Bloggin' it

2011-01-04T12:00:00.001-08:00

I just wrote a new post and accidentally deleted it. Needless to say I am frustrated and will try to post again later.

It has been awhile.

2009-09-29T12:23:00.000-07:00

I am embarrassed that it has taken me so long to get back to posting. Last week was crazy busy and I have been sick again.

Not only did I have My Boy's birthday, we also celebrated Baby Bugs Birthday. We had family over for cake and ice cream to celebrate both birthdays.

My son's only request was that his cake was to be chocolate. Since I was going to put quite the effort into his hamburger cake I just bought one for the family party.

I got this beauty at Samm's club. I bought large star sprinkles and matching star candles at Walmart. hint: shop in the party favor section, the candles are cuter and cheaper. The sprinkles were from the cake decorating section in crafts.

Baby Bug loves Raspberries. So I piled them high on a made from scratch Raspberries lace cake. I find anything piled high on a cake to be impressive. Try chopped up candy bars or even gum balls.

What do Giants eat?

2009-09-23T12:34:00.001-07:00

I had the Giant party yesterday. It was a giant pain and a giant success. When the kids arrived we secured their little feet inside file boxes. These were their giant shoes. Next they wore dish washing gloves for their giant hands. We played a few games in this getup then let them take them off to smash the giant present pinata. After eating a giant slice of pizza I revealed what giants eat.

A giant hamburger, fries and a drink. This was large version of Bakerella's mini burgers. Eat was so easy to make.

What a cake!

I am so glad the boy is 6 and the party is over.

What's the big idea?

2009-09-18T12:52:00.001-07:00

My baby boy is turning 6 next week! I dragged my feet as long as I could about whether or not to have a party. After a lot of outside opinions I gave in.

It's not going to be just a party. It's going to be a Giant party.

Here are the invitations.

I will work on getting these last minute giant invitations delivered. Come back next week to see what I Giant eats at a giant party.

That's how we roll

2009-09-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

Although summer is almost over, I still like a cold treat whenever I can get one. This frozen log of love (oh yes, it's a log and it is full of love) is good in any weather.

Homemade Ice Cream Cake Roll (MIL recipe):

1 chocolate cake mix

6 eggs

2/3 cup water

2 half gallon blocks ice cream any flavor (Blocks are hard to find. I had to use the cylinder and it has less ice cream in it.)

Beat the eggs a couple of minutes then add the water. Beat the cake mix into egg mixture till light and fluffy. Cover to jelly roll pans (cookie sheets) with waxed paper. Divide batter evenly and spread out on pans. Bake 16-18 minutes at 325 degrees.

While cake is a warm from the oven, sprinkle a plain cotton dish towel with powered sugar. Turn warm cake upside down on sugared towel. Peel of wax paper and roll the cake with towel.

Let cool. This will help prevent big cracks from forming when you roll the ice cream and cake.

Cut ice cream into slices.

Place slices onto unrolled cake.

Using the back of a large spoon press ice cream and smooth in cracks.

Roll up length wise.

Some cracks will occur. No worries. Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and cracks will disappear. Freeze until firm. It helps the rolls quality to also wrap a couple of grocery bags around finished roll before freezing longer than a couple of days.

Slice and serve. You could also drizzle with your favorite topping.

Remember: this recipe makes to Ice Cream Cake Rolls, so there is enough to share or enough to last through your favorite TV show.

Piles and Piles of Presents

2009-09-15T20:34:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh, I'm late! I am just catching the tail end of Tuesdays Trash for Treasure with Kimm @ Reinvented. Wait, it's Tuesday right?

It has been a rough day. Starting with Baby Bug being covered in an awful rash and ending in Wild Child falling asleep with a Migraine and a whole lot of crazy in between. Still, I love my trash and wanted to share another 2x4 scrap idea with you.

So, stain your scraps. Size doesn't really matter. (In fact go larger for a bigger impact.) Any scrap will do.

Then Mod Podge scrap paper to your blocks and tie on some ribbon.
There you have it. You can make piles and piles of tiny wooden presents to add a bit of Christmas flare to any shelf or counter top.

Wrap them up in cellophane and you have a great friend or neighbor gift for this upcoming holiday season.

Rock Star

2009-09-14T07:44:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday I attended a baby shower for one of my little cousins. I say little, but of course that is just my perspective. Oh I am getting older and none the wiser. Anyhoo didly doo, it was great to see my cousins. While there my cousin (hmmm, I didn't ask to use her name) S, showed me a cute little rock covered in melted crayon. So cute, so fun and of course cheap and easy.

For this activity you will need to send your kids on a rock hunt. Just about any rock will do. However, a smooth rock looks better.

Place rocks on a baking sheet. Heat rocks in oven until they are hot. I just put them in while the oven was pre-heating to 375 degrees, then removed them when the oven had reached it's goal.
Give each child a piece of wax paper. After giving a lesson on not touching hot things, place the rock on the wax paper and give your little artist some crayons. This is a great way to use you broken crayons.

The crayons will melt as soon as they touch the hot rock. Caution: the rocks stay hot for a long time.

Even Baby Bug (2) was able to color a rock.

My kids had a blast and I hope yours will too. Thank you Cousin S!

By the way, if you do any of the crafts, activities or other idea's be sure to let me know. I would love to see what you have done.

Achooo...

2009-09-10T07:36:00.000-07:00

Flu season is upon us and we have been promised that it will be bad this year. We have already experienced the pure delight of high fevers, aching bodies, vomiting and sore throats at my house. Prompting me to evaluate what I have on hand to ease my families pains this season. Also, as a SAHM and with no one to take care of me, I have had to look for convenience items an have a plan to take care of me.

Here are some of my favorite ease the symptom products:

These really work as long as your little one will leave it alone.

Have ready made or frozen soups on hand. I have several frozen soups and they have saved me from taking my sick self and 3 kids to the store.

Ziplock bags. Throw up right in the bag zip it and throw it away. Bye bye smell and yucky cleanup. You can also use cleaned out coolwhip and large yogurt containers. The opening is wide and kids have a better chance with it stiff construction of keeping all in one place. Put the lid on and toss in the trash.

Plenty of tissues.
(check out the new shape)

I don't know about you, but I love a clean bowl to throw up in. Better yet, I love disposable brushes. I can't stand to look at a dirty orange colored brush when I am sick.

I also like baby vapor rub and bath to have on hand during the cold season. I don't want to forget Ibuprofen!

Good luck to all, may you and your families stay healthy!

Yogurt = Milk, well sometimes.

2009-09-09T06:44:00.000-07:00

While making dinner or shall I say, "While scrounging up something for the family to eat" I discovered that we were completely out of milk. So the muffins I had planned on making were out of the question... or were they?

For this yummy recipe just follow the instructions on the back, but instead of milk use 1 small container of yogurt (any flavor).

Candy countdown

2009-09-07T08:43:00.000-07:00

Wild Child received this cute candy countdown chain from her Pre-school teachers. It had five treat chambers on it when it was first given to her. She gets to eat one treat everyday until school starts. What a cute why to avoid the when does school start question.

This could be adapted for a Christmas Advent Calendar. It would be a great gift for friends with children.

Have you seen it?

2009-09-05T12:26:00.000-07:00

Watching a movie with your girlfriends is always a good time. Watching a good movie with your friends is side splitting great time. A couple of nights ago my gals and I went to see Julie & Julia. It wasn't a film I was dying to see, but I was happy to be going. I am glad I did. It was funny and interesting. We laughed and talked a whole lot more than we should have.

It had a few moments where we heard a few words that caught us of guard other than that is was pure good fun. I was excited to look up the real blog the movie was based on. So I did yesterday. Let me tell you, in the movie she mentioned that she used some profane language in her blog. That statement was greatly down played. She uses it a lot. For that reason I am not posting the link. The writing was not nearly as entertaining as my fellow bloggers. Good examples are: http://viv-spot.blogspot.com/ and http://4livinginfrance.blogspot.com/. Those two ladies have talent. http://www.mytrendytykes.com/can take everyday happenings and things that aren't happening at all and make them funny. Try those links instead, but do see the movie if you are old enough!

Hot diggidy dog

2009-09-04T06:33:00.000-07:00

Let's here 1 cheer for the first week of school. Hooray!!! I am glad it is over, unfortunately, kindergarten testing is next week. So, no school for my guy. Then we will have the first week of school all over again. I think we are catching on to this bus thing. We haven't missed it since the first day.

I am still trying to juggle school, dance, cleaning, cooking and everything else. The blog, oh the blog, is still here and I am trying to get back into the swing of things. I have a lot of crafts and idea's that hopefully will come together soon.

For now please enjoy this butterfly. The kids and I made these for the lunch the first day of school. I snatched the idea from the Gourmet Mom on the Go. Recipe here.

Slim Quick Years

2009-09-03T13:50:00.000-07:00

I have always looked forward to my so called "Golden Years". Don't get me wrong. I don't want them to hurry on their way. It's just that there is something about those years that have some perks. One of those I always thought was that you didn't need to worry about your waist line anymore. My Grandpa always said I had to watch my figure or else nobody else would. So for my later years I have had big plans. Those plans include a lot of chocolate, butter and bacon.

So, to my deep sadness yesterday I saw a lovely older women, mid -70's maybe, in the parking lot of Walmart and in her shopping bag was.... Slim Quick! What? Why in the world is she worrying about getting slim quick. She could not have been more than 100lbs. @ about 5.5 feet tall. Again, why in the world is she taking a diet pill? If this is what my "Golden Years" will be about, then I don't want any. Thanks for asking.

Cut it out.

2009-09-02T11:31:00.000-07:00

Summer break might be over, but summer boredom may still continue. You can adapt this activity to almost any age that is able to use scissors. I am sure you or even your kids have made a collage. Here are a few idea's to stretch the collage idea and the imagination:

Make a Christmas wish list

use only one color (do a collage of just orange cut outs or all colors)

Alphabet ( a collage for each letter including pictures)

Alphabet ( Cut out the ABC's out of the letters you find in the magazine)

shapes (how many squares can you find?)

