Bits on the Butlers

Homemade Chicken Stock

2012-09-25T22:07:00.000-07:00

I really try and make as much stuff as possible at home. Not only do I not want to pay the grocery store price (I'm on a budget here people!) I hate all the added ingredients. I often make roast chicken (it's one of Jordan's absolute favorite meals) so when I do I just stick the carcus and extra meat in a ziplock bag and throw it in the freezer. When i'm running low on my last batch of chicken stock I will make more! It is super easy to make so here we go!

Ingredients:

Left over chicken carcus (isn't that such a lovely word?)

Celery - I just used the root and the leaves

Carrots - dice into large chunks

Onions - skin and all cut in 1/2

3 T Salt & Peppercorns

Green onions

Step 1:

Thow everything into a tall stockpot

Step 2:

Cover with water at least a few inches over the top of everything

Step 3:

Let simmer on the stovetop with the lid off for at least 3 hours

Step 4:

Clean out your fridge & freezer while waiting... this step is optional it's just what I did while I waited :)

Also make a chalkboard wall in your kitchen... it keeps your kids entertained!

Step 5:

Turn off stove and let cool just a little - Sorry no picture of this

Step 6:

Take a large bowl and use a large strainer to get all the big ingredients out of the way

Step 7:

Next I take a smaller strainer and pour the stock through this. If you have some cheesecloth that would be even better... but I was fresh out.

Step 8:

Divide up into individual baggies - I divide mine into 2 cup increments. Mark on the bags the quantity and the date that it was made

Step 9:

Lay flat in your freezer to freeze

Step 10:

Once frozen you can stack these up nicely in the door or lay flat stacked on a shelf in the freezer

Step 11:

Just pull out when needed and let thaw! Enjoy some wonderful homemade chicken stock! My batch made 10 cups of chicken stock!

Pacifier Clip Revised

2012-07-25T20:40:00.001-07:00

I cannot believe I haven't blogged since April! Wow! We we did find out we are expecting Baby Butler #2 in January, so that might explain my absence. I haven't been crafting as much during Jasper's nap time because its turned into my nap time as well!

I had a baby shower this past weekend and made my friend a nursing cover (Blog instructional to come soon) and some pacifier clips. I know I have already done a blog on paci clips but I have found a much simpler and easier way to do this!

Supplies:

Fabric

Iron/Ironing Board

Corresponding thread

Sewing machine

Suspender/Pacifier clips (mine had a 1" opening)

Velcro or Elastic

Step 1:

Cut your fabric into a 4 X 10.5 inch strip

Step 2:

With the wrong side of fabric faced up iron a 1/4 inch crease on the short side of each fabric (see pic)

Step 3:

Iron fabric in 1/2 long ways (like a hotdog) the right side of the fabric will be showing (notice how the ends are nice and tucked in!)

Step 4:

Open this long crease back up and fold both sides in towards the middle (the crease) and iron this down

Step 5:

Iron fabric in 1/2 again (where we did the original crease in step 3) Now your fabric will be exactly 1 inch wide to fit into the suspender/paci clip

Step 6:

Sew a 1/8 inch inseam down both side of the fabric (be sure to do a good back stitch when beginning and ending)

Step 7:

Place suspender/paci clip on of the ends and fold over the fabric and pin. Sew a straight line across (try and get as close to the clip as you can). Also make sure the back side of your pacifier clip and the folded back fabric are both on the same side. You don't want that back fold of fabric showing.

Step 8:

This is the step where you can use either the elastic or the Velcro. I preferred the elastic because so many people use the Soothie pacifiers and the Velcro won't work with those. So here are the instructions for the elastic. Cut a 3-4 inch piece of elastic and fold into a loop. Place the ends of the loop into the other end of the fabric pocket (see picture). Put a pin in place to hold the elastic while you are sewing. Sew a straight line across.

Step 9:

Attach Pacifier of your choice and enjoy!

Here are some of the other ones I made for the shower. If you are not a sewer and would like to purchase some of these let me know. I sell them for $5 a piece and they make for a unique baby present!

Chicken Spaghetti

2012-04-03T21:04:00.000-07:00

I had all the ingredients for Chicken Spaghetti tonight so that's what we had for dinner tonight! Here is my recipe and the step by step direction.

Ingredients:

2-3 Boneless skinless chicken breast

1 small package Velveeta cheese

1 can Rotel tomatoes

1 can cream of chicken

Your choice of pasta (I used Fettuccine because that's what was in the pantry)

Salt & Pepper

Mushrooms (optional)

Back olives (optional)

Step 1:

In a large pot place chicken breast and boil until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken once done and place on cutting board. Save this water and keep it boiling for your pasta.

Step 2:

Dice Velveeta and place in a large pan with Rotel (don't drain it) and the cream of chicken. Mix together and heat over low heat until all melted together.

Step 3.

While cheese mixture is melting together put noodles in the water (the same water you boiled your chicken in) cook according to the time on the package. I only used about 3/4 of the box of mine. I don't like a dry chicken spaghetti - I'd rather have more cheesy goodness!

Step 4:

While noodles are boiling and cheese is melting shred your chicken. After chicken is shredded I sprinkle it with salt and pepper.

