tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39415043979504218522024-03-14T05:54:24.868-05:00Seams FabulousA blog about sewing, cooking, gardening, crafting and the life of a thirty-something.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941504397950421852.post-83553508671495920922016-11-26T22:16:00.001-06:002016-11-26T22:18:26.188-06:00We've Moved!Visit us at our new home at <a href="http://www.habitualcreator.com/">www.habitualcreator.com</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941504397950421852.post-18920667217405680232015-07-11T08:50:00.001-05:002015-07-11T08:50:32.095-05:00Heat Transfer Vinyl Tshirts (w/Cricut Explore)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnQnAnT-5tSkBgRgYUnAz-CTqlhgRZL0ykHuk8faHFTwiqQ1IvJ20I40KNbD1zAW0pRS8pDMpGPPvxyPUoGKvs5pQlCL1WApLW4E3m0GDSJ5E9T2yUl5laD3tXz86_li8LF560CAM2p4/s2046/Photo%25252020150711085016326.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnQnAnT-5tSkBgRgYUnAz-CTqlhgRZL0ykHuk8faHFTwiqQ1IvJ20I40KNbD1zAW0pRS8pDMpGPPvxyPUoGKvs5pQlCL1WApLW4E3m0GDSJ5E9T2yUl5laD3tXz86_li8LF560CAM2p4/s500/Photo%25252020150711085016326.jpg" id="blogsy-1436622631234.815" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="517" alt=""></a></div><p>ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!?? I know we are more than a month away, but football camp and 7 on 7 season is here. What better way to support our son/brother than to sport his school colors/player's number? These only took a couple of hours using the Rhinestone Wizard, my Cricut and my handy dandy heat press (I'm so glad I have this -- it really speeds up the process). However, you could totally do this project with just a cutter and vinyl.</p><p>I used magic templates from The Rhinestone World and then imported the design into design space (for the football designs). I was really afraid that the font for the stadium seat wouldn't cut or weed properly, but it actually turned out easier than I thought - plus since its a grunge type font no would know if a piece was missing. :) Anyway, a super fun way to kick off the "early" football season! As for the wild-card shirt in the photo...I also pressed a track shirt for my hubby that was LOOOONG over due.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UGWq3ZBGXTFB5HacGqMMrFxZR31tXaGjDEQfvvHi599Aa1DRpP9uyMt5rePPNVrYXoi4DtOlK9iJa__abgI6RxQ5VIhLP63w8UwxqfaQSexAMuMYMTKfNv_ERLQH_iLKfOD-4CYsp1E/s2048/Photo%25252020150711085016373.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UGWq3ZBGXTFB5HacGqMMrFxZR31tXaGjDEQfvvHi599Aa1DRpP9uyMt5rePPNVrYXoi4DtOlK9iJa__abgI6RxQ5VIhLP63w8UwxqfaQSexAMuMYMTKfNv_ERLQH_iLKfOD-4CYsp1E/s500/Photo%25252020150711085016373.jpg" id="blogsy-1436622631184.9834" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="421" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p>Toodles!</p><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941504397950421852.post-74976206824629942212015-07-04T13:57:00.001-05:002015-07-05T23:25:13.628-05:00Happy 4th of July!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kxihAwQZho2WwOkBS-98dKFzBSl039o2ql_s912jMdOayZdPyA6FH2hnlZO0hmLrc9PJy2InqQ-r4rvxzlYy9i5GdpL5FP1bOLz7ncztzDPBi08SsFUsfBTE8Gi-aeSU_Wwtqq8Ak6I/s2048/Photo%25252020150704135643300.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kxihAwQZho2WwOkBS-98dKFzBSl039o2ql_s912jMdOayZdPyA6FH2hnlZO0hmLrc9PJy2InqQ-r4rvxzlYy9i5GdpL5FP1bOLz7ncztzDPBi08SsFUsfBTE8Gi-aeSU_Wwtqq8Ak6I/s500/Photo%25252020150704135643300.jpg" id="blogsy-1436156701116.8887" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div><p> Happy 4th of July!</p><p>This post will be short and SWEET! </p><p>While gorging on pinterest pinning I came across this delicious looking pie. It is a strawberries and cream pie! The fact that it was no bake was also a winner since my stove and grill space were already claimed! The next time I make this one I think I will omit the crust and add less water. It was really light and was a perfect ending to all that BBQ!</p><p>Click <a href="http://therecipecritic.com/2015/05/no-bake-strawberry-cream-pie/" target="_blank" title="">here</a> for the recipe and I hope your holiday is safe and fun!</p><p> </p><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941504397950421852.post-22167829146273989782015-06-27T16:46:00.001-05:002015-06-27T16:46:50.278-05:00Spicy Tomato Soup (In my DASH blender!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZmxM_6gGfmAr45hD7sQ0H1Kr0B6ZTKaJA1NB8IDt-Y49gdfuf-_eBpdDWZi51hbf-9ZqiS29QVfrwQUI7DUEUDo8gAtEeqTGVOK21oIe32PnuYjGWPOdUohHllAS5lPk_QPF9YLw0NI/s2048/Photo%25252020150627164442090.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZmxM_6gGfmAr45hD7sQ0H1Kr0B6ZTKaJA1NB8IDt-Y49gdfuf-_eBpdDWZi51hbf-9ZqiS29QVfrwQUI7DUEUDo8gAtEeqTGVOK21oIe32PnuYjGWPOdUohHllAS5lPk_QPF9YLw0NI/s500/Photo%25252020150627164442090.jpg" id="blogsy-1435441609729.5403" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><p>It's been a while since I've made a post...sorry! While I have the best of intentions life tends to get in the way. Anyhoo, while outside today I noticed that I had several red tomatoes that needed to be picked and when I came inside of the house realized that my cherry tomatoes needed picking as well (I guess I have been out of it lately)! Since the tomatoes were a bit over-ripe I decided to try out my blender's soup making capabilities.<br></p><p>I originally bought my blender as an alternative to the $500 blenders out there and was pleasantly surprised with the results. While my blender wasn't cheap it was still less than half the cost of the more expensive ones because it was on sale. I got it from HSN because they were running a special on it ($199) instead of paying $400 for it at the local department store in my area. The name of the blender is DASH. You can find more about it by going <a href="http://www.bydash.com/shop/dash-blender/" target="_blank" title="">here</a>. It looks like they are out of stock on their website but HSN seems to always have them in stock.</p><p>Anyhoo. I just added some chicken broth at the bottom for more flavor (you actually don't have to add any liquid), tomato, parsley, chives and basil from the garden and a vidalia onion, Ms. Dash onion and herbs, seasoned salt and pepper (from the grocery store). I turned the blender's dial to "soup", pressed start and used the tamper to get things going. Once the blender started doing its thing I put the lid cap in place and walked away until I heard it stop. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgab6sswX5gL7m-P8rih_EwiHOihqu-dzCbNhtuhubXliOCAwd_IVUApe8Wq5ey4t2vEfwSoBvGcgQGdFcwHG4lKrWz_Wfgj2-945Ivgkz7d7fzwWNuXoi84CHgBCcxLS2-KvW8P0sTxXg/s2048/Photo%25252020150627164442158.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgab6sswX5gL7m-P8rih_EwiHOihqu-dzCbNhtuhubXliOCAwd_IVUApe8Wq5ey4t2vEfwSoBvGcgQGdFcwHG4lKrWz_Wfgj2-945Ivgkz7d7fzwWNuXoi84CHgBCcxLS2-KvW8P0sTxXg/s500/Photo%25252020150627164442158.jpg" id="blogsy-1435441609758.7856" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div><p> When I opened the lid the soup was smoking hot!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXTEcxKKIeAUgCs8F3j8FJb6OvO7b4XNMDHyZOeE6R2Qe4cIEh0NZBDi7bP7pcRtgCQFXBlqBVNcH5_7XWi48QQmVQUevyYroCrJLstBVPC2qenhPucYoAccb4TLRMnVcGAxe4nlQRzU/s2048/Photo%25252020150627164442211.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXTEcxKKIeAUgCs8F3j8FJb6OvO7b4XNMDHyZOeE6R2Qe4cIEh0NZBDi7bP7pcRtgCQFXBlqBVNcH5_7XWi48QQmVQUevyYroCrJLstBVPC2qenhPucYoAccb4TLRMnVcGAxe4nlQRzU/s500/Photo%25252020150627164442211.jpg" id="blogsy-1435441609780.8755" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div><p> I added a little cream and shredded cheese and voila - hot, fresh, soup!</p><p>I know many of us are trying to be healthier...I'd love to hear how you are using fresh ingredients and methods of cooking to give your family meals that are good to them and good for them.</p><p> Oh and if you are interested <a href="http://youtu.be/vjsP59lTO4k" target="_blank" title="">here</a> is the YouTube video of the blender in action.</p><p>Toodles!