My Simply Savvy Life

The Perfect 10

2010-05-16T09:42:00.000-07:00

What's your max weight? Come on, you know we all have one. It's the one we weighed during high school. Or after our last pregnancy. The weight from our first year of marriage. Or from those horribly delicious months when we worked at an ice cream store and ate everything in sight. (just me?). We promise ourselves we'll never get that big again. Then lo and behold... We are. That's me. I was literally .5 pounds away from the supposed max weight I ever wanted to be again. Then I get an email from Heather who is helping promote the new diet book The Perfect 10 Diet. Am I willing to try it? Heck yes. The book even tells you that you can lose 14 pounds in the first three weeks. I love those claims. The this is not typical for everyone claims. But guess what! One week in and I'm down five pounds? Seem miraculous? Are you intrigued? What if I told you that I have zero will power, I even cheated this week, but I am still losing weight? What if I told you that you didn't ven have to count calories? What if I said you drink whole milk and ate real butter? What if even chocolate was allowed? Are you listening yet? The Perfct 10 Diet helps to regulate ten major hormones in your body. By eating real and not processed food your body works more efficiently at burning weight right off our body. Sound too good to be true? Check back next week for more information on the diet and more real life success.

Ebeanstalk Toy Review

2009-11-24T13:08:00.001-08:00

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A few of you may recognize this review from my family blog a few months ago, but with the holidays coming up I am reposting it here too:

My children instinctively know that a box in the mail is a symbol of good things to come.
As soon as our ebeanstalk package arrived my daughters grabbed onto my dress eagerly reaching towards the package and asking who it was for.

We opened the box to reveal the Wooden Activity Bus, which instantly became a new favorite toy. Both my two and four year old daughter loved the wooden bus that opened into a classroom setting complete with a teacher, a desk, a student, and even a world map.

My daughters loved the details, the ease of use and manipulation of the pieces, and the fact that multiple pieces meant more opportunities for cooperative play.

I loved the fact that the bus easily closed up, safely storing all the pieces in a convenient, cute, and still fully functional toy bus frame. The quality of this toy was also worth mentioning. The sturdy wood construction promised long-lasting durability even through my children's (not always so gentle) playing.

This cleverly crafted toy was very well thought out, well designed, and clearly made with kids in mind. If the Activity Bus is any indication as to the quality of the rest of the toys at Ebeanstalk, sign me up for the newsletter, because I will definitely be buying from them in future!

Visit Ebeanstalk.com from more great gift finds such as the magnetic responsibility chart which is next on my wish list!

Hawaii

2009-11-24T13:05:00.000-08:00

Doesn't the background look fake?

I already miss the sandy beaches and the sea turtles that could care less if you got right in their face with a camera...

I got the swine flu and spent three days in bed. It was miserable. I mean, of course it was miserable, I had the flu... but it was made even worse by the fact that I could look out the window and see those crystal Hawaiian waters. What a waste!

But at least I am on the mend now, right?

Just think of all those sea turtles I missed out on!

New Dress Pattern

2009-11-24T13:01:00.001-08:00

I've had this pattern in my head for a while so I finally sketched it out and turned it into reality. I was thinking about submitting it to YCMT, but I'm a bit short on time right now, so we'll see.

So let's see, we have shirred backing, a contrasting quilted border with a ruffle at the bottom and some great decorative stitching across the top. She loves it and I guess that's all that really matters, right? :)

Dance Recital

2009-11-24T12:57:00.000-08:00

What is it about tutus, curly hair, dancing and spotlights?

Going back through some pictures and my daughter decided she wants to take dance lessons again. I have to admit, she does look pretty darn cute, though.

Money Saving Gift Idea

2009-06-17T19:10:00.000-07:00

Make a cute boutique outfit as a money saving gift. Here's how:

This dress cost a whopping $5 at Target. Seriously. Not even $5.99, just $5. I didn't even know you could still buy clothes that cheap. :)

A quick fat quarter purchase that matches and two fabulous tutorials later we'll have an adorable gift!

I also bought 2 squares of felt in coordinating colors, then I headed over to This fabulous tutorial to print out a template to create these darling flowers:

A button and quick hand sewing job later the dress is complete. But wait! We're not done yet...

Ta Da! A matching purse!!

The Object Project has a wonderful little tutorial that teacher you how to use a DVD to make a purse. I actually let my daughter sew the purse body (she was thrilled!).

And about an hour later (and only $6.75 later) an adorable outfit for my daughter's best friend (and a matching one for her too, of course!)

The chic (and cheap) woman's cosmetic case

2009-06-09T17:06:00.000-07:00

I'm cheap. It's true. Naturally, I have my indulgences. Don't we all? I love fabric. I love kid's clothes, and I love anything crafty. So I do, I'll admit, spend money on said items. Still, it's always done in a money conscious way. I'm talking coupon cutting, ebay and thrift stores, and bargain hunting. I don't like going out to eat, I feel it is a useless expense (though I am delighted when we get gift cards for dinner, because that I can justify!). The most expensive purse I've even bought was $24. Shoes? $28. Jeans? $32. (Isn't it saying something by the fact I actually remember the prices?)

I actually just bought myself a $60 bathing suit for Hawaii which I am still horrified by the price, but it's the first bathing suit that I feel comfortable in, and it's Hawaii so....

Anyways. Whew, I know how to digress, don't I?

Back to the point. My husband and I started going to the gym recently. I think it's a lot of money, but again, Hawaii. I want to be in tip top bikini body shape (regardless of whether I own a bikini or a one piece). You know what I mean. So my husband has this ~~cute little~~ super manly gym bag and cosmetic case. (Or whatever it's called when you put shampoo and razors in it). I have neither. So my husband tells me to go buy a cute gym bag and case that I like. But me being the cheapy McCheaperson that I am am irritated by his flippant attitude towards money spending. (Really, who tells their husband "no" when offered his credit card?).

I figure, hey, I have fabric. I have time (sort of), why not make myself a gym bag? To not wear myself out I decided to start with the cosmetic bag and I thought I'd share my tutorial with you. So here's an ode to being cheap, using items on hand, and saving some green:

Personalized Cosmetic Case:

To start gather your materials:
Zipper
Family Pictures
Contact Paper
Thread
Scissors
Iron
A bit of creativity

Decide how big you want your bag and make a photo collage in the approximate size with seam allowances and all that good stuff. Take the contact paper and cover the front and back. I laid my pictures on the face up contact paper than carefully covered it. The contact paper was forgiving to my mistakes so I was ok if I had to lift it up and try to reposition it again.

Here's my front and back pieces: An 8x10 was an easy way to be lazy about my collage.

Lay a towl on top of the contact paper and iron the contact paper a bit to make it super adhere to the pictures. DO NOT TOUCH THE IRON TO THE CONTACT PAPER. Use a towel!!
Next sew the zipper to the top of one collage (it's brown, it doesn't match, but it was all I had at home) :)

Sew the zipper to the top of the other collage: See how they are now attatched?

Leave the zipper open!!!!!!!!
Sew the pieces together. I slanted my edges a bit:

See why you should leave your zipper open? I had no way to turn my case inside out and had to take it apart and start again. Lovely.

Shape the edges by pinching them together. Seams lay on top of each other and you sew about 1-3 inches in. I did it at 1 1/2 inches.

Cut the excess:

Repeat for both sides. Then turn inside out. This is tricky. It will get wrinkled. You can kind of press WITH A TOWEL. Do not put the iron directly on the bag. Take your time and try not to rip it. The wider the opening the easier it will be.

Ta Da! Your very own WATERPROOF bag for the gym. I keep my shampoo, conditioner, razor, soap, and poofy washcloth thingee in here. I've been using it for about 2 weeks now and it has proven water resistant so far. I wouldn't suggest dunking it in a pool of course.

I hope you like it. Let me know if anyone uses this tutorial. Link us to your page in the comments section. Thanks!!

Seat Belt Purse

2009-06-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

I saw the most beautiful purse online. I drooled with envy at the beautiful colors, the shape, even the design was flawlessly perfect. I'm sure many of you have heard of a Harvey's Seat belt purse? They are amazing. I had to have it! The colors were perfectly yacht club summeresque (not to mention, it would match perfectly with a skirt I was working on). My outfit would be complete....BUT WAIT! $200?? Did I see that right?? Maybe there is an extra zero there? No? Too much to hope for, right?

So my mind started turning. I examined every picture, from every angle. I scrutinized, hypothesized, and theorized. A quick online order later, I was well on my way to making my own seat belt purse, and yes, for only $20!

Here's some pictures with the final outcome:

I did make a few choices that I could do better next time, and a few seams that were a bit tricky and I would have re-done had I not already spent about 100 hours sewing. (I'm only sorta kidding). Luckily, I think I could tackle another one in a fraction of the time after learning from my mistakes.

Let me know if anyone is interested in a tutorial. I am contemplating making another one and I could easily take a few pictures along the way.

Long time, no post!

2009-06-02T13:33:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!
It's been a while, I'll admit.
Had some drama, a pity party (that lasted about a month), and really just a lack of anything to say. For a long time I didn't feel like writing anything, and then for a longer time like there was no point anyway, who would care?
Basically just some personal stuff that teemed over into every other part of life.
But I realize I pretty much wore out the pity party phase.
PLUS, I have a month off from school, and that always helps.
So enough drama for me.
Yea!
I have some cool crafts that I can't wait to post, plus some new websites I want to share, and some awesome crafts and tutorials I've found on the web.
Now I'm off to go see what everyone else has been up to! :)

And the Winner is....

2009-04-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

Kathy B!!!
E-mail me your information and I will tell Melissa from EcoStore to send your gift certificate your way.

On a side note I just bought all the materials I need for my tutorials. I have two great tutorials for this week. So check back next weekend!

More from EcoStore

2009-04-12T18:49:00.000-07:00

Melissa from Eco Store asked me to pass along some more earth friendly information to you.

Before I do someone told me I forgot to post their website. In case I did, here is the link: http://www.ecostoreusa.com/

Here's the e-mail she sent me:

Hello Kristina,

Please let your readers know that Ecostore USA is offering free shipping on orders $25 and up, all this month for Earth month. This is a great opportunity to try our products.

Please also let your readers know that Malcolm Rands will be touring Meijer Stores for the ask Ecoman tour. Malcolm will be available to answer any questions on Eco friendly products. The first 25 moms or dads that ask Malcolm A question will receive an organic Ecostore T-Shirt. There will be entertainment for the kids while mom and dad ask Malcolm ( Ecoman) questions. Listed below is the tour schedule.

Thank you,

Melissa

Ecostore USA

4/13 Chicago - McHenry (5-7 PM)

4/18 Detroit - Wixom (5-7 PM)

4/20 Fort Wayne - Illinois Road (5-7 PM)

4/21 Indianapolis - Carmel (5-7 PM)

4/22 Cincinnati - Harrison Road (4-6 PM)

4/23 Grand Rapids - Cascade (2-4 PM)

Green Giveaway, Scary Facts, and Product Reviews

2009-04-09T16:08:00.000-07:00

I recently was given the opportunity to try out some fantastic products from EcoStore. In the spirit of protecting our planet, our children, and our pets, EcoStore has a host of environmentally friendly products, all of which are made from plant and mineral based ingredients. Every product they sell is free of toxic chemicals that can harm the environment, our pets, and our children.

All of the products I will be mentioning can be purchased from EcoStoreUSA.com. But you can find a lot more than just items for sale on their site. Their website is loaded with information relating to our carbon footprints, what it means to “go green”, and the dangers of toxic chemicals that can be found in everything from our supermarket brand cleaning supplies to the foods we feed our children!

Did you know:

According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers accidental poisonings occur in the home every 30 seconds.

The National Safety Council has reported that more children under four die of from accidental poisoning than are killed by guns.

A report by the EPA to Congress determined household cleaners three times more likely to cause cancer than outdoor air pollution.

Women who work from home and are more frequently exposed to household toxins and poor air quality are 50% more likely to develop cancer.

Newborn infants have trace levels of toxic chemicals in their bodies, passed on by their mother’s exposure.

Ok, if you weren’t convinced about the importance of going green before, are you now??

This is scary stuff ladies! Every 30 seconds a child is poisoned? Stay at home moms are 50% more likely to develop cancer? Our newborns have toxins in their body from the womb? We need to make some drastic changes to combat our chemically driven world!

EcoStore does just that. Melissa from EcoStore invited me to try any three products of my choosing and let you guys know what I thought. I am so honored to be able to do that today. Then, as an extra special treat I am going to be giving one of you a $25 gift certificate to EcoStore to try some products out for yourself. OH! And they are having a special of free shipping on orders over $25 too!

Before I review each product, I want to mention the packaging. Yes, the packaging! Talk about eco-friendly. The box, the packing peanuts, even the TAPE was all made from recycled products. How cool is that? I didn’t even know you could make recycled tape! A notice comes with each order to ensure each and every environmentally conscious mama, daddy, man and woman, that not only are the products they are using combating waste and pollution, the packaging is working towards that goal too. How cool is that!?

BABY NOURISHING MOISTURIZER

My daughter has had eczema for about a year now. Every time we switch soaps or even shampoos or conditioners her skin has a tendency to become extremely dry and form rashes. Her wrists are by far the worst and most susceptible. Naturally, I was both anxious and worried to try any sort of new product on her. Yet, I was hopeful that the lack of chemicals would be beneficial for her skin. I was right! The baby nourishing moisturizer became an instant hit in my home from the moment I cracked the lid. The lavender and Eucalyptus scented lotion not only soothed my daughter’s skin, but helped calm the kids down. For the week I used the products before I wrote this review, nighttime massages became out nightly tradition. The lotion was a great consistency, too. The nice and thick texture helped to condition her skin, keeping moisture in, and preventing any sort of skin irritation. I have to admit, despite the fact that it was baby lotion, it smelled and felt too good not to use it myself! It really helped smooth out my cracked knees and elbows. I would definitely recommend this lotion, especially to mothers of sensitive little ones. This lotion has worked better for me than any store bought brand by far, and I can feel good about the fact that everything I’m putting on my family’s skin is completely natural.

