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Mardi Gras Bunco

So, I was thinking about the whole Mardi Gras idea and it’s pretty cool!  Here’s some recipes that I found online and I just had to share them with you!

BUTTERCREAM MARTINI!!

Ingredients

Makes: 1 drink
  • 11⁄2 ounces half-and-half or light cream
  • 1 ounce spiced rum, Captain Morgan® Original Spiced Rum
  • 1⁄2 ounce butterscotch schnapps
  • 1⁄2 ounce vanilla schnapps
  • Ice cubes
  • Candy confetti

Directions

In a cocktail shaker, combine half-and-half, rum, buttersotch schnapps, and vanilla schnapps. Add ice; cover and shake until very cold. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with candy confetti

HURRICANE!!

Ingredients

Makes: 1 drink
  • 3 ounces passion fruit juice
  • 3 ounces mango juice
  • 2 ounces sweet-and-sour mix
  • 3⁄4 ounce dark rum, Myers’s®
  • 1⁄2 ounce spiced rum, Captain Morgan® Original Spiced Rum

Directions

In a cocktail shaker, combine passion fruit juice, mango juice, sweet-andsour mix, dark rum, and spiced rum. Add ice. Cover, shake; serve.

I also came across the ideas below from other ladies who have thrown a Mardi Gras party.

Serve some New Orleans style snacks or meal; rice and beans with spicy sausage. Use fancy eye masks and have folks dress up in fancy attire. Lots of beads are a must! Serve a special “king” cake complete with luck baby inside. “Hurricane” punch I’ve heard is suited. For table snacks, have (multi-colored) M&Ms or Skittles, hot spicy peanuts, and type of “beaded” candy.

The mask idea is cool, I think you can pick them up at your local party supply store or even get some offline.

If you have ideas for a bunco party, let me know!  I love to hear new ideas and fun themes!

The hubby is out of town still, so I have put the kids to bed and now the dogs are staring at me wanting their dinner and maybe a few treats.  🙂  He comes home tomorrow just in time for the 3 day weekend.  🙂

Hit me up on facebook or email me at buncobetty@buncogameshop.com if you have any questions or if you want to share ideas and pictures.

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Mommy time

So I’m sitting here in this great place in my town called Gelato Cafe. They have the best gelato martini’s and great food! I called my mom tonight asking if she could come watch the kids while I went out and had some time to myself. She’s a saint! I’m sipping my martini and enjoying dinner all by myself…never thought I would like the alone time, but this is so perfect!

My dear friend Chris came by to join me and that made the night even better!

My hubby is out of town and the kids are nuts as usual.  I don’t know what to do when they say they hate eachother or say the other one is stupid.  The drive me crazy!  Of course facing the wall in time out is going ok, but they are still constantly fighting.  Such is life…  🙂

Our bunco group is getting together on the 28th this month and I can’t wait!  Now it’s moved to Saturday nights….better idea.  🙂 I will for sure have some pictures to put on the website and the facebook page.

I found a great recipe that I thought you would enjoy…who doesn’t love the 7 layer dip???

Seven Layer Mexican Dip
1 can refried beans
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 carton guacamole dip (mine was 12 oz)
8 oz sour cream
1-2 cups salsa
grated cheddar cheese
chopped green onions
sliced black olives
Mix the beans and taco seasoning together and spread in a round platter (with a lip–probably should be 1/2 inch deep) or in a 9×13 dish.
Spread the guacamole dip on top.
Follow with a layer of sour cream.
Pour the salsa on and spread.
Cover with grated cheddar.
Top with green onions and black olives.
You could even add lettuce or tomatoes too.
Scoop with tortilla chips or fritos.
So ladies, I’m off to crawl into bed with the doggies and catch a Criminal Minds re-run if I can find one.
Have a great night!
Happy Rolling!!
Bunco Betty
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Vodka in my hand…

Happy Friday Bunco Babes!!

