Nursery Rhymes and Sweet Times

Time flies.

2011-03-28T11:31:00.002-05:00

Our sweet baby turned 2 last week.

wow. Where did the time go?

We had a birthday party Saturday with our families and celebrated the lil monster!

It all started when I found the cutest little monster diy party pack on etsy from Totful Memories. I came across it, and knew I had to have it! I bought it, emailed her a picture of my lil dude and the information I needed, and a couple of days later I had 61 pages of goodies, invitations and decorations to use for the party. I decided that I didn't want to go through a lot of ink on my home computer, so I sent it to a print shop here in town and had them do the work for me! (I had a ton of stuff printed and ran out of time before everyone got there and didn't get it all out. Fail.) I highly recommend her products. The stuff was absolutely adorable, and there was a TON of it!! Thanks Tania!

(picture alert-there are a ton of pictures coming! I just can't halp myself...I love em.)

Soft Sugar Cookies

Muddy Buddies

Fruit and the BEST Caramel Popcorn (I leave out the nuts and cinnamon)

Strawberry Punch (recipe to come)

Chocolate cake with buttercream filling, rich chocolate frosting (SO delicious-btw), and marshmallow fondant.

I traced the monsters off of my computer screen from the package from Totful Memories. I cut them out, layed them on the fondant, and used an exacto knife to cute them out. I cut out the letters on my Cricut with SCAL on cardstock and did the same with those. The stripes were simply strips of fondant. For tips on cake making and fondant, check out the Make-a-Cake Series at Make it and Love it.

omm. nom. nom. napkins from The Paper Hat

Homemade Playdough party favors

Today I am thankful for our sweet baby boy. Our family just wouldn't be complete without him!

I can't believe you stuck around, but I appreciate it!

2011-03-01T16:14:00.003-06:00

Hello, all! I just wanted to apologize for being MIA for months. I never intended on taking a break from blogging, but life happened. Isn't it funny how life doesn't care about my crafting and my lil ole blog? :)

Anyhow, I want to say I'm sorry for leaving you high and dry without a word. I lost my mojo back in November, then sickness hit our family, then the holidays, so on and so forth. I won't bore you with the details. Bottom line, I neglected my blog and you along with it. I'm truely sorry, y'all! I appreciate so much that you have stuck around and I appreciate the new followers that jumped on this crazy train in the last few months!

I don't know when it will be, but I am hoping that in the near future I can sort some stuff out and get back into the swing of things. I have been going through a lot, had some friends bail on me in the process, and have hit a brick wall in many areas of my life. Some good, some bad, some ugly. When I am able to climb back up on the horse that is life, I will return to posting more regularly.

A sincere thank you for sticking around!

Today I am thankful for a husband that ~~puts up with me~~ sticks with me no matter what is going on!

Also, for a daughter that calls me sweetie. She makes my day everytime.

Turkey Day Tees

2010-11-18T09:53:00.001-06:00

My baby boy and I are still a little under the weather. My little guy has a head cold, and his meds gave him some serious tummy/diaper issues....so I havent had time to craft or blog. I promise I didn't forget about you guys! My lil man comes first, though! I hope y'all understand!

On with the Turkey T-shirt inspiration.

I have come across several super cute turkey t-shirts that I wish I had time to make. Since I don't, I thought maybe you guys might want to!

The first one that caught my eye is from Amy at Positively Splendid.

I love how girly and bright this one is! You can find the tutorial HERE.

Next up is a cutie from Lindsay at The Cottage Home. I can't get the picture to work, but go check it out! With the right fabric, it could easily be made boyish! HERE is the tutorial.

Lastly is this adorable one from Angie over at Treasures for Tots. It is made using your child's hand prints. My daughter would love this!

Here tute can be found HERE. This, too, could be made for a boy!

Today I am thankful for Thanksgiving. I love this holiday and the comfort it brings. Nothing is more comforting than having family and loved ones gathered around tons of good food!

Feature Friday

2010-11-12T09:47:00.001-06:00

It has been quite a while since I featured a blog that I am smitten with.

I have been sick, as has my baby boy, so I'm sorry the posts have been few and far between!

You really need to check out this one!

Mandi over at Vintage Revivals is so talented. She makes things like this:

from SCRAPS she had in her sewing room. That's right. Scraps.

And amazing knock offs like this Anthro inspired lamp

She even stenciled a wall in her living room with a stencil that she made.

Go by and check her out. I promise you will leave inspired!

Today I am thankful for the abundance of inspiration around blogland!

My Weekend

2010-11-08T08:44:00.002-06:00

I'm sorry I haven't been sharing many crafts and blogging about anything creative lately. We have been busier than ever!

This weekend, I sewed my little tush off, baked some incredible cupcakes (if you like chocolate), made 50 cake pops, attended 2 birthday celebrations, traveled, and took engagement pictures for our best friends. As soon as I recover, I promise I will return you to your regularly scheduled craft programing. :)

Until then, I will leave you with a picture of some of my favorite people. This is Steven's childhood best friend and his sweet fiance. I love them and had SO much fun doing their engagement pictures!

I hope everyone had a great weekend, and had a blessed week ahead!

Today I am thankful for family and friends to keep us busy!

Pumpkin, Spice, Everything Nice...That's what these muffins are made of!

2010-11-05T11:42:00.002-05:00

My friend, Lindsey, sent me the world's easiest recipe for pumpkin muffins.

They have only three ingredients.

Three.

I'm game!

She told me that all you do it mix 1 box of spice cake mix, 1 can pf pumpkin, and 1 individual cup of applesauce.

But I thought, "No chocolate? Every good recipe has chocolate!"

So, I added chocolate chips to the mix. I have a problem, I can't seem to leave well enough alone.

First, pour 1 cup chocolate chips into a small bowl. Open cake mix and sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of it over the chocolate chips. This will keep them suspended in the muffin and keep them from sinking.

Stir it until all chips are coated.

In mixing bowl, mix together cake mix, applesauce, and pumpkin.

Once it is all incorporated, fold in the chocolate chips.

Scoop into lined muffin tins and bake as directed. I like to use an ice cream scoop so they are all the same size. Bake as directed on the cake mix box. Mine said to bake at 350 for 18-21 minutes. They took 20 minutes.

(You can also make this recipe as a cake or bundt cake. A bundt cake with a simple icing of milk, powdered sugar, and splash of vanilla drizzled over it would be divine.)

Oh my.
These are so moist and delicious.
No one will ever know that they were so easy to whip up!

Today I am thankfil for simple and delicious recipes!

Funny Photo Friday

2010-11-05T09:07:00.001-05:00

Today I am thankful for the many faces of Brady!

Chili

2010-11-02T08:40:00.001-05:00

Fall is officially here. (yay!)

That means it's time for good ol' comfort food!

I was raised eating chili made from those seasoning packets you get from the grocery store. Nothing wrong with that, but I wanted to figure out how to make it from scratch. Last year I tried Pioneer Woman's recipe for chili from her cookbook. It was good, but not what I was looking for. I decide this year to just wing it, throw in whatever I felt like, and ya know what? It turned out pretty darn good! What's great about soups and chilis, is that you can change and adapt the recipes to fit your taste!

Here is the recipe I came up with:

2 lb ground hamburger, or ground turkey

2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion-diced

2 cloves garlic-minced

1 1/2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce

4 tbsp chili powder

1/2 tsp cayenne

2 tbsp cumin

*optional but tasty*1/4 c masa flower (Mexican corn flower) dissolved in 1/2 c water

1 can Rotel

1/2 jalapeno, seeded and finely diced

In large pot, heat oil. Add in onion and garlic and cook a few minutes until softened. Add hamburger meat, salt, and pepper. When meat is browned, drain fat from meat, return to pan. Stir in tomato sauce and all spices. Simmer for 1 hour. Stir masa into water and add to chili mixutre. (This is optional, but it really is good. This was my favorite part of PW's recipe, so I stole her idea!) Add rotel-juice and all, and jalapeno. Simmer another 30 minues to 1 hour. Salt and pepper to taste. If it looks too thick, you can add more tomato sauce or water as it cooks (just check your seasonings if you do). You can also add a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans if you're into that sort of thing.

Our favorite wat to eat chili is on a bed of fritos, topped with our favorite things. Cheese, sour cream, salsa, tomatoes, lettuce, onion...whatever we feel like!

Today I am thankful for the changing of seasons.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T21:38:00.005-05:00

Things didn't go as planned this year, but we had a wonderful time.

We spent yesterday with my in-laws in my husband's home town, and tonight made our way around to my granny's house, cousins, and friends.

I made the kids each a treat bag. Mazi's had a ruffle around the bottom, and B Man's was the reverse of hers, only without a ruffle. I'm sorry I didn't have time to get pictures of them. I was just excited to get pictures of the kids together cooperating!

I used scraps from making her costume and made a hair clip. She even had fairy hair!

Brady actually kept his hat on both nights. Only problem was when he decided to pull the elastic as far as he could and let go. OUCH.

Our sweet friend sent me a text saying that she had special treats in the oven and that we should stop by. These are what she had made! Adorable mummy cupcakes! Mazi was excited, and giggled when she ate the eyes. Haha! Thanks Lindsey! These were so cute!

Today I am thankful for living close to our parents and grandparents and can spend holidays with them!

Funny Photo Friday

2010-10-29T14:24:00.003-05:00

Today I am thankful for my daughter. Even when she is JUST. LIKE. ME. :)

It's that time again! Time to start thinking about Christmas!

2010-10-29T09:46:00.000-05:00

Christmas is my favorite holiday.

It's is about celebrating the birth of our Saviour.

It means tons of family time. Tons of good food. Tons of homemade candies. Tons of fellowship. Tons of laughter, joy, and fun! I love everything about Christmas.

One of my favorite things about Christmas is sending and recieving Christmas cards. I love "hearing" updates from family and friends, and seeing pictures of their sweet families.
I came across Shutterfly's selection of Christmas cards last week, and immediately decided that was where I would be getting mine this year. They have SO many designs to choose from, not to mention the different types they have.

From Christmas Cards,

to gift tags,

and even Christmas party invitations!

I don't know how I'm going to decide what to order. I have been looking for about 4 days, and still can't narrow it down!

Only EIGHT weeks until Christmas!

That's only fifty six days.

And I haven't bought one gift. Yikes!

I think I will start with my Christmas cards! :)
They have free shipping right now on orders over $30.
Use Promo code SHIP30

What are some of your favorite things about Christmas?

Today I am thankful for the encouragement of new friends!

Hold that thought...

2010-10-28T17:24:00.001-05:00

I told you a while back that I was going to be training for a half-marathon.

I started my training, and man, it felt good to be active again.

That is, until my back remembered that it hates me.

I mentioned that I have had a couple of back surgeries.

See, I have what is called Degenerative Disc Disease.

When I was playing volleyball in high school and college, I would suffer severe back pain, and saw doctor after doctor, and had countless amounts of treatments and procedures done. I had a surgery when I was 18 that got me no where, and from there I was sent to a doctor at the largest free standing spine clinic in America. He was leading the first FDA research on artificial disc replacement, and performed the first one in the states. Long story short, I was too late to get in on the research trial, and had to wait months for the FDA and our insurance to approve the surgery. A week after my 20th birthday, I had an artificial disc put in at L4-L5. (sidenote-I was the youngest to ever have it done, and the first woman to carry a child after having it done. He told me that I'm in all kinds of medical journals. Kinda cool.)

While the procedure went well, and I healed well, I still suffer severe back pain on a daily basis. I looked at this training as a strengthening program, and a way to prove to myself and everyone in my life that I CAN do this, and that I'm not "disabled", which is how I feel most of the time. I'm constantly being told that my back can't handle that...what about your back...but, Angie, you physically can't do that.. I don't like being told "you can't", and set out to prove everyone, including myself, wrong. I wanted to prove that I am 25 years old and perfectly capeable of these things.