Step 5:

Drain pasta when done boiling and return to same large pot and add in the Velveeta mixture and the chicken. Mix all together. If you use the mushrooms and black olives add them in at this step.

Step 6:

Place in a 9X13 pan and cover with foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. I topped mine with a little extra cheddar cheese so I baked it for an additional 5-10 minutes with the foil off.

Step 7:

Chow down and enjoy!

Liquid Laundry Detergent

2012-03-24T21:22:00.000-07:00

I love making my own laundry detergent! It is so much cheaper and it works great. I have used the powder and the liquid now and I think I prefer the liquid. My washer and dryer are located in my garage so I don't mind having a huge 5 gallon bucket beside the washing machine. I think if my laundry room was inside it might be a different. So here we go!

Ingredients:

1 bar soap (Fels Naptha, Zote, or Ivory)

1/2 c Borax

1 c Washing soda

4 cups water

Large 5 gallon bucket with lid (I think mine is actually 6 gallons)

Step 1:

Grate the soap

Step 2:

Take the 4 cups of water and pour into a large pot and then add soap shreds. Stir constantly over medium heat until soap is melted. You can use a whisk or spoon to stir - mixture will be pretty foamy when all the soap is melted.

Step 3:

Fill your 5 gallon bucket 1/2 way up with hot tap water

Step 4:

Add soap mixture then add in the Borax and the Washing soda and stir well. Check out my handsome little helper :)

Step 5:

Fill 5 gallon bucket the rest of the way up with hot tap water

Step 6:

Cover with lid and let sit overnight.

Next day you can take the lid off and make sure the detergent set up. It will be very congealed and gel like. Use 1/2 a cup per load of laundry. This detergent wont stud up like a store bought detergent.

Note: I used Zote soap for my detergent and it is a great stain fighter! I actually keep a bar beside my washing machine to rub straight on a stain. I have gotten tough stains out that have been washed and dried in. Next time I have one I will be sure to blog on it!

Ruffles!

2012-03-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

I've been looking everywhere to try and find a good ruffle tutorial! I don't know if I just wasn't looking in the right place or what but I went straight to the source: my sewing machine. I was determined to figure it out - so with some trial and error I finally got it. Here are 3 different type of ruffles I figured out how to make.

I used Muslin fabric & matching thread

Things to know!

#1 Set your sewing machine stitch to the longest straight stitch (as you can see mine is a #6)

#2 Set your tension on your sewing machine to the highest it will go (mine is 9)

#3 Don't back stitch

Ruffle #1 (Right down the middle)

First I cut my fabric into 3 inch strips

Place the fabric in and start sewing straight down the middle of your strip of fabric

You will see when the fabric is coming out the back side it's already a ruffle!

Ruffle #2 (Double Ruffle)

On this ruffle I did the exact same thing as ruffle #1 but I moved the seam over to about a 1/4 inch and ran the stitch down one side - turned the fabric around and did the same thing on the opposite side

Ruffle #3 (Edge Ruffle)

Run a straight stitch down one edge of the fabric

(This ruffle would be great if you were making a skirt and layering the ruffles )

Here is what I used my ruffles for this time!

Outdoor Chalkboard

2012-03-02T19:51:00.001-08:00

Summer is approaching fast so I am starting to get some outdoor activities ready to keep Jasper busy! He's recently been into coloring so I thought about making a outdoor chalkboard. I saw a recipe on Pinterest on how to make your own chalkboard paint here Going Home to Roost. I know you can buy it already made but, by doing it this way you can use whatever color paint you want. So here we go!

Materials you will need:

Board

Non-sanded grout

Roller & paintbrush

Disposable cup

Plastic spoon to mix with

Flat latex paint (I got a quart of black)

Step 1:

Measure out 1 cup of water and pour into your disposable cup. Get a sharpie and mark on the outside where the 1 cup mark is. Dump the water out and dry the cup.

Step 2:

Pour your paint into the cup

Step 3:

Add 2 Tablespoons of the grout

Step 4:

Mix the paint and the grout together (this mixture will be very thick)

Step 5:

I tried pouring the mixture into the paint tray and rolling it on but this was no good at all for the first coat of paint. So I recommend just keeping it in the cup and using a paint brush. I noticed that if I used the paintbrush and then went over what I just painted with the roller that worked best for me.

(this was no bueno)

Step 6:

Let the board dry and put as many coats as you want on. I put 3 coats of paint on mine and it took 2 cups of the paint/grout mixture. (On the website I got this recipe it says to only mix 1 cup at a time)

Step 7:

Prop your board up and paint all the sides if you desire - then let completely dry

Step 8:

Drill holes into your board. I drilled 8 since my board was pretty heavy.

Step 9:

Attach to fence (I used screws to attach my board)

Step 10:

Let the little one get creative!

Lasagna

2012-02-23T15:49:00.000-08:00

Jordan and I are getting to go away this weekend to Dallas and my wonderful in-laws are coming to stay at my house and keep Jasper. I decided to make a lasagna for them to just pop in the oven tomorrow night. My Mom made this growing up and it's still one of my favorite meals to make for Jordan and myself. Needless to say, he was VERY disappointed when he realized we were not having Lasagna tonight and it was for his parents this weekend.