</p><p> </p><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941504397950421852.post-7251293758939654172015-03-22T11:54:00.000-05:002015-03-22T11:59:52.434-05:00Homemade Brown Sugar<p> A couple of weeks ago I was making pancake syrup for some really sweet college kids and realized that I didn't have enough brown sugar to make as much as I wanted them to have. I went ahead and gave them partial bottles and promised them a refill once their bottles were empty. In the meantime I started thinking...there has to be a way to make brown sugar from home. </p><p>After a few minutes of searching Pinterest I found a recipe from Martha Stewart's website. I decided to give it a try since I was making a sweet potato souffle that afternoon and needed brown sugar for the topping. </p><p>The steps were super simple (check out the <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/271025/homemade-brown-sugar" target="_blank" title="">recipe</a> for exact amounts):</p><p>1. You basically take white sugar</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoGm4aSlJsBFbKuZ2YyZB4hxG37j3HSOmsR8J5wmshauy6rQD0fDd-pQhvjfMnZQR0I7PjlYiMoLjwgLCAYXXlIB3BLjLucn2u1eelhzhfa1LKAnoX54sYPQQJIVDAbUSlzuTNT65SrE/s2048/Photo%25252020150322114948314.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoGm4aSlJsBFbKuZ2YyZB4hxG37j3HSOmsR8J5wmshauy6rQD0fDd-pQhvjfMnZQR0I7PjlYiMoLjwgLCAYXXlIB3BLjLucn2u1eelhzhfa1LKAnoX54sYPQQJIVDAbUSlzuTNT65SrE/s500/Photo%25252020150322114948314.jpg" id="blogsy-1427043578885.77" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="374"></a></div><p> </p><p>2. Pour in molasses</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9myVNP_Cwf7pdcPQO94hWiZ-PAjQiX-i2J3CGUygHBMwUsw8UYtrDjAh7At8oI8niO5iikxUqASU8lk6QIS-fffyoTBrtpqtVCc5N9zfH5USOGPCLGZZsmmTAa6Q2dZtuBj59ddnz_wo/s2048/Photo%25252020150322114948353.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9myVNP_Cwf7pdcPQO94hWiZ-PAjQiX-i2J3CGUygHBMwUsw8UYtrDjAh7At8oI8niO5iikxUqASU8lk6QIS-fffyoTBrtpqtVCc5N9zfH5USOGPCLGZZsmmTAa6Q2dZtuBj59ddnz_wo/s500/Photo%25252020150322114948353.jpg" id="blogsy-1427043578892.6191" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="374"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6w95hXE6RfIHXIHiLsDui3H92_WCZiOSUb73H6_3uQatuA3dTtQTPS6Kk-MbvHm1Fz9L8ZOJc3pDpSM94SIQVALJWnjdQ7vzLncaxQ6HXgcUAAMqifvHr8znBrR8rwpg3gkIXQQrSegI/s2048/Photo%25252020150322114948383.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6w95hXE6RfIHXIHiLsDui3H92_WCZiOSUb73H6_3uQatuA3dTtQTPS6Kk-MbvHm1Fz9L8ZOJc3pDpSM94SIQVALJWnjdQ7vzLncaxQ6HXgcUAAMqifvHr8znBrR8rwpg3gkIXQQrSegI/s500/Photo%25252020150322114948383.jpg" id="blogsy-1427043578951.8774" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="374"></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><p>3. Mix until well combined and you have awesome brown sugar! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZBXLlK4mVmcw8MQ8Zg3i04dsd38jQH-4VvjSMs-kAnsQmtCXqECLDmTUFHC7c1V3LbrigMRh824ck7u1MMC5hyphenhyphenJTaSqfV_Q2OG80hqtE__Otq-X6bnv03a2-Ki0MTL9NCo7VQ81OjBU/s2048/Photo%25252020150322114948414.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZBXLlK4mVmcw8MQ8Zg3i04dsd38jQH-4VvjSMs-kAnsQmtCXqECLDmTUFHC7c1V3LbrigMRh824ck7u1MMC5hyphenhyphenJTaSqfV_Q2OG80hqtE__Otq-X6bnv03a2-Ki0MTL9NCo7VQ81OjBU/s500/Photo%25252020150322114948414.jpg" id="blogsy-1427043578920.5994" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="374"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedFoWE4YDXlsCOrayYA18Yi1gVOtklHS2xgke0lCstmJFaagK9sMU06q_HEn8wcszTQ_GbsKBfkSCmpHWnaJmxCN2-pCDhPIXVXN0bpQHlddUgWTbOoXFBH9hg5R3tRVuP-IEsl-mi5k/s2048/Photo%25252020150322114948449.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedFoWE4YDXlsCOrayYA18Yi1gVOtklHS2xgke0lCstmJFaagK9sMU06q_HEn8wcszTQ_GbsKBfkSCmpHWnaJmxCN2-pCDhPIXVXN0bpQHlddUgWTbOoXFBH9hg5R3tRVuP-IEsl-mi5k/s500/Photo%25252020150322114948449.jpg" id="blogsy-1427043578894.2952" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="374"></a></div><p> </p><p>Here's a photo of the souffle topping where I used the homemade brown sugar <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">(brown sugar, pecans, flour & butter).</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDx7XP3P5ceQMT2sW6uYQW5PlW1IAQJ6DuCPDLDgMmmqVpoo-wDOf7hvkRUHNY0z5ArwXV1RzYOlFWW4I0RMu7-Pz8pzMj6s-hcv1POS_02qNjcTuBXuQfS2zzhR7oTQR_Cr5Eom2xTk/s2048/Photo%25252020150322114948477.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDx7XP3P5ceQMT2sW6uYQW5PlW1IAQJ6DuCPDLDgMmmqVpoo-wDOf7hvkRUHNY0z5ArwXV1RzYOlFWW4I0RMu7-Pz8pzMj6s-hcv1POS_02qNjcTuBXuQfS2zzhR7oTQR_Cr5Eom2xTk/s500/Photo%25252020150322114948477.jpg" id="blogsy-1427043578970.2466" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="374"></a></div><p> </p><p>Toodles!</p><p> </p><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941504397950421852.post-25554889446382683592015-02-06T21:29:00.001-06:002015-02-06T21:29:46.240-06:00All Sewn Up and No Where To Go<p>It's that time of year again, the annual NAACP Image Awards Viewing Party. I found the perfect color fabric - a nod to the <a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/index.aspx?pg=21163&" target="_blank" title="">2015 Pantone color of the year</a> - and a Vogue vintage pattern (originally printed circa 1957) that I liked. I made the dress over three and a half evenings. As you can tell by the title something went wrong...Well, I took two of my children to their well child check ups yesterday afternoon. I noticed my youngest daughter felt a little warm when I picked her up from daycare, but I didn't think much about it because I'm usually cooler than she is. Imagine my surprise when the doctor said "we can't give her any shots today because she two different strains of the flu". Whaaaaat!? I didn't even know that was possible! </p><p>So, neededless to say my plans for going out were over, but I wouldn't have had it any other way. There is just something about mommy being there when you don't feel well. She's all tucked into bed and is resting now - which is a beautiful thing.</p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Here are a few pictures of the pattern and the dress. I will say that the top of this dress was unusually wide so I added pleats to the front and took up the straps to make it fit better. I also omitted the bow. I don't think I'll sew this one again, but it was fun to make! Toodles!</span></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/128589843@N07/16275003107" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7329/16275003107_d0f91da7cc_c.jpg" id="blogsy-1423279346050.4197" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="712"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/128589843@N07/16273474790" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/16273474790_545260fa23.jpg" id="blogsy-1423279346102.9421" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="283"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/128589843@N07/15840826933" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7400/15840826933_c1634ec9a5_b.jpg" id="blogsy-1423279346107.6482" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="884"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/128589843@N07/15838379284" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8668/15838379284_123ac564ee_b.jpg" id="blogsy-1423279346121.2998" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="884"></a></div><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941504397950421852.post-12653595333128443162015-01-28T21:08:00.001-06:002015-02-01T19:20:41.733-06:00Fun with Freezer Paper!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; line-height: 23.399999618530273px; margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/128589843@N07/16155393258" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7530/16155393258_d9cfd576ea.jpg" id="blogsy-1422840009003.4583" class="alignleft" width="500" height="283" alt=""></a></div>
<p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; line-height: 23.399999618530273px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">I've been on a T-shirt making kick lately. I think its because it's a craft that almost anyone can do. When my nieces and nephew were visiting we decided to do freezer paper T-shirts. I asked them and my kids what they wanted on their tshirts. I designed the layout in Cricut design space and cut out the freezer paper with my Cricut Explore (remember to put the freezer paper shiny side down on the mat). </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; line-height: 23.399999618530273px; margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px; text-align: right;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/128589843@N07/16317036176" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8631/16317036176_e6465e3b85.jpg" id="blogsy-1422840008979.9448" class="alignright" width="500" height="314" alt=""></a></div>
<p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; line-height: 23.399999618530273px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">For those who don't have an electronic paper cutter you can totally do this project by printing or drawing your design on the dull side of the freezer paper and cutting out the design with an exacto knife. Remember to keep the small pieces that will give your design definition (like the inside circles from letters)</p>
