Glue guns and spatulas

Fun with Denim

2012-01-07T15:52:00.002-07:00

I know I've been a bad poster here. Still making stuff. Just too (busy, lazy, unoriginal) to post them. Pinterest has kind of filled my need to post things I've tried.

But here a few things I've done lately. I've been collecting ill-fitting, holey jeans for a while and finished a few things.

The first one is this dress where I cut a tee and added layers of denim on the bottom. Inspiration here.

Dang, in the newer blogs you can make pictures smaller in the compose page. Sorry about the largeness.

Second, I finally made some art to go with the pallet shelves I made. I needed something rustic, so I took an art board from the thrift store, cut up denim and mod podged it to the board for the backyard. Then I used my glue gun to glue on pockets. I like it.

Lastly, I made a simplified denim rag quilt (no back) using more of the old jeans. A great decorator, nap quilt, and/or picnic blanket.

Let's see...what else fun have I done? I made a cinnamon roll bouquet for Christmas Eve. (I just used the tube kind)

Fun Neighbor Gift

2011-12-15T22:28:00.005-07:00

I had this little gift on my mind almost all year after I purchased this download from the Silhouette store months ago. Who doesn't like to leave cookies and milk for Santa?? When I was young we had a special plate and mug for Santa. They were blue tin with little Christmas pictures on them. I always thought it was fun to have a plate that was just for Santa. So I decided that is what we were going to give to our friends this year.
I made a plate for Santa. And a special mug for his milk.

What you will need: a mug, a plate, vinyl. (I purchased my mugs and plates at Tai Pan Trading when they had a sale. They were super cheap! ) This project is SO simple! All you have to do is purchase your mugs and plates, cut out your vinyl and tranfer it! You wouldn't even have to put the picture of Santa on it if you don't want to. Very easy!

Cookies and milk are sure to make Santa very happy! :)

I wrapped the set up with cellophane and a cute Christmas bow using some adorable ribbon. And I added a little Christmas tag that I made.

Santa is going to be one happy guy this year!

Christmas Advent Calendar

2011-11-22T13:22:00.005-07:00

After I had so much fun making my Halloween Advent Calendar, and more importantly, watching my cute girls have so much doing the activities every day, I knew I had to come up with something for Christmas. So I came up with a tree with little circle ornaments. So by the time Christmas day comes, it loooks like a little decorated Christmas tree.
This is what it looks like to start. Then you flip one ornament over every day to count down to Christmas.

Each day has a Christmas/winter activity behind it.

Then on Christmas Day, your kids put a star on the top. So this is what it looks like on Christmas day.

What you will need:Tree-shaped piece of wood. (This tree was cut from a piece that was 12x24.)

24 circle tags, Christmas paper, mod podge, gold vinyl, green, brown, and red spray paint, green and red ribbon, glue dots, star, green velcro, 24 nails

(I didn't take pictures of this process since it is just like the Halloween Calendar, and because I am lame.) Start by spray painting your tree and tags. I only painted one side. Let dry completely.

Cut vinyl numbers and paper to fit tags. (I used my Silhouette to cut the paper and vinyl numbers.)Transfer vinyl numbers to the red side of the tags. Mod Podge paper to tags. Let dry. Cut 2 inch strips of ribbon, tie a knot in the middle and stick to tags on the side with paper using a glue dot.

Hot glue velcro to top of tree and back of the star. Measure and hammer your nails into your board. Make a list of activities you want to do to count down the days. Print and cut into 1 in. circles. Use a glue dot to stick the acitivity just below each nail. Put your ornaments on.

Have a blast doing fun things with your kids while counting down the days to Christmas! :)

Halloween Costumes

2011-10-29T10:29:00.004-06:00

I made or semi-homemade three of our costumes this year. For Snow White, I got my inspiration here. I got my basic tutu instructions here and the satin flowers here. It took sixteen yards of tulle to get this baby done. But it so fluffy and girly, I love it.

I couldn't let her be the only one with a tutu, and with a Zumba Halloween party coming up, me and friends decided to make some matching ones:

My oldest wanted to be a Pharoah, which wasn't an easy costume to find. When I finally got around to it, it wasn't too hard. His "robe" is an old thrift store dress I once used to be Cruella Deville, and I got the instructions for the rest here.

Hope you have a great Halloween!

Easy Halloween Gift

2011-10-27T11:08:00.003-06:00

I wanted to make a little something for my daughter to give to her preschool teacher and dance teacher for Halloween. I remembered seeing tile magnets at various places and decided to give them a try. They were SO easy! It only took about 30 minutes to make 3 sets. What you will need (per set): 4 - 2 inch tiles, vinyl, and magnets.

All you have to do is cut out your vinyl and then transfer it to the tiles and hot glue a magnet on the back. Easy peasy!

I found some little bags and curling ribbon in my wrapping paper box so I put the magents in the bags and tied them up with a cute little note from my daughter.

So easy and very inexpensive!

Awesome (free) wood projects

2011-10-22T19:58:00.003-06:00

We (my husband and I) finished a couple of projects that have been our list for quite a while.

The first was these pallet shelves:

I got the idea here for the shelves and learned how to transfer the printed letters from here. The letters didn't transfer perfectly, but I think the worn letters complement the rustic shelves quite nicely.

I love the quote which is from the prophet of my church, President Thomas S. Monson. Now I can't wait to fill the shelves with photos and cute vintage things.

The second thing was to redo an old desk someone gave us. My husband sanded it and redid the drawers. I painted and used this technique to make the flowers.

Don't mind the dents in my wall. We won't get into that :)

Mickey/Minnie Wreath

2011-09-23T16:37:00.002-06:00

So it was on my list to make this adorable wreath but I was feeling too lazy to find that many balloons in the right colors. So, I made my own version out of materials I had around my house. Here is a quick tutorialette if you are interested.

1. Cut foam water noodle to size and use plenty of duct tape to tape it closed.

2. Cut strips off black fabric and wrap and hot glue around the wreath.

3. Wrap black fabric around foam circles and hot glue the back.

4. Cut a piece of foam board to fit the back of the circles and enough at the bottom to glue to the back of the wreath.

5. Use hot glue to glue the ears to the wreath.

6. Decorate as desired. ( I used velcro to attach the bow so I can change it to a Mickey)

I think it turned out pretty cute. I might change it up for the seasons: witch hat for Halloween, pilgrim hat for Halloween, Santa hat for Christmas etc. etc.

Count Down to Halloween

2011-09-18T17:50:00.009-06:00

When I was little, we had an advent calendar that counted the days until Christmas. My mom had a way of making holidays so much fun. My sisters and I LOVED it! I wanted to be that kind of mom for my own kids so a few years ago, I found a kit that was similar to that advent calendar and made it so that my girls could enjoy counting down to Christmas like I did when I was little.

A few weeks ago I decided I was going to design and make a "Count Down to Halloween." I wanted my sisters to participate in the fun too and my little sister said that she would make one only if it didn't involve sewing. (Haha) So this is what I came up with. We had tons of fun making them this past weekend.

This "Count Down to Halloween" not only counts down the days, but has a fun activity for the kids to do hiding behind each number.

What you will need:

1- 12 x 24 board

31- 2.25" tags

Halloween Paper

Black Ink

Black, Orange, Yellow, Purple, Green, and White Vinyl

Ribbon

Mod Podge

Foam Brush

Glue Dots

Black Semi-Gloss Spray Paint

31 white nails

( I was super excited about this project and went a little crazy, but you could simplify it if you want. :) )

First, spray paint your board and one side of your 31 tags. (I forgot to get a picture of this, but I am sure you get the idea!)

Ask your super cool brother-in-law to measure, mark, and nail your 31 nails into your board.

Next you will need to cut your paper to fit the tags. I used my Silhouette to cut my paper. Mod Podge your paper to the side of the tag that you did not paint.

Let it dry completely. When dry, distress the edge using black ink.
Cut numbers out of black vinyl (once again, I used my Silhouette) and then apply the vinyl to the paper side of the tag.
Next, cut a piece of paper that is 4.5" x 12", distress the edge with the black ink and mod podge that to the top of your board. Dry completely. Then cut out your title "Count Down to Halloween" in black vinyl. Apply to the paper.

I also cut out 2 bats and 1 cat in black vinyl and put them with the title. So it looked like this when I was finished.I cut out various Halloween sayings and pictures from white, orange, yellow, green, and purple vinyl and put one on the back of each of the tags. I am going to have my girls flip the tag over as they go to keep track of what day it is and wanted something cute on the back.

So by the end of the 31 days in October, this is what it will look like.

Next, put your orange "Trick or Treat" vinyl on the bottom of your board. (I forgot to take a picture, again!)

Then you will want to add the ribbon to your tags. It makes them SO much cuter! I bought orange and black polk-a-dot ribbon. I cut them a few inches long.

Tied a knot in the middle.

And used fray check to prevent it from fraying on the edges, and then stuck them to my tags, just below the hole, using a glue dot.

I typed up a list of 31 fun activities and printed them out and used a 1 inch hole punch to punch them out. I used the big craft glue dots to adhere them to the board behind each tag. I wanted to make sure I would be able to pull them off and change activities if I wanted, so that is why I used the dots.

So as you pull the tag off, you can read the activity for the day, have fun with your kids, and have them flip the tag over so they can keep track of how close it is getting to Halloween.

And if your kids are anything like my 4-year-old, they will hardly be able to contain their excitement!

Hurry, you still have plenty of time to whip one up before October is here!
Happy Halloween!

The Pillowcase Dress

2011-08-24T08:46:00.002-06:00

Love the pillowcase dress!! Easy enough for the beginner sewer and cute!!

For the summer version I got inspiration from here to make my own lemon-lime bandanna dress ($2 total-Wal-mart).

I used the instructions here.

She kept tugging at the ribbons so I ended up making different ties but didn't get a picture for this one. I used the tutorial here using an old green tee shirt for the straps instead. Great for a hot summer day or a swimming cover-up.

Then the other day at the thrift store I spotted a sweater with great fall colors. ($3) I'm not much of a sweater person myself but I knew I use the fall colors for something. So I made this from the same concept.

I used the leftovers to make a headband and flower. I made the flower from this tutorial, then painted a wooden circle, added some rub-ons, sprayed with finishing spray and glued an embellishment in the middle. Bring on fall!!

DIY Painted Barbie Undies

2011-07-27T09:15:00.003-06:00

I have a creative friend who always thinks of great ideas. One of them is to paint undies (or swimming suits) on barbie dolls, because lets face it: barbies spend a lot of time in the buff. So far we only own one barbie I got at a garage sale, but I thought I would try it. For the top I outlined it with a sharpie and filled it in with nail polish and let dry. For the bottom I just painted it. I think next time I will do a full swimming suit.

Now we have a (semi) modest barbie whether she is dressed or not!

Awesome Sock Buns

2011-07-08T09:12:00.002-06:00

So, I tried this sock bun thing in my hair last night, and I'm so excited I had to share it with you.

Watch the video first. It's a little long, but you probably spend more than eight minutes curling your hair in the morning so this is worth it. You put it in at night and sleep (and the bun is on the top of your head so it's comfie) and then take it out in the morning.

Here is what my hair looked like this morning (and I have two sweatie workouts since I have washed my hair-TMI- I know!)

Pretty awesome!

Summer Fun

2011-06-26T15:33:00.002-06:00

4th of July Kabob. Sorry I lost the source where I got this idea. It was a great side to a BBQ.

I made this Mariners dress for my daughter using an old T-shirt. Got the tute here. I didn't add the elastic in the middle or the sleeves cuz it's summer!

And one my favorite projects ever is the romper made out of a boys church shirt. I love it.

Got the tute here. I used a 6-8 boys shirt for a 2T romper.

Great Hair Colour

2011-06-24T07:20:00.004-06:00

So I've been growing my hair out for eight months. I felt like I needed a change so last night I bought this hair color halfway expecting to have to run to the salon today to fix it. But I was actually really impressed.

