Mrs. No-No Knows

Easter Idea: The Bunny Cake

noreply@blogger.com (Mrs. No-No) — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 18:25:00 +0000

Mr. No-No's birthday is right around Easter so I usually make him a bunny cake. This one is easy, fast, and fun for the little ones to help with. Improvise with your own favorite colors and watch eyes light up with delight!! (Don't hate because he is in his mid-40s! ...just kidding! Anyway, I heard 50 is the new 30 so he's still young!!)

Directions for the bunny cake:
Bake two round cakes as usual (one box mix, if you are using, will make two cakes)
Leave one cake whole (this will be the bunny's face)
Cut the second cake to form two bunny ears and the left over section (in the middle) will make the tie under his face
Assemble and frost
Decorate as desired

For the bunny ear "fur" I used sweetened coconut in a container with red decorating sugar and shook until the coconut turned pink; I used raisins for the eyes and tie buttons; and I used green icing for the mouth because it was what I had in the cabinet. You could also use jelly beans for the eyes, licorice strings for whiskers, and white coconut all over for "fur" - if your family likes that much coconut!!!

Happy Easter everyone!!! Hope your weekend is wonderful!!

noreply@blogger.com (Mrs. No-No) — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 21:09:00 +0000

Currently, my site is down for maintenance.

It should be a minor delay as I have already contacted my blog designer and she is working on it. (phew!)

That being said, while it looks messy, the search bar and side-links are still in working order, so please feel free to browse around...I hope you find something that inspires you!

Valentine's Day Fun Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Mrs. No-No) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 15:38:00 +0000

If you are having problems coming up with cute (and quick!) ideas for Valentine's Day - - here's some previous posts of mine that may help you out with that (:

Valentine's Day Kiss Search

A morning or evening of fun activities - the great kiss search - and some easy, but delicious recipe ideas.

Crayon hearts for kiddos

Valentine's Day Heart garlands are easy to make, display, and use as a quick surprise!

Heart shaped grape tomatoes can kick up lunch time

What ideas do you have for Valentine's Day fun?

More later! (:

Soup Ideas and Recipes

noreply@blogger.com (Mrs. No-No) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:36:00 +0000

Since it is ridiculously cold right now, I am in the mood for SOUP!! (hahahaa, what's new?)

I love soup all year, but when it gets cold out, I CRAVE it!!!

Here are some awesome ideas and recipes that I found from the web - check them out. Which ones speak to you?

Creamy Split Pea from the Huffington Post

White Bean and Escarole Soup from the Huffington Post

Vegetarian Crock Pot Black Bean Soup from Food.com

Vegetarian Portugese Kale Soup from Food.com

What is your favorite kind of soup???

Quality Halloween Costumes on the Cheap by Kate Frankenberg

noreply@blogger.com (Mrs. No-No) — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 15:07:00 +0000

{Image from Google Images}

You guys KNOW I just LOVE Halloween.... Like I say each and every year, Halloween is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the holiday season and I am always ready to get the holidays started!

Just in time for Halloween (only about 20 days away!!), I am pleased to introduce you to Kate Frankenberg from MyCabbage and Off the Grid Chicago. She is sharing some quick and easy tips for inexpensive costume ideas. This is perfect for everyone out there who is looking to save money (without looking like it!!) or for anyone who has procrastinated and (still!!!) isn't sure what the plan is - you know who you are (wink! wink!). Thanks so much for stopping by, Kate!!

Read on for some of her great ideas....

Quality Halloween costumes on the cheap

If you are anything like me, on October 29 you are scrambling to pull a Halloween costume together at the last minute. This bad habit usually lands me at the local Halloween pop-up-shop shifting through $60-$100 dollar picked over costumes leaving me unsatisfied with both my costume and the dent made in my Halloween budget. With a little planning and budgeting, it doesn’t have to be this way!

Handmade

Nothing is cheaper than making your own costumes for you and the family with some cardboard, scissors, paint and a little creativity. Felt iron on material is also a quick and easy way to make something out of nothing. If you have a creative idea and are a little bit crafty, using these materials will make it easy to execute. One year my friends and I got together and dressed up as “Rock, Paper, Scissors” (definitely not a costume you would find at the store!). If you don’t have a craft bone in your body, check out crafting websites like Etsy where you can buy other handmade costumes or pieces of costumes that you can assemble on your own.

Raid your friend’s closets

One man’s trash is truly another mans treasure. Bring your costume collection from previous years over to your friends’ houses and do a “costume swap”. Their kids probably have outgrown a few of their costumes and yours have too. This is a perfect way to feel like you have a “fresh” set of costumes without spending a dime.

