Wednesday Blog Party #10 plus a recipe!

Sadly, our blog parties have been discontinued.  But the fun hasn't stopped!  Get your blog listed with our directory and if you have a freebie that you feature (downloads, patterns, tutorials, etc.) please share on our Freebie page. 

Links are posted below, buttons and codes are at the bottom of my blog.  Can't wait to see what you bring!  Again, here are the two ways to get your blog noticed:


Freebies
Blog Directory


Thank you!  Don't forget, we're on Twitter and Facebook too with our follower and fan numbers increasing every week.  When your blog is featured, lots of chances to get noticed.


First, my recipe.  I know I'm not alone in this situation:  It's Sunday night, I don't feel like cooking, but everyone is hungry.  I had chicken breasts in the freezer, some stuff in the pantry, and my baking pan ready to go.  Let's do this.

Here's what I came up with:  Chicken with butter noodles (four ingredients!)

You'll need
Pack of butter noodles, like Lipton Sides Butter Noodles 
1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup
2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper

What to do

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix the can of soup with four cans of water
3. Mix in the pack of butter noodles with powder
4. Blend well
5. Optional, add garlic powder and salt/pepper
6. Grease bottom of baking dish, add chicken breasts
7. Pour the soup/noodle mixture over the chicken breasts
8. Bake for about an hour (I always use a meat thermometer to know when it's done)

Serve with bread and fruit and enjoy.

Now it's your turn!  Post as much as you want. Bring us your creative ideas and show off your blog.  Highlights will be showcased this Saturday and for possible weekly features including Centerpiece Cents.  Don't forget to hit that Follow button!

Have an idea? Share it here by posting a comment below. Let's all help each other out.

Highlights showcased on Saturday.

Highlights from the blog party

Great contributions from Wednesday's blog party, check out this awesome wine glass marker idea from Practically Living.  Have an idea, craft, or recipe you want to share?  Go to our Blog Directory and sign up your blog today, it's free!

Wednesday Blog Party- Post as much as you want!

Sadly, our blog parties have been discontinued.  But the fun hasn't stopped!  Get your blog listed with our directory and if you have a freebie that you feature (downloads, patterns, tutorials, etc.) please share on our Freebie page. 


Links are posted below, buttons and codes are at the bottom of my blog.  Can't wait to see what you bring!  Again, here are the two ways to get your blog noticed:


Freebies
Blog Directory

Thank you!  Don't forget, we're on Twitter and Facebook too with our follower and fan numbers increasing every week.  When your blog is featured, lots of chances to get noticed.

Previous Blog Party entry from Keeping it Simple,
will your project be next?

Wednesday Blog Party #9

Sadly, our blog parties have been discontinued.  But the fun hasn't stopped!  Get your blog listed with our directory and if you have a freebie that you feature (downloads, patterns, tutorials, etc.) please share on our Freebie page. 


Links are posted below, buttons and codes are at the bottom of my blog.  Can't wait to see what you bring!  Again, here are the two ways to get your blog noticed:


Freebies
Blog Directory


Thank you!  Don't forget, we're on Twitter and Facebook too with our follower and fan numbers increasing every week.  When your blog is featured, lots of chances to get noticed.

Highlights showcased on Saturday.

Highlights from the blog party

Check out the creative bloggers who hung out with me at the Wednesday Blog Party this week.  Below are a few pictures of projects you don't want to miss.

You have to see the AFTER picture of this, it's amazing!  Thanks Simple Home Life!

I love this idea from Johnny In A Dress; it's perfect for showcasing your kid's artwork.

A $1.00 upgrade on a cute swimsuit, genius!  Visit Keeping it Simple for the idea.

Sadly, our blog parties have been discontinued.  But the fun hasn't stopped!  Get your blog listed with our directory and if you have a freebie that you feature (downloads, patterns, tutorials, etc.) please share on our Freebie page. 


Links are posted below, buttons and codes are at the bottom of my blog.  Can't wait to see what you bring!  Again, here are the two ways to get your blog noticed:


Freebies
Blog Directory


Thank you!  Don't forget, we're on Twitter and Facebook too with our follower and fan numbers increasing every week.  When your blog is featured, lots of chances to get noticed.

Wednesday Blog Party #8

Sadly, our blog parties have been discontinued.  But the fun hasn't stopped!  Get your blog listed with our directory and if you have a freebie that you feature (downloads, patterns, tutorials, etc.) please share on our Freebie page. 



