tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29900095489486507392024-02-07T20:30:59.014-08:00jill of all trades, master of none.Anne Nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090731530575231306noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990009548948650739.post-76736109254690298842012-02-24T12:45:00.001-08:002012-02-24T12:45:19.060-08:00Combining Blogs.First of all, I apologize for my lack of posts in the past couple of months. Our family has been busy packing and preparing for a big and really exciting move: we're buying our first house! We'll be closing on the house and moving next week, so I'll be MIA for a little while longer.<br />
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In the meantime I wanted to inform those that read this blog that I'll no longer be posting on Jill Of All Trades. Instead I've decided to post all my projects and recipes, as well as our family updates, on my personal blog. This way I can dedicate all my attention to one blog so I'll have better, more interesting content to post more often.<br />
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If you'd like to follow my personal blog, click <a href="http://seannicholsfamily.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a> to be directed to it.<br />
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Thanks everyone for your patience and hopefully I'll have some great home improvement and decor posts up shortly after we move! Anne Nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090731530575231306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990009548948650739.post-68081448828005033872012-01-02T21:57:00.000-08:002012-01-02T22:17:02.105-08:00Mexican MeatloafHappy 2012, y'all! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season with your families!<br />
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Since so many people (myself included) make resolutions in the new year to lose weight, I thought I'd start off the year with a delicious, healthy recipe! This is a staple in our house and I make it at least once or twice a month. After trying it, I promise you'll never want plain old boring meatloaf again! It's super tasty and spicy and just plain YUM! <br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
1 lb. ground turkey<br />
2 egg whites<br />
1 box (6 oz.) cornbread stuffing mix<br />
1 medium onion, chopped<br />
1/2 tsp. chili powder<br />
1/4 tsp. cumin<br />
1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chiles<br />
1 can (10 oz.) mild enchilada sauce<br />
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<b>Directions</b><br />
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat a large loaf pan well with non-stick cooking spray. <br />
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Combine ground turkey, egg whites, stuffing mix, onion, chili powder, cumin, green chiles, and half of the enchilada sauce in a large bowl. I usually start off mixing it with a spoon, but your hands always work the best for this!<br />
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Pour mixture into greased loaf pan and spread evenly with a spoon (or your already yicky hands).<br />
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Put loaf pan in oven and bake for one hour. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over meatloaf and cook for another 5 minutes.<br />
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Cut into slices and serve with Spanish rice. <br />
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(It looks much better in person. Just sayin', don't trust my crummy pictures.)</div>Anne Nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090731530575231306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990009548948650739.post-57137266633007311212011-12-16T10:59:00.000-08:002011-12-16T10:59:08.909-08:00Snowflake LampshadeMost of my Christmas decorations are up, but I've been adding a few little things here and there for the last week or so. Last night I was looking at a <a href="http://bontempsbeignet.blogspot.com/2011/11/faux-sneaux-flakes.html" target="_blank">great tutorial</a> for making paper snowflakes and had a lightbulb moment. I took a piece of junk mail (we all have too much of that lying around, don't we?) and cut out a large snowflake. Then using scotch tape I attached it to the inside of the lampshade in our living room.<br />
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Voila! </div>
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Isn't it pretty? I love that the different colors from the junk mail ad come through the lamp to make it look multicolored.<br />
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It was free, quick to make, and added a lot to the room. What more could you ask for?Anne Nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090731530575231306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990009548948650739.post-84126451888132646392011-12-15T06:24:00.000-08:002011-12-15T06:24:22.196-08:00Journal Giveaway!My amazing aunt is hosting a giveaway for one of my Ten Year Journals over on her blog! Head over to <a href="http://organizeyourstuffnow.com/wordpress/?p=26158" target="_blank">Organize and Decorate Everything</a> to enter to win! The giveaway closes on Monday. She's also got a promotion code for 15% off everything in my shop!<br />
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Also, please visit Craft Gossip's <a href="http://craftgossip.com/blog/izze-voting/2011/12/12/?pid=5" target="_blank">IZZE Holiday Crafting Challenge</a> and vote for my aunt's "Fun and Festive Holiday Table" (#6). She has the best craft in the challenge (and I'm not just saying that because she's my aunt) and when you vote you automatically get entered to win a $50 Target gift card and some IZZE swag. Win-win! <br />Anne Nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090731530575231306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990009548948650739.post-43037055872370040952011-12-13T10:26:00.000-08:002011-12-13T10:26:42.751-08:00In the Shop: Washer NecklacesI just listed a bunch of washer necklaces I've made from vintage road maps, scrapbook paper, and even a few that are my own design. If you need any last-minute stocking stuffers these may be just what you're looking for!<br />
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Click <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/shesajillofalltrades" target="_blank">HERE</a> to visit my shop and take a peek at the new items I've listed!Anne Nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090731530575231306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990009548948650739.post-30346133074391750742011-12-12T09:33:00.000-08:002011-12-12T09:33:51.913-08:00Weekend Project: Tiled Portrait MuralLast weekend I decided I really wanted a large piece of art to hang in our kitchen, but with Christmas just around the corner my budget was exactly $0. Solution: blow up a family picture on the computer, print it out, and stick it to the wall!<br />
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It was pretty simple to do. Here are the steps I followed.<br />
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1. Using Photoshop or another photo editing software, blow up/crop your photo so that it will evenly divide into 8x10-inch pieces. (For example, I made our photo 48"x30").<br />
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2. Use grid or ruler lines in the program to divide your enlarged photo into 8x10" sections. Print each section so you've got a bunch of 8x10 sections of your picture. (Note: to save on colored ink, print in black and white).<br />
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3. Using a paper cutter or scissors, trim each section of your photo and lay them out in a grid on the floor so you know which page goes where.<br />
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4. Decide where you want your mural to be, and using a laser level start attaching your grid pieces to the wall with poster putty. You can measure the distance between each paper if you want to get really OCD about it, but I just eyeballed it.<br />
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DONE! </div>