Ingredients:

1 lb sausage

8 oz tomato sauce

6 oz tomato paste

8 oz tomato puree (I can never find this size in the store so I always have to buy a huge can)

2 tsp dried basil

2 tsp dried parsley

2 eggs

1 tsp salt & pepper

2 1/2 cups small curd cottage cheese

3/4 cups Parmesan cheese + more for the top

2 cups Mozzarella cheese shredded

9 lasagna noodles (I usually do 10 just in case 1 tears)

Step 1:

Bring a large pot of water to boil for your noodles - don't forget to add salt to the boiling water! Also preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Step 2:

While waiting on the water to boil cook the sausage in a large skillet (make sure the side of your skillet are high enough to accommodate the sauce that will be put in)

Step 3:

While the sausage is cooking you will mix together the cottage cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well - notice how nice and yellow the yokes of my eggs are? They were given to be by a friend who have chickens! I love fresh eggs!

Step 4:

Once your sausage is cooked drain off any fat and bring back to the stove and add the basil, tomato paste, sauce, and puree. Let simmer on low while your noodles finish cooking.

Step 5:

When your noodles are done drain the water off and rinse your noodles with cold water.

Step 6:

Take a 9X13 pan and lay out flat 3 of the noodles

Step 7:

Next put 1/2 of the cottage cheese mixture on top of the noodles and spread out with a spatula

Step 8:

Now put 1/2 the sausage mixture on top of the cottage cheese and spread out with a spatula

Step 9:

Sprinkle 1 cup of the Mozzarella cheese on top of the sausage mixture

Step 10:

Lay 3 more noodles on top and repeat. Note: After I put my second layer of noodles down i use my hands and press on the noodles to level out the lasagna.

Step 11:

End with 3 noodles on top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese

Step 12:

Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes at 375 degrees.

Enjoy!

*I'll post a picture of the finished product when I get back :)

Pacifier Clip Tutorial

2012-02-21T11:04:00.000-08:00

I didn't figure out how to make these until AFTER we got rid of Jasper's paci - but I enjoy making them for friends and can't wait to make some for baby #2 (not yet, but soon).

Supplies:

Fabric

Fusible Interfacing

Coordination thread to match fabric

Ribbon that matches your fabric

Fabric Glue

Suspender clip (I buy mine in bulk from here UMX I use the CM1024- they are 1" - you can also find them in your local craft store)

Sewing Machine

Iron & Ironing board

Rotary Board & Rotary cutter (optional but highly recommended if your a horrible cutter like me)

Elastic or if you use a MAM paci you can buy these Mam adapter rings

Note: Please excuse my crafting iron board cover I need a new one badly. Also for my fingernails who don't even know what a manicure is these days...

Step 1:

Cut a strip of fabric that is 2 1/2 inches wide X 10 inches long (This will also depend of what kid of suspender clip you get. Mine have a 1" opening this is the size to fit that size opening)

Step 2:

Cut a strip of fusible Interfacing material (mine is just fusible on one side). I cut my strip smaller than my fabric so I cut the interfacing at 3/4 X 9 inches

Step 3:

Next you are going iron the fabric in half long ways with the right sides of the fabric together

Step 4:

Next place the interfacing in the middle of the fabric and iron down

Step 5:

Now you will start sewing. I sewed a zigzag stitch down both sides

Step 6:

Next I attach a large safety pin and work it through and turn the fabric right side out. Then I iron the fabric down nice and smooth and try and line the edges up

Step 7:

Back to the sewing machine and sew a straight stitch down both sides on the edge of the fabric. This will get it a nice finished look

Step 8:

Take your suspender clip and slid it on to the end of your fabric. Fold the fabric backwards on itself I press mine, pin it, and then sew a large zigzag stitch across (Sorry my stitch is not straight! I'm by no means a perfect sewer)

Step 9:

Next cut a piece of ribbon and and piece of elastic (mine were around 4 inches). On the back side use a dot of fabric glue and fold the fabric down (make sure the way you fold the fabric is going the same way as you folded it on the opposite end)

Step 10:

Now take the piece of elastic and put a dot of fabric glue on top of that fold you just glued down and make a loop placing the 2 ends on the folded down edge. You will use the ribbon to hide this later on.

Step 11:

Take your piece of ribbon and place the edge of the ribbon to the edge of the fabric. Then wrap the ribbon all the way around the front of the fabric and loop it back around. Next you are going to fold the fabric back on itself. Once the ribbon is in place I press it with the iron really well - then pin it.

Step 12:

Now I will sew all 4 edges of the ribbon around into a square pattern.

Step 13:

You're all done! Clip on your baby and go!

Valentines Day Roses

2012-02-18T13:22:00.000-08:00

I had to share my beautiful flowers I won from PetalsPaintsPortraits blog! My best friend's mom (Alison Piantanida - aka The Flower Girl) is a florist here in town and makes the most beautiful flower arrangements and does amazing wedding flowers (including my own!). She had a drawing on her blog for a Valentines Day arrangement that I won! I never win anything! Check out her inspiring blog she is one of the craftiest people I know! Here are few pictures - Enjoy!