Links are posted below, buttons and codes are at the bottom of my blog.  Can't wait to see what you bring!  Again, here are the two ways to get your blog noticed:


Freebies
Blog Directory


Thank you!  Don't forget, we're on Twitter and Facebook too with our follower and fan numbers increasing every week.  When your blog is featured, lots of chances to get noticed.

Highlights from the blog party

I met some more creative bloggers at the Wednesday Blog Party this week.  Below are a couple of pictures of projects you don't want to miss.

Just dream Jelly bean has a great and inexpensive idea for celebrating your next big event.

Want to redo your kitchen but don't have the money?  Try this idea from Tales of a Trophy Wife.

Teacher gift time!  I love these, cute and really creative.  Thanks Keeping it Simple!

Sadly, our blog parties have been discontinued.  But the fun hasn't stopped!  Get your blog listed with our directory and if you have a freebie that you feature (downloads, patterns, tutorials, etc.) please share on our Freebie page. 


Links are posted below, buttons and codes are at the bottom of my blog.  Can't wait to see what you bring!  Again, here are the two ways to get your blog noticed:


Freebies
Blog Directory


Thank you!  Don't forget, we're on Twitter and Facebook too with our follower and fan numbers increasing every week.  When your blog is featured, lots of chances to get noticed.

Wednesday Blog Party #7

It's the Wednesday Blog Party!

No rules really, grab a button if you'd like- buttons are at the bottom of our site- and make sure to visit at least a couple of other entries (remember, it's a party!) and you can post as many things as you want and if you would follow us, that would be fabulous and you'll never forget to come back for next week's party.

We are looking for anything you got!  Recipes, projects, crafts, decorations, accessories, remodel ideas, games, fashion, music ideas, photo tricks, dress bargains, jewelry, etc.  Bring us your creative ideas and show off your blog.  Highlights will be showcased this Saturday and for possible weekly features including Centerpiece Cents.  Don't forget to hit that Follow button!

Alright, get going!  I'm excited to see what you contribute. The party is open.

Highlights from the blog party

Apparently, anything I posted after Wednesday was swept in the Blogger shutdown, but thankfully, your projects have been saved!  On to the highlights!

I met some more creative bloggers at the Wednesday Blog Party this week.  Below are a couple of pictures of projects you don't want to miss.

With everyone getting ready to celebrate Dads and Grads,
this is a great idea from Kristina Grapes.

Everyone has an iPod or mp3 player, protect it! 
Here's a great tutorial on how to make one of these from Keeping it Simple.

You HAVE to see how my friend Anne over at WobiSobi turned this scarf
into a dress.  This lady is crazy talented.

Remember we do our weekly linky parties on Wednesday for recipes, decoration ideas, hair/makeup tips, anything you can think of that might help a bride or newlywed.  And on Fridays we Friday Fun Day where you can show off your latest kids craft or home improvement project.  For either party, post as much as you want!  Don't forget to hit the "follow" button on our sidebar so you don't miss the party and all of the other creative projects the talented bloggers are sharing.

Thanks for the party!  Grab your glue gun, make something cute, and bring it to the party next Wednesday. Were you featured this week?  Grab a button below and show off.

<a border="0" href="http://500dollarwedding.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa441/hkraabel/FeaturedOn2.jpg"/></a>

Have an idea? Share it here by posting a comment below. Let's all help each other out.
Don't miss our blog party! Every Wednesday with the highlights showcased on Saturday.

Wednesday Blog Party #6 plus recipe!

Sadly, our blog parties have been discontinued.  But the fun hasn't stopped!  Get your blog listed with our directory and if you have a freebie that you feature (downloads, patterns, tutorials, etc.) please share on our Freebie page. 


Links are posted below, buttons and codes are at the bottom of my blog.  Can't wait to see what you bring!  Again, here are the two ways to get your blog noticed:


Freebies
Blog Directory


Thank you!  Don't forget, we're on Twitter and Facebook too with our follower and fan numbers increasing every week.  When your blog is featured, lots of chances to get noticed.

BISCOTTI
First, my biscotti recipe.  I only function in the morning because of my coffee.  Coffee and Grapenuts, that's been my breakfast for years.  But now, I may be switching over to these biscottis.  They are easy, delicious, cheap to make, and my contribution to today's blog party.

What you need
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar
3 eggs
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

What to do

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Grease with butter a large cookie sheet.
3. Mix oil, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon together.
4. Mix together flour and baking powder, add a little at a time to the egg mixture until you've made a thick dough.
5. Roll the dough into a large ball, break into two balls, and gently roll into loaves about 1 inch thick.  Place on cookie sheet.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, take the cookie sheet out of oven and let the dough cool slightly. Keep the oven hot.
7. Using a pizza cutter, cut each loaf into 1 inch strips and turn each strip on its side.
8. Put back into the oven and bake another 10 minutes or so.  You want them slightly toasty.

