Pinterest Challenge - Day 8 - Frozen Fruit Cubes

Day 8 Pinspiration - Click here for a link to my pin

Gotta give credit where credit is due - this pin came from happygumbo.com.

My Version - Frozen Fruit Cubes

Why have I never thought to do this?  This was a duh moment for me!  I am a total weekend wino and love drinking wine spritzers with Sprite Zero (no calories of course).  I just so happened to have frozen strawberries in the freezer that I use in my Spinach Smoothies (this is a later pin but I promise they are yummy).  I love super cold wine so this was perfect and added just a hint of strawberry flavor.  I had white zin but this would also be great with any moscato or white wine.

You can also make a "virgin" one...Addi has to be just like her momma and wanted some too.  I put some strawberries in Sprite Zero (no sugar or caffeine) for her.

Don't forget - One lucky reader will win a $30 gift card to Target.  All you have to do is follow my blog (click on the “Join my site” button under My Followers) and comment on one of my 30 day Pinterest Challenge posts.  Each comment will get you one entry for the gift card…so comment one time or every day.

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Pinterest Challenge - Day 7 - Grandparents Day Card

Day 7 Pinspiration - Click here for a link to my pin

Gotta give credit where credit is due - this pin came from cardstore.com.

My Version - Happy Grandparents Day Card

If you are mine or Mike's Parents or Grandparents....Stop Reading Now!

Grandparent's Day is on Sunday, September 9 (thanks Doodles & Drawings for the reminder)!  I always like to do something for my parents and grandparents from Addison (and my nephew Cody) to say Happy Grandparents Day.

I may be a little biased but aren't they the cutest kids ever :)

One of my other hobbies is dabbling in Photoshop and Graphic Design...I am not an expert by any means but I love doing it.  WARNING - Here comes a shameless plug...I've even started my own company Cuddlebug Cards where I create custom invitations, announcements, cards and labels.  There's also a link on the sidebar to my Etsy Shop.

And as a gift to my blog readers, here is a link where you can download a FREE...yes FREE layered .psd file of this card to create your own.  You can use this in either Photoshop or Photoshop Elements but it does require some basic knowledge of clipping masks and layers.  It's easy to print out or you can save it as a .jpeg and email for Grandparents Day.

Download the FREE .psd file here.

Don't forget - One lucky reader will win a $30 gift card to Target.  All you have to do is follow my blog (click on the “Join my site” button under My Followers) and comment on one of my 30 day Pinterest Challenge posts.  Each comment will get you one entry for the gift card…so comment one time or every day

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Mommy Daughter Date - Donuts in the Park

Today was our first Mommy Daugther Date!  Addi was so excited this morning when I told her that she got to open one of her envelopes.

Today's date card!

We stopped by our favorite donut shop (where they always add in some extra donut holes) and of course Addi picked a donut with sprinkles! What 2 year old does not love sprinkles?  Then we headed to a fun park to play before going to school.

She also wanted a bite of mommy's donut so she was double fisting it - one cinnamon sugar and one with sprinkles (I feel bad for her teachers).

Yummy!  Please excuse the unkept mommy look...I was running after dropping her at school and didn't want to get ready and then get sweaty and get ready again.

Loving the park and the slide :)  

On another note...I LOVE Fridays that I have off work.  I get to run in the morning when it's cool, get my grocery shopping done before the mad weekend rush and enjoy some extra time with my family.  Oh yeah and it's pizza night (and wine night) so I don't have to cook :)  

And for those of you following my Pinterest Challenge...you get a bonus blog...yep 2 blogs in one day.  I will post my Pinterest Challenge later today :)

stay tuned for next month's date:

Monster Mayhem at the Library and Cici's Pizza lunch

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Pinterest Challenge - Day 6 - Giving Jar

Day 6 Pinspiration - Click here for a link to my pin

 

Gotta give credit where credit is due - this pin came from Squido.

My Version - Giving Jar

I love giving at Christmas!  Seriously...I get more excited about seeing everyone else's faces when they open the really cool gift I got them way more than getting gifts.  But more importantly I think it's important to give to those who are truly in need or have fallen on hard times.

