tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56645612080479388482024-02-07T04:09:29.969-05:00everyday wylieLife... it's a ride and everyday is new. I write about REAL life... ordinary life... my life. Let's learn from each other.emwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261813824183729564noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664561208047938848.post-15395172836780432362011-08-16T21:39:00.004-04:002011-08-16T21:49:47.699-04:00embroidery projects<div>I've been doing lots of embroidery lately and Jon has encouraged me to post pictures online for future reference... so here we go!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdeTZSbZPNjni93fIHLgz7XJFCQFiP8kBbkMvaUSgfeAL5o_2wwqT8UGSMuoeMthOx9rk737NLm-vAgyQapfI9KOLimVB5JzJFE59jwbWACfc1Segl7URHqlkIzzs9kwLYfCu0lOH8Xl6/s1600/8_16_11+022-400.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdeTZSbZPNjni93fIHLgz7XJFCQFiP8kBbkMvaUSgfeAL5o_2wwqT8UGSMuoeMthOx9rk737NLm-vAgyQapfI9KOLimVB5JzJFE59jwbWACfc1Segl7URHqlkIzzs9kwLYfCu0lOH8Xl6/s320/8_16_11+022-400.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641634478370724370" /></a>Love this cute puffer jacket!
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALi_tdZ9Wc3AJSo1ivRkUM9RwNFw6fuIeDDqDrHh6j-L6N3k2XI5imlNJkZy7GGLue-X6i2iiSkJZQRM5770D8r9WxXVxbXVyU_wbxcqLJEOtVx9brDlEX9PXIZ-sW7BKpjKTa33MZ4Uc/s1600/8_16_11+020-400.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALi_tdZ9Wc3AJSo1ivRkUM9RwNFw6fuIeDDqDrHh6j-L6N3k2XI5imlNJkZy7GGLue-X6i2iiSkJZQRM5770D8r9WxXVxbXVyU_wbxcqLJEOtVx9brDlEX9PXIZ-sW7BKpjKTa33MZ4Uc/s320/8_16_11+020-400.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641634219886843826" /></a>This is the top of a cooler, I love this new font!
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttXlgvC5GchP0e00v5HY8ApuB642NPkI7X4M0KpT0ohRgxxbH3npnDlDcgiXH3k-qxYZaULbLY6rFbcmrVjMJECuibewLjiI0Qwe-QXSAcclhEU5UDYk8b2_Hzi6bLrZtTyyLjHuixbI6/s1600/8_16_11+018-400.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttXlgvC5GchP0e00v5HY8ApuB642NPkI7X4M0KpT0ohRgxxbH3npnDlDcgiXH3k-qxYZaULbLY6rFbcmrVjMJECuibewLjiI0Qwe-QXSAcclhEU5UDYk8b2_Hzi6bLrZtTyyLjHuixbI6/s320/8_16_11+018-400.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641634219731371890" /></a>These bags are baby gifts, the girl I did them for is going to add some cute fabric flowers to them. I'm totally stealing this idea! This is also a new font, it's my new favorite I think, called "strawberry."
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7an5FYdx0M_f9Ed52Hq3ii_gCrzcFHnrq2UpENrPyFX60AI5Vkq3xDTwvGnBhZzJMz8cPez1OhgD7ODWCYJNZ8nMJsnbJM7CQ7S6iiu3OyQaWffqpH1Hhz9AH7Gy9GtJykXXCOvcKVY-9/s1600/8_16_11+017-400.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7an5FYdx0M_f9Ed52Hq3ii_gCrzcFHnrq2UpENrPyFX60AI5Vkq3xDTwvGnBhZzJMz8cPez1OhgD7ODWCYJNZ8nMJsnbJM7CQ7S6iiu3OyQaWffqpH1Hhz9AH7Gy9GtJykXXCOvcKVY-9/s320/8_16_11+017-400.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641634215976658914" /></a>Dress for a birthday present. The girl I did this for asked for dots around the letter, I'd never done this before but I had fun playing around with my software to draw and digitize a dot and I will definitely be doing this again!
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPC1ApWM1OE2nuNHEjrB7nOXGzI7hw1Pz7Now-bSvwMOheDMaeULBQn3Fjkm4yIORpy2sOIf5iHOPv8OqrT-prQ2lYRUBwQdTBmambKKR5K4Lu0sQEkRhiQmjZpycW4gMX_vzuVCPeMEHc/s1600/8_16_11+016-400.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPC1ApWM1OE2nuNHEjrB7nOXGzI7hw1Pz7Now-bSvwMOheDMaeULBQn3Fjkm4yIORpy2sOIf5iHOPv8OqrT-prQ2lYRUBwQdTBmambKKR5K4Lu0sQEkRhiQmjZpycW4gMX_vzuVCPeMEHc/s320/8_16_11+016-400.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641634212246641794" /></a>emwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261813824183729564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664561208047938848.post-16713862946100192862010-02-17T19:28:00.003-05:002010-02-17T19:33:02.335-05:00chocolate goodnessI found this recipe over a year ago on <a href="http://blissfullydomestic.com/2008/chocolate-cobbler-decadence-with-ease-and-economy">Blissfully Domestic</a> but never got around to making it. My little sister made it this past weekend and commented on how good and easy it was, so I tried it last night.<br /><br />AMAZING!!!! You probably have everything in your pantry already and it whips up really fast! My one tip is to let it cool some before serving. I ate some almost immediately over some vanilla ice cream and the fudgy saucy part was really thin, after a while it got fudgier which was nice. It also does pretty well to reheat in the microwave which works nicely.<br /><br /><p><strong><span style=""><span style="">Chocolate Cobbler</span></span></strong></p><ul><li>1 C self Rising Flour</li><li> 3/4 C sugar</li><li> 2 T Cocoa</li><li> 1/2 C Milk</li><li> 1 tsp Vanilla</li><li> 2 T Vegetable Oil</li><li> 3/4 C Brown Sugar</li><li> 1/4 C Cocoa</li><li> 1 3/4 C hot tap water</li><li> 1 C chopped pecans (optional)</li></ul><ol><li>Mix together flour, sugar, and cocoa.</li><li>Add milk, vanilla, oil, and nuts. Mix well.</li><li>Pour into greased 8×8 inch pan.</li><li>Mix 3/4 C brown sugar and 1/4 C cocoa together. Sprinkle over batter.</li><li>Very slowly pour the hot tap water over the dry mixture and batter.</li><li>Bake in 350 oven for 40 to 45 minutes.</li></ol>emwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261813824183729564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664561208047938848.post-13268036315207655032010-01-29T14:12:00.004-05:002010-01-29T14:20:02.184-05:00homemade pita bread<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilGBiVRH6rw-buTeiIqeeiV9DesF542zwTb7HgDtzANO2KjyKQSVBRjeCRuVRDuEoHshbmb7Yja_bzIcmb_yYZQsczJItHNU65egh1WU5JlflZYf8CGu9nGkK2MRv2sGWURcF__B-Nf7v/s1600-h/1_29_10+005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilGBiVRH6rw-buTeiIqeeiV9DesF542zwTb7HgDtzANO2KjyKQSVBRjeCRuVRDuEoHshbmb7Yja_bzIcmb_yYZQsczJItHNU65egh1WU5JlflZYf8CGu9nGkK2MRv2sGWURcF__B-Nf7v/s200/1_29_10+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432242402631626562" border="0" /></a>Yesterday I made hummus which of course meant I needed pita bread to go with it.<br /><br />That was this morning's project. I used <a href="http://www.underthehighchair.com/2009/04/diy-pita-bread.html">this recipe</a>.<br /><br />I don't think I'll use it again.... next time I want to find one with whole wheat flour. I also want to do better letting my oven preheat all the way (I'm really bad about that but this recipe needs it). And I think I'd like a recipe that calls for a little honey or sugar. So all that being said...if you are a pita maker and have a good recipe please let me know!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGRAfTDv6nKecy3d9BTI2qSPlWfmpnIqg15Sef3lms3RBoWUQtPnLSdmO23qcdH-A71j4xxYPyoPdQidr6gml9NfoX6xvdIUvO-m8b0MtVpNkyfvuJ66L5XUAeTJDpeqfU-VDNf68bASl/s1600-h/1_29_10+006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGRAfTDv6nKecy3d9BTI2qSPlWfmpnIqg15Sef3lms3RBoWUQtPnLSdmO23qcdH-A71j4xxYPyoPdQidr6gml9NfoX6xvdIUvO-m8b0MtVpNkyfvuJ66L5XUAeTJDpeqfU-VDNf68bASl/s200/1_29_10+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432242411408904642" border="0" /></a>Making pita bread was super easy and very quick to do as far as breads go. So this is something I'll try again.<br /><br />My pitas didn't really puff much at all and certainly nothing close to the beautiful puffiness of the picture of the recipe I was following.... oh well!