German Chocolate Bars & Weekend Potluck #53

WELCOME TO WEEKEND POTLUCK! 

AND...

When I share something worth sharing...again 

This irresistible treat is one of my very favorites.

Only FIVE ingredients to whip up this amazing chocolate! bar.

(including a cake mix and a tub of coconut-pecan frosting!!) 

What a great way to show someone you love them by mixing up this easy 

and luscious dessert! 

{Ooey Gooey} German Chocolate Bars

AND A HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO YOU TOO! 

This is my very favorite holiday. May you enjoy a sweet day from beginning to end. I have never believed this special day was just for sweethearts.  We all have someone beloved in our lives...Whether it's a parent or sibling, a cousin or friend - Take time to let someone know you love and care about them this holiday. 

On with the show....we are always excited to see what kind of awesome creations you bring to our table.  We extend a warm welcome to you all, whether you're a newcomer, or have been sharing at our table for some time, please know we are very happy you're here today! 

Now, let's take a quick peek back at last week...
And just look at those first 2 features will you....I guess you could say we were on a 'roll' this week! (teehee)

The recipe with the most clicks was ~

Crock Pot Hot Rolls by Kelli’s Retro Kitchen Arts

Recipes that caught our attention ~

                                                 Rhonda Rolls by On The Home Front

                                        Valentine’s Swirl Cake by Julie’s Eats and Treats

And, a personal favorite ~

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts or Pineapple Chunks by 

Baking & Cooking, A Tale of Two Loves 

If you were featured this week, please remember to snag your Featured Button below....

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Your hostesses ~

• The Better Baker ~ Marsha
• Sunflower Supper Club ~ Kim & Julie
• 4 Little Fergusons~ Tonya
• The Country Cook~ Brandie
• Mommy Time Party ~ Tabitha

Remember that when you link up, it shows on all FIVE blogs. Plus…

We TWEET. We PIN. We LIKE.

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1. Please link up to your exact post and not the main page to your blog.
2. LINK BACK HERE from your post so that others can find the fun. (Need help linking back? Read this or watch this great instructional video.) You can use the button below or a direct link within your post.

When you are kind enough to follow our guidelines, we work hard to get you as much exposure as possible so that your time here is well invested. We want this to be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone!


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Simple Sugar Scrubs (Coconut & Coffee) MMM good!

I made these yummy softening scrubs and gave as Christmas gifts. 

The coffee scrub is wonderful for anyone who loves coffee...(or whose husband loves coffee!) and the coconut smells oh so wonderful too. 

I couldn't imagine these scrubs would be SO easy to make. Mix them up, put them in a jar or lidded container, add a bow and you've got a great gift to give. 

I was so pleased to find these deliciously easy recipes at Robyn's View. 

These would be an awesome no-cal 'sweet' to give for Valentine's Day. 

I keep mine in the shower and love the softness they give.

Place them in a glass jar or plastic container - tie with a bow and 
you're all set for gift giving. 

Coconut Sugar Scrub

1 c. white sugar

1/4 c. coconut oil

Place 1/2 the sugar in a (glass) bowl, add oil.

Blend with a spoon or mix it with your hand.

Add remaining sugar, and mix until combined.

To use:

Put a small amount of scrub in one hand.

Wet the other hand. Scrub!

Rinse well and pat dry. 

Coffee Sugar Scrub

Here is what you will need:
1 c. white sugar
1/8 c. coffee grounds
1/4 c. almond oil (or olive oil) 
2 tsp. vanilla extract

Mix all of the ingredients together and place in a clean, dry jar. 
(Per Robyn: Keep in refrigerator between uses.) 

Place a small amount in your wet hand, and rub into skin. Rinse, and pat dry. 

The coffee grounds and sugar make a great exfoliant, and the oil helps your skin to feel nice and soft. The vanilla is optional; it just gives the scrub a really good fragrance.

Linked to Thursday Favorite Things

Strawberry Yogurt Bites

I love Krista's recipes at Everyday Mom's Meals.  She is always sharing something fun...frugal and delicious.  I can count on her recipes to list ingredients that I have on hand. 

I love that! 

So when I saw this shared at our weekly Weekend Potluck party, I made them within hours.  

What a special treat!  So simple - mix yogurt and jello - microwave it and

pour into cupcake liners.  Top with fruit!  What a terrific idea. 