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What do you think? I really love it except for the fact that my face has been split down the middle. Not sure if I'll be able to deal with it or if I'll try another photo layout that will keep my face intact. In any case, it was cheap, relatively easy, and cost me basically nothing! Can't beat that!Anne Nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090731530575231306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990009548948650739.post-54496277323874648602011-12-07T08:53:00.001-08:002011-12-07T09:02:41.100-08:00DIY Cupcake Stand for under $4Last weekend was my son's first birthday, and although I wanted to go all-out for him, I also had a limited budget with Christmas coming up soon. Because of this I knew I needed to get creative when it came to the decorations and serving dishes. I went to my local thrift store looking for inspiration and came across this strange looking thing-a-ma-doodle:<br />
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Anyone know what it is? I think it may have been used to hold salt/pepper and oil bottles? Maybe? Who knows. In any case, I thought it would work great for the base of a cupcake stand. Y'know, aside from the fact that it was insanely lopsided. But hubby made quick work of that and filed down one of the feet to make it level.<br />
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Next I took three stove burner covers I bought at the dollar store and spray painted both sides of the rims dark grey.<br />
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Then I cut some scrapbook paper to fit inside the burner covers. I didn't glue them down at all so that I can use the stand again for other parties and color-coordinate the paper for any event.<br />
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I glued the burner covers to the thing-a-ma-doodle (yep, I'm just going to keep calling it that) with some trusty E-6000 glue and used some canned food to keep everything in place while the glue dried.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblio4JJhCWBFvfSX8QtUboz9e6ySBnUbDTP9UG6LD3H8EbNGapHTGlpdHredjd_qt4bIlhHNhBDPo2O0b9G5irEgTNzHAxqh3hz_v5WE-Gbq8E4NGT86ELiZmKLNnRMN0HMnMVwX46mpL/s1600/IMG_4202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblio4JJhCWBFvfSX8QtUboz9e6ySBnUbDTP9UG6LD3H8EbNGapHTGlpdHredjd_qt4bIlhHNhBDPo2O0b9G5irEgTNzHAxqh3hz_v5WE-Gbq8E4NGT86ELiZmKLNnRMN0HMnMVwX46mpL/s320/IMG_4202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Ta-da! I think it turned out so great and these little fishy cupcakes looked so cute on it. <br />
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I love cute cupcake and cake stands, don't you? I think somehow food tastes better when you serve it in a pretty way.Anne Nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090731530575231306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990009548948650739.post-42703681884369555512011-12-06T10:58:00.001-08:002011-12-06T11:09:56.764-08:00Free Printable: Stockings Were Hung...I don't have a fireplace. And I'd be willing to bet a lot of you don't have one either. So where do you hang your stockings at Christmastime? Last year I hung them from a floating shelf in our living room, but that shelf is now over our TV, and the stockings would block half the screen. After staring at every possible space in the room I finally decided to hang them on a blank spot next to the kitchen. As I hung them up I was daydreaming about having my own pretty fireplace, and the line, "The stockings were hung by the chimney with care.." kept circling through my mind. Then I had a lightbulb moment. If I can't have a chimney, I'll just change the words!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Voila! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzEM1MuoEnxyZ0cFa2Se8IZRy-D1H6AU3sE74qGbUlcnerGCp9TQNRBqg5n7yrqohI4G0n0L7KPUz8rqzWn9lUM148lZ-bM5fQx-2X-iTZ-Y2iyb9YglYGHBsuG8lBLRtfhWv3COm9OeR/s1600/stockingshungteal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzEM1MuoEnxyZ0cFa2Se8IZRy-D1H6AU3sE74qGbUlcnerGCp9TQNRBqg5n7yrqohI4G0n0L7KPUz8rqzWn9lUM148lZ-bM5fQx-2X-iTZ-Y2iyb9YglYGHBsuG8lBLRtfhWv3COm9OeR/s400/stockingshungteal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I absolutely love it and it looks great right above our stockings. Next to the thermostat.<br />
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Want one for yourself? Click <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/74922359/Stockings-Hung-Printable" target="_blank">HERE</a> to download the file with four colors to choose from: red, green, grey, and teal! They fit perfectly in an 8x10-inch frame.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2QNd0-0OkHat843lzqVbAoW-AVbTkpcncW6-fQno7SdLPz5dyvTeTrKYcOzkSth_tV17TfhrdnA_o51WpzVRS3NAdJ0CyAjrM2BJu40rDWSn-o14rs1bbeurtoPqv53hG0DMuhwL0f2j/s1600/examples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2QNd0-0OkHat843lzqVbAoW-AVbTkpcncW6-fQno7SdLPz5dyvTeTrKYcOzkSth_tV17TfhrdnA_o51WpzVRS3NAdJ0CyAjrM2BJu40rDWSn-o14rs1bbeurtoPqv53hG0DMuhwL0f2j/s400/examples.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I hope you're all enjoying the holiday season, whether or not you've got a fireplace.Anne Nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090731530575231306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990009548948650739.post-18028853910827991192011-11-30T13:34:00.001-08:002011-11-30T13:48:21.431-08:00Free Printable: Christmas Countdown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9UJ_J5JLeWCzYDXZPQ6i9CyZzjhl8RL3P9RlOcfii6XNpPX8830l_fLkumUHqdsKWhCc7pndf8QUGh4bx9WT8rv-fMtbR0DHY4CYCkSHDT_jxvXEyrAHAvvFUDvMS0V7VC_8BAxUO_qS/s1600/ChristmasCountdownTeal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9UJ_J5JLeWCzYDXZPQ6i9CyZzjhl8RL3P9RlOcfii6XNpPX8830l_fLkumUHqdsKWhCc7pndf8QUGh4bx9WT8rv-fMtbR0DHY4CYCkSHDT_jxvXEyrAHAvvFUDvMS0V7VC_8BAxUO_qS/s320/ChristmasCountdownTeal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My son's first birthday is this weekend, and because of that I'm currently in full party-planning mode and not really thinking much about Christmas yet. That said, I decided to work on a little side project today that I thought I'd share with all of you!<br />
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Since this is the last day of November and the Christmas countdown has officially begun, I made a printable that can be framed for the whole family to see and change each day! These fit perfectly in a 5x7-inch frame, and you can choose from one of four colors (or all of them if you want to go crazy!): red, green, teal, and pink.<br />
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Click <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/74313289/Christmas-Countdown-Printables" target="_blank">HERE</a> to download the PDF file and print away! <br />
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I added some little hooks to a frame I had laying around, spray painted it grey, and then put one of the red countdowns in it. It's now hanging in our entry and I just love it!<br />
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I'll be swamped with preparations for a little munchkin party this week, but next week I'll have some great {inexpensive} party decorating ideas for you! I hope you're all enjoying the holidays! Anne Nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090731530575231306noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990009548948650739.post-12060167173173819902011-11-28T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-28T06:00:01.821-08:00Glow Stick Bath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-leDfyL81mjjCcgqINgb1mjcWKpZvwbmFJ-Wc4VmhbXGIvFhleobbODdnLUGg9hjz1Djj8TTNeLDjwjY6569xVlKIavpfSSsYLAA4B7Yg7R7xBOwaWJ97AMk1BqN6Fkax9DmQTkxAVRW2/s1600/IMG_4111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-leDfyL81mjjCcgqINgb1mjcWKpZvwbmFJ-Wc4VmhbXGIvFhleobbODdnLUGg9hjz1Djj8TTNeLDjwjY6569xVlKIavpfSSsYLAA4B7Yg7R7xBOwaWJ97AMk1BqN6Fkax9DmQTkxAVRW2/s320/IMG_4111.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Every few months we pull out a glow stick or two from the craft box, throw 'em in the tub, and take a spooky glowy bath. Tay loves it and says he's swimming in "swamp water." Fun little activity to shake up his bedtime routine!<br />
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<br />Anne Nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090731530575231306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990009548948650739.post-64747023547701733702011-11-25T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-25T06:00:10.391-08:00Felt Marble MazesMy four-year-old is obsessed with mazes right now. He calls them
"brainteasers" and is always wanting to get more activity books and iPad
