Domestic Inspiration

Fabric Pumpkins

2011-11-02T15:55:00.000-07:00

O'kay Monica, this ones for you.

Cut your fabric in a circle the desired size you want it.

Pinch it up top to get a feel if you want your "pumpkin" bigger or smaller.

Using denim thread (it's much stronger and won't break) do a running stitch around the

edge of the "pumpkin".

Pull it just tight enough so it will hold beans/rice without falling out.

Dump beans or rice in "pumpkin".

Do not fill all the way to the top.

Leaving some space at the top fill the very top with polyfill.

This will let the pumpkin stand up a little rather than be flat and saggy.

Carefully cinch the thread tighter and close up the pumpkin doing a repeated back stitch.

Glue a pumpkin stem on top.

Voila!

They are so addicting to make and look adorable in all types of fabrics.

Trick or Treat Bag

2011-10-27T17:09:00.000-07:00

I made this for my daughter. We both love it!

Halloween Decor

2011-10-07T18:34:00.000-07:00

The halloween banner or bunting was from a Michaels kit called midnight magic by their brand of paper goods, Reflections. I blinged it up with feather, trim, and ribbon from Hob Lob.

These are vintage liquor bottles, and other odds and end flea market bottles....add a little ribbon, vintage apothecary tags (which you can find on the web) and voila! You have the spookiest potions for the season!

Free Baby Boy printable

2011-06-04T08:50:00.000-07:00

Here is a free baby boy printable.... I put this in a thick red frame to use at a baby shower for decor.... It would also look cute framed in a nursery....

Feel free to download it!! Enjoy!

Wreath Re-Vamp in calming BLUE colors

2011-05-25T15:11:00.000-07:00

This is my latest project, the stems and greenery on my wreath deteriated in the extreme heat and cold so it was time for an "re-make".....

Easter Crafting

2011-04-08T06:39:00.000-07:00

We made these for our craft night....I think they turned out cute!

More baby onsies.....

2010-06-23T11:42:00.000-07:00

Nesting....

2010-06-23T11:33:00.000-07:00

Finally finished a few projects on my "to do" list.....ahhh.... I can feel my blood pressure lowering!

The bassinet that i started thinking about BEFORE our first was born....yeah, I know....but it is FINISHED...better late than never... The bassinet was from a family member and I wanted to re-vamp it with new fabric and a different design...should have taken a before but you get the idea.... the color is a sea foam green, camel, gold, light greenish blue....

2010-06-21T13:24:00.000-07:00

This is one of the coolest sites I have seen in a while. I thought you might like to play along with me...

http://www.degraeve.com/color-palette/

Mug Decor

2009-12-18T14:58:00.001-08:00

If I had just a little more time... I would LOVE to attempt something like this!!

http://bit.ly/4RY1Sw

Thanksgiving Vintage Banner

2009-11-25T05:38:00.000-08:00

I just finished this Thanksgiving banner and thought I would share. I didn't want anything over the top for Thanksgiving decorations. I love all the natural elements (pumpkins, fall leaves, nuts, pinecones, burlap etc) that make Thanksgiving so simple and beautiful.

I printed off vintage Thanksgiving postcard images from The Graphics Fairy. Then I used some Martha Stewart glitter (the best) and glittered some paper clips. I clipped the images to a piece of jute and called it good.

A prepared home

2009-11-06T08:56:00.000-08:00

I wanted to touch on a different aspect of the home--- a prepared home!! As the economy, government, and society becomes more and more unstable there is an ever pressing need to get our houses in order and be prepared for whatever is to come be it natural disaster, pandemics, financial difficulties, etc....

1. Food storage (long term and short term)
2. Water storage
3. Financial reserve
4. Medical/First Aid
5. Toiletries

There are several websites with tools to help you assess your needs and get you on your way to being prepared. Here are a few of my favorite-

provident living.org- Food & water storage techniques, food storage calculator, etc.

Costco.com- they are now selling long term foodstorage items at a great value

Emergency Essentials- Food Storage Analyzer- create a printer friendly inventory of your food storage that includes a breakdown of nutritional value & calculates the number of days your food supply would last. This is a great tool to help you ensure that you not only have food, but that is nutritionally balanced! Plus if you tyr out their food storage anyalyzer and write a review you get a free $10 gift card to use on their products.

Fall Decor!

2009-11-02T09:50:00.000-08:00

Just some quick pics of activities and fall decorations that can be found at our house.

This was make with a cut up 2x4, paint and vinyl writing. I am sure stamps would be great too. Normally it sits outside, but I brought it in from the rain. In the basket there are pine cones, gourds, and Indian corn, and a string of leaves around the handle.

Luminary bags that line our walk. Brown paper bag, red tissue paper and card stock that I cut leaf designs from. Drop in beans to weigh it down, a battery run tea light to give it life and TA-DA!

I turned my kids loose with paints and pumpkins. They are quite the artists! They had no shirts and big smocks to protect their clothes.

These are little scrap blocks of wood I sanded and painted in a pretty pallet of fall colors. Then I added vinyl lettering. If you can't tell, they say, "pumpkin patch."

Happy decorating!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T12:03:00.000-07:00

I had to squeeze one last Halloween craft in for the month of October!! Happy Trick or Treating!

"Trick or Treat" Banner

Halloween Craft

2009-10-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

Sorry girls, I always forget to post on this blog.

