Free Word Art from Throwing Some Scraps Around

Welcome to The Cherry On Top!

Today, I have a peek at a new kit from Throwing Some Scraps Around, layout inspiration and a FREEBIE, of course!

Here's a look at the kit.  The prices are a total TCOT deal!  Anything under $3 is a great deal to me!  The image is all hooked up to the ETSY store.  No middle man fees.  Hehehe....

We are talking bright, come alive, serious fun, right?!

I had no intensions of bringing this kit down, so I used fun pictures.  I loved these of Liam at the playground way back in the day.  The one in the middle was his camera face.  Ha!  He sure did have a blast at the playground that day.

How silly is my little JJ, here?!  Hehehe...We went to a fantastic park with a friend of mine and his son.  It was really hot, but it didn't stop the boys from having a blast.

I hope you took a liking to the word art because that is your FREEBIE from this kit from The Cherry On Top.

I saw this layout from Jodi, the master mind behind TSSA and had to show it to you.  Isn't it fantastic?!  Let's not forget what scrapping is all about.  Our favourite photos, good times, memorable times all saved up for us because we'd forget!  Hehehe.. 

Here is your FREEBIE.  Enjoy it and share the link around.  (Click on the image, scroll down a bit and under media options, click download.)

All of my freebies are for personal use only and are not to be redistributed for purchase.

Thanks for taking a peep!  I'll be heading to Germany and won't be back until next week, but I've got an endless list of future blog entries.  So come on back and see what's new!

TCOT Weekly Menu Planner #3

Welcome back to the weekly menu planner.

I'm very surprised at the attention it's gotten so far and also totally pleased!  Thanks to all of you who give me a shout, share, a like or leave a comment.  It keeps me go'n!  

I hope you enjoy the last two week's menu's.  If there's something you are not too crazy about, then go backwards and see if you can replace it from something on a previous menu.  If you still have left overs, make sure you plan them in the week.  A good place would be meat, starch, veg entries.

Monday:  shrimp or chicken etouffe

You might just be surprised at how simple this meal is to make.  Seriously, it should take no more than 20 minutes from start to finish, prep included.  The ingredients are very typical and you probably have many of them in your house already.

The picture above is linked to the recipe.  It is my all time favourite recipe for this so far.  I have an even easier version, though.  I load my rice in the rice cooker.  (I will never live without one.  Perfect rice every time!)  Then I chuck my onions, garlic, peppers in the mini chopper and add them to the warmed butter in a high-ish pan.  Prep whatever meat you wanna use or a combination!  Throw that in as well.  I've never made the roué because the consistency is just fine to me.  

If you are not an experienced cook, FOLLOW THE RECIPE.  hehehe....

Tuesday:  meat, starch, veg

Use this as a flex day if you must.  A time to grab a bite or get some take out if you are just too, busy.  Otherwise, choose something from the freezer if you have or how about some fresh fish, green beans and quinoa.  I'll give ya link for a quinoa recipe.  This is a super, basic recipe.  Give it a try! 

Wednesday:  sloppy joes

Let's make the family's day by whipping up some sloppy joes!  I'm hooking you up with another recipe, but I have a trick for ya that the family might enjoy.  Instead of buns, pack your joe in a pita or tortilla!  It's so much easier to eat.  Add some cheese, onions, extra hot sauce.  Do it buffet style if the kids like that best.

Whip up a salad or some cole slaw to go with it.  It's ok to buy prepared food once in a while, but don't make it a habit. Think about a raw veggie tray, too.  Carrots, celery, olives, radishes...what have ya got in the fridge?

Thursday:  Steak, corn, baked sweet potatoes

If you can, get organic meat.  It's a world of difference.  I was totally shocked when I first tried it and really couldn't get over the difference in taste.  Take a good look at prices.  They are coming down more and more.  Yay!

