Dyeing Easter Eggs Using Cool Whip

I have been sharing this post for the past few years. I am not sure if you all have eggs to dye this year, but I wanted to share it in hopes that you do have eggs to dye and get to hunt the Easter eggs. We plan to dye our Easter eggs the same way this year as long as I can get enough eggs.

Note: I have seen a lot of people complain that they did not get the results that I did or that their color completely wiped off. Follow these tricks and tips below and you shouldn't have any problems

What you need:

White distilled vinegar
12 large eggs
Food coloring
2 containers of Cool Whip
Disposable pan
Paper towels
Toothpicks
Disposable gloves

I made my hard boiled eggs in the Instant Pot and they came out perfect. I used Skinny Taste's recipe and they were cooked perfectly, though 3 cracked.

Do it:

1. Soak your eggs in a bowl filled with the distilled white vinegar for 20 minutes.

2. While your eggs soak, put your Cool Whip into the disposable container. Side note: I get my disposable aluminum pans at Costco. You get about 30 pans for $6. Total steal and they are good quality.

3. Using the food coloring of your choice, add several drops to one side of your pan. Then you can add a second color in if you desire. Repeat this for the other side using other colors.

This isn't enough food coloring, but I just kept adding more after I swirled it until I was satisfied.

4. Using a toothpick or knife, swirl your food coloring in. Make sure it gets swirled in deep into the Cool Whip.

5. Put on your gloves. Take out an egg and pat it dry using a paper towel. Then put your egg in the Cool Whip mixture. Make sure you turn it a couple times allowing the Cool Whip to cover your egg. Leave the egg in the mixture. Let the eggs set for 20 minutes.

6. Rinse off your gloves or get a new pair. Fill a bowl with water and take an egg out of the mixture. Gently place it in the bowl, rolling it around to get off all the Cool Whip. Do NOT run the egg under water. I would do a few eggs and then change the water out.

7. Take the egg out of the water and pat dry with a paper towel. 

8. Store in your egg carton.

March Prime Purchases

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I haven't bought much from Amazon the last month as everything is pretty backordered unless it is essential. I wanted to buy another milk frother for our house since we are here all day long now and wouldn't ship until end of April. That doesn't work. And I was tempted to get mine from work, but my work is about 40 minutes away, so that is a no go either.

So what did we buy from Prime this last month?

linking up with Tanya

Diamondback 16x1.75/2.25 Bike Tire

It's Not Easy Being a Bunny Book 

I have started shopping for Easter gifts for my girls and since we are stuck in the house, I had to turn to Amazon. I always get them a new book and Dr. Seuss is a great option for the girls.

Glycine Powder 

I ordered the glycine powder mainly for my husband. He swears by it. I use to help me sleep.

Mederma Scar Cream with SPF 30

We use this on Sutton's scar by her mouth and I have started to use it on some of my scars. This stuff is amazing and really helps reduce the appearance of the scar. Plus the added spf in it really does help.

Fancy Nancy Easter Book

My girls recently starting liking Fancy Nancy and watched the entire first season on Disney Plus.

TecBoss Microphone for Kids

My girls love to sing...especially to Frozen, Moana and Trolls. Their cousin had a microphone at Christmas that they all couldn't stop playing with. I am sure I will regret this thing later, but I know my girls will love it. Especially Sutton.

Weighted Jump Rope

We got this for Rory as part of his birthday gift. We have used it since then and it is tough. It only has one and a half pounds in the rope part, but it definitely gives you a workout quickly.

Rubber Furniture Pads

After having just the felt pads, we knew we needed some rubber ones as some items were slipping on the floor like the girls teepee. So I bought these for about $9 and it came with 38 pieces. And you can cut them down if you need a smaller size that you run out of.

What did you buy this month?

Friday Favorites

*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

Well we survived another week in quarantine. We are all getting a little stir crazy and our governor just announced that he was extending our stay at home order until the end of April. Looks like we will be working from home (still) for the next month. 

We haven't been shopping much online, but we have bought a few things. Some of them are listed below and I hope that they may help your family too. Some are nothing big or even practical, but some are definitely useful.

