Cute Birthday Cupcakes -- zero calories!

What? Cupcakes with no calories? Too good to be true? Ok, these cute little treats from 1-800-FLOWERS aren't for eating, but they sure do bring a bit of birthday fun. FUN FACT: Did you know that today, 10/5, is America's most common Birthday? Apparently 'tis the season of Birthdays! Last weekend was my mom's birthday. I had planned on going to visit her, and then I got taken down by a nasty sinus infection. (That's another story, but I'm feeling mostly better now.) Since I didn't get to drive up to see her in person I was extra glad that I had decided to send her one of these cupcakes! I saw it and couldn't help but thinking about how when my sister & I were little my mom used to tell us that carnations were her favorite flowers. She said she liked them because they last such a long time. Maybe she just said that because they were the kind of flowers for sale at our school on mothers' day? It's funny, my mom usually has expensive taste, but I know she loves these simple flowers. Every time I see cute little carnations I think of her. I was so glad that I was able to send her this carnation cupcake! What's the best part? When the cupcake in bloom arrives it actually looks like the website photo (as you can tell from the iphone photo my parents sent me).

Hopefully soon I'll get to see my mom in person so I can give her the rest of her birthday gift. Hint, it's a foodie gift that I'll be blogging -- but later so I don't give away the surprise!

*1-800-Flowers did offer me this complementary arrangement to review for my blog. Look for another blog post later this month where I'll give away a $40 savings pass from 1-800-Flowers to one lucky blog reader! While I do occasionally accept products to review on my blog, I only accept & post ones that I really love!

How to tie a scarf

 I know that this is a bit unusual for my blog (since it is by no means a fashion blog) but some of these suggestions are kind of cool. I love scarves, especially now that its Fall and getting cooler. Brrrrr! Everyone knows how to "tie" a scarf the first way, but the 2nd is kind of cool. Just thought I'd share. :) Want to see all of their ideas? Check out the Coldwater Creek site for more.




All photos and drawings are from Coldwater Creek.

9-15-10 Worldless Wednesday

Portland Headlight, originally uploaded by Katie Ring.

Ok, almost wordless! This is an old photo but a favorite of mine!

Guess who is making wedding dresses? White House Black Market!

I saw a lot of great things at the BlogHer conference, but one of the best things was this gorgeous dress from White House Black Market. What I love most about it is that it's got the fun & unique look of a short dress, but it's long and elegant in the back! And, at less than $500 you can't beat this price! You'd have a hard time finding a discontinued last season dress on sale in a bridal boutique at this price! Check out their Wedding Boutique for bridal gowns, bridesmaids & accessories. Why, oh why weren't they selling bridal when I was getting married?

(The above photo is mine, and below are from White House Black Market)

Click on the photos below to view details and/or purchase.

"There is no food in our house" quiche

The other night Anthony and I got home from work to find nothing for dinner. I usually keep something homemade frozen in the freezer for a quick & easy meal...but we'd exhausted the supply. I saw eggs, cheese, and not much else! What to do? Quiche!

Corn Flake Crumb Crust:
From EllensKitchen.com

• 1 1/3 cups corn flake crumbs (buy as crumbs or crush 3 cups corn flakes)
• 1/4 cup melted margarine
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Mix together thoroughly. Press into 9 inch plate. May use as is or bake at 375*F for 5 to 7 minutes. Will hold up slightly better and has crisper taste when pre-baked.

Easy Broccoli Quiche:
ADAPTED From AllRecipes.com

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, minced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 cups chopped fresh broccoli
• 1/2 package of Trader Joe's Swiss Beer fondue
  
• 4 eggs, well beaten
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
  
  Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) Over medium-low heat melt butter in a large saucepan. Add onions, garlic and broccoli. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are soft. Spoon vegetables into crust saving about 4 tablespoons for a side 4" ramekin. Melt fondue in pan or microwave safe bowl and pour over veggies. Combine eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in melted butter. Pour egg mixture over vegetables and cheese. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until center has set.

Note, this crust was very soft and almost more like a corn bread than a traditional crust...but I really liked it with the cheesy eggs!

Free Summer Grilling Cookbook & Grilled Pizza

Summer? Grilling? Free? -- All things that I like. You too?


Then download Martha Stewart Living Radio’s Summer Grilling Cookbook, a free online cookbook
http://www.xmradio.com/marthastewartlivingradio

One of my new favorite things is grilled pizza, so I can't wait to try this recipe.


Afraid of grilled Pizza? Don't be. It's actually much easier than you'd think!

Start with your favorite pre-made Pizza crust or make your own. I like the Pillsbury recipe but I double the amount of yeast (for fluffier bread-like crust) and use 1/2 white flour and 1/2 wheat flour.

Shape Crust.

Gather toppings & place in small bowls so they are quick & easy to add to your pizza.

Brush olive oil on the grill.

Toss on your formed dough.

Let it cook until it is lightly browned and easy to flip. Then, turn over and put on your favorite toppings! Here's what I used:

Left: Garlic Bread Spread, Olive Oil, Sharp Cheddar, Red Onion, Fresh Basil

Right: Roasted Garlic Onion Jam, Tomato, Goat cheese, Arugula

Dear Blog...I owe you a post!

What have I been writing about the last month? Well...plenty on the Stonewall Kitchen blog!

Host a Gumbo for the Gulf Party

End of Summer in our Gardens (See the Facebook photo album too!)

Holiday Sneak Peak

Give aways & Discounts (Enter to win a trip to Maine)

Wordless Wednesday (pretty photos):
8-25-10
8-4-10

Meatless Monday:
Garden Vegetable Lasagna Roll Ups
Spicy Gazpacho

North Conway NH SWK Company Outlet (aka my billboard - below)