Let's Celebrate National Bake Week

Get your aprons ready and preheat the oven, because it's time to celebrate National Bake Week in style! Baking has been an integral part of human history, with evidence of bread-making dating back to ancient civilizations. It is a skill that has been passed down through generations, with each culture adding its own unique flavors and techniques. From savory pies to decadent pastries, baking is a form of art that brings people together and creates delicious treats for all to enjoy.

To celebrate the love of baking, National Bake Week was established. This annual event takes place during the first full week of April (in the USA), and it is a time to honor the tradition of baking and all the joys it brings. In this article, we will delve into the history and significance of National Bake Week and why it is worth celebrating.

History of National Bake Week

National Bake Week was first celebrated in the United Kingdom in 2007, organized by the National Association of Master Bakers. The aim was to promote and celebrate the art of baking and to raise awareness of the bakers and confectioners who devote their lives to this craft. It was an instant hit, and soon other countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, adopted the tradition.

Why is it celebrated?

National Bake Week is not just about indulging in delicious treats but also about recognizing the important role that baking plays in our lives. It is a time to appreciate the hard work and dedication of bakers and to support local businesses and bakeries. It is also an opportunity to gather with friends and family, share recipes, and create new memories together.

Baking is a labor of love. It requires patience, precision, and a lot of trial and error. The end result is not just a delicious treat but also a sense of accomplishment and pride. National Bake Week celebrates this sense of achievement and encourages people to try their hand at baking, whether they are a seasoned pro or a novice.

Benefits of baking

Apart from the obvious joy of indulging in baked goods, baking also has numerous benefits for our mental and emotional well-being. The process of baking can be therapeutic, providing a sense of calm and focus. It also allows for creativity and self-expression, as bakers can experiment with different flavors and techniques. Baking can also be a wonderful way to bond with loved ones, as it brings people together and creates a sense of community.

Moreover, baking from scratch allows for control over the ingredients used, making it a healthier option than store-bought treats. It is also a great way to teach children about food, measurements, and following instructions.

How to celebrate National Bake Week

There are countless ways to celebrate National Bake Week, and it all depends on your personal preferences. You can try your hand at a new recipe, bake with friends or family, or visit your local bakery to support small businesses. You can also share your creations on social media using the hashtag #NationalBakeWeek or participate in baking competitions and events in your community.

Indulge your taste buds and satisfy your cravings with these irresistible baked goods recipes that will have you coming back for seconds.

Bread Machine Milk and Honey Bread Recipe

10 Spring Cupcake Recipes

Quick and Easy Pastry Recipes

Do you have a tried-and-true baked goods recipe that you consider your absolute favorite? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

Keep it Sassy,

Kelly

🍞🥖🍞🥖🍞🥖🍞🥖🍞🥖🍞🥖🍞🥖🍞🥖🍞🥖🍞🥖

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our blog! We really appreciate it. We believe that our blog is a great way to share valuable information, such as tips, tricks, and advice, to help our readers improve their lives. We strive to create content that is interesting, informative, and entertaining so that our readers can always find something valuable to read. We do our best to provide content that is timely and relevant, so our readers can stay up to date with the latest trends. We also aim to provide content that is unique and engaging, so our readers can learn something new and be inspired. We hope that our blog provides you with the necessary information and resources to make your life easier and more enjoyable. Thank you again for taking the time to read our blog!

FTC DISCLAIMER:  This page informs you of our disclosure statement regarding the advertisements we use and disclosure of our Service and the choices we have associated with it. The compensation received will never influence the content, topics, or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third-party ad network or affiliates. Those advertisements will be identified as paid advertisements. The owner(s) of this website is not compensated to provide opinions on products, services, websites, and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this website are purely the owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. This website does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.

DIY Spring Wreath Ideas

 

Well, spring weather has sprung and we are concentrating on flowers. Flowers are not just for the bees. We like them, too! LOL!

If you have an area in your house or a front door to display a wreath, a DIY project is in order. Check out some of the beauties I found and hopefully, you can get your crafting on for Spring!

DIY Spring Wreath Ideas 

I was checking to see some ideas for spring wreaths. Crafting is fun and you can change it up every year, if you want. It is easy to find something that matches your style.

Yellow Tulip Wreath

Tulips are always beautiful! Why not make a wreath!

Thrifty Decor Chick

Tutorial here ---  Thrifty Decor Chick

Lavender Wreath

This is perfect for anyone growing lavender!

