Saturday, November 9, 2013

Baby Shower Cupcakes for the Daddy!

My first granddaughter is due in 13 days!

Tonight is the "man-shower" for the Daddy

My contribution to the party are these cupcakes

I found these darling free printables at Embellish

I printed them on a sheet of Avery 8165 label paper

then stuck them to a piece of card stock for stability

Cut a regular straw into 3 pieces, slit the end and inserted the topper!

So simple....

Extra simple cupcakes using Pillsbury cake mix!

Easy Classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting from Savory Sweet Life

The only ingredient not pictured above is the butter.

WHY?

because it's imperative NOT TO USE SALTED BUTTER.

Don't do it!

I think me and salt have a love/hate relationship

and...this time I hate salt.

Did I say not to use salted butter in this recipe?

I used Wilton "PINK" to color the frosting

What do you think?

I think they are girlie enough for a shower

and an expectant grand-girl

but still a touch manly

with the brown's and yellow.

Can't wait for our new arrival,

Tammy

The Happy Handicap

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Wednesday, November 6, 2013

I want to be like a leaf! Do you?

This picture was worth at least a 100 thoughts for me! The other day as I was walking into my house, this dogwood tree caught my eye. I had to stop and behold it's beauty with the sun shining through the exquisite red leaves. The tree got my attention as if it had spoken my name. Walking away, God said "What if people would let me shine through them like the sun shone through the leaves on that tree?" Good question. What if we would? I've always been a tree hugger and I started to really relate to that tree! Here's a couple of my thoughts:

WE EXPECT ORDER. That's a dogwood tree in the picture. We expect it to have red leaves in the fall, crooked branches and red berries. We are God's people. We're expected to be kind, love our neighbor and walk in righteousness. What if we walked outside our door expecting a dogwood tree and saw a pine? Would we be confused? What if people look at us expecting Christ-like behavior and think we're demon possessed? Would it leave them shaking their heads? How can God shine through us if we are out of order?
WE EXPECT OBEDIENCE. Don't we? What if that same dogwood tree turned red in the summer and green in the fall and didn't loose it's leaves? This reaction is absolutely contrary to what we expect. The unusual behavior would be in direct disobedience to God's natural plan. Do we do things that are disobedient? Are people expecting one thing from us and we do the opposite? Is God expecting something different than what he's seeing from us? How can God shine through us if we are disobedient?

I want to be like a leaf! I asked God to help me be like the leaves on that tree, transparent enough for His spirit to shine through to others and committed enough to maintain my "color" so people will know I'm his! I see several more things in the picture, not just the tree. Next week, I'll talk about what else I see. Do you see anything you could compare yourself to relating to God? Leave me a comment!

Reflecting,
Tammy
The Happy Handicap

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Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Make your Own Grilled Chicken Salad

I've always loved salads

I especially love LongHorn's Grilled Strawberry Salad

I also love Panera Bread's Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad

Since I don't live near either of these

I make my own and you can make your own Grilled Chicken Salad too!

Here's how...

The Pampered Chef Grill Pan is the "coup de grace"

when grilling chicken for a salad or any main dish!

I start by cutting my chicken in thin, long pieces

and then grill on the stovetop.

Takes about 10 minutes and done!

Mrs. Dash Garlic and Herb seasoning is a MUST!

Sprinkle on your chicken while cooking

The taste is restaurant-style or simple perfection.

While the chicken is cooking,

prepare the rest of your salad.

I use this organic Spring Mix from Earthbound Farm

You can use any fruit you like

Today, I used watermelon, pineapple and grapes together

I love strawberry and pineapple together too,

fresh apples, mandarin oranges, fresh oranges

any fruit you like that is not mushy will work

I never use blueberries, don't know why?

I also add something crunchy too

pumpkin seeds, pretzels (gluten-free)

pecans, croutons (gluten-free)

basically anything I consider healthy

that can add some crunchy texture

Once your chicken is done

spoon on the top of your greens

sprinkle with the dressing of your choice

I choose to make my own.

Today I used pomegranate red wine vinegar (1 tbsp.)

combined with olive oil (1 tbsp.), lemon juice (1/2 tsp.) and

just the slightest dash of sugar

I don't measure these I just keep mixing until

I get the taste I want.

I also love lime dressing prepared with

100% virgin olive oil and lime juice.

Lime dressing makes the fruit taste so sweet

Any vinaigrette enhances the sweetness of fruit.