Onto Friday Favorites and Happenings.

ONE. Happy early Birthday to my mom. Tomorrow is her birthday and we don't get to see her or celebrate with her. We haven't seen them in forever. But hopefully, when this is all over, we will get to celebrate all of the March and April birthdays that have been postponed.

TWO. I love The Office. I have been every episode many times and we often watch it on Netflix when there is nothing else to watch. This week on Instagram, a friend posted her Hydroflask with a bunch of Office stickers on it. I asked her where she got them and she sent me the Amazon link. It comes with 100 stickers and they are funny. All of the classic lines, costumes, etc. 

I bought them for my Hydroflask and now the girls want a few of them. Ha. But my Hydroflask is at work, so I won't be able to dress my Hydroflask until I am able to go back into the office and clean it thoroughly.

The Office stickers

THREE. Even though my girls are not in school yet, they are still in pre-k and they were still learning a lot. These first few weeks of quarantine, we haven't done much learning. They do have their Kindle Fire Kids with a subscription to learning games, but I also want to keep them at the level where they should be. So I went onto Amazon and was able to purchase them Kindergarten workbooks. They start Kindergarten in August and were already way ahead in their pre-k class. So once these arrive, we plan to do some work in them each weekday. This is the one I chose for the girls.

Highlights Kindergarten Big Fun Workbook

FOUR. Another quarantine essential was a weighted jump rope. I have a regular jump rope, but Rory's broke a few months ago. I got him this one as a birthday gift and he loves it. It lives up to the reviews. It is only a pound and a half, but it is weight in the rope part, so it makes it a tougher work out. He said he was huffing and puffing while using it. 

Weighted Jump Rope

We have been taking walks, playing basketball at the school by our house, jump roping and doing some stretches and yoga at home since we haven't been to the gym in weeks. It definitely has helped, but nothing beats the gym. Or maybe I just need more home workouts.

FIVE. Alright, I finally convinced my husband that we need an air fryer. He kept telling me that we had no space for it, and I said it can go in the garage with the Instant Pot when we don't use it. And I use that thing a lot. Plus, I told him that we can make french fries in it and have them taste so much better than the ones that come from the oven. So please, tell me which ones are your favorite. And any recipes that you love.

I am linking up with A Little Bit of Everything and Becky.

Have a great weekend!

Easter Baskets for Girls

*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

Happy April Fools Day! I feel like this whole year has been one big April Fools joke. And I feel like it is cruel to play jokes today. Life is crazy and I am not up for the added stress and jokes. Maybe some light hearted jokes are ok.

Anyways, Easter is going to look very different this year. I was browsing items to get for the girls' Easter baskets since I can't really go into Target and shop for them like I normally do. I have definitely relied on Amazon and the grocery store to get me through this year. And as for clothes, I am still debating on if I am going to get them something special to wear. Are you?

Here are some items that we got for the girls Easter baskets.

 Mermaid Coloring Book

My girl are really into coloring. They color on a daily basis. I bought them one of those extra large coloring sheets on Amazon a few months back and they color it all the time. They really don't have any coloring books and I am not sure why, so I added the ones above to their baskets.

 Princess Jelly High Heels

If you follow my blog or IG, then you know how much my girls love Disney princesses. They are always wanting to wear high heels and play dress up. Well, they were in need of some new high heels that don't have glitter on them, so I ordered these in pink (for Aurora) and gold for Belle. I am sure they will be excited. Plus they have a one inch "wedge" on them.

Melissa and Doug Scratch Art Notes

I saw these many months ago and I bought them for the girls and never gave them to them. They have been hidden in my closet, so now they are getting them in their Easter basket.

It's Not Easy Being a Bunny Book

I always get the girls a book at all holidays and this one is no exception.

Fancy Nancy Book

My girls have recently become obsessed with Fancy Nancy. They found it on Disney plus and watched the whole first season very quickly. I am sure they will love this book too.