This is me earlier in the day before I colored:

And this is me after:

The back lays so much nicer. Maybe I just needed a lot of moisture. Anyway, I will definitely be buying this again. I will probably be better at applying the highlights next time but I still like how it turned out.

Teacher Gift

2011-06-01T14:22:00.005-06:00

Today was my 3 year old's, last day of school. I wanted to do something nice for her teacher because I know how much time it takes to prepare lessons for young kids. Teachers put in a lot of extra hours and I wanted to show Miss Emily our appreciation for being such a fantastic teacher. We need more of those! This is what I did for her:

I got a bucket from Target and put her name on the front with some apples. I used my Silhouette to cut the vinyl. I love that thing! She gives her students a gumball every day as they leave if they followed directions for that day. So I decided to use gumballs for the filler. I put some tissue paper in the very bottom and filled it a little with gumballs. Then I bought a circle shaped piece of floral styrofoam to hold some apple-shaped cake pops I made. And I covered that with wax paper so it wouldn't get any little styrofoam flakes on the gumballs. I put another piece of tissue paper around that so when I put it in the bucket, the tissue paper would stick up out of the bucket.

Then I stuck all my little apple cake pops in the holes I pre-made in the styrofoam circle. I had previously covered each one with a little bag and tied a red bow around the bottom. So they are all individually wrapped. Once my cake pops were in, I filled around them with the rest of the little gumballs and nestled a Target gift card in the center with a little thank you note from me and my little girl.

Here is a close up of the apple cake pops. They have cute, smiling faces. A fun gift for an awesome teacher!

My little girl loved giving her gift to Miss Emily.

Here they are together on her last day of school.

They had a fun carnival party.

We love Miss Emily!

The latest and greatest

2011-04-26T11:28:00.005-06:00

New projects I've worked on lately:

The five jeans skirt. Yes, this skirt took five pairs of old jeans that didn't fit well. Sorry for the blur. The five-year-old can only take so many pictures!!

I used this tutorial to make the yoga band for the waist. Then I basically made six-inch strips out of jeans to make each layer. And when you are making each layer 1.5 inches bigger than the last, your last layer is very long.

Then I made a little skirt for my daughter using this tute.

And finally I got my curtains up in her room. I used purple fabric I already had and then used some of friends extra purple fabric to make some patchwork curtains.

Vinyl Hair Flower

2011-04-05T17:42:00.007-06:00

Whenever I get a moment to craft (which has been few and far between lately) I always seem to go for the hair bow/flower. It's easy, fast, cheap and you can accomplish something in the five minutes you have in between needy children! So today I came up with this vinyl hair flower. I think it turned out so fun and it really stands out.

Supplies: Vinyl Fabric
Flower patterns (I used my cookie cutter set from Wilton)
White Paint
Foam Brush
Glue Gun
Hair Clip
Ribbon
Step One: Trace your flower patten onto the back of the vinyl.
Step Two: Cut out (see picture below to see how blah it looks at this step)
Step Three: Dip your foam brush into white paint and paint the edges on your flowers. It's ok to be a little messy. It gives it character.
Step Four: Let dry. Step Five: Hot glue the layers together.

Step Six: Glue a ribbon onto a clip.
Step Seven: Glue your clip onto the back of your flower.
Step Eight: Enjoy your fast, cute and unique project. (Also cute as a pin)

Product Review: Cupcake Plunger

2011-03-04T09:17:00.003-07:00

I was shopping for my husband for Valentines Day, when I found something that I wanted for Valentines Day. I'm loving cupcakes right now, and have a whole bunch of recipes I want to try.
So, I thought for $4 I would try this out.

It claimed to make the hole and then fill it. It made the hole really nicely. But to fill it, you would need something really solid like ice cream. Frostings, etc, are too soft. But it wasn't really that hard to fill it with using a spoon. I probably could have found something around my house to makethe holes, but for $4 I think this was worth it. I give is three stars.

Destruction: Keeping boys entertained

2011-03-04T09:10:00.003-07:00

Our trusty printer of many years bit the dust recently. Instead of feeding it to the garbage can, my husband suggested letting the kids take it apart. It sounded like kind of a pain to me, but when a four-day weekend came upon us, I decided to go for it. And they totally loved it. It kept us busy for a couple of hours.

Notice that I said "us". My kids weren't able to get many of the screws loose. So, be prepared with a few kinds of screwdrivers, old clothes in case of grease or ink, and lots of your own time. But it was worth it. They were totally excited to see it come apart and how everything worked.

So next time you have an electronic device break, let your kids go at it. Or you can also pick up something at the thrift store too.

Nutella Hot Chocolate

2011-02-18T16:19:00.004-07:00

I'm on a bit of a Nutella kick lately. I looove it. It's good spread on graham crackers. Whenever my kids dare venture outside for a minutes in the freezing winter, they think they deserve some hot chocolate. So when they were sipping their store bought I kind, I wondered if Nutella would make some good hot chocolate. I was right! It was so rich and delicious.

Nutella Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
Milk
Nutella
Whipped Topping (optional)

Nuke some milk in the microwave and then add desired amount of Nutella and stir until combined. Then nuke again for another 20 or so seconds. Top with whipped topping.

Other Nutella Recipes I want to try:
Nutella Pancakes

Nutella Cupcakes

Now go grab some Nutella!

And I have to share my favorite thing I did for Valentines Day: My man-bouquet for my man!
I got the idea here.

Easy School Valentines Day Party

2011-02-04T11:35:00.003-07:00

I'm in charge of the third-graders V-day party this year. Here is one game I thought up:
Taking the numbers of kids in the class and divide that number in half. Then find out how to say "I love you" in that many languages. Then I will print off two strips of each language, fold them up and randomly hand them out.
Then they have to go around the room saying "I love you" in their language until their find their match.

One of the other moms helping me is going to do "Do you love your neighbor?" Which I think the kids will like too. Click here for the instructions to that game.

"Love Bug"

2011-02-03T15:17:00.005-07:00

I decided to do a cute little Valentine project with my 3 year old today. I got the idea from here.

We didn't do it exactly as this site suggested. But that's part of the fun!

You will need:Empty toilet paper tube
Valentine paper
Scissors
Glue
Pipe cleaners
Pom pom balls

Acrylic Paint

Foam Paintbrush

Small paintbrush

(You can really use what you have around the house, that's what I did!)

First, paint the toilet paper tube.

Let it dry.

We painted a little bit on the inside. Just along the top where you would be able to see it.

Glue a pom pom to the top of the pipe cleaner.
I used hot glue for this.

This is what you will end up with.

Cut hearts out of your Valentine paper.

(I used my Silhouette for my hearts. LOVE that machine!)

Decorate your hearts however you want and then tape or glue them to the back of your tube for the wings.

Next, use a hole punch and make two holes in the tube for the antenna to go and hook pipe cleaners to the tube.

**I made my holes close to the top, next time I would make them a little lower.**

Paint or draw a face on your "Love Bug"

Love your "Love Bug" :)

When we were finished with this craft, my little girl asked, "Are we going to do another craft?"

She loved it.

Guess I will have to come up with some more fun Valentine's activities.

Little things we've done lately...

2011-01-30T14:21:00.003-07:00

Trying to beat the Winter Blues, we've done a couple things lately that the kids found fun.
First we made Banana Men for our "Family Night" treat. Basically you cut the banana in half and decorate it with chocolate chips, candies, whipped cream for hair and mustaches, etc. And please don't be jealous of the fine china we use at our house. :)

Then, for dinner one night I let the kids make their own pizzas. I made up some pizza dough, rolled out individual sized circles, and let them pick from a variety of toppings. Fun for everyone.

Also, here is another little trick I used this week. Red food coloring and corn syrup mixed and brushed onto a bandage and then dried overnight makes awesome blood!

I'm not really into gory Halloween costumes, but our school does a "Fake an injury day" for part of our spirit week. This works great for some fake-out blood!

Fun with Knit

2011-01-15T10:28:00.004-07:00

My latest project was this dress (found here):

With this matching hairbow found here:

I'm kind of addicted to making these bows out of all our old t's! This was so much fun to make.

Valentines Decor Remembered

2011-01-13T11:55:00.004-07:00

Just got out my two Valentines Decorations, and I couldn't help but smile. I was pretty crafty last year. I'm not sure what has happened since then :) Anyway, if you missed these last year they are easy, cheap. and cheery on a wintry day!

Sweetheart candy topiary: And the rag heart wreath

These have probably been our most viewed posts too. Don't forget to host a friend Valentines party for yourself too:

Chicken (Not So Crabby) Cakes

2010-12-31T06:00:00.001-07:00

So, I was watching "The Best Thing I ever Ate" while holding a fevering toddler the other day. They featured some crab cakes in Maryland that they swore were to die for. So, I got out my notebook and wrote down all of the ingredients. Since I know my marriage would be in jeopardy if I ever served seafood in my house, I wondered how it would taste with shredded chicken instead of crab. I though they turned out really, really yummy.

The kid taste test was a little low (just keeping it real folks), but me and my husband and one out of three kids liked them. They were super easy too.

So the next time you wishing you lived closer to the sea, try these out!

Chicken (No so Crabby) Cakes

Canned, shredded chicken (of course you can cook and shred your own, and you can use real shredded crab t00)

Ritz Crackers (smashed into crumbs)

Mayo

Fresh parsley, chopped

Old Bay Seasoning

Worcestershire Sauce (I was out and used soy sauce and it worked great)

Lemon juice

Regular mustard

Mix everything but the chicken until it is almost a paste, then add your meat. From into balls. Melt butter on a skillet and put your cakes on and smash with a spatula. When they are golden brown, flip and cook the other side. Delish!

PS. Sorry, I hate seeing recipes without pictures. But I lack the camera, lighting, and know- how to make food look yummy in a picture. So, I figured no picture is better than a bad picture. But, trust me these are super yummy.

How's Yours?

2010-12-30T13:41:00.002-07:00

I learned a new game this Christmas that would be fun to play at your New Years Eve party this year. It's called "How's Yours?" It's one of those games that a big group can play and you don't need any equipment.

You send the "IT" person out and think of something you would all have: it could be concrete as your shirt or abstract like your attitude or your job. (Little kids would need something more concrete).

Then you call the person back in and they go around the circle asking people "How's Yours?" For shirt you could say purple, warm, old, stained, etc. They keep asking until they guess correctly. If they guess correctly on your turn, then that person is the next "IT". It was pretty fun. Enjoy your last two days of the year!

Christmas Poems for Teachers

2010-12-23T19:48:00.002-07:00

I didn't want to post these until after I gave my gifts to teachers and staff at my kids' school. The first was for their teachers. The 12 days of Christmas poem I found on another site, but I can't remember which one. I also changed it a bit to put more school supplies into it and ones that I could find easily. You could do this for 12 days if you'd like or I just bundled them together in a basket and sent it on Christmas party day. The teachers really seemed to enjoy it.

On the 1st day Christmas,

The budget cuts began

So here’s some copy paper

Sorry it’s not a sedan.

For the 2nd day of Christmas,

We are busy, little bees…

You can correct our papers

With these 2 red sharpies!

For the 3rd day of Christmas,

I give you binder clips,

I’m sure it could be tempting

To use them on my lips!

For the 4th day of Christmas

White board markers come in four…

As my 3rd grade teacher,

You really help me soar!

For the 5th day of Christmas,

Some popcorn for a snack,

Sorry, that‘s all the food

I could fit in my backpack!

For the 6th day of Christmas,

Reminders you might need

To keep your day in order

Sticky notes to help you succeed.

For the 7th day of Christmas,

A package of multi-colored pens

In case to feel like writing

To some of your old friends.

For the 8th day of Christmas,

Here are 8 paperclips multiplied by 10,

I hope you are enjoying this

’cause it feels like I’ve just begun!

