. Patrick's Day decor for my house. But I really hate to miss out on celebrating anything so I wanted a simple way to add a little luck o' the Irish in our home. So, how about we {create these} cute little lucky penny votive holders?

Grab a few clear glass votive holders to get started. Mine were freebies from Bath & Body Works, but the dollar store or just about any big box store will have some sort of plain glass votive holders.

Now, rustle up your piggy banks, search through your pockets and round up some pennies. I only needed 22. Now that is inexpensive crafting!!

If you need to spruce up your change, here is a quick how-to for cleaning pennies: mix together 2 tablespoons lemon juice & 1 teaspoon salt. Dump in your pennies, mix them around a bit, let them marinate a little if necessary and then rinse well. Lay on a paper towel or hand towel to dry.

Now that your pennies are bright and shiny, use double stick tape (I used Provo Crafts terrifically tacky tape) to adhere them around your votive holders - heads up, of course! You could use hot glue but your adhesive is somewhat visible through the glass, so just go easy :)

Tie a quick jute bow and cha-ching!

A few green candles and these lucky penny votive holders are ready to tempt a few leprechauns, light up your mantel or centerpiece or just add a fun whimsical touch anywhere!! So now ...

Hope you were inspired to {create this}! Lots of fun stuff going on around here ... {taste this} recipes, {try this} tips & tricks, some fun {love this} posts ... just so you don't miss anything, I'd love for you to follow shaken together. Check out the options in my sidebar! I am also on Facebook and pinning on Pinterest! I sure hope this isn't the last time we meet ;)

So what's shakin' at your place? If you have something to show off, join me at all these weekly link parties!! Craft-o-maniac, Dittle Dattle, DIY HSH Project, Polly Want a Crafter, Skip to My Lou, Embellishing Life, C.R.A.F.T., Sugar Bee Craft Edition, Brassy Apple, Not Just a Housewife, Today's Creative Blog, Pinkapotamus, A Creative Princess, Tip Junkie, Home Stories A 2 Z, Crazy for Crust, The Little Birdie Blog, Nothing But Country, DIY by Design, Type A, The Blackberry Vine, Inside Bru Crew Life, Northern Cottage, Running with Glitter, All Things Heart & Home, Blue Cricket Design, Ginger Snap Crafts, Free Pretty Things for You, Lil' Luna, Oopsey Daisy, Uncommon, Two Yellow Birds, I Can't Stop Crafting, Creating my Way to Success, Someday Crafts, Creations by Kara, Southern Lovely, Sugar & Dots, Night Owl Crafting, Boufee e Bambini, Fireflies & Jellybeans, A Little Knick Knack, The Gunny Sack, Paisley Passions, Somewhat Simple, Yesterday on Tuesday/Katie's Nesting Spot, Gluesticks, House of Hepworths, Momnivore's Dilemma, The Shabby Creek Cottage, It's Overflowing, Itsy Bitsy Paper, Crafty Scrappy Happy, Delightful Order, The Kurtz Corner, Something Swanky, LollyJane, Tatertots & Jello, Bubbly Nature Creations, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Momma's Kinda Crafty, Creation Corner, Between U & Me, Stuff & Nonsense, Kojo Designs, Tidy Mom, Little Becky Homecky, 504 Main, Along for the Ride, Answer is Chocolate, My Repurposed Life, The Shabby Nest, Whipperberry, The Tattered Tag, I Heart Nap Time, Naptime Crafters, Release Me Create, At the Picket Fence, Be Different,Act Normal, The Idea Room, Seven Thirty Three, Remodelaholic, Funky Junk Interiors, The Girl Creative, The Tattered Tag, Flamingo Toes, Under the Table and Dreaming, Petite Hermine, Dragonfly Designs, nifty thrifty things, delicateCONSTRUCTION and Cherished Treasures

{taste this} lemonades no-bake cheesecakes

2012-02-27T16:43:00.002-07:00

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Hey there! If you're like me and couldn't resist the puppy-dog eyes and teensy tiny vested Girl Scouts, (and if you have the will power of a Saint!) you might just have a few boxes lurking in your pantry or chilling in your freezer! I have been experimenting with some super simple recipes using Girl Scout cookies ... did you see my thin mint pudding trifles and thin mint ice cream sandwiches? Today, I am using the yummy Lemonades cookies!!

These delicately citrusy delights form the crust for my easy, individual Lemonades no-bake cheesecakes!! Yep! It's {taste this} time!

You can't see it, but nestled under that fluffy cheesecake filling, there is one whole Lemonades iced shortbread cookie ... yep, they really are that good!!

Lemonades no-bake cheesecakes

I found the no-bake cheesecake filling here (and you can bet I'm using this again and again!) but I added vanilla and lemon extracts for the perfectly balanced sweet and tangy filling!

Blend 8 oz. softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup granulated sugar together with a hand mixer. Blend in 1 teaspoon lemon extract and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (you may want to adjust this to your personal taste - this is what I liked). Gently fold in 8 oz. thawed Cool Whip. I used my hand mixer on the lowest speed and it worked fine - just be careful not to over mix it or the Cool Whip breaks down a little.

In small ramekins, cupcake cups, plastic cups or even tea cups (!), add one Lemonade cookie face down to the bottom. This is your crust ... couldn't be easier, right?! The iced bottom will stand up to the filling and not get soggy. Now, spoon some of your filling over the cookie and chill at least two hours before serving. With a sharp knife, cut one cookie to resemble lemon slices and use them as a garnish. This recipe made 6 generous individual cheesecakes. I tied a yellow fork to my cup o' cheesecakes with bakers twine ... they look too good to eat. ALMOST ;)

And can we take a second to talk about the mini forks?! $3 for 24, in all the colors of the rainbow and I am smitten!! These would be perfect for bake sale items (anyone else like to eat their treats in the car?!) or in a short little mason jar for appetizers or small bites ... guess what you'll see at my next party!

Hope you were inspired to {taste this"}!! Now, I have at least two more easy recipes up my sleeve that use Caramel deLites (my fave!) and the Shortbread cookies ... I'm pretty sure you don't want to miss them. You can follow along all sorts of way - see my sidebar! - or connect on Facebook! If you are a pinner extraordinaire, you can find my pinspiration boards here!

So what's shakin' at your place? If you have something to show off, join me at all these weekly link parties!! Craft-o-maniac, Dittle Dattle, DIY HSH Project, Polly Want a Crafter, Skip to My Lou, Embellishing Life, C.R.A.F.T., Sugar Bee Craft Edition, Brassy Apple, The Sweet Spot, Not Just a Housewife, Today's Creative Blog, Pinkapotamus, A Creative Princess, Tip Junkie, Home Stories A 2 Z, Crazy for Crust, The Little Birdie Blog, Nothing But Country, DIY by Design, Type A, The Blackberry Vine, Inside Bru Crew Life, Northern Cottage, Running with Glitter, All Things Heart & Home, Blue Cricket Design, Ginger Snap Crafts, Free Pretty Things for You, Lil' Luna, Oopsey Daisy, Uncommon, Two Yellow Birds, I Can't Stop Crafting, Creating my Way to Success, Someday Crafts, Creations by Kara, Southern Lovely, Sugar & Dots, Night Owl Crafting, Boufee e Bambini, Fireflies & Jellybeans, A Little Knick Knack, The Gunny Sack, Paisley Passions, Somewhat Simple, Yesterday on Tuesday/Katie's Nesting Spot, Gluesticks, House of Hepworths, Momnivore's Dilemma, The Shabby Creek Cottage, It's Overflowing, Itsy Bitsy Paper, Crafty Scrappy Happy, Delightful Order, The Kurtz Corner, Something Swanky, LollyJane, Tatertots & Jello, Bubbly Nature Creations, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Momma's Kinda Crafty, Creation Corner, Between U & Me, Stuff & Nonsense, Kojo Designs, Tidy Mom, Little Becky Homecky, 504 Main, Along for the Ride, Answer is Chocolate, My Repurposed Life, The Shabby Nest, Whipperberry, The Tattered Tag, I Heart Nap Time, Naptime Crafters, Release Me Create, At the Picket Fence, Be Different,Act Normal, The Idea Room, Seven Thirty Three, Remodelaholic, Funky Junk Interiors, The Girl Creative, The Tattered Tag, Flamingo Toes, Under the Table and Dreaming, Petite Hermine, Dragonfly Designs, nifty thrifty things, delicateCONSTRUCTION and Cherished Treasures