This was my craft I made last week. It's a Halloween Countdown Calendar. We move the little green ghost every morning and then we count how many more days we have until we can chow down on candy!!!

It's all very exciting. Not too much work either....

Hocus Pocus

2009-10-19T16:57:00.000-07:00

Made a new banner for Halloween this season. Also, concaucted something for a front door wreath. These are the only new ideas I could muster-up this year.

More haunting decor

2009-09-30T14:40:00.000-07:00

I loved the witches hat idea that Shenise shared last year, so I just had to make one for this year...and the Halloween sign was a find at Tai Pan Trading company from last October's visit to UT....Oh, how I wish they had Tai Pan in TX!

Pedestals

2009-09-30T14:30:00.001-07:00

I saw this idea in Better Homes and Garden and tweaked it a little bit...Using a unfinished wooden candlestick and a pre-cut plaque (any craft store sells these for just a couple of dollars) you can create beautiful pedestals for anything from pumpkins to candles....I choose a beveled plaque but you can you cake rounds or any other pre-cut shape....simply paint the wood, hot glue together and cover the top with scrapbook paper & modpodge...you can also attach decorative trim around the edge to if you have a thing for frills! For a seasonal decoration choose paper that matches your decor. If you plan on using heavy items on top (or a glass cloche), you can glue a small round disk to the bottom of the candlestick to make a wider more stable base....

This was a very tall very ugly 70's candlestick that I found at a thrift store, so I painted it black and it usually holds a candle but for this spooky time of year, it made the perfect perch for my fake pumpkin!

Spooky Sentiments.....

2009-09-30T14:13:00.000-07:00

These were my halloween cards for last month's card group......

Vintage halloween

2009-09-30T14:09:00.000-07:00

I made this using a cute vintage halloween image that I mounted onto a board painted with crakle paint.... I thought it would be so cute used a halloween display.

Pour some Cinnamon and Sugar

2009-09-21T13:46:00.000-07:00

I just learned this delicious tip from a good friend of mine and it adds a little extra DELICIOUSNESS to your baked goods.......When making sweet breads that have cinnamon in the recipe coat your pan with a cinnamon sugar mixture instead of flour and sprinkle some on top before baking as well.....(when making my pumpkin bread I sprayed the pan with non-stick cooking spray and then dusted the pan with a generous coat of the cinnamon sugar mixture!) It adds a sweet crispy crunch to the crust and as a bonus, the bread/rolls/muffins don't stick at all!!!

for my sister.

2009-09-17T10:20:00.000-07:00

Dining room wall

across from the piano
up the stairway...this took me about six months :)
entry hall

This post is mostly for my sister who has asked me to send pics of my "collages" that I am JUST getting around to hanging on my walls. pathetic considering we have been in this house nearly a year now. Anyways, thought it might be a bit of a "domestic inspiration" to someone else...

or maybe not :)

My Mom Was Martha Before Martha Was Cool.

2009-08-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

I took this picture at my mom's house in her "work room". This depicts her to a "t". Not only is her thread organized on a picture frame/cork board with straight pins but they are color coded. It has a femine vintage look on her wall and looks great.

Budget Beauty

2009-08-14T18:42:00.000-07:00

I know this is more of a home, craftiness blog but who doesn't enjoy being a little kinder on the pocket book so you can splurge on all those cute crafts. These are two of my favorite cheap beauty secrets.

I love Cover Girl Professional Mascara. I've tried all the cheap ones. I've tried the expensive ones and this one wins hands down. It doesn't irritate my contacts, it doesn't flake, it doesn't clump, it adds volume and extends. It's magic in a blue tube. I use Cetaphil phase soap every morning and night. It is cheap-ola, in price not quality. I like the bar soap the best and it runs around $3 and lasts for about 4 months. It moisturizes just enough and cleans at the same time. A dermatologist recommended this to me along time ago and I have been hooked ever since.

Now go and spend the money that you saved purchasing these cheap beauty items on something fabulous for your house. You can tell where my priorities are. What are your Budget Beauty secrets?

Freedom

2009-07-20T15:29:00.000-07:00

I love the fourth of July and I love vintage holiday art..... So I have been wanting to create some fourth of July deco with some of my vintage fourth of July images..... I made a cute little sign using a board that I crackle painted to make it look aged then created a festive mat for an adorable "My country tis of thee" vintage postcard...

I also made a white-washed American flag that I painted on another board.....(gotta love home depots remnant boards!)

Then I found these star boxes that I painted with a crackle finish for my metal basket.....

Chalkboard Paint

2009-06-17T16:53:00.000-07:00

Using black chalkboard paint I painted the door panels on the inside of my pantry....It will be the perfect spot for grocery lists, meal plans, messages, etc and the bottom panel will keep the kido busy with doodles while I work in the kitchen. I also painted an attic access panel that is in our loft/playroom. It had looked very out of place before but this helps it look like it was supposed to be there. I found an adorable crystal doorknob rack at Hob Lob 80% off so I tied ribbon to the eraser and made a chalk holder out of wire and a mason jar.... Chal;kboard paint was easy to use fairly inexpensive and can be applied to almost any surface.

Birthday Banner

2009-05-23T17:52:00.001-07:00

This is a project that I think I started OVER two years ago!!! Yikes!! My "projects in progress" bin is getting full so I am trying to be a finisher !! It is a birthday banner to display for birthdays made out of bare chipboard tiles and ribbon.