I was wrong. I have been having to turn to my pain medication more than ever, and I do NOT like to put those meds into my body. I don't like the way that they make me feel the day I take them, or the day after I do. I finally realize that I am, in fact, physically incapeable of doing some things. I was a devoted athlete my whole life, and not being able to play with my kids, or run, or reach for things, or lift things, or bend over, well you get the point, is a very hard reality to face. I feel like I'm in a body that is about 50 years ahead of where it should be. I know that sounds dramatic, but I don't know what it is like to NOT have pain. All day, every day. That is my reality, and I'm okay with that.

But, I hold onto my faith that God is my healer. He can heal me. He WILL heal me.

Isaiah 53:4-5 (KJV) “ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

I'm putting this training on hold. And when I'm healed and strong enough, I WILL train for, and finish, a half-marathon. Until then, I will remain faithful!

Today I am thankful for the healing power and grace of God.

Better late than never.

2010-10-27T10:59:00.005-05:00

So I discovered craft blogs only months ago.

I know, right?

I wasn't interested in crafting, didn't think I was good at it...anyways, and had NO idea craft blogs even existed.

When I first discovered the greatness that is craft blogging, I fell in love with hand stamped necklaces.

I realize this was a trend earlier this year, but hey, I'm a newbie. And I wanted to give it a try.

I bought some 1/8 inch metal stamps from here (I also got uppercase but I like the lower better) They arrived a few days later, only to sit on a shelf untouched.

This morning, I went throught my husband's nut and bolt organizer and found some washers.

Score! Free stuff to stamp!

Basically, you put the stamp against the washer on a concrete surface, and give it a whack or two with a heavy hammer. Then color it in with a sharpie and wipe off the excess. Easy.

I had some sheer black ribbon and a clear bead that I got from my sister and added some clasps I got from from Hobby Lobby to the back.

Viola-I can wear my kids names without a tattoo (which I want, but the hubs isn't sure he want me to get...sigh).

This took about 5 minutes and is a great gift idea! My mom's birthday is in less than 2 weeks and I do believe that she will be receiving a Nana necklace. I will put hers on a silver chain and use a prettier washer/piece of metal though.

I made my daughter one, too...but she's sick :( and isn't really feeling up to modeling.

I used a rougher looking washer on hers than I did on mine.

Today I am thankful (more than ever) for the internet.

A few things I'm dying to make

2010-10-25T11:56:00.000-05:00

There are so many things that I want to make, but today I am really itching to make this

I found the tutorial here, after hitting up I Am Momma Hear Me Roar for ideas for boys hats.

She also has this hat that I want to make. She has the best boy tutorials I've found. I'm totally smitten with her blog.

Next, as soon as I get the fabric, I'm going to make this bag. It. is. gor.geous.

The first part of the tutorial is found here at The Boy Trifecta.
Part 2 can be found here.

I have 8 wristlet keychains, 2 flower hair clips, a pouch and sunglasses case, and a hooded towel to make before I get to start on these. Maybe these projects I want to make will light a fire under me to get this stuff done!

Today I am thankful for the creative women who are willing to share tutorials and tips on how they make the fabulous things they do!

Halloween Costumes

2010-10-24T20:37:00.002-05:00

(I apologize ahead of time for the terrible pictures. You deserve better. I promise I will post better ones soon!)

I decided that since it is only one week from Halloween, I needed to figure out some costumes for my kiddos. My amazing hubby kept them busy and out of my ~~craft room~~ kitchen while I worked.

Eight hours and a few minor frustrations later, and this is what I ended up with.

Peter Pan

I made a shirt, pants, belt, hat, and sword for my lil' guy

. I have a confession to make though.

These aren't the pants I made. These are some capri length leggings that were in my daughter's closet. The pants turned out to be a little smaller than I had planned...long-story-short, I screwed up. I stitched the wrong part, and trimmed it in hopes of salvaging it (fail). I didn't buy enough fabric for screw ups, so, he will now be rockin' his sister's pants.

You go B man. You can wear girls' pants if you want.

Tinkerbell

While I am happy with the final results, this fabric is no longer allowed near my sewing machine.

She thinks this fabric is candy and tries to eat it.

This makes for some frustrations for me and makes me want to say words that I shouldn't say. With that being said, it fits my daughter and makes her twirl and jump and flit about like a cute little fairy.

I think that means she likes it.

She doesn't see the imperfections and fristrations, she just loves that I made her a Tink costume! That's what it's all about after all. For this I made a leotard, skirt, tutu, hair clip, and a "magic" wand.

Ashley over at Make It and Love It made these costumes for her adorable kiddos last year. She put up fantastic tutorials for them here for Peter Pan and here for Tinkerbell. I am a beginner when it comes to sewing, and if I can do this, anyone can! Ashley makes her tutorials so easy to follow, and great for people like me who are learning to sew! Thank you for the tutorials Ashley!

Today I am thankful for my couch...it has never felt so good as it does now! I'm worn out!

Soft Sugar Cookies

2010-10-20T17:04:00.002-05:00

I may have been neglecting my sewing and crafting, but I would never neglect my husband's sweet tooth.

This is his all time favorite cookie. I think they are pretty good, but then again, I don't really like cookies that don't involve chocolate. ;)

Here is the recipe:

3/4 c sugar

2/3 c Crisco shortening

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

4 tsp milk

1 1/2 c flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

In large bowl, cream together Crisco, sugar, and vanilla.

Add egg and milk. beat until light and fluffy.

In separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Add to sugar mixture 1/3 at a time until incorporated.

Scoop onto parchment lined baking sheet by rounded teaspoons. (You can leave alone, which is what I do, or you can press them down a bit.)

(Parchment paper is my favorite discovery. I won't bake cookies without it! It keeps them from sticking, and prevents the bottoms of the cookies from being darker than the top. Love the stuff. You can find it on the same aisle as ziplocs and wax paper.)

Bake at 375 for 8-12 minutes.

Mine took exactly 12.

It will depend on how big your scoops were.

They will remain a light color. If they turn golden brown, they are over baked!

Let cool for a minute or two on baking sheet, then move to wire cooling rack.

Once cool, top with your favorite frosting or icing.

For my icing, I sifted 2 c powdered sugar and added just under 1/4 c milk.

(Start with less, add more if needed.)

Beat until smooth.

Add desired food color.

Spoon onto your cookies (or dip them right in!)

**UPDATE** I guess I make teeny cookies! :) I roll mine into about 1-1 1/2 inch balls, and get a ton of cookies. Roll em however you want...I just like these babies to be on the smaller size.
I also have discovered a frosting recipe that sends these over the edge in the yum department.
Frosting
1 stick softened butter (the good stuff like Land o' Lakes)
1 lb powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 c water plus extra as needed
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until smooth, about 20 seconds. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract and 1/4 cup water. Beat on low speed until combined. Increase the speed to high and beat until the mixture is smooth, adding more water, as needed, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the frosting is spreadable. Divide the frosting between 3 small bowls. Color the frosting by mixing in 1 drop of food coloring at a time, until the desired color is reached. Spread the frosting over the cooled cookies and decorate.
(found here)

Happy baking!

Today I am thankful for our wonderful church.

Caramel Dipping Sauce

2010-10-18T10:41:00.003-05:00

I came across the most HEAVENLY caramel sauce recipe.

It's smooth...it's creamy...it's decadent...it's DELICIOUS.

And I couldn't wait to share it with you! :)

I found this recipe here over at HowDoesShe. It takes about 10 minutes total to make, and I was able to whip it up with things I already had on hand.

*Warning...only make this if you don't have a problem with losing all self control and drinking it straight from the jar. It's really that good. Not that I drank it from the jar...but I only made it about 10 minutes ago. Who knows what could happen!

Here's the recipe:

3/4 c sugar

3/4 c brown sugar

1/3 c butter (the reall stuff, like Land o' lakes)

1/2 c corn syrup

2/3 c whipping cream

Mix sugars, syrup, & butter in a medium sauce pan. Bring to a boil over medium heat (this will take about 5-6 minutes) stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes.

Stir in whipping cream.

Pour into jar and refrigerate.

The sauce will thicken as it chills.

Today I am thankful I'm training for a 1/2 marathon. I will need it with this sauce around!

Ranch Dressing

2010-10-15T09:34:00.002-05:00

I love the stuff.

I am super picky about it, though, so don't get to eat it often.

After working at it forever, and tweaking other recipes, and finally figured out how to make good ranch at home!

Here's the recipe:

1c Hellman's Mayonaise

1c Buttermilk

1 tbsp ranch dressing mix (that stuff in the package)

1/2 tsp dill (I use freeze dried, but fresh would be fantastic)

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp cayenne (I promise this isn't a spicy recipe!)

1/4 tsp freshly groung black pepper

1/4 tsp paprika

Wisk all ingredients together and refrigerate for atleast an hour. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld.

It's that easy! Enjoy!

Today I am thankful that it's finally Friday!

Random Ramblings

2010-10-13T13:28:00.001-05:00

(source)

1. I officially started training for my 1/2 marathon yesterday, AND I lived to tell about it! :) Whooooo hooooooo!

2. I checked blogger, and Ashley over at Make It and Love It had posted pictures from her You Made It and Love It Flickr group, and one of my pictures made the cut! Have I mentioned just how much I LOVE Make It and Love It? HowDoesShe posted one of my pictures a while back, and I'm a total dork, but it made my day!

(source)

3. I just ate 2 cookies instead of eating lunch. Do you think that could interfere with #1?

(source)

4. I chopped a jalapeno this morning to make some salsa, and stupidly, keep rubbing my itchy eye. Burn baby burn!

5. I have a ton going on this week, so I don't know if I will get to post anything crafty. sigh... (I don't have a picture of my hectic schedule, so here is my ornery little cutie instead!)

new

old

6. I made a new header the other night with Picasa. What do you think? Do you like the old one better?

7. Last, but not least, I just picked up my 50th follower! I know 50 may not seem like much, but it is exciting to me that more than 2 complete strangers find something about my blog interesting! Welcome, Lareinabenros!! :) I love you already.

Today I am thankful from that smell coming from my oven...

Tutorial-Basic Throw Pillow with Fabric Flowers

2010-10-11T09:50:00.003-05:00

After making this pillow, I couldn't resist another. I would have made more, but I ran out of filling!

So I just made this one last night.

Want to make one? It's easy! Here's how:

Start with two pieces of fabric, whatever size you choose. Mine were about 18x18.

Cut fusible fleece the same size as your fabric, and iron it to the wrong side of your fabric-following the packing instructions. (This is completely optional, but I have found that when using a flimsy cotton fabric, it makes the pillows noticeably sturdier and smoother. Being for a 4 year old with a 1 year old in the house, I need to make them as durable as possible!)

Place the fabric RIGHT sides together, and pin around all edges.

Using 1/4 to 1/2 inch seem alowance, stitch around the entire pillow,

leaving a 4-6 inch opening on one of the sides.

Remove the pins. Reach in the opening, and pull it right side out. Obviously the larger the hole you left, the easier this will be, but remember you will be hand-stitching this hole closed.

Once it is right side out, poke the corners out and smooth the pillow.

Begin stuffing with poly-fil (or the stuffing from an old pillow) until it is as stuffed as you like.

Fold the fabric in a bit (the same amount your seem allowance was) . At this point you can hold it closed with your fingers, or pin it closed to free both hands. I've done it both ways. I ended up doing this one without the pins.

