{taste this} corn bread waffles

For our anniversary, The Saint got me a waffle maker.  Gosh, I love that man!  And it was a match made in heaven.  I made fluffy buttermilk waffles for The Bigger Bug's birthday waffle bar and these heavenly, unbelievably EASY cinnamon roll waffles.  But surely, waffles don't just have to be sweet!

So, today?  {taste this} and corn bread waffles!!

These start with the little blue box of Jiffy corn muffin mix (if you don't have this mix in your stores... here is an alternative.  I haven't tried it myself, but it looks like it got good reviews!), require a waffle maker and that's about it :)  So quick and easy that I may never make corn bread muffins again!

Corn Bread Waffle Batter

Yields 6 - 7 waffles

1 package Jiffy corn muffin mix

1 egg

3/4 cup milk

2 tablespoons shortening, melted (I didn't use this because the recipe didn't say if it was to put in the batter or on the waffle maker.  My waffles came out just fine without it and I saved a few calories!)

Mix the above, use about 1/3 cup batter for each waffle (my waffle maker has 4 square compartments), close your waffle maker, wait until it stops steaming and the waffles easily come away from the grid.  Spread with a little butter while they are warm and these corn bread waffles are the perfect partner to your favorite bowl of soup or chili.  SO much easier to dip than a crumbly corn bread muffin and just as delicious! 

Want a twist?  Add shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon or finely diced jalapenos to the batter if you want ... these are sure to make any bowl of chili happy!  If it's too hot for chili or soup in your neck o' the woods, slather these with butter and honey for a pretty amazing breakfast!

Don't tell my oven, but this summer, the waffle maker may be my new BFF ;)

This project or recipe was shared at the blogs on my Link page!

{sponsor this} sponsor space & opportunities now available!!

So, by now, you all know that there is no shortage of exclamation points here at shaken together.  But just as fair warning, there may be more than usual today!!  Why, you ask?!

Hint #1:  Look to your left.  See those previously absent "your stuff here" buttons?
Hint #2:  Click on the advertise page (up and to the right) ... there have been a few updates!
Hint #3:  Oh all right ... I'll just come right with it ...

This blog is growing ... there are lots of folks stopping by, pinning and interacting here!  And ya'll are plum awesome!  While it was a little nerve wracking to hit "publish" on this post, I'm taking the plunge!!

You can be a shaken together sponsor/partner!!!!!!

Here are the four ways that you can get in on the action!!

1.  Sponsor shaken together - As an initial offer, I would be happy to replace that little ol' "your stuff here" button over to the left with your lovely and amazing blog, Etsy store or online site 150x150 button for 3 whole months ... for $30.  Yep, that's it.  And space is currently limited to 10 buttons.  Get your name out there in front of more than 18,000 people, over 55,000 times each month!  

This could be YOU!!

2.  Sponsor a giveaway - Everyone loves the chance to win something awesome!  I will host a giveaway free of charge and I promise it will be served with excessive gushing and exclamation points!!!
3.  Product review - You send it, I'll review it.  And post about it!!!
4.  Guest posting - This one is so great ... because you do all the work ;)  I would LOVE to share some of my space with you once every week!!  Got a recipe, DIY tutorial, project, party post or trick/tip to share?  Bring it on! 

There are more details on my advertise page for each of these options and I would be happy to answer any specific questions.  Please contact me directly at shakentogetherblog {at} gmail {dot} com.

And you know what?  If it's not the right time, I'm cool with it.  But if you wanna take the plunge with me?  It would make me one of the happiest bloggirls on earth!!

Iwillnowbebitingmyfingernailsandobsessivelycheckingmyemailsifyouneedme.

{taste this} patriotic mini fruit pizzas

Happy Memorial Day weekend!  Whatever you are doing, hopefully you will spend a few moments remembering the men and women who served our country up until their very last breath ... thank you for our families, our freedom, our country and our future.

Since we were attending a Memorial Day weekend cookout after an afternoon at the beach, I put together a sweet little treat and just had to share it with you!  So, {taste this} ... patriotic mini fruit pizzas!!

