CRAFTS AND CREATIONS WITH KMOM14

Heavenly Ghettalain Garlic Bread

2012-01-27T19:40:00.000-08:00

This recipe was from the book "Cookin With Coolio" and would be great for Halloween as it would be sure to ward off any vampires as it uses 1/2 cup of minced Garlic.

If I make it again though, I will cut the amount in mayo used by at least a 1/2 a cup any maybe even a cup as I thought it was overpowering, but otherwise it had an interesting creamy tangy flavor in addition to being cheesy and garlic.

Recipe:
1 loaf french bread
2 cups mayonnaise (I recommend reducing to 1-1/2 cups)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup minced garlic
5-6 dashes of hot sauce
Few dashes Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees, mix the mayo and cheddar, then add the softened butter, minced garlic and hot sauce.

Slather on the bread and cook 10-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread toasted. Add a few dashes the salt and pepper over the top.

WALGREENS DEAL - GUD BY BURTS BEES LOTION AS LOW AS $3.09 WITH COUPONS

2012-01-12T09:35:00.000-08:00

Walgreens currently has two new fragrances for the GUD line, Orange Petalooza and Vanilla Flame on sale for $5.59 (Regular price: $7.99 - at Target is is nearly $10).

If you "Like" GUD on Facebook you can print a coupon for $1 off.

Additionally, on the display at the store, there was an additional coupon for $1.50 and as Walgreen is one of the few stores that still stack coupons, you could score this for as low as $3.09.

I tried the Orange Petalooza scent and it has a light orange scent with a hint of hyacinth in a base of shea butter. It is on par with similarly priced lotions, is non-greasy and absorbs quickly.
It is not tested on animals and the packaging is made with 25% post consumer waste (but may not be recyclable in all areas).

What that means to me is that it is a good deal on sale and a great deal with the coupons, but if faced between a sale on a different brand of similar quality (that is not animal tested) on sale and paying full price for this product, I would not be brand loyal - I would go for the item that is on sale.

If you don't want to try the new scents, the coupons can be used on any GUD product and could be used at any store that carries GUD products.

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with either Walgreens or Burts Bees or received anything for this post - just sharing a deal that I found:)

Ballerina Bun Remix

2012-01-11T14:14:00.000-08:00

This is based on a tutorial for a ballerina bun remix (see steps below by The Beauty Department) which calls for flipping upside down and french braiding hair from the bottom up to the crown, securing, teasing hair for volume, spinning into a bun on top of the head and securing.

I ended up doing a variation and instead of braiding the hair I ended up twisting two strands of hair together because braiding your hair while upside down is very difficult to try to make it look decent.

Not only did I look like a cross between one of those novelty drinking birds and the "The Grudge 2", I started getting dizzy after over half a dozen attempts.

So the only difference than what is pictured below would be to divide hair with fingers into to sections and start twisting instead of braiding.

Items used:

- Comb
- Hair gel or pomade (I used Phat Hair by Phunky Junk) - apply before starting steps below
- Two non-pull elastic bands
- 4 large bobby pins

Source: thebeautydepartment.com via Kathryn on Pinterest

CREAMY CHICKEN NOODLE BAKE

2012-01-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

This is for Mom's Crazy Cooking Challenge for January and the challenge this month is Chicken Noodle Soup.

For this challenge, I chose a recipe from Mommy's Kitchen for a Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake. I halved the recipe as I did not need 6-8 servings; I even ended up taking 1/2 to a friend who asked for the recipe and had more than enough for 4 people.

The point of the challenge is to use a recipe of a fellow blogger, then make and share it.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cooked chicken, cut up into bite size pieces (I used two boneless chicken breasts)
Garlic Salt (or other seasoning preferred to season chicken)
1 TBSP Butter or olive oil (to saute chicken)
1 can of Cream of Chicken Soup
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup frozen peas
1/2 bag 12 oz pkg of wide egg noodles, cooked al dente
2 cups water
1 tsp of salt
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/2 sleeve Ritz Crackers or additional 1/2 cup of Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Instead of grilling my chicken, I sauteed mine sprinkling a generous helping of garlic salt on each side until done then cut into pieces.