For the 9th day of Christmas,

I’ve brought you chewing gum,

It feels like Christmas break

Is never going to come!

For the 10th day of Christmas,

10 magnets I bring to you,

You surprise me every day

With all the fun stuff we do!

For the 11th day of Christmas,

Some pencils I hope you’ll need,

Hillview is so lucky

To have you here indeed!

For the 12th day of Christmas,

Some stickers to give you cheer,

I wish you a Merry Christmas

And a very Happy New Year!!

The second poem was for the Principal, secretaries, counselor and Librarian. Since I am the PTO president I interact with these people a lot and appreciate all the help they give me so I bought a stack of post-its and a Sonic Gift card and attached this poem that I made up.

A Poem made Just for YOU!!

Working at a school

Isn’t always cool

Budgets getting cut

Feeling you’re in a rut

Always out of cash

Feeling like you might just crash

Maybe needing a little rest

Wanting always to do your best

Winter months get long and bleak

Thinking you could use a drink

I know you don’t think of Sonic

When you need a gin and tonic

But for a drink with lots of Ice

Take this card for a nice surprise

Sit back, relax and enjoy

It’s time for Christmas break, Oh Boy!

Then when you use a post it note

Or help a kid to find their coat

Know that I appreciate all you do

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year too!!!

*
I had one just for post-its but I wasn't sure how much I liked it, but I'll post it in case anyone else does and would like to use it.

Post Its are a simple gift I know
But believe me when I tell you that its so
You are wonderful and Kind
I ask you for favors and you don't mind
Merry Christmas and have a really great Furlough!

Silly I guess, but appreciated. Post its are a real luxury, most teachers are using the back of cut up scratch paper. That's great and all but sometimes a post it is really useful!
I hope you enjoy!!!
Tammie

More Christmas Game Ideas

2010-12-18T12:34:00.002-07:00

So I must be out of the loop, but I've never seen Minute it Win It. But last night at a Christmas party we played some of those games and they were super fun and easy and involved everyone. I'm definetly going to do some of these at our Christmas party. The web-site has tons of game ideas you can play complete with instructions. If you need more ideas for your Christmas party head here.

Christmas Whoonu

2010-12-17T07:00:00.001-07:00

We are having the family Christmas Eve party at my house this year, and I found some cute ideas online, but was still looking for something else.
One of my favorite games is Cranium Whoonu, so I decided to make a Christmas version making cards out of my own Christmas words. This would be an easy and orginal Christmas game for you to play with friends and family. For instructions on how to play Whoonu click here:
Here is the list of words I came up to make cards out of:
1) Santa Claus
2) Dasher
3) Dancer
4) Prancer
5) Vixon
6) Comet
7) Cupid
8) Donner
9) Blitzen
10) Rudolph
11) Snowflakes
12) Peppermint Candy Canes
13) Fruit-flavored candy canes
14) Elves
15) Decorating the tree
16) Real Christmas Trees
17) Fake Christmas Trees
18) Wreaths
19) Cutting down your own tree
20) Ward Christmas Parties
21) Christmas Eve
22) Receiving neighbor gifts
23) Giving neighbor gifts
24) Peanut Brittle
25) Fruit Cake
26) Eggnog
27) Fudge
28) Sugar Cookies
29) Making gingerbread houses
30) Seeing Christmas Lights
31) Putting outside Christmas Lights Up
32) Angels
33) Nativities
34) Song “Jingle Bells”
35) Song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”
36) Black Friday
37) Online Shopping
38) Shopping with Christmas Crowds
39) Picking out the perfect present for someone
40) Song “I'll be home for Christmas”
41) Song “Silent Night”
42) Song “Little Drummer Boy”
43) Song “Let it Snow”
44) Song “Must Be Santa”
45) Song “Deck the Halls”
46) Song “Santa Claus is coming to town”
47) Song “Away in a manger”
48) Song “Joy the World”
49) Song “Feliz Navidad”
51) Messiah/Hallelujah Chorus
54) Christmas Lights on Temple Square
55) Movie “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” New Version
56) Movie “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” Old version
57) Movie “The Polar Express”
58) Movie “Mr. Kruegers Christmas”
59) Movie “National Lampoons Christmas Vacation”
60) Movie “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
61) Story: A Christmas Carol
62) Movie: Frosty the Snowman
63) Movie “Home Alone”
64) Movie “Elf:
65) Movie “Christmas Story”
66) Book “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”
67) Getting up early on Christmas Morning
68) Sleeping in on Christmas Morning
69) Building a snowman
70) Sledding
71) Snowmobiling
72) Christmas Morning Breakfast
73) Christmas Dinner
74) Being with family on Christmas
75) Family Christmas Parties
76) Opening presents
77) No school over Christmas break
78) Nutcracker Soldiers
79) Stars
80) Candles
81) Fireplaces
82) Ornaments
83) Movie “The muppet Christmas Carol”
84) Movie “Miracle on 34th Street”
85) Movie “The Santa Clause”
86) Movie “It's a wonderful Life”
87) Wreaths
88) Bells
89) Mistletoe
90) Christmas Color Red
91) Christmas Color Green
92) Christmas Color White
93) Christmas Color Silver
94) Christmas Color Gold
95) Writing letters to Santa
96) Sitting on Santa's Lap
97) Leaving cookies for Santa
98) Baking Christmas Treats
99) Christmas Caroling
100) Shopping Early
101) Shopping last minute
102) Sleepover by the Christmas Tree
103) Wrapping presents
104) Hot Chocolate
105) Hot Apple Cider
106) Chocolates
107) Getting toys for Christmas
108) Getting Video Games for Christmas
109) Getting clothes for Christmas
110) Getting jewelry for Christmas
111) Getting movies for Christmas
112) Gingerbread Cookies
113) Shortbread Cookies
114) Candy Cane Hersheys Kisses
115) Mint Truffle Hersheys Kisses
116) Snickerdoodles
117) Chocolate Chip Cookies
118) Pomegranate 7-Up
119) Cranberries
120) Christmas Art Projects
121) Pumpkin Pie
122) Apple Pie
123) Listening to Christmas Music
124) Fuzzy pajamas
125) Warm socks

(I know some of the numbers are messed up-but if you are like me you have a million things on your Christmas to-do list and I don't have time to fix it- You get the idea)

Christmas Dinner Favors

2010-12-16T12:22:00.004-07:00

Each year we have a big Christmas Eve dinner with my cousins. When my mom hosts it at her house she likes to have little favors for everyone. She has put me in charge of coming up with the favors the last two years. Here is what I came up with this year:

I bought some bead jars and mints. I filled the jars with the mints. They hold about 13. I used some old ribbon I had laying around to glue around the top. I used the craft glue dots. I found that if I stuck a tiny piece of it on and then pulled, it would stretch around the top and then I could stick my ribbon to it. (I would have taken a picture but wasn't really planning on posting about this! Hopefully you understand what I mean.:) ) Then I used my digital scrapbook program to make circle labels to go on top. I was happy with the way they turned out so I made another set to take to my husband's Christmas dinner. The jars for my husband's side say "Merry Christmas 2010"

The jars for my side say "Christmas Eve 2010"
They are sure to add some Christmas cheer!

Personal Message from Santa

2010-12-08T13:38:00.005-07:00

My friend featured a very cool site on her blog that I had to share. You can add a couple of photos and personal information about your child and Santa will send your child a video talking just to them. It's pretty cool. My four-year-old was pretty amazed.

To see an example go here or just go straight to the site here.

Not Your Momma's Green Beans

2010-11-10T13:57:00.007-07:00

So I knew I loved roasted potatoes and carrots, but I haven't dabbled too much in other roasted veggies. But yesterday, by a fantastic twist of fate I had a bag of fresh green beans from Bountiful Baskets and a "new to me" Rachel Ray magazine from my husbands work-complete with a Roasted Green Beans and Almonds recipe.

Now you have to understand that my boys (including the one I'm married to) don't take to green foods very much. I usually make them eat three each, and they gag it down and get it over with. But last night they all loved it and asked for me. Miracles never cease. I also heard that roasting cauliflower with ranch powder is awesome too. I will have to try that.

The best green beans ever

Fresh green beans, ends snapped, and snapped in half
Olive Oil
Kosher Salt
Freshly ground pepper
Coarsely chopped salted almonds

Preheat oven to 450. Spread beans on baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir to evenly coat. Bake for ten minutes, then add almonds and roast for another 4-5 minutes.

Super Yummy French Bread

2010-10-22T11:29:00.004-06:00

Last time I was at the Prepared Pantry I saw this base for French Bread. Curious I decided to give it a try. It was sooo good. It had that distinct french bread taste. I've tried to make homemade French bread before. It was good, but tasted like regular homemade bread.

The instructions included were fairly easy to follow, but not quite simplified enough for me.

If you get a chance to get some of this awesome stuff and want an easier method, here is what I did:

Ingredients:

One cup Base for French Bread

2 cups warm water (about 110 degrees)

3 1/2 cups bread flour

1 seven-gram packet of yeast

Put all ingredients in your bread maker and use the dough setting. When that is done, shape into two long loaves on a cookie sheet, cover with plastic wrap sprayed with cooking spray and let rise until really puffy in a warm place (about an hour). Preheat your oven to 375. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until golden brown.

Store leftovers in a paper bag. (Not plastic).

Best eaten within a couple of days.

Perfect with some soup or chili.

Simplified Mango Sticky Rice

2010-10-10T08:15:00.005-06:00

Mango Sticky Rice: One of our good friends (and one of the best cooks I know) writes the food blog Salt and Flattery. He did a post on Mango Sticky Rice that looked soo good. But it was a little too extensive for me (and I couldn't find Thai sticky rice or have a bamboo steamer) So I did what we did best around here and simplified. It turned out pretty darn yummy. I would be curious to see how my simplified version compared to his. Here is my version:

Mango Sticky Rice

Ingredients:

1 Cup Thai Jasmine Rice (Found in the Asian Section)
1 Can (14 oz) Lite coconut milk
A little less than 1/2 cup of sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 mangos, peeled and chopped (I used frozen that I thawed)

Mix the coconut milk, sugar, and salt and add enough water that it makes 1 3/4 cup liquid. Bring to a boil in a saucepan and add rice. Cover and simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes without removing the lid. Stir in mangos and serve.

I thought it was delicious. My husband thought it was like dessert rice. Half of the kids liked it.

Homemade Laundry Soap

2010-10-05T15:45:00.003-06:00

Yes, you heard me-homemade!! Who knew?? We learned this recipe at a church meeting a few months ago. I recently ran out of the store bought stuff and decided to give it a try. Then yesterdays dirty clothes got to be the lucky ones to give it a go. And yes it worked. Everything was clean.
And the best part is that it is stinking cheap. I haven't calcuated exactly but it has to be way less than a penny per load. I don't know how widespread this recipe is online, but I still had to share it with you. I heard that the 18-kids and Counting lady uses this stuff to do her laundry. It really only took about 10-15 minutes to make after you have everything gathered.

I found the Fels-naptha and washing soda at Winco (our grocery store)

Liquid Laundry Soap

4 cups Hot tap water
1 Fels-naptha Bar
1 cup washing soda
1/2 cup Borax

Directions: Grate Fels-soap and add to hot water. Stir over medium-low heat until the soap is dissolved. Fill one gallon bucket 1/2 full of hot tap water. Add soap mixture, soda, and borax until dissolved. Add more hot water to fill up 5 gallon bucket. Let sit over night. Then when cool you can add 10-15 drops essential oils per 2 gallons of soap.

I'm going to use a leftover plastic gallon ice cream bucket to fill up for easier use, then go back to the five gallon bucket to refill that. You might have to restir once in awhile.

Top loaders uses 1/4 cup per load.
Front loaders uses 1/8 cup per load.