Anything cool going on this weekend?  I’m having a drink, a much needed drink…my daughter is only 5 and she’s already so emotional!  Not too sure what the future holds but I’m pretty scared.

I haven’t worked out at all this year!  That’s not like me…also I’m breaking out with zits AGAIN!  What’s up with that?  I’m thirty something…. GEEZ!

I just put the kids to bed and I’m ready to relax.  Watching the game with my husband tonight and you know what bothers me?  It seems like 90% of the commercials that you see on TV now days has to do with shitty food!  Seriously…I do admit that my favorite food is a good burger and fries, but sometimes it gets annoying.  There are a lot of people battling with their weight and that doesn’t help much.  Especially at night time they have to show you images of burritos or burgers and fries…makes me mad!  I’ve been trying to help my mom out and she’s trying lately to exercise and cut out some calories, but it’s been a lifelong battle for her.

I went to Costco today and it was an absolute mad house!  I did get this really cool laundry sorter thingy.  That’s the highlight of my day.

Not too motivated lately and I honestly think I’m rambling on, but the vodka contributes to that.  🙂

My husband has been on an extra dry dirty martini kick.  Been making them at home. I don’t like them, I’m more of a sweet martini type of girl.  What about you?  Do you have a good martini recipe?  We should exchange drink recipes on the facebook page.  That sounds like a good idea doesn’t it?

I’m also thinking of more bunco giveaway contests.  The fan of the week is good, but I’m really wanting to see more pics from more bunco groups and stuff.

I’ll figure it out.  😉

Cheers to my lovely readers…and thank you for reading my rambling.  😉

Bunco Betty

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Bunco parties in the new year!

Hi all!
Today is the kids’ first day back to school! YIPPEEE for me! I have a couple hours today to gather my thoughts and dig in to the laundry. Much needed. My husband and I were watching the Biggest Loser last night and this guy on there had 9 kids with one on the way! I can’t imagine how much laundry that household has! There was also this other lady who has 13 kids!!! What is up with that?? I think 2 is hard enough!
The hubby travels next week…first time in a long time. It’s going to suck but I’ll get by. I can get caught up on all my criminal shows that I love to watch. 🙂
Going to kickboxing tonight…I’ll let you know how much pain I am in when I wake up in the morning. It’s the best workout EVER!

So, I was thinking about what kind of bunco parties to have for January/February. Of course February will be pretty easy with the whole red Valentine’s bunco theme, or even the super fun Winter Wonderland theme.

I was thinking if I were hosting January, I would have a Holiday Unwind Pitcher Party and have everyone show up in their PJ’s and bring a pitcher of their favorite drink to share.  Unwinding from the holidays seems to be pretty hard….well, at least it’s been a bit tiring for me.

There has been no snow in Idaho!  None.  Very strange.  My hubby wanted to take our son snowboarding this year, but seriously there is no snow.

School is out and the kids are home now…time for me to do the giveaway for this week!  I have decided on the Drink Coasters with recipes on them!  Super fun!

Tata for now babes!

Bunco Betty!

 

 

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Going bonkers!

Going bonkers here in the hotel. Of course it could be worse…the kids have been swimming non stop all day long! I’ve been sitting here watching them….watching them….watching them. I really don’t feel like swimming today, I did yesterday and all they do when I’m in the pool is bombard me. It’s a game of who can get mom’s attention the most. My kids are very good swimmers and I would have it no other way. They go back and fourth from the pool to the hot tub and their poor skin looks horrible!! They refuse to get out unless it’s for food. A while ago a couple older gentleman came into the hot tub and they befriended them right away. They must have sat there and talked with my kids for a good hour. They love visiting with people and making new friends.
So I’m counting down the hours until my man gets off work. He’s doing 12 hour shifts and I can’t wait for him to be back every night. It’s nice that we can travel with him while he works. It’s a good break from normal every day home life and the kids are out of school on break so we don’t have to take them out.
I’m happy with the way the Bunco Game Shop giveaways have been going. It’s nice to connect with other bunco groups from different states and hearing about their bunco parties and themes.
It’s almost the New Year and I am proud to say BRING ON THE NEW YEAR! We are just going to stay home and have fondu with the kiddos. What are your plans? Anything fun or exciting??
Have a fab day!
Bunco Betty

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Christmas

Good evening!