These are simple and tasty and red, white and blue!!  Start with sugar cookies (I cheated and used store bought!), spread on the sweet creamy topping below and decorate with strawberries stripes and blueberry stars!

creamy fruit pizza topping

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup powdered sugar
4 oz. (1/2 small tub) of Cool Whip

Mix the cream cheese and powdered sugar together well.  Gently fold in Cool Whip.  Spread the topping on sugar cookies and top with fruit.  To keep the cookies chewy and the strawberries from "bleeding" on the topping, assemble mini fruit pizzas just before serving.

With their sweet sugar cookie base, creamy topping and tart summer fruits, these are just so, SO good!  They would make a perfectly portable patriotic treat for July 4th or any summer BBQ, too!

This project or recipe was shared at the blogs on my Link page!

{what's shakin' link party} 10 & party faves

Happy weekend!!  I am starting things out a little early and I will leave this week's party open until 8PM EST Friday, June 1st!

We are looking forward to three days of time with friends, family and food which is pretty much our default in the shaken together house :)  We are beaching it, cooking out (twice!) and I am hoping to squeeze in some time to cook, bake and create.  So this week, I thought I would feature some things to do over your long Memorial Day weekend!! 

Grab yourselves a featured party fave button (look!  new!  and aqua!) if you were featured here today!!

Starting it off are those creative sister-in-laws over at Uncommon!  I LOVE their dip dyed fabric garland ... I definitely see one of these in my future!!

And since you worked up an appetite crafting, you'll have to make these Nutter Butter Truffle Brownies from Crazy for Crust!!  Now I need a linked up fitness/exercise tip ;)

Or maybe this fun jello popcorn at Chocolate, Chocolate and More?!   Red & blue would be perfect for this patriotic weekend!

Okay, so something with no calories?  How about these adorable bakers twine cupcakes from Oh Craft!  Styrofoam balls & twine ... could not be easier!

And grab a ticket on the washi tape train for Homespun with Love's washi tape upcycled cans ... flowers, plastic utensils at a party, pens/pencils ... so pretty and useful!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who linked up and shared what's shakin' at your place ... you made my week!!  I tried to visit and comment on each and every post and I appreciate every last one of you!!

If you want to pin any of these fabulous ideas, please pin from the original source!

And now, let's get right to {what's shakin' link party} #10!

This'll work like most link parties but it's even more awesome because you're here!  Here's the plan:

1. Link up recipes, parties, ideas, DIY tutorials, projects, design pointers, tips & tricks ...  basically anything other than another link party, giveaway or your blog's main page.
2. We all browse, leave gushing comments, marvel, pin, share on Facebook and drool over your talent.
3. I will pick out some party faves and feature you and you grab a button.
4. Wash, rinse and repeat!!

Two quick things:  I'd love for you to follow shaken together in some way, shape or form.  I'm not picky - check out my side bar for options!  And then grab a new, pretty aqua button from my button page to add to your party page/blog or link back with a text link.  Pretty please!  Not required but it sure is nice and a great way to get the word out!

Next week, I'll share more party faves and we'll start this whole wonderful thing all over! 

{create this} clay starfish garland

Sooooo, I gave our master bedroom a makeover ... oh, about six months ago!  I took it from a brown/green hodge podge to a serene seaside retreat in shades of teal-ish blue, tan, cream and pops of coral.  I really need to get the laundry put away and take some pictures and give you a tour.  But for now, how about a simple DIY project that you make and bake in about 30 minutes start to stop?

Dig your toes in the sand and {create this} with me ... a clay starfish garland!!

Though you probably can't tell from the picture, I tried out two different kinds of clay for this project.  The first type was a tub of air dry Crayola white clay (we had some leftover from The Bigger Bug's fossil project for science).  Worked just fine and air dried in about 2 days.  Then, I tried the Fimo clay in white ... this is the kind you bake.  And I am totally SOLD  on it.  I love that you bake for 15 minutes and it is done!!  Perfect for the impatient crafter!

So, do you want to make some starfish of your own?  Here are the easy steps ...

1.  Form a small ball of clay
2.  Use a skewer to section the ball into 5 sections.
3.  Form, flatten and smooth each arm.
4.  Use the skewer to dot the surface and sides of each starfish.