apps that have mazes in them. I saw this idea a couple of weeks ago and
thought it'd be perfect for him.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2juxEBUeayvgymhuXutusjbnwrfnmsBhGbk_58aSqzCeO1kDMYVxRJpuGvYTyQVFiUOBaeEPVUPcyLxDI6dGspItL4d4M4AX2jGbaaI5l6ZfSeV00Y3ePCzem7Xhw2OfuHI3Vnt9FaE8/s1600/IMG_4115.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2juxEBUeayvgymhuXutusjbnwrfnmsBhGbk_58aSqzCeO1kDMYVxRJpuGvYTyQVFiUOBaeEPVUPcyLxDI6dGspItL4d4M4AX2jGbaaI5l6ZfSeV00Y3ePCzem7Xhw2OfuHI3Vnt9FaE8/s320/IMG_4115.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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All
I did was sew two sheets of felt together, leaving a small opening for
turning. I turned it right-side out, put a marble inside, and sewed all
the way around the piece, staying as close to the edge as possible. I
then planned the layout of the maze, marked the lines with pins, and
sewed along each line, careful not to hit the marble. Lastly I took some
small rectangles of felt and sewed one at the starting point and one at
the end point.<br />
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Now
he's got a maze to do again and again. Taylor absolutely loves it and I
will definitely be making more of these for him for Christmas. Super
cheap, super easy, and the kid loves 'em. What more could I ask for!Anne Nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090731530575231306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990009548948650739.post-28718182432807019862011-11-24T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-24T06:00:07.668-08:00Happy Turkey Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bC1-fLtOelDmwnLh89wgrSAf_03bIXwUYJKwka4LY_3J-wxOCWNOd35ubxFViVyhQO3YEZaMUvA0XvSvwBVSaZMZDn8S_WcPXGRJIFkB5lvFZawcMW2SMh8aQmQDkJKBL6yZ7eQvVWxr/s1600/Nichols+2011+65+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bC1-fLtOelDmwnLh89wgrSAf_03bIXwUYJKwka4LY_3J-wxOCWNOd35ubxFViVyhQO3YEZaMUvA0XvSvwBVSaZMZDn8S_WcPXGRJIFkB5lvFZawcMW2SMh8aQmQDkJKBL6yZ7eQvVWxr/s640/Nichols+2011+65+copy.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />Anne Nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090731530575231306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990009548948650739.post-81048032415873772452011-11-23T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-23T06:00:02.226-08:00Tutorial: Ribbon Ball<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRowYvVE4unmckXc7WjN1nRBpMQSomsF3UeYuffp_nM5FKeM7vzY_JwGikfuS8In1jClodI656c8L5LvQ8uFTuh82jlovmlzgtXLMSogriSGPnBEMxggOHvKfj9jmnTMtfgtHUD_DzdTrm/s1600/IMG_4101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRowYvVE4unmckXc7WjN1nRBpMQSomsF3UeYuffp_nM5FKeM7vzY_JwGikfuS8In1jClodI656c8L5LvQ8uFTuh82jlovmlzgtXLMSogriSGPnBEMxggOHvKfj9jmnTMtfgtHUD_DzdTrm/s400/IMG_4101.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My little Ollie will be one year old in less than two weeks, and I decided to make most of his gifts - partly to save money, and mostly because I can make him things he'll love just as much as store-bought toys.<br />
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This week's project: a soft, squishy ribbon ball. I've seen these in boutique stores selling for WAY too much money and decided I'd make him one myself. Here are the instructions in case you'd like to make one for a little munchkin in your life!<br />
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<u>Materials Needed:</u><br />
Ribbon Ball Pattern (you can download and print it <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/73485591" target="_blank">HERE</a>) <br />
Felt (you can do one solid color or make it multicolored)<br />
Grosgrain Ribbon<br />
Sharp Fabric Scissors<br />
Chalk<br />
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<u>Instructions:</u><br />
1. Cut out ribbon ball pattern shape and trace on felt six times.<br />
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2. Cut out all your felt shapes.<br />
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3. Cut out 18 pieces of grosgrain ribbon, approximately 4 inches long. Lay your pieces out the way you'd like them on the ball. Place three pieces of ribbon between each felt piece the way you'd like them arranged.<br />
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4. Place the first two pieces of felt on top of each other, right sides together. Take the first piece of ribbon, fold in half, and place between the two felt pieces with the cut edges sticking out about half an inch. Repeat for the other two pieces of ribbon.<br />
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5. Pin piece together and sew 1/4" from the edge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvIwC_hJVew74X_q1FDnP_6YQsVS2qpQ3GoWBh2iVWIAXm5fpHPc5GdiErNEAYHjKH6scxQZ8rdt8WRV9KnxIhDIkKbLaBc_ZAdgaxip_OIPn1Is80KymJAL_wKh0pDSm5WiF90ScECsQ/s1600/IMG_4088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvIwC_hJVew74X_q1FDnP_6YQsVS2qpQ3GoWBh2iVWIAXm5fpHPc5GdiErNEAYHjKH6scxQZ8rdt8WRV9KnxIhDIkKbLaBc_ZAdgaxip_OIPn1Is80KymJAL_wKh0pDSm5WiF90ScECsQ/s320/IMG_4088.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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6. Trim the raw ribbon edges down a bit and cut small snips up the edge you just sewed, being careful not to cut the seam. This will allow the fabric to form a nicer ball when you turn it right-side-out.<br />
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7. Repeat Steps 4-6 with third piece of felt. Now you've got something like this. Kinda looks like a funny hat, eh?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUNVt-tCFvU_5254t9PRjtiU7l3HRhYgbdNshfqyU5AKJ60ABum1u7vzYwoAmsPdoYQv4HRPNz6_kJZgW-AzgO7ASQxq3Li4douK-6z1ihjAihfEWaunbuArtMAH-avr98cq7Ket5Xcc9/s1600/IMG_4094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUNVt-tCFvU_5254t9PRjtiU7l3HRhYgbdNshfqyU5AKJ60ABum1u7vzYwoAmsPdoYQv4HRPNz6_kJZgW-AzgO7ASQxq3Li4douK-6z1ihjAihfEWaunbuArtMAH-avr98cq7Ket5Xcc9/s320/IMG_4094.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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8. Now you'll need to repeat the steps 4-6 with remaining three pieces of felt, leaving a 3-4" gap open between two pieces for turning later.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLM1Obdz3Jz-ZZe6pANMhbD7EArU6gEAMxtPMth6fvK4kqxhHP70MW48b7oYdJD_U2J9MC6SO6laUChAgHDZgHn9XMCezb8o6SMEXQqfImp4_DI7nBNwkvjdbxhYuHNjvcB2-g6p2nzkh/s1600/IMG_4095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLM1Obdz3Jz-ZZe6pANMhbD7EArU6gEAMxtPMth6fvK4kqxhHP70MW48b7oYdJD_U2J9MC6SO6laUChAgHDZgHn9XMCezb8o6SMEXQqfImp4_DI7nBNwkvjdbxhYuHNjvcB2-g6p2nzkh/s320/IMG_4095.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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9. Now you've got two halves of the ball. Place these two halves right sides together and pin all the way around, inserting your remaining ribbon pieces and pinning in place. Sew all the way around the ball. Make small snips up the edges you just sewed, being careful not to cut the seam.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjucv8Re2HWB9UJh3tnHcYLB4e2DhzHLJvZ0nUyl-QdqqPyE8nY3073RNvFGJDjZzJwyOl-OMbpHlerxSgouwQJ8PRZfJXsVyzCASzG-5SXk3AlyXTCxFjKdxGeUVFB98EoBgiIDcww_r/s1600/IMG_4096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjucv8Re2HWB9UJh3tnHcYLB4e2DhzHLJvZ0nUyl-QdqqPyE8nY3073RNvFGJDjZzJwyOl-OMbpHlerxSgouwQJ8PRZfJXsVyzCASzG-5SXk3AlyXTCxFjKdxGeUVFB98EoBgiIDcww_r/s320/IMG_4096.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
10. Turn ball inside out and stuff with fiberfill. I didn't have enough so I ended up using some felt scraps and batting scraps as well. You can even use scrap fabric, old clothing, or even plastic bags if you want the ball to be crinkly.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnFmDJiGl1X990c_2sxxZ1uJOAgnPLM2FLh2FIGoC9PmV-e4QOgQhI9YCvSdVrqB-kzLUB9na0CNhQ2Rt7ardJMOuP57PcfZCwiUYC_QyJiIeCJw1RNERtM58tpyoc63g7kCjvwrwkh-J/s1600/IMG_4098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnFmDJiGl1X990c_2sxxZ1uJOAgnPLM2FLh2FIGoC9PmV-e4QOgQhI9YCvSdVrqB-kzLUB9na0CNhQ2Rt7ardJMOuP57PcfZCwiUYC_QyJiIeCJw1RNERtM58tpyoc63g7kCjvwrwkh-J/s320/IMG_4098.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
11. Once fully stuffed, hand-stitch the opening shut.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
