How to Make a Healthy Strawberry Smoothie Recipe

 

Strawberry Smoothie Ingredients:

Yields: 4 servings

2 cups fresh strawberries (16-18 strawberries)

1 cup skim milk (low fat)

1 ½ cups vanilla yogurt

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

½ cup (8-10) ice cubes

Directions:

1. Place ice cubes into a blender or food processor and blend until crushed.
2. Add all other ingredients and blend until smooth.

Strawberry banana smoothie ideas:

If you love strawberries and bananas both, simply add 2 ripe, sliced bananas to the above recipe for a refreshing smoothie. Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and potassium, it is an extremely healthy drink. A strawberry banana smoothie is an ideal for on the go breakfast or a late afternoon snack.

Chocolate smoothie recipe for kids:

Who minds chocolate for breakfast? While the above smoothie recipe itself is a great way to get picky eaters eating fruit they might not otherwise, 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup added will get them on the breakfast table in no time.

Dos and don’ts of breakfast smoothies

With the right blend of ingredients, a breakfast smoothie can be a nutritional powerhouse, whereas, just a few misguided add-ins, can quickly transform it into a high calorie, sugar laden dessert. So, make sure you avoid these pitfalls:

• Don’t just throw everything into the blender; instead measure the ingredients to keep the nutrition stats in check.
• Never add sugar to your smoothies. If needed to sweeten, do so naturally. Try adding, dates, beets, or honey.
• Lastly, beware of overindulging. To keep the calories and sugar in check avoid second servings. Try adding ingredients such as oats or avocado to keep you feeling full long after the breakfast.

Apart from being healthy, this strawberry smoothie makes a wonderful treat for any occasion. So, which version are you trying this morning?

Outdoor Home Easter Decorating Ideas

Image via: Etsy – XtinesDOORnaments… – Easter Decor Grapevine Wreath

Want More Creative Easter Wreath Ideas? Visit us on How To Make a Burlap Wreath.com

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Easter Decorating Ideas: Egg Ornaments

Hanging artificial Easter egg ornaments from a tree is an inexpensive and easy way to decorate your outdoor space for Easter. Delicate details such as swirl, colorful dots or stripes around the middle of the ribbon add an elegant touch to simple decorations. While pastels are always a hit, earth-toned plastic eggs such as tan or cream help to add a rustic charm to the decorations.  We like these Easter egg decorating ideas.

Spring Flowers make unique Decor for Outdoors Too!

Easter is the ideal time to show off beautiful spring blossoms. So adorn your garden or patio by placing real or faux flowers in pots or baskets at strategic points. Also, wreaths made of flowers and Easter eggs can be placed on the front door or hung from the branches of the trees.

Easter Decorating Ideas with Light

If you are hosting an Easter dinner this season, consider adding a little light and sparkle to your outdoor space. Hang strands of tiny white lights on the railings, overhangs, and surrounding the trees.  If your party has lots of kids, fun Easter themed decorations including lights with eggs and bunnies or pastel colored paper lanterns would look great.

Decorate with Nature like an Easter Wreath!

Easter decorations are not just about eggs and pastel shades. It’s also about renewal, rebirth, and springtime which at once brings to mind blooming flowers and animals coming out of hibernation. To invite these little critters to hang out on your outdoor space, consider hanging creative squirrel feeders as part of your Easter outdoor decor. Better yet, this decorating idea is sure to last beyond Easter. Here are some creative Outdoor Easter decorating ideas using baskets.

Image via: Etsy – Flower Basket – Chickadee Lore

We all know that Christmas gets a lot of attention when it comes to decorating, but the reality is that Easter actually deserves just as much of a celebration. So, this season uses these Easter decorating ideas to create a beautiful and a festive outdoor space that will be second to none.

How to Construct a Pallet Furniture Table

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Supplies:

Wood pallet (s)

Power Drill and bit

Screws

Fine Grit Sandpaper

Castors

Safety Glasses

Pallet Furniture Directions:

1. Before you begin constructing your pallet table it’s very important that you lightly sand it first. Carefully remove any splintered edges and sand it gently for a smooth finish.
2. Turn the pallet upside down so that you can mark the holes for the castor wheels. Consider using larger castors for a stronger, industrial look. Make small pilot holes and then drill the wheels into the place. Use smaller screws so as not to drill straight through the pallet.
3. If you want to lift your table a little higher off the ground, then you can add legs. Measure each side in the same way as the castors using table legs. Draw around each table leg and do not forget too include markings for the screws.
4. Although keeping your pallet furniture as rustic as possible is ideal, a light varnish or oil will help to seal it and highlight its natural look.