ROSEMARY ORANGE CONDITIONER

I was so excited to try this conditioner for a variety of reasons. For one, I am not a huge fan of floral conditioners. I love floral scents, don’t get me wrong, but for whatever reason, I don’t like my hair to smell like cheesy perfume. I love musky, natural scents. Think men’s cologne. One of my favorite conditioners of all time is orange scented, so I was really excited to try the rosemary orange conditioner, which seemed to be scented right up my ally. This product did not disappoint. The conditioner’s scent was intoxicating. The rosemary was strong, though not overbearing, and the hint of orange and citrus was perfection. The conditioner worked easily into my hair, gave me as much, if not more, volume than the condition I was using before, and most importantly, was healing my hair, instead of harming it. Did you know most every shampoo and conditioner on the market contains a chemical known as Diethanolamine, used to make a bubbly lather? Diethanolamine (DEA) harms your hair, and skin, and strips vital nutrients from the body’s surface, leaving your skin dry and your hair unmanageable. Other studies have found DEA to prove more dangerous than this alone. EcoStore’s conditioners are DEA free, protecting your hair and skin.

CITRUS SPRAY CLEANER

I have to say, the Citrus cleaner is probably my favorite product. This cleaner worked amazingly well. I was prepared to have to struggle and scrub to compensate for the lack of nasty chemicals, but there was no struggle at all. The cleaner proved just as effective as my Lysol spray, though without the chemicals and bleach that I had been using before. And if you read the risks and dangers of chemicals in the home above, you will all appreciate a cleaner that WORKS and is SAFE. Seems like an oxymoron in our society, but I can confidently say after using this spray, safe and effective products are out there! This spray is the proof. Even better, this worked like magic on my counters, mirrors, ceramic surfaces, and even my tile floors! Most amazing to me was the gorgeous shine this spray left on my wood table. You’d be hard pressed to find a product this effective on such a wide range of surfaces at your supermarket! This spray is definitely a keeper!

And now to the detail of what you’ve all been waiting for:

The $25 GIVEAWAY!

One lucky reader will get $25 towards a purchase at EcoStore simply for doing the following:

Visit EcoStore and let me know one product of theirs you would like to try for one entry.

Tell us a fact, tip, or other nugget of information about the environment, being green, or the dangers of chemicals for another entry.

Let me know if you follow me for one more.

Let me know if you have my button for a fourth.

Many times you see people offering entries for blogging about their giveaway. This helps the blog owner get new followers their way. I have done this in the past and always appreciate more traffic. However, while I’ll ask you to blog about this contest and let me know if you did, it is not for the traffic, but for the fact that I think more people need to be aware of the dangers that these commonly found chemicals potentially hold for us, our children, and our environment. If you don’t want to link your post back to me, that is totally fine, I’ll still give you an entry (to prove its not about the traffic). Just post the facts I had listed above to help bring about awareness regarding the dangers of chemicals in the home.

That’s all for today. Get those entries in when you have the chance, the winner will be announced next Saturday!

Enjoy your day and ponder what small change you can make to help be more green!

Spring Tutorial

2009-04-06T13:54:00.001-07:00

Turns out it was my docking station, not my camera at fault. A shiny, new USB port later and here's the promised tutorial:

Here's a cute, fun, and pretty easy to whip up clippie that is perfect for Spring. To start out gather your materials. You will need green grosgrain ribbon, scissors, glue, yellow and green felt, matching threads, and an alligator clip.

Start out by measuring how much green ribbon you will need. Make sure you have enough to cover the underside of the clip and wrap it over the top. Leave 1/4-1/2 inch or so hanging over the edge. Cut four felt squares as seen in my first image (sorry I lost the second picture). The yellow square I cut 1 inch by 1 inch, the green was 6/8 by 6/8 inches.

Round the bottom corners of the yellow felt squares (you should be holding both squares firmly together). Cut triangles from the tops to make your tulip shape. Holding both green squares together start from one bottom corner and round to the opposite side on the top. Shape into a leaf.

Place a thin layer of glue on one felt piece of the flower and leaf. Sandwhich the top of the ribbon between all four felt shapes:

Let it dry completely. If you rush it (like I did) the glue will gunk up your machine. (If you don't want to sew your felt together try gluing it with tacky glue or a glue gun for a better hold, then leave as is). If you do want to sew get your matching thread and slowly stitch around the edges.

Now get ready to assemble your clip.

Turn the flower good side down and clip the ribbon in between the alligator clip. Gle it securely to the clip.

Turn the ribbon up and glue it along the top of the clip like so. Decide if you want to line the bottom of the clip as well (I did).

Ta Da! A beautiful tulip clip for your little one.

You can Quilt this!!

2009-04-02T13:41:00.000-07:00

So in going with our theme of lowering out carbon footprint, how about considering making things yourself? You know, growing your own veggies, eating in more often then out, and hey! What about making your own clothing and blankets?

Did you know that most products we buy in stores are shipped from overseas? (Especially quilts!) In order to find products at the prices we want, companies have products made in countries where labor is cheap, and often children are forced to sew the clothing we wear, the quilts we use. If you've ever made a quilt you know how much hard work goes into them. If a quilt took 10 hours to make, how can it possible sell for only $40?? You guessed it.

So besides the obvious ethical dilemmas here, you also have air pollution from the planes that bring these products back and forth, the carbon monoxide from the trucks that ship them from store to the store and more waste, more money.

So what can we do to help remedy the situation? Well, we can make many of the products we need to buy at home!

The absolutely fabulously, creative, and insanely wonderful people over at youcanmakethis.com have come up with yet another fabulous addition to their site. You can Quilt This! This new site is going to be fabulous.

I love quilting, and I bet many of you do too. If you've never tried, you should! It's time consuming and can be challenging, but Kim over at youcanmakethis is fabulous at guiding you step by step through each individual process, she's a godsend!

But it get's better than that! There is a fabulous giveaway going on where you can win your very own machine, perfect for all those quilts you'll be sewing like mad. :)

Here's the link:
http://www.youcanmakethis.com/blog/329/announcing-a-new-siteand-you-can-win.html

Head over there and check it out!

Oh! My camera will not upload to my computer, but if I don't fix it by tomorrow I will just use my mom computer, so that tutorial is coming, I promise!! It's done, I just need the photos for you!

Spring is here

2009-03-27T23:01:00.001-07:00

This morning I went running and had the most incredible experience. The intoxicating scent of orange blossoms filled my lungs as birds chirped over head. Wild flowers were in full force in the field across the street and for the first time in a long time it felt like Spring. I could see the snow caps loosing their hold on the mountain tops in the distance, and despite the breeze and chill in the air I felt warm.

Don't get me wrong. I love winter. Nothing is better than our yearly trip to big bear. The first snowfall and toasting marshmallows while wrapped in layers upon layers are some of the best memories of the year. Thanksgiving, school breaks, and Christmas raise our spirits, brings families together, and helps us remember everything we have to be thankful for.

But somewhere after Christmas as the new year rolls around and the cold, long days get darker and shorter, winter begins to wear out it's welcome. It's like a family member you love, but get sick of pretty quickly (come on, you all have one!).

I jogged past a yard covered in freshly blooming tulips and the cold winter had thawed out of me. Some people roll their eyes, thinking seasonal depression is a joke. But every time spring starts to peek it's way through, like those tulips bursting out of the ground, I realize just how anxiously I'd been awaiting spring. It renews your spirit and invigorates your soul.

We are all going through something. We are all stressed about something. There is just something about spring that gives you hope. A fellow blogger always ends her posts with, "furthermore, the war will end." That is how I feel at this moment. The war has ended. Whatever it is weighing you down. IT WILL GET BETTER. We will survive.

After all, if that bulb that has been freezing in the ground all winter, lacking water for weeks, and forgotten during the long days of darkness can find it's way back to the comfort and sunshine of spring, so can we.

And the Winner is......

2009-03-27T22:50:00.001-07:00

kimmymp! I will pass along your e-mail address and you should be hearing from someone shortly regarding your membership to the group you requested.

To everyone else, I have another great giveaway coming soon, I promise!

Check back on Monday. Over the weekend I am going to make up a quick tutorial for you all. I saw an adorable hair clippie that cost $6. To me, that is way too much money, but I'm goign to show you how to make one at home for pennies. :) I just need to dust off my machine and get to sewing.

Dear me, Easter is around the corner, I suppose I should get to working on Easter dresses too, huh?

Giveaway Update

2009-03-23T16:53:00.000-07:00

Seems I may have confused some people. :)
I clicked on the link and realized, I myself was confused too. Ooops!
To make it easier for you all, here is the list of groups:
Atlanta
Austin
Baltimore
Birmingham
Boston-area
Buffalo, NY
Charlotte
Chicago
Cincinnati, OH
Cleveland
Columbia SC
Columbus, OH
Dallas-area
Denver
Detroit
Greenville SC
Hartford CT (opens 3/16)
Houston
Indianapolis
Jacksonville, FL
Kansas City
Knoxville TN
Las Vegas
Louisville KY
Los Angeles
Madison WI
Memphis TN
Milwaukee
Minneapolis
Nashville
New York City
Oklahoma City
Omaha
Orlando
Phoenix
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Portland, OR
Quad Cities (Davenport IA, Bettendorf, IA, Moline IL, and Rock City IL) (opens 3/16)
Raleigh-Durham
Saint Louis
Salt Lake City
San Antonio TX
San Diego
San Francisco
Seattle
Tampa, FL
Virginia Beach / Norfolk VA
Washington DC

Pick the one closest to you and respond to either this opst, or the previous, all entries will be counted. SORRY!

Green Giveaway #1!

2009-03-22T13:31:00.000-07:00

I have a great opportunity for one of you to win a membership to a website called freepeats.com. This site is fabulous for all you mamas who have gently used baby items you need to get, or have to give away. The site helps moms in local areas connect with each other, form wish lists, find and give things to other moms in need. This is such an awesome site!

This site helps moms recycle gently used items, and helps other moms get the things they need, but can't necessarily afford. By not always purchasing new items, and finding way to re-purpose gently used ones, we can save in all kinds of ways. Save money, help people, and ultimately help our environment.

To win your free membership simply visit Freepeats.blogspot.com and tell me which group you want to join (depending on the area you wish to trade in). Mention if you're following, you'll get an extra entry. The winner will be announced on 3/27.

Enjoy!

Go Green!

2009-03-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

Many of you can identify with wanting to be "green" and saving some at the same time. The plain truth is, going green is usually pricey. Buying organic foods adds up on your grocery bills, buying special products can cost a fortune, and considering solar panels? Goodness, they are expensive! But, let's face it. Sooner or later it needs to be done. Did you know some scientists believe in 50 years we will be out of clean water for the world's population? So what's your great grandbaby going to drink?

In April I want to focus on inexpensive, but efficient ways to go green. I am going to be reviewing some fabulous eco friendly products and..... giving away some gift certificates to a great "go green" online retailer. How fun? Then I am prepping to share an awesome go green tutorial project that I just know you will love.

As if that wasn't enough, expect free downloadable projects for your kiddos that I will show you how to use again and again. We'll save paper, save trees, and help reduce those carbon footprints of ours at least a little!

OH!!

Check out Melissa's blog Here. She is hosting a recipe contest. Try some out and vote. Because cooking at home instead of eating out can be pretty green too, right?

The Best Pasta Salad ever is my entry. Try it, you'll love it, I swear! And then vote for it!! Please? :)

Check back soon and we'll learn about protecting out environment and having fun!

And the flake award goes to...

2009-03-16T15:18:00.000-07:00

ME!

Where have I been you ask?
I could begin the list, but I'm sure you all have similar ones and still manage to post frequently. I, on the other hand, have been quite busy, but quite flaky as well. I apologize and beg your forgiveness!

I just started my credentialing classes, and they are more work then I had anticipated. :)
Plus, we spent this last week potty training and I don't think I left the bathroom all week. :)

BUT! Here I am, and I'm back!

I hope there are still some of you around to be interested in anything I have to say. :)

I have lots of goodies coming for you. Another giveaway of some FABULOUS products is coming soon (I'm awaiting shipment). While I probably won't be posting everyday, I promise to post at least once a week and have some goodies for you along the way.

I just had to share some pictures of my darling daughters I took this weekend. We got some new chicks and I made them some flowy, white dresses to complete the ensemble. I didn't have a pattern, I just went with it, and ta-da, that was the result.

Boy have I missed you all, I will be checking out your blogs over the next couple of days. :)

And the Winner is......

2009-03-05T15:09:00.001-08:00

MISSY!!!

Out of 120 entries random.org chose number: 2

She said:
Oooo, thanks for telling me about the giveaway!!! I have heard wonderful things about this site but I have yet to order anything (not sure why!) Please sign me up for the giveaway. I am a follower already and I really would love to order the Easy Pants pattern (I really need to learn to make pants). And I will totally add your button to my blog! I am so excited!!!

This talented Mama of twins is getting $50 worth of patterns. ENJOY!

Send me your e-mail as soon as you can and I'll have Courtney from YCMT send those over to you!!!

Giveaway

2009-03-04T10:27:00.000-08:00

YCMT giveaway ends tonight at midnight! If you haven't signed up don't forget!!
I will announce the winner tomorrow morning.

Later today expect instructions for installing your new and fabulous background on your site with ease!!

OH! I just watched the Bachelor (I had it taped). It's my guilty pleasure, what can I say? Ok, no matter which girl was your fav, you got to admit that man is an ass.

Blog Design Part 3

2009-03-03T17:40:00.001-08:00

Sorry I've been slacking. It was birthday weekend and I was sick as ever, so I took a few days off for a little R & R. But I'm back with the next blog design section. Today we are:

CREATING OUR BACKGROUND

Oh! I have had a few people ask me about programs to use. I love photoshop, it is fabulous and the limits to what you can do are really endless. However, it is an expensive program, no doubt about it. Many colleges offer discounts to students, or you can purchase older editions from ebay. However, there are also some free alternatives. Getpaint.net offers one that I have heard is pretty cool for the price..free! Let me know if any of you use it and like it, or of other alternatives you like.

Start by creating a new file.

Change the option from pixils to inches (if necessary). You are going to create a file that is 14.5 inches wide and 11 inches tall. Set your resolution at 72 (basic for web). Click Ok.

Under view you can turn on the rulers (if they are not already on) to make your job a lot easier.

This next step changes depending on your blog format. For a 3 column template you want at least 9 inches of white (or light) because this is where your text resides. The first and last 2 3/4 inches will be your contrasting color. I made this gray.

For a 2 column template you will make the first and last 3.5 inches your contrasting color.

As you can see at this point my background looks very sad and bland. No fears! This is where your scrap pack comes in handy. Design with your papers, embellishments and creativity to your hearts content. I will show you some more examples and techniques (hopefully) tomorrow. If not, by the end of the week for sure.

