Three things...

1. I'm a little bit bummed. For those of you that read this little blog of mine, you know that I found a new love of Saturday mornings by spending the first part of it at Publix. Here is the story for those of you that don't know about this. Anyway, my Russ went kayaking this morning so I'm not at Publix.  Sigh. But I plan to be back next Saturday. It's a good, good thing for the hubs to get away. He is an outdoor man through and through. If it weren't for me and my love for my mama, we would be living in a treehouse in Colorado I'm sure. If he doesn't hit a trail or a river once a month he begins to do things that could be disatrous (ex- saw 6 inches off of our kitchen table, screw eye-bolts in our living room wall to hang a hammock, build a brick firepit on our front porch that catches our rug on fire). He comes back from these adventures a better husband and a better daddy. Although we miss him, I send him in order to keep our marriage alive and well (and our home). :)

2. Become a blogger. Everyone should do it - seriously!! Even if you don't want to write a blog, it is a great way to keep up with your favorites. For those of you that don't know about it (like me just a few weeks ago), blogger gives you this fancy dashboard that keeps you up-to-date with your favorite blogs. I had NO CLUE the wealth of information & cuteness that could be found out there. Here are my two new favorites:

Savvy little women - This sweet little mama blogs about her life with 6 kiddos!!!

Castles & Crayons - This is an adorable teaching blog!

Please, join me in the blogging world and let me know your favorites, too!
But beware, it's ADDICTING!!

3. More 4th of July Goodness!
I'm not a main dish kind of girl. Never have been, never will be. I always sign up for side dishes or desserts. That's how I roll. So, that's what I have for you today.

First up, a tried and true bean dip.

*1 can black beans, drained
*1 can whole kernel white corn, drained
*1 can mexican rotel
*1 small red onion, chopped
*2 tablespoons diced jalapeno peppers
Light Zesty Italian, to taste. I normally put at least 1/2 cup of dressing.

Mix all of this together and let it refrigerate overnight. Don't skip this step. This is where the glory happens. It is best served with tortilla chips.

Here is another recipe for a bean dip that sounds to die for, but I haven't yet tried it. I made it yesterday and can't wait to sample it. If you want a healthier dip, use the above recipe. I first saw the recipe here, but I adapted it a little bit. Here is my version:

*1 can black beans, drained
*1 can pinto beans, drained
*1 can mexican rotel
*1 bell pepper chopped ( I used a prechopped mix of yellow, red, and green)
*1 small red onion, chopped
*1/2 cup grape tomatoes, chopped
*1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
*1/2-1 cup (your choice) light zesty italian dressing
Mix this together and let it refrigerate overnight. Once again, don't skip this step!
Right before serving, mix in chili cheese fritos!

4th of July Rainbow Cupcakes!
I first saw this recipe here and I adapted it for the 4th. For my cake, I just doctored up a white cake mix by adding in 4 egg whites, 1 cup of sour cream, and a pack of instant vanilla pudding. This is sooo easy and soooo cute!

Simply divide your batter into three bowls and add your colors of choice. I'm thinking these would be too cute during football season, too! Orange and blue anyone?

Add spoonfuls of your batter into the baking pan and bake those bad boys up. Frost and enjoy!

I also tried something I've been wanting to try forever - Ice cream cone cupcakes! Did you know that you can bake cupcakes or brownies right inside an ice cream cone?? Me either!!!!!!!! Well, you can and it works great. I had just enough left over batter to try this out with two cones. You only want to fill your cones halfway or it will spill out of the top. Place some aluminum foil around the base and stick them in your muffin tin. They didn't topple like I was afraid they would and when I frosted them, they were oh so cute. But, I'm not sure how to take them anywhere. If you have any ideas, please let me know! Here is a link to order pans specifically for ice cream cone cupcakes, but I don't want to spend the money and I'm sure there is a homemade solution out there.

Kupcake Konz

Last but not least....Chocolate Covered Oreo Pops!!!

These are grand I tell you, simply grand. First of all, have any of you ever tried to make cake pops? Well I have and both attempts have been a disappointment. The first attempt was the ultimate fail, the 2nd turned out okay but LOTS of time and patience, both of which I am lacking these days.

Yes, I had dreams of being a cake pop queen, but I must face the facts. I never will be.

But, I can make these oreo pops and personally, they taste so much better! I first saw these heavenly things here.

1. Seperate your oreos and dip your lollipop stick (found at Hobby Lobby) in melted candy wafers or almond bark. Press remaining oreo half on top. Once you've done all of them, stick them in the fridge to firm up.

2. Dip your oreo pops in melted candy wafers. Make sure to cover the part where the stick meets the oreo.
3. Tap, tap, tap. This will make your oreo smooth and remove excess chocolate.
4. Sprinkle!
5. Set on a pan to dry.

*You could wrap these up with a ribbon as adorable little favors or gifts!
As stated in an earlier post, I know my pictures are poo, but I do what I can.

I must run. I hear LR in the monitor having an all our conversation with her stuffed animals and I'm feeling a little guility :)