Fantasy Fudge

2012-02-14T20:03:00.000-08:00

For the past 7 years at Christmas time I have made Fudge and other goodies for family, friends, and all of my husband's employees (He manages a restaurant - so there are a lot of them!) Usually around October I get people starting to ask about my fudge! This fudge I make in the microwave and is SO easy! I thought I would share this super simple fudge recipe that my mom gave to me.

1 1/2 sticks butter (melted)

3 cups sugar

5 oz evaporated milk

1 jar marshmallow cream

1 pkg semi sweet chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla (sorry not in the picture)

1 cup nuts (I use walnuts)

A large microwave safe bowl

Step 1:

Microwave butter for 1 minute (or until melted)

Step 2:

Add sugar and evaporated milk and mix well. Microwave for 3 minutes and stir then microwave for another 2 minutes and stir - be sure to scrap down the sides well.

Step 3:

Microwave for 3 minutes and stir. Microwave for 2 1/2 minutes and then let it sit in the microwave for 2 minutes.

(Note: The next few steps need to go pretty fast or the fudge will not set up right.)

Step 4:

Take out of microwave and add chocolate chips and stir until melted.

Step 5:

Add marshmallow cream, vanilla, and nuts and stir until well combined

Step 6:

Pour into a greased or foil lined 9X13 pan and let cool at room temperature

(This year I lined my pan with foil let set and pulled the whole thing out and cut the fudge into bars - it made the edges of my fudge a lot nicer and cut down on my dishes!)

Cut into small squares and enjoy yourself or share with friends!

Homemade Corn Tortillas

2012-01-26T12:58:00.000-08:00

There are many things I try and make homemade instead of buying. Not only is is usually cheaper but it's also better for you! So we are having Fish Tacos for dinner tonight and here is my recipe for Corn Tortillas.

Ingredients:

2 cups MASA
1 1/8 cups water
1/2 t. salt (I used Kosher)

Equipment you will need:

Tortilla press (if you don't have one you can use a rolling pin)
Large Ziplock bag
Large skillet (I used my cast iron skillet)
Mixer & Knead hook (optional - you can do this buy hand)

Measure out all the ingredients and add to your bowl. I turned the mixer on low and let it go. I had to occasionally turn off the mixer and scrape the sides. You want the dough not to crumble so I ended up having to add about 4-6 Tablespoons additional water (just do 1 at a time). Once the dough has come together let it knead for 3 minutes

Note: This dough won't gather on your dough hook like a flour based dough.

While the mixer is hard at work get your Ziplock bag and you will need to cut it open leaving only the bottom seam intact. I even cut off the zipper part - it will look like a huge triangle when you are done.

Once your dough is done you will start forming balls. I just try and get them about all the same size. Once you are done rolling all the balls cover with a damp towel.

Look at the little sweetie "helping" momma. :)

Ok next you will lay the open Ziplock baggie on the tortilla press.

(If you do not have a press you will just lay the ball of dough in between the baggie and gently roll it out with a rolling pin)

Place the dough in the middle of the press then I usually lay the other side of the baggie on top then close the press and apply gentle pressure. You don't want to completely flatten the tortillas you still want it a little thick.

Next gently remove the tortilla off the baggie

Then place on a hot skillet. Cook 1 minute on each side.

Wrap in foil (or if you are fancy enough to have a tortilla holder put them in there). Tonight I will just stick them in oven on low for a few minutes to warm them through!

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

2012-01-25T19:38:00.000-08:00

So here is another thing I have figured out to make for super cheap and it works so well! Here's what all you will need.

1 cup Borax

1 cup Washing Soda

1/2 cup Kosher Salt

1/2 cup Lemi Shine

You will find the Borax and Washing soda in the Laundry section of the store and the Lemi Shine near the Dishwasher Detergent.

First I measure out the Washing Soda and the Borax and sift it so I can get all the clumps out.

My Lemi Shine and Kosher salt are too thick to go through my sifter so I just add them in last. Stir the whole thing together.

The Lemi Shine has a tendency to make this mixture rock hard or clumpy so I added some rice - I put mine in a coffee filter since I was fresh out of cheesecloth, tied it with some kitchen twine and threw it in the bottom of the jar I was using.

Pour the detergent into whatever container you are using. 1 Tablespoons per load of dishes. I doubled the batch this time - and this will last me many months (and I usually run the dishwasher everyday). You can also use vinegar in Rinse compartment instead of Jet Dry.

When doubling the batch this still only cost me around $5 to make and I still have Borax and Washing Soda left over for another batch of Laundry Detergent!

Christmas Wreath

2011-12-11T19:35:00.000-08:00

I wanted a new wreath for my door for this Christmas because my old one needed to be retired. I saw this one on pinterest but saw no instructions for it so, I created my own.

Here is what you will need:

A straw wreath (leave plastic wrap on)
Yarn (I used white)
Felt (I used Red & Green)
Small jingle bells
Hot glue gun & glue sticks
Scissors
Needle and thread (thread needs to match the color of your felt)

Step 1:
Take your straw wreath and tie a knot and begin wrapping your entire wreath with the yarn. I found that wrapping the yarn really tight together works the best. (I'm really sorry but I have no pictures of this step!)