{love this} fits me to a tea

2012-02-25T03:13:00.000-07:00

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My first {love this} post and it's dedicated to one of my favorite things ... tea!! You might remember I made some fun coffee & tea kitchen art a while back. There is just something about a warm mug of slighly citrusy Lady Grey, soothing chamomile or even a spicy Chai tea that make a rough day melt away. I love the feeling of history (don't you feel lady-like and fancy?!), the lazy steam curls, a swirl of milk, a nearly translucent tea cup and a paper tag fluttering on a saucer ...

So, let me show you some new {loves} that fit me to a tea!!

Cupcakes baked in tea cups ... from Sweet Paul

Delightfully whimsical tea bag cookies ... at Party Frosting

Ring around a tea cup ... a Fanpop picture

White stacks of cups, saucers and tea pots = one GORGEOUS lamp ... Anthropologie via Shelterness

Counting down until the next cup of tea ... Vintage Revivals' awesome clock

To wear with the ring ... Misty Aurora Etsy shop

If you pin, please pin responsibly ... head on over to the original source to properly credit your pin :) However, feel free to pin any of my stuff with abandon!! Hope you've found a few new things to {love} ... now, one lump or two?

33 1/2 things about me on my 1/2 birthday!

2012-02-24T01:54:00.000-07:00

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Happy 1/2 birthday ... to me!! There are exactly six long months until one of my favorite days of the year ... that's right - my birthday! I love to celebrate anything but birthdays are so much fun and I am not hung up on getting older (yet, ha ha!) so bring it on!!

I did this very same thing on my 31 1/2 birthday ... you can read these 31 random things about me here.

But back to today ... how about 33 1/2 mostly random things about me to commemorate my 1/2 birthday!

1.  I am currently obsessed with smoked almonds. The habanero ones are also pretty delish.  Mmmm.
2. I think in song lyrics. Almost any comment can remind me of a song. Which will be stuck in my head. ALL DAY. Not bad when it's Moves Like Jagger but a Sound of Music song gets old quick, ha ha!
3. I love Mary Poppins. One year I will dress up like her for a Halloween party. After all, she is practically perfect in every way.
4. I always wanted braces growing up and wore those jelly bracelets folded in my mouth like a retainer in elementary school.
5. My dining room is decorated with birds and the letter "B" for our last name. Birds and the B's ... get it?! ;)
6. I went to school for Interpersonal Communications and Elementary Education.
7. I love change. You know, quarters, nickels and the like. The Saint knows that if he leaves change sitting anywhere, it won't be there for long!
8. I am an animal lover. We only have two cats now - Awesome aka Boss and Little aka "Bitty" or the Kitten Ninja. Growing up I had a rabbit, a parakeet, three cats, a duck and a pot belly pig. All adopted/found critters. E-I-E-I-O!
9. My first cat was named Ophelia after reading Hamlet in English class.
10. I met Matchbox 20 and Sugar Ray backstage ... up close and personal. YUM.
11. I have received flowers from a secret admirer.
12. I still love to watch The Bugs sleep. There is just something about the sweet rise and fall of their chest, hair just peeking out from under their blankets, sleepy mutterings ...
13. My mom and I get asked if we are sisters all the time.
14. I hate.hate.hate. tennis shoes and closed-toe shoes.
15. Pantyhose/tights are right up there with tennis shoes and closed-toe shoes. ICK. However, I do love a good pair of leggings!
16. I can't sew. Or maybe I really don't want to sew? Either way, that's probably the reason you don't find many fabric related crafts around here, ha ha!
17. I have been told I look like Super Nanny when I wear my glasses. I do rock a pretty mean British accent.
18. I am not a huge "make-up" girl. Foundation, powder, mascara, lip stuff. That's it. I've been experimenting with the "smoky eye" technique. And wonder if I look like a chimney sweep.
19. I carry a bazillion lip glosses, chap stick, Soft Lips, lip oil and other lip junk in my purse. It's awesome when my purse tips over.
20. I still know all the words to Ice, Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice.
21. And American Pie by Don McLean.
22. I am ridiculously obsessed with Pinterest. LOVE it! My boards here.
23. I want to throw an Alice in Wonderland themed party one day.
24. I can't stop saying 'awesome' or 'fantastic'. Seriously, I have a pretty expansive vocabulary and those are my go-to adjectives. Sad.
25. My favorite animal is a donkey.
26. My mom used to sell Princess House crystal and because she was a single mom and I went with her to every party, I could recite her "spiel" with her.
27. I know the 50 states in alphabetical order. Thank you 5th grade Music class.
28. I can hardly pass up "clearance" stuff ... even if I would never use it. "But I got this dog Halloween costume for .68!!"
29. I do not like raw onions. I think they smell like body odor. I make The Saint cut all of the onions in our house.
30. I'm not a big fan of meat with bones. I am definitely a boneless chicken breast and boneless pork chop kind of girl. I have a hard time with ribs and chicken wings.
31. My first job was a receptionist at the insurance agency where my mom worked.
32. I had a Trapper Keeper. And LOVED it!!
33. Mount Vesuvius erupted and destroyed Pompeii on my birthday. And Hurricane Andrew hit on my birthday. Natural disaster much?
33 1/2. OK, I have been dying to share this with you ...

But that's my 1/2 entry ... sorry! That's a wrap!!  Anybody else ready to share their random lists?? It doesn't even have to be your 1/2 birthday!  Do tell ...

{try this} itchy cast relief

2012-02-23T02:38:00.000-07:00

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The poor Saint ... he broke his right foot back on January 26th. And like most everything in his life, if he does something, he does it BIG!! The type of fracture he has (It's a Lisfranc fracture if you'd like to take a Google break.) is a 1 in 50,000 people kind of break. I'd take those odds for the lottery, but it's not great for a broken foot. He's out of work until late April or possibly May - EEK!! trying not to panic ... deep breath! - and is the proud owner of a shaved right leg from the knee down and a cool new red cast. And do you know what that equals?

Itchy!
Scratchy!
Unbearably Annoying!
It itches right there ... that spot that is just out of reach!!

What's a grumpy Saint to do?!?! No, the correct answer does not involve a chopstick or bent metal hanger ;)

Thanks to Brian, the PA at the surgeon's office ... he is going to put my hair dryer on the COOL setting and blow that itch from here to kingdom come!! Yep, that's right ... my good ol' Conair to the rescue!!

You can also use compressed air (you know, the stuff you use to blow the ~~crumbs~~ dust out of your keyboard ...) to relieve the itch, too.

Of course, we had to bust out a Sharpie and add our John Hancocks to his cast. Did you see my cute little signature on his cast? Looks familiar, huh? (see post signature below!)

I even put a dorky joke on it ... "This End Up", ha ha! Sad, I know!

I hope you never have a grumpy, itchy Saint or have to use this tip, but if you do {try this}, stop by and let me know! I'd love for you to follow along here, on Facebook, Pinterest or even by email ... check out my side bar for all those options! And if you haven't already, stop by this week's {lost & found pinterest link party} to show off your favorite Pinterest boards. This week's party is linked up at the top of my blog.