Thread a needle, and hand stitch closed. I learned by using this tutorial how to do this. It is super easy! Please don't be intimidated by this part. I promise, it really is easy. On the last pillow I made, I caught the fusible fleese lining with my hand stitching, and it didn't look perfect.

So, on this one, I made sure to just get the cotton fabric, and it looks so much neater and is almost impossible to find.

When your pillow is finished, sew or glue on your favorite fabric flowers, rosettes, buttons, or other embelishments. Easy! If you want it to be washable, I recommend using fabric glue if you don't want to sew them on. (I glued these on.)

Today I am thankful for always having enough food on the table.

Another great tutorial put to use-Pillow with Ties

2010-10-10T18:45:00.003-05:00

I felt like sewing today, so I grabbed some fabric scraps and made a throw pillow for my daughter's bare bed. I need to make several more for her. This one made a big difference.

A while back, I used this tutorial from Make It and Love It to make these pillows. They looked great for about two days,

but after my one year old figured out that he would carry it around by the ties...this is how they look now. :( They are also a little thin, (because of the fabric) so they feel flimsy. Plus, I didn't stuff em enough. Live and learn. I loved the design, so I needed to give it another whirl.

I wanted to make one for my daughter's bed, so I made a couple of changes to accomodate my kids dragging them around. I sewed the part that ties down. To make it sturdier, I ironed some fusible fleece to the inside of the fabric. It has a lot more structure to it, and I am so happy with how it turned out. I also added an accent strip of fabric underneath the tie.

She loves it. It really makes me want to make some more pillows for her bed!

Today I am thankful for the little things that make my kiddos happy.

Craft Night with the Ladies!

2010-10-09T19:57:00.001-05:00

Last Decemeber a good friend of mine, Lindsey (HI LINDS!) started up a craft day.

A moms-only, once-a-month, wear pjs, day for crafting. We have done it every month since, but took the summer off. Last night we finally got to resume our crafting! We had a craft 'til ya drop night. We all all brought a snack food and the supplies for a group craft and whatever else we were wanting/needing to work on. We got there around 6:30 pm and left around 3 am!

It was so much fun and much needed!

However-I was so tired and talked WAY too much! Sorry girls! Haha I don't get to talk to adults-only for hours at a time very often! Seriously, I don't even know what I said I was so tired. And basically giddy from adult only interaction for a moment in time! ;)

The group project was glass etching.

There was another cute cookie jar made, but she went home before it was documented!

I also made a halloween sign like the Grandparents Day gifts here. I got the idea from HowDoesShe's friend board.

Lindsey made me pose with it...I don't like having my picture taken! In my defense, it was (I think) at one o'clock am, and I just ain't pretty at 1 am. At all. :)

My friend Ashley from Me & You +2 made a really cute witch's hat and even cuter witch's legs with feet. Adorable. Go see her here and tell her I said hi! (She designed my header, btw. She's great!)

I have known a couple of these girls since elementary school, and the rest since high school. I love that we are all still friends and get together to craft!

Today I am thankful for crafting. It's amazing how theraputic it can be!

I've completely lost my ever-loving marbles.

2010-10-07T09:15:00.001-05:00

I am NOT a runner.

Never have been.

I was an athlete in high school and college, but when coach made us run, I seriously wanted to crawl into a hole and hide. I stunk at it. I had no endurance, and I was an L7 weeeeiner when it came to running.

(name that movie!)

So it seems only logical that I have decided to train for a half marathon.

And I dragged my sister into it! Ha!

Atleast I'll have someone else with me that will be totally out of her element.

I texted her at 8 am today and said, "Wanna do something completely crazy with me?"

I expected to get back a "Depends on what you're talkin about." Because, really, you never know with me. Instead, her reply was, "Sure!!"

me-"Wow, even without knowing what you're getting into??"

sis-"Yea I trust u!! Crazy is fun, too!!

me-"Hahaha let's see if you do in a minute...I want to train for and run in the okc half marathon. I would love to do it with you"

sis-"Btw I am probably crazier than you, but that is crazy. I will do it. It's a good bucket list item to check off! Where do we start?"

And with that I was commited!

(To the race...not the looney bin.)

There is a running group in our little town that trains together and competes in this marathon in Oklahoma City each year. I watched (well lived vicariously through my FB friends) as these women trained and completed this 13.1 mile race. And I envied their courage. Many of these women were in their 40s and 50s and some were over weight. That didn't stop them. They trained daily and DID it. They completed a half marathon. I thought "I can do it, too." I had been invited to join the group when they began training, but I had a 8 month old baby (who was a very needy baby) whom I was nursing. I just didn't see how I could pull it off. Not this year. I am determined to accomplish something great this year. To push myself to do something I never dreamed I could do. Plus, I wouldn't mind getting into shape. Going from being a college athlete who literally worked out 6 hours a day 6 days a week-to having 2 major back surgeries, 2 babies, and giving up on working out all together, it will feel incredible to get back into shape.

The race is on May 1st, 2011. That gives me 205 days to train. That is a reasonable goal. I have found a fantastic training program that starts slow and builds up to it. Now, all I need to do is commit myself to the training schedule, and I can do this. It is so wonderful knowing that I will have my sister along for the ride!

Wish me luck!

Today I am thankful for a solid support system!

This guy...

2010-10-03T12:49:00.001-05:00

I met this guy on a blind date just over 7 years ago.

I fell in love with him the very next day.

I agreed to be his wife 8 months later.

Best decision I've ever made.

He still gives me butterflies and makes my heart skip a beat each time he walks into the room.

People say we're still in the "honeymoon" phase.

Why does a happy marriage have to be a phase?

I pray that it's just the way our marriage is...not some phase.

Either way,

I feel truely blessed to call myself his wife.

I can't imagine living one day of my life without him in it.

Today I am thankful for a marriage with a man whom I adore!

Hooded towel

2010-10-02T16:51:00.002-05:00

A good friend of mine's son is having his 3rd birthday party today.

(Happy Birthday Boston!)

So, I made him a hooded towel this afternoon. I love hooded towels. My daughter is 4 and still insists on using one, but the ones in the store are teeny and thin baby towels (so I made her 2 for her birthday). I used a full sized towel with strips of fabric sewn on, and hand towel covered with coordinating fabric. Plenty of room in there for a big kid!

I added a nice little pleat in the middle on the top so it would wrap around nicely.

I had some blank greeting cards, so I printed "three 5 times in different fonts and colors and added some scrap fabric from making the towel in a 3 and sewed it down with a zig zag stitch. Easy. :) I like how it turned out. Simple, but cute! If he was a girl, it would have a ruffle on it. I can't resist the ruffle, people. I've tried.

I printed the inside as well...but forgot to put who it was from. Fail. Ha!

Today I am thankful for healthy kiddos.

Wedding Gift Idea on a Budget-Etched Glass Baking Set

2010-09-30T10:31:00.002-05:00

I'm going to give credit where credit is due. I always do. Ashley over at Make It and Love it did some glass etching like this and I loved it. I have made this a couple of times for couples for wedding showers, and this gift is ALWAYS the hit of the shower-with the guests and more importantly, the couple. Everyone is always asking me where they can get a set!

Ashley did a small pyrex baking dish, with her name down one side, and cute trees down the other. I loved the font she used. Smiley Monster-it's perfect for this project. I found a 5 piece set of Anchor baking dishes at Wal-Mart for less than $16. Personalize it, and people think you really went all out! I usually add some applique dish towels and little recipe cards of our favorite meals tied with a cute ribbon.

Perfect gift.

For under $20.

Which makes it even more perfect for us penny pinchers!

Here is what I did to them all.

I used the same steps as I did here on the cookie jar.

(please excuse the pictures. Etched glass is really difficult to get good pictures of! Especially at midnight! ;))

I did their last name (Haukebo) down one side of the large baking dish,

and "made with love" down the other side.

A simple "h" on the measuring cup.

I cut a mirror image of their name in a circle for the bottom of the pie pan. This way when half of a pie is gone, their name is peaking out from underneath.

Here's what it looks like from the bottom. I did it on the bottom, because I didn't know if etching the inside of it would make food more likely to stick.

Haukebo on the small baking dish.

They have a great sense of humor, so I couldn't resist doing "haukebowl" on the bowl! They LOVED it!

There you have it. A matching set of baking dishes! (That look like they cost well over the $16 you paid at Wally World!)

Katie (the bride) told me that this needs to be my signature bridal gift-that I will be known for the awesome personalized dishes! Such a sweet compliment!

Go forth, etch some dishes for a gift! (or for yourself!)

Remember, if you don't have a Cricut or Silhouette, you still do this! You will just need to trace whatever you want onto contact paper, use an exacto knife to cut it out, and you are good to go!

Today I am thankful for my car. It's nice having a vehicle that I love and that is dependable!

Home Sweet HOME!!

2010-09-26T13:53:00.002-05:00

We made it home last night from our roadtrip!

Sorry I have been MIA, but we travelled over 2,000 miles in our car this week! It was so much fun spending all of that time alone with my hubs. I fell in love with him over and over this week.

But, we are happy to be home!

Posts may be few or far between this week while we get our feet back under us.

Our babies were with my parents and granny for the first half of the week, and then with my in-laws the last part of the week. We are trying to re-adjust to being home and getting everyone back in the swing of things.

I promise I didn't forget about you guys!

Oh and HI and WELCOME to my new followers!

I am so happy to have you here! :)

I will be back to posting more often as soon as things settle down around here! I hope everyone is having a blessed weekend!

Today I am thankful for my home and my own bed!!

I love cute little pouches.

2010-09-21T13:26:00.002-05:00

So, I have been sewing a LOT lately, and I am really starting to fall in love with it more and more each time I make something. A couple of months ago I made these clutches and finally got around to making another one a few days ago. I had been ~~drooling on my laptop while cruising through~~ browsing through The Pleated Poppy, and came across her zippered pouches and sunglasses cases. I LOVE Lindsey's fabric choices and everything she comes up with. She is adorable and uber creative! (Her kids are pretty datgum cute, too!) After making the clutches for our trip, I had the confidence to give it a whirl and figure out how to make a knock-off of her zippered pouch and sunnie case that I had fallen in love with.

Here is what I ended up with!

MMMMM ruffles. I love ruffles. We've covered that before though.

I decided to throw caution to the wind and give boxing the corners a try. It was fun, easy, and added some dimension and umph to my little clutch! I'm so glad I didn't chicken out and gave it a try.

I added a d-ring because, well I don't know why. But I added it. I ended up making a little wristlet to match on a little clip so I can have it if I want to carry it on it's own, and can take it off if I use it as a little pouch inside of my purse to house little tonka trucks and cheerios. Yes, that's really what I carry in my purse.

The lining is also boxed (it would be silly otherwise) and matches the ruffles.

Sunglass case to match

I actually made this, and the clutch to match, but who cares...

They slide right in and are protected from tonka truck collisions.

I hope Lindsey doesn't mind me making something based on her creations! I just love her work! She inspires me so much.

Today I am thankful that my friend, Shellie, exposed me to sewing earlier this year!

Laptop Cover

2010-09-17T13:19:00.002-05:00

We got a new laptop earlier this year and haven't wanted to spend the money on a new case.

We're cheap like that.

Or maybe it's because it's a jumbo laptop and the covers are expensive. Or maybe it's having 2 kids and 1 job...

Anyways, we are taking our laptop on our roadtrip with us, and it had no case.

What's a girl to do?

Make one!

I few months ago I came across this one over at Crap I've Made. (I LOVE her blog name, btw. Hilarious. She must have a fabulous sense of humor!)

Her cover was adorable, but I knew I wanted mine a little different. I did the front like hers, only moved the gathered strip down a bit. There wasn't any improving on her design...it was too cute for improvement!

I made my flower a bit different, as well.

