In Need Of A Little Cheer?

Look what you can do with a single hydrangea and bundle of baby roses! (This particular hydrangea was $10.00 due to its size and unusual color but you can usually get them for around $5.00 The bundle of baby roses were a bargain at $3.33!) One of the great things about the hydrangea is that if you cut the stem on a very sharp vertical angle and keep the stem immersed in water it will last two to three weeks not to mention they are large and "showy"!

To put together this pretty little arrangement all you need to do is cut your hydrangea stem (on a vertical angle) to the appropriate length for your vase, clip the rose stems (make sure you leave enough length that they are able to reach the water through the hydrangea) and stick them through the hydrangea in the pattern of your choice. There are no rules - just do what makes you happy. This is a very simple, affordable and pretty addition to any space that needs a little cheer.

Decadence In A Bowl...

If you're looking for the most decadent dessert ever then give this one a try. It is a Paula Deen creation so you know it is mmm-mmm-good and not mmm-mmm-good for you! Don't even attempt to calculate the calories as it might send you in to a calorie induced coma!

Not Yo Mama's Banana Pudding

Ingredients
2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies
6 to 8 bananas, sliced
2 cups milk
1 (5-ounce) box instant French vanilla pudding
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream

Directions
Line the bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top.

In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer. Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth. Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended. Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

She's Got Her Toes In The Water & Her Head In The Sand...