DONE! I can't wait to give this to the wee one for his birthday. I may have to make a couple more in varying sizes for him to play with. If you make this, let me know how it turns out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdT9p7g9CAg7cX8EOvSbm63XaMy5H4lbA_QX0IrKi6gCGnwwn27FdZzEslCBVBhy3h5HuDME63DUHNzyXpXag0MFUzj6PJbdqOiwYhrBBNY98cPvTaPO5nzHdZwaWjd5ZJfWfbTNuQMwa/s1600/IMG_4103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdT9p7g9CAg7cX8EOvSbm63XaMy5H4lbA_QX0IrKi6gCGnwwn27FdZzEslCBVBhy3h5HuDME63DUHNzyXpXag0MFUzj6PJbdqOiwYhrBBNY98cPvTaPO5nzHdZwaWjd5ZJfWfbTNuQMwa/s320/IMG_4103.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Anne Nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090731530575231306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990009548948650739.post-86602052220385658822011-11-22T08:15:00.001-08:002011-11-22T08:28:11.569-08:00How To: Clean Brooms and Dustpans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWQ39vLGCEYOPBXkNKSE3aOnqBP-ofih8YL-LbcRoBb9cKvKrOgzeCaW59MdJlBGkYU-tVENehGwNnnTvk8NqspyKw_WV47Hsfbs8tC6fRUTPUg0ewdZmg9lDRaMhnVrLB57ye5A9kW6p/s1600/IMG_4073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWQ39vLGCEYOPBXkNKSE3aOnqBP-ofih8YL-LbcRoBb9cKvKrOgzeCaW59MdJlBGkYU-tVENehGwNnnTvk8NqspyKw_WV47Hsfbs8tC6fRUTPUg0ewdZmg9lDRaMhnVrLB57ye5A9kW6p/s320/IMG_4073.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I was sweeping my bathroom floor the other day and realized everything on the floor was sticking to the broom. When I reached down to clear the bristles off I noticed that they were VERY sticky, probably from sweeping the kitchen floor after the little one spilled his juice. My first thought was that we'd need a new hand broom, but then I thought about trying to clean it instead. I've never heard of anyone cleaning a broom, but surely it's possible, right?<br />
<br />
Well I found that it definitely is possible, and it's really easy too! I'm thinking I'll make this part of my yearly fall and spring cleaning regimens. After all, who knows what kind of icky germy grossness is living in your brooms? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrLMeHFAp0FfPZfgeJAtW-6hbpzQf8Bt9xbO0OokSSrL-vQ9L8n6NhE9MpXgxhyUn05yyqFMrgKQ8t3090JOknqVcx0U8zrKQF0Gs4-CkN1hOy4YaSOWSP9RhPA6Aw39-xr5BS7VO4nTZ/s1600/IMG_4074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrLMeHFAp0FfPZfgeJAtW-6hbpzQf8Bt9xbO0OokSSrL-vQ9L8n6NhE9MpXgxhyUn05yyqFMrgKQ8t3090JOknqVcx0U8zrKQF0Gs4-CkN1hOy4YaSOWSP9RhPA6Aw39-xr5BS7VO4nTZ/s320/IMG_4074.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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First I took the broom outside and beat the bristles against the sidewalk a few times, just to get as much dust out as I could before washing it.<br />
<br />
I filled a large bowl with boiling water and set it in the kitchen sink, then added about a cup of bleach and set the broom in the water, making sure all the bristles were completely covered. While that was soaking I rinsed off the dustpan and filled the other side of the sink with boiling water and bleach, then let put the dustpan in it. I let both the broom and dustpan soak for about an hour, occasionally moving them around in the water to loosen anything that was stuck to them.<br />
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When the hour was up I ran both the broom and dustpan under hot water for several minutes, paying special attention to the bristles of the broom. Once thoroughly rinsed I set them on a hand towel to dry completely overnight.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9Re59Uxuqu2F_JjgE8NQxoTtcQA0HRl3EYVON4fSylRB56ZqiRe9mgwKCfeh_QJF8el8gt6FRTtUv2qtKaokaJtz2oydAG9w2B7xngL21zW6cQ1PzlahEZIVlPTLuf5dDAQKM091DzK4/s1600/IMG_4118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9Re59Uxuqu2F_JjgE8NQxoTtcQA0HRl3EYVON4fSylRB56ZqiRe9mgwKCfeh_QJF8el8gt6FRTtUv2qtKaokaJtz2oydAG9w2B7xngL21zW6cQ1PzlahEZIVlPTLuf5dDAQKM091DzK4/s320/IMG_4118.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My broom is now clean, sanitized, and not sticky! I'm going to try this method with my large broom as well. I feel much better sweeping my floor now that I know my broom isn't so gross.Anne Nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090731530575231306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990009548948650739.post-48805627593193574632011-11-17T06:30:00.000-08:002011-11-17T06:30:02.264-08:00Nutella Croissants(Re-posted from my <a href="http://seannicholsfamily.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">personal blog </a>entry, Sept. 2nd, 2011)<br />
<br />
<br />
I really need to stop finding such amazing dessert recipes on <a href="http://pinterest.com/annenichols/">Pinterest</a>.<br />
<br />
Seriously.<br />
<br />
My mouth loves me; my waistline not so much.<br />
<br />
That said, I HAD to share this recipe. It's simple, delicious, and you
just can't go wrong with Nutella! I made a batch of these the other
night and Sean and I may or may not have eaten them all in one sitting
while watching Twister. True or possibly not true story. But most likely
true.<br />
<br />
So without further ado, the next dessert you should make for your
family. Or maybe just yourself. Maybe make them and then hide in the
bathroom and eat them so no one begs you for any. Can you tell I'm a
mom?<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3378/3630027447_dddd45a459.jpg?v=0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3378/3630027447_dddd45a459.jpg?v=0" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Nutella Croissants</span> (via <a href="http://www.handletheheat.com/2009/06/nutella-croissants.html">Handle the Heat</a>)<br />
<ul>
<li>8 tablespoons Nutella</li>
<li>One package Pillsbury Butter Flake Crescent Rolls</li>
</ul>
Preheat
oven to 375. Open package and carefully spread dough out onto a flat
surface. Cut apart dough following the pre-cut lines into 8 triangles.<br /><br />Place
one tablespoon (more or less, depending on your preference) of Nutella
onto the base of each triangle. Carefully roll the dough up to form a
crescent shape.<br /><br />Place rolls onto ungreased baking sheet and bake for 11-13 minutes or until golden brown.<br />
<br />
*When I made these I also whipped up a little basic icing (powdered
sugar, milk, softened butter, and vanilla) to spread on top.
Perrrrrrrrrrfection. Anne Nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090731530575231306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990009548948650739.post-52398049443176382632011-11-16T21:56:00.001-08:002011-11-16T22:56:57.571-08:00An Apartment Dweller's Guide to Recycling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoqYpQdLc11E_csqYXvGYVdm6Atv7RhTfGSaZmxWisCa8B5oyw_R1ftEM69Ldzkp9iRBG9JM9M-ICxZmmf3JQjc3fBRDJlVRJuIPlxKGgxynlauOZd0DRCamKdB1mQ8tTCfBb1mUMEhpT/s1600/917290_87054790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoqYpQdLc11E_csqYXvGYVdm6Atv7RhTfGSaZmxWisCa8B5oyw_R1ftEM69Ldzkp9iRBG9JM9M-ICxZmmf3JQjc3fBRDJlVRJuIPlxKGgxynlauOZd0DRCamKdB1mQ8tTCfBb1mUMEhpT/s320/917290_87054790.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I've always been a fan of recycling and consider myself somewhat of a wannabe hippie. The problem with this is that we've always been renters, and the majority of the time our landlords haven't been as keen on spending the extra money for recycling bins. For a while I used that as an excuse to just forget about the whole thing entirely and looked forward to a time when we'd own our own home and could have one of those fancy blue bins of our very own. There were two big problems with living that way: 1) I felt guilty, and 2) my four-year-old-going-on-forty-year-old made me feel even more guilty. My sweet little Taylor would ask me at least once a week why we didn't recycle, and each week I'd have to tiptoe around the issue.<br />
<br />
Well not anymore!<br />
<br />
I've compiled a list of things that even us apartment dwellers can do to help the earth and appease our wise little preschoolers. Now let me preface this by saying that I am in no way perfect at all of these, and have a vast amount of improving to do. But every little bit counts, right? So, without further ado:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>FIVE RECYCLING TIPS FOR APARTMENT-DWELLERS </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(and everyone else, too!)</div>
<br />
<b>1.</b> Choose just one thing to recycle (paper, metal, or plastic) and make a bag or bin for that item next to your regular garbage can. Paper is probably the easiest because you don't have to rinse it off first. At the end of each week take it to your local recycling plant or nearby paper recycling bin. Most elementary schools (at least in my area) have large dumpsters specifically for paper recycling. If you've got the room, have separate bins for all three materials to recycle. <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90076364/" target="_blank">Stacking bins</a> with lids will save the most space. <br />
