by Melanie

Six Simple Pasta Salads

May 15, 2014 in Kitchen, Mailbox by Melanie

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Welcome to Day #4 of Kick Off to Summer Week, a multi-blogger event co-host by Lauren of From Gate to Plate and Summer of Summer Scraps.

With summer quickly approaching and Memorial Day in a few weeks, we want to make sure you have plenty of ideas for your Memorial Day activities. Each day we will be serving up a variety of different appetizers, main dishes, desserts, decor, printables and more all centered around the up-coming Memorial Day. We hope you enjoy all of these wonderful ideas.

Tune in each day starting with Monday, May 12 and ending on Saturday, May 17. We have great prizes up for grabs throughout the week so you will not want to miss out on any of the days! Follow #KickOffToSummerWeek2014 on Twitter to keep up to date with all of our spectacular ideas and giveaways!

6-pasta-salads


I am on the hunt for a fabulous and super simple pasta salad. Naturally, I turned to Pinterest, and I found so many amazing pasta salad recipes I want to try.

To keep things simple in our Simple BBQ menu, I stuck to a few guidelines.

  1. No more than 5-10 ingredients
  2. No more than 3-5 cooking steps
  3. Entire prep time cannot exceed 20-30 minutes

 

With those guidelines in mind, here are six simple salad recipes that would go perfectly with our Simple BBQ menu.

Delicious and Easy Pasta Salad by I Heart Naptime

Easy Pesto Pasta Salad by Wine and Glue

The Easiest Pasta Salad Ever by A Well Crafted Party

5-Ingredient Pasta Salad by Gimme Some Oven

Easy Summery Pasta Salad by Flamingo Toes

Tortellini Salad by Dream Home Cooking Girl

I think I may find some new favorites with this roundup. I can’t wait to try them!

We’ve just passed mid-week and we’re still rolling out more Memorial Day ideas for you! Look at all these awesome ideas the rest of the Kick Off to Summer Week bloggers have put together!

Macaroni Egg Salad by From Gate to Plate
Summer Fruit with White Chocolate Dip by Summer Scraps
Grilled Caesar Salad by Keep it Simple, Sweetie
Firecracker Cupcakes by It’s Yummi
Pasta Salad by Forty Eighteen
Red, White and Blueberry Cups by Bits of Ivory
Cowboy Coffee Cake by Lady Behind the Curtain
All American Burger by The Freshman Cook
No-Bake Cookie Butter Cookies by Clarks Condensed
Crispy Potatoes and Fennel by Love in the Kitchen
Asian Grilled Chicken Skewers by It’s a Keeper
Potato Salad by Life on Food
Outdoor Water Games by Play. Party. Pin.

Today’s sponsor for Day 4 of Kick Off to Summer Week belongs to World Market.

world market

World Market has everything! From furniture, accessories, food and drink; everything you need for entertaining! They have beautiful multicultural pieces that are so unique and stylish (from over 50 countries!).

Work Market has something for every room, every theme, every occasion, and every season – and let me tell you their Gourmet Goodies are fabulous! I seriously wish I could win this fabulous prize! Did you know you can follow World Market on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter? Yup, now you do :).

We are giving away a $100 World Market Gift card to ONE of our lucky readers. Get excited because it just might be you! Enter in the Rafflecopter widget below. (Please be patient, sometimes the widget is temperamental and slow)

 **Giveaway runs May 15 until May 22, 2014 at midnight EST. Giveaway is open to US Residents only. Winner must be 18 years of age or older. No cash value available**

**Disclaimer: This giveaway is being sponsored by World Market. #KickOffToSummerWeek2014 bloggers have not received product or been compensated as part of this giveaway!**

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 Do you have a favorite pasta salad? I would love the recipe!

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by Melanie

PB & Y Fruit Dip

May 14, 2014 in Kitchen, Mailbox by Melanie

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Welcome to Day #3 of Kick Off to Summer Week, a multi-blogger event co-host by Lauren of From Gate to Plate and Summer of Summer Scraps. With summer quickly approaching and Memorial Day in a few weeks, we want to make sure you have plenty of ideas for your Memorial Day activities.

Each day we will be serving up a variety of different appetizers, main dishes, desserts, decor, printables and more all centered around the up-coming Memorial Day. We hope you enjoy all of these wonderful ideas. Tune in each day starting with Monday, May 12 and ending on Saturday, May 17.