Keep in mind I just started my graduate work so I will be pretty busy. Don't think I am ignoring you all, I am just trying deserately to keep up with my work load. :)

YCMT Quilt finished!

2009-02-27T13:07:00.000-08:00

Yeay! It's done. It's hanging. It's finally off of my sewing table. :) I couldn't do the double border, mainly because I had no idea we were going to need it and I didn't have enough fabric left. As it was I had to piece the border together. Oh well! The wall in their room looks much better now, thank goodness! :)

Blog Design Part 2

2009-02-26T12:43:00.000-08:00

Background Dilemmas

So hypothetically,
I found a great scrapbook package that I want to use for my site. Fabulous. I love it. But oh wait! I have another paper that I LOVE LOVE LOVE, and I really want to incorporate it, but it does not even remotely match. Don't worry, I can help!

First off, I know these pictures are small, but since there are a lot of them I didn't want the page to take hours to load. You should be able to click on them to enlarge, if not, let me know and I'll just upload them to photobucket.

I use photoshop. There may be similar ways to do this in other image editing software. Don't worry, most of what we will do can be done in any image editing software, but as far as I know this one is photoshop exclusive.

Here's my problem. My scrap pack coordinates with the green paper, but I REALLY want to use the blue dots page. No problem, let;s make them match!

First of all, we need to unlock the layer. In your layers pallet double click on that little lock and rename the layer, I called it layer 0, the default name.

Press ok and save.

Make the page you want to change the at the forefront. I've clicked on my blue dots page. Now I go to Image -> Adjustments -> Match Colors...

This window will pop up and ask you what you want it to match with. See towards the bottom where it says SOURCE? Click there and select the paper name that you want it to match with. This is where I select the file name of my green paper.

Now VOILA, they coordinate. But they don't look quite right... Time to mess with the technical stuff. Don't worry, there is a fool proof way to do this! First try Luminance. Pull the dial ALL THE WAY to the right. It will look funky, I know. Then, pull it ALL THE WAY to the left. Still funky it's ok. BUT which one looked better? I liked it BETTER (but not perfect) all the way to the right. So I will start at the far right and slowly move it back towards the middle until it looks ok. We still have other functions to mess with so it won't look perfect, just get it where it looks BEST. Do this with the other two options. Fade usually looks best at a lower level, I typically leave it alone, but experiement for fun. When it looks pretty good to you, hit ok.

See? Pretty cool huh? It totally coordinates with the set now so I can use it with the rest of the coordinating scrap pack.

DON'T FORGET!!!! ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS hit SAVE AS... NEVER SAVE. Rename the file to whatever you like. If you hit save, you will lose the original blue paper. We don't want to distroy the old file, so we always name it as something else. Someday we may want the blue paper, but if we save it as green. The blue is gone FOREVER! MUAHAHAHA! Ok, you get the point, right. It would make you sad.

Suppose I wanted the green paper to match the blue? Same process. Highlight the green paper, go through image -> adjustment -> match color, in the source box select the name of the blue paper.

Ta Da! To me, this looks perfect, so I'm not going to even mess with the functions. SAVE AS! not save. You get it, I know. You've been warned. :)

Hope some of you can use this.

Blog Design Part 1

2009-02-25T16:31:00.001-08:00

Ok, I have had quite a few of you waiting for the avatar design lessons, how to make buttons, and the like, so get ready, because here comes lesson one.

This one is super easy, and probably a bit boring, but essential none the less.

What I first want you to do is find some images, backgrounds, etc. that you want to use for your page background, or if you only want to make a header, your header background. You can design these, choose just basic colors, however fancy you want to get.

What I am going to do, is head over to my favorite digital scrapbook website and purchase a scrapbook bundle (with different texture pages, embellishments, etc). That way they will all look super cute, be coordinating, and give me tons of options. There are some great sites out there that offer FREE digital scrapbooking papers, my personal favorite is digitalscrapbookplace.com. This site has many kits to choose from from free to around $15, so you can find something unique and budget friendly (I usually opt for free!). :)

By choosing our papers ahead of time, we make sure every element of our webpage or blog page will coordinate. That way we don't make an awesome header, but have no background page to put it on. In a few days I will teach you how to make your own blogger background. If you love your background the way it is and only want to know how to do the header, try to find colors that match the background you have this week and save them for the header design.

Well, that's it for now. This is an easy step, so I promise to post something a bit more challenging in a few days, but baby steps are the way to go (at least for me!)

Won't you Please, Please Help Me, Help Me, Help Meeeee

2009-02-25T12:55:00.000-08:00

Sorry, this song was on the radio, I couldn't help myself.

Are you guys having problems leaving comments on blogger? On pages where a word verification "pops up" it says "loading" FOREVER and never shows the word. I can't leave comments for most of you. This makes me grouchy, but never fear, I am reading your blogs and contacted google. Maybe it's just me?

Now to the help. I am planning my daughter's birthday party (Western Theme) do you all have any favorite website for party supplies (or stores) that are cheap? I am at Oriental Trading Company, but can't find what I am looking for. Any ideas?

Thanks.

Oh! Then I can post a party planning entry with the combined resources. See how genius you all are?

Grow your own Tulips

2009-02-23T18:37:00.000-08:00

First of all, sorry for being MIA. I have spent the last two days in the ER trying to figure out what the heck is wrong with me. 48 hours, 20 tests, and heck load of pain medication later, the diagnosis? "I have no idea what's wrong with you."

Great. Well, pain medication goes a long way, right? As of now the pain is gone, definitely a good thing, I assure you. BUT you never experience that much pain for nothing, so I am a bit concerned, but thanks to a "pokey shot" in my bum, at the moment all is well.

I loved reading everyone's comments about the tulips and the consensus seems to be that tulips pretty much rock. The only down side to cut tulips is they only last you maybe 4 days. I want some that will last me longer than that!

So I contemplated making Martha Stewart's paper flowers, getting silk flowers, or buying a potted plant. However, I decided to something that was going to be FUN, EDUCATIONAL, and PRETTY. Yea!

If I am rambling, please excuse me, don't forget I'm hocked full of drugs.

SO here is the final product:

I took a tall vase, filled it with about 3 inches of small pebbles, then about 6 inches of dirt. I places one tulip bulb inside that was already about to sprout. So now Leila and I are talking about how plants grow. She is helping me to water everyday (the rocks are there to help make sure the plant doesn't get over watered. We are learning about roots, and sprouts, and the best part is, as the plant rows she will be able to see the root growth through the clear vase. So she can watch the plant grow as she learns about it, and I can have my tulips that will last me more than a week! WooHoo!

All I have to do now is keep my fingers crossed that I don't kill it.

My Valentine's Hero

2009-02-20T22:53:00.000-08:00

Well the candy is all but eaten, and even my flowers are beginning to wilt. These gorgeous tulips, courtesy my husband make me smile every morning when I walk into the room. What a smooth talker he can be, I tell ya.

Of course, these flowers weren't purchased for me until I said, "Oh, you didn't get me anything? That's ok. I know we're tight on cash, but I really wanted to get something for you. You know... cuz I love you."

Well 30 minutes later there are flowers in a vase on my table. Did I say he was the smooth talker? Whoops, that's me! :)

But seriously, don't the men in our lives deserve even the tiniest bit of applause? Let's face it, they can be pretty smooth themselves.

Who else do you know that can talk a woman into rolling in the sheets after she's fallen asleep with smeared banana on her chest and some cheerios in her hair?

Face it, husbands have a pretty hefty challenge when it comes to the love life. They have to not only get you naked and in the mood, but they have to do it before your infant starts to cry in the other room, after you've administered medicine to your sick toddler, and usually during your mental checklist of things to do. Not to mention the fact that you can't get the Dora the Explorer theme song out of your head.

They have to be pretty quick on their feet to talk you into some midnight romance despite the pile of laundry sitting on your bed, the school papers you need to sign, and the dishes in the sink that are teeming onto the counter.

Only the best can talk a woman into sleeping with him AFTER he forgot all about her on Valentines.

Kuddos, lovey. And all you other smooth talking husbands. You've got a monumental task in from of you to get us suburban mommies in the mood. Now that Valentine's is over. You'll need a new angle.

Psst. Flowers work as an in all year round...

BEST FOLLOWERS EVER

2009-02-20T22:35:00.000-08:00

Ok, so you guys are FABULOUS! Can I say how much I love you anymore? I didn't expect to get 60 followers so quickly, but now I'm in just about the cheeriest mood ever! So I picked two winners today!

1. Cheryl of Twinfatuation

and

2. Shelly from Shell's Specialty of the Day (who also happens to be one of my dearest, devoted followers, how fitting!!)

Both of these ladies are awesome. Cheryl is a mama to twins, check out her blogs, her children are adorable! She also has a published book, which has tons of info on raising twins... though if your kids are like mine, it might be helpful on dealing with just one...yes...they're that much of a handful! I stumbled across her recently, but I am loving her blog and she's very sweet about returning comments.

Shelly is pretty much the coolest lady. She is a special ed teacher, which is what I hope to be pretty soon. She also is a quilting genius, sewing up a storm ALL the time. Hop over to her blog and say hi, she is one of the best people around who will faithfully return comments to you!

Both of you ladies can e-mail me your addresses and a photo that you would like me to use on your necklaces (or give me an idea of what kind of image you would like if not a photo). Here are a few I made for my girls (they picked the pictures so don't judge me!)

The cat and duck is for my littlest, her favorite animals in one necklace! The Aurora is for my four year old princess (well, almost four), and sadly, the craft ninja is mine. Am I dorky, or what? It's a ninja holding scissors and knitting needles. Come on, it's a little bit funny, right?

Thank You Notes

2009-02-20T13:46:00.000-08:00

For a while I was really big on stationary. When my husband and I first got married I bought every envelope size available on earth. I had scrapbook papers in every imaginable color, and I bought stamps to coordinate with paper themes. For whatever reason I deemed letter writing an important aspect of being a "grown up".

I imagined the scented letters I would send to my dear friends, and the sweet handwritten love notes that I would mail to my own house just for my love to find and open for a small letter of endearment. I assumed that every respectable housewife would be writing thank you notes galore, and catch up with old friends with her matching stationary just to show how perfect her life was.

I feel silly now. I still have about 800 envelopes and I never even cracked open those stationary packs even now, four years later. What can I say? When you are 19 you have strange visions of "grown up" life and the things that seem so critical are often the ones that hold no purpose.

Clearly I am far off track with the point of this post now, but I do so enjoy reminiscing. Anyways, my point is, I am big on letter writing. Whether or not I actually get it done, I love sending hand written notes and thank you cards when someone has shown me kindness or affection.

Many of you may know it was just my daughter's second birthday a few days ago. Well, after opening all the card board boxes, the time spent tugging at tape and plastic wrap, and those obnoxious plastic straps that mercilessly trap barbie dolls to their cold, cardboard boxes, it is time to clean up the wrapping the paper and get out the thank you notes.

I like to be creative. I love it when the kids put their own touches on thank you cards. In the past I have had them draw pictures to include, and now that Leila can write her own name that has been a great way for her to participate. But how to include a 2 year old??? Hmmm.... think, think, think... (I'm tapping my chin right now Winnie the Pooh style).

Ah ha! Got it!!

So here's what I came up with:

Cute right?

So for each gift she got I took a picture of her holding this thank you sign. It took 3 days to get smiles in each outfit or with each toy, but isn't it the sweetest? Then I'll print the pictures up at Walmart or wherever and write the thank you note on the back. Perfect, right?

Well, thanks for listening to me ramble, hopefully a few of you will be inspired to try this or something similar and my rambling will have been for benefit. :)

Do you write thank you notes for birthdays? What do you do to keep them personal? What are some ideas for themed party thank you notes?

Here's some more pictures so you can see how I changed them all:

The horse was the present here.

This picture is for the shirt.

Another Giveaway!

2009-02-19T13:32:00.000-08:00

I finally got my pay it forward gift in the mail today when lo and behold! I have 50 followers! Why gee, you all make me so cheery I decided to post another giveaway! Here's the deal, every comment you post on any entry I write, until I get 60 followers will count as one entry. The winner will get a custom, personalized present from me, just to show you how much I love you!

I'll post a picture tomorrow to show you an example, but I will basically make you a necklace pendant with a picture of your choosing. Because you are all so fabulous!

Happy Birthday Lil Sis!

2009-02-19T12:46:00.000-08:00

So her birthday was a few days ago, but I just got around to getting these posted. To be honest, we didn't have much to spend on my darling daughter, so we wanted to try and stretch our money as far as possible. I ended up making her that dress I posted earlier for $12, and I have enough fabric left to make one for the jealous older sister of course! The $12 was only because I fell in love with this MODA line. This is the first time I ever purchased "fancy" fabric, but it was only $12 for 12 fat quarters so I still feel like this was a steal!

THEN I tuned into my master minded, super mommy, repurposing, frugal inner spirit to come up with this:

A doll house! Here's the best part! We already had the doll house. My mom gave this to me after my little sister grew out of it. At the time Leila was only 18 months and little sis was still a few months away from being born. It quickly became the most hated of toys as with out a doubt I would walk into a room to find furniture strewn across the floor, in the dark I would step on the tiny pieces, I even once found a lamp in the toilet. Sooooo needless to say, I was sick of it!

I gave it back to my mom and for whatever reason it ended up in the backyard slowly starting to fall apart, rot, and losing it's furniture to teething dogs. It was a sad case, that's for sure.

Well, sandpaper, a coat of paint, and a little labor later I was able to redo this house into what I now think is quite a savvy gift for a two year old! Total cost was... drumroll please... $.99!!

I had the sand paper and extra white paint from the house left over, Joanns has craft paints on sale for 3 for $.99 and that was all I needed. I had the mod podge and the fabric already on hand so I guess it's safe to say my daughter was worth the less-than-fifteen dollars we spent on her! :)

Oh, and you'll be quite surprised (no more than I am, I'm sure) to know that the girls CAN play nicely together and ACTUALLY clean up after themselves now! I know, I know, I'm amazed too!

Special Ed Classroom

2009-02-18T13:40:00.001-08:00

So I have to share this with you all, because it was one of the best experiences ever.

I am currently working towards my teaching credential and masters in special education. To help me narrow down which field I wanted to gear towards I observed in multiple special education classrooms varying from elementary, to middle school, mild-moderate, to moderate-severe, and other programs like SDC and ED (special day class and emotionally disturbed).