<br /><br />It was an interesting experiment.emwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261813824183729564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664561208047938848.post-85886151378035000092010-01-28T10:12:00.005-05:002010-01-28T10:35:36.846-05:00blanket stitch tutorialMollie asked how to blanket stitch and I'm actually working on a receiving blanket for the baby (just in case it's a boy!) right now so that is great timing. I took a few pictures while I was working on it this morning. It' SO easy.<br /><br />This blanket stitch is for the edge of an actual blanket. If you want to blanket stitch around an applique on a shirt like I did for the <a href="http://everydaywylie.blogspot.com/2010/01/valentines-applique.html">Valentine's shirt</a> then check out <a href="http://ajpadilla.com/tutorials/beginners-corner/applique-basics/blanket-stitch-applique">these instructions</a>.<br /><br />Doing this for a baby blanket is so easy and it's a nice handwork project to have going because it doesn't take much thought and you can kind of pick it up whenever. I just buy a piece of flannel that seems a good size for a blanket... nothing exact. And then I get 2 things of coordinating DMC thread. First you'll need to wash and dry the fabric. Then loosely baste the edges, turning them down about 1/4 an inch and then another 1/4 an inch so you have a clean edge. Then you start the blanket stitch.<br /><br />1. From the back insert the needle up through the edge of the fold and pull thread through.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHQnsUyhWbia-K7plxGym9pNS4AexkrmR1FSAkznZfSm_1_NObvdL-EwkXVJYcyCtUdUu8P4GzInWHNq6S1q_v7TMxGV33IkNafWUuqmWL5JQZaVl3gVfrYursW94-P3VPgB1eIu0PA6W/s1600-h/blanket+stitch+002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHQnsUyhWbia-K7plxGym9pNS4AexkrmR1FSAkznZfSm_1_NObvdL-EwkXVJYcyCtUdUu8P4GzInWHNq6S1q_v7TMxGV33IkNafWUuqmWL5JQZaVl3gVfrYursW94-P3VPgB1eIu0PA6W/s320/blanket+stitch+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431813378506406434" border="0" /></a><br />2. From the front insert the needle a little ways to the right just below the fold of the hem that you basted. (just try to keep this even so all your stitches are spaced the same distance apart)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62OZBGEsdiQVpYCL3OrCgWBtEo3fiVqgJTc26ZO_0DhNsm8ebgKQNSHzBKOuf587xV1OzvTu10xWvKfbmvVKVqAEYwPhBLGyh5OXC8Fiw3jFOQPaVbYRyhfh5Rh1EkM1MJBL1C7-k0F9n/s1600-h/blanket+stitch+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62OZBGEsdiQVpYCL3OrCgWBtEo3fiVqgJTc26ZO_0DhNsm8ebgKQNSHzBKOuf587xV1OzvTu10xWvKfbmvVKVqAEYwPhBLGyh5OXC8Fiw3jFOQPaVbYRyhfh5Rh1EkM1MJBL1C7-k0F9n/s320/blanket+stitch+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431813383112473698" border="0" /></a><br />3. From the back you'll be reinserting the needle just at the top edge of the hem so that you just catch the fabric.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtIxcPG8Ig2XfD35guX3AHS4R5Cp_lHUukK1_0sjOEg3JG3Yaf0sTti1xHEMkYXOPqbHzPv3ZNXzt_grsVkxb-ko2KbrSJd2D7tYtTAp28G22aE4wgQdIW7Fy4ZnfKoCgWT7wKSzB5uf0/s1600-h/blanket+stitch+005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtIxcPG8Ig2XfD35guX3AHS4R5Cp_lHUukK1_0sjOEg3JG3Yaf0sTti1xHEMkYXOPqbHzPv3ZNXzt_grsVkxb-ko2KbrSJd2D7tYtTAp28G22aE4wgQdIW7Fy4ZnfKoCgWT7wKSzB5uf0/s320/blanket+stitch+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431813600609298274" border="0" /></a><br />4. Wrap your thread around the needle from back to front and hold with your thumb as you pull the needle and thread through.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_e4Hh_-4qQUEgoDUXuCSyGhj-8R0-lUgAa8VexmMRWkmOw6XHVRFKScPfLJyAoOUkWlwbphj8hOu-uYYMGZpxiy8wM8lmxbR8qRnuw4uuIy5X85a2iYD4QV0N2aBybHO4l2Eq7_IxoKN/s1600-h/blanket+stitch+004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_e4Hh_-4qQUEgoDUXuCSyGhj-8R0-lUgAa8VexmMRWkmOw6XHVRFKScPfLJyAoOUkWlwbphj8hOu-uYYMGZpxiy8wM8lmxbR8qRnuw4uuIy5X85a2iYD4QV0N2aBybHO4l2Eq7_IxoKN/s320/blanket+stitch+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431813391491498978" border="0" /></a><br />5. Then you just repeat that all the way around.<br />6. At the corners I usually do three stitches entering at the same point but coming out on each side and at the tip of the corner to anchor.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYBMLsNC0o53WBnQXtBhu4vQkZF9zPpp_mfWhgX2vxHU5wEuFFFyUXXdn0hNLyNWfnYEPssrILQCy-EYq1Y7cmpvlBIuGH39Mli4HqT6NNz8P2MTbW5h_owuB4gw2Ecpy26bcRSWzuSQf/s1600-h/blanket+stitch+006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYBMLsNC0o53WBnQXtBhu4vQkZF9zPpp_mfWhgX2vxHU5wEuFFFyUXXdn0hNLyNWfnYEPssrILQCy-EYq1Y7cmpvlBIuGH39Mli4HqT6NNz8P2MTbW5h_owuB4gw2Ecpy26bcRSWzuSQf/s320/blanket+stitch+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431813608572700626" border="0" /></a><br />7. Remove the basting when you're done.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjxnCbythhm6jZPWSQxUKFZbpXy6bmi-T9xQqTHijNV3pGclHMAh_NciC5pDitV6Qy89ZabFye3H0yEIWpbZZVFTw6m8wXMtAqtI-xg84PrRemGU7Uem-m__Iq16dgQKYrSPvfgghUGpl/s1600-h/blanket+stitch+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjxnCbythhm6jZPWSQxUKFZbpXy6bmi-T9xQqTHijNV3pGclHMAh_NciC5pDitV6Qy89ZabFye3H0yEIWpbZZVFTw6m8wXMtAqtI-xg84PrRemGU7Uem-m__Iq16dgQKYrSPvfgghUGpl/s320/blanket+stitch+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431813372965889810" border="0" /></a>emwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261813824183729564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664561208047938848.post-63763744270664260082010-01-27T14:14:00.004-05:002010-01-27T14:17:49.583-05:00super EASY playdough recipe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3b7RT-_SLyzL0qAuIplWwhQ1i3lL8DxWTiIKV4VG_mBPJGnqV7jgO0Lkxx8bHWgd8m-jf3znWF-IDxDYHpfjFphwwezbBVdYL72nbLPkwtBCfEz7QoVUJSuCPu7B_uBPBMIt0ipIw7kA/s1600-h/1_27_10+011.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3b7RT-_SLyzL0qAuIplWwhQ1i3lL8DxWTiIKV4VG_mBPJGnqV7jgO0Lkxx8bHWgd8m-jf3znWF-IDxDYHpfjFphwwezbBVdYL72nbLPkwtBCfEz7QoVUJSuCPu7B_uBPBMIt0ipIw7kA/s200/1_27_10+011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431500437008272018" border="0" /></a>We made this up this morning in under 10 minutes with things we already had in the pantry. I highly recommend!!<br /><br /><span id="intelliTxt"><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><b>Kool-Aid Play Dough</b><br /><br />1 cup flour<br />1 cup water<br />1/2 cup salt<br />3 teaspoons cream of tartar<a id="KonaLink1" target="undefined" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://www.familycorner.com/family/kids/crafts/edible_play_dough.shtml#"><span style="font-weight: 400; position: static;font-family:verdana;font-size:13;color:#b00000;" ><span class="kLink" style="font-weight: 400; position: relative;font-family:verdana;font-size:13;color:#b00000;" ></span></span></a><br />1 package Kool-Aid Mix (any flavor of unsweetened)<br />1 tablespoon cooking oil<br /><br />Mix dry ingredients together in a large saucepan. Slowly add water mixed with oil and stir over medium heat until mixture thickens to dough. Turn out onto a heatproof bread board or counter top and knead until cool enough for children to handle. Dough will be the color of the Kool-Aid mix and will smell like the Kool-Aid mix. (Can be stored in a tightly covered container for up to six months) (<a href="http://www.familycorner.com/family/kids/crafts/edible_play_dough.shtml">This site</a> had other recipes too!)