In a large saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to boiling along with 1 tsp of salt. Add egg noodles and cook to Al Dente (the regular cook time on the noodles was 8 mins. so I cooked for 4 minutes). Drain when done.

I put all the ingredients in a large bowl the tossed until fully mixed.

Once mixed, I poured the ingredients into a 9x9 baking dish and baked for 30 minutes (you could put and additional 1/2 cup of cheese on the top or 1/2 sleeve of broken up Ritz Crackers.)

I didn't add anything at this point because I knew that one person receiving was a "food separatist" and may or may not want to add their own crackers on top.

Thanks for looking and be sure to check out what other participants have made for the challenge at the linky below.

Zoya Nail Polish - Get 2 Bottles Free, Just Pay $6.95 Shipping

2012-01-05T05:28:00.000-08:00

Photo: Zoya

I spotted this deal over at LocoBuys and from now until 1/9/12 you can get 2 bottles of Zoya nail polish (regular price - $8 per bottle - will show up until code entered at checkout) for free using the code "ZOYA2012" at the checkout , just pay $6.95 shipping, so it works out to be around $3.48 a bottle.

I have not used this brand before; however, they have been featured in major magazine and they do tout being toxin free and vegan friendly.

Disclaimer: I have received no consideration or renumeration for this post - I just sharing a deal that I found

SHOE & BOOTS DEALS AT SEARS - 20% OFF & FREE SHIPPING TO 1/7/12

2012-01-04T07:22:00.000-08:00

Sears currently is having a great sales on boots, but now through 1/7/12 you can you can get an additional 20% off and free shipping on orders over $15 using the promotion code NEWYEAR at checkout (is good for shoes and work boots also).

If you are an Ebates you can also earn 6% cash back.

I purchased the "Kylie" boots (pictured left) priced at $24.99 for $19.99 after discount (with taxes total of $21.39).

.

They also have the Emilia boot in black, taupe,brown, blue and green for the same price as the above after the discount.

If you are in need of inexpensive work boots, they also have Steel Toe Men's Boot on sale for as low as $34.98 (pictured left - Roebucks Great Price Men's 6in. Soft Toe Boot) which would be under $30 after discount, including taxes.

Having steel toed boots can mean the difference in keeping your toes if you work in an industrial environment.

If you order after 1/7/12, they still have some great deals and free ship to store option up until the end of 2015.

Disclaimer: I have received nothing for this post; I am just the run of the mill consumer.

K-Mart Deal - Conair - Bag of Assorted Hair Accessories - $19.99 Value for $2.99

2012-01-03T01:16:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share this deal that I found at K-Mart today (although it could be available in other stores) for a bag of 5 assorted hair accessories in bag, at $19.99 value for $2.99.

If you are into hair accessories, it is a real deal at cost of around .60 cents for each item.

The cheapest I have found bobby pins has been for $1 at the Dollar Tree and the last bun maker I purchased was at Claire's for $2.99 when it was 50% off.

As each item is carded/boxed individually, if you don't like everything in the bag, it could be put back for a future present, sold at a garage sale, given to a friend donated to charity or if you are crafty, turned into something that you do like (which is my intention for the purple butterfly headband).

The bags had the same sort of items below, but each back had a different color theme (I chose the purple one):

A bun maker
Bobby pins
A hairband
A barrette with an embellishment
A clip with an embellishment

If you have any cool deals to share that you have found, please feel free to post them in the comments section:)

LAST MINUTE NOISEMAKERS

2011-12-31T13:47:00.000-08:00

Make a noisemaker for New Year's or Birthday party with stuff you likely already have on hand.

This was made 15 years ago by my then 3 year old son at Science Central, a local science museum on New Year's eve, but it can easily be made at home from youngsters on up with the following:

2 Plastic cups
Clear Packing Tape
Dried peas, bean, rice, aquarium gravel, leftover jingle bells or any other small object.
Markers, stickers or anything else to embellish the cup.