Make an alien out of bits and pieces of pictures

A monster

Create your own animal ( this is great if you get hunting mag.)

Make a menu (Let your kids create a meal out of pictures, then serve that meal.)

You get the picture. Use your imagination and your old Magazines.

A bit behind

2009-09-01T13:47:00.000-07:00

What a week and it has only just begun. Yesterday was the first day of school for my Kindergartner. He is my first kid to go to school and I don't quite have the hang of it yet. As we drove to the bus stop we could see the bus drive away. I had to chase the bus down and throw him in. No I love you, no kisses, not even a picture. We did a little better today.

So with school starting, I didn't get a chance to finish my trash to treasure for today. Here is a sneak peak for next week. Yep, shoe boxes.

Be sure to go check out Kimm @ Reinvented and check all the awesome links for trash to treasure day.

Mod Podge Some Birthday Cake

2009-08-31T17:17:00.000-07:00

I have been working on making homemade Warm Delights with a box cake mix. (recipe here) I thought it would be fun to give as birthday gifts for friends, neighbors and co-workers. So I put this mix in a jar. To make the gift wrapping fun and to re-use what I have I grabbed small jars. You can use half pint or pint depending on recipe size.

Cut a 2 1/2 inch circle out of scrap scrapbook paper. Mod Podged onto a used, but washed canning lid.

I just Mod Podged the edge.

Then covered the top in Mod Podge. (Let's see how many times I can use the words Mod Podge in this post.)

Tie a ribbon with a candle. Include directions on tag.

Microwave cake right in jar.

Let cake cool before adding candle.

Here are a couple of other Mod Podge posts for this month. Click on photo for full post. (The bread box post is one of my favorites. Be sure to check it out if you are new to my blog.)

Be sure to check out other Mod Podging nuts at Xazmin's Mod Podge Mainia @ This Is The Year.

Dollar Frames

2009-08-28T07:12:00.000-07:00

I love the dollar frames at Michaels. You have probably seen the frames that I Mod Podged craft paper onto to. These frames I painted and cut out shapes with my cricut and glued them to paper. (the paper is the same color of my walls) Simple, cheap and easy.

You just might win

2009-08-27T11:17:00.000-07:00

I am not getting extra credit for this, but I wanted to share give-a-ways with you that we all have a good chance at winning. I mentioned the Mimi Lee give-a-way in another post. The good news is there is still time to get entered.

Get on over to the Livelou Boutique web site to get entered to win this fun Halloween block set.

Measure up

2009-08-27T07:43:00.000-07:00

I love this measuring cup. I just bought it a couple of days ago at the... I am so excited... dollar store. Yup, the dollar store.

It's a great tool for teaching kids liquid serving sizes. I love boiling water for Hot Chocolate in it. I need to go back and get a couple more. My kids already want to use it for their drinking cup.

I hope everybody is getting ready for Mod Podge Mania with Xazmin @ This is the Year. I will be working on mine today. Join the mania this Monday. Be there or be a non Mod Podged square.

A headband for breakfast

2009-08-26T08:07:00.000-07:00

I don't know if this happens to your little girls, but my Wild Child always ends up getting the front of her hair soaked in her breakfast. She has a shower at night and I don't really have time to re-wash her hair in the morning. So, now I serve a headband with her breakfast. When she is done she puts the headband back into it's bag and into a drawer in the kitchen.

Is it bigger than a bread box?

2009-08-25T06:47:00.000-07:00

It is one of my favorite days. Trash to Treasure Tuesday!!! Be sure to head on over to Kimm's amazing and newly designed blog @ Reinvented. Also give Second Time Around a try @ A Picture is Worth A 1,000 words.

I have been hunting high and low for some good trash and let me tell you it is slim pickins around here. While looking at my local thrift store (which is the worst one in the State) I found a bread box. I skipped it the first time and went home. I liked it because it was wooden and a box, besides that it was so dirty. Sticky dirty. I started thinking of all the different ways I could use it like: treasure box, toy box, toilet paper holder, a place for extra hand towels and wash cloths. The ideas just kept coming. So, I went back to buy it and found another one too. They were each $2.

The first one I painted. Then added some ribbon and a small embellishment.

It now holds my makeup. Yeah, I should have organized that before taking a picture and posting it on the Internet.

The plexi glass on this was so gross. After washing the whole thing I sanded down the strawberries.

I Mod Podged paper onto the plexi glass. I used a knob that matches my kitchen cabinet knobs (giggle, knob, giggle some more). I had Handy Andy cut a hole large enough to cover two outlets. So now....

this looks like....

this...

and this.

Last, but not least, is this little beauty. If you didn't see it last week click here to catch up. Other wise here we are. It was cream, brown and now white. This time it works and she is now complete.

The flower was made with plain ole' printing paper.

Use your noodle

2009-08-24T06:30:00.000-07:00

A couple of nights ago I was late getting dinner going and needed something quick. The kids were already disappointed that we were not going to be eating out, so I needed something fun. When we do go out they frequently order Mac and Cheese which really irritates me. I don't like paying $4.00 for half a box of something sitting in my cupboard at home. So, I decided to to take a cue from my children and serve Mac & Cheese, but make it a little fancier than normal.

I used the packet of cheese from the box.

I bagged the regular noodles. Replaced it with 1 1/4 cup mini bowtie noodles. (next time I will increase the bowties to 1 1/2 cups.)

Follow directions on box.

I served crystal light in fancy goblets.

There you have it. It's the same, but different.

Best Bread Sticks

2009-08-22T07:45:00.000-07:00

I found this bread stick recipe a couple of months ago on another blog. I have tried to find what blog I got it from and I just can't seem to find the right one. However, I found numerous blogs with the same recipe. I thought it might be fun to include a couple of links:

Farm Chick Kitchen (I recognized Lisa in the follower list. She is also a follower here on Bloggin' it. What fun.)

Real Mom Kitchen

Both of these gals had the same recipe. As for me. I have made a few changes. I don't want to just repeat what other blogs do. So here goes.

Pizza Hut Style Bread Sticks

1 1/2 cup hot water

2T sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup non fat dry milk (I omit dry milk and use skim milk in place of water.)

1 T yeast (I use SAF)

3 Cups flour

1/3 cup melted butter

Topping:

2 T dry Parmesan cheese

1 T garlic powder

1-2 tsp salt

1 T oregano

And/Or

Sugar and Cinnamon blend

Dissolve sugar, salt and dry milk in hot water or in hot milk. I dissolve it in 1 cup hot milk and then add 1/2 cold milk to cool the mixture. Add enough flour (1 cup) to make a thin mixture. When the it has cooled till warm add the yeast and stir well. Add the rest of the flour. You may need to add a bit more until the dough is no longer sticky, but not stiff. Knead until smooth.

Press dough into rectangle on a greased baking sheet. ( I use butter flavored crisco for extra butter flavor and cut down on the amount of melted butter or you can just use half of your melted butter to coat the bottom of the pan.)

Cut with pizza cutter. Don't worry about cutting though the edges all the way. (I use a baking stone that is smaller than a cookie sheet.)

Let rise 10-15 minutes.

Sprinkle with topping. Okay, so this is my creative part of the recipe. Non of the others use Cinnamon and Sugar. Plus, I do some of both in one batch.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Serve with warm marinara and frosting. I use the basic water and powdered sugar frosting.

This recipe is so quick and easy. I love to serve it with homemade freezer soup.

Good Chance

2009-08-22T07:29:00.000-07:00

Have you ever found a blog give-a-way that you wished you could win, but new you didn't have a chance because they already have 100 or more followers? Well, my friend has a fairly new blog and is going to have a great give-a-way. The best part is she has 15 followers right now and she will be drawing from her followers and I think you get extra credit for commenting. So head on over to MiMi Lee and become a follower and when you win one of her beautiful crafts come back here and tell me how much you love it. :)

Microwave cake

2009-08-20T06:38:00.000-07:00

I Love Betty Crocker Warm Delights!!! They are delicious and convenient, but sadly, a bit pricey. I have tried microwave mug cakes. Gross! When I heard my MIL discussing how one of my cutie nieces made microwave cakes using a cake mix I knew I needed to give it a try.

You will need: (for a 2 serving cake, that I of course will eat all by myself, use the following recipe. Cut recipe in half for single serve.)

1/2 cup cake mix

3 tablespoons water

1-2 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)

Stir cake mix and chocolate chips with water until completely moistened.

Microwave for 65 seconds. If cake still appears wet, microwave for an additional 5 secs at a time until all wet spots are gone.

It definitely needs the chocolate chips or frosting. I am working on a recipe for the fudgy filling.

You can use any cake mix. Be sure to try them all and get crazy creative with your add ins. I am thinking Carmel bits will be handy. You may have to try it over and over agian. Just remember cake eaten in the name of science does not hurt you. It's for the greater good.

So Smart

2009-08-19T09:50:00.000-07:00

My four year old daughter is going to Pre-school in about 2 weeks. I wanted to give her wild locks a nice trim at a salon. I usually cut it myself, so this was a bit of a splurge. So we get there and she wont let go of me. She regressed into a baby, she wouldn't talk or cooperate at all. After about 15 minutes of bribing, threatening and almost giving up, we decide she can sit on my lap. It wasn't working well because she had gone limp and was pretending to sleep. I thought all was lost until this cute little hair dresser handed my Wild Child a mirror. She squirted a pile of moose onto it and showed her how to draw pictures with it. Wow!!! What a turn around. She sat by herself and drew pictures until 10 minutes later her hair was cut and we were ready to go. If you are taking a small child for a back to school haircut, be sure to mention this ingenious idea to your stylist.

