{POSH IDEAS}

Diet Dr. Pepper Printable

2012-02-01T22:20:00.000-08:00

When I created the Diet Coke Printable I didn’t know I would have such an overwhelming response.

It shocked me. It has been re-pinned over 1000 times! What? Who knew?
Emails came in from some serious DDP fans for a Diet Dr. Pepper version.
So without hesistation here you go…
I’m glad people are enjoying this little print as much as their Diet Coke/ DDP Addictions!

Click here for the full resolution download!

Ball Themed Birthday

2012-01-31T21:15:00.001-08:00

My Little guy is turning two this week. He loves all things Ball! So we had a little party and celebrated!
The Kids Table all set to get destroyed!

From the looks of it, I think the evening was a complete success!

Valentine’s Mantel’s

2012-01-27T18:19:00.001-08:00

Beth at Home Stories A to Z is Hosting a Valentine's Mantel Party! I love blogging for so many reasons and I absolutely love to see other's spaces, ideas, and how they live. You must click over to see all the beautiful Mantel's being linked up it's definetly a great source to get great holiday decorating ideas!

So Here is my Family Room Valentine's Mantel, and then My Kitchen Mantel!

Also linking up to Tatertots and Jello weekend Wrap- UP!

update on my Paperwhites…

2012-01-24T16:55:00.000-08:00

Remember I planted Paperwhites on Christmas Eve? They grew so much in 2 weeks over 28" tall they were so beautiful. It made me so happy to have some great spring & life in my house!

Then one morning I woke up to find that they grew so much they tipped over! Next time I will stake them better they kind of died after this. They were a beautiful experiment I'll definetly be doing every year!

Diet Coke Printable

2012-01-23T06:18:00.000-08:00

I designed this little printable and thought some of you may enjoy it too if you love your diet coke as much as I do!

Click here to download the full resolution copy!

Felt Valentine’s Banner

2012-01-20T05:41:00.000-08:00

I picked up a bunch of these felt red Christmas Ornaments at Target on Clearance when they were 75% off and my cute mom found me more when they were 90% off. There are 3 in a pack so 3 felt hearts for 10 cents?! Steal! These will even be cute to tie on little presents!
I usually embrace a very simple white/red valentine’s color scheme but this year I’m pulling in some Magenta for fun.

I cut off the gold ornament hanger and started spreading out the hearts to get the spacing right. Then I cut 6” strips of ribbon tying the hearts together.

And there you have it a Simple Felt Valentine Banner that literally cost me less than $1! Since the hearts were so cheap and I already owned the ribbon!

Linking up to Tatertots and Jello,

Shabby Nest

Blue Cricket Designs.

DIY Cabochon Earrings

2012-01-18T17:45:00.000-08:00

I recently made my first purchase from Mindy Mae's Market a deal a day style website that features craft supplies and home accessories. I purchased 50 Cabochon's for $8.00 it was a random set but below is what was in the baggie and of that 50 I got 11 matching pairs for earrings. If you want all matching sets Etsy is a great resource. I've got more ideas for my random pieces for cute pendants so I wasn't worried about having extra random pieces.

I love wearing a simple stud and the vintage look of a cabochon is very cute. I picked up Earring Posts and Earring Backs at Michaels for 2.99 ea. These two packs would make 30 pairs of Earrings so .20 for a pair of earrings, and you could get that even cheaper if you use a Coupon for Michaels.

I got out my favorite crafting glue E6000 this stuff is awesome!

Then I simply put a small dab of glue on the post and glued it to the Cabochon and let them dry.

Once they dried I simply grabbed some packing tags, punched a hole in those and put on the simple earings and secured the earing backs. I think these are great little gifts and fun earrings for spring!

Linking up to Tatertots and Jello Weekend Party, and Blue Cricket Design!

Meal Planning Dinners & Free Printable

2012-01-04T23:10:00.000-08:00

As a new year is here many of us are re-evaluating our homes and our routines and try to improve and make things run more smoothly. I wanted to share a little printable and some of my meal planning tips! This would be great to laminate and keep your dinner's organized.

Please click here to download the free printable! Also please like Posh Ideas on FB for more...

I have a pretty regular routine of meals that my family loves and wanted to share my schedule with you!

We love food at our house so I like to vary the types of food Mexican, Itallian, Chinese, etc. I also like to vary the meat we serve Chicken, Turkey, Pork, or Beef and sometimes we'll throw in a Meatless Meal usually a Breakfast for Dinner night. Which is easy and the kids love it!

So Sunday's we generally do something Easy in the Crockpot or go to Grandma's for dinner so we keep this simple after a busy day.

Monday- New recipe Monday! Every Monday is when I try a new recipe. I've been pinning away so many dinner ideas I just try them on Monday nights. We evaluate and add it into our favorites, or don't love it and doesn't make the cut.

Tuesday- is Mexican Night! So we have something from our favorite stash of Mexican Recipes

Wednesday- is Italian or Chinese Night

Thursday- is Leftovers or a Hearty Sandwich- (i.e. BBQ Chicken, French Dips, Gyros, Meatball Subs)

Friday- Date Night! We try to go out and the kids eat something simple.

Saturday- we like to Make our own Pizza, or sometimes Grab one from Costco!

linking up to Whipperberry, Blue Cricket Design, and Tatertots and Jello!

Sweet Almond Sugar Scrub

2012-01-04T00:29:00.001-08:00

We live in Utah it's so cold and dry this time of year my skin freaks out. I saw some rediculously overpriced Sugar scrub and thought, I could make that!

So I picked up the Sweet Almond Oil 8 oz. at the grocery store, grabbed some sugar from the pantry 1 Cup, and a few drops of Almond extract. and I created the most fantasctic scrub. Generously scrub and massage hands and feet with scrub then rinse off. Your hands and feet will thank you with a soft moisturizing exfoliation.
I packaged mine in a simple mason jar with a tag including description and instructions. These are so easy
and would be a great girlfriend gift for someone.
Linking up to Tatertots and Jello!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T06:30:00.000-08:00

I love the start of a new year! Do you? I love a fresh start. I love Monday's, turning the page on a calendar to a new month, new school years, and especially a brand new year! It's a great chance to start over.

Mique at thirtyhandmadedays.com created this adorable printable. I love that you can share highlighs from the year and post goals for the new year! I am going to use this on Monday for our FHE and can't wait to start a new year!

Growing Paperwhites

2011-12-30T19:16:00.001-08:00

Paperwhites are something beautiful and simple that bloom indoors through those dreary winter months.
I purchased my bulbs 50% off at Lowes last week. So now is the time to go grab some. You will also need to grab a quaility potting soil if you already don’t have that. Then pick various glass vases or jars to plant in. it’s ideal if there is no drainage hole.
Fill container about halfway with your potting mix, Nestle in your bulbs. Mine had already started sprouting.
Then cover the bulbs with another inch or so of soil and generously water. I have been watering these every day to keep the soil moist and they are really taking off. Tomorrow they will be planted for 1 week so I’ll have to snap an update of their progress.
Enjoy I can’t wait for these babies to start blooming in the dead of winter it will give me something to smile about!

Last minute christmas details

2011-12-23T08:48:00.001-08:00

Hopefully by now all your preparations are complete, and you are ready for a wonderful Christmas weekend!

I am so excited for this year my kids are at the magical ages of 6, 4, and almost 2!

Just a last minute reminder that anything electronic will need batteries so make sure to have those on hand and have everything ready to go!

There is nothing worse than a late night 3 am assembly on christmas eve paired with the littles waking up at 6 am!