Decorate the cup with marker or stickers keeping in mind one is going to be stacked upside down on the other one.
Fill the bottom inch or so of the bottom of the cup with the dried peas, bean, rice, aquarium gravel, leftover jingle bells or any other small objects.
Stack the other cup upside down on top of the bottom cup then secure at the center with packing tape.

Shake to make noise.

Hope that everyone has a happy and safe New Year!
Decorate

SNOWFLAKE PRESENT EMBELLISHMENT

2011-12-31T12:28:00.000-08:00

A fun embellishment for a Christmas or winter birthday gift.

As I tried going "green" and not purchasing any new wrapping paper, I used mailing envelopes and old magazines to wrap presents and to embellish some of them I cut out snowflakes and attached them to the "wrapped" presents and the names written in marker and attached to the present with tape or a glue stick.

Above is a white mailing envelope embellished with a tan mailing envelope with the bubble side out

This present was wrapped in a magazine page, as is the snowflake that turned out sort of a honeycomb/rib cage effect.

You could use any snowflake design you would like, but sometimes it is more fun to fold up the paper, make cuts and see what you create.

Happy crafting!

FOX MULDER SNOWFLAKE

2011-12-30T20:17:00.000-08:00

I made this for a former co-worker that is a huge X-Files fan.

I know at first glance it looks more like a creature that you see on the X-Files, but it actually David Duchovny's (the actor that portrayed Fox Mulder) profile.

Items used:

Template from http://www.hollywoodsnowflakes.com/pages/patterns/pattern_duchovny.htm
Printer
Scissors
Glitter glue (optional)

Print off template and cut out square where indicated on the template and then fold template in half (where crease is in the photo).

Fold paper in half and then on the diagonal (shaded area on template) on one side and do the same on the other side - it will look sort of like an accordion when you are done.

Fold up so you just see the printed template area on the top.

Cut out around the shaded area. Decorate with glitter glue if desired. I went around the edges and down the center to try to emphasize the profile.

Frog Snowflake

2011-12-28T22:32:00.000-08:00

I realize Christmas is over but I am just now getting caught up on blogging and posting it might be useful or inspire someone else next Christmas.

My son's step-grandmother collects all things frog, so when I found the template at Secret Agent Jospehine he decided to make one for her.

It was super-simple and took about five minutes including coloring.

Items used:
- Paper
- Printer
- Scissors
- Markers (green & black)

For the template to print off, click here.

Fold paper into quarters and then so the frog side is on the fold then cut out around the frog.

My son then colored the frogs with a green marker, but you could use any color or leave plain.

The original project used googly eyes, but he decided to draw in they eyes because were sent this in the mail with a photo card.

Harry Potter Logo Snowflake

2011-12-22T10:31:00.000-08:00

This is my first attempt at trying to craft a logo snowflake and it was to be for a friend that is a Harry Potter fan. Although I used plain copy paper, I believe the result would turn out better if heavier paper or card stock is used.

Supplies:
-   Plain copy paper, scrapbook paper or card stock
-   Scissors
-   X-Acto Knife
- Pen or pencil
- Tape
-   Thread or string (optional)
- Glitter glue (optional)

Fold the paper into quarters and draw out the logo. If you are going to add glitter glue, I would recommend adding before cutting out.

Cut around the lettering and outside edges. I was able to use scissors up to the point shown. To cut out the center at the top, I folded slightly and cut with scissors and then stuck in one blade and cut around the inside. I only had to use the X-Acto knife for the small details.

To hang, cut pieces of thread and tape to the top edges and then to entry way or ceiling or can tape on the wall.

YODA SNOW FLAKE

2011-12-14T16:38:00.000-08:00

This was made using a sheet of paper, scissors and an X-Acto knife and a free downloadable/printable diagram from Anthony Herrera Designs. There are several other Star War snow flake designs, so if are Star Wars fan it is worth taking a look at.