If you have a grill pan, cook the steak on there.  Depending on the size of your steak and how you like it done.  Try not to use any kind of fat on your grill pan.  Heat up your corn in the last couple of minutes, but make sure ya put those sweet potatoes in the oven first.  They take a while to bake.  Yes, bake!  It's the healthiest.  Or try these, baked sweet potato fries.  Watch what oil you use.  Olive oil is the best in most cases.  The picture is hooked up with a recipe.  

Fun Food Friday:  home made pizza

OK, maybe not home made.  Let's work backwards.  There is more and more research being done on just how bad some major chain pizza is.  Let's stay away from them.  I'll give ya few short cut tips.

Purchase, pre made, pizza dough.  Use tortillas or make your own yummy dough.  If you can or want to buy a jarred pre made pizza sauce it's ok.  Just check the ingredients and make sure it's good ingredients.  No sugar!!!  You could just use canned, diced tomatoes with some dried herbs in it.  Cheese, meats, veggies...you know the routine!  My kids LOVE making pizza.  Of course, home made dough is my favourite.  So darn yummy and the kids favourite part of the whole shebang.

Saturday:  gyros, baby!!!!

Here's an awesome recipe that you can also do buffet style.  Making the sauce is quite some work.  It's the healthiest way to eat it, but don't beat yourself up too, much if you buy the stuff from the store.

Sunday:  Beer Butt Chicken, grilled zucchini and polenta

If ya don't feel like grill'n, bake a chicken in the oven.  It's Sunday!  Make this the day you put some time into your cooking.  You could go and buy a chicken all ready to eat, but it won't taste nearly as good or be nearly as cheap.

Polenta is fabulous!  It's something other than your typical starchy sides.  Use stock instead of water for more flavour, add seasonings of your choice and throw some fresh herbs in there, too.  I can't get enough of polenta!

OK!  You're set!  Make your grocery list.  Leave all the crappy, pre packed, junk in the grocery store. 

Leave me a comment if you gave this blog a peep and I'll keep posting!

Take care and see ya next week.

Hope For Brady Blog Hop

Welcome To The Cherry On Top!

My goal is to make your life easier and happier.  As I find good deals, great recipes, free stuff and health information, I share it here and on my Facebook Page, The Cherry On Top.  Be sure to check out both on a regular basis.

I'm thrilled to be a part of this hop.  I have two young boys with Autism.  Everyday life is such a trial and most people just have no idea.  Understanding and patience is a huge part of dealing with Autism even if you don't know anyone with Autism.  

When you see a child having a tantrum, it could be Autism.  Rather than giving the parents a look of disapproval, how about a look of sympathy or understanding.  We've all had bad days and not all kids are great all of the time.  Besides, for many, it's just a temper tantrum after all.  It's not like they robbed the food bank?!

For my boys, visualisation is everything.  They take things literally to a...hilarious point at times, too!  There is a lot to learn and Autism can be just fascinating as well.  My children have taught me how to look at EVERYTHING differently.  Sometimes it's just flat out funny and other times the light goes off.  Those are the best moments and they are always there if you are looking them.

I have a couple of things for you.  The first one is a chart to help ya get your day started.  That is the most difficult part of mine!  Goodness!  The time it takes just to do the basics.  Charts help my boys with all of the necessary, daily activities.  By all means, make sure they do stuff and routinely.  Don't do it all for them even if you think they can't.  They will always surprise you.  Encouragement is the ticket to success.

OK, here's how it works!  If you like the first image, print it out.  Watch your settings!  I had to play with mine until they got just right.

If you want the list in a different order than print out this image, below.

(Click, then right click to save the larger image.)

You will need this last image if you want the check marks or if you want to change the list around. (Click, then right click to save the larger image.)

I would highly recommend laminating all of it and simply use velcro on the back of the check marks if you want to use them over again or use an erasable marker!

If you head over to my Facebook Page, I have a FREE download for you there as well. This Freebie is no longer available.

I'm glad you stopped by and I certainly encourage you to do it again!  Have a fantastic day and enjoy the hop!  4Mybabies will posting freebies all month long and I'll be do'n a few more, too.  So, stay tuned!

