Lemon Ricotta Gems (she: Jana)
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Lemon Ricotta Gems (she: Jana)

ByJana

It’s the 10th of the month! Guess what that means!?!? I’ll tell you, it’s pretty fun… Each month on the 10th, TEN of my creative friends will will share a project on their blog around the same theme. You can hop to their blogs to see what they created and save their projects after viewing mine. Pin this collage below, and make sure you come back on the 10th each month! In May, the theme is CITRUS.

These little “gems” are worth their weight in gold (or a few pounds on the scale, at least!) Even though I’m on this diet I talked about last month I just had to taste these cookies to make sure they were good enough to share…well, they most definitely are!! So much so, I have to confess I think I ate 7 of them. I just couldn’t stop. I’m weak. Very weak.

Don’t be hesitant about this recipe because of the ricotta. It makes the cookies soft and delicious…trust me, I would never lead you astray! And once the glaze hardens, they are perfect for packing up and taking to a friend, neighbor or teacher. Just think how these would brighten someones day!

Come check out the recipe and all the other creative CITRUS ideas!

DIY Glass Vase Cover ~ Spruce Up That Mother’s Day Vase! (she: Amy)
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DIY Glass Vase Cover ~ Spruce Up That Mother’s Day Vase! (she: Amy)

ByAmy of while wearing heels

A blogger girl by heart, I feel as if I was just invited to the grown-up table for Thanksgiving dinner, by sharing my latest post on “Or so she says…”, after Mariel’s successful migration to WordPress.

So, wearing my finest heels, I proudly share my latest DIY with all of you. With Mother’s Day a few days away, whether on the giving end of the receiving end of flowers, this quick and easy project will make any bouquet of flowers even more beautiful.

Come check it out!

Family Gathering Vacations – THE Travel Trend for 2013 (she: Kim)

Family Gathering Vacations – THE Travel Trend for 2013 (she: Kim)

ByKimberly w/Get Away Today

It’s hard to imagine, but summer is right around the corner. With the season, a lot of things come to mind, but let’s not forget the most important – family vacation! I firmly believe that the most fun way to strengthen a family is through vacationing together. Luckily, I’m not the only one who thinks so. In fact, one of the hottest travel trends of 2013 is what’s coming to be known as family gathering vacations.

When I say family gathering vacations, I’m not talking about traditional family reunions where you have over 100 people and can’t possibly connect with everyone—although those can be fun too. Family gathering vacations are right in between the extended family reunion and a standard family vacation, where just grandparents, their adult children and their kids (the grandchildren), or similar family groupings get together for an unforgettable vacation together.
My husband and I have been lucky enough to do a few of these vacations with both sides of our families and I can honestly say that everything is more fun with the ones you love – especially vacations! We have made so many memories that we simply wouldn’t have made otherwise. But, perfect family gatherings don’t just happen. Since Get Away Today is an expert on family vacations, I’ve compiled our best travel tips for planning a successful, stress-free family gathering vacation:

Frittata Muffins & Tropical Yogurt Smoothie ~ Perfect Mother’s Day Breakfast!
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Frittata Muffins & Tropical Yogurt Smoothie ~ Perfect Mother’s Day Breakfast!

ByMariel

It’s been a jam-packed weekend! Before I share with you a delicious and easy idea for Mother’s Day breakfast (not that you would ever cook for yourself on Mother’s Day), I thought I would share some of the happenings around here…things that make me LOVE being a mother.

Come check out my latest vacation pics and the super easy and delicious Frittata Muffins & Tropical Yogurt Smoothie!

Color-Blocked Bobby Pin Tutorial (she: Lauren)
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Color-Blocked Bobby Pin Tutorial (she: Lauren)

ByLauren

Hello lovelies! Are you loving the new digs here at Or So She Says as much as I am? Kudos to Mariel and her team for this stellar blog makeover!

Speaking of makeovers…you’ll never guess what else got a makeover recently…my bobby pins! Didn’t know it was possible, did you? Well, it is. And it’s super easy, too. Painter’s tape and nail polish are all you need to transform plain ole bobby pins into trendy color-blocked hair accessories. They’re the perfect compliment to your bright n’ bold spring outfits!

May Inspiration ~ Using Clean Language (Free Printable!)

May Inspiration ~ Using Clean Language (Free Printable!)

ByMariel

We use my iPad a lot for homeschool. Every morning, we watch the CNN Student News (so awesome) and often times we watch YouTube videos related to whatever we’re learning about (Queen Elizabeth, the Inquisition, whales, etc.) One of our favorite things to watch on YouTube as part of our scripture/value study are the Mormon Messages for Youth. The church puts together such inspirational, thought-provoking, and conversation-starting videos. There might be a few that would be a little confusing if you weren’t Mormon, but most of them could be applicable and inspirational to any one, of any faith. ANYWAY. What I’m trying to get at is there was this particular video that really impressed me about using clean language. It kicked off a great conversation with my kids, and later that night I had to show it to the man, so we could talk about it together.

