I figure instead of sitting on the pictures until this coming Christmas…I would just share it now. Mkay? Geter done people:)

By the way, these taste good any time of year:) Bake some up and share…I think I will make some today….these pics are reminding me of how yummy they are….#drool

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I used wax paper to contain my dry ingredients….less clean up. Mix butter and sugar, along with other wet ingredients….The highest quality cocoa will produce the richest chocolate flavor:)

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Make sure you let the cookies cool before you pipe any icing on….

Fa la la la laaaa la la la la……:)

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(adapted from Martha)

Double Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie recipe

 

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Prep time

30 mins

Cook time

30 mins

Total time

1 hour

 

Author: Tracie at CleverlyInspired

Serves: 36

Ingredients

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 12 large marshmallows, cut in half horizontally
• Frosting:
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ cup milk
• ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg, milk, and vanilla, and beat until well combined. Add reserved flour mixture; mix on low speed until combined.
3. Drop scoops of dough on parchment or silpat. Bake until cookies begin to spread and become firm, 10 to 12 minutes.
4. Remove baking sheets from oven, and place a marshmallow, cut-side down, in the center of each cookie, pressing down slightly. Return to oven, and continue baking until marshmallows begin to melt, 2 to 2½ minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
5. Pipe frosting on top.
6. Frosting:
7. Place confectioners’ sugar in a medium bowl. Whisk in butter and cocoa powder. Add milk and vanilla, and whisk until well combined.

3.2.1215

Cleverly Inspired first published this post....all rights reserved: 2010, 2011, 2012 by CleverlyInspired. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of CleverlyInspired. Please use "share" buttons on the blog page to share this content.Cleverly Inspired

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The good thing about the space we are using…it is a cozy 9 by 12 room, it already has ample light overhead, we only need one wall to be installed and one door, the color on the wall is new and warm…so I have a lot of positives to work with for sure.

Here are some ideas I am kicking around for this new guest bedroom…

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I made a couple of inspiration boards to play with…but I think I am liking the one above the best. It is warm, casual, and clean. Working with a small area means that things will need to serve double duty. Chest of drawers for storage will also be a great vanity area. Baskets for blankets and guest supplies are very handy. I plan on adding an overhead fixture to make it feel more bedroomy and not basementy (my new adjectives ;). I like the idea of adding cool blues against the warm wall color. (Frappe by Ben Moore was recently painted this past year…so it’s stayin:)

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A couple mirrors will help bounce the light from the lamps and make the room feel more open. Some curtains will be hung over the treadmill in the corner and on the opposite wall in front of the small basement window. This will create balance and add texture. My friend Kim gave me a queen bed that is very similar to the one in the picture…I am going to paint it white. Pictures from recent travels along with a map will help our guest feel at home…

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I adore this green area rug too….but I am not really diggin it with the current wall color. Plus…I can only find it in a 3 by 5 and I will be needing a larger rug in this room. (all buying guide info can be found on my Olioboard page)

Here is what we are starting with….see the treadmill on the right…we will have curtains hanging there to enclose that a bit. A 9 by 12 space will also leave plenty area in the bar for entertaining.

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Large window will be placed right where that beach painting is. It will be 44 inches from the floor (per code) and about 6 by 5 in size. Loads of natural light!!

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Excited to share the process with you and see how it comes together:)

For a buying guide for my inspiration board Please see my profile on Olioboard :)

Have a great weekend friends:)

Cleverly Inspired first published this post....all rights reserved: 2010, 2011, 2012 by CleverlyInspired. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of CleverlyInspired. Please use "share" buttons on the blog page to share this content.Cleverly Inspired

The post Guest Bedroom in Basement: Inspiration Boards appeared first on Cleverly Inspired.

