This Floats My Boat:

Give yourself an instant shot of refreshment with a sorbet float. I'm keeping a stockpile of sorbet in my freezer this summer reserved for this purpose. It's just too good! Just plop scoops of sorbet into chilled ginger ale and there you have it! This winning combo is raspberry sorbet with ginger ale, but feel free to mix up flavors.

*This is also a great alternative to ice cream for the lactose intolerant!

Mini Garden

I don't know if any of you have seen these adorable miniature gardens, but one of these days, I plan to create one with our daughter. They are easy to create and fun for kids to play with, using small fairies, Polly Pockets, or other tiny figures. Until I can make one myself, enjoy a picture of other's creativity. Isn't it just magical?

Easter Basket Goodies

Try hiding the kid's Easter goodies in crepe paper carrots for a fun twist. Simply overlap crepe paper streamers over the item until covered. Secure loose end with a piece of tape. Cut out crepe paper tops and glue on top of carrots. Hidden in these carrots are fruit twists and nail polish!

*Orange crepe paper was a little tricky to find, but I eventually found it at a party supply store.

Swap!

I recently attended a seed swapping party at a friend's house. Everyone brought packages of extra seeds that they didn't need and we put them all on a table to share. The kids even got to plant a sunflower to take home! This is a great idea this time of year since now is the time to divide those perennials and start planting seeds.

Be creative about your swapping ideas! Tonight, I'm hosting a vegetarian recipe swap at my house. Whether it's seeds, books, recipes, music, clothes, or ideas, consider hosting a swap this spring. You and your guests will have a ball!

Stamp of approval

Hi everyone! My apologies for "going dark" yesterday. Computer troubles are never fun...
Anyway, give your old wine corks a new purpose by using them to create beautiful stamps. The natural imperfections give a custom look, so just embrace them! Use a pencil eraser to create grapes, or draw tops onto larger circles to create radishes and beets. You can get the idea from mine below if you can just excuse my complete lack of artistic ability!

Pinch Insurance

Keep your little one from pinches by adding this adorable clover clip to her St. Patrick's day wardrobe!

There are only 2 steps- you can do it!

Step 1: cut out 3 or 4 small circles of green felt and a small stem shape. Knot the thread and sew 2-3 running stitches across one side of each circle. Pull thread tightly and circles will bunch together. Now you have your clover leaves!

Step 2: Hot glue the stem onto the leaves and glue onto a hair clip. You're done!

*Note, buy the clips in the quilting section of your fabric or craft store. They have a flat place on the end, which is perfect for embellishments.

Treasure

Have some fun with the kids on St. Patrick's day tomorrow with a little treasure hunt. Let them "find" a treasure map that's easy to follow and tons of fun. For little ones who aren't yet reading, use pictures. It can even be a great learning tool for right and left, counting steps, and reading smaller easier words. I think ours will lead into the garden, where hopefully she'll be able to actually dig for her loot. Play Doh containers are great for hiding treasure since they are gold colored and sealable to keep dirt out. I'll have another post later today on a cute way to incorporate green into your kid's attire!

Winner!

Congratulations to our winner, Brandi! Send an email to savvynest@gmail.com with your address so I can send your loot to you!

St. Patrick's Day Date

Here are a few fun ideas for a memorable St. Patrick's Day Date:

• Add a drop of blue food coloring to pale beer for a green hue
• Play U2 or Celtic Woman during dinner
• Of course, make corned beef and cabbage and Irish soda bread for dinner
• Greet your spouse with "Kiss me, I'm Irish." or if applicable, "I'm not Irish. Kiss me anyway!"
• Watch the movie Far and Away
• Have coffee with Bailey's Irish Cream
• Have an Irish-themed picnic and scavege for four leafed clovers afterwards
• Host an Irish beer tasting with friends

Spring Giveaway

Since spring is just around the corner and the weather is getting warmer, I'm giving away a copy of The Family Handyman Best Projects Tips and Tools. It's a great resource for any homeowner and will educate and inspire you for all of those upcoming spring projects! This book is published by the same folks who put out the magazine, The Family Handyman, which is a favorite in our house. To win, simply leave a comment sharing a spring project you plan to undertake this year. I'll announce the winner on Friday. Good luck!

Daffodil Time!

Here's a fun new way to display that gorgeous daffodil bouquet you just plucked from your yard:

Cut a green leafy spike from the daffodils and use it to tie a simple knot around the stems. This is beautiful in a glass hurricane vase, but alas I didn't have one. You get the idea though, right?

Freebie Today Only!

In celebration of their two billionth rental, Redbox is giving all their loyal customers one DVD rental for free!

On Thursday, March 8th, use the coupon code THANKS2U at the checkout screen for a FREE one-day DVD rental from any Redbox location.

Remember this code is only good on 3/8.

Coke bottle piggy bank

Your kids will squeal for this quick and easy bottle piggy bank! Here's all you need:

Simply use scrapbook tape to affix the paper band and hot glue the ears on top and bead feet on the bottom. Draw eyes on the head and draw or glue tiny paper circles for the snout. Cut a slit in the back with a utility knife and there you have it!

Eco-friendly lunch kit

My clever mom made these for us for Christmas and I just adore them! They are lunch kits, complete with a sandwich holder/placemat, snack bag, and cloth napkin. Each piece is lined with oilcloth, which is waterproof and food safe. Just toss them into the wash after a few uses or wipe clean. All in one neat little package! If you are good at sewing, try cranking out a few today!