Merry Christmas my dear friends & readers! I'll be back next week with lots of fun plans for the new year!

Reindeer Food Craft

2011-12-22T08:50:00.000-08:00

I did these a few years back and my kids just loved putting out a little goodie for the reindeer. I got a cello baggie filled it with 9 grain cereal. {Anything from the pantry will do} Then I made these little tags and tied it up with ribbon. If Santa gets cookies don't you think his reindeer will need a snack too!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Homemade Laundry Detergent

2011-12-22T08:05:00.001-08:00

I have been wanting to make some laundry detergent for Months via Pinterest inspiration, but I obviously waited until I ran completely out of detergent to give it a try. Which also happened to be a crazy busy weekend to let my laundry pile up until I got a chance to make this yesterday morning and I’m pleasantly surprised.

All ingredients can be found in the cleaning section at your local Walmart!

Ingredients:
3 bars of Fels-Naptha Grated (I did this in my Cuisinart and it looks just like Cheese)
1 4lb. 12 Oz Box of Borax
1 4lb. box of Baking Soda
1 box Super Washing Soda
1 3lb. Tub of Oxi-Clean

Find a clean empty tub to mix up all your ingredients. And your ready to go.
This only takes 1 Tablespoon of detergent/load & should last about 8 months!

Crockpot Peanut Clusters

2011-12-20T00:16:00.001-08:00

Every December my sister-in-laws and I have a night where we make Candy and Treats! So this year I turned to Pinterest for some inspiration as to what to make. I was looking for something simple and easy candy making is for the patient and I want instant results! I stumbled across Crockpot Peanut Clusters from Kristi’s Recipe Box and knew this was it. I texted my SIL Sara and wanted her input she replied Chocolate +Peanut Butter how could we go wrong!

Set your crockpot to low,
Ingredients:
You'll need a 24 oz. package of almond bark, 12 oz. pkg. of semi-sweet chips, 12 oz. pkg. of milk chocolate chips, and 2 jars of dry roasted peanuts (one regular, one unsalted). I roughly chopped my almond bark to speed up the melting process.
after you literally dump everything into the crockpot put the lid on and walk away. Come back and stir every 15 minutes!
Then one full hour later you will be ready to drop little clusters onto wax or parchment paper.

Honestly the hardest part was pouring little spoonfuls onto the paper. It makes oodles, so have lots of counter space and wax paper! Once they set up they can be packaged up and handed out! These were super easy, delicious, and such a great lazy-candy-making method!
It would be great with all kinds of nuts as well!

Perfect Meltaways

2011-12-17T08:13:00.000-08:00

Today I had the pleasure of going to a fun blogger cookie exchange hosted by Jen of Tatertots & Jello! The big question was, what to make? There is something to be said about a simple basic cookie and the Perfect Meltaway was what I ended up bringing. These little cookies are so versatile and perfect for baby, or wedding showers it’s so simple and delicate.
.
The cookie itself is 4 basic inredients (makes about 3 dozen):
1 C. Butter
3/4 C. Cornstarch
3/4 C. Powdered Sugar
1 C. Flour

Directions:
Whip butter until nice and fluffy then slowly add in the cornstarch, powdered sugar and flour.
Then scoop into a small cookie ball and place on your baking sheet.
After you have rolled your tray of dough balls, take a drinking glass with the bottom dipped in Powdered sugar to slightly flatten the dough on the tray.
Then Bake at 350* for 9-11 minutes. They go from done to overdone really quickly so watch them closely!

I made a simple Cream Cheese Frosting
4 oz. cream cheese
1/4 c. butter
2 c. powdered sugar
1 t. vanilla
Tint as you wish! I did a simple layer of white, then reserved some for red and green for some Holly, & Ivy accents!

Linking up to share on Tatertots and Jello!

White Chocolate Popcorn

2011-12-11T21:07:00.000-08:00

I recently started making my own white chocolate popcorn and it’s super easy and quick! I use light microwave popcorn 2 packages,and 1package of White Chocolate Candy Melts.

Ingredients:
2 bags microwave popcorn light
1 12 oz. bag white chocolate melts

The Ratio I use is 2 bags microwave popcorn = to 12 oz. chocolate If your planning on making a lot double or triple this amount.

Pop your microwave, and then carefully pour into a large bowl sifting out any unopened kernels.

Start your chocolate in a microwave safe bowl for 3 minutes at 30% power and stir every minute. You may need to add a few more minutes at 30% power depending on your microwave.

Somehow I forgot to take a picture of the next step! Probably because I was drizzling and tossing. So Drizzle melted chocolate and toss with a spoon to evenly coat all the popcorn. Once all the popcorn is evenly coated spread out on wax paper to cool and set up.

I packaged the popcorn in dollar store pails, wrapped them up in cello and ribbon and attached a cute little mitten ornament.

and Ta-Done!

Linking up to Tatertot and Jello's Handmade Gifts!

Quick Holiday Gifts- Santa-Tizer!

2011-12-09T21:20:00.000-08:00

I first spoted the Santa-tizer Idea over on pinterest! There are a lot of different versions! I thought they were cute and practical! Since it's now flu season we need all the help we can get to stay healthy!

Grab some Hand Sanitizers

I found a 25 yard spool of this cute Santa Ribbon (originally from Walmart) at the DI for $1 brand new!

Love that place!

Next up just measure and cut ribbon to fit your bottles. Then hot glue the ribbon on!

This took me about 10 minutes and it will be great to have a few extra little gifts around for the holidays!

And Ta-Done!

Linking up at :

Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Men & Women

2011-11-28T10:01:00.000-08:00

My husband and I are not giving each other gifts this year we are saving for some bigger ticket items. So we are just doing stockings for each other. While perusing Pinterest the other night I happened upon a great little list of 50+ ideas for his/her stocking stuffer ideas compiled by The Life of Lulu Belle I thouht I'd share! I actually emailed the husband the list just incase he needs a little help!

List for Men

List for Women

Black Friday!

2011-11-26T21:43:00.001-08:00

Got to love crazy black Friday! It's ridiculous, and fun all at the same time!

I'm converting my husband to embrace the madness! I think it's working!

Happy Thanksgiving! {Sweet Potato Souffle}

2011-11-23T20:48:00.000-08:00

I just finished making my Thanksgiving Dish for Tomorrow. Sweet Potatoes!

I thought I'd share my recipe! This is adapted from two old ward cookbooks to make it easy and delicious!

Sweet Potatoes

2 Large cans Sweet Potatoes drained

1 C. Sugar

1 C. Evaporated Milk

4 Eggs

1/2 Cup Butter Softened

2 Teaspoons Vanilla

1 Teaspoon Cinnamon

*Mix until Smooth

Pour into a greased 9x13

Topping
1/2 C. crushed Pecans
1/2 C. Brown Sugar
1/ 2 C. Flour
1/4 C. Softened Butter

Mix until crumbly and sprinkle over Sweet Potato Mixture
Bake @ 350 for 1 hour!

Posh Ideas- Paper Straw Giveaway!

2011-11-23T11:58:00.000-08:00

Make sure to click on over to our Facebook Page Here and enter to win 2 dozen red & white paper straws perfect for holiday parties!

Rainbow Cupcakes

2011-11-09T23:36:00.000-08:00

For Miss Kindergarten's Artist Party I wanted something simple but fun!

I had seen many amazing layered rainbow cakes floating around pinterest but let's be honest a dozen kindergartners wou not appreciate the labor intensive process!