I hope to have a few more "finished" project soon!!

Mothers Day Gift

2009-05-15T13:27:00.000-07:00

I help out in the nursery at our church so on Easter we took pictures of the kids dressed up in the adorable Easter outfits then we made decoupaged frames with the pictures to give to their moms on Mother's Day.

I painted the wooden frames a coordinating color then cut out scrapbook paper to cover the front of the frame. I used modge podge to adhere the scrapbook paper to the frame. I then sanded and inked the edges to finish it off.....

Royal Birthright

2009-05-06T21:52:00.000-07:00

For our Enrichment get together we had a princess party celebrating our Divine & Royal Heritage....

Here was the table my friend and I decorated using vintage inspired princess pieces in apothecary jars drizzled with pearls,and little signs that said the following by each item:

Fancy Princess-type High heel- "Walk in paths of righteousness"

Scriptures & Pearls- "Pearls of Wisdom"

Tiara- "Crown of Righteousness"

White Silk Gloves- Clean Hands & Pure Heart

a month too late...again!

2009-04-20T18:48:00.000-07:00

At least for Arizona that is. I'm hoping it will cool off next week, but I have a feeling the dog days of summer are here! As for the rest of you, I hope this isn't too late. If nothing else, make it for next spring. A few girls in my neighborhood crafted last week. I brought it home and showed my husband. He said, "cute, but a month too late." He's right! Go to houseof3.com to printable projects. Buy the spring banner kit and print off at home or send it Costco(that's what I did), but another friend printed it off on matte paper at home...hers looked great. From there, cut out letters, paste on chipboard, embellish(my favorite part), punch holes in each side of the letters, and thread together with whatever you'd like, tie ribbons to your liking.

Pom-Pom Garland

2009-04-20T18:04:00.000-07:00

I recently made this garland to decorate for my sons baptism luncheon. I literally threw it together on our way out the door. Quick, easy and cute.

The secret ingredient to make the garland is coffee filters. One bag of coffee filters and some yarn and you have a garland for under $2.

I used 6-8 filters for each pom-pom, thread the yarn through the center and then fluffed.

Scrunch them and separate them to make them fluffier. You can even dye the filters if you want a different color.

Vintage Postcard Plaques

2009-04-20T16:16:00.000-07:00

(Front)(Back)
(Side)

This was a super easy project that I just did for my little boy's nursery. I got a package of vintage Hummel cards as a gift when I was child that were just too cute to send off so they have been tucked away in a box so I decided I wanted to display some of them around the house!! I got a piece of wood and cut the card to fit on the top. I stapled two ribbon strips to the back of the wood then I wrapped the wood back with a piece of scrapbook paper (threading the ribbon through a little slit I made in the paper) I attached the scrapbook paper with Modge Podge. I then adhered the image on the front, sanded and inked all the edges to give it a antique look. I finished by tying a bow with the two ribbon strips.

Earth Day

2009-04-18T20:04:00.000-07:00

In celebration of Earth Day bring the outdoors in and the indoors out!

Pot small house plants and place them on display around your home, for a little color an orchid is a great option. Try a small fern under a cloche.......

Create an outdoor "living" space by setting up chairs and a table with a potted plant to encourage "dining out" and some back porch conversation to the chirping of crickets!!!

Children's Luau - toddler/child

2009-04-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

For our neighborhood playgroup this week I hosted a Little One's Luau!! Now of course it did not go as planned-- the group was 22-26 months old, but this would work really great for 3-4 year olds!

A very simple Snack Menu perfect for toddlers:

rainbow goldfish
pineapple chunks
fresh fruit slices
cheese cubes
If you were really ambition serve virgin pina-colada's with umbrellas!

Activities:

Hot Coconut (just like hot potato but played with a coconut
Limbo (toddlers can work on their motor skills by crawling, ducking, ect)
Go Fish- use paper fish cut-outs and attach a paperclip to each fish, create a fishing pole using a magnet, string, and small pole. Have children try to "hook" a fish.
Create a custom postcard- dress guests up in Hawaiian clothes, hats, sunglasses, and flip flops and leis grass skirts- then take a picture so each child has a memento for the day!
Hula Hoop contests
Bubbles
Make Grass skirts- (paper or plastic? PAPER please!- use brown paper bags to make cheap grass skirts- cut the bottom floor off the bag of and then cut slits one inch apart )

Decoration ideas:

display your kids beach toys & sand buckets
put shells and sand in apothecary jars
lei's and silk flowers

I did not take picture of our Luau attempt because I barely got things ready before the guests arrived but I found these great pictures on http://www.partiesforkidsmagazine.com/ check out their site for more great ideas & games!

houseof3

2009-04-11T08:23:00.001-07:00

So I heard about a great new website(I actually think it started at the beginning of 09') and it is FAB-U-LESS! Check it out. There is a great new Spring Banner that I must make. Have fun at houseof3.com. Let me know what you think!

S'meeps

2009-04-10T09:41:00.000-07:00

I have never been a fan of peeps... But I think I may have stumbled on a good use for them, other than that bloated look they get when you microwave them.

Awesome.