Ginger's Scraps N'  Pixels

Sweet Pea Designs

Debra's Creative World

Kathie Stevens Designs

Kitten Scraps

Becky's Creations

Amanda Creation

WinksArt Graphics

Ostrea Designs

Day Dreams N' Designs

4 My Babies Scraps

All of these are no longer available to download.  If there is something here that you would really like, PM me.

Weekly Menu #2

Weekly Menu #2

Welcome again, to The Cherry On Top's Weekly Menu!

We had a bit of a crazy weekend with illness and unplanned camping so I'm using a couple of last week's recipes again, but I'll make new ones for you.

Monday:  Soup N' Sandwiches (click on the image for the pumpkin soup recipe)

I'm the one who is sick.  So, today, I'm whipping up some soup from all of the veggies that are still sitting in the refrigerator.  Home made soup is so easy to make.  Wash the veggies that are still sitting in your fridge.  Cut them up in large pieces, throw them in the pot, add some salt, pepper and maybe a touch of veggie bouillon.  (Just watch how salty it is.)

The easy version to buy some pre made soup.  I always have soup in the cabinet!  My grocer sells an awesome organic soup in a bottle.  Just shake, open, pour in a mug and voila!  Mmmm...Check out the ingredients.  Most package soup is pretty darn good especially if there is no meat in it.

Serve up your favourite sandwich or buy a fresh French loaf and just dip!  I strongly recommend getting away from the white bread in a plastic bag with a long shelf life.  Try a bread machine.  It literally takes under 10 minutes to dump your ingredients in and turn it on.  When it beeps, you take it out and let it cool.  It is THAT easy!

Making bread might seem like  a lot of work in the beginning, but the more practice you have, the easier and faster it gets.  Wait until you make some garlic and walnut bread!  The smell will drive you insane!  Or maybe a cajun braided loaf?  Do this on the weekend and give the family a real treat.

Tuesday:  fish, starch,vegetable (click on image for couscous recipe)

Use your favourite fish and either bake, pan fry (in olive oil or coconut oil) or steam.  If you have a steamer, you can make an entire meal in there!  Steam broccoli, rice and your fish!  Talk about a time saver.  Throw your ingredients in the steamer, turn it on and get the table set, the kids washed up, empty the dishwasher and it's ready!

If you are wanting to stay away from starch (especially, potatoes and bread which is a great idea) then make some couscous, quinoa or bulgar.  Couscous is so so easy and fast to make!  Just add a pad of butter and season to your liking!  It goes great with fish.

Green beans, broccoli, whatever the family likes.  If you are using a lot of butter and salt, start cutting back until you don't use it all or just a touch of butter is you have to.  Use fresh whenever can or frozen.  Do NOT use canned.

Wednesday:  spaghetti/pasta

Definitely a family favourite.  Good old fashioned spaghetti.  My boys love the long noodles.  My little guy has sensory issues and cannot stand spaghetti sauce, so I just take out his pasta and put a little butter on it.  Then I serve him raw veggies.  They are the best for us and he actually likes quite a few different kinds.  NEVER stop introducing or reintroducing fruit and veg.  You might  just be surprised.  Never force, but persuade and even reward your child just for TRYING something new.

Making your own spaghetti sauce is a lot of work depending on what you like in your sauce.  Dump a can of canned tomatoes to your hamburger (if you are using meat) and shake in some spices and herbs that you like.  Use bacon or chicken in your spaghetti for something different, or no meat.  My family doesn't usually even notice!  Mushrooms are the key for this.  If you family has a problem with veggies like garlic, onion, peppers, shrooms...then put it all in the food processor.  That's what I do.  These vegetables are just so healthy, I have to use them and so should you!

You may used jarred sauce.  Just make sure there is no sugar and that you know what ALL of the ingredients are.  If you can't pronounce it, then your probably shouldn't be eating it.