</span></span>emwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261813824183729564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664561208047938848.post-45922364993666207662010-01-27T09:59:00.006-05:002010-01-27T10:05:03.959-05:00Valentine's applique<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3n7HY1PoiIzy4y20sMzZ2EJpPMAx4yBNmi3GdoKRzsOpwmRGOKOHnge_JLP9kidyOwHq8BaFrc7qSj_C2JaghLjMuSGGSR6FneSOR_3wopzVprdSu6-QIkJMXAsd7NLUVb1iLe1yJ1t-4/s1600-h/1_27_10+010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3n7HY1PoiIzy4y20sMzZ2EJpPMAx4yBNmi3GdoKRzsOpwmRGOKOHnge_JLP9kidyOwHq8BaFrc7qSj_C2JaghLjMuSGGSR6FneSOR_3wopzVprdSu6-QIkJMXAsd7NLUVb1iLe1yJ1t-4/s320/1_27_10+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431435366155435586" border="0" /></a>I have been itching to applique something for Baby Girl and Valentine's seemed a perfect opportunity.<br /><br /><a href="http://ourhappylittlenest.blogspot.com/">Mary Catherine</a> gave me some places to look to get ideas and I combined two (from Etsy) for this shirt.<br /><br />It was a super fun and really quick project. It would have been faster if I had machine stitched to applique, but I thought the blanket stitch was a cute detail.emwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261813824183729564noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664561208047938848.post-42221651312014055752010-01-23T19:50:00.003-05:002010-01-23T19:58:59.301-05:00what kids can do<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ndBf4IdVvQ_200x-Tx4jocOuEIpsGSALa1_1RAWS3xVm2LKZ5Z8Kzx6mfSBUeHvDPRTBbLK5ETJX5wWnTQDa8T9sF7KfbhyphenhyphenxAkZJsKkH_4OrHnIUvbkMDinwcI5BEqSnzLhYngszz8pG/s1600-h/1_14_10+015.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ndBf4IdVvQ_200x-Tx4jocOuEIpsGSALa1_1RAWS3xVm2LKZ5Z8Kzx6mfSBUeHvDPRTBbLK5ETJX5wWnTQDa8T9sF7KfbhyphenhyphenxAkZJsKkH_4OrHnIUvbkMDinwcI5BEqSnzLhYngszz8pG/s200/1_14_10+015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430104404191430498" border="0" /></a>I have been AMAZED recently at what Baby Girl can do (she's almost 18 months). Very regularly I think to myself how we as a society belittles kids by expecting so little of them and not giving them opportunities to grow into. A couple days ago I actually felt like I had a <span style="font-style: italic;">conversation </span>with my child... crazy!<br /><br />Here are some things I have learned she can do:<br /><br />1. clean up toys<br />2. put things "in"- i.e. "Can you help Mama put the wipes in the basket?" They may be a mess, but they are in the basket.<br />3. cook- she has helped me bake on several occasions and can dump ingredients into the bowl<br />4. listen to reading without pictures- the Bible and poems for example<br />5. take things places- i.e. "Can you please go put your coat in your room?"<br />6. follow directions... this is so amazing to me because it means she actually understands what I am saying, even if she can't verbally respond<br /><br />Maybe this isn't news to most people but with this being child number one it really is incredible to me.emwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261813824183729564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664561208047938848.post-6379065964524682572010-01-23T19:43:00.003-05:002010-01-23T19:48:20.331-05:00favorite blogs: Lynn's Kitchen Adventures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hFVBkoQlx5BTyDuus1P8mhD5FC1Swf1f9F1cZpt3VnPLCK6WuPMo5_qTyYZM70QHABmgbsDYrhpoVnOfEAKRL9AxnIW_rAoBz9mq9NnV0-ZOKNsFDZ8Jp03YjfgieAFxh_-tTm3p2iPI/s1600-h/favoriteblogs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 141px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hFVBkoQlx5BTyDuus1P8mhD5FC1Swf1f9F1cZpt3VnPLCK6WuPMo5_qTyYZM70QHABmgbsDYrhpoVnOfEAKRL9AxnIW_rAoBz9mq9NnV0-ZOKNsFDZ8Jp03YjfgieAFxh_-tTm3p2iPI/s200/favoriteblogs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430101768360545362" border="0" /></a>So it's been six months since I last posted on here... OOPS! I just kind of unintentionally took a blogging hiatus. However, in the last few weeks I have had several things that I've thought... "hmm, that would be fun to post about." So I'm back.<br /><br />To kick off my return, here's my new favorite blog!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.lynnskitchenadventures.com/">Lynn's Kitchen Adventures</a>.<br /><br />1. NORMAL family friendly recipes<br />2. pictures of EVERY dish<br />3. lots of cooking from scratch (=frugal!)<br />4. easy to navigate and browse categories<br /><br />Love it.emwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261813824183729564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664561208047938848.post-67712182385132271232009-07-20T14:11:00.004-04:002009-07-20T14:19:00.128-04:00favorite blogs: Health Begins with Mom<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYaRlnHxWYM6k-fpYXRWBHtqkmInsaY-_tB1AS7j9UNcH1f-pkiupAgzbpNNEaIWUx_2vqrDu0cvwbdEjxWrD2Fc6UTD_QycXQJKV-Tx284_dL0ZQTwlrmzck0SSwBynQLDhzhtDZV70I/s1600-h/favoriteblogs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 141px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYaRlnHxWYM6k-fpYXRWBHtqkmInsaY-_tB1AS7j9UNcH1f-pkiupAgzbpNNEaIWUx_2vqrDu0cvwbdEjxWrD2Fc6UTD_QycXQJKV-Tx284_dL0ZQTwlrmzck0SSwBynQLDhzhtDZV70I/s200/favoriteblogs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360608415399106434" border="0" /></a><a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/">This </a>is a new to me blog that I LOVE, <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/">Health Begins with Mom</a>! Sadly (but happily for her family!) she is taking a sabbatical from blogging for a bit to get school started back up with her kiddos. The archives are still fantastic though and I am already looking forward to her return.<br /><br />Amy Ellen discusses all aspects of family health. Currently I'm working on making our eating habits more healthful and have found great ideas and resources on her site. I must say that some of the ideas are impossible for our family to implement because of cost, but the general idea of being a mom and wife and keeping my home in a way that promotes health in our family I am totally on board with!<br /><br />I also emailed her with a question and received a truly thoughtful and personal response. So nice!<br /><br />I highly recommend <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/">Health Begins with Mom</a>!emwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261813824183729564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664561208047938848.post-31824320756656635492009-07-17T09:26:00.003-04:002009-07-17T09:35:38.049-04:00peanut butter granola<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5SPSkpMrQxCnTWDgYtdifgAy_2UpqbM_GvOCJUpIdsyP5dxrvbIlkEKXIHZ-2D2el_JAbWsFr__HeqUzyt6Ycg90Vk4gd4myevJ_dnJZIUCLxiT-wvRWdlCBWVE0HwZzBpAgQw7p5det/s1600-h/625peanut_butter.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 152px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5SPSkpMrQxCnTWDgYtdifgAy_2UpqbM_GvOCJUpIdsyP5dxrvbIlkEKXIHZ-2D2el_JAbWsFr__HeqUzyt6Ycg90Vk4gd4myevJ_dnJZIUCLxiT-wvRWdlCBWVE0HwZzBpAgQw7p5det/s200/625peanut_butter.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359421170519919266" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >We love granola around here! Jon likes to eat it like cereal and I prefer it over yogurt. This stuff however, I can just eat straight from the jar... like candy! Unfortunately I have issues with taking pictures of food that I make... we always eat things before I think to take a picture! This time is no exception. But here's the recipe:<br />Peanut Butter Granola<br />Mix:<br />3 cups oats<br />1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts<br />1/2 cup coconut<br />2 Tbls. sesame seeds<br />Cook in sauce pan until smooth:<br />1/2 cup peanut butter<br />1/2 cup brown sugar<br />1/4 cup butter<br />1 Tbls. light corn syrup (I use honey)<br />1/4 tsp. salt<br />Stir both mixes together. Spread onto a lightly greased pan (I use jelly roll). Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees, stirring after 10 minutes. (Watch closely, mine was getting very dark at the end of 20 minutes). </span>emwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261813824183729564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664561208047938848.post-83453927610020032172009-07-17T05:04:00.001-04:002009-07-17T05:04:00.395-04:00who needs a pool<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjoAn0NqvnYOkyF3Tc4EnXGo7oW94HiYgGCuJqmzPS43mRel_VKonchVow8JegHsCqY9cEKHjCyFcgbfGfLyNfpg7H_7TeEAv-AfLissj4zg2YH641NOFY1bhRFLWYwEzxiHLsJ5Sf68p/s1600-h/july_16_09+025.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjoAn0NqvnYOkyF3Tc4EnXGo7oW94HiYgGCuJqmzPS43mRel_VKonchVow8JegHsCqY9cEKHjCyFcgbfGfLyNfpg7H_7TeEAv-AfLissj4zg2YH641NOFY1bhRFLWYwEzxiHLsJ5Sf68p/s320/july_16_09+025.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359059252065069042" border="0" /></a>While we love going to various local pools with friends some of them cost, a membership would definitely cost, and it takes time, energy and gas to load up in the car to go somewhere.<br /><br />Since we are in an apartment and don't have pool access I came up with this fun way for Baby Girl to splash around on a hot day:<br /><br />1. Take a plastic storage bin and fill it with just enough water that it's not too heavy to carry outside.<br /><br />2. Throw in a few toys.<br /><br />3. Set it outside in the shade and put the baby in the tub!<br /><br />We did this for a full hour!<br /><br />She doesn't look too thrilled in the picture, so if you're not convinced that this is fun check out this video:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy3YhBRfikWZ2xiLdNUQ3UTdjFrEsbkWyvC09-FqrWk9zWN3p7B7p2-uYEsm6LYUVamzWNxx-huOcei5B4PPg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></div><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I know it looks very dangerous that she's standing up in this thing... I was holding on to it the whole time so she wouldn't knock it over! </span><br /><br />For more fun and frugal tips head on over to<a href="http://www.lifeasmom.com/"> Life as Mom. </a>emwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261813824183729564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664561208047938848.post-73898320623738064912009-07-14T20:36:00.005-04:002009-07-14T20:46:56.048-04:00best bib ever!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2U8j70Ue1foYBEKKJB0bdle0XcsHpZN32roophztN5I829LZ8S6z657TJ-JtiquMKl4si0SwVpqij9GwEijBOCK9qMFhaIk9-FMtlYeTrhSKECiTsK_YK4UCyEJ35TX56vhCPoasSio4/s1600-h/bib+002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2U8j70Ue1foYBEKKJB0bdle0XcsHpZN32roophztN5I829LZ8S6z657TJ-JtiquMKl4si0SwVpqij9GwEijBOCK9qMFhaIk9-FMtlYeTrhSKECiTsK_YK4UCyEJ35TX56vhCPoasSio4/s320/bib+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358480644236710482" border="0" /></a>A friend at church recommended this bib to me, it's Parents brand and I found it at Wal-Mart for about $5. (Apparently her daughter dumped a whole bowl of soup in this thing and it caught <span style="font-style: italic;">every drop</span>. We haven't gone so far in our testing but thus far it is worth every penny!<br /><br />Here's how it works:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">You snap the pocket together.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The pocket sticks out so it catches everything</span> (except for bits of rice and peas and noodles that fly through the air in odd directions).<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Once finished you <span style="font-weight: bold;">unsnap </span>the bib to wipe it clean without having to dig in the pocket!</span><br /><br />Brilliant!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUN6nhSID3S2jJgcxggIFGtySGDrvRhC9srp9FsEWFYp1ff4tKJTi1hndIRk_HLXgtW15NBKNi7-leKXVxPJfEd6AkGls3XpbYssVXhwD7cdbWr0rNI75qDuG_IrEaf_H_9JCeQ2jpiUnS/s1600-h/bib+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUN6nhSID3S2jJgcxggIFGtySGDrvRhC9srp9FsEWFYp1ff4tKJTi1hndIRk_HLXgtW15NBKNi7-leKXVxPJfEd6AkGls3XpbYssVXhwD7cdbWr0rNI75qDuG_IrEaf_H_9JCeQ2jpiUnS/s320/bib+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358480635011840370" border="0" /></a>This certainly works for me. Check out <a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/">We are THAT Family</a> for more Works for Me tips!<br /><br />P.S. I am not a fan of the pattern... they could have made this a little cuter especially since I <span style="font-weight: bold;">really</span> didn't like this movie.... but... this bib is so good I can overlook that!emwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261813824183729564noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664561208047938848.post-9984034637650101722009-07-13T12:45:00.003-04:002009-07-13T12:54:44.246-04:00blessings of frugal livingWhile there are many blessings to living frugally (less "stuff," more quiet, healthier eating, focused stewardship, etc.) here is a picture of how our errands today played out:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">1st stop-</span> Post Office= Martha Stewart Living magazine, Parents magazine (both free subscriptions found online)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">2nd stop</span>- CVS= razor for Jon and tylenol (we MADE $0.60)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">3rd stop-</span> Staples= two (500 count) reams of printer paper, pretty pens (yay!), 2 rolls scotch tape, photo paper (after rebate we will have MADE $0.06)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpChmR4uPQKdJ51JGVX3ApRSf-aLIKId_8CkYWT1GSeqDeYYqx_Vr6LnBU1pdqe1TM04XoOS-4APTr-_f3qrvxh9bsWEKWuvfQHgccFSAsZFgD6SGsMu4ZbSGzWKyms32EeMlwzfZi3haz/s1600-h/frugalblessing.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpChmR4uPQKdJ51JGVX3ApRSf-aLIKId_8CkYWT1GSeqDeYYqx_Vr6LnBU1pdqe1TM04XoOS-4APTr-_f3qrvxh9bsWEKWuvfQHgccFSAsZFgD6SGsMu4ZbSGzWKyms32EeMlwzfZi3haz/s320/frugalblessing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357988464016425762" border="0" /></a><br />What a blessing that with a little time and forethought we came away from our errands with more in our pocket than when we left home. And all for things we need or can use!<br /><br />Many thanks to www.southernsavers.com and www.moneysavingmom.com for making me aware of such great deals!emwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261813824183729564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664561208047938848.post-43879722293658801072009-07-13T05:18:00.000-04:002009-07-13T05:18:01.126-04:00monday menu- eating from the freezer editionWe are trying to clean out the freezer and pantry... it's going to take while. Here's how we're starting:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Monday</span>- soft tacos (with kit that was the penny item at Publix a while back) with taco meat (freezer), spanish rice (freezer)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Tuesday</span>- $2 Moe's Burritos... Sorry... I think this a local thing :o(<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Wednesday</span>- Quesadillas with rice and beans(freezer) using up the leftovers from Monday (and yes I did check with my husband to make sure he was okay with Mexican three nights running... he was... he eats anything... I'm blessed)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thursday</span>- Homemade pizza (sauce in freezer) with peppers (freezer), onions, and fresh basil<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Friday</span>- Clean out the Fridge<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Saturday</span>- Broccoli Stir Fry (freezer) with rice and homemade bread (freezer)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Sunday</span>- Jon has something with work... I'll probably have cereal :o)<br /><br />Check out <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/">Organizing Junkie</a> for more meal plans.emwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261813824183729564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664561208047938848.post-4440743374253989132009-07-10T05:02:00.000-04:002009-07-10T05:02:00.580-04:00wedding gift idea<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6du4H7JGlWonlxGgf2n-iAWY6kUAnuWFl8jXsKtEoopLohyphenhyphen7QxjU2QsormayIfP6kyzxCCx7opjz5ytQb9l_rdUQgmst7MZqVVNX9ceRaEzs2n8SLt136AWaYqnJd8vuWCsOtKxZWjsJ/s1600-h/grnsmoothie+%281%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6du4H7JGlWonlxGgf2n-iAWY6kUAnuWFl8jXsKtEoopLohyphenhyphen7QxjU2QsormayIfP6kyzxCCx7opjz5ytQb9l_rdUQgmst7MZqVVNX9ceRaEzs2n8SLt136AWaYqnJd8vuWCsOtKxZWjsJ/s320/grnsmoothie+%281%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356634108187531154" border="0" /></a>Tomorrow I am going to a shower for my future sister-in-law and had spent a while trying to think of a meaningful gift. Since we are in a bit of a budget pinch right now it needed to also be inexpensive.<br /><br />I thought about the things I use in my home on a daily basis and (after asking the bride-to-be a few subtle questions to see if this would suit) I decided to create a recipe binder for her like the one I use every day.<br /><br />I used to use a recipe box and that was... a disaster. My binder however is a <span style="font-style: italic;">joy </span>to use! I hope it is for her as well!<br /><br />Here's what you'll need:<br />- LARGE 3-ring binder (I think this one is 2.5-3 inches?)<br />- at least a 50 pack of page protectors<br />- sticky tab inserts for your categories<br />- a piece of cardstock for each category<br />- coordinating scrapbook paper for outside of notebook<br /><br />I used the scrapbook paper and odds and ends of scrapbooking supplies that I had to create the cover, spine and back of the book.<br /><br />I typed up the various categories and put those in the tab inserts. Going in order I stuck the tab inserts at varied intervals along the TOP of a piece of cardstock. Then I put the cardstock in a page protector (it doesn't work to use regular tab dividers because they won't stick out past the page protectors!). Lastly I printed out my own copies of recipes and added those to the binder.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyawAjofpn6C3Op0X7ohEeYUmy3v2kf-g9xP4J8OBLb2M7HKROARGy1Ap5TWp118AgBZhA8RKnVuQDQpWx5z8VIYiiFsUzVaaNQY9MaD2S2O3R3bE-m1ml9eWAZvMX5s6-SpmPi55l4lSG/s1600-h/grnsmoothie+%282%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyawAjofpn6C3Op0X7ohEeYUmy3v2kf-g9xP4J8OBLb2M7HKROARGy1Ap5TWp118AgBZhA8RKnVuQDQpWx5z8VIYiiFsUzVaaNQY9MaD2S2O3R3bE-m1ml9eWAZvMX5s6-SpmPi55l4lSG/s320/grnsmoothie+%282%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356633725511345586" border="0" /></a>Here are a few other tips for the binders:<br /><br />- you can use page protectors with photo slots to hold recipe cards that you don't want to throw away. In my binder I have several of these because they are in the handwriting of someone special or were given to me at a special occasion.<br /><br />- tear out recipes from magazines and slide them in a page protector<br /><br />- make sure you give the bride some extra card stock and tab dividers if they want to adjust the categories<br /><br />- keep it clean and organized<br /><br />- make it pretty, you (or the recipient) will be more likely to use something that looks nice!<br /><br />Read more frugal tips at <a href="http://www.lifeasmom.com/">Life as MOM</a>.emwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261813824183729564noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664561208047938848.post-8038773926138272762009-07-03T08:00:00.000-04:002009-07-03T08:24:05.796-04:00staycationing is the thing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNktykcGYTQt19YCqUsDdy366laCikNawCJYFv7nqml4R5pGvO2Xu5j7yWRJD9pXSP9DZ7sXBCrGhulsAf2v0Itces6-qH3Y84VWxFCyembZxZDy10AMLI3fCTm9-zgE4DftNVl1XSaUO/s1600-h/june_28_09+019.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNktykcGYTQt19YCqUsDdy366laCikNawCJYFv7nqml4R5pGvO2Xu5j7yWRJD9pXSP9DZ7sXBCrGhulsAf2v0Itces6-qH3Y84VWxFCyembZxZDy10AMLI3fCTm9-zgE4DftNVl1XSaUO/s320/june_28_09+019.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352548507565858034" border="0" /></a>Vacation with...<br /><br />NO travel<br /><br />NO packing<br /><br />NO unpacking<br /><br />NO excessive laundry pile-up... wait that happens anyway...<br /><br />LOTS of family time<br /><br />LOTS of relaxing<br /><br />LOTS of exploring where we live<br /><br />This has got to be my new favorite thing!<br /><br />We staycationed from last Friday through Tuesday and it was AMAZING! I have never felt so relaxed in my life! This is what we did/ didn't do:<br /><br />1. Didn't put pressure on ourselves to "do." Friday we just vegged and didn't feel guilty as if we were missing out on a new experience or place to explore.<br /><br />2. Did make our meals special. We went out to one nice dinner and cooked other foods that are special to us.<br /><br />3. Didn't try to keep up with the house completely. While I kept up with laudry and dishes we didn't worry about vacumming or bathroom cleaning or dusting or the like. This was vacation after all!<br /><br />4. Did do something fun each day! Saturday we had a family photo shoot (compliments of a friend who is starting a photography business). Sunday we went swimming. Monday we went swimming and blueberry picking. Tuesday we went on the lake with friends.<br /><br />5. Didn't spend a lot of money. Our dinner out was with an 80% off Restaurant.com gift card. Swimming was free. Blueberry picking cost but works into our food budget.<br /><br />6. Did enjoy just being together. While Baby Girl was sleeping we watched some movies, read out loud to each other and just enjoyed the calm and quiet.<br /><br />And now I don't feel like I need a vacation from vacation!!<br /><br />For other money saving tips check out<a href="http://www.lifeasmom.com/"> Frugal Fridays over at Life as Mom. </a>emwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261813824183729564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664561208047938848.post-41127852138365061152009-06-29T05:00:00.000-04:002009-06-29T05:00:16.926-04:00monday menu- back in the saddle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://orgjunkie.com/"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 93px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1wDAHJZHhWfpHvjlRZp9CGmXagOqfhRdR7ZMp0dEGKSkp2yr4wGGS2Sih0E8gJ1U69NaonKmqJ2-fJ_ZKDTryaJWIsWwhGZVAK7FpIT8J2RVwsBmY_4zGHhEG9-IToAf_JT_7YqXO0pq/s200/menuplanmon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352540292106823698" border="0" /></a>Well... after skipping several weeks I'm finally back to more consistent and thorough meal planning. No excuses... I just wasn't on my game!