Rent-a-costume

Sometimes you need a costume that is just out of this world. I, for one, am sick of owning a bunch of costumes that you can only wear once because they are so memorable. Instead of making big purchases on those costumes, find a your local costume rental shop. They have high quality costumes that you can rent for under $100 dollars. Get their quick though; the good costumes always are rented out the fastest.

Thrifting

Make sure you check out your local Goodwill for Halloween costumes on the cheap. The fun of going to the thrift store is that it is kind of like a crab shoot, you never know if you are going to find a hidden gem or just the costume you were looking for at the right price! Don’t be afraid to get creative and “edit” a few items if you find elements of your costume idea that might work. An added bonus: when you purchase from Goodwill you are providing jobs to those who are at a disadvantage!

Hopefully these few tips will help you have a very scary Halloween without breaking the bank.

Kate Frankenberg is a passionately curious writer, DePauw University graduate, and digital marketing professional. By day you can find Kate marketing all things MyCabbage, a simple way to keep all your daily deals, gift cards and coupons in one place and share with your friends so you can plan something together. By night you can find her working as a volunteer Marketing Chair for the Junior Council of Lurie Children’s Hospital and writing for her website, a blog about Chicago startups, nonprofits, and outstanding individuals.

My Memories iPad Giveaway (CLOSED)

noreply@blogger.com (Mrs. No-No) — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 13:56:00 +0000

MyMemories is hosting an iPad Giveaway - you heard right!!! Step up for your chance to win an iPad and have a tablet with internet access at your fingertips!!!

Here's the details from their page:

So make sure you check out the MyMemories Facebook Page and LIKE us - we really want more new friends!! And - we want to thank you with an EXCLUSIVE Free Download kit just for liking us! So - it's WIN WIN WIN around here! So, like our page and share it with your friends and when we hit 10,000, somebody gets a SUPER COOL iPAD!!! How amazing is that? Winner will be drawn at random from ALL our FB friends, so new friends AND old friends all have a chance!

*BONUS* There's a new Facebook page EXCLUSIVE Fan Freebie kit - check out the link - LIKE our page and share it!

You get the goodies!!

Here is the link to check it out and get their FB info: http://www.mymemoriesblog.com/2011/09/so-make-sure-you-check-out-mymemories.html

And, if you haven't checked out the MyMemories website, check it out and see what they have to offer. You can make all sorts of cool and crafty things (right on your computer!!). It's so fast and easy - you will be shocked. And, when you order the MyMemories Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software, you can save $10 with this code special for my readers: STMMMS20887

More later! (:

Wyman Publishing Book Fair Giveaway (CLOSED)

noreply@blogger.com (Mrs. No-No) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 14:49:00 +0000

In honor of Melynda Fleury's near miss of losing her eyesight due to diabetes, Wayman Publishing is hosting a Blogfest and Book Fair Giveaway during the week of Labor Day. ALL ENTRANTS will have unlimited and open access to download any of Wayman Publishing's Top 10 Books during the following days: Sept 2 through Sept 4 (direct link will be provided this weekend so check back!). In addition, Mommy Blog Designs, the blog designer with an AWESOME reputation for her service and blog designs throughout the blogosphere, has also offered to contribute one of her Premade Designs with full package ($269 Value!!) for FREE to one lucky winner! PLUS, we will also be giving away $200 in PayPal cash!

This giveaway starts today, August 27th, 2012.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Go to the Rafflecopter Entry Form

Wayman Publishing and our other hosts who've helped organize this giveaway (voiceBoks, Linkie's Contest Linkies, Mommy Blog Designs, and Terri's Little Haven) thank you for your participation!

GOOD LUCK! (:

Twitter Message

A Week of Menu Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Mrs. No-No) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 16:50:00 +0000

Hey everyone!

How was your weekend?

It has been amazingly HOT here lately!! We walked to breakfast yesterday morning (at like 7am) and it was already burning up outside!! Sheesh. I heard on the news (again this week!!) that we are supposed to get a break this week, and I will be so happy when that happens!

The heat is sapping my creativity (lol). I'm getting a lot of cooking ideas from Pinterest lately - it seems so much easier - and more fun! - than going through cookbooks and recipe notes! (: I'm not always making the same exact thing, but I am getting a lot of good ideas there. Some times, I change things up based on what's in my cupboards or some "shortcut" cooking method that would make my cooking time faster.