Don't mess with my tutu

2009-03-25T13:17:00.000-07:00

My daughter is starting ballet, and her wardrobe was...lacking. I dressed her in a onesie and tennis shorts over tights. Ouch. Good thing she is just 3 and has no concept of "cool." She may have been a bit upset. Determined to not let that fashion faux pa happen twice, I decided to make her a tutu. Simple enough.

You will need:
-elastic (mine was about a half inch in thickness)
-tulle in your favorite colors (I think I used about 2 1/2 yards)
-garnishes (ribbon, flowers, pom-poms what ever you like)
-stapler or sewing machine.

Method:
Measure the length you want the tutu to be, and double that number. Cut 6 inch strips the length of the doubled number. Sadie's was 9 inches long, so I cut strips that were 18"X6". It is okay if they are not all exact, just as close as you can. Take your elastic and measure your child's waist with it, leave about a one inch overlap. Remove and staple (my preferred method), or if you are that nifty, sew it together. Now, the fun part--if you have a patient child (or one that will hold still with a movie--eh hem) have them step into the elastic circle so you can get to work. If not, you can do the next step in your lap, I just found it easier on my daughter. Using one strip at a time make a loop, and lace the whole thing under the elastic. Take your ends, pull around the elastic, through the loop, and tighten. Continue all the way around the elastic, make sure you do them all the same direction. When that was done, accessorize! I then took the little roses that are on wire (used for wedding crafts a lot) and wrapped them around the elastic and tucked the wire. I added ribbon, and a big flower to the side (so she could tell which side was the front).

Voilà! Plie!

Recipe Book

2009-03-10T11:46:00.000-07:00

Alright ladies, I am on a mission! I am putting together a recipe book and I know I have bugged a few of you about this, and hey...who knows if anyone really even reads this blog. BUT, any of you that do, I need your help. I want your recipes. Not your "I tried it once, it was good" recipes. I want your tried and true, make over and over, everyone loves it! recipes. I have a section for drinks, appetizers, salads, soups, breads, sides, main dishes, and desserts. If any of you have a GREAT recipe that you LOVE in any of those categories, PLEASE email it to me at srammell@hotmail.com or put it in my comments. If you participate, I might even send you a recipe book. Thanks!

Think Spring!

2009-03-10T09:14:00.000-07:00

SpRinG has always been my favorite season!! Warm, long sunny days, bright green grass, budding blossoms, birds chirping and signs of new life!! I loved these warm spring ideas and creative way to decorate eggs! (thanks Martha Stewart and Country Living! Directions for egg decoratint techniques are on marthastewart.com)

Valentine's Catch up!

2009-03-02T07:10:00.001-08:00

I grabbed my red glittered decor. at Hobby Lobby...LOVE that place!

Again, I stuffed my apothecary jars with whatever I thought my look Valentinish!

14 decorative match boxes(for the days leading up to the big day).

More red glittered hearts for display.

My friend was in charge of our ward V-day party. She made these adorable pin wheels and put them in tall jars filled with white rice and red filler. It was so cute!

Tis the season!

2009-02-17T16:11:00.000-08:00

A few ornaments in a basket

A couple wreaths and another ornament

Crazy colors...can't help myself!

Christmas plates, garland and ornaments inside apathocary jars(I use these for EVERY holiday)

I realize Christmas is over. Here are a few easy decorating ideas for you to think about the next 10 months! Sorry so late.

Calendar Project

2009-02-17T12:05:00.000-08:00

I am working on a Calendar Project.....here are a few of the months.....I scanned them in so the color of the cardstock is a little off and some of them are skewed, but you get the idea. The finished size is 8x8 inches. I thought the pages would be cute displayed on an easel....I used random scrapbook paper, cardstock, ribbon, and buttons.....

Teachers Valentines Gifts

2009-02-13T11:41:00.000-08:00

These were the teacher gifts that we used for the kids school teachers and primary teachers. I bought king size Symphony bars, took the paper wrapper off and added scrapbook paper, ribbons and bling. (Thanks for punching out the tags Loree.) They were quick, easy and cute.

Valentines Day Card

2009-02-13T10:02:00.000-08:00

"Be Mine"

2009-01-29T19:59:00.000-08:00

I do love this time of year.....how fun to celebrate the loved ones in our life---our family and friends!! Here a few inexpensive and easy deco ideas! I mad the hearts with leftover scrapbook paper, some are hand stitched and others machine stitched...they are stuffed with good old toilet paper and topped off with a simple loop of ribbon. The "Be Mine" sign is wood covered in scrapbook paper and a hand painted message.....I think I will make some heart garland to complete the look!! The "LOVE" letters were those blank letters from a craft store covered in more scrapbook paper and of course I had to add more ribbon!

Sweater Saver

2009-01-16T11:56:00.000-08:00

If your favorite sweater or knit shirt has lint balls and peels all over it, instead of getting rid of it or paying for an expensive gadget or dry cleaning service, use a PUMICE stone (like the ones used for pedi's) simply brush your sweater with the pumice stone and it will be like new!! Follow up with a lint roller to clean any loose lint!! It really worked one of my favorite knit cardigans looks like new!!

Christmas Cookies

2008-12-22T13:48:00.000-08:00

This sweet older couple down the streets brings us baked good frequently..... The husband does all the baking and cookie decorating...... They are always so pretty so I thought I would post a picture....

Cute Wrapping Paper idea!