If you want, you can whip up some icing and drizzle on top of the biscotti but just plain is delicious with your coffee.  Optional mix-ins:  raisins, dried cranberries, almonds, chocolate chips.

Alright, get going!  I'm excited to see what you contribute. The party is open.

Highlights from the blog party

I met some more creative bloggers at the Wednesday Blog Party this week.  Below are a couple of pictures of projects you don't want to miss.

Perfect for your bridal shower, your flower girls, your daughter's birthday party.
Click here for the easy tutorial from Mummy Crafts.

Cute jewelry organizer!  Thanks Johnny In a Dress!

My Girlish Whims has an easy and inexpensive tank for you to try this weekend.

Remember we do our weekly linky parties on Wednesday for recipes, decoration ideas, hair/makeup tips, anything you can think of that might help a bride or newlywed.  And on Fridays we Friday Fun Day where you can show off your latest kids craft or home improvement project.  For either party, post as much as you want!  Don't forget to hit the "follow" button on our sidebar so you don't miss the party and all of the other creative projects the talented bloggers are sharing.

Thanks for the party!  Grab your glue gun, make something cute, and bring it to the party next Wednesday. Were you featured this week?  Grab a button below and show off.

<a border="0" < a href="http://500dollarwedding.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa441/hkraabel/FeaturedOn2.jpg" width=125px; height=125px ></a ></center><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /> Have an idea? Share it here by posting a comment below. Let's all help each other out. <br /> Don't miss our blog party! Every Wednesday with the best projects showcased on Saturday.

Have an idea? Share it here by posting a comment below. Let's all help each other out.
Don't miss our blog party! Every Wednesday with the highlights showcased on Saturday.

Wednesday Blog Party #5 plus recipe!

It's the Wednesday Blog Party!

No rules really, grab a button if you'd like- buttons are at the bottom of our site- and make sure to visit at least a couple of other entries (remember, it's a party!) and you can post as many things as you want and if you would follow us, that would be fabulous and you'll never forget to come back for next week's party.

We are looking for anything you got!  Recipes, projects, crafts, decorations, accessories, remodel ideas, games, fashion, music ideas, photo tricks, dress bargains, jewelry, etc.  Bring us your creative ideas and show off your blog.  Highlights will be showcased this Saturday and for possible weekly features including Centerpiece Cents.  Don't forget to hit that Follow button!

Have an idea? Share it here by posting a comment below. Let's all help each other out.

First, a quick recipe for you.  I usually eat pretty late at night because of my weird schedule.  I don't want a big huge meal right before bed so I have a few light meals I shuffle through during the week.  Here's a new one I discovered with the help of my friend Shannon.

Quick meal for one: 
Rice with tomatoes, sweet onions, and pepper-jack cheese

What I needed:
Instant rice (I used white rice)
1 can of petite diced tomatoes with sweet onions
Pack of shredded pepper-jack cheese

What I did:

I cooked one cup of instant rice, opened and drained some (not all) of the tomato juice from the can.  When the rice was done, I moved into a bowl and then while the stove and pot was still hot, I scooped four big spoonfuls of the tomato/onion mix into the pot.  Let that heat up for a minute, added to the top of my rice, then topped the whole thing with some pepper-jack cheese.  I mixed it slightly and ate it.  Delicious, light, and easy for a quick one person meal.

Alright, get going!  I'm excited to see what you contribute. The party is open.

Highlights from the blog party

I met some more creative bloggers at the Wednesday Blog Party this week.  Below are a couple of pictures of projects you don't want to miss.

The Little Birdie Blog has a great tutorial on how to make this relaxing eye mask for Mother's Day.

I love this idea so much. 
Thank you to WobiSobi for a cute and easy DIY  project to try this weekend.

Make your own decorations for the engagement party! 
Here's some quick ideas from My Girlish Whims.

Remember we do our weekly linky parties on Wednesday for recipes, decoration ideas, hair/makeup tips, anything you can think of that might help a bride or newlywed.  And on Fridays we Friday Fun Day where you can show off your latest kids craft or home improvement project.  For either party, post as much as you want!  Don't forget to hit the "follow" button on our sidebar so you don't miss the party and all of the other creative projects the talented bloggers are sharing.

Thanks for the party!  Grab your glue gun, make something cute, and bring it to the party next Wednesday. Were you featured this week?  Grab a button below and show off.