Monday
Sweet Potato Burritos
Seared Broccoli

{Noodles from simplyreem.com}

Tuesday
Ginger Soba Noodles
Miso Soup

Wednesday
Red Beans (1)
Brown Rice
Sauteed Garlic Spinach

Thursday
Garden Burgers
Greek Salads

Friday (2)
Make Your Own Pizza
Frozen French Fries
Vegetarian Orange "Chicken"
Carrot Sticks

Saturday
Dinner Out

Sunday
Pasta and Homemade Marinara (3)
with Garlic Bread
Green Salads

Notes:

(1) Red Beans Recipe (adapted from Leanne Ely's recipe) New Orleans-Style Beans: In a skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium high heat and saute 1/4 cup each: onion, green bell pepper and celery. Add 1 clove crushed garlic, 1/8 teaspoon thyme. Mix this 1 can of kidney beans beans and serve on top of rice with hot sauce and a little melted butter (or Earth Balance) with greens on the side.

(2) As you can tell, Friday is going to be a clean out my freezer night! I need some space in that thing so I am going to clean out what's there (we will have some things for dinner) and start making some room.

(3) I love this recipe and I really am planning on giving it to you guys one of these days. Basically, I use canned tomato sauce, add it some spices that I like and some shredded carrots (to make it sweet), a spoonful of tomato paste and then let it simmer for about 1/2 an hour (covered) on low. This is my MIL's recipe and I don't actually have it written down, I just know what to put in and how I can adapt it based on what I have. (:

What are you having?
More later! (:

What are you waiting for? (GIVEAWAY CLOSED)

noreply@blogger.com (Mrs. No-No) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 14:39:00 +0000

Have you entered the My Memories Giveaway that I am hosting? If not, get on it! (:

The giveaway ends this weekend! By entering, you have an opportunity to win a COMPLETE digital scrapbooking kit that can be used to make not only scrapbooks, but photocards, and other craft-y items!

Check out the giveaway details and enter here.

Also - - I will be able to periodically send out "special" deals that My Memories offers to my readers!

Get $10 off a complete digital scrapbooking kit (if you decide to buy instead of waiting for the giveaway) and $10 off any other purchase (a $20 value!) - use code STMMMS20887.
Get 30% off your custom order by clicking here and using code 30FOR30.
Free bookmarking kit - no purchase necessary. Click here.

Preserve those memories, organize those photos, and spend less money on supplies by using My Memories!!

More later! (:

A Week of Menu Ideas - Enchiladas, Tofu, and Soup

noreply@blogger.com (Mrs. No-No) — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 13:00:00 +0000

We went to the Laguna Beach Sawdust Art Festival this weekend. If you haven't been and you are interested in arts and crafts of all kinds, this is definitely a place you would want to visit. It doesn't matter if you are into sewing, making your own jewelery, crafts, sculpture, ceramics, woodworking, glass working, painting, or upcycling - you can find inspiration (and stuff to buy!!) there. It's really amazing to see so much stuff like this in one place. It's like an upscale craft fair (on steroids).

I didn't buy anything this year - I usually buy one or two things - but, I did make - or "throw" - a ceramic bowl. It was so awesome and so cool. I've never gotten to do anything like that before.

But, now we are back to the week, and here's what I have planned for the week:

Monday
Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas
Sauteed Greens

Tuesday
Baked Ginger Orange Tofu
Couscous
Carrots and Sweet Peas with Tarragon

{Photo by Annabelle Breakey for Sunset Magazine}

Wednesday
Cold Zucchini and Basil Soup
Green Salads with Cucumbers
and Homemade Vinaigrette

Thursday
Garden Burgers
Cobb Salads or Fruit Salads

Friday
Baked Potatoes
with Chili (or Broccoli) and Cheese

Saturday
Dinner Out

Sunday
Ravioli / Pasta Dinner
Green Salad
Garlic Bread

My plan for this week is to cook everything (except the garden burgers and ravioli) on one day. This will help so that I don't have to heat up my kitchen every.single.day (it's too hot here and if I wait, then I know I just won't cook everyday because I don't want to get the kitchen going). With this plan, I can cook the potatoes, tofu, and enchiladas at the same time (I may have to add on five or ten minutes to the total cooking time, but if I get everything in right around the same time, I can cook three dinners at one time). Whew!! I will just put stuff in containers in the fridge and when I get home from work each night, I can either put stuff into the toaster oven while I make the sides or put dinner into the microwave if I need to. Also, with the enchiladas, we won't be able to finish all that I will make so I will be able to take some for lunch one day and freeze the rest for another week when I don't have a plan or don't feel like cooking. (:

Oh - if you haven't already, please check out my giveaway for a chance to win a complete digital scrapbooking system from My Memories!
What did you do this weekend?