Eatin' Asphalt

2009-08-17T19:21:00.001-07:00

We like Winger's Asphalt pie. We just don't like paying for it or taking the wild monkeys in and having people stare at our totally awesome kids just because they are excited to be there.

Here is my version. You will need:

Oreos

Mint ice cream ( I suggest using a different brand than I did.)

Oreo pie crust

Chocolate sauce

Carmel sauce

Cream ( Use the kind in a can. It looks better.)

Microwave ice cream for 30 Seconds. Spoon ice cream into shell pressing firmly. Freeze for at least 2 hours.
Slice and top with cream, sauces and crushed Oreos.

Eat like a love starved Momma.

Homemade Bookmark

2009-08-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

This is a fun east activity for kids. Your child may want to make a whole bunch of bookmarks to give-a-way to friends for school or even simply gifts to Aunts and Uncles.

You will need:

Paper

Clear Contact Paper

Scissors

Markers, paints, stickers or whatever you can find

You can cut the paper into strips or have your child color the entire paper first then cut into strips. You can also use existing art work.
Color.

Cut 2 pieces of contact paper for the front and back of you bookmark.

Adhere to paper. Smooth out bubbles.

Trim edges. There you have it. A homemade book mark.

You might even want to read books with your child before or after your craft or even take a field trip to the Library.

Once S'more

2009-08-13T07:18:00.000-07:00

Every summer I cover the inside of a shoe box with foil. The kids and I then make s'mores out in the sun. We talk about reflection, outside temp., solar power and such. We try it at different times of the day so the kids can get a feel for how the temperature rises and falls. Anyway, it's mostly just for fun now, but when they are older I will help them look up answers on the Internet.

Another sideways picture. Ahhhh, I swear it was fine 2 seconds ago.

So if it is still hot in your region of the world, find a shoe box and give it a try. It works better if you let the marshmallow sit a few minutes in the sun first. It doesn't take long for the chocolate to melt.

Easy as pie

2009-08-12T07:51:00.000-07:00

This honestly is the easiest pie to make and it's the perfect dessert to cool down your hot days.

You will need:

1 can frozen juice, almost thawed (my favorite is limeade)

1 lrg. Cool Whip, almost thawed (you can use reg., light or even fat free)

1 can sweetened condensed milk (you can use fat free)

2 graham cracker crusts

Mix together first 3 ingredients.
Pour into shell.

Cover and freeze until firm.

Let sit for a few minutes before serving.

Eat fast so you can have seconds.

Trash to Treasure Tuesday

2009-08-11T19:10:00.000-07:00

I was hoping to be done with this project before today. However, I fell dreadfully short of the deadline. I am getting it in, it's just a little late and a whole lot not done.

I found this box at a garage sale for $1. Which I think is overpriced. Anywhoo didly doo, I like it so I bought it.

I have had a beautiful piece of brown and cream colored paper I thought would be perfect for this project. First I painted the box ivory.

I didn't quite like it. So then I painted the box brown.

The brown doesn't match the paper. So now I want to paint it ivory again. Oi, what is wrong with me?

So that is my trash that is still trash. Go check out finished non dorky projects at Kimm's @ Reinvented.

S'more ideas

2009-08-11T06:21:00.000-07:00

I was inspired a long time go by Lisa @ OneGirlieGirl. She had posted about her gourmet s'more. Instead of chocolate she used Andies Candies. So of course I had to try. Except I used Dove Chocolates. Carmel and Peanut Butter. I think the Ghirardelli squares would be perfect. I am going to have to try the mint as soon as I can get a hold of some.

Why is it some pictures look completely normal in the file, but as soon as they are saved to a post they end up sideways?

I just used the broiler. I placed 4 Marshmallows on 4 crackers and broiled them for about 1 minute. (just until slightly toasted) The I added the crackers with chocolate on top. Next time I will use two chocolates per s'more. Broil with Marsh mellows 30 sec. or so.

Place the two halves together and well you know what to do.

I will be back later today with my Trash to Treasure for this fine Tuesday.

Just a little more

2009-08-10T06:55:00.000-07:00

I promise I will be back to idea's , crafts and cooking soon. I just need to get Harry out of my system first. I had had a plan to ask for a movie and book every Christmas for the next 7 years. However, while on a fancy date with Handy Andy at the local Walmart I saw a package of all the Harry Potter movies. For $40!!!!! I pleaded my case with Mr. Handy Andy left the store with my boyfriend Harry in a bag.

So as I was preparing for this post I went to the Walmart web site to find pictures. Lo and behold my Harry was being sold for 26.32 wide frame and 25.32 full frame! If you order the full frame you can have it shipped to the store for free!!!!!!!

I can't believe that price. It's an absolute steal!

Impressive Loaf

2009-08-07T06:33:00.000-07:00

This bread tastes as great as it looks. I love using this recipe to add pizazz to a meal lacking in visual excitement.

You will need:

1 loaf frozen white bread dough

1 loaf frozen wheat bread dough

melted butter

Set dough out to thaw slightly.

Dough needs to be firm enough to cut. Cut into 8-10 pieces.

Dip each piece of dough and place dough in greased bread pans. Alternating white and wheat. (I skipped the butter this time so that the dough would stick to each other so I could slice it and have each color showing. The butter will cause it to be unnecessary to slice. You can just pull it apart.)

Cover and let rise. I didn't give mine enough time. Be sure to start early enough so that your bread will be able to rise over the top of the pan.

Bake, slice and enjoy!

A Harry Situation

2009-08-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

You may have guessed by now that I am a pure blooded geek. Hey, I have no shame in admitting it. There is no sense in hiding something that is so obvious. After reading this post you will have written proof that I Melissa am the biggest geek you will ever meet or just read.

Some of you may have noticed a brief absence from blogging on my part. I have been off and on sick for about 2 months now. Sometimes feeling so awful that I couldn't get out of bed. During one of my worst days I called a friend to borrow her Harry Potter books. I had never read one and thought it would be great to read them before the Half Blood Prince came out. The first book is all it took. I am a huge fan and dream of one day owning my own Fire Bolt. Oh yes, I will display it proudly. Okay I know, I am a thirty something mother of 3, I shouldn't be dreaming of being a wizard. But I do and I did say wizard. I agree whole heatedly with Lily, being called a witch is just rude.

A wand is a must have. The funny thing is you can buy a replica of most of the characters wands here or order a all wood wand here.(As pictured below.)

Every Christmas for the next 7 years I am going to request a movie and a book until I have the entire collection.

And that's not all! Oh no, why stop there you can get Harry Potter board games, jewelry, beanies, scarves and much much more!!! :) Check out this 20 Q. How fun. Yeah my friends I have gone off the deep end and have fallen into a pool of Potter.

Now you may be thinking I'm obsessed, but it turns out I'm not. I just took the are you obsessed with Harry Potter quiz and it turns out have appropriate of amount love for all things Potter.

If you haven't visited JK Rowlings official site and you too love Potter. Then I suggest you visit her here as soon as you can. It's fun loving the books, but you just may fall in love with the Author after reading her personal thoughts. You also get a chance to know the characters better and read parts that were left out of the books.

Here are 2 links to fan sites:

Leaky Cauldron Fansite For all of you looking for a craft. Be sure to click on the how to knit your own Weasley sweater button. :)

Mugglenet

I will be in my chambers if you need me.

Frame tutorial

2009-08-05T07:16:00.000-07:00

I finally finished up another frame for craft it forward. Wow, it's a good thing I got procrastination out of the way. Just in time to be several days late for Mod Podge Mania @ This is the Year with Xazmin.

You will need:

A wooden frame (from Michaels)

Wooden letters (optional)

Scrap paper

scissors

Pen

Mod Podge

Paint

Stain

Ribbon (optional)

Embellishments (optional)

Paint or stain frame and peg. (the peg comes with the frame)

Trace frame on paper. I include the dot to represent were the hole for the peg is on the back so that when I glue the paper I know exactly what direction to place it. Be careful were you place frame. I have cut the paper several times to find out I included that little white strip on the bottom of the paper. (Classic Melissa :))

Paint letters. I also inked the edges.

Mod Podge it all together.

I love these little stickers on frames for girls.

These frames make great gifts! They would be even better with pictures of me in them. No they wouldn't. I joke. I would never be that mean.

Pumpkin Watch 2009

2009-08-04T11:49:00.000-07:00

Last year my garden produced a giant pumpkin weighing at over 150 lbs. We wanted to be that weight this year, but were unable to save seeds from last years pumpkin. So we bought a little packet of giant pumpkin seeds and we are waiting with great anticipation for the fall.

Above is a picture of George the Giant Pumpkin peaking out at the world beneath it's own large leaves. Below is a picture of how the pumpkin starts out. Last year we thought it was a weird cross bread. After a few weeks it begins to look more like a pumpkin.

Here he is growing next to a regular Jack o Lantern Pumpkin.

I can't wait to see what he looks like next week.

Freezing in August

2009-08-04T07:22:00.000-07:00

Quite some time ago, I participated in a frozen meal club. It was so much fun to come home with 9 other meals. However, for me, it was just too stressful to continue. I began to do the whole 30 meals in one day thing. That was fantastic. I could make exactly what my family would eat and there was no chance of ending up with 3 of the same meal unless I planned it that way. Still, it is hard to plan that many meals, shop and find a whole day to cook without kid involvement.

Lately I have needed to find a way to incorporate freezer meals back into my cooking practices. I also want to find a way to bring back the joy of eating something I didn't have to do all of the work for.

Keeping in mind some of the rules from the freezer club I went to Wal Mart in search of freezer meals. The rules: $80 10 meals, must feed 6 (for us we only have 2 of us it will eat it some times and the other 3 count as only 1 1/2 people. So I was aiming for feeding fewer but maybe a couple more meals.) Luck would have it that the store was full of straight from the freezer to a heat source to plate meals.