And I promise I do still craft. See above as to why those craftastic, DIY ideas and projects are in various stages of completion ... they're still coming, so please stick around, ok? And another Girl Scout cookie recipe if that helps ;)

So what's shakin' at your place? If you have something to show off, join me at all these weekly link parties!! Craft-o-maniac, Dittle Dattle, DIY HSH Project, Polly Want a Crafter, Skip to My Lou, Embellishing Life, C.R.A.F.T., Sugar Bee Craft Edition, Brassy Apple, Not Just a Housewife, Today's Creative Blog, Pinkapotamus, A Creative Princess, Tip Junkie, Home Stories A 2 Z, Crazy for Crust, The Little Birdie Blog, Nothing But Country, DIY by Design, Type A, The Blackberry Vine, Inside Bru Crew Life, Northern Cottage, Running with Glitter, All Things Heart & Home, Blue Cricket Design, Ginger Snap Crafts, Free Pretty Things for You, Lil' Luna, Oopsey Daisy, Uncommon, Two Yellow Birds, I Can't Stop Crafting, Creating my Way to Success, Someday Crafts, Creations by Kara, Southern Lovely, Sugar & Dots, Night Owl Crafting, Boufee e Bambini, Fireflies & Jellybeans, A Little Knick Knack, The Gunny Sack, Paisley Passions, Somewhat Simple, Yesterday on Tuesday/Katie's Nesting Spot, Gluesticks, House of Hepworths, Momnivore's Dilemma, The Shabby Creek Cottage, It's Overflowing, Itsy Bitsy Paper, Crafty Scrappy Happy, Delightful Order, The Kurtz Corner, Something Swanky, LollyJane, Tatertots & Jello, Bubbly Nature Creations, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Momma's Kinda Crafty, Creation Corner, Between U & Me, Stuff & Nonsense, Kojo Designs, Tidy Mom, Little Becky Homecky, 504 Main, Along for the Ride, Answer is Chocolate, My Repurposed Life, The Shabby Nest, Whipperberry, The Tattered Tag, I Heart Nap Time, Naptime Crafters, Release Me Create, At the Picket Fence, Be Different,Act Normal, The Idea Room, Seven Thirty Three, Remodelaholic, Funky Junk Interiors, The Girl Creative, The Tattered Tag, Flamingo Toes, Under the Table and Dreaming, Petite Hermine, Dragonfly Designs, nifty thrifty things, delicateCONSTRUCTION and Cherished Treasures

{taste this} thin mint ice cream sandwiches

2012-02-20T02:54:00.000-07:00

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Welcome to another Girl Scout cookie {taste this} post!! Soooo, I'm guessing you're here for these little beauties?!

I know these posts are called {taste this} but if you like Thin Mints (or just the fabulous mint & chocolate combo), you really are going to want to taste these!! And these are even easier than my Thin Mint Pudding Trifles!

We keep our Thin Mints in our freezer (doesn't everyone?!) so when our local grocery store had ice cream on sale B1G1F and I ~~caved to~~ supported the Girl Scouts outside and came home with 2 more boxes of cookies ... this seemed a natural partnership!

Smoosh a little scoop (maybe around a tablespoon) of mint chocolate chunk ice cream between 2 Thin Mint cookies. Press the cookies lightly together to even out the ice cream. Use your finger to smooth around the cookies and remove any extra ice cream. Pop these little minty bites of perfection back in the freezer to firm up a bit before serving.

I hope you stick around for all the other fun things shared here at shaken together. Could be tips & tricks, could be my favorite things, maybe a little crafty tutorial ... whatever it is, I'd love for you to follow along via Facebook, Pinterest or any of the options in my sidebar! Speaking of Pinterest, come on over and link up some of your Pinterest boards - I have instructions if you've never linked a Pinterest board - at the {lost & found pinterest link party}!!

I can tell you that a little birdie told me this probably won't be the last time you see a tasty treat made with Girl Scout cookies ...

So what's shakin' at your place? If you have something to show off, join me at all these weekly link parties!! Craft-o-maniac, Dittle Dattle, DIY HSH Project, Polly Want a Crafter, Skip to My Lou, Embellishing Life, C.R.A.F.T., Sugar Bee Craft Edition, Brassy Apple, Not Just a Housewife, Today's Creative Blog, Pinkapotamus, A Creative Princess, Tip Junkie, Home Stories A 2 Z, Crazy for Crust, The Little Birdie Blog, Nothing But Country, DIY by Design, Type A, The Blackberry Vine, Inside Bru Crew Life, Northern Cottage, Running with Glitter, All Things Heart & Home, Blue Cricket Design, Ginger Snap Crafts, Free Pretty Things for You, Lil' Luna, Oopsey Daisy, Uncommon, Two Yellow Birds, I Can't Stop Crafting, Creating my Way to Success, Someday Crafts, Creations by Kara, Southern Lovely, Sugar & Dots, Night Owl Crafting, Boufee e Bambini, Fireflies & Jellybeans, A Little Knick Knack, The Gunny Sack, Paisley Passions, Somewhat Simple, Yesterday on Tuesday/Katie's Nesting Spot, Gluesticks, House of Hepworths, Momnivore's Dilemma, The Shabby Creek Cottage, It's Overflowing, Itsy Bitsy Paper, Crafty Scrappy Happy, Delightful Order, The Kurtz Corner, Something Swanky, LollyJane, Tatertots & Jello, Bubbly Nature Creations, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Momma's Kinda Crafty, Creation Corner, Between U & Me, Stuff & Nonsense, Kojo Designs, Tidy Mom, Little Becky Homecky, 504 Main, Along for the Ride, Answer is Chocolate, My Repurposed Life, The Shabby Nest, Whipperberry, The Tattered Tag, I Heart Nap Time, Naptime Crafters, The Sweet Spot, Release Me Create, At the Picket Fence, Be Different,Act Normal, The Idea Room, Seven Thirty Three, Remodelaholic, Funky Junk Interiors, The Girl Creative, The Tattered Tag, Flamingo Toes, Under the Table and Dreaming, Petite Hermine, Dragonfly Designs, nifty thrifty things, delicateCONSTRUCTION and Cherished Treasures

{lost & found pinterest link party} #3

2012-02-19T03:44:00.001-07:00

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Welcome to shaken together and {lost & found pinterest link party} #3!!

That's right!! A fun new Pinterest link party that even non-bloggers can participate in!! I know that there are a bajillion link parties around blog land and I link up to a truck load of them ... BUT this is a link party with a fun little twist!!

Each week, come on over and link up a few of your Pinterest boards ... you know, your romantic vintage wedding board, or your sunny everything yellow board or your fantastic free printables board. Whatever has been pinspiring you lately! Let your Pinterest boards be found by all the party goers!

Fun, right?! But we're not done yet! If you are looking for a specific themed board (easy sewing projects, weight loss tips, family photo ideas, gluten free recipes, teacher resources ... oh, just about anything!) leave a comment! Do you swear you pinned a great idea but cannot find it on your boards? Leave me a comment!

I'll share your lost pins/boards on my Facebook page and in the next party and hopefully, they won't stay lost for long!

Lost this week:

anniversary / lovey dovey ideas
birthday party ideas
St. Patty's Day or Springtime anything

If you've got boards with these things, link 'em up so they can be found!! And don't worry, I want to see your boards about everything else, too!

I'd love to see over 50 boards linked this week ... think we can do it?? Instructions on how to link up your Pinterest boards is below. Oh, and the ROCKSTARS from party #2 are here ... were you one?! If so, grab a button!

So, are you ready party people?!