Centsational Style

Tutorial here --- Centsational Style

Gardening Wreath

We made this for our mom one year and it was fun and easy to do!

Worthingcourt Blog

Tutorial here --- Worthingcourt Blog

Magnolia Wreath

I did not know there were different colors of magnolia because I had only seen white. 

Polkadot Chair

Here are the meanings in case you decide to make your wreath a different color.

Magnolia Color Meanings:

• Yellow magnolia represents the sun, any solar goddess or god, and for spells case on Sundays.
• White magnolia represents the moon, any lunar goddess, and spells cast on Mondays.
• Pink magnolia represents the feminine, friends, and love. Spells using pink flowers are best cast on Friday, the day belonging to love goddesses like Venus or Aphrodite.
• Purple magnolia associated with royalty since Roman times, is best for spells dealing with governments.

Tutorial here --- Polkadot Chair

Spring into the season with more creative and beautiful wreath ideas => 10 DIY Spring Wreath Ideas.  

Get more ideas here

I hope this inspires you to DIY because it is very rewarding and you can brag about how you made this yourself!

We'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

Keep it sassy,

Cathy

❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our blog! We really appreciate it. We believe that our blog is a great way to share valuable information, such as tips, tricks, and advice, to help our readers improve their lives. We strive to create content that is interesting, informative, and entertaining so that our readers can always find something valuable to read. We do our best to provide content that is timely and relevant, so our readers can stay up to date with the latest trends. We also aim to provide content that is unique and engaging, so our readers can learn something new and be inspired. We hope that our blog provides you with the necessary information and resources to make your life easier and more enjoyable. Thank you again for taking the time to read our blog!

FTC DISCLAIMER:  This page informs you of our disclosure statement regarding the advertisements we use and disclosure of our Service and the choices we have associated with it. The compensation received will never influence the content, topics, or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third-party ad network or affiliates. Those advertisements will be identified as paid advertisements. The owner(s) of this website is not compensated to provide opinions on products, services, websites, and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this website are purely the owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. This website does not contain any content that might present 

Spring Cleaning Checklist

Spring is the perfect time to refresh and revitalize your home after a long winter. As the weather warms up and the days get longer, it's the ideal time to tackle all those cleaning tasks that have been piling up. With a comprehensive Spring Cleaning Checklist, you can ensure that your home is in tip-top shape and ready for the new season. Follow these steps to make your spring cleaning process efficient and effective.

1. Declutter and Organize - Before you can start deep cleaning, you need to declutter and organize your home. Go through each room and get rid of any items that you no longer need or use. Donate or sell items that are in good condition, and throw away anything that is broken or unusable. Once you have decluttered, organize the remaining items in a way that makes sense for each room. This will not only make your space look tidier, but it will also make cleaning easier.

2. Dust and Wipe Down Surfaces - Dust can accumulate quickly, especially during the winter months when we spend more time indoors. Start your spring cleaning by dusting all surfaces in each room, including shelves, tables, and countertops. Use a microfiber cloth or a duster to remove dust from hard-to-reach areas. Once you have dusted, wipe down all surfaces with a multi-purpose cleaner to remove any remaining grime and germs.

3. Clean Windows and Mirrors - Spring is the perfect time to let in the natural light by cleaning your windows and mirrors. Use a glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth to remove any dirt, smudges, and streaks from your windows and mirrors. Don't forget to clean the window sills and tracks as well, as they can collect dust and debris.

4. Deep Clean the Kitchen - The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in the house, so it's essential to give it a thorough deep clean during your spring cleaning. Start by cleaning out your fridge and pantry, and getting rid of any expired or unused items. Then, wipe down all surfaces, including countertops, cabinets, and appliances. Don't forget to clean the inside of your oven and microwave, and scrub the sink and faucets to remove any buildup. Finish by mopping the floors to leave your kitchen sparkling clean.

5. Refresh the Bathroom - Bathrooms can be a breeding ground for germs, so it's crucial to give them a deep clean during your spring cleaning. Start by scrubbing the bathtub, shower, and toilet with a disinfectant cleaner. Then, clean the sink and countertops, and wipe down the mirrors. Remember to wash the shower curtain and bath mats, and replace any old or expired toiletries.

6. Clean and Rotate Bedding - During the winter, we tend to use heavier bedding to keep warm. Spring is the perfect time to switch to lighter bedding and give your current bedding a thorough cleaning. Wash all sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers, and rotate your mattresses. This will not only freshen up your bedroom but will also help to improve your sleep.