I wanted the back to have a pocket for the charger and any usb cables I'd be taking along. (Once a month, I take it and my Cricut...along with a million cables...to a craft day with friends)

I did the pocket like I did the little pockets here on my camera strap covers.

I also wanted a velcro closure instead of a zipper.

I also wanted a soft minky for the lining.

Oh man is this stuff soft. The lady at our little fabric store freaked me out about it, telling me it was nearly impossible to work with since it is so stretchy.

But, it was cake.

I. was. relieved.

The only minky they had was red at the fabric store, which inspired the color scheme for the whole thing, and I'm in love.

LOVE. Damask, black, white, red...I love that combo.

My laptop does, too. She's happy in there!

Glass Etching Tutorial-A Sweet Cookie Jar

2010-09-16T14:22:00.002-05:00

I love glass etching.

My Granny Joyce first intoduced to to me about 10 years ago. We etched glass blocks, made wooden bases for them that housed a light, and gave them for gifts.

Did I mention that I love and miss my Granny Joyce?

They moved about 4 hours away and I miss em. Badly.

She calls me Angie-q-little.

I don't know why she does it, but I like it when she does.

Oh yeah...the cookie jar! Sorry I tend to get side tracked.

My Cricut sure makes glass etching easier. When granny and I were making blocks, we would trace a stencil onto contact paper, and using an exacto knife, cut our pattern. Craft cutters take out all of that work for me! :) aaaannnd I'm not limited to designs of stensils. I can make my own stuff.

I found a cute cookie jar at Target. I love Target, yes I do! I love Target, how 'bout you?! (Target is worthy of me channeling my inner cheerleader. I don't let her out often. Poor girl.)

I cut out the word "sweet" in smiley monster font with vinyl. Make sure you will have an inch or so around your design. That way your etching cream won't get on your glass where you don't want it. This is permanent, so you want to be careful with it.

Weed (remove) the design, leaving the negative space in tack.

Cut a piece of transfer tape (or contact paper) a little bigger than your design,

and press it smoothly onto your vinyl, rubbing around your design well.

Peel it away from the back paper, and press it onto your surface you are wanting to etch. Before you put the vinyl on, make sure to clean your glass well!

Carefully peel away the transfer tape/contact paper, leaving only your vinyl. Make sure all edges are securely pressed to the glass, so no cream makes it's way behing there. You want clean lines!

Apply your etching cream with whatever works for you. I have used q-tips, popsicle sticks, plastic knives, but generally I use a sponge paint brush. Apply enough to cover your design...don't do too much though or it will try to run on ya!

The bottle says to do it for 5 minutes, but I always do 20. I'm a rebel like that. And I think it works bettter if you leave it on a little bit longer. But that's just my opinion.

After the time has elapased, wash it thouroughly with water. Use your hand if you need to. (Just wash your hands well after you do. I like to give mine project a good washin' with dish soap as well to make sure I'm not leaving behing any cream.

Dry it, fill it with your favorite peanut butter cookie recipe, and you have a sweet cookie jar!

If you don't have a Cricut or Silhouette, you still do this! You will just need to trace whatever you want onto contact paper, use an exacto knife to cut it out, and you are good to go!

I will post another etching project I'm working on for a wedding gift soon.

Today I am thankful for Jesus's saving grace. I don't deserve it (nor could I ever), but I don't want to imagine where I would be without it!

Grandparent's Day Gifts

2010-09-14T14:55:00.003-05:00

Did you see the Friendship Board that Alison over at HowDoesShe made?

I love everything she makes.

Her stuff is adorable.

Grandparent's day was Sunday, and when I saw her friend board, I knew it would be perfect for grandparents! Gifts from the heart (especially handmade ones) are, in my mind, the best!

I called my sister and asked her to ask her girls what they think of when they think of my parents.

This one was for my parents:

This one was for my in-laws.

I then started laying out words in SCAL that describe them, starting with Grandparents, Nana, and Deedaw (or Papa and Cici). I added in grandkids names, and started resizing stuff and moving it around until I found a layout I liked.

They font I used is Pea Missy With A Marker from http://www.kevinandamanda.com/.

(They have the cutest fonts...find them here and here!)

Drill holes in the top corners, run your wire through, and curl it for the hanger.

I cut 4 flowers out of cardstock...2 large, 1 medium, and 1 small for each board. I used my fingers to curl the edges up a bit, and glued the layers together.

Then I stuck a blob of glue (clear-drying glue) in the center and poured small beads on it.

I gently pressed the beads into the glue, and glued the flower onto the board.

My parents and in-laws really enjoyed reading the words that we came up with to describe them!

Today I am thankful that I grew up in the same town as all 4 of my grandparents, and 2 of my great grandparents. Family is so precious to me!

P.S. Our baby boy is doing wonderfully! Thank you to each of you for the kind words, thoughts, and prayers! It means so much to us!

On a personal note

2010-09-13T06:42:00.003-05:00

This lil guy...my love, my onery, my sweet, sweet baby boy is having surgery this morning. It is an outpatient procedure (his 3rd surgery) and should be a quick procedure. Please keep him, his surgeon, and anyone who will come into contact in your thoughts and prayers!
Thank you in advance!

Today I am thankful for my God, a strong fortress to lean on in all times.

Peach Cobbler-Texas Style

2010-09-09T10:14:00.005-05:00

My husband's grandpa is so sweet.

He lives about 2 hours away from us, and every summer, a peach farm from Colorado brings a truckload of peaches through his town. He always buys us a case and sends it our way. I'm talking huge, ripe, sweet, and super juicy, farm-grown peaches.

My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Last year, we weren't able to eat them all (a case holds about 50 big peaches).

This time I was determined to not let that happed, so I decided to find a peach cobbler recipe.

Apparently there is a great debate whether cobbler should have a pastry style crust, or dumplings. I'm all crust, all the way, baby. I found this recipe, altered it just a bit, and it was delicious. And I don't even like cooked fruit.

Here is the recipe I used, with the teeny modifications I made. All I did was add some cinnamon to the peach mixture, and put the first crust under the cobbler, rather than in the cobbler. Oh, and the recipe calls for a 9 inch square baking dish. I used a 9x13 rectangle glass pyrex dish.

Pastry Crust:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for shaping and rolling

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

12 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

4 to 6 tablespoons ice water

Peach Filling:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 cup sugar, plus more for sprinkling

1/2 cup water

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/4 tsp cinnamon, plus more for sprinkling

Pinch salt

10-14 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons heavy cream

For the Crust:

Place flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor and process for 5 seconds. Add butter and process until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Add water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the dough just comes together.

Remove dough and knead lightly on a lightly floured surface until it just comes together. Divide the dough in half and form into disks. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Once dough is chilled, remove from the refrigerator and roll each disk into a 9x13-inch rectangle approximately 1/4-inch thick. Place on parchment paper-lined baking sheets and return to the refrigerator to chill until ready to assemble.

For the Filling:

Melt butter in a large high-sided saute pan over medium heat. Add the sugar and water and cook until sugar is dissolved. Add nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, peaches, and flour and cook for 5 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Remove one crust from the refrigerator, and place in the bottom of 9x13 dish.

Bake until crust is golden brown. (This took me about 25 minutes or so...just watch it and get it as golden as your heart desires.)

Place the peach mixture on top of the golden crust, using a slotted spoon. I had quite a bit of juice left that didn't make it into the cobbler. I wanted that bottom brust to not get soggy, and it didn't! :) Top the peaches with 2nd layer of dough. Place on a baking sheet and brush the top crust with heavy cream, sprinkle with sugar (and cinnamon, if so desired) and return to the oven. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the juices are bubbly. (This took 30-40 minutes for me.) Let cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting and serving.

This stuff is sooo good served hot with vanilla ice cream.

Or even cold, straight from the fridge the next morning from breakfast. Yes, I speak from experience, people!

Today I am thankful that we still have our grandparent's in our lives, but sure do miss the two we have lost.

Clutches

2010-09-08T19:35:00.004-05:00

My husband and I are taking a road trip to VEGAS soon!

(and I do mean ROAD trip...we are going all the way there in one day. It's a 14 hour drive.)

That's not the point of this post, but I'm really excited about the trip.

This post is about 2 great tutorials that I put to use for the trip.

I have been to Vegas 4 times, and the last time I went, I was an idiot and carried a purse. Purses are great...they hold wallets, cameras, phones, hand sanitizer, lotion, chap stick (diapers and wipes if you have small people living with you). But they are NOT great for lugging around for 27 miles of walking a day in 112 degree weather. Lesson learned. Each morning I went through and weeded out unnecessary things, and by the last day, my purse only had about three things in it. And it still seemed to weigh 213 lbs by the time we got back to the hotel.

As soon as we chose our destination, I decided that I better figure out an alternative to the purse.

The solution: a cute little clutch with a wrist strap.

Perfect!

I made these a few weeks ago, and being the bad blogger I am these days, I am just now getting around to posting them.

The first one I made, I used this tutorial for a scrappy clutch from Christine over at From An Igloo. The girl has got mad sewing skills! She has so many cute things I want to make, but I don't quite have the confidence yet.

I had never worked with a zipper, or made anything really complicated before, but I was determined to get it done. If I can do it (and I did!) anyone can do it.

I added a little fabric rosette to it because, quite frankly, I am obsessed with anything that adds texture and interest. I am happy with how it turned out! So happy that I decided to make another clutch!

I used this tutorial for a gathered clutch from Noodlehead. This chick can make anything with a zipper. Oh how I wish I could do that! Speaking of which, she has a super cute little drawstring backpack tutorial that I am dying to give a try...if my husband would ever wear out a pair of khakis. Sigh...maybe I'll just hit up a thrift store or clearance rack and get lucky.

I adore this little thing! It is a perfect size, and was SO cheap to make. I used muslin, interfacing and fabric scraps I had left from a camera strap slipcover. All I had to buy was a zipper.

And guess what? I couldn't resist a fabric rosette. And fabric covered buttons.

I. am. addicted.

Ruffles, flowers, gathers, buttons.

Someone stop me.

Better yet, don't.

I like being addicted.

Go give these tutorials a try. You will love them! In fact, I'm going to go make another one. A.ddic.ted.

Today I am thankful that my husband and I get to take a week long road trip together! I am looking forward to being stuck in a car-just me and my love!

Quilt Update...IT'S DONE!

2010-09-06T11:55:00.002-05:00

After finishing the front and back of my quilt, I wasn't able to even touch it until 2 days ago. My daughter started pre-k, I'm helping my parents out while they remodel their kitchen...life is just busy for so many reasons. I had it in the corner of my kitchen where I would see it everyday. Everytime I looked over there, I was dying to get it finished! Saturday My hubby helped me lay it out and get it ready to baste. While the kids were napping, I basted it, and got started quilting. I LOVED quilting it...when my machine cooperated. It kept skipping several stitches, and at one point the tension went whacko on me. They quilting is SO far from perfect, it isn't even funny, but I feel so accomplished and proud that
I did it!

I finished the quilting on Saturday and did the binding yesterday while the kids were napping. Oddly, I really enjoyed doing the hand binding. I am so anxious to buy the rest of the fabric for my daughter's quilt. I have been picking up fabric here and there that I love for hers. Hopefully I can start soon. Life is getting busier though, so it may be a while before I can. :(

I want to say thank you to Care over at Obsessively Stitching for the easy and clear tutorials on making this quilt. The gave me the confidence that I really can do this. She has so many great projects and tutorials over there. Please go check her out!

Today I am thankful for my crazy busy life! I wouldn't change a thing!

Birthday Gift for Dad

2010-09-02T17:20:00.001-05:00

My husband's birthday was about two weeks ago (HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUN!!) and every year he says "Don't get me anything." and genuinely means it. He doesn't like for me to spend money on him...although he spoils me rotten. Ha! Men...