<p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; line-height: 23.399999618530273px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Here's what you'll need to do your own freezer paper shirts:</p>
<ol style="clear: both; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; line-height: 23.399999618530273px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px 0px 20px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 0px 0px 50px;">
<li style="clear: both; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 2px 0px 6px 5px;">Freezer Paper (found near the foil in your local grocery store)</li>
<li style="clear: both; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 2px 0px 6px 5px;">Electronic paper cutter (like a Cricut) or an exacto knife</li>
<li style="clear: both; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 2px 0px 6px 5px;">T-shirt or other garment/item of your choice</li>
<li style="clear: both; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 2px 0px 6px 5px;">Fabric paints (I use the weekly 40% coupon at Hobby Lobby to cut costs here)</li>
<li style="clear: both; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 2px 0px 6px 5px;">Sponge brushes (found in the craft section of your local discount or craft store) </li>
</ol>
<p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; line-height: 23.399999618530273px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Once you have your design cut out of the freezer paper just iron the freezer paper to your T-shirt (no steam), shiny side DOWN - if you mess this part up you'll ruin your iron (ask me how I know)! </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; line-height: 23.399999618530273px; margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/128589843@N07/16341238171" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7477/16341238171_c1abdcac17.jpg" id="blogsy-1422840008946.6252" class="alignleft" width="500" height="251" alt=""></a></div>
<p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; line-height: 23.399999618530273px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">After you have the freezer paper completely ironed down, put a piece of heavy cardboard inside of the shirt so that no paint bleeds through on the back of the shirt. </p>
<p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; line-height: 23.399999618530273px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Now you can use a sponge brush and T-shirt paint to color in the stencil. One tip here, don't try to do a really heavy coat. It's better to do light coats on top of each other (no need to dry between coats) so that you don't have unevenly painted areas.</p>
<p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; line-height: 23.399999618530273px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Lay the T-shirt aside to dry for a few hours. When the paint is dry to the touch pull off the stencil (don't forget to remove the little pieces too). As long as the shirt is dry to the touch it is ready to wear. However, you shouldn't wash it for at least 48 hours (or for whatever length of time is listed on the fabric paint package). When you do wash it turn it inside out and wash with like colors.</p>
<p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; line-height: 23.399999618530273px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I hope you have as much fun making your shirts as we did! Toodles!</span><br></p>
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<div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941504397950421852.post-75681389884928937852015-01-18T20:44:00.001-06:002015-01-18T20:44:02.198-06:00Lightning Fast Yeast Rolls
<p>To say that I L.O.V.E. bread is putting it mildly. When I was little my dad worked for a national bread company so bread along with other treats were always around the house. I can remember calling my dad at work one day when my older brother was babysitting me to tell him that my brother wouldn't let me have any more bread (I had already had nearly half a loaf by myself). My dad asked me to put my brother on the phone. He told my brother, "its just bread, let her have it". Those words were music to my ears as I polished off a few more slices that day. My love of bread is still strong, but so is my desire to be able to fit into my clothes so I have to be mindful of my portions. :) Anyhoo, I've provided the link to the recipe right after the photos of the rolls I made tonight for dinner. Why go through the trouble?...because there are some days when only homemade will do!</p>
<p> <a href="http://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/30-minute-dinner-rolls/" target="_blank" title="Link to Recipe"></a></p>
<p>The formed rolls resting for 10 minutes before baking.</p>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The baked rolls after brushing with melted butter - yum!</span><br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/128589843@N07/16313280242" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8574/16313280242_b73e13b230.jpg" id="blogsy-1421635386102.5447" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Click <a href="http://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/30-minute-dinner-rolls/" target="_blank" title="">HERE</a> for the recipe!</span><br></p>
<p>Toodles!</p>
<p> </p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941504397950421852.post-71957767812043144972014-12-30T00:02:00.001-06:002014-12-30T00:02:23.785-06:00Two tote bags using the Cricut Explore!<p> Its been a while so I figured I'd better catch you all up on what's been going on in my world! I made quite a few handmade gifts, but in my haste I forgot to take pictures of many of them! Arrggh! However, I did take pictures of these super cute bags that I made for my secret santa and for my child's teacher. They were both super easy to make with my Cricut Explore (it took me about 20 minutes to make both bags)!</p><p>The first bag was made by using an existing graphic from the <a href="http://us.cricut.com/Shopping/detail--Word-Collage-Cartridge-0-1415.aspx" target="_blank" title="">Cricut subscription library</a> and then using a rectangle and the slice feature to get rid of the words and graphics I didn't want and then typing in the new words and inserting a basketball. I L.O.V.E. the slice feature!</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/128589843@N07/16144342845" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7556/16144342845_8db910807c_z.jpg" id="blogsy-1419919267768.8577" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="587"></a></div><p>The second bag was made by selecting a graphic from the library, typing the teacher's name, overlapping the two just a little and then welding the graphic andd the letters together. It sounds complicated, but it is literally just a few clicks to make this happen.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/128589843@N07/16142434161" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7461/16142434161_4bca756447_z.jpg" id="blogsy-1419919267786.5486" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="551"></a></div><p> </p><p>Thanks for checking out my post!</p><p> </p><p>Toodles!</p><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941504397950421852.post-35403863285323668102014-09-12T01:08:00.001-05:002014-09-12T01:08:14.147-05:00Spirit T-Shirts!!! Go BHS Tigers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D7iuY6t8648/VBKNwm-55YI/AAAAAAAAAMA/GIQtLjk1BpI/s2048/Photo%25252020140912010755.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D7iuY6t8648/VBKNwm-55YI/AAAAAAAAAMA/GIQtLjk1BpI/s500/Photo%25252020140912010755.jpg" id="blogsy-1410502093150.1877" class="alignleft" width="500" height="374" alt=""></a></div><p> So...my sweet husband got me the new Cricut Explore for my birthday. We made a deal that I would do some football shirts for him. When I originally priced custom t-shirts they started at $20. I knew that with my new gift I could make them for less than that. Using my PC, the Explore and black, gold and white heat transfer vinyl I was able to design, cut and iron the design onto a polo.</p><p>While I still have some learning to do I think my first try went really well. I wasn't sure if my iron would get hot enough, but it actually got too hot so now I know that I can lower the heat next time. I also tried my hand at converting a jpeg file to a svg file so that I could use a custom design. It wasn't very difficult, but I think I am going to try to find a cleaner graphic (I pulled it from a google image search so the quality wasn't that great). I can't wait to do shirts for me and the kids. When I do I'll share those as well.