Before we get started, please follow along here, by email or on Facebook.
Please keep this family friendly, ya'll.
Link up a few of your favorite Pinterest boards and not your main Pinterest profile, please.
I'd love for you to put my party button somewhere on your link party page, on your sidebar or even a text link somewhere so we get LOTS of participants and tons of pinspiration!! Look! There are shiny new buttons on my new button stuff page!!
Each week, I will randomly choose a few link party participants ~ ROCKSTARS if you will ~ that pinspire me and feature their Pinterest boards and blog/Etsy store/etc. (if you have one added to your Pinterest profile!). Everyone loves to be a rock star!!

How to link up your Pinterest boards: When you are logged in to Pinterest, select Boards from the drop down list under your picture. Click on the board you want to link up. Then, click on the http address in your browser bar and copy it. Come back here to this post. Click on the blue "add your link" button and paste the http address you copied in the first box. Enter the name of your board in the 2nd box and enter your email address if you want to. Click submit link and you are golden! Simple as that! :)

{lost & found pinterest link party} #2 ROCKSTARS

2012-02-19T03:36:00.002-07:00

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Well, the {lost & found pinterest link party} #2 is closed and now it's time to introduce you to a few new pinners and a whole lot of pinspiration!!

We've got 3 awesome ROCKSTARS this week, so get ready to click and repin!!

Scrappy Goodness by Cassie Box is one of my new favorites!! Don't worry ... there are all sorts of paper crafts if you don't scrapbook! She's also got a fun mason jar board ... head on over! She blogs here and I just LOVE her projects!
Tonya linked up her awesome Spring Things board ... there is a recipe for Ginger Limeade that is calling my name! She has a foxy board that it right up my alley!! And 24 other boards of pinspiring pins! She's also a blogger ... find her here!
If you are looking for tons of activities to keep your kids learning AND having fun, then Lifetime Love of Learning should be your next stop! Great ideas to get those creative juices flowing! Thanks so much for linking up!!

If you were a featured ROCKSTAR, grab a button from my button stuff page and wear it proudly! I'd love for you to keep pinning and link up each week! And don't forget, if you are searching for a themed board or a specific pin, share your "lost" requests and we'll help you get them "found"!!

Happy Sunday!!

{try this} freshen your sheets between washings

2012-02-17T03:12:00.000-07:00

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I love freshly washed sheets. Man, to slide into softly scented sheets right before I slip off into dream land is pretty amazing.

BUT ... I hate the whole "yank everything off the bed, strip the pillows, leave a naked mattress for a few hours" thing!! You, too? I mean, of course I wash my bedding weekly as Martha suggests! Perish the thought of 8 day sheets!! But ...

Occasionally ... I may miss my sheet laundering appointment.

Thankfully, I have come up with the perfect way to get laundry fresh sheets between washings! Let me introduce your new best friend ... Reader, meet the Bounce/Febreeze lint roller! Bounce/Febreeze, my lovely readers!

What's so great about a lint roller? Febreeze freshness in those cute polka dots!

Give this guy a roll over your sheets, comforter and pillow for a lightly scented, lint-free invitation to dream! And yep, those are my freshly rolled IKEA duvet cover and chocolate brown sheets!

This thing is also awesome for removing cat hair (thanks to Awesome and the Kitten Ninja) and giving you that fresh out of the dryer feeling! Nope, this is not even a sponsored post ... just sharing the lint roller love :)

Hope you were inspired to {try this}! I'd love for you to follow along here at shaken together and find me on Facebook and Pinterest ... options all found in my side bar! If you have a few minutes, stop by my {lost & found pinterest link party} and share a few of your favorite Pinterest boards ... I am always looking for some good pinspiration! Hope you have a lint-free, sweetly scented week!

So what's shakin' at your place? If you have something to show off, join me at all these weekly link parties!! Craft-o-maniac, Dittle Dattle, DIY HSH Project, Polly Want a Crafter, Skip to My Lou, Embellishing Life, C.R.A.F.T., Sugar Bee Craft Edition, Brassy Apple, Not Just a Housewife, Today's Creative Blog, Pinkapotamus, A Creative Princess, Tip Junkie, Home Stories A 2 Z, Crazy for Crust, The Little Birdie Blog, Nothing But Country, DIY by Design, Type A, The Blackberry Vine, Inside Bru Crew Life, Northern Cottage, Running with Glitter, All Things Heart & Home, Blue Cricket Design, Ginger Snap Crafts, Free Pretty Things for You, Lil' Luna, Oopsey Daisy, Uncommon, Two Yellow Birds, I Can't Stop Crafting, Creating my Way to Success, Someday Crafts, Creations by Kara, Southern Lovely, Sugar & Dots, Night Owl Crafting, Boufee e Bambini, Fireflies & Jellybeans, A Little Knick Knack, The Gunny Sack, Paisley Passions, Somewhat Simple, Yesterday on Tuesday/Katie's Nesting Spot, Gluesticks, House of Hepworths, Momnivore's Dilemma, The Shabby Creek Cottage, It's Overflowing, Itsy Bitsy Paper, Crafty Scrappy Happy, Delightful Order, The Kurtz Corner, Something Swanky, LollyJane, Tatertots & Jello, Bubbly Nature Creations, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Momma's Kinda Crafty, Creation Corner, Between U & Me, Stuff & Nonsense, Kojo Designs, Tidy Mom, 504 Main, Along for the Ride, Answer is Chocolate, My Repurposed Life, The Shabby Nest, Whipperberry, The Tattered Tag, I Heart Nap Time, Naptime Crafters, Release Me Create, At the Picket Fence, Be Different,Act Normal, The Idea Room, Seven Thirty Three, Remodelaholic, Funky Junk Interiors, The Girl Creative, The Tattered Tag, Flamingo Toes, Under the Table and Dreaming, Petite Hermine, Dragonfly Designs, nifty thrifty things, delicateCONSTRUCTION and Cherished Treasures

{taste this} thin mint pudding trifles

2012-02-15T10:37:00.000-07:00

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It's the first post under my new "post what floats my boat, when I want to post it" mantra!! If you missed my post about it, it's still here :) And now, let 'er rip!! It's another recipe ... on a Wednesday!! WOO HOO!!

Can we just open this up with a picture? Because you are definitely going to want to {taste this} ... thin mint pudding trifles!

Are the Girl Scouts out and about in your neighborhood? Standing outside of your grocery store with those stinkin' cute vests and bouncy ponytails?! I caved! Even though I had four boxes of cookies already at home! What is a girl to do other than offer to make dessert when friends (Hi, Tim & Holly!) invited us over to dinner!

I made this pretty, layered, super easy dessert! And you can, too! Nothing complicated here ... just plain delicious!

Chocolate pudding + crushed Thin Mints + mint Cool Whip (1/2 tsp. mint extract stirred in a small tub of Cool Whip) + Thin Mint cookie garnish = AWESOME!!!

I layered my trifles in plastic cups since we were taking them on the road, but these would be adorable in little glass shot glasses, champagne flutes or dessert cups! Add green food coloring to the Cool Whip for the perfect dessert on St. Patricks Day! You could make these up ahead of time for a bake sale and I bet they would fly off the table!! Or just make them because it is Wednesday and they look good :)

What's more exciting than a recipe made with Girl Scout cookies? How about a bunch?! I've got a few more recipes up my sleeves for you cookie junkies, so stock up!!

I sure hope you were inspired to {taste this}!! And I'd love for you to follow along here at shaken together - options are in my side bar. If you pin on Pinterest, come share a few of your favorite boards at the {lost & found pinterest link party} each week! You can also like this stuff on Facebook!

