Blooming Homestead

Personal favor

2012-02-24T10:48:00.000-08:00

I know this is annoying...sorry! I entered a photo contest on facebook and would love some more votes. To vote, just go to the bottom right and rate it with stars. You can vote once per day.
You can vote here.
Here is the link, hopefully it works. If not you can go to http://www.facebook.com/DeseretBook?sk=app_107727025983833 and look for my photo, I think its on the 2nd page and looks like this:

Thanks so much!

Rainbow Cupcakes

2012-02-22T13:09:00.000-08:00

Well friends. I sent my camera in to be cleaned and I am surely missing it. Since I have no fresh pics ready to share, I thought I would dig through my pics from last year and share a fun rainbow cupcake idea that might be fun for your St. Patrick's Day parties this year. These are super easy and cute.

First, start out with a simple white cake mix prepared as normal.

After mixing up batter, separate evenly into different colors. I did the standard red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.

Next, line your cupcake pan and start spooning in layers of batter. I started with red and moved up from there.

Slowly add in spoonful layers as you go. Try to keep your scoops the same so you don't run out of 1 color before you get them filled!

This is what mine looked like before baking.

After they are cooled, top with your favorite frosting, I'll share the recipe I use, I think its wiltons:

Buttercream Recipe

1/2 Cup butter

1/2 Cup shortening

1 tsp vanilla

2 Tbsp Milk

4 C. Powdered sugar

Whip, Whip, Whip!!

Here is the delicious result. Sooo yummy and kids love 'em!

I'm join these fabulous link parties each week: Flamingo Toes, I heart naptime, Under the table and dreaming, Not your ordinary Recipes, Not just a housewife, The Project Queen, Creating my way to success, Craft Couture, Funky Polkadot Giraffe,The Kurtz Corner, Krafty Kat, Polly want a Crafter, Blue Cricket Design, Southern Lovely, Ginger Snap Crafts, Women who do it all, Eisy Morgan, Laugh, Love, Craft, Clean & Scentsible, House of Hepworths, Somewhat Simple, The Shabby Creek Cottage, The Shabby Nest, The Speckled Dog, Tatortots & Jello, Simply Designing, Chic on a Shoestring, Just a Girl ,Someday Crafts, Reasons to skip the housework, The Idea Room ,Between U and Me, Home Saavy
Pocket full of pink, For the love of cupcakes, Positively Splendid, Raising 4 Princesses , One Stop Shoppe,Oopsey Daisy
Its Overflowing, The D.I.Y. Dreamer ,Serendipity & Spice, Rae Gun Ramblings,

Family Traditions, gift list ideas, & wants list {free printables}

2012-02-15T09:12:00.000-08:00

Here are 3 more printables to add to the Home Organizing Binder:
Wants, Needs, & Sizes: PDF, Excel worksheet
Birthday & Anniversary Gift Ideas: PDF, Excel worksheet
Family Traditions: PDF, Excel worksheet

Did you miss out on the other free Home Binder Printables?
Our Week at a Glance
2012 Calendar
Daily Quick Clean
Weekly Cleaning
Monthly Deep clean
Blogging Schedule
Important Dates

As always, personal use only. Please link back!

Valentine Plaque

2012-02-07T08:36:00.000-08:00

I decided I wanted to make something new to add to my valentines vignette but I wanted something easy and quick! As I was browsing hobby lobby I came across this wood heart and thought it would be fun to make a wood plaque. Here are my supplies (minus the glue I used to attach the medallion on the heart).

First off, I watered down some white craft paint and whitewashed my heart. I want it to look similar to the shutters I made with the wood grain showing through.

While that dried, I took some white and red paint and mixed it to make a nice pink. I painted the medallion and then went over it with a dark color and wiped it off so it just stayed in the shadows.

After they were both dried, just use a little glue(I used liquid nails) and stick the medallion on center. There you have it! This could be cute in a frame, or hanging from ribbon. I am just using a picture stand, but I think I need to paint it. The black seems too harsh. I will post my full valentine vignette soon!

Celebrate!

2012-02-03T14:36:00.000-08:00

Hi ya'll just poppin' in for a minute to share my good news. We are officially homeowners! We have had so much going on with closing on our first home so I haven't had much blogging time, but I am seriously excited! I have some fun plans...but I know they will not be happening soon :) Baby steps right? Greetings from Windy Wintery Wyoming!