Each meal shown below was $5-$6. So I spent about $40 on 7 meals. Not too bad. I also compared how much they cost and how many they would feed to the Schwan man prices. Wal Mart of course beat those prices by a large margin.

We have tried the following 2 meals.

The frozen beans tasted just like frozen beans. What a shocker. We like it though. We absolutely love these stuffed breasts. The Artichoke stuffed breast is the best. These were more of a splurge at $5 dollars for two breasts, but I love them.

I will still be making some of my own freezer meals, but having these bad boys on hand will make it a bit easier for now.

Wet and Wild

2009-07-30T07:48:00.000-07:00

How are you keeping cool this Summer? Besides a lot of Popsicles, we enjoyed this little ball of fun for the two days we had it before Handy Andy drove the truck over it.

I dream of getting one of these babies. I see them every time I go to Samms Club. They have them inflated and flying like water fairies along the ceiling, just waiting to grant you some water fun. I wonder if they are tough enough for adults to play too?
Handy Andy made the kids this pvc pipe sprinkler. Equipped with valves they turn on and off themselves. We got the idea from Family Fun Magazine.

The flexible tubing is great for soaking each other.

What are you best outdoor water finds this year?

Bargin kid movies

2009-07-29T07:18:00.000-07:00

My kids love movies. I can't spend $20 a movie very often. So, I take my chances on some of the generic type movies.

This princess collection was found at Wal Mart for $5. (It is 8.86 on Wal Mart online.) There are 2 discs with a total of 5 movies. Each movie runs for 44-47 minutes. My daughter (age 4) loves them. There not equal to Disney movies, but who cares when your kids like them. The collection was a bargain!

Curious buddies is Nickelodeons answer to the Baby Einstein craze. I might I say "Job well done!". I also found my copies at Wal Mart. I paid $5 dollars each for all but one copy. I paid 9.96 for our first one. They are not always $5 so keep a look out for them. However, I gladly paid full price for the first movie.

What is the best kid movie you have ever bought?

Great Cans

2009-07-28T06:30:00.000-07:00

Every week I think I am going to be ready for Trash to Treasure Tuesdays with Kimm @ Reinvented. Yet every Tuesday seems to come a little faster than the last and I am caught of guard. Next week I will have a piece of furniture ready to go. This week is a fun activity for the family using soup cans.

All you will need is:

Empty clean aluminum cans

Hammer

Nail

Water

Fill your cans with water and freeze over night. The ice will give you cans needed strength.

Place cans on their side on top of towels. Punch holes into cans using your nail and hammer. You can plan a design or use a random approach. You would like a lantern look, punch two holes across from one another at the top and add a wire handle.

Place cans upside down outside or inside your kitchen sink. You can run hot water over them is you are in a hurry.

Once they are dry you are good to go. They are great for camping or a beautiful center piece for a great summer meal.

I think we all know by now that I am not photographer and my camera is a bit outdated.

Another great way to use your trash.

Cookie Monster

2009-07-27T17:38:00.000-07:00

I am going to say it again. I LOVE THIS RECIPE! If you haven't tried Chef Keem's Macaroon recipe, you must get right to it.

As I had mentioned in a previous post, I made some Macaroons to took take for a raffle at Family Reunion. I wanted to find Pastry boxes with cellophane windows on top, so that the cookies would look like they came from a fancy bakery. I looked and looked. I couldn't find any. I went to the bakery at my local Wal Mart and got my ear chewed off by the gal behind the bakery counter. I was left with only what my imagination could come up with.

I made the tray with some white card stock.
I folded all four edges in about an inch.

I cut the one side of the corner piece.

Then hot glued them to form a nice sharp corner.

I finished it up with cellophane and tulle. I think it looked nice. I made small trays for lemon bars.

My prize

2009-07-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

I won a drawing a while back and was super excited to receive my prize last week. Thanks Mimi Lee!!!!!

Thanks again. I love it.

I will be back later today.

My girl loves skirts

2009-07-25T06:30:00.000-07:00

Ashely @ Make it and Love it had a tutorial on how to make this skirt out of worn out jeans. Since she has taken the time to type out the instructions I will just let you check out her post here for the details.

Here is my attempt. Luckily you can't see it up close, but for a gal who doesn't know how to sew, I think I did a decent job. Now I need to learn how to make fabric flowers to gussy up the shirt.

Mmmmm... Cookie....

2009-07-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

Last week I had walked into a bakery and left with a Macaroon. It was so good I couldn't stop thinking about it. So I did what any other cookie obsessed women would do... I googled a recipe. The one I found was on Chef Keems blog. Click here for the full recipe and instructions. The only changes I made was to add Hershey's Mini Kisses to the batter.

I gave some to friends. That's part of my evil plan. I figure I most likely I will never loose weight because of my deep affection for food. So instead I am going to chubb up all the skinny gals. If you received cookies from me consider yourself chubbed. If you didn't, just know my plan has backfired since I ate most of them.

I am making another batch tomorrow for a family raffle. I am hoping to find cupcake boxes or something to wrap them in. I will get pictures to share with you.

You have been framed

2009-07-24T07:02:00.001-07:00

I have a winner. I numbered the entries and drew out a random#. The funny thing is the number I drew was the number of my dear sweet a little too skinny friend.....Chantel! Email me soon.

I have been asked many times where I got the paper. I got it at JoAnns. It is shiny on the printed side. I absolutely love it. It is expensive as far as paper goes. It was $1.99 for one sheet.

As for the winners of the baby wipe and diaper clutch, you still haven't contacted me. Please check here to see if you were one of the winners. You have until Monday to email me with your info. Thank you!!!!!

Brittany and Mimi Lee please contact me in regards to your very late craft I owe you. :)

Come back later today for a delicous recipe.

Restaurant bag

2009-07-23T06:30:00.000-07:00

I recently posted about giving ordinary and somewhat tacky canvas bags a face lift. Just after that post more bags began to turn up. Click here for previous post.

This little beauty was transformed into.....

My new restaurant bag. Handy Andy and I rarely go out to eat without the kids. So it has become important to keep entertainment with us. The best toys for a restaurant are small and engaging. Match box cars, paper and pens, Polly pockets, Pet Shops etc. Our favorites are magnadoodles, play dough (there is a large assortment of travel packs), I found a little wooden tic tac toe board at Target, small puzzles and Legos (I love the small pack pictured below!).
Lego Creators make can be used to build more than one thing. Love it!!!!!

This Playdough set even comes with a play mat.

I like to keep our bag in the Van (oh yes, I am that cool, I drive a Minivan.) so we have it anytime we need it. The bag is also great for Doctor appointments.

I have a few more idea's for your bag. Keep a look out for future posts.

Be sure to scroll down to the frame post and sign up for the give-a-way. Today is the last day to get entered!!!!!

A hint of mint

2009-07-22T06:58:00.000-07:00

I hope you have tried my recipe for pudding and brownies. I posted it a couple of months ago. (here) Well, it's just too good of a recipe to just let it sit around without trying something new.

This time around I used mint brownies and mint pudding.

I do love the chocolate mint combination. Go ahead and give it a try.

Remember to leave a comment here to get entered for my give-a-way. There is only 9 entries, so the odds are pretty good. Please leave an email address in your comment.

Gleaming white

2009-07-21T06:52:00.000-07:00

Has anyone ever fought a long hard battle with that orange scum in/on and around their jetted tubs? I had. I use to take the jets and filter cover off and scrub them. I would also use q-tips to clean inside the jets. It took forever and generally didn't last more than a couple of days. Then one day I filled the tub just barely over the jets with cool water and added 1-2 cups of bleach. I ran the jets for about 10 minutes. I couldn't believe how clean they were and it keeps the orange scum at bay for up to 3 months.

As I was walking with the bleach in hand, over my newish carpet, I shuddered to think that if I tripped my carpet would be in ruins. I can't store the bleach in the bathroom, it would be to easy for my kids to get into. So, here it is Clorox... please make a tablet similar to the ones for the toilet tank, but quick dissolving and highly concentrated. So all we have to do is toss it in. No more mess. Okay, now if they actually hear my plea, I will be a happy cleaner, until the next problem arises.

Here is a little tip for cleaning the tough ring around toilets. Use a pumice stone. The stones pictured below are a lot cuter than mine.
The real tip is to pour a bucket of water into your toilet first. This lowers the level of water and then you can attack the ring with your stone. Be sure to use back and forth motions or you will scratch your porcelain.

Carmel Pecan Rolls

2009-07-20T07:20:00.001-07:00

When I find a really good recipe I like to use it in as many ways as I can. As you know from my previous Sweet Roll post, I have found the perfect Cinnamon Roll recipe. So yesterday I used it to make Carmel rolls. Oh man.... yummy yummy yummy... sooooooo gooood.

Click here for the original recipe. After rolling the dough into a rectangle I sprinkled it with Kraft Carmel Bits. I left out the butter, however, next time I will brush the dough with butter first.

I couldn't find the pecans in time. So, I just rolled it up and added the nuts at the end. It worked out well because my kids didn't want nuts on theirs.

To make the frosting I used about 2 1/2 Cups powdered sugar, 1-2 TBL brown sugar and milk (enough to reach desired consistency). This made enough for 6 rolls and I froze the rest without frosting.

I served this with soup last night and I am having a warmed up roll for Breakfast. I how I love the baked goods.

Don't forget to scroll down and leave a comment on the frame post. I will be drawing a name on Thursday.

The Great Outdoors

2009-07-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

We just got back from camping yesterday. Could you tell that I was gone? I hope not. I just love scheduling posts. It took me a while to get it right.

Every camping trip we look forward to the animal hunt. My MIL buys 100+ little plastic animals and stretchy frogs and hides them in our campground for the kids.