<br /><br />Here's this week's plan:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Monday</span>- Steak quesadillas (using leftover london broil) and apples with peanut butter<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Tuesday</span>- BBQ chicken pizza and carrot sticks with ranch dressing<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Wednesday</span>- Eggs, sausage and grits<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thursday</span>- Omlettes and muffins<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Friday</span>- <span style="font-style: italic;">Sunday</span>- out of town for the 4th!<br /><br />Is that lame to have two breakfast nights in a row?!? This was completely intentional as we don't want to have any leftovers hanging around over the long weekend and breakfast for dinner is one of the easiest ways to ensure that! It helps that we both really enjoy breakfast dinners :o) And hopefully is a great reminder that it doesn't always have to be fancy!emwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261813824183729564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664561208047938848.post-34684431648245418282009-06-28T20:39:00.004-04:002009-06-28T20:49:53.072-04:00hoodie towel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvG1AqmdGSKhr2FVYMWHJm9r2I5pGKEQQm4Ef34BZ4XseVxVY-Z9y25QqLC-rGiO1gCa9FyVOWJlp2AmxT5uZX3qjVBktrsKs-D68vT4hqVIgH5DvItvAPur1jrnzsPlk4XdnHQe64MJMN/s1600-h/june_23_09+009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvG1AqmdGSKhr2FVYMWHJm9r2I5pGKEQQm4Ef34BZ4XseVxVY-Z9y25QqLC-rGiO1gCa9FyVOWJlp2AmxT5uZX3qjVBktrsKs-D68vT4hqVIgH5DvItvAPur1jrnzsPlk4XdnHQe64MJMN/s320/june_23_09+009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352544864965367042" border="0" /></a>Our pastor's wife made one these for a friend recently and I LOVED it! I went out the next week and made my own for a shower gift and am making another soon for Baby Girl's first birthday! I should have taken step by step pictures... I'll do that next time!<br /><br />Basically though....<br /><br />1. Buy a towel and washcloth (TJ Maxx and Ross have nice thick ones much cheaper than Wal-Mart or Target in my opinion).<br /><br />2. Choose some sort of decoration. If it's a print towel this wouldn't be totally necessary. You could do a strip of grosgrain across the hood or, like I did, applique a strip of fabric across the hood and then applique initials on the back.<br /><br />3. Sew! This is going to have to come in a separate post with pictures... I tried to type it out and it doesn't make much sense to me unless you can see it! If you're desperate leave me a message and we can have a quick lesson!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2z_yV-aMb3dwW6biOiQn2UlpYrmtRAjgNQ-GfudT0dn7RF80pIWy7tQVxjOszue7_5fUnE8psiiBFh-mTl0-l7q-PZNxC3E60xcVxA00LZrqjectn2AX5FTQqPK5_Ja6IyKPl6xdymFWY/s1600-h/june_23_09+008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2z_yV-aMb3dwW6biOiQn2UlpYrmtRAjgNQ-GfudT0dn7RF80pIWy7tQVxjOszue7_5fUnE8psiiBFh-mTl0-l7q-PZNxC3E60xcVxA00LZrqjectn2AX5FTQqPK5_Ja6IyKPl6xdymFWY/s320/june_23_09+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352544860327086466" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The thing I really love about this as a gift is that it can be used for a long time! Baby Girl isn't even a year and has already outgrown her baby towels. This will last her for years!<br /><br />Sadly... Blogger is (yet again) making my pictures flip! GRRRRR!!! I wanted you to see the adorable dalmatian print monogram on the back of this fire engine red hoodie!<br /><br />Sorry for the odd angle!emwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261813824183729564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664561208047938848.post-55358750075539653072009-06-28T19:40:00.005-04:002009-06-28T20:19:48.702-04:00i make bows -- and they're for saleAfter beginning by making hairbows for my daughter I decided to branch out into selling bows as well. Below are a few samples of types of bows that I make. I am happy to make custom bows to order as well.<br /><br />All bows are attached to 1 and 3/4 inch alligator clips and are partially lined with ribbon which helps the bows stay in your little girl's hair. All ends are sealed to prevent fraying.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Please contact me at teamwylie (at) gmail (dot) com to place an order! </span></span>Shipping is usually $1.00 per order.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBaKbZqzwsCOK3nnHp56cwtumZR_8uHudu1jmxkmTcqc2QenzyF6kB3ARfDTNJaluqafdl3dWepsYByqyT2RQhhnWCnycg0ToZuXtrzPnsq-YQyP1ktA6kDSuPX_lp1EMpnPwZLEvsxij/s1600-h/june_28_09+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBaKbZqzwsCOK3nnHp56cwtumZR_8uHudu1jmxkmTcqc2QenzyF6kB3ARfDTNJaluqafdl3dWepsYByqyT2RQhhnWCnycg0ToZuXtrzPnsq-YQyP1ktA6kDSuPX_lp1EMpnPwZLEvsxij/s320/june_28_09+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352530492717610530" border="0" /></a>Green and Rainbow are the <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Classic Bow</span></span>- $2.50 each<br />Lavender is the <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Looped Bow </span></span>style- $2.50 each<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkD0qcWEujiOOq9XAl7vYYrVOSvGGMwOCsp0hIQYpyfdwVJQEsQLWbv5dn3j0g1u1QuMBhdaFah67USdjTm0rgo_fuIWRwgk6z3CgIcErKtTc15nUxNXWFtNW7w0Pytn_7Sx-8MFWcFKN/s1600-h/bows.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkD0qcWEujiOOq9XAl7vYYrVOSvGGMwOCsp0hIQYpyfdwVJQEsQLWbv5dn3j0g1u1QuMBhdaFah67USdjTm0rgo_fuIWRwgk6z3CgIcErKtTc15nUxNXWFtNW7w0Pytn_7Sx-8MFWcFKN/s320/bows.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352536247762014818" border="0" /></a>Black Polka Dot and Aqua and Pink Strip are other examples of the Classic Bow.<br />Hot Pink <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ladybug Bow</span></span>- $3.50<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAcWLEVjnHDBNUDrEtpyblukWVJ3FemtFJKJBvtXb6F6QTMZI3koahocBWBofr-WUmmzHpgc2mUHlIufuzE9WzH4b8zQ4cQP9Jc_6mLDZDfV7vqGT7Yy2nRUUG-4c96D3C6fkTOxbKck6/s1600-h/june_28_09+002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAcWLEVjnHDBNUDrEtpyblukWVJ3FemtFJKJBvtXb6F6QTMZI3koahocBWBofr-WUmmzHpgc2mUHlIufuzE9WzH4b8zQ4cQP9Jc_6mLDZDfV7vqGT7Yy2nRUUG-4c96D3C6fkTOxbKck6/s320/june_28_09+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352530495195834754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dragonfly/Butterlfy Bow</span></span>- $3.50<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdDIWF7e5ngvEtEjEtRcBPxuMui8ub_vQqZDRtsF-aM3g53yWAsVbCrpgo1sIMhIz1fREnGj6oSuVO6CtAe8ILk1673CqslTdKch1IKQOdoFOcWvjRKyy0N_lQGW6hkn1MVm4coWAd0DG/s1600-h/june_28_09+004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdDIWF7e5ngvEtEjEtRcBPxuMui8ub_vQqZDRtsF-aM3g53yWAsVbCrpgo1sIMhIz1fREnGj6oSuVO6CtAe8ILk1673CqslTdKch1IKQOdoFOcWvjRKyy0N_lQGW6hkn1MVm4coWAd0DG/s320/june_28_09+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352530504561479986" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Flat Ribbon Clip</span></span>- $2.00<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bbqePTZiTEarAyi3GAuR_0GZa0_klJ8AL3Hu2-0SKe2bUA3YjLiIhR8Mor1J-EMk1XXCMyULi-9rsYxAhkboY7X38p90NcjL6Gc8_gL09Gp2rl5zarGBUHTOTJ2kwYsTnM1H0sH5EFEI/s1600-h/june_28_09+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bbqePTZiTEarAyi3GAuR_0GZa0_klJ8AL3Hu2-0SKe2bUA3YjLiIhR8Mor1J-EMk1XXCMyULi-9rsYxAhkboY7X38p90NcjL6Gc8_gL09Gp2rl5zarGBUHTOTJ2kwYsTnM1H0sH5EFEI/s320/june_28_09+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352530499976794530" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Custom Creative Bow</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">/Clip</span></span>- price varies<br />If you have a particular dress or outfit you wish to match and want something truly unique I would be happy to create something. This clip is made of dusty pink leather and an off-white rosette.