I decided to make him something. Making a man something isn't as easy as I thought, then I remembered I had seen some cute father's day gifts around blogland, that had pictures of their kiddos holding letters to spell out dad. I recently scored a great deal on a DSLR camera, (thanks Jessica!) and I have been dying to test out my photography skills! So, I cut out some letters with my trusty ol' Cricut, then took the kids out and gave it a try. Within 15 mintues I had what I needed. I came home and got to work editing them and aging the photos. (I don't have photoshop, so I went here, and it did the trick.)

I printed them with our photo printer and tried to decide what I was going to do from there. I went to wally world and found a 3 pack of 8x10 canvases for $4. Perfect!

After trimming the edges of the pictures, and a little spray adhesive (I did this outside...that spray adhesive is messy and STI-cky!), I had canvas mounted photos. I was worried about finger prints on the pictures, so I sprayed a couple of layers of Mod Podge Matte Clear Acrylic Sealer on them.

I decided to hang them with ribbon. I put lines of E600 where I was going to put the ribbons and put them on there. I glued several inches to the canvases, thinking it would add more support and hold longer. I allowed it to dry for a couple of hours.

After the glue dried, I tied the ribbons, and hung them on our wall. I am really happy with how they turned out...not bad for an under $5 project! :)

(That tute on Kanzashi flowers is still in the works! I have been too busy to finish all of the flowers, much less sit and write a long tute... Hopefully I will get it posted soon!)

Today I am thankful for my wonderful husband. I don't think he will ever know how much he means to me!

Quilt Update

2010-08-20T13:05:00.003-05:00

I posted yesterday that I have decided to take on a quilt.

Yesterday's plans were to cut the fabric, and hopefully start putting the squares together.

I got them cut.

Pieced them together in rows of three.

Pieced the rows of three into blocks of 9.

Cut those sets each into quarters.

...Spent what felt like YEARS trying to arrange them and figure out a layout that didn't have the same fabric touching each other. I finally came to the conclustion that it was impossible with the way I had sewn the peices together, and called this good. After spending 7 years aranging the peices, I labeled each one in the top left corner (1-1, 1-2, 1-3 and so on for row 1, piece 1...I was determined to make darn sure they didn't get out of order!)

I'll admit. This was the most difficult part thus far. Making sure the fabrics are evenly distributed, not touching, cohesive. It was daunting! But worth it.

I was even able to cut the pieces for the strip in the back, and make the back.

This morning I sewed the front together, now all I need to do is add the border, and wait for my darning foot to arrive so I can QUILT it!

Woo hoo!

I have really ejoyed making this, and definitly encourage you to give it a try! Care's tutorials are amazing, and so easy to follow. She even has some Q & As in there that answered a lot of my questions.

I just wish that I didn't have to wait for my quilting foot to get here before I can really do more!

I started yesterday morning, just working here and there (and after the kids went to bed). I can't believe what I was able to accomplish. I honestly thought this would take so much longer than it has so far.

The quilting will take the most time (and patience) I'm sure.

It looks like fun though!

Today I am thankful for that ice cream pie. Oh, my! Have I been enjoying that!

Excited and, honestly, a bit terrified!

2010-08-19T14:08:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I bought this:

...in hopes of making a quilt, more specifically, this quilt.

That's right.

me.

a quilt.

YIKES.

I am confident that I can do it, but a little intimidated by how big of a project it is. I literally started sewing about 7 months ago. (My granny used to sit me down in front of her machine when I was a kid, but all I was interested in was sewing a couple of straight lines to make her happy, so that I could go outside and ride their 4 wheeler. I was a tomboy. A serious tomboy. My granny is the main reason I want to learn to quilt. She used to make quilts for everyone. She was amazing at it too. 5 1/2 years ago, she had a brain aneurysm that changed all of our lives, and she isn't sewing or quilting anymore. I want to do something that makes me feel connected to her. My big goal is to make one for her, all 4 members of my family, and eventually for neices, nephews...people I love!

My hubby bought me a sewing machine earlier this year when I got a wild hair and decided that I wanted to learn how to sew. I LOVE doing it, but I usually make little things like applique stuff for kiddos, camera strap covers, keychains, wrist clutches, cricut covers, sewing machine covers...so this quilt is a big leap.

I have been following Obsessively Stitching for a while, and apparently haven't been paying much attention. I have been searching and searching for a basic quilt tutorial-start to finish-for over a week. I was browsing Obsessively Stitching a couple of days ago, and there it was...a big button that said "1st Quilt EVER"!! If it had been a snake, it would have bit me. Good grief, I can't believe I missed it. I know for a fact that it was there before I started following. I clicked on it, and Care has broken down an awesome quilt, step by step, and makes it look really do-able. So, I'm going to give it a try. (I still want to make this quilt, but I'm having a difficult time deciding on fabrics.)

I am setting myself up here by telling you guys about it! I can't just start on and it put it away. I have to finish it. This little blog will hold me accountable! Not to mention that at the end of this, I will either revealing a complete mess, or something I'm proud of. Let's hope it's the latter. I will be blogging about the process as I go, so stay tuned, folks. ;)

This morning I did the cutting. I am hoping to get started on assembling the blocks this afternoon, or tonight after my babies are in bed. It's a busy day around here, so we'll see. Here goes nothing! Updates to follow! :)

Today I am thankful that my hubby embraces my crazy ideas, and supports me in everything I do!

Chocolate Coffee Toffee Caramel Ice Cream Pie (say that ten times fast!)

2010-08-19T13:48:00.003-05:00

Chocolate Coffee Toffee Caramel Ice Cream Pie.

(I couldn't come up with a better name. I was too concerned with eating it.)

I was day dreaming about ice cream the other day. What you don't dream about ice cream? I do.

I do NOT like coffee, but for some reason I decided coffee flavored ice cream would be good with other ingredients...particularily chocolate. Boy, was I right. I don't think being right has ever tasted so good.

You see, chocolate makes everything taste better. You can't convince me otherwise, so please don't try.

Thank you in advance. :)

::ingredients::

25 oreo cookies-crushed

4 tbsp melted butter

1 pint coffee ice cream

1 pint chocolate ice cream

3 heath bars

caramel sauce

Start by throwing 24 or 25 oreos in a food processor. No one will notice is you eat one of said oreos.

Give em a few good whirls around the food processor until they look like this.

(You can also put them into a zipoc bag and take your frustrations out on them with a rolling pin. Works beautifully.)

Pour them into a pie dish, and drizzle 4 tbsp melted BUTTER. (not margaring or veg. spread. Butter is better. That's going to be my new motto.)

Using a fork, blend the oreo crumbs and butter well and press into dish, including the sides.

Pop it in the freezer for an hour or so.

When they hour is almost up, remove your coffee and chocolate ice cream from the freezer and let it soften a bit.

Spread the coffee ice cream onto the frozen crust. I used an offset spatula.

Chop up 2 toffee bars (I used Heath Bars) and sprinkle them over the coffee ice cream. Drizzle some caramel sauce on top. (If your coffee ice cream layer is overly soft or soupy, pop it back into the freezer to firm up, along with your chocolate ice cream. I had to do this. Somehow I forgot I was softening ice cream. If not, move on with your chocolate layer.)

Spread the chocolate ice cream on top of the coffee, toffee, caramel layer.

~~Lick the spatula.~~

Now chop up that last Heath bar and sprinkle it on top. Cover with foil and freeze it for atleast 2 hours.

Cut, and EAT.

You can change up all of the flavors/ingredients to fit your favorite ice cream.

Today I am thankful for 100 degree weather that makes ice cream taste even better.

Jessica Lynn Photography

2010-08-16T13:09:00.002-05:00

I have a friend that is a photographer.

An amazing photographer.

Her husband works with my mom, and he saw me about 2 weeks before my son was born. His said his wife would love to take some pictures for us, and a week later we were in her studio taking maternity pictures. From then I was hooked. She has since done more sessions than I can count in my son's first year, of him, our daughter, our family. I just adore her work. We have grown to be good friends, and I can't say enough about her!

For Mother's day, my dad told my mom that he wanted to hire her to do pictures of my sister and I, along with her kids. We have had a crazy summer, and were finally able to get it done last week. I wanted to share some with you, for those of you who live near me. She is the only one I want to trust with my family's memories now.

We started out with my sister and I. We haven't had our pictures made together in over 10 years. Makes me sad, but I'm sooo happy we did it! Thank you dad!

Then us and our kiddos.

Finally the grandbabies

My beautiful neice

My lil diva (who wasn't enjoying picture day...)

My other sweet little neice

My little man.

Jessica has captures so many sweet memories for us. Thank you for everything Jessica!

Click here to visit Jessica Lynn Photography, and here to check her out on Facebook, and become a fan.

Lil Man's 6 month pics

Lil diva's 3 year pictures

Jessica also took all of the pictures on my header and above my about me section.

*Jessica Lynn did not pay me for this post, and doesn't even know I am posting about her work. I truely love her as a photographer and a friend!

Today I am thankful for good friends!

Chocolate Ganache Swirl Cheesecake

2010-08-11T10:45:00.006-05:00

seriously. yum.

Again...my food styling is sub-par, but this is one Heavenly cheesecake. (this coming from a cheesecake fanatic!)

I made this a while back, and I have been craving it like crazy this week. Normally I would whip one up, but my husband doesn't like chocolate. That was hard to say. Who doesn't like chocolate? Sheish... Anyways it is his birthday week, so I am only baking things that he loves. (plus, I ate this entire thing on my own last time...I really don't need to make that a habit. I don't want to have to buy all new jeans!)

I am working on a tute for Kanzashi flowers, (and making a lot of them) so I thought while I was working on that I would share something fantastic! The recipe can be found here. Don't be suprised when it takes you to one of my favorite blogs. Seriously I think I love it as much as I love this cheesecake. Wait, is that possible?

There are so many ways you can make this. Change the recipe up just a tad, and you have a completely chocolate cheesecake...which I am dying to make. Or leave out the swirl part and the ganache and you make my husband happy...it would break my heart, but I'd rather him be happy! :) On a side note-this was the first cheesecake I ever made, and it came out perfect. No cracks, moist, beautiful. I have always been intimidated by making cheesecake (not once have I been intimidated by eating one...) and this one was so easy! Don't be scared...if I can do it, so can you!

You NEED this cheesecake in your life.

and I just made my craving worse...I know what I'll be baking next week!

Today I am thankful for my bed. Man, did I need some sleep last night!

Friday's Fabulous Features

2010-08-06T09:45:00.002-05:00

I come across so many wonderful blogs, tutorials and crafts throughout the week, that I decided I needed to feature a couple of them at the end of each week.

The first blog/tutorial I want to share with you is Aesthetic Nest. She made a STUNNING Heirloom Cut Chenille Baby Blanket and posted a tutorial on how she made it. I have been wanting to learn how to quilt for some time now (I have even looked into classes) and this tutorial has given me confidence to give it a try! I live an hour away from a store with a large selection of fabric and flannels, so as soon as I am able to make the trip, I will be buying the supplies and getting started!

Next is eighteen25. They have some really cute ideas, tips, and FREE! printables! :) Did I mention that I love free printables? One of my favorite things I found over at eighteen25 is their Teacher Appreciation Gifts, but more specifically, the Box of Teacher Goodies. A.Dor.Able! And my kids aren't even old enough to have teachers! But when they are, I'll be whipping one of these up each year, I'm sure!