Thursday:  meat, starch, veg

Choose a favourite meat like lean steak, fish, pork chops, sausage (my kids favourite), chicken strips (not breaded if possible).

Wash and peel your potatoes AND some carrots or spinach.  Put them together and let them cook.  When finished, drain off water into a measuring cup and mash together.  That's right!  My kids do NOT eat cooked carrots or spinach, but when mixed with mashed potatoes?!  THEY LOVE IT!

Add a touch of butter, salt and either milk or a bit of that reserve liquid if you are staying away from dairy.

If you know how to whoop up a quick sauce, then pour your reserve in the pan you used for your meat and add your thickener (2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water shaken very well).  We make a volcano and the sauce is lava.  They go nuts over this, STILL!  Hehehe...

Fun Food Friday:  Taco Buffet

So easy and another family favourite.

Choose the meat you want and sauté it with some Mexican seasons of your choice.  While simmering, prepare the buffet of sour cream, salsa (or cut tomatoes), guacamole (you might be surprised that the little ones actually like it even if you don't.), shredded cheese, onions, your choice of soft, hard or boat shells or a mix, then the meat.  Everyone makes their own!

Saturday:  grilled cheese (Click on image for a pimped up grilled cheese!)

Once again, don't use that awful, bagged bread!  It is RELLY BAD for you.  Soften up your butter or just put the butter in the pan than slop both sides of the bread in it.  So easy, right?!  Lay in your REAL cheese and top with the other slice of buttered bread.  It only take about 3 minutes in total.  Hello?!  Serve it with some raw veggies, pickles or soup!

Sunday:  plan a BBQ!

Get the grill (or your grill pan) going!  Choose the family's favorite grill'n meat. Whip up your favourite pasta, rice or potato salad or if the kids are dying, some french fries.  Once a week is not big deal. Heat or boil up your corn and voila!  Dinner is served.

For THE most awesome pasta salad click on the image.

OK, you're set now with a week's worth of healthy and yummy meals.  Get a grocery list together and start eat'n right! 

*Try to eat potatoes less and less.  Look for Nicola potatoes if you have to eat them.  Potatoes promote cancer growth and wreak havoc with those suffering from diabetes and other types of inflammatory diseases.*

http://www.healthiertalk.com/popular-food-packs-pounds-and-increases-diabetes-risk-4469

If you ever have questions or want to share your favourite, healthy all natural recipes, please comment.

Let me know if you are liking these menu planners.  It takes me a long time to make them and if I don't get feed back, I'll stop doing it.  I hope you are enjoying them!

Boutique Cute Doll FREEBIE

Welcome, to The Cherry On Top!  

I've got Boutique Cute Doll on feature today.  "Between The Pages" is the newest release and in typical BCD fashion, it is FABulous!

The kit is linked up to the store, where it is on sale, but only for a couple more days.  Grab it while it's this cheap!

Here are the two book marks I made with "Between The Pages".  The first one you can get right here.    (Click, choose Media Options, then choose download.) The second one you have to get from the BCD blog.  Click on the image and it will take you there.

If I were you, I'd laminate these!  It will make them extra rigid and water resistant, too!

I also provided you with a link where you can get these FREE bookmarks that Terresa has made.

Everything here is for private use only.  You may share our links, but not the images, please.

Thank you for the visit!  See ya again, soon!  I'll be participating in an Autism Awareness blog that will have a lot of FREEBIES for you to ooh and aaah over.

Weekly Menu #1 From The Cherry On Top

Welcome to The Cherry On Top's first weekly menu planner!!!

I am super excited to bring it to you.  I've been planning weekly menus for years now and it saves so much hassle, time, money and there are not nearly so many left overs in the fridge either.  You will not believe how much less discussions occur over what's for dinner!

I plan my menu everyday Sunday either behind my computer or with  some recipe books.  If I'm in a pinch for time, I just go back to my agenda and look through and choose stuff from there as well.

Eventually, I might put the  menus in different levels according to time and preparation, but most of the menus, especially those during the week will be made in 20 minutes or less.  If you find it takes longer than that, just give it time until ya get better acquainted with the system.