So what's shakin' at your place? If you have something to show off, join me at all these weekly link parties!! Craft-o-maniac, Dittle Dattle, DIY HSH Project, Polly Want a Crafter, Skip to My Lou, Embellishing Life, C.R.A.F.T., Sugar Bee Craft Edition, Brassy Apple, Not Just a Housewife, Today's Creative Blog, Pinkapotamus, A Creative Princess, Tip Junkie, Home Stories A 2 Z, Crazy for Crust, The Little Birdie Blog, Nothing But Country, DIY by Design, Type A, The Blackberry Vine, Inside Bru Crew Life, Northern Cottage, Running with Glitter, All Things Heart & Home, Blue Cricket Design, Ginger Snap Crafts, Free Pretty Things for You, Lil' Luna, Oopsey Daisy, Uncommon, Two Yellow Birds, I Can't Stop Crafting, Creating my Way to Success, Someday Crafts, Creations by Kara, Southern Lovely, Sugar & Dots, Night Owl Crafting, Boufee e Bambini, Fireflies & Jellybeans, A Little Knick Knack, The Gunny Sack, Paisley Passions, Somewhat Simple, Yesterday on Tuesday/Katie's Nesting Spot, Gluesticks, House of Hepworths, Momnivore's Dilemma, The Shabby Creek Cottage, It's Overflowing, Itsy Bitsy Paper, Crafty Scrappy Happy, Delightful Order, The Kurtz Corner, Something Swanky, LollyJane, Tatertots & Jello, Bubbly Nature Creations, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Momma's Kinda Crafty, Creation Corner, Between U & Me, Stuff & Nonsense, Kojo Designs, Tidy Mom, 504 Main, Along for the Ride, Answer is Chocolate, My Repurposed Life, The Shabby Nest, Whipperberry, The Tattered Tag, I Heart Nap Time, Naptime Crafters, Release Me Create, At the Picket Fence, Be Different,Act Normal, The Idea Room, Seven Thirty Three, Remodelaholic, Funky Junk Interiors, The Girl Creative, The Tattered Tag, Flamingo Toes, Under the Table and Dreaming, Petite Hermine, Dragonfly Designs, nifty thrifty things, delicateCONSTRUCTION and Cherished Treasures

shakin' things up a little around here ...

2012-02-15T02:43:00.001-07:00

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So, you know I gave myself a little blog makeover a few weeks ago and I totally love the fun and funky colors, the little people family and the new name (shortened just a bit from pressed down, shaken together)! And I'm feeling like I want to steer this sweet little ship in a slightly new direction!

What does this mean for you, my wonderfully fabulous readers and followers?! You'll be getting all that you love about shaken together ... crafty tutorials, recipes and SO MUCH MORE!! (I feel a little like an informercial pitch man, ha ha!)

You might be asking, "Well, what do you have in mind?"

As much as I love the structure of {taste this tuesday} and {create this friday}, sometimes, I am just not inspired to throw a craft together just because it's Friday. Case in point, my recent ombre thread-wrapped paper clip hearts. Cute. Done. Tutorial. Pictures. But certainly not my most inspiring post or proud project. Just being a little honest here, folks.

Maybe I want to share TWO recipes a week, or show you something awesome that I stumbled across in my blog surfing or just introduce you to some of my favorite things ... would that be okay?

So you're on board?! SWEET. Moving forward, I'll be sharing all sorts of wonderful things ... fun, unscheduled, uncomplicated, sometimes random but always full of incredible awesomeness that'll go a little something like this:

{create this} a crafty tutorial
{taste this} a delightful recipe
{love this} one of my favorite things
{try this} a tip or trick or something that you just.can't.live.without.
{saw this} an awesome find on the web
{want this} some fab thing on my wish list
{win this} super duper giveaway ... hey! want to give something away? Let me know!
you know, stuff like that!

I really want this to be a place to showcase all sorts of things I love, stuff that I am passionate about, something I just can't wait to share with you ... whenever I want to share them. What do you think?

Look for some fun new posts coming soon...
(like tomorrow!!)

{taste this tuesday} hearty chickpea & chorizo soup

2012-02-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

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Though it doesn't feel much like winter yet in Florida (I mean really ... don't I EVER get a break from shaving my legs?!), I am ready for some one pot wonders, soups and stews!! So you know what, Mother Nature?! It may be 80 degrees outside in February, but I am cranking down the A/C and we're making SOUP!!

Edited on 2/13/12 to add ... of course, Mother Nature throws us for a loop and the last two days our highs have only been in the 50's - brrrr! But, we're right back up to 81 on Wednesday. SIGH. This is why my laundry room and our master bedroom are piled high with shorts AND pants, t-shirts AND long-sleeved shirts, tank tops AND hoodies!! Laundry overload! Anyway ...

Welcome to {taste this tuesday}! And feast your eyes on this bowl of savory wonderful ... hearty chickpea and chorizo soup!! And guess what?! There is some some serious soup hoopla going on ... Come join SoupaPalooza at TidyMom and Dine and Dish sponsored by KitchenAid, Red Star Yeast and Le Creuset!!

Hearty Chickpea & Chorizo Soup
Adapted from Publix's Spanish Bean Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 links chorizo sausage (I used Goya), diced
1 clove garlic, finely diced or put through a garlic press
1/4 cup onion, diced
1 rib celery, diced
2 (15.5 oz.) cans chick peas (also called garbanzo beans) with liquid
3 medium/large potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 (32 oz.) carton low/reduced sodium chicken broth
1 packet Goya Sazon seasoning
1 1/2 cups water

In a large pot, saute garlic, onion, celery and chorizo in olive oil until vegetables are tender. Add remaining ingredients and simmer until potatoes are tender.

This soup comes together quickly and can just simmer happily while you slice a crusty loaf of Cuban bread and toss a quick salad. The potatoes and chick peas are soft but not mushy and infused with the rich chorizo broth ... this is definitely a must-make-again soup in our house! Even the 9 year old Little Bug was disappointed when the last bowl of this soup was gone. You know it's gotta be good!!

Hope you were inspired to {taste this}!!

Don't miss this week's {lost & found pinterest link party}! My first group of party ROCKSTARS are here! Come link up your boards to be found and let me know if you are looking for a themed board ... your "lost" boards/pins just might be "found"!!

I'd love for you to follow shaken together ... there are lots of ways to get this good stuff in my side bar :) Another fun crafty tutorial is coming up on {create this friday} and you do NOT want to miss a new {taste this tuesday} series I am starting! Hope to see you again soon!

So what's shakin' at your place? If you have something to show off, join me at all these weekly link parties!! Craft-o-maniac, Dittle Dattle, DIY HSH Project, Polly Want a Crafter, Skip to My Lou, Embellishing Life, C.R.A.F.T., Sugar Bee Craft Edition, Brassy Apple, Not Just a Housewife, Today's Creative Blog, Pinkapotamus, A Creative Princess, Tip Junkie, Home Stories A 2 Z, Crazy for Crust, The Little Birdie Blog, Nothing But Country, DIY by Design, Type A, The Blackberry Vine, Inside Bru Crew Life, Northern Cottage, Running with Glitter, All Things Heart & Home, Blue Cricket Design, Ginger Snap Crafts, Free Pretty Things for You, Lil' Luna, Oopsey Daisy, Uncommon, Two Yellow Birds, I Can't Stop Crafting, Creating my Way to Success, Someday Crafts, Creations by Kara, Southern Lovely, Sugar & Dots, Night Owl Crafting, Boufee e Bambini, Fireflies & Jellybeans, A Little Knick Knack, The Gunny Sack, Paisley Passions, Somewhat Simple, Yesterday on Tuesday/Katie's Nesting Spot, Gluesticks, House of Hepworths, Momnivore's Dilemma, The Shabby Creek Cottage, It's Overflowing, Itsy Bitsy Paper, Crafty Scrappy Happy, Delightful Order, The Kurtz Corner, Something Swanky, LollyJane, Tatertots & Jello, Bubbly Nature Creations, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Momma's Kinda Crafty, Creation Corner, Between U & Me, Stuff & Nonsense, Kojo Designs, Tidy Mom, 504 Main, Along for the Ride, Answer is Chocolate, My Repurposed Life, The Shabby Nest, Whipperberry, The Tattered Tag, I Heart Nap Time, Naptime Crafters, Release Me Create, At the Picket Fence, Be Different,Act Normal, The Idea Room, Seven Thirty Three, Remodelaholic, Funky Junk Interiors, The Girl Creative, The Tattered Tag, Flamingo Toes, Under the Table and Dreaming, Petite Hermine, Dragonfly Designs, nifty thrifty things, delicateCONSTRUCTION and Cherished Treasures

{lost & found pinterest link party} #2

2012-02-12T04:03:00.000-07:00

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Welcome to shaken together and {lost & found pinterest link party} #2!!