Thirdly, but definitly not lastly, is The Dating Divas. They have some great ideas for marriage maintinence! (Sounds boring, but I swear that is the key to keeping a marriage happy! We have been married for 5 years-together for 7, and focus every day on maintaining a strong connection...we have NEVER had a fight. Seriously. Maintinence is KEY!!) Anyways, they have some awesome ideas for one on one dates, group dates, family fun, romantic gifts, tips on keeping the "spark" alive and well, along with tons of other great stuff. It's an all around fun and great site for the married folk! ;)

I hope you find something fun you want to give a try on one of these sites. Have a blessed weekend!

Today I am thankful for tripping over toys. It means I have a home filled with children and laughter! One day I know I will miss tripping on those toys!

Monterey Chicken Recipe

2010-08-05T17:09:00.004-05:00

My husband loves to grill, and as much as I love to cook, I love him grilling in the summer. Less dishes...cooler kitchen...kids outside playing...seems like a win/win to me! He has been grilling a lot this summer. (Someone got a new "toy" a couple of months ago. :) Acouple of nights ago, after rummaging through the fridge, he decided that he would whip up one of my favorite things to order at Chili's. (We have a strick eat-at-home policy, so Chili's would be a treat!) Monterey Chicken...grilled BBQ chicken breast, bacon, monterey jack cheese. YUM. It was so quick and easy, and all I had to do was fry some bacon.

(I promise it tastes better than this picture looks! I'm not good at food styling, or food photography. When staring at a plate of food, my only concern is eating the food...)

Here's the recipe:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

salt (to taste)

papper (to taste)

1 cup favorite BBQ sauce

8 slices thick cut bacon-cooked

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Diced tomato (optional)

Preheat grill. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place on hot grill 4-5 minutes, flip, grill another 4-5 minutes. (Meat thermometers are great! You want your chicken to be cooked between 160-165 before you take it off of the grill.) Brush each side of chicken liberally with BBQ sauce. Place 2 slices of bacon criss-cross on top of chicken, top with cheese. Allow the heat of the grill to melt the cheese. (You want it just melted, but not bubbly and brown.) Remove from grill and top with diced tomatoes just before serving. (My hubs won't eat the tomatoes, but I love them!) Great served with creamy homemade mashed potatoes and corn on the cob! Or maybe even potato salad and cole slaw...I feel follow up recipes coming on!

*Change it up-instead of Monterey Jack, use Pepper Jack Cheese for those who like things spicy-top with pico de gallo

*Another yummy idea-Marinate the chicken for 2 to 4 hours in your favorite italian salad dressing. Grill, brushing with extra dressing. Squeeze a little fresh lime juice over the chicken and top with sliced avocado and swiss or monterey jack cheese.

Today I am grateful for always having plenty of food on the table, and never worrying about my children going hungry.

Birthday Time!

2010-08-02T14:34:00.007-05:00

My baby girl just turned 4 and we had her birthday party Saturday. I've been in denial that my first born is 4, but now that we have celebrated it, I guess it's time for me to deal and come to terms with it. I can't believe how time flies with little ones! When it took 4 days to induce my labor, I felt like she would never get here, then I blinked...now I have a 4 year old and a 1 year old! Mazi Dutch was born just 6 days after my husband's and my 1st anniversary. I told him he would have a hard time topping that gift! Then less than 3 years later, he gave me a son a week before my birthday. The man has good timing on his gifts! Mazi is my great-aunt's name, and Dutch is my granny's name. They are sisters, and both extraordinary women. We kept both of our children's names a secret during my pregnancies, and introduced them after they were born. My granny was there when we introduced her name-sake (at 2 am!) and called her older sister, Mazi, to tell her the news in the middle of the night. We have it all on tape, and it was so neat! (Mazi and Dutch aren't their birth names, rather their nick-names that they have gone by since they were kids.)

I love love LOVE celebrating my kids' birthdays! I love how happy it makes them, and celebrating them and the joy that they bring to our family. For my daughter's birthday this year, she wanted a princess cake. I had decided a couple of months ago that I was going to make it. I have some cousins who had a bakery and did amazing work, but decided they didn't want to do it anymore and closed up shop. So- I decided "I can DO this." Mazi loves to watch Cake Boss and Ace of Cakes, so I imagine her expectations of a birthday cake are pretty high! Ha! I had an idea of what I was going to make, but a few days before her party I started to stress a bit over whether I could pull it off...It wasn't a perfect cake by FAR, but Mazi loved it and it was a hit at the party, so I'm going to file it in the success category! (Success that needs improvement is probably a better category!)

Here it is:

I made 3 batches Marshmallow Fondant using this recipe. I love Make it and Love it. Ashley has so many cute projects, and she enlisted her friend, Brittany to do a Make a Cake Series. I can't tell you how much her tips and tutorials helped me make this cake! You can check out her work here, The girl is SO TALENTED! I used this recipe for the buttercream inbetween the layers and under the fondant. It is SO delicious (and beyond easy)! I used my Cricut and SCAL and cut out letters for her name, a number 4, a princess silhouette, a Cinderella shoe, and a princess crown on cardstock. I rolled out the fondant, placed the cardstock shapes on it, and with an exacto knife, cut out the pieces. I also made some pink and purple sugar jewels to put around the cake. The crown was made out of Gumpaste.

I made several tissue paper pom poms to have floating above the cake table. They were so easy and really inexpensive to make. The instructions can be found here. They are now hanging over Mazi's bed in her room. She LOVES them!

I also made a banner with my Cricut. I bought all of the paper at Hobby Lobby. I decided how big I wanted each triangle, how many I needed, and cut them out. It could have been easily done by hand, but everything is more fun with a Cricut! :) Then I cut out the letters, glued them on, used blue glitter glue around the letters, attatched them with ribbon, and I was done. All for under $6. (I caught the paper 50% off that day!)

Next I made Oreo Suckers, Birthday printables, and a Happy Birthday 2x4. All of which can be found over at HowDoesShe. I adore their blog and ideas!

Check out these Cake Balls turned Ice Cream Cones! Have you ever had cake balls? They are sooo yummy. All you do it bake a cake (any flavor) and crubble it up. I use my food processor. Then you add about 3/4 can of frosting. Mix it up, roll it into balls, and dip them in chocolate or candy melts. Bakerella has made every kind imaginable...and they are the cutest darn things! She posted pictures of some ice cream cone cake balls that she had made out of sawed off waffle cones recently that are going to be in her book. (I can't wait to get my hands on it!) Anyway, I found these little ice cream cones at the store that are TWO INCHES TALL!! Oh they make me happy.

Seriously. Look how teeny. A.dor.able.

I filled a bucket with pink candy covered pretzels, and another with the rest of the oreo suckers, made some pink lemonade, and we were ready for a party!

I made Miss Mazi a cupcake tee from this tutorial, and a tutu. I had made my son a cupcake applique tee for his birthday and had been looking for a way to girl-it-up. When my friend sent me a link to this tutorial, I immediately made one!

After the cake and present part was over, we headed outside for some water fun! My parents have an awesome water slide that they let us use. They kids had a blast!

My sister coated my kids in sun block, and my little guy was in Heaven. He thought she was giving him a massage! He just melted right there in her lap!

The birthday girl thought that DeeDaw (my dad) looked like he needed cooled off!

My sis was helping my baby use a water shooter when this happened...

Haha! She was a great sport! No one was off limits once they stepped into the grass near the water.

I think that my dad had just as much fun (if not more!) than the kids did!

This is Calvin. The dude was serious with that water shooter! He was so quiet and sneaky and great at shooting unsuspecting people! I really enjoyed watching his sniper skills!

My baby was more at home on the sidelines. Things were a tad crazy for him!

The birthday girl was one happy camper.

My sweet little neice decided she needed to stop for a drink. :)

Bubbles!

My little guy found a hat at some point. He was pretty darn cute strutting his stuff in it.

After lots of playing, a cool watermelon sure hit the spot! I loved my baby girl relaxing in the baby pool with a slice!

Today I am thankful for family, and wonderful parents who opened their home (and water slide!) to our family and friends to celebrate our daughter's birthday. Parents are the best!

Decorative Plates

2010-07-30T14:23:00.003-05:00

I have been looking for something to fill a bare, lonely corner of my kitchen. It's been almost a year now, and I think I finally found something!

I found a black plate at a thrift store for $0.25. I didn't know what I was going to do with it, but knew I needed it. I bought the white plate at Wal-Mart not long after, and both have been sitting in my craft closet for about 2 months now. I just couldn't decide what to do with them.

I was browsing through Pink and Polka Dot last night, and she had posted about some cute silhouettes. One was a chandelier, and I remembered I had downloaded an SVG for one a while back...another thing I was holding onto with no idea what to do with it. (I found the chandelier svg here.) Last night I couldn't sleep...again...and decided to get back out of bed and do something. So, I finished up some stuff for my daughter's birthday party, and started thinking about that chandelier silhouette. This is what came from insomnia, back pain, and a mind that won't stop! I loved it, and decided I needed something to go with it. So, out came that cheap thrift store plate.

I wanted a scripture about feeding the hungry, or food in general, but I couldn't find anything I wanted. I thought about just our last initial, but it was boring next to the chandelier, and I couldn't find an S that looked good. Who knew an S is rather plain and ugly in most fonts? I was about to give up, typed "pray here.love here.eat here" in three different fonts and decided that was it! I put it into my SCAL software for my Cricut, and go to cutting.

I'm pretty happy with how they turned out! Now...if only recessed lighting and under cabinet lighting were as cheap and easy! My kitchen is a dark hole in some places. The joys of older homes that are purchased as fixer-uppers! Until we can afford a big project, let's just pretend there was enough lighting in there to get a decent picture!

Today I am thankful for my family's health and well being. What are you thankful for?

Camera Strap Slipcover Tutorial (with ruffles and lens cap pocket)

2010-07-28T17:59:00.005-05:00

I finally have a good camera! And with that good camera comes an ugly neck strap. I have seen adorable covers all over etsy and various places, so I decided to go through my fabric and whip ~~one~~ several up! I had so many ideas and lots of fabric, so I ~~quite possibly~~ got a bit carried away. Want one? Here's how.

All you need is fabric of your choice (how much depends on how big your strap is, and any extras you are adding), elastic (if you want a little pocket for your lens cap or extra memory card), fusible fleece (completely optional...this tute shows what to do with it, but I have more without it than I do with), coordinating thread, and a sewing machine.

You will need to start by making a pattern for your strap. Take it off of your camera, fold it in half and lay it on paper (mine was 12x12) and trace around it. You will want to go around the folded end, each side, and down to the leather part that holds your strap together. Draw a line connecting the two sides where the leather would be. Then measure and draw a line 5/8 inch around each side, Cut out, and you have a pattern. Easy. (Sorry I don't have pictures of this step-I made my pattern when I made my first strap cover.)

I marked my pattern. I don't really have a good reason for doing this, other than catering to my obsessive compulsive personality.

Next, fold your fabric and place the pattern on top of it. I only fold mine to where there will be enough fabric cut that I need, and don't end up with a hole in the middle of my piece of fabric.

Like so:

Now you can either use a straight edge and rotary cutter to cut around your pattern (which is what I do), or you can grab a marker, trace around your pattern, and cut it out with scissors. Either way- cut it out. :)

When you unfold it, it should look like this. My fabric ended up being about 26 3/4 inch x about 2 7/8 in. Your size will depend on the size of your strap. You will need 2 of these. One for the front piece, one for the back piece. I used the same fabric, but you can use two different ones. Either way turns out cute!

Next you will cut a piece of fabric for the pocket. I like for my pocket to match the back peice of fabric, because I put it on the back so it won't interfere with my ruffles. Don't mess with the ruffles, folks.

I cut a piece of fabric that was 6" wide x 5" tall.

Now time to cut ruffles...if you want them, and you know you do. Be careful. Ruffles are addictive. I'm entering ruffle rehab on Monday.

