Guiness Marshmallows

I know I've been talking a lot lately about holidays.  But February is like the month with an unbelievable amount of cool stuff happening.  You have the Superbowl, Chinese New Year, Valentine's Day, Mardi Gras and the Academy Awards.  After that we are going to need a break!  Think again, St. Patrick's Day is right after that and I have a little gem that I think you are going to want to pre-order for your celebration. 

Wondermade makes Bourbon and Guiness marshmallows.  I can't think of a better way to get your morning off to a better start than copping a buzz off your marshmallows.

Valentine's Day Healthy Options

Looking to do something for Valentine's day but don't want it to induce a sugar high.  How about checking out Bird's Party for these adorable free printables for some wonderful tagging to add to a healthy popcorn snack.

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Pizzazzarie
Mardi Gras is right around the corner.

Tumblr
Great outfit for a Valentine's Dinner.

Country Cleaver
Boston Cream Pie Pancakes...yum!

Vintage Chic
I would like to soak in this wine barrel while eating the above pancakes.

SuperBowl Recipe

This year I am thinking of going for a nice Cuban sandwich for the Super Bowl.  I like the idea of a sandwich with some staying power.  It won't get soggy like a lot of those whimpy sandwiches.  I'm thinking with a side of plantain chips and then I'm on to the dips.  You know how I feel about dips...of course this event warrants at least two!

Strawberry Shortcake Rice Krispie Treats

Is this strawberry shortcake?  Is it a rice krispie treat?  Guess what...it's both.  This idea appeals to me because, let's face it, we don't always have time to bake shortcakes.  However, whipping up a batch of rice krispies complete with marshmallows and pound cake would only take a few minutes.  I like the thought of having strawberry shortcake at my disposal in a matter of minutes!

Bar Beautiful

One of my favorite parts of setting up for an event is the bar.  I love all the beautiful bottles, glassware, fun little additions like bitters, fun alcohol, fruit peel twists.  Although it is fun to set up it is not always fun to find a space for everything.  I love this article from CasaSugar that shows some clever and ingenious ways to set up a makeshift or permanent bar in you home.

Cashew Nilla Cashew Butter

Nutella was so 2012...how about making 2013 the year of Reginald's Cashew nilla cashew butter.  Not sure why he needs to use cashew in the name twice...but hey...cashew's are delicious.  Try serving your brunch guests a little CNCB spread on a warm croissant.  They'll think you are amazeballs.

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Bloom Designs
I always want to have my hot chocolate like this!

Modern Taste
Health food can be more enticing with beautiful packaging.

Off Beat Bride
This is a awesome cake and a great wedding.

A Farm Girl Dabbles
A quick fix for a lasagna craving.

Valentine's Idea

Isn't this the cutest idea.  Check it out here in Country Living.  I love the idea of something so delicious and so personal.  You can say anything you want!

DIY Paper Wreaths

Do you have a birthday party or baby shower coming up where your package needs to look superb?  Check out this tutorial on how to make these cute paper wreaths.

Valentine's Day Love

Valentine's Day is only a few weeks away and these photos from 9Bytz are very inspirational.  I love the apple idea.  It's amazing what you can do with a heart cookie cutter.

Almond Rosemary Brioche Pretzels

It's a new year of entertaining and here is a recipe that is sure to impress...Almond Rosemary Brioche Pretzels.  These are delicious, totally gourmet, different than the norm and filling enough to be able to take care of the appetizer portion of your get together all by themselves.  Give it a try and you won't be sorry.

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The Confection Oven
Check out this fantastic packaging.

Zulily
Who knew Winnie the Pooh had the best one liners?

Deliciously Organic
This cake is grain free, paleo, gluten free and gaps friendly…WOW!

Notecook
I have a slight mushroom obsession and baked mushrooms make me happy, happy, happy.

Party Hat Cupcake Toppers

How cute is this idea from Oh Happy Day.  You take your leftover cupcake liners and make little party hats for your cupcakes.  To cute and might I add....genius.

The year of emerald green

Panetone has announced the "hot" color of the year for 2013 will be emerald.  Just as I put pops of lime green throughout my apartment this summer.  Here are a few suggestions from House Beautiful to add emerald into your life.

Funky Popcorn

Those of you who read my post from Monday know that funky flavors of popcorn are going to be coming from every direction in 2013.  Since we should probably try them all because we wouldn't want to be not hip in 2013...let's start with cookies and cream!

Grilled Acorn Squash

So, believe it or not it seems that the hottest resolution this year is not the usual workout or lose weight trend.  It is in fact add more vegetables into the diet.  Which technically probably would end in losing weight but I like that people are mixing it up and making it about healthy decisions.  With that in mind, I wanted to share this Grilled Acorn Squash with Cilantro Mojo.  It is delicious, beautiful and filled with beta carotene.

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Greg Natale
I love everything about this!

Alexandra's Kitchen
Parmesan and Rosemary crackers are a great snack to have on hand.

Catch My Party
Adorable idea for a baby shower.

Bakers Royale
Oreo bark would be a welcome addition to a dessert buffet.

Food Predictions for 2013

That's right...it's time for my annual food predictions post  for the coming year.  Believe it or not, I get very excited for this.  Without further adieu here is the predictions from many different sources for the hot trends in food for 2013.

1. Popcorn-Expect funky and gourmet versions to pop up everywhere.
2. Tea-Taking over as the new coffee of 2013.  Expect to see fun flavors and lots of varieties.
3. Cured Meats
4. Gochujang-A korean hot sauce that is suppose to take over as the new sriracha.
5. Chicken-The prices of beef, lamb and pork are suppose to increase which will lead to more creativity with poultry.
6. Vegetables-Served raw instead of the normal sauteed and roasted.
7. Barrel Aged Hot Sauce
8. Chef Collaborations
9. Non-alcoholic drinks-Seems America is reaching new heights for teetotalers but they still want to choose from an array of beverages.
10.Artisanal Bread-Expect to see anything and everything baked into your bread in the coming year.
11.Fermentation-Think sauerkraut and kimchi.
12.Vegetables as Main Courses
13. Smoke-Expect everything to be smoked...even water.

String Art

I've always had a thing for string art but this piece is fantastic.  I would proudly display this in my home and be very excited to receive it as a gift.  Hmmm...that's why I am giving you the head's up now to start your Valentine's project early.  It's a great DIY to give to your sweetheart or loved ones and what a great way for the kids to have a fun project to hand out to their friends.  Check it out at Green Wedding Shoes

Date Nights

It's the new year and at the beginning of each year I always attempt to put a few things in place to spice up the coming months.  Sometimes it's so easy to get caught up in the day to day that you forget it is the little things that make the year special.  That's why the popsicle stick system put in place by Life in the Green House is a great way to remember to treat yourself to special nights.  I especially like the idea because it ranges from more expensive bed and breakfast stays to chick flicks and popcorn at home and each stick is color coded, so you know which to go for at what times.  It could also easily be changed to family fun nights as well.  Check it out here.