At first sight, I thought my kids might think it was pretty corny. But, it’s actually way interesting…

Mini Pepper Poppers - Perfect appetizers for the big game, Father's Day or a weekend BBQ. www.orsoshesays.com #peppers #appetizers #apps
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Mini Pepper Poppers (she: Cathy)

Bycathy

Hi there! It’s Cathy from Lemon Tree Dwelling and I’m back with a last minute idea for your Cinco de Mayo party! A new twist on an old favorite: Bacon-Wrapped Mini Pepper Poppers! Colorful, fun, tasty, and not too spicy….so everyone can enjoy them!

Do you celebrate Cinco de Mayo? I have to admit….it always seems like a fun idea, but we have never really celebrated. This year feels like it might be different, though. The warmer weather is finally here….and we are in a celebrating kind of mood! These mini pepper poppers are just the right way to get the party started!

Bacon-wrapped mini pepper poppers from Or So She Says via Lemon Tree Dwelling

But, as you know, not everyone likes their peppers spicy. Jalapeno poppers easily leave out half the crowd….so why not use mini sweet peppers instead? Simply cut off the stems, remove the seeds, and stuff the peppers with your favorite cream cheese (Vegetable? Chive & Onion? Or, for a touch of spice, maybe Jalapeno??) Then wrap the peppers with bacon, secure with a toothpick, and roast until the bacon is cooked through and charred around the edges. Voila! A quick, easy, and incredibly delicious snack that everyone can enjoy!!

Summer Giveaway Series!! Awesome Prizes!! Day 2 of 2

Summer Giveaway Series!! Awesome Prizes!! Day 2 of 2

ByMariel

Welcome to part {two} of our Summer Giveaway Series! Yesterday, we kicked off a great giveaway to win DSLR cameras and a trip to Universal Studios!

We just couldn’t let this giveaway end with only one set of awesome prizes- we want the Summer fun to keep on coming…
SO, we’re excited to share 3 more fabulous prizes…how about 3 ipad minis?? Suh-weet!!

Summer Giveaway Series!! Awesome Prizes!! Day 1 of 2

Summer Giveaway Series!! Awesome Prizes!! Day 1 of 2

ByMariel

Summer will be here before we know it …

And, an amazing group of bloggers decided to team up and give away some super awesome prizes to help make this summer a little more fun!
In fact, these prizes are SO awesome that we need {TWO} giveaways to share all the fabulousness with you, one today and another tomorrow.

Up for grabs are 3 DSLR cameras and a 2 night stay at a Hollywood area hotel WITH four 1 day passes to Universal Studios!! Stop by tomorrow’s giveaway for even MORE prizes.

It’s so simple to enter! Good luck!!

Flower Muse Peonies Giveaway & ‘Your Great Idea’ Link Party #31

Flower Muse Peonies Giveaway & ‘Your Great Idea’ Link Party #31

ByMariel

This week’s link party & giveaway sponsored by: Flower Muse

Who doesn’t love a beautiful bouquet of fresh peonies? They are just absolutely stunning flowers that are a feast for the eyes! Flower Muse now makes it easier to find these beauties because they cut and ship flowers direct from the farm and deliver them straight to your door. You’ll have a hard time finding fresher and longer lasting flowers.

Check out their site and you can waste hours going through all the beautiful pictures of all the different types of flowers that they offer. If you want to send something special to mom or grandma for Mother’s Day this year, take a look at all the different flowers they have in their Mother’s Day gift section like beautiful peonies, roses, mini-calla lilies, tulips and hydrangea. Or get your favorite flower to treat yourself, decorate your Mother’s Day brunch table or to use in your next DIY project.

My Favorite Things ~ Gift Ideas for Women
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My Favorite Things ~ Gift Ideas for Women

ByMariel

Suh-weet, it’s my turn! I’ve got lots of new favorites, since last year, so I’m anxious to share them with you. Let’s get started!

I just had my second pedicure ever a couple months ago. This time I opted to try the shellac (gel nails) to hopefully have the polish last longer. It was a couple days before baby Ben was born, and I wanted pretty toes so that when I glanced down at my soon-to-be saggy belly, I would be distracted by my shiny, cute toes. Anyway, I LOVED the whole shellac thing. It literally stayed on for 3 weeks and stayed as shiny as day 1. It was awesome. Once it started looking ratty, I removed it and longed to have it done again. But, six kids at home…new baby? I don’t think so. So, while decompressing at my local Target, I noticed gel polish kits. Hello! Yes. I picked one up and have been a fan ever since.