More later! (:

Giveaway - My Memories Digital Scrapbooking (CLOSED)

noreply@blogger.com (Mrs. No-No) — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 07:30:00 +0000

I love scrapbooking, but unfortunately, I don't always have the time. Sometimes, it's not that I don't have time to do the actual scrapbooking, but I don't have time to get all my supplies out and then put them all away when I am done.

Have you felt like that, too?

Other times, I feel like I won't get around to putting all these pictures together and making them all look great until my little one is out of college....and you know, when I'm in my early 50's, will I still be interested in scrapbooking? lol.

Recently, I was contacted by My Memories and they have solved my photo compilation problem for me!! My Memories is a photo album software company. You can use the amazing software to make not only scrapbooks, but photobooks, cards, and even photo DVDs!!

After installing the software, I accessed the digital photo pages and pre-made pre-designed photobook templates. The software installation was simple and easy. And the program is amazingly simple to use. I was able to make a 7 page digital photobook in less than an hour. The book is easy to save, easy to share and I can print it out from my computer or order a photobook online after I am done.

I wanted to show you how easy it is to share pages from my photobook:

This is one page that I love the most out of the book that I did. But, I really can't get over how quickly this can be done - you can add words, little details (buttons, ribbons, scrolling), and add text or change any text or text style that's already on the pre-made pages!!

I'm planning on making birthday scrapbooks for each year of my daughter's previous birthdays so that she can appreciate these pictures (and celebrations!) as she gets older. Because right now, all those pictures are sitting on my computer waiting for someone to look at them!!

The complete digital scrapbooking software package that I reviewed retails for $39.97, but right now, you can win a complete software package for FREE!!! Enter now for your chance to win!!! Good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(If the widget doesn't show up for some reason, you can click on the link to enter!)

...and in case you can't wait or don't win, don't despair! My Memories has provided a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - a $20 value! Just use code STMMMS20887 to save big.
The coupon / savings code does not expire, but this giveaway expires on August 20th at 12:01 am.

My Memories gave me a software package to review; however, my opinions here are my own and I would not endorse any product on my blog that I didn't believe in. You can ready my complete Disclosure Policy regarding giveaways here.

Good luck to you!!

More later! (:

A Week Of Menu Ideas - Dad's Cooking, Salads, Pasta

noreply@blogger.com (Mrs. No-No) — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 23:16:00 +0000

Hey everyone!! How are you?

It has been so hot here the last couple of days...but, finally (!), the weather is supposed to break a bit during the week! whew! (:

Here's what I have planned for dinner this week:

Monday
Dad's Choice (I'm going to the gym early - - dad's in charge tonight!)

Tuesday
Simple Chef's Salads
(Garbanzo and Kidney Beans, Cukes, Tomatoes, Cheese, and Homemade Mustard Vinaigrette on Romaine Lettuce)

Wednesday
Baked Sweet Potatoes with Chili on Top
Sliced Oranges
("Bake" the potatoes in the microwave until almost done; finish them up in an oven or toaster oven; used canned chili or pre-made homemade)

Thursday
Garden Burgers
Left over Bonanza

Friday
BBQ Tempeh Tacos
Sweet Potato Chips
(We were going to have this last week, but ended up going out for dinner instead; so since I already have all the stuff, it's on the menu again this week)

Saturday
Dinner Out

Sunday
Pasta
Sauteed Greens
Garlic Bread

What fun things did you do this weekend?
More later! (:

A Week of Menus - Wraps, Tacos, and Stir Fry

noreply@blogger.com (Mrs. No-No) — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 15:30:00 +0000

We had an exciting day yesterday - we went to the baseball game and Miss No-No got to run the bases!! (It wasn't like she was chosen to run the bases, every kid at the game could do it, but it was so cool and so awesome!!)....and we got to go down with her! So, even though WE didn't get to run the bases, we did get to go down on the field. It was magnificent and awe-inspiring to be down there and see the field from that angle!

Here's what I have planned for dinners this week:

Monday
Nori Handhelds with Brown Rice (1)
Green Bean Noodles with Peanut Sauce

Tuesday
Grilled Vegetable Wraps with Lavash Bread (2)
Greek Salads

{Stir Fry with Noodles}

Wednesday
Tofu Stir Fry
Miso Soup

Thursday
Zucchini Ribbon Salads
Roasted Garbanzo Beans
Lavash Bread with Hummus Dip

Friday
BBQ Tempeh Tacos (3)
Brown Rice
Cheesy Broccoli

Saturday
Dinner Out

Sunday
Veggie Pasta
Salad
Garlic Bread

Notes:

1. Nori Rolls - Brown rice (made ahead of time), matchstick carrot and cucumbers, and sliced avocado. I will either roll these into a hand-held "wrap" using a nori sheet or will wrap them "roll-style" using a bamboo mat (from the Asian market) and then cut in 1" sections.