Alternate pallet ideas:

Depending on the look you are trying to achieve, you can create different effects. Vibrant tones will give your room a pop of color, or you can use a gloss paint to make it shine. Placing a glass top will lend it a modern, elegant finish.

Why not use pallet furniture pieces to make a complete dining room table set?

Additional wood pallet projects:

Pallets can be used to create all sorts of things. From outdoor furniture to interior decoration pieces, the options are endless. Here are some more DIY pallet ideas that will help enhance your interiors experience to the next level. Apart from being easy, the best about these projects is that they budget-friendly especially when you consider that the main component-the wooden pallet did not cost a thing.

Isn’t it something great about turning the would-be trash into pieces that are both beautiful and functional? The ideal way to add a bit of charm to your home; without breaking the bank. What do you think? Would you try this pallet furniture table?

For more creative DIY projects on Stagetecture, browse our DIY category!

Paint bathroom vanity cabinets  

Are your bathroom cabinets looking tired from years and years of use? Consider giving them a fresh coat of paint in a quality semi or high gloss paint. It is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to instantly update the look. Make sure they are sanded free of old stain/finish. If unsure, consult a home improvement store for help.

Learn how to paint your bathroom vanity at Do It Yourself

Increase bathroom storage space

Boast the cabinet efficiency by adding pullouts to deep bathroom vanities. You can also include amenities like plate racks, display shelves, and wine storage. Not only will these help to update the current look but will also keep necessities in order and viewable. And of course, will help you avoid more of the things you already have on hand.

Here are some clever bathroom storage ideas from HGTV we love.

Remove cabinet doors

Who says bathroom cabinet need doors? For an easy and budget friendly way to give your bathroom an update, remove the doors on the cabinetry. Not only will give your space an instant face lift but also make the small space feel larger. Add a few perfectly placed and folded towels, and the look is complete.

Install mirror on bathroom wall cabinets

Another great way to instantly spruce up your bathroom is by adding mirror on the wall cabinet. It is a functional addition that will provide a stylish complement to your daily grooming needs and will make your space seem much larger. And you will be surprised how easy this project is.

Who says that bathroom cabinets need to be all work and no play? After all, it is an important element of your space. Use these easy ideas to inspire your next bathroom update and do let us know how it was?

Perfect your Game Day Menu with Super Bowl Appetizers

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1. Super Bowl Appetizers: Easy Recipe for Empanadas

Ingredients:

Yields: 10 servings

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

2/3 cup shortening

6 tablespoons water

2 ½ cups peeled, cored, sliced apples

1 cup white sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 yellow onion

1 green bell pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

8 ounces tomato paste

½ cup water

1 tablespoon white vinegar

1 pound lean steak, cut into 1 inch cubes

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 Super Bowl Appetizers Directions:

1. For the dough: in a mixing bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in the shortening till the pieces are the size of small peas. Add some water to slightly moisten. Form the dough into a ball. Roll out the dough to approximately 1/8 inch thick and cut into 4 inch circles. Lightly flour both sides of circles.
2. For the fruit filling: in a saucepan combine fruit, cinnamon, sugar, and nutmeg. Heat over medium heat, thoroughly mixing.
3. For the meat filling: sauté the onion and green pepper in olive oil in a medium skillet. Add tomato paste, vinegar, water and cook for 20 minutes. Add meat and thoroughly coat with the sauce.
4. Place a large spoonful of any one the above mixtures to the center of a dough circle. Place another circle on the top. Fasten the two circles together by pressing the edges using a fork. Now bake them in a preheated oven at 175 degrees C until golden brown.

2. Super Bowl Appetizers Ideas: Pigs in a Blanket Recipe

Super Bowl Appetizers Ingredients:

Yields: 8 servings

12 ounce package cooked chicken sausage links

8 ounce sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

1/3 cup whole grain mustard

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Cut the sausages in quarters lengthwise, and then in half crosswise. Cut the puff pastry into 3 inches long strips and 1 inch wide.
2. Roll the sausage pieces in the pastry strips and transfer to a parchment line baking sheet. Bake until puffed and golden brown. Serve with mustard for dipping.

These super bowl food recipes are sure to make your party a hit. Simple and satisfying, they are sure to please one and all. Just make sure to whip up some extra batches so that your guests can keep on munching from kickoff to the final. Have more super bowl food ideas to share? Let us know through comments.

For more game day appetizers click here.

New Year Blackeyed Peas Recipe

Why not try your black-eyed peas in a Homemade Southern Hoppin John with Rice recipe?

