Is that a drumstick or a cookie?

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Kelly Diamond

If you follow Social Grocery on Pinterest, you know that we’re all about cute — and funny — foods. This is among many other things like crafts, how-to’s, DIY projects, etc., but Pinterest is just full of the cutest foods you’ve ever seen, especially when it comes to desserts and treats. For instance, when I saw this KFC bucket full of drumstick-inspired decorated cookies, I couldn’t help but give in to my urge to post it:

If you are wondering how to create this insanely amazing and hilarious cookies, here is the post from Bake at 350. They refer to these cookies as “desserts for dudes.” Love it!

To complete this post – what, you thought that was it? – I have found two other sets of decorated cookies that are along the same “dude food” theme .. or just fantastic in general.

S’MORES from Glorious Treats

BEER & HOT DOGS from Bake at 350 (Can’t get enough!)

What is it about decorated cookies that has us captivated? Is it the humor? The skills? The realistic art? And that’s not even including the TASTE. Whatever the reason is, keep ‘em coming!

Have you ever taken a stab at decorating cookies?
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Be mine, Valentine?

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Kelly Diamond

Valentine’s Day is a week away!

Whether or not you’re romantically involved, Valentine’s Day is just an excuse to get overly lovey-dovey, crafty, cute, and (my favorite) eat deliciously fattening foods. Right? So right.

That’s why we have been hard at work building our Be Mine, Valentine? Pinterest board. We’re talking craft ideas, recipes, tips, how-to’s, gift ideas, and pretty much anything cute. It’s definitely worth a peek!

We’ll be adding more pins all week. Let us help you get into the spirit!

What’s your typical Valentine’s Day like?
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The magic of baking soda

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Kelly Diamond

Baking soda is one of those products that everyone has in their home – or should have, for that matter. You’ll find baking soda enhanced products like dish detergent, laundry detergent, toothpaste, etc., but there are so many ways to use just your basic, generic baking soda at home to help you save money. Not to mention, in some cases it could be a better alternative to buying expensive household products. Essentially, baking soda is AMAZING and here are some ways to utilize that box lying around somewhere in your kitchen:

PERSONAL CARE

Freshen your mouth. Put one tsp in half a glass of water and use as a mouthwash — swish, spit, rinse. Odors are neutralized by the baking soda, not just covered up!
Treat insect bites and itchy skin. For insect bites, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply to bite. For itchy skin, shake baking soda onto your hand and rub into damp skin after bathing.
Soothe your feet. Dissolve 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a tub of warm water and soak/scrub your feet!

CLEANING

Make a surface soft scrub. For easy surface cleaning of your tub, tile, sinks, countertops, etc., sprinkle baking soda onto a clean, damp sponge. Scrub, rinse and wipe dry. For tough cleans, make a paste with baking soda, salt and liquid dish soap and let it sit before wiping/scrubbing it off. (I’ve actually used this scrub — not with the salt, but with water — on my stovetop and it is AMAZING. Got out the toughest buildup. I also used a toothbrush to help the process.)
Polish silver flatware. Make a baking soda paste: 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub onto the silver with a clean cloth or sponge, rinse thoroughly and dry.
Remove marks on walls and furniture by applying baking soda to a damp sponge and rubbing lightly. Wipe off with a clean, dry cloth. (Who needs magic erasers?)

DEODORIZING

Deodorize your cutting board. How many times have you been left with a smelly cutting board after cutting onions? Sprinkle the board with baking soda, scrub and rinse.
Deodorize drains. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain while running warm water. It neutralized acid and basic odors for a fresh drain!
Freshen your linens. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle for fresher sheets and towels! So easy.

MORE AMAZING STUFF

Going camping? No problem! Baking soda can be used as a dish waster, pot scrubber, hand cleanser, deodorant, toothpaste and fire extinguisher — just to name a few.
Extinguish kitchen fires! When baking soda is heated, it gives off carbon dioxide, which helps smother flames. Throw some handfuls of baking soda at the flames to help put out the fire.
Fruit and veggie scrub. Sprinkle a little baking soda on a clean, damp sponge, scrub and rinse to clean dirt and residue off your produce.

These are just a few of the many uses for baking soda! View the full list at Care2.com.

Have any baking soda tips or tricks? Share with us!
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Donate a pint! (No, not ice cream.)

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Kelly Diamond

January is National Blood Donor Month! If you have never donated before, why not start now and kick the year off with something good? So search for some blood drives near you — check your local churches, schools, hospitals and donation centers, for a start — and go donate a pint!

To help you out, here’s a few pointers*:

BEFORE YOUR DONATION

Maintain healthy iron levels in your diet. Eat foods like spinach, red meat, fish, poultry, beans, iron-fortified cereals and raisins!
Get a good night’s snooze the night before.
Before your donation, drink an extra 16oz of water. You want those veins shining through!
Eat a healthy meal before your donation, trying your best to avoid fatty/greasy foods. Tests for infection in your blood can be affected by fats that appear in your blood for several hours after eating fatty foods.
If you are a platelet donor, remember that your body has to be asprin-free for 2 days before giving a donation.
Remember your donor card (if you have one) and your license (or 2 forms of other ID).

DURING YOUR DONATION

Wear short sleeves or a shirt with sleeves that can roll up over the elbow.
Let them know if you have a preferred arm/vein from previous blood donations or tests.
Relax! Listen to music, read or chit chat with some of the other donors.
Be sure to take the time to grab a snack and drink from the refreshment center immediately after donating.

AFTER YOUR DONATION

Drink lots of fluids in the 48 hours following your donation.
Avoid strenuous activities.
Light headed? Take a breather and lie down.
If bleeding occurs, apply pressure to the area and raise your arm for 3-5 minutes.
If you start to bruise, apply a cold pack to the area.
Feel good about your donation! Go you!