2. Grilled Veggie Wraps - Using large tortillas, spread about 1/3 to 1/2 of the tortilla with a thin layer of hummus and then top 1/4 - 1/3 of the tortilla with grilled vegetables. Roll up burrito style and serve.

3. Tempeh tacos - are so easy to make, and sooooo delicious. Tempeh is a bean cake that you can buy in a health food store. You could easily substitute ground round (I like Yves Brand) or Extra Firm Tofu (if you are subbing, skip the steaming step). Slice and steam tempeh for 15 minutes. Cube or crumble tempeh and add to a skillet with BBQ Sauce. Cook for another 5 - 10 minutes. Put into tortillas and top with whatever toppings you have on hand.

What did you do this weekend?

More later! (:

A Week of Menus - Zucchini Harvest

noreply@blogger.com (Mrs. No-No) — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 23:45:00 +0000

We spent this weekend at the Santa Barbara Zoo - it's perfect for little kids - it takes about 3 - 4 hours tops and by the time you are done, so are they! (:

{SB Zoo; Giraffe Feeding; Taken by my aunt}

We have a ton of zucchini right now! My mom has a garden in her yard and every week, she loads me up.... which is fine because thanks to Pinterest, I think I now have access to every good recipe that you can make with zucchini (that's where my inspiration came from this week!).

Here's what we are having:

Monday
Zucchini and Corn Chowder
Garlic Bread
Small Salads

{Mushroom Tacos}

Tuesday
Corn, Tomato, Zucchini, and Avocado Salads
Grilled Mushroom Tacos

Wednesday
Roasted Zucchini and Corn Wedges
Gardenburgers
Olive and Feta Salads

Thursday
Zucchini "Crab" Cakes
Pasta
Garlic Bread

Friday
Zucchini Carrot and Cashew Rolls
Baked Garbanzo Beans
Avocado "Fries"

Saturday
Dinner out

Sunday
Zucchini Alfredo Pasta Nests
Oven Roasted Broccoli

What are you using your zucchini for?? Let me know!
More later!! (:

A Week of Menu Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Mrs. No-No) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 13:30:00 +0000

We went to see the Brave movie today! (: Have you guys seen it? I love all the Pixar movies - - I know that the general message is usually lost on little ones, but I love how they all have a theme and a "lesson". It's great.
Mr. No-No even went to the movie with us!!! I think we were all surprised!

Here's what we are having for dinner this week:

Monday
Quick Clean Out the Fridge Soup

{Brown Rice Bowl from thekitchn.com}

Tuesday
Zucchini Noodles
and Three Bean Salad

Wednesday
Brown Rice Bowl with
Lemongrass and Cashews

Thursday
Garden Burgers
Fruit Salad

Friday
Leftover Bonanza

Saturday
Dinner Out

Sunday
Pasta Dinner
Salad and Garlic Bread

What good movies have you seen lately?
Leave me a comment and let me know! (: Have a great week.
More later! (:

A Week of Menus - Easy, Peasy, Freezy Meals

noreply@blogger.com (Mrs. No-No) — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:40:00 +0000

{Grand Canyon Image from the NPS website}

Hey everyone! If you follow me on Facebook, then you know I was out of town for a couple of days. My family and I decided to go to the Grand Canyon - it was a fun trip, but a lot (!) more driving than I realized. And, since it's the first major road trip we have ever taken as a family (there were 8 of us), I think we were a little unrealistic (overly-optimistic???) on how long it would take, how few breaks we would need, how long a stop at a gas station could actually end up taking.....

But, it was fun!!

Sorry for the late-ness of these menus - we didn't actually get home until Monday night and we just finally got our rental car returned last night. And now we are ready to eat a home-cooked dinner!! But, since I am still in vacation mode, I am using some meals that are VERY fast and easy and some others that I have socked away in the freezer so that getting dinner on the table goes faster. (This is a great idea for when you KNOW you may not have time to cook next week or next month - you can just make double of some recipes that you think will freeze well, wrap them up, stick them in the freezer and in a couple of weeks, you have TONS of pre-cooked food that just needs to be defrosted during the day and then re-heated when it's dinner time!)

