Something New for St. Patrick's Day on our Office Holiday Tree

It's time to redecorate the office holiday tree

again.  This month of course is

St. Patrick's Day, so I've taken off

all of the Valentine glitter, romance, reds and pinks

and changed it out for greens and gold.

In addition to the little leprechaun hats,

pots of gold and shamrocks

(see last years tree post here)

I've added gold horseshoes for 

a wee bit of Irish Luck!!

To make these I cut horseshoe shapes from

white foam board and glued on

gold holograph paper which was

actually a large gift bag found at the

Dollar Store.

Whenever I'm looking for a specific

decorative paper and can't find it 

the Dollar Store Gift Bags are my "go to".

Gift bags are made with sooo many pretty papers

so use them like art paper.

Just cut off the bottoms and sides and you

have a decorative paper many times

even larger than the typical 8 x 10 or 

12 inch square decorative art paper.

You end up with 2 sheets for $1.00!!

After I glued the gold paper onto the 

horseshoes I poked holes

through with an awl.

Then threaded a glittery narrow green ribbon

to tie a bow at the top.

Have a wonderful St.Patty's day!

You may also be interested in my Blarney Cake

and Shamrock Cut-Out Sugar Cookies recipes.

Easy St. Patricks Day Garland and Decorated Tree

Top o' the mornin' to ya,

Time to celebrate the wearin' o' the green, it tis.

My office window Valentine garland

shown in a previous post here 

was a big hit with coworkers as well as patients, so

 I made another for St. Patricks Day

I felt the Valentine garland was a bit

"over-the-top" as far as office decor goes.

But, as one of our nurses explained to me,

"we're a girly office, we like pink and foo-foo!"

For St. Patty's Day, however, I wanted

a narrower garland

and I found the perfect ingredient when

a kelly green bath pouf

 practically jumped into my shopping cart

as I walked thru a dollar store. 

Seriously, have you ever had one of those

unravel on you, they're at least 12 feet long!!!

I had to try it.

I wound a green wire with shamrocks around it

and there you have it. 

It Works!!

and the best part...Simple and inexpensive!



Next, the waiting room tree...

The tree the department puts up

for Christmas is a white one.

A nurse suggested to me this past Christmas

that the patients might enjoy it if

we kept the tree up year around

and decorate it for each holiday.

Here's our St Patrick's Day themed tree.

No, not more body pouf, just green net



Little plastic leprechaum hats

from the dollar store.

A couple of big shamrocks...

Glittery foam shamrocks

also found at the dollar store

These leprechauns were the center graphic

on some paper party plates

8 to a package also found at the dollar store.

I just cut them out with my scissors.

Isn't he cute?

I think these pots of gold are my favorite.

Little black cauldron- type pots.

Then I found these "bows" which are

a bit of gold tinsel with gold metalic discs all over

found, where else,  the dollar store.

I just hot glued the bow onto the pot

a perfect fit. 

I've already received many comments from

patients and coworkers.

Something a little more

unique and unexpected,

It brings a smile, lightens the heart

and brightens the day.

Wishing  you a great day wherever you are.

Joining these parties:

                       

http://www.firefliesandjellybeans.com/2013/02/show-off-your-stuff-party-166.html

Warm Hugs,

Blarney Cakes for St. Patrick's Day

A favorite sweet and salty treat

eaten at St. Patricks Day...... Blarney Stones

White Cake coated with Peanuts,

Here's how I make mine:

I start with a Betty Crocker White Cake Mix

Follow the box directions with the following exception:

The box directions are to add 1 1/4 cups water

I instead add 1 cup water and 1/4 cup milk

Also 1/2 tsp. mild vanilla extract

Bake in a jelly roll pan 11 x 15 inches



When cool, cut into single serving size pieces

I first thought a bar shape like a Twinkie,




But later decided on square.



Frosting ingredients:


32 ounce bag powdered/confectioners sugar
1/2 - 3/4 cup milk
1 cup Crisco White Solid shortening
1/2 teaspoon Clear Imitation Vanilla
1/4 teaspoon Almond flavoring



Combine with stand mixer 'til well blended and smooth
Blend in a few drops of green food coloring, if desired



I found it was easiest to use a piping bag
with a straight or rose tip to apply frosting

Pipe around all 4 sides, then the top.



Using a large spoon, such as a soup or serving spoon,
scoop up finely ground peanuts and
press against sides and top of cake
to coat well.




Grinding the peanuts is a breeze with my Magic Bullet.

To dress up my Blarneys a bit

I made cupcake picks

with these foil stickers I found at a Dollar store.

There were four sheets in the package

each with larger and smaller sized shamrock stickers.

I just peeled one off and applied to a toothpick

Then lined one up on the opposite side

so they stuck together

sandwiching the toothpick inside.

Then just insert into the cake.

Easy, Inexpensive and Cute!

Enjoy!

An Irish Friendship Wish

Even though I'm not Irish, I love all the Irish Blessings that surface this time of year. I received this one from my daughter so I'm passing it along to all of you.......

An Irish Friendship Wish

May there always be work for your hands to do;

May your purse always hold a coin or two;

May the sun always shine on your windowpane;

May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain;

May the hand of a friend always be near you;

May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

May all your wishes come true,

Hugs