7. Freshen up Carpets and Rugs - Carpets and rugs can accumulate dirt, dust, and allergens over time, so it's essential to freshen them up during your spring cleaning. If you have a carpet cleaner, use it to deep clean your carpets. If not, you can rent one or hire a professional. For smaller rugs, shake them outside and then vacuum them thoroughly.

8. Don't Forget the Small Details - In addition to the major cleaning tasks, there are also smaller details that you shouldn't overlook. These include dusting ceiling fans and light fixtures, wiping down baseboards, and cleaning air vents. Also, don't forget to replace any burnt-out light bulbs and batteries in smoke detectors.

9. Tackle Outdoor Cleaning - Spring cleaning isn't just limited to the inside of your home. It's also essential to give your outdoor spaces some attention. Sweep and pressure wash your deck or patio, clean your outdoor furniture, and trim any overgrown bushes or trees. This will not only make your outdoor space look more inviting but will also help to prevent any potential hazards.

10. Create a Cleaning Schedule - To maintain the cleanliness of your home, it's essential to create a cleaning schedule that works for you. This could include daily, weekly, or monthly tasks, depending on your preferences and lifestyle. By spreading out the cleaning tasks, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed and keep your home in tip-top shape all year round.

Spring cleaning may seem daunting, but with the comprehensive checklist below, you can tackle it efficiently and effectively. By following these steps, you can give your home the attention it deserves and start the new season with a clean and refreshed space.

You're welcome to down the PDF file if you'd like to print it out and have it for future reference. 

 ⮜ Spring Cleaning Checklist ⮞

Check out some of our past blog posts all about organizing and cleaning.

Organizational Tips for Your Closet
10 Easy Life Hacks to Organize Your Home
30-Day Spring Cleaning

Do you have a Spring cleaning agenda that you go by? What helpful hints could you share with us? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

Keep it sassy,

Kelly

🎕🎕🎕🎕🎕🎕🎕🎕🎕🎕🎕🎕🎕🎕🎕🎕🎕🎕🎕🎕🎕🎕🎕🎕🎕🎕

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our blog! We really appreciate it. We believe that our blog is a great way to share valuable information, such as tips, tricks, and advice, to help our readers improve their lives. We strive to create content that is interesting, informative, and entertaining so that our readers can always find something valuable to read. We do our best to provide content that is timely and relevant, so our readers can stay up to date with the latest trends. We also aim to provide content that is unique and engaging, so our readers can learn something new and be inspired. We hope that our blog provides you with the necessary information and resources to make your life easier and more enjoyable. Thank you again for taking the time to read our blog!

FTC DISCLAIMER:  This page informs you of our disclosure statement regarding the advertisements we use and disclosure of our Service and the choices we have associated with it. The compensation received will never influence the content, topics, or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third-party ad network or affiliates. Those advertisements will be identified as paid advertisements. The owner(s) of this website is not compensated to provide opinions on products, services, websites, and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this website are purely the owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. This website does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.

It's Girl Scout Week - What are Your Favorite Cookies?

Welcome to Girl Scout Week! This is a time to celebrate the incredible impact that Girl Scouts have on their communities and beyond. As we honor this organization and its mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, it's also the perfect opportunity to indulge in one of the most beloved traditions of Girl Scouts - cookie season! From Thin Mints to Samoas, these tasty treats not only satisfy our sweet tooth but also support the important programs and initiatives of the Girl Scouts. So let's take a moment to reflect on our favorite Girl Scout cookies and the memories they hold. What flavors have captured your heart and taste buds? Let's dive into the delicious world of Girl Scout cookies and celebrate this special week together.

Here's a link to find a troop near you => Girl Scouts.

My all-time favorite is the Somoas. They bring back some awesome memories of when I was in junior high school, some of my friends were in the Girl Scouts and they sold them at lunch. I couldn't wait to buy a box of those cookies.

Take a look at these recipes you can make using Girl Scout cookies.

Individual No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake 

Homemadehome.com

• Prep time: 15 MINUTES
 
• chill time: 2 HOURS
 
• total time: 2 HOURS 15 MINUTES
• yield: 4 CUPS

• 
  

• Description

  Individual No-Bake Tagalong Peanut Butter Cheesecakes are decadent and easy to make for a quick sweet fix, especially with Girl Scout Cookie season coming up soon!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 box Tagalong Girl Scout Cookies, Chilled or Frozen
• 2 Tbsp Butter, melted and cooled
• 1 1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
• 1 8–oz. brick Cream Cheese, softened or room temperature
• 1/2 cup Smooth Peanut Butter
• 1/3 cup Sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a food processor, pulse the chilled Tagalong cookies until finely crumbled. Pour butter over the crumbled cookies and stir to combine.