Step 2:
Depending on what type of flowers you want to put on your wreath make a cut out template of the shape you want. I wanted a Poinsettia look. Here are the patterns I used. The one in the top left is the pattern for the leaf and the rest are 3 different sizes of the petals I used.

Step 3:
Next trace around the stencil on to your piece of felt. I made 4 flowers for my wreath so I cut out 10 of the large petals, 18 medium petals, 6 small petals, and 4 leaves (this in the green felt).

Step 4:
Cut out all the petals and leaves (I made 2 sets of flowers - one for my sister's wreath so my hands were cramping by the time I got done cutting everything out). Now divide up all the different sizes of the petals into piles.

Step 6:
Place a small dot of hot glue in the middle of the bottom of the petal - then pinch the edges together (careful: hot glue gun might cause cursing and burnt fingertips). You will just glue and pinch together the medium and small sized petals (not the large petals or the leaves).

Step 7:
Next step you will thread your needle and I doubled my thread to make it more strong and tied a knot at the end. Next I took 6 petals (make sure they are all facing the correct way) and threaded them onto the needle. Now take your needle and you will loop it through down where the knot is so when you do this and pull it tight it will make all the petals pull together tight. I knotted this a few times and made sure all the petals were pulled really tight.

Step 8:
Now take 5 of the large petals and lay them down in the pattern you want. I laid out the pattern then would glue them after I got the pattern I wanted. I gently lifted the petals up one at a time put some glue down and laid it back down in the same spot.

Step 9:
Now take the petals that are sewed together and lay it down on the flat petals and find where it looks good. Now hot glue the entire flower on top of the larger flower.

Step 10:
I found these little jingle bells at Hobby Lobby and thought they would be great for the center of the flower. I squeezed out some hot glue on a paper plate and dipped the jingle bell in the glue then placed it in a triangle shape in the center of the petals (this covers up the imperfections too).

Note:
I made 2 of the double layered flowers and 2 of just the top flowers (the petals that were sewed together) so 4 flowers total.

Step 12:
Next take your wreath and see where you want to position your flowers and leaves. Once you have it in position hot glue them down.

I took a ribbon I already had and looped it around the wreath and tacked it in the top of my door. This whole project was less than $10 - but is pretty time consuming. But that is what crafting is all about right??

Swiffer Reusable Cleaning Pads

2011-11-27T07:23:00.000-08:00

About a year ago I started couponing - and found a great deal on a Swiffer Wet Jet so I bought one. I don't know really what I was thinking but hey I thought it would make my life easier. Eventually it just hung in the garage because I hated buying the expensive disposable pads for it. With an almost 2 year old little boy I sweep MULTIPLE times a day and mop about every other day (my kitchen and dining room are laminate wood floors). Here is my tutorial on how to make very inexpensive reusable swiffer wet jet pads.

What you will need:

Swiffer
Pack of inexpensive washcloths (I got mine at Walmart a 12pack for less than $4)
Velcro
Sewing machine and thread

Here is a picture of my Swiffer Wet Jet:

I bought a inexpensive pack of washcloths at Walmart (and washed them first)

Fold the washcloth in half

I next sewed around 3 of the 4 edges - leaving open a pocket on the end (next time I will sew closer the edge to give me a longer pad)

This is after sewing 3 of the 4 edges and next I will turn this inside out

Here is the open pocket at the end (Next time I will probably sew this about 1/2 way closed first and just finish the other 1/2 when I turn it inside out - so I don't have to sew such a large area closed)

Next I turned the edges inside and pinned the pocket closed. Then I sewed a top stitch all the way around the pad which sewed the pocket closed as well.

Here is the top stitch all the way around. I wanted to do this to give my pad some more durability since I knew I would be scrubbing with it and be washing it multiple times so I didn't want it coming apart. Also I thought it gave it more of a finished edge.

Here are my 2 pieces of Velcro. You will only need the soft part of the Velcro (since the prickly part of the Velcro is already on your Swiffer) So you will use the Velcro on the right in the picture below.

Next I measured the Velcro to go the entire length of my pad cut it and pinned it

I used a small zigzag stitch and went down both edges of the Velcro

Here is a closer look

Next attach to your Swiffer and go! Notice mine is a little short for my Swiffer so next time I will try and sew a little closer to the edges so I can get a little more length - but either way it works great! and I think they scrub better then the disposable pads.

I hope this tutorial will help your family save a little bit more! This whole project cost me around $10 and that was for 12 washcloths and the Velcro for all 12 pads. These reusable pads will last me a very long time. Especially compared to a 12 pack disposable cost around $7.

Jasper's New Fort

2011-10-28T16:18:00.000-07:00

So I am addicted to Pinterest and saw this idea to make a fort beside the crib/bed. There were never really any clear instructions so I came up with my own.

First thing I did was measure the area I wanted to Fort to go. I knew I wanted it to be cubed shaped. So I went to Lowes and got 9 pieces of PVC pipe each 5ft long 1/2 inch thick, 2 elbows, and 6 - 90 degree side outlet (my store only had ones that were ribbed on one side so I ended up having to get these extenders to screw in so the PVC would fit). Everything ended up costing me around $15

I used a small hacksaw to cut all my pieces into the sizes I needed

Next I started assembling it! I didn't want there to be a bar across the opening so I left it open. This is the base of the Fort. Using 3 pieces of the PVC, the 2 elbows, and 2 of the 90 degree inserts. Make sure the elbows and inserts are facing the correct way to insert the next piece of PVC.

