Saturday Superstars #2
I am so looking forward to summer vacation. Not because I don’t like my job (because really, if you’ve been reading this blog at all, like ever, you know that I live for my job and my students and might as well live in my classroom–thinking of getting a cot… just kidding… kind of), but because after a mini-creativity drought, I’m suddenly feeling all kinds of inspired again. I’m not sure what it is, but everywhere I look, I see an idea for a craft or a recipe. I’m totally loving it!
Time off from the classroom means time that I can spend doing all the other things I love again, like crafting, and sewing, and cooking, and baking. I’ve been saving up lots and lots of ideas, so much so that today I could barely even narrow them down to my top ten. I just want to make ALL THE THINGS!
But without further adieu and babble about my job, here are this week’s Saturday Superstars Top Ten:
I must be totally behind the times, because I had never even heard of Biscoff until the past couple of months. Have I been living under a rock? (Apparently, yes.) Apparently, you can get it in both cookie form and in a spread. This is news to me, but now I am totally obsessed. I’ve been sad for a long time because I developed an allergy to hazelnuts, and thus no Nutella (I know, TRAGIC)… so I’m thinking Biscoff will be an excellent replacement. This Brown Sugar Biscoff Granola from The Tip Toe Fairy looks like the perfect way to try it–you can add it to your yogurt, or eat it with milk, or as a snack on its own. I’m all about snacks!
#2: Healthy Chipotle Chicken Sweet Potato Skins from Half Baked Harvest
If you have never visited Half Baked Harvest, what are you crazy??? I mean, ahem. You REALLY need to visit this site–I have found so many amazing recipes that I absolutely love. My stomach growls at me just thinking about it. These Chipotle Chicken Sweet Potato Skins look so delicious with their spinach, cheddar cheese, and chicken, spiced up with the flavors of chipotle, cumin, chili, and garlic. Holy moly. I may just have to make these for lunch tomorrow!
#3: Five Ingredient Chicken Caesar Florentine from Todd & Lindsey
I have always been a huge fan of dipping my chicken in any number of different kinds of salad dressing–Italian, ranch, Caesar, you name it. What a great idea to use the Caesar dressing with some parmesan, croutons, and spinach to create this easy Florentine chicken. We pretty much live off of chicken breasts in our house, since I’m not that much of a red meat fan (and The Husband lovingly cooks what I like to eat for the most part), and I’m sure you know that it can get boring sometimes. This recipe looks like a great way to jazz up a weeknight meal without having to spend extra hours in the kitchen.
#4: Mason Jar Margarita Glasses at MarshHome on Etsy
I don’t normally post Etsy items or items for sale as part of my Superstars series, usually, but I saw these on another blog, and now I am OBSESSED. I love all things mason jar right now (Mason Jar Herb Garden, Mason Jar Plastic Travel Cup, Mason Jar Wine Glasses, Ombre Mason Jar Candle Holders, and I drink out of the darn things pretty much 24/7!), and I would just love to add these to my collection.
#5: Sponge Bombs from Inner Child Fun
There are certain things in life that really make me wish I had kids. These sponge bombs are one of them. I mean, I could make them and hurl them at The Husband, but that would be kinda lame after about five minutes, dontcha think? I can’t wait until Dahliana gets a little older, because at least then I’ll have a baby I can borrow! Anyway, Jill at Create.Craft. Love. posted the link to this tutorial on How to Make Sponge Bombs, and I’m so glad she did. It gets way past the 100 degree mark here in Southern California on many a summer day, and what a better way to cool off than with a simple, inexpensive, and FUN craft like this? I might just make some and hurl them at The Husband after all… or maybe the neighbors…Oh how I wish we could get away with doing this at school!
#6: DIY Glass Bottle Wall Sconces from Huckleberry Love
I have another addiction that I haven’t openly admitted to you guys. I have a glassware collecting problem! I love vintage plates and dishes and cups and glass vases and bottles… but it’s gotten a little out of hand. I’ve been looking for some creative and different-looking ways to display my collection, and I think these DIY Glass Bottle Wall Sconces would be perfect. I love the chalk-paint, distressed look of the wood on these, too. Not to mention, I’m a sucker for peonies–so as soon as I saw these, I fell in love! I’m definitely going to have to try these.
#7: Orange Lemon Shake Ups from Love Grows Wild
I have never heard of a “Shake Up” before, but seeing as I am obsessed with all things lemonade these days, these Orange Lemon Shake Ups sound amazing to me! Like I said, living in the middle of the desert in Southern California means that summer days get blazing hot–and there’s nothing like an icy cold drink to help keep you cool. I love how simple this recipe is, and I bet it would be fantastic with just about any kind of summery citrus fruit. Thanks to Love Grows Wild for the inspiration!
#8: Skinny Frozen Mexican Hot Chocolate from Heather’s French Press
Did I mention it gets hot here where I live in Southern California? Maybe once or twice? Did I also mention that it’s been well into the 90s every day this week already? (Usually that doesn’t happen until the end of July or August.) Thus, the obsession with every icy drink known to man. If you’ve never had Mexican Hot Chocolate before, you are seriously missing out! Chocolate with the addition of cinnamon and vanilla? Count me in! Make it nice and frosty for the summer and you’ve definitely got my attention. I’ve been obsessed with frozen hot chocolate since Serendipity in NYC made it on my radar–now I’ll make this better-for-you version at home. Yippee!
#9: Washi Tape Butterfly Specimen Art Tutorial from Suburble
When I came across this gorgeous Butterfly Specimen Art tutorial from Suburble and I found out that most of it was made with washi tape, my mouth dropped in disbelief. This looks like something you’d pay tons of money for in a trendy boutique. Washi Tape on cardstock with a craft punch, plus a thrift store picture framed covered with some spray paint and more washi tape, with a scrapbook paper backing? Really? So incredibly creative and gorgeous. I’m seriously in love–and I’m definitely going to have to try my hand at something similar!
#10: Tropical Spinach Salad from The Lemon Tree Dwelling via The 36th Avenue
I love the colors of this Tropical Spinach Salad, created by Cathy from Lemon Tree Dwelling as a guest post at The 36th Avenue. This salad seriously has a little bit of everything I love: strawberries, pineapple, avocado, Parmesan cheese, pecans, and of course, spinach! All of this is covered with a sweet lime vinaigrette dressing. Oh wow, my mouth is watering! Summer fruits and veggies are my favorite. I can just imagine enjoying this salad out on the patio as the sun goes down, sipping on a tall glass of lemonade, enjoying the warm weather and the company of friends and family. Perfect!