It took about 15 minutes to do as the smaller areas take time as you only go through a few layers at a time, but it was easy and fun to make. I was worried that some of the choppy areas would make it look bad, but I think it gives it more character.

For the diagram and instructions, click here.

I am linking this up to Meijo's Joy.

Key Lime Fudge

2011-12-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

This is for Mom's Crazy Cooking Challenge where each month she picks a theme (this month it is fudge) and the mission is to seek out a recipe of a fellow blogger's recipe them make and post what you make on the 7th of that month.

I wanted to try something a little different than the standard fudges I have made in the past and chose Key Lime Fudge from blogger Shugary Sweets and the only variation that I made was to use Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal instead of graham crackers, used non-stick coating spray on the pan and I didn't press them in the fudge as I didn't want them to get soggy.

It was super simple and we loved how it turned out...it had a lime taste without being overpowering, sort of like a fresh breeze of summer of a chilly day.

Recipe

2 - 11oz bags white chocolate morsels
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
5 key limes
1/2 cup Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal or Graham Crackers
Non-stick coating spray

Wash the limes, roll lightly on a table to help get the juice loose (optional), zest the limes on a zester or grater (I used a grater), cut in half and juice the limes.

On low heat (I heated mine on the 1 1/2 mark on my stove) melt the sweetened condensed milk and both packages of the white chocolate chips until smooth - it took 18 minutes on my stove.

Once smooth, turn off heat and add the lime juice and the lime zest; mix thoroughly.

Spray a pan - I used a 9x12, but if you wanted thicker pieces you could use a smaller pan or a larger pan (or more than one) if you wanted to have thinner pieces. Pour the fudge into the pan.

Crush up 1/2 cup or more of Cinnamon Toast Crunch or graham cracker topping (leftovers are fun to use as an ice cream topping).

Sprinkle topping on the fudge and let set until cool (I cooled my off in the refrigerator) and then cut into squares to serve.

Please check out everyone else's fudge creations at the linkys below and a special thanks to Tina a Mom's Crazy Cooking Challenge for hosting and organizing this event, which is no small feat with the number of participants.

Next month's challenge is soup - if you are interesting in participating and do not already do so, click here for more information.

Happy Holidays and God Bless :)

Mom's Crazy Cooking Challenge

SAMARATIN'S PURSE / OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

2011-11-17T09:07:00.000-08:00

I am getting ready to send out my package for Samaratin's Purse/Operation Christmas Child
and thought I would share it here in case anyone else is interested in participating this year or in the future.

I learned of this opportunity to make a child's Christmas brighter over at The Krazy Coupon Lady
where you fill a shoe box with things a child might like, donate $7 for shipping and drop off
about two months ago and she recommended buying throughout the year different things on clearance and using free samples. She indicated she has been doing this for several years and stockpiles school supplies that she has gotten for nearly free, free gum samples, summer clearance items like sunglasses, visor, flip flops and 4th of July T-shirts after the holiday. On Samaratin's Purse website they have a story of a little 5 year old boy who had a shoebox packing party for his 5th birthday.

As I have a son, I decided on picking out things for a boy 5-9 years old and picked out things that he liked at that age from the The Dollar Tree, Target, Walmart and Walgreens.

I used a Zoo York shoebox that had contained from my son's 10 1/2 mens size which might be slightly above a standard shoe box, but it was all that I had on hand and I ended had to cram to get everything to go in, so you could get by with buying less than what I bought.

I spent a little over $16 for all of the items pictured below.

Smarties (Dollar Tree - $1)
Planet Earth Coloring Book (Dollar Tree - $1)
Notebooks (Walmart - .20 cents & .50 cents)
Puzzle (Dollar Tree - $1)
Cars bouncy ball - (Dollar Tree - $1)
Hot Wheels (Walgreens - buy one get one 1/2 off - $1.69)
Cars mini-frisbees (Dollar Tree - $1)
Pens (Walmart - .50 cents for each packet)
T-Shirt - Medium (Dollar Tree - $1)
Cars swim trunks - Medium (Walmart - $4 - built in undies and sturdier than regular fabric)
2 prs of socks - (Dollar Tree - $1)
Kleenex (free sample that came in the mail)
Lipbalm ($0 - was in a gift basket received and never used)
Soap (.79 after coupon at Walgreens)
Baby powder (.99 at Walmart)
Toothbrush & toothpaste ($1 at Dollar Tree)

Collection week is this week through November 21st.