Beach/cottage style home decor
St. Patrick's Day
Springtime anything

If you've got boards with these things, link 'em up so they can be found!! And don't worry, I want to see your boards about everything else, too!

We had over 50 boards linked last week ... that is more pinspiration than I could even imagine!!! The ROCKSTARS from party #1 are here ... were you one?! If so, grab a button!

So, are you ready party people?!

Before we get started, please follow along here, by email or on Facebook.
Please keep this family friendly, ya'll.
Link up a few of your favorite Pinterest boards and not your main Pinterest profile, please.
I'd love for you to put my party button somewhere on your link party page, on your sidebar or even a text link somewhere so we get LOTS of participants and tons of pinspiration!! Look! There are shiny new buttons on my new button stuff page!!
Each week, I will randomly choose a few link party participants ~ ROCKSTARS if you will ~ that pinspire me and feature their Pinterest boards and blog/Etsy store/etc. (if you have one added to your Pinterest profile!). Everyone loves to be a rock star!!

{lost & found pinterest link party} #1 - ROCKSTARS

2012-02-12T03:46:00.000-07:00

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My first {lost & found pinterest link party} did not disappoint! I'm pretty sure there was something for everyone and we hit 55 linked boards!!! WOO HOO!!

I know I said I was only going to choose one ROCKSTAR, but I just can't!! So you get five. And you'll love every one just like I do! So, here they are ... drum roll please ... your ROCKSTARS! High five!

Lemon Stuff - I am sucker for all things pucker, so this board is to die for!! Thanks for linking up, Karen!!
Lillian shared Kids Party Stuff and you will love her other 60+ boards of inspiration!!
How about some Breakfast inspiration from Crumbs and Chaos? Yes, please! And stop by their awesome, amazing blog, too!
And there are more than 160 fun How To's & Tutorials on Stacy's board!! She also has a sweet Etsy store called Petals & Chalk.
Last but not least, Jackie linked up her Bridal Shower board but there is inspiration for all sorts of events. Seriously: mini pop tarts pops!!

Go, on, enjoy your week!!

{create this friday} ombre thread-wrapped hearts & last minute Valentine's gift

2012-02-10T02:13:00.002-07:00

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Okay, I am sharing a down-to-the-wire, decorate-or-bust!, just have to make something for Valentine's Day idea that has two, count them two, supplies:

Jumbo paperclips (I used the ones with the tiny ridges- they help the thread stay put just a bit better)
variegated embroidery thread

Welcome to {create this friday} and check out my ombre thread-wrapped hearts!!

I could make 100 of these ... and I just might! But to get you started on at least one, here are the steps:

Unbend a paper clip until it looks like a funky curvy little heart.
Tie a knot around the paper clip at some point on the heart. It doesn't really matter when you start because you can just slide everything around to the end of one side of the heart as you go.
Begin wrapping the thread around the paper clip, keeping it fairly taut and sliding the loops of thread down right next to each other.
Just keep wrapping and wrapping. I found if I needed to stop and stretch my hands, I just used another little piece of tape to hold the thread in place until I was ready to go again.
Once you reach the place where the ends of the paper clip halves meet, wrap your thread around both of the metal ends a few times to secure them together and the thread into place.
Tie a knot and snip the end of your thread.

It's a little tedious and my thread slipped a few times right at the end, but I think these are just so pretty! I can just see these tied onto little gifts! You know, something like this:

For this last minute gift: take the label off of a pasta sauce jar, use a strip of decorative paper to cover up any of the writing (best by date, etc.), use a scallop circle punch to make a pretty cover for the lid, fill with inexpensive conversation hearts, tie on one of your ombre thread-wrapped hearts and you have an adorable gift that will make anyone's heart skip a beat!

If the thread-wrapped hearts are not your thing, you can also use the little paper clip hearts to add some simple Valentine's day atmosphere all over! At home, tie them to your kitchen cabinet knobs, surprise the hubby and tie one around the handle of his coffee mug and send a little lunch time love to the kiddos and tie one around a sandwich! At work, tie a paper clip heart around a candy bar or homemade goodie for a sweet little treat on your co-workers' desks!

Crafting, just like love, doesn't necessarily need to be complicated :)

Hope you were inspired to {create this}!!

I sure hope this isn't the last time we 'meet'! Check out the options in my side bar ... you can follow shaken together via email, on Facebook and even on Pinterest. Especially on Pinterest! And I am hosting a weekly "lost and found pinterest link party" where you can find new boards to follow and even throw out lost boards or pins you'd like to see!! Hope to see you again soon!!

So what's shakin' at your place? If you have something to show off, join me at all these weekly link parties!! Craft-o-maniac, Dittle Dattle, DIY HSH Project, Polly Want a Crafter, Skip to My Lou, Embellishing Life, C.R.A.F.T., Sugar Bee Craft Edition, Brassy Apple, Not Just a Housewife, Today's Creative Blog, Pinkapotamus, A Creative Princess, Tip Junkie, Home Stories A 2 Z, Crazy for Crust, The Little Birdie Blog, Nothing But Country, DIY by Design, Type A, The Blackberry Vine, Inside Bru Crew Life, Northern Cottage, Running with Glitter, All Things Heart & Home, Blue Cricket Design, Ginger Snap Crafts, Free Pretty Things for You, Lil' Luna, Oopsey Daisy, Uncommon, Two Yellow Birds, I Can't Stop Crafting, Creating my Way to Success, Someday Crafts, Creations by Kara, Southern Lovely, Sugar & Dots, Night Owl Crafting, Boufee e Bambini, Fireflies & Jellybeans, A Little Knick Knack, The Gunny Sack, Paisley Passions, Somewhat Simple, Yesterday on Tuesday/Katie's Nesting Spot, Gluesticks, House of Hepworths, Momnivore's Dilemma, The Shabby Creek Cottage, It's Overflowing, Itsy Bitsy Paper, Crafty Scrappy Happy, Delightful Order, The Kurtz Corner, Something Swanky, LollyJane, Tatertots & Jello, Bubbly Nature Creations, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Momma's Kinda Crafty, Creation Corner, Between U & Me, Stuff & Nonsense, Kojo Designs, Tidy Mom, 504 Main, Along for the Ride, Answer is Chocolate, My Repurposed Life, The Shabby Nest, Whipperberry, The Tattered Tag, I Heart Nap Time, Naptime Crafters, Release Me Create, At the Picket Fence, Be Different,Act Normal, The Idea Room, Seven Thirty Three, Remodelaholic, Funky Junk Interiors, The Girl Creative, The Tattered Tag, Flamingo Toes, Under the Table and Dreaming, Petite Hermine, Dragonfly Designs, nifty thrifty things, delicateCONSTRUCTION and Cherished Treasures

the things i never thought i'd hear my husband say...

2012-02-08T02:30:00.002-07:00

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I'll get to that in a second, but in case you're fairly new around here, my hubba hubby - The Saint - broke his right foot January 26th. And broke it pretty darn good! Like two nights in the hospital, surgery, cast up to his knee, no work for 6-8 weeks (EEK!!) kinda good. That was sarcasm right there, ha ha.

