Cupcake stands make great centerpieces

There were certainly a lot of parties yesterday. We had two birthday parties and quite a few granduation parties to attend. One of the trends I noticed yesterday, was that with one exception, everyone chose cupcakes over large cakes. The centerpieces of the table were cupcake stands and fabulous looking cupcakes. I loved the mini cupcakes that many people chose to serve as well. That way we could accept a celebratory cupcake, without getting so many calories. That was an issue with so many parties. to attend.

I also loved that people served ice tea and coffee, instead of cocktails and drinks. Especially on graduation day, when we hope everyone has a safe day. There were so many different kinds of iced-tea makers yesterday. I really found it interesting. I love iced-coffee as well. Most put special flavors out to make the party festive. I developed a fondness for iced tea and mint. It was very refreshing.

Cupcake pans

Cupcakes are the rage right now. Some folks are even calling them tea cakes. You can expect to pay from $3 to $5 if you want to have one at a popular coffee shop. So it will pay to make your own. There are all kinds of decorations and cupcake wrappers so that yours can be as beautiful. A fantastic cupcake, begins with the right cupcake pan.

A basic cupcake pan is the same thing as a muffin pan. But then cupcake pans go off into a whole new direction. The cupcake pan cup can be shaped like hearts or flowers, so that you can then easily decorate them. Pull-Apart cupcakes are also popular for both childrens and grown-up parties.

When you're finished baking and decorating your cupcakes, a cupcake carrier will help you get them there in one piece.

Food Saver Containers

Food storage containers let you carefully plan your meals and use leftovers wisely from meal to meal. When I plan my menus for the week. I'll think about making a shepher'ds pie with beef and potatoes and vegetables. The potatoes will probably come from a meal where I coooked baked chicken and baked potatoes. Then when I'm cleaning up from that meal the leftover potatoes go into an airtight food storage container. The potatoes will stay fresh for a few days until I'm ready to use them. Probably at the same chicken dinner I'll cook some asparagus. That asparagus will also be saved. Most likely I'll combine it with some of the leftover chicken and mozzerella cheese and make a panini sandwich with my panini press. But I'm always thinking about how to use every last morsel of the food I buy. It's good to make them in very different ways, so that they don't feel like leftovers. If you use several different food storage containers, the odors and tastes stay separate.

Plastic Swimming Pools for BackYard Fun

Many of us won't be taking our traditional seaside vacation this year. But that doesn't mean that we can't have some fun in the sun. If you haven't already consider by a plastic swimming pool for the backyard. They come in so many different sizes. From tiny ones for the children, to large large rectangles that will let the grown ups swim laps and play volleyball.

Children's backyard pools can be just simple round plastic pools. They can have a great time. But you can get play centers with water slides, ring tosses and water sprays. The water sprays connect to your hose for hours of fun. There's even a fun one that has lots of baby dinosaurs attached to it.

Click Here for more info about backyard plastic swimming pools.

Use a Grill Pan for Grilling Cauliflower with Parmesan Cheese and Paprika

I love cheesy and gooey cauliflower, but I really don't want the fat and cholesterol in my diet all of the time. So I've played with a low-fat version that uses a grill pan. Instead of a cheese sauce I use homemade chicken stock, and two of my favorite italian ingredients authentic DOP Italian Olive Oil and Parmesan Cheese. Don't skimp on these, the really good ingredients give this a rich flavor.

1. Clean the cauliflower and remove the leaves and slice it into 1/2-inch slices. Remember you are ultimately going to grill the cauliflower so you want it to lie as flat as possible.

2. Heat the homemade chicken broth to boiling. The chicken broth that I make is heavily flavored with garlic, salt and pepper and a dash of Worcestershire Sauce -so that these flavors will enhance the cauliflower. Add the cauliflower. Bring the chicken stock to a second boil. Cook the cauliflower until it is just tender, but not mushy. About 3 minutes or so depending on the thickness of the cauliflower. (Keep the broth for step 5.)

3. Remove the cauliflower to a bowl and drizzle with enough Italian Olive Oil, to light coat and toss.

4. Heat your grill pan over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Place the cauliflower flat side down. Cook until the bottom is lightly browned. Using kitchen tongs turn the slices over and grill to slightly brown again. Put the cauliflower back into the mixing bowl and keep warm.

5. In a saucepan, melt the butter. Add flour and whisk; stir in remaining broth. Heat until it boils, whisking constantly, until the sauce bubbles and thickens. Pour sauce over the grilled cauliflower and spring with cheese and paprika.

Folding Chairs Are Just So Handy

Yesterday was Memorial Day and we spent the morning at the local Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Services. We all would have been very uncomfortable if we had not each brought a folding chair. I have to admit that I never used to do that, I'd just hop up on one of the stonewalls or pop down on the curb.

But a torn back muscle a few years ago, has changed all of that. I walk several miles each day, and practice yoga daily. Both of which have helped my back heal. But sitting or standing for long periods of time, isn't possible unless my back has comfortable support.

Luckily this new generation of folding chairs, are both lightweight and supportive.

A Baby Bath Tub is a Thoughtful Gift

A baby bath tub can help make bath time a happy event for both mother and baby. When Mom is relaxed, baby can have fun splashing and playing with toys. It can also help a nervous baby, calm down and get a better night's sleep. These means that mom and day will get a better nights sleep as well.

There are many styles of baby bath tubs. Some are designed to start with a newborn baby and go all the way through the toddler years. Others are madet emulate the mother's womb and are appropriate for younger infants.