I think giving is a very important character trait to pass on to my daughter.  I saw the "Christmas Jar" on Pinterest and knew immediately that we would be doing this in our house this fall.

The entire concept is about giving anonymously - so in other words selfless giving.  You put all your spare change in the jar and once it goes in, it doesn't go out.  Around Christmas time you leave the jar for a neighbor, coworker, friend, etc on their porch, car or desk.  No names on the jar just a special message telling them "Merry Christmas!"

Addison helped me paint the jar (it took us 2 days) but we finished it tonight and put our first coins in there.  We decided to paint the interior of the jar (a) because a toddler was painting it and I didn't want it everywhere (b) it just looks really cool.

Here are the supplies we used: Large Mason Jar, Red Paint, Glitter, Scrapbook Paper, Ribbon

Addison started the painting of the jar...and she got bored so we put a bunch of paint in the bottom and let her swirl it around...and she got bored so she painted the paper plate instead :)

Here is what the inside looked like wet...once all the paint got swirled around, we put it upside down to drain for a few hours then let it dry for 24 hours.

After it was totally dry inside, we cut a circle with scrapbook paper and put a hole in the top.  After we put it all together, Addi and I talked about what we were going to do with the jar and put our first coins in.

And here she is explaining what the jar is all about:

I hope this inspires everyone to give during this holiday season!

Don't forget - One lucky reader will win a $30 gift card to Target.  All you have to do is follow my blog (click on the “Join my site” button under My Followers) and comment on one of my 30 day Pinterest Challenge posts.  Each comment will get you one entry for the gift card…so comment one time or every day

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Pinterest Challenge - Day 5 - New Mom Freezer Meal

Day 5 Pinspiration - Click here for a link to my pin.  

Gotta give credit where credit is due - this pin came from Money Saving Mom.

My Version - Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole and BONUS Nutella Cookies :)

I can't tell you how appreciative I was when someone brought us a meal after Addison was born.  It even made eating one handed better :)  So I now use this as my excuse to pop in and meet their new little ones.  I am in that phase in life where it seems like everyone is having babies and I'm always looking for new somewhat healthy freezer friendly meals that I can drop by.  I came across this one on pinterest and it just so happened I have a few friends that just had sweet little ones.  Watch out Mike...I already have baby fever and holding those sweeties makes me want another one even more.

I modified Money Savings Mom's Recipe a little bit - here is what I did:

Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole

4-5 Servings

4 cups cooked white rice

2 boneless skinless chicken breast

2 small broccoli bunches

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can cream of chicken soup with herbs

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup milk

Salt and Pepper

Directions:

1.  To cook the chicken, preheat your oven to 375 degrees.  Place chicken on cookie sheet and drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.  Cook for approximately 35 minutes (until juices run clear).  *This is my FAVORITE way to cook chicken for any casserole, chicken salad recipe - it stays moist and has great flavor (thanks Ina Garten for the method)

Doesn't that look so much better than boiled chicken?

2.  Steam your broccoli and rice according to the packages.

3.  Combine all the ingredients in a bowl (leave about 1/2 cup cheese for sprinkling on top).  Season with salt and pepper.

4.  Pour into a 9 x13 disposable (for new moms) or glass casserole.

5.  I typically bring it to moms without freezing it...that way if they want to eat it pretty quickly it's ready to go. Or they have the option to place it in the freezer.

To freeze - cover tightly with plastic wrap.

To serve -  thaw overnight in the refridgerator.  Bake at 350 degree for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.

I also like to bring along some yummy bread and something sweet.  And if you are a really nice friend and your friends like to drink like mine do - a nice bottle of wine is always a good accompaniment :)  I also made Nutella cookies for this sweet family.  Here is a link to the pin.  

And of course Ms Addison had to do a little taste test of the cookies :)

Trust me this meal will be greatly appreciated by any new mom :)

Don't forget - One lucky reader will win a $30 gift card to Target.  All you have to do is follow my blog (click on the “Join my site” button under My Followers) and comment on one of my 30 day Pinterest Challenge posts.  Each comment will get you one entry for the gift card…so comment one time or every day

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Pinterest Challenge - Day 4 - Blogger Social Media Buttons

Day 4 Pinspiration - Click here for a link to my pin.