Total time: 3 hours

Yields: 8 servings

Ingredients:

½-pound black-eyed peas, dry

1 cup cooked ham, chopped

1 onion, diced

½ can whole tomatoes

Pinch of garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Black Eyed Peas Directions:

1 Place black-eyed peas in a medium pot and add enough water to cover it by 1 inch.

2. Stir in diced onions, ham, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

3. In a blender or food processor, blend tomatoes until liquefied. Add tomatoes to pot. Bring all ingredients to boil.

4. Cover the pot with a lid, and simmer on low heat for 2 ½ to 3 hours or until the peas are tender.

While these tasty black-eyed peas should always be there on your New Year’s Day menu, there is no reason not to savor them all year long.

Pair these Black Eyed Peas with Cornbread!

Our Skillet Cornbread recipe is the perfect accompaniment for this dish.

You can also make slow cooker black eyed peas and start them in the morning and they will be done in the evening. Let us know if this New Years Recipe: Traditional Black-Eyed Peas brings you good luck!

For more easy meals on Stagetecture, click here.

19 Creative Christmas Decoration Ideas to Try this Season

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1. Green Christmas Decorating – Can you Reuse from Previous Years?

Take a look at the decorations you already have. Do you really need to shop for anything new? Maybe those stockings still look beautiful and those Christmas tree décor will do its job fine. And if at all you really need to buy some décor pieces, check out secondhand shops like Goodwill where you will find lots of vintage and gently used holiday décor. Also, don’t forget to donate items that you have become tired of someone will treasure them!

2. If you don’t want to shop how about natural Christmas ornaments? 

Want a creative Christmas decoration? Take a look at this DIY to make dried fruit ornaments.

3. Christmas Decoration Ideas: Use LED Candles

When it comes to warm winter ambiance, there is nothing like a flickering candle. But, for those who are eco-conscious, there is an alternative that is eco-friendly, safer, and looks similar-LED candles. They are lightweight, reusable, and made from real wax. In fact, they flicker in the same way like real candles-only without smoke, flame, and messy wax. The best thing about LED candles is that they are sustainable as they last much longer, unlike regular candles, which quickly burn down to an end.

4. Visit your Favorite Online Christmas Decoration Ideas Shops:

Check out local craft shops, holiday bazaars or online stores like Etsy and eBay to find something handmade that fits your purpose. We love these Etsy ideas for your Christmas party or just to give to guests.

15 Christmas Tree Decorations Ideas from our Favorite Blogger Friends

1. A Colorful Christmas Tree
2. No Sew Christmas Tree Skirt
3. Star Wars Droid Christmas Tree
4. Designer Dollar Store Christmas Tree
5. Book Page & Bakers Twine Garland
6. Migonis Christmas Home Tour
7. Christmas Tree Memories
8. Michaels Dream Tree Challenge
9. Scrap Ribbon Ornaments
10. Pinecone Owl Ornaments
11. Coastal Inspired Christmas Tree
12. How to Dry Orange Slices
13. DIY Ruffle Tree Skirt
14. Gone Camping Ornaments
15. Wine Cork Christmas Tree Ornaments

To go green this Christmas, you don’t have to compromise your Christmas décor, just be a little more careful about the items that you use to make your home sparkle.

For more Christmas decoration ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Thanksgiving Side Dish: Cornbread Dressing Recipe

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Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Yields: 14-16 servings

Cornbread Dressing Recipe Ingredients:

½ cup butter

3 cups celery, diced

2 cups sweet onions, diced

½ cup fresh sage, finely sage

Cornbread Crumbles

3 cups fresh, soft breadcrumbs

4 large eggs, lightly beaten

7 cups chicken broth

1 tablespoon ground pepper

Cornbread Dressing Recipe Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large skillet melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and celery, and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes or until onions are golden brown. Stir in sage, and cook for 1 minute.
2. In a large bowl, stir together cornbread crumbles and breadcrumbs. Stir in eggs, chicken broth, ground pepper, and celery minute. Stir until blended. Divide the mixture between a lightly greased baking dish (13*9 inch), and a lightly greased 8-inch square baking dish.
3. Bake at 400 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes or until set and golden brown.

Try these alternatives for your dressing recipe.

Fresh corn and green chili dressing: Substitute 3 cups corn kernels for diced celery and half cup chopped fresh cilantro for sage. Prepare the recipe as directed. Stir in 2 cans chopped green chilies with cilantro in step 1.

The best part about this Thanksgiving side dish is that you can prepare it ahead of time and freeze it until ready to use. Overall, easy to prepare, this cornbread dressing boasts of great flavor. Try it for your next turn as the party host and you wouldn’t be disappointed. We promise!

Taka a look at our Make-Ahead Recipes for your holiday meal.