We have great prizes up for grabs throughout the week so you will not want to miss out on any of the days! Follow #KickOffToSummerWeek2014 on Twitter to keep up to date with all of our spectacular ideas and giveaways!

 

Continuing with our Simple BBQ menu, today we’re moving on to fruit side dishes. Fruit is pretty much my favorite food ever.

And bread.

And chocolate.

Okay, I just love food. But fruit is really high on the list.

I love a fruit tray with a great dip. Homemade whipped cream is my go-to fruit dip. I mean really, is there anything better than ripe strawberries with fresh whipped cream? I think not.

I also love the super simple dip that is just yogurt and whipped cream mixed in whatever portions give you exactly the flavor you like.

I have one more super simple dip that is a regular on my fruit tray. In fact, my kiddos know I love it so much, they made it for my Mother’s Day breakfast. They know me so well. yum

This one was inspired by a recipe from Six Sisters Stuff, but I tweaked it a bit and I love it even more now. It’s like taking your favorite PB & J and turning it into dessert.

pby-fruit-dip


PB & Y Fruit Dip

  • 1 part peanut butter
  • 2 parts strawberry yogurt

Mix. Serve with fruit. Eat. Seriously, that’s all there is to it.

You can make as much or as little as you want. Measure out your peanut butter and then use twice as much yogurt. If you have really healthy peanut butter or yogurt with no sugar, you may need to add a little something for sweetness. I used sugary peanut butter and yogurt, so it’s plenty sweet just like this. And so, so yummy.

I love it best on bananas and strawberries, but try it on your favorite fruit and see how you like it!

Don’t you love how easy this menu is turning out to be? If you haven’t already, be sure to check out my Easiest Ever Grilled Chicken marinade and Creamy Corn Salad.

pbyfruitdip


Still wanting more?! Check out the rest of the #KickOffToSummer2014 awesomeness below!

Lemon Honey & Rosemary Grilled Chicken Skewers by From Gate to Plate
Sausage & Veggies Tinfoil Dinner by Summer Scraps
Baked Rosemary Garlic Fries by Keep it Simple, Sweetie
Homemade Natural Bug Spray by The Haas Machine
Memorial Day Festivities by Lil Huckleberries
Corn Cob Jelly by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Marshmallow Fruit Dip by Forty Eighteen
Trail Mix Oatmeal Cookies by Lady Behind the Curtain
BBQ Invitation Printable by My Daylights
Rhubarb Crisp by Love in the Kitchen
Mixed Berry Sweet Rolls by Like Mother, Like Daughter
Liberty Embroidery Pattern by Bits of Ivory
Red White and Blue Trifle by We Like to Learn as We Go
Chickpea Tabouli by Food Lust People Love
Dark Chocolate Pistachio Cookies by Life on Food

 I am so excited about our giveaway today!

#GourmetGarden #Giveaway

Our sponsor for today is Gourmet Garden Herbs & Spices. If you enjoy cooking with fresh ingredients you will just love Gourmet Garden!

Gourmet Garden herbs are organically grown then simply washed, chopped, blended and packed into tubes to maintain the herbs freshness and nutrition. With Gourmet Garden you will be able to keep fresh herbs in your fridge for months with no waste.

They have a variety of herbs such as Garlic, Basil, Cilantro, Chili Pepper and much more! You can find Gourmet Garden in the fresh produce section of your supermarket. Be sure to keep up-to-date with Gourmet Garden Herbs & Spices on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

#GourmetGarden Product #Giveaway PackageGourmet Garden has so graciously offered up a cooler full of herbs and spices perfect for you next cooking and baking experience. Your cooler will include 4 ounce bottles of:

Garlic
Basil
Chili Pepper
Dill
Oregano
Cilantro
Ginger
Italian Herbs
Parsley
Lemon Grass

I always end up with wasted herbs in my fridge when I don’t use them in time. These are so perfect for me!

Enter to win your very own cooler of Gourmet Garden herbs and spices in the Rafflecopter below.

 **Giveaway runs May 21 until May 28, 2014 at midnight EST. Giveaway is open to US Residents only. Winner must be 18 years of age or older. No cash value available**

**Disclaimer: This giveaway is being sponsored by Gourmet Garden. #KickOffToSummerWeek2014 bloggers have not received product or been compensated as part of this giveaway!**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What is your favorite way to serve – or dip – fruit?

