McDonald's Summer of Cool Promotion

These mid-90's temperatures have been hanging around for a while, so I'm very happy to share that McDonald's is doing their part to help us cool off a bit, by offering a buy one get one free coupon for their frozen McCafe drinks.

Here's the link for your coupon, which is valid through July 31. Grab a friend and enjoy a Smoothie, Frappe or Strawberry Lemonade. Tomorrow is thrift shopping day with Big Sister and I'm planning to stop by McD's for us to try the new Mango Pineapple Smoothie.

Enjoy!!

Sheila Denise

Dollar Tree Find

I'll warn you now. This may be one of my most random posts, but I'm so happy to share it that I don't mind if you give me funny looks. I won't keep you any longer than necessary, so this is what I found at Dollar Tree yesterday!!

Isn't is snazzy and cutalicious?!?!?! I'm not one to drag around brightly colored/patterned luggage, so this little tag is as wild as I'm going to get, but is will definitely assist me in identifying my luggage on the belt at the airport.

I need to plan a trip just to show it off!! Tell me about some of your favorite warm weather getaway spots??

Sheila Denise

Oh, I'm sure you're wondering about the QR Code up top. It's for a those of you who access the blog from your mobile devices. It's designed to give you the perfect layout for mobile viewing, so scan away and enjoy!!

Open-Faced Blackened Tilapia Sandwich {Cooking Light}

I just finished wolfing down my lunch. It was a late lunch and I was STARVING! In my excitement to eat, I forgot to toast the bread for the sandwich, but I can't imagine that the sandwich could taste any better with it toasted. Shoot, you don't even need to bother with the bread!! It's just THAT good!! I happened upon this recipe in the June 2011 issue of Cooking Light and decided to switch it up a little bit. The original recipe is Open-Faced Blackened Catfish Sandwiches, but I swapped the catfish for tilapia, which I almost always have on hand. I made my slaw from scratch and doctored it up a bit, by swapping the lime juice for apple cider vinegar, for a tangy bite, then added red onion, diced pickled jalapeno and crumbled blue cheese. My cilantro looked like a train wreck, so it didn't make it to the party.

TSE's Open-Faced Blackened Tilapia Sandwich with Jalapeno Blue Cheese Slaw

If you're not familiar with Cooking Light, I suggest you get with the program. They have FABULOUS lighter-fare recipes and most of them are extremely simple to prepare. This recipe, gets FIVE stars!!


This sandwich is incredibly delicious!! I really think you should try it...tonight.

Sheila Denise

100 Degrees In The Shade {Frozen Treats}

I'm almost ready to run naked through this water at Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park and I assure you this will not be a pretty sight. LOL

As I started writing this post at 6:00PM, the temperature was a steamy 96° in Atlanta. It seems like a few weeks ago we were wishing for warmer weather, but now that it's here, some of us may be changing our minds. This little heat wave has me thinking about inhaling as much water and as many cool drinks and treats that I can stand, while trying to keep those options as healthy as possible. My afternoon snack today was a small bowl of sorbet, but I wanted to have other options on hand. I pulled out my popsicle molds, and started searching for great treats to make. There are so many to choose from, but here are a few that you may like. The good news is you don't need molds to make these easy treats, so if you don't have them, don't worry. Take a look at these frozen delights. Links to the recipes are listed in the credits below.

Frozen Banana Pops. Dipped in white or dark chocolate or slathered in peanut butter--totally up to you. Little ones may like them garnished with Cheerios.

Frozen Banana Bites {No equipment required}

Lemon Strawberry Yogurt Pops

Watermelon Popsicles {Simply pureed watermelon--no additives}

Pineapple Granita

I hope you'll give some of these treats a try or create your very own frozen concoction, but whatever you do, please remember to remain hydrated. What are some of your favorite frozen homemade treats?