I have been away for the last couple days, focusing on the cooking, wrapping presents and spending time with my family.  Our Christmas was a great success!  My husband made cookies for Santa with the kids the night before and they turned out yummy!  The surprising thing is on Christmas morning, they got up at about 6:45am and ran into the living room.  They were so excited about the presents from Mom and Dad that have been under the tree for the last couple of weeks that they wanted to open those first after their stockings!  The presents from Santa were pretty much the last ones they opened.  I couldn’t believe it!  Also, the cheapest gifts were the ones they loved the most!!

We decided to have 3 from Santa each and the stockings, then the rest were from Mom and Dad.

The Grandparents did fantastic on the presents this year too.  It’s fun now that the kids are 5 and 7 and I must say how proud of them we are because they were SO thankful!  After opening each present they ran up and hugged whoever it was from and said thank you.  🙂  Sometimes we think they are spoiled, considering they are not growing up as poor as my husband and I did, so this was good to see.  🙂

My hubby smoked the ham this year on the smoker and it was so good!  It was a last minute plan the night before, so my Mother-in-law was stressed out.  She doesn’t like change or trying new things much, but at dinner she said she will eat her words and the ham was great!  Too funny.

This year my husband decided to give me cash to either get my hair or nails done, or get a massage.  I think I’m going to chose a massage…full hour!  Or I can go buy clothes or more Avon (which I am addicted to) or anything I want.  He said I deserve a day of pampering…how sweet!  😉

The year flew by and now it’s almost 2012….the kids are getting bigger every day and they are smarter than we think!  I still have no idea what to do with them home until the 4th of January…but I shall figure it out.  🙂

After the first of the year my husband will be traveling again which will suck, but instead of snuggling on the couch every night with him I can focus more on Bunco!  🙂

Thanks for following this blog!

Good night for now…

Bunco Betty

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Too many treats!

Holy cow!  Some of the neighbors on my street brought all these unhealthy treats for Christmas!!  They are so good but so unhealthy!!  We have 3 huge plates of cookies, brownies, fudge, peanut butter reindeer, kisses and so much more!  The kids enjoy them but all I want to do is eat them for breakfast!  I’m trying to think of something healthy that I can give the neighbors…maybe fruit plates or something…don’t know yet but I’ll figure it out.  Tis the season to gain weight!!

I wanted to share some low calorie treats with you since I focused on low carb the last time.

Here’s a couple appetizers I found:

Antipasto Pinwheels

This colorful cheese and salami pinwheel recipe makes the perfect quick and easy appetizer when company drops in. Preparation time is only 15 minutes from start to finish.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Servings: Makes 10
Ingredients
  • 12 thin slices  provolone cheese (6 to 7 oz.)
  • 1/2 cup  Gorgonzola cheese, softened (2 oz.)
  • 1 Tbsp.  milk
  • 12 thin slices  soppresata or premium Genoa salami (about 4 oz.)
  • 12 large  fresh basil leaves
  • Assorted crackers or flatbread (optional)
Directions
1
Let provolone cheese stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine Gorgonzola and milk.
2
To make one of two rolls, on waxed paper slightly overlap 6 slices of provolone to form a rectangle. Top with 6 slices of salami and 6 basil leaves. Dollop half the Gorgonzola mixture on the basil leaves. Roll, beginning from the short side of the rectangle and using the waxed paper to lift and roll. Wrap roll in waxed paper or plastic wrap and place seam side down on a platter. Repeat to make second roll. Refrigerate wrapped rolls at least 30 minutes and up to overnight. Cut rolls in 1/2-inch slices. Serve with crackers or flatbread. Makes 10 (2 slice) servings.