After finding them the kids play with them, wash them and sometimes hide them again. When we get home I hide them in our yard in the morning and let the kids go out and find them. They also love to play in the tub with them.

Both kinds of animals can be found at most Dollar Tree stores. The stretchy animals can also be found at Walmart in their dollar toy section. Wouldn't they be great in a Pinata!?!

Our last day in camp, my baby SIL, found a tiny container. Inside of it was a paper scroll about 2"x 1.5' long. It hand the signature of every camper that had found it. After you signed your name you re-hid it in the campground. We thought that was so clever.

After thinking about at home, I thought it would be fun to do the same thing inside my house. I am going to use a clear film container and hide it where my kids can find it. Maybe in a toy box or a sock drawer and so on. I hope that in years to come they will be excited to visit my house with their kids and find the container and write their names and date on it. What a fun tradition that will be.

Give-a-way

2009-07-16T14:36:00.000-07:00

I never heard from Rene. So, I will be drawing from the names of people who leave a comment on this post for this frame.

A hunting we will go

2009-07-16T06:29:00.000-07:00

Here is another quick and easy summer activity. On you of those days where you don't have time to plan, set up and execute a great activity, just get out a piece of paper and write a list of things your kids can find in your yard. Be creative for this scavenger hunt. A few examples are: something red (list many colors), something plastic, a flower, leaf, a bug, a stick (specify length), a circle, triangle, square, something from up high, something edible. You get the picture. Go ahead and make your kids as busy as you want them to be. You could even arrange a photo scavenger hunt with older kids. Consider having your older kids write a list for the little ones.

Camping Cereal Treats

2009-07-15T05:30:00.000-07:00

I not sure about you, but I go camping for the great food. Well, the more I think about it, that's why I do most things. Here are a couple of Melissa camping standards.

I am sure you have heard of Muddy Buddies or something similar like: Monkey Munch, Puppy Chow or Snow Man Dropping.

Here is my recipe:

1 Stick Butter

1Cup Peanut Butter

1 Generous Cup Chocolate Chips (I use Semi-Sweet)

12 oz. box Rice or Corn Chex Cereal

1 lb.+ a little more Powdered Sugar.

Melt 1st 3 ingredients in microwave, 1 minute at a time. Mix well. Pour over cereal. At this point you can put the mixture in a large zip lock and add sugar and shake. I like to leave it in the bowl I mixed it in (if it has a lid), add sugar and secure lid. Turn upside down and shake.

Shake it like nobodies business! When all cereal is covered you are down. It's at this point I put it in a Ziploc bag and then store it in the refrigerator. It is so much better cold!

This bowl of yumminess is Gooey Good Stuff.

6 Cups Crispix or Rice Chex

6Cups Special K or Total or Corn Flakes

1/2 Cup mixed nuts (optional)

1 1/2 Cups Coconut

Mix in a large bowl

Then Boil the following for 3 minutes in a med. pan.

1 1/2 Cups White Sugar

1 1/2 Karo Syrup

1 1/2 Sticks Margarine or Butter

Pour over dry ingredients. Let it lay on a cookie sheet for a couple of hours.

Trash to Treasure

2009-07-14T06:30:00.000-07:00

It's time to head on over to visit the lovely Kimm @ Reinvented. Every Tuesday she gives us an opportunity to share idea's and get idea's from other bloggers for using what might have other wise been trash.

I found both of my treasures at a local thrift store. This cutie of a planter was $1.50. It had an absolutely hideous yellow ribbon tied around the top of it.
I Painted the pot itself Ivory and the handles black. Now I just need something stunning to put in it.

I loved this pumpkin. It was $1.00. The only problem was I had too many idea's for it. I couldn't decide whether I wanted to use it for holding candy at Halloween and paint it black or paint it brown for fall. I also wanted to paint it silver and use it in my daughters room as Cinderella Coach. Hmmmm....

I went with black for Halloween. I needed something to hold candy for the trick or treaters who never come.

Without a trace

2009-07-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

We are right in the middle of summer. I am sure many of you have already heard I'm bored or have seen the clear signs of little hands having too much time.

My mom had a stack of pictures that she would have us tape to our sliding glass door and we would trace the pictures onto plain typing paper.(oh yeah I said typing!) You can use a coloring book. You may have to help young children remove the pages. Tape the original first to the glass window or door.

Then tape a plain sheet of paper to the window.
Then let your little ones go! After they trace their picture with a pencil or pen, they can color in the rest. My brother and I usually skipped the coloring, but we would trace for at least an hour.

For new visitors to Bloggin' it be sure to check out past posts for activities found on the right side bar in the labels section. There are a couple of gems looming about this blog.

It's still Saturday!

2009-07-11T21:11:00.001-07:00

I used the Random Andy number generator and have come up with two winners.

The winner of the Pink and Brown baby wipe and diaper holder is BRANDI! Brandi, all I have is your name. Please email me with your information.

The winner of a sleek Black and White strapless number is Samantha @ Two Hearts Together! Please email your information to me also.

Thank you to all of my followers! I hope to have another 100 great posts with you.

Edible Invitation

2009-07-10T05:05:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love how these turned out. First you need cookies or even brownies (you can use a cookie cutter to make them any shape you would like. You could even cut the cookies into stars, hearts or flowers.) They can be store bought or homemade.

Someone ate most of my cookies. I don't know who. It will remain a mystery!

Then cut out paper the size and shape of your cookie. Embellish like crazy. Just think how cute it would be to use a scallop punch. So cute. On the back side write the party information or a little note.
Place card on the back of cookie and slip both into a treat bag. Tie with a pretty ribbon.

You could make:
Birthday party invitations
Thank you cards
Baby shower invites
Baby shower favours
Wedding/bridal favours
Thinking of you cards
Birth announcement
Reminders
Special treat in lunch box
Valentine cards
A really tasty business card

You could do chocolate chip cookies and say "Thanks for chipping in" and of course much much more.

Reminder: Today is the last day to be entered for my give-a-way. Be sure to become a follower.

I smell a deal

2009-07-09T06:48:00.000-07:00

I have been waiting for Wal Mart to start selling a generic to Scenty. Last week I discovered that not only do they sell the wax, but also the melting pots. The burners are about $17.00 and the wax is $2.44 a bar. I bought four scents. So far I have only used the Carmel popcorn and man is it Delicious.

Tomorrow is the last day to get entered for my give-a-way (post here). The only way to do so is to become a follower.

Cute slice of summer

2009-07-08T05:54:00.000-07:00

I had this cookie mix that I needed to use. So I dreamed up a summery way to use it. You can use a homemade dough or even ready made dough for this recipe.

One pouch made enough dough to fit one mold.

So you will need:

Sugar cookie dough

Homemade mold(see below)

Chocolate sprinkles

Red and green food coloring

For a mold I used an empty Crystal light container. I liked this container because I could put the lid back on it to give extra support. However, a toilet paper or paper towel roll would be better in size. You could use masking tape over the open top for more support to keep the shape. Whatever you use cut of 1/3 of the top.

Dye 1/3 of the dough green and the rest red. Place wax paper in mold. Then press green dough into mold, pushing dough up the sides. Fill with red dough.

Cover and freeze for 1/2 hour or refrigerate until firm.

Remove dough from mold and cut into slices.

Bake as directed in recipe. (I love parchment paper for baking.)

During the last 30 seconds of baking sprinkle the red part of the cookie with chocolate sprinkles.

Yummy, it's like little slices of summer.

Trash bag

2009-07-07T09:22:00.000-07:00

Last week I had been too sick to participate in Trash to Treasure Tuesday. I am so happy it has rolled around once more. Go visit Kimm @ Reinvented sometime today try to look at as many links to treasures unknown that you can.

Over the years I have gotten quite a stash of canvas bags that are covered in advertisements. Mostly from Home Shows. They generally end up going to good will. Not this time though.

This morning I decide to make them a little more eye pleasing.

I found a scrap of fabric large enough to cover the logo. Left over ribbon, wonder under and hot glue.

I think it turned out great. You could also spruce up reusable shopping bags this way.

100th post G-A-W

2009-07-06T08:03:00.000-07:00

Why do my pictures turn themselves? Honestly, as if having a terrible camera and an awful end user wasn't enough!

Well here she is. My give-a-way or G-A-W if you please. My 1ooth post has come and gone. To be entered all you need to do is make sure you are a follower of this here super awesome blog. I will be giving everyone until this Friday to get er done.

This little baby comes with straps on the back for diapers. I will also draw a second name for a wipe dillybob without straps. It is good for just about anyone who has a cleaning need. By the way, baby wipes are terrific for removing eye makeup. I will wrap it in Cellophane with a ribbon. It would make a great baby shower gift.

Starry eyed

2009-07-04T08:21:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July! I thought I would get a quick post in for the weekend.

Did you see this cute Patriotic window done by The Creative Crate? It was featured on U Create a couple of days ago. It reminded me of a project I did last year.

Which is pictured below. It is a regular picture frame from Wal Mart. I painted the frame and the back of the glass. The lettering is done with a dry erase marker. I change it with the seasons, I use it to record medication dosages and to write quick reminders. Wouldn't it be cute to have three of them, one above the other, the top and bottom smaller than the middle? You could write Home Sweet Home, Live Laugh Love and so on.Anyway, after seeing the flag, I knew I needed to do something similar, but with a frame a little easier to get a hold of. So, I got a $3 Wal Mart frame.
Painted the frame. Cut of a template of a star. (I used paper, which was a big mistake. Next time I will use contact paper.)

Painted the star.

Then stripes.

Not perfect, but I love it.

Another great affordable gift. You could do any season. I know I will be doing a Valentines day frame. The wipeable board is a great gift for Newly weds, they could write sticky sweet gaggy messages to each other or just about anyone. Also, a good affordable way to fill space on a wall and add color.