Lazy summer days sometimes mean finding fun things to do with the kiddos. I thought it would be fun for the next 10 weeks to share a unique, fun, easy craft to do with the kids. My goal is to scour the internet for the most unique crafts that kids of all ages can enjoy. Do you have one to submit? Great…just email me to tell me all about it. (Cleverlyinspired at gmail dot com)

Here is a really fun one to try…The source is a blog called AtHomeinLove. These super easy DIY coasters would be a great painting project that would remind you of summer all year long. I love the fun bright colors she used. Go visit this blog for more info on how to craft your own….

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Also: voting ends on June 19th for the Earth 911 challenge…I would love your votes! You can vote once a day:) I am number 4!

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Cleverly Inspired first published this post....all rights reserved: 2010, 2011, 2012 by CleverlyInspired. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of CleverlyInspired. Please use "share" buttons on the blog page to share this content.Cleverly Inspired

The post Whip it up Wednesday: Summer crafting series appeared first on Cleverly Inspired.

Remember a couple weeks back when I showed you this super simple Polka Dot Planter? Well, we invited a few little friends for a garden breakfast paint party….it was such a great way to kick off summer time! Some paint, brushes, bagels, donuts….all adds up to a really good time. The best part was that our little guests got to take home what they made and watch it grow….love that!

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Cleverly Inspired first published this post....all rights reserved: 2010, 2011, 2012 by CleverlyInspired. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of CleverlyInspired. Please use "share" buttons on the blog page to share this content.Cleverly Inspired

The post Host a Garden Craft Breakfast: with Miracle Gro appeared first on Cleverly Inspired.

Ever since we turned the bedroom into an office for my hubs…we have been without a proper guest room. This isn’t a huge deal…we don’t have a ton of long-stay overnight guests. However, we do have friends come in often for one or two overnight visits…and it leaves me the task with setting up a “guest space” in and office. Not ideal. It has worked fine….but we have the space in the basement to set up a nice cozy room…that will also add value to the house.

We have decided to use our resources to create an egress window (which is basically a window below grade that can allow for easy emergency access to the basement), along with a guest bedroom. There is a corner in our basement that rarely gets use…so it will be a great use of this space.

The transformation will not be to difficult. A wall will be put up with a pocket door. The room size will be a cozy 9 by 12. The window will have to be installed on the other wall in the basement. For a below grade basement bedroom to be considered a “bedroom” you must have an exit. If you have a walk out on your basement…then you are already set. Our basement is not a walkout….so we will be having an egress window installed. The window will be 6 by 3 and let in loads of natural light too.

It is not to say the fabulous front porch will never happen….it is just being put off for a little while. All in good time….

Here are some pictures of some other cozy bedrooms….can’t wait to share this process with you:)

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Do you have any bedrooms in the basement? How has it worked out for you?

I  will be sharing some inspiration boards for this space later in the week:)

Cleverly Inspired first published this post....all rights reserved: 2010, 2011, 2012 by CleverlyInspired. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of CleverlyInspired. Please use "share" buttons on the blog page to share this content.Cleverly Inspired

The post Change of course… appeared first on Cleverly Inspired.

Putter got a new toy. Ok, mommy got a new toy. Putter just wanted to go back to his most important task…napping 18 out of 24 hours….Let’s chat vacuuming…just for a bit….

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Do you vacuum in lines? You can admit it…we are tight;) I do. I kind of love it actually. Which really makes me a perfect fit to own a golden retriever. Dogs got hair people, and it is always shedding season. Good thing my hubs likes to make the lines too…it’s just the little things that bring joy…#nerdalert.

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Any who, Bissell sent me this amazing new vacuum called the CleanView One pass to try out. Sign me up! Thinkin they knew I am a dog owner. I will say this for sure….the brush roller is perfect for carpet. It grabs all that nasty dog hair without any problems. This picture below is my carpet in the family room. I had just vacuumed it the day before…here is the before

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I was completely amazed at how much dog hair the Bissell picked up after just one day…(Putter seeming a bit too proud…no?) And yes…I did have him pose next to his hair balls…I sense that he is not getting how annoying his hair is…

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The 4 tools that come on board make it easy to keep moving around the room and get in every nook and crannies. I hate it when there are crannies in the crannies…pet peeve.