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by Melanie

Creamy Corn Salad

May 13, 2014 in Kitchen by Melanie

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Welcome to Day #2 of Kick Off to Summer Week, a multi-blogger event co-host by Lauren of From Gate to Plate and Summer of Summer Scraps.

With summer quickly approaching and Memorial Day in a few weeks, we want to make sure you have plenty of ideas for your Memorial Day activities. Each day we will be serving up a variety of different appetizers, main dishes, desserts, decor, printables and more all centered around the up-coming Memorial Day. We hope you enjoy all of these wonderful ideas.

Tune in each day starting with Monday, May 12 and ending on Saturday, May 17. We have great prizes up for grabs throughout the week so you will not want to miss out on any of the days! Follow #KickOffToSummerWeek2014 on Twitter to keep up to date with all of our spectacular ideas and giveaways!

 

This week I am sharing a Simple BBQ Menu with you. Yesterday, we started with a fabulous main dish – my Easiest Ever Grilled Chicken marinade. So easy and delish!

Today we’re moving on to a veggie side dish: Creamy Corn Salad. When I look at this salad now, I honestly wonder why I ever tried it in the first place. It is kind of an odd combination of ingredients… But I am so glad I did!

The combination is inspired and absolutely delicious! It’s simple to put together, requires NO cooking, and goes great with yesterday’s grilled chicken.

creamy-corn-salad

Creamy Corn Salad

  • 1 can corn, drained or 1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1 Tb green onions
  • 1/4 c mayonnaise
  • 1/4 tsp dill weed

Just mix it all together, serve, and enjoy! Of course, if you use frozen corn, you will want to defrost it first. Unless you like little corn popsicles…

I know it sounds weird, but just trust me and try it. You’ll be glad you did!

creamycornsalad


View all of the other Kick Off to Summer Week 2014 participants for more Memorial Day ideas!

Soft Butterscotch S’more Cookies by From Gate to Plate
Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies  by Keep it Simple, Sweetie
Patriotic Quinoa Salad by It’s Yummi
Salmon Burgers by The Haas Machine
Summer Letter Set by Summer Scraps
Creamy Corn Salad by Forty Eighteen
Classic Potato Salad by Clarks Condensed
Mini Cake Mix Sandwich Cookie Bites by Lady Behind The Curtain
Grilled Stuffed Flank Steak by Love in the Kitchen
Sun-dried Tomatoes – How to by Food Lust People Love

What is your favorite veggie side dish?

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by Melanie

Simple BBQ Menu

May 12, 2014 in Kitchen, Mailbox by Melanie

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Welcome to Day #1 of Kick Off to Summer Week, a multi-blogger event co-hosted by Lauren of From Gate to Plate and Summer of Summer Scraps.

With summer quickly approaching and Memorial Day in a few weeks, we want to make sure you have plenty of ideas for your Memorial Day activities. Each day we will be serving up a variety of different appetizers, main dishes, desserts, decor, printables and more – all centered around the up-coming Memorial Day. We hope you enjoy all of these wonderful ideas.

Tune in each day starting with Monday, May 12 and ending on Saturday, May 17. We have great prizes up for grabs throughout the week so you will not want to miss out on any of the days! Follow #KickOffToSummerWeek2014 on Twitter to keep up to date with all of our spectacular ideas and giveaways!

simple-bbq-menu


I am so excited to be participating in this fun event, and can’t wait to share a fabulous and simple BBQ menu with you – GREAT for your Memorial Day or Summer BBQs. It will look a little something like this:

Monday
Main dish • Easiest Ever Grilled Chicken marinade

Tuesday
Veggie Side Dish • Creamy Corn Salad

Wednesday
Fruit Side Dish • PB & Y Fruit Dip

Thursday
Salad • Six Simple Pasta Salads

Friday
Drink • Perfect Fresh Lemonade

Saturday
Dessert • Favorite Popcorn Balls

 

Yum! Let’s jump right in and get started with the Easiest EVER Grilled Chicken marinade.

This is so easy, I’m not even sure it actually counts as a recipe. But easy is what we’re going for, right? And it’s oh so tasty.

You only need 2 ingredients and some chicken. Are you ready for the secret? Here goes…

Ta da!

It only takes 2 ingredients to make the easiest ever #grilled #chicken #marinade. Simple and delicious? That's exactly what I need!