<br />
<b>2.</b> Wash any glass jars you'd normally throw out and donate to your local thrift store or list on <a href="http://www.freecycle.org/" target="_blank">Freecycle</a>. People are always looking for glass jars for projects. Speaking of projects, take a peek around the internet (Pinterest is a GREAT resource) for things you can reuse that you'd normally throw away. Some fantastic decorating projects I've come across are <a href="http://kraftykat76.blogspot.com/2011/07/diy-beach-glass-jars-bottles.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>, <a href="http://justbecustom.blogspot.com/2011/01/apothecary-jar.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>, and <a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2011/08/mason-jar-wall-planter.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. The possibilities are endless!<br />
<br />
<b>3.</b> Save all that cardboard! Break down cardboard boxes and store them in a bag or box in a closet or under a bed. You never know when you'll need a box or have a project that requires something more heavy duty than card stock. Save those paper towel and toilet paper tubes too; they're always great for craft projects! If your stock of cardboard gets too big than the space you've designated to store it, take a trip to your local recycling plant or ask a nearby business if they'd be willing to recycle your boxes along with the ones they usually pack up behind the store.<br />
<br />
<b>4.</b> Save yourself a ton of money and make your own cleaning products. Not only is it cost-effective, but you can reuse the same container again and again rather than wasting all that cardboard and plastic buying new boxes and jugs of cleaner. I've found some great "recipes" for <a href="http://whynotsew.blogspot.com/2010/08/how-to-make-homemade-laundry-detergent.html" target="_blank">laundry detergent</a>, <a href="http://crazycraftbugs.blogspot.com/2010/11/homemade-dishwasher-detergent.html" target="_blank">dishwasher soap</a>, <a href="http://www.monpetitamourblog.com/2011/04/diy-natural-all-purpose-cleaner.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MonPetitAmourcanadianBabyBlog+%28%3A%3A+mon+petit+amour+%3A%3A+%7Bcanadian+baby+blog%7D%29" target="_blank">all-purpose cleaner</a>, and even <a href="http://ckrasmussen.blogspot.com/2011/09/domestic-goddess-dress-up-making-liquid.html" target="_blank">hand soap</a>! Do some snooping around the web and you're sure to find how to make just about any cleaning product you can imagine.<br />
<br />
<b>5.</b> NEVER throw out old clothes! You can always donate any clothing items you don't want anymore, or you can have a little fun repurposing your items; I usually do a little of both. I have a bag in my coat closet for any items that need to be donated, and then save a few items for myself to give a little makeover. Again, there are literally thousands of websites and ideas online to give you inspiration. You can learn how to <a href="http://luckydesign-devonlauren.blogspot.com/2011/10/how-to-make-jeans-into-skinny-jeans.html" target="_blank">revamp your out-of-style jeans</a>, turn a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46730171@N02/5834259919/in/pool-1567172@N20/" target="_blank">sweatshirt into a cardigan</a>, and just about everything in between. I posted a little <a href="http://seannicholsfamily.blogspot.com/2011/07/long-sleeved-tee-makeover.html" target="_blank">t-shirt makeover</a> a few months ago on my personal blog. It was so much fun and I was inspired to repurpose more items I didn't wear anymore! <br />
<br />
I know I said there were five tips, but here's one last one...<br />
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<b>6.</b> Don't beat yourself up if you're not perfect! Okay, maybe I'm the only one who does this. But if you happen to be crazy like me, this is probably one of the best tips out of all of them. I find myself getting upset at every little thing I throw in the trash, which is good because it shows that I care about doing my part and all that, but it's bad because the last thing this over-worked, over-tired mommy needs is to keep herself awake at night stressing about garbage. Like I said before, every little bit helps! <br />
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Another thing that couldn't hurt is to ask your landlord if they'd be willing to pay for a recycling bin or dumpster. The worst they can say is no! I plan to take the boys around our complex at the beginning of the year to ask my fellow tenants to sign a petition to get a recycling plan in place. There's no reason not to recycle anymore, there just isn't. And if I have to pay an extra $5 on my rent every month to ensure that 150 tenants can recycle then I'll do it!<br />
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Do you have any great, easy tips for recycling as a renter? I'd love to hear about them!Anne Nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090731530575231306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990009548948650739.post-91983547677645453412011-11-14T05:21:00.001-08:002011-11-14T07:41:16.135-08:00Shoe MakeoverI don't know about you, but I think Pinterest is about the coolest thing on the interwebs right now. I love seeing what other people create and getting inspired to make things I would never have thought of before.<br />
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Example: My sister pinned these shoes last week. Not sure what the source is, but aren't they beautiful?<br />
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As soon as I saw them I thought, "I could do this myself!" I rifled through my closet, sewing boxes, and craft closet and came downstairs with a pair of dark red pumps, some black stretch lace I had from an old shirt, white glue, a foam brush, clothes pins, and brown craft paper.<br />
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I laid the craft paper over my kitchen table to protect it, then mixed the white glue 50/50 with water to make homemade mod podge. <br />
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I cut two pieces of lace that would cover the shoes completely. Starting at the tip of the shoe, I applied a thick layer of mod podge, laid the lace on top, then applied more mod podge. I worked like this all the way around the shoe, not worrying too much about the edges yet. I didn't worry about getting any mod podge on the sole or heel because I knew I could clean it later with water. I used masking tape in an attempt to keep the lace in place, but it didn't work so well. I think pins would have worked better.<br />
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When I got to the heel, I used my fabric scissors to trim the lace around the back, creating a seam that I overlapped slightly. Because it's lace the overlapping fabric looked fine and the seam wasn't noticeable.<br />
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I let this first coat of mod podge dry overnight. The next day I used fabric scissors to roughly trim closer to the edges of the shoe. I then applied a second coat of mod podge, paying special attention to any place there could be more friction (the heel and along the sole).<br />
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I used clothes pins to hold any lace in place that wouldn't cooperate. In retrospect I wish I would have put a piece of waxed paper between the clothes pins and lace because when the glue dried the clothes pins stuck and it was hard to remove them without removing the lace pieces.<br />
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Once the shoes were completely dry I went over them again with the exacto knife, cutting along the seams and carefully pulling off all the excess lace. I used a bit more mod podge to touch up any areas that still weren't completely adhered to the shoe.<br />
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The last thing I did was take some cotton swabs and water and clean the mod podge off the heel and sole of the shoes.<br />
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What do you think? They turned out so much better than I thought they would!<br />