Gotta give credit where credit is due - this pin came from Her New Leaf.

My Version - Eat, Drink, Run & Be Mommy New Look!

When I first began this blog, I literally had no idea what I was doing...and I'm still not sure that I do.  There is a lot that goes into making your blog "cute" and some of it is pretty darn complicated.  But thankfully there are very smart people out there and they have blogs that help amateur bloggers like me :)  So, I went to my best friend "Pinterest" and found some freebies to help make Eat, Drink, Run & Be Mommy a little cuter and user friendly.

Changes so far include:

Cute Email, Facebook and Pinterest Buttons

New Fonts!

Signature

So...tell me what you think...do you like the new look?  I'm always up for new ideas...so if you see something on another blog that's cool and would look really cool on my blog, please comment and let me know.  

Don't forget - One lucky reader will win a $30 gift card to Target.  All you have to do is follow my blog (click on the “Join my site” button under My Followers) and comment on one of my 30 day Pinterest Challenge posts.  Each comment will get you one entry for the gift card…so comment one time or every day

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Pinterest Challenge - Day 3 - Vintage Headband

Day 3 Pinspiration - Click here for a link to my pin.   

Gotta give credit where credit is due - this pin came from Who Made That Bow Designs.

My Version - Vintage Coral Headband adorned with Pearls

I have to admit I'm pretty darn proud of myself for this one...it is perfect!  My sister (who has a little boy) has been begging me to take some REALLY girly pictures of Addison, so I found one of those cute rompers but couldn't find a matching headband.  So crafty (not really) me, decided to attempt to make one of my own.  I think it turned out super cute!

I apologize that there are no pictures from the creation but it would have been the blind leading the blind.  I tried a million different things and they were all trial and error.  If there are a lot of you that comment that you want a picture DIY tutorial, I will make another one and do a step by step tutorial.

Supplies:

• Stretch Lace
• Needle and Thread
• Pearl Strand
• Felt 
• Pearl String
• Pearl & Rhinestone Embellishments
• Hair Clips
• Tea Bags
• Chiffon
• Cotton
• Hot Glue Gun

I got all my supplies at Joann Fabrics for about $13 and I have enough to make about 3-4 more headbands.

Steps:

Lace Headband

1.  Cut your stretchy lace to fit your kiddo's head.  Put the ends together and sew it until it holds securely.  I could not find off white lace, so I ended up tinting it with tea.  I boiled tea bags then dipped the lace in until I got the color I liked and let it dry.

Pearl Embellishment

1.  Cut a circle out of the felt (I used the bottom of a Nestle Water Bottle).  Cut the same size circle from the chiffon.

2.  Curl the Pearl Strand around the edge of the circle and sew in place (I used the string that the pearls were strung on to secure them to the felt and chiffon).  Continue with the next few strands leaving enough room in the middle for one button.  

3.  Hot Glue a large button in the center.  

4.  Turn over and attach your hair clip using hot glue.  Let it dry completely.

Chiffon Rosette

1.  Cut out a small circle out of felt (I used the outside of a spool of thread).  

2.  Cut a strip of chiffon, approximately 1/2" wide.  

3.  Starting from the outside, run a bead of hot glue.  Using a twisting motion, glue down a little bit of chiffon at a time working your way to the middle.  

4.  Using your thread and needle, sew one stitch in the middle of the rosette.  Your rhinestone will cover.

5.  Hot glue your rhinestone in the center.

Cotton Rosette

1.  Cut a square of felt and a strip of fabric, approximately 1" wide.

2.  Fold the end of your fabric into a small triangle and hot glue in the center of the square.  

3.  Working your way from the center, twist and glue down the fabric in a circular pattern.

4.  Once you are happy with the size, trim the felt down to the same size as your fabric rosette.

5.  Tuck the end of your cotton fabric under the felt and glue it down.  

6.  Glue down the pearls in the center with hot glue.

7.  Glue the chiffon rosette and cotton rosette to a hair clip.

You can use these clips as regular hair clips or you can put them on the headband.  Each of the three pieces can be used separately or all together.  I loved how it turned out and can't wait for the real pics next weekend.

