All Things Fee

Lifesaver Series: Homemade Febreeze

2012-01-27T08:30:00.000-05:00

Another tip to save you time, money and some frustration!

Gosh! I am loving all the awesome homemade "recipes' for different cleaning products I am finding all over the internet!

Especially today's!

Homemade Febreeze!

This "recipe" not only saves me money, but I also am able to use it!

If you have water, baking soda and fabric softener around you can whip up a batch in no time!

There is something in real Febreeze that makes me wheeze terribly! But not anymore! I can now use this around my home and not have to worry about me breathing in something that obviously I am allergic to!

*Don't forget you can even make your own fabric softener!*

Shalom Take Two!

2012-01-26T10:47:00.001-05:00

Here I go again!

I'm attempting Shalom again!

Last time I used tiny yarn and tiny needles, all while attempting to adjust for my size.

Not good. I did okay until I had to CO for the body.

This time I feel I am doing much better!

I even took it off the needles ( onto scrap yarn) to try on before I bound off for the sleeves. I pinned where I thought they should be and adjusted that way!

Layered Wrist Warmers

2012-01-25T09:48:00.000-05:00

Can you guess where I got the inspiration for this?

If you guessed Pinterest, you got it!

One day I was browsing pinterest and found this pin.

Which made me have a total duh moment. Layered Wrist Warmers!

I've always liked the idea of wrist warmers, but where I live it's a glove or no glove situation.

I used to be confused by wrist warmers! Not anymore!

Take any wrist warmer pattern ( I made this one up as I went) and layer a pair of cheap stretchy gloves and your all set! I gifted a set with both a pair of fingerless and regular gloves!

For both the knit and crochet pair, I just used my hand as a guide and repeated for the second warmer. I prefered the crochet on because it had the shape for the thumb versus just a space when I seamed up the knit version. Back to the needles for a better knit version!

What have you been knitting? Crocheting?

I'm working a big knit project that I will hopefully finish soon!

Replying to comments!

2012-01-24T08:30:00.000-05:00

It used to be so hard sometimes to reply to comments! Sometimes you could get the email address of the commenter and others you couldn't. Then sometimes I would want to reply on the blog to so that others with the same question or thought could see my answer too. Which made replying to every comment so much harder than it needed to be.

Well, not anymore!

I have to thank Jaimie from C.R.A.F.T for figuring it out! Blogger must have made an update and some blogs were just able to do it, while I couldn't. But with some investigating Jaimie figured it out!

(She shared over on Facebook! I love all the little updates she gives over there!)

(If you use blogger's old interface, go here, that's how Jaimie figured it out!)

With just one click (in the comments sections of your dashboard) and you will be on your way to easier reply's! Yay!

See comment Location? Make sure that is on Embedded.

I clicked the ? just to make sure it was right, and there it is! Reply right on comment form!

I am so happy that I know can reply to you guys easier!

Thanks Jaimie for figuring it out!

Calling All Crafters: 43rd Edition

2012-01-22T12:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Calling All Crafters!

A place where you can share your craftiness!

This week I am loving...

Ellen's Creative Passage
Bottle Lamp
(Seriously? The cork holds the light!)

AND

Sew Can Do's
On the Go Knitting Bag
(But it should be call the On the Go bag, it can be for so much more!)
(And I LOVE.Love.LOVE the fabric!)

Want a button?

Here are the "rules":

I want YOU to stop on by, and share what you are up to, cooking, cleaning, crafting, you name it!

If your not a follower, please become one, this let's me easily find and visit your blog too!
Don't like to follow? Prefer Facebook? Like Us!

Tell your friends!

Come back next week to see if your great idea has been featured!

Lifesavers: Leftovers to Soup

2012-01-20T08:30:00.000-05:00

Another tip to save you time, money and some frustration!

Do you ever find yourself looking at vegetable leftovers and have to think about if you want to throw them out, or put them in the fridge hoping someone eats them?