Grilled Zucchini Roll-Ups

This delicious appetizer or snack is an explosion of flavors. A perfect guilt free healthy low-cal appetizer at a party.

Ingredients

  • 5 tbsp whipped chive cream cheese
  • 30 leaves baby spinach
  • 15 leaves basil
  • 3 medium zucchini

Directions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 450 °F (220 °C).
  2. Cut zucchini slices into long strips, place on cookie sheet covered in non-stick cooking spray.
  3. Mist the zucchini with cooking spray and salt and pepper to taste. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes, turning once. Cool the zucchini when finished.
  4. On the end of each zucchini slice, stack 2 baby spinach leaves, 1 basil leaf (tear if large), and a dab of the cream cheese.
  5. Roll up starting on the side with the filling.
  6. Place each roll seam-side down and chill prior to serving.
  7. Should be served cold. Enjoy!

I love food, but I know how calories add up!  Hope you enjoy these treats!

I made it past the first day of Christmas Break with the kids at home and so far only one was grounded today and tomorrow…we shall see how the rest of the week turns out!  Going to take them to the Library tomorrow and there’s talk of Ice Skating.  🙂
I’ll keep you posted.

Have a fabulous evening!

P.S. I just posted the new Bunco Betty Weekly Giveaway on Facebook…check us out and enter to win free bunco stuff!!

Hugs!
Bunco Betty
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Healthy recipes for your bunco night (including beverage ideas)

It’s the Holiday season and it seems like this time of year we always put on a few extra pounds.  Not enough time to exercise, the food is warm and you are cold and not to mention the Holidays bring out the best foods EVER!

I wanted to share some healthier alternatives to your appetizer collection, whether it’s Bunco night or just get- together’s with friends and families.  Below are some low carb, sugar free recipes to chose from for your eating pleasure!  🙂

Angeled Eggs

A mayonnaise free version of deviled eggs. 

Ingredients

  • 6 large hard-boiled eggs
  • 1 dash black pepper
  • 1 dash salt
  • 2 tsps vinegar
  • 1/4 cup pureed avocado

Directions

  1. Remove the eggs from the shells and then bisect lengthwise.
  2. Carefully remove and save the yolks.
  3. Blend all other ingredients with the yolks until smooth.
  4. Spoon equal portions of the mixture into the egg white halves.
Carb: 0.69g | Prot: 3.24g | Fat: 3.36g

Peanut Butter Cookies

Yummy peanut butter cookies that are extremely low carb. 

Ingredients

  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup Splenda sweetener

Directions

  1. Mix all 3 ingredients together and roll into 20 balls.
  2. Preheat oven to 350° F (175° C). Bake for 9 to 10 minutes – bake to the size of half dollars.
  3. Divide the number of cookies by the carbs in the peanut butter to get a count per cookie.
  4. Note: you can use creamy or chunky peanut butter.

Carb: 3.06g | Prot: 3.53g | Fat: 6.70g

Butter Pecan Brittle

Sugar free delicious brittle.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup maltitol crystals sweetener
  • 8 sticks sweet cream butter
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped pecan nuts

Directions

  1. Melt the butter in a large, non-stick fry pan.
  2. Add the Maltitol sweetener and heat on medium, stirring until it is blended and golden.
  3. The mixture will separate and then blend together again. Give it time for the color to darken, but don’t over cook.
  4. Remove pan from heat and sprinkle nuts on the top.
  5. Allow to cool. Cover and let set up. If you are in a hurry, hasten the cooling by setting the pan in a larger pan of ice.
  6. Cover and let set up. When the brittle is cooled, break it into pieces.
  7. Variations: add 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut. If you use walnuts instead of pecans you can deduct all the carbs. 1 cup of peanuts makes it peanut brittle.

Carb: 0.94g | Prot: 0.62g | Fat: 8.57g

Dilly Wraps

Dill pickles wrapped in fat-free cream cheese and chipped beef for a low carb snack. 