Don't forget - One lucky reader will win a $30 gift card to Target.  All you have to do is follow my blog (click on the “Join my site” button under My Followers) and comment on one of my 30 day Pinterest Challenge posts.  Each comment will get you one entry for the gift card…so comment one time or every day.

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Pinterest Challenge - Day 2 - Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Day 2 Pinspiration - Click here for a link to my pin.   

Gotta give credit where credit is due - this pin came from Elizabeth's Edible Experience.

My Version - Cream Cheese Pound Cake with Strawberries & Whip Cream

I am not normally a baker...I have problems following directions :)  I would much rather cook where I can add a little of this and a little of that to taste.  But I volunteered to bring dessert to a Labor Day Party that we went to today and pound cake with strawberries and whip cream is always a fav of mine.  This one turned out great - just the right amount of sweetness and richness with the cream cheese.  Anything with cream cheese is worth trying in my book.

I followed Elizabeth's recipe exactly - except for the part where I didn't follow directions and added the sugar to the flour and had to try and separate them back out.  And no it wasn't easy, but it turned out okay.

Here is my little baking assistant helping me put everything together...she is a great helper especially when she gets to lick the spatula when it's done :)

I love pound cake with either lemon glaze or strawberries and whip cream....I decided to go with the 2nd option.  I macerated (fancy word for soften and get sweeter) the strawberries in sugar and let them sit in the fridge and then made homemade whip cream (yummo)!

Mascerated Strawberries & Whip Cream

Strawberries - 1 lb

2-3 Tablespoons of sugar

1 cup Heavy Cream

3 Tablespoons powdered sugar

1/2 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract

Directions:

1.  Slice strawberries and place in an airtight container.

2.  Sprinkle the sugar on top and stir until strawberries are coated.

3.  Cover strawberries and put in the refrigerator for a few hours.

4.  When ready to serve, pour heavy cream in a glass or metal bowl.

5.  Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.  I usually give it a little taste test and add more sugar if needed about half way through.

6. Whip using a hand mixer on high until you form stiff peaks.

Cut your pound cake, top with whip cream and strawberries and enjoy!

This combo is always a crowd favorite and everyone loved it...hope you enjoy.  

Don't forget - One lucky reader will win a $30 gift card to Target.  All you have to do is follow my blog (click on the “Join my site” button under My Followers) and comment on one of my 30 day Pinterest Challenge posts.  Each comment will get you one entry for the gift card…so comment one time or every day.

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Pinterest Challenge - Day 1 - Mommy Daughter Dates

I am so excited about this Pinterest Challenge!

Day 1 Pinspiration - Click here for a link to my pin.   

Gotta give credit where credit is due - this pin came from Finding Joy in the Journey.

My Version - Mommy & Addi (Daughter) Dates

For Day 1, I had to do something that involved the most important person (besides my hubby) to me - Ms Addi!  So I created "Date" envelopes for Addi and I to go on once a month.

Each month has a card that explains what we will be doing that month.  These are super special dates for just her and me.  I also didn't want them to be super expensive so they are all $25 or under.  Here is a list of the fun dates Addi and I will be going on this year:  

• September - Donut Breakfast at the Park
• October - Monster Mayhem at the Lewisville Library and Cici's Pizza
• November (Really end of October) - Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch 
• December - Frisco Lights on Ice Outdoor Skating Rink & Hot Cocoa
• January - Tea & Cupcakes Pretend Party at Let's Play Pretend in Grapevine
• February - Bounce House Fun & Purple Cow Lunch
• March - Color Me Mine Ceramic Painting
• April - Fort Worth Zoo 
• May - Addi's Choice
• June - Cupcake Camp
• July - Swimming at the Flower Mound CAC
• August - Studio Movie Grill

I am super excited about this pin and having some fun dates with my little girl!  