Fourth of July Fairy

2009-07-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

My good friend Layla asked me to do a tutorial on how to curl ribbon. I was in the process of preparing photos when I saw Little Birdies Secrets had done a wonderful tutorial on these little princess wands. They do a good job on explaining curling ribbon here.

I love the wands and wanted to make some for my girls to hold at all of the Fourth of July Parades and Fireworks.

I love them. My son, age 5, wants a wand too. We have been watching a lot of Harry Potter movies lately. So, tomorrow I am painting a dowel blue or black and coating it with the glitter paint for him. I know, someone is going to get their eye poked this weekend. It will probably be me.

My next post is my 100th post. I will be holding off until Monday to announce my give-a-way. Meanwhile, be sure to become a follower to be entered to win.

A for Apron

2009-07-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Round Robin friends. This was a previous post. I thought you might like it. Be sure to check out my newest post. It's a good one(edible invitations). Thank you Amy for hosting Round Robin.

I wear an apron around the house. I love them with big pockets. The more the merrier. When I walk into a room and see an item that does not belong, I pick it up and stuff it in a pocket. When I go into the room where it belongs, I put it away. This way I don't spend all day going back and forth between all the rooms.

I found these little waist aprons in the hardware section at Wal Mart for a dollar.

What a great price. I decided to make several, so when one is in the wash I will have a back up.

This one I used Fabric Markers on. First I traced my design and then colored it in.

Love it.

My niece did this one while she stayed with me. She said it was her favorite thing all weekend. Look how clever she is. It is the life of one tree through out the year.

This one I used fabric and wonder under.

I was going to stitch around the fabric flowers, but ran out of time. So, I used a black fabric marker.

You could also use crayons. (use generic for better color)

You could make these for gifts. It would be easy to customize for just about anybody women and men (remember: these are sold in the hardware department with men in mind).

Camp Cook/BBQ Chef
Crafter
Avid couponer (I like to put the coupons in my pocket after I find the item)
Cleaner
Artist
Pre-school teacher
Wood worker
Walker (I never have enough pockets when I am outside walking
Gardener
New Mom or Dad (keeps diapers, wipes and cream handy at all times.
Day care provider
Nudist (lets face it, they need some pockets)
Grandma
and so many more....

Great gift for children to make. Fun summer boredom buster.

I heart the dollar store

2009-07-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

I don't know to many people who don't love a good dollar store. You never know what great bargain you will find. Last week I found these packages of hair bows in the baby section. I know what you are thinking.

you: Wow, those were only a dollar?

me: Yes, just a dollar!

you: It can't be true!

me: Oh but it is, it's like a dream come true.

Of course, not all things found in the dollar store are a bargain. I bought their window cleaner and it is awful. Don't waste your dollar on that. However, I have liked their liquid fabric softener. I even dilute it: %50 softener %50 water and it still works great.

Just Bead Happy

2009-06-28T21:56:00.000-07:00

I never been very girly. I just am now getting in touch with my soft chewy center. My girls have been benefiting from my new interest in all things pink and poofy. Recently, I have been putting more of an effort into their hair. Thanks to blogs about little girls hair dos and my neighbor who should go in the hair book of geniuses for the fabulous styles she gives her girls, my girls are looking a bit more kept. When it comes to hair embellishments there are a lot of options every where you go. However, I have got to be a creative and a smidgen frugal. I have come up several idea's already as seen here and here. So now I will share one more idea.

You will need:

24 gauge wire

Package of beads (I got the pkg. shown in the picture at Wal Mart for $2)

Package of bobby pins

A few of the beads and bobby pins is all you will need.

Select 2 coordinating beads and cut about 3"-4" inches of the wire.
Slide one bead onto one end of the wire leaving enough wire to wrap around bead.

Push end of wire through the other side of the bead. You can do this a couple of times to secure the bead. Pull tight.

Twist the wire together with the top part of the remaining wire. ( I know, I need a new camera and maybe a new end user. If you have any suggestions for a new camera I am listening. If you know of any Internet camera classes I am still listening.)

Do the same with the other bead on the opposite end.

Then slip wire into bobby pin with a bead on each side.

Twist beads until secure on the bobby pin.

Then decorate that cute little head of hair. With these cute little buggers you can make one to coordinate with each of your bows and flower clips.

Seriously, so cheap. So easy. So cute.

Consider yourself framed

2009-06-27T11:36:00.000-07:00

Last month I participated in Craft it Forward. I had my three people comment and 2 of them have contacted me with their mailing info. However, one hasn't.

Reneee where are you?!?! Please contact me with your address. I made this frame for you.

If Renee doesn't contact me by July 1, I will hold a drawing to find this frame a home.

Look Xazmin! An entry for Mod Podge Mania! Everyone go check out Xazmin, @This is the year, this Tuesday!

Beary good

2009-06-26T05:30:00.000-07:00

It doesn't take much to turn a simple ball dough into a fun edible friend. I used Rhodes Roll dough, which is so easy, oh so easy! With just a few pinches and a little manipulation you can give your kids a tasty pal to eat with their dinner.

Hmmmm, reminds me of my own tummy, which oddly enough also rises on a warm day.

Now your little carnivores can bite the head off of their lovable friend.

Stroll happy

2009-06-25T04:30:00.000-07:00

Meet the newest baby wipe diaper holder helps keep everything together ma-jigger. I plan to add it to my Etsy account soon. Can you imagine yourself standing up in church holding this little cutie and not having to search the depths of a diaper bag to find both the wipes and diapers.

I'm toying with doing a tutorial on these in the near future.

You can even attach it to a stroller to keep your hands on both handles.
What a skinny shadow!

Here is a heads up: My 100th blog is coming up soon. I will be having a give-a-way. Be sure to become a follower! I will have more details next week.

Thanks for stopping by.

Scrappy Paper Dolls

2009-06-24T05:30:00.000-07:00

To celebrate going dot com the Tip Junkie featured a bunch of posts about parties. One of them had a link to this post on This Mama Makes Stuff. It was an American Girl themed party and she had Kit paper dolls. I couldn't find a pattern for them so I made my own. Get all of your ribbon, lace, fabric scraps and any beads, paper or embellishments you don't need anymore and let your girls have a blast designing clothes for their own paper dolls.

My oldest daughter is 4 and she was able to do a lot of it on her own. She and her friends, ages 5 and 7, played with the scraps and dolls for over an hour. I think had they all been 6+ they would have play even longer.

This is a great summer activity.

A De-Pantsing

2009-06-23T06:30:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago I found Handy Andy's pants in the trash. What!?! Why would he do such a thing? Why? He obviously has not been to visit Kimm @ Reinvented. Had he done so, he would not have tossed out his pants so fast. So, I pulled them out and washed them. Just so I could cut them up for Trash to Treasure Tuesday.

I even removed the inseam and pockets.
I had been wanting to make Ashely's water slings from Make it and love it for some time. Denim was perfect for the project. It was sturdy enough I was able to skip a few steps. They will look even better after I wash them and the edges fray.

Ashley's tutorial was very easy to follow and if it was easy for me you should be able to do it in your sleep. ( mine are a little taller than Ashley, because I didn't hem the top.)

What to do with the inseam and pockets? Well....

I made a pocket purse of course.

It's a pocket. It's a purse. POCKET PURSE!

Cool Trick Cool Treat

2009-06-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

I am loving food on a stick and it doesn't get better than chocolate. Don't let this summer go by without try this little trick. Push a lollipop stick into a large or small candy bar.

The wrapper will create a barrier between the chocolate and the kid. Hopefully reducing a melty mess.

For a even better cool summer treat. Place candy bar pops in the freezer and serve frozen.

At the kids next lemonade stand have them sell these frozen little cuties. To help make pushing in the stick, prick the wrapper and bar with a sterilized needle and use as a pilot hole.

Father's day

2009-06-19T07:18:00.000-07:00

I don't have many idea's for Father's Day. I don't get men and won't even pretend to. Here is a quick and affordable gift for you kids to give good old Dad. Buy a book about dads. I bought the I Love You book from Wal Mart for $2.50. Then write in the cover the date and what your child likes to do with dad or a favorite memory from the past year. Give it to Dad, then update the book every year on Father's Day.

A Sweet Summer Field Trip

2009-06-18T07:30:00.002-07:00

Who doesn't love a summer field trip to break up their week. Be sure to put Krispy Kreme on your list. Why a donut store? Well Krispy Kreme provides a special opportunity for you and your children to watch the manufacturing process. I'll bet it's a day they will remember for summers to come. Be sure to call ahead and ask for times they will be making donuts. You may want to plan this soon because the company has been said to be struggling right now. I would hate to see such a fun and educational store to be closed.

Want to add a little more fun to your field trip? Take along a couple of books about donuts. Search your local library or do an Internet search. I found several books on Amazon.com and they qualify for free shipping.

Topped with a bow

2009-06-17T06:08:00.000-07:00

My girls don't have a whole lot of hair and what the little ones does have is in the shape of a mullet. So, girlifying them is very important and tricky. I gathered ribbons and elastics. (not pictured here is those little disposable back elastics, they work well for this.)

Cut a 3-5 inch length of ribbon...

or fabric of varying lengths.

Seal ends.

Tie in a knot around elastic.

Girlify like crazy.

Works with curly ribbon too.

Have a ribbon swap with friends and you just may end up with every color you will ever need. Because the ends are sealed, if an elastic breaks, just tie ribbon to a new elastic. I love these because they are small enough that they don't over power a little head and you can use several per hair style.

These are very cost effective and easy to make.

EM ME

2009-06-17T05:56:00.000-07:00

It's time to join Amber @ {ae filkins} for the Extreme Makeover Me Edition. Today we are asked to post a picture of what is in our refrigerator. Ummmm, yeah.... that's not gonna to happen. I am trying to type this out before the little monkey's can find me this morning. I am typing as fast as I can and I can hear them coming. Whoa, what an a Adrenalin rush! Anyhoo, not enough time to clean the fridge out and there is no way I am posting as is. That puppy is not ready for it's close up. I will say that it is pretty much filled with leftovers and vegetables. Oh no, they are getting closer.

