Chalk Cheeseboard

I've seen these chalk serving platters on a few different blogs and thought they were the most brilliant, adorable things ever. I stumbled upon a simple tutorial by the always flawless Lauren Conrad, and I just had to try it. It was a quick and easy DIY that I was able to make the day before Christmas as a last minute present. 

Materials: porcelain plate, paintbrush, chalk paint, painter's tape

Martha Stewart Chalkboard Paint (I got mine from Michael's) 

Tape off a border...

Begin painting…

My plate took two coats of paint. 

The finished product!

I also used the paint on a scratched up photo frame.  

Check out the original tutorial here. Check out Lauren's website too, 'cause she's just that awesome.  

Giving Back

     In this new year, it's common for people to make resolutions regarding themselves. The stereotypical "lose weight, exercise more, save money" promises. But this year, try something different, like pledging to serve others. 

     Over the past few years, I've been involved in many different types of volunteer work. From serving at banquets, sorting clothes, cleaning bathrooms, to painting houses. I've also been able to work with lots of great organizations. I know right now that the economy is still unstable, and that we may be tempted to focus on providing for ourselves, but there are always people who need our help. Personally, I feel like the focus is always on missions and volunteer work in other countries, and while that is important as well, we can neglect the hurt in our own communities.

     Last month I spent a morning volunteering at a homeless shelter in my hometown. One of the things we did was go to a little patch of woods on the corner of a street. There was a little alcove of trees that had been surrounded by branches, and once we entered, it was apparent that people had been living there. We picked up empty bottles, pieces of clothing, used toilet paper and other random trash. I had driven by that little patch of woods a million times, and had absolutely no idea that there were people living there. 

     Long story short, there are people in need all around us, no matter where you live. I know sometimes it's tempting to just donate some money and feel good about ourselves, but I encourage you to donate time instead. Make a real sacrifice. Find a local organization to assist and get involved serving others. (Churches also usually have many events and opportunities for service.)

Here's a few great places to look into:

Goodwill: Always needs donations of clothes, furniture, books and other items for their thrift stores, which you can also volunteer at.

Habitat for Humanity: An organization that I personally have worked with that builds houses for the less fortunate. So much fun if you can get a group of friends and do a whole house together.

Salvation Army: Another donations-and-thrift-store-type organization. You'll see them a lot during Christmas with their little red buckets and bells standing in front of stores.

ASPCA: I've always wanted to work at an animal shelter and just have never gotten the chance. Obviously a   fun choice if you love animals.

Sunday Seven

Here’s seven things I’m loving this week…

Some friendship-style bracelets my cousin gave me

My Clarisonic Mia - which I love!

Beauty by Lauren Conrad

New nail polish – Revlon’s “Chic”

Beatles’ 2013 calendar

Chalk paint for some upcoming DIY’s

New pair of Nike Free Run’s 3.0

Cheesy Baked Tortellini

This is a quick and easy meal for any day or occasion. 

It’s definitely a quintessential Italian dish.

Recipe from Giada De Laurentiis' "Everyday Pasta"

Ingredients:

2 cups marinara sauce

_1/3 cup mascarpone cheese

¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley*

2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme*

1 pound purchased cheese tortellini (I found mine in the refrigerated section)

2 ounces thinly sliced smoked mozzarella (You can get it from the deli)

¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

* For the spices, I just used dried and eye-balled the amount. 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350^OF. Lightly oil an 8 x 8 x 2 inch baking dish or 4 individual gratin dishes. (I only used three, but there was enough for four.)

Whisk together the marinara sauce, mascarpone cheese, parsley and thyme in a large bowl. Cook the tortellini according to package directions and add to the sauce. Toss to coat.

Transfer the tortellini mixture to the prepared baking dish or dishes. Top with the smoked mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish or dishes with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, so the sauce is bubbling. 

I also cooked some green beans and drizzled with olive oil and sea salt as a side.

The finished product. Enjoy!