2. Divide the crumbles into four dishes and press into the bottom.

3. In a stand mixer with a whip attachment, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Scrape into a separate bowl and set aside, ensure to reserve 1 cup of whipped cream for the topping of the cheesecakes.

4. In the same bowl the whipping cream was whipped with, stir the peanut butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Stir in the sugar and mix until dissolved.

5. Fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until smooth and evenly mixed. Spoon the peanut butter mixture into the dishes and smooth the tops.

6. Let the cheesecakes chill for 2 hours. Top with reserved whipped cream. Serve immediately.

Thin Mint Muddy Buddies

Thin Mint Muddy Buddies Recipe - Something Swanky

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups mint chips
• 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 9 cups rice Chex cereal, divided
• 1 box Thin Mints or Keebler's Fudge Mint Cookies, chopped, divided
• 3 cups powdered sugar, divided

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare two gallon-sized zip-top bags by filling them each with 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar. Set aside.
2. In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, melt the green chips by microwaving for 1-2 minutes (In 30-second intervals, stirring in between). Use a large rubber spatula to gently mix in 4 1/2 cups of the Chex cereal and half of the cookie pieces.
3. Spoon the mint chocolate-covered pieces into one of the zip-top bags. Seal the bag and shake to coat the pieces. Pour into a large serving bowl, and set aside.
4. In the (same) large microwave-safe mixing bowl, melt the chocolate chips by microwaving for 1-2 minutes (In 30-second intervals, stirring in between). Use a large rubber spatula to gently mix in the remaining cereal and cookie pieces.
5. Spoon the chocolate-covered pieces into the remaining zip-top bag. Seal the bag and shake to coat the pieces. Pour into the large serving bowl with the minty pieces. Gently mix together and serve.
6. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Girl Scout Cookie Fudge

Girl Scout Cookie Fudge Recipe - Dine and Dish

Ingredients

• 12 ounces of high-quality milk chocolate chips
• 1 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
• 10 Girl Scout Cookies any flavor, divided and coarsely chopped
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla
• 1 Tablespoon butter softened (for the foil)

Instructions

1. Line an 8-inch square pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over the sides. Lightly butter foil.
2. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the milk chocolate and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously.
3. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in vanilla and 8 of the coarsely chopped Girl Scout cookies.
4. Spread into prepared pan. Top with remaining chopped Girl Scout Cookies.
5. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
6. Use foil handles to lift fudge from the pan. Remove foil and cut into 1 x 1-inch square pieces.

White Chocolate Thin Mint Popcorn

White chocolate thin mint popcorn (lollyjane.com)

Ingredients

• 1 C. of popcorn kernels
• 3 cubes melting white chocolate or 1/2 C. melting chips
• 6 thin mint cookies crushed
• 1/2 C. white chocolate chips
• Green food coloring

Instructions

1. Pop the popcorn.
2. Melt cubes of melting chocolate according to package directions.
3. Coat evenly over popcorn.
4. Add 3-4 drops of green food coloring.
5. Toss in crushed thin mints.
6. Add white chocolate chips.
7. Let sit for 5 minutes (or until not sticky) and serve!

Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth as we celebrate Girl Scout Week and indulge in the ultimate question: what are your all-time favorite Girl Scout cookies? I have yet to try all of them but just maybe this year will be the year I try them all.

We'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

Keep it sassy,

Kelly

😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our blog! We really appreciate it. We believe that our blog is a great way to share valuable information, such as tips, tricks, and advice, to help our readers improve their lives. We strive to create content that is interesting, informative, and entertaining so that our readers can always find something valuable to read. We do our best to provide content that is timely and relevant, so our readers can stay up to date with the latest trends. We also aim to provide content that is unique and engaging, so our readers can learn something new and be inspired. We hope that our blog provides you with the necessary information and resources to make your life easier and more enjoyable. Thank you again for taking the time to read our blog!

FTC DISCLAIMER:  This page informs you of our disclosure statement regarding the advertisements we use and disclosure of our Service and the choices we have associated with it. The compensation received will never influence the content, topics, or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third-party ad network or affiliates. Those advertisements will be identified as paid advertisements. The owner(s) of this website is not compensated to provide opinions on products, services, websites, and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this website are purely the owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. This website does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.