{Important Dates} free printable

2012-01-31T10:01:00.000-08:00

I use this year after year as my family has grown to keep track of all those important dates! I just keep the pages in protective sheets back to back behind my yearly calendar in my binder.

To download a blank pdf go here.
To download the excel file go here.
Fonts used were: adobe fangsong and futura light

Just a heads up on the excel file, to make it easier to edit and navigate I created each page on a separate worksheet. Here is a pic to show you where to locate the tabs to each sheet, just click on the tab you want to edit. When you print, it will print all the sheets in workbook. :)

COMING UP: Family traditions sheet, Updated Wants, Needs, & Sizes sheet, & Birthday & Anniversary Gift Ideas.

Did you miss out on the other free Home Binder Printables?
Our Week at a Glance
2012 Calendar
Daily Quick Clean
Weekly Cleaning
Monthly Deep clean
Blogging Schedule

YW Lesson Handout

2012-01-27T09:08:00.000-08:00

Go here if you want to download the handout.
I am teaching YW on Sunday and I know that it is last minute, but I thought I would share my handout just in case someone is on the same lesson. We had ward conference last week so I am probably a week behind, but just in case. :)

Sweet Treat

2012-01-26T08:12:00.000-08:00

I decided to make a sweet treat for my husband. He loves anything coconut and I have been wanting to try out the Barefoot Contessa's Coconut Cupcake Recipe. They were quite yummy. These would be a fun Valentine's Day treat.

For the recipe, click here!

Just a head's up...

2012-01-25T10:34:00.000-08:00

Remember this Valentine 3-D Art?

I made this last year and I got so many comments and emails about it. As I mentioned, I found these little hearts at hobby lobby, and I went there last week and they have them again this year! They are in a little clear box and in the valentine isle. Just wanted to give you a heads up in case you were still interested!

Medical and Prescription Info {Home Binder Printables}

2012-01-23T08:26:00.000-08:00

Here are the latest pages in our Home Binders. I am offering pdf and Excel files. Just a reminder, these are for PERSONAL USE ONLY. Do not redistribute, sell, or edit them and claim as your own. I spent a lot of time on these and hope that you can use them in your own home! I would love it for you to link back here to share with others. :) Thanks!

For Medical Information Sheets:
PDF VERSION
EXCEL VERSION

Prescription Info:
PDF VERSION
EXCEL VERSION

Did you miss out on the other free Home Binder Printables?

Our Week at a Glance
2012 Calendar
Daily Quick Clean
Weekly Cleaning
Monthly Deep clean
Blogging Schedule
Want's, Need's, & Sizes

Home Binder {Family Quick Sheet}

2012-01-19T12:17:00.000-08:00

Ready for another free printable for your home binder?{As a heads up, I do have a directory page and I am designing a front binder cover as well as tab sheets to use as dividers...but I am not done with those.} So I will just keep posting the printables in order as I have them in my binder. One of the first things besides our Week at a glance, is our family emergency quick sheet.

This is so handy to have these important numbers handy. I am trying something new! A little nervous to see how it goes. I will offer two files. The first is a pdf of this file. The second is an editable excel file. I created it in a new version of microsoft excel, but I saved it as an older version which will hopefully allow more people to use this to customize their file. The font I used is futural-light-normal which is a free font you can find online. We'll try this out and see how it works.
For pdf go here.
For excel file go here.

Other Home Organizing Printables:
Our Week at a Glance
2012 Calendar
Daily Quick Clean
Weekly Cleaning
Monthly Deep clean
Blogging Schedule
Want's, Need's, & Sizes

Healthy Soup

2012-01-16T07:38:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share one of my favorite winter go-to soups. I think it is savory, delicious, and healthy! Perfect for those of us who want something yummy, filling, and easy on the waistline. (only 3 ww points per cup!)

Minestrone Soup

2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 Tbsp garlic salt
3 Tbsp Parsley flakes
2 C. chopped celery
1 C. chopped carrots
1 C. chopped potatoes
8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 can cannellini beans
1 c. cooked shell pasta
4 cans chicken broth or stock (add varying amount depending on how long you simmer and how thick you like it)

Start heating olive oil and spices in skillet. Add celery, carrots, and potatoes and some chicken broth and let simmer covered until veggies start to soften. (add chicken stock/broth as needed). Meanwhile, cook pasta and strain setting aside.

After veggies have simmered, add tomato sauce and more chicken broth.Simmer for about 5 minutes.

