Blanket- Pack a large, washable, sturdy picnic blanket to shield you from the ground.

Basket- There are so many options now when it comes to picnic baskets. Pick one that’s easy to carry and holds all you need.

Serving Set- Don’t forget your knife and fork!

Glasses- Pack some plastic wine glasses to enhance your picnic.

Food- food is the most important part! Here are some picnic recipes everyone will love.

Pimiento Cheese

1 (8-ounce) package shredded sharp Cheddar

1 (8-ounce) package shredded white Cheddar

1 (4-ounce) jar pimientos, with juice

1/2 cup mayonnaise

Salt and pepper

Directions

Mix the shredded cheeses together with the pimientos. Stir in the mayo. With a metal spoon (pimientos will stain plastic or wood), stir until the mixture is well blended. Add salt and pepper to taste and stir again. Keep covered in the fridge until ready to use.

Serve with pita chips, crackers or bread.

Source: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/pimiento-cheese-recipe/index.html

Picnic Sandwiches

1/4 cup olive oil

1 celery stalk, chopped

1 medium eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

Salt

1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 medium onion, chopped

1(14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes

3 tablespoons raisins

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

Freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 teaspoons sugar

1 tablespoon drained capers

1 loaf ciabatta bread, cut crosswise into 6 equal pieces

2 gallic cloves,peeled

6 slices (1/3-inch-thick) drained fresh water-packed mozzarella

Directions

Heat 1/4 cup of the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the celery and saute until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Add the eggplant and saute until beginning to soften, about 2 minutes. Season with salt. Add the red pepper and cook until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Add the onion and saute until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, raisins, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Simmer over medium-low heat until the flavors blend and the mixture thickens, stirring often, about 20 minutes. Add the vinegar, sugar, and capers. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Cut the bread pieces horizontally in half. Grill the bread cut-side down on a grill pan or grill over medium-high heat until golden, about 2 minutes. Rub the whole garlic cloves over the toasted side of the bread. Add a slice of mozzarella to bread bottom, spoon the topper on top, cover with the other bread half, and serve.

To take for a picnic: Wrap the sandwiches separately in plastic or parchment paper. Chill until ready to serve, or keep at room temperature up to 1 hour.

Source: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/caponata-picnic-sandwiches-recipe/index.html

Source:http://www.marthastewart.com/902092/picnic-ready-pieces

#1  Leave your shoes at the door. When you walk on a wooden floor with dirty shoes, you are leaving lots of sand and dirt behind. These abrasive particles can ruin your wood floors. Place mats both outside and inside exterior doors to lessen tracked-in dirt. In snowy or rainy weather, include a boot removal area to avoid damage from water.

#2  Make sure to get rid of dirt and grime with a vacuum or dust mop before you attempt to wash a wood floor. Rubbing dirt into your floors is never a good idea. Dust the floor with a mop that has been treated with a dusting agent (or use a microfiber duster) to pick up dust, dirt, and pet hair.

#3  For deep cleaning the best solution is one cup of vinegar mixed with one gallon of water. Immerse a clean mop into the solution and wring it until it is damp-dry. Mop the floor in the direction of the floorboards, so if the water dries with a bit of a streak in it, it will not be as visible.  After mopping, use a soft, clean towel to dry it or let it air dry.

*To really polish ….steep 1 bag of tea in 2 cups of boiling water and leave until it comes to room temperature. Remove tea bag and soak cloth in liquid, wring out then wipe floor clean. Dry with a soft cloth. The tannic acid in the tea will help bring wood to a shine.

* After cleaning your hardwood floor, if you find any scratches, here’s a simple trick to try:

Take a crayon the color of the floor and rub it on the scratch to fill the gap. Turn a blow dryer on high, heat the area where the crayon was applied and buff it with a soft cloth.

Keep these Signature wood cleaning tips in mind, and your wooden floors will sparkle all the time.