BUT - on to the menus (:

Monday

{Stir Fry with Noodles}

Cheese and Refried Bean "Quesadillas"

Tuesday
Bean Burritos

Wednesday
Garden Burgers and Broccoli

Thursday
Frozen Black Eyed Peas
Green Salads
Dinner Rolls

Friday
Tofu Stir Fry with Noodles
(using frozen stir-fry mixed vegetable bag)

Saturday
Dinner Out

Sunday
Pasta Dinner
Green Salad
Garlic Bread

Do you have any summer vacation plans?? Leave me a comment and let me know what they are!
More later! (:

A Week of Menu Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Mrs. No-No) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Are you gearing up for the 4th?? Do you have any great plans?
I am definitely planning to R-E-L-A-X with my extra day off this week (ahhh, I love vacation - - no matter how short it is - lol!).

Here's what I have planned for the week:

{Zucchini Noodles with Teriyaki Sauce}

Monday
Lettuce Wraps (fast and easy)

Tuesday
Zucchini Noodles
and leftovers

Wednesday
Grilled Garden Burgers
Watermelon
Corn on the Cob
Potato Salad

{Simple Stir Fry with Noodles}

Thursday
Simple Stir Fry

Friday
Bean Burritos
Big Salads

Saturday
Dinner Out

Sunday
Pasta Sunday
Garlic Bread
Salads

Hope your holiday is great!!! If you have anything great planned for your holiday, I would love to hear about it - - leave me a comment let me know!!
More later!! (:

4th of July Headband Craft

noreply@blogger.com (Mrs. No-No) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 00:38:00 +0000

I wanted to make something with my little one that she could wear to get ready for the 4th of July - I found this on the Parents Magazine website - it was perfect and easy, and best of all, she could help me with it!!!

What You Need:

Blue Felt
White (Sticker-Backed) Felt
2 Buttons
Headband
Glue gun

What to do:

Make a template using thin cardboard (I used this explanation to get the star just right)
Pin the template to blue felt and cut out two stars
Trim the template down slightly (about 1/8") and then pin to white felt and cut out two (smaller) stars
Remove sticker backing from white felt and stick to blue felt
Using a glue gun, glue stars onto headband (in any way that you like)
Glue-gun on buttons to the middle of the stars
Let dry
Celebrate!!!

If you make this, please leave me a comment and let me know - - I would love to see it!!
And check here to see places where I generally link up!!!
Cheers!
More later (:

A Week of Menu Ideas - Tempeh, Tofu, and Salads

noreply@blogger.com (Mrs. No-No) — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 14:31:00 +0000

We were so busy last week!! Miss No-No had her summer recital (and rehersals) early last week, she had TWO days off of school, and her graduation was Friday - She graduated from pre-school!! :) It was fun to watch. We also got a surprise when we got there - Miss No-No SANG (!!!) by herself (!!!) as part of the ceremony. Holy man! I could.not.stop crying - she was so beautiful, so sweet, and just so cute up there...and when she didn't know the words, she just did a little "lalalala" thing. Oh!

Since I about to get all emotional on you guys (lol), I will get to the menus!

We are busy again this week - Miss N is taking swimming lessons everyday after school - which means every meal listed here is super fast and easy (or can be pre-prepped the night before).

{Asian Noodle Salad from thepioneerwoman.com}

Monday
Pasta with Garlic and Broccoli

Tuesday
Easy Asian Noodle Salads
(with Tofu or Pan Seared Tempeh and Edamame)

Wednesday
Tofu, Brown Rice, and Black Bean Bowls
Sauteed Greens

{Tofu and Black Bean Bowls from fitnessmagazine.com}

Thursday
Tempeh Scalopini with Lemon Caper Sauce
Mashed Potatoes and Small Tomato and Avocado Salads

Friday
Mixed Up Leftovers
Salad

Saturday
Dinner Out

Sunday
Strega Nona Pasta Bowls
With Spinach Salads
What busy things do you have planned for your week?
More later! (:

A Week of Menu Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Mrs. No-No) — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 14:51:00 +0000

We are busy this week!! Miss No-No had a rehearsal last night for her recital that is tonight (on a weeknight!!). It's fun to watch her get dressed up, get excited, and then get up on stage and do her thing! (:

{from Google Images}

Last night, we didn't have dinner at home, but this salad is what I would have made if I had been there - - I may even make it later this week (maybe Wednesday?) because it just looks so delicious...and easy!