Tecboss Microphone for Kids

My girls played with a microphone over at their cousin's house at Christmas time and they had so much fun. They wanted one at that time, but we had already gotten all of their Christmas and birthday gifts. But now, they will receive one each for Easter and they can belt out their favorite Frozen songs again.

Disney Elsa Frozen 2 Nightgown

My girls love Frozen and Frozen 2. I am not sure I have found a child who doesn't love Frozen. Whenever I travel for work, I usually find a Disney store and find something for the girls. Last time I was traveling (back in early March before we were all quarantined), I saw these cute nightgowns for the girls and didn't grab them. I was bummed, but then I saw that Disney is having a buy one get one half off deal on many pjs plus free shipping, so I bought two for the girls for their Easter baskets.

Other items the girls will be receiving:

Candy

Coins/Money inside of hidden eggs

Chapstick

Bandaids

What are you getting your kids for their Easter baskets?

Spring Questionnaire

Last week, Dara posted a fun Spring questionnaire and I thought I would participate. We could all use a light-hearted post. Let me know if you answer the questions too.

1. Do you decorate for Easter or Spring?
I do decorate each year for Easter/Spring. I haven't yet, and I am not sure why.

2. What Spring holidays do you celebrate?
We celebrate Easter.

3. Do you have any fun Spring traditions?
We don't have any fun traditions other than the usual Easter traditions like Easter egg hunts and Easter dinner.

4. Do you have any recipes you make every Spring?
I make this Spring pasta with pancetta, peas and asparagus. I actually made it this last weekend.

5. Do you switch out any of your decor for Spring?
I add Spring like decor along with my Easter decor. I don't really change out anything. I just add to our normal decor.

6. Do you add in any outdoor Spring decorating touches?
I usually have a wreath, and some items that you stake in the ground saying the Easter bunny is coming.

7. Do you have favorite Spring cocktail or drink?
I feel like this drink is a Spring cocktail. We called it a money penny, but after looking it up, ours was completely different than what was mentioned. My best friend, Nathalie, introduced it to me.

Here is the recipe for our favorite Spring/anytime cocktail.
1 shot Peach Schnapps
1 shot Ketel One
Champagne

Combine the Schnapps and Ketel One in a shaker. Shake and put into a martini glass that has been rimmed with sugar. Top with Champagne and add a lemon twist,

8. Pink? Love or hate?
I love pink. I wear it all the time.

9. Favorite Spring flower?
Peonies!

10. Are things blooming where you live yet?
They are and it is a little worrisome when we keep getting rain and snow mixed into 50 degree weather. I hope it doesn't kill the blossoms off.

Friday Favorites

*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

Well, we survived our second week in quarantine. How did you all do? Times are tough for sure, but we are choosing to look on the bright side and see the positives each day. That is what keeps us going.

Here are some positives we list each day:
- We get to sleep in an extra hour and a half on weekdays.
- We get to spend more time with our girls.
- We get to experience the girls personalities more.
- We are spending less money by eating at home pretty much every single meal. We have only gotten take out once on Rory's birthday (per his request).
- We have jobs that allow us to work from home and still earn an income.
- We have a warm house, with stocked food and lots of love.
- We are going on daily (sometimes twice) daily walks/bike rides for the girls.
- We are alive and healthy.

What are some of your positives?

Onto Friday favorites and happenings.

ONE. Since we have been home all the time, we are trying to figure out ways to amp up breakfast time. This doesn't mean that we have a full on breakfast each day, but I am trying to make breakfast every other day or so. On the off days, the girls have cereal and I have a protein bar and coffee.

But last week, we made green pancakes and sausage and this week, I made pink pancakes and bacon.

I also made Skinnytaste's Easy Bagel Recipe for breakfast sandwiches and the bagels turned out amazingly. My first batch the hole disappeared, but we made another batch since the first one. 

TWO. Since I have been stuck at home and dreaming of Mexico and nicer weather, I bought a few things online. Not much, but a few. I got this super cute kimono from American Eagle for 60% off making it $11.98. 

AE Printed Kimono

I also got another bralette from Aerie in black since I love the nude color one so much. I got this for about $5 since I had rewards with AE, but it is on sale right now for $20.97 with free shipping.