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Obviously these aren't shoes to wear in inclement weather, and putting a couple coats of some kind of clear sealer would be a good idea.<br />
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I think they look great! My husband calls them my vampire shoes, so I may have to wear them on Thursday when I go see the midnight premier of Breaking Dawn!Anne Nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090731530575231306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990009548948650739.post-73067759868844730142011-11-09T08:25:00.000-08:002011-11-09T08:25:53.880-08:00Tutorial: Yellow Angry Bird Mask<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My son is like most other four-year-olds: he hates eating dinner, he asks the funniest questions imaginable, and he LOVES Angry Birds. Last night I thought I'd break out my sewing machine and some felt and make him a yellow Angry Bird mask. He was so excited this morning when he saw it and spent most of the morning running around with it on.<br />
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I thought I'd post a tutorial on how you can make one of these yourself!<br />
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*A few notes before we get started:<br />
- I used white thread throughout the project except where noted otherwise.<br />
- You can shrink or enlarge the pattern on a copier to make the mask bigger or smaller.<br />
- The key to going over the curved pieces: go SLOWLY. You'll be much happier with the results if you take your time. <br />
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Materials needed:<br />
- Mask pattern (download it <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/72159066/Yellow-Angry-Bird-Mask" target="_blank">HERE</a>) <br />
- Felt (red, black, yellow, gold, and white)<br />
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<br />
- 3/8" elastic (I used about 14" of elastic; your measurement may vary depending on the size of your munchkin's noggin) <br />
- Sewing machine<br />
- Fabric glue<br />
- Fabric scissors<br />
<br />
Instructions: <br />
Cut out all pattern pieces.<br />
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AuBgzjK57kvQ00GY59Y8KmoPIsuubfNS6IcbnSqRPZ09k2oMGT-XVGU7xVbTqH3QNZwFu045RZ0cgHtVXtQtOuap6R-OJQlReT9bIMamWqnDXmhvPlfrZxVGXHt6gM03N0C0dQ5AUnjx/s1600/IMG_3978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AuBgzjK57kvQ00GY59Y8KmoPIsuubfNS6IcbnSqRPZ09k2oMGT-XVGU7xVbTqH3QNZwFu045RZ0cgHtVXtQtOuap6R-OJQlReT9bIMamWqnDXmhvPlfrZxVGXHt6gM03N0C0dQ5AUnjx/s320/IMG_3978.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Fold beak in half along "fold" line. Sew along fold, as close to the edge as possible.<br />
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<br />
Once sewn, it should look something like this:<br />
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<br />
Place beak along one body piece, right sides together, and sew along curve, manipulating the fabric as needed to sew all the way across the top of the beak. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSbVJMyGUBvXOQmn7ftCHUtAy6ZJ06qw-_ecq_dEmkwnRfgyR3xMIUN-wp-AituWg6z7O1AAUONHcE-mfRXY_N8Ix4ogQI2suVpX1D1jGImdZ9O3_4tLosVz7pdeFURXXjKVsFaMNgAKE/s1600/IMG_3981+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSbVJMyGUBvXOQmn7ftCHUtAy6ZJ06qw-_ecq_dEmkwnRfgyR3xMIUN-wp-AituWg6z7O1AAUONHcE-mfRXY_N8Ix4ogQI2suVpX1D1jGImdZ9O3_4tLosVz7pdeFURXXjKVsFaMNgAKE/s320/IMG_3981+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It should look like this now:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkYlo3ae0QS2uz5rQtqgh_c7jwwpqUh_4nFmwgq3XH_rae997zWn8qOA6TPjSWB_duRRBqF9GHP9oVrRtYXDw0gPIQceabFq0BD1_NgBIxNi48DGkuctmlI5ZTqmNSiFhqWVbSeRbdHQg/s1600/IMG_3982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkYlo3ae0QS2uz5rQtqgh_c7jwwpqUh_4nFmwgq3XH_rae997zWn8qOA6TPjSWB_duRRBqF9GHP9oVrRtYXDw0gPIQceabFq0BD1_NgBIxNi48DGkuctmlI5ZTqmNSiFhqWVbSeRbdHQg/s320/IMG_3982.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Now sew the chest pieces to the lower curves of the body, only sewing along the top and leaving the bottom open.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Position eye pieces, pin, and sew them to the body with black thread, as close to the edge as possible.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Turn over and cut out eye holes, being careful not to cut along the seam you just made.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
Now lay both body pieces on top of each other, wrong sides together.<br />
<br />
Pin elastic between the two body pieces.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJg9j1dqZtSi04VoBGCUv2izVLTLxOWqmWQVoGTg8ODFru4tFzxNy_soenmWx5khDSmAGxV9BOOuoX5r7fo2x20d0LPBOCSFTVgMFEb2PaoX3gwhBd9OZtglSjhfjahfgl_twW03PQk14c/s1600/IMG_3987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJg9j1dqZtSi04VoBGCUv2izVLTLxOWqmWQVoGTg8ODFru4tFzxNy_soenmWx5khDSmAGxV9BOOuoX5r7fo2x20d0LPBOCSFTVgMFEb2PaoX3gwhBd9OZtglSjhfjahfgl_twW03PQk14c/s320/IMG_3987.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Also pin the hair between the two pieces.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9euffZN1GrEpGNObMcBX4I3xB34CsKBqQuysdNr1tVDtGhPM_yfNj78xlvyTmVP9cxopR9xEx-3kFA7Z-NpKfeXZV9EOqHDo4yUM6ltv8bHxhb665anocZnAnY0-Oh8Wtc_3lO-zqWDV/s1600/IMG_3988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9euffZN1GrEpGNObMcBX4I3xB34CsKBqQuysdNr1tVDtGhPM_yfNj78xlvyTmVP9cxopR9xEx-3kFA7Z-NpKfeXZV9EOqHDo4yUM6ltv8bHxhb665anocZnAnY0-Oh8Wtc_3lO-zqWDV/s320/IMG_3988.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Sew all along body, going over the elastic and hair sections several times to strengthen the seam.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDllAl0eJWZ6OJiTmlcDFxXoilPFR4vl8fB5-qzH36jGxOKJhQfMI5hCWJc9SWKeRKylmykQS12xqCRlYAi3nMsUsFqsu1FXdYJ8VCm_nPqHjQMXp5VBlWgAyLO0Tk314hoHt7BJUuYaC/s1600/IMG_3990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDllAl0eJWZ6OJiTmlcDFxXoilPFR4vl8fB5-qzH36jGxOKJhQfMI5hCWJc9SWKeRKylmykQS12xqCRlYAi3nMsUsFqsu1FXdYJ8VCm_nPqHjQMXp5VBlWgAyLO0Tk314hoHt7BJUuYaC/s320/IMG_3990.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Now it should look something like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcsYk6ITAPDLhjFFfH1eVMn5P2mNfKB4S7kZYiIwc1N6ChJqsWPIAtf2I6MwbYXg1PJ34WFTRm_efvIAUF7Hpha5b5aqN-G58r-JEzZ2g_bAI6aQC-3SUPIVaKRk-IIE4HFOjR9lgNVWp/s1600/IMG_3991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcsYk6ITAPDLhjFFfH1eVMn5P2mNfKB4S7kZYiIwc1N6ChJqsWPIAtf2I6MwbYXg1PJ34WFTRm_efvIAUF7Hpha5b5aqN-G58r-JEzZ2g_bAI6aQC-3SUPIVaKRk-IIE4HFOjR9lgNVWp/s320/IMG_3991.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Sew along eyes, as close to the black pieces as possible.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglqXN90Mzjw_GjFD7nnbIcejiwJL568FXU4ks8pDCo3ukvBiljfBp67JVzQ7OIoGvsRKmIguABaQD665ixM3ypv6xvdIS23jd9lupDfOzEvKQWOr26lcXbw3-tuo6K9NQfVFu2sVOwYDu/s1600/IMG_3991+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglqXN90Mzjw_GjFD7nnbIcejiwJL568FXU4ks8pDCo3ukvBiljfBp67JVzQ7OIoGvsRKmIguABaQD665ixM3ypv6xvdIS23jd9lupDfOzEvKQWOr26lcXbw3-tuo6K9NQfVFu2sVOwYDu/s320/IMG_3991+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Turn over and cut out eye holes, careful not to cut across the seam you just made.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8_6JuJuXmZZu4RpDePVVn55muA9kUFhw-PniZNk-UpxJlBJ_oP6Qhh8l4EVkNAzCUHhSENI_dbFTNCpEGyxWr22lBTqFXHBfX4TwVyeK22-Y6kX0jd5_fhN3Tc5cBSzkouIIn_JI2TTH/s1600/IMG_3994+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8_6JuJuXmZZu4RpDePVVn55muA9kUFhw-PniZNk-UpxJlBJ_oP6Qhh8l4EVkNAzCUHhSENI_dbFTNCpEGyxWr22lBTqFXHBfX4TwVyeK22-Y6kX0jd5_fhN3Tc5cBSzkouIIn_JI2TTH/s320/IMG_3994+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Last step! Using fabric glue, attach eyebrows to the mask and let dry completely. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3xl37blMW4wHraX-aHJark2bWyaEeGXeRCzoD4-fr6xgFoD4Yggctxmlp5F3zFfMCDgM0JI3XmrQD-rI95MdUBX59pidpT5v-lUiOpnELNbKDr9O_pH3_JZqTwbVcEF53Ze3vJVV01aZ/s1600/IMG_3995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3xl37blMW4wHraX-aHJark2bWyaEeGXeRCzoD4-fr6xgFoD4Yggctxmlp5F3zFfMCDgM0JI3XmrQD-rI95MdUBX59pidpT5v-lUiOpnELNbKDr9O_pH3_JZqTwbVcEF53Ze3vJVV01aZ/s320/IMG_3995.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And VOILA! Your mask is done! Pretty simple, and if your kiddo is anything like mine, they'll love it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqueo9MbKRQzmMTT7zOM0wk80cPeRiuFN0eI8YH9O-Qg5qRqOhyphenhypheniRebeSSnCdeyNZXl49Semm5X4yozKDvhuoID5nB8NqV1TA4UhkM6r-K_H7LgZBv4qa6FsyHMOh4Rz9fNa581rBfMU39/s1600/IMG_4004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqueo9MbKRQzmMTT7zOM0wk80cPeRiuFN0eI8YH9O-Qg5qRqOhyphenhypheniRebeSSnCdeyNZXl49Semm5X4yozKDvhuoID5nB8NqV1TA4UhkM6r-K_H7LgZBv4qa6FsyHMOh4Rz9fNa581rBfMU39/s320/IMG_4004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Anne Nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090731530575231306noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990009548948650739.post-73018568309665906812011-11-08T13:42:00.000-08:002011-11-08T13:42:52.607-08:00In the Shop: Ten Year Journal-In-A-Box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEU6ial85C3PGFf2b4tJTAI45cExy1puqNi5qHCrNarzBy7Le9dn5kTZYzYJ6R1jP4MC7il_0uRYqxSBx6Ys9PSbA87ACxCULSO_nsnw6XOQxKDBWBSp-jW7YhWZyXothp2ae7H0OV4mA/s1600/IMG_3966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEU6ial85C3PGFf2b4tJTAI45cExy1puqNi5qHCrNarzBy7Le9dn5kTZYzYJ6R1jP4MC7il_0uRYqxSBx6Ys9PSbA87ACxCULSO_nsnw6XOQxKDBWBSp-jW7YhWZyXothp2ae7H0OV4mA/s400/IMG_3966.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This is such a simple, easy way to keep a journal! Every day of the year