Witches Hat

2010-09-21T16:13:00.002-06:00

Today's Project: This witches hat. (Sorry I was feeling to lazy to take pictures of the process).
I picked up a paper mache witches hat from our local craft store for $1.99. Then I ripped up some fabric scraps and used Mod Podge to glue them around the hat. Then I painted the base black and used tacky glue to attach a scrapbooking metal frame for the buckle. Makes me excited for Halloween!

The $10 Wall

2010-09-18T19:07:00.006-06:00

Upstairs we had an "extra" catch-all room. This is what one wall looked like (which was painted with love a few years ago for a couple of cute little boys who are now downstairs). It needed a redo. It had black permanent marker in a few too many places.

Since this room is bigger than my daughters room and I had to paint anyway....I decided to move her over. I painted this yellow color.

But it needed a little decoration. So, I took these of these chargers ($1.99 each) that I got from the Hobby Lobby.

And then I cut some purple fabric scraps into strips.

And then I used Mod Podge to glue them down in a random fashion

Then I found a leaf pattern from my computer and cut out 5 leaves for each flower from heavy purple fabric.

I traced the plate and made a pattern so I would know where to place them around the center.

Then I used a paint roller to roll some fabric starch onto the leaf.

Then I pressed it onto the wall, slightly under the pattern and smoothed out. At this point you can use a sponge to spread more fabric starch onto the top of the leaf. (To remove the fabric from walls, just dampen and peel off)

And here are all of the petals:

Repeat for any other flowers you want.
To hang the chargers, we used Gorilla Glue to glue a teeth bracket to the back, then hung them on a nail in the center of the petals.

I'm happy with how it turned out. The flowers are big enough they take up an entire wall. I like the modern/shabby look of them.

Grill once, eat (at least) thrice

2010-09-17T08:32:00.001-06:00

Don't you love it when everyone likes (and eats) their dinner. This week we did something that saved time, and everyone likes all three meals.
We grilled chicken once and ate three meals off of it (and still have a little chicken left to freeze). We got Mexican, Italian and American out of it, so it didn't feel like we were eating the same thing every meal. And the best part of it, everyone liked all of them.

So, first grill ups lots of chicken. Some with instructions for the Grilled Chicken Quesadillas, and the rest seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic salt.

Night One:
Grilled Chicken Quesadillas

Night Two:
Ranch Chicken Pizza (I didn't use arugula)

Night Three:
Chicken Phillies Recipe (Sorry I couldn't find the source)

Grilled Chicken
Onion
Multi-colored peppers
Olive Oil
Shredded cheese
Hoagie Buns

Turn your oven on to broil. Slice the chicken, peppers, and onions thinly and saute them in olive oil. Place on your hoagie bun, add cheese and broil about 5 minutes until cheese is melted and heated through.

YUMMY!

Tips on being smart and safe

2010-09-17T08:21:00.002-06:00

Last night we had a church meeting for women on different aspects on being prepared. One of our teachers works at our local prison and had a few great tips I thought I would share. It's one of the things you hope you never have to use, but it's always good to be reminded. I can't remember all of them but here are a few:

1) Never park next to a "cargo" type van in a parking lot.
2) When you go out to your car, hold your one pointy key in between your index and middle, it could be a good way to poke an intruder in the eye!
3) If a stranger stops to ask for directions, etc, (even if it is a little old lady), at least keep arms distance away.
4) If you have GPS, don't label home "home"
5) Wasp spray can be used as pepper spray.
6) Change up routes and daily routines.
7) If someone throws an egg at your windshield, don't wipe it with your windshield. It will turn white, you will have to stop, and your attackers could get you. Instead drive the best you can until you can get to a public place and then stop.
8) Always lock your car while pumping gas. An intruder could get in on the opposite side of your car while you are pumping.
9) Sleep with your keys next to your bed, and then you can hit the panic button for your car and it will start beeping in case of an intruder in your home.
10) Strap your purse to your cart, so someone can't grab it easily.
11) Stay on levels 2-12 in a hotel. The first level is the most often broken into, the higher levels are harder to get to in a fire!

Hope this is a helpful. Have a happy and safe day!

How to have your ideas...and save on ink too

2010-08-28T15:37:00.004-06:00

You could say I have always been addicted to ideas. When I was first married I used to get crafty library books and spend a lot of time copying page after page. Luckily I worked at a copy shop. That was before blogs! (or at least before I knew about blogs)

It has been dangerous for me to know about blogs. I have limit myself. But I can't give up my ideas. I love getting new ideas (Recently, I discovered why. My friend does personality profiling on how to dress, and I have discovered that I am a "1" and "1's" love new ideas!)

So, I was spending a lot of money on ink and paper. I know I could bookmark them, or save them to my computer. But I would much rather look through prinouts that on the screen to choose my next project. Plus, I thought I would save them to my computer and forget all about them.

I rationalized my ink spending habits on the fact that I am pretty low-maintenance. Most of my clothes comes from clearance racks, I don't eat out a lot, I don't get pedi's, etc. Besides, SAHM's need some sort of "out" and this was mine.

But, it was getting a little excessive. I have stacks and stacks of printouts. All great ideas, but I was probably only getting to 1% of them. Soo, recently I started "starring" them on google reader. Then every once in awhile, I will copy the picture, paste it into word, then print the web address under the picture. I will also copy and print recipes this way.

Then, when I do look through my ideas, and get serious about one, I can look up where I can find more detail. I also use grayscale to save on expensive colored ink. Then I have my little filing cabinet divided into categories. It's been working great for me.

Do you have any great organizing ideas for your projects to be?

Dolly

2010-08-26T08:26:00.002-06:00

This summer I spent more time enjoying summer than crafting, but I was feeling an itch to make something. And I keep drooling over the Waldorf dolls Lil Blue Boo keeps featuring. Having the "I'm too frugal I can make that myself mentality" can be a curse sometimes. Those dolls are expensive, but I learned why. I researched some sites online and attempted to make one. Not going to happen in this lifetime.
But, I still I had this itching to make a doll. So, I found a great tutorial on Martha Stewart. The doll instructions were very easy to follow. However, I found the clothes a bit challenging. (Don't let this intimidate you, as I am a very amateur sewer) So, I made an extremely basic version of the shirt which was supposed to have a collar, buttons etc.

It was good enough for my 15-month old. I love her long crazy hair. Maybe I will have to live my long hair fantasies through her. Now I've gotten it out of my system. Time to move on to other craft projects.

And to start saving for the real Waldorf doll.

Two-week menu

2010-08-22T21:39:00.003-06:00

Monday-Enchiladas Rancheras with fruit
Tuesday-Pizza with green salad (for me only!)
Wednesday-Greek style chicken sandwiches-roughly based on this, but I will have to tone it down for the gringos
Thursday-Loaded chicken baked potatoes *make extra shredded chicken for Friday
Friday-Hawaiian Haystacks
Saturday-Dry Rub Ribs-(have made these before-to die for!!)
Sunday-Meatballs
Monday-Spagetti dinner fundraiser
Tuesday-Tacos
Wednesday-Pulled pork or chicken sandwhiches
Thursday-Chili-roughly based on this
Friday and Saturday-possibly out of town

*Loaded Baked Potatoes
Bake your potatoes and add shredded chicken tossed in BBQ sauce, cheese, ranch, and green onions

Taste Test Party

2010-08-20T08:24:00.002-06:00

Last night we had a fun activity at our monthly girls night. We did a taste taste for our refreshments. Here is how it worked: A few weeks before I sent out a list of assignments. Everyone had a partner and here is what we had to test ourselves on. :

1) Coke vs Pepsi
2) Same item from two different restaurants (They brought fried rice from Panda Express and a local Chinese place)
3) Same cookie bar recipe-one used imitation vanilla and one used Mexican vanilla
4) Blackberry Cheesecakes-one using Philadelphia cream cheese, the other using store brand cream cheese
5) Low-fat fruit dip vs. full fat fruit dip
6) Organic granola and milk vs. regular granola and milk
7) Whoopie pies-(different recipes-we had to guess who made which one)
8) Bakery brownies vs. homemade brownies
9) Crush Soda vs. Store Brand Orange Soda

When ladies I arrived, I handed them their quiz and we went around and starting tasting.
The options are endless. It was a lot of fun. Even Coke enthusiasts had a hard time tasting the difference when it was disguised and tasted next to Pepsi.
The four people who got the most right got some hand soap from Bath and Body works, and then we watched Dear John in our garage (since it was windy).
The next time you are in charge of planning girls night, bookmark this idea and see how distinguised your taste buds are!

A Silly wedding Gift!

2010-07-30T20:32:00.003-06:00

When my husband and I got married nearly 20 years ago, my best friend from High School did the cutest present for us. It leaned toward the naughty side, but not raunchy. Bill wanted to do something similar for a couple of the gals he works with when they got married. (he thinks he's funny and so we humor him!) Anyway I wrote the poems to go with each item and thought I would post part of it here, if you wanted the whole thing just drop and email and I can send it to you!

On the Cooler

I'm sure you can't imagine

What it might be like

That this state of happiness

Just might take a hike

But someday soon, a fight will come

That makes you all amiss

And when it happens you might ask

Where is my wedded bliss?

So we're giving you this COOLER

To remember to be nice

But when your anger reels its head

"Chill Out" and put it on Ice.

Inside this cooler you will find

A few things you might need

Enjoy this gift made just for you

It will be fun indeed!

Inside there is a Towel, Excedrin, condoms, m&m's and a jar, breath mints, socks, ice cream toppings, lighter, leopard duct tape and a feather, and band aids and first aid tape.
Here's a few samples of the poems that go with each item.

Excedrin

Here’s a prescription

Written just for you.

In case of a headache

Just take TWO!

M&M’s and a Jar

It takes a year to fill this jar

Drop an M&M each time

The two of you get all caught up

And make those love bells chime.

They say it takes just 50 more

To take out every one

So set a goal and work real hard

Go Ahead…and have some fun!

Towel

Keep this in your bedside table

For clean up…just in case

You never know when you’ll be able

To make it past third base.

Tammie

The perfect pie

2010-07-12T16:14:00.001-06:00

I know most of you who care are already on the Prepared Pantry's mailing list, but just in case here is their e-book on how to make the perfect pie.

And while we are at it..

2010-07-09T15:25:00.002-06:00

The Prepared Pantry's Biscuit and Shortcake Guide! Chocolate Caramel Raspberry Shortcake anyone?

Prepared Pantry Smoothie Collection

2010-07-09T14:40:00.002-06:00

Just go here! That is all I have to say about that.

How to get dry-erase off of stubborn boards

2010-07-02T16:26:00.002-06:00

I love the Internet. Can you imagine how life would be without it? Last month I scored a good deal on a big dry-erase calender that hangs by the garage door. It is my brain. Everything, including the menu goes on here.

Today I went to erase it to start July, and the writing would not come off. I tried all sorts of soaps, cleaners, even vinegar. Nothing was working. Not even my Internet. But when it started working again, two clicks had my answer! And even better, I actually owned both items:

Spot Shot Carpet Cleaner
and a Magic Eraser (which I tried by itself earlier and it didn't really work).
But put them together and you have magic. Just spray with the Spot Shot and let sit for about 3-5 minutes. Then get your magic eraser damp and wipe away. Just like magic. Love it!

Peaches and Cream Dried Peaches

2010-06-30T09:22:00.004-06:00

Awhile ago, I saw an idea here on Blue Cricket Design to dip apple slice in Jell-o before dehydrating them for flavored apple chips. Intrigued, I decide to try it with peach slices when I bought a couple of boxes. But then I go to thinking that dipping them in dry pudding mix might be pretty yummy too.
So, after I peeled, pitted, and sliced I dipped them in some of this:

At first, I dipped each one,

But, then I decided it would be easier to do the whole batch at once.

I did this with Jell-o and chocolate pudding too. Then put it on my (ok, my moms) dehydrator.

After drying for about 12 hours, this is what the vanilla pudding ones looked like. They were still pretty sticky. But they tasted just peaches and cream. Yum!