<br></p><p>Toodles!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uVZJqgWfRKA/VBKNyqGlt-I/AAAAAAAAAMI/OcPg2tkHM44/s2048/Photo%25252020140912010755.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uVZJqgWfRKA/VBKNyqGlt-I/AAAAAAAAAMI/OcPg2tkHM44/s500/Photo%25252020140912010755.jpg" id="blogsy-1410502093115.0977" class="alignleft" width="500" height="374" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941504397950421852.post-46263503218942667762014-08-25T21:13:00.002-05:002014-08-25T21:15:17.877-05:00Homemade Pasta!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAOraZQ143u2gU84D_dVhhNRspjCvIr__FaEuRGPMzo-YR-F4qmBycwS8ymQnxPoil0whxjNorVc5OxOSKgHhm95y40AJh_Yk_XtVw8Mk70Y_qfsxcKbZPfPxfhWsyfe85z6t2961P9k/s2048/Photo%25252020140825211259.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAOraZQ143u2gU84D_dVhhNRspjCvIr__FaEuRGPMzo-YR-F4qmBycwS8ymQnxPoil0whxjNorVc5OxOSKgHhm95y40AJh_Yk_XtVw8Mk70Y_qfsxcKbZPfPxfhWsyfe85z6t2961P9k/s500/Photo%25252020140825211259.jpg" id="blogsy-1409019305594.267" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div>
<p>I bought a <a href="http://www.westonsupply.com/Roma-Manual-Pasta-Machine-p/01-0201.htm" target="_blank" title="">pasta roller</a> many months ago with the grand intention of making homemade pasta. Couple that with my growing desire to know what is in my family's food and you've got the perfect storm for actually getting my butt in gear and making it from scratch!</p>
<p>Let me say, the recipe that I ended up using couldn't have been easier! I used the one from one of my favorite books "<a href="http://www.tipsybaker.com/p/make-bread-buy-butter.html" target="_blank" title="" style="line-height: 1.3em;">Make the Bread, Buy the Butter</a>". This book helps families decide whether its worth the time (and money) to make certain things from scratch. It really is a fun read that gives you the recipes and instructions to make many of your family's favorites in the comfort of your own kitchen.</p>
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<p>On to the recipe...when you get the flour and eggs mixed up it will look sort of craggy, but this is perfectly fine. Before I started rolling out the dough I cut the big ball into four equal pieces. After I rolled the dough through the first two settings I cut the sheets in half width-wise so that I could actually manage them.</p>
<p> I learned the hard way that its best to continue to dust the pasta sheets with flour so that they don't stick and to go ahead and cut each sheet as you go (I ended up re-rolling a couple of the sheets because they got stuck to each other). </p>
<p>I'm really happy with the way it turned out. The pasta only took two minutes to cook (literally) when I put it in the boiling, salted water. The pasta came out super silky and luscious! </p>
<p>I hope you will take a leap and try your hand at homemade pasta or any of the other recipes in the book. The only drawback will be the fact that your family will want homemade pasta all the time! In the words of my eight year old, "Homemade is always best"! Toodles!</p>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941504397950421852.post-2505950307361606092014-08-14T18:00:00.000-05:002014-08-16T22:09:05.998-05:00Evening Gown - Creation, Elation and Destruction
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<p>My husband and I had free tickets to attend the NAACP Image awards viewing party (Thanks to my awesome employer - Walmart) . I was so excited to be able to see Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle in concert! I decided that this would be a great opportunity to sew my gown (<a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-5824-misses-evening-dresses.aspx" target="_self" title="Simplicity 2253">Simplicity 2253</a>). We live in a small town so I didn't want to just buy one - besides...where's the fun in that!? :)</p>
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<p>I picked out a beautiful seafoam green stretch satin with a small amount of sheer, sequined fabric for the bodice. As soon as I purchased everything I caught...THE FLU - Ugh! Needless to say I was out of commission until the day before the event, but I wasn't going to let that ruin my plans. I stayed up all night Friday night to finish the dress. </p>
<p> My husband and I had an amazing time!</p>
<p>One funny part of the night...and the way life just happens - at the after gathering my husband accidentally spilled whole grain mustard on the front of my dress and the stain wouldn't come out! He was mortified because he knew I had just spent hours making it. I was a bit freaked out too, but then decided that I wasn't going to let a little mustard ruin our great night.</p>
<p>I've decided to make it into a dressy top and will make some flowy pants to go with it (for the next special event). Toodles!</p>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941504397950421852.post-88933786725781846102014-08-09T20:58:00.000-05:002014-08-09T20:59:21.523-05:00FREE Magazines, Music & Movies -- Not to mention books!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguw7L04G2oeJn1BZ8y4Xk524GTYvZjmypsi8xXbRgNXh5V6WIydnJ1OmuQtx0iOdhj_7wreAWa3IiGy7a_Us5pijLwrQ0L1888DvecQx1RmHZjKxi9YEaQOjeAStjxGMJXt7TdbdEqfuU/s1850/Photo%25252020140809205815.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguw7L04G2oeJn1BZ8y4Xk524GTYvZjmypsi8xXbRgNXh5V6WIydnJ1OmuQtx0iOdhj_7wreAWa3IiGy7a_Us5pijLwrQ0L1888DvecQx1RmHZjKxi9YEaQOjeAStjxGMJXt7TdbdEqfuU/s500/Photo%25252020140809205815.jpg" id="blogsy-1407635951306.0535" class="alignleft" alt="" width="450" height="351"></a></div><p>I am a voracious reader and listener of books, magazines, documentaries, etc. and feel like I'm missing out if I'm not learning something new on a regular basis. However, I found myself spending loads of money on popular websites for digital magazines, music, movies and books only to figure out that I didn't read, listen or watch enough to justify the cost of all of these items. </p><p>After doing some digging I found out that my library has all of these things available to me, in digital format, for FREE! Who knew the library had such great stuff!? And did I mention...it's FREE? Now, some of you may be reading this and saying, "I live in a little town and there is no way my library will have this". That may be true, but you should check just to be sure. My hometown library is small too, but they have throusands of downloadable books, movies and music and carries about 40 magazines that are available for digital download. </p><p>Once I learned about my own library's offerings I decided to look at libraries in nearby small cities and in larger cities to see what they had to offer. A library one town over had more than double the selection of my library so I decided to get a non-resident card. Although there was a nominal fee ($15 per year, per household) it was still a better deal than just one of the many subscriptions I had (for instance one of my audiobook subscriptions was more than $20 per month).</p><p>To find out what's available in your area just go to Google and type your city's nameplus public library. For example in the google search bar you would type "Chicago Public Library". Then click on the website link or, if available, click on the word "ebook" or "digital downloads" just under the website link. Many sites will allow you to browse what they offer even before you sign up for a library card.</p><p>The digital content can be accessed on nearly all devices -- from cell phones, to tablets/e-readers to PC's/MAC's by going to specific sites or downloading the corresponding app. The list below may vary by library, but some of the digital resources I have access to include, but are not limited to: Zinio - digital magazines, OverDrive - digital and audio books, One Click Audio - audio books, Freegal - music and movies and Hoopla - movies. All of these resources have content for all ages and are FREE through public libraries!</p><p>If you haven't visited a library in a while I hope the information in this post makes you fall in love with your library again.</p><p>Happy reading, listening and watching!</p><p> </p><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941504397950421852.post-84906621985382057842014-08-09T18:57:00.000-05:002014-08-09T19:03:26.347-05:00Pecan Pie Bark - A Delicious Discovery!