2008-12-19T20:07:00.000-08:00

This idea and the pictures came from my friend Erin:

"........always looking for a way to make our very small budget stretch, and even more, we have such limited space, that I can't store a lot of different things. I have found that if I buy kraft paper at the dollar store I can dress it up for different gifts on different occasions or holidays.
This is how I am wrapping our Christmas gifts this year: squirt acrylic paint on a paper plate, dip a cookie cutter in it and design my own Christmas paper. I decided to go with the more muted look of wraphia to tie them up, and cut out one of the shapes for the tag, and VOILA!"

Christmas Ornaments

2008-12-13T12:36:00.001-08:00

I made these for Christmas gifts for neighboors....I am going to include a nice quote about Christ and Christmas.

These can also be made with pictures of loved ones..... I used vellum paper but transparencies can also be used with some types of printers.... Hobby Lobby and other craft stores sell clear glass ornament balls. If you need instructions, email me!

Deck The Halls

2008-12-01T13:47:00.000-08:00

I have started decking the halls of our home....I love Christmas time!!! Here are a few pics for now-- nothing fancy, but it helps it feel like it is actually December!

I also decided to do a little deco in the baby's room-- I found a 6 pack of baby blue ornaments for $3!! Cant beat that!! I also made vintage looking paper Christmas trees from scrapbook paper that matched the baby's room.....(I saw the Christmas tree ideas in Martha Stewart Living)
Although, I must say this years decking had a damper on it as I realized that many artificial lights, garland, deco and trees have lead in un-safe amounts (check your Christmas deco for lead warnings and wash hand after handling those products!!!)....so with a little curious boy around I have had to place everything so high....needless to say the top half of our tree is all that is decorated until he grasps the concept of "looking with your eyes not your hands!"

Gift Giving Ideas

2008-11-12T10:03:00.000-08:00

Only 42 or so days until Christmas so I thought I would post a list of fun, simple, and cost effective gift ideas. Great for in-laws, grandparents, teachers, friends, neighbors and family members. There are also some ideas your kids could participate in.

make homemade bread- deliver once a week for a month
using favorite recipes compile a recipe book or box
make one dinner a week for a month and deliver it
offer baby-sitting time
a monthly lunch date with an elderly relative (something as simple as a picnic)
a free lesson in a sport, activity, hobby you are good at
weed a friends garden
offer talents such as photography, financial planning, hairstyling etc
offer yourself as a willing cheerful worker for a day
put together a photo album
make a video of people the gift recipients love....(great for grandparents!)
offer to do a chore for a month that a family member dislikes
give frequent flyer miles
give an experience ( a day of kayaking)
donate something in a name of a relative or friend or donate to a charity of their interest
give a plant or tree
coupon books
homemade goodies with recipe
photo CD (poor man's digital picture frame)
homemade mix music CD (LDS hymns & children's songs can be downloaded for free at lds.org, compile Christmas hymns for a festive gift)
Ornament
Journal
personalized calendar (PAF will automatically import birth dates onto a calendar of selected relatives....Microsoft Word has FREE calendar templates)
Theme gift basket- (bath, car care, sports, pet lover, movie/family night)
Movie Night Box- World Market sells cute "pop corn" boxes- fill box with $5 movie rental certificate, candy, and a packet or microwave popcorn....) This is great for your kids teachers!!
record your voice on a tape as you read a book, give the tape and book! Great for busy moms, or a gift from grandparents to kids
"I spy bottles" use old plastic bottles- fill with rice and small items for an I spy game (safety pin, dice, buttons, penny, small shaped erasers, marble, etc. Secure lid with gluem attach a list of what can be found in the bottle. This is great for a car ride or plane ride!)
If you are a scrapbooker- make gift tags! I got a bunch from a friend last year and I loved them, they came in so handy!!!

Service Based ideas-

donate to and help deliver local food bank items
salvation army angel tree
adopt a family that you know is struggling and become their secret Santa
send care packages to missionaries serving from your ward or in your ward
offer to babysit so a family with young children can go Christmas Shopping
Invite someone who may be alone to dinner with your family
visit nursing homes- carol, and read the story of Christ's birth, send cards
donate leftover or excess scrapbook & craft items to local children's hospital etc
deliver goodies with an invitation to a church Christmas choral firesides
invite neighborhood children & their family over to teach them about the nativity through doing a play with the children.

most of these ideas came from an enrichment activity our ward had last week!! Have fun and happy gift giving!!! If any one has any other ones, please post them!!!

It's Fall Y'all!

2008-11-10T15:11:00.001-08:00

Here are some more Thanksgiving entertaining/decorating ideas. I love the indian corn wrapped together to make an arrangement. You can even pick up indian corn at your local grocery store.
I loved this arrangement so much that I'm going to try and copy it.

Hollow out mini pumpkins for a votive holder.

Glass is beautiful to decorate with. This is a simple glass cake stand filled with pinecones and some fall colored ornaments, with leaves around the brim.

Simple and elegant.

Ideas.....

2008-11-07T09:47:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone---- if anyone else wants to post on this blog and currently does not have access as a publisher PLEASE let me know!! Leave a comment and I will add you to the list so you can add pictures and ideas. Everyone is invited to add their ideas!!

Thanks!

RE: Thanksgiving Decor?