Depending on the clay used, bake according to the package directions (I baked mine for 15 minutes at 275*) or allow to air dry.  I brushed some really watered down brown acrylic paint to age them a bit and take away the stark white color.  But I don't think you can really tell, ha ha. 

String together six starfish using rustic jute or twine and bring a little seaside to your bedroom, guest room or just about anywhere! 

I love this rustic, totally handmade project!  It is perfectly imperfect ... just like the real thing!!  And I sort of like that there is a hint of a fingerprint here and there - adds a very personal touch!

Friends of ours have a cool little beach cottage at New Smyrna and I might just have to make another garland to take along the next time we visit ... and maybe I can talk her into making fried dough!  (Recipe coming soon!!)

I have so much more to share in our bedroom ... a Craigslist armoire make over, a corner ledge filled with beach treasures, a cool retro framed poster ... so stick around!!  There is more beach-y goodness to come!!

This project or recipe was shared at the blogs on my Link page!

{taste this} cinnamon rolls from refrigerator biscuits

Did you see the mini chocolate nutella popovers last week?  Well, I promised I would share the cinnamon rolls I made the same morning based on the garlic butter buns that Cheryl at Tidy Mom baked ... and are still on my to-bake list!  

And now cinnamon rolls from refrigerator biscuits ... go on and {taste this}!!

One can of refrigerated biscuits will be transformed into eight ooey, gooey cinnamon rolls with a few ingredients from your pantry.  Perfectly portable!  Will travel for breakfast ... no fork required!

Cinnamon Rolls (from refrigerator biscuits)

One can of Honey Butter Grands refrigerated biscuits
Cinnamon Sugar (I default to a 1:3 ratio ... 1 part cinnamon to 3 parts sugar)
2 T melted butter

Roll out each biscuit until it is about 1/4 inch thick and brush with melted butter. Generously sprinkle each biscuit with cinnamon sugar.  Roll up each biscuit like a burrito and cut into three pieces.  Squoosh the three pieces (with the spiral cut side facing up) into a compartment in a cupcake pan.  (To make mini cinnamon rolls, place 1 piece in one compartment of a mini cupcake pan.)  Bake according to package directions.

The sweet and spicy filling bubbles out over the flaky buttery biscuit, caramelizes and provides a delectable breakfast of ...

So what do you say?  You bring coffee and fruit and I'll bring these cinnamon rolls ... deal?!

This project or recipe was shared at the blogs on my Link page! 

soooooo ... things might look a little different around here ...

If you are seeing this in your feed reader or just getting to your inbox, you may want to stop by and check out the little ol' blog makeover !!

I loved my fun turquoise/red/gray and little people family, but I really decided that I wanted a little more modern, streamlined, less "cutesy" look... what do you think?!  Is everything readable?  Are the two columns too much?  Be honest but not brutally so?  And if something doesn't work, be a pal and let me know?

Hopefully, it's a little easier to navigate, more concise and less cluttered.  I have new social media buttons (look right), a new format for my pages bar (look up) and a little different layout!  And new buttons, too!!  Grab them while they're hot!! 

Finally, if you think you might be interested in partnering with or sponsoring shaken together, I have updated my advertising/disclosure page and there are lots of opportunities available!  I should have rates determined in the next few days ... so stay tuned!

{Holding my breath until I get some feedback, ha ha!}

{create this} thimble garden necklace

One of the very first things I pinned eons and eons ago when I first joined Pinterest was this thimble garden necklace.  And I thought, "Hey, I'm crafty.  I can totally make that."  So I did ... and you know you want to, too.  So let's {create this} thimble garden necklace!!

Laura at The Wind and The Sail  has a great tutorial, so I'll be brief and give you a quick overview.  I didn't have a drill and I added felt leaves to a few flowers, but other than that, I pretty much followed her instructions.  L-O-V-E this necklace and can't wait to wear it!

