Party Hats and Comfort Food

The other day, a friend of mine's sweet little lady turned 1 and celebrated with a fabulous pink and green lady bug birthday party!  Turning 1 is a big deal so I decided to make Ms. Paige a birthday hat to go with her pretty party.  I've made these hats several times before, if you'd like to check out the tutorial, it's HERE!

These are so fun to make!  Try it if you haven't already!  I would LOVE to see what you make!


What is it about comfort food that seems to soothe your soul?   Have you ever noticed that certain food sort of goes with certain people.  For example, when you think of your Great Uncle Fred, you might immediately think of beer. Or wings.  Or wings and beer.  I often associate specific food with specific people.  Grandma's and comfort food go together.  I had seen a recipe for a jello salad on Pinterest called Orange Fluff and it totally made me think of my husband's grandmother.  Something about Jello salads just scream "GRANDMOM" to me!  We had dear little Nana over for dinner so it was the perfect occasion to try out the recipe.  It's full of mini marshmallows, cool whip and orange jello all mixed up into a creamy concoction of dreamsicle yumminess!  You totally have to make it!  The recipe is originally from the delightful blog Six Sisters Stuff  Here's the recipe:

Orange Fluff Jello Salad Recipe:

1 large package Cook and Serve vanilla pudding
1 large package orange jell-o
2 cups water
1 16 oz Cool-Whip (lite or fat-free is fine)
1/2 bag mini marshmallows 

1 can (drained) pineapple tidbits (Any size, depending on your preference)

2 cans (drained) mandarin oranges (Any size, depending on your preference)

Mix together pudding, Jell-o, and water over medium heat until it boils. Remove from heat and pour into a large mixing bowl. Refrigerate until mixture has set (about an hour). Beat until creamy. Fold in Cool Whip, marshmallows, and fruit. Chill about an hour before serving.

On to other schtuff...  I haven't shared a Peytonism in a while.  She's getting older (very sad face) so they are getting fewer and farther between but this is a GOOD one so I thought I had to share!  While early for the bus one morning last week, I decided we had just enough time to squeeze in some additional last minute studying before Peyton's Social Study test that day.  They had been learning about some early history of Maryland.  We pulled out her review sheet and I began asking her the questions.  Luckily, she was whizzing through them and giving perfect answers.  I finally asked the last question on the sheet.   This is how it went:   Me: "Name some of the founding fathers of Maryland."  Peyton: "John Calvert, ummm...Lord Baltimore and OH, what's that guy that played Jack in the TITANTIC?"  OK, so I'm a bit incredulous at this point not sure where this is going. Me:  "Leonardo DiCaprio?" Peyton:  "YES! Him!"   Before I can correct her, the bus pulls up, she quickly gives me a kiss and hops out of the car.  I can't wait to get this test back!?!