Souce:

http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/04/3-simple-steps-to-keep-your-hardwood-floors-looking-good.html

You Nailed it Desk Organizer

Give your grad this awesome desk organizer for their new dorm. They are sure to love it.

http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/nailed-it-desk-organizer

Home is Where the Heart is (State Art)

Whether it’s Alabama, Louisiana, or Tennessee give your grad a taste of home with this unique state art gift.

http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/heart-strings-state-love-eleanor-mathis

Dr.Seuss Graduation Keychain

Oh the places you will go, is a very popular graduation book. This keychain contains the same message but your grad can keep it on them all the time.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/99207134/dr-seuss-graduation-key-chain-graduation?

Electric French Press

French presses brew the best coffee. But, save time on boiling water by getting this electric press from Bodum.

http://www.bodum.com/us/en-us/shop/detail/11462-565US/?showsize=false&navid=262

Mini Picnic Grill

Whether your grad will be tailgating or just grilling at home, this mini grill is the perfect size and offers feasibility for travel.

http://www.bodum.com/us/en-us/shop/detail/11421-294/?showsize=false&navid=315

C Dock Clock

C Dock Clock allows your grad to insert his or her iphone into the clock for a really cool display.

http://www.marthastewart.com/898960/graduation-day-gift-guide/@center/307033/spring-holidays#/898890

Komforte Bars

Get quirky with these chocolate bars. You can get Ramen covered in dark chocolate, french toast chocolate, or even tortilla with lime and salt chocolates!

http://shop.seattlechocolates.com/scc/komforte-bars.html

Graduation M&M’s

Customize your gift by putting your grad’s face on a candy! You can also add custom messages.

http://www.mymms.com/shop/ProductDetails.aspx?mde=1&id=26998

CILANTRO

DESCRIPTION: Cilantro is distinctive and bright. It has smaller, rounder leaves with long stems. Pairs well with Asian or Latin American foods.

PREPARATION: To use cilantro, coarsely chop the leaves and delicate stems or use the leaves whole.

USES: Try stirring chopped cilantro into cooked long-grain brown rice, adding a squeeze of lime. Or mix it into a salsa of avocado, pineapple, and scallions.

BASIL

DESCRIPTION: Basil is fragrant with a slightly sweet taste. It’s green and leafy. The ultimate summer herb.

PREPARATION: Basil is delicate and easily bruised. We recommend tearing the leaves or using them whole.

USES: Basil is the backbone to pesto. You can also try tossing fresh basil leaves into a salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, and goat cheese. Or stir basil leaves into fresh tomato sauce just before serving.

FLAT-LEAF PARSLEY

DESCRIPTION: Flat-leaf parsley (aka Italian parsley) is slightly peppery and very versatile. Its leaves are smaller and often in bunches.

PREPARATION: To use flat-leaf parsley, cut the leaves from the stems and coarsely chop them.

USES: Toss flat-leaf parsley into a butter lettuce salad with sliced apples and toasted sliced almonds. Or try it combined with basil to add a twist and long-lasting green color to pesto.

CHIVES

DESCRIPTION: Chives have a mellow onion flavor. Their long leaves are round and hollow.

PREPARATION: Chives can be cut to desired length with a knife or scissors.

USES: Try chives in scrambled eggs with brie cheese. Or mix them into your favorite cornbread or biscuit recipe for a savory twist.

PEPPERMINT

DESCRIPTION: Peppermint has a cool aftertaste. Its leaves are green and look a little waxy. It’s often used in desserts and drinks.

PREPARATION: Peppermint leaves can be used whole, torn or muddled.

USES: Use whole or muddled peppermint leaves in iced tea, lemonade or mojitos. You can also add torn leaves to sliced strawberries tossed with sugar, or scatter them over sliced honeydew with a sprinkle of salt.

OREGANO

DESCRIPTION: Oregano is pungent and slightly peppery. Its leaves are shorter and wider.

PREPARATION: Oregano leaves can be used whole or chopped.

USES: Sauté oregano with eggplant, tomatoes and garlic, then toss with pasta. Or toss oregano with sliced roasted red peppers, olives and crumbled feta.

ROSEMARY

DESCRIPTION: Rosemary is woodsy with lemon and pine aromas. Rosemary has thin leaves that look a little like pine needles.

PREPARATION: Using your fingers, simply pull the rosemary needles from the sprig and use them whole or chopped.