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/14848143766/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3851/14848143766_8deac2c160.jpg" id="blogsy-1407628997422.947" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="334" height="334"></a></div>
<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">I really can't stand the texture of pecan pie, but my husband absolutely loves it. It is almost a sin to be a southerner and hate pecan pie (I get cross-eyed looks everytime I say it) :) Anyhoo...Enter the pecan pie bark, a yummy confection that is something between a pie and a cookie and has been approved by my entire family!</font></p>
<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Since I don't want to be "that blogger" I want to make sure to give credit to the original blogger and guest blogger -- Great recipe - I found it during one of my Pinterest binges. :) I made some tweaks to the recipe based on previous baker's feedback and then added a few of my own. The original recipe can be found at <a href="http://wishesndishes.com/pecan-pie-bark/">http://wishesndishes.com/pecan-pie-bark/</a> and my tweaked version is listed below. Enjoy!</font></p>
<p><strong><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Pecan Pie Bark</font></strong></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><strong><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Ingredients</font></strong></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">1 T butter or margarine for greasing cookie sheet</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">12 graham cracker rectangles (may need more or less depending on length of cookie sheet</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0px; min-height: 13.8px;"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">1/2 cup white sugar</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">1/2 cup packed brown sugar</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">2 sticks margarine or butter</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">1 T corn syrup</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">1 T water</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">pinch of salt</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">1/4 tsp cinnamon</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">2 cups pecan halves</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">1 tsp vanilla</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p>
<p><strong><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Instructions</font></strong><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Preheat oven to 325.</font></p>
<ol>
<li><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Lightly grease cookie sheet</font></li>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: large;">Place graham crackers as close together as possible without ovrerlapping.</span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: large;">You might have to break the last row of crackers to fit.</span>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: large;">In a medium/large sauce pot melt both sugars, butter, corn syrup, water, salt and cinnamon over medium heat until boiling.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: large;">Let it boil for two minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking/burning.</span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: large;"></span>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: large;">Add the pecans and boil for one additional minute</span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: large; line-height: 1.3em;">s.</span>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: large;">Remove from heat and add vanilla.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: large;">Pour mixture over the graham crackers and spread to evenly distribute.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: large;">Bake for 10-12 minutes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: large;">Remove from oven and cool completely before cutting or breaking in to pieces.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: large;">Store in an airtight container.</span></li>
</ol>
<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/14684520028/" target="_blank"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3869/14684520028_79b7425957.jpg" id="blogsy-1407628997423.1863" class="alignnone" alt="" width="224" height="166"></a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/14891011723/" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3908/14891011723_3aaf87b683.jpg" id="blogsy-1407628997491.1384" class="alignnone" alt="" width="223" height="166"></a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/14891029623/" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3918/14891029623_d4a56e559a.jpg" id="blogsy-1407628997512.3906" class="alignnone" alt="" width="224" height="167"></a></p>
<div>Instruction #1-2 Instruction #3 Instruction #4 <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>
<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/14684614267/" target="_blank"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5564/14684614267_dafce0657b.jpg" id="blogsy-1407628997463.7188" class="alignnone" alt="" width="223" height="166"></a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/14684620137/" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3852/14684620137_9186621b5a.jpg" id="blogsy-1407628997468.6118" class="alignnone" alt="" width="223" height="166"></a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/14868095411/" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3912/14868095411_5690ab9fea.jpg" id="blogsy-1407628997463.6482" class="alignnone" alt="" width="223" height="166"></a>Instruction #5-6 Instruction #7 Instruction #8-9</p>
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<div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941504397950421852.post-16441240314232825752012-11-13T20:25:00.000-06:002012-11-13T20:26:25.435-06:00Homemade Laundry Soap One bar of Fels Naptha Soap plus 1/4 cup of baking soda grated<br/><br/>2 1/2 cups of Super Washing Soda<br/><br/>2 1/2 cups of Borax<br/><br/>1 cup of baking soda<br/><br/>1/2 container of Purex scent crystals<br/><br/>Optional: 1 cup Oxygenated powder <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/8183807017/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8183807017_c80ec65748_c.jpg" id="blogsy-1352859964950.4417" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Cut up the Fels Naptha bar into medium chunks. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/8183843594/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8183843594_434687236e_c.jpg" id="blogsy-1352859964986.0178" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> Add Fels Naptha chunks and the 1/4 cup of baking soda to a food processor (preferably one just used for non food items). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/8183844062/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8183844062_cbe35936a5.jpg" id="blogsy-1352859964977.6028" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Pulse in the processor until the soap is finely ground.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/8183844318/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8183844318_e6d48efd47_c.jpg" id="blogsy-1352859964982.8855" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div>
Mix the soap/baking soda and the remaining ingredients in a large container.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/8183808735/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8340/8183808735_3183b1018e_c.jpg" id="blogsy-1352859964988.138" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div>
<br/><br/>Put in a tightly closed container. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load. <br/><br/> <br/><br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941504397950421852.post-4716512488308838002012-10-13T21:29:00.001-05:002012-10-13T21:29:43.264-05:00Simplicity 1900 - Handmade Baby Doll Hi All!<br/><br/>Here is my latest sewing project! I am currently eliminating junk from my diet so my clothes sewing mojo is on hiatus until I reach my goal (with the exception of transition pieces and accessories...<br/><br/>I used broadcloth, 8.5 X 11 sheets of felt, assorted fat quarters, embroidery floss, fiberfill, thread,eyelets and grosgrain ribbon.<br/><br/>So here's the cute little doll that I made for a sweet little girl.<br/><br/> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/8084560495/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8330/8084560495_3a3593d341_b.jpg" id="blogsy-1350181458281.5693" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="836"></a></div>
I cut out the pattern pieces a while ago and hand embroidered her face first to see if it was going to be a successful project or a hot mess. Once I finished her face I decided to finish her up today. I took pictures of some of the steps so that you can see how she came together. I am still training myself to stop at the right points in the project to take pictures (I get so caught up in the moment that I've completed several steps before I realize that I haven't snapped any photos! So, here we go...<br/><br/>This is what the front body looks like after embroidering the face, putting on the hair and top stitching around and on top of the hair.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/8084578904/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8196/8084578904_498100c146_b.jpg" id="blogsy-1350181458210.2542" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="836"></a></div>