Add beans and pasta to veggie mix and add the rest of the chicken broth/stock as necessary. Bring to a low boil and then put soup mix into crock pot to simmer on low. Makes about 11- 1 cup servings. (only 3 weight watcher points per cup)

Week at a Glance {free printable}

2012-01-09T09:39:00.000-08:00

Wow, I thought with the holidays over life would calm down...apparently not! Its already a week into January. I have some good news for what's been keeping me busy...we are buying our house! I am so excited, even though right now it just seems like a bunch of work with inspections, quotes, and loan stuff! Hopefully, in a few weeks things will all be done and we will be homeowners. Anyways, here the first page I have in my home binder that I am sharing with you guys! This page is so handy, sometimes I keep a copy on the fridge for everyone to see what we have going on for the week. I posted a complete 2012 calendar download that is hopefully helping everyone with their scheduling. This download is the perfect compliment. Go HERE to download week at a glance

http://www.4shared.com/office/AEi5YuY8/weeklyglance.html

More Home Binder Printables:
2012 Calendar
Daily Quick Clean
Weekly Cleaning
Monthly Deep clean
Blogging Schedule
Important Dates

I'm join these fabulous link parties each week: Flamingo Toes, I heart naptime, Under the table and dreaming, Not your ordinary Recipes, Not just a housewife, The Project Queen, Creating my way to success, Craft Couture, Funky Polkadot Giraffe,The Kurtz Corner, Krafty Kat, Polly want a Crafter, Blue Cricket Design, Southern Lovely, Ginger Snap Crafts, Women who do it all, Eisy Morgan, Laugh, Love, Craft, Clean & Scentsible, House of Hepworths, Somewhat Simple, The Shabby Creek Cottage, The Shabby Nest, The Speckled Dog, Tatortots & Jello, Simply Designing, Chic on a Shoestring, Just a Girl ,Someday Crafts, Reasons to skip the housework, The Idea Room ,Between U and Me, Home Saavy
Pocket full of pink, For the love of cupcakes, Positively Splendid, Raising 4 Princesses , One Stop Shoppe,Oopsey Daisy
CSI PROJECT

Downloading Printables {Tutorial}

2012-01-09T09:28:00.000-08:00

I put together a little tutorial to help with my free downloads. I hope this can be helpful. First off, you'll click on the link I provide with my blog and it should take you directly to the file on 4shared file sharing website. You should NOT have to log in or create an account. This is what the page should look like:

I have circled where you should click. If you click on the other download options you'll have to download different stuff or pay for an account which you don't want to do! So after you click on the download now button it should like something like this:

Notice it is going to make you wait 20 seconds to download the file...if you click on the icons that say (don't like waiting, or click here) you will be asked to pay for a premium account to avoid the delay. Don't do it, just be patient. :)

This is what it will look like after you wait the 20 seconds, a link will come up that says Download file now. Go ahead and click on that to get the download.

It will ask you if you want to just open the file or save it. That's up to you. I usually save all my files first and then open them so I have the download saved on file.

That's it. I hope this helps. I have looked into other sharing options, but so far everything I have found is asking me to pay and so at this point that's not going to work! LOL, let me know if you have any problems. I always try and get back to any inquiries so if you haven't heard from me the email might have just got buried to try again! :)

The worst part of decorating...

2012-01-04T08:41:00.000-08:00

The worst part of decorating. Taking it all down! We got back from our Christmas vacation but my son and myself were both sick so I am finally getting around to putting things away today. Here is how I am spending my day. Can you I-spy two of my Christmas gifts I have yet to put away?

Let me help:

My mom gave me a new Bosch mixer! I have a kitchen aid, but this baby is going to blow it away! I am so excited! I love using my Mom's mixer whenever I go home and now I have one of my own. I am super excited. Now I just have to find somewhere in my kitchen for it to call home. Also, I finally got a silhouette! I received some wonderful gifts...and had fun watching others open what I gave them! It is so fun to surprise others!

Anyways, I will be back with another printable for our home binder this week. :)

2012 Calendar

2011-12-30T22:56:00.000-08:00

Click here to download the entire 2012 calendar. These are pdf files, so you can print each month at your leisure or the entire year at once.

I have some great FREE printables coming up for getting organized. I used a calm color scheme since it won the most votes. I may come up with something more colorful, but for right now I have my hands full. Stay tuned for tons of printables to get your house in order! I have tried to make several customizable and I am excited.