So, here is the final cherry jell-o, chocolate, plain, vanilla pudding, and lime dried peaches.

The favorite with the kids: Lime
The favorite of mine: vanilla pudding
Least favorite of everybodys: chocolate

So, next time you come across some fresh peaches, give this a try!

Two-Week Menu

2010-06-21T08:42:00.002-06:00

Monday: Taco Cups and Guacamole
Tuesday: Out to eat (Grandma is taking 1/2 the kids camping!)
Wednesday: Church BBQ-Grilled Chicken and Aloha Fruit Dip
Thursday: Trip
Friday: Trip
Saturday: I've learned that my husband likes to come up with something on the spur of the moment on Saturday
Sunday: Roast and Potatoes
Monday: Crock pot burritos-freezer
Tuesday: Date
Wednesday: Cheese Manicotti-freezer
Thursday: BBQ Chicken Salad
Friday: Orange chicken--freezer
Saturday: 4th of July Celebrations- Bringing Strawberry Cheesecake Squares and Berry Salad for the potluck BBQ

Philly Subs (Po' mans version of a Philly Cheesesteak)

2010-06-16T20:25:00.001-06:00

The inspiration for this comes from one of our favorites-lasagna buns and something my brother-in-law said he had on his mission. I know- not an exciting story, but I am always curious how people come with recipes.
But it doesn't really matter the story, what matters is how yummy and easy this is. Once you try it, it might just become regular. I love a Philly Cheese steak. This is a simple, cheap yummy version that hits all the bells and whistles of the real deal.

Sorry-I'm not much of a measurer-so these are my closest guesses. I don't think you can screw this up too much.

Philly Subs:
Hard dinner rolls
Approx 1 lb ground hamburger
About 1/2 of a medium onion, finely chopped
1 Small Red pepper (or green pepper, or any combination), finely chopped
Two wedges Laughing Cow Original Cheese
About 1/3 of a block of low-fat cream cheese
A little bit of garlic herb feta cheese-optional*

The method:
Preheat the oven to 350. Cut off the tops of your hard rolls (electric knifes work well), and pull the middle out of each roll. Put each roll in a muffin tin and set aside.
Brown your hamburger, and when it is almost done added your chopped onions and peppers and saute until tender.
Meanwhile, start heating your soft cheeses in another pot on low-to-med until melted together. Then add to the meat mixture and stir until combined well.
Fill each roll with your meat mixture and top with the roll lid. Put a peace of tin foil over the muffin pan and bake for about 15-20 minutes until the roll starts to get crunchy and the filling is warm. Enjoy!

Any combination of cream cheese, Laughing Cow cheese, add a little feta, even melted American singles or Velveeta would work well for the cheese portion.

Two-week menu

2010-06-07T16:27:00.002-06:00

Monday: Quesadilla Fiesta
Tuesday: Baked Potato Bar
Wednesday: (Feeding missionaries), Chicken BBQ Sandwhiches, Corn on the Cob, French Fries, and Frosty Orange Dessert
Thursday: Chicken Pitas
Friday: Church dinner party
Saturday: Steak and potatoes
Sunday: Lemon Crock Pot Chicken (from freezer group)
Monday: Baked taquitos (freezer)
Tuesday: Philly Buns
Wednesday: Chicken Pot Pie (freezer)
Thursday: (Babysitting nieces and nephews), Grilled Pita Pizzas
Friday: (still babysitting) Grilled Hamburgers
Satuday: Breakfast burritos

Flavored Breakfast Syrups

2010-05-30T13:57:00.004-06:00

In case I have convinced any of you to try the flavors from The Prepared Pantry (no they are not paying me to endorse them), I created a new way to use them this morning. I used the brown sugar flavor, but I'm sure they are all to die for.

Dieters beware--don't be shocked at the ingredients. Yes, this should be used sparingly, but no life isn't worth living without this syrup.

Flavored Syrup
1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup minus 1 TBS milk, add 1 TBS lemon juice, and let sit for 5 minutes)
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter (no substitutes), melted
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1-2 tsp. your choice of flavor from the Prepared Pantry (or any other extract or flavor)

Bring buttermilk, sugar, and butter to a boil. Take off heat. Add baking soda and 1 tsp. flavor and stir. Taste and add the rest of the flavoring as desired. Stir, serve immediately. (You can warm up later)

Just when I resolved to eat less sugar...

2010-05-27T07:29:00.003-06:00

Can you tell that I love the Prepared Pantry and love using different flavors for things?

They just came out with flavored Rice Krispie treats! Check it out:
Strawberry Lemonade
Apricot
Huckleberry
Lemon

What are you waiting for?

2010-05-23T22:04:00.003-06:00

This was my project on Saturday! I bought these letters from a place called The Wood Connection (www.thewoodconnection.com) through my moms ward. They were unfinished letters. I stained them with a maple stain, then covered them with scrapbook paper using a spray adhesive. Then I sanded the edges down. I think it turned out pretty cute. Although I still can't decide if it matches my living room decor....maybe I'll have to repaint!!!

The super cheap, super fast, super cute, and super easy ring

2010-05-22T06:00:00.001-06:00

You will also need elastic.

Sew Great

2010-05-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

Been on a bit of a sewing kick lately. Here are some of my projects. I took a hand-me-down shirred tank-top and sewed on a four- tiered skirt to it.

Who knew you could sew a hat out of an old T-shirt? Perfect for pulling on for early morning garage sales! Find out how here.

I bought this dress dirt-cheap at Old Navy, but it was too short. I took inspiration from this http://alisaburke.blogspot.com/2010/03/petticoat-tutorial.html, only I sewed a length onto the dress and then added the ruffles. Not sure if I am in love with this or not. Me and my mom are working on a eyelet slip skirt to wear under a couple of other clearance dresses that were too short. If I like it maybe I will unpick it and wear that instead.

The 20-Minute Skirt. Ok, it took me about an hour, but that was more for operator error than anything else.

More Popcorn Fun

2010-05-20T13:43:00.001-06:00

In case you aren't on the Prepared Pantry's mailing list, they updated their popcorn handbook with more recipes such as:
Orange Crème Dream Popcorn,
Jenny’s Gooey Caramel Green Apple Popcorn,
Summertime Strawberry Tart Lemonade Popcorn
Caramel Turtle Popcorn
Birthday Cake Popcorn
Candy Butterscotch Popcorn
Butter Pecan Popcorn

I've died and gone to popcorn heaven! Check it here!

Otter Pops Solutions

2010-05-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

Yes, I'm a bad mom and let my kids have otter pops despite their high fructose corn syrup. I have bought molds to freeze fruit juice in, I just need to get to it. Anyway, we usually have a major problem with scissors and otter pops. They lose them, ruin my good pairs with stickiness, etc etc.

So, a year or two ago my husband came up with solution. We took wire and hooked onto something near the freezer. We originally used string, but it was too tempting to cut them off with the said scissors. No more looking for scissors or ruining mine.

Now, if only I had a solution for wrappers on the ground....

Mexicali Burgers

2010-05-19T12:13:00.001-06:00

Sorry, my mouth was watering too much to snap a photo before I devoured this delicious burger. You will have to let your taste buds picture it for you.

We got a BBQ Cookbook at a garage sales years ago, and this one of our favorite burgers. If you like Mexican and Burgers, this is the perfect marriage.

Mexicali Burgers
Adapted from Favorite Brand Name BBQ and outdoor Grilling

Guacamole (recipe follows)
1 pound ground beef
1/3 cup salsa
1/3 cup crushed tortilla chips
2 tbs. finely chopped onion
3 tbs. finely chopped cilantro (optional)
1 tsp. ground cumin
4 slices cheese
hamburger buns
any other preferred toppings

1. Prepare grill. This tend to drip and fall apart easily, so you can use a drip pan.

2. Prepare guacamole.

3. Combine beef, salsa, tortilla chips, cilantro, onion and cumin in medium bowl.
Mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape mixture into 4 burgers.

4. Grill on covered grill about 8-10 minutes until desired doneness.

5. Place cheese on the burgers during last minute of grilling. Place on buns, top with guacamole and any other desired toppings.

Guacamole

1 ripe avocado
1 tbs. salsa
1 tsp. lime or lemon juice
1/4 tsp. garlic salt

1. Mash avocado, leaving it slightly chunky.
2. Add other ingredients and mix.

Popcorn Connoisseurs

2010-05-19T08:54:00.003-06:00

We (especially the hubbie) loves popcorn. He would rather have popcorn than brownies (I know!)
He makes it at least two times a week. Anyway, we saw an Alton Brown show the other day and he recommended using peanut oil to cook your popcorn. If you are like me I grew up on air-popped but the husband has to have stove-popped.
We use this crank-handled maker pictured above.

Anyway, we had to try it and I have to say it is really good. It has a distinct smell and taste, and I really like it. You might have to consume popcorn at least twice a week to tell the difference, but if you are obsessed like we are, you should really try it.

How to blog-surf with a 11-month old on a lazy Friday morning

2010-05-14T08:47:00.001-06:00

You have to go for the fake-out keyboard. So, get an old keyboard. Thrift store might have them and place them where you would normally put your real one. Now, let them pound and sit on it to their hearts content.
Now, I better go shower!

4th of July Dress

2010-05-10T16:09:00.003-06:00

What do you get when you combine two hand-me-down patriotic tank-tops with one of my old white shirts? This 4th of July dress!
I know-we still have two months to go, but I love the 4th of July! She already has her outfit all ready.
I cut up my old white shirt to to make the skirt to sew to the red tank top. Then, I cut up the cute words and graphics from the other tank and appliqued it to the skirt.

Menu Planning take 626

2010-05-09T22:16:00.003-06:00

I have tried a lot of different systems to organize my recipes and plan my menus. I haven't stuck with any of them. This week I tried something that just might work. I'm kind of excited about it. I read somewhere about having a having a theme for each night of a week.
They listed some suggestions, but I went through my recipes to see what categories we eat the most. Here is what I came up with:

Sunday--Sunday Foods (you know like roasts, scalloped potatoes etc.)
Monday-Mexican
Tuesday-Italian, Pasta, Pizza
Wednesday-Hamburgers, Sliders, Sandwiches, Sloppy Joes, and Wraps
Thursday-Salad, Soups, Chili (I'm the only one who will eat lettuce, but I still make salads that they can eat on rice, chips, or plain)
Friday-Grillin and Meat night- Kind of a man's night, meat and potatoes. (Pork, chicken, steak kebabs etc)
Saturday-Misc.Breakfast for dinner (I have a whole different binder for breakfast), casseroles, and Asian

So, basically after I sorted my recipes, I put them into a big binder with dividers. Then, when I am menu planning I just look through each day, and put the recipe I'm using that day in the front of the section so it easy to find. On the back of the sections divider (which I just cut down a 12x12 to size) I can write down suggestions for that category that don't have recipes ( like tacos), or page numbers of recipes in books that fit that category.

I'm excited. I just planned out the next two weeks.

Mon-BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Tues-Pasta Meal from freezer group
Wed-Croque Madame Sandwiches
Thurs-Chinese Chicken Salad
Fri-Grilled chicken and Parmesan potatoes
Sat-Breakfast sandwiches
Sun-Scalloped Potatoes with ham
Mon-Crock pot burritos
Tues-Beef Stroganoff from freezer group
Wed-Sloppy Joes
Thurs-Chicken Chowder
Fri-Parmesan Chicken
Sat-Baked egg and ham cups with smoothies

Lemony Sunshine Popcorn

2010-05-08T19:11:00.002-06:00

Inspired by the popcorn handbook, I decided to create my own version. We had the Prepared Pantry's natural lemon flavoring on hand, so I decided to try a lemon version. It is so yummy. The perfect balance of lemon and sweetness. Gotta try it! I'm not sure what plain lemon juice would do. Let me know if you try.