In addition to the above, I downloaded and completed the "About Me" at their Graphic Resources
(but it is not required)

If you pay the $7 shipping online to be able to track what country the box ends up in; I chose this option and paid by credit card. When I looked up drop off locations within 25 miles found 5, the closest one being within 5 miles of where I live.

Here are more detailed instructions from Samaratin's Purse website on preparing a shoebox for mailing. I looked up drop off locations and there are

Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift.

Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Print out the appropriate boy/girl label by downloading the artwork to the right. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.

Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. Use the gift ideas provided on the bottom of this page.

Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online by using our “Follow Your Box Donation” option, or you can write a check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoe box, please make one combined donation.

Place a rubber band around each closed shoe box and drop off at the Collection Center nearest you during our collection week, November 14-21.

For locations and hours of collection visit our Drop-Off Locations page where you can find the nearest place to take your shoe box by entering your ZIP Code or you can call 1-800-353-5949.

You can also send your shoe box gift to:
Samaritan’s Purse
Operation Christmas Child
801 Bamboo Road
Boone, NC 28607

For further details if interested, visit Samaratin's Purse website

PROJECT {DOLLAR STORE} ACCESSORY CHALLENGE - #2

2011-11-14T08:32:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the late posting - had this done on Friday but not able to post it until today.

This week's PROJECT {DOLLAR STORE} ACCESSORY CHALLENGE - #2 was picking out a piece of jewelry and decorate a pair of shoes and create one other accessory to go with it to accessorize a little black dress.

I chose to decorate a pair of shoes that I already had and make a bracelet to go with it. My total out of pocket for this challenge was around $2.50, which is for sparkly bead trimming ($1.99 @ 50% off) and scrapbooking diamond shaped rhinestones ($2.99 @ 50% off) both purchased at Hobby Lobby and I still have plenty left over. The remaining items were from my stash and the round clear rhinestones were from a package of mixed rhinestone from the dollar store.

SHOES
The shoes started out a pair of sandals with a strap in the back and I used an X-acto knife to cut the back strap off on each side as close as I could and to make it look more blended colored the area that was cut with a black sharpie.

I next taped off the shoes with masking tape except for the very bottom of the heel and then spray painted it gold to tie in with the gold in the necklace and to give them a more expensive look.

For the glue on the shoes I used Amazing Goop as I have used it in other shoe projects and it has held up very well, but any strong clear glue would do.

I glued two small rhinestones on the side of each shoe with a diamond rhinestone in the middle. On the back of each shoe I glued a larger rectangle.

I used one square of felt to line the inside of the sandals, first by outlining the shape of the shoe and then by trimming to fit before gluing down.

The picture on the left is the shoes before and the center and right sides are the after.

BRACELET

I started with a 1 liter Diet Coke bottle and used masking tape to mark off where I wanted to cut, used an X-acto knife to cut the strip, then wrapped the strip in black ribbon fastening on the inside with hot glue.

I glue a strip of the shiny beads down the center and then glued a dab of glue on the inside of the bracelet and then wrapped diagonally the shiny clear bead string and glued at the end. I did the same with the gold cord and wrapped it in the opposite direction to create "X"s.

The picture on the left side is the before...it was part of a 1 liter plastic bottle of Diet Coke.

Be sure to check out other creations by Project Dollar Store Accessory Challenge 2 here.

Happy crafting!

Project {Dollar Store} Accessory: Challenge #2 – …And a Little Black Dress

2011-11-11T07:03:00.000-08:00

Today I am working on finishing my projects for Project {Dollar Store} Accessory: Challenge #2 and the above is my is the bling I chose to accessorize a little black dress, although in person the gold around the rhinestones is not as noticeable as it is in the picture.