Sheila Denise

Credits & Recipe Links:
Banana Pops: Savoring Time In The Kitchen
Banana Bites: Kraft Foods
Lemon Strawberry Yogurt Pops: Shop Cook Make
Watermelon Popsicles: The Family Kitchen
Pineapple Granita: Souvlaki For The Soul

Support Our Troops With Just One Click {Memorial Day}

As we embark on the weekend that kicks off Summer for my fellow American readers, it's important that we focus on the true reason for Memorial Day. Let us remember those men and women who gave their lives while giving service to our country, as well as those who served, are currently serving, and are planning to serve our country.

In efforts to support our troops, Taste of Home Magazine is pledging 10 cents (up to $100,000) for every "unique" click on this link to their red, white and blue flag cake. Too bad we can't just click forever. Please join me in supporting support our troops across the world with just one click. This effort runs through July 4, 2011. Please share this information with your friends.

While I was browsing, I discovered a great offer from one of my favorite magazine subscription sites, Discount Mags. They're offering a 3-year/21 issues subscription for only $9.99 (regularly $50.97)! Just select the 3-year option and use code MEMORIAL to receive your discount. I have no idea how long this offer will last, so if you're a fan of or are interested in this magazine, I'd get on it PRONTO.

Wishing you a safe Memorial Day weekend!!

Sheila Denise

It's Gonna Be A Hot One!

Well, Ms. TSE is thinking of hibernating for several hours this afternoon. Yes, you read that right. I do not want to go outside, because today will be a VERY hot day. A sweaty 92 degrees...I simply can't. TSE does NOT do heat...at all, so I'll be lounging comfortably, sipping lemonade and tackling this stack of magazines.

Speaking of lemonade, I'd like to leave you with a few adorable lemonade sipping options.

Crate & Barrel Lemonade Glass ($2.95 sale price/$3.95 regular price)

Crate & Barrel Summer Lemons Glass ($2.95 sale price/$3.95 regular price)

Although the website shows the Summer Lemon Glasses at regular price, they're listed at $2.95 on page 65 in this catalog.

And finally, a cute budget-friendly option spotted last week.

Dollar Tree Lemon Wedges Glass ($1.00)

Happy Sunday!!

Sheila Denise


Happy Sunday!!

Thursday Treasure - Baking With A Purpose {Share Our Strength}

Would you believe that I've been on a natural high since Saturday?? Well, I'm almost always on a natural high, but this one is different. It was generated by the pure goodness and generosity of a BIG group of people and it's all because of that little sign up there. I'm talking about all the wonderful people across the nation who gave donations to Share Our Strength and those who baked/volunteered and purchased baked goods during last Saturday's Great American Bake Sale.

I had the honor of participating as a baker and volunteer with some fantastic Atlanta area folks at The 2011 Atlanta Food Blogger Bake Sale. Our group was spearheaded by Tami Hardeman and I must commend her on pulling together an Olympic class team. I'm proud (and SHOCKED) to announce that our group raised just over $3000!!! Can you believe it??? . As I shared a few days ago, via Facebook, this was not your mother's bake sale and I have the pictures to prove it, so I'll stop talking and just show you.

And here are shots of items that made it home with me.

Salted Brown Butter Crispy Treats

Whole Wheat Croissant

Lemon Drop Shots

Mascarpone Cream Filled Cookies with Chocolate & Pistachios

Gingersnaps

Pistachio Lemon Biscotti

Meyer Lemon Curd Tart

There is no better feeling than knowing you're a small part of something great and this is a feeling I'll surely treasure for a lifetime.

Sheila Denise

P.S. As I was wrapping up this post yesterday, I received an email from Tami, announcing that the Atlanta Bloggers raised the most money in the US!!! Yes, you read that correctly! The most money raised in the country was raised right here in Atlanta!! That's not all...in honor of having raised the most money, Duncan Hines is donating $10,000 in our group's honor!!!!!!!!! *insert crying, dancing and fainting spell here* That money will make a HUGE difference in the lives of many hungry children.

Thank you so much for your generosity!! I can hardly wait for next year's bake sale.