Start building up with 4 pieces of the PVC pipe and attaching the remaining 4 - 90 degree inserts

Put in the remaining 4 PVC pipe - I didn't press it together very tight at the point because I knew I was going to need to get it apart to put the fabric on.

I didn't do any picture instructions for the fabric curtains I made for the fort (Sorry!!). If you don't sew you can always use Hem tape and just make a small pocket for the PVC to fit into - or even use Velcro. I just sewed a small pocket. Once the fabric is all on I pressed the PVC pipe together really firmly to set it. You can always use PVC glue but I knew I might want to move mine around and change the fabric eventually so I didn't glue mine.

I love how it turned out! I found this vintage red and cream fabric at Hobby Lobby for $3.99 a yard (It was on sale for even less than that) I ended up getting 8 yards for around $20. So the whole project cost me less than $40 and Jasper loves playing in it!

Filing Cabinet Revamp

2011-10-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

My mom came to visit a couple of weeks ago - and when she is here I take advantage of her as much as I can! We sewed, and sewed, and sewed! After she leaves it always makes me motivated to keep on with all my projects. We re-did the guestroom (and others) on this trip and turned it into craft room/guestroom instead of home office/guestroom. I needed a place to keep all my files and extra craft items so I bought an old filing cabinet and decided to vamp it up a little!

Old filing cabinet on craigslist for $20

I spray painted the cabinet a nice cream color (2 cans of spray paint $8)

I removed the drawers and the hardware

Next I cut out a piece of fabric slightly larger than the face of the drawer (Fabric on sale at Hobby Lobby $4 a for a yard - didn't even use 1/2 a yard though so I will make a pillow out of the remaining fabric)

I didn't have any Modge Podge around the house so I made my own by mixing equal parts Elmer's glue and water (I put mine in a old water bottle I had and shook it up really well). Next I coated the front of the drawer face really well with the glue and laid the fabric on top smoothing it out so there were no air bubbles or creases. I used clothespins to hold the edges down (it didn't take it long to dry at all)

I know no one was going to see the back so I didn't do a perfect job but i did make sure to tuck the corners nice and neat. I reattached the old hardward because it wasn't in bad condition.

Finished product! I am so happy about how it turned out and for around $30! It goes really well with my new craft/sewing table I made (It's currently a mess so I did not include a picture - but will as soon as it gets cleared off)

Here are a few more project my mom and I worked on while she was here! Sorry I do not have tutorials on them!
Master bathroom curtain:

New fabric book "shelf" in Jasper's room - it's perfect for him to get the books out himself:

Guest bathroom curtains:

Fabric Key Chain

2011-08-25T19:54:00.000-07:00

I love to make these and I think they are so great and handy! Here is my tutorial on how to make them. If you don't know how to sew or would like one please let me know and I can make one for you. Ok here we go!

What you will need:
Fabric of choice (matching thread)
Corresponding ribbon (machine thread)
Swivel Hook
Interfacing

Step 1 cut a strip of fabric that is 3inches wide and 15inches long.

Step 2 you will fold the fabric in 1/2 long ways with the pattern on the inside (so the back of the fabric is showing) then you will iron this so you will have a crisp line

Step 3 cut a strip of interfacing that is 1inch wide and 14inches long and then iron it on one side of the fabric

Step 4 Sew down on each side of the fabric (still will be inside out) I did a zig-zag stitch and I went over it twice

Step 5 turn your fabric right side out - I do this by attaching a large safety pin on one end of the fabric and working it's way up until the fabric is right side out

Step 6 Iron the fabric so it is nice and flat for you.

Step 7 You will take your Purse Swivel Hook (I found mine here: http://www.lanyardsupply.com/) and you will slide this on your fabric

Step 8 Next you will loop the fabric into a circle and overlap the 2 raw edges and sew over the edges to connect the 2 sides (Once you have sewn this cut any excess off)

Step 9 Take the swivel hook and slide it down towards the edge where you just sewed and cut a piece of ribbon (about 3 inches long - you will be covering up that seem you just sewed with this fabric)

Step 10 You will wrap the ribbon around the seem (that connected the fabric together) and next you will tuck the 2 edges of the ribbon into the opening - then iron this so it will stay when you sew this on

Step 11 Sew on the edges of the ribbon (I just sewed the 2 edges - you could sew 4 so it would be in a square)

Step 12 Enjoy your new fabric key chain!

Make your own Window/Glass cleaner!

2011-08-16T21:00:00.000-07:00

I've been making my own glass cleaner for a while now not only because it's super easy to make but also because it is very cheap to make - not to mention it works GREAT! I made a double batch today so it would fill up my entire bottle - but here is the original recipe:

1 Cup water

1 Cup rubbing alcohol

1 Tablespoon vinegar

I put mine in an old glass cleaner bottle. Check out my before/after photos!

Notice all the hand prints

Clean and streak free!