Okay, so the run down:  For the hole in my thimble, I actually used my beast of a Crop-O-Dile.  It worked; a little scary, but it worked.  Then, I used jewelry wire cutters to trim some of the pin flowers shorter.  I cut out itty bitty felt leaves for three flowers and used a smidge of craft glue to keep them in place.  When they're dry, secure the pin flowers inside the thimble with a teeny tiny square of floral foam and hot glue.  Add some moss to cover the foam and fill the thimble.  Hook a jump ring to the hole in the thimble and hang on a thin ball chain.  

Pretty.  Colorful.  Simple.  Whimsical.  A thimble full of all together awesome!  Now this is my kind of jewelry making!!

This project or recipe was shared at the blogs on my Link page!

{what's shakin' link party} 9 & party faves

Welcome, welcome back and thanks for stopping in!  Even though the calendar doesn't say "summer" yet, the weather in FL sure does ... it has been HOT and rainy this week!  I am already thinking about pools (and bathing suits - EEK!), cold drinks and a toasty little suntan!  Any body else feelin' the heat already?  Well, spend a few minutes in the A/C, browse the features and link up!! 

Here are this week's party faves ... all in shades of blue!! 

Loving these pretty Jello swirl cupcakes & Jello buttercream from Chocolate, Chocolate and More ...

And even though Mother's Day is over, you can still show her some love with this sweet printable from Northern Cottage ... love the striped twine!

A night table got a lovely lettered makeover at Here's to Handy Andy ... too cute!!  Love that yellow and blue combo!

Hey party faves ... grab a button if you want one ... they're fun and free of charge ;)

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who linked up and shared what's shakin' at your place ... you made my week!!  I tried to visit and comment on each and every post and I appreciate every last one of you ... you make this party awesome!!

If you want to pin any of these fabulous ideas, please pin from the original source!

And now, let's get right to {what's shakin' link party} #9!

This'll work like most link parties but it's even more awesome because you're here!  Here's the plan:

1. Link up recipes, parties, ideas, DIY tutorials, projects, design pointers, tips & tricks ...  basically anything other than another link party, giveaway or your blog's main page.
2. We all browse, leave gushing comments, marvel, pin, share on Facebook and drool over your talent.
3. I will pick out some party faves and feature you and you grab a button.
4. Wash, rinse and repeat!!

Two quick things:  I'd love for you to follow shaken together in some way, shape or form.  I'm not picky - check out my side bar for options!  And then grab a button from my button page to add to your party page/blog or link back with a text link.  Pretty please!  Not required but it sure is nice and a great way to get the word out!

Next week, I'll share my party faves and we'll start this whole wonderful thing all over! 

passing the torch ceremony & the bloggy olympics!!

Guess what? The 2012 Summer Olympics are coming soon and we are so excited! To help get in the spirit of the Olympics and to add a bloggy spin of our own, we will be hosting a 6 week Bloggy Olympics!

There will be 17 different blogs participating over 6 weeks and 6 events from June 9th- July 21st. Each week 2 or 3 blogs will share a simple tutorial that you can copy or will get you thinking about that event’s theme. At the end of the week they will host a 3 blog linky party for you to link up your finished event projects. And of course there will be features, giveaways, and fun Olympic stuff!


The Opening Ceremony begins Thursday, June 7th and runs until Friday, June 8th at midnight. Come link up your blog if you are planning on joining in an event for the “Bloggy Olympics”. Our Olympic event schedule is: 

• Event 1:  Decorating
• Event 2:  Kitchen
• Event 3:  Paint
• Event 4:  Crafts
• Event 5:  Fabric
• Event 6:  Outdoors

Join 1 event or plan on joining all!  Can you guess which event I'm participating in?!  That's right ... TEAM KITCHEN 2012, baby!!  Now, a little about me ...

And now I'm passing the torch ... head on over to meet some of the other competitors!!

                          

http://www.letbirdzfly.blogspot.com/

http://www.smallgoodhearth.com/  

                                                       See you at the Olympics!

{love this} ROYGBIV

I don't know if there is anything that says "Spring" to me more than rainbows ... and I've seen such these colorful little beauties popping up all over!  There is just something just inherently cheerful in the colors and they always make me smile.  So today, {love this} along with me with and enjoy rainbows!!

First up, these GORGEOUS brushed rainbow cookies from Lizy B. Bakes ...

