Share the Message 2018 Giveaway ...

Hi everyone,

I've been gone for way too long.  Life has been so busy and Pippin is now over a year old!  I thought it was important that I post about 'Breast Cancer Awareness Month'.  Breast cancer, and other types of cancers, have touched so many of our lives in one way or another.  Let us spread the word about early detection and mammography.

To help promote breast cancer awareness month, I will be giving away a Be You Notebook & Pen, Pink Ribbon Heart Key Tag and Notepad with Magnetic Closure.

All you need to do to enter the drawing is be a follower of my blog, like Donna's Designs on Facebook and leave a comment on this post by Saturday, October 13, 2018.

I will select a winner on Sunday, October 14, 2018 using random.org and will give the winner 48 hours to contact me via email.

Please spread the word to your family and friends about October being 'Breast Cancer Awareness Month' and the importance of being screened.  If you know someone dealing with the disease, I encourage you to reach out to them - your support would mean everything.  This is a cause I am passionate about and I'm proud to display my pink ribbon this month.

Good luck and thank you for joining this cause.

Faith . Love . Hope . Believe

Welcome Spring Blooms

Hello friends,

I can't believe how long it has been since I last posted.  Time has been flying by and Pippin is growing up fast.  The gardens are looking great!  Would you like to see what has been blooming over the past month or so?  Please come along and stroll with me.

Purple tulips looked so stately this year.

Magnolia blooms in pretty hues of pink.  They remind me of tissue paper flowers.

Pear tree covered in white blossoms.

The violets have taken over.  Carefree and spreading their wings ...

Brunnera 'Jack Frost' with beautiful forget-me-not like flowers and frosty heart shaped leaves.  A spring favorite of mine.

I have five different varities of lilacs now.  The old fashioned variety has started to fade.

Cleome by the fountain.

Pulmonaria so bright and cheery.

The ever so dainty bleeding hearts.

Iris 'Cristata' blooming in front of the pond.

I just love this time of year.  All the blooms make me smile.  I will be back to share some photos of Pippin with you.

Don't forget you can follow Donna's Designs on Facebook.

Wishing you a happy and safe Memorial Day!

S'mores Parfaits

Hi everyone,

Happy Sunday!  I have been MIA lately and have a good excuse for that.  Our little Pippin is growing up so fast and I want to spend every minute that I can with him during these early months.  Also, he is way to active right now to let me do any crafting - soon that will change.

Today I want to share with you some gluten free & dairy free S'mores Parfaits I made.  I used a recipe from Gluten Free Palate and tailored the ingredients based on my diet.  This recipe yields 4 single servings.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1/2 cup organic sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch (gluten free)
• 2 cups of almond milk
• 2 tablespoons of non-dairy butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (gluten free)
• Kinnikinnick Graham Style Crackers (gluten free & dairy free)
• So Delicious CocoWhip!  

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, whisk together sugar, cocoa, cornstarch and almond milk.
2. Continue stirring until mixture comes to a boil.
3. Boil for approx. one minute then add non-dairy butter and vanilla extract.
4. Remove pan from heat and let cool until it reaches room temperature.
5. Spoon crushed graham crackers into glass jars or bowls (reserve some for topping later).
6. Add pudding over graham cracker layer.
7. Place jars in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
8. Top with non-dairy So Delicious CocoWhip!
9. Sprinkle leftover graham cracker crumbs on top.
10. Enjoy!

These 1/5 liter glass Weck jars are so adorable!  You can find them at World Market.

Pretty layers of sweetness ...

I didn't have any, but you could add some tiny gluten free marshmallows to the top.

Wishing you a week filled with treats!