Lemony Sunshine Popcorn

1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
1/4 cup white corn syrup
1/8 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3 teaspoons lemon flavor
Yellow food coloring.
Yields 14 cups of candy popcorn. This recipe can also be doubled successfully.
1. Pop the popcorn kernels. Set aside in 2 large bowls.
2. Over medium heat, melt the butter in a medium sauce pan.
3. Add the corn syrup and water. Stir.
4. Add the sugar. Make sure not to let any sugar stick to the edges of the pan. If one
grain of sugar is left undissolved, it can cause the whole batch to crystallize.
5. Bring to a boil and continue to cook until the mixture reaches 235-245 degrees.
(Please use a candy thermometer). It is important for the mixture to reach this
temperature, if it doesn’t the candy will not harden properly.
6. Add the baking soda and stir quickly as the mixture begins to bubble. Once bubbly
and frothy, remove the pan from heat.
7. Add the flavor and food coloring until mixed in.
8. Pour over the popped popcorn in both bowls. Fold into the popcorn until evenly
coated.

Popcorn Lovers

2010-05-05T13:54:00.005-06:00

If you like popcorn at all (or have a loved one who does)-- you have to check out this link for a FREE popcorn handbook from the Prepared Pantry.
You will find mouthwatering recipes like Bubba’s Friday Night Root Beer Popcorn or Banana’s Foster Panama City Popcorn just to name a few.

After you put in your name and e-mail address, it will send you to the PDF version.

It just might make your Wednesday a little happier just reading the recipe names!

Sadly....

2010-04-29T08:06:00.003-06:00

My gut has been telling me to cut back on this crafty blog. And in my life I have learned to listen to my gut. It has a lot of wisdom.

I know, we have only started this blog a few months ago. I've been amazed that people read it and like what I've made. I mostly started it because my personal blog was becoming a "look what I've made" blog, so I started a seperate place to post those kinds of things.

But, I feel that I have shared most of my great original ideas, and I promised myself it wouldn't turn into a copycat blog with no orginality. I'm not going to close the blog or anything. I will keep it open so people can look up old ideas. I will still post when I come up something terrific. But I guess I don't want to feel guilty when it has been a week and I haven't posted anything. I don't want to feel obligated.

I need to catch up on two years of scrapbooking, I need to make my towel closet not explode when I open it, I need to teach my four-year-old his numbers. I guess what I'm saying is that I need to prioritize. I hope you understand. I hope you still check back in case I do post something great.

Thank you for reading my blog. I've just checked something off my bucket list: Publish something that might make a difference in someones life.

PS. You may have noticed that there are five contributors. I started this blog and I asked a few of my friends to be contributors. They can of course feel free to keep posting whenever they want. Goodbye for now!

Chipboard Chunky Necklace

2010-04-21T13:50:00.004-06:00

Roberts (our big local craft store) is going out of business. Sniff. But, I have been stocking up on some goods as they are closing out their merchandise. With some of my goods I came up with this necklace.

Supplies:
Chipboard shapes
Largish Jump Rings (I had square ones)
Pliers
Scrapbook Paper
Modge Podge
Diamond Glaze
Big Bite
Necklace Chain

So, first I laid out the shapes in a way that I liked.
Then, I traced the shapes onto scrapbook paper and cut them out. Then I applied to the chipboard with mod podge. After that I filed the edges to give it a more worn look.

Then, apply a layer of Mod Podge to the top of that and let dry. After that is dry,
add a lay of Diamond Glaze and let sit at least overnight.

Repeat for the opposite side, because the chipboard will flip. Choose the same paper or coordinating paper.

Then I used my Big Bite to punch holes through the sides.

After that I put about 5 jump rings in between each chipboard piece. Then I used my pliers to cut the chain to the length I liked, and attached the chain with more jump rings. Then I used one final jump ring to attach the chain together. (It is long enough that it slips over my head and doesn't need clasps or anything)

50 Followers!

2010-04-19T13:30:00.001-06:00

Today we reached 50 followers. We started with three followers, and they were all people we knew. I started this blog just for fun, and I never thought I would reach 50! Thanks for following you fantastic people!

One simple laundry tip

2010-04-19T10:44:00.002-06:00

I had three boys in a little less than four years. They are close in age. One is a little bit height-challenged and even though he is almost six can still fit in some 4's. And the four-year-old wears 4's. I wish we just had a big bin of pants, shirts, socks, etc. But they don't really appreciate that.

Sooo, awhile ago I came with a system for pants, shirts, underwear, socks, etc.
The oldest gets one cut in his tag (or one tick with a permanent marker), the 2nd one gets two cuts, the third one gets three. Then, when the item gets too small and is ready to be passed down, another cut or tick mark gets added to the item for the next boy.

It has made laundry a lot nicer.

I made a shirt!

2010-04-16T19:29:00.004-06:00

I never thought I could actually make a shirt that was wearable! It's not perfect, but
I am in love with it. And it was really fun to make.

Even a beginner sewer figured it out.

Check out the original tutorial found here, which was featured here.

If you are interested, these posts are terrific. The only thing I did a little differently was add a band around the bottom, with a matching applique from the top material, with a zig zag stitch hem.

She also started the sizing at Size 2, and told you how to go up for additional sizes. I wanted a size 1, so I went down the recommended amounts instead of up.

Sunshine Award

2010-04-16T07:14:00.011-06:00

We are honored to receive this Sunshine Award from Craft Envy !! We've made it in the blogging world! Never received a blog award before. Talk about making it my day. Plus, we received it on Tax Day! (The hubbie is a CPA, so we actually like tax day around here). I've been a reader of Craft Envy for awhile now. I've starred or copied more than a few of their ideas. You should definitely check them out.

So, now I get to pass these on to six blogs. If you saw my list I posted recently of blogs I read, it was significant. So, it is hard to choose six. But, here are my awesome picks:

Alchemy Junk. If you love beat- up decorating and comfortable living, not to mention learning how to make magazine type items on the cheap-this is the blog for you. You've got to check them out.

Another blog I've recently discovered and LOVE is All Things Thrifty. They give great advice on redoing furniture (and their projects look simple enough for even me to handle!)
This one is going to make you hungry: Our Family Treat will have you salivating over every single recipe. Yum!

The Creative Crate spends no time bringing you mediocre ideas. Every idea they present is awesome. Do you how many reams of paper and ink cartridges I've used printing out ideas from awesome bloggers like these?

From crafts to home tips, to delicious but simple looking recipes- you will love Its good for the heart!

And my Internet is wigging out and I can't get any pictures to work, but Simply Designing

is another favorite. They always have good ideas.

Alright, winners, here are the rules:

1. Put the logo on your blog or within your post.

2. Pass the award on to 6 other bloggers.

3. Link the nominees within your post.

4. Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Link back to the person from whom you received this award.

Samosa Breeze

2010-04-10T20:36:00.007-06:00

Recently, we (along with my husbands brother and sister) purchased a Orlando Vacation rental home. It has flooring and brand-new furnishings in every room. We rented a vacation home when my husbands whole family went a few years ago.
It was so nice to have a place to prepare food, have privacy and have a place for the kids to run and around and swim together after playing hard at DisneyWorld.
Anyway, if you or anyone you know is headed to Orlanda, be sure to check out our website: http://www.samosabreezeorlando.com/

Three things I learned this week

2010-04-10T07:38:00.003-06:00

The first two come from the Taste of Home Cooking School--

1) If you need to cut up apples ahead of time but don't want them to brown, put them in a bowl of 7-up until you are ready. She did say 7-up worked specifically. Other lemon-lime sodes didn't work as well.

2) When cutting up fresh herbs (basil, cilantro etc.) it is easier to put them in a small bowl, then use kitchen shears to cut them up. Much easier than a knife and cutting board.

And this one I read a couple of times recently and had to try.

For softer hair, add a couple of scoops of Baking Soda to your shampoo when you are washing your hair. I tried it yesterday and my hair was softer.

My new favorite....

2010-04-08T22:15:00.003-06:00

Is it just me, or is one of the best moments of the day when the kids are all finally settled into their beds? I always like to grab a little snack and flip through the boob tube for a few minutes and just veg.

Growing up we had ice cream more nights than we probably should have. If you are like that, this treat is definitely going to take the place of that. And the best part-the whole thing is about 100 calories. (Yogurt=80, 1/2 cup strawberries=25)

It is key lime pie yogurt (Walmart now sells a Great Value 4 pack that is cheaper than the name brands and tastes just as good) mixed with about 1/2 cup or so of frozen chopped strawberries. I recently got a flat and froze them myself.

It is soooo good. I know it sounds really simple, but trust me you won't turn to the ice cream for awhile. This doesn't taste like you are trying to eat healthy. YUM!

Class Pictures

2010-04-07T15:30:00.003-06:00

All of my creative/computer time lately has been spent building a new website for a new business venture we are doing.
But, I did just have a small AHA moment I thought I would share. It might help at least ONE of you.
We just got back all of our classroom pictures from the kids classes. And they (especially the four-year-old) has been obsessed with looking at, holding it, bending it... you get the idea. I ruined one of my class pictures when I was kid and I'm still sad about that. So, I was stressing about keeping them nice and how to take it away from him.
Until, I realized I have a scanner/printer. I scanned them all in, printed them out and in a couple of minutes a little bit of ink, everyone was happy. He can now hold his picture and name all of the kids to his hearts content. And the originals are safely tucked away.
Now, if only this website I'm working on was that easy. :)

Ultimate French Toast

2010-04-04T18:03:00.006-06:00

Watching "The Best Thing I ever Ate" again, and Bobby Flay featured his favorite: Peanut Butter and Banana French Toast.

No so into peanut butter in the morning myself, but the batter intrigued me. Especially for a gal who only uses beaten eggs for my batter. If you are lucky I might get fancy and sprinkle a little cinammon on top.

And they actually told you the exact measurements on the segment. Thanks to DVR, I wrote it all down and tried it yesterday. It really is the best french toast I've ever had. It has a really nice melt-in-your mouth flavor. Try getting a little fancy next time you make French Toast.

Ultimate French Toast

Texas Toast Bread

Batter, whisk together the following:

3-4 Eggs

1/2 cup half and half, heavy cream, or milk (the more fattier options will give you a richer flavor, but your hips will thank you if you do the lower fat options)

3 T vanilla

1/4 cup orange juice

pinch cinammon

pinch salt

1 tsp. rum extract (we don't drink alcohol, but I did find some alcohol free rum flavoring, It would still taste good without this)

Dip your bread into the batter and fry on a hot skillet until golden brown on both sides.

More tips on the Marshmallow Easter Eggs

2010-03-31T17:17:00.001-06:00

In case you were trying to make the marshmallow Easter eggs, I put a few updated tips on the original post. The changes are in red.

Homemade Marshmallow Easter Eggs

2010-03-30T16:51:00.019-06:00

This is a work in progess recipe/tutorial. Any additional tips or changes will be in red.

I know what you are thinking, store bought chocolate marshmallow candy isn't really that good. Trust me, I know. I won't touch the stuff. But this homemade version will change your mind. It is soooo good. Even though I haven't finished mine, I have had my MIL's and my sister-in-laws many times.

So, if it is so good, why haven't I tried it yet? A few reasons. One maybe laziness, another maybe a secret rebellion against the family tradition. But, then I heard on the radio about a huckleberry flavor at The Prepared Pantry. And the thought came that a huckleberry flavored chocolate marshmallow Easter egg just might be to die for. (Not that the cherry, lemon, and orange from the in-laws weren't already really good, but come on--Huckleberry!) So, I gathered up the kids and headed to Rigby to get some. While I was there I drooled over the apricot and raspberry flavoring, but decided to be good and only get the huckleberry and the lemon. I might have to go back and get the others very soon.

I, of course, had to sample both flavors in the mixing bowl, and trust me this is going to be good.