USES: Use rosemary to make a marinade for beef or chicken by combining it with garlic, lemon zest and olive oil. Or try it sauteéd with white beans, garlic and chopped arugula.

THYME

DESCRIPTION: Thyme is fragrant with mint and lemon aromas. Thyme leaves are small and grow in sprigs. It’s a very versatile herb.

PREPARATION: Simply pull thyme leaves from the sprigs – there’s no need to chop.

USES: Try thyme roasted with grape tomatoes and olive oil to make a sauce for pasta or beef. Or drop a few sprigs of thyme into soups and stews while they simmer, then remove the sprigs after cooking.

Herbs at the store:

When you’re picking up herbs at the grocery store or the farmer’s market, they should always look fresh. Watch out for discolorations or wilting. Take a quick whiff to see if you like their potency and their flavor.

Herbs at home:

Once you get the herbs home, it’s best to store them on the top shelf of the refrigerator, which is often the warmest area. They should be wrapped in a damp paper towel and placed in an unsealed plastic baggie. If the roots are still attached, you should leave them on the countertop in a glass with a little water. Wash your herbs just before you use them, not before you store them.

Herbs in your meals:

Keep in mind that robust herbs such as rosemary and thyme can withstand long cooking times. But tender herbs such as basil and cilantro should be added right before the dish is done cooking. Tender herbs can also be eaten raw.

Freezing Herbs:

The quality of the herb suffers a bit once frozen. They’re best used in cooked dishes rather than as a garnish or raw. Chop the leaves or use them whole straight from the freezer (do not thaw).

To freeze: Rinse the herbs and pat completely dry. Spread out on a sheet pan and freeze. Transfer the frozen herbs to freezer-proof bags, and freeze for up to 1 month.

Source:

http://illustratedbites.wordpress.com/2012/05/08/add-some-flavor/

http://www.doitdelicious.com/kitchen_guide/detail/herbs_101

Breakfast in Bed

Luxurious: A meal ordered and picked up from her favorite restaurant.

Kids-Can-Help: A special menu planned by the little ones and served on a hand-painted plate.

Flowers

Luxurious: A bouquet of store-bought flowers in every room.

Kids-Can-Help: Flowers made from tissue paper or hand-picked from your garden.

Spa Experience

Luxurious: A gift certificate to a local spa

Kids-Can-Help: A homemade facial made from ingredients found in the kitchen or a relaxing scalp massage.

Jewelry

Luxurious Version: A necklace with her kids’ birthstones.

Kids-Can-Help: A handmade bracelet of colorful beads.

Bath Products

Luxurious: Scented bath soaps and salts

Comfy pillow

Luxurious: A luxe satin or brocade lounge pillow.

Kids-Can-Help: A throw pillow made from your kids’ favorite outgrown T-shirt or a small sachet decorated with fabric paint.

Artistic Keepsake

Luxurious: A family photograph placed in a gorgeous frame.

Kids-Can-Help: A scrapbook of family pictures or your children’s artwork displayed in a frame.

Slippers

Luxurious: A fleece-lined pair in pretty spring colors.

Kids-Can-Help: Solid-color slippers with designs kids can glue on with sequins.

Chocolate

Luxurious: A box from Godiva www.godiva.com.

Kids-Can-Help: Hand-dipped chocolate-covered pretzels or Rice Krispies treats with a Mother’s Day message spelled out in sprinkles or chocolate chips.

Quiet Time

Luxurious: A maid and/or babysitter you hire for the week.

Kids-Can-Help: Handmade coupons household chores Mom can redeem or a house that’s spotless when she wakes up.

http://www.parents.com/holiday/mothers-day/traditions/20-ways-to-pamper-mom/

Cork Memo Board

A 6-foot-tall memo board created from wine corks is the perfect place to stick shopping lists and family photos. Corks can easily be glued together and the final product hung on a wall.

Cork Shaped Heart

A heart shaped cork board is easily created by dipping one end of the cork into multiple paint colors. Allow to dry and then clue on a sturdy piece of wood that is cut into the shape of a heart.