I cut two strips of my fabric. You want them both to be about twice as long as the finished ruffle will be. Once you gather it, it will shrink up considerably. I like my ruffles fluffy, so I always go with 2 to 2 1/2 times the length I want it to be when finished. One strip is 2" wide, and the other about 1" wide.

Now head over that your sewing machine and set it to the zig zag stitch function.

Down the each side of both strips, zig zag stitch-WITH a back stitch at the beginning and the end.

This is what it will look like when you are done. This is important because it will keep the edges from fraying.

Now you will need to go to the straight stitch, and set it for the longest stitches that your machine will allow. This is a basting stitch.

Now, down the middle of each strip, sew a basting stitch, leaving long strings at each end. These are the only way you can pull your fabric, making it ruffle. DO NOT back stitch on either end, or you won't be able to ruffle it.

See the two strings? There is one on the top and the bottom of your fabric. Grab ahold of the bottom one.

*Gently* start pulling the fabric and moving it along the thread. You don't want to break the thread. Gently work it down, little by little, until you have a ruffle. You may have to do this from each end. Do not clip the thread until it has been attached to the strap cover.

Do this to each fabric strip, and you will end up with fluffy little ruffles. Ruffles make me happy.

Now. On to the pocket.

Take your pocket piece, and (wrong side up) fold over the top between 1/4-1/2". You dont' have to be precise on this. Iron it to help it hold it's place.

Next, grab a piece of elastic (mine is 3/8", but It shouldn't' matter what size you use). Fold the fabric over again, this time over the elastic. Fold it over enough so the elastic has a little wiggle room.

Slide the elastic out and iron again. (and try to not be distracted by my ironing board cover that the Brawny Man gave me.)

Now, with a regular straight stitch, and backstitching at the start and finish, stitch a straight line close to where your fold meets the rest of the fabric.

Now it's time to slide your elastic through. The easiest way I have found, is to fold the end of the elastic over just a bit, and stick a safety pin through both pieces, off to one side (so that the elastic is somewhat inbetween the sides of the pin). Close the safety pin, and stuff it into one side of the little pocket you just made.

Work it through a little at a time, until you have it through. Ditch the safety pin.

Flip the fabric over and fold over the opposite end, and iron.

Now, place a pin through your elastic on one end, and bunch the fabric up on the elastic. You don't want the elastic to be stretched, It will need to be as wide, or a little wider than the main pieces you cut earlier.

Take your back piece of fabric, and pin the top of the pocket to it. Be sure to go through the elastic, and line up the edges. Leave a couple of inches below the bottom of the pocket.

Line up, and pin the bottom corners.

The going across the bottom of the pocket, pin it down.

Sew a straight stitch across the bottom only, close to the edge.

It will look like this. Don't worry about the sides, we will catch them when we sew the front and back piece together, and obviously we will leave the top open.

Now we will attach the front and back pieces.

Lay then on top of each other, wrong sides together.

Line up, and pin along one side.

Sew another straight stitch 1/4 inch or a little more from the edge. Don't forget your back stitch!

Snip off the extra elastic from the side you just stitched.

Open it, lay it wrong side up, separate the two little pieces there, and iron them flat. They will look like this:

Turn it right side up, and get your large ruffle. It needs to be the length of your main piece, so if it's too short, just scooch your ruffles out, or if it's too long, ruffle them up more. Start pinning it to the main piece. You want to make sure it lines up with the side that is sewn together already (if your ruffles are wide like mine) and leave room along the other side for the hem without running over the ruffle.

The, line up the smaller ruffle along the center of the wider one. Use the stitches in the middle to help if you need to.

Stitch along the center stitching that is already on the ruffles.

Remove pins

If you want to use the fusible fleece, now is the time. Follow the directions that came with it. (I have 4 with, and 5 without...I really don't have a preference either way. With it makes it feel more sturdy and durable, but without it is easier to turn right-side out, and to get on and off.)

Fold the ends of your strap in about 1/2 to 3/4 inch, and pin.

Sew one or two lines across the hem. Which ever blows your skirt up.

Fold it, right sides together, line up edges, and pin into place. If you are worried about your ruffle, push it off to one side. Mine did fine.

Sew just like you did the other side. When you are done, do a zig zag stitch along side the straight one-just to reinforce it. Snip off the extra elastic.

Start turing it right side out. I usually use my fingers like this, but if you have lining in it, it is easier to shove it through with something. I used a wooden spoon like I saw Tidy mom use in her tutorial. Great tip!

Yikes. Maybe I'll get Photoshop and learn how to use my camera someday.

Viola. Camera strap slip cover. Now, slip your strap in, and you're good to go!

Much better.

There's that cute lil pocket. Stick a lens cap, memory cars, chap stick...whatever you want in there.

Slides right in...

and out of sight. No more lost lens caps.

Here are some more I made. Have fun, use your imagination, and make some camera candy for yourself :)

I added a layered knit flower to this one.

And I made some Kanzashi flowers to add to this one.

Have a blessed day!

Blondies!

2010-07-09T11:18:00.003-05:00

Buttery, chewey, delicious blondies. YUM.

See what I mean? (and I don't know what happened to the one on the top...)

I came across a recipe for bondies, tried it, liked it, changed it! ;) I can't help it! This is a really easy recipe...one for which I do NOT want to know that calorie count. Heck, I don't want to know the calorie count for anything I eat. I'm a firm believer that things just don't taste as good if you are well informed of nutritional content. I have had a recipe for blondies for a while (that I can't find...sad) but it calls for cream cheese and several ingredients. Aaaand it is rather expensive to make, and makes a large batch...which in all honesty, I can handle the large batch part. :) I enjoy inexpensive recipes that I can whip up with pantry items, though. This recipe is one of those. I think that's a good and a bad thing. I can't tell you how many times I was craving it and whipped a batch up on the spot. My jeans might not appreciate that. On to the recipe!

Blondies
ingredients
1 1/2 stick salted sweet cream butter (I usually use unsalted, but love the flavor the salted gives these!)
1 1/2 c dark brown sugar
1 1/2 c flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

directions
Preheat oven to 350. In small-medium saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar. Cook about 5 minutes or so over medium heat (lower if needed-you don't want to boil this), until sugar is melted-stirring often. Set aside to cool slightly. In medium bowl, wisk together flour, salt, and baking powder. In a large bowl, wisk together eggs and vanilla. Add small amount of butter/sugar mixture while wisking to temper the eggs. (Don't add too much at first, or you will scramble the eggs. Yuck) Slowly pour in the remaining butter/sugar mixture, wisking the whole time. Once well incorporated, wisk in the flour mixture, just until incorporated. Don't over mix! At this point, you can stir in anything you like...macadamia nuts would be incredible, dried cranberries, white chocolate chips...you get the idea. Do what feels right. :) Grease and flour (or spray) an 8x8 baking dish. (Next time, I'm going to try muffin tins, and make blondie cups.) Pour the batter into the dish. You can bake plain ( like the one in the left of the picture) or swirl somthing yummy in. My favorite is Nutella. I dropped small balls of Nutella about 1 1/2 inches apart and used a knife to swirl it through the batter. Peanut butter would also be delicious! Bake for about 30 minutes. The top will be nice and golden!

My husband doesn't like Nutella-GASP-I know, right? I still love him tremendously though. So, when I make these, I don't swirl Nutella throughout...just on half.

*baking tip-use room temperature eggs when baking. When all of your ingredients are the same temperature, it will turn out so much better! You can set them out on the counter for a while, or to speed things up a bit, place the eggs in a bowl of warm-NOT HOT-water.

Cool slightly and enjoy!

Fun with vinyl!

2010-07-07T10:31:00.001-05:00

I love vinyl. LOVE. IT. There are so many things you can do with it. I thought I would share a few with you that I did while I was on my break from the blogging world. The first time I used vinyl, I made the cute mother's day blocks, then the flower pots. Next up, were these little cuties. Thanks Alison from HowDoesShe for the awesome ideas! I just love these!

I made several so I would have a few baby gifts on hand. It seems like everytime I put my kiddos down for a nap, someone rings the doorbell. So at naptime, I hang my little sign and viola! people stop ringing the baby-waker! Thanks for sharing Alison!

Next, I made little vinyls for my kids' rooms. Ya know, in case I forget who has a pink Paris room, and who has a Michigan Football room...

(Please forgive the icky pictures. I have a new camera, no idea how to use it, and can't get my hands on the manual! :) I used Cheri font in navy vinyl for the B, and Mandingo font in signal yellow vinyl for Brady's Room.

Here is Miss Mazi's. I used 101! Abstract DeZign font in black for the Eiffel Tower, and Cheri font in (I believe) lipstick vinyl for Mazi's room. I have 3 shades of pink, and I don't know which is which. Ha!

I bought Mazi some great labels when she was using sippy cups that are little bands that go around the cup, are dishwasher safe, and awesome. Anyways, with shipping, the little boogers are a little more than $20 for 4, and I'm ~~rediculiously cheap~~ frugal, and didn't want to pay that when I could surely come up with a solution. I had some permanent vinyl laying around, and my hubs suggested I use it! I have ran these babies through the dishwasher (top rack) several times, and the vinyl has lasted each time! I love cheap solutions. And my husband...I think my crafting and vinyl addiction is rubbing off on the poor guy. Oh, and the font is Mandingo again. It's boyish, yet still cute!

Can't forget Nana! I had some scrap wood from making the please knock signs that I had gone ahead and cut, sanded, and stained-one a few inches larger than the baby signs, and 2 the same size. I used the larger one for this, mod podged some paper on, slapped some vinyl on there, and this is what I ended up with. I used Smiley Monster font (one of my FAVORITES) for the top and bottom, and Ms to try a bon? font for Nana. Easy, and Nana loved it!

Lastly, I made this calendar. I put the vinyl on the inside of the glass, so that the vinyl wouldn't interfere when writing on it with the dry erase markers, and cleaning it is a breeze. I found the svg file for the calendar here. I googled "free svg calendar" and it led me there. Thank you google! I used Bosshole font for The Smith's, and Dear Joe 5 CASUAL font for the days of the week. I did all the cutting with my SCAL (if you don't have it, I recommend it...it's the best thing EVER!). I used a 14x18 picture frame, so I fugured out what size I wanted everything to be, how I wanted everything placed, and flipped the design so it looked backwards. This made the vinyl sticky on the opposite side so that once it was cut, I could place it on the inside of the glass. I have been using a cheapo dry erase calendar on the side of my fridge, so I am really enjoying having a cute alternative! Here are a couple more pictures of it:

I also used some vinyl as a stencil to etch a set of glass bakeware for a wedding gift. (I forgot to get a picture of it!! :( ) Ashley over at Make it and Love it had done some and they were so cute I just couldn't stand it! I did their last name on several peices (on the largest cake pan, I did their name on one side with "made with love" on the other) their initial on a measuring cup, their last name in an arch 2 times on the bottom of a pie dish, separated by little circles (so that when you looked through the dish, you could read their name in a circle), and their last name on the glass bowl that came with it. When I was done, the entire set matched. I also added some fabric to some hand towels, printed my 12 favorite recipes on index cards, tied it together with a cute ribbon for a complete gift! It was the hit of the shower! The entire gift cost me less than $35 (for the dishes, towels, and recipe cards) and I had people asking me where they can order a set for themselves! I had etched several things before, but this was definitly my favorite. As soon as I make myself a set, I will post pictures!

Before I forget, I get my vinyl from Expressions Vinyl. They by far have the best prices I have found, super fast shipping, and it is the EXACT same stuff you buy from Cricut. Happy shopping, and ask your husband for my forgiveness when he finds out how much you bought! It's hard not to go crazy when the prices are so good. (Expressions vinyl is not aware that I am endorsing their product-I'm doing this on my own! I love sharing a great deal! While you are there, sign up for their mailing list-they email you great offers and coupon codes!)