2008-11-06T21:13:00.001-08:00

Shenise- in response to your question on your last post, here are a few ideas and pics I found from bhg.com & Martha Stewart...... Good luck hosting Thanksgiving! (You always do such a great job with things like this so I am sure you will be awesome!! )

I like them because you can use produce (which we buy anyways), fall leaves, vase and simple candles that we all ready own or that could be used for several seasons and occasions.... (this could be done with corn, dry split peas, dry red beans, and dry brown lentils with coordinating candles for a sleek harvest look)
Another pretty decor idea I saw on Martha Stewart (I could not find the picture of the wall length ones but this gives you the idea) was to collect several leaves and glue them to fishing line (glue a leaf on the front and the back making a sandwich) they made several 10 foot strands and hung them from the ceiling....you could do this along a long wall and it gives the illusion of falling leaves! It was so gorgeous!!!
I thought this was supper cute...they staked plates and glasses filled with seasonal produce and then just decorated it with leaves and ribbon...super easy and you could probably find this stuff lying around your home! (In AZ ficus of fruit tree leaves could work for this project)

Painted pumpkinds and Gourds:
(I would use cranberry, dark green, and mustard pearlized paint instead of gold for a more harvest color pallet.....)
OF course, you can not forget the KID table!! I loved loved this idea-- cover their table in a big inexpensive map and make paper boat place cards that kids can sail on the table!!! As a twist you could even place crayons and use blank paper and have them draw a map with their own pilgrimage route and name a country they discover!!)I thought these were super cute favors for the kids!! Felt is pretty cheap and they make fun finger puppets!!

Thanksgiving Decor?

2008-11-06T13:20:00.000-08:00

Ladies,
I'm having Thanksgiving at my house for the first time. Any ideas/suggestions for easy, affordable fall decor? Please post ASAP if possible.

haunting sentiments

2008-11-03T17:44:00.001-08:00

Card Group was especially fun in October. These are my two favorite cards for the month(I made neither). Refer to this for next year's Halloween sentiments!

Halloween afterthoughts

2008-11-03T17:26:00.001-08:00

Just a few easy decorations I had around my house this year.
This skull is now on sale at Pottery Barn

I filled my glass jars with candy and Halloween play dough, next year they will have something else besides candy in them. Too much temptation for all of us. :)

This will look better with more sticks and ornaments next year

Don't look in the background because my dining room was a mess when I took this picture. The idea is to add a little color to your chandelier for the season. This is 1/2 way complete.

Caramel Apples

2008-11-02T14:27:00.000-08:00

I LOVE caramel apples!! Last fall a friend of mine, Jen Larsen, from our old ward made these for enrichment and they were to die for.......White chocolate caramel apples!!!! What could be better? I made a bunch to give away to friends.....my regret- that I did not keep more for myself!! I love these things!!

Tip- if possible make them in someone else kitchen....mine was covered in cinnamon, sugar, chocolate, and of course caramel!!!

Caramel recipe:

2 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

1 cube butter

1 cup light Karo syrup

Directions:

Bring to a boil.
Add one can sweetened condensed milk
Boil 10-15 min stirring constantly or until real hard ball
Wait 3-5 minutes the roll apples in caramel(don't dip whole apple, just slightly around making a light coat.
Place apples on a sprayed or lined cookie sheet
Cool completely!
Melt white chocolate and roll caramel apples in white chocolate (I drizzled white chocolate on mine in stead of coating the whole thing---either way is great.)
Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture
Return to cookie sheet to cool completely

note- the caramel recipes makes enough to cover 10-12 medium sized apples.

more halloween decor ideas

2008-10-27T14:14:00.000-07:00

all these came from bhg.com!! I love their magazine and website!! so much fun stuff!

Oreo Truffles

2008-10-05T21:57:00.001-07:00

My Grandma Beth told me about this recipe!! Looks like a great one!!!

1 package oreo cookies (divided… use cookie including the cream center)
1 8oz. package cream cheese (softened)
white chocolate bark

1. Crush cookies and stir in softened cream cheese. Use the back of a large spoon to help mash the two together.
2. Roll the mixture into 1″ balls and place on wax paper covered cookie sheet.
3. Melt chocolate as directed on the package and then dip balls into chocolate, tap off extra and set aside on wax paper covered cookie sheet to dry.
4. Enjoy!   Makes about 36 truffles.
Notes: Also, it helps to freeze the uncoated balls for a few minutes to keep the mixture from starting to fall apart in the melted chocolate. If this becomes a problem, dip them in the chocolate, let dry and then dip again. They are also good dipped in regular milk chocolate bark. And for an extra twist, use the mint oreo sandwich cookies. Also, if you have extra chocolate you can always make a few chocolate covered pretzels or strawberries or bananas!

{the Witch is in}

2008-10-05T09:16:00.000-07:00

I had seen different versions of Witches Hats in years past and LOVED the idea. We were suppose to have a Girl's Weekend last weekend, but family circumstances didn't permit my attending. :( I had suggested we make these as our weekend craft and my mom and sister gathered the "ingredients". The hat came from Walmart and the accessories from Tia Pan Trading Co. You can put your own twist on any hat that fits your personality...have fun! Fortunately, they made me a hat and it's in the mail! I'm so excited!

Black, Orange & Yellow!

2008-10-05T07:23:00.000-07:00

I love the color combos associated with Halloween.....this is my attempt to make our house look a little more festive.

Some cute ideas to get you in the mood....

2008-09-30T22:44:00.000-07:00

Complements of Rogers Gardens...