I do. Almost every night! I make vegetables with dinner every night and there is almost always a small amount left, not enough to save for even one serving for the next night, but enough to feel bad about wasting.

Not anymore! I love to make soup, I could eat it every day. So I decided why not freeze all the little leftovers so that when it's full I have the veggies for soup?

I just took a freezer safe container, and threw in the leftover corn from after last nights dinner, and popped it in the fridge. As I was prepping to put dinner in the crock pot ( I love that thing!) I had some extra onion leftover. I threw that in there too!

Now, when my container is full of veggie goodness I will heat up my soup pot with some olive oil, throw this in and add broth to make an almost instant vegetable soup!

Special Numbers Art

2012-01-19T09:04:00.001-05:00

Before Christmas I saw this on Pinterest, and thought I could so make that!

Instead of creating it in Photoshop, printing and framing it I decided to paint it instead.

This was super simple too!

First I painted my canvas background, I "cheated" and spray painted it brown.

Next, in a word document I picked out my font and typed in my dates.

Our dates are our first date, day my husband proposed, out wedding date, and our boys birthdays.

Next I took a pencil and scribbled all over the back, and then placed it on my canvas.

I traced all my dates at once so that the spacing was correct.

Lastly, I started painting them in with white.

I kind of wish that I made this super duper long, so that I could add dates down the road!

Wouldn't that be fun? Say Carter's first day of school? Or losing a tooth? When they get older and get married?

Car Bag Organizer

2012-01-18T08:30:00.000-05:00

Are you like me and feel like your always looking for a plastic bag when in the car?

I feel like I am always looking for a bag to either stick garbage, or corral items to take into the house.

But now I have a place for the bags ( other than in a plastic bag, that they fall out of.

Or in the trunk and when I open the trunk and its windy and they go flying out into the parking lot.)

After seeing this on pinterest, I knew this would be perfect!

Not only did it cost me nothing, it was a quick fix too!

It took me longer to gather my supplies!

Paper, empty wipe container, tape, scissors!

Roll paper around wipes container, cut to size! There was a groove on my container, so I measured that (6 inches) and cut my scrapbook (12x12 paper) in half. Taped at the center seam.

Added a strip of yellow paper to hide my tape.

Used a cute flower sticker to then hide that piece of tape.

Filled with plastic bags and put in my car!

Yea! No more chasing after plastic bags in parking lots!

New Stitch, New Scarf

2012-01-17T08:22:00.000-05:00

In December, one of my readers Elisabeth linked up a crochet contest to Calling All Crafters. And I decided why not? It's right after the holidays, it will get me in the swing of crafting again.

The rules were simple, create either a scarf,shawl, fingerless mitts, or chair cushion. But the catch was you had to use one of the stitch patterns that she had chosen. They were all based on the chain-single crochet (ch.sc) stitch. The stitch was new to me, so I was up for the challenge!

Seeing as the stitch pattern was new, I decided to make a scarf so that I didn't stress myself out! I didn't think I could figure out shaping and what not with the new stitch pattern. So I went with a simple scarf. But what makes this scarf extra fun is that it is super stretchy because of the stitch pattern, and I used a size N hook to make it every more airy and stretchy.

Want to create your own?

Hook: Size N (Also known at 10mm)

Yarn: Worsted Weight Acrylic

Finished Size: 4" x 70"

You will need to know how to chain, and ch.sc to complete this scarf.

From Elisabeth's site:

"this is how you crochet the stitch (descriptions taken from: mypicot.com):

"chain-single crochet (ch.sc)

Insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over hook and draw through a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over hook and draw through a first loop on hook (2 loops on hook), yarn over hook and draw through 2 loops on hook (1 loop remains on hook)."

ch.sc is the american term, in british english it is chain-double crochet (ch.dc). i use the american term."

Chain 147. Turn.

Row 1: In third chain from hook, start pattern. 1 ch.sc, ch 1, *sk 1 ch, 1 ch.sc, ch 1* repeat to end.