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The other feature that is fabulous…I can plug it in and go around my entire first floor. I know right? Show of hands….when your vacuum can’t reach somewhere…you just unplug it and get it another day. (both my hands are up…and I am still typing…I am kind of a rock star:)

I would say the only design flaw in my opinion is the power button. You have to lean pretty low to reach it…but I am assuming it is on the main part of the vacuum body to gain the most power.

The size is very compact when you consider the competitors….fits great in my small coat closet.

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Best part…this vacuum will not break the bank…under $100 at major retailers. Win win!

You can find out more by visiting

BISSELL Clean View Deluxe – http://bit.ly/Zbrh5c

BISSELL CleanView Plus – http://bit.ly/12stoOL

BISSELL on Facebook – http://on.fb.me/18g68Yd

BISSELL on Twitter – http://bit.ly/13FRc0T

BISSELL on Pinterest – http://bit.ly/1669ShE

BISSELL on YouTube – http://bit.ly/10jAMdS
So be honest….do you vacuum lines too?

I am a brand ambassador for companies that I believe my readers are interested in learning more about. I work with Social Spark and Clever Girls, along with individual companies that are targeting their products to my readers. I will always be mindful of your time and needs…and keep with the mission of CleverlyInspired; which is to inspire you to be clever in your own home. I appreciate your understanding. I have been compensated for my time, however all opinions and thoughts are 100% mine.

Cleverly Inspired first published this post....all rights reserved: 2010, 2011, 2012 by CleverlyInspired. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of CleverlyInspired. Please use "share" buttons on the blog page to share this content.Cleverly Inspired

The post Battling the never ending dog hair with Bissell appeared first on Cleverly Inspired.

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A new baby. The only reason you need to throw a little celebration.  And you know I cannot let my party guest leave without a little something in their hands. This little mug cake was really easy to throw together. Perfect for a hostess gift or for your next party favor.

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I purchased these glass mugs at the dollar store. Make sure whatever mug you chose is microwave safe. A cute ramekin would also be great. Line the mugs with a plastic bag. In assembly line fashion…fill the bags with the dry ingredients for the baby mug cake. (recipe is below)

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The instruction card will tell your guest the rest of the recipe so they can make it at home.

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Here is a tag you can print out…just right click on it to print.

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Attach a cute tag with the instructions. Tie up bags with some fun ribbon and that is it! Best part is you can make these a few days ahead of time…so no rushing around:)

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Baby Mug Cake: Baby shower favor

 

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Prep time

5 mins

Cook time

2 mins

Total time

7 mins

 

Author: Tracie at CleverlyInspired

Recipe type: Dessert

Serves: 1

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 egg – beaten
• 3 tablespoons skim milk
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 caramels-Optional

Instructions

1. Procedure:
2. Into a small bowl add: flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, salt, egg, milk, and vegetable oil. Mix to combine.
3. Pour mixture into a regular sized coffee mug. Drop caramels into center of mixture one at a time.
4. Microwave on high for one minute and 30 seconds. If needed and batter is too gooey…microwave 30 more seconds.

3.2.1215

(adapted from Babble)

Where I share fun ideas:

BeDifferentActNormal, The36thAve, Whipperberry, TipJunkie, Tatertots&Jello, TodaysCreativeBlog, SerenityNow, PositivelySplendid, IHeartNaptime, ByStephanieLynn, TheDIYClub, CRAFT. MadinCrafts. HomeStoriesAtoZ, NotJustAHousewife

If you could take a second to vote for me this weekend….I would be so grateful! I was invited to participate in Earth 911′s challenge this month. Repurpose a camera strap….(I am number 4) You can vote on the very last page of their post…and you can vote once a day. Thanks!

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Cleverly Inspired first published this post....all rights reserved: 2010, 2011, 2012 by CleverlyInspired. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of CleverlyInspired. Please use "share" buttons on the blog page to share this content.Cleverly Inspired

The post Baby Mug Cake: Baby shower favor appeared first on Cleverly Inspired.