After the candy is gone and the cavities have set in, we have Christmas to get ready for...

NEXT OF pump{KIN}!

2008-09-28T14:04:00.001-07:00

A few of my favorite pumpkin ideas from some of my favorite sources of inspiration....

Created using a doile as a stencil.....
*the above photos are from BHG.com

*the above photos are from marthastewart.com

And finally the pumpkin topiary from countryliving.com!!

Ornamental Pepper plant

2008-09-22T14:16:00.001-07:00

This is a ornamental pepper plant that my neighbor gave us.....It has red, yellow, orange, and purple little peppers all over it. I loved it because it reminded me of cupcake sprinkles. It is a great way to add lots of color to your garden....

Time out....

2008-09-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

As wives, mothers, friends, or people for that matter, we have to take a time out to recharge our batteries..... I have found a few things that make me feel pampered right at home....which is good because home happens to be my favorite place!!

A few of my favorite things for a relaxing time out(lets face it, with this economy who has the money or time to treat yourself to a spa get away?):

Bath and Body Works Lavender Chamomile pillow mist (or lotion)...love, love it....I am a big time believer of aromatherapy.....this definitely relaxes my frazzled nerves!!

Paul Mitchell Lavender Mint shampoo and conditioner (I only use the conditioner--shampoo is shampoo, pricey shampoo is literally money down the drain...using only the condition still makes your hair smell great plus your whole bathroom smell like a spa...very refreshing.)

Aveda Energizing Oil (this smells divine too...very much the spa smell....I use it like a lotion on my elbows or when I razor burn my legs....very soothing....you can also put drops into your bath water.)

Godiva Raspberry Trifle (the pink swirly one) Simply divine! Chocolate as you all know is a magical de-stresser. I always tell my husband that if I eat sweets it makes me sweeter. Seriously. It does.

Cookie, Cookie

2008-09-22T12:56:00.000-07:00

Instead of the ole Saran wrap/Dixie plate combo I thought I would try a more attractive, not to mention ,"fun-to-make" packaging for giving cookies away......

The Notebook

2008-09-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

This is a super fun and easy project. I use the black/white composition notebooks and cover them with scrapbook paper. This makes a great gift and I use them as a place to jot down notes, thoughts, make my daily lists, store ideas, etc.... This is one I made for my Grandma Beth.

Fall Harvest

2008-09-18T10:34:00.001-07:00

A couple years ago I had a fall craft get-together with some friends. I had each person bring a pumpkin or gourd and a bunch of flowers. We hollowed out the gourds/pumpkins and placed empty cans inside to hold the water and flowers. It was a blast!! In the picture below I used some kind of white gourd that I found at a farmers market.

We also did a spring time bouquet party where each person brought a bunch of their most favorite flower then we made mixed bouquets from everyone's favorite flowers. I purchased a bunch of unique vases from a thrift store and had some fun ribbon that we used to complete our projects. Unfortunately, I don't have any photos of that project..

Vintage Organizing

2008-09-18T10:34:00.000-07:00

I loved this office and the creative use of miscellaneous items !! These are great organizing ideas and a great way to include vintage family items in your decor!! These ideas are from bhg.com.

*images came from bhg.com

Bells will be ringing!

2008-08-25T16:36:00.000-07:00

I love glass bell jar domes, or cloches, as they call it! I think they are a simple elegant ways to display dainty house plants or my favorite use......a classy display for baked goods!! (this one is from anthropologie and on my wish list!)

The BEST Brownies

2008-08-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1/2 cup unsifed all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Blend butter, sugar, & vanilla in large bowl. Add eggs; using a wooden sppon, beat well. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder & salt in separate bowl. Gradually blend dry ingredients into egg mixture. Spread into square (9x9) baking dish. Top with finely chopped nuts & chocolate chips. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.

**I always double this recipe and do it in a 9x13 pan. I never add the nuts either, personal preference ;)

Let them eat cake!

2008-08-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

My grandma is an awesome wedding cake designer!! Check out her latest design for my cousin Amber's wedding! I love it!! All chocolate!! Good job Grandma Beth!! It is beautiful!

So Fresh & So Clean, Clean...

2008-08-11T23:41:00.000-07:00

I know this isn't the prettiest post you have ever seen, BUT...I just discovered this stuff and if you have that caulking around your bathtub and it gets grose..simply spray this stuff on and watch as the germs and gunk disappear. It really works and you don't need to scrub or anything!! It can be used on grout too!!
Absolutely AMAZING!!!

Great Childrens Books

2008-08-06T14:28:00.000-07:00

"Round Trip" By: Ann Jonas

This is wonderful book for children and adults! I read this as a young child and never forgot it! I found it in a book store recently and was thrilled! I had just as much fun reading it today as I did 20 years ago!! You flip the book upside down and the negative reverse image reveals a new picture! This is must have for your personal library!!

"The Mysteries of Harris Burdick" By: Chris Van Allsburg

This book contains 14 black and white pictures with just a title and caption. The rest is up to the reader to create a story using the image and title as jumping point for your creativity!

"Not A Stick" By: Antoinette Portis
This is another great book for the playfull imagination!! You will see all the fun things that a simple stick can become!

"Could you? Would you?" By: Trudy White

This book poses fun questions to help you and your child explore how you view the world!!

