Dine and Dish

Our Favorite Things Group Giveaway

Kristen — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:50 +0000

^^ Make sure to check out all of the favorite things giveaways linked above for lots of chances to win!^^

Friends, I have been looking forward to sharing this fun giveaway with you for quite some time now! I have teamed up with 19 other bloggers to share some of our favorite things with our readers. This isn’t a sponsored post… it also isn’t a crazy ploy to get more Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest followers… it’s simply us sharing some of our favorite products as a giveaway for you!

It is no secret that I love office supplies, coffee and the color turquoise. Well, I decided to go on a little shopping spree at Office Max to load up on some of my favorite goodies for you! Would you like to take a closer look to see exactly what I picked out for you? Alright… let’s take a look… (more…)

Stuff It {Recipe: Cobb Salad Stuffed Pita Pockets}

Kristen — Thu, 16 May 2013 02:53:41 +0000

I’m crying uncle to my schedule…

And from what I can tell the rest of you are feeling the same strain. Since when did May feel more like the holidays with all the running around and stuffed calendars? From graduations to birthday parties to sports practices and games every night of the week, things have gotten a little out of control around here. (more…)

Marinated Grilled Mushrooms

Kristen — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:57:15 +0000

I’m sharing a perfectly simple grilled side dish over on The Mushroom Channel blog today!

Click HERE to get the recipe for Marinated Grilled Mushrooms — a must have side dish for the summer grilling season!

Microsoft Stores – What You Need to Know {$100 Giveaway}

Kristen — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:01:05 +0000

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored conversation and giveaway on behalf of Microsoft and The Motherhood. As always, all opinions expressed are my own!

You may have seen them in your mall… the new Mega Microsoft Stores popping up around the nation? If you are like me, you’ve probably walked by your local Microsoft Store a dozen times, have been curious, but have never gone in. I always assumed they were just for people looking to buy computers. Little did I know what all the new Microsoft Stores had, well, in store!

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Celebrate Spring {Recipe: Blackberry Lime Sunshine Cake}

Kristen — Fri, 10 May 2013 18:21:21 +0000

I’ve been complaining a lot about the weather lately. I mean, do you blame me? Snow in May? That’s a bunch of craziness! I’m so ready for spring like weather… flip flops, warm sunshine, outdoor patio playing, chalk drawing, driving with the windows down and music blaring… all of that. Having my heater on in May is not my idea of spring! (more…)

Fun S’Mores Fondue Bites – No Fondue Pot Required

Kristen — Wed, 08 May 2013 03:00:35 +0000

I’m honored to be a part of the 2013 Kraft Tastemaker Community, where I am teaming up with Kraft Foods to bring you family friendly recipes using common ingredients found in your pantry!

I absolutely love this time of year… the countdown to school being out is on (13 days left for us!) and summer is right around the corner.

With all four of my kids home during the day once summer starts, I try to create fun activities and treats that will make our summer memorable. One creation we absolutely love to make is fondue… there’s nothing like having a bunch of friends over, providing a selection of things to dip, and some fun flavored fondue to make some great memories. (more…)

Stark Raving {Recipe: Mushroom and White Bean Crostini}

Kristen — Tue, 07 May 2013 04:12:28 +0000

I think Crostini is one of the best little appetizers, ever. It’s so versatile and tasty… and who doesn’t love an appetizer with bread?

When the folks at The Wine Bar asked me to create an appetizer recipe that would pair well with Stark Raving Merlot Wine, I knew I wanted to do a Crostini. And what better ingredients than fresh mushrooms, some Great Northern Bush’s Beans, Italian Herbs and a little garlic and baby swiss cheese? In my opinion, that’s one of the best combinations of flavors there is. Yum!

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Celebrate with Tie-Dyed Funfetti Cupcakes {Giveaway}

Kristen — Fri, 03 May 2013 15:00:29 +0000

I’m helping Pillsbury Funfetti mix & frostings celebrate their 25th birthday with some celebration tips of my own!

The giveaway is now closed. Congrats to Patsy! Thanks to all who entered.

When was the last time you had a celebration just to celebrate? Not for a birthday or anniversary or anything, but just because?

Right now, with the snow falling down outside, again, I can tell you *this* family is going to have one heck of a party when spring finally arrives! Want an invite? It’s going to be an epic “Welcome Spring” celebration!

Whether you are celebrating the final snow of the season, a happy birthday, or simply another day, I have some great celebration tips to share with you!

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Recipe: Grilled Vegetable Medley with Blue Cheese Dressing

Kristen — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 03:36:46 +0000

We were finally able to fire up the grill this weekend… and by we I mean my husband – I still have no idea how to use the thing. It doesn’t help that it is missing knobs and ghetto rigged to where only he knows how to turn it on. I’m not feeling bitter about that at all.*ahem*

Did you know that when I first met my husband, he pretty much would only eat two vegetables and that was it… corn and potatoes. From what he tells me, he was a typical Iowa farm kid who grew up on a pretty stringent diet of meat and potatoes. As would be expected, right? (more…)

Thoughts on Dreaming

Kristen — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:32:59 +0000

A random thought…

I needed to give myself this reminder today. My life IS good. (more…)