The challenge this week is to:

Choose a favorite piece of jewelry from your collection and use it as inspiration for your challenge pieces.
Create a pair of shoes and an accessory of your choice. You don't have to make shoes from scratch, you can embellish or make over an existing pair of shoes (which is what I am doing).
The shoes and other accessory should both work together with the inspiration piece, and will be paired with a little black dress.

It is still not too late for other to participate if they would like and Dollar Store Crafts will be posting a linky to link up.

Here is a link to the creations from last week if you would like to check them out.

Happy crafting!

Italian Cream Cheese Herb and Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

2011-11-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

This is for Mom's Crazy Cooking Challenge where there is a theme each month and the mission is to use a recipe by a fellow blogger, make it and post it. This month's theme is Mashed Potatoes and I picked this recipe from What's Cookin Italian Style Cuisine. They turned out very creamy and spicy, but recommend cutting down on the cayenne as they do have a bite after you have taken a bite.

This easily made 6-8 generous servings.

Ingredients:
5 medium white potatoes
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
4 tablespoons sour cream
3 tablespoon cream cheese or Philadelphia Italian Cooking Creme
1/2 stick butter
1/2 tsp parsley or cilantro
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp oregano or Italian seasonings
1/4 tsp basil
Dash of cayenne pepper
1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup milk, heavy cream, half and half
Non-stick spray coating

Topping (optional)
1/2 stick butter
1/2 -3/4 cup Italian bread crumbs
1/2 to 3/4 cup Shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese

Bring water to boil and add a few dashes of salt (optional). Peel and dice the potatoes until tender over medium heat until well cooked (test with a fork) - takes between 25-30 minutes. Drain and return to pan.

Mince garlic (I used pre-minced) and measure out spices

Measure out butter, sour cream, cream cheese and parmesan. I had a buy one get one free coupon for the Philadelphia Cooking cream cheese so I used that in this recipe.

I didn't have a heavy industrial mixer, so I started out using a blending mixer, adding a little of the milk at a time, but ended up going old school on it and used a potato masher until smooth.

Spray a baking dish with non-stick coating and preheat oven to 375 degrees

Transfer the potatoes over to the baking dish

For the topping, in a separate bowl put the bread crumbs and butter and melt the butter (I put it in the over for a few minutes) and mix together until crumbly.

I used to fork to sprinkle the topping on the potatoes.

Sprinkle the mozzarella or Italian cheese blend over the top.

Put in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted.

I served ours with a country fried steak, but What's Cookin Italian Style Cuisine indicated she serves this with ham, pork or poultry and leftovers are great to use in croquettes or topping for a Sheperd's Pie.

Be sure to check out everyone else's recipes at the challenge.Mom's Crazy Cooking Challenge

PROJECT {DOLLAR STORE} ACCESSORY CHALLENGE - WEEK 1

2011-11-04T23:59:00.000-07:00

As I posted yesterday here Dollar Store Crafts has a challenge to correspond with Project Accessory. The challenge was to create a belt, a necklace and one other accessory to go with a white t-shirt and a pair of jeans based on items from a thrift store (or in my case, using the materials I found in my garage).

I decided I would go with sort of a car theme and for a busy Mom or babysitter on the go. Sadly, just like on the show, I ran short on time and ended up sacrificing quality for just getting the job completed. Doing this gave me a whole new appreciation for what shows with these sorts of competitions go through as they make it look fairly effortless.

THE PURSE

I will start with the third piece as I like how it turned out the best. I used the license plate, the purse and the broken Hot Wheel. I cut down the purse at the bottom and flattened it and cut off the straps and attached one of them to each end instead of the sides. On one side I glued the license plate and added 4 brads for decoration and to help hold it on the bag. On the back, there was an ugly spot where I removed the bow that had been on the purse, so I glued the broken Hot Wheel to cover it up, and it also gives the purse a different look depending on what side is facing outward. I used velcro inside and glued it in to hold the purse closed.