So I opted for a simple cupcake instead! I whipped up a white cake mix (I always add sour cream and milk instead of the water called for) This makes for a moist cupcake! I divided my cake batter into 4 equal bowls and added a different color of food coloring to each batter bowl.

Then spooned in the layers of batter to each liner. They were not perfect as you can tell by the photo below. They were fun, yummy and easy!

I finished them off with cream cheese frosting and ta-done!

These could be made for many different holidays ia variety of fun colors. Oh the possibilities!

Holiday Comforts

2011-11-04T13:39:00.000-07:00

This post is sponsored by Tempur-Pedic, the brand millions of owners trust to deliver their best night’s sleep every night. Enjoy our Buy 2, get 1 free pillow offer now and give the gift of custom comfort to someone you love.

What brings you holiday comforts?

Pizza Picnic & Movie December 2009, my girls looked like babies!

One of my favorite activities we do every year is have a Pizza Picnic on a blanket and watch a movie all together as a family. This seems so simple Pizza & a Movie but it has become one of my kids’ favorites! During all the Holiday Chaos it’s nice to have a great casual night at home with the ones I love!

Another component of my holiday comforts is food! I grew up with a mom that baked all the time. Weekly batches of homemade cookies, homemade rolls, and she is always making pie too. It truly is a labor of love through the whole process preparing, baking, and eating! I have loved carrying on this tradition with my family as well. We love to make lots of holiday goodies to share with dear friends & family.

So as another Christmas Season approaches I will plan and prepare small and simple things to create memories. I like to focus less on what Santa may or may not deliver, but hope that along the way I create a season of joy and memories for my family to bond and remember.

Comfort is the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday gift list, so be sure to take advantage of Tempur-Pedic's Buy 2, get 1 free pillow offer! I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective.

Generic Advent Calendar { Birthdays, Holidays Etc)

2011-10-14T14:56:00.000-07:00

Birthday Season for me is coming around the corner and I've been wanting to create something fun for my kids to help them with the birthday countdown. This advent can be customized for any occasion!

$1 baking Tray from DollarTree

Get some favor tins from a party store and glue a magnet on the back!

embellish your tins with a number, stickers or your special date!

fit your paper and assemble it all together! This project was so quick and inexpensive and my kids are going to love it! I think I'm going to fill my tins with little messages about why everyone loves them.

Linking up to Tatertots and Jello weekend wrap up party there are so many cute ideas being posted tonight!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-06T11:00:00.000-07:00

I totally jumped the gun and have had Halloween up since Mid September! Remeber my buntings I made from last year? I now need to put things up out of the way from little Mr. who has broken a few decorations this season! I'm already stressing about what's going to happen to my Christmas Tree!

My hood over the rage wasn't suppose to be this deep but I made it extra deep so I'd have an extra space to decorte. I'm kind of crazy like that!

The porch is up next! I have a few fallish things out but need to make it a bit more Halloween-ish!

Flower Headbands

2011-10-04T12:35:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I got myself into a creative mess! Making some new headbands for the girls! The tutorial to make the flowers can be found over here @ The house of Smith's one of my #1 blogs for creative inspiration. Miss Kindergarten really only wants to wear headband instead of "bows" so this is my way of still keeping it girly!

Meal Planning { Kid Lunches }

2011-09-16T14:47:00.000-07:00

Image found Here click for more Wrap Ideas

One of the items I am working on better implementing is Meal Planning! Lots of people plan meals for dinner but I started one for lunch as well. Last Spring I implemented a Luch meal plan that works wonderfully for my kids who want the same thing everyday! So my having a menu for lunches it's never a question of what do you want today?

This can easily be adapted for what your kids like to eat!

Monday= Macaroni

Tuesday= Tortillas (so we'll have Quesadillas, Turkey Wraps etc. Something with Tortillas!)

Wednesday= PB & J

Thurdsays= Tuna Melts (my kids love a good Tuna Melt, other's are weary but Tuna is a great source of protien.

Friday= Freezer Day (something from the freezer Chicken Nuggets, Bagel Bites etc.) So I can limit their unhealthy options!

Would this be helpful to your family? Do you have a schedule for lunch time!

Summer Projects...

2011-06-30T16:03:00.000-07:00

I haven't been thrifting much lately I've promised myself not to go buy any treasures until I get to work and finishing some projects in the basement. Oh thank heavens for that unfinished space to work on and store my "projects" This little TV cabinet was a freebie and I'm so excited with the progress! I can't wait to show you how it's looking. It's not done yet but it's going to be darling for the playroom TV.

And my lovely assitants!

Keeping the mom-mobile ready for Summer!

2011-06-21T13:12:00.000-07:00

While watching Studio 5 I saw a great segment of something I wanted to create a great on the go organizing for your car. I keep a few essentials on hand but not the full extent of what she showed on the segment.

I streamlined her idea into 1 tote not the 3 she talked about. Click here for the segment. She has great Ideas!

great to use up all my trial size items I get free with coupon.

I like to organzie in clear plastic so I can see what is in my totes. They can cost a little more money, I had this one on hand but these generally run about 7-$10 depending on what size you grab.

In Relief Society this past month we focused on Emergency Prepardness and we could assemple these awesome car kits. It seriously has lots of great random things you need sometimes in a pinch. Paperclips, aspirin, rubber bands, mints, bandaids etc. It buttons up in this little pouch it's awesome.

My complete list of what I packed are:

Diapers

Wipes

paper plates

cups

straws

napkins

forks

sleeve of crackers

lemonade packets (the ones you mix into water bottles)

bouncy balls

chap stick

lotion

sunscreen

bug spray

mini first aid kit

& I always have a blanket in my car.

I assmebled this last week and I've already used it multiple times to grab various items!

I Shellac do you?

2011-06-17T06:30:00.000-07:00

I love to go and get pampered with a pedi at the beginning of the summer to prep my toes for some sandal wear. One of my biggest frustrations was chipping a pedi less than a week after! By two weeks my toes would look far from perfect!

A friend of mine has been getting Shellac for 6 months or so and when she showed me her toes done over 2 months ago I was sold. I called her cute tech Jackie and made an appointment. It's a little extra money I just got the shellac and it was $20, but it seriously looks fabulous I've had it for almost 3 weeks now and I just spent 10 days on vacation swimming and playing hard, and guess what my toes still look perfect! It's my new must have Summer Splurge!

Pinterest... I'm in love, are you?

2011-06-15T06:30:00.001-07:00

Are you a late arriving on the pinterest bandwagon? Let me entice you!

You have a basic account, create inspiration boards for whatever you please (recipes, clothes, design, parties, etc.) I know we all have a bazillion blogs we follow and find so many great ideas but we then can't track it all down and don't want to save it all on our computers. So by pinning it to your inspiration board you can click on it and find it!

I can also "follow" other people and see what they are pinning and what Ideas they have found! Come follow me along here! I promise you won't regret it!

CoverGirl Makeup Haul!

2011-06-01T15:34:00.000-07:00

With Summer finally here I wanted to switch up my makeup routine a bit. I was looking for something more light, bright, and sheer. It's no secret I'm a big fan of Smith's and I love a great deal. Did you know Smith's always has their CoverGirl Makeup on 20% off all the time!

I am starting to notice age on the face so one thing I was searching for was a great makeup with a sunscreen in it. I found a great Tinted Moisturizer from CoverGirl's Aqua Smoother's Line in light-medium. It's very lightweight, Oil Free, and has UVA/UVB protection with an SPF of 15!

Next I was out of powder so I grabbed their Trublend Minerals translcent powder I'm a girl that loves a soft powder to set my makeup and eliminate any shine and the consistency of this powder is great very light and non-cakey if you know what I mean!