<br/><br/> The back of the body with top stitching on and around the back of the hair.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/8084598179/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8189/8084598179_58e74758f8_b.jpg" id="blogsy-1350181458233.3262" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="837"></a></div>
<br/><br/> Legs and socks sewn together.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/8084582503/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8183/8084582503_9403d0718a_b.jpg" id="blogsy-1350181458280.3506" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="836"></a></div>
<br/><br/> Arms sewn, turned and stuffed.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/8084582853/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8043/8084582853_18a5bedcf2_b.jpg" id="blogsy-1350181458280.4849" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="836"></a></div>
<br/><br/> Arms and legs basted to the body front.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/8084598623/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8084598623_d59dd6a2f0_b.jpg" id="blogsy-1350181458223.4895" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="837"></a></div>
<br/><br/> After attaching the legs and arms to the front of the body I put the back and front together (right sides together) and sewed all the way around the doll, leaving a small opening for turning. After turning the doll was firmly stuffed with fiberfill and the opening was closed using a whip stitch (not as neat as a ladder stitch, but it does give "rag doll" properties to this little cutie. Since she didn't have any clothes on I just took a head shot :).<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/8084583441/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8471/8084583441_1c4db1f8fa.jpg" id="blogsy-1350181458223.1252" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="299"></a></div>
<br/><br/> On to the clothes - this is a little A-line dress that has a front that has been separated to allow for the contrasting pleat. The arms, bottom and back closure have simple double-folded hems. The collar was finished with binding and I used heat activated hook and loop tape for the back closure. A little rectangular piece was stitched (right sides together with a hole for turning), turned, pressed, stitched closed and tied in a knot to form a bow.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/8084583771/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8465/8084583771_620a50fe2d_b.jpg" id="blogsy-1350181458242.417" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="836"></a></div>
<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/8084581990/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8052/8084581990_e05696749b.jpg" id="blogsy-1350181458238.7976" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="299"></a></div>
<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/8084582358/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8330/8084582358_9a0f6bfe0c.jpg" id="blogsy-1350181458306.1787" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="299"></a></div>
<br/><br/>Here's the cape. It was cut out of felt. Two butterflies were also cut out of two colors of felt, folded in half and stitched very close to the fold. They were then attached to the cape by stitching along the seam that was just created. The cape's closure is also heat activated hook and loop tape.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/8084581614/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8193/8084581614_a67193208c.jpg" id="blogsy-1350181458251.6133" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="299"></a></div>
<br/><br/> The pattern originally called for the little shoes to be closed by a loop and a button, but I thought it would be cute to make these mimic ballet slippers. To do this I inserted two sets of eyelets on each shoe, cut and sealed two lengths of grosgrain ribbon, threaded the ribbon through the slippers and tied them around the dolls feet.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/8084583006/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8469/8084583006_138736424a_b.jpg" id="blogsy-1350181458261.7373" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="836"></a></div>
<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/8084583416/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8183/8084583416_405b8012ff_b.jpg" id="blogsy-1350181458223.5493" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="836"></a></div>
<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/8084584588/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8470/8084584588_f8ac358774.jpg" id="blogsy-1350181458221.938" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="299"></a></div>
<br/><br/>Here are a few more pictures of what she looks like. <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/8084586701/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8196/8084586701_7d13f1aff5_b.jpg" id="blogsy-1350181458254.2441" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="836"></a></div>
<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/8084583830/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8047/8084583830_cbb70e216d_b.jpg" id="blogsy-1350181458277.8013" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="836"></a></div>
Here's what I learned...<br/><br/>1. I should have cut the threads between her eyes (it's visible behind the fabric) or use a thicker broadcloth next time.<br/><br/>2. Double check to be sure that the fabric doesn't shift when sewing the back and front together.<br/><br/>3. Don't make the seam allowance so wide in the shoes (they went from being almost too big to almost too small!<br/><br/>4. Don't be lazy...I should have used pink thread for the socks (the dark thread is showing).<br/><br/>5. Use a contrasting color for the top stitching throughout the hair (all my nice stitches throughout her hair are practically invisible).<br/><br/>6. Continue to tighten up my embroidery skills (and use stabilizer next time)!<br/><br/>Thanks for reading my looooooooong post!<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941504397950421852.post-46438904216294580322012-07-03T18:58:00.001-05:002012-07-03T18:58:51.257-05:00Week 1 Vanilla Extract Hi everyone! it has been a week since I started my homemade vanilla extract. Here is a picture of the progress...<br/><br/> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7497862348/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8292/7497862348_acde3664ef_c.jpg" id="blogsy-1341359821916.9048" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div> TOodles!<br/><br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941504397950421852.post-9403523329621609592012-06-25T21:24:00.001-05:002012-06-25T21:33:29.056-05:00Homemade Vanilla Extract I have been eyeing the homemade vanilla extract recipe in the new cookbook I just bought, "The Homemade Pantry".<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7444897758/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8004/7444897758_8872ab472e.jpg" id="blogsy-1340677993955.8308" class="alignnone" alt="" width="300" height="405"></a></div> <br/><br/>I went online and made a bulk purchase of gourmet bourbon vanilla beans (about 52 beans for $15.00). If anyone has ever priced these at retail you know that two vanilla beans cost more than $10 after tax (yes, you read that right...ten dollars for two beans 0_o) I also got some of the best vodka (Skyy brand) I could find/afford/was willing to pay for. <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7444846208/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8028/7444846208_3b530758b0.jpg" id="blogsy-1340677993889.1602" class="alignnone" alt="" width="374" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7444847864/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8161/7444847864_89a629e924.jpg" id="blogsy-1340677993900.41" class="alignnone" alt="" width="374" height="500"></a></div> <br/><br/>Now for my church folks who read my blog...I am <u><strong>NOT</strong></u> a drunk...;). For those who don't know most extracts are made with some form of alcohol . However, when you cook with it the majority bakes out and for the times when you don't bake it out the alcohol content is very low (you run a higher risk of getting drunk off your morning mouthwash)!<br/><br/>Anyway...back to the matter at hand. I read through the recipe in my cookbook and browsed recipes online to get a general understanding of the process. Here a my steps:<br/><br/>1. I sterilized my jar and lid to be sure they were nice and clean.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7444851040/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8015/7444851040_be4d2c9c25.jpg" id="blogsy-1340677993903.7131" class="alignnone" alt="" width="374" height="500"></a></div> <br/><br/>2. I took out 10 vanilla beans and split them lengthwise with a sharp knife.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7444852784/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7259/7444852784_5bea76763e.jpg" id="blogsy-1340677993981.1335" class="alignnone" alt="" width="374" height="500"></a></div> <br/><br/>3. I added the split beans to my clean jar.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7444853938/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7274/7444853938_35c1fb0f1a.jpg" id="blogsy-1340677993961.7349" class="alignnone" alt="" width="374" height="500"></a></div> <br/><br/>4. I filled the jar to the top with the vodka, put on the lid and screwed it shut (my family calls me Sheera because I put lids on too tight and usually need help getting them off later).