‘Dollar Spot’ Articles at Sweetnicks

Eat.Live.Be. and Waka Waka Salad

December 28, 2011 · Narrative

When I saw that this week’s Eat.Live.Be. inspiration was to come from the tv, I knew it was the perfect time to revisit Guy Fieri’s Waka Waka Salad, with my modifications.

Guy Fieri is one of the more exuberant and rebellious stars of Food Network, and made this Waka Waka Salad when he was competing on The Next Food Network Star in 2006. He subsequently won that show and has gone on to firmly implant himself onto Food Network’s line-up, with hosting duties for several shows under his big shiny belt buckle. I’ve made this recipe several times before, and was originally drawn to it because of its fun name. Really, who doesn’t like saying Waka Waka Salad? It just makes you smile.

The original salad is largely cabbage-based, and that was a bit of a turn-off to me. I like cabbage, but in small doses, and it’s an even tougher sell for the kids. But by mixing in some greens, it lessens the cabbage impact a bit and everyone is happy. I love the homemade dressing, and the crunch of the noodles and the peanuts. It’s a great salad for when you want to get out of your basic greens and toppings rut and do something a little fresh. No pun intended.

And your quotation inspiration for today? It really is this simple.

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Summer 2011: Sidewalk Chalk Art

July 18, 2011 · Narrative

One of our Summer Bucket List 2011 items was coloring outside with sidewalk chalk. Consider that crossed off the list. I love that a dollar tub of chalk can give my littles so much enjoyment. So much so that I went back and got a few more tubs before they disappear from the Target Dollar Spot. And because the kids tend to forget and sometimes leave them outside in the rain. So I’m hiding the new tubs. Go grab some of your own before they’re gone. It’s a great opportunity to discover your little budding Picassos and Rembrandts.

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Recipe: Marshmallow Frosting

July 7, 2011 · Narrative

When I was planning the desserts for our recent End-of-School Year Rainbow Cake party, I added cupcakes to the list because, truth be told, the rainbow cake is not the easiest thing to cut, and I would need at least two or three of them if everyone had a slice, so cupcakes are a perfect additional dessert. Last June, I made rainbow cupcakes, and loved them. The problem? They were just a little too labor intensive this go ’round since I had a long list of other things to make for the party as well.

What to do?

I remember seeing a picture somewhere of cupcakes that had a rainbow on top of them, using the Airheads candy as the rainbow. Brilliant! And super easy. Bonus? That I found packages of the Airheads in Target’s Dollar Spot the week before our party. Two packages were enough (with leftovers) for 36 cupcakes.

My cousin, Alexandra, was staying with us the party weekend, so I set her and Nick to work on making the frosting and putting together the cupcakes.

If you make these cupcakes, I have two notes for you. One, be careful if you’re using the frosting in warm weather because it gets real soft real quick. And two, the Airheads tend to be a little floppy. Originally we snipped the size we needed and inserted the ends into the frosting. Once I saw how floppy they were, for the remaining cupcakes, I made a small slit in the top of the cake and slid the end of the Airheads in for a little more stability. You may discover an even better way.

Beyond that, have at it! This frosting is super simple to make and perfect for fluffy white clouds on your rainbow cupcakes. Or any other cupcake or cake, for that matter. Enjoy!

July 7, 2011 – Bonus Photo

Spied a little glitter on my co-workers’ nails this morning – love this trend!

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iPad Bargains

March 30, 2011 · Narrative

Last week, we stopped at the store to get a few items on our list. The kids always have a hard time getting past Target’s Dollar Spot. Nick scored a package of eight mechanical pencils and Madeline? Well, she had a whole handful of stuff I made her whittle down, settling on an Elmo notebook.

Later that night, she was looking for her “iPad.” Did I know where it was? Did Nick take it? Where’s the pen that went with it?

I had no idea what she was talking about, and it took a little while to figure out exactly WHAT we were searching for. You know, since I don’t own an iPad. And speaking of which, she certainly doesn’t either.

She meant the Elmo pad. Of course.

I don’t know where she even heard the phrase iPad since no one I know has one. But ever since then, she has called her Elmo notebook an iPad.

love the poses!

Now there’s a bargain I can live with. You can get your very own iPad in the Dollar Spot of your local Target. I have a feeling it’s the best deal around.

Project 365
March 30, 2011, Photo #88
Today I was feeling very off. Not sick, but a headache, lethargic and nauseous. When we got home, I asked Madeline if we could lie down a bit, and she readily agreed. Then she checked my head. And my stomach. Wrote me a prescription on her iPad. Got me a blanket and a drink. And watched tv quietly so I could rest. And then my nurse fell asleep.