Row 2-6: Chain 2. 1 ch.sc into the loop formed by first chain, skip ch.sc, ch 1, *1 ch.sc into the loop formed by ch 1, skip ch.sc, ch 1* repeat to end.

And that's it!

Calling All Crafters: 42nd Edition

2012-01-16T08:27:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Calling All Crafters!

A place where you can share your craftiness!

This week I am loving...

Lady With The Red Rocker's
DIY Soap Packets

AND

Sew Can Do's
Hedgehog Mittens
(there's even a free pattern!)

AND

Maiden D'Shade's
Diaper Tricycle Tutorial
(way cuter than a diaper cake!)

Want a button?

Lifesavers Series: DIY Fabric Softener

2012-01-13T08:30:00.000-05:00

Another tip to save you time, money and frustration!

After running out of fabric softener and not wanting to run out to the store,

I did a search and found this recipe!

I tweaked my recipe just a bit, as I didn't want to waste the conditioner, or put a pretty much empty one in the shower. I used the entire bottle of conditioner, and the same amount of hot water/vinegar, which is 6 cups HOT water, and 3 cups vinegar.

Another bonus of making your own? The vinegar is a natural whitening agent!

Next time I plan on making two batches, to fill my pretty container!

Changing up my signature!

2012-01-12T11:41:00.000-05:00

While I updated my blog, I decided that I wanted my signature to be updated too!

Before Update:

After Update:

Want to update your signature?

Originally, I added my signature by using this tutorial.
(Wow, 2 years almost to the day I added my first signature!)

Here's how I updated it:

Created a signature image in Photoshop.

To do this I opened Photoshop, created a new document with the size of 75 pixels high by 150 pixels wide.

Then added my text and heart.

Saved my image as a .png file. ( I also saved it as a .psd for editing too)

Now to get it from my computer to my blog.

I signed into blogger, opened up a new post.

Added my image, and centered it ( so that I didn't have to center it everytime I wrote a blog post)

Clicked HTML.

Copied the entire HTML code.

Went back to my dashboard.

Clicked Settings, then Posts and Comments.

Pasted my html code into the Post Template box.

Don't forget to Save settings!

Now, go write a new post, publish and you'll see your new upgraded signature!

**Edited to Add**

If you have any drafts saved before you change your signature, your old signature will be on those.

You will have to manually change them, but any new posts will have the new signature!

Updating...

2012-01-11T08:30:00.000-05:00

Phew! I do not know what got into me yesterday! But I am glad I did it! A nice clean start to the year!

What do you think about the new header? Buttons? Page Buttons?

I'm loving it! To me it's fresh, clean, sleek!

A reminder of the old:

And the new:

MUG-Staches for Everyone!

2012-01-10T08:30:00.000-05:00

Each year I attempt to make as many gifts as I can, for a couple reasons- I love making things, and I love giving handmade things. This year I decided to give a great group of friends a "group" gift so to speak.

I went with MUG-Staches.

To make my MUG-Staches I rounded up:

Mugs and Teacups

Paintbrush

Acrylic Enamel ( Make sure it's enamel, not paint, and says in the directions used for Ceramics)

Paper for stencil, or you can freehand ( I did a little of both)

Oven

For the first couple I went with a stencil. To make my stencil, I folded a small piece of paper in half, and drew half my mustache.

Then holding my stencil onto my mug, I brushed from the stencil to the center of the opening, dragging the paint from the paper onto the mug to prevent bleeding.

Removed stencil, and set mug aside. After all my mugs were painted. I popped them in the oven per the paint bottle's directions!

Super cute, kitschy gifts!
I was very tempted to keep a set for me, and I still have to make a set for my sister (per her request)!

The bottle says that these can be hand washed, not dishwashed. And not to scrub the paint. (Kind of common sense, but thought it was worth mentioning!)

His and Hers MUG Staches!

Cute? No?