<br/><br/> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7444877494/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8009/7444877494_41450f9a30.jpg" id="blogsy-1340677993980.5208" class="alignnone" alt="" width="374" height="500"></a></div>5. I gave the jar a couple of shakes and put it in a dark corner of one of my cabinets.<br/><br/>I'll have to remember to give it a good shake once a week. Most recipes say that it will be ready in three weeks, but for the best flavor six weeks is the minimum. I am so excited! <br/><br/>I'll be sure to post weekly pics of its progress. If all goes well I plan to start a batch in the fall to give as Christmas gifts for all the bakers in my life!<br/><br/><br>Thanks for looking and don't forget to check back to see how it's going! Toddles!<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941504397950421852.post-85103775871762067372012-06-18T20:04:00.001-05:002012-06-18T20:04:37.605-05:00Raised garden photo dump!!!! Hi all...just posting updated garden pictures (I need to weed the garden)!<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7377532220" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.static.flickr.com/8008/7377532220_972d1fc9ba.jpg" id="blogsy-1340067859979.6917" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="299"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7377524364" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm9.static.flickr.com/8010/7377524364_858585a61f.jpg" id="blogsy-1340067859962.4382" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="299" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7377529262" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7091/7377529262_8a38074946.jpg" id="blogsy-1340067859952.1045" class="alignnone" alt="" width="299" height="500"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7377520424" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.static.flickr.com/8168/7377520424_ba51b7be6d.jpg" id="blogsy-1340067859990.4934" class="alignnone" alt="" width="299" height="500"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7377517522" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5456/7377517522_2c5eb2d405.jpg" id="blogsy-1340067859977.4746" class="alignnone" alt="" width="299" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7377511532" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7213/7377511532_0c3213eacd.jpg" id="blogsy-1340067860010.6462" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="299"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7377508494" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7102/7377508494_ba949b0a80.jpg" id="blogsy-1340067859995.28" class="alignnone" alt="" width="299" height="500"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7377504914" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.static.flickr.com/8166/7377504914_7b8f42d663.jpg" id="blogsy-1340067860000.7224" class="alignnone" alt="" width="299" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7377497082" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5156/7377497082_2029ace381.jpg" id="blogsy-1340067859992.235" class="alignnone" alt="" width="299" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7377494878" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7215/7377494878_bc30e5d4de.jpg" id="blogsy-1340067859985.8582" class="alignnone" alt="" width="299" height="500"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7377491554" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7244/7377491554_9851e4a048.jpg" id="blogsy-1340067859980.562" class="alignnone" alt="" width="299" height="500"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7377488376" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7082/7377488376_0111c6928a.jpg" id="blogsy-1340067860013.9258" class="alignnone" alt="" width="299" height="500"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7377483806" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7073/7377483806_dba1037714.jpg" id="blogsy-1340067859958.5378" class="alignnone" alt="" width="299" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7377480468" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7097/7377480468_e04355a3e3.jpg" id="blogsy-1340067859945.1067" class="alignnone" alt="" width="299" height="500"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7377476670" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.static.flickr.com/8010/7377476670_15afcd558b.jpg" id="blogsy-1340067859988.523" class="alignnone" alt="" width="299" height="500"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7377472846" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7243/7377472846_495f94eed6.jpg" id="blogsy-1340067859947.6255" class="alignnone" alt="" width="299" height="500"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7377466328" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7230/7377466328_806b286995.jpg" id="blogsy-1340067860028.2542" class="alignnone" alt="" width="299" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7377469114" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7082/7377469114_f20fa2fc8a.jpg" id="blogsy-1340067859953.203" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="299"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7377536336" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.static.flickr.com/8020/7377536336_d95697a86a.jpg" id="blogsy-1340067859957.3193" class="alignnone" alt="" width="299" height="500"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7377541096" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7212/7377541096_aa6c7d2e2b.jpg" id="blogsy-1340067860009.7869" class="alignnone" alt="" width="299" height="500"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7377543482" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.static.flickr.com/8143/7377543482_a0574ca7fe.jpg" id="blogsy-1340067860029.0388" class="alignnone" alt="" width="299" height="500"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7377559050" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7245/7377559050_b2ccf47a3d.jpg" id="blogsy-1340067859969.3591" class="alignnone" alt="" width="299" height="500"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7377562248" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5111/7377562248_7d4f032501.jpg" id="blogsy-1340067859975.0618" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="299"></a></div> <br/><br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941504397950421852.post-83058512302833663772012-06-03T19:08:00.001-05:002012-06-03T19:08:26.871-05:00Raised Garden Bed Update Hi all!<br/><br/>My garden is still going strong! I harvested some Roma tomatoes from my potted plants and had so many extra peppers that I took some to work to share with my co-workers (I hate I didn't take a picture of that harvest). I've included a few updated photos of the garden. Thanks for looking!<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7331537408/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7245/7331537408_4348f9f668.jpg" id="blogsy-1338768396362.4531" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="374"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7331535780/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7092/7331535780_f7aa04c8c8.jpg" id="blogsy-1338768396401.0728" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="374"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7331538798/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8002/7331538798_11d3af91f3.jpg" id="blogsy-1338768396408.5974" class="alignnone" alt="" width="374" height="500"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7331540354/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8162/7331540354_721e9db02f.jpg" id="blogsy-1338768396393.7273" class="alignnone" alt="" width="374" height="500"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7331541330/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7087/7331541330_9635374b45.jpg" id="blogsy-1338768396320.4246" class="alignnone" alt="" width="374" height="500"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7331542774/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8011/7331542774_1425fe4700.jpg" id="blogsy-1338768396391.3933" class="alignnone" alt="" width="374" height="500"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7331544672/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8142/7331544672_b627507a20.jpg" id="blogsy-1338768396336.4465" class="alignnone" alt="" width="374" height="500"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7331546780/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7089/7331546780_bb7a216751.jpg" id="blogsy-1338768396344.4817" class="alignnone" alt="" width="374" height="500"></a></div> <br/><br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941504397950421852.post-32112889683347317052012-05-01T20:38:00.001-05:002012-05-01T20:38:37.167-05:00Items In My Raised Garden So, I promised I would let you know what I planted in the four raised garden beds that I planted a few weeks ago. <br/><br/>Bed 1 - Big boy tomato, patio tomato, husky cherry red tomato, golden jubilee tomato, Roma tomato, mr. stripey heirloom tomato, parsley, cabbage, rosemary, mint, thyme, sage, basil & oregano.<br/><br/>Bed 2 - Nastriums, redina lettuce, Chinese cabbage, Nevada lettuce, mesclun, Bibb lettuce, radicchio, spinach, Simpson lettuce, chard, yellow squash, eggplant & arugula.<br/><br/>Bed 3 - Jalapeño, big Bertha bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, poblano pepper, muskmelon, sugar baby watermelon, cantaloupe, radish, carnations, shallots, wild flowers, mini carrots, marigolds, sunflowers, chives & onions.<br/><br/>Bed 4 - Cucumber, broccoli raab, lavender, delphiniums, African daisies, dwarf dahlias, cow peas, mixed green beans & corn.<br/><br/>Pots - Bell peppers, banana peppers, Roma tomatoes and strawberries.