THE SCARF/NECKLACE

I used the t-shirt to make the road and turned two of the cars into pins to use on the road.

The other items used were thread, yellow fabric paint on the necklace and velcro, pin backs and E6000 glue on the cars.

For the cars I wanted to make it so the pin could be taken off the back and the car to still be used as a car. The idea was to be able to take off the necklace and have it double a race track to entertain a tot at Dr.'s office, visiting a relative, etc.

If I had to it to do over, I would also use larger pin backs as I think it would lie down straighter when pinned, but I used what I had on hand.

THE BELT

The belt is made out of one of the straps and the snaps of of the purse and the wheel off of the model car. The other components are thread, aluminum tape from the hardware store and E 6000 glue.

How to here.

Check out Dollar Store Crafts to see what Heather and others have made.

Happy crafing:)

PROJECT {DOLLAR STORE} ACCESSORY CHALLENGE

2011-11-04T01:15:00.000-07:00

I am late to the party, but one of the blogs that I follow, Dollar Store Crafts posted a challenge based on the show "Project Accessory" where the first week the designers had to 15 minutes to grab stuff from a storage unit to create a necklace, a belt and one other accessory.

Here are the rules:

"Our Challenge

We will each start with a plain white tee and a pair of jeans, which we can alter if we wish.
We will each create a necklace, a belt, and an accessory of our own choosing, and make them into one cohesive look.
Since we don't have a storage unit to raid, we will go to the closest approximation we can: the thrift store! We get to pick one thrift store and spend a maximum of $10 (before tax, since that varies from place to place). No time limit on shopping, in case there are kids in tow... You know how that goes!
The contestants on the show had access to a wall of embellishments, so it's only fair that we get to dig into our own stashes. Each item that we make for the challenge must be made up of at least 75% thrift store items and no more than %25 stash materials.
The contestants had 2 days, but they also have no other responsibilities outside of the challenge. Since we have lives to maintain, we get a week. We'll post our creations for this challenge on Friday, November 4."

Everyone is welcome to play along with us as well! Stop by next Friday and see what we made, and share your looks with us!"

As the deadline is tomorrow, I didn't have time to shop and raided my non-stash storage area, the garage where I seldom venture anymore. I found the above items which I may or may not use on my project:

An old license plate
Stained t-shirt that was going to be used as a car washing rag
3 Hot Wheels (one broken)
Wheel off a scale model car
Purse I got from a free box at a garage sale a few years ago and never used and never got around to donating to Goodwill.

I plan on spending $0 for this challenge.

If anyone wants to join in, please do so and let Dollar Store Crafts know as well as myself as I would love to check out your creations!

CHILI'S COPYCAT SALSA

2011-10-31T17:27:00.000-07:00

This recipe does taste very similar to Chili's restaurant salsa. It is a very minimalist salsa with few ingredients and surprising mild for containing so many jalapenos. The lime juice in it gives it a fresh zing when combines with the tomatoes and compliments spicy dishes. It is also quick and easy - takes around 5 minutes.

Recipe posted by kimboleyanne at Food.com

Makes 6-8 servings - original recipe Read more: here

1 can (14 1/2-15 oz) diced canned tomatoes
3 tablespoons diced jalapenos (I used 2 fresh jalapenos)
1 TBSP lime juice
1 tsp salt
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/2 cup onion, diced - I used 1 small onion

Chop the jalapenos in half, remove the seeds and dice.

Peel onion and dice into pieces.

I used the juice of half of a lime, but you could use bottled lime juice.

Put the above ingredients in a food processor along with the salt and cumin, then open the can of tomatoes.

Run on high speed until pureed, but still a little chunky (around 1 minute).

Store any unused portion in a glass jar in the fridge for about a week.

BETTY WHITE'S CHICKEN

2011-10-30T23:41:00.000-07:00

This was adapted by a recipe posted at Colie's Kitchen for Betty White's Chicken and it was a big hit and I have already been asked to make it again. In my variation I used 1/2 cup of Worcestershire sauce is place of 1/2 cup of the soy sauce and 1/2 tsp of prepared mustard instead of dry mustard.