Cork Place Setting

Any guest will be delighted to see their cork place setting. Cut the wine cork in half and then cut one clean line in the top to hold the place setting card.

Cork Candle Holder

This cork candle holder is very simple with high impact.  Pick out two containers, and scented candle, and your corks. Stack your glass containers inside each other with the biggest on the outside and the candle in the center. Fill with corks and light.

Sources:

http://www.twotwenty-one.com/2011/08/wine-cork-candle-holder.html

http://betterhomesandgardens.com

Help her snag the best seat in your Signature Home with tickets that double as a cute card. Print the movie tickets out and fold. Any mom will love this relaxing evening at home.

Signature Popcorn Recipes

You don’t need a store-bought package for delicious popcorn! And who says you have to go with the same old buttered flavor? Spice things up with fun varieties, such as sugar and spice and s’mores.

Place 1/4 cup popcorn kernels in a brown paper lunch bag. Fold down the top of the bag, and crimp to seal. Microwave on high until popped (making about 6 cups), 2 to 2 1/2 minutes. Season popcorn with 1/4 teaspoon salt; transfer to a bowl, and add toppings as suggested below.

Sugar and Spice

3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted with 2 tablespoons light-brown sugar (toss with popcorn) + 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin-pie spice

S’mores

2 1/2 cups mini marshmallows melted with 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (toss with popcorn) + 2 chopped graham crackers + 1 1/2 ounces chopped semisweet chocolate

Here are some Signature movie selections that are about moms.

The Incredibles

Why It’s for Mom: Sassy Elastigirl/Helen gives as good as she gets, as evidenced by her opening monologue: “Retire? I’m at the top of my game! Come on, girls, leave the saving the world to the men? I don’t think so!”

Stepmom

Why It’s for Mom: It’s not so happy that the mom is dying in this movie, but Susan Sarandon’s Jackie Harrison still believes in celebrating her family’s time together, as she does one scene where she joyously dances with her kids to “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”

Source:

http://holidays.slides.kaboose.com/143-top-ten-mother-s-day-movies/5

Movie Tickets

http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/web/pdfs/2011Q2/movie-ticket-msl0511.pdf

Rhubarb 101

Many of you have heard of Rhubarb as the “pie plan.” The stalks, soft and delectable when baked, do make a divine pie filling. But pie is not the only way to experience rhubarb. This tart vegetable is great in savory and sweet dishes.

Season: Rhubarb can be found in the early spring with a peak season from April to June.

Look For: Thin, red, crisp stalks have the best texture. Like celery, if stalks are floppy it indicates they were picked too long ago.

Storage: Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Rhubarb-Strawberry Lattice Pie

Strawberries are often used with Rhubarb. They mellow out the sharp edges of rhubarb in this pie. You can also use raspberries.

For The Filling

1 3/4 pounds rhubarb, cut into 3/4-inch-thick pieces (6 cups)

6 ounces strawberries, coarsely chopped (1 cup)

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon finely grated orange zest, plus 1 tablespoon orange juice

Coarse salt

For The Crust

2 disks of pie dough (store bought or homemade)

All-purpose flour, for surface

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1 large egg, lightly beaten, for egg wash

Sanding sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Make the filling: Mix together rhubarb, strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, zest and juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
2. Make the crust: Roll out 1 disk pie dough to a 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Fit dough into a 9-inch pie plate. Pour in filling; dot top with butter. Refrigerate while making top crust.
3. Roll remaining disk of pie dough to a 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into at least 15 1/2-inch-wide strips using a fluted pastry cutter.
4. Lay 8 strips across pie. Fold back every other strip, and lay a horizontal strip across the center of the pie. Unfold folded strips, then fold back remaining strips. Lay another horizontal strip across pie. Repeat folding and unfolding strips to weave a lattice pattern. Repeat on remaining side.
5. Trim bottom and top crusts to a 1-inch overhang using kitchen shears, and press together to seal around edges. Fold edges under, and crimp as desired. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
6. Brush crust with egg wash, and sprinkle generously with sanding sugar. Bake pie on middle rack, with a foil-lined baking sheet on bottom rack to catch juices, until vigorously bubbling in center and bottom crust is golden, about 1 1/2 hours. (Loosely tent with foil after 1 hour if crust is browning too quickly.) Transfer pie to a wire rack, and let cool for at least 2 hours (preferably longer) before serving.