<br/><br/>I am constantly amazed at the amount of plants I was able to fit into my small garden! The books I found most helpful were " The New and Improved Square Foot Gardening Method" and "Small Space Gardening". These books helped me decide what to plant, which plants are beneficial to each other and which ones should not be planted together (e.g. corn and tomatoes -- because they share the same potential for worm infestation).<br/><br/>I hope this post has been interesting/helpful! See below for a picture of the first harvest from my potted plants!<br/><br/>What have you planted in your garden? What are you most excited about?<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19521764@N08/7134000923/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7218/7134000923_fa9dbca939.jpg" id="blogsy-1335922509883.304" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="374"></a></div> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941504397950421852.post-78693986638777539562012-04-28T08:35:00.001-05:002012-04-28T08:35:54.927-05:00Raised garden bedsBoth of my grandfathers were farmers and my brother has made his career in agriculture. While I do not aspire to have a working farm I do love fresh vegetables and flowers and feel a great sense of accomplishment when I can pick them from my personal garden...which brings me to this post.<br/><br/>Last month I purchased two raised garden beds from Sams club and bought the dirt, seeds, landscape fabric and other items from Walmart (I work for Walmart) and Lowe's. I decided that since my space was so small that I would use the square foot gardening method. This would allow me to plant more items in a smaller space.<br/><br/>After thirty five bags of dirt and countless plants and seeds I got everything planted and have been bitten by the plant bug! I have been checking on the garden daily to be sure no little critters eat the plants and veggies before we do!<br/><br/>I will share the list of what i planted and more pictures soon, but for now here are some pictures when the garden was first installed:<br/><br/> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/7051388871_becfaf0922_m.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/7051388871_becfaf0922_b.jpg" id="blogsy-1335619860402.5227" class="alignnone" width="736" height="441" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5449/7051381499_bddb1b3598_m.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5449/7051381499_bddb1b3598_b.jpg" id="blogsy-1335619860400.5574" class="aligncenter" width="736" height="441" alt=""></a></div> <br/><br/>Do you garden? If so, what do plant? If not and you would like to, what is keeping you from starting?<br/><br/>Talk to you all soon?<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941504397950421852.post-58513574590887656692012-04-26T13:13:00.001-05:002012-04-26T13:16:32.526-05:00Flour's Banana Nut Bread<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJ1OTStUPli-17nA5Tvxf4RBZyKqsc1JEVbIVAhyphenhyphenjqJnPqiUVKtrUpI-57YBOWCZ6XBgJItQlihIPa1zsJuEXl5T5Qog553JvmqJ4FVCiiXhvYjdO0LAaOVMbZArSeC4HQ90UqE5ZlCw/s1600/51uIJ1u3EWL._SY180_-755746.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJ1OTStUPli-17nA5Tvxf4RBZyKqsc1JEVbIVAhyphenhyphenjqJnPqiUVKtrUpI-57YBOWCZ6XBgJItQlihIPa1zsJuEXl5T5Qog553JvmqJ4FVCiiXhvYjdO0LAaOVMbZArSeC4HQ90UqE5ZlCw/s320/51uIJ1u3EWL._SY180_-755746.jpg" id="blogsy-1335464047032.658" class="" alt="" width="135" height="180"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyPV7kqu9xTCcfiG8Irw8pDfbFuFO9nt8ldFEj1GfJxYZqmj11QNbeOnoC1jPGWZGIigfefDFZOSzzXoFRacM6CX64YS6kCq4G0mzJcNEk8mpykgCEWBqQzJs1ecalaSIVpPs1Mp7j9E/s1600/IMAG0337-756289.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyPV7kqu9xTCcfiG8Irw8pDfbFuFO9nt8ldFEj1GfJxYZqmj11QNbeOnoC1jPGWZGIigfefDFZOSzzXoFRacM6CX64YS6kCq4G0mzJcNEk8mpykgCEWBqQzJs1ecalaSIVpPs1Mp7j9E/s320/IMAG0337-756289.jpg" id="blogsy-1335464047051.6257" class="" alt="" width="320" height="191"></a>I bought the new Flour Bakery cookbook and decided to try their banana nut bread recipe. Their method of whipping the eggs makes for the lightest and most moist banana bread I have ever made. I haven't made anything else from the cookbook, but i have been hearing nothing but great things about it! <br/><br/>What quick bread recipes are your favorite? <p> <br/><br/></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941504397950421852.post-10374791584090140732012-04-25T13:29:00.000-05:002012-04-25T13:29:58.754-05:00Homemade Mozzarella CheeseOh My Goodness! I made homemade mozzarella cheese this evening and it was so easy! Had I known how easy it would be I would have made it along time ago. There are several websites that give the directions on how to make it, but I used Eat. Drink…Better’s instructions. I did not see the measurement for salt in the recipe so I just eye-balled it…probably less than ½ tsp. There are two items that you probably don’t have in your cabinet…citric acid and rennet, however, I found them easily at Whole Foods Market. If your store doesn’t carry the products both of them can be found via the internet. <br/><br/>Anyway…Here’s a quick rundown of the pictures.<br/><br/><br>1. Citric acid and the rennet. <br/><br/><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgstLMo1l6IswdznM3-b_w5DMOUvGa9FEIAQQODl59NPxVAyQWWOTfgnYUeLEjOmTTgHw3oz3K8EpFOAi7VlGc8ib5l0nx_8dJ3Nlh94ZQLsJeS0GYqFF-XASjvXl8UUFIeI9bkaYyIQU/s1600/=%3Futf-8%3FB%3FSU1BRzAwNTkuanBn%3F=-725242"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgstLMo1l6IswdznM3-b_w5DMOUvGa9FEIAQQODl59NPxVAyQWWOTfgnYUeLEjOmTTgHw3oz3K8EpFOAi7VlGc8ib5l0nx_8dJ3Nlh94ZQLsJeS0GYqFF-XASjvXl8UUFIeI9bkaYyIQU/s320/=%3Futf-8%3FB%3FSU1BRzAwNTkuanBn%3F=-725242" id="blogsy-1335378578710.3552" class="" alt="" width="320" height="214"></a><br/><br/><br>2. What the milk looks like when the curds separate from the whey (the whey is the almost clear liquid underneath the white curds).<br/><br/><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCpaL9AHYuo08x9469Nl97jNEP16XmCH1mCgdX8u3bI3dLkFKxrWvk8sX9ZpBoXrQzgQUbVqfZVl0e0tw3Rid2BJcmP5a4RmSh_5wjHwxMRqAVh7FxNIERplVx-Kr_fg4STsgJDB6Wsc/s1600/=%3Futf-8%3FB%3FSU1BRzAwNjAuanBn%3F=-727533"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCpaL9AHYuo08x9469Nl97jNEP16XmCH1mCgdX8u3bI3dLkFKxrWvk8sX9ZpBoXrQzgQUbVqfZVl0e0tw3Rid2BJcmP5a4RmSh_5wjHwxMRqAVh7FxNIERplVx-Kr_fg4STsgJDB6Wsc/s320/=%3Futf-8%3FB%3FSU1BRzAwNjAuanBn%3F=-727533" id="blogsy-1335378578643.062" class="" alt="" width="320" height="214"></a><br/><br/><br>3. The curds and a small bit of whey after I scooped them out of the pot.<br/><br/><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgn_IUeDOmDWb3JwOncGCZ8yW2wrFZTG-4OkHcyqYlpTlHcjSS7ZwzK3rOG_l-9jO8kp9seCyWXagpFBD7FBcMMXpIwB6OOTNvnoFu4y9cFBEsOrYnWFOmIV1fjLNMbmbGWStxx0tPD0I/s1600/=%3Futf-8%3FB%3FSU1BRzAwNjMuanBn%3F=-729126"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgn_IUeDOmDWb3JwOncGCZ8yW2wrFZTG-4OkHcyqYlpTlHcjSS7ZwzK3rOG_l-9jO8kp9seCyWXagpFBD7FBcMMXpIwB6OOTNvnoFu4y9cFBEsOrYnWFOmIV1fjLNMbmbGWStxx0tPD0I/s320/=%3Futf-8%3FB%3FSU1BRzAwNjMuanBn%3F=-729126" id="blogsy-1335378578706.2686" class="" alt="" width="320" height="214"></a><br/><br/><br>4. Curds after the first kneading. <br/><br/><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2xiXGJSlv943h8tViZ21_THcTBbBbuoN9NL7PEXfVI5ZSEfGPu46sB4bb98FOLYEiNTdPv2VebcnOrLo63wGaKJ7gimN3FKgW1UWTjrlhCOXdwFvnAU4-SOeB4I4EO-FsNNpPmQBK4Y/s1600/=%3Futf-8%3FB%3FSU1BRzAwNjQuanBn%3F=-731115"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2xiXGJSlv943h8tViZ21_THcTBbBbuoN9NL7PEXfVI5ZSEfGPu46sB4bb98FOLYEiNTdPv2VebcnOrLo63wGaKJ7gimN3FKgW1UWTjrlhCOXdwFvnAU4-SOeB4I4EO-FsNNpPmQBK4Y/s320/=%3Futf-8%3FB%3FSU1BRzAwNjQuanBn%3F=-731115" id="blogsy-1335378578718.0623" class="" alt="" width="320" height="214"></a><br/><br/><br>5. The finished, shaped mozzarella balls. <br/><br/><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjol6osxa5mXHjT9sp7c9XmPU3WsBFlPlAS6FLyemHYcVB2Cn5jueSqCialyJ60WTG5FW1pXAvZwB7aH0WnDPwMuuSZEO-egsnvwd248AxDT1c0cWCjA-ViH-xDZ5H7MYpERsH9G257I_I/s1600/=%3Futf-8%3FB%3FSU1BRzAwNjUuanBn%3F=-733461"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjol6osxa5mXHjT9sp7c9XmPU3WsBFlPlAS6FLyemHYcVB2Cn5jueSqCialyJ60WTG5FW1pXAvZwB7aH0WnDPwMuuSZEO-egsnvwd248AxDT1c0cWCjA-ViH-xDZ5H7MYpERsH9G257I_I/s320/=%3Futf-8%3FB%3FSU1BRzAwNjUuanBn%3F=-733461" id="blogsy-1335378578696.6748" class="" alt="" width="320" height="214"></a><br/><br/>Making homemade cheese was an awesome experience and has fueled my desire to try more projects that were everyday practices for my ancestors. Cheese made at home…in 2010…who would have thought!?<br/><br/>Toodles!<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941504397950421852.post-10040602047151687152012-01-14T08:48:00.001-06:002012-01-14T08:48:34.850-06:00Burda Style Sewing Book - New Read<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJcq7nXo7Ug8eTJIQjzw_KkVLC9mj-dzX15IYFsjyOcaAvnnUhGay0ZEiKpvp2_C8cCw4k1DpMXDLvziqEIhM9NHiZEEWvEXZHCzBq1nkzI-rpS1ab6-flYOwppPhtXVk1bt_Pg1qAHE0/s1600/61GXMdh5nbL._SX150_-714851.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJcq7nXo7Ug8eTJIQjzw_KkVLC9mj-dzX15IYFsjyOcaAvnnUhGay0ZEiKpvp2_C8cCw4k1DpMXDLvziqEIhM9NHiZEEWvEXZHCzBq1nkzI-rpS1ab6-flYOwppPhtXVk1bt_Pg1qAHE0/s320/61GXMdh5nbL._SX150_-714851.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697499667926796210" /></a></p><p>I just got the new Burda Style sewing book for Kindle and am so excited! It looks like it is packed with ideas for beginners and advanced sewers. It also has great examples of pattern modifications.</p> <p>Have you bought this book? If so, what do you think? </p> <p>Angela <br> Follow me on twitter - @blueturtle97<br> Check out my blogs<br> www. seamsfabulous. blogspot. com<br> www. Habitualcreator. blogspot. com</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0