I must also share with you my experience with time saving.  My biggest time saver is my stove.  I use gas and it is truly my favourite method to cook.  I would bet that is how I have been able to save so much time, control the heat of my food better and hence, prepare much tastier dishes.

Enough, blah, blah, blah....Let's get cook'n!!!

Monday:  Fresh tortellini with tomato sauce

Fresh pasta may cost a bit more, but there is no comparison to that of dried.  Choose any kind you like.  Did ya know it cooks in less than five minutes?!  What can be faster than that?!  It is also much healthier, too because it isn't filled with all kinds of conservatives. Plus, there is such a variety out there.  I always keep fresh pasta in the fridge on stand by because it's so versatile and fast.

You can make your own pasta, but of course, that is even more time consuming, but fun.  The kids love to help make fresh pasta, though I don't make it often.

For the sauce you may choose to either dump a pot of your favourite tomato sauce to save even more time or use a can of diced tomatoes (choose one with onions, garlic and herbs if you like.) or throw some onions and garlic in a mini chopper and add to the tomatoes and bam!  You might also like to add half of a bouillon cube or a teaspoon loose bouillon for more flavour.

Tuesday:  Guiness Beef Stew

Follow link to recipe.  It's super duper easy and hardly anything to prepare.  I would think you can dump everything in a crock pot, let it cook all day while you are at work and it'll be ready when ya get home!  Ya gotta love the crock pot when you have little time.

Wednesday:  M-S-V  (That's meat, starch, veg.)

On this day you can choose any kind of meat, starch or veg that might be laying in the fridge with nothing to do.  Hehehe...Or the freezer.  Choose something easy like sausages that cook up fast, a steak that's cooked in less than 7 minutes on the grill pan or maybe some fish in the steamer.

This is also a spot where you might say.  I'm just too, busy, let's order pizza or Chinese take out.  Keep your meat in the freezer to keep it fresh. If you're not sure you are going to use it in the first two or three days of purchase.

Thursday:  Big Salad

A large salad is a great way to get rid of stray veggies in the fridge, basket or canned in the cabinet.  Buy a green that you really like.  I'm not a fan of Iceberg.  When I stopped buying it, I started liking salads more.  Try a Romaine, Rucola (my favourite) or even some Belgian endive.  Mmmmm...Spinach is also absolutely delicious eaten fresh.  Then add some chopped, cooked chicken either fresh or purchased.  Bacon, tuna, anchovies...the choice is yours!  Add olives, shredded cheese, beans, corn...You can do so much with a salad.  If your kids are not a fan, then pull out the few veggies they will eat.  Usually tomatoes, corn and carrots are ok with them.

You might also want to add a little bit of cooked pasta.  It makes it more filling and will be great for the picky little ones!

Fun Food Friday:  Cheeseburgers!!!!

Buy frozen patties if you prefer and to save time, buy fresh pre made patties from your butcher or grocer or, make your own.  It's really, really easy and hopefully, Friday is a day where you have some extra time to cook something super yummy and fresh.

Hamburger, a dash of Worcester, an egg, some bread crumbs and herbs is all ya need!  My hubby loves when I put 1/4 tsp of liquid smoke in there, too.  Use a grill pan if you have one.  It gets super hot.  It's fast and is healthy, too!

Garnish any way you like.  Sliced cheese, onions, pickles, lettuce tomato, bacon...MMM.....Don't give fries if you are using buns.  A big delicious burger should be enough.  Especially, if you are using vegetables as garnish.

Saturday:  Brazilian Shrimp Soup/Gruyere, Bacon, Mac N' Cheese

I've got these all linked up for you.

It's no biggie you do not have this special kind of cheese, use the one you like, but make sure it is REAL and not processed.  Cheddar is a great substitute.

Sunday:  Pesto Chicken Salad/Fish, Starch, Veg

The first menu is all linked up.  Get pre baked rolls, go to the bakery or make the rolls yourself.  Don't be afraid to use all ready made pesto in the jar.  It is usually healthy, too!  It will save you some time.