These little bites of yummy could be a special treat to share with your kids for Valentine's Day.  They won't even know they're getting extra calcium!

The adults will love them too! 

Of course you could use whatever fruit you'd like. I used light sugar free strawberry banana yogurt and sf s-b jello.  Sugar free always makes for a softer set, but just as delicious. 

These would also be extra special if you used heart-shaped molds. 

(I did see an idea once where you put a little ball of foil between the muffin tin and the cupcake paper....to shape it into a heart-shape.  Bummer I didn't think of that when making these=) 

Enjoy!

STRAWBERRY YOGURT BITES 

3 - 6 ozs. containers strawberry yogurt

1 - 3 ozs. pkg. strawberry jello

Fresh strawberries, optional 

Line 9 or 10 muffin cups with paper liners. Mix yogurt and dry jello in microwavable bowl. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir well. Microwave another 2 - 3 minutes until jello is completely dissolved, stirring after each minute. 

Spoon into prepared muffin cups. Chill atleast an hour, or until set.  Top with fresh berries.  Remove papers and serve. 

Linked to Foodie Friends Friday          Weekend Potluck

3 Wonderful & Tasty Beverages {Blast from the Past!}

(Be sure to view the 'bonus' at the bottom of this post).

This yummy cocoa is made by melting a candy bar in it.

WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE?????  
Yes, it's a little messy, but so worth it! 

Easy & Delicious Hot Cocoa

This easy 5-ingredient smoothie is very satisfying...

and named appropriately because it tastes like a creamsicle. 

This post also includes tips to help drop lbs....

Good-for-You Orange Creamsicle Smoothie

This beautiful blueberry banana smoothie is sweetened with honey and has almond extract. Use frozen blueberries and you won't have to add as many ice cubes.

Frothy and Filling and Healthy!

Blueberry Banana Flaxseed Smoothie

Here's a BONUS to go along with this post....

I just giggled with delight when I saw this adorable idea for making heart shaped
whipped cream toppings for hot cocoa at Eat at Home...they are even flavored...and only two (or 3) ingredients. 

HOW MUCH CUTER COULD THEY BE????? Please stop by and visit Tiffany and all of her wonderfully fun and many practical ideas at her blog. 

Thanks Tiffany for letting me share!

Whipped Topping Hearts 


photo credit: Eat at Home 

T-Shirt Scarf Tutorial - Fringe Scarf

Before I share today's post, I want to wish our third-born grandchild, 

Charlie May Marie Baker,

a very happy 14th birthday!  She's a wonderful big sister, a great friend and all around super kid.  How thankful I am for the cherished memories we've made in my kitchen together and for all the good times we share. 

The first time I made this scarf I was getting ready for church on the Sunday before Memorial Day. 

Since hubby is retired military, I usually 'donned' in red, white & blue on these special patriotic occasions. (I have scarves and jewelry for these occasions...one of the older gals at church salutes me when she sees me.=) 

I decided to try something different from usual, and whipped up (ahem...cut up!) this scarf in just a few minutes and was so pleased with it. 

I just recentlly tried adding beads to a new scarf and love how it turned out! 

(Just find some kind of 'tool' to put the fringe through the bead...tie a knot and there you go.  Or just tie knots in the ends without beads...be creative) 

Making these scarves is kinda like an 'addiction' for me. It's a good kind...Don't forget...these are awesome to give as gifts!  I have quite an assortment in my closet and look forward to sharing a few more t-shirt ideas with you in a few weeks.

TOOLS NEEDED: An old L or XL t-shirt

Good Scissors

FRINGE SCARF: 

STEP 1: Lay t-shirt out flat and cut horizontally across the shirt, just below armholes to create a rectangular tube. 

STEP 2: From opposite end of hem (I not cut off hem - it gives the scarf more stability - if you decide to cut the hem off later...go for it!), make a series of vertical cuts that extend from the raw edge upward. Cut each about 3/4 - 1" wide, and from 2" to 12" in length. (The longer the cut, the longer the fringe). I use a ruler to help gauge similar lengths. 

STEP 3: Tug down on each strand to stretch it out. You can add beads or simply tie the ends in knots if you'd like.  Wear it in a single or double loop. 

Linked to Foodie Friends Friday