<a border="0" < a href="http://500dollarwedding.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa441/hkraabel/FeaturedOn2.jpg" width=125px; height=125px ></a ></center><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /> Have an idea? Share it here by posting a comment below. Let's all help each other out. <br /> Don't miss our blog party! Every Wednesday with the best projects showcased on Saturday.

Wednesday Blog Party #4

It's the Wednesday Blog Party!

No rules really, grab a button if you'd like- buttons are at the bottom of our site- and make sure to visit at least a couple of other entries (remember, it's a party!) and you can post as many things as you want and if you would follow us, that would be fabulous and you'll never forget to come back for next week's party.

We are looking for anything you got!  Recipes, projects, crafts, decorations, accessories, remodel ideas, games, fashion, music ideas, photo tricks, dress bargains, jewelry, etc.  Bring us your creative ideas and show off your blog.  Highlights will be showcased this Saturday and for possible weekly features including Centerpiece Cents.  Don't forget to hit that Follow button!

Have an idea? Share it here by posting a comment below. Let's all help each other out.

Alright, get going!  I'm excited to see what you contribute. The party is open.

Highlights from the blog party

I met some more creative bloggers at the Wednesday Blog Party this week.  Below are a couple of pictures of projects you don't want to miss.  Plus, be back here Tuesday for Centerpiece Cents where one of the party attendees is sharing her tutorial on a beautiful and inexpensive centerpiece idea.

Remember we do our weekly linky parties on Wednesday for recipes, decoration ideas, hair/makeup tips, anything you can think of that might help a bride or newlywed.  And on Fridays we Friday Fun Day where you can show off your latest kids craft or home improvement project.  For either party, post as much as you want!  Don't forget to hit the "follow" button on our sidebar so you don't miss the party and all of the other creative projects the talented bloggers are sharing.

You have to see how this skirt started, 100% free upgrade!
Thanks Keep it Simple!

A dessert or a meal?  I've been known to make my dessert my meal. 
Get this cute idea at The Lovely Residence, perfect for your next BBQ.

I've always wondered how people make these, here is a
yummy and easy recipe from Always Add a Pinch of Sweetness.

Thanks for the party!  Grab your glue gun, make something cute, and bring it to the party next Wednesday. Were you featured this week?  Grab a button below and show off.

<a border="0" < a href="http://500dollarwedding.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa441/hkraabel/FeaturedOn2.jpg" width=125px; height=125px ></a ></center><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /> Have an idea? Share it here by posting a comment below. Let's all help each other out. <br /> Don't miss our blog party! Every Wednesday with the best projects showcased on Saturday.

Wednesday Blog Party #3

It's the Wednesday Blog Party!

No rules really, grab a button if you'd like- buttons are at the bottom of our site- and make sure to visit at least a couple of other entries (remember, it's a party!) and you can post as many things as you want and if you would follow us, that would be fabulous and you'll never forget to come back for next week's party.

We are looking for anything you got!  Recipes, projects, crafts, decorations, accessories, remodel ideas, games, fashion, music ideas, photo tricks, dress bargains, jewelry, etc.  Bring us your creative ideas and show off your blog.  Highlights will be showcased this Saturday and for possible weekly features including Centerpiece Cents.  Don't forget to hit that Follow button!

Have an idea? Share it here by posting a comment below. Let's all help each other out.

Alright, get going!  I'm excited to see what you contribute. The party is open.

Highlights from the blog party

I met some more creative bloggers at the Wednesday Blog Party this week.  Below are a couple of pictures of projects you don't want to miss.  Plus, be back here Tuesday for Centerpiece Cents where one of the party attendees is sharing her tutorial on a beautiful and inexpensive centerpiece idea.

Remember we do our weekly linky parties on Wednesday for recipes, decoration ideas, hair/makeup tips, anything you can think of that might help a bride or newlywed.  And on Fridays we Friday Fun Day where you can show off your latest kids craft or home improvement project.  For either party, post as much as you want!  Don't forget to hit the "follow" button on our sidebar so you don't miss the party and all of the other creative projects the talented bloggers are sharing.

Click here for the delicious and simple recipe to this pound cake.

You will never believe the beautiful necklace that came out of these materials.
Click here to see it!

Thanks for the party!  Grab your glue gun, make something cute, and bring it to the party next Wednesday. Were you featured this week?  Grab a button below and show off.

<a border="0" < a href="http://500dollarwedding.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa441/hkraabel/FeaturedOn2.jpg" width=125px; height=125px ></a ></center><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /> Have an idea? Share it here by posting a comment below. Let's all help each other out. <br /> Don't miss our blog party! Every Wednesday with the best projects showcased on Saturday.