Italian dressing and lemon pepper. That’s it! Here’s what you do: Sprinkle your chicken with lemon pepper then put it in a Ziploc bag. Pour a bottle of Italian dressing over the chicken, seal the bag, and put it in the fridge to marinate. A few hours later – or the next day – take out your chicken and grill it. That’s it! Easy and delicious!! You can use *any* Italian dressing. I have used regular, zesty, light… and even this fancy “restaurant recipe,” all with great results. View all of the other Kick Off to Summer Week 2014 participants for more Memorial Day ideas!

Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers by From Gate to Plate
Cherry Limeade by Summer Scraps
Turkey and Grilled Pineapple Burger by Keep it Simple, Sweetie
Place of Honor by Lil Huckleberries
Edible Patio Table Centerpiece by Bits of Ivory
Easiest Ever Grilled Chicken by Forty Eighteen
Ranch Burgers by Lady Behind the Curtain
Strawberry and Candied Almond Spinach Salad by We Like to Learn as We Go
BBQ Banner Printable by My Daylights
Red White and Blue Fruit Pizza by Like Mother Like Daughter
Star-Spangled Muffins by Food Lust People Love
German Potato Salad by Denise Designed

Not only do we have fabulous recipes and ideas for you, but we also have giveaways with awesome prizes!

Our sponsor for Day 1 of Kick Off to Summer Week 2014 belongs to Pick Your Plum! We are so excited they joined us today. Pick Your Plum is an amazing deal site that features products from all over the world. New deals occur each morning at 7:00 AM Mountain Time. Some of these fab deals go so fast you might miss out on them because the deals are always so great!

pyp1

Pick Your Plum features clothing, home decor, crafting, party supplies and other fun surprises! You can follow Pick Your Plum on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

pyp2

Today’s Pick Your Plum Prize Pack includes TWO $50 Plum boxes full of PYP awesomeness! (Seriously wish I could enter in this too because this prize is totally awesome!)

**Giveaway is open to US Residents only. Winner must be 18 years or age or older. No cash value available.**

**Disclaimer: This giveaway is being sponsored by Pick Your Plum. #KickOffToSummerWeek2014 bloggers have not received product or been compensated as part of this giveaway**

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So much awesome in one post! Be sure to come back every day this week to get the complete BBQ menu and for more fabulous ideas and prizes.

Do you have any Memorial Day plans?

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by Melanie

A No-Nagging Solution for Screen Time Sanity

May 6, 2014 in Linen Closet by Melanie

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Get the kids to finish their work before turning on the electronics with no nagging required? Count me in!


Yesterday when my kids walked in the door after school, they went straight to the TV. All 5 of them! No kisses for Mom. No telling me about their day. Not even a snack. Straight to the TV.

Please tell me I’m not the only one whose kids have days when they would rather watch a movie than download their day to Mom.

It’s not that we don’t have rules about screen time. They just choose to “forget” about them until I start nagging.

I hate nagging.

My expectations really aren’t a big mystery. The rules are the same every day. You finish your homework, jobs, and piano before you can turn on a screen. Simple.

Kids & Technology Toolkit

The only exception is when you need to use the computer for your homework. Hey, I’m not completely unreasonable.

I don’t think I’m asking too much.

  • Homework includes whatever the teacher assigned that day and reading for 20 minutes.
  • Jobs include 1 kitchen job (like unloading the dishwasher or sweeping the kitchen floor), 1 daily job (like taking out the trash or cleaning a bathroom), and straightening their bedrooms (just a quick pick things up and put them away so it doesn’t get out of control).
  • Piano practice is playing each song in their lesson assignment 3 times.

 

If they drag their feet and complain about it for awhile, it still takes less than an hour to get it all done – on the harder job days.

But it still doesn’t get done. Grrrr.

Have I mentioned that I really, really hate nagging?

So in an effort to avoid the nagging and still get what I want – and ultimately what is best for our family – I made this handy little sign.

Get the kids to finish their work before turning on the electronics with no nagging required? Count me in!

 

It hangs next to the TV and the computer. Now all my little screen-addicted children need to do is ask themselves those 7 questions before they turn on those electronics and everyone is happy!

Well, mostly me. But some day they will thank me.

I’m sure of it.

Do you need to stop the screen time nagging, too? Just click on this link or the image above to get to the full printable version of my screen-time sign.

Do you have screen-time rules?

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