Anyway, he was been laid up at our house, living on the couch for most of his day. Watching an unbelievable amount of TV. See, he's really not a "hobby" kind of guy. No cross word puzzles (though he got some in a get well basket from our Best Couple Friends that he's attempted with great success..."honey, what's a six letter word for permits?"), no model cars or ships in a bottle; he's no great lover of books. So TV it is.

And The Bigger Bug doesn't leave to catch his bus until about 8:40am, so The Saint has adjusted his TV watching to include a lot of the "older" Disney shows ... stuff like Pair of Kings and The Suite Life on Deck. Once the Bigger Bug hits the road, he switches over to the DIY Network. Kinda ironic, huh? A network for all DIY home improvement projects and a guy who can't put any weight on his right foot.

SO, back to the things I never thought I'd hear my husband say ...

So excited, remote in hand when The Bugs walked into the living room one morning, "Hey Guys, I recorded the Zack & Cody movie!!" At my raised eyebrow and smirk: "What?! They're pretty funny!!" Classic.
And finally, one day when I finally sat down for a few minutes after work, "So, when I'm better, we need to find one of those salvage yards for some salvaged lumber and then see if we can find one of those contractor thrift stores. See, I have a cool idea ..."

I might be a little scared. But in other news, I will be selling tickets for the Wizards of Waverly place marathon in our new reclaimed lumber home theater room in a few months ;)

Pretty much blogging to keep my sanity around here, ha ha! Hope you have a great Wednesday!!

{taste this tuesday} chocolate peanut butter overload bars

2012-02-06T15:34:00.000-07:00

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Allow me to set the stage: I was sitting in my quiet house in the wee hours of the morning, sipping coffee, browsing Pinterest, contemplating what to wear and ... HOLY COW WE HAVE A POT LUCK TODAY AND I AM SUPPOSED TO BRING A DESSERT AND I LEAVE FOR WORK IN ONE HOUR!!!

Deep breath. I can whip something up, right?! Quick scan of our pantry. And these unbelievably decadent, supremely awesome chocolate peanut butter overload bars were born ... welcome to {taste this tuesday}!!

You don't have to wait any longer ... here is what you need!

3 cups peanut butter crunch Cap'n crunch cereal
3 cups chocolate crunch Cap'n crunch cereal
3 tablespoons butter
40 jumbo marshmallows or 4 cups mini marshmallows
Sprinkling of mini chocolate chips (or PB chips or milk chocolate chips ...)
1/4 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
1/2 cup peanut butter M&Ms

In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter and then stir in marshmallows. Once marshmallows are melted, remove from heat and stir in cereal until evenly coated with the marshmallow. Spread cereal mixture in an even layer in a 9x13 pan. I actually spread mine in a large, parchment paper lined sheet pan to get them a little thinner. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the top of the cereal mixture.

In a microwavable bowl, melt 1/4 cup peanut butter and drizzle over the cereal bars. Sprinkle peanut M&Ms over the bars and press in lightly. Refrigerate for at least 1/2 hour to allow bars to set. Cut into 2inch squares. Yields about delectable 24 squares.

These are stickily delicious, quick to put together, versatile (use whatever you have in your pantry) and pretty addicting ... I didn't bring any home from our pot luck ;)

Hope you were inspired to {taste this}!

I glammed up a thrift store find for Spring and will be sharing that this week for {create this friday}. And I also have the perfect recipe for the chilly winter months ... a savory soup to share next Tuesday! There are a few more fun things brewing, so I'd love for you to follow shaken together (options in my sidebar), find me on Facebook and pin along on Pinterest!

Speaking of Pinterest, did you see my new {lost & found pinterest party}?? This is the first week I'm hosting it and I would love it if you would link up a few of your Pinterest boards - you don't even have to blog for this party!! And if you're looking for a themed board or if you are searching for a specific pin, leave a comment and I'll share it on FB. Your "lost" board or pin just might be "found"!

So what's shakin' at your place? If you have something to show off, join me at all these weekly link parties!! Craft-o-maniac, Dittle Dattle, DIY HSH Project, Polly Want a Crafter, Skip to My Lou, Embellishing Life, C.R.A.F.T., Sugar Bee Craft Edition, Brassy Apple, Not Just a Housewife, Today's Creative Blog, Pinkapotamus, A Creative Princess, Tip Junkie, Home Stories A 2 Z, Crazy for Crust, The Little Birdie Blog, Nothing But Country, DIY by Design, Type A, The Blackberry Vine, Inside Bru Crew Life, Northern Cottage, Running with Glitter, All Things Heart & Home, Blue Cricket Design, Ginger Snap Crafts, Free Pretty Things for You, Lil' Luna, Oopsey Daisy, Uncommon, I Can't Stop Crafting, Creating my Way to Success, Someday Crafts, Creations by Kara, Southern Lovely, Sugar & Dots, Night Owl Crafting, Boufee e Bambini, Fireflies & Jellybeans, A Little Knick Knack, The Gunny Sack, Paisley Passions, Somewhat Simple, Yesterday on Tuesday/Katie's Nesting Spot, Gluesticks, House of Hepworths, Momnivore's Dilemma, The Shabby Creek Cottage, It's Overflowing, Itsy Bitsy Paper, Crafty Scrappy Happy, Delightful Order, The Kurtz Corner, Something Swanky, LollyJane, Tatertots & Jello, Bubbly Nature Creations, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Momma's Kinda Crafty, Creation Corner, Between U & Me, Stuff & Nonsense, Kojo Designs, Tidy Mom, 504 Main, Along for the Ride, Answer is Chocolate, My Repurposed Life, The Shabby Nest, Whipperberry, The Tattered Tag, I Heart Nap Time, Naptime Crafters, Release Me Create, At the Picket Fence, Be Different,Act Normal, The Idea Room, Seven Thirty Three, Remodelaholic, Funky Junk Interiors, The Girl Creative, The Tattered Tag, Flamingo Toes, Under the Table and Dreaming, Petite Hermine, Dragonfly Designs, nifty thrifty things, delicateCONSTRUCTION and Cherished Treasures

{lost & found pinterest link party} #1

2012-02-06T11:02:00.001-07:00

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Welcome to shaken together and my very first
{lost & found pinterest link party}!!

That's right!! A fun new Pinterest link party that even non-bloggers can participate in!! I know that there are a bajillion link parties around blog land and I link up to a truck load of them ... BUT this is a link party with a fun little twist!!

Each week, come on over and link up a few of your Pinterest boards ... you know, your romantic vintage wedding board, or your sunny everything yellow board or your fantastic free printables board. Whatever has been pinspiring you lately! Let your Pinterest boards be found by all the party goers!

Fun, right?! But we're not done yet! If you are looking for a specific themed board (beach room decor, weight loss tips, family photo ideas, gluten free recipes, teacher resources ... oh, just about anything!) leave a comment! Do you swear you pinned a great idea but cannot find it on your boards? Leave me a comment!

I'll share your lost pins/boards on my Facebook page and in the next party and hopefully, they won't stay lost for long!

Lost this week:

Elegant black & white party ideas
Girl's first birthday party ideas
Baseball DIY craft ideas

If you've got boards with these things, link 'em up so they can be found!! And don't worry, I want to see your boards about everything else, too!

I've had a few questions, so I wanted to give a quick overview of how to link up a Pinterest board. When you are logged in to Pinterest, select Boards from the drop down list under your picture. Click on the board you want to link up. Then, click on the http address in your browser bar and copy it. Click on the blue "add your link" button and paste the http address you copied in the first box. Enter the name of your board in the 2nd box and enter your email address if you want to. Click submit link and you are golden! Simple as that! :)
So, are you ready party people?!

