Italian Cream Soda

It was a busy weekend at our house, we had so many projects going on I couldn't keep track of them all! A  headboard was being made, car panels were being upholstered and I was quilting and cooking. About 2:00 we all ended up in the kitchen at the same time for refreshments! I love making these in the summer but they also work great on a heavy project day, Italian Cream Sodas, I call them my "comfort drink." How cute would these be for Valentine's Day?
Ingredients:
3/4 c sparkling water (I use Perrier water)
2 T flavored syrup per drink (my favorite is Torani)
1/2 cup half-n-half (or milk if you want)
ice cubes
whipped cream (optional but necessary in this house!)
Directions:
This is really simple. Place 2 T flavored syrup in a glass, we used raspberry. Add the sparkling water, then the half-n-half, then about 3-4 ice cubes or some crushed ice. I usually stir it gently at this point. Add whipped cream on top and place your straw in the glass! That's it, enjoy your awesome little refreshments!

* If you like Italian sodas, just leave out the half-n-half.

Love and peace,
~ Simply Tammi

Greek Sandwich

I love, love, love salads and here is my favorite salad post, Simply My Favorite Greek Salad.  I decided I would take some of the ingredients from my salad and make a sandwich out of them. Sometimes it's easier to eat a sandwich than a salad. This is a great little sandwich (bring napkins, it can be a little messy) for your lunch bag or a light evening meal when you are low on time or energy. I realized after I took my first picture that it may be more helpful for you to see the inside of the sandwich. I always have to take my crust off my bread but I realized it doesn't make the picture look great, so half of the sandwich still has the crust intact for you crust lovers! I don't like meat in my sandwich but my husband likes sliced chicken in his sandwich. All of the ingredients listed are my favorites, so mix and match or add your own!
Ingredients:
2 slices of your favorite bread
romaine lettuce
kalamata olives
purple onions
sliced pepper rings
feta cheese
shredded parmesan cheese
artichoke hearts (pickled and sliced)
carrot peels (because I don't like big pieces of carrots in my sandwich)
sliced cucumbers (optional)
hummus (optional)
Caesar dressing (optional)
Directions:
You can start by spreading your Caesar dressing or homemade hummus, Simple Homemade Hummus, on your bread. Arrange your ingredients on the bread in any order, I usually start with the lettuce. Sometimes I don't use dressing or hummus but spritz some olive oil and balsamic vinegar on my sandwich. I usually do that after it's all put together. You might have to experiment a little!
Enjoy your delicious sandwich!

 

Love and peace,
~ Simply Tammi

Shadow Box Idea

DIY shadow box for the twins!

Since it's too cold to go outside, we are still decorating and crafting at my house! A couple of us are starting to work on our first quilts! This should be exciting! (Feel free to share any quilting tips).
The project of the week was inspired by a previous post from Angie, Simply A Memory Box. This was a simple and quick decorating project (under 15 minutes) that my daughter worked on last week. It's a great time to buy them, or at least in our part of the country they are on sale! A personalized wall display is a fun way to share your treasured items. It's so much fun to display things rather than keeping them stored away in boxes!
For this project, Tasha wanted to use the hospital items when the twins arrived. In the box, she arranged the ultrasound pictures, their little caps, bracelets and birth cards. You can line the back of the shadow box with material or paint it if you wish and then choose how you will place the treasures in the memory box.
Blessings for a wonderful weekend!
Love and peace,
~ Simply Tammi

Decorating Kids Bedrooms

My daughter recently moved and began decorating on a budget. Since her youngest children are twin girls, she wanted to use their favorite color, pink, for some wall decorations. This is an easy project to complete and it only takes a short time.

• The first step is to purchase wooden letters, these are 18 inch letters but choose whatever size works for you and remember to use your coupons! We used the first letter of each child's name.
• Brush paint (we used acrylic paint) onto the letters and around the edges. Wait for the paint to dry.
• Decide what you will use for the trim around the letters. We used white pearl strands (leftovers from the Christmas tree decorations) and attached them with hot glue.
• For a little extra bling, you can make fabric flowers or purchase some from your local craft store. These were on clearance so we bought ours this time. If you want to make your own flowers, use the instructions from our previous post, Simply DIY Fabric Flowers.
• That's it! You have now completed your DIY project! 

Love and peace,
~ Simply Tammi