This is my small round make up mirror

Nice and clean

Homemade Fruit Roll Ups

2011-08-08T19:23:00.000-07:00

I wanted a good snack food to give Jasper and I have let him have like 1 fruit roll up before and I know how packed full of sugar and artificial flavors they are so I decided to make my own! I looked up a lot of different recipes couldn't find one I really liked so here is what I came up with!

Ingredients:
2 packages of strawberries (or whatever fruit you like)
applesauce (you can always make your own)

Next you will chop the strawberries

In a pan add the strawberries and I used 1/2 cup of applesauce (you can always use less or more)

Simmer the strawberries and applesauce until the strawberries are soft enough to mash

Next pour in your food processor & blend (By the way thank you to my wonderful mother-in-law Tammy who gave me her old one after reading my post on laundry detergent and seeing that mine was so small!)

Now you will pour the puree onto a parchment lined cookie sheet with a lip (I also sprayed mine with Pam)

With a spatula spread puree around until it's in a rectangle and I also tapped the cookie sheet on the counter top to even everything out

Here is the time consuming part... you can either leave it in the over on the lowest temperature possible - mine took 2 days to completely dry out, or you could leave outside in the sun but be sure to put a piece of cheesecloth over top (I didn't have any around the house - so I haven't tried this method)

When it is completely dried out (it will be tacky to the touch) take out and cut into strips (I just used my kitchen shears). I rolled mine up in the parchment paper, and stored in a Ziploc baggie!

Jasper really loves them... and so does Jordan. At first he was making fun of this until he tried them!

Hummus Recipe

2011-07-19T20:11:00.000-07:00

My best friend Emily Fowler shared this amazing recipe for Hummus with me! I made it today - and it is too good not to share with everyone!

2 (15.5oz) cans no-salt-added Chickpeas (Garbanzo beans) - rinsed and drained
2 garlic cloves
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
3 Tablespoons lemon juice (fresh)
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Step 1: Rinse and drain the Chickpeas

Step 2: Put everything in the food processor & blend

Step 3: Taste to see if it needs anything extra (I added more salt, pepper, and garlic)

Step 4: Enjoy!

Scentsy

2011-04-14T12:45:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how familiar everyone is with Scensty but I wanted to take a moment and share it with you. I am so happy to be part of such a great company - who make such great products. Scentsy is a wickless candle system that can be used just about anywhere. I use it in my home EVERY day.

I attended a Scentsy home party right after I found out I was pregnant with Jasper and had such a great time smelling all the different scents. After I left that party - and after buying a lot of Scentsy - I thought I can do that! I could sell that on the side! I didn't actually sign up to be a Scentsy Independent Consultant until this past October (I had a lot going on with a new baby). I couldn't be happier I did!
It's such a great and easy way to make extra money every month. I haven't actually had too many home parties - but have had multiple basket parties.

Here is the difference: a home party is when you have a party at your home and I come with my scentsy goodies and we have fun talking and smelling Scentsy! A basket party is when you take my Scentsy Basket with you for a week - just around with you - to work, or to the hair salon, anywhere you are going and have people check it out. You seriously don't even have to do much - the product sells itself. Being a host at either at a Home or a Basket party earns you SUPER rewards. For example, my mom had a Basket party last month - he party total order was $552 (I know it sounds like alot but she had less than 10 people buy from her party!) So this is what my mom got for being the hostess:

2 Full Size Warmers

1 Scentsy Buddy + 1 Scent Pack

3 Room Sprays

2 Travel tins

1 Scentsy Mid-Size System

(1 Mid-size warmer + 3 scents)

1 Fragrance Foam

1 Scent Circle

1 Mid Size Warmer

6 Light Bulbs

Total product value $195 and she paid ONLY $54! She saved $141 for hosting this party. It is such a great deal! It is a great way to stock up on future Christmas/Birthday presents for friends and family as well. Here is what my Basket looks like - it's small and very easy to tote along with you.

So here is how Scentsy works we have a Full size warmer, a mid size warmer, and a plug in warmer. They are all heated with a low voltage light bulb and a food-grade petroleum based wax. Only the scent is warmed out of the wax therefore no danger of chemicals being released into your home.

Then all the scents come in Scentsy Bars or a Scentsy Brick (you better really like the scent because this one is HUGE)

In the Scentsy Bar - It comes with 8 squares that you break off and put in your warmer. Each individual square will last you anywhere from 70-100 hours. You simply pop the old wax out and put a new square in after the scent is gone.

Other things Scentsy offers are Room Sprays (great for the bathroom), Scent Circles (most commonly used in your car), travel tins (good for a linen closet, a students locker, or a gym bag), fragrance foam (antibacterial hand foam that smell yummy), and also we have Scentsy Buddy's (a super soft plush animal that comes with a scent pack inside)

If you love candles you will LOVE scentsy - it is much safer than a candle and also kid friendly! I honestly wish I would of had waited and had a party instead of buying everything at the first party I ever went to. I could of got so much more bang for my buck! I was too excited though!

I have plenty of extra warmers and scents if anyone is ever wanting to try it out. You can borrow a warmer for a week - and just let me know how you like it! Like I said before but it is something I use in my home everyday and I love everything about it. Check out my website for the Spring/Summer catalog. Also, if anyone is interested in making some extra money every month let me know it is only $99 to get started - and a great company to work for!

http://hannahbutler.scentsy.us/

The "Joys" of Motherhood

2011-04-11T07:44:00.000-07:00

Jordan and I had our first weekend off together since I've been staying at home - so we have been super busy doing chores around the house (hence the no blogging). I had a "joy" of something happening to me this past week that I thought I would share.