So, here is the 411:

Chocolate Marshmallow Easter Eggs

For each batch you will need:

1 Envelope Gelatin

1/3 cup cold water

1/2 cup sugar

2/3 cup corn syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla (yeah right!) or other flavoring

Food coloring to match the flavor

Flour

Cold Egg

2 cups chocolate chips (milk chocolate will bring out the flavor better, but I actually love using the candy bar melting bar from Sam's Club, you don't have to add anything to it)

2 Tbs. oil

Put 1-2 inches of water in a pot on high heat to get to a rolling boil. Soften 1 envelope gelatin in 1/3 cup cold water in a glass bowl that will fit over the pot, add sugar. Place over boiling water and stir until dissolved, leave it on the full boil for about 6-7 minutes, then turn off the heat but still leave it on for another 2-3. The liquid should be almost clear. My sister-in-law also said she has let her marshmallows it the fridge before dipping. I haven't tried that yet. I was trying to make two batches at once until I realized I only have one mixer. So, probably better just to do one at a time.

Pour the corn syrup into your mixer bowl. Add flavoring and food coloring. Pour gelatin mixture in and beat on high speed for 10-14 minutes. Mine took 14 minutes. The color and consistency should be toothpaste- like. Not too runny but not too thick either.

While you are waiting for that to mix, prepare your 9x13 pans. Fill them up with flour, and then make depressions with your cold egg. Then take a small measuring cup and start filling up your depressions with the marshmallow mixture. It is kind of fun to play with because it won't stick to the flour.

Let the marshmallows sit on your counter for until set up. I would say at least 6 hours or overnight. They should be fluffy and not gel-like or liquidy on the inside.

When you are ready, melt your chocolate chips and oil together to dip the marshmallows. Put the dipped eggs onto waxed paper on a cookie sheet and set in fridge until it hardens. (About 10-20 minutes).

After it hardens you can decorate with white chocolate drizzles, sprinkles, etc. I did some sugar sprinkles on my first batch, but I actually think it detracted from the flavor. I guess you have to decide if you are going for looks or taste.

My sister-in-law put a great tip in the comments. She said to take a plastic fork and break off the two inner prongs, and it makes a great dipping tool. We took a chocolate dipping class that had a few tips for dipping. If the extra edges around your candy bug you, you can 1) take a knife and shave it off 2) take a super hot glass of water and rub your candy on it. It will melt that extra edge off. I can't remember anymore tips. Read the comments section for some more tips from my sister-in-law.

Trust me, after your family tries these you will have a new Easter tradition to do every year!

Edible Easter Nests

2010-03-30T12:58:00.004-06:00

This is one of my favorite treats to make at Easter. When I taught Kindergarten I made these with my students every year. They loved it! My oldest is finally getting to where she can do things like this. It's so fun and super easy! Enjoy!

1 - 11oz. bag butterscotch chips

1 tbsp butter

3/4 cup chunky peanut butter

3 c. marshmallow creme

1 - 12 oz package chinese noodles

coconut

green food coloring

jelly beans or other Easter candy

Melt and mix the first 4 ingredients. Stir the noodles in. Lightly grease muffin tin and drop by spoonfuls into cups. Form cups like nests with your fingers. Put some coconut in ziploc bag with green food coloring and shake until coconut is green. When the nests have cooled, remove them from the muffin tin and fill with green coconut. Garnish with jelly beans and other Easter candy.

My favorite foodie blogs

2010-03-29T07:52:00.003-06:00

Bakerella
Hungry Girl
Our Best Bites
Our Family Treat
Salt and Flattery
This week for dinner

My Creative People Reading List

2010-03-29T07:24:00.003-06:00

I use Google Reader. I love it. I can scroll through all of my favorite blogs quickly and see what catches my eye. Therefore, I don't have a blog list on the sidebar. Maybe because the blog is one place I can manage clutter.
But, anyway, since I'm in a creative funk at the moment I thought I would share who is on my "creative people" list in google reader and give them a shoutout. Scrolling through this list can give a busy mom sanity sometimes, so thank you. So if you need some inspiration, here are my current favorites. Some you have probably heard of, some maybe not. Enjoy.

Alchemy Junk
Blue Cricket Design
Chocolate Sundaes
Craft Envy
Craft Rookie
Craftaholics Anonymous
Crafterhours
Fireflies and Jellybeans
Giverslog
Homemaking Fun
How Does She
Infarrantly Creative
Inspiring Creations
It's good for the heart
Lil Blue Boo
Little Birdie Secrets
Little Inspirations
Make and Takes
Make it and Love It
Moda Bake Shop
Not So Idle Hands
Ramblings of a Crazy Woman
Roots and Wings
Ruffles and Stuff
Simply Designing
Sisters' Stuff
Smashed Peas and Carrots
Someday Crafts
Tatortots and Jello
The Creative Crate
The How-To Gal
The Idea Room
The Polka Dot Chair
U Create

April Fools Day

2010-03-28T22:08:00.002-06:00

Life has been a little busy lately, but I thought I would share a couple of things if you needed a little April Fools Day inspiration. Here is the dinner we made last year to trick dad, in case you didn't get Family Fun last year. It was a dinner of fish sticks, ketchup, peas, with a gummy worm coming out of an apple. We also replaced the cheetos with carrots, and the when you go to drink the juice you get an surprise when it is jell-o. The kids had fun tricking their dad.

The fish sticks were sugar wafers covered with peanut butter then dipped in crushed cereal. (Actually pretty yummy) The peas are rolled airheads and the ketchup is jam.

This year I think I might try a crazy menu where the kids will choose items from a list (like Disney Characters), and see what they end up with.

Today, I also tried something really yummy from Simply Designing. Almond Chocolate Meringues! Yum! And a lower sugar alternative to get your Sunday afternoon cookie fix.

Sorry I'm not posting anything too original. Hopefully I will get back to crafting soon. This week the kids are home all week, so we have to think of things to do to entertain them. Happy Spring!

Bigger pictures (and playdough Easter nests)

2010-03-21T14:01:00.004-06:00

I'm playing around with trying to make my images bigger. But, you probably didn't come here just for that, did you?
So, here is a picture of an Easter project we did last year from Family Fun.

This is a great playdough recipe:

1 c. flour
1 Tbsp. cream of tarter
1 Tbsp. cooking oil
1/2 cup salt
1 c. water
coloring
Cook over medium heat until dough leaves side of pan. Knead until smooth. Stays soft in tupperware or plastic bag. Dries on carpet so it can be vacuumed up.

The rest is pretty self explanatory, don't ya think?
Oh, and here is the link I'm following to try to make my pictures bigger. It's a little bigger than what I have been posting. I will have to keep playing. Does anyone else have tips for making your pictures bigger in blogger?

The $2 Treat Tray

2010-03-19T13:43:00.006-06:00

Confession: I don't make pretty looking desserts. I've come to accept that fact about myself. So, when I saw these I knew I could make something adorable that I could put my ugly treats on.

This will be a short tutorialette, for more details click on the link above.

I found two trays at the dollar store and two candle holders at DI. (Goodwill)

Then I cut up some scrapbook paper into one inch strips and started mod podging them onto the tray. Then I put two more coats on top, and when that dried I did one coat of spray shellac.

Then I filled the candle holders up with some fake flowers and gorilla glued that to the bottom of the tray.

Now I have to decide if I should glue them in a stack (kind of tall)
Or leave them as is, side by side. What do you think?

Dollar Store Easter Centerpiece

2010-03-16T17:07:00.012-06:00

I was cruising through the dollar store the other day and found these items: A rectangle planter box and 4 of these candle holders. I thought I would try my hand at making something cute out of nothing. I don't really have the "gift" to do this, but I thought it turned out pretty cute, pink, Springy, and Eastery. Supply List:

Rectangle Planter Box

4 Candle Holders

Scrapbook Paper

Decorating items for eggs

Paper Mache Eggs

Styrofoam and or Plaster of Paris

Easter Grass

Wire Hanger

Ribbons

Finish Spray

Mod Podge

First I used Mod Podge to attach some paper to the planter box. (1 Coat to attach, 2 coats on top to seal). I also used a finish spray and hot glued a piece of ribbon around it.

Then I needed to fill it up somehow. A big piece of styrofoam would work. I tried to fill mine will a bucket of plaster I had, but it still only filled it up half way. So, I bought some wet foam. It cuts super easily and filled the rest of it up with this. I had some paper mache eggs I bought last year after Easter. I painted them in Eastery colors and then decorated them. One I used glue dots with glitter sprinkled on them, another rub-ons, another I mod-podged die cuts. Get creative!
I pressed the candle holders into the foam. I tried hot glue and gorilla glue, but the foam doesn't adhere very well, so it is not very stable. If you have an idea for that, let me know. Just don't leave this decoration down where little hands can destroy it.

So, then I cut up an old shirt and pinned it down to cover up the foam. Then I hot glued some easter grass on top of that and trimmed that up with scissors.Do you really think I could make a holiday decoration without a wire hanger? So, for the handle part of the basket. I took my exacto knife to make a little hole in the sides. Then I put my wire hanger through these holes to make a half circle. Then I cut up a bunch of these transparent ribbon and starting tying them around the handle.And there you have it. This was a little more time consuming than most of my projects, but I thought it turned out pretty cute.

Raspberry Ricotta Pancakes

2010-03-13T08:51:00.003-07:00

I was watching "The Best Thing I ever Ate" on the Food Network and they featured some blueberry ricotta pancakes. Yum! Since I knew I wasn't going to get to whatever big city the restaurant was in anytime soon, I needed to take matters into my own hands.

I'm not a plain buttermilk and maple syrup fan. If I'm going to intake that many calories it needs to be more worth it than those are. But lately I'm discovering that you you switch it up and make yummy and flavorful pancakes with different syrups than boring old maple.

It all started with the raspberry sourcream pancake mix and the strawberries and cream pancake mix from The Prepared Pantry. Top it with some vanilla syrup (see below) and you are in heaven.

So, anyway I researched the ricotta pancakes and found a great one here. It uses a mix so it makes up just as fast as regular. Here is my version:

Raspberry Ricotta Pancakes

1 2/3 cup water
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups pancake and waffle mix (I used Bisquick)
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
2/3 cup frozen raspberries, thawed a litte bit in microwave

Melted butter

Directions
Using a rubber spatula, stir 1 2/3 cups of water and vanilla in a large bowl. Add the pancake mix and stir just until moistened but still lumpy. Stir in the ricotta into the pancake mixture, then stir gently to incorporate the ricotta but maintain a lumpy batter. Fold in the raspberries.

Heat a griddle over medium heat. Brush with the melted butter. Working in batches, spoon 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Top with vanilla syrup.

I got this recipe from my friend Mary. Some call it candy syrup because it is so good. I like to think of it as weekend syrup. Because if you eat your Kashi and Protein shake for breakfast all week, you deserve this naughty syrup for breakfast on the weekend.

Vanilla syrup

1/2 cup buttermilk (or mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tbsp. lemon juice and let sit for five minutes)

1 cup sugar

1/2 butter (no subsitutes)

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. baking soda

Bring buttermilk, sugar, and butter to a boil. Take off heat. Add baking soda and vanilla. Stir. Serve immediately. (But you can make ahead of time and heat before eating)

You've got to try this! It is so yummy!

Hanging out with wood and Mod Podge

2010-03-12T13:12:00.011-07:00

Last night I worked on three projects involving wood, mod podge, and my stash of scrapbook stuff. First, I did a quick Easter project. I found this egg shape at the Dollar Store. I had envisioned getting all fancy with layering and ribbons, but then I found one piece of scrapbook paper that was already layered for me. I guess I'm a simple girl at heart.I needed a little help seeing what it would look like, so I cut a template out of scrap paper before, I cut out the real paper and used mod podge to attach it. I should have bought three more to make a little set, but oh well.

Remember this board?? Well, sometimes being cheap works out and something it doesn't. I didn't want to buy jumbo clothespins, so I used regular. Then they all fell apart. So I broke down and bought some.
And while I was there I bought a couple more of the bigger kind to decorate for picture holders:
Nothing too exciting, but these were my project this week.