And these sweeter than cotton candy rainbow wall decals from graphicspaces Etsy shop ...

And don'tcha just adore this sparkly rainbow necklace I found in strawberry universe's Etsy store ...

And how about a rainbow printable?!  That's awesome.  From Joy's Hope.  Sweet! 

And I love love love this rainbow drink table ... I'll have one of each, please!
P.S. I could not find the original source for this picture and the Pinterest pin referenced here didn't work.  If it's yours, let me know!

Hope you found a little something to make you happy and have a ROYGBIV day!

Fashion to Figure {giveaway} WINNER

First, a BIG thanks to Fashion to Figure for partnering with me to give one of my fabulous readers the chance to pick out any item up to $30 from their site!!  I mean ... who doesn't like to shop and who doesn't LOVE free?!

And thanks to everyone who reads and follows shaken together and entered this giveaway!  There were 21 awesome comments and via random.org, our lucky winner is ...

Kristen at My Covered Bridge who said ...

Congratulations, Kristen!  You get to pick out any item (up to $30!!) from Fashion to Figure!  I am providing your contact information to Fashion to Figure who will contact you with information about redeeming your prize.  Happy shopping!!

Sooooo, just thought I'd throw this out there ... do you have an Etsy shop, online business or brick and mortar store?  If you would like to host a giveaway here at shaken together, please drop me a line at shakentogetherblog {at} gmail {dot} com!!  I'd love to partner with you, show you off and giveaway some awesome stuff!

Happy Thursday!!

{taste this} easy Asian noodle & chicken lettuce wraps

Can you believe it?  A {taste this} post that is not a dessert?!  So you know this recipe for easy Asian noodle & chicken lettuce wraps has got to be good!

Okay, so I wish this photo was better.  Because it does not begin to capture the divine awesomeness of this dinner.  That even my pickier Bigger Bug devoured in minutes!  BUT it was all I could do to even get a few pictures before we scarfed these down!!  So one picture ... and my overly exclamated post!!!

easy Asian noodle & chicken lettuce wraps
Yield:  8 lettuce wraps, served 4 (with a side of steamed broccoli)

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 packages any flavor ramen noodles
finely minced garlic (about 1 teaspoon) or garlic salt/powder
1 tablespoon sesame oil
splash or two of soy sauce
splash or two of rice wine vinegar
1 cucumber
1 carrot
8 large romaine lettuce leaves
Kraft Light Done Right Asian Sesame dressing

Slice/dice chicken to about 1 inch pieces.  Saute in a large skillet with sesame oil and minced garlic (or sprinkle with garlic salt/powder).  While chicken is cooking, prepare two packets of ramen noodles - do not use the flavoring packets! - just boil the noodles until tender and drain.  When the chicken is nearly cooked, splash some soy sauce and rice wine vinegar on it and stir to coat and allow to caramelize.  This is not an exact science recipe, if you can't tell ;) 

Using a mandolin (we bought the one from Walmart that Rachel over at Bubbly Nature Creations recommended on her FB page and we LOVE it!) or your awesome knife skills, thinly slice cucumbers and carrots.  And hot peppers if you live dangerously.

Prior to serving, drizzle cooled ramen noodles with 1 or 2 tablespoons of the Asian sesame dressing.

Now, build your wraps!  Layer noodles, veggies and chicken in a large romaine lettuce leaf.  Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of additional dressing and a few drops of soy sauce and dig in!

These were seriously SO GOOD!!  Crunchy lettuce, warm chicken, lightly dressed noodles, crisp cool cucumbers and carrots and just the right amount of sesame goodness from the dressing!  This is the perfect dinner for a hot Florida night!  My oriental coleslaw with no mayo would be the perfect side dish, too!

This project or recipe was shared at the blogs on my Link page!

{taste this} mini chocolate nutella popovers

If you are a long-timer here at shaken together, you might remember these mini chocolate nutella croissants that I made last year.  They were delicious and decadent.  And gone in two seconds ;)  Well, this past Saturday, the Bigger Bug's baseball team moved forward in their end of season tournament and we had to be at the fields at 8:15am!  So, I volunteered to bring a little something for breakfast.  And if you know me, I was SO not bringing fruit and yogurt, ha ha!