I have 2 different styles of cloth diapers I use - ones that snap closed and ones that Velcro close. I hardly ever use the Velcro ones unless I have no other choice. I was at the bottom of my diaper stash and had to use a Velcro diaper - so I put one on Jasper and just let him run around with just his shirt and diaper - I didn't put his pants back on. Mistake! He came running into the living room - he had been playing in the kitchen... No diaper on! At first I was thinking oh it's kinda cute! So I snapped a picture.

Then I started to panic - Where is that diaper?! I found it, in the kitchen - needless to say Jasper had poop smeared EVERYWHERE on my new kitchen floor! Not only on the floor but in the cracks on the floor! YUCK! I think I learned my lesson about not putting on a Velcro diaper without some kind of pants over the top! I know it won't be my last time to clean up poop - but it was my first :)

No way I would cloth diaper without my BumGenius sprayer!

I use clorox wipes everyday! They help me keep my bathroom nice and tidy.

My favorite cloth diaper detergent! Currently using Motley Clean scent

Another product I love that keeps my bathroom floor nice and clean

Not the cloth diapers I use but an example of what one looks like!

Godfather's Pizza

2011-04-05T20:14:00.000-07:00

This is a recipe that my Mom made when I was growing up - and one of Jordan's favorite meals so I thought I would share! I made my own dough - but you can always use the dough out of the can or - I have also used the frozen bread dough in the freezer section of the grocery - just let it rise and it is ready to go.

Dough: (In my bread machine)
1 1/2 cups of beer (you can use water if no beer)
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp shortening
4 1/2 cups Bread Flour
2 tsp yeast
1 tsp Italian dried herbs

I placed everything in my bread machine and selected the dough/pasta setting.

It took my machine about 2 hours. Next I divided the dough into 2 portions (I froze the 1/2 I didn't use) and placed the other half in a greased bowl - covered it with a damp towel.

Wait for the dough to double in size - then it will be ready to shape.

Godfather's Pizza
Ingredients:
Sausage
Pepperonis
Mushrooms
Onions
Garlic
Mozzarella cheese
Black olives
*I don't measure anything... sorry!*

Instructions:
Brown sausage with the onions and garlic - then add the mushrooms, black olives, and pepperonis

After sausage is cooked through - add the mozzarella cheese until it is gooey

Add this mixture to the dough - I shaped my dough into a rectangle and put the meat mixture onto 1/2 of the dough (leave enough room to place the remaining dough over top of the meat mixture)

Seal all the edged by folding the dough over and pinching the edges together - Yikes I really need new cookie sheets!

Bake at 350 for 25-35 minutes
We use marinara sauce for dipping since there is no sauce inside - Enjoy!

This is the bread machine I own - and I love it!

Making Pillows

2011-04-01T12:14:00.001-07:00

Alright so I though that this blog could be a sewing for dummies, which I am - I usually have to call my Mom multiple times when making something to make sure I'm doing it right! So this is how you make a simple pillow.

What you will need:
Fabric (I got 3/4 a yard of each of the prints and 1 1/4 yards of the plain gray - I'm making a total of 4 pillows)
Measuring tape
Pins
Thread
Stuffing or batting
Sewing machine (You could sew by hand - but would take a long time)
Marking Pencil
Scissors

How to:
I am the worlds worst cutter - I cannot cut a straight line to save my life! So here's a tip my mom gave me. Take the measuring tape and measure every couple of inches how long you want your pillow and mark with the the pencil. So I wanted my pillow to be about 17-18 inches so I marked 18 inches vertically and horizontally with my fabric pencil so it would make it nice and easy to connect the dots and cut a straight line

Next you will want to cut out your fabric(s)

Lay the 2 pieces of fabric so that the fabric side you want to show facing each other So one on top of the other - the pillow will be inside out when you sew it

Next you will sew a 1/2inch seem on 3 of the 4 sides

On the 4th side only sew about 1/2 way into the pillow - so you can leave room to stuff your pillow

Turn the pillow right side out

Stuff your pillow (I had old pillows that I ripped open and used the stuffing out of there) - be sure to stuff them very well in the corners

Next there are multiple things you can do to stitch the pillow closed
I hand stitched mine (It does take a while - and be sure to pin it first it will help - and this was my first time to hand stick - so it's not great)

You can also just use your sewing machine to close up the stitch (This will not give it a very finished look)
Also you could use Heat N' Bond - that iron on quick hem material (I don't know how secure this will make your pillow)

Finished Product! 4 Pillows only cost me $20 pretty good deal!

Pillows

2011-03-30T20:36:00.001-07:00

I went to my local fabric store today (we really need more places here in Tyler) and all their nice fabric was 50% off. I am in need of new couch pillows - so I got a few different fabrics to make some pillows. I will re-post on step by step instructions on how I make the pillows but, I was just so excited about this cute fabric I had to share it! Stay tuned for the pillow instructions.