I also picked up a new blush and I'm pretty sure it's my new favorite! It's the Classic Color Blush in Soft Mink, It's the perfect balance between pink, and peach, and also has a light shimmer to brighten up the skin I've been using it on the cheeks and just a soft brush along the T-zone to brighten things up and I'm loving this!

I don't feel like my eyes are ever awake until I've lined them and added Mascara I usually wear a black-brown liner and wanted to try something lighter for summer so I found these fabulous liners that are Perfect Point Plus self sharpening liners I picked up the grey khaki for a less dramatic summer eye and I do love the ease of these liners and would love to try a darker shade.

Last my face is not complete without my lips! I'm a gloss girl through and through and when I found their new Wetslicks Amazemint I was sold. A perfect pretty pink gloss Everythings Rosy #605 to be exact with a fabulous mint flavor? Fabulous!
Thanks CoverGirl for some amazing product.

Do you switch up your makeup routine for the seasons? Do you have a product you can't seem to live without? I'd love to hear your tips, and Tricks!

Thank you to Kroger and CoverGirl for sponsoring this review. While CoverGirl provided me with a $30 gift card to purchase CoverGirl products at Kroger stores, the opinions I've expressed here are solely my own, represent my honest viewpoint, and not that of CoverGirl, Kroger, or Proctor & Gamble. I am making no claims about the products, just expressing my thoughtful opinion. Clever Girls Collective supports Blog With Integrity.

Summer Boredom Busters

2011-05-24T11:45:00.000-07:00

For my little family Summer starts this very weekend and we have some fun plans to kick it off! I found this list from Digital Reflections on 100 FREE things to do with your kids this summer so I thought I'd share. I love doing projects with my girls but sometimes I draw a blank for ideas. Thank heavens for the wonderful resources on the web.

What are your favorite free activities to do with your family?

Jonny and Ang are Hoping to Adopt!

2011-05-19T21:13:00.001-07:00

Will's Brother Jon and his Wife Angela are hoping to adopt! They adopted sweet Noah the same time I had William so those two little boys love to jabber and talk back to each other I can't wait to watch their friendship grow. We have been so blessed by this sweet little boy in the family. He's truly meant to be. Adoption is a true miracle and blessing. So Handsome right?

Please hop over to their blog to read more about them! They are two amazing people who are amazing parents and Noah is going to be a pretty cute big brother one day!

Fabric Backed Cabinets

2011-03-30T21:52:00.001-07:00

My plain white cabinets were in need of a pop of color and I've been wanting to incorporate some blue so I picked up some blue trellis fabric at Hobby Lobby and measured the inside dimensions.

I used some double sided tape to secure it then slid in the shelves.

and finished! Such an easy simple project that can really dress up bookcases, cabinets, anything with an exposed back panel.

Spring Boutique Wrap Up!

2011-03-30T21:29:00.000-07:00

These are some pictures from Cameo Spring Boutique that I did. It was a lot of fun to meet lots of people and see some friends and show them some of the fun things I do! I have a few extra aprons over here in the shop if anyone is looking for Mother's Day gifts!

Blogstalking... Northwest Hospitality

2011-03-11T13:02:00.000-08:00

I just love when creative people make something out of nothing! This little sewing room caught my eye. Sarah of Northwest Hospitality just pulled together this room for a mere $65! It's adorable. Be sure to snoop around her blog and check out all her creativity! I love her style.

Smitten with these Toms...

2011-03-09T21:47:00.000-08:00

I love these for spring and summer they honestly look like ballet shoes, more girly than some of the other Toms but not glittery I just can't pull those off. I'm wondering if they will get so dirty though hmm. I love them though!

My DI find if the week...

2011-03-02T13:41:00.000-08:00

I'm almost 100% positive I just picked up this identical Item on my weekly walk through at the DI! I've compared pictures, and all the dimensions are identical. Can't wait to get a new cushion, and put it in my Family Room!

Pottery Barn $599 Chair with Ottoman.

mine I scored at the DI for $20 Chair with Ottoman! I did hagle them down from $35!

stay tuned... for the big reveal!

Redneck Scentsy

2011-02-24T20:04:00.001-08:00

It's no secret that I'm super cheap! I also have been known to have expensive taste, getting something I want, for the price I would be willing to pay is something I really work hard at. If anyone out there is a devoted Scentsy fan please stop reading now you may not like what you are about to read...

I love the Scentsy concept no open flame a simple plug in. I would never be able to plunk down a mere $35 for the warmer alone, then wax bars on top of that. Even Walmart and Tai-Pan have a great knock off at $15. Still can't do that. I'm really cheap remember? But I do have a candle warmer these can run about $3 at the craft store (and use a coupon you could get it for around $1.50) if you don't already have one.

Then you can get out a little glass dish lying around your house and pop in some wax melts you bought at Walmart for $2.00 I'm loving the Pinapple Cliantro, tons more scents at Walmart or Tai Pan.

and Wala you have my Redneck uber cheap Scentsy! It works the same great way but you just have more cash in your stash doing it my way!

Spring Boutique

2011-02-23T12:30:00.001-08:00

It's been a while since I participated in a boutique so it's been fun to getting ready for this spring boutique. Cameo Homes is hosting a boutique in their brand new custom home in North Salt Lake. The home is awesome you can take the virtual tour here.

Spring Boutique

Thursday March 3, 2011

6-9 p.m.

889 Eaglepointe Drive, NSL, UT 84054

A few of the fun products I'm bringing are these adorable aprons. In full and half apron styles. Prices will be awesome too from about $14-half aprons and $20 for the full aprons! If you can't make the boutique I'll post some stuff to sell over here in my empty shop, after the boutique. I want to keep one for myself but I can't decide because they are all so cute! Delia Half Apron $14
Miss Jane Half $14
Miss Mae Half $14

Honeysuckle Full apron $20

Ruby Half apron $14

Audrey Quotes...

2011-02-22T13:01:00.000-08:00

3 Lambs Graphics has designed these beautiful prints.

I think these are such great words to live by and I love them for my girls!

It's Monday aka {FHE}

2011-02-21T10:01:00.000-08:00

I really love this quote and believe it with all my heart! One of our Family Goals is to have a Family Home Evening weekly, just like many others, trying to keep Monday nights just for Family.

I do have a great FHE Kit that is all organized and laminated that I compiled 14 kits of 2 lessons for others to swap. I had the pleasure of cutting all the lamination while on bed rest with #3. But we've been through all those lessons it's been over a year and I've been venturing out for new ideas and lessons. I have turned to some awesome websites that are great references.

The church just redesigned their site for FHE and it has some tips and lessons to use. Lately the girls are dying to participate and really concerned about their "treat" at the end so they are really into Family Night!

Other Family Home Evening Sites that I enjoy using are:

Roasted Broccoli

2011-02-17T13:53:00.000-08:00

image via Freckled Citizen

The other morning while watching Good Things Utah Reagan made this Broccoli dish and it looked so great and easy. I picked up a big bag of Broccoli at Costco this afternoon and made some for Lunch. The girls and I ate so much I made a little more after. You would have thought they were eating french fries they loved it so much. I love that it was super easy too!

Recipe

3-4 Heads of Broccoli (trimmed and cut into small pieces)

3 T. Canola Oil

Kosher Salt

Put the broccoli on a cookie sheet mixed with the canola oil. Sprinkle kosher salt over broccoli. Put in the oven on "broil" for 3-4 minutes. Take out and mix it up and put it back in for 2-3 more minutes. Should be a tiny bit brown if you like it that way. :) Serve it up and watch the kids eat green stuff!