I am only linking this post so be sure to check out my newest post while your here.

Making my mark

2009-06-16T06:09:00.000-07:00

I look forward to Tuesday every week. Why? Because it's Trash to Treasure Tuesday! So for heaven's sakes get on over to Kimms place @ Reinvented and link up. Come on I know you can be just as trashy as the next gal. I am also try out a new one. Diane's second time around Tuesday on her blog A picture is worth a 1000 words.

This will be my last 2x4 post for a while. So enjoy!

I didn't measure the length of the board. Just use a small scrap of 2x4. You can cut a template like I did or just eyeball 10 holes. I used my cricut for the template, the holes are two big. It was just a guide really. I couldn't find the right bit. So, I had to use one that was too big. Did this make me mad? Yes, just a bit. giggle

Stain or paint. Don't worry about getting the paint down in the holes.
For the next part you will need a box of 10 Markers. Note: There should only be one marker manufactured and that is the washable kind. I bought these long before I learned this valuable lesson.

Grab your glue gun and fill each hole a little more than half way. Place marker cap down in the glue as you go. Some of the glue will go up into the hallow of the cap, so be sure to use plenty of glue. Let dry.

Viola! Now your caps won't wander away from you marker.

Wrap this bad boy up with a pad of paper and you have a great gift for a child you adore.

If you have a chance take a look at my previous post. It's a real treat!

Like cake pops, but easier.

2009-06-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

I know I don't need to go on and on about the glories of Bakerella. There are not many of us who haven't gone over to visit her and drool over her beautiful photos of beautiful food. If you haven't been over recently, her newest post is a must see.

After doing a post on my attempt at cake pops, I received a lot of comments from other lovely ladies who had tried the little buggers. Although very cute, they are very aggravating to make. I later made a post of my marshmallow version of Bakerella's flower cake pops, seen here.

Have you ever cut into a wedding cake just to find out it's a Rice Krispie treat? There is a reason the professionals use Rice Krispie treats, one of those reasons is the fact it's easy to work with. The following is a demonstration of using Rice Krispie treats in place of cake and frosting. Giving you the rice krispie pop. Use this method for making Bakerella's cute creations.

Mix a batch of Rice Krispies using your favorite recipe. I added an extra 1/2 cup of marshmallows. I had to add this photo. My spatula broke in mid stroke.

Roll balls, squeezing the krispies tight. I also patted the mixture flat, about 3/4 inch thick, so I could cut out stars. Re-pat scraps and cut out more. Use leftovers to roll balls. (For best results, dip stick in melted chocolate/candy before inserting. Then let dry overnight. This will keep the stick from coming out the top.) Insert sticks. I let the treats stiffen over night.(I did the treat part at 11:00 pm. So, I was just to tired to finish.)
The next photo is a little out of place. I wish I new how to move photos around.
Melt chocolate. Dip balls or cut outs. Roll in sprinkles.

A good place to buy you lollipop sticks is JoAnns. You get more for your money than at Wal Mart.

The two pictures below are of marshmallows. If you plan on covering your treats with these cute little bags, remember to make you balls small.

I got tired of rolling balls. So, I made 3 big ones. Then drizzled the last little bit of all the chocolates on top. I think I will wrap these up and give them to friends.

Roll, dip and eat like crazy.

Your it.

2009-06-14T18:03:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Xazmin @This is the Year. I am supposed to list 6 unimportant things that make me happy.

1. New white socks. It makes me feel fancy to walk around my house in thick socks that have never been worn before.
2. Eating the biggest strawberry out of the package. It's been hard, but I now let my kids eat the biggest strawberry. Oh the sacrifices.
3. Fluffy clean towels. I get so irritated when I get out of the shower and find that one of the kids came in and took my towel. It's sad, but fluffy towels are the closest I get to spa like conditions.
4. New Followers. They are very important and I get excited with every new face or silhouette.
5. Lost. I miss it and can't wait until next season. There is a house near mine that has some sort of big thing in there window. I know it's hatch!
6. A drink of ice cold water.

I don't know who has already been tagged, so participate if you want. With that said, I tag:

Mimi Lee
Jana
Amy @Keeping up with the Shultzs
Layla
Chantel
Beckie

Don't burst my bubble

2009-06-12T15:23:00.000-07:00

I use to use homemade bubbles as a kid. Over the years that recipe and all the fun was forgotten. While reading Make and Takes I was reminded of the good times and given a new recipe. This is Marie's recipe:

1 Cup dish soap (she used Palmolive, I used Ajax and will be trying Palmolive next time.

4 Cups water

1/4 Karo syrup

Marie stored hers in a milk jug. I used a 2 litter pop bottle. I first measured everything using only water. I then made marks (1 cup, at the bottom for the soap. Then I added 4 cups of water and made the water line. Then I added 1/4 of water and drew a syrup line. Next time I will not have to use any measuring cups.

I had bought some wands at Dollar Tree. My kids loved the bubbles. I plan to buy or make a few more wands so that the neighborhood kids can join in.

Look at that. So cheap. So easy.

Out of my mind

2009-06-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

Part of having my blog was to be able to share some of my idea's. You know, get them out of my head to make room for important things like: learning, grocery lists, my kids names and much more. So here I go.

I am sure you have seen the Dr. Shcolls commercials were everyone is gellen. Have you seen the one were the guy is caught in the rain and can't get catch a taxi? What a dork. Anyway, everything is okay when those little gel eyeball things hop into his shoe. It can't end there, no way. He is in the pouring rain. He's cold! Wouldn't it be great if they offered an insert that heats as you step? Maybe they could combine the hand warmer granules with the gel. The friction from stepping would work for activation. Perhaps if they were reusable people would invest in them or if disposable they would be great at the Winter Olympics. People will shell out cash for comfort at Major events or even for winter sports such as snowboarding and skiing.

There, I feel much better now. Oh, I need eggs.

Thanks for your time. I will get to work on a new post that hopefully everyone can enjoy.

Easiest Dinner E V E R

2009-06-10T14:03:00.000-07:00

My friend Suzy gave me this recipe a couple of years ago. All you need is: 1 package of frozen burritos(you can do as many as you want at a time)

1 can of enchilada sauce (size of cans depends on how many burritos you do at once. You can use any kind of burrito.Choose a good brand, if you buy inferior burritos, it will taste inferior. Place frozen burrito in bottom of pan. You can do 10 in a 13x9 pan. I chose a smaller pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Top with your favorite toppings, onions, sliced olives, cheese, sour cream, etc. I keep dried chives on hand just to jazz up my enchiladas.

Serve and enjoy. So cheap. So Easy.

Flower Power

2009-06-10T07:42:00.000-07:00

Giant flowers on tiny heads are very popular right now. There are plenty of shops where you can buy them, but I decided to make a couple at home. I had some big beautiful buttons I have been waiting to use and a couple of flowers from the dollar store.

1. Pull the centers out of the flower.

2. Glue layers together.

3. Place a couple drops of hot glue on the back of the button. Push button loop through hole.

4. Glue hair clip on back of flower.

So very easy. So very cute.

Extreme Me Makeover

2009-06-09T20:26:00.000-07:00

After a month of reporting to you lovely ladies who have joined Amber's Extreme Me Makeover amberfilkins, I was hoping I could share good news. However, I am too afraid to step on the scale. As I shared with you last week, I was doing a great job at waking up early to run on the treadmill. Even making up for missed mornings. Then I found out I have Bronchitis, Strep, Sinus infection and ear infections. Yeah, I don't really want bounce around on a treadmill and eating right is out the window. My throat only feels good when I am swallowing juice or ice cream. I did feel fantastic when I was exercising every day and even began to wear some clothes that I previously felt lousy in. I hope that the prescriptions I was given will kick in soon and I will be back on the treadmill.

Today's question is: What's your favorite thing to drink while you're losing weight? We all know how important it is to get that water intake up, especially with summer almost here. What's your favorite way to spice it up? I love Crystal light, however, I buy the Wal Mart brand. It is just as good.

Good luck this week!

Missy Missy 2x4 can't get through the...

2009-06-09T06:51:00.000-07:00

the bathroom room door... I would finish the song but it's a little bit gross. It's Trash to Treasure Tuesday! Be sure to visit the magnificent Kimm @ Reinvented to see what trash you should treasure this week.

You know how I love a left over piece of 2x4. I made these votive holders for my sis-in-laws. I used pieces of 2x4(of course), a hole saw, little wood balls with a flat edge from the craft store and votive holders.(that look like little pots) I drilled 5 holes, painted and distressed the wood. I hot glued the balls, after painting and/or staining, to the bottom of the wood. Finally, I dropped the votive holder in. I got the idea from a furniture store. Only I saved $35.

I can't wait to see what all of you have transformed this week.

Check out my Sweet Rolls

2009-06-07T14:58:00.001-07:00

No it's not the Extreme Makeover already. It's a different kind of roll. My friends, friend shared a terrific recipe for Cinnamon rolls. When I get an amazing recipe I try to find as many different ways to use it as I can.

So here is my latest version of the classic Cinnamon roll. Raspberry! Next time I think I will also do a layer of sweetened cream cheese with the Jam.

I use a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk. I added 1-2 tsp. Raspberry extract and red food coloring for the Raspberry rolls.

See Recipe below.

