SUNSHINE, LADYBUGS, CHOCOLATE PIE AND THE GREATEST HEART RUN AND WALK

We interrupt my scheduled post to bring you some sunshine, ladybugs, shepherds pie and chocolate pie.  Today was America's Greatest Heart Run and Walk in our area, and the forecast was for rain. It turned out to be one of the nicest days we have EVER had for the event which is in early March.  Fifty degrees and sunshine! I even removed my coat going up "Heartbreak Hill".   Many people were wearing RED, so I hopped on the red bandwagon when I got home and finished setting our table with a RED ladybug theme.  Joe had called my cell phone while I was almost done walking, and invited me home for a lunch date. He made shepherd's pie (one of his signature dishes), and I put my feet up (I got three blisters from the six miles I walked). I should not have worn my new hiking boots, but I guess they are officially broken in now.  

Here's the table I set quickly for our lunch date. I removed the soup bowls and the watering can, and we ate the shepherds pie in the sunniest room in our house.

The tiny red and black creatures are synonymous with summertime and picnics. That's where my mind was at today. I used plates and placemats featuring a ladybug design, and used some red and black decor items. 

That sweet ladybug is getting ready to land on the polka dot flower that was found at Michael's recently. There is a clip on the flower, and easily attaches to a napkin instead of using a ring.

Buzzing lady bugs on the bowls and plates. 

See that "real" grass in the little clay pots?  Each year I grow grass for the Easter baskets. Give it a try. The kids and adults will love it. Skip that plastic grass from China ;o)

Photo by Sweet Sugarbelle

What is that brown stuff? That is iced coffee that is steeping and will be going into that beverage dispenser that is currently holding the green apples. I am an iced coffee lover, and I found the instructions for Perfect Iced Coffee on the Pioneer Woman's blog.  It is a staple in my home.

I'm like a little kid when it comes to dessert.  If I know there is dessert for dinner, I get excited. I work full time, and rarely make a pie. Just not enough hours in the day, and I like to play on the weekend.  I work for a national homecare company, and our sales reps do a LOT of lunches at the doctor's offices. (It's how we get our foot in the door.)  Anyhoo, I begged our sales rep Peggy to get me the recipe for the chocolate cream pie that everyone is loving these days. One of the businesses makes it, and we buy it. The business didn't bat an eye, and gave us the recipe. It is easy to make, so I am sharing the recipe with you.  This is a pie that I can handle making during the week!

Here's what you will need to make Chocolate Cream "Ladybug" Pie. 

Chocolate graham cracker crust (any brand)

1 8 ounce package cream cheese

Large container of Cool Whip

1 large box of chocolate pudding/pie mix (the kind you cook)

3 cups of milk

Chocolate sprinkles (or ladybug sprinkles)

Soften cream cheese and beat with a mixer. Add 3/4 cup Cool Whip and beat until mixture is smooth. 

Spread cream cheese/Cool Whip mixture on the crust. (I pressed too hard and cracked the crust)

Cook the chocolate pudding as directed using the 3 cups of milk.

Once the pudding has cooled, pour it over the cream cheese mixture in the pie crust.

Refrigerate pie until ready to serve. Frost with the Cool Whip and sprinkle on the chocolate sprinkles. (you won't end up using all the Cool Whip, but it is heaped very high on the pie)

Enjoy!

A while back, I was given the Versatile Blogger Award from Pat's Pink Apron. You can go to her site here. Pat's Pink Apron Thank you so much for thinking of me Pat!  I am playing along with Pat by listing seven random things about me. 

1.  I was married on Valentine's Day. 

2.  I wear red suede clogs and love lady bugs.

3.  I was a passenger in a bobsled in Lake Placid and will never forget the thrill (I had to sign a release in case I died, and was scared but loved it).

4.  I prefer hiking over shopping.  I trade in my daily high heels to climb mountains on weekends. (thus the name of my blog - Mountain Breaths)

6.  My favorite movie is Officer and a Gentleman.

7.  My favorite time of year is Summer although I enjoy all four seasons).

Thank you for stopping by! I am joining Seasonal Sunday, Cozy Home Party,  Tablescape Thursday and Foodie Friday.

Debbie