Do you follow me on Pinterest?

I found this awesome mustache template, after I made mine.

But will definitely keep in mind for my next batch!

Calling All Crafters: 41st Edition

2012-01-08T13:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Calling All Crafters!

A place where you can share your craftiness!

This week I am loving...

Love Affair with my Brother's
Hopscotch Quilt
(I have to get better at quilting! Definitely on my goals for 2012 List!)

AND

The Sasse Life's
Chair Makeover
(seriously? who wouldn't want this chair?)

Want a button?

Lifesaver: Dustpan as Scoop

2012-01-06T08:30:00.000-05:00

Another tip to save you time, money and some frustration.

I went to put something in the chest freezer the other day, and noticed a lot of ice buildup. So I emptied out the freezer and got to work. Using a spatula I got most of the ice off the walls of the freezer. But then I had a ton of ice in the bottom of the freezer. After freezing my hands off for a while, I then realized I needed a scoop.

As I walked away from my freezer I bumped into my broom and dustpan and that was it!
I washed it off, and started scooping. Saved my hands and time! Perfect!

What ordinary kitchen utensils have you used for not so ordinary circumstances?

Looking ahead...

2012-01-04T08:32:00.000-05:00

As I start 2012, I am looking forward and thinking ahead! No resolutions, just goals!

Some of my goals are:

Declutter and Organize.

When adding another little boy to the mix, all the baby gear came out and it's overwhelming!Less is more!

Get back into Meal Planning.

I fell off the wagon for awhile, but NEED to get back into it. It helps me grocery shop, plan my days, and stop saying " what do you want for dinner?" and then not making anything worthwhile.

Get Healthy.

Right now it's literal statement, Carter has it the worst, then I think I'm next in line, then Wyatt. Once we are all feeling better, I'll get myself back into a healthy routine. Better meals ( Meal Planning will help too), more activities too.

Use up my craft stash as best I can.

Stop buying, and keep crafting! ( This will also help with decluttering too!)

Update some house things.

I have a large to do list of things I want to make/do. Like painting, lights, you name it. Hopefully I can start checking off that list!

What are you goals? How are you doing?

Toffee Popcorn

2012-01-03T09:22:00.000-05:00

After making my White Chocolate Popcorn,
I got thinking about my mother's neighbor's Toffee Popcorn.

After a search I found this recipe and got to work.

I didn't change much from the recipe, except for the baking.

(Oh, and peanuts! I left them out since we are unsure of Carter being allergic)

I struggled with stirring it in the oven, so I gave up, but it came out just as good as I expected. Plus I have a teeny tiny wall oven from ancient times so it's hard to find pans that fit too.

I'm jealous of anyone with a normal sized oven!

As for the pans I used, I found that a metal cake pan that was lined with foil and sprayed with Pam worked best. My cookie sheet ( with sides) just greased didn't work so great, it actually started to burn the excess toffee. Which tasted like roasted marshmellows ( I kept it for myself!) Lastly, my glass pyrex with Pam made for very sticky popcorn on the bottom layer, it didn't harden right. So, I am guessing that the tin foil helped harden all the popcorn ( At least I think so!)

Either way, it was delish and I will be making again!

Calling All Crafters: 40th Edition

2012-01-02T07:03:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Calling All Crafters!

A place where you can share your craftiness!

This week I am loving...

Pressed Down, Shaken Together's
Cigar Box Scrapbook

AND

Sew Many Dreams'
Wooden Cars
(Love when Daddy's craft!)

Want a button?

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012!

2011-12-30T08:30:00.000-05:00

As I say goodbye to 2011, and Hello to 2012 here are some things that I did in the past year!

This year I really worked on planning ahead, and with doing so I was able to schedule my posts ahead of time and share with you almost every day of the week!

I also started my Calling All Crafter's Link Party this year! Each Monday, you guys post awesome crafts, or recipes and I gush over every single one! Thank you so much for sharing! Plus I have met some new blog friends this way too!