So the first few days I was thinking to myself, this is crazy. I can't do this! These kids talk back, cuss at you, cry. The red tape and bureaucracy is ridiculous! The No Child Left Behind act is a nuisance, actually accomplishing to OPPOSITE of what it claims to do. The districts aren't behind you, pink slips are going around everywhere. WHAT WAS I THINKING!!? I DON'T WANT TO BE A TEACHER!!!!!

Luckily, my vigor was renewed, my spirit rekindled.

Last week I had the opportunity to go into a K-1 special ed moderate to severe class (the most handicapped children you will find in the public education system). I was prepared for the worse. Teachers had been telling me it is a lot to handle. Everyone told me I would get there and run away as fast as possible (figuratively of course, I'm not THAT obnoxious!).

So in case you don't see where this is going (and I realize I'm rambling so I'll wrap it up). It was awesome! I loved it! Totally, truly LOVED it. It was THE most amazing class I have ever been in. I could describe it to you and you might think I'm crazy for wanting to work there, but it was FABULOUS.

The kids were amazing, the classroom dynamics insanely addictive. There was a boy who would bite when he got mad, so whichever teacher worked with him had to wear special gloves so he didn't break the skin. And yes, I loved it!

Another boy could look at a page in a Dr. Seuss book for a few minutes, close the book, and draw it PERFECTLY on a piece of paper. A 5 Year old!!

Another boy would get so tightly wound up that a teacher would take a long strip of spandex, wrap it around his body and, for lack of a better term, sling shot him back and forth until he calmed down.

There was autism, down syndrome, spinal bifida, you name it. It was amazing. It was beautiful. It was for me.

I am so excited to get to work with these FABULOUS children. I am so prepared for the way in which I know they will ROCK my world.

Here Come the Terrible Twos

2009-02-17T19:16:00.000-08:00

Wait, Wait, Wait!!

You mean to tell me that the yelling, screaming, defiance, the temper tantrums, spitting and biting, the growling, pinching, and arguing is only going to get WORSE!?

I can't believe my little sweetie is already two!

Where has the time gone?

Oh right! Into diaper changes, time outs, potty training, power struggles, nighttime meltdowns, and Dora watching. So THAT's what I have been doing for the last two years! Isn't it amazing how you can feel like you live in a prison, yet still love your life!?

Oh, I exaggerate, I exaggerate. She can be pretty sweet when she chooses. See, here she is admiring her monkey cupcakes:

Can someone please tell me what it is about motherhood that both invigorates and wears on the spirit? There are days I wish I could toss them both in bed at 5:00, then days that I wish I could snuggle in bed with them at night because I'm not ready to let them go.

It's about a love that is so strong it can't be broken by time or distance.
About youth, innocence, trial and error.
About giving your all, forgiving, and forgetting.
About discipline, and spoiling, about balance, about hope.
About love, fear, anger, and joy.

I watch her grow up and I can't believe how she is changing in front of me. I owe so many tears, so many laughs to the fact that she is mine and I am hers.

Things I've learned from my daughter:

As much as I know that she can frustrate me, and I KNOW that she can, I also know that she can teach me more than I could imagine.

Sometimes spaghetti can make a beautiful accessory.
Naked bellies make for great drums.
On occasion, princess dresses are the only suitable attire.
Monkeys can be best friends.
Shoes are always optional.
Sleeping with out a pacifier is no fun.
Running around the house naked is cause for laughter and squeals.
Kitties are good cuddlers.
Saying "I love you" can get you out of almost anything.
Spanking your sister makes for great fun.
Daddy bellies are the best pillows around.
If you cry loud enough, you sometimes can get what you want!

Also, here's a close up of the monkey cupcakes too. Just for all you moms out there who have a monkey of your own who may enjoy them.

I just used a steak knife to "saw" through the top third of nilla waffers to make the muzzle and one ear. When you have enough muzzles turn the cookie and cut a third off the other side to make two ears per cookie. Then all you need is gel icing writers in pink or black (or whichever colors you prefer) and paint on the face. Easy peasy, right!?
Also consider using mini baking chips for the eyes (I just ran out of time, but thought the black icing looked good too).

SUPER AWESOME GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-02-17T14:35:00.000-08:00

Ready for one of the greatest crafty giveaways around!?

YouCanMakeThis.com was created by a mom who wanted to provide downloadable, easy to follow instructions on how to make just about anything from children's boutique clothing and jewelry, to handbags, home decor and more. What makes the site unique is that these instructions are written by everyday moms who have an expertise in an area. They are written in a way that makes you feel you have a friend sitting right next to you, telling you what to do next. They all have detailed instructions and step-by-step full-color photos so even the most "craft-challenged" person can make these items for their homes and families.

I personally stumbled cross this site about a year a ago. I had never sewn a day in my life, let lone owned a sewing machine. I borrowed my mom's Singer and set to work, with NO experience. Here I am a year later and guess what? I CAN MAKE THIS stuff!

In fact, if you'd like to try out some products for free, you can sign up for their FREE newsletter. After sign-up, you'll receive a link to your email inbox asking you to confirm subscription. Simply click on that link, and you'll receive all of these product instructions pictured here, plus an online video and digital scrapbooking frames!!

Now to the giveaway!!

Would you like to win a $50 bundle of even more DIY instructions? You can learn how to make a Child/Adult Apron Set, Women's Reversible Wrap Skirt, The "She Loves Me, She Loves Me KNOT" Handbag, The Reversible Patchwork Bucket Hat, Easy-Fit Pants, and Boys Ties.

All you sewing savvy mamas would, I'm sure, LOVE to get your hands on these patterns. You can make something for the whole family! Eve if you've never sewn before I BELIEVE and so does youcanmakethis.com that you REALLY CAN make these things!

Leave me a comment for one entry.

Earn another entry by visiting youcanmakethis.com and telling me which pattern on the site is tour favorite.

Earn 2 entries by becoming a follower.

Earn 2 entries by blogging about this contest on your blog.

Earn 3 entries by posting my button on your blog.

Whew!!! Lots of entries. Just comment leave me a comment for each thing you do to be automatically entered!

I'm Back!

2009-02-17T14:33:00.000-08:00

Yea, internet is back! How do I get along with out the web and all of you!? It was a nightmare. :)

But everything is now in working order so I will take the next day or two to catch up on my follower, the blogs I watch, and updating posts. I did not forget about the great Valentine giveaway that I promised all you crafty mamas!

It will be posted shortly.

Glad to be back!

quick update

2009-02-15T13:34:00.000-08:00

Hey guys, so sorry!

My internet is out. I'm at the library uploading and finishing my enrollment info so just wanted to let you know. HOPEFULLY I can get back in the swing of things tomorrow!
I'll catch up on all of your blogs when I get back too. :)

Hey What about Valentine's Day!?

2009-02-12T16:04:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. I'm sorry. I am so rushed for time today I probably won't get around to doing the craft I had planned today, let alone taking pictures and posting. FORGIVE ME! BUT!! I do have something to announce that can help you share in the love!

Have any of you heard about the Australian Bushfires? People are losing their homes, their belongings, everything. How can you help, you ask!?

A great charity is putting together quilts for these people so they have SOMETHING that can help keep them warm, but more than that give them a sense of security and love.

All you ladies who are partaking in the youcanmakethis.com sew along quilt might just happen to have extra quilt squares lying around! Especially if you followed the option 2 to make your squares on point. If you do PLEASE send then to either of these addresses where they can be sewn with other quilt squares form around the world into a snuggly for a child, or a warm quilt for a family, this will help keep them warm body and soul.

Now how is that for Valentine's love!?

Send your blocks, quilts, or other supplies to one of the following addresses:

US APO address - "local" to those mailing from the US, so postage will be much less expensive:
Tia Curtis
PSC 276 BOX 89
APO AP 96548 USA

Australian street address:
Tia Curtis
18 Forrest Crescent
Gillen Suburb
Alice Springs, NT 0870

Me

2009-02-11T20:38:00.000-08:00

Ok, so why you ask, am I posting a picture of myself?

Good question!

Normally I hate to take pictures of myself, but dear hubby snapped this one to show off my new hair cut. Perfect, I thought! I can use this picture for my photoshop tutorial!

So don't think I forgot. As the 14 days of Valentine's are wearing down I am getting ready to create a tutorial that will (Hopefully) help you all figure out how to make a cute avatar of your own.

Know I am not a photoshop expert, so for all I know there is a far easier way to do it, but for now I'll keep tinkering and get that tutorial ready for all of you.

Until then, stay savvy!

Oh, I forgot to ask! What other tutorials would you like to see? How have you been feeling this week... and just for kicks, tell me the craziest thing that has happened to you this month.

Birthday Pictures

2009-02-11T20:36:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I took a quick picture of a picture, so ignore the glare, but isn't she just the sweetest?

In the picture of course, real life is another story. And a little less sweet. :)

Another Valentine Idea for you!

2009-02-11T13:58:00.000-08:00

Ok, so first, this is NOT my idea. I wish I could take credit, but alas, my crafting genius was no match for this fabulous idea. This great idea comes from Kris of SwakEmbroidery.com. For more of her fabulous ideas, you can visit the website and sign up for the free newsletter.

And now on to the fun stuff! A Valentine Gift idea for your kid's teachers!

This candy filled treat is disguised to look like a milk shake, isn't that sweet!? It only takes about 15 minutes to put together. The cups came form the dollar tree, the candy too! What a cheap, easy, and ADORABLE (if I do say so myself) gift, huh?

A little floral Styrofoam on the top with the candies glue gunned around, a pixi stick for a straw, and the cherry on top too, naturally! Let your teacher know how "sweet" you think she is! :)

Enjoy!

Talk to Me Tuesday---Valentine's Style!

2009-02-10T13:43:00.000-08:00

Wow, we’re already onto day 10 of the 14 days of Valentine’s. Hopefully you have been getting some ideas that have helped you with your own unique Valentine’s inspirations.

Today, I have a great treat for you all that will definitely get those creative juices flowing!

Valentine’s meets Talk to me Tuesday with one of the craftiest, cookingest mamas around! Let me introduce you to Mrs. D…. Lightful that is!

I had the privilege of interviewing Mrs. D and learning a bit more about her and her family. I can’t wait to share this wonderful lady with you; along with some of the fabulous craft ideas (and delicious recipes) that I know will tickle your fancy for Valentines Day.

Mrs. D can be found at 3 different blogs.

Her family blog, which you can visit here.

Her main blog here that features mommy ideas, crafts, gift ideas, activities for mamas and children alike, and even organization, health and marriage tips!

Wait, it gets better! She even has a fabulous blog you can visit here, that is solely consists of the most delectable recipes you have ever seen.

Bet you didn’t know this crafty mama is not only a great cook (who self taught herself mostly everything she knows after she got married), but she is also a registered nurse! In order to make sure she optimizes time with her family and kids she works the graveyard shift at the hospital, and spends her days catching up on laundry, kids, dishes, and crafty stuff. Makes you tired just reading it, doesn’t it? Seriously, she must be a super mama, if I don’t get my full eight hours of sleep I can’t function, let alone craft!

Wait, I’m not done yet! She also used to be a dance teacher!

Family has always been an important aspect to Mrs. D., which is evident through the resounding family oriented nature of her blog. Growing up, she was the oldest of 7 girls, and has been able to transfer from eldest sister, to devoted wife and loving mama of two. Her daughters are just about the sweetest little things you’ve ever seen, and ages 3 and 7 months, I think it’s safe to assume, if they’re at all like the rest of our children, they are a handful to say the least. Her husband’s quite a looker too, if I dare say so (and I do!). They have been happily married going on 5 years now. She shared with me that despite her work schedule being of her biggest challenges; everything in the world is worth watching her children growing and being happy and healthy!

“Sometimes I just watch them play and can't believe how happy I am! It makes all the hard work worth it.”

Want to know more?
Check out some of her favorite crafts that will give you inspiration for future gift ideas. Her Diaper cake is adorable!
These Home made picture frames look like they were bought form the store!

In the mood for some food? According to Mrs. D this is her all time favorite recipe, and is very easy! Click here for her Pumpkin Cookies!

Don’t worry; I didn’t forget it was Valentine’s Day! Here's a recipe for chocolate covered brownies…yes, you read that right! CHOCOLATE COVERED BROWNIES! These were designed especially for Valentines. Nothing says “I Love You” like chocolate wrapped in chocolate!

Thank you Mrs. D., for the fabulous tips, tricks, gifts, and crafts! I hope you all enjoy getting to share in some of her great ideas. Stop by and say hi if you have the time.

Have a wonderfully, savvy day!

It's getting there!

2009-02-09T16:00:00.001-08:00

Step 5 and 6 complete! Almost caught up, hopefully I'll get there tonight.

Re Purpose those scraps!

2009-02-09T15:45:00.000-08:00

If any of you noticed from my last post, I mentioned that I thought I was losing my mind.

Well, let's start from the beginning.

I was working on squaring up my blocks on the YCMT quilt. Everything was fine and dandy (well except for the aching neck and back from sewing, ironing, and rotary cutting). I decided to take a quick potty break. When I came back all my scraps are gone. WTH? Did I throw them in the trash? Must have. But really, that is odd for me because I'm not the best at crafting clean up, ask my husband.

So ok, back to cutting. As I square up the last..uh...square, I head off to grab my camera to take the picture that I posted for you last night. Again, scraps gone. Ok, how do I not remember throwing them away?!?

So I take my picture, upload my post, and congratulate myself for being so diligent about scrap clean up.

Well, its time for bed. Hey, where are my kids anyways?? They sure are awfully quiet. Any good mom knows, that is not a good sign.

Lo and behold! I was not the super picker upper I had assumed myself to be! Sure enough, spread over the carpet were a million little scraps, or as my daughter corrected me, "bird nests".

So I let them play with their nests (my vacuum was not grateful).

See?

SOOO, it was a huge deal when it was time to throw the scraps away (why is it kids love the cheapest things ever as toys, yet we always buy them the expensive junk?) So we decided to re purpose our scraps and make them into a real bird nest. I put them into a bird house on our property which made the kids happy, made me happy and the birds too, I hope!

Seriously though, doesn't that look like a comfy bird bed?

Pay it Forward

2009-02-09T15:36:00.000-08:00

In keeping with the Valentine theme of sharing the love, how about doing it in a tangible way?

Pay it forward is a new idea that many of you may or may not have seen floating around the blogosphere. Whoever wants to take part just has to leave me a comment. I will select 3 people to pay it forward to by mailing you a small gift and token of my love! I will try to get it out soon, too. All I ask of you is to continue with the loving spirit and pay it forward to three more people on your blog.