Happy {LOVE} Day!

2011-02-14T11:03:00.000-08:00

image found here at Food Librarian

Happy Valentine's Day! This is one of my favorite Holidays!

The kids woke up to little presents lined up on the fireplace, I had our family Valentine's Dinner Saturday Night Waffles, Whipped Cream and Strawberries. It was simple but fun.

Last night we had a Valentine's Dinner with my Family, and tonight we're having a party with my Husbands's Family.

We got enganged on Valentine's Day, My Parents did as well as my Husbands Parents so needless to say it's a great holiday!

I have my Red Velvet Bundt baking in the oven that is going to get a thick layer or cream cheese frosting, Yum!

I hope you all have a great day celebrating the ones you love!

Date Night

2011-02-11T08:09:00.000-08:00

The husband and I are really trying religiously to have a weekly date night. One of our New Year's Resolutions. Something weekly to reconnect and give our selves a break from our little monkeys. We didn't get a sitter last week due to sick kiddos so I still made a point to have a date after we put the kids to bed. Earlier in the afternoon I drove through our new Kneaders and grapped some desserts and picked up a redbox Killers. So even though we had a 3 sick kids we made time. It was great, it had been a while since we had a date in! So sitter, or no sitter you should have no excuse not to have a regular date night!

Area Rug {Design Advice}

2011-02-10T19:48:00.000-08:00

Design advice requested if anyone is out there... I have been on the quest for an area rug for my family room. I picked this rug up this afternoon on a whim at NPS hoping it would work, and I have 24 hours to return it so I'm seeking peace of mind on my purchase!

Here are my pro's and con's

Pro's

the price $150 for a 10x12 area rug is a killer deal
love bold pattern
love the blues, greens, tans, and I've been wanting to get some bright pillows made to pull the colors out.

Con's

brown couch, brown ottoman, brown rug is it too much brown?
red I don't know if the seems too dominant?

Bee Happy {Freebie}

2011-02-07T09:42:00.000-08:00

Aimee at Spirk Space created this adorable freebie for personal use! Click on over here to download yours! This is just what you need on a gloomy winter day and they come in adorable colors too. These are so easy to send off to Costco or your local printer. Add a cheap frame and Ta-Da Adorable Free Art! This would look good anywhere in your home! Thanks Aimee.

Wishing for Spring...

2011-02-06T10:08:00.000-08:00

It's official nasty colds have hit my whole household. Miserable children hacking, and coughing all day long. While we experienced high's in the 20s this past week I also received my Old Navy shipment of Flip Flops 7 pairs for the whole family. How depressing! I got the above pair for Miss 3 she is in heaven and wants to wear them around. I can only dream of warmer days when socks, shoes, and coats are no longer required and I can tell the little crew to throw on their sandals and we can be ready to head out the door in a fraction of the time.

Beating the Winter Blues...

2011-02-05T08:35:00.000-08:00

I think this week has been miserably cold for most of the Nation especially in Utah! It's so gloomy the winter inversion sets in and makes me stir crazy! I found these cute little primroses for $1.50 ea. at Smith's Marketplace tossed them in a pot and they are a great pick me up! Something colorful, alive and blooming!

Squeeze Bottle Pancakes

2011-02-03T10:24:00.000-08:00

image via Steamy Kitchen

A favorite breakfast staple at our house is pancakes! I generally always use Krusteaz from Costco for the convenience. A way to Jazz up your pancakes it to pour them through a squeeze bottle.

These can be found at most any cooking store, I would recommend buying a larger size for pancakes so you won't have to refill multiple times. I got mine from Orson Gygi for a couple of dollars. We also use it to pour our batter for aebleskivers.

Click here for a video from Howdini, the possibilities are endless. Dying your batter different colors for the holidays pink hearts, green clovers etc! It's also fun to work on the alphabet, and shapes for the toddlers.

Blog Makeover...

2011-02-02T19:10:00.000-08:00

I've been playing around with a new look for the blog! How do you like it? Also I've added a poll on the side bar to the right wondering what people are looking for new crafts, recipes? Thanks for reading!

Cinnamon Banana Cake with Caramel Frosting

2011-02-02T13:06:00.000-08:00

In honor of my baby boys 1st Birthday here is a great cake recipe to share! I made him his own mini cake and he devoured it! I made this recipe for the first time earlier in the month and now I think it's a family favorite! Cinnamon Banana Cake

1 Package Yellow Cake Mix

1/2 C. Brown Sugar

2-3 Mashed Bananas

1 C. Whole Milk (any milk will do Whole just makes it more rich)

1/2 C. Vegetable Oil

3 Large Eggs

1 teaspoon Cinnamon

Combine all ingredients and bake in 2- 9" round cake pans for 30 minutes at 350.

Caramel Frosting

1/2 C. butter

1 C. Brown Sugar

1/4 C. Whole Milk

2 C. Powdered Sugar

1 teaspoon Vanilla

Boil first the butter and brown sugar after about 2 minutes add the milk and bring back to boil then remove from heat and add the PS and Vanilla.

***This cools quickly so have cakes cooled and ready to frost!

Spring Fling 2011

2011-02-01T13:02:00.001-08:00

Miranda posted about Spring Fling 2011! I did this last yaer and it's liberating! You don't need to throw it all alway many things can be sold, recycled or doanted! Clean out and get rid of 100 things before March 20th the first day of spring!

Kareen's Journey Home

2011-02-01T12:49:00.001-08:00

See this little sweetheart, she's a beautiful little 4 year old girl waiting to meet her family! Kareen has Down Sydrome and is living in an orphanage in East Europe. Her adoptive family is trying to raise money to bring Kareen home to her family! Please click on over to Kareen's Journey Home to help the Cox family bring her home!

{Project} Pantry

2011-02-01T12:37:00.000-08:00

One of organizational projects that were on the top of my list was cleaning out the pantry! I have done plenty of quick pantry tidy ups but It's been awhile since i've removed everything from the whole pantry, so we removed everything! It's amazing how many random things get placed and shoved or empty boxes that need to be thrown away. I love my pantry but the size is a little awkward it's narrow so it's easy for things to get stuffed in the back. I had the whole family help me empty, categorize, and throw out the old stuff.

It's amazing how much crap had gotten shoved in there!

What a relief, a clean start to have a place fore everything. I got these black bins at the dollar store and bought about 20 of them. It seems easier to have a bin of "Baking, Pastas, Crakers, Cookies, Snacks etc." Then the boxes don't bulk up everything and I can open up some fruit snacks and drop them into the Snack bin.

Glad I got that checked off the list!

Birthday Banner

2011-01-28T15:01:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my baby boy is turning 1 this next week! I have been busy getting things ready to celebrate for his party and just finished his birthday banner! I created 13 squares using pictures from Newborn-12 months and strung them into a banner. After I'm done using it for his party I can just stack them and put to ring clips across the top for a mini keepsake album.

Corn Salsa

2011-01-23T14:40:00.000-08:00

This is probably my go to appetizer!

It's easy, you can make it ahead, and everybody loves it. You can also add more or less what ever you like in your salsa!

3 cans corn drained

2 cans black beans drained

1 bunch green onion diced

5-6 roma tomatoes diced

2-3 diced avaocodos

1/3 Bottle Hedrickson's Sweet Vinegar and Olive Oil dressing (available at Smiths)

Combine all ingredients except the avocado. You can do this the night before and toss everything in the dressing. Then before serving stir in the avocado and serve with tortilla chips!