Jesika's Cinnamon Roll Recipe

2 tablespoons yeast(I use SAF, do not activate yeast)

6 cups flour

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup oil

2 eggs

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 teaspoons salt

2 cups warm water

-Mix ingredients together in order as they appear. (I have a KitchenAid and found that in order for the yeast to get mixed in well, it works best to keep the mixer on low while adding the rest of the ingredients.) Mix well for ten minutes, then let sit for 10 minutes. Knead dough on floured counter top until all air bubbles are gone. Dough may be sticky, knead in more flour if needed. Roll out with rolling pin, and spread one cube of softened butter onto dough. Sprinkle with cinnamon. (Some people like to add brown sugar, nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips.) Roll dough up and cut with string. Place on ungreased cookie sheet, with 4 rolls to a row. Let rise one hour. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until rolls are light brown on bottom. Cool in pan.(Store in air tight container with a slice of bread to keep fresh.)Icing1/2 cup butter3 cups powdered sugar1 teaspoon vanilla2-3 tablespoons milk(Store icing in fridge when not in use. Do not heat in microwave, butter will separate out.)

Cookie Brownie

2009-06-07T11:22:00.000-07:00

I was surprised that there are some that haven't tried the Betty Crocker recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies. So, I found the recipe for you. I did my own cookie dough the last time I made these as seen here. However, using the BC cookie pouch makes it super easy. You could even try the Peanut Butter pouch in place of the Chocolate Chip. Goodness, don't stop there try all the cookie flavors.

Click picture for link to recipe.

Win your cake and eat too

2009-06-07T08:13:00.001-07:00

Head on over to Make it and Love it for a chance to win a gift certificate to a brand new Cake Shop.

Brittnay is in Rexburg Idaho and is Ashely's newest sponsor. They are offering this give-a-way to anyone in the Southeastern part of Idaho or to anyone who know someone in SE Idaho.
Don't you just want to bite their cute little heads off. Starting with the happy Monkey. Oh little monkey, get in my tummy where you belong. Be sure to visit Brittany's blog to see more yummy and cute cakes.

Dough head

2009-06-06T07:58:00.000-07:00

Everyone has probably tried the Betty Crocker recipe for cookie dough brownies by now. I wanted to see if it would work with a regular homemade cookie dough and in muffin tins.

Turns out it works. I usually make cookie dough and freeze it in balls. I will be able to use my frozen dough for more than just cookies now.

Look how festive my brownies are. These would make good small gifts for friends. Be sure to wrap them in cellophane with a matching ribbon. This would be such a sweet surprise for a friend or just a small treat for a lunch box.

Food Face

2009-06-04T11:34:00.000-07:00

Parents Magazine featured these plates in their June Magazine. I absolutely love them. My kids would have a blast and it would keep them at the table longer. Kids who stay at the table eat more too. So if you have a little one who takes a bite and wants to leave the table you might want to try Food Face. Here is the link: http://www.popdeluxe.net/

Gumball gift

2009-06-04T07:07:00.000-07:00

Last week I was serving my kids a late lunch on the front porch. When I turned to go back inside the house I found a birthday party invitation on the front door. My friend had woke up early in the morning and taped the invitations on a million doors.(What a gal, she didn't leave anyone out.) I usually don't use the front door so it had gone unseen until 12:50 pm. The party started at 1:00 pm! I knew my friend would not have been offended had we shown up with no gift, but who wants to be that person. So I grabbed a jelly jar. Covered the top with a round tag, it fit perfectly. Added some matching ribbon. Filled the jar with gum balls(thanks to me for buying the giant container of gum) and rolled a $5 bill up and stuffed it in the center of the gum. It turned out well for a last minute gift. I was going to attach a note that said: A gift so you can "chews" what you want. Don't "blow" it all in one place.

You could also fill a jar with quarter, dimes and nickles. The note could read: Don't ever "change".

What are your last minute use what you have in the house birthday gift ideas?

Awards

2009-06-03T06:50:00.000-07:00

Awards are a fun way to get linked up with new friends. I am truly excited and grateful when I receive one. In the past couple of weeks I received two new awards. This one is the Black Canvas Award I received from Vivienne @ the V-Spot. The Blank Canvas Award - celebrating blogs who cram in a lot of different topics. I like the way her friend expressed her reason for giving this award: I have chosen them because they make me laugh, they are honest, they aren't all about one thing, like flowers or tablescapes, etc. I love their work and wish I were that good, or they are kindred spirits to me, they are intelligent and they are good writers!"

Thank you Viviene

We are to pass this award on and list 7 traits that we have. It didn't say good or bad traits, so I will try to do a little of both.

1. I am a thinker. I mean all of the time. It never stops!

2. I am not lovey dovey in any way. I am so uncomfortable talking about feelings and such. I can't use pet names. It makes me feel weird.

3. I honestly wish the best for everyone.

4. I am an eater. I can out eat just about anyone.

5. I have hope.

6. I am never shocked because I believe anything is possible.

7. I am simple and complicated. Perhaps, just simply complicated.

I am going to pass this Award to my good friend @ Mimi Lee.

I received this next award from Samantha (I wanted my name to be Samantha so bad when I was a kid.) @ Two Hearts Together and Amy @ Keeping up with the Shultz Family. It's the Lovely Blog Award.

Thank you Samantha and Amy.

Here are the rules if you want to pass along the award:
1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.
2. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you've newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

This one is tough to accept. Just thinking about the 15 blogs has had me in knots. I have had a lot of wonderful bloggers who have found me and become followers. I appreciate them and enjoy visiting their blogs. Please choose 15 of my followers that you have never seen before and visit their blog. Thanks you again to everyone for the awards and reading this rather long post.

EM ME

2009-06-03T06:08:00.001-07:00

It's time once again to visit the amazing Amber @ ae filkins and link up for the Extreme Makeover Me Edition. The women who have joined Amber are a wonderful group of women who truly inspire and support everyone. I do mean everyone!

This week's question is: What's your favorite beauty secret? Mine is most definitely toothpaste on a blemish. You put a dab of toothpaste on a blemish at night and wash of in the morning. It makes them almost vanish and takes away the pain.

On Monday and Tuesday I woke up at 6:00 am to run on the treadmill. Although my body doesn't quite work that early in the morning it felt so good. This morning did not go as planned but I hope to make up for it with a long walk with the kids.

Finally, I was sent this in an email.
For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies. 1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. 3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. 4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. 5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

CONCLUSION Eat and drink what you like.Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

Trash To Treasure Tuesday

2009-06-01T20:56:00.001-07:00

It is time to visit Kimm @ Reinvented! Jump on over and be sure to check out all the other links to some of the most beautiful trash you will ever see.

I had some Travertine left over from our back splash and I always have pieces of felt around. So I put the together and now I have coasters and trivets.

This was a scrap piece of pine from the project in my previous post. I painted it with watered down Antique White paint and sanded the edges. I rubbed on one of those scrap book word things. (It was either Happy Birthday, Thank you, Thinking of you or Kindness. This hangs in my bathroom so the only saying that is really appropriate was kindness.) Tied a ribbon and there you have it. Cheap, easy and simple.

Mod Podge Mania

2009-05-31T21:06:00.000-07:00

The Month has flown by! It's time for Mod Podge Mania with Xazmin @ This is the Year. After you are finished catching here at Bloggin' It, please hop on over and visit Xazmin and be sure to click on the links to other crazy Podging ladies. Okay, now for a bit of a confession: I am obsessed with Mod Pogde. Seriously! A couple of weeks ago my husband and I were watching TV and I looked over at him and thought "I could Mod Podge him some good lookin' pants.". So, if you are around me don't stand still too long you just might get a good podging.

I made these a couple of years ago. I used a pine board and cut it down to 6 14x14 squares. I then painted them black, sanded the edges, Mod Podged 12x12 scrap book paper, painted and sanded small rectangles of wood (I bought them at Wal Mart in the craft section)and glued them to the paper. I topped the whole thing off with pressed tin. ( I bought at a scrap book store.)

I drilled holes and added ribbon.

They are at each end of my dining room. Warning don't have your timeout chair right by decorations. Your kids might just start peeling things off.

Kid Food

2009-05-30T06:29:00.000-07:00

My kids love the Gerber raviolis. They cost about $1.25 for a very small serving. I love them too, because they do not have sauce on them and usually contain a vegetable. I found this bag of cheese tortellini for $5.50 at Wal Mart. If you boil them in water seasoned with chicken bullion they are very similar to the Gerber ravioli. What a savings and you store them in the freezer so they are ready to go.

Beans Beans the Magical Fruit...

2009-05-29T07:12:00.000-07:00

One of my earliest memories is of me playing on my great grandmother's floor with my cousins and a big bag of beans. She would give us spoons and little brown bowls. We would play for over an hour with beans.

I keep this plastic shoebox filled with beans and little pie tins in the kitchen. The kids can pull it out whenever they want to. I don't worry much about them eating them. Beans are good for you and kids are full of beans anyway. :)

A lot of beans make it to the floor. At least they are not wet, soft like play dough or messy like paint. I just sweep or vacuum them up. They are a cheap toy I don't mind replacing every several years.

Story letter

2009-05-28T06:44:00.000-07:00

My kids are having a blast making cards and mailing them to their cousins with the puzzle pieces. If you missed that post please take a look here. I started thinking about older kids. Puzzles might be to silly for some kids older than 10. Instead, encourage your child to choose 2 or 3 cousins or friends and start a story letter. Help them establish what order the letter should be sent and write instructions for all participants. Each child will add a line to the story and then mail it to the next in line. By the end of the summer you should have a pretty funny story. Make a copy of the finished product and have a book signing party.

Craft it Forward

2009-05-27T07:04:00.000-07:00

Craft it forward is a wonderful way to share your crafts and to meet other bloggers. I was lucky enough to be one of the first 3 commenter's on Heidi's blog Blue Eyed Blessings. This week I received my package (he he he) the mail. Take a look at all this handcrafted fun.

The cards are my favorite part.

Now, it's my turn. The first 3 commenter's on this post will receive something handcrafted by Me from Me. You in turn will post your gifts when you receive them and will offer the same chance for the first 3 commenter's on your blog. Go forth and craft my friends.