Also, my favorite place to download fonts is http://www.kevinandamanda.com/. They have TONS of super cute ones.

Blessings to you and yours!

Things to do with refrigerated pie crust

2010-05-24T09:27:00.000-05:00

I recently posted on Facebook that I was making Cinnamon Sugar pie crust, and I was surprised by the response I got, so I thought I would share it with you! When I was little, my mom would buy Pilsbury refrigerated pie crust, roll it out onto a cookie sheet, sprinkle it with cinnamon and sugar and bake it. It was such a treat for us, and it was so easy and cheap for mom! Talk about the best of both worlds! Now that I am a mom, I love simple recipes that seem like a special treat for my family, but are shockingly simple for me to make. I really love spending the day in the kitchen baking, but let's be honest...after spending my day chasing little ones and taking care of the house and meals, sometimes I just don't have the time or the energy to whip something up from scratch. And honestly, sometimes the quick, semi-homeade stuff is just as good as something that I spent 2 hours on! This is one of them. I prefer to use the store brand (around here it is Food Club) because it is actually lighter and flakier than the name brand. Of course it would be amazing with pie crust from scratch, but after it comes out of the oven, it will be gone in 3.2 seconds...so I don't think anyone would even be able to tell it wasn't scratch crust! But, if you insist, Pioneer Woman has a great pie crust recipe that you should give a whirl.  Back to business. I apologize for the lack of pictures, but when I made this last night, we inhaled it so quickly I didn't even have time to turn my camera on. The packages come with 2 crusts, so let's do it this two ways. :)

Cinnamon Sugar Pie Crust
1 refrigerated pie crust
Cinnamon
Sugar

Remove crust from refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 425*. Unroll the pie crust onto a baking sheet, and get it to lay flat. sprinkle a little cinnamon on it-I didn't measure these, because I just sprinkle however much I want on there. It really doesn't take much though. Then sprinkle with sugar. You want enough to give it a sugary crunch, but you don't want to over power it, either. Pop it in the oven and bake it until golden brown. I think it took mine 15 minutes or so, just keep your eye on it. No one likes a burned dessert! Cut it into triangles like a pizza (how many you get, is determined by how big you cut them.)

My husband and I can easily demolish a whole one by ourselves right out of the oven! I'm somewhat ashamed to say that, but it's so delicious that I don't even care. Sometimes we just eat it as is because we don't have time to decide what to top it with due to the fact that we already inhaled 1/2 of it. But it is SO good topped with vanilla ice cream, and drizzled with caramel and chocolate sauce.  Don't be ashamed if you find yourself licking your plate. I'm sure you won't be the first...or the last.

Strawberry Shortcake Pie
1 refrigerated pie crust
sugar
strawberries
fresh whipped cream (can use cool whip)

Wash and stem strawberries. Cut them into the desired size, and sprinkle with sugar. For one pound, about 3-5 tbsp sugar should be plenty. Stir, and set aside for about 30 minutes. They will give off a delicious juice. If you want to get fancy, splash a little balsamic vinegar in there as well...I never do, because the sugar and strawberries keep a wonderful fresh, simple flavor that, in my opinion, can't be beat. Remove crust from refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 425*. Unroll the pie crust onto a baking sheet, and get it to lay flat. (At this point you can use cookie cutters to cut individual pieces, or bake in one piece to cut later. If you do cut it before, just make sure the pieces are not touching each other on the baking sheet.) Sprinkle with desired amount of sugar, and bake until golden. Just keep an eye on it. Sometimes it bakes more quickly than others, especially if it is already cut into individual pieces. Remove from oven, cut (if you haven't done so already) and top individually with strawberries (don't forget to add some of the delicious syrup the sugar created) and whipped cream.

For the fresh whipped cream, pour desired amount of heavy whipping cream into a bowl. Beat with a mixer to incorporate some air. Once it starts to come together just a bit, add powered sugar.  Beat until peaks form when you pull you mixer out of cream. (be sure to turn it off first though! ;)) Don't over mix, or it will become like butter...not fluffy and light like it should be! For 1 1/2 cups of cream, you will need about 1/4 c powdered sugar. I never make that much, because the cream will about tripple in volume from what you initially poured into the bowl.

Go forth, bake easy desserts, and make your family's tastebuds happy!

I love flowers.

2010-05-23T20:17:00.000-05:00

I believe I have a new found addiction. Flowers. I love flowers. I have always liked them and noticed them around town, but here lately, I swear I hunt for them. When I go anywhere, it seems that all I notice is the lack of flowers or the abundance of flowers at each house. I think it is because this was the first year that we were able to plant them. Last year we transplanted some day lilies from my parents' house, but other than that, we are flower newbies. When we take the kiddos on a walk, I seriously think all that Steven and I discuss is people's landscaping and choice of flowers. I just love them! Thankfully, so does he! Anyways, a friend of mine had mentioned doing a flower pot craft at our all-night craft night. We ended up doing some other crafts, and made the CUTEST bloom bags, which you guessed it, have FLOWERS on them! :) My friend Ashley over at Me & You + 2 showed us how to make them, and I love mine! I had already bought my clay flower pots and paint for craft night on Friday, and since we didn't get to them, I spent today working on them, along with some other projects. I just took some cheap clay pots from Wal-Mart, some Krylon indoor/outdoor spray paint, a Krylon Can Gun, and some outdoor vinyl and came up with these. I'm so happy with how they turned out! I looove me some spray paint! Heck, I love paint in general.

This pillow is what inspired my color choices on my flower pots. I love this little pillow!

I forgot to get a before picture, but the pots were sooo plain before I painted them. I used Ivy Leaf, Cherry Red, and Baumaus Gold Krylon Indoor Outdoor paint. That little gun in front is a ~~life~~ finger saver. After painting our Adirondack chair with 3 cans of paint, my hand looked like that of a Smurf's, and my finger and forearm were sore from pressing the sprayer on the can. I came across that gun at JoAnn's and grabbed it. I'm SO glad that I did. Best $3 I've spent in a long time!

After patiently waiting on the paint to dry, I got out my Cricut and got to work figuring out which fonts I wanted to use. I knew I wanted "flower" in different languages, but I wasn't sure what fonts I wanted. After playing with my SCAL for a little bit, I decided on Unnamed Melody, Rage, and Anke Calligraphic. I'm really happy with the results!

This one I did in French, and is in Unnamed Melody font. This is definitly one of my favorite fonts.

I think this one may be my favorite of the three pots. I LOVE this font! It is called Rage. It was tedious peeling off the excess vinyl, but SO worth the result!! I have lots of ideas in mind to use this font for!

This lil guy is in Italian, and the font is Anke Calligraphic.

I hope everyone has had a safe and blessed weekend! Thanks for stopping by and being interested in the junk I make! Much love to ya!

Wreath with fabric flowers

2010-05-14T09:32:00.002-05:00

I came across a burlap wreath one day when I was blog-hoppin. It was pretty cute, all covered with it's little burlap ruffles-but it wasn't really my style. I have been trying to figure out what I wanted to do on a wreath, and yesterday when the kids and I went shopping for craft supplies, and I found a grapevine wreath for $2.79 at Joann's. I'm a sucker for a bargain, so I picked it up, headed to buy some burlap and fabric to make some fabric flowers to jazz it up. I found the cutest fabric! I only bought enough for this project, and I bet I end up kicking myself for it! I needed to unwind last night when we got home, so I got my supplies out, whipped up some flowers and burlap ruffles, then got creative! This is the end result. I will post a full tutorial when I have more time-from making the flowers, to the ruffles, to sticking them on the wreath. I am happy with how it turned out! With the wreath, berries, fabric/burlap flowers, and the S, it cost me less than $10! I love frugal crafts! (and my hot glue gun!)

Happy Friday everyone! Have a safe and blessed weekend! :)

Mother's Day Gifts-LOVE these!

2010-05-10T12:08:00.000-05:00

I was relaxing during the kids' naptime and came across these little cuties. I knew immediately we had to do these for a craft day! Thankfully, the other ladies liked them, too! We got together last weekend and made them for our moms/mother-in-laws for mother's day. I just love how they all turned out! The tutorial for the "granny's greats" can be found here, and the others can be found here. I just adore this site! They have sooo many great ideas. I will probably be featuring several of them!

I made this one for my mom

I made this one for my mother-in-law

I made this one for my Granny to display her great grandkids. I'm ashamed that I don't have a picture of them all...so, she got hers blank. I'm so glad she loves her digital camera and photo printer! :)

My friend, Ashley, made this one for her mom

One of the Lindsey's made these for her mom and mother-in-law

Lindsey, our craft day founder and hostess, made this one for her mom

She also made this one for her mother-in-law

I made this one for myself. I couldn't resist! :)

Now, go buy some 2x4s, impress your husband with your power tool skills, and make a cute gift for yourself or someone you love!

It's a new dawn, it's a new day...and I'm feelin' gooood.

2010-05-03T14:06:00.000-05:00

Apparently I decided that I don't quite have enough on my plate, so I found myself here creating a blog! I am always inspired to create or bake after visiting my favorite blogs. So, I decided I'd give it a shot and I hope to inspire at least one person to get their craft on, or to go dirty up their kitchen! Saturday while I was at our monthly moms-only Craft Day with a few friends, my hunksband and kiddos went out shopping for flowers. My in-laws came over Sunday and they spent the day with my hubs getting dirt under their nails, and getting some MUCH needed color in our yard. Meanwhile, ~~I kept the kids busy~~ I played with the kiddos, put together my new Adirondack chair (thank you for my early mother's day gift, Smif!!) and cooked up some Pioneer Woman enchiladas. If you haven't ever tried one of her recipes...DO IT NOW! It will change your life...and your dress size. Seriously. P-Dub knows her stuff. Go here to check out her fabulousness. I even found the time to sew some ruffle-tush onesies this weekend. More on that later! Here are some pics from our weekend. I will post pictures of our craftiness from Craft Day after mother's day since our crafts were dedicated to our mommas this time around! But, for now...on to the pictures!

Here's Smif planting the lonely sprout of grass. ;)

It is pampas grass...they are actually really pretty once they are grown.

This is what it looks like with the fresh mulch. I am hoping that once it is grown it will look as good as what he is imagining. I am no landscaper, so I'm trusting the man. But, right now, it looks like a random sprout of grass to me!

This is the corner flower bed that was a dirt bed for over a year. The flowers are teeny right now, but hopefully we will be able to make them thrive with a little love and patence! Side note-all of the rocks/petrified wood that make up the border are things that my Granny made my Papa drag home on one of their many trips. She couldn't resist, I'm glad because I have a piece of her in my "garden"! I love that lady!

We planted two of these trees last year after ripping out some icky apricot trees. I loved the apricots, but oh boy, did they ever make a sticky, bug-attracting, mess in our yard. ICK. They are Autumn Blaze Maples and turn a beautiful, deep shade of red in the Autumn. LOVE.

These are all around the bottom of the maple trees. I just adore the color of these! They are so vibrant!

This is our teeny little rosebush.It is supposed to get really big after a few years-fingers crossed! I haven't ever had a green thumb, so this whole planting flowers thing is risky business! I am really hopeful that all of these little guys will really grow and be big beauties!

This is my early Mother's Day gift! I assembled it and painted it yesterday. I love how it turned out! That boring porch was in desperate need of some color.

I only posted this picture because of the lil' cutie hollering at me through the door. Someone wanted his momma to stop fooling around and come inside! Oh, and if you have any suggestions on how to (inexpensively) revamp that oh-so-ugly mailbox, puh-leaaase send me your suggestions!