She described it a bit like Korean BBQ, but my son described it as having more of a hint of heat and a mouthful of flavor.

3 lbs. chicken (I used boneless breast meat, but you could use any kind)

1/2 cup margarine or butter
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup Worcestershire Sauce
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Non-Stick spray coating

Heat butter, soy sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, sugar, water, mustard and garlic powder until water and sugar melt. Allow to cool.

Spray pan with non-stick coating spray then arrange chicken in the pan. Pour above mixture over chicken and put in the fridge to marinate for 2 hours, turning over each piece once for twice.

Pour off half of the marinade and bake at 375 degrees for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours, turning the chicken occasionally.

FREE DOWNLOADABLE 2012 OWL CALENDAR

2011-10-29T20:43:00.000-07:00

Artwork by Carly Johnson Issac

If you have an owl lover on your Christmas list, My Owl Barn has collaborated with 45 artists to create a free downloadable 2012 calendar where you can choose what image you want for which month here, or download their download their pre-made calendar and print if off for gift giving or for personal use.

Here is a sample of what I downloaded (prints 4 months per page).

Duct Tape Necklace

2011-10-22T11:52:00.000-07:00

This necklace was made entirely out of duct tape for this month's challenge at Craftster.org

While it might not be a quality piece that you would want to wear on a daily basis, it would be a good alternative to use to make a costume piece for Halloween as it is much lighter than a chain this size would be and you wouldn't have cold metal against a bare neck if you wore something other than a turtleneck on a windy night and does look more realistic from a distance.

I cut two twenty inch strands of the duct tape and cut each of those strips into three equal parts.

I also cut several smaller pieces about and 1/4 wide and 1 inch long.

On four of the strands, you are going to fold into thirds toward the center of the tape to create each strand. The red in the picture represents the center of the strand. Fold over the left edge over then center, then the right. Repeat on three more strands.

To create each strand in the twisted strands, tape a thin strip of tape the ends of two strands together at one end and then anchor to a table with a heavy book or have someone hold the other end and pull one strand over the other and continue to do so until you come to the end and then then wrap a thin strip of tape around the ends.

Repeat with the other set of strands.

With the two remaining 20 inch strips fold in half of in thirds (I did mine in half - I think it would look better if it had been folded into thirds and tape one end to a twisted end and the other end to the other twisted end.

Tape the two open ends together and you have a DIY Duct Tape Necklace.

Check out some of the other amazing items other users made out of duct tape:

Miao inspired headpiece

Screen Sirens- made entirely out of duct tape

An old chair recovered into a Narnia throne

A duck made out of duct tape :)

For a listing of all entries, click here

CARMEL APPLE PIZZA

2011-10-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

This is part of a food challenge hosted by Lady Behind The Curtain where each month a different combination of foods and this month it is Apples and Carmel. For more information if you would like to participate click here.

I made this based on this recipe at Food.com by Adopted Parisian but have added my own touches.

Here is the recipe:
- 1 tube of pre-made chocolate chip chip or sugar cookie dough
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, room temp
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 green apples
- 1 cup of lemon lime soda (optional)
- 10 drops of lemon juice (optional)
- 1/2 cup caramel topping

Preheat oven to 350° or whatever is indicated on the package. Roll out dough into a large cookie enough cookie to cover a round pizza pan and place on pan (Sorry, picture did not come out for this one). Bake 8-10 minutes or whatever is indicated on package, then allow it to cool.

Blend the cream cheese, brown sugar, peanut butter and vanilla until well blended.

It should look like this when blended

Spread on cookie

Wash, core and then chop the apple in to thin slices.

Pour the lemon lime soda in a bowl with the lemon juice. Add apples and toss (will prevent apples from browning)

Place the apple slices on the cookie.

Heat up carmel 30-40 seconds in the microwave and drizzle over the top of the pizza.

I made my own carmel topping using this recipe, but you could use a commercially prepared topping instead.