I'll send the gift to the first three people who comment, or if a lot of people respond I will use random.org. Let's just see how it goes.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

YCMT Quilt

2009-02-08T20:57:00.000-08:00

So I finally got my machine up and running again. Yea! So here's the quilt squares after steps 4 and 5. I'm cranking out step 6, and possibly losing my mind, but that's another matter entirely. Hopefully I can also get step 7 done tonight, but I won't hold my breath. Are you? :)

A gift for the husband

2009-02-08T17:11:00.000-08:00

So we've been focusing a lot on kids crafts and family fun, but let's face it. When it comes to Valentines Day we got to think about the husband too!

So first, let me start by telling you Victoria's Secret semi annual sale items are an ADDITIONAL 50% off. I got something that cost $70, but I paid $11. Who can afford to buy their stuff full price? Not me! But suppose you already have you... ahem.... attire, picked out. How about a little something to slide in with the card you're going to give him?

Here's a G rated suggestion:

You can click here for a high resolution picture that you can print out at home if you like. For all you photoshop savvy people, I bet you can come up with better designs yourself, but hopefully this will give you an idea to build off of.

Enjoy, your husband will!

Bunny Valentines

2009-02-07T19:38:00.001-08:00

You'll have to excuse the poor pictures. My lighting wasn't that great. This craft could be SUPER cute if someone takes more time on it. We kind of rushed them together because the kids were impatient to get them done, but nevertheless:

Bunny Valentine's!

First cut 2 identical hearts for EACH Valentine you wish to make. On ONE write "Some Bunny Loves You" or an equally cliche little love note. :)
I had to write the one on the right for my 3 year old to copy (she can only do capital letters). :)

On the second heart draw a little bunny face. This one was done by my sister-in-law. How cute? Then, cut the heart with the note in half.

Attach the two pieces to the heart with the bunny face with baby brads. Here is a picture of all of our finished ones when closed.

Then when you open the message, inside you find a bunny! The kids got a crack out of them. ...and apparently my three year old's bunny (on your far right) is a "booger bunny". Go figure!

Another prayer need...

2009-02-07T19:07:00.000-08:00

This beautiful little girl is my adorable niece. I love her to death. She collapsed today while at a family friend's house and had to be taken to the emergency room. She lives in another state, so we aren't able to be with her. As of now, we (and the doctors) think she had a seizure, but we don't know why. We are awaiting test results to make sure it is nothing more serious. Please keep her in your heart and prayer. We're asking God that this was an isolated incident and that the Lord will heal her body. Thank you guys!

My heart is breaking

2009-02-06T16:32:00.000-08:00

One of the things that is so addicting about having a blog, is the instant connection you make with mothers, women, friends throughout cyberspace. I can talk to someone in Africa on a daily basis. I can be friends with a mom who lives in Europe. I can share ideas, crafts, laughs and stories with people from all around the world.

I can laugh with you.
I can share with you.
And I can cry for you.

One of the joys about meeting such fabulous people is sharing in their ingenuity, in their triumphs, in their life, really.

But when you care for people, any people, be it the ones you've known all your life, or just for a few short weeks, you learn to be happy when they are happy, and be sad when they are sad.

And it breaks my heart that there is so much sadness right now.

Many of you may have heard of Tuesday, a beautiful little twin girl who was two years old and last week lost her life to cancer.

Many of you may have read my post about Cynthiaa, and the loss of her beautiful boy.

And now I have another reason for prayer.

Cassie from Riches of my soul Just found out she lost the twins she was carrying.

Please click that link and give her some love. I know she could use it right about now.

I can't help but question God in the face of so much tragedy. Are you sure you know what you are doing? Are you sure that needed to happen? Are you sure it wouldn't be better if....

It doesn't seem right. It doesn't seem fair. It doesn't make sense to me, but I have to trust that He knows what He is doing.

And so, my friends, my heart is breaking right now. I love to share in your joy, in your happiness, and in your life. In doing so, I invest myself, I care about each one of you. And it hurts me so much to share in your grief, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

I will be praying for these three families, and I hope you will do the same. Because even if I question God, I know He is there. I know He is with each one of you right now, and I am comforted by that. I know He knows what He is doing, and I know He will eventually make things right.

It's the waiting that's the hard part.

Please visit Cassie and help her through this.

Freebie Friday

2009-02-06T15:24:00.000-08:00

Here's a little something something for all my wonderful visitors. First off, I am no designing pro. Second, my daughter picked the color scheme. Pink, just pink, and only one shade of pink. I don't bother starting arguments about colors with that girl. So it's plain, it's simple, but it gets the job done.

Now that I see I've gotten ahead of myself again, let me try one more time... :)

Today's craft is baggie covers. I headed over to the 99 cents store... my daughter corrected me it was the dollar tree and "how dare I" mess the two up... Anywho, I bought Valentine's themed baggies, put some chocolates and goodies inside, and whipped up this handy dandy bag topper that you simply cut out once printed, fold in half, and staple of tape to secure. Ta da!

So you can simply click here and print this on cardstock (or even regular paper), cut and staple. Simple, quick, and pretty cute, I think.

The back has little candy hearts that say "love you" "be mine" and such. Let me know if you like these and next time I can take more than 10 minutes to design a cuter one. :)

You'll notice my baggie isn't secure yet, I want to add Valentine's to them first, so they are only half full and not quite finished. My daughter wants to write her name on each one, so that has been a task in and of itself. She does 3-4 at a time and is DONE. :)

Well, I hope you enjoy. Stay tuned for more fun. :)

SITS giveaway!

2009-02-05T10:17:00.000-08:00

SITS is having a great giveaway that you all need to check out! I know many of you ladies head that way occasionally so you should definitely swing by and see if you would like to win some new sheets! :)
click here

Another day of Valentines

2009-02-05T09:45:00.000-08:00

Ok, I realize that I missed a day yesterday. I've been in a bit of a funk about Cynthiaa, so I took a day off from blogging. Sorry. So then at around 4 I decided to at least go and peek what everyone else was doing and suddenly, lo and behold, my internet is not working.

Not working you ask, but why!?

Good question. One that I would like answered myself. So for the time being I am at the library quickly uploading some pictures and posts and taking the next 15 minutes or so to respond to some other bloggers.

So I have to keep it quick because I'm already down to only about 25 minutes left.

For today's craft I made an altered mailbox for my daughter to take to school to hold her Valentines. I bought these little mailboxes from the Target dollar spot (but I got yelled at for calling it that by an employee).

Apparently it "IS NOT the dollar Spot! IT IS CALLED SEE. SPOT. SAVE. Can you SEE the sign? Does it say, 'dollar spot'? No. it does not! It says, 'See. spot. save.' Not everything is a dollar so you... oh, wait, sorry, you're right this one is a dollar...."

Oh, customer service, how I love it when I am smarter than you.

Anyways, here is a picture of mine. My girly girl didn't want pink on it, go figure! And then this morning said, "actually pink is ok". Too bad. It's already done sweet pea.

That's about it. I really hope I can get back on tomorrow.

Oh! And guess what you crafty folk!! I have a SUPER special treat for you on Valentine's Day... a SUPER AWESOME giveaway. What is it you ask? You'll have to come back and see. It is a present for mamas for Valentine's day. :)

I need prayers

2009-02-02T23:58:00.000-08:00

Instead of what I had planned for today, I have something I need from you.

Valentine's Day is about love, family, and friends.

There is no stronger love than that between a mother and a child.

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing a very special woman named Cynthiaa for a post on my blog. She is an awesome, talented, funny, opinionated woman whom I have really enjoyed getting to know. I was so excited to do this post on her for my talk to me tuesday events coming up, and telling you all about her and her beautiful baby boy named Aiden who was due on the 15th of this month. Aiden was going to be her first baby.

I just found out a few minutes ago that she found out this morning during a routine doctors appointment that the baby had been strangled by his umbilical cord and died. She had to have a C section to remove the baby, and not only has to suffer the pain of losing her baby, but the pain of the surgery. Her fiance is also currently unable to be with her due to circumstances I won't get into at the moment.

No words can express what a loss this would be to any mother, to any father, to any family, to any friend.

This shows us all how desperately we should love those around us, we never know what the next day will bring.

Please pray for Cynthiaa. I'm sure she is in a lot of pain right now. You can visit her blog here and leave her some love and prayers and check for updates.

Even if we can't understand life, we have an amazing capacity for love.

I had to share!

2009-02-02T23:44:00.000-08:00

Opening a Carla C pattern in my house is like a Christmas present all over again. Seriously.

I am a huge fan of her patterns and her blog is just as super fabulous! Check here out here.

So let me take a step back for just a mommy minute.

You know those days, er... weeks. The ones where your to do list is piled so high that you some how manage to remember your great aunt twice removed's birthday but frget something vital like feeding the cat, or worse, the husband.

So I get a phone call this afternoon (at about 1) reminding me of my Picture People portrait appointment tomorrow. My little one is about to turn two, and taking pictures just seems the thing to do, you know? So I confirm, everything is good I go about my day...

Oh, wait!

One of those crucial things! I never bought her a birthday dress for her pictures!! Oops.

Luckily, the wonderful Carla C came to my rescue! She posted this great tutorail for making silk ribbon flowers this morning. I saw her blog and VOILA an idea was born! (I use that word a lot huh?) :)

So one youcanmakethis.com pattern and Carla C tutorial later this birthday dress was born. I have a peasant top to go underneath, but forgot to take a picture of it... use your very talented imaginations and I'm sure you'll get the gist.

Check out her site though, she is a sewing queen!

The second day of Valentine's

2009-02-02T14:29:00.000-08:00

So, tell me the truth... How many of you are closet cookie fanatics. Come on, you know the type. If you're like me, you hate buying cookies because you don't want them in the house. But when you do buy them, "for the kids" of course, you find yourself huddles in front of the pantry in fetal position during nap time munching down more cookies than seems physically possible o fit in your fist sized stomach. No? No one? Just me? Huh. Well then you should have no self control issues when making these delicious jam cookie sandwiches!

Let's start off with the ingredient list:

We'll need:
Heart cookie cutter
Smaller cookie cut out (I got a pack of heart fondant cutters from Micheal's for 2 dollars, it came with 5 differeing sizes of hearts).
16 tbsp. of butter
2/3 cups of powdered sugar (plus some extra for decorating).
1 lareg egg
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 cups of flour
1/4 tsp. salt
2/3 cup of jam (choose raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, apricot, marmalade... you get the idea, whichever flavor floats your boat)
(I used strawberry).

Now take your butter and put it in a large bowl. Let sit at room temperature (or if you're impatient like me, nuke it for a few seconds until it is soft). Mix with the 2/3 cup of powdered sugar and beat it until it gets nice and fluffy.

Don't lose your appetite, but at this point your bowl will look somewhat reminiscent of baby spit up. hmm... let's move on. Separate the egg yolk from the white, and only toss in the yolk. Also add your vanilla and mix well.

Lastly toss in the flour (like my live action shot!?) and the salt. Mix well unitl you have a nice, somewhat flaky crust, like so:

Now just roll it up (time to get your hands dirty), then wrap it in saran wrap and toss it in the fridge for 2 hours. Again, impatient mamas like myself can instead toss it in the frezzer for 30 minutes.

I hope your fridge isn't messy like mine! After the cooling time preheat your oven to 325, and roll out your dough to 1/8 inch thick.

Now alternate between making big heart cookies, and big hearts with the small cut out. These up there are the cut outs obviously. :)

Make sure your oven is preheated before putting the dough in. If your dought starts to shrink on you, it is getting to warm, so place it back in the fridge in between batches in the oven.

Leave cookies in the oven for 10-12 minutes unitl slightly golden.

Let cookies cool after coming out. On the heart cookies with no cut out spread a thin layer of jam over the entire cookie:

On the cookies with the cut out sprinkle some powedered sugar.

Place cookies on top of each other when jam is still freshly applied so the jam will work like glue and keep these cookies sandwhiched together.

Beautiful and delicious, what more could you ask for?

It's HERE!

2009-02-01T12:49:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching. Come on, crafty mamas, let's optimize on the holiday and create some fun, beautiful hearts, flowers, and the like.

For day one of the 14 days of Valentine's I am bringing back something I made for Christmas. You thrifty fifty people will probably recognize these. A few people had asked for a tutorial, but I had been dreading it because of the amount of steps and pictures that would be necessary. But, I thought it would be worth the work if some of you were going to try these out, and they would make a perfect addition to a sweet Valentine's outfit.

Ok, FIRST:

We are going to cut out 7 perfect squares. I am making mine 2 1/2 by 2 1/2 inches, you can make your smaller or larger.

Next, we are going to starch our squares. TRUST me, this is an important step that SHOULD NOT be skipped. Look at the two flower petals I am holding up. One has been starched and stands nice and tall, the other is limp and icky. :)

I promise you won't regret starching. Just mix some corn starch (1/2 tablespoon, with 1/2 a cup of water). Shake well and spray. Don't be shy. We don't want to mist our squares, we want to soak them.

Corn starch only costs a buck or two at your super market and can be used for all sorts of fun stuff besides starching fabric. You can make meringue, home made play doh, all sorts of great stuff wit it.

Next place the towel on your ironing board (I like to put my rotary mat underneath because the corn starch fabric can stain, and will!).

Let the squares sit for just a minute. While they are still wet, we are going to iron them until they are dry. Now, pick the up. WOW! They feel like card stock paper and are nice and firm. No flimsy-ness here! At this moment you are thinking, "I am SO glad I starched my fabric!".

Now with the folding:

Fold your square in half to make a triangle

Fold each outer edge downwards until you have this:

Now start to fold this little square in half:

Now it is folded in half:

Now take the top corner and fold it down like so:

Repeat with the other side.

Now, this is what we have so far:

So put a pin through this petal and repeat these steps for the other 6 squares:

Now at this moment you are thinking, "Good Lord! This is labor intensive and I should never have followed this tutorial." And as you push the pins through you are thinking, "boy this is tough, I'm going to pin right through my finger!" but DON'T! (Pin through your finger that is).

Keep on going, trooper, we're nearing the end!

Once tour petals are done, take them off the pins one at a time. Open them like so so the rough edges are facing you.

Push the edges together like so:

Now look real hard at my picture and try to see where I placed a dab of glue with the glue gun... can you see?? Don't put too much glue, but don't put too little! (I know, I'm so helpful!)

Now fold it in half and let the glue dry (you may want to re-pin the petals at this point).

Once our petals are all dry we are going to snip off one edge, just a bit, about half a centimeter, like so:

Then take some TOUGH thread. I use the kind that you use to sew denim with. The stronger the better. Tie a knot, but leave at least three inches on the tail:

Now, for the hard part.

I mean it, it's hard. You have to thread a needle through your petals about half a centimeter from the base. Why is it hard you ask!? BECAUSE. Remember how fun it was to push those pins through your starched fabric? Well now we are going to push them through glue too! Iv'e pricked myself, stabbed myself, and even made myself cry during this step. BUT, I have discovered a SUPER efficient trick at getting this done pain free.

It goes like this:

"HONEY!?"

"What Babe?"

"I need a big, strong man to help me for just one sec. I mean, I sure hope you are strong enough to do this for me... I'm sure you are."

"Do what?"

Just stab this needle through this tough old fabric, pretty please." Make it sound manly with words like stab and tough, don't tell him you need help with your flower sewing project. :)

If he shows signs of hesitance you respond:

It's really tricky, but if you can get the job done, I'm sure I can think of a way to... reward you!"

And VOILA, next thing you know you have a husband threading your flower petals for you, like so:

Doesn't he have dainty hands?

See where and how he is threading them:

Just past the edge, but make sure you go through all layers. (This is when you'll know if you used too much glue!)

Now you have this:

Pull the string tight and you'll have this:

Tie securely. If you used regular thread, thread through twice and and tie off three or four times.

Now cut off the excess thread, and get ready to be amazed!

Pull open the petals and push the top middle section down.

Voila!

Do this on all the petals and:

Glue gun a bead or button on the top to cover the edges:

Place a felt square on the back with glue:

Next sandwhich a piece of felt between the tongs of an alligator clip and gue down:

See:

Aren't you just amazed!? Isn't it beautiful!?

Here it is in the palm of my hand so you can get an idea of how big it is when you cut the squares 2 1/2 inches:

So adjust your measurements as you need to.

Whew! That was a lot of work. Hope you enjoy. If you make this send me a comment to your blog link so I can see your picture. Oh! And please link back to the tutorial if you post your pics so everyone can learn how to make these. :)

Thank you!

And Happy Valentine's Day.

Oh! Don't forget to unplug your iron and glue gun (learn from my mistakes!)

And remember not to forget about your helper husband either! :)

Iron those squares!

2009-01-30T14:08:00.000-08:00

Ironing ten thousand squares will give you such a crick in the neck!

Come on, not even a giggle? Maybe you didn't read the first sentence in the right tone of voice. Come on mamas, name the movie. I know you've watched it a million times!

Anyways, on to step three. I thought to myself, "Great! A nice, easy, pain-free step!".

Let me start by telling you, I am no super mom. I'm not the mama that does everything just so. The shoes don't always match the dress, that doesn't always match the headband. I don't make their beds every morning. I don't hand wash every dish. And I DON'T iron clothes. Unless it is an absolute necessity.

But I do sew, which occasionally requires a bit of ironing. Straight fabric I can do. That's ok. But give me a collar or a sleeve, not so much.

Anyways, I blame my lack on ironing prowess for the fact that step three actually turned out to be the not-so-painless step. After my beautiful squares were ironed, and this lovely picture snapped, I began the clean up process. Let's just say when I grabbed the STILL plugged in iron with my BARE hand, it wasn't one of my most savvy moments.

Needless to say the squares are ironed, and as soon as I can make it to Joann's for a rotary cutter I will be on to step four. Mine seems to be missing. I am trying to ignore the roll of eyes from my husband who warns me "it is dangerous to leave your sewing tools out and about". Ha! What an adult! Common sense can be so frustrating!

Well, I am off. I have a few more posts to catch up on later, but for now I think I will go nurse my wounded hand (I got the eye roll from that one too! You would think he never does clumsy things...he does!).

Oh, and come on already! It was from Aladdin "10 thousand years will give you such a crick in the neck!" -- Genie

I just happen to notice that when I iron I twist my head sideways like an old lady, and the resulting neck pain gets another husband eye roll. Man! He is on a roll today!

YCMT quilt, Step two

2009-01-29T14:45:00.001-08:00

Ok, I've been working my patootie off to get all these tiny square sewed together. So here they are, a gazillion (yes, a gazillion!) little triangles. I (and my back) need a sewing break, but I am hoping to get these all ironed out tonight, leading me to step four, yea! I'm almost caught up!

Fabulous February!

2009-01-29T11:22:00.000-08:00

Ok, I've been listening to what everyone has been asking for and in February I have a TON of great surprises coming to you!

To start off the month I will be having a 14 days of Valentines countdown. Each day will be filled with an activity, craft, or delectable recipe that is Valentine's themed.

After that I am starting a new segment, if you will, called "Talk to Me Tuesday". Every Tuesday I will feature a great new blogger with an interview and links to their favorite posts. This will be a great way to learn about new bloggers and share terrific ideas.
If anyone is interested in being featured, zap me an e-mail to let me know at kristinal2mason@gmail.com.

Finally, I am going to post a series of tutorials on making your own avatar or header image. I am not a photoshop pro, by any means, but since a few of you have been asking I will try and help to the best I can with this.

I have a TON of great tutorials coming up, so stay tuned. February is going to be a GREAT month!

You're so Tweet!

2009-01-27T16:58:00.000-08:00

Today we followed the directions for making these sweet little love birds from the ever-so-talented Mrs. D. She can bake an awesome cake and keep you busy with her fantastic crafts!

First we cut out the bird shapes from white card stock. Then we cut out the same shape on patterned paper. Then the fun part... decorate!!

We used crayons...

Glitter...

The works.

Then we took our tweet little love birds outside to play in the grass. It was tons of fun, and now these sweet little spring birds are making my kitchen look oh-so-festive.

What is one of your favorite kid-friendly crafts? How do you like to spend time with your little one? Besides paper crafts, I love letting my little ones help in the kitchen. Why don't you do that tonight? I've found that little fingers are great at tearing lettuce for salad, mixing ingredients and measuring with cups.

Chocolate, Weddings, and Secrecy!!!

2009-01-27T12:33:00.000-08:00

Sounds like a soap opera!

As promised, I decided to share with you some highlights on the history of Valentines Day. Americans (well, really just people in general) are great at celebrating holidays, but not so much at understanding what it is they are celebrating. Remember Christmas? Not too far back, right? Well, I doubt many will argue with me that all the tickle me elmos, wiis, play stations, rock bands, and other poplar toys may have been unwarranted in taking the spot light. After all, Christmas is about Christ, right?

Well, now here we are at Valentines Day and amidst the roses, glitter, and chocolate kisses, very few people actually know the origin of the holiday. It is quite depressing, but nevertheless, here it is...

Hold on, after looking at that picture I need to get another handful of chocolate...

Ok, I'm back.

There is a bit of controversy regarding which priest was "the" Valentine, but most people agree that St. Valentine was a Roman priest during the third century. The Emperor of the time forbid marriage for young men, because he wanted to send the single young men into war.

Valentine saw that this was a cruel way to build an army, and continued to perform wedding ceremonies in secret. Aw, how romantic (the weddings, not the risk of death).

Unfortunately said evil emperor discovered Valentine's actions and ordered him to prison, to be sentenced to death.

While in prison he fell in love with the daughter of the head jail guard (Wait a minute!!! Are priests allowed to do that!??)

The night before he was killed he wrote her a love note which was signed, "from your Valentine". ....but then he was killed. See, I told you. Depressing.

Well, with the advancements in the postage system, sending Valentines began to grow in popularity. The holiday began to slowly make it's way around the world. After Great Britain began to share in the tradition, it wasn't long before it spread to America. Traditionally, this was a holiday reserved for lovers, often tokens exchanged in secret (well, let's face it, we know what the men are getting, so of course it was in secret!)

According to the Greeting Card Association, about one billion Valentine's cards are sent every year. This is the second most holiday after Christmas! While Valentines Day is still special to lovers, the holiday is now shared between friends, family, and the chocolate isle to my thighs.

Did you know that the oldest known Valentine card is on display at the British Museum??

Isn't it amazing how one person, or one story truly can change the world?? St. Valentine died, but his sacrifice for love is still commemorated to this day. Sure, the holiday may not be the way he had hoped to influence the world, but behind all the hype, this holiday celebrates the importance of love, helping others, sharing with friends, showing those around you that you care for them... but for husbands it's really about just getting some. Men.

Do you have any Valentine's traditions? What about favorite Valentine's Day foods or crafts? Are any of you planning a romantic date? Or a family night? Are you more of a moonlit walk on the beach or grilled cheese in bed kind of girl? Can you guess which one I am?? It's all about the grilled cheese.

Step One

2009-01-26T22:30:00.000-08:00

Following along with the YCMT make-it-up-as-you-go quilt. I had a bit of a late start (coupons, and sales, and budgets, oh my!) but I finally have all the fabric I need to get going. So I've ct my fabric into 4 inch squares and will progress tomorrow or the next day on to step 2. Want to follow along? Click the button on the right hand side of my blog.

What do you thing of the fabric?

What are you working on? Have you ever sewed a quilt before? What's the one hobby you never tried, but secretly, or not so secretly want to? ....(I've always wished I could belly dance!)

Love is in the Air

2009-01-26T14:46:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching. And oh, how I love the pinks, the reds, the hugs, the kisses, the chocolate!!! I love the fabrics, the candies, the cute little Valentines cards that kids pass out to each other. I contemplate buying some Harry Potter Valentines for my husband... but then I think twice (not because he wouldn't like them, but because he would!).

I realize this is a fake Holiday. A holiday made by the greeting card industry. Barely anyone knows what it's really about, though it is an interesting story I may post tomorrow. But I am a sucker for the roses, the candles, the big fluffy hearts. I'll admit it.

I've always loves Valentines Day (except when single... but that's another story... or when my husband forgets about it... but again, I digress). But there is something about Valentines Day with toddlers that makes my heart so cheery. I love watching my daughter fumble with scissors and glue, carefully trimming lace and tracing letters.

Naturally, I had to commemorate with a Valentine's Day dress for my little sweet hearts. My pigeons are about the cutest little birdies out there (mother bias, I suppose), but I do think they will look darling in this outfit. I made two, but seeing as they are identical, I assume one picture is enough. :) The second picture is the shirring detail in the back of the dress to ensure a perfect fit.

What have you crafty moms been up to? Any sewing? How about cute crafts with your kids? Isn't the insane amount of chocolate paraded around the stores right now ridiculous? Now I know why my New Years Resolutions always fade away by February... Curse you, Greeting Card Company!

A face lift

2009-01-25T23:28:00.001-08:00

Just letting you guys know I am in the process of designing a new look for my blog. I'm going to give it the face lift I can't afford for myself! I'm just warning you in case of any bugs, such as images looking off, font colors that may be hard to read, and stuff like that. Hopefully I will be done by tomorrow night.

The Dummies Guide to Parenting: Common Sense

2009-01-25T09:37:00.000-08:00

Don’t you just love those moments when you walk into a room and find yourself gazing upon your child eating an entire chocolate bar, taking apart the DVD player, or in this case, showcasing his or her artistic talents on your white-washed walls?

See, the problem is, half of the time I know the obnoxious things my daughter does are at least half my fault. Why did I leave the chocolate bar on the kitchen table? I forgot to put the lock back on the cabinet! Or, hmmm… I probably shouldn’t have left permanent markers on the floor.

I am addicted to being crafty. I love scrap booking paper, fabrics, pencils, and pens. I have an obsessive impulse to purchase pretty things in pretty packages. So naturally, for reasons unknown to me I HAD to have the package of 20 permanent markers in every color of the rainbow. My daughter must get this trait form me because she just HAD to color with every single one of them on my tile, walls, and even my couch. Little stick figure men pranced around on my upholstery and I was torn between screaming like a maniac and shouting for joy that the legs and arms of her stick figured were perfectly placed with care (a skill we’ve been struggling with).

I love those moms who maintain their self control no matter what. You know the type. The moms that coo in a sing song voice for their child to make “smart choices” as they are getting kicked in the shins by their sweet, darling children. Well, I’ll just come out and say I’m not one of those moms. This time though, I was actually proud of how I handled the situation– but only because I knew the whole thing was my fault. Is it not common sense to NOT leave permanent markers on the floor in a Target bag next to the fruit snacks, after all?

The point is, common sense is not always as common as it should be.

We all make mistakes, and usually over and over again. We all do stupid things, and get mad at our kids, when we know we should mimic the calm mother that we say we hate but all secretly envy. Moms and dads alike (mostly dads though) leave things laying around that result in hours of scrubbing, crying, or even a nervous break down or two.

(Just kidding dads, you guys are great!)

The lesson is to take things in strides. Know when you are at the end of your rope and take a time out. Send the kids into the backyard and go sit on your lawn chair with some lemonade. Get creative! At the 99 cent store you can by roles of shipping paper. Lay them out on your yard, give your kids some paint on paper plates and let them go crazy. Sidewalk chalk is always fun too, and an easy clean up with your hose. Bury treasure and let your kids follow a map to find it (or my lazy version is to lay with my book and occasionally shout out clues, or even just “hotter” or “colder”).

I hate to say it, but you’ll always have those days where you ask yourself why on earth you decided to have kids, but if you can find an activity that keeps your little ones occupied, and gives you even a split second of freedom, you’ll all calm down. WHATEVER YOU DO DO NOT spend this time doing the dishes, or the laundry!! Half the reason we get so worked up is a lack of “me” time. So on those I’m-going-to-kill-your-father-when-he-gets-home-for-impregnating-me-and-leaving-me-here-all-alone-with-these-hellions days, let the dishes pile in the sink, and read a book, take a nap, or surf the web.

Oh! And don’t leave permanent markers on the floor!

2009-01-23T13:30:00.000-08:00

Have you ever stopped to look at how you live? What is it like to live in an apartment? A house? The country? In the city? Environmental psychologists examine the subtle and not so subtle differences in these communities. Concepts such as territorial behaviors affect living in dense population, or how urban sprawl creates an increase in racism and crime rates are other topics of interest. Because, unless your home is an island, our communities directly affect the way we live, much like our home does.

Some of are lucky enough to live on the beach, or snuggle by our fireplaces amidst snowy mountains. Some of us have a view of the freeway from our apartment window on the third floor. While our surroundings are important, the way we live in our home, will ultimately create a large impact. A spacious floor plan with hard wood floors and designer furniture is only so appealing when in a down town neighborhood where drive by shootings occur almost nightly. At the same time, a mansion on a hilltop can seem foreboding and unwelcome if left unkempt, dark, and unloved.

The key is to find a balance. For many of us, we live in the neighborhood of our dreams, others, long to live someplace else, but cannot due to finances, obligations, or family issues. Nevertheless, what can be done to illustrate that your home is not simply an address on the street, but a state of mind, an emotion, a feeling, and a reflection of you?

A house becomes a home when it supports you, your family, and your needs. When it reflects your thoughts, memories, and behaviors. In a few of my psychology classes we focused quite a bit on the aspects that make a house a home, such as refuge and prospect, safety and peril, and more. This was one of my favorite classes and I’m ready to incorporate what I learned into my life. Throughout the next few weeks I think I’ll take one post a week to go over a few of these. As I discuss them with you, I’d love to hear your input on my journey to transform my apartment into my dream living space.

Next week: Refuge versus Prospect

More important than leafing through magazines and finding things you like might be to instead jot down things you loved and hated in past homes. What are some of your favorite areas where you live now? What about in childhood homes? Can this be incorporated or magnified in your home? How about dislikes? What is one thing you wish you could change about your home now?

Great Giveaway

2009-01-22T18:53:00.001-08:00

Another noteworthy giveaway, a $50 gift card! Check out Devonshire Designs for more info.

How cheap am I?

2009-01-21T21:54:00.000-08:00

I can't wait to join in the YCMT make it up as we go quilt. But, here's my dilemma... I want to make a quilt with reds and pinks or pinks and browns. So I head over to Joanns to scavenge for fabrics, when I discover... What gorgeous fabric! Why, it matches perfect! My goodness, this was made for my daughter's room!! The fabric which I oh, sew adore (sorry, I couldn't help myself), is the Joann's Valentine's Day collection. Well, another two weeks and it will be 50% off instead of the lousy 25% it is now. So, yep, I'm cheap. I will sew along as soon as I can buy that gorgeous fabric at a price that better suits my budget. But I do have some fabric at home that I will add to the mix to make it a little less costly, so I should get around to cutting that soon... *sigh* one of these days!

Valentine's Day is Approching!

2009-01-21T21:44:00.000-08:00

Well, not for a month or so, but I like to get things done ahead of time. I made a bunch of these for my daughter's preschool class for Valentine's day. She got to pick the fabric for her Valentine's Day dress, so the red and white hearts is going to match her outfit. The reversible side, she picked from my stash. I made them into roses for her to hand out to her friends (we were asked not to do candy this year). I think they turned out pretty cute. Excuse my bad lighting and the obnoxious model. When asked to smile for her picture she replied-- "hello! Can you see I am playing wii?". Yes, well. Then all the world can see your grouchy face, fine by me.

I promise to have new crafts posted soon, along with the conclusion of my weird weight facts and the psychology of your home in the next day or two!

Great Contest

2009-01-20T13:18:00.000-08:00

Cynthia at Confessions of a Yummy Mummy Is having a fabulous giveaway!! Who doesn't want to win that!?

In Loving Memory

2009-01-20T13:13:00.000-08:00

Dearest Frosty,
You were loving made and loving named. I never could have been able to foresee your doomed fate. You were constructed with loving care, careful dedication, and frozen little fingers.

Ad oh, how little sis did love you. She gently patted your snow covered body, carefully wrapped a scarf around your chilly neck, and even tried to shake your hand.

I fear that perhaps, you were just a bit too perfect. Poor little sis. She was conflicted with the inner turmoil resulting from her love for you, and her love for chocolate. Two strong bonds indeed. I'm sure she now regrets eating your bright green, cheerful, m&m eyes.

But as we both know, nothing can be done to erase the past.

If only that was the last of the great offenses against you. As I dug through the m&m bag to replace your once gleaming eyes I was distracted by laughing in the distance. Who knew such sounds of joy would ultimately result in your demise? No one could have anticipated the high speed collision which was to follow.

Only after the sled came to its final resting spot did we witness the terrible aftermath:

We tried to repair you, honestly we did! But you know how husbands are...

Building snowmen is really more of a mama thing, I suppose.

Tears were shed for the loss of you, Frosty. And you will never be forgotten. As the weather gets warmer, and your remains begin to melt, know this! Next year, when winter rain turns to snow, we will be back for you! (And I will bring buttons instead of m&m's this time!)

Blog Awards!

2009-01-20T12:44:00.001-08:00

Sandy from Leecie Loo and 7 Boys Too aarded me with two fantastic blog awards! I'm so greatful!!!

Honest Scrap Award

Award #1-Honest Scrap
The rules: Honorees are to list 10 honest things about themselves - and make it interesting, even if we have to dig deep! Second, we are to pass the award on 5 bloggers we feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap.

1. I sneak eating skinny cow ice cream's when the girls aren't looking, and justify my greed by insisting it would be wrong of me to give my kids diet food.
2. If I didn't have kids I would probably sleep in until noon everyday.
3. Sometimes I think if I become a teacher I will get sick of children.
4. I have no will power when it comes to cupcakes.
5. I would rather stay at home sewing than go to a party.. so anti social, I know!
6. I'm addicted to fabric... oh, that's not a secret??
7. My husband drives me crazy when he reads over my shoulder as I type.
8. At the same time, he is my best friend.
9. I lie about how old I am ALL THE TIME. (Instead of making myself younger, I make myself older).
10. I cry almost every time I watch the news, so I often try not to watch.

I’m sending these awards to the following wonderful women who's blogs have shown commitment to family, crafting, budgeting, or just keeping me interested! :)

1) Shelly from Dragon's Dolphin
2) Melissa from Three Prince Designs
3) Teresa from Ima le arba
4) Carla from Scientific Seamstress
5) Courtney from Sister to Sister Designs

Also to these ladies:

Just because, your blogs are fabulous!!

You just need to list 5 addictions.
Mine are:

1) Sewing
2) Embroidery
3) My family
4) Blogging
5) YCMT.com

Legend of Zelda

2009-01-18T16:44:00.000-08:00

My husband and his friends are all major dorks! I love them all, of course. But, just like my four year old, they have a fascination with all things video games. One of their favorites is the Legend of Zelda series. So for my husband's friend's birthday I embroidered the triforce symbol onto a polo for him. You can see the hoop outline on the polo, I hope that will go away! I've never seen the outline like that before on other fabrics. Any ideas on how to get rid of it?

What are some projects the rest of you have been working on? What are some of your favorite men's gifts? Melissa over at Three Prince Designs Recently posted some other GREAT homemade gift ideas for guys. Her "brick" is priceless!

Organize your Stuff

2009-01-18T16:29:00.000-08:00

So, before we can have our own "perfect" home. The trick is to find a place for everything. For some of you, alphabetizing your extensive book collection may be in order. For people more like me, I'm just happy with dirty clothes in the laundry, shoes put away, and being able to easily find my socks and underwear.

My organizational methods are by no means perfect. By NO means. But I do like having certain spots for things in my house. Each toy isn't meticulously arranged, but I do have a large toy bin so toys aren't always scattered across the floor. The level of organization each person requires depends on their own personality, the way their homes flow, and which rooms are most important to them.

I decided that I needed to organize those places that tend to clutter like nobody's business (think junk drawer, kids closets, and garages). Before I can make my home match my personality, I need to get things in their place.

I spent the day cleaning, fixing, and finding creative solutions to my organizational mishaps.

I don't have a lot of room for shoes. That was one problem that I needed to solve to get things in their right places, and give me the room I need to make my house my home. I also don't have a lot of money to spend. Have any of you priced shoe racks!? Since when did they get so expensive?

So my day started by opening my daughter's closet (where the three of us store our shoes). When about 20 pairs of shoes spewed onto the floor, I realized, something had to be done.

As you can see, this wasn't cutting it. I'm ashamed to say, this isn't the only area of my house lacking in the organizational department. Well, after finding a few shoe racks that would fit this space (and realizing each of them was over $50!) I scrounged around in my mom's garage. I was able to find some wood, and an old cut up PVC. Well, 20 minutes later (and with the help of a glue gun) I made a shoe rack! Ok, it's ugly! But it was free and functional! Normally I don't have guests looking around in my closets, so I don't mind that it's not the most attractive shoe rack in existence:

So I encourage each of you start working on those areas that you avoid like the plague. I KNOW junk drawers get out of hand, kids closets get piled sky high with who knows what, and the garage has unlabeled boxes that haven't been opening in years (what is in there, anyways?). Please tell me it's not just like this at my house! SO what area of your home needs the most organizational help? How can you fix it? Let's also focus on what we love best about our homes. What room in your house (or space) most fits you? What decorating touch do you still smile at every time you see?

Family Fun Days

2009-01-18T11:37:00.000-08:00

One of my personal New Year's Resolutions was to spend more time with my family. Quality time. Let's face it, many of us as stay at home moms spend plenty of time with our kids, but it's easy to take that time for granted. Yesterday I spent 8 hours sleeping, 3 hours cleaning, 2 hours driving, 3 hours yelling, and the 8 hours? I can't even remember... This is all to typical at my house. The time flies and suddenly I'm cleaning out clothes that no longer fit my daughter and sobbing that she is growing up too fast.

Well, I'm ready to enjoy my little girls as much as possible, and that takes active effort! So my husband and I decided to spend at least one day a month (but we're shooting for 2) doing something fun, educational, and that requires us to leave the house.

This month we went to the Hidden Valley Wildlife Reserve in Norco, CA. This was a beautiful reserve (and they have family friendly activities every other Saturday). We walked the educational nature trail, which was beautiful, educational, and full of wildlife. Another plus? It was only 1/2 a mile long, so my little one was able to make the trek.

I made sure to bring lots of water. It was a warm day and even for a 1/2 mile hike you don't want any dehydrated babies (or mamas!)

We saw tons of fun stuff. See that hole behind the girls in the brush? That's a fox den!

These eggs either belong to a variety if duck, or a barn owl (both frequent these nesting grounds, we learned).

We all enjoyed watching the birds on the lake going in and out of their "nests" built on the water.

Isn't this neat!? A boy scout trip helped make this trail and they set up a blocked off area with soft white sand so that you can look in this area for animal footprints. A guide on the side helps you identify them. We saw the prints of bob cats, raccoons, snow bunnies, and a huge print I am convinced belonged to a bear. :)

Overall, we had an amazing time, lot's of fun, and the girls (and I) learned a lot! Did you know the Indians used Cottonwood trees to make Asprin!? Neither did I.

What are some of your favorite ways to spend family time? Do you like to go places, or snuggle at home? How many of you love nature hikes, and wild life parks? Do you prefer outings like Disneyland, going to restaurants, the drive in, or watching movies at home? Let's share some ideas on making the most of our families.

Feeling at Home

2009-01-17T14:14:00.000-08:00

What makes us feel at home? What makes us feel happy, comfy, and satisfied with the place that each of us calls home?

I was glad to see the response from some of you who were interested in redoing your house to make it more you. I hadn't planned on moving in this direction, but since I am in the process of fixing problem areas, and some of you want to do the same, let's help my psychology major go to work and investigate environmental psychology, the area of psychology that investigates how the environment affects you. For us, how our home affects our moods, how to make our homes mimic our personalities, and how to make a even the smallest of spaces feel like home.

Personal decorators, assistants, and designers can all be helpful in finding the look that makes your home feel unique and perfect to suit your tastes. But how many of us can honestly afford the luxury of a personal decorator who can help you design the perfect dwelling for you? So let's look at some quick and easy ways to find what best accommodates your personal interests.

First of all, not everyone's style is the same. You don't necessarily need to copy a decorating vogue or a showcase kitchen. All your home needs is atmosphere. How you make that atmosphere will set the stage for how for home reflects and affects you.

So let's start small. Decorating a whole house from top to bottom can be exhausting. So start with a simple place. Pick a room, a hallway, or a space that doesn't mesh with you or your house.

Consider these questions:

What is the purpose of this space?

Is is a nook for storage, an open area for entertaining? Decide what the space needs to be used for, or what you want it used for and make a plan on how to make the room more efficient.

How can I better utilize this area?

So your entryway has become a den for clutter? A spacious entryway says a lot about your home. Let's face it. First impressions are worth a lot. Whatever space you are trying to redo, figure out the problem areas first. Has your living room become a toy room? Let's face it, our open living rooms are the perfect pace to spread out your toy stash, but in a pinch, us mommies might want them for the intended purpose too. Discover clever ways of making the room suit all you needs. A quick idea for living room clutter might be short, long baskets that fit under the couch for quick toy storage. Or consider an ottoman with a removable lid for storage. Simple ideas like this will help you make the most of your space.

How can this space better reflect and affect me?

What color scheme best reflects this area, and will best affect you personality? What objects make you feel at home? A vintage dresser? A simple bud vase with a single bloom? A collection of family pictures?

Later today I will get up a picture of my least favorite space in my house and try to find a way to better utilize the area. I'll give a little info about my place and see if we can't make it feel more homey.

So what are you working on today? Sewing, cleaning, organizing? What colors make you feel happiest? I gotta say, I love yellows, and pale, pastel blues. Are you more of a vintage girl, or do modern looks give you the feel you crave? Let's look beyond what makes our homes look right, and discover what makes them feel right.

Also, keep an eye out in magazines for shots of living spaces you love. Keep a bunch and look for common objects, colors, or design ideas to get a better idea of what is subconsciously appealing to you. You'll be surprised as it's not always so obvious.

2009-01-15T13:58:00.000-08:00

Ah, how I adore that lemony bleached scent of a clean bathroom. Nothing calms my nerves like a clean house, once it's been cleaned. (You know, for the 10 minutes that it remains clean).

Melissa and Courtney agree, the kitchen is one place that they like to be shining. Carla goes for a clean living room. For me, there's nothing that makes me feel better about my home than a shining toilet bowl!

I once read a book (I'll have to dig it out to find the title) about the psychology behind your home. Most women will subconsciously associate at least one room in their house with their lives. It sounds strange to say, but at the same time, I seem to feel antsy and agitated when there are clothes strewn on the bathroom floor, when there are dishes in the sink, or toys cast around the living room. So when that room is a mess, many other aspects of your life may feel out of place. Once you get it clean, organized, or pretty (meaning not necessarily clean, but the way YOU like it), women will subconsciously associate the organized room for an organized life. Voila! In the time it takes to clean a room you can feel better about various other aspects of your life.