Easy Hamburger Cookies

2010-03-09T08:10:00.002-07:00

Spring is starting to tease us around here. It was 40 yesterday and I didn't even wear a jacket to run errands! So, it is getting my in the mood for summer foods and parties. Here is an easy treat that I've been making since I was about 9. I got a BHG Kids Cookie Cookbook for Christmas and this recipe came from there. Except, they called for york peppermint patties. Trust me, grasshopper cookies are way yummier.* It is always a hit at BBQ's and better yet, you can sit back and let your kids make the whole thing.

Hamburger Cookies

Few drops water

Few drops green food coloring

1/2 cup flaked coconut

48 vanilla wafers

24 grasshopper cookies

sesame seeds or poppy seeds

Turn over to 350. In a small screw-top jar combine the water and the green food coloring. Add coconut; cover and shake until all of the coconut is tinted. Set aside.

Place half of the vanilla wafers, flat side up on an ungreased cookie sheet. Top each with a grasshopper cookie. Place in the oven for about 1 minute or just until chocolate begins to soften.

Immediately sprinkle each with a tsp. of tinted coconut. Top with another vanilla wafer. Press gently. Brush the top vanilla wafers with just enough water to moisten so the sesame seeds will stick.

Sprinkle each cookie with a little sesame seed and serve.

*Make your own grasshopper cookies. Find out how here.

Back to Basic Chore Charts

2010-03-08T13:49:00.004-07:00

I've tried several chore charts. Mostly elaborate ones that are too complicated to stick with. So, in my effort to simplify I've come up with two simple systems.

I remembered a similar chart my mom had when I was little.

This one I made a page with my three boys pictures in Photoshop. Then I made a circle divided three ways that has a list of their responsbilities. I laminated each part and stuck a brad in the middle.

We will turn it every week so the assignments will change up weekly. It goes on the fridge and will hopefully eliminate fighting over who has to do what.

I'm also using this scrabble tile board as incentive to be good. I wrote the boys names on top and give them 14 letters at the beginning of the week. They lose letters for things like disobeying, fighting, saying "suck", leaving dirty socks out, slamming doors, etc. At the end of the week if they have 10 letters left, they can choose a prize. Mostly they are thrilled to get a soda or a Propel. It doesn't take much to please kids. Last week I had a child lose 5 and begged and begged to able to earn one back by cleaning. I let him, but I'm not sure if they should earn back letters or not. What do you think?

Rainbow Cupcakes

2010-03-03T17:01:00.004-07:00

I was reading Family Fun Magazine and saw a fun project to do with the kids, rainbow cupcakes. The recipe looked easy and amazingly enough I actually had the ingredients on hand to make them.

To get started you will need:

White cake mix (we used a funfetti mix as we didn't have a plain white)

Ingredients to make cake

Food coloring (red, blue, green, and yellow)

Baking cups

Whipped cream (optional)

To get started prepare your favorite white cake mix, then divide the batter evenly among six small bowls. Following the chart below, dye each bowl of batter a rainbow color.

RAINBOW COLOR	DROPS OF FOOD COLORING
Purple	9 red and 6 blue drops
Blue	12 drops
Green	12 drops
Yellow	12 drops
Orange	12 yellow and 4 red drops
Red	18 drops

Line 16 (I used 20 and found that to be a good amount) muffin pan wells with baking cups. Evenly distribute the purple batter among the cups, then the blue, and so on, following the order shown. As you go, gently spread each layer of batter with the back of a spoon to cover the color underneath.

Bake the cupcakes according to your recipe directions. Before serving, remove the paper wrapping, and if you like, top each cupcake with a whipped-cream cloud.

My finished version before the icing.

Family Fun's version

Shamrock Rag Wreath

2010-03-02T17:36:00.017-07:00

I knew I should probably make something for St. Pattys day, especially since my hubbie spent two years in Ireland. But I wasn't sure what. I saw this adorable door hanging, but didn't have the foresight to buy heart shaped cookie cutters after V-day. Genius. But--I did make a mental note that three hearts can make a shamrock. File that away.

Then when I was putting the baby to bed I thought I could put this idea with my Valentines Day Rag Wreath. If I could make it with one heart, I could make one with three hearts.

So, I took three wire hangers....And cut about 3-4 inches off of each end. I did this because I didn't want to the wreath to turn out too big in the end. Hanger wire is quite thick, so I took tin snips and starting knawing away at it. Then I bent it back it forth until it snapped.Then I shaped them into three fat hearts.The wire is so thick that I had I hard time wrapping it around itself where the ends met. So I took some trusty masking tape to tape the ends together.Then I cut up a whole bunch of green fabic into approx. 5-6 inch x 1 inch strips. I used fabric I already had, fleece, tulle, ribbon, old shirts etc.Then I took my first piece of fabric and went up and down through the hearts where they connected in the middle and tied a knot. Then I started tying my strips on my first heart. Go around two hearts at time towards the bottom where they connect. Keep going until it is all covered. At this point, you can trim the strips as desired.I wasn't sure people would know what it was so I decided to make a stem. I took this toilet paper roll and hot glued green fleece around it. Then I applied hot glue to the top and stuck it to the bottom of the shamrock.

And there you go--Another craft that cost me nothing!

Polymer Clay Pendants

2010-02-26T07:30:00.000-07:00

I love making these polymer clay pendants. The original tute is here. Here is my version:
Take your polymer clay and roll it out using a spray can. You can mix colors or leave solid. Then stamp an image onto the clay.You can get creative on how to cut it out. A steak knife, exacto knife, or look around your house. I took the bottom of a glitter jar and here and it gave sort of a bottle cap effect.You can also get the hole into your pendant a couple of different ways. Here, I took this end clasp here to make necklaces and punched it through two times to make a hole.Or you use a paper pierce or something else sharp to wiggle a hole into it.When you have made all that you want to, bake according to instructions on package. I might do a little longer than suggested so it is not still soft. After they cool down, paint with white paint, then wipe most of it off, leaving only white in your stamped image.
After that dries, you can spray with spray shellac to give a shiny finish.
I bought big jump rings, opened them up and put them through the hole in the pendant, then closed them up using pliers. Then you can slip them through a chain. Another idea on how to attach to a necklace is here: (Toward the end of the video, they say how to attach it)

Baby legs that stay on

2010-02-25T06:00:00.005-07:00

When I saw these baby legs made out of knee high socks from Little Birdie Secrets, I knew I had to try them out. Great idea. I liked them because it made little outfits season less. All of those adorable rompers and summer skirts could still be used in the winter (which is looooong around here!) And isn't there just something so adorably simple about a baby in a little romper?

Anyway, I tried them out but this is more of what ended up happening. Not exactly the look I was going for.

They kept falling down!

But, I still really wanted them to work. So I sewed some onto some existing diaper cover ups (baby panties, pantaloons-what are these things called? From here on out, I will call them diaper cover ups), that didn't really match any outfit anymore.

For some reason this picture isn't exactly right. After you make your baby legs using the above tutorial, turn your diaper cover ups inside out and your baby legs inside out. Then put your socks onto the outside of the diaper cover up. (The picture shows inside) Then, pulling tight as you sew, sew the baby legs onto the diaper cover up and turn inside out. There, done. Easy.But, what if you don't have any extra cover ups, and need more than you have? You can make your own diaper cover ups. Here is how:1) Take an existing pair that fit well and trace onto paper, about 1 - 1/2 inches bigger. Only trace around half, then fold the paper in half so it will be equal. Cut out and pin onto your fabric (I used an old knit shirt). Repeat to make 2.2) Then I used my rotary cutter to straighten out the edges. Sew the sides together, using a zig zag stitch. Then for the top fold over twice and iron. Sew around, leaving an opening for your elastic. Pull your elastic through using a safety pin, then sew the elastic ends together and sew the opening closed. Now you sew the crotch area closed.

Then you ready to sew your baby legs onto your cover up. Trust me, this was no fancy sewing job. The cover up itself doesn't really look that great, but I figured no one would see under all the cute rompers.My model is not so happy anymore!If any of this was confusing, here is a similar project with additional tips or you can ask me and I will try to help the best that I can.

So, now go extend the life your of your baby girls summer clothes!

Easy Bedroom Decorations

2010-02-24T15:41:00.003-07:00

I made these for my little girls' rooms. You can buy the big letters at Roberts. If you use their 50% off coupon, you can get them for $3. Then I just painted them and added some flowers and ribbon and hung them on the wall. It took about 30 minutes to make one, including drying time.

If you are looking for an easy project, this would definitely be one!

English Muffin BBQ Pizzas

2010-02-23T06:00:00.002-07:00

Ingredients:

English Muffins

Shredded Cheese

Cooked, shredded chicken*

2-3 Cloves Garlic, minced

Desired amount of red Onion, finely chopped

EVOO

BBQ Sauce (I used KC Masterpiece)

Method:

Turn your oven on to broil. Saute your garlic and red onion in EVOO until tender. Then mix everything but the English Muffins and cheese together. Top the English muffin with BBQ chicken mixture, then cheese. Then broil for about 3 minutes or until cheese is melty.

*Chicken tips-I have been cooking up batches of chicken and then freezing them for quick meals like these. (We also did hamburger and seasoned it with taco seasonings for quick tacos, nachos, cassseroles-it makes crazy nights nice!)

Also-I shred the chicken in my mixer. It makes it easy and clean.

Everyone ate this meal without complaint and asked for more. Miracle.

Easy fruit smoothies

2010-02-22T21:40:00.004-07:00

When you just can't get to Jamba and need your smoothie fix-here is an easy one. It only has two ingredients:

One cup pineapple-orange juice

One heaping cup of frozen strawberries

Blend together.

Yum!

Of course this would work with any fruit/juice combo.

Visits from leprechauns

2010-02-21T07:43:00.002-07:00

We don't make a huge deal about St. Patricks day around here, but a few years ago my sister told me that they had a leprechaun come to their house in the night before St. Patricks day and turn their milk, eggs, and waffle batter green for breakfast the next day. I thought that sounded fun so we invited one to come to our house to do the same thing. The kids love it of course!

Another easy fun breakfast

2010-02-20T19:48:00.003-07:00

Sometimes I don't want to put in the effort and time to do fun things with the kiddos. But last night for dinner, I was in the clean- out- the- freezer mode and made a quick fun dinner out of Eggos, frozen blueberries, and frozen strawberries (thawed) and Cool Whip. The kids loved and didn't care that no time went into it.

Ribbon Necklaces

2010-02-15T06:00:00.001-07:00

So, on my project list was these ribbons headbands. But, of course I got distracted and decided to use ribbon to make a necklace for my woodsie pendants using the same concept as the headbands. Ribbon necklaces are popular, and you can make ones that cost next to nothing.
I don't why I'm obssessed with pendants but I love making them. Not that I can wear them because as I uploaded pictures, my baby already ruined the first one shown. Oh well.

I finished mine two ways. Here is the first one:

Thread your pendant onto a ribbon cut to your preferred size.Dip one end into E-6000. I like this better than jewelry glue because it washes off your hands when you are done.Didn't get a picture of this, but put your end with glue into an end cap with loops. (Findings aisle at the craft store), then squeeze shut with pliers. Let dry. Then open up some jump rings and attach to the loop.Then you add the clasp of your choice to your jump rings.The other way I used my sewing machine. Cut the ribbon to length and then cut a piece of elastic the length you desire. You can also use a ponytail holder.

Fold the ribbon around the elastic and pin.Using a zig zag stich, go back and forth a few times to sew together.Repeat on other end and there you go.Sorry for the crappy picture. It's hard to take pictures of yourself or make your kids take good ones. I'm not sure if I love the back. Maybe the ponytail holder would look better. Or shorter elastic. Or you girls with long hair could pull it off. I will have to think on it. Let me know if you have any great ideas.