I put a little twist on the croissants and these mini chocolate nutella popovers were born!  This {taste this} recipe is my breakfast of champions!

When Cheryl over at Tidy Mom shared her garlic butter buns using refrigerated biscuits (which look amazing and are on my to-do list, too), I just knew I could use that same method to make something sweet!

mini chocolate nutella popovers
Yield:  24 bite-sized popovers or 8 large popovers

• 1 can Pillsbury honey butter Grands refrigerated biscuits (8 biscuits)
• Mini chocolate chips
• Nutella

Roll out each biscuit until it is about 1/4 inch thick and spread with nutella to the very edge.  Then sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.  Roll up each biscuit like a burrito and cut into three pieces.  Place each piece (with the spiral cut side facing up) into a compartment in a mini cupcake pan.  (To make 8 larger popovers, place all 3 cut pieces in one compartment of a regular sized cupcake pan.) 

Bake according to the package directions.  While the popovers were hot, I stirred together a little powdered sugar, milk and a smidge of vanilla to make a glaze to drizzle on these sweet little mouthfuls!

These bite-size popovers were incredibly easy and so, so tasty!  The melty chocolate and rich Nutella are perfectly complimented by the subtly sweet biscuits and somehow, the glaze just seemed right!  I used this same method to make cinnamon rolls and I'll share those this week, too! 

Don't be a stranger ... popover some time ;)

This post was shared at all the awesome parties on my link page.

{what's shakin' link party} #8 & party faves

Our family spent Saturday morning cheering on the Bigger Bug's baseball team who came all the way from last place in the tournament to 3rd place - totally a heart-in-your-throat few games!  And this is a great weekend for a party, right?!  Whether you are a mother or celebrating a mother, hope you are enjoying your weekend!! 

And you, YOU awesome party goers ... YOU linked up over 50 of your most awesome things and made me one super duper happy hostess!!!!  Hope you found some inspiration and added a few things to your to-do list ... I sure did!  Let's keep this party growing!!

But before we get the link party started, here are this week's party faves!!  Grab a button if you want one ... they are pretty and free of charge ;)

Something like Susie Homemaker linked up sweet DIY Mod Podge Coasters and these awesome looking lemon bars ... you know I am a sucker for all things pucker :)

And if you're like me ... and Sassy Style interior redesign ... and don't have a mantle, learn how to fake it (gorgeously!)!  You will love her eye for detail, her tips and tricks and a chubby white owl that you'll have to stop by to see! 

Chocolate Chocolate and More linked up these Cream Cheese Bacon Bites!!  Super easy and who doesn't love bacon?!  These just scream breakfast and brunch and any old time, really!

And you'll have to see Alecia's unplanned birthday surprise to believe it ... I won't ruin it by adding a picture, but you need to duck on out and head over to Chicken Scratch ... so sweet!

Gwen over at The Bold Adobe shared her bold wall art for a friend ... stop by and be inspired!  Loving the blinged out "bolder" and the song lyrics!!

Finally, let's ruin dinner and eat dessert first!  Preferably, this buttery cinnabun cake from The Wednesday Baker!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who linked up and shared what's shakin' at your place ... you made my week!!  I may not be able to comment on each and every post but I appreciate every last one of you ... you make this party awesome!!

If you want to pin any of these fabulous ideas, please pin from the original source!

And now, let's get right to {what's shakin' link party} #! 

This'll work like most link parties but it's even more awesome because you're here!  Here's the plan:

1. Link up recipes, parties, ideas, DIY tutorials, projects, tips & tricks ...  basically anything other than another link party, giveaway or your blog's main page.
2. We all browse, leave gushing comments, marvel, pin, share on Facebook and drool over your talent.
3. I will pick out some party faves and feature you and you grab a button.
4. Wash, rinse and repeat!!

Two quick things:  I'd love for you to follow shaken together in some way, shape or form.  I'm not picky - check out my side bar for options!  And then grab a button from my button page to add to your party page/blog or link back with a text link.  Pretty please!  Not required but it sure is nice and a great way to get the word out!

Next week, I'll share my party faves and we'll start this whole wonderful thing all over!