Fakin' It

Pinterest Tested: Maple Brown Sugar Pork in the Crockpot

Source: joelens.blogspot.com via Becky on Pinterest

 

That pic above looks pretty tasty doesn't it? It is not my photo. It comes from What's Cooking Chicago. I pinned it awhile back and finally had the chance to try it out. Even though it looks great, you can never be sure how it really tastes. That's why I have started this series called Pinterest Tested, where I'll give you a second opinion about the recipes, crafts, tips and tricks I find on Pinterest.

My favorite thing about this recipe is that I had all the ingredients on hand. I am not a great cook and some ingredients that other consider staples are completely foreign to me. So we are off to a good start.

There are several ingredients in this recipe and it took longer than I like for a crockpot meal to assemble. I was hoping it would be worth the trouble. What worried me though is that I don't particularly like pork. It is my least favorite meat. ( My least favorite of the meats I eat, I won't touch lamb, venison or veal)

Since I don't love pork, I made this for my family on a night when I wouldn't be home for dinner. Not nice to make them the Guinea pigs, I know. I decided I had to at least take a bite and try it before I left. Guess what? It was good. Really good! Probably the best pork dish I have ever made. I will absolutely make it again on a night that I will be home for dinner. I paired it with cous cous and brussel sprouts. Yes I have weird children who eat brussel sprouts. So go to What's Cooking Chicago and get the recipe for yourself.

ENJOY!

A Puking Pumpkin for Saint Me

I love Halloween. I mean I really Luuuuuv Halloween! You might wonder why a Catholic mom who loves her faith so much would be so caught up in this unholy day. It's really quite simple. It's because I am very self-centered. My mom went into labor on October 31st while out trick-or-treating with my older brother. I'm sure that as soon as I got a whiff of all that candy, I decided it was time for me to make my grand entrance into this chocolate filled world. I wasn't actually born until November 1st, All Saints Day, but my husband is convinced I have more Witch in me than Saint. Hee Hee

So every year I look for more fun ways to celebrate my witchiness and this year it started with a Puking Pumpkin I found on Pinterest. It literally took me less than five minutes to put this together and it was a huge it at the fall football party I took it to.

I just bought a really small pumpkin that I cleaned and carved over the trashcan very quickly. I dumped some premade guacamole onto the plate, spooning a little into the mouth opening.

I dumped some chips around the sides, covered in Saran Wrap and out the door we went.

I love when fun, simple and impressive all coalesce.

Stay tuned for more ghoulish fun into the next week.

Rainbow Party Thank You Bottle Wrappers

So, let's end the week with an end to our Rainbow/Crayola birthday party for a 5 year old. Even if there are only two guests at the party, you still need to send them home with a special thank you. My inspiration for the idea was this cool 2 liter bottle gift I found on Pinterest.

Source: cricut.com via Becky on Pinterest

 

I knew I didn't have enough stuff to fill a 2 liter bottle so I used my Smart Water bottles instead.

 
When you pull off the label it is super duper sticky!! I used my new homemade Goo Remover which worked like a charm!

Next you have to cut the secret opening in bottle, through which you can stuff your goodies.

 
I just used an exacto knife to cut the little door.

 
Inside the bottles went a sheet of rainbow stickers, a rainbow lollipop, a colorful necklace kit and 2 coloring pages which I printed from here and here. The girls already had the crayons to color the pictures from their Crayola Party Invites.

 
If I had had more time, I would have painted the caps and put some shredded paper confetti in the bottom of the bottles. I designed the label to cover the door opening. Just tape it in place.

 
If you'd like your own rainbow bottle wrapper, just click the link below.

 

Click to Upload Free Printable

Thanks for visiting Fakin It!

Rainbow Glitter Butterfly Party Favor with Skittles

I found this idea for a cute colorful candy party favor via Pinterest. It comes specifically from the website Baballa.

Source: baballa.com via Becky on Pinterest

 

But of course I had to put my own spin on it.  I started with those same lollipop bags I used to make these rainbow crayon Classroom Party Favors. I filled each bag about half way with Skittles. This is the fun part, 5 Skittles into the bag, 10 2 into my mouth:) REPEAT! You know how kids get brain freeze when they eat ice cream too fast? I definitely got some sort of sugar overload that caused my head to throb!

 
Cut one piece of colored pipe-cleaner in half and use it to tie the bag closed. This will also be the butterflies antennae.

 
Can you believe that I have had this Martha Stewart glitter for 2 years and have only used it one other time? Why are there not more opportunities for adults to use glitter? I mean it is too messy for kids but in the hands of an adult it can turn anything into a sparkly magical rainbow.

 
I used Aileens craft glue to adhere the glitter and eyes. Once it is dried, use the clothespin to clip the two bags together.  Oh how I love you glittery glitter!!

 
Ok - so adults can be messy too but at least I clean up my own mess. And look at the end result!

 
Tomorrow we will be coming home with our party guests straight from a soccer game. Each girl will have one of these lovely little butterflies waiting on her plate at the kitchen table.

 
I still have more rainbow party ideas to come. Check back soon!

Thanks for visiting Fakin It!

I've FALL-en for Pinterest

I admit it. I have an addictive personality. It seems every few months I develop a new addiction. For a long time it was Etsy. But today it is Pinterest. Have you noticed my new red button in the sidebar that says "follow me"? 

Pinterest is a way of sharing and organizing all the ideas you love.  Before, I was trying to store everything in my "favorites" bar under titles like "recipes" or "crafts I want to try". The thing was, I had to click on the links every time to figure what I had saved. With Pinterest, you can group your interests under specific headings, title each idea however you want, and have a picture to go with it. A simple and quick way to find what you're looking for.

With Fall right around the corner, I've decided to give you a peek into my "Fall Fun" Board on Pinterest.

Source: graciousrain.com via Becky on Pinterest

 

Super cute donut holes turned into acorns.

 

Source: None via Becky on Pinterest

 

My kids love guacomole  and would think this is hilarious!!

 

Source: cantstopmakingthings.com via Becky on Pinterest

 

Anything with the word "poop" in it gets a giggle from my kids - and me too:)

Well there is a peak into my Fall Fun Board on Pinterest. Click the "Follow Me" button if you want to see more.

Thanks for visiting Fakin It!!