Don't forget - One lucky reader will win a $30 gift card to Target.  All you have to do is follow my blog (click on the “Join my site” button under My Followers) and comment on one of my 30 day Pinterest Challenge posts.  Each comment will get you one entry for the gift card…so comment one time or every day.

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I’m Meredith….and I’m a Pinaholic!

Saying I love pinterest might actually be an understatement!  I am hooked on it but I honestly don’t think it’s a bad addiction (or at least I keep telling myself that).  I’ve used tons of recipes, tips, crafts off of pinterest and there are tons of ideas I would have never thought of.  If you haven’t been on it, you should be…if you comment below I would love to send you an invite!  If you are on it…follow me because frankly I pin cool shit :)

So, I’m going to do something fun with my addiction – a 30 day Pinterest Challenge.  (With my right hand in the air) I Meredith Dowdy commit to creating, cooking, crafting or cleaning one pin every day from September 1 through September 30 and write a blog about it!  Fun right?  

And for one lucky reader, you are going to get a $30 gift card to Target…because who doesn’t love Target.  All you have to do is follow my blog (click on the “Join my site” button under My Followers) and comment on one of my 30 day Pinterest Challenge posts.  Each comment will get you one entry for the gift card…so comment one time or every day.

Happy Pinning!

Here is a link to the Pinterest Challenge Blogs:
Day 1 - Mommy Daughter Dates
Day 2 - Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Day 3 - Vintage Headband
Day 4 - Blogger Social Media Buttons
Day 5 - New Mom Freezer Meal
Day 6 - Giving Jar
Day 7 - Grandparents Day Card
Day 8 - Frozen Fruit Cubes
Day 9 - Sweet Romper Pics
Day 10 - Roasted Carrots
Day 11 - Eew!  Not So Clean Cookie Sheet
Day 12 - Save the Pants!
Day 13 - Spicy Margharita Pizza
Day 14 - Spotify Running Playlist
Day 15 - Nutella Obsessed
Day 16 - Football Queso Blanco
Day 17 - Trading Wine for Weights
Day 18 - The Magic of Photoshop
Day 19 - Nature Scavenger Hunt
Day 20 - Sweet Pork Tenderloin
Day 21 - Garlic Butter Sauce
Day 22 - Urban Race
Day 23 - French Braid Bun
Day 24 - The Perfect UnSweet Tea
Day 25 - Mini Facial
Day 26 - Magic Microwave Cleaner
Day 27 - Green Goddess Smoothie
Day 28 - Yummy Baked Taquitos
Day 29 - Spooky Tutu
Day 30 - Delish Pumpkin Muffins

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As Seen On TV - Tortilla Bowl Fakes

I am not one to order things off TV BUT I was so close to buying the As Seen on TV Tortilla Bowls (see below).  I could literally eat Mexican food every day...there isn't much tex mex that I don't love. And have you seen the infomercial with the cinnamon sugar tortilla bowl sundae...yummy!

But before I bought them...I found a fake tortilla bowl recipe on the internet.  And they are so easy and so yummy :) Doesn't this look AH-MAZING!

And you know me...I had to try and cut a few calories out.  Have you seen the Ole' Spinach and Herb wraps...only 74 calories for one where regular flour tortillas have 150 calories each.  That means you can have a glass of sangria with dinner :)

Here's the super simple recipe:

Tortilla Bowl Fakes

1 Serving

1 Flour Tortilla (Regular and Ole both work)

Pam

Muffin Tin

Tortilla Bowl Fillings

Directions:

1.  Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

2.  Turn your muffin tin upside down and mold your tortilla into a bowl shape. (see pic above)

3.  Spray lightly with Pam.

4.  Pop in the oven for 8-10 minutes.

5.  Stuff with your favorite fillings - Hubby's favorites are rice, refried beans (fat free), grilled chicken, and queso.  I typically go the healthier route with lettuce, tomato, grilled chicken, 2% cheese, light sour cream and salsa.

Pour yourself a glass of sangria and enjoy :)  And if you like my recipe - make sure you pin it :)

Calories (according to my count): 

1 - Tortilla Bowl (no fillings) - 150 calories (Flour Tortilla), 74 calories (Ole - you won't miss the calories)


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