Lamb and Little Bo Peep Birthday Party

 

When it comes to birthday parties for my little one, I look for something unique that suits her personality.  She has a musical DVD that shows kids acting out different songs; one of which, is Little Bo Peep.  She acts it out right along with them every time it comes on.  So, I decided that would be our theme for this past December's birthday.

 

I made these lamb place card holders (with cotton balls) as Little Bo Peep's lambs, who were holding "Where Are Ewe" signs.  I used a strip of green outdoor carpet as the table runner.  It was an affordable and easy solution.  

For food, I resisted the urge to serve lamb (cracking myself up), and chose to serve a wide assortment of appetizers.  We had chicken fingers, quiche, ham rollups, a veggie tray, guacamole, pigs 'n a blanket, and tomato & mozzarella salad with basil, which I set up in my office/craft room to make room for an extra table in the kitchen.

For the kid's favors, it was all lambs and Bo Peep...of course!  I found lamb stickers and a lamb card that said, "I Wooly Appreciate Ewe" at my local Christian book store.  Since it was December, I found adorable candy cane shaped crayons, which doubled as staffs.  Plus, I made white chocolate lambs with molds and melting dots.  

 I took this picture to the Great American Cookie Company so they could decorate the cake.

A collection of lambs and candy on a square of outdoor carpet was what I used to decorate the kids table.

A homemade lamb crossing sign welcomed our guests as they arrived.

She had a great time celebrating with her family, and even acted out the "Little Bo Peep" Song for them.

As seen on: My Backyard Eden, Get Your Craft On

Pork Tacos, Guacamole, Rice & Baked Tortilla Chip Recipe

This recipe comes straight from my man.

Pork Tacos with Guacamole, Rice & Baked Tortilla Chips

Step One - Roast Spices
Heat 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil in pan on medium heat, then add 1/2 teaspoon of Chili Powder, 1/4 teaspoon of Cumin, 1/4 teaspoon of Onion Powder, 1/4 teaspoon of Coriander, 1/4 teaspoon of Garlic Powder, & a 1/4 teaspoon each of Salt and Pepper.  Roast for approximately 1 minute.

Step 2 - Add Pork
Chop and add 16 ounces of pre-cooked (leftover) Pork Loin, cook for approximately 2 minutes, turn heat to low and let sit as you prepare other elements. 

Step 3 - Make Guacamole
Cut and core one medium Hass Avacado, add 1 heaping Tbsp Sour Cream, Ground 2 teaspoons of Ground Coriander, 1 Tbsp of Dried Onion Flakes, 1/4 tspn of Garlic Powder, 1 tspn Olive Oil, 1 Tbsp Pico De Gallo, 1 tspn Lime Juice, 1 tspn, Celery Salt and 1 tspn Pepper.

Step 4 - Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips
Cut soft Corn Tortillas in quarters.  Spread on cookie sheet and drizzle with Olive Oil.  Sprinkle with Chili Powder, Onion Powder and Ground Coriander.  Broil until browned (a couple of minutes).  Toss, if needed.  Finish with Coarse Salt once removed from the oven.

Step 5 - Rice and Toppings
Open Uncle Ben's Basmati Ready Rice (we used Butter Garlic this time, but it wasn't as good with this dish), pop in microwave, and heat for 90 seconds.  Then, add 1 tspn Butter, handful of fresh Cilantro and 1/2 tspn Lime juice...and stir.

Chop Cilantro and Pico de Gallo (Tomato, Onions and Jalapenos...if not pre-packaged).
 
Step 6 - Plate
*Finish Pork with Lime Juice        *Fill Soft Corn Tortillas with Pork, Pico & fresh Cilantro
*Plate with Guacamole, Crema/Sour Cream, Baked Tortilla Chips & Rice

Step 7 - ENJOY!!

Niki

Homemade Spring Wreath for $5!

My cravings for variety have led me to volunteer at a school.   I tutor a 17 year old student from China (1st year in America) in English and U.S. History, type study guides, handout tests and quizzes, organize everything from tests and materials to alumni outreach, supervise high schoolers as needed, create bulletin boards and decor, and a multitude of other random (I just love that word) tasks.

 So, when February ended, it was time to come up with something to replace the festive little hearts that adorned our classroom door.  One day, while rummaging through the cheap bins at Target, I came across colored egg wreath for only $2.50.  As can be expected with a 2 Buck wreath, it was small, boring and looked, well, cheap.  I knew...if I really thought about it, I could jazz it up. 

Supplies Used

Wreath

Scrapbook Paper

Ribbon

Pink Feather Boa

Butterfly Sticker

First, I cut a piece of scrapbook paper into the shape of the wreath, only slightly larger.  Then, I drizzled glitter glue on each egg, to add a little pizazz.  Next, I created a bow from matching sheer ribbon, stuck a butterfly sticker in the center for an extra spring touch, and added a piece to the top as a "hanger".  For the last step, I wrapped a pink feather boa, and Ta Da...we have a fancy, modern Spring wreath.

For added effect on the actual door, I added some Spring decals that I bought last year at Target.  As you can see, my next project needs to be fixing the door at the school. :)

Niki