Cheerio Treat Mix

2011-01-21T19:59:00.000-08:00

I made this tonight and haven't made it in a while but needed to use up some boxes of Cheerios that I got free on sale a while back. These are a fun treat, and a good alternative to the traditional rice crispy treats!

1/2 Cup Butter
1 C. Brown Sugar
1/3 C. Corn Syrup

Melt all together in saucepan bring to a boil simmer for about 2 minutes.
Then add:

1 Teaspoon of Baking Soda

remove from heat and stir in

10 cups of Cherrios

then spread on a lined jellyroll pan and bake for 10-12 minutes at 250 degrees

My kids and husband eat this up fast!
What are your favorite cereal treat recipes?

How did this?

2011-01-12T15:14:00.000-08:00

Had my pennies counted all ready to buy this beauty, how did my dream of my new area rug turn into these? And the tires were more expensive. I hate it when that happens. Uggh. It's still bugging me 10 days later and the husband is sick of my pitty party so I thought I'd vent. Merry Christmas to me. Cruising around with my new tires? Blah!

Good bye 2010- Hello 2011

2010-12-31T14:35:00.000-08:00

Image found at Apartment Therapy

Last January I spent on bedrest! I spent a lot of time reading everyone's resolutions, all their goals and ambitions for 2010 had 1 goal survive my 3rd pregnancy!

It has been a fun, chaotic, whirlwind year! But I'm so excited to open a fresh calendar for the year and embrace the new year and some resolutions along with it!

One of which is be a better blogger! So cheers to a new year and Resolutions!

A Giveaway! Eyelash Extensions

2010-11-29T13:55:00.000-08:00

I have heard these are amazing! Who wouldn't want beautiful thick lashes without Mascara?
Click on over to Racing Dawn to enter her giveaway.

Halloween Crafts

2010-10-17T20:30:00.001-07:00

After we had a chaotic visit to Garnder Village we decided to have a calm day at Nona's on Friday. We got the sewing machine out and started making some little projects. The seasonal banners all so popular that my mom and I made some.

This small one I made is 2 fabrics really simple

then I made a large one to go on the fireplace.
At Gardner Village in one of the stores they had all the witch costumes for dolls and bears. So with my scrap fabric I made these really cute little witch capes for my girls Build a Bears. They now have halloween outfits.
Thanks for the fun craft day Nona!

Jolynn Schutjer for Etsy

2010-08-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

My very talented Aunt, Jolynn Schutjer is a Jewelry Designer. She sells her amazing creations through the very exclusive Sundance Catolog. She has now opened her very own etsy site. Click here to view her beautiful creations.

Adorable Kids Play Kitchen

2010-01-25T10:12:00.000-08:00

Are you kidding me? This is adorable. Over at Design Dazzle there is this adorable TV cabinet turned into a play kitchen. These TV cabinets are always at my beloved Deseret Industries. If I already didn't have a play kitchen I'd me making one of these for sure. Click here for the tutorial! I'm trying to think of another use for one of these old TV cabinets. Maybe a Workshop for the little man?

Master Bedroom Redo....

2010-01-21T09:51:00.000-08:00

Out with the OLD...

I've been on Bedrest for 10 days now. I'm so sick of RED Toile bedroom I could scream...

I loved my bedroom in Red 6 years ago when I put everything together. Lately I've been wanting something new, but at the end of the day I rarely spend time in bed all I've needed was a place to put my head. But after sitting here in this space I've already started planning on a new calming look to my room. Something calming lighter, green, and on a shoestring budget!

Excuse this House

2010-01-02T15:18:00.000-08:00

Some houses try to hide the fact

That children shelter there,

Ours boasts it quite openly,

The signs are everywhere.

For smears are on the windows,

Little smudges are on the doors

I should apologize, I guess

For toys strew on the floor.

But I sat down with my child

And we played and laughed and read

And if the doorbell doesn’t shine,

His eyes will shine instead.

For when at times I’m forced to choose

The one job or the other,

I’d like to cook and clean and scrub,

But first I’ll be a mother.

-author unknown

Cranberry Design {DIY}

2009-12-11T14:45:00.001-08:00

A simple and stunning DIY Holiday centerpiece is the combination of cranberries, and candles. Fresh or permanent cranberries can be used, place in a beautiful glass container with your choice of pillar candle and you have a great pairing for a beautiful and simple piece. These permanent cranberries are from Pottery Barn
This mantlescape is stunning especially with the height variations in containers
greet your guests with cranberrie luminaries

or use floating with floating candles for a simple centerpiece.

Favorite Things

2009-11-20T20:41:00.001-08:00

Well all over blogland people are posting their "favorite things" here are a few of mine that make my life more comfortable and sweet! Sadly this one I'm pretty positive is extinct. C. Booth Triple Mint Gloss is pretty much fantastic, I'm looking for a replacement any fabulous minty SPF Glosses you can't live without?

These are luxurious and get better with age The Barefoot Dreams cozy chic robes and throws. Seriously one of my favorite clothing items I own!

My BFF, enough said.

My sweet indulgence, Dove Dark Chocolate promises stash a bag in the freezer!

I survive the winter with cups of cider in my robe. Each glass has like 15 calories or something rediculous like that. Instantly warms me right up, and it's guilt free.

{If I'm not worried about the calories I love a Carmel Apple Spice from Starbucks though }

*****

What are your favorite things you can't live without?

Sew Amazingly Cute

2009-10-26T19:58:00.000-07:00

My cute Sister in Law Jenny is such a talented seamstress. She made Eliza this adorable skirt for her birthday! After persuasion from many she has decided to start her own business. She is working on coming up with her own original patterns but would sew pretty much anything you wanted for your kids, yourself, or gifts. She has a new blog Sew Amazingly Cute. She charges by the hour and will use your pattern, and fabric, or she has a great eye to pick out fabric for you.

Now is a great time to think of Holiday gifts and fun outfits for your kids for the upcoming season. I can't wait to see what she's dreaming up next!

Petunia Pickle Bottom Outlet Sale

2009-08-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

I may have just ordered myself a touring tote, I'm pretty excited about the sweet deals over at Petunia Pickle Bottom's Outlet Sale! Click here it only goes until Midnight!

Posh Ideas {a giveaway}

2009-08-24T13:41:00.000-07:00

image via The Long Thread

The first five people who post a comment will win a prize from me.

Here are the rules to play...

1)I make no guarantees that you will like it, It can be whatever I want!

2)It will be handmade by me!

3) It will be delivered by Halloween

The catch is you must repost this same thing on your blog! Offer a free handmade gift to the first 5 responses you recieve and so on! Spread the free creative goodness!

Hannah Montana DVD Coupon

2009-08-24T12:48:00.000-07:00

Right now you can get a great price on the new Hannah Montana Movie It is on Sale at WalMart for $14.88 already a discount of $5 but when you click here and print this $5 off coupon you get the DVD for less than $10!

Long time no blogging...

2009-08-20T23:56:00.000-07:00

I just noticed I haven't posted on this blog since March! A little embarrassed that I even have a blog that is rarely updated. I pondered closing up shop. Then I rememberd why I created this blog for me, my digital corkboard on the web of ideas, recipes, and things that I fancy. We all go through a creative block from time to time but I'm back. I've got a lot on my mind and hoping I can blog my way through my ideas, recipes and upcoming events.

Costco Rotisserie Chicken

2009-08-20T23:36:00.000-07:00

I know we all have a special place in our hearts for Costco. There are certain things we can't walk through that place without tossing in our carts. One of my favorite things is the Rotisserie Chicken. I still know there are people out there that have never tried one and I'm alarmed by this.