Balsamic vinegar and olive oil is tasty too.

Remember, to reduce the acidity just add a pinch of sugar.

I hope this helps you make delicious Grilled Chicken Salad

I believe the key is the taste of the chicken

always use Mrs. Dash

and the salad dressing

always make your own!

Enjoying some salad,

Tammy

The Happy Handicap

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Sunday, November 3, 2013

Join the Party: PIN IT HOP #33

WELCOME TO PIN IT MONDAY HOP #33! I have BIG announcement to all of you my friends! I am Co-hosting at Pursuit of Functional Home's Pin It Monday Hop that happens every Sunday 5pm CST until Friday midnight. Together with other 9 Bloggers, we bring bigger and wider reach for your projects/post. But first, let's quickly get to know these ladies.

Meet our November Co-Hosts!

Cathy of A Peek Into my Paradise

At A Peek Into My Paradise I share recipes, DIY, crafts, travel, everything Disney and bits and pieces of life sharing a peek into what makes my life paradise. Plus, I love link parties and giveaways....so there is always something happening at A Peek Into My Paradise.

Alicia of Aroma of Him

Hi! I'm Alicia, also known as "the Mrs." on my blog. My family and I live as expats in SE Asia. I blog about our life overseas, recipes I attempt to make while substituting lots of ingredients, projects I do around the house, "tot school" lessons I teach to my toddler, and lessons I learn through parenting and walking with the Lord.

Michelle of Mamade Creations

Michelle is a single mom to an amazing 2 year old boy named Eli. Michelle blogs at The MaMade Diaries about crafting, blogging and everyday mommy life.

Emily of Love, Pasta and a Tool belt

I'm Emily and I blog over at Love, Pasta and a Tool Belt. I blog about new recipes we try, DIY crafts, home decor and improvement projects. We just bought a new home and are remodeling it so head on over and follow us for all the great posts we will be sharing about our house remodeling adventure!

Tammy of The Happy Handicap

Wife and Mom of two adult daughters. Expecting my 1st grandchild in November 2013. I live to have fun and be happy whilst outwitting a disability.

Miriam of The Lamanna Family Adventures

I'm a stay at home mom with 2 kids my son is 3 and my daughter is 10. I enjoy doing DIY projects and sharing them with everyone. I'm also in the middle of taking online courses to became a Real Estate Agent.

Victoria of Creative Home Keeper

Hey there! I'm Victoria from Creative Home Keeper. I'm a Jesus girl, wife to my best friend, mommy to two precious little ones, lover of words, avid reader and aspiring home chef. One of my goals on my blog is to encourage you to live more simply, intentional, and inspired at home. I'm so excited to be here and look forward to sharing some of my journey. Blessings to you!

Candace of Candace Creates

Hi, I'm Candace and I started CandaceCreates.com a few months ago to share my love of crafts, life, faith, and writing. I am a wife, stay-at-home mom to 2 kids, and blogger hoping to help others find inspiration and assistance with life and creative endeavors. I have just finished a 31 day series on food issues, including tips, support, and a clean-eating food plan for living a healthier lifestyle.

Denise of STL Motherhood

Denise blogs about crafts and fun things to do in her hometown of St. Louis, MO at stlMotherhood.com. She is freelance reporter and at-home mom of two boys, 14 and 6.

Host

Judy of Pursuit of Functional Home

From Singapore to Cebu Blogger. My blog is all about a bit of everything. My latest obsession is making make-up video tutorials. I love creating post or inspiration collection. I am a "home executive" (SAHM) and we have 2 lovely kids. I am a stalker :)

1 Rule: Follow your Host and Co-Hosts

10 Blog Sites: Yes! Bigger and wider reach. Your post and projects will be seen at 10 lovely and awesome Blog sites.

2 links: 1 link for your project and 1 for your Pinterest Profile URL

Show your support and follow us here:

Judy @ Pursuit of Functional Home: Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter, Facebook, Google +

Cathy @ A Peek into My Paradise: Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter, Facebook, Google +

Alicia @ Aroma of Him: Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, G+, Bloglovin

Michelle @ Mamade Creations: Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, G+, Bloglovin

Emily @ Love, Pasta and a Toolbelt: Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, G+, Bloglovin

Tammy of The Happy Handicap: Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter, Facebook, Google +

Miriam @ The Lamanna Family Adventures: Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, G+, Bloglovin

Victoria @ Creative Home Keeper: Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin