Secrets Worth Sharing

4th of July Ideas

2010-06-12T09:34:00.000-07:00

I've been neglecting this blog, I know, but what better reason to post than a holiday worth celebrating with friends and family? These beautiful, festive pictures make me want to throw a festive, domestic party! We'll probably just settle for a bbq. Maybe next year.

Appliqued Onesies

2010-03-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

Remember when your baby is just too tiny to put in real church clothes? I've seen these on a couple babies and think they are just darling! My little man is definitely going to be sporting this darling piece!

This is perhaps the easiest little project I have ever done. Seriously you could make a whole package of onesies in less than 10 minutes! And you can do this project even if you don't have a sewing machine... isn't that awesome? And the price to make these is under $2/shirt.

What you need:

1. Onesies
2. Fabric (use your scraps, you just need a little!)
3. Fabric Fusion Applique Paper (1 yard will go for ages...)
Note: There is non-sewable applique paper, and sewable... this depends on whether you want to sew a stitch around the edge of your design for a more finished look. The non-sew is a little more stiff and harder to sew through.
4. Scissors
5. Iron

Directions:

1. Follow the instructions on the Fabric Fusion Applique paper. Basically, you lay the applique paper over the back side of your fabric, with the paper side up. Iron it on low for 2 seconds until it sticks.
2. Cut out your design.
3. Peel the paper off the fabric and place the design on your onesie. Iron for 8-10 seconds until it sticks to the onesie. Done!

Here is the pattern I used to do the tie: (Just click to enlarge, and then print.)

Superhero Towels

2010-03-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

Months ago I did a post about the reversible superhero capes. I think they are darling, and I think it is a great project and gift idea... but let's face it- by now we have all seen them and it isn't as creative of a gift anymore. I was browsing through Martha Stewart's crafts from last year and came across this great project. It isn't something I have seen before at boutiques or stores, and I think it would be a darling gift for any little boy in your life. I plan to improvise a little on this project by making it into a hooded towel. This is really easy to do, and you can CLICK HERE to see some easy instructions on how to make a hooded towel. (This website has some other ideas to dress up a hooded towel in case you have a little girl or don't care for superheros.) I have to admit, this is a cool find for me. Hopefully someone else can put this idea to use too.

Tools and Materials
Bath towel
Washcloth
Superhero Cape Template
Reflective fabric
Adhesive agent, such as Steam-a-Seam
Disappearing-ink marking pen
Straight pins
Applique scissors
Button-covering kit

Superhero Cape How-To
1. Download and print the templates, then choose one of the shield shapes and an additional shape, and enlarge the images 400 percent. Cut a piece of reflective fabric into a 12-by-12-inch square. Trace the shield template on the square, then flip the template over and trace again; the templates are in halves, so you'll wind up with a whole symbol. Lay a piece of adhesive agent on the reverse side of the reflective material, cut out the shield, and using a pressing cloth and iron, affix the shield to the towel.

2. Place the lightning bolt or other symbol over the washcloth, and trace the shape using the disappearing-ink pen. Place the washcloth over the shield, and pin in place with straight pins. Sew along the traced line using a straight stitch, and cut away the excess washcloth with applique scissors. Save the scraps to fashion a button. Finish with a zigzag stitch along the lightning bolt.

3. To make a button, cut a circle of fabric that's twice the diameter of the button. Follow the instructions provided with the button-covering kit. Sew the button onto the cape. Measure your child's neck, and sew a scrap of the reflective-fabric shield in the appropriate spot on the cape to form a button loop.

Easter Chick Cupcakes

2010-03-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

Looking to make a cute Easter treat that the kids can help with? Try these cupcakes. Here is how:

Tools & Materials

20 Vanilla Cupcakes
Buttercream Frosting
4 cups sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
1 piece (10 inches) black licorice lace, cut into 40 (1/3-inch) pieces
20 whole almonds
140 red candy-coated licorice pastels (about 1/3 cup), or pieces of snipped red licorice laces

Step 1

Bake cupcakes and cool completely. When turned upside-down, each cupcake becomes the body of a chick. Spread buttercream frosting on a cupcake to anchor it to the serving plate while you are working. Use a small offset spatula to coat the sides thickly with frosting, and then mound more on top to create a dome shape.

Step 2

Press toasted shredded coconut into the frosting -- it stands in for fuzzy feathers. Hold the plate at an angle while applying the coconut so the excess falls back into the bowl.

Step 3

Place eyes (made from snipped black licorice laces) on chicks using tweezers. Use a whole almond for the beak and red licorice for the feet and comb; both can be pushed into the frosting by hand.

Jelly Bean Carrot

2010-03-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

I thought this was a perfect gift idea to give the kids in my church class, or if you have a big group of kids you need to hand out gifts to. Here is how you do it.

Tools and Materials

Plastic pastry bag
Orange jelly beans
Green rickrack or ribbon
Easter basket, optional

Jelly Bean Carrot How-To
1. Fill a plastic pastry bag 3/4 of the way with orange jelly beans.

2. Tie bag closed with a green rickrack or ribbon.

3. Include the carrots in an Easter basket or fill a basket with them and set them out as favors for a party.

Saturday Morning French Toast

2010-02-27T07:14:00.000-08:00

It's Saturday morning, what could be more appropriate than sharing one of my favorite breakfast recipes? Let me begin by admitting that I have never been a big fan of big breakfasts. Well, making them at least. I hate slaving over the oven making french toast and pancakes and handing them out one at a time. Nobody ends up eating together, and I am the last person to eat; which is difficult for an impatient person like myself. I love french toast, and make the sacrifice for myself and my family on occasion. Until, that is, I found this great recipe. It eliminates my big breakfast pet peeves. I spend maybe ten minutes getting it ready, and then pop it into the oven and let it bake while I sit and visit freely with family. And best of all, we all sit down and eat it together. (Recipe pulled from my AllRecipes.com "recipe box".)

French Toast Casserole

Rated: 4.5/5

Submitted By: STARFLOWER

Photo By: foodaholic

Prep Time: 30 Minutes

Cook Time: 50 Minutes

Ready In: 1 Hour 20 Minutes

Servings: 6

"Tastes good for breakfast, just like French toast. It's easy to make too! Serve warm with maple syrup on top."

Ingredients:

5 cups bread cubes

4 eggs

1 1/2 cups milk

1/4 cup white sugar, divided

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon margarine, softened

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

1.	Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly butter an 8x8 inch baking pan.
2.	Line bottom of pan with bread cubes. In a large bowl, beat together eggs, milk, 2 tablespoons sugar, salt and vanilla. pour egg mixture over bread. Dot with margarine; let stand for 10 minutes.
3.	Combine remaining 2 tablespoons sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle over the top. Bake in preheated oven about 45 to 50 minutes, until top is golden.

Easter Gift Idea

2010-02-25T20:06:00.000-08:00

It seems like around each holiday, we are looking for creative and festive ways to give a gift to those we associate with. Whether it is your neighbors, someone you visit, teachers, co-workers, friends/family, or even a small party favor... we are always trying to come up with a holiday inspired gift. When I saw this idea over at "Creative Holiday Gift Ideas blog", I had to document it for future use. I can see myself using this darling yet simple idea for years to come. It sure beats slaving over several dozens of cookies, yes, this is my type of thing.

INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS:
1. Reduce 1 sleeve graham crackers to crumbs.
2. Layer 2/3 of the crumbs in a 1 quart jar.
3. Place 8 marshmallow bunny peeps standing up, facing out around the inside of the jar.
4. Press them up against the glass, but don't squash them.
5. Carefully spoon remaining crumbs in the center of the jar to support the bunnies, pressing down to keep it snug.
6. On top of this pour 1-1/4 cup Easter M&M's.
7. Spoon 1/3 cup brown sugar into center of M&M's, gently pressing with a spoon.
My changes: I did M&M's first, then Peeps, then put combined brown sugar and graham cracker crumbs in baggie. I didn't like how the crumbs made a mess in the jar. Attach a gift tag giving the following instructions:
1. Empty the jar contents into a bowl. Snip the bunnies into bits with kitchen sheers or cut up with a knife. Return the bunny bits to the mixture. Mix well.
2. Melt 1/2 cup butter; add 1 teaspoon vanilla. Pour this over the dry ingredients, mixing well. Pat into a greased 9" square pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes. Cool and cut into bars. (Makes 9 to 12 bars.) *Option - leave bunnies whole; combine remaining ingredients and place the bunnies on top; then bake as directed. *This gift jar may be created to suit any holiday for which marshmallow candies are available.
**Here is a card you can print with your jars... they are 3x3 size. **

Easter Centerpiece

2010-02-24T12:50:00.000-08:00

Isn't this a darling way to decorate an Easter table? I love the pastel buckets with ribbons to serve treats- what a cute and creative idea! And the simple easter eggs hung from the chairs is just darling too. I wish the Easter holiday was warm and blooming with flowers here in Utah. All our Easter pictures are in winter coats! I will dream of spring.

A Mother's Day Gift Idea

2010-02-23T08:22:00.000-08:00

I thought this was a darling, inexpensive gift idea to give to the Grandm-a's in your life. Nothing melts your heart more than tiny little hand prints. For someone like me, who only has one child at the time, I thought a hand print and foot print would be just as darling. It would also be a cute piece to hang in your child's room. This is definitely an idea I want to try.

More Kids Wall Art

2010-02-23T08:17:00.000-08:00

I am expecting a little boy in a few months and I have an animal themed nursery. I don't have anything hanging over the crib yet, and I thought creating three pieces of art, such as this, and printing them on to canvas would be darling. One thing I love about printing onto canvas is that it is safe. I think it looks so good to have art hanging over a bed, but always worry about doing so in case there were an earthquake or something... shattered glass... it makes me shudder. But the lightweight, and fabric of canvas art give me piece of mind without sacrificing style.

Easter Inspirations

2010-02-22T11:50:00.000-08:00

I am a slacker these days, I have been terrible at keeping up the old blog. But I was having a little spring fever today and decided to check out some spring time decorating ideas. It was refreshing. I have to share these cute ideas. I am thinking about getting the girls together to make some of these cute cupcakes or something. Maybe host a cute little Easter party for the kids or something. A little party would open up lots of fun ideas. I think I've convinced myself.
*All images are courtesy of the amazing Martha Stewart team! Love their stuff.*

Nursery or Kids Room Art

2010-01-05T22:17:00.001-08:00

This project is just calling my name...

What you need:

Three 5 x 5 Paper Mache art boards ($2.99 at craft supply stores)
Ribbon for hanging
Scissors
Acrylic paints and paint brushes
Card stock for printing your design
Permanent spray adhesive

Handmade nursery wall art

Steps:

Remove rope strands from the boards and discard.
Choose a style of ribbon and cut 3 strands the exact same size.
Apply your base coat to cover the brown paper mache. Paint everything, including the back side.
Start painting! It helped me to sketch out my design on the computer before diving into painting. I used acrylic paints and paint brushes. All three boards were given a different pattern in the background.
I drew the elephant in Adobe Illustrator and chose two colors for the elephants. Then I printed them out on card stock and cut them out, leaving a little white border to help them stand out against the painted backgrounds.
I tested out the placement before adhering the paper elephants to the boards. Using permanent spray adhesive, I adhered the elephants to the boards. Tie on the ribbon to hang and your done!

gap sale

2010-01-05T14:18:00.000-08:00

did you know ??? that gap is having a huge clearance, and on top of that everything is an additional 25% off? i think it started yesterday, so get to your local gap before everything is gone. or, if you prefer to shop online you can use the code GAPEXTRA20 to get an additional 20% off... not quite as good, and you have to pay shipping, but sometimes there are more options.

christmas decor ideas

2009-12-02T20:39:00.000-08:00

you've all probably spent the last few days decking your homes for the holidays. the theme at my house this year is traditional green and red, with a lot of greenery. which is probably why i loved these.

getting organized

2009-11-19T13:22:00.000-08:00

i have always been a fan of the "Shelf Reliance" rotating shelf systems. but at $500/pop i have had a very difficult time justifying buying it. i mean, at that price i could practically purchase all of my food storage... even if i didn't have the convenient storing option. but the convenience of having a system that rotates the older cans to the front.... i really wanted it to be a part of my food storage. so i have just put off both the shelf and the food storage because i don't want to do one without the other.

and now i just learn that my next door neighbor sells the next best thing at a price anyone can afford! i think it is a genius product, and i can hardly wait for them to get back in town so i can reorganize my entire pantry. i am getting anxious just thinking about it. and i really can't believe i didn't know about this sooner! i know there are so many people out there that would like this, so i have to share!!!!! visit them at "THE CAN ORGANIZER!"

Option 1- Cupboard Organizer
This smaller option fits conveniently in your cupboards and rotates 9 soup cans, or 8 vegetable cans, or 18 tuna cans. You get 4 of them for only $11.96!!!

Option 2- Pantry Organizer
This is a longer option that fits 16 Vegetable, 18 Soup, or 39 Tuna cans. This is the perfect option for me, and my deep pantry shelves. This would also be what I imagine you'd use in a cold storage room, depending on how deep your shelves are. Again, you get a 4 pack for just $15.96.

Thanksgiving Place Cards

2009-11-17T07:02:00.000-08:00

Hopefully I am not the only one that finds holiday place cards DARLING! I think these personal touches are just precious. Maybe one day when I am hosting Thanksgiving dinner... but for now, I enjoy being the guest! Is that bad?

Thanksgiving Craft Project 4 Kids

2009-11-16T06:59:00.000-08:00

I thought this was a darling little craft idea to do with your kiddies. With the cold weather arriving, any new indoor projects are greatly appreciated, right?

This wreath makes a very pretty and colorful piece to hang on a door or wall in your home. You will need: Autumn-colored construction paper, scissors, glue, a good-sized piece cardboard, one large paper plate and one small paper plate, and a black marker. The children can make their own, or they can make one together. Basically, you are gluing rolled strips of construction paper onto a circle shaped piece of cardboard. Then at the bottom you add the face of a turkey. The turkey will be the traced foot of a child. Eyes, wobbler, and beak will be cut out using scraps. If you are a teacher, it would be creative to have each student write one thing they are thankful for on a strip of construction paper before you glue it to the cardboard.

Sweet Potato Casserole

2009-11-14T06:49:00.000-08:00

This recipe seemed fitting for the Thanksgiving season. I have always loved sweet potato casserole, and after finding out all the ingredients I can certainly see why- it really is suited for a dessert category. But if you're like me, you are definitely not counting the calories on Thanksgiving day... so why not a few extra hundred?

INGREDIENTS

5 sweet potatoes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/4 cup butter, softened
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Bake sweet potatoes 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until they begin to soften. Cool slightly, peel, and mash.
In a large bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes, salt, 1/4 cup butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and heavy cream. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup butter, flour, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Mix with a pastry blender or your fingers to the consistency of course meal. Sprinkle over the sweet potato mixture.
Bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until topping is crisp and lightly browned.

staircases

2009-11-13T12:16:00.000-08:00

why must MY staircase be so un-interesting? are these not beautiful? it's just a pity we don't all live in mansions with huge spiral staircases, don't you think? :) fine, i will add a more realistic design for the rest of us. i like the stockings hanging from the stairwell. if you are like me, and don't own a fireplace, you might wonder every year where to hang the darn things? mine hang from my buffet table, but this is a great idea.

mini christmas trees

2009-11-12T08:46:00.000-08:00

i love all of these pictures. what i really like about them- & you probably don't notice this at 1st but i think it makes a big difference- is the pots that they are sitting in. i happen to have quite a few mini Christmas trees and alpine trees hanging around, and this is how i have attempted to use them this year. i think they are just darling. i decorated the house last night, it smells of evergreen, and Christmas music has been playing all morning. i am feeling the spirit!

5x5 Christmas Cards

2009-11-10T06:26:00.000-08:00

i have an addiction to photography, and even more so, i have an addiction to square pictures, square invitations, etc. so when i came across these 5x5 custom designed christmas cards, i fell in love. i'm planning on busting out my photoshop skills and creating some equally adorable christmas cards this holiday season. the company that designed these charge $1.60/card if you don't feel like designing them yourself. you can find them by clicking here.

Christmas Swags

2009-11-09T06:20:00.000-08:00

these are my newest love this Christmas season. it is such a traditional decorating item, yet it isn't used very frequently. i bought a handful of these from tai pan last week, and plan on hanging them in my windows... unless inspiration strikes somewhere else. i do happen to love them as they are shown in this picture, but i have outdoor wreaths already. another place i love to see swags are on staircases. the options are endless. what is your favorite christmas piece this year?

Gap Coupon (& Old Navy, Banana Republic, etc)

2009-11-06T13:30:00.001-08:00

take advantage of another deal, and get some christmas shopping done! 30%, i love it!

You're Invited...

Allan Polier has invited you to save 30% during Give & Get, our Friends & Family event. For every purchase you make, we give 5% of the amount you spend to Feeding America, a non-profit selected by Allan Polier.

Click a button below to RSVP to this event:

In-store Barcode (For multiple uses)		Online Promo code (For one time use)
		BBL1JJWBBBYL


	This offer is also good at Gap Outlet and Banana Republic Factory Store!

Gap
shop online | find store

Old Navy
shop online | find store

Banana Republic
shop online | find store

Piperlime
shop online

Athleta
shop online

Rather not receive updates? Click here.

Gap.com values its customers and respects their privacy. Please review our privacy policy for more information. If you have any questions about the Give & Get program, contact gap.com Customer Service via email at custserv@gap.com, call us at 1-800-GAP-STYLE (1-800-427-7895) or write us at gap.com Customer Services, 100 Gap Online Drive, Grove City, OH 43123-8605.

Please note: Prices shown on the website are in U.S. dollars only. Currently, we do not ship or bill orders internationally, including Canada.

Offer valid November 12, 2009 at 12:01 am ET through November 15, 2009 at 11:59pm PT online and at Gap, Gap Outlet, Gap Factory Store, Gap Generation, Banana Republic, Banana Republic Factory Store, Old Navy, Piperlime.com and Athleta.com in the U.S. only (including Puerto Rico). Not valid in Canada or at Edition by Banana Republic store. Discount can not be combined with other offers or discounts and applies to eligible purchases ("Eligible Purchases") which are merchandise only, not gift cards, packaging, applicable taxes, shipping & handling charges, catalog orders or telephone orders placed to stores or customer service 1-800/888 numbers. Not valid on Gap (Product) RED™, Junk Food™, Converse®, Havaianas®, Medela®, CharmIt!®, Robeez®, Stella McCartney for GapKids, Stella McCartney for babyGap, or the following babyGap Home items: strollers, car seats, high chairs and nursery furniture. Not valid on apparel, jewelry, final sale items, Belle by Sigerson Morrison, and Donald J. Pliner at Piperlime.com. Not valid on regular priced non-Athleta brand merchandise. Gap Foundation ("Gap") will donate an amount equal to 5% of Eligible Purchases to a nonprofit partner ("Partner") only when one is designated by the Gap Inc. employee ("Employee(s)"). If no Partner is designated no donation will be made. If the Employee selects Donorschoose.org as its Partner the Employee can also select a specific project on Donorschoose.org to receive the donation. Gap's total donations to all U.S. and Canadian Partners shall not exceed US$2 million. Such donation does not entitle the Employee or any offer recipient to claim a charitable contribution deduction. Employees may not use their gift match benefit with this offer. Merchandise cannot be put on hold during offer period. Return of discounted merchandise will be for the price actually paid. Exchange for different size is permitted; however, the discount will not be applied to exchanges for different merchandise. Reproductions or photocopies of offer card will not be accepted. Not responsible for lost or stolen offer cards. Offer is not transferable or valid for resale. No price adjustments are allowed on previous purchases or on purchases made with this discount.

© 2009 Gap Inc.

Bath & Body Works

2009-11-06T06:20:00.000-08:00

why not start your christmas shopping early this year? here is a great coupon for Bath and Body Works. i love their antibacterial soaps, and they are a great gift to have on hand for small gifts. their soap is 3 for $10, so with this coupon you can get 9 of them for only $20. of course there are many other great items to stock up on, my personal favorite being their peppermint lip gloss. heaven. this coupon expires 11/22 and if you look closer you will see an online code if you prefer to shop from home.

best news of the day

2009-11-05T05:51:00.000-08:00

If any you live in Utah County, Utah- you may be (and should be!) just as excited as I was to learn that Tai Pan is now in Orem. It isn't nearly as big as the wharehouse in Salt Lake, but it seems like the only thing "missing" is the floral department and a very scaled down kitchenware department. It is located at the University Mall in the old Deseret Book location. I went in for just a few minutes yesterday evening and found myself lost in Christmas ideas. I just may put Christmas up early this year. Tai Pan is definitely on the very top of my favorite stores to shop at, and I used to get excited to make the trip up to Salt Lake on occassion. Now I don't have to! Best news of the day!

christmas porch inspiration

2009-11-03T07:25:00.000-08:00

i'm going to do some christmas shopping today. i can't believe that it is coming up on us. i am excited. in the past, i've always thought the more decorations i had out, the more "festive"... but once everything is out i just think it looks like my house is "cluttery". so this year my goal is to not use everything. less is more, i will have to repeat that in my head a lot. on my list today is this big huge wreath for my front door that i saw at costco. this picture is my front porch inspiration this year. clean and simple.

gobble gobble

2009-11-03T05:15:00.000-08:00

cute, don't you think?

some thanksgiving lovin

2009-11-02T09:34:00.000-08:00

i'm quite obsessed with the acorn napkin holders shown here, and it reminded me of some acorn bells that i saw a year or so ago. i wish i could find some, i think it would be darling as a fall holiday decor piece, placed atop a table runner. i hope you are all ready for the big turkey day!

final 2009 halloween post!

2009-10-30T08:05:00.000-07:00

tomorrow is halloween. are you ready to make it one big special day for your kids? if not, today is your day to prepare. here are a few fun things i have envisioned:

halloween themed breakfast: on the menu is halloween shaped pancakes with orange sides- orange wedges and orange juice!

on the table will be my child's trick-or-treat pumpkin with his new halloween jammies inside, and a special halloween treat.

for lunch, i will probably make those adorable mummy hotdogs, posted here

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!

holiday entertainment will never end

2009-10-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

the halloween festivities are nearly over. after all of the pumpkin patches, hay rides, corn mazes, carving pumpkins, roasting pumpkin seeds, modeling costumes, family/friends/church parties, and trick-or-treating... whatever are you going to do with the kids ~~besides eat all of that candy~~? well, here are some fun ideas to keep you busy and excited for yet another holiday.

have a girl? you'll like this.

2009-10-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

my friend cassie found this great website/blog that sells baby stuff, mainly little girl things. like adorable bows, and headbands. and best of all, it is super cheap. here are some examples to get you there. the headbands are $2, the hair clips are $1.50, and the burp cloths are 2 for $5. you are welcome!
check them out here

pretty 4 thanksgiving

2009-10-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

floating pumpkins just look pretty to me. i love pretty pictures that inspire table settings for thanksgiving.

gobble gobble

2009-10-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

i am always so ahead of myself with the holidays. i'm already dreaming of white christmases, and yummy thanksgiving dinners. do forgive me. i saw these suckers/candy? online, and unfortunately there weren't any instructions. i have way more talented friends, and i am sure they could figure out the "how-to". so darling. here are my guesses, but i'm usually wrong! :)
(chocolate covered marshmallow- body? candy corn- feathers? jelly bean- face? heart shaped sprinkle? pretzel- legs? i just don't know?!)

easy do it yourself project

2009-10-23T07:19:00.000-07:00

i love home decor pieces like this that you look at and say "oooh... i could make that!". and wouldn't this be a great piece to add around thanksgiving time? although i have to admit that i think it would be cute all year long.

deals you might enjoy

2009-10-21T10:06:00.001-07:00

kohls.com is having 50% off all of their Fisher Price toys. maybe you want to pick up some christmas gifts early this year. in addition to the sale, you get $10 Kohls cash for every $50 you spend. and if you happen to have a Kohls card than you can get another 15% off by using the code PICK15OCT.

pizza party! dominos is having a customer appreciation week and offering a $6 carry out deal for a Large One Topping Pizza with extra cheese. Add a Free 8-piece order of CinnaStix when you enter code ONLINE at checkout. another deal i noticed this week is that 5 buck pizza is having $2.99 medium pizzas on tuesdays and thursdays. wow!

and lastly, toys-r-us has costumes for as low as $5 on their website, here. they have a lot of cute things. so whether you are a last minute planner and haven't gotten your kids' costumes, or whether you plan in advance and want to plan for next year at a discounted price, toys-r-us has some great costumes. check them out.

cute necklaces

2009-10-20T08:04:00.000-07:00

a friend of mine, paige, has the most darling style. i always love her fashion! it's unfortunate she lives so far away because i could really use her as a shopping buddy! :) while she was in town she wore a necklace similar to the one shown below. you can find them on etsy for $15. they remind me of the ones they sell at anthropologie, and i think they are so darling. if you're interested, i found this from "cozy rosies" on etsy. you can be cute and trendy, just like my friend paige! :)

halloween costume photo shoot

2009-10-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

being the photo enthusiast that i am, my advice today revolves around pictures. Halloween is creeping up on us. before the busy day arrives, when your kids are jumping off the wall from sugar overload... take an afternoon and let your kids put on their Halloween costumes. take them to a park... or target's photo studio... and have a Halloween costume photo shoot. you will love to look back on their darling little costumes that you, or they, dreamed up. some examples to inspire you...

carving pumpkins- inspirations

2009-10-18T06:53:00.000-07:00

spooky, unique, cute... take your pick. here are some cute pumpkin carvings that i have been inspired by from over at martha stewart. love her site. another cute one i saw was carving your house number into pumpkins.

I Scream Sand-Witches

2009-10-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

The name of this treat cracks me up. It is almost too cute to eat! Almost... This looks like quite a bit of work, but the end result is just too darling. If you're me, you are looking to take the short cut, and this is what is going through my mind right now- skinny cow makes circular ice cream sandwiches, and then top it with a chocolate covered ice cream cone. Ta-da! That's just me though, go ahead and do it the hard way if you have the time, the patience, and kids pulling at your legs. It's all worth seeing their little faces light up at such at fun, festive treat.

Ingredients

Makes 8 (16 circles, 8 half circles)

2 large egg whites
1 cup superfine sugar
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
Pinch of salt
2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted
Mini candy-coated chocolates, for hats
Green mint-chocolate-chip ice cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Put egg whites and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix 30 seconds. Mix in flour, cocoa, and salt. Mix in butter, cream, and vanilla; mix 30 seconds.
Bake cookies: Using plastic lids or heavy card stock, cut out 1 circle (2 3/4 inches in diameter) and 1 half circle (4 1/2 inches long). Using the outlines as stencils, spread dough on a Silpat baking mat with an offset spatula to make 4 circles and 2 half circles. Transfer mat to a baking sheet; bake cookies until starting to set, 6 to 7 minutes.
Shape cones: Remove half circles with an offset spatula while still hot. With straight sides of cookies facing up, quickly bring edges together to form cones, holding until set. Repeat three more times with remaining dough.
Make sandwitches: Dip cones in melted chocolate to coat 1/4 inch of rims. Place cones on 8 whole cookies; press 1 candy onto band of each hat. Freeze until set, 10 to 20 minutes. Brush remaining 8 whole cookies on one side with melted chocolate. Freeze until set, 10 to 20 minutes. Cut ice cream using technique described above. Place on coated cookies; top with hats.

free nursing cover

2009-10-16T17:33:00.000-07:00

go to Udder Covers and get a free nursing cover by typing in promo code 1FREE. you only have to pay shipping which is $8.95. thanks to alissa for finding this deal. mine came in the mail yesterday and they are cute. the promotion is still going on. note: some show they are on backorder... my mom ordered a backordered cover and recieved it the same day i did, so don't be discouraged if the one you like is on backorder.

halloween party games

2009-10-16T06:55:00.000-07:00

are you throwing a Halloween party this year? or perhaps you have been asked to help plan your child's class party at school? here are some fun Halloween games that you can play at your party, and they are fun for all ages. all you need to know is included below, but lets just say you will need alot of pumpkins. if you haven't noticed yet, i am not a fan of the "scary" side of Halloween, so everything halloween to me revolves around pumpkins and other "natural" fall items. enjoy! (side note: since most of these aren't "scary" you could use most of these games around thanksgiving also)

________________________________________________________

Pumpkin Golf:

Object of Game: Hit the golf ball into a pumpkin.

Preparation:

Carve out a pumpkin. Make the mouth extra large.
Build a cardboard ramp about one to two feet side from the ground to the bottom of the pumpkin's mouth.
You will probably need some support under the cardboard.
Tape the ramp to the floor for stability.
Mark a starting point a few feet from the start of the ramp. The older the kids, the farther away.

Playing the Game:

Each player gets to hit a golf ball three times.
Each time the ball goes into the pumpkin, the player wins a piece of candy.

Pumpkin Bowling:

Object of Game: Knock over the bowling pins. Make a strike or a spare.

Preparation:

Select several small pumpkins about four to six inches in diameter. You need extras in case a few split or break.
Place plastic (children's set) of bowling pins several feet away on the lawn or floor of the room.
A great alternative to bowling pins are plastic liter bottles. Let the kids decorate them with Halloween objects before the game.

Playing the Game:

Measure off several feet.
Give each child two tries to knock down the pins.
A strike is worth two pieces of candy.
A spare is worth one piece of candy.

Witches Relay Race

Object of the game: Roll a small pumpkin across the room and back, only using a broom stick.

Preparation:
1. 2 small pumpkins, gourds can also be used
2. 2 straw brooms
3. 2 chairs (or any object you can place across the room, where they will have to go anround and return.)

Playing the game:
1. Divide your guests into two teams. Line them up, and play the game relay style.
2. First team to finish, wins.
3. Winners receive a treat.

Pumpkin Bocce:

Object of Game: Roll a pumpkin closest to the big pumpkin.

Preparation:

Carve out a large pumpkin.
Buy several miniature or round sugar pumpkins.

Playing the Game:

Place the big, carved out pumpkin several feet away.
Give each player a small pumpkin.
Each player rolls (No tossing or throwing) their pumpkin and tries to be the closest to the big pumpkin.
The player closest wins a prize or piece of candy.
Play as many times as you want. (Or until you run out of prizes.

Pumpkin Ring Toss:

Object of Game: To toss a ring around a pumpkin.

Preparation:

Carve out a one to three pumpkins.
Buy or make three or four rings about twice as big around as the pumpkins.
If you don't know what to use, try an extra piece of leftover electrical cable and tape together with duct tape. (Scouts use this as a "Reduce, re-use and re-cycle" project)

Playing the Game:

Measure back several feet, depending on age group.
Give the rings to the player.
A piece of candy (or two) is awarded for ringing the pumpkin.
You can award one piece of candy for a partial ring and two if the ring is completely around.

growth charts

2009-10-15T09:10:00.000-07:00

i found these darling growth charts online a while ago. i happened to find this image while i was cleaning up my hard drive. i think if i were to order something like this, i would put it onto a board so that if i ever moved i could take it with me. you can buy it here.

home furnishing - timeless

2009-10-13T04:02:00.000-07:00

sometimes i wish that i could start the furnishing and decorating process over. now that my house is fully furnished and decorated, my taste has changed a little bit, and i think about how i would have chosen differently. one of the main phrases i keep thinking about is "timeless". you can choose the style that happens to be trendy right now, or you can choose a piece that is "timeless"-- something that looks good now, and will still look good later. i often can tell the age of furniture by the stain of wood. when decorating my kids' rooms, i prefer white furniture. it has been used for decades, and will never "age". i can always change out the hardware to stay with the current times. when choosing an actual stain for a wood, i prefer the darker wood. of course that is certainly a trend right now, but it is also a very traditional stain, one that you would find in many antique pieces. if i were to build my home, i would want to choose a kitchen with white cabinets. again, i think it is timeless, a style that will not age my kitchen in 10 years. unfortunately, like most of you, such decisions are made with your most treasured loved one, and mine doesn't happen to like it. most likely we'll never build anyway, so i guess that issue won't arise. when choosing bedding for kids i am finding that solid quilted bedspreads are a darling, and great choice. they are extremely durable, will last through the years, and will always be "cute". when i think about flooring, i am a huge hardwood fan. tile changes so often, and i think is another factor that tells the age of a home. hardwood has been around forever, and although it is more upkeep, i think it is worth it. i am going to be more picky in the future about what i choose for my home, trying to keep things timeless.

wall shelving

2009-10-12T06:51:00.000-07:00

i love shelves- they are an inexpensive decor piece, it adds to the charm of a room, and beautifully showcases your favorite accessories. i especially love them in a child's bedroom. here are some cute pictures of great shelves. (ps: if you are wondering where to find good shelves, ross and tjmaxx always have nice big shelves for under $15)

yummy mummy dogs

2009-10-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

Well, are these are not the cutest little things you ever did see!

Ingredients:
6 Rhodes Texas™ Rolls, thawed but still cold 3-inch square aluminum foil 6 hot dogs 8 currants or small raisins 1 egg, beaten 1 red licorice lace

How To Make:
Roll each roll into a 15-inch snake, leaving one end a little thicker for the head. Using a knife and a toothpick, cut slashes and poke holes to decorate the body of the snake. On larger end of snake poke holes for the nose and slice a 1 1/2-inch opening for the mouth. Crinkle up the aluminum foil and place in mouth to wedge it open during baking. Cut slashes across the tail section to resemble a rattler. Wrap snake around a frank and place on a large sprayed baking sheet. Poke deep holes for eyes and press currants into them. Brush well with egg and let rise for 15 minutes. Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Place on a cooling rack and carefully remove foil. Poke a 3-inch piece of licorice into the throat. Clip the end to make it look like a forked tongue.

i could change the world, one furniture piece at a time

2009-10-08T06:43:00.000-07:00

this is my new baby right now. i found a blog BETTER AFTER that basically shows before and afters of furniture projects. this first one is by far my favorite i have seen. i LOVE it. to update, my chairs are taken apart, and i am getting ready to start refinishing the wood. i really hope this project works out and doesn't put a damper on my burst of confidence. i will take pictures along the way.
(ADVICE: in case anybody actually looks at my blog, and is thinking about attempting this, i wanted to give some advice. i spent a few trips to DI and Savers and have found that it is a waste of time, and that even if there is something cute enough their prices are too high. so don't waste your time shopping there. simply click on your local craigslist a few times a day and eventually something will come up.)
i also am a huge fan of the two tone furniture- where you refinish some of the wood and paint the rest. my sister in law jamie found a kitchen table that she loves this way. i don't dare mess up your beautiful table until i am pro at this jam. (all pictures courtesy of Better After)

might as well

2009-10-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

i was thinking that there are certain things that we buy for our kids around the holidays no matter what. right now i am thinking about halloween. most parents buy a trick-or-treating bucket... most buy halloween pajamas (or "jammies" at my house). i was thinking... rather than just hand over these typical things over to the kids, why not make it a fun gift to get them pumped up for the holiday?

imagine how your child would react when they woke up Halloween morning and found a trick-or-treat bucket with some new jammies, and maybe a special treat? how exciting would that be? so go ahead, take the items you were already planning on buying and make it a special thing for the kiddies.

be a good neighbor...

2009-10-06T07:30:00.000-07:00

...and start spreading the holiday cheer! i have to say this is one of my favorite holiday traditions. maybe it is because i die laughing watching my hubby doorbell ditch the neighbors and try to stay unseen (he HATES it by the way). perphaps it is the way making a treat for someone brightens my day. or maybe it is the smile that comes to my face every time i see a new "BOO" sign appear in a window. whatever the reason, i love this halloween tradition. in years past, it has always been a pain to make 2 copies of a poem, and as you can imagine, a copy of a copy (and so forth) eventually becomes pretty pathetic in quality. which is why i am loving this BOO poem that i came across this year. instead of advising your neighbors to go make copies, they simply can visit a website to reprint copies for themselves. it makes the process easier, and the quality will remain. so go ahead and spread the holiday cheer in your neighborhood. there isn't anything better than bringing a smile to someone's face.

a thanksgiving fruit tray kids love

2009-10-05T07:46:00.000-07:00

i haven't broken down the entire "how-to" for this yet, but i'm sure you could figure it out! just at a glance i see: honey dew as body, yam as face, bamboo skewers w/ pineapple and grapes, and apples as feathers. cute though, right? wouldn't your kids just gobble this up? ha ha.

great deal

2009-10-04T08:35:00.000-07:00

you can purchase a one-year subscription to "Better Homes & Gardens" here for only $4 by using code 4168. don't worry, no automatic renewals with this company.

i love this magazine for it's:
-home decor ideas
-recipes
-do it yourself ideas
-kid friendly activities
-gorgeous pictures

all i need is...

2009-10-03T07:29:00.000-07:00

a little girl! after being inspired by all the furniture restoration, i came across this pottery barn picture. when i look at it, all i see is old furniture that has been updated. i could SO do a little girls room right now. and good news, i found some old chairs with charm to reupholster. hopefully i will pick them up today. so give me a week or so, and hopefully they will be a cute result.

fall foliage part 2: kids project

2009-10-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

while you are having fun arranging fall foliage into beautiful vases, put the kids to work. with the leaves they collected, have them create these fun projects shown below. another great idea is to have them draw the trunk of a tree and the branches, and glue the leaves to their tree. top off this fun activity by making cookies with leaf shaped cookie cutters. who says you can't be super mom?

for mommy dearest

2009-09-30T21:09:00.000-07:00

my mom requested advice on decorating after a recent (and amazing, i might add) remodel to her front room. my dad built a bookshelf with pillars that reach the ceiling. she is looking to put something on her bookshelf that has the following features: (1) is visually appealing from each side of the bookcase, (2) something that isn't tall, so the view from the living room to the dining room will not be obstructed, (3) doesn't have books, since books are already displayed on the shelves.
my mind immediate went to tall objects, such as vases, candle pillars, and lamps, but this wouldn't match the criteria. so here is my thoughts, mom. too much decor will make the piece look busy, and will distract from the new piece, which really is the focal point. you want something simple that will compliment the bookcase. my idea is to find an oblong bowl/platter/tray that is white or silver. then find decorative balls that will match the decor in your room, and place them in the bowl. here are some pictures for inspiration. the 1st picture, look at the piece that is on the bottom part of the coffee table. i personally prefer the rounder oblong shape similar to the last image over the rectangular shaped bowls/platters/trays... but whatever you like best. it's been a while since you asked too, so maybe you've already thought of something.

reupholstery

2009-09-30T07:25:00.000-07:00

i've been even more inspired by "chickie designs". between the dressers and this chair, i am really pumped about beautifying some ugly pieces of furniture. i think i will hit up the local D.I. today and see if i can find something cheap and unappealing to the eye. both projects seem like they would be incredibly easy. besides there is a corner in my living room that is calling for attention, and i think a buffet table and chair would look fantastic. i hope i find something. please tell me i am not the only one who sees this and wants to change the life of a poor ugly chair? love love love it!

one mans trash is another mans treasure

2009-09-29T09:26:00.000-07:00

i have been inspired by this girl over at "chickie designs". she finds old dressers on Craigslist, at D.I., garage sales, etc for $10-$15 and paints them black and replaces the hardware for $1-$2/knob. the end result is a cute updated piece of furniture for under $30. i would love to do this in white. i don't know that i am brave enough to do a project like this with a 2 year old wanting to help, but maybe i will work up the courage. think how many pieces you could add to your house- dressers, nightstands, buffets, tv consoles! so, here is a secret, not mine, but worthy of sharing.

fall foliage

2009-09-28T08:02:00.000-07:00

**sorry for the few days of slacking! i just came from southern california... warm beaches, hot sun, bathing suits and sunscreen.... and i'm back to to crisp mountain utah air! fall is HERE!**

in the next couple weeks as the leaves are changing colors, i am going to take my little boy and collect some leaves. we are going to do a fun project for him (post coming soon), and we'll find even more leaves, branches to be exact, to do this project for me. not much to the project, just some pretty arranging, but i love the outcome.

table centerpieces

2009-09-23T07:37:00.000-07:00

i am feeling the need for some table centerpiece inspiration. i still am unsure what i plan to do on my kitchen table, but i have been inspired by the following ideas. create a candlelight centerpiece by securing dried vegetables to a variety of different sized candles, with a simple ribbon. displaying it on a white oblong platter would be pretty. i am also loving the floral arrangements that have citrus in the vase. it is stunning. since flowers don't last very long, the acorn branches are a better option for me. and finally, i always can find cute ways to use gourds.

family activities to do in fall

2009-09-22T07:08:00.000-07:00

as a stay-at-home mom, i know that some of the best activities are those that get you OUT of the home. from my family to yours, here are some of our favorite activities to participate in during the fall season.

1. hay ride: our family enjoys going to the farm and taking a hayride out to the pumpkin patch.

2. corn maze: take the family to the corn maze and see if you can find your way through the maze without any corn maze helping hints. another fun way to enjoy the corn maze is to split the family into 2 groups and race to see who can get out of the maze first.

3. haunted house: get "spooked" at a haunted house!

4. make caramel apples: after picking fresh apples at the orchard, take them home and make scrumptious caramel apples. i like to make extras and give them away to friends and neighbors.

5. pick apples at the orchards: take your family to an apple orchard and pick fresh apples. i love implementing as much "outdoor" activities as possible before the snow comes in.

6. pumpkin patch: let every family member pick out their own pumpkin. kids always want to find the biggest pumpkin they can, so the general rule around here is "if you can carry it out, you can pick it"

7. stuff a scarecrow: let the kids contribute to the halloween decor this year, and stuff a scarecrow.

8. host a halloween party: invite family, friends, and neighbors over for a party. whether it's a costume party, or a dinner party, celebrate the season with those you love.

9. serve dinner in mini pumpkins: serve your favorite chili or dinner casserole in these pumpkin gourds. the kids will LOVE it.

10. roast pumpkin seeds: an easy activity to do with kids, and a yummy treat to enjoy after.

11. fall foliage: take a drive up the canyon (or a walk) and admire all of the beautiful fall colors. it is the perfect time to take the camera out and get some great outdoor shots of the family.

12. rake the leaves and play in them: every child has fond memories of raking the leaves into one big pile and then jumping in. create some memories for your little ones.

13. "BOO" your neighbors: find a cute "BOO" poem online and attach it to some treats. wait until dark and then leave it on their porch. the poem tells the neighbors to spread the cheer to 2 more neighbors.

fall wreath

2009-09-21T07:34:00.000-07:00

what you need:
foam wreath
hot glue & spray adhesive
moss
about 20 small plastic pumpkin gourds
satin black ribbon

what you do:
DAY 1- place your foam wreath on a flat surface, and secure plastic gourds to the wreath with hot glue. allow the glue to dry and the gourds to settle over night.
DAY 2- using spray adhesive (or hot glue) place moss around the gourds and any visible foam. let dry overnight.
DAY 3- attach a satin black ribbon, and display!

another option:
you can also leave out the ribbon and place it on your table as part of your centerpiece. a vase or platter would fit perfectly in the middle.

very easy pumpkin cookies

2009-09-20T07:28:00.000-07:00

not feeling the fancy pumpkin trifle recipe? try this. it will stay in your recipe box for years...
three ingredients, no joke:

1 box spice cake mix
1 small can pumpkin
1 package chocolate chips

Mix until combined. Place 1-2 tsp spoonfuls on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 14-16 min.

thanks to my sister-in-law, jen, who gave me this fantastic recipe.

fall accessories

2009-09-19T07:07:00.000-07:00

a simple and easy way to add some festivity to your family room, is by adding some simple accessories like accent pillows and a throw. choosing oranges, browns, and reds will tie in the fall season with the existing fall decor throughout your home.

nursing cover

2009-09-18T08:42:00.000-07:00

I love the new nursing covers that women are using now-a-days. The ease and privacy of nursing your baby without worrying about your blanket falling, or your baby pulling it free is peace of mind to any new mother! I couldn't believe when I saw one in a local boutique for nearly $50! Most women would say it is worth the investment, but I say, why not make an alternative version for cheaper? This is how you can make a nursing cover with items you already have around the home. I plan on making the blanket and the apron straps myself. Wouldn't this be a darling gift idea for an expecting mother?
Step 1

The top part of a nursing cover looks like an apron, so it comes in handy when you are trying to make a nursing cover. Use your scissors to cut off the apron strap.

Step 2

Find a baby blanket that you are not planning on using. It should be wide enough to cover the baby and your chest. A baby blanket made out of 100% cotton will be the right type of blanket to use because it will keep your baby cool in warmer weather.

Step 3

Place the blanket on a flat surface and sew the two buttons in to the middle of the blanket about eight inches apart from each other. Cut a small slit on each end of the apron strap that is large enough for the buttons.

Step 4

Attach the strap to blanket and out it on just like you would an apron. Enjoy nursing your baby in public without having to hold up a blanket!

little girl's tutu's

2009-09-17T08:27:00.000-07:00

i made these cute tutu's last year during the christmas season. this past weekend i was with some friends at a boutique and we saw halloween tutu's. they suggested i pass along the tutu instructions for all the mom's out there. these are the easiest things to make. if you can tie a knot, you can make a tutu. this would be a darling addition to your little girl's costume- whether she is a ballerina, a princess, or even a witch!

All you need is some elastic, scissors, and a 6-inch roll of tulle (my roll had 65 yards).

1. Use your sewing machine to sew a 1-inch band of elastic into a circle. Then put your sewing machine away, that is the only sewing you have to do. No joke.
2. Cut the tulle into 21 inch strips until it is gone. (21 inches makes a shorter tutu - a great length for 3yrs and under. If you are making it for an older child I would do 23-24 inch strips.)
3. I put the elastic band around my thigh, and then I take a strip of the cut tulle and place it under the elastic so that there is an equal amount on each side of the elastic. Then I tie a double knot.
4. Then continue to tie each strip of tulle, keeping them close together until you have a full tutu. (You can do multi-colored, I did some cute two-colored ones, like the 1st picture. If you want, on the last tie, you can string satin ribbon through the knot and make a cute little bow to top it off.)

I buy the roll of tulle from WalMart in the wedding section near the floral. It is $5.95 and makes 2 tutu's. The total project time to make a tutu is about 20 minutes.

kids framed art

2009-09-16T07:15:00.000-07:00

when i was pregnant with my little boy, my mom and i began the exciting chore of creating a nursery. we picked out the perfect furniture, adorable bedding, and all the nick-knacks needed for my wee one. we felt that we needed some type of art on the wall. while we were at our local TARGET i began looking at the art. simple kids art was $29.99, and i was looking for 4-5 pieces. me, being the cheap-o i am thought that was way too much. so mom and i came up with a cheaper solution that turned out darling.

this is what we bought:
1. 8x8 white frames at IKEA ($7/frame)
2. 1 package of receiving blankets that matched the crib bedding ($9.99 for 4 blankets)
3. wooden emblems from michaels/roberts craft store ($0.50/pc)
TOTAL COST: Less than $10 per piece

this is what we did:
1. we cut the fabric of the receiving blankets to match the size of the frame, and hot glued it to the backing of the frame to create a background.
2. then we hot glued our emblem to the center of the fabric
3. we reassembled the frames, and hung them on the wall

why this is so cool:
if i had bought the more expensive TARGET art it would no longer be usable if the next baby was a different gender or when my child grew out of his nursery. with the art we created, i can simply remove the fabric and re-design new art work for the next baby's nursery. or as my child grows, his art pieces can grow with him.

decorating with things around the house

2009-09-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

decorating for fall doesn't need to cost a lot of money, and you can make some really darling decor with simple things you already have around the house. pull out your cake stand, and place a pumpkin on top. i am a huge fan on painting pumpkins white! i think it looks very chic. i think the reason i love both ideas in this post is because you aren't just setting out your pumpkins, you are showcasing them.

the next idea i have is one i plan on implementing around my home, and it too can be done simply by using existing items from around your home. for example, many of us have candles around the home. simply remove your candles from the candle pillars, and replace it with a pumpkin. although i am dying to, i am making myself wait to put out my decor until october 1st. i will probably use the real mini pumpkins, but these were the only pumpkins not packed away in storage.

baby flash cards

2009-09-14T08:33:00.000-07:00

(please excuse the unusually long post today!) while i was working with my child on talking i created these great flash cards. they were a hit with my child, and a success. i simply printed these 4x6 cards at my local photo store just like i would have my pictures developed. knowing that i could print new cards at any time helped me to allow him to truly "explore" the cards and not freak out when they got bent up or chewed on. to make these cards your own, simply save them to your computer and have them printed at your local photo store. i used kennys photo because i could upload them to their store directly from my home.

affordable kids dining & play area

2009-09-12T16:12:00.000-07:00

i recently started on a play room in the basement of my home. i had the toys but was lacking in the seating and storage department. i headed to IKEA to see what i could find. while i was in the children's section, i came across some adorable plastic chairs and a matching plastic table. the table was 39.99 and the chairs were 14.99. i started adding up the cost, and realized that 3 chairs and a table was going to run me $85 before tax! i wasn't planning on spending that much. i then came across some stools that were the same plastic material- but were 1/2 the price... $7.99. then i found some side tables that were intended to be an end table, but they were the perfect height for a children's table. they came in blue, yellow, pink, red, white, etc... and best of all... they were only $7.99!! so instead of $85, i spent about $30 without sacrificing any adorability (which isn't a word, but should be!). if you are looking for some cute seating for your wee ones, head to IKEA for this great find. i am finding that it pays off to think outside the box.

pumpkin trifle

2009-09-12T08:16:00.000-07:00

planning or attending a halloween party this year? impress everyone with this appealing, easy to make dessert. every cook should invest in a trifle bowl, they make such lovely masterpieces! mmm... pumpkin trifle! this is what you do:

Ingredients:

3 cups heavy cream
One 15-ounce can pure pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch ground cloves
Pinch salt
One 7.5-ounce jar marshmallow cream
3 cups chopped gingersnaps, plus crushed gingersnaps for sprinkling
3 tablespoons dark rum

For a change
Layer the trifle in juice glasses with vanilla yogurt for a holiday parfait.

       Directions:        Using an electric mixer, beat the cream until stiff. Reserve 2 cups whipped cream for serving; refrigerate until ready to serve. 
 In a large bowl, stir together the pumpkin, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt. Fold in half of the marshmallow cream, then half of the whipped cream. Repeat with the remaining marshmallow cream and whipped cream until combined. 
 In a medium bowl, sprinkle the gingersnaps with rum.    
 Spoon one-third of the pumpkin mousse into a clear glass serving bowl, spreading evenly, and sprinkle half of the cookies on top. Repeat with half of the remaining mousse and the remaining cookies, then top with the final layer of mousse. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve, at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours. Just before serving, top with the reserved whipped cream and sprinkle with the crushed gingersnaps.
      

jazz up the staircase!

2009-09-11T07:48:00.000-07:00

this is a darling idea to decorate your staircase for the fall/halloween/thanksgiving season. i would suggest using some orange ribbon to tie the wheat to make it even more seasonal. i love this idea, the only thing i am unsure of is where to buy wheat like this? if anyone has some ideas, please, enlighten me!

Table Console

2009-09-10T07:37:00.000-07:00

this is a great project for anyone on a budget, or for those of us that get a thrill out of a great deal! time to hit up the garage sales and thrift stores- your mission is to find a round table that has a broken or missing leg. you should be able to score a great price on the damaged table, and transform it into a front entry piece! can't find a damaged table? well, purchase a cheaper functioning table and make two console tables; place them in different places in your home. i thought this was a very clever idea, worthy of sharing!

here is what you do:

1. Unscrew the extension mechanism from the bottom of the table. Remove the part of the table you won't be using.

2. Sand the remaining part, then prime and paint it.

3. Nail or screw a two-by-two-inch piece of wood to the wall at the height of the tabletop so that the edge of the table rests on the wood support.