For the $4.99 price tag and weight of a 3 lb. bird, per pound that is less expensive than the frozen chicken breasts we frequently purchase. I can usually get 3 dinners out of one chicken and that is pretty amazing. Granted we are a small family and the main eaters are the husband and I. An average family could easily get two versatile meals from it.

The first night I purchase it I generally serve it with a veggie, and grain. After eating I remove all of the meat off of the chicken and put into a Ziploc bag for the next evenings meal.

Below are some easy adaptable meals to use chicken in:

Chinese Chicken Salad

Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Pot Pies

Chicken Poppy Seed Casserole

Chicken a la King over rice

Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Tacos

Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowls

Chicken Tetrazzini

BBQ Chicken Pizza

The possibilities are endless...

Just think of any recipe you need cooked chicken for and you usually can have dinner ready in under 30 minutes with minimal preparation.

In the coming weeks I will post my recipes for these dishes when time permits.

Spray Paint Party

2009-03-22T20:28:00.000-07:00

Revamp something with a can of spray paint today! Visit Thrify Decor Chick's flawless instructions!

Etsy picks I'm loving...

2009-03-21T22:14:00.000-07:00

This lovely oilcloth tablecloth for a summer BBQ

This wristlet for my keys for ease of loading in and out of children

This Damask Pendant

I love a little perusing through Etsy to see all of those talented artists out there making it happen. The possibilities are endless.

What Style are you?

2009-03-19T22:13:00.000-07:00

37% Nantucket Style
37% Cottage Chic
26% Traditional Country

was I surprised? no, but it was kind of fun. After you finish the quiz it will show you products that match your style and taste from all over the web.

click here to take your style quiz!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T22:03:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated by dipping chcolate treats in Milk chocolate and Green chocolate. We wore shamrock shirts, and even sidewalk chalked shamrocks on the driveway. It was a beautiful day indeed.

Lap Blankets

2009-01-16T22:53:00.000-08:00

I made these two blankets for a friend the other day in about and hour. I often got large baby blankets so I intentionally made small lap blankets for her little bundle. These are perfect to tote and snuggle with and still fit perfectly over the baby in a carseat. The first was so simple two pieces of fabric sewn together.

This one was a little bit more complicated but not by much. before piecing my two fabrics I sewed ribbon loops onto the face of the print fabric. So when I pieced it with the Chenille the loops go around the outside to make a little taggie blanket.

Etsy Pick... Paper Treats

2008-11-05T13:32:00.000-08:00

I am smitten with this new find, Etsy store Paper Treats! Great Ideas and beautiful Tags all this white stuff is making me think Christmas! Check out all their beautiful items. It's always great to have a little stash of beautiful tags to tie onto gifts!

Christmas Neighbor Gifts

2008-11-03T20:09:00.000-08:00

You may have noticed my Countdown until Christmas posted on the right. I am completely in love with the Holidays and everything it brings. I am making up for last year! Christmas 2007 was the hardest to date. I was recovering from a c-section less than a week before Christmas, had my sweet baby living in the NICU, and living in my mother in law's basement not having my "own" Christmas. Yes this year I'm going all out! I've been pondering what to do for neighbor gifts this year and have been looking around for some ideas. I clicked over to Pebbles in my Pocket and loved all the ideas posted here under their Christmas page. They also have lots of cute scrabook and Christmas Card layouts below their neighbor gift ideas. I hope I can wait to put up decorations until after Thanksgiving otherwise the husband might kill me.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-28T15:27:00.000-07:00

Well this week is Halloween! I don't have any amazing plans but hanging out with my little critters, and the husband. I have been loving all the inspiring Halloween posts over at Hostess Blog! Wouldn't you love to go to a party this fabulous! I always get so much inspiration from this blog. Some, well most of it, is over the top amazing but snipits can be adapted for any budget and will make for great show stopping events!

Emergency Prepardness Links

2008-10-25T14:48:00.000-07:00

image from {flickr.com}
For a complete 58 page food storage cookbook pdf file please click here.

For a copy of the Bishops Storehouse Cookbook please click here.

For a complete shopping list of what to buy for $8-15 week to build up your food storage click here.

For complete prepared Family Home Evening Lessons on Being Prepared click here.

Recently I hosted a Emergency Prepardness evening in my home, and these were some additional resources for some great ideas. I have been doing the shopping list of things you can purchase with your additional weekly list. I have really loved this concept because it's a reasonable amount to purchase and it's baby steps to prepardness so I won't get to overwhelmed at once. I hope these resources will help to utilize what we have and how to cook with our food storage but also how to accumulate proper food storage.

Pumpkin Cake

2008-10-25T14:02:00.001-07:00

1 yellow cake mix
1 29 oz. can pumpkin
3 T. butter
1/2 c. Sugar
1 t. cinnamon
5 eggs
1 square melted butter
2 c. Evaporated milk
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. white sugar
1/2 t. salt
2 t. cinnamon

Topping:
Mix 1 cup of the cake mix, with 3 T. butter, 1/2 c. sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon to form a crumply topping

Filling:
combine can of pumpkin, 4 eggs, 2 cups evaporated milk, 1 c. brown sugar, 1 c. white sugar, 1/2 t. salt and 2 teaspoons cinnamon together for a smooth pumpking filling.

Crust:
combine remaining cake mix, 1 cube melted butter, and 1 egg to make the crust.

Directions:
Press crust into sprayed 9 x 13 pan evenly

pour in pumpkin filling

finish with crumbled topping

Bake at 350* for 1 hour. Serve with fresh wipped cream

White Chicken Chili

2008-10-25T13:48:00.000-07:00

This faboulous recipe came from Your Heart Out one of my daily reads. The downloadable recipe card for this yummy soup can be found here.

Frugal Mom

2008-10-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

The Great Resource of Frugal Mom is having some great giveaways all week long! Check their blog for the giveaways and cruise through their site for great ways to be fabulously frugal all while being a great mom!

Bella Marie Boutique

2008-10-01T23:27:00.000-07:00

{photo by Bella Marie Design & Photography}

Aren't these the cutest skirts you've ever seen? Well the talented Wendy of Bella Marie Boutique has her design pattern for sale over at youcanmakethis.com The tutorial is for sizes 1-6 and this versatile pattern can be switched up for any season or occasion. What talent, I can't wait to get started on mine. Thanks Wendy!

Simply Sisters {a blog for women}

2008-09-22T19:55:00.000-07:00

Will's cousin's wife Tiffany has started a great new blog Simply Sisters. The thought behind it is to network with women about a variety of things such as kids activities, recipes, shopping, food storage, you name it! You can have up to 100 authors posting all kinds of fun things. Click on over to see the fun things that are getting posted about, and email her at tiffanyrich@gmail.com to be added on as an author if you would like to participate. This should be a really fun blog that will evolve as more people get involved and a great site for all kinds of fun info. Thanks Tiffany!

Homemade Play Dough

2008-09-19T23:08:00.000-07:00

We have been enjoying play dough so much lately we've started making our own. With custom color creations you just can't buy at the store! I even love it plain jane with no dye added. The options are endless. Enjoy! {photo by Meg Siobhan}

This is so simple to make!

1 C. Flour

1 C. Warm Water

2 t. cream of tartar

1 t. oil

1/4 C. Salt

food coloring

Mix all ingredients, add coloring last. Stir over medium heat until smooth. With in moments it starts to form into its doughey goodness! knead until the right consitency and store in an airtight container.

Weekend Happenings...