AE Eyelash Plunge Lace Bra

THREE. I also got this tank top to wear with my black Spanx and red velvet blazer I had in my closet. I had bought this to wear out for Rory's birthday, but sadly, we didn't get to go to dinner. I love this tank top because the color holds, it is soft, fits very well and perfect for under cardigans or blazers or just to wear alone.

Chelsea28 Jersey Tank Top

FOUR. Weekly funnies.

 This is for my husband.

I am in district 7. You can read about your districts here.

I am linking up with A Little Bit of Everything and Becky.

Have a great weekend!

What's Up Wednesday

*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

This year has been a year, am I right? I feel like February and March went by pretty quickly, but with all this pandemic stuff, it feels like things are just crazy. I have never experienced anything like this and I am sure most of you haven't either. Let's just hope things start to level out and we get back to our normal daily lives. I feel like we all need it.

Onto this month's What's Up Wednesday...

WHAT WE ARE EATING THIS WEEK...
Sunday: We had leftover spaghetti from two nights before.
Monday: It is Rory's birthday, so we had take-out and supported our local businesses.
Tuesday: Pork meatball subs with salad.
Wednesday: Tri-tip with roasted artichokes.
Thursday: Roasted Veggies with Avocado Dip
Friday: Grilled cheese and tomato soup.
Saturday: Spring pasta with asparagus, peas and pancetta

WHAT I'M REMINISCING ABOUT... Mexico last year. We were supposed to be on our trip right now, but with the coronavirus stuff going on, it just wasn't right to travel. We are hoping that postponing our trip a few weeks to a month or so will help. Fingers crossed.  Update: we now have to change it to October when the girls are on Fall break.

Here are some of my favorite moments from Mexico last year.
places.

WHAT I'M LOVING... Being able to binge watch a bunch of shows and not feel shameful over it. Ha. I am also loving all the fun Spring clothes that are coming out. I can't wait for warm weather and sunshine.

WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO...Pretty much what the rest of America is up to...we have been hanging out at home, spending time with family and cooking a lot more.

We did go to a princess tea party before everything went crazy and I also got to go on a work trip to Florida and North Carolina.

My trip:

 It was bike week in Daytona Beach and I swear about 80% of people did not wear helmets while riding. Blows my mind that people are not safe.

 Daytona Beach, FL

 I had a lot of amazing food on my trip, but this burrata with hazelnuts and honey stands out as a favorite along with the spicy vodka rigatoni with ricotta and basil.

Passenger Shaming on my flight from Dallas. He put on a face mask and after he was done, he walked to the bathroom without shoes or socks and then came back to lay out over his seats and show us all his nasty feet.

Birthday brunch with some of my friends.

WHAT I'M DREADING... That this pandemic only gets worse.

WHAT I'M WORKING ON... Taking photos of our house after the renovation for renovation updates, trying to get ahead and write more posts for Spring time, finding and trying new recipes and organizing our house.

WHAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT... The hope of going to Mexico again.

WHAT I'M WATCHING/READING... I recently read Lock Every Door and An Unwanted Guest which I reviewed last week.

I am watching all of my usual favorites like: This is Us, Grey's Anatomy, Riverdale, The Bold Type and Good Girls. And I binged Spinning Out while I was on my work trip. We also got back in Sneaky Pete and we are anxiously awaiting Ozark season 3 to come out this week! We may have watched Frozen 2 a ton this week as well.

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO... The TV in the background.

WHAT I'M WEARING... These leggings while I am home (90 Degrees leggings) and sweaters. I also wear jeans when I can. But seriously, clothes have been odd since it is cold, but we are all stuck in side.   

WHAT I'M DOING THIS WEEKEND... I am not sure since we were supposed to be in Mexico.

WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH... Hopefully going to Mexico at the end of April or beginning of May. We are looking forward to Easter, which I still need to shop for and April brings my mom's birthday. Let's hope we can get together and celebrate her.

WHAT ELSE IS NEW...Not much.