Towards the end of the year, I started sharing the "Lifesavers Series" with you. These are just little tips and tricks that I am now using in my home! Some are no brainers, and others "duh" moments, but all will save you time, money and frustration!

I can't forget all my fellow bloggers who helped me out at the end of the summer when I had Wyatt! It really helped me not think that I was leaving my readers high and dry! Thank you to all of you!

Now, to wrap up 2011 here are my most viewed posts!

(here is last years too!)

10. Baked Ham & Eggs

I will never make eggs for a crowd any other way now!

9. Finger Knit Cowl

If you can't knit or crochet, this is a fun and easy alternative!

8. Garbage Bread

Oh so good, and a staple at many of our parties!

7. Of Christmas Pasts

An overview of what I made for Christmas 2010!

6. Sew Simple Bobbin Storage

This was the most viewed page last year, and is still viewed often! A lifesaver in the sewing room!

5. Steam Cleaning Pad Tutorial

I still use these to this day! And they work just as great as the store bought ones!

4.Knit Wreath Tutorial

An adorable knit Christmas gift, that I should have made more of!

3. Yo Gabba Gabba Land Cake

I cannot take ANY credit for this cake! My sister is the best Aunt EVER for this cake!

Carter still talks about it!

2. Crock Pot Mac & Cheese

I won't make Mac & Cheese any other way now! One pot wonder!

And the number one page is....

1. Easy Crochet Flowers

They are so easy! And my go to Rose pattern!

Thank you to all my readers for visiting each day! It's was keeps me going!

Stick around! There are some fun things already in the works for 2012!

Don't forget to follow, or "like" me on Facebook for more All Things Fee!

White Chocolate Popcorn

2011-12-29T11:57:00.000-05:00

White Cheddar when you have White CHOCOLATE?

Yup. White Chocolate Popcorn. Delish. If you like a salty sweet combo, you HAVE to make some!

All you need is some popcorn, salt, and white chocolate!

I made my popcorn using my hot air popper ( no butter added or needed)

Laid it out on some freezer paper on the counter. You could also use wax or parchment.

I melted my white chocolate in a double boiler. I used "almond bark" (there's no nuts in it though so I am slightly confused) but you could use candy melts or chips. If you use chips you will probably need a little butter.

Then drizzle, drizzle drizzle!

Package to your liking and give away, so you don't eat it all by yourself!

Little Fireman Hat!

2011-12-28T08:40:00.001-05:00

Now, that birthdays and Christmas are over I can share what I have really been up to!

After looking around blogland, and the internet for a Crochet Fireman hat pattern,and only finding one ( for sale through Ravelry) I decided to try to make my own without a pattern! And I was able to!

I'm thinking of writing up my pattern, and possibly selling it? Is that something people would be up for? And I'm thinking only a couple bucks? Should I make the leap and write a pattern for sale?

Calling All Crafters: 39th Edition

2011-12-24T21:08:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Calling All Crafters!

A place where you can share your craftiness!

This week I am loving...

Easy Peasy Grandma's
Away in a Manger
(Simple and Adorable!)

AND

The Sasse Life's
Coffee Table Redo
(Amazing what paint can do!)

Want a button?

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-23T08:15:00.001-05:00

Just stopping in quick today to wish you all a

Happy Healthy Holiday!

Things are already starting to get crazy here, with a nephews birthday today and then we celebrate with a traditional fish feast at the great aunts house, and then Christmas morning, and Christmas dinner.

Phew. I am tired just thinking about it!

Enjoy your weekend!

Christmas Card Lights Redo

2011-12-22T08:30:00.000-05:00

Last year I made these Christmas Card Lights, and this year I didn't dig the grey. So just like my table runner and stockings, I revamped them this year.

Instead of using felt, I went with a tan yarn ( which I would have prefered twine, but again used what I had) and some jingle bells. A quick yet effective fix...

Am I the only one revamping Christmas decorations?