Wednesday Blog Party #2

It's the Wednesday Blog Party!  No rules really, grab a button if you'd like and make sure to visit at least a couple of other entries (remember, it's a party!) and you can post as many things as you want and if you would follow us, that would be fabulous and you'll never forget to come back for next week's party.

First, we address a common problem for brides and families: Open bar vs. Cash bar.  Nothing can heat up a conversation among family like money can.  I know that many brides I talk to say the subject of "open bar" versus "closed bar" can be especially tough.  It usually comes down to who is paying for it.  For instance, let's say your parents are paying for most of your reception and they don't drink alcohol.  Your parents don't think they should have to pay for other people to drink all night.  You think it's tacky to have people pay for drinks at the party.

Some suggestions:
Depending on your venue, there are a lot of different ways to solve this problem.  I would always, if it's at all possible, pick a venue where you have complete control of the menu and its pricing.  For example, a hotel ballroom is not going to allow you to bring in your own keg of beer or food made by grandma.  However, a local community center might.  A private restaurant is not going to allow you to bring in your own bottles of wine and homemade cookies.

Another option I see a lot is having an open bar cocktail hour, cash bar after dinner.  It's a decent compromise and I think it's been done enough that people understand.  Anyone who has planned or budgeted for a wedding and reception certainly understands.

Even if you're having the venue where you want and you can control the cost, how do you keep things under control?  Here are two easy recipes:

Easy Peasy Punch for 100 (alcohol-free)
9 (6 oz.) cans frozen orange juice
2 (6 oz.) cans frozen lemonade
2 (30 oz.) can pineapple juice
4 qts. water
6 bottles ginger ale
Combine all ingredients except ginger ale and chill.
Just before serving, add ginger ale.

Quick math: One gallon of punch serves approximately 24 persons. (32 3oz drinks w/ice)

CHAMPAGNE PUNCH
From COOKS.COM

1 gallon sauterne wine
4 qt. champagne
2 liters ginger ale
1/2 pt. sherbet
Ice cubes to chill

3 gallons, serves 50-150 people;
5 gallons, serves 50-300 people;
7 gallons, serves 100-500 people.

 
From the Bar Mix Master, here is an easy breakdown for beer and wine at a large party.  So if you choose to serve wine and beer at your party you should have available about these amount of bottles:

	10-25 Guests	26-50 Guests	51-75 Guests	76-100 Guests
White Wine	5	6	7	10
Red Wine	2	3	4	5
Domestic Beer	24	36	48	60
Imported Beer	24	36	48	60

Have an idea? Share it here by posting a comment below. Let's all help each other out.

Don't miss our blog party TODAY! Every Wednesday with the best projects showcased on Saturday.

Alright, get going!  I'm excited to see what you contribute.

Blog Party tomorrow!

Wednesday Blog Party tomorrow, be there or be square.  Show me your stuff, brag about your new project, share that new recipe...

You can post as many projects as you want and we only ask that you visit a few of the other blogs and leave comments for them to enjoy.  We'll showcase some of the projects that are contributed this Saturday.  So grab your glue gun or apron and share your blog and project with us tomorrow at the Wednesday Blog Party.

Highlights from the Blog Party

Thank you for contributing your ideas for our Wednesday Blog Party!  Here are some of the great ideas shared at the party.  Don't forget, we do it every Wednesday.  You can submit as many projects as you'd like, anything from crafts to recipes to jewelry, whatever!

A beautiful necklace from Craft Couture, click here to see more.
My favorite is the color of these, love the blue!

Really cute spring wreath from the Little Birdie Blog- by the way
you'll never guess what those flowers are made from!

One of my all-time favorite blogs, The Lovely Residence, offers this
cute paper star.  Hang this on the door and I may never come into the house.

That cute pink TV stand in the corner didn't look like that originally.
See the before/after pictures at Homemaker on a Dime.

Delicious (and VERY easy to make) homemade applesauce!
Thanks Fun on a Dime!

Thanks for the party!  Grab your glue gun, make something cute, and bring it to the party next Wednesday. Were you featured this week?  Grab a button below and show off.

<a border="0" < a href="http://500dollarwedding.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa441/hkraabel/FeaturedOn2.jpg" width=125px; height=125px ></a ></center><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /> Have an idea? Share it here by posting a comment below. Let's all help each other out. <br /> Don't miss our blog party! Every Wednesday with the best projects showcased on Saturday.