I only have limited internet access for the next few days so be patient while I workout the downloading bugs. This is the first multipage file I have uploaded so there may be some kinks. If you email me, just know I may not be able to get back to you until next week.

As always, you should be able to download these for FREE. They often ask you to download it with a premium account which it will ask you to pay for, make sure you just click to the free part. It will usually make you wait for 20 seconds for the download file link to appear so just be aware.

Enjoy the calendar!

Christmas Decor

2011-12-08T08:03:00.000-08:00

Well, I have put off this post because I was waiting on more pictures of some of my other decor including my son's personal Christmas tree. Its so cute, however, since the move I lost my usb cable to my camera...and my card reader just stopped working so I can't get my pics off my camera right now. So here is what I had pictures of already downloaded.

The front door wreath, real pine and berries. I love it.

It smells as good as it looks!

I am accenting with reds and blues to go with my white gold tree and accessories.

Find the printable here.

Ruffle tree skirt.

The reason for the season.

Love different ornaments in apothecary jars.

My mom gave all her grandkids these cute nativity boards last year. So fun for them to play with.

Santa blocks...just cause they are cute.

I put my ruffle tree and beaded tree on the mantle.

I will post some of my other decor...if I ever get my card reader to work!

Color Pallette Opinions

2011-12-03T08:57:00.000-08:00

I could use your opinions. I am re-working some of my free printables for my home binder (I think I haven't shared most of them yet, sorry!). I am hoping to maybe make them more customizable for you but was also wondered what kind of color scheme I should do. My home is has pretty soft colors right now. Most fitting are the current colors I am using which is listed as #1 Calm.
Example:

I want to hear what colors you guys might like best for a home organizing binder, otherwise I will probably just keep my same simple color palette. I will be sharing a binder sheet and then all my other home organizing sheets so I want them to all be coordinated and easy to put all together. I love my binder, and I cannot wait to share more free printables with all of you. If you would be so kind, leave a comment or there is a poll on the top right side of my blog for easy voting. I will give it a few days and see what the majority of you guys out there recommend. Thanks so much!

My new tree skirt...

2011-12-01T11:13:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. I debated about even posting this because it is yet again another "ruffled" tree skirt. I almost didn't want to use it just because they are everywhere and I am kind of over them. But I had been planning to make this skirt for a while since our tree skirt was too small for our tree and it never looked right. (this was before pinterest bombarded my life with ruffled tree skirts) But I planned to make a tree skirt that would match the style of my tree, and I figured I would bother you with yet ANOTHER ruffle tree skirt. {~~cringe~~} I ordered nylon chiffon online at the same store I use to buy supplies for making pettiskirts. They offer great fast service and color selection. Plus, I have NEVER found nylon chiffon where I live, only poly chiffon which frays badly. I cut the chiffon in 5" strips.

I bought white felt for the base. It wasn't wide enough so I went and bought more...and sewed the two pieces together. Now my sewing machine is super old and apparently is on the fritz. It wasn't having my ruffler foot...so I pleated the chiffon by hand and fed it through ever so imperfectly. it won't show;)

{Yes, this project took like 3 or so hours because I had to do it that way!}

I just kept adding on layers as I went.

Final Product: I can't wait to go to upstairs in our monster moving mess(yep its been like 6 months since the move) and find our train and see how it barrels through the chiffon. :)

And the tree shot: {Daytime}

{Nighttime}

P.S. I won't be linking this to any parties to save the world from another ruffled tree skirt tutorial! LOL

Christmas Printables 2011

2011-11-29T08:57:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would share a few printables I made for my home. I just sent them off to the printers this morning! I will share my Christmas decor when they arrive and I get them put up!

Go Here

Go here

And if you're looking for subway art, here are some prints I designed previously: Go HERE

December Calendar {free printable}

2011-11-28T19:18:00.000-08:00

Here is the December Calendar...click here.