has one line to write whatever you'd like - what you did that day, how
you were feeling, who you talked to, etc. When you've gone through the
entire year, simply start again on the next line down. Once complete,
you'll have a full ten-year record of something you did every day of
each year!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGqGjncZZFpW8yDj4gT8XPx98bs_5v8GsqDvJ_i5Dcrafz-tAfckd1MBqlwXJzcIu2TJSFJm1Lg3dTLY9gTXnkrypZWjRBT1tUj38QUV-zWgMtutfkMxUyzS34ERa3tyfikANzj93MnnB/s1600/IMG_3972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGqGjncZZFpW8yDj4gT8XPx98bs_5v8GsqDvJ_i5Dcrafz-tAfckd1MBqlwXJzcIu2TJSFJm1Lg3dTLY9gTXnkrypZWjRBT1tUj38QUV-zWgMtutfkMxUyzS34ERa3tyfikANzj93MnnB/s400/IMG_3972.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Each journal card is hand-stamped grey with the date
in the top corner and the years 2012-2021 down the side. Dividers are
included for each month, as well as a divider to keep track of the
current date. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9R7V4aPNA0zEtV-iA6jTfBgxonmmMrtkrA4Wr88JV5zhskipD6B88zVizl9G4bFpFFNXuCKWjSVHE0LI6BhTsYhU68EUmV31doT9vEeOkely4NMAwD0MlAEfKmdJgJ2qaeGiV5b3IxPo/s1600/IMG_3942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9R7V4aPNA0zEtV-iA6jTfBgxonmmMrtkrA4Wr88JV5zhskipD6B88zVizl9G4bFpFFNXuCKWjSVHE0LI6BhTsYhU68EUmV31doT9vEeOkely4NMAwD0MlAEfKmdJgJ2qaeGiV5b3IxPo/s400/IMG_3942.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Every journal comes
in a brown paper maché box that I can personalize for you, or I can
send you a blank box that the recipient can personalize themselves! <br />
<br />
Click <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85663109/ten-year-journal-in-a-box" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see the Etsy listing and get more information about these awesome journals. They'd make great gifts!Anne Nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090731530575231306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990009548948650739.post-14097880449220524902011-11-06T06:30:00.000-08:002011-11-11T12:11:40.812-08:00Super Delicious Banana Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicf1dSICvj2Vcg4qVO1IQGTRp6dWxbyDDMy8IAa7Glknbd-knOiiROo201Jnec7f3C418RtJHPJ3QC0pH6gJa-kehD16q7irZbYkYtGOGwkZb8m32r0Lt6u9n494Oe0DYPskWrHpGQOVch/s1600/IMG_3833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicf1dSICvj2Vcg4qVO1IQGTRp6dWxbyDDMy8IAa7Glknbd-knOiiROo201Jnec7f3C418RtJHPJ3QC0pH6gJa-kehD16q7irZbYkYtGOGwkZb8m32r0Lt6u9n494Oe0DYPskWrHpGQOVch/s400/IMG_3833.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This last Sunday I spent almost the whole day baking. Great for my heart, bad for my thighs. But I digest... err... digress.<br />
<br />
Anyhoo, one of the treats I made was this amazingly delicious banana bread. I just don't think there's anything better than warm bread right out of the oven, smothered in butter. Mmmm... my mouth is watering just thinking about it. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Super Delicious Banana Bread </b></span></u><br />
(taken from <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/banana-bread-recipe/index.html">The Food Network</a> website)<br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u><br />
- 1 cup granulated sugar<br />
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature<br />
- 3 ripe bananas<br />
- 2 large eggs <br />
- 1 tablespoon milk<br />
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />
- 2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
- 1 teaspoon baking powder<br />
- 1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
- 1 teaspoon salt<br />
<br />
<u>Directions </u><br />
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter a 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan.
<br />
<br />
Cream the sugar and butter in a large mixing bowl until light and
fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
<br />
<br />
In a small bowl, mash the bananas with a fork. Mix in the milk and
cinnamon. In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking
soda and salt.
<br />
<br />
Add the banana mixture to the creamed mixture and stir until combined. Add dry ingredients, mixing just until flour disappears.
<br />
<br />
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes,
until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Set aside to
cool on a rack for 15 minutes. Remove bread from pan, invert onto rack
and cool completely before slicing.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anne Nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090731530575231306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990009548948650739.post-77238841976677397462011-11-05T06:00:00.000-07:002011-11-09T08:29:41.380-08:00Simple Sensory Activity: Carpet Samples!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGISLju1Nnaw_5oQ6LjiJqjXmqRK0mqE34ys8SgyvUUFjvCvZWByoQGWRwKi73aaQ3meNvkeDx38yZDm4IjIU5avgX6L8HIuqWKzXZp8E-hdMK6QqWkRSEttR6mfTgWw8pYTxZcT9G6bc/s1600/IMG_3909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGISLju1Nnaw_5oQ6LjiJqjXmqRK0mqE34ys8SgyvUUFjvCvZWByoQGWRwKi73aaQ3meNvkeDx38yZDm4IjIU5avgX6L8HIuqWKzXZp8E-hdMK6QqWkRSEttR6mfTgWw8pYTxZcT9G6bc/s320/IMG_3909.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Babies love texture. It's just something built into their little brains, and activities that exercise their senses are so important to growth and development. These are things I definitely was NOT thinking about the last time I was at my local home improvement store. I was there to get some drapery hardware and ended up wandering through the flooring aisle for a few minutes (I have a degree in Interior Design, and sometimes I just need to browse random areas to admire the latest and greatest floor coverings, paint, and lighting. It's a sick addiction).<br />
<br />
I was looking at the carpet section and noticed that above the large rolls of floor coverings they had a ton of free samples. They were about three inches square, the perfect size for little chubby fingers to hold. I immediately thought of Oliver and how much he LOVES texture, so I grabbed a handful of free samples on my way to the checkout.<br />
<br />
When we got home I set him on the floor and put the flooring samples around him. It was so cute to watch him go from one to the other, moving his tiny little fingers across each square. He was busy with them for a long time (I supervised him to make sure none of the little carpet fibers ended up in his mouth), and I think what I'll do eventually is put them on a large keyring to keep him busy when we're out running errands.<br />
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Gotta love free stuff that keep babies busy!Anne Nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090731530575231306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990009548948650739.post-5445914212320907442011-11-04T15:15:00.000-07:002011-11-04T15:15:55.321-07:00Free Printable: Notebook Gift Tags!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRFMfo8MGaM662y_eP72Cv1TnIi81HPg4GQyv8B9O4OWyzLLnAMgkBDEI1nNdhQ_gqEdKN5zjsDZ6q8Tuti5e0XDNu-lWV5wGqQFHf-YnCNwo8vewJJZyQkwUxI7v4xF2oPVTDb4VhMB5/s1600/IMG_3921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRFMfo8MGaM662y_eP72Cv1TnIi81HPg4GQyv8B9O4OWyzLLnAMgkBDEI1nNdhQ_gqEdKN5zjsDZ6q8Tuti5e0XDNu-lWV5wGqQFHf-YnCNwo8vewJJZyQkwUxI7v4xF2oPVTDb4VhMB5/s400/IMG_3921.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The giving season is upon us! It seems to sneak up on me every year, but I'm trying my hardest to prepare as much as I can so I'm not rushing around like crazy the whole month of December.<br />
