FRIDAY FUNNIES: I Feel Like A Million Bucks!

It's been a L-O-N-G time since I've done a Friday Funny so I wanted to bring it back in a big way!

THIS KID IS KILLING ME!!

Popcorn Ball Favor Recipe & Printable

Since we did Candied Popcorn for Britany's baby shower,

we kept it going for guests as they left with these thank you gifts:

Decadent Popcorn Balls to go! 

Photo Credit: Adventures of a Phat Southern Cook

 

I got the recipe from MarthaStewart.com a while ago but it isn't here anymore.

So, this is how I do it:

{Print it here.}

 

I dropped them in a cellophane bag, tied each one with baker's twine, and attached a tag.

 

We put them in a big basket at the door for people to grab on their way out.

 

  

  The tag says,

"And though you Must Dash (mustache),

we're glad you came and hope

you had a ball. Thank you!"

 

I did 2: one with the words "must dash" and one without.

{Print a sheet of tags here}

We couldn't decide which tag to use so I printed up equal amounts of both and we used them all.

 Party on, sweeties!

 

Candied Popcorn Recipe

 Today I'd like to share a recipe we used at Britany's baby shower:
CANDIED POPCORN!

 It's ridiculously addicting! 

Four of us put the shower together
and this recipe is from my friend Shenna (pictured far right).

She's an awesome mom, pianist, crafter, and baker.

 

Here's the recipe:

{Print it here.}

 

 We used it in our edible centerpieces and as a pop of color in the hollow base of the drink dispenser.
Delicious + Decorative = SWEET!

 

Teacher & Staff Appreciation Printable

 School is almost out!!

I'm so excited for summer (except for the blazing Phoenix heat)!

 

This year, I left the classroom and joined the office staff at a middle school.

It's been fun but, man,

it is a LOT of work to run a school!

I'm glad that Teacher Appreciation is observed nationally

{see what my kids gave their teachers here}

but there are so many people behind the scenes who help make learning possible:

the receptionist, attendance clerk, registrar, office manager, nurse, psychologist, custodian, advisors/counselors, cafeteria staff, crossing guard, reading aides, math aides, ELL, one-on-one aides, PE~Music~Band~Drama~Art specialists, librarian, technology, maintenance, and PTA/PTO are some that come to mind.

 

These jobs are vital but largely thankless.

 

Here's a little something your students can give to these people to let them know you appreciate their daily efforts to make school awesome!

 Simply pick up a box of mini chip bags at any grocery store and attach these little tags:

"You're all that! {and a bag of chips}"

And, "Thanks for ALL you do!" on the back.

{Print it here}

 

 A little gratitude goes a long way!

How do you show appreciation the educators?

DIY: Hanging Orbs

 Here's another paper decoration you can craft-up in no time:

Hanging Orbs!

I love making these! I busted out a dozen in no time once I got into a rhythm.

Here's what you'll need:

 I made 2 different sizes. The photos in first 6 steps show the small size; the other steps show the larger one but the steps are essentially the same for both sizes. I'll explain the smaller size first.

 

This is how we do it.

STEP 1: For small orb, cut one piece of 8.5 x 11 paper into 1-inch strips.

STEP 2: Slightly crease one piece in half to find the center.

STEP 3: Stack up the strips and in punch a small hole in the center; make sure it goes through ALL the papers. {I used a nail!}

STEP 4: Cut a 4-inch piece of wire and thread it into 2 holes of  a small button. Twist the pieces of wire together tightly against the underside of the button.

STEP 5: Push the wire through the hole of each strip of paper. Fold the wire over flat on the paper.

STEP 6: Bring the ends of each strip together.

STEP 7: Place a small piece of tape on one end of a paper strip.

STEP 8: Bring the other end of THE SAME strip of paper and tape ends together.

STEP 9: Put a hole through the tape in the middle of the 2 ends.

STEP 10: Continue taping and putting a hole in each strip, nesting them inside the previous strip. 

STEP 11: Thread another button with wire and push it through the hole in each strip of paper.

STEP 12: Fold the wire toward the inside and flatten it.

STEP 13: With one the buttons on opposite ends, you're ready to start separating the strips.

STEP 14: Split groups of strips opposite of each other.

STEP 15: Continue separating strips until you've filled-in all gaps.

STEP 16: Tie a length of fishing wire around one of the buttons and you're finished!

 The large orbs need two 12 x 12 sheets of the same paper, again sliced into 1-inch strips.

Tape 2 strips end to end make the length of the strips double that of the small orb.

Omit Step 2 and continue following the remaining steps. 

 Fun, festive, and fabulous!

NEW Recipe: Bowtie Pasta Salad

Another aspect of throwing a baby shower is the food.

Aside from the invitations and decorations, I wanted to bring something I had been craving:

Pasta Salad!

I knew my friend loved it and I decided to put a twist on it:

normally, I use vegetable rotini but since we were throwing a Mustache Bash, I used bowtie pasta.

{I love it when my brain makes me feel smart!}

 

The "secret" to my pasta salad is the dressing.

I've made pasta salad for years and one I discovered

Newman's Own Family Recipe Italian dressing, I ALWAYS use it.

It truly is an absolute must for this recipe!

 

Here's how I do it:

{Print it HERE}

 

It's simple but delicious. Perfect for a summer get-together.

What's your savory summer go-to recipe?