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Just a few ingredients and bake time…that is it. You could add in some favorites like peppers, onions…or maybe a little bit more of your favorite cheese. I was trying to keep these on the lighter side…so I didn’t add a whole lot.

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Be sure to grease the pan well to allow the cups to release easily. I would suggest patting down the ingredients into the muffin pan so it is packed….and letting them rest 5 minutes after you bake them.

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Whip some up for your next brunch ;)

Individual Hash Brown Cup Recipe

 

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Prep time

15 mins

Cook time

55 mins

Total time

1 hour 10 mins

 

Author: Tracie at CleverlyInspired

Recipe type: Breakfast

Serves: 12

Ingredients

• One bag Simply Potatoes (20oz)
• ½ C parmesan grated
• 4 green onions chopped
• 2 T olive oil
• ½ t pepper
• 1 t salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven 350
2. Grease muffin pan.
3. Toss all ingredients together.
4. Press firmly into cups in the pan.
5. Bake 55 to 60 minutes.
6. Allow to firm up 5 minutes after baking.
7. Use sharp knife and loosen around edges. Invert or scoop out onto platter.

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Also: If you could stop by Earth 911 today and vote I would be so grateful! I was asked by them to create a repurposed camera strap…..go see what I used to create this….(on the very last page of the post on Earth 911, you can click number 4 :)

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One more thing…if you aren’t getting my post delivered to your email you may need to sign back up. Thanks!

Cleverly Inspired first published this post....all rights reserved: 2010, 2011, 2012 by CleverlyInspired. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of CleverlyInspired. Please use "share" buttons on the blog page to share this content.Cleverly Inspired

The post Individual Hash Brown Cup Recipe appeared first on Cleverly Inspired.

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The QR code art I create is applied with color composition and is one of a kind. Download a free QR reader in your smartphone and simply scan the picture, and then the phrase "Love" will show up instantly. If you would like to have your personalized message or URL with this design, please buy one additional add-on from
http://www.etsy.com/listing/68924346/additional-graphic-design-services-5.
• Printed on fine art paper using high-quality archival pigment inks
• Image size: 4 1/2"x4 1/2", paper size: 8"x8"
• Frame and mat are not included. The frame shown in the picture is 8"x8" frame from Aaron Brothers.

source

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The post Tech Tuesday: QR Code Art appeared first on Cleverly Inspired.

My hubs is obsessed with lake time this time of year. His 40th birthday is early June and his only request is boat time with his kids and me. That is an easy request to fill. I thought I would make it a little more special with the help of World Market.

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Red, White and Blue are the colors of summer. I thought it would be fun to create a tablescape using those colors…Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day…this table will last you the whole summer;)

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Food that is a reminder of warm summer nights…like lemonade and hotdogs, grilled chicken and corn and cracker jacks…and of course some icy cold beer.

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World Market has a ton of seasonal things that make it really easy to put a party together. Sometimes we look at pictures in magazines and think, “my party would never look that good!” Well, World Market has so many great ideas on display for you to take home and do for yourself. The best part is…you won’t break the bank making your party look fabulous.

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World Market has all sorts of fabulous finds for your Father’s Day Gifts ! They are even hosting a little contest of thier own where you can Nominate your Dad here to win $1000 in World Market cash…and one gift card for you too! Be sure to check them out on Facebook for more info…

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I am a brand ambassador for companies that I believe my readers are interested in learning more about. I work with Social Spark and Clever Girls, along with individual companies that are targeting their products to my readers. I will always be mindful of your time and needs…and keep with the mission of CleverlyInspired; which is to inspire you to be clever in your own home.  I appreciate your understanding. I have been compensated for my time, however all opinions and thoughts are 100% mine.

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Cleverly Inspired first published this post....all rights reserved: 2010, 2011, 2012 by CleverlyInspired. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of CleverlyInspired. Please use "share" buttons on the blog page to share this content.Cleverly Inspired

The post Cheers to Dad with help from World Market appeared first on Cleverly Inspired.