From dressing to gravy and casserole dishes, save yourself time with 22 make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes

Overall, easy to prepare, this cornbread dressing boasts of great flavor. Try it for your next turn as the party host and you wouldn’t be disappointed. We promise!

For more Thanksgiving recipes on Stagetecture, click here

20 Of Our Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes

1. Slow Cooker Recipes: Pulled Pork or Chicken Sliders

Looking for some perfect addition to a relaxed menu? Try these delicious, mouthwatering pulled chicken sliders. The intelligent slow cooker does all the work for you, so that when you come back home six to eight hours later, you will have juicy pork or chicken ready to be shredded and served in a sandwich with your favorite barbecue sauce.

2. Butternut Squash Soup is the perfect Crock Pot Recipe

This one is one of our all time favorite soups. We love the recipe because you can throw everything in the crock pot and walk away. In about few hours you have a tasty soup all ready waiting for you. And of course, your home will smell just amazing while it’s cooking way. Simply open the cupboard and add what you desire. Freeze for another meal!

Don’t you love butternut squash soup in a slow cooker?

3. Easy Crock Pot Recipes: Herb Chicken with Mushrooms

Flavorful spices and herbs, onion and mushrooms give this plain herb chicken recipe a rich flavor. Vegetables and cooking juice complete the meal. If you don’t wish to use the wine, you can use cooking sherry instead and omit the salt. Serve it with mashed potatoes or a side dish like steamed green beans and you will have a satisfying meal.

4. Slow Cooker Recipes: Delicious Cranberry Pork

Cranberry pork tenderloin is a tasty, easy dinner any time of the year, but it’s especially a great choice during cooler weather. It’s healthy, simple, and just as good reheated the next day. A slow cooker really helps to bring out the best in pork loin, leaving it juicy and tender, and saving you hours in the kitchen.

5. Thai Pumpkin Soup Slow Cooker Recipes

The smell of fresh pumpkin soup with Thai spices has to be one of the best wafting through your home during the colder months. Try this delicious Crock Pot Thai Pumpkin Soup recipe and delight your senses!

Slow cooker meals are such a time saver. Set and forget at the beginning of the day and come back home to a hot dinner. Let us know through comments what you think about our collection of recipes?

15 Slow Cooker Recipes from Blogger Friends

1. Crock Pot Balsamic Chicken
2. slow Cooker Butternut Stew
3. Slow Cooker Lasagna
4. Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Quinoa Bowls
5. Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
6. Slow Cooker Pizza Meatloaf
7. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
8. Slow Cooker Herbed Cornish Hens
9. Slow Cooker Apricot BBQ Chicken Wings
10. Slow Cooker Loaded Carnitas
11. Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Sandwich
12. Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
13. Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
14. Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
15. Slow Cooker Healthy Beef Stew

For more slow cooker recipe ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

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Thanksgiving Dinner: Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

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Total Time: 30 minutes preparation + 2 hours cooking

Yields: 8 cups

Turkey Gravy Ingredients:

6 turkey wings

2 medium size onion, peeled and quartered

1 cup fresh water

2 quarts chicken broth, divided

¾ cup carrot, chopped

½ teaspoon dried thyme

¾ cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons butter

Pinch of ground black pepper

Gravy Recipe Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F or 200 degrees C. In a large roasting pan, arrange a single layer of turkey wings. Scatter the onions on the top. Roast for 1 hour, 15 minutes or until wings turns brown.
2. In a 5 quart stockpot, place browned wings and onions. Add water to roasting pan. Stir, while scraping up any brown pieces on the bottom of the pan. Pour the water from the pan into the stockpot. Mix in 6 cups broth, thyme, and carrot. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 to ½ hours.
3. Remove wings from the stockpot and place on a cutting board. Separate the skin and meat when they are cool. Discard the skin and keep the meat for another use. Strain contents from the stockpot using a large strainer into a 3 quart saucepan. Press on the vegetables to take out remaining liquid, if any. Remove the vegetables and skim the fat off the liquid. Bring the contents in the pot to boil.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk all-purpose flour into remaining 2 cups of chicken broth until smooth. Slowly whisk the flour mixture into the simmering turkey broth. Let it simmer for 4-5 minutes or until the gravy has thickened. Add butter and pepper. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use.

Successful turkey gravy is more about the technique than ingredients. Producing it at the thickness you prefer and free of lumps takes a bit of practice. So, we recommend, it’s still time for Thanksgiving Dinner. Make it at least once before the big day.

Need more Thanksgiving Make Ahead Recipes?

We’ve got you covered with these 22 Make Ahead Thanksgiving recipes.

For more Thanksgiving recipes on Stagetecture, click here.