Ingredients

  • 1 baby dill pickle
  • 1 tbsp fat free cream cheese
  • 1 slice dried beef

Directions

  1. Spread softened cream cheese on a slice of dried beef and wrap it around the pickle.
  2. Slice the wrapped pickle into bite-sized rounds and enjoy!

Carb: 2.08g | Prot: 2.87g | Fat: 0.05g

Strawberry Hats

(makes 4 servings Super Cute! Only 35 calories each!)

1 pound fresh strawberries
1 canister whipped cream (heavy or light)
mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Wash and hull strawberries. Slice a 1/4 inch slice on the bottom and spray 1 tablespoon of whipped cream. Place “hat” on top and dab with more whipped cream. Insert chip eyes for added cuteness. Enjoy!

If you are wondering about healthier beverages:

Gin, vodka, tequila, whiskey, and rum are distilled spirits that by definition have no carbohydrate.

  • Gin and tonic (or vodka tonic)
  • Jack and Coke (made with diet cola)
  • Scotch and soda
  • Seven and Seven (Segram’s 7 and Diet 7-Up)
  • Rum and diet cola

My personal favorite for a sugar free alcoholic drink is vodka lemonade.  I get Pure Lemon that comes in the bottle and make it in a gallon jug:

1 Cup of Real Lemon, 2 cups of Sucralose  (or other 0 calorie sugar substitute) and fill the rest of water.

I hope you enjoy these healthy tips for your bunco night!

Happy Holidays everyone!!

Hugs,

Bunco Betty!

 

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Bunco Hosting Gift

Hi y’all!

Just thought I would share with you a super cute thing that Laura did at our Christmas Bunco party!  When the party was over and we were all getting ready to leave, she had this box that she passed around full of candy canes and taped to them were lottery tickets.  I think there was a winner of $2 but we all were so excited to do the scratch off!  What a cute idea Laura!

Tip from our site:

Give the members of your bunco group something to remember your party by.  Bunco Game Shop provides all kinds of fun bunco party gifts and prizes to really spice up your party.  Pick up some of these cheap bunco gifts and have at least 1 prize on-hand to give to every member of your bunco party.  Check out our bunco dice jewelry for other great bunco prize ideas!

So I had 5 helicopter mechanics from my husband’s work over for dinner last night.  I went to Costco and got all kinds of stuff to feed these guys AND baked chocolate chip cookies!  NOT from the package…I actually used my mixer and they turned out so good!  The guys worked late so we didn’t end up eating until about 7:45.  I started drinking wine at about 4:30ish so…..needless to say…I’m feeling like crap!  The guys didn’t leave until about midnight.  It was a good Thursday night!  I LOVED all the testosterone in my house!!! That’s just me.  🙂  I like manly men….the rugged kind…you know.

I had 2 cookies right when I woke up…not sure how that’s going to allow me to fit into the hot sexy outfit I have picked out for the company Christmas party…we shall see!

Happy Friday!!! Someone….Please comment on the blog!!!!  🙂

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Sex Toy Store and Food Truck Rally

Wow, I’ve been slacking on blogging.  Things have been pretty normal around here.  I’m up early on Saturday because I have to go Kickboxing.  I have missed some classes and I really need to go.  Also, we are getting our tree today!  The kids are so excited!!!

This evening is my bunco night at Laura’s house!  YAY!  Going to be a great time!  There’s a gift exchange too….looks like I have to make a trip to the sex toy shop!  LOL one year I did that!  I got a couple little things, nothing too crazy, just some fun things and made up a little gift bag.  I think that was the year everyone really found out who I was.  :o)

I think I should do that again!  I’ll have to let you know what I come up with when I go shopping.

So last night I experienced the ultimate Idaho event…. the Food Truck Rally!

Food Truck Rally

Seriously…it was kinda cool.  We bundled everyone up and headed out.  Santa was there….the kids didn’t like him at all.  There was live music and a row of food trucks to chose from for dinner.   I guess you have to experience it once…right?

What are your plans for the weekend?

Chat later…

Bunco Betty!