Here's what else I have planned:

Monday
MN's Rehearsal - dinner out

Tuesday
MN's Recital - dinner out

Wednesday
Quick Black Bean Soup and Salad

Thursday
Garden Burgers
Sliced Mangoes
Grilled Zucchini
Sweet Potato Fries

Friday
Left overs and Three Bean Salad

Saturday
Dinner out

Sunday
Pasta Dinner with Green Salads

What are your plans for this week?
More later! (:

A Week of Menus - Mangoes, Mushrooms, and Miso Soup

noreply@blogger.com (Mrs. No-No) — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 18:24:00 +0000

I hope everyone had a great weekend!!!

My little one's school session ends next week (she's graduating!!!) - - I am thinking about taking her to downtown LA to see that new Disney movie Brave to celebrate.... It sounds like a fun outing!!!

But, while I try to decide on that..... here's what I have planned for dinner:

Monday
Beans and Greens (Sauteed Kale) (1)
Dinner Rolls

Tuesday
Tofu and Veggies
Over Polenta with Pan Roasted Tomatoes

{Jap Chae from wikipedia.com}

Wednesday
Jap Chae (2)
Miso Soup

Thursday
Garden Burgers
Brocc Slaw

Friday
Black Bean and Mango
Salad on Tostada Shells

Saturday
Dinner out

Sunday
Pasta with Homemade Sauce
Salad / Greens with Carrot Curls

Notes:

(1) To make the sauteed greens: trim and wash the greens (I am using kale so I will have to remove the center rib, cut the greens into bite sized pieces, and wash). Heat a little bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium, add 1 - 2 cloves of minced garlic; let cook for 30 seconds; add in greens. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 10 - 15 minutes, adding a tablespoon or two of water when needed (so greens don't overcook and stick to the pan). Remove the lid and cook off as much residual water as possible (or as much as you have time to cook off!). The greens should be tender and wilted down a lot. Press out any extra water against the side of the pan before serving. Add salt and pepper, if desired

(2) Sad to say - my jap chae and my miso soup are from a mix!! But, it's fast, easy, relatively healthy, delicious, and a complete meal on it's own.

What fun thinkgs do you have planned to start off your summer???
More later! (:

A Week of Menu Ideas - Spring Rolls, Pasta, and a Picnic

noreply@blogger.com (Mrs. No-No) — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 15:01:00 +0000

We spent this past Saturday at the beach and then spent Sunday at the pool with Miss No-No and her friends. It was a long Sunday, but a lot of fun!
Here's what I have planned for the week:

Monday
Burritos and Fruit

Tuesday
Spring Rolls
Noodles with Teriyaki Sauce

Wednesday
Garden Burgers with Coleslaw

Thursday
Left over Bonanza

Friday
Picnic-Style Dinner
(Pizza, Fruit Kebabs, Carrot Sticks)

Saturday
Dinner Out

Sunday
Pasta with Guac Sauce
Salad
Garlic Bread

What's on your menu this week?
Don't forget to stop by and enter my newest giveaway if you haven't done so yet!
More later! (:

Giveaway: PrintRunner - Business Cards (CLOSED)

noreply@blogger.com (Mrs. No-No) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 14:26:00 +0000

Here is a great chance for you to score business cards - FOR FREE!!! PrintRunner is sponsoring a giveaway!

If you are in the market for business cards, greeting cards, notepads, stamps, stickers, postcards, or even magnets that you can design yourself and customize at home, PrintRunner's online printing services should be your first stop!

PrintRunner.com was established with little more than a small press and a dream. Ten years later their company became one of the foremost quality printers in Southern California. Their commitment to provide the best value and high quality full color printing at affordable price made their company grow. PrintRunner is a full service high quality printing company located in Chatsworth, California.

Try PrintRunner's online business card printing through their quick and easy online printing services. Order your cards (and other business and home necessities) from the comfort of home with a quick turn around time and reasonable shipping rates. Take a look at their prices - you will be surprised!

Enter now to win 250 business cards to jump-start your new business or upgrade your current cards! You could also use these cards as mom cards, contact cards - whatever you can dream up - the choice is yours!!

This is what you will be entering to win:

250 Business Card Size and Style Business Cards: 2x3.5 (Standard)
4/4 Color Both Sides
Paper: 14 pt. UV Coating on Front, 14 pt. UV Coating on both sides,
Does not include "proof" service
Does not include card with rounded corners
Turn around time / ready to ship time - 3 days
Personal design can be uploaded, but design services are not included

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Official Rules:

All entries/comments MUST be via Rafflecopter to be considered valid. Contest Ends Sunday, June 17th at 23:59 PST. Must be 18+ to enter. Open to residents of U.S. only. The gift code is a one-time use card. Winner will be chosen using Rafflecopter (on June 17th) and announced soon afterwards. Winner will be notified by email - so please leave me a valid email address with your entry. Winner then has 72 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. I will also announce the winner on my blog after they have confirmed.