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<br />
Today I was working on another project entirely and was suddenly inspired to create a fun and casual gift tag to share with all of you! Print a few out on white card stock, cut out, and you'll be set!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KANLu6MdXXfTaJJuxGsM3k7-SmeCZErJ6tWYJWmbQ3uBLPWDrA-yKtNGXejd8mWBzp4fEygHJ2mpYlIuEJElOXq1UHyEf8S_ebQxQN03sJt8YSaqoe-_POfF6YqfmeCoh_dpoqohP7Yp/s1600/IMG_3924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KANLu6MdXXfTaJJuxGsM3k7-SmeCZErJ6tWYJWmbQ3uBLPWDrA-yKtNGXejd8mWBzp4fEygHJ2mpYlIuEJElOXq1UHyEf8S_ebQxQN03sJt8YSaqoe-_POfF6YqfmeCoh_dpoqohP7Yp/s320/IMG_3924.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Click <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/71625722/Notebook-Gift-Tags" target="_blank">HERE</a> to save and print the PDF file.</b> </div>
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Feel free to share the link with friends, but please do not use for commercial use unless given permission from me. Thanks!Anne Nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090731530575231306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990009548948650739.post-48085877397272421122011-11-04T06:00:00.000-07:002011-11-04T06:00:06.360-07:00Fishy Birthday InvitationsMy little munchkin Oliver is turning one year old next month, so I've been busy making his birthday party invitations to send out soon. I thought I'd share this simple, fun, and super inexpensive idea for party invitations!<br />
<br />
All you need are multi-color index cards, alphabet and number stamps, and a stamp pad!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1C742e5eLogt96XoGPD92GPqwXx5O8bFuw_1fo1In0czdw6hDi6lmCjznqNeKpzOpRWrPO50cxoqQszVFtj6pDc16Pcy0dwXkVXycXDE2eECsGhpNLRk0AZAHxeWZHsC9Ok-2yORnbSC/s1600/IMG_3905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1C742e5eLogt96XoGPD92GPqwXx5O8bFuw_1fo1In0czdw6hDi6lmCjznqNeKpzOpRWrPO50cxoqQszVFtj6pDc16Pcy0dwXkVXycXDE2eECsGhpNLRk0AZAHxeWZHsC9Ok-2yORnbSC/s320/IMG_3905.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used the yellow, green, and blue cards as well as grey and teal ink pads to create my design. I wasted a few cards getting the layout right, but once I figured out the spacing it went pretty quickly.<br />
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There was just the perfect number of lines on the card to add all the details about the party (address is partially blurred out to protect the innocent). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0eFutTzTPCp87gTB7OjUTBDyFAjvxB_75k29RUUuiDsKDWA9fNW1Yw3BsFbYnUN2WsDdpDNSvGdojzNFT3GdIcOA9S9wiqb5_WXyj0hQ2-B0tNe7JnvDlKKJQ3kUEZUCNKMjfV7FvUxq/s1600/IMG_3898+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0eFutTzTPCp87gTB7OjUTBDyFAjvxB_75k29RUUuiDsKDWA9fNW1Yw3BsFbYnUN2WsDdpDNSvGdojzNFT3GdIcOA9S9wiqb5_WXyj0hQ2-B0tNe7JnvDlKKJQ3kUEZUCNKMjfV7FvUxq/s320/IMG_3898+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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On the front I cut out a simple fish shape (his party will be fish-themed) and stamped "fishy fun!" on them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHZf6eYqZZULXKxvIfQ7SLdBKSlDbeokO2YYRftAYPrflOzy6wY6r8ztJIQ8mCkXKMFibwX6X9vwoklLEc5G7f24uERVl17s4-sqL5jbp0mt9pTRroygtYF8wioTXJm_ZUqW7ngI5ciRR/s1600/IMG_3896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHZf6eYqZZULXKxvIfQ7SLdBKSlDbeokO2YYRftAYPrflOzy6wY6r8ztJIQ8mCkXKMFibwX6X9vwoklLEc5G7f24uERVl17s4-sqL5jbp0mt9pTRroygtYF8wioTXJm_ZUqW7ngI5ciRR/s320/IMG_3896.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I really like the old-timey feel to the cards, and I think the simplicity of them is really sweet.<br />
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Do you have any inexpensive ideas for party invitations? I'd love to hear about them!Anne Nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090731530575231306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990009548948650739.post-64329752163754915372011-11-03T06:30:00.000-07:002011-11-03T06:30:02.176-07:00Easy Dinner: Pizza Bubbles!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgrrT9kqOfcEM3eK6U2uJElTzZlh9a-rpjxJ0CpCPSnRBPxvYr1bdos3_ooyKI7nE8SxInA9oWMt_-daV09bdOjk5Xv_YQdB8yKGNdbLymx1KgkS7AVFUCiCxY9dj14H3Wx9bqFlcfNe3/s1600/IMG_3842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgrrT9kqOfcEM3eK6U2uJElTzZlh9a-rpjxJ0CpCPSnRBPxvYr1bdos3_ooyKI7nE8SxInA9oWMt_-daV09bdOjk5Xv_YQdB8yKGNdbLymx1KgkS7AVFUCiCxY9dj14H3Wx9bqFlcfNe3/s400/IMG_3842.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is such a yummy, easy dinner that I love making on these chilly fall evenings. There's only three ingredients, and even my super picky four-year-old loves them!<br />
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<b>Pizza Bubbles</b><br />
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<u>Ingredients: </u><br />
1 can (16 oz.) canned jumbo buttermilk biscuits<br />
1 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping, if desired)<br />
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese<br />
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<u>Directions:</u><br />
Heat oven to <span style="font-family: inherit;">375</span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">°F. Spray 8-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray. Separate dough in to biscuits. Using kitchen scissors, cut each biscuit into 6 pieces; place in medium bowl. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Stir in 1 cup pizza sauce to coat. Spoon biscuit mixture evenly into dish. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Bake 20 minutes or until light golden brown and center biscuits are no longer doughy. Sprinkle with cheese and back another 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMtDTeL-s_m9mtd44SXcxt_ZFsKYiIN6kb2wkd8bNzyZ_-9LlDagmq3JxrJnpY1EtvBhukLYf928zlKfFh37De6lqpIPF-oZTUmKBt0Kzmx0gR2123DEz7iLuGIWFZydH7vlSNpKRUB87/s1600/IMG_3836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMtDTeL-s_m9mtd44SXcxt_ZFsKYiIN6kb2wkd8bNzyZ_-9LlDagmq3JxrJnpY1EtvBhukLYf928zlKfFh37De6lqpIPF-oZTUmKBt0Kzmx0gR2123DEz7iLuGIWFZydH7vlSNpKRUB87/s320/IMG_3836.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Cut into squares; serve warm with additional pizza sauce for dipping. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">This meal is just so yummy, and the prep involved just couldn't be easier! </span>
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</style>Anne Nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090731530575231306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990009548948650739.post-52659030860503862422011-11-02T06:30:00.000-07:002011-11-02T06:30:01.445-07:00No putty? No problem!Because I'm constantly re-arranging artwork and accessories I'm regularly filling nail holes around the house. I'm sure we've got a big bucket of putty somewhere (hubby used to be a professional painter), but I can never find it when I need it. So I've got a couple of solutions that work just as well that you can use in a pinch!<br />
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A day or two before you want to fill the nail holes, put a small amount of your wall paint (about 1/4 cup) into a small seal-able plastic container. Leave the lid cracked a bit so a small amount of air can get in. In 24-48 hours the paint turns into a thick paste, almost the consistency of spackle.<br />
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Then just use a putty knife (or your finger) to fill the holes. As soon as it dries you're ready to go! I like this method because it eliminates having to putty and let it dry completely before painting. I need instant gratification! <br />
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Another very simple solution to filling nail holes: toothpaste! As long as it's the paste type and not the gel, you can use it to fill in holes just like putty. White toothpaste is best, but in a pinch you can use green. Fill the holes, let it dry, then paint!<br />
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I hope these simple tips help, and happy decorating!</div>
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<br /></div>Anne Nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090731530575231306noreply@blogger.com0