My New Shutters

2011-11-15T08:45:00.000-08:00

I have been totally inspired by all the shutter projects out there and fell in love with the look of barnwood shutters. Specifically the ones found here. I have looked everywhere and could not find any...so I decided to make my own version. Now, this project would have been a breeze if I would have had some real tools...but I made it work. (Keep in mind I am NOT a builder...so I am sure there is a better way to go about this...lol) I went to Home Depot and got some standard (1x3) pine boards. I had them cut them 36" long. I then got some (1x2) boards that were just at the end of the isle and I took the home and cut them myself. I can't remember how many of those I bought. I think they were 8 feet long so I bought 2, but not sure. Anyways, I bought miter box and saw to help with my cuts. Now...this is the first time I have used a miter box, and maybe I am just a wimp...but it was so hard. I knew better than to ask my husband....he would have just mocked the idea and said we don't need barn shutters in our house! :) So I tackled this all on my own. Anyways, this project was kind of just me using trial and error. I cut the boards and then cut cardboard to use as spacers.(I have my measurements diagrammed at the bottom of this post)

I set out my angled piece and put that in place so I knew where I would want my top cross pieces. I clamped these and used liquid nails to set them in place.

After I got them all set in place I used a few finishing nails by hand to secure the pieces. Then I sanded it down a little but wanted to leave these kind of raw. I wanted these to look natural and like old barn shutters uneven and all. I used white paint that I watered down a little so that after I painted them the wood grain would still be visible. Kind of white washed.

For easy hanging, I attached picture hanging wire to the back of each shutter.

And here are my shutters. I'm pretty happy with how they turned out especially since I am such an amateur!

And my current holiday decor.

Here are my rough measurements:

Guess what I have been doing??

2011-11-11T09:49:00.000-08:00

After browsing the links you guys sent to me (Thanks again!) I decided to give these Cabochons a go. At first, I decided to try the acrylic to color them. I tried several colors and here is how they basically all turned out.

Speckled, the color didn't mix in. Not to mention it caused a lot of air bubbles on the back. They weren't smooth. So...I ran to Hobby lobby and bought a few pigments to try. Using the exact same method, here is the difference. (back view)

Notice using the pigment made it completely smooth and the color is so creamy as well. I did lots of color shades/combos. Only bad thing was they didn't have black pigment so I am going to make more once that comes in for some darker neutral shades.

Overall, this was actually pretty easy. A little expensive since I had to buy the pigments...but since I was going to be buying these for myself and to make as gifts the cost will balance out. Plus, it was kind of fun to conquer the challenge. I had read horror stories about how difficult resin is, maybe certain types and techniques are. This was very simple. I might put together a detailed tutorial on these with the products I used and costs since there are so few, but for now I will just share the sites I used. Now I can't wait to assemble them into jewelry pieces and use them for some other projects as well! Thanks again for the comments/emails with website suggestions. You guys rock!
For info on making Resin Cabochons go here:

http://go.tipjunkie.com/hm/897/greylustergirl.blogspot.com/2011/04/resin-tips-from-novice.html

http://skinnerstudio.blogspot.com/p/resin-tutorials.html

2012 Youth Theme Printables

2011-11-09T12:50:00.000-08:00

Oh and I totally forgot to include this one so we'll call it #11.

1. Multi Go here
2. Houndstooth Go here
3. Red Go here
4. Grey Go here
5. Pink Go here
6. Purple Go here
7. Teal Go here
8. Colors on Black Go here
9. Blue & Yellow Go here
10. Black & White Go here
11. Orange Go here

Your Assistance is Needed!!

2011-11-05T07:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, sorry for the random cry for help, but I am in need of your assistance. Ya'll know about those rose cabachon earrings/rings/necklaces you see everywhere? Well, I have bought from several shops and I love them. I have decided I want more colors to match my outfits...but I had a whim and decided to try and make my own. (what was I thinking?). I found some molds off etsy that are the perfect style and detail, I bought some resin called Amazing Cast Resin and I have no idea how to use it. In the spring, I came across a blog that had a full tutorial. I bookmarked it but since I moved and we reinstalled our computer software I can't find the blog. I have googled myself silly and cannot find any helpful tutorials. I guess everyone is keeping the secret under wraps. :)

Anyways, I need your help. If you know anything about how to make these and would be willing to offer advice I would love it. I am not planning on starting up an etsy shop...so no worries there. :) This is all for personal use.

If you have come across a blog or tutorial with info...please pass it along I would love to check it out. I know there was at least 1 out there...I just can't find it now!

Also, anyone know how to color the resin? I found the dyes but they are quite pricey and plain boring colors. The whole reason I wanted to do this was to make custom colors and jewelry for me and my needs. I read somewhere that some resins can be colored with acrylic craft paint. Anyone know?

Thanks for any advice or info you can offer!!