For the fish, I often buy frozen, but of course, fresh is best.  Rice goes great with fish, but don't be afraid to try some quinoa, polenta even mashed potatoes are yummy with fish and often favourite a favourite of the little ones.  By all means, peel the potatoes and make them fresh!  Peel, wash, cut, cook, drain water and add a bit of milk and butter to your liking of consistency and mush.  It's really easy and cannot compare to the other junk.  It's weekend!  Make time to be in the kitchen.  It really is important.

You could also use this spot to eat left overs, go on a picnic or have a day at your favourite restaurant.  Sunday's meat should be in the freezer anyway, so it won't spoil, while you give yourself a break and maybe something nice to do with the family.

Staying home and eating real food is the best for you and the family.  Remember, you are what you eat!

Check out these free printables if you think it might help as well.  Click on the image.

Now, go get your grocery list together.  YES!!!  A list!  You have to do it.  For one, you won't remember it all.  It will save you time and money.  Don't buy too much junk either.  Snack on fruit, yummy raw veggies, nuts, raisins, yogurt, pretzels....If you don't buy it, you won't eat it!

Let me know if it would be totally awesome, if I made the list for you.  It's a lot of work in the beginning, but if it will help you....I might also make printer friendly versions if this all goes well.

Have a great, healthy week of eating.  You deserve it!!!

Huge, Hybrid, Digi Hop With Paty Greif

Hi there, Hoppers! ALL FREEBIES HAVE TAKEN DOWN!

FYI:  I have TWO hops going on right now, which means a LOT of FREEBIES!!!  You will have to scroll to catch Romajo's blog hop and check out all of the other fabulous freebies I have from previous blogs.

Paty Greif and By Romajo are my featured designers today!  Yay!  What a great way to look at two entirely different designers as well.   Keep scrolling to see all of the wonderful things we've got ready for you.

Paty Greif hand draws all of her gorgeous goodies.  So you know you are in for original work.  How fab is that?!

The kit we are hopping on is The Colours Of The Jungle.  Wow!  Wow!  Wow!  This kit is so fantastic, I'm making a photo book and having it printed out and you can too, with just a few simple steps, the kit and all of the freebies you will be collecting.  Isn't that so exciting?!

Let's look at all there is in this expansive bundle, shall we?

I have two layouts I made with the kit.  My little monkeys!  Lucky you!  If you really like these layouts, it's available in the mini photo book/ quick pages.  Yay!

Here's a very small look at all of the different quick pages we have for you.  They are quite sensational.  You can make your own mini photo book with these.  Click on the image for a larger view.

Here's a couple of the many add ons!  How adorable are these jungle animals?!  Click on any image you would like to see larger.

Of course, you can save some serious pennies, by buying the mega bundle!  Click on this preview and you can see all there is to have.  You will be able to make a mega scrap book!

I've created some FREE word art for you as well as a FREE door hanger for your own little monkeys!  You will find this one on my FB Page.  Click on it, get over there and grab it.  Don't forget, you have to become a fan first.

Here is your download that was created by me, The Cherry On Top.  Scroll further and check out the other links for even more awesome FREEBIES!

Here's a FREEBIE from Theresa.  I set it all up for you.  Just click on the image for a direct download!  How easy is that?!

Melanie has this lovely ready for you on her Facebook Page.

You will find this coordinating alpha on Paty's Facebook Page.  Click on the image to go there.

Head over to Marcelle's blog for this lovely freebie.

And for you hybrid lovers, Reca has something absolutely fabulous!

Check out this lovely hybrid project from Karina!  If everything goes right, all you have to do is click on the image. 

  Another fabulous hybrid from Andrea is on her Facebook Page!

Thank you for joining us on this awesome parade of goodies from Paty Greif!  Be sure to tell your friends and share the link with them because sharing is caring and it's a the best way to say thank you.