2008-09-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

There is so much to do in fall. This antique sale looks like fun I love treasure hunting... and the always raved about fall Oh Sweet Sadie boutique...

Don't you just love when you win something...

2008-09-16T13:14:00.000-07:00

Well I just did. Hop on over to Studio JK to enter to win weekly giveaways for really cute vinyl lettering. I just won an adorable spider to hang in my window. I am the first to admit some vinyl lettering is too cheesy, and a bit overdone lately but she has some really classy takes on monograms, and fun modern holiday vinyl. I really want these fun labels she's selling in her etsy shop the possibilities are endless.

babysteals.com

2008-08-28T08:10:00.001-07:00

I have a new website for all you mom's or really anyone that ever gives a baby gift. It's babysteals.com. Sign up for their daily e-mail and everyday they bring you a fabulous baby steal one day only. These great baby slings are regularly $64 but featured today for 50% off for $32! They always feature really great products, beautiful, functional, and who wouldn't want to give or recieve a beautiful sling like these!

Raspberry Peach Crisp

2008-08-19T07:58:00.001-07:00

Lately the fruits of summer have been amazing! I have always loved the combination of peaches and Raspberries. This recipe especially caught my eye. I can't wait to make it! Wow looks Barefoot Contessa delicious :)

Peach and Raspberry Crisp
Copyright, 1999, The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, All Rights Reserved

Ingredients:
4 to 5 pounds firm, ripe peaches (10 to 12 large peaches)
1 orange, zested
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 cups plus 2 to 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 pint raspberries
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup quick-cooking oatmeal
1/2 pound cold unsalted butter, diced

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Butter the inside of a 10 by 15 by 2 1/2-inch oval baking dish.
Immerse the peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds, then place them in cold water. Peel the peaches and slice them into thick wedges and place them into a large bowl. Add the orange zest, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of flour. Toss well. Gently mix in the raspberries. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes. If there is a lot of liquid, add 1 more tablespoon of flour. Pour the peaches into the baking dish and gently smooth the top.
Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, salt, oatmeal, and the cold, diced butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix on low speed until the butter is pea-sized and the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle evenly on top of the peaches and raspberries. Bake for 1 hour, until the top is browned and crisp and the juices are bubbly. Serve immediately, or store in the refrigerator and reheat in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until warm.

Serve with quality vanilla ice cream

Homemade Baby Legs

2008-08-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

These are a fast 5 minute sew project. Purchase a pair of knee-high novelty socks.

I picked these up at Target after Easter for $2.

Turn socks inside out and cut off the foot just before the ankle. With the remaining long part fold out cut side by 1/2 inch and sew a simple seam around to stop from fraying.
I love baby legs but couldn't swallow paying $12/pr when I can make them for a fraction of the price! See this happy face, she doesn't know she's wearing a homemade knock off!

Applique 101 oh the possibilities...

2008-08-05T23:59:00.000-07:00

Through the blogosphere I saw how to make these fabulous not to mention easy applique techniques for just about anything. Here I made a onesie.
Toddler Tee with button
close up. sorry I forgot to rotate photo
Simple canvas bag for me with a monogram A
Patriotic shirts for the girls.

These are so simple and basic and all cost under $5.00 not bad for a simple 1 hour craft. The possibilites are endless. Directions can be found here. Thank you Chelsea!

Italian Sodas

2008-08-05T23:49:00.000-07:00

Italian Sodas have been popping up at a couple recent wedding receptions we've attended and I've decided its such a fun interactive drink to serve at a party. This is a little more costly than soda pop or lemonade but it is refreshing and different! I picked these up at World Market but most grocers carry a small variety of flavors. We seem to be enjoying Guava the most:)

Ingredients
2 ounces Italian syrup, flavor of choice
1 ounce half-and-half or milk
non-flavored soda water

Directions
1-Fill a glass with ice, add syrup, soda water and half-and-half or milk.
2-Stir to combine flavors.

Simple Simple!

Barefoot Contessa Coconut Cupcakes

2008-08-05T23:31:00.000-07:00

Well these are what she's famous for and I can't believe this is the first time I have made them. The cake batter was the best I've ever tasted I could have been content with just eating that! Well these are to die for and now I know why. This little recpie calls for 6 cubes of butter for 2 dozen cupcakes. We'll have to make these for only special occasions.

3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

2 cups sugar

5 extra-large eggs at room temperature

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 teaspoons pure almond extract

3 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup buttermilk

14 ounces sweetened, shredded coconut

For the frosting:

1 pound cream cheese at room temperature

3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract

1 1/2 pounds confectioners' sugar, sifted

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs, 1 at a time, scraping down the bowl after each addition. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix well. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In 3 parts, alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined. Fold in 7 ounces of coconut. Line a muffin pan with paper liners. Fill each liner a little more than half way to the top with batter. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the tops are brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Remove to a baking rack and cool completely. Meanwhile, make the frosting. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, on low speed, cream together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla and almond extracts. Add the confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth. Frost the cupcakes and sprinkle with the remaining coconut.

BBQ Ribs

2008-08-05T23:12:00.000-07:00

I love that I married a man that loves to cook almost as much as I do! Here is a great grouping of how we prepared ribs this weekend. Yes it's time consuming but if you triple your recipes you can use the rub, braising liquid and BBQ sauce again multiple times to justify the TLC that ribs require.

We had a BBQ for my Dad's birthday on Sunday and Will made some fantastic Ribs. We purchased a pack from Costco for around $30 for 3 racks of ribs.

He did an overnight dry rub with this recipe:

8 tablespoons light brown sugar, tightly packed

3 tablespoons kosher salt

1 tablespoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon jalapeno seasoning

1/2 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning

1/2 teaspoon rubbed thyme

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

* we tripled this recipe and reserved the extra rub in an empty shaker jar for a quick meat seasoning. Before storing cut a small square of parchment to cover lid and keep fresh in between uses.

After they were refridgerated overnight in the rub we cooked them on 250* for 2 1/2 hours. in foil packets that had a vented opening. Before we baked them Will poured a briasing liquid into the packets to make the meat extra moist and tender.

Ingredients:

1 cup white wine

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon honey

2 cloves garlic, chopped

after the were done in the oven he finished them off on the grill while basting with his homemade BBQ sauce.

BBQ sauce

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 medium-size onion, minced

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and minced

1/2 cup ketchup

1/2 cup tomato sauce

3 tablespoons cider vinegar, or more to taste

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons pineapple juice (optional)

1 teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce, or more to taste

1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke, or 2 tablespoons meat drippings

2 tablespoons molasses

3 tablespoons dark brown sugar, or more to taste

2 tablespoons prepared mustard of your choice

1 teaspoon dry mustard

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Salt

Directions:

1.Heat the oil in a large nonreactive saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper and cook until softened but not brown, about 4 minutes.

2. Stir in the ketchup, tomato sauce, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, pineapple juice (if using), hot sauce, liquid smoke, molasses, brown sugar, prepared and dry mustards, black pepper, and 1 cup of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, uncovered, until thickened, about 15 minutes, stirring often to prevent scorching. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water.

3. Remove the barbecue sauce from the heat and taste for seasoning, adding salt to taste and more cider vinegar, hot sauce, and/or brown sugar as necessary; the sauce should be highly seasoned.

4. Transfer the barbecue sauce to a serving bowl and serve warm or at room temperature. The sauce will keep, tightly covered in the refrigerator, for several weeks.

This sauce is amazing and we tripled this as well so we have a big jug in the fridge of it.

We have been using it for multiple dishes. Most recently BBQ chicken sandwiches on a yummy bun.