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Posts tagged ‘Kristen Duca’

UltimateMama enjoys beautiful centerpieces when she entertains. A quick, easy, and inexpensive do it yourself DIY centerpiece idea is the Floating Candle Centerpiece.

You need:

-Vases

-Flowers

-Floating Candles

-Water

 

To do:

-Fill the vase with water

-Place the candles in the middle

-Cut stems off flowers and place the brightly colored flowers around the candles

Enjoy!

UltimateMama has great Valentine’s Day gift ideas for teen girls. Some trendy treats include:

– FACETORY Be Bright Be You Illuminating Foil Sheet Mask with Vitamin C – Moisturizing, Revitalizing, and Illuminating Face Mask

Show Me Your Mumu Apres Ski Sweater in pink

Elmer Chocolate heart box

 

 

 

UltimateMama always likes to bring a little something when stopping by a friend’s home.  These hostess gifts are usually quite unexpected but definitely greatly appreciated.  Recently, UltimateMama found chocolate boxes from MarieBelle New York really bring smiles no matter what time of year! Her favorite are the 4 piece chocolate ganache blue box sets which feature beautiful designs on hand-made chocolate.

UltimateMama found the perfect, easy way to decorate cupcakes this Halloween. Wilton’s Halloween cupcake decorating kit includes 24 liners, ghost picks and plenty of black bat sprinkles. These quick and easy cupcake treats are perfect for kids of all ages!

UltimateMama and her children always bring flowers to thank generous hostesses and hosts for their hospitality and kindness.  No matter the season, UltimateMama selects (or picks) the perfect flowers and arranges them into a unique container for a sophisticated presentation. Sometimes the vase may be crystal or glass, but many times painted water pitchers or rustic metal buckets add an extra splash of sunshine to someone’s day. Amber Waves farm in Amagansett, New York has some lovely ideas for floral arrangements in clever containers that will make the recipient smile.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UltimateMama and her kids made the most delicious and simple blueberry pie that was met with much applause this weekend! A store bought crust helped us out but the rest was simply homemade.

To make –

1 Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust or another brand

6 cups fresh blueberries (remove stems, wash)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven according to pie crust instructions (sometimes it is 425 degrees F but double check)

Make the filling – Get a large bowl and fill with the blueberries, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Stir

Put blueberry mixture in the bottom crust

Place top crust over and fold under edges with bottom dough

Score the top pie crust with 4 cuts so steam can move freely out

Bake the pie on middle rack for 20 minutes at 425 degrees F and 30 minutes at 350 degrees F.

Cool pie, serve, and enjoy!

 

 

UltimateMama took her girls to the L.E.A.F. Flower Festival in NYC’s meatpacking district in early June. It was a wonderful time to be surrounded by gorgeous colors as summer was beginning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Best of all, the girls were inspired to create their own floral arrangements using assorted varieties in beautiful old vases. All creative arrangements were admired and adored!

 

Recently, Ultimate Mama was in Austin, Texas and visited Kendra Scott’s aesthetically gorgeous store location on South Congress Avenue. Not only were the salespeople extremely friendly, but also very helpful.  There were so many beautiful gifts for girls, tweens, teens, and women of all ages.  The Elisa gold pendant necklace in rose quartz at $55 was a huge hit with some of my younger teen daughter’s friends.  My older teen loved the Brooke cuff bracelet in gold at $60. Look for new collections each season!

UltimateMama’s children will actually roll out of bed if they smell baked oatmeal for breakfast.  It is an easy recipe that can be made all year long!

To do:

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

Grease a 9 x 13 pan

Mix:

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup 2% milk

1/3 cup olive oil

2/3 cup brown sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Add:

3 cups rolled oats

1 1/2 – 2 cups of fruit or nuts that you like (we like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and walnuts and usually save a little to put on top)

Bake in 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes (check at the 15-20 minute mark and rotate)

Enjoy!

UltimateMama recently learned about a 3 color piping bag kit that will turn any ordinary cupcake into an extraordinary delight. The Wilton color swirl decorating kit is easy to use with fantastic results. Pick any 3 colors of frosting and you will have gorgeous cupcakes that look professional!