Fundraising for Girl's Camp

2008-07-28T13:56:00.000-07:00

Warning! Do not encourage this {UNLESS} you have endless amounts of free-time . This camp moneymaker was successful...we totally pitched it to the Elders Quorum for Mother's Day Gift's, but I spend the entire two days before and then a majority of M.D. delivering, etc. The bottom line, it's not worth the leaders time commitment and the leaders hard work. However, they looked so cute on the ladies that day at church. The women loved them! And we collected lots of money for the girl's!

Our hand-made corsages! Notice the little pearl-tipped pin in the rose.

We packaged them for presentation.

Homemade chocolate mint truffles too!

Magic Cabin

2008-07-20T17:08:00.000-07:00

Russell and I went shopping for toys for Rylan and had the hardest time finding quality toys for a good price!! Walmart seemed expensive for what you were getting!! This a company that makes great toys and items for children....many of which are proudly made in the U.S.A!!!

Check out their website http://www.magiccabin.com/ for some unique and wonderful toys!!

Little Picassos

2008-07-17T07:18:00.000-07:00

As summer is winding down your kiddos may have had to too much of sun and chlorine and are in need of a new summer fun activity.....This is what my mother used to do......She would let us finger paint on newsprint spread out on the kitchen floor. When finished, throw newsprint away and hose kids off!! It was a great new take on art and the clean-up made for a fun outdoor water activity!

Patriotic Pizza

2008-07-08T13:31:00.000-07:00

My friend Kim made this Patriotic Fruit Pizza and it turned out so cute!!!

She used blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, bananas, & white chocolate chips for the stars!

Practically too cute to eat!!

Baby Boy

2008-07-06T11:35:00.000-07:00

Cute baby shower decoration idea......

I just came across this picture......This is from the baby shower that Shenise and Shanda threw.....It was so cute!

Red, White,& Blue

2008-07-06T11:19:00.000-07:00

Red, White, and Blue!!

I used my favorite sugar cookie recipe, hazelnut cream cheese frosting, blueberries and strawberries to make this festive fun fourth of July treat for our neighbors.

cupCAKE

2008-06-22T22:37:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would share some pics of Sydney's birthday cake. My sister helped me and I thought it turned out pretty cute. Sydney thought it was "magical" but what isn't magical with that girl these days? Anyways, enjoy. It was fun and pretty easy.

"BABY" photo album

2008-06-12T08:19:00.001-07:00

A "word" album kit can be purchased from a scrapbook store. To get better use of the album, I added more pages by purchasing blank 12x12 chipboard tiles and cutting additional letters. I doubled up every letter so that I could add more photos. I did not cut out the letter holes out on the duplicate letter so that I could place a bigger photo. I made this one for my mom for Mother's day with a collection of photos of her and the grand-babies first year.

Baby onesie-applique

2008-06-07T10:39:00.000-07:00

This is my latest project.... I have had the stuff to make these for awhile but with the move and having our house on the market for 9 months it got put aside...but I finally finished a couple!

One is for my friend Sarah Van's precious little new born (this is the other half of your gift I mentioned umm..... 3 months ago!!!) And the other one is for my friend's baby boy who has been in the NICU for 10 weeks.

Choose a design, draw it on applique backing, attach fabric to applique adhesive square, cut out design, iron on to onesie, stitch around edges.

Throwing in the the towel!

2008-05-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

In one of my favorite magazines, REAL SIMPLE, they have a segment where they have "ah-ha uses" for common items that suddenly take on a new purpose...

I was trying to salvage my drapery panels from the last house and make them work in our kitchen which has two large windows....

I found these towel racks 50% off at this wonderful store called HOBBY LOBBY! Now they are hanging my curtains.....

Corn Salsa

2008-04-25T14:01:00.000-07:00

1 can corn, drained
1 can black eyed peas, drained
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 envelope good season Italian dressing
2 avocados, chopped
tortilla chips

Make Italian dressing according to package directions (use olive oil). Mix corn, peas, tomatoes, cilantro, onions, dressing. Then add avocados. Serve with tortilla chips.

Baby Bouquet

2008-04-24T21:26:00.000-07:00

This is a bouquet my mom made using baby onesies! You roll up the item of clothing to look like a rose bud and secure using floral wire & floral tape. Then accent with other silk flowers and greenery. You can use socks, onesies, bibs, etc. It was a hit at the baby shower!

rEsULTs

2008-04-24T16:49:00.000-07:00

Yes, I planted a small garden and I have results! I must admit is was a very simple and effortless process. Plant and water...the sun did the rest. Now to find a recipe to use them in!

Family

2008-04-23T23:24:00.001-07:00

Thought I would share my most recent project. It didn't take me long and it was actually kind of fun. just wood letters covered with scrapbook paper (using mod podge as the adhesive) and sand the edges and then accessorize as desired.

Domestic Inspiration

2008-04-23T16:25:00.000-07:00

do·mes·tic –adjective 1. of or pertaining to the home, the household, household affairs, or the family: domestic pleasures.

Hopefully this will become a collection of inspiration for all things domestic! Each of our homes play a huge roll in our lives as the platform from which we function!! With the recent turn of events in my life I have come to a new appreciation of "home" and look forward to being settled again and having a place to call home!! No matter where your home is, how much time you spend there, or the people who occupy it; to you it is "home". I hope the word "home" brings a sense of comfort and joy and that this will serve as a way to improve your home life!!