Disclosure: PrintRunner is allowing me to host this giveaway to help promote their website. No monetary compensation was received for this post; I will, however, also be provided with a set of business cards from PrintRunner. This giveaway in no way affects my opinion of PrintRunner or any other entity. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone other than Carla of Mrs. No-No Knows. Please see my disclosure policy here.

Good luck everyone!!!
More later!!! :)

A Week Of Menu Ideas - American, Asian, and Mexican

noreply@blogger.com (Mrs. No-No) — Wed, 30 May 2012 23:39:00 +0000

{from Google Images}

Hey!

We had a fun weekend - we spent Saturday laz-ing around, Sunday was spent at my parents' house (their neighbor had a big party and invited everyone - even us! - over), and Monday we just hung out...but Monday evening, we went over to the Costco by us and rode our bikes around and around in their big parking lot!!! (: We live on a hill so the Costco parking lot is, literally, the best place around to ride our bikes - - and we don't have to drive to get there, we can ride our bikes over!!

..so now you know what WE do for fun - lol!
I have my menu for the week listed here:
Monday
Veggie Hot Dogs
Baked Beans
Carrot Sticks

Tuesday
Spring Stir Fry (1)

Wednesday
Tofu Fajitas
Beans and Rice

Thursday
Garden Burgers or Bean Burritos
Big Salads

Friday
Fried Rice and Pan-Seared Tofu

Saturday
Dinner Out

Sunday
Pasta with Sauce
Garlic Bread
Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette

Notes:
(1) Spring Stir Fry: Use stir fry recipe here and substitute asparagus, carrots, and zucchini for other vegetables (keep onions, garlic, and bell peppers); could also add: edamame or green peas.

What fun things did you do over the weekend???
More later! (:

Chinese Style Fried Rice

noreply@blogger.com (Mrs. No-No) — Sun, 27 May 2012 23:28:00 +0000

I have been using this recipe for years! I love it - mainly because it's fast, easy, and delicious. A bonus is that it's a one-pot recipe and one dish meal (less clean up!). I mostly just guess-timate with the amounts, so feel free to do that when you make it too - - you know what YOU like! (:

1/3 block of extra firm tofu
1/4 tsp. Braggs Liquid Aminos or low sodium soy sauce
pinch of turmeric
1/8 tsp each (or to taste): dried oregano, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder
1 Tbsp nutritional yeast

2 Tbsp of vegetable oil

2 cups of cooked (and cooled) brown rice
1/2 medium onion, sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 inch of fresh ginger root, grated or minced
2 carrots, shredded or finely julienned
1/2 red bell pepper, diced (or any other veggies you have on hand like broccoli or squash)
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup frozen edamamde
2 bunches of bok choy, green section sliced
2 Tbsp water
2 Tbsp Braggs Liquid Aminos or soy sauce

Press the tofu: place tofu between two folded dish towels and put a plate or skillet on top, add a couple of cans of beans (don't open!) and let sit for 10 minutes or while you get everything else ready; this will get the "extra" water out of the tofu and make it ready to soak up the sauce and flavors of what you are cooking it with.

Put a skillet over medium to medium high. Using the pressed tofu, crumble between your fingers into a bowl. You want something similar to the size / texture of scrambled eggs. Add Braggs aminos (or soy sauce), spices, and nutritional yeast. Stir well to mix. Add 1 Tbsp of vegetable oil into the warmed skilled over medium high, add tofu and let sit for a minute or two then begin stirring. The tofu should turn yellow where it's hot. Continue cooking and stirring to get the the consistency that you like (I let mine almost brown because that's the way that I used to like my eggs).

Push tofu to one side of the pan, turn pan up to high, and add onion, let cook 3 - 4 minutes, stirring. Add garlic and ginger, stirring, for 1 minute, add in remaining veggies and stir constantly, 3 - 4 minutes. Add in rice, stirring to combine, and incorporate tofu. Cook until rice is warmed through, approximately 3 - 4 minutes, add in frozen peas, edamame, and bok choy, let warm (and let bok choy begin to wilt), approximately 2 - 3 minutes more. Add water and Braggs (or soy sauce), stir to combine and serve.

Make approximately 4 servings as a main entree.