Many psychologists agree our home says a lot about us. Do you opt for bright, cheery colors that insinuate a joyful spirit in your paint pallet? Or do you prefer subtle, cool colors that indicate a calm nature? What about furniture? Do you go for the over sized sofas, lots of chairs, dining areas that indicate the family oriented hostess? Or is your house more casual, with small areas for one to hide away with a book? Take a look at your home and see if it mimics your personality. Those areas of your home that don't quite fit your taste, probably feel that way because they don't mesh with your intention for the room or your personality either.

So my goal for the new year is to make my house mine. So this week I'm going to find one space in my house that doesn't feel right, or I think could be improved. Care to join me? Is there a corner in your house that needs a face lift? If so, how can it be cheaply re-done? Think about Kim's quilt. Something cheap, that can be done with fabric or supplies on hand that will brighten up a room, add some cheer, and something to catch the eye. Carla mentioned having large baskets to quickly throw toys in. That is a quick and cheap way to ensure a clean living room floor in a pinch. It makes the room more organized, flexible and suiting to her needs.

So let me hear you ladies! What do you want to change about your house? Or is your house already perfectly "you"? What living spaces could be made more efficient, and how? Inspired to make some changes? Send me some before and after pictures to post and I'll do the same. Let's find out if it's true that the more comfortable we feel with our homes, the better we'll feel about ourselves.

Another great Giveaway

2009-01-14T17:05:00.000-08:00

Hey all, another great giveaway you may be interested in:
http://theysayimnuts.blogspot.com
Enter to win 100 prizes!

That time of Year

2009-01-14T16:45:00.000-08:00

Well ladies, it's that time of year again. For me anyways. I know some people love the idea of Spring cleaning, but for me it has always been when the holidays settle down, relatives head for home, the kids busy themselves with new toys and old, and the hustle and bustle of Christmastime finally diminishes, showing you what a horrible housewife you have been. Wrapping presents takes priority priority over washing the floor. Sewing that last minute gift beats vacuuming the carpet, and rushing to a loved ones house definitely triumphs over the sink full of dishes.

Well, I've been neglecting it for too long, and so I must now get back to the grim and gritty details of my house for the once over, full, detailed, and excruciatingly awful house cleaning. I'm talking bleaching the grout, cleaning behind and under the fridge, reorganizing closets, and deep cleaning carpets. The kind of cleaning that couldn't possibly be done in one day except by a super woman (I know there are some of you out there!)

As much as I hate to clean, I still have this irresistible urge to vacuum, mop, and organize. Every year my husband holds his breath hoping I'm not nesting. No, no, silly husband... not this time anyways.

So my job for the day is to bleach the grout. I figure if I break up all my tasks into small, manageable portions, it won't be so bad. Tomorrow is carpet cleaning, and the following day is closet organization... oh, and then there's the attic... the dressers... the bathroom cabinets... not to mention day to day stuff like vacuuming, the dishes, making the beds... oh goodness, let's not forget the pile of laundry that has somehow morphed into a giant clothing monster... I'm not even sure where to begin anymore!

So help me out girls, let's talk dirty! What are your cleaning tips? When do you get that itching to clean, or don't you? What is the one thing you can't stand being dirty?

2009-01-14T11:34:00.000-08:00

Weird Weight Continued:

Ok, so yesterday my husband ate approximately 2.5 pounds of food! Does that seem like a lot or a little to you guys? That seems like a ton, but I guess when you break it down to meals and snacks it's not that much (also I didn't count liquids, and I think I was supposed too...)

So I'm keeping track again today to see how close the weight total is, and how much I can reduce the calories on day four but keep the same weight.

How are you losing weight? OR do you know any weird weight facts? How are your diets, or resolutions to stay healthy working?

Find out more science behind eating tomorrow.

Learning to Crochet

2009-01-13T14:22:00.000-08:00

I hate learning new things.
Hate it!

I know it sounds so idealistic and wonderful to try a new hobby, spread your wings and try a new challenge, enter unfamiliar territory and add a new talent to your repertoire. But let me tell you the truth- the cold hard truth. Learning a new craft is downright frustrating. A pain, a chore, and a direct hit to my self esteem. I'm trying to learn to crochet, and the fact that I can't instantly do it, is pretty much driving me crazy. I have found tutorials online that teach the simple crochet stitches, but I can not read the pattern for the life of me.

Have any of you ladies seen the new crochet patterns at YCMT? If you have, you'll understand my desperate desire to be able to fashion from hand an adorable sweater dress, or maybe a cute little hoodie jacket, or even a to die for baby blanket. Why can't I learn? WHY!? I wish YCMT had a tutorial, I would snatch that up in one second. Until then I will huddle in a corner, crying to myself as I desperately try to understand what picot, sk 7, ch3, sk5, ch, ch7 means.

Just another Manic Monday

2009-01-12T15:10:00.000-08:00

Weird weight fact.

Did you know that people generally eat the same weight of food each day? Regardless of calories, once a person eats their typical weight in food, they will stop. So what this tells me is that I could eat 8 oz. of chicken and it would satisfy me as much as 8 oz. of cake (which is like, the whole cake, right!?)

So, that is one thing to keep in mind when eating. For example, choose grapes over raisins. They weigh more per calories, and will fill you up quicker with less calories that raisins would. This also tells you if you eat half the normal amount of pasta as you usually at, and double up on your veggies, you can trick you tummy into feeling just as full as it would have been with the pasta!

So I'm going to test this out. Starting tomorrow I want to weigh everything my husband eats (because if I weigh my own food I might bias my results). I'll do this for 3 days and see how similar the results are. On the fourth day I will make him eat all healthy stuff, vegetable soup, fruit, low calorie breads and cereals, and see if the total weight of the food is the same and report back to you!

Oops!

2009-01-09T22:28:00.000-08:00

I made a post about a great contest over at sunshine and lemonade But where is it?? I must have clicked save post instead of publish post. So who in the world knows how to even find that post again? Not me. I seem to have trouble doing anything but the basics. :)
Anyways, besides the contest, this chicka has a great blog worth checking out. She's funny, awesome, and has some great ideas.

TOO MANY BOWS!

2009-01-08T19:10:00.000-08:00

My daughter has way too many hair bows. I've seen people make these with a wood letter and a ribbon hanging down, but with all these hair bows, it wasn't cutting it. Want to make one too?

I took a piece of cardboard (I used cardboard from a diaper's box), hot glue gunned fabric with a bit of batting underneath. Hot glue gunned ribbons down the sides, and VOILA, ready to hand and organize that clutter.

BTW, I had all the bows organized by color and season, but my daughter has since "reorganized" them about 100 times.

New Years Resolution

2009-01-08T14:41:00.001-08:00

I was tired of looking at my fat picture. :)

But for all you ladies who are interested in losing weight, please post your weight loss suggestions, tips, and success stories, and I will post weekly updates as well.

Summer Time Treat

2009-01-08T14:06:00.000-08:00

So I know it's not summer. You know it's not summer. But try telling that to my kids. After a week of begging, I finally gave in and made them some sweet but sour summery lemonade.

I thought I'd share my recipe. It's unusual, but extremely delicious, I swear!

This lemonade has a delicious lemony flavor. By mashing the lemon peels with abrasive granules of sugar it releases essential oils in the peels. Instead of lemon juice, you end up making lemon syrup, which is to die for.

To make 1 1/2 Quarts (6-8 servings)

10-12 medium-size lemons
1 1/4 cup, granulated sugar
Approximately 5 cups, good-tasting cold water (basically, not tap water) :)

In a large bowl place 1 1/4 cups of sugar and as many lemons cut into 8ths as you feel like. (I used about 10 lemons to make 6-8 cups of lemonade.

FYI Splenda or other sugar substitutes work as well (but you won't get as thick a syrup as you do with the sugar).

Wash the lemons REALLY well so get dirt off (cut off any imperfections). I use lemons from my grandma's trees so I don't have to worry about insecticides, so keep those in mind during the cleaning process).

Mash the lemons in the bowl (a tall, narrow dish causes less mess, but I work with what I got!)

As you mash the lemons and sugar together, you will notice a syrup forming. The sugar scrapes oils out of the lemon peels adding a thick, deep lemon flavor.

Strain the lemons... yes, that is my daughter's strainer from her play kitchen set. Where is mine, you ask? Don't... it's a painful story that involves a child thief, an obnoxious dog, and poop filled with plastic... I told you not to ask.

Add water at a 2 to 1 ratio. For example, I had 1 1/2 cups of lemon syrup, so I added 3 cups of water. If I had 3 cups of lemon, I would have added cups of cold water.

The kids loved it...

The husband downed his glass before I could tell him that was his only serving...

And only after the entire pitcher was gone did I notice the strawberries sitting on the counter that I had forgotten to add... Oh, well. Just in case you wanted to make strawberry lemonade, like we did you can make a strawberry paste in a food processor or blender and add it to the lemonade by the spoonful. It is THE BEST. A sprig or two of mint is another nice touch, the kids aren't crazy for it though.

Since this can be a mess I like to make a TON at once. I place 2 cups of lemon juice in a freezer bag and toss it in the freezer so whenever they start to pester it is a quick and easy make. Just use a sharper to write how many cups of water to add, and Voila! instant homemade lemonade.

Another tip for lemonade:
I use Splenda, since it's kinder to my thighs than regular sugar, but I'm not too crazy about putting all those chemicals into my kids. Sometimes we make lemonade with NO sugar and add sugar by the cup. That way I can add Splenda for me, or regular sugar for my kids. The kids also love it because they think mixing in the sugar with a spoon is letting them make their own lemonade, and that makes it taste all the better, doncha know?

Blog Makeover

2009-01-07T21:04:00.001-08:00

Check out this link for a chance to win a free blog makeover!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-01-07T18:12:00.000-08:00

Hug or tackle? You decide.

Lose Weight Instantly!

2009-01-07T16:55:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's a miracle!!! In 48 hours I lost 50 pounds!!! See my before and after picture tomorrow!

Ok, ok. So it's not a new dieting fad, more like a virtual makeover of gigantic proportions. 5minutesformom.com (click the link above) is challenging you to sign up at weightview.com and earn a chance to win a wii fit! (or $160 cash!). At weightview, you submit a photo of yourself and they perform a virtual nip/tuck on you to give you a motivating portrait of your would be perfect weight. Pin it to the fridge for extra motivation to keeping you on your diet, and help detour you from those cookie binges (you know what I'm talking about!!!)

Bermuda Bag reversible cover

2009-01-06T20:43:00.000-08:00

I wanted to try my hand at making this reversible. I think it came out ok, not perfect, but good for experience. :)

What do you think?

January Picture of the week

2009-01-06T20:32:00.000-08:00

(ok, I realize it was supposed to be picture of the day, but I'm being realistic!)

Doctor's office visits for two little girls equals lot of tears and lots of ice cream. My big girls is showing off her band-aid with her signature "feel sorry for me" look. I get that one a lot. At the moment they are watching the new Dora special and eating popcorn, so I think they are officially over the mama betrayal of taking them to that evil, shot happy, poke you in the stomach, put cold utensils on your chest, shove things in your ears and mouth woman. Leila is at the stage where she realizes the sticker is little compensation for the torture she has to undergo. I am at the stage where I am smart enough to take my own dose of medication before leaving the house to go to the doctors.

Sister to Sister Designs Monkey

2009-01-04T16:21:00.000-08:00

Courtney from Sister to sister designs is working on a great new lovey pattern (think big, loveable, cuddly blankets). I had the honor of testing them out so I decided to go with the monkey, since that is my daughter's absolute favorite animal. She has a pink monkey that goes wherever she does, so I made her this lovey to match. Can you tell she loves it? She wouldn't even put it down long enough for me to take pictures (as you can see by her hand reaching for it in the first shot!)

Bermuda Bag, anyone?

2009-01-04T16:05:00.000-08:00

Anyone remember Bermuda Bags from... oh, what was it, the 70's?

Well I don't!

But apparently my mother who grew up in the 70's does. She kept telling me about this magical purse that you could change to match your outfit. Well, she finally remembered what it was called. A brainstorming session, trip to ebay and Joann's later, VIOLA! My very own Bermuda Bag (from ebay) and Bermuda Bag pattern (from my brain). :) What do you think? I am making more covers later, but this one I made two of for my mom's and my purses.

For those of you who don't know, Bermuda Bag is a purse that consists of handles, lining, and buttons. You make removable covers for the bag that slide on and off with the buttons. Chic, no?

Happy New Year

2009-01-04T14:08:00.000-08:00

Well, how was everyone' new year? I realize I have been MIA this week, but for good reason. My family from Alabama was in town for my grandma's wedding this week, so we were having much quality time together. Here is one of my adorable little cousins with my little one in the backyard. Sleepovers are awesome. Next time, the other one is going to spend the night, I promise Sarah!

In other news I got to test out a new pattern for Courtney at Sister to Sister Designs.

Check out her blog, that chicka has some amazing ideas! She just did a diaper bag set that is to die for and makes amazing notebook covers. I will post pics as soon as I get her ok. I'm not sure if it is a secret or not. :)

I've got some stuff to post for you tonight and I will get around to it, I swear.

Courtney is also part of the 365 day challenge to take a picture everyday this year. Well, I just found out about it today, so I'm going to miss a few days, but I'm joining in as well, so look for that. That is about it for now. Have a great new year, enjoy life, eat lots (but healthy stuff right!), and love more!

Finished Purse

2008-12-22T21:14:00.000-08:00

As I said, springy. I know. But maybe a hint of spring in the winter is actually a little refreshing! :)
But I think it came out cute and I loved the dragon fly button I found to match the ones on the fabric.

More Princess Clips

2008-12-22T21:11:00.001-08:00

I love these! The Pocahontas clip is for my little sister. She's her favorite. :)
Should I add another set of wings to Tinker Bell so she has 2 on each side, or is the one on each side better?

Debbie Mum fabric

2008-12-22T12:58:00.001-08:00

Was 50% off! I'm so excited! I love this puppy fabric. The green and purple is a bit springy, I'll admit. But I thought it was too cute to leave behind. I'm going to make purses, one for my aunt, one for my mom. I'll post pictures later tonight.

Embroidered Scarves

2008-12-22T11:54:00.000-08:00

I made a few more scarves out of remnant fabric. These cost me 45 cents each!! After I cut them I embroidered each girl's name on the side. You can see the difference to see which you like better. One scarf had skinny fringe that I pulled slightly to tighten, and the other had fatter fringe. These I didn't pull. I like the skinner ones better so I may go back and cut the fat ones in half.