4. Screw through the top of the table to the wood support; fill the holes with wood filler, and paint over them.

for your childs room

2009-09-09T07:11:00.000-07:00

**this idea was inspired by some spring blocks that i did with my neighbor** there is a trend right now in nursery rooms/ kids room where you get the wooden letters and put your child's name on the wall. sometimes people attach ribbon and hang them. you know what i am talking about. well, here is a cute way to dress up the wooden letters so that it looks like you bought it from a boutique instead of an obvious "do-it-yourself" project. it would also be an adorable baby gift. here is how you do it:

supplies:
1. wooden letters
2. wood stain
3. nail file
4. paint brush
5. mod-podge
6. assortment of coordinating scrapbooking paper
7. scissors
8. embellishments, optional

instructions:
1. purchase wooden letters (found in roberts/michaels) and stain them with a wood stain
2. with a nail file, file the edges for a more rustic look, revealing some of the true wood.
3. place your letter face down on a piece of scrapbook paper, and trace out the letter. cut the paper out.
4. using mod-podge and a paint brush, apply a thin layer of mod-podge to your letter, and carefully stick the cut out scrapbooking paper to the letter. allow to dry.
5. using nail file, file away any excess paper.
6. apply another thin layer of mod-podge on top of the paper, and the entire wooden letter. dry.
7. embellish with buttons, ribbon, or leave plain.

birthday cupcakes - easier, cuter

2009-09-08T07:38:00.000-07:00

so i'd like to start of this post by saying that these adorable ideas are from my sister-in-law lisa, and my neighbor melissa. they are both avid bakers, and quite talented i might add! these adorable cupcakes make birthday parties a piece of cake (no pun intended). it takes the ease out of cutting everyone a piece, you just hand them out. it helps that they are adorable also. i fully intend on following the jazzed up cupcake idea for future birthday parites. since everyone dies when they see these adorable things, i knew it was a secret worth sharing.

directions:
1. make cupcakes as instructed on box (or for moister cake, follow cake box instructions and then- add 1 c sour cream, 1 small box instant jello pudding, and 1 c sugar)
2. cookie monster cupcakes: frost with white vanilla frosting, and cover liberally with blue gem sprinkles. put remaining frosting in ziplock and with scissors cut the corner of the ziplock. squeeze the frosting out of the opening to make the eyes. use chips ahoy cookies for the mouth, and chocolate chips for the black of the eye.
3. minnie mouse cupcakes: you will want 2 cans of vanilla frosting, and one tube of red food coloring (found in party stores). Empty contents of 1 jar of vanilla frosting into medium sized mixing bowl. Add entire jar of food coloring - mix well, cover, and let sit overnight. It takes a while for the true red to come through. It will look dark pink at first. The next day - frost the cupcakes with red frosting. Take small scoop of vanilla frosting (from second can) and place in plastic baggie. Snip off very small corner of the bag, and squeeze white frosting for polka dots. They will look pointy at first. Allow them to dry before pushing down tips. Take Oreos and twist open. Push down through frosting and into cupcakes. Don't worry about removing the frosting from the back of the Oreos - people like that part anyway!

fall porch decor #2

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

the image on the left is my second porch decor idea that i would love to implement on my porch this year. unfortunately, i think buying a bunch of lanterns would get pretty expensive. fortunately my porch is smaller so i think i can get away with fewer. i also think it would look lovely to have a couple pots of fall mums out. one of my favorite ideas from this image is the double wreaths hanging from the door, with ribbon. not something you see everyday. i thought this was a great idea worth sharing.

super hero capes

2009-09-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

i made these reversible super hero capes for christmas last year. they were darling, and my nephews loved them. these would be a great birthday/christmas gift, but they would also be a great party favor at your next super hero themed birthday party.

i used felt for the superhero logos, and cotton fabric for the actual cape. it was very easy to draw up my own pattern.

idea submitted by stacy

custom made canvas art

2009-09-04T08:29:00.000-07:00

i have struggled with wall art more than once. whether it is a huge empty space on a huge empty wall, or whether it is above a bed where they say not to keep art. fortunately, i just recently heard about canvas art. it is easy... no sewing! and it only takes minutes to complete one. i have found that custom made canvas art is a great alternative when you don't want to buy expensive art work, or when you need a safe and soft piece to hang above your childs sleeping head. and with the diversity of today's fabric, it will look great in the family room, a play room, a bathroom... anywhere!

what you need:
1. your local craft store carries different sizes of stretch canvas sides - you choose your dimensions by how big each side is. they run from .70 - $3.00 depending on how big you want to go.
2. fabric - again, the amount will really depend on what size you want, and how many you want.
3. staple gun

directions:
1. cut your fabric 2 inches wider and longer than your stretch canvas sides, thus leaving a 1 inch margin around the frame
2. pull the fabric around the frame, and secure with staple gun. fold the corners in as if you were wrapping a present, and secure with staple gun.
3. optional- you can add embellishments if you'd like. i have also seen people use a stencil, and paint a pattern on top of their fabric.

submitted by stacy

summer dessert - banana pudding

2009-09-03T10:08:00.000-07:00

for today, i will pull out of my fall obsession, and come back to reality and 90 degree weather. with a month or two left to enjoy bbq's and the outdoors, this dessert is the perfect ending to your summer night. this is by far one of my favorite desserts, it is... mouth watering. best of all, it is insanely easy to make.

recipe:
1 box nilla wafer cookies
1 large box vanilla pudding
1 bunch ripe bananas
1 8oz tub cool whip

directions:
1. line the nilla wafer cookies on the bottom of a 9x13 casserolle dish
2. slice bananas over cookies, until completely covered
3. in separate mixing bowl, prepare pudding according to directions, and pour over cookies and bananas
4. spread cool whip over top until completely covered
5. place 10 nilla wafer cookies in a ziploc and crush until it is a crumb consistency.
6. sprinkle crumbs over cool whip
7. cover and let chill for 30 minutes

submitted by stacy, recipe from jennie

fall porch decor #1

2009-09-02T09:42:00.000-07:00

just another project to feed my fall fever. i found this darling idea for my porch for the upcoming halloween and thanksgiving seasons. i love pumpkin decor because they work for both holidays. i think i am going to attempt putting this together on my own, i will let you know how it turns out. i am planning on using real pumpkins, but possibly spraying some adhesive and adding some shimmer to spruce it up a bit.

i have another porch inspiration (coming soon) that i plan to use with this. it includes hay, lanterns, and more pumpkins. i cannot wait!

fall lanterns

2009-09-01T14:48:00.000-07:00

spring fever is a commonly used phrase- especially here in utah. but lately, i have had a case of fall fever. i am longing to decorate the porch with hay bails, pumpkins, candles... and these adorable lanterns that i made today. i am filling my void of fall fever with fall craft projects! my basement is filling up, and by the time october rolls around i will be able to show them off! i thought this one was a secret worth sharing. it took about 10-15 minutes to assemble two.

what you need:
candle lantern - $10
fall leaves spray - $2 (1 spray is enough for 5 lanterns)
flower- $2
ribbon- $2-3 (i used three different patterns)

directions:
1. tie each piece of your ribbon in a basic bow around the top of your lantern.
2. bend the flower stem around the lantern, trimming off any extra stem
3. cut a branch of the leaf spray, and stick into the knot of the ribbon. repeat on opposite side with a different knot.

idea by stacy

baby burp cloths

2009-08-31T06:52:00.000-07:00

this is a super easy sewing project that is too die for. they are absolutely darling, and a must have for every new mom. my 10 year old niece can make these, so it is a great place to start no matter what your sewing skills. this is MY secret worth sharing!

what you need:
1/2 yard printed fabric
1/2 yard chenille fabric
your sewing machine & thread

directions:
1. cut your 1/2 yard piece in half, and then cut in half again. you will have the perfect dimensions for a burp cloth.
2. place the two fabrics back to back, and pin edges.
3. sew around entire surface, except for last 3-4 inches. turn inside out, revealing the fabrics.
4. sew remaining 3-4 inches, and then add a trim 2 inches in, if desired.

aprons

2009-08-30T15:23:00.000-07:00

i got the inspiration for these aprons at a local boutique, and thought it would be a great inexpensive gift to give the women in my family for christmas. i am also considering doing mini aprons for their daughters also. what could be more darling than a little girl and her mother baking in the kitchen with matching aprons? especially when they are this cute. so if you are looking for a good gift idea for christmas or birthdays, this is a cute idea that any girl would covet! of course this was a secret worth sharing.

what you need:
1/4 yard each, two decorative fabrics of your choice (toile and checkered used here)
1/4 yard of solid white or black fabric to line back
1 package jumbo rick rack (2.5 yards)
total cost= less than $3/apron

directions:
unfortunately i don't use patterns, i just draw them out myself and go at it. but you can probably google half apron patterns if you are nervous.

idea from stacy, inspired by holy cow boutique