Before we get started, please follow along here, by email or on Facebook.
Please keep this family friendly, ya'll.
Link up a few of your favorite Pinterest boards (3 sounds about right!) and not your main Pinterest profile, please.
I'd love for you to put my party button somewhere on your link party page, on your sidebar or even a text link somewhere so we get LOTS of participants and tons of pinspiration!! Look! There are shiny new buttons on my new button stuff page!!
Each week, I will randomly choose a link party participant ~ a rock star if you will ~ that pinspires me and feature your Pinterest boards and your blog (if you have one!). Everyone loves to be a rock star!!

{create this friday} conversation heart paper plate baskets

2012-02-02T16:04:00.000-07:00

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Yes! I am still hooked on Valentines' Day! And yes! I am still on a paper craft kick! And yes! This might be the cutest most inexpensive giftable EVER! (Okay, and yes! That might have been an excessive use of exclamation points!)

I am so excited to show you this cute and quick craft tutorial for this week's {create this friday}!! conversation heart paper plate baskets!!

... and just in time to put some together for a playdate, treat your co-workers, fill with goodies for class room parties, or show a certain someone that you want them to "be mine"!

These were inspired by the tutorial found here (pinned on my "giftable stuff" Pinterest board) and I simplified it just a little. **Updated: the idea I pinned was originally inspired by a Martha Stewart idea ... of course! Long live the queen of all things crafty!**

I'll try to detail the steps I followed in words and pictures!

Cut a piece of cardstock or heavy paper into a 3 in x 3 in square. This will be the size of the bottom of your baskets. Adjust if necessary depending on the size of your plates.

Now, flip your plate over and center your template. Trace your template lightly with a pencil.

Using a ruler, extend one of the corners of the square by lightly drawing a line to the edge of the plate. Rotate your plate and extend the next corner, the next and the next until you have drawn four lines.

Cut on the lines you extended - careful not to cut into the square you traced from your template. (Forgot to take a picture of this - oops!)

Fold each flap toward the center of the plate and make a nice sharp crease.

Next, fold the small triangle-ish corner of each flap as well. You should see the sides of the basket formed and a small flap to tuck in.

Put adhesive on the small flaps and begin to fold them up, tucking them in and adhering them to the inside of the basket as you go.

Ta-da ... a paper plate basket!! So stinkin' simple and oh-so-adorable!!

And since it is the time of all things lovey dovey and the perfect time to give everyone around you a sweet little something ... let's decorate these for Valentine's Day!!

I inked all of the edges of the basket and then added a paper conversation heart tied on with ribbon, twine or thread. LOVE the little messages ... "be mine", "luv u" and "xoxo".

These are quick and inexpensive to make, so you could easily make enough for a classroom of deserving kiddos, an office full of co-workers or for your next ladies' get together. Fill these with trinkets, treats or treasures!!

Hope you were inspired to {create this}!!

Hope you have a sweet weekend!! If you want to connect, you can follow by Google Friend Connect or by email, find me on Facebook and pin with me on Pinterest! Don't be a stranger ... there is more fun stuff coming up here at shaken together!

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{taste this tuesday} candy filled pudding mix cookies

2012-01-30T15:23:00.000-07:00

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Most of the time, I maintain a pretty happy life ... love my family, my job, my friends, this blog ;) ... and though there are things that could be better, I am pretty darn blessed. And I try to remember that. But this week? I could totally use a DO-OVER ...

The Saint broke his right foot on Wednesday night and came home Saturday evening. Poor Saint! Those are some LONG hours spent in a hospital, shuffling The Bugs here and there, packing a bag that weighed 600 lbs (that's a rough guesstimate, ha ha!) and getting lost in the hospital parking garage (who knew they had 2?!?!). The Saint had surgery, can't put any weight on this foot for 6-8 weeks and feels pretty bad right now. Not my favorite week if I can be completely honest. This girl needs a little stress relief!

So, forget a massage or a good run ... put me in the kitchen and let me bake!! This week's {taste this tuesday} has YUM written all over it! candy filled pudding mix cookies

Ummmm, so I may have found my new sweet obsession. These are the easiest, versatile and DELISH cookies. Ever! Don't believe me? Let's bake, shall we?!

Here are the ingredients:

1 small box (3.9 oz) instant pudding mix (flavor of your choice)
1 cup of buttermilk baking mix (i.e. Bisquick)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
candy of your choice (mini snickers, peanut butter or white chips, mini Reeses cups, cookies & cream chocolate bar)

Preheat your oven to 350*. In a large bowl, stir the pudding mix and baking mix together with a wooden spoon. Then, stir in the oil and egg and mix until the dough forms a ball. Shape into 1 inch balls and place on your baking sheet about 2 inches apart. (I used an ungreased baking stone.) Make an indention with your thumb on each cookie and fill the indention with whatever delightful candy you want. Bake for 5-8 minutes until cookies are lightly browned. This recipe makes 18-24 delightful cookies.

For these chocolately masterpieces, I used chocolate pudding in the dough and dotted the cookies with mini Reeses cups and chunks of a cookies & cream chocolate bar. Does life get any better? See, I'm feeling better already!!

I have a hunch that you might just see a few variations of these cookies in your future ... butterscotch/caramel, cheesecake/strawberry, chocolate/mint ... MMMM! You could even tint a vanilla dough different colors for baby showers, wedding showers or birthday parties. Drizzle cooled cookies with a glaze or tinted white chocolate and toss on some sprinkles ... the possibilities are pretty much endless!

Hope you were inspired to {taste this}!

Can we talk a minute about that cake stand? GORGEOUS, no? $9 in a new little antique store I stumbled across. I mean, a curtain of beads, the coppery finish and a mirrored top? LOVE!!

So, there you have it ... stress relief shaken together style! I'd love for you to stick around a while and follow shaken together - GFC or by email! There are tons of things in the works and I'd hate for you to miss them :) I am also pinning up a storm on Pinterest and chatting it up on Facebook!

Let them eat ~~cake~~ pudding mix cookies!!

So what's shakin' at your place? If you have something to show off, join me at all these weekly link parties!! Craft-o-maniac, Dittle Dattle, DIY HSH Project, Polly Want a Crafter, Skip to My Lou, Embellishing Life, C.R.A.F.T., Sugar Bee Craft Edition, Brassy Apple, Not Just a Housewife, Today's Creative Blog, Pinkapotamus, A Creative Princess, Tip Junkie, Crazy for Crust, The Little Birdie Blog, Nothing But Country, DIY by Design, Type A, The Blackberry Vine, Inside Bru Crew Life, Northern Cottage, Running with Glitter, All Things Heart & Home, Blue Cricket Design, Ginger Snap Crafts, Free Pretty Things for You, Lil' Luna, Oopsey Daisy, Uncommon, I Can't Stop Crafting, Creating my Way to Success, Someday Crafts, Creations by Kara, Southern Lovely, Sugar & Dots, Night Owl Crafting, Boufee e Bambini, Fireflies & Jellybeans, A Little Knick Knack, The Gunny Sack, Paisley Passions, Somewhat Simple, Yesterday on Tuesday/Katie's Nesting Spot, Gluesticks, House of Hepworths, Momnivore's Dilemma, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Crafty Scrappy Happy, Delightful Order, The Kurtz Corner, Something Swanky, LollyJane, Tatertots & Jello, Bubbly Nature Creations, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Momma's Kinda Crafty, Creation Corner, Between U & Me, Stuff & Nonsense, Kojo Designs, Tidy Mom, 504 Main, Along for the Ride, Answer is Chocolate, My Repurposed Life, The Shabby Nest, Whipperberry, The Tattered Tag, I Heart Nap Time, Naptime Crafters, Release Me Create, At the Picket Fence, Be Different,Act Normal, The Idea Room, Seven Thirty Three, Remodelaholic, Funky Junk Interiors, The Girl Creative, The Tattered Tag, Flamingo Toes, Under the Table and Dreaming, Petite Hermine, Dragonfly Designs, nifty thrifty things, delicateCONSTRUCTION and Cherished Treasures