<br /><br />Please contact me at teamwylie (at) gmail (dot) com to place an order!emwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261813824183729564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664561208047938848.post-76449065766091817312009-06-16T09:40:00.004-04:002009-06-16T09:52:15.212-04:00favorite blogs: The Green Baby Guide<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7C1WecV1Dws8hpFYz1YyQ029j7lMmaPFg3c0sIh3dKOMMrKuqzeGP3H4sZzyZ0QH4oB0I1pJvuxkdz2_Hukm1w4ZtUwPB0K06Vm3gId6CWTyahTLAj3Y15cp_6u2N95qNJydzM3anPOOC/s1600-h/favoriteblogs.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 125px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 141px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347922432813827778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7C1WecV1Dws8hpFYz1YyQ029j7lMmaPFg3c0sIh3dKOMMrKuqzeGP3H4sZzyZ0QH4oB0I1pJvuxkdz2_Hukm1w4ZtUwPB0K06Vm3gId6CWTyahTLAj3Y15cp_6u2N95qNJydzM3anPOOC/s200/favoriteblogs.jpg" /></a>I think I'm somewhat teal... not quite green yet but not blue either... I'm sort of a green wannabe...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://greenbabyguide.com/">The Green Baby Guide </a>has been a great inspiration to me in this quest of greening. </div><div></div><br /><div>Joy and Rebecca regularly post about relevant and doable ideas related to having a baby and living more environmentally friendly. I think I went back and read every post in their archives before Baby Girl was born and learned so much. They are super down-to-earth and really focus on living simply and not just on green for green's sake. </div><div></div><br /><div>Typically they host a blog carnival every Thursday called, <a href="http://greenbabyguide.com/category/thrifty-green-thursday/">Thrifty Green Thursday </a>where readers share tips for saving money and living green but this carnival is on break for the summer. </div><div></div><br /><div>I highly recommend that you take a peek at <a href="http://greenbabyguide.com/">their fabulous blog</a>!! </div>emwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261813824183729564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664561208047938848.post-9495852578024153502009-05-29T06:14:00.001-04:002009-05-29T06:14:00.602-04:00kids don't need fancy toys<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlSgUdruc0p07-d5Nvn2QmB3cPsE1d8c9ur12tJESHPrGQZaXBraUGlHPM-7ynbAjGCp0AJVx6IoukrJwxSFuv_aNVcevJuHVrvVKDXU9PDqUUZH4YMDqinilVdPWeB0cFgPsAAITyLWS/s1600-h/May_17_09+058.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340492195099026610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlSgUdruc0p07-d5Nvn2QmB3cPsE1d8c9ur12tJESHPrGQZaXBraUGlHPM-7ynbAjGCp0AJVx6IoukrJwxSFuv_aNVcevJuHVrvVKDXU9PDqUUZH4YMDqinilVdPWeB0cFgPsAAITyLWS/s400/May_17_09+058.jpg" border="0" /></a> Shiny. Easy to hold. Make noise when you hit it... what is there not to love?!<br />If you need more proof:<br /><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyvUfVbh2sna7EkQygOG_hMDhD0QBOlNEkg1onsnTTd75WUfdStmzcUlx2GR8gRZ2TZ-SkU3WnI9Yy4lPyaHQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em>*** Please note that if torn metal pie plates can have sharp edges! It took Baby Girl several weeks to damage this one enough that I felt like it needed to be thrown out.***</em></div><p align="left">For more Frugal Friday tips check out <a href="http://www.lifeasmom.com/">Life as Mom!</a></p>emwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261813824183729564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664561208047938848.post-49113514284842350132009-05-28T06:00:00.000-04:002009-05-28T06:00:00.889-04:00ribbons, barettes and bows... oh my!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9KK7-ZREaVZO19uOAv85ggHN1NySdkSbbZpnnUTPMMAEkyeAq4Y50FsE-nSssLXlbPdRvObEwRVsBB6ldKbE2m01luKDd5paEcUeqM14ooZIIvA3xKSFt6je98n7VlR_30nQlM_lFPom/s1600-h/May_25_09+023.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340490059469114738" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9KK7-ZREaVZO19uOAv85ggHN1NySdkSbbZpnnUTPMMAEkyeAq4Y50FsE-nSssLXlbPdRvObEwRVsBB6ldKbE2m01luKDd5paEcUeqM14ooZIIvA3xKSFt6je98n7VlR_30nQlM_lFPom/s320/May_25_09+023.jpg" border="0" /></a>Baby Girl finally has enough hair to put bows in it and I am quickly becoming one of those moms who puts a bow in her daughters hair all the time... I mean ALL the time... like occasionally even when she's in her PJs. Shhh... don't tell! <div><div><br /></div><div>She's just so cute I can't stand it! </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUQQJNL5yPmY9U8GmzVXgm3EPJ_2iMK8DeHo42TfCdlOvkzF2nFbQHfS0QQxZDQi7ZToOdwD1Anc0qHrcGorb86Vc2N5WJu0AKxq8-1rf05oC2oRhAeoLOIJ4bQUzypOOec-Dx54H0oCl/s1600-h/May_25_09+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340490745512249922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 96px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUQQJNL5yPmY9U8GmzVXgm3EPJ_2iMK8DeHo42TfCdlOvkzF2nFbQHfS0QQxZDQi7ZToOdwD1Anc0qHrcGorb86Vc2N5WJu0AKxq8-1rf05oC2oRhAeoLOIJ4bQUzypOOec-Dx54H0oCl/s320/May_25_09+003.jpg" border="0" /></a>First I taught myself how to make the bows. After many attempts I've finally got the hang of it. </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Then I started losing bows... multiple bows... gone... sad. </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>I needed a way to keep them all in one place. I took a cute scrapbooking tag, an extra bit of ribbon and some double sided tape. I added Baby Girl's intials with stickers and that was it! </div><div><br /></div><div>It turned out cute, but more importantly, it's practical and hanging in her closet it's easy for the bows to make their way home. </div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><em>*** On a side note.... I am selling baby hairbows for $2.50 each if you're interested.***</em></div></div>emwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261813824183729564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664561208047938848.post-35935273796998910012009-05-27T06:00:00.001-04:002009-05-27T09:14:58.718-04:00baby "splat mat"In our apartment our baby's high chair sits on carpet... not good! Since Baby Girl is now tackling finger foods this is really not good! I started searching online for a mat to put under her high chair to make clean-up easier.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkumgULOKW0m-dr8hTvOU8q1mo_JPFVVwTjweGmwHeWhuSfr7jOELp0voi5L_mtZ0k0JAhYjW3ZAOxOrCUSBQiXn1gqoqVE-c2uXyjvIHFSdXWPKC19S2IzFOLLrsTsrZNeUmQ65f9isK/s1600-h/May_20_09+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340485397503214626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkumgULOKW0m-dr8hTvOU8q1mo_JPFVVwTjweGmwHeWhuSfr7jOELp0voi5L_mtZ0k0JAhYjW3ZAOxOrCUSBQiXn1gqoqVE-c2uXyjvIHFSdXWPKC19S2IzFOLLrsTsrZNeUmQ65f9isK/s320/May_20_09+001.jpg" border="0" /></a>$44</div><br /><div>$26</div><br /><div>$35</div><div></div><div>WHAT??! For a piece of plastic or oilcloth!! I was in shock.</div></div><div><div></div><br /><div>While shopping one day my Mom ran across this vinyl tablecloth for $4.99.</div><div></div><br /><div>It was cute, not the typical red and white check or floral patterns that you usually see. </div><div></div><br /><div>It was cheap. </div><div></div><br /><div>It was HUGE... I could cover the whole dining area floor if I wanted to with this thing. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKeF-h11L7IVGqbBbothA7lGathPidAM9VHtplPT14vU1YT3llaay6HLL0o3Twslfh927nfp8aGZcQRQ1r8ceAcULfcGC_Bv6SyHovZ-IiuzlvpkkQpgCB0OhkfBMIxp7elOIjRdKJsCt/s1600-h/May_20_09+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340487091436800674" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKeF-h11L7IVGqbBbothA7lGathPidAM9VHtplPT14vU1YT3llaay6HLL0o3Twslfh927nfp8aGZcQRQ1r8ceAcULfcGC_Bv6SyHovZ-IiuzlvpkkQpgCB0OhkfBMIxp7elOIjRdKJsCt/s320/May_20_09+004.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><div>Instead I cut it down to an appropriate size.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8oL2awkC7yH0sC2mKwoG_x7i7Wt9hAUsPDzZy3_u-rHo3VaFZ_1Z4vVfv8z9VO0KOuUrdZhSuN3s9ylX8I5YCiIbXOMt6Kejh4OJGjcqEqZr8Sj5_s6rjwC9UKuGvrGHwyEVsUtzZjSy/s1600-h/May_20_09+004.jpg"></a></div><br /><div></div><div>Then I hemmed it with a zigzag stitch all the way around. </div><br /><div></div><div>Done... that was it! It works great! It isn't quite as heavy-duty as oilcloth would be... but I have so much table cloth left that whenever this mat wears out I can make another one very quickly and easily!<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfepmjoencOeGK_dH1v3Gcpkfl5okMElR9QMyLbFRmHGEguS9OUDpDyWpvmRlOX0K31KuLYNPElNXfKnvGaeSJqxT-W76wf4uWwEpPrgWlsXt97v1MfZFmkWTj3Mc-VAkk1TVtfPpPXszP/s1600-h/May_20_09+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340485401724107426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfepmjoencOeGK_dH1v3Gcpkfl5okMElR9QMyLbFRmHGEguS9OUDpDyWpvmRlOX0K31KuLYNPElNXfKnvGaeSJqxT-W76wf4uWwEpPrgWlsXt97v1MfZFmkWTj3Mc-VAkk1TVtfPpPXszP/s320/May_20_09+003.jpg" border="0" /></a>On a side note... I also made a bib to match! (Though it's way too big and probably won't really fit Baby Girl until she's 5... or 9... oh well! </div><div></div><br /><div>For more Works for Me tips check out... <a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2009/05/wfmw-parenting-tip-for-young-children.html">We are THAT Family!</a> </div></div></div></div></div></div>emwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261813824183729564noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664561208047938848.post-59792486154751592392009-05-26T10:30:00.003-04:002009-05-26T10:34:49.019-04:00black beans and rice<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIS3l2z5TEQ6sacnSroOFZheWnqyyxXTALUf2WKpL6djUKfkzjmnMkTRos719DN7ctfGxLd6F_SV_RE5hXwS6AHJrqtjkHbWLyeStp8w-Q8u0XSR1wp6d-DqQIWcOsPEEs3EmETfqRjEye/s1600-h/blackbeans.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340140996653742434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 135px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 130px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIS3l2z5TEQ6sacnSroOFZheWnqyyxXTALUf2WKpL6djUKfkzjmnMkTRos719DN7ctfGxLd6F_SV_RE5hXwS6AHJrqtjkHbWLyeStp8w-Q8u0XSR1wp6d-DqQIWcOsPEEs3EmETfqRjEye/s200/blackbeans.jpg" border="0" /></a>Yum! We love this recipe. It's great all by itself with cornbread or as a side to a Mexican feast with friends!<br /><div></div><br /><div>1 onion, chopped</div><div>1 T. oil</div><div>1/2 tsp. oregano</div><div>1 can diced tomatoes</div><div>1 can black beans</div><div>1/2 tsp. garlic powder</div><div>1 cup rice</div><div></div><br /><div>In large saucepan saute onions in oil until soft. Drain tomatoes and beans reserving liquid! Add water to this liquid to equal 2 cups. Add this liquid and all other ingredients to pan. Bring to a boil and then let mixture simmer about 20 minutes or until rice is done. Let sit 5 minutes before serving. </div><div></div><br /><div>We love topping our rice and beans with sour cream and/or grated cheese. </div>emwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261813824183729564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664561208047938848.post-74024199936187904902009-05-08T05:45:00.002-04:002009-05-08T05:45:07.694-04:00over 250 pieces of fruitWhat do you do with <strong>over 250 pieces of fruit</strong>?<br /><div></div><br /><div>Especially when you have two days to get rid of it before you leave town!</div><div></div><br /><div>My husband works on a college campus. At the end of each semester parents can pay (big bucks) to send an "exam care pack" to their student. An outside company takes these orders, sends the boxes to the university and a student organization my husband works with is responsible for distributing them. Here's the rub... <em>many students never come to pick up their box</em>. </div><div></div><br /><div>First of all this makes me sad for the parents who send the boxes. </div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJySxCQ86C6mS7t_y76ZGhFFkavJ-NmhJqcvPU-1oDQkHMVwrOeDt-VODZFUHWDabGDJyMKT1CwKBzbKgtelvas4AjokdaRlJcFfs2CEvN3qZoX4QCBKcaWHJqzpCOJtRQ8mbXEvSGjJo/s1600-h/fruit.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333167590734304386" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJySxCQ86C6mS7t_y76ZGhFFkavJ-NmhJqcvPU-1oDQkHMVwrOeDt-VODZFUHWDabGDJyMKT1CwKBzbKgtelvas4AjokdaRlJcFfs2CEvN3qZoX4QCBKcaWHJqzpCOJtRQ8mbXEvSGjJo/s320/fruit.jpg" border="0" /></a>Secondly this makes me sad because of the extravagant waste! </div><div></div><br /><div>Thankfully much of the prepackaged candy, cookies, chips, etc. can be saved and given out to student workers and kids at camps this summer. </div><div></div><br /><div>But the fruit... the <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>fruit</em></strong></span>!!! It makes me cringe. </div><div></div><br /><div>I willingly took on the task of doing something about it all. There were over 250 green and red apples and oranges. Some were already going bad. I had to act fast.... what to do?</div><div></div><br /><div>1. <em><strong>Give it</strong></em>- this is obvious but harder than you might think. Because we live on a college campus and all the students are gone, we have no neighbors... I've been passing as much as I can off to the housekeeping staff. I've also called several friends who are swinging by on their way home from work to pick some up. And we made a few special deliveries earlier today. </div><div></div><br /><div>2. <em><strong>Eat it</strong></em>- this is obvious too. We're having some folks over for lunch between graduation ceremonies tomorrow... guess what we'll be serving? </div><div></div><br /><div>3. <em><strong>Juice it</strong></em>- I'm planning to take a lot of the oranges home to my parents' house this weekend and will borrow their juicer. </div><div></div><br /><div>4. <em><strong>Puree it</strong></em>- Applesauce anyone? Baby Girl LOVES applesauce... this might be enough to make her never want to see the stuff again! I'll be making this at my parents' since they have an apple corer/peeler/slicer thing and I am not about to tackle this by hand!</div><div></div><br /><div>5. <em><strong>Freeze it</strong></em>- I never knew you could <a href="http://frugalliving.about.com/od/freezingfoods/qt/Freezing_Apples.htm">freeze apples</a>! I'm going to slice and freeze most of the green apples to use in pies, for baked apples, apple cake, etc. down the road. I'm looking forward to giving some of these goodies away as well when I'll be in town to bake. </div><div></div><br /><div>While I hate that the students didn't get these boxes I'm very thankful this fruit isn't going to be left to rot and then chunked in a dumpster! </div><div></div><br /><div>We may not all have 250 pieces of fruit dumped in our laps, but we can all do our part to not let food go to waste!</div><div></div><br /><div>For other frugal tips check out Frugal Fridays over at <a href="http://www.lifeasmom.com/">Life as Mom</a>!</div>emwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261813824183729564noreply@blogger.com3