Rhubarb Salad with Goat Cheese

3/4 pound rhubarb, cut into 3/4-inch pieces

1/4 cup honey

1/2 cup walnut halves

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (preferably white)

Coarse salt and ground pepper

4 bunches arugula (about 1 pound total), tough ends removed

1 fennel bulb, cored and thinly sliced crosswise

1/2 cup fresh goat cheese, crumbled

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss rhubarb with honey. Roast on upper rack until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Let cool on baking sheet. On another rimmed baking sheet, toast walnuts on lower rack until fragrant, 5 minutes. Let cool, then chop.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together oil and vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Add arugula and fennel and toss to combine. Top with rhubarb, walnuts, and goat cheese.

Source: Martha Stewart

http://www.marthastewart.com/275393/rhubarb-recipes/@center/276955/seasonal-produce-recipe-guide

The planters themselves are inexpensive finds. Shop around and chose planters in various sizes, colors, and textures. Purchase your soil at your local hardware store and then focus on your plants.

Spend more of your budget on perennials than annuals, that way they’ll flourish in pots during the summer and can be transplanted into the real garden during the fall. Below are some examples of our favorites.

To plant, keep your plants in their original containers and arrange them in the pots to get an idea of their placement. Next, fill pots with dirt and take your plants out of the containers. Dig into the soil and place the plants in their arranged spots. Cover with dirt, fertilize, and water. Read more about the plants to see which need full sun and which need partial sun. Keep this in mind when grouping the plants. Now sit back and watch your garden grow.

Ranunculus Flowers

Columbine

Bellis

Pansies

Creeping Phlox

Lush Green Filler

Ornamental Strawberries

Source: DIY

http://blog.diynetwork.com/tool-tips/2012/04/26/designing-outdoor-planter-arrangements/

Signature Guacamole

4 avocados, halved, pitted, and peeled

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Coarse salt

Tortilla chips

Directions

In a medium bowl, combine avocados, cilantro, and fresh lime juice. With a fork, gently mash until guacamole reaches desired consistency. Season with coarse salt. Serve with tortilla chips.

Taco Bar

1 head romaine lettuce, shredded

8 radishes, thinly sliced

1 cup fresh cilantro

3 limes cut into wedges

1 pound queso fresco, crumbled, or Monterey Jack, shredded

8 ounces sour cream

Salsa (homemade or your favorite brand)

Pulled Pork

Rotisserie Chicken, pulled

1 to 2 packages corn tortillas or flour tortillas

Directions

1. Arrange lettuce, radishes, and cilantro on a large platter. Place limes, cheese, sour cream, and salsas in separate serving dishes. Place chicken and pork in separate warm serving bowls. Garnish chicken with cilantro.
2. Toast each tortilla in a hot skillet or directly over a gas flame until softened, 15 to 20 seconds per side. Stack tortillas in a dish towel, keeping them wrapped.
3. Arrange all of the ingredients so that guests can make their own tacos.

Tres Leches Cake

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted and cooled, plus more for baking dish

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

5 large eggs

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk

1 cup whole milk

2 cups heavy cream

5 cups fresh fruit  such as oranges or berries

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat eggs and 3/4 cup sugar on high until pale and thick, about 4 minutes. Add vanilla and beat to combine. With mixer on low, gradually add flour mixture and beat to combine. With a rubber spatula, fold in melted butter until incorporated. Transfer batter to dish and bake until top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes, rotating dish halfway through.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together milks. Poke warm cake all over with a wooden skewer or toothpick, then pour milk mixture over top and let cool to room temperature, about 1 hour.
3. Whip cream and 1/4 cup sugar to medium peaks. To serve, spread whipped cream evenly over cooled cake. Top with fruit if desired.

source: http://www.marthastewart.com/343437/tres-leches-cake?czone=holiday/spring-celebrations-cnt/cinco-de-mayo&center=307033&gallery=275495&slide=343437

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinco_de_Mayo