i should be mopping the floor

Pallet heART + Tutorial

2012-02-15T17:31:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, a sweet friend posted that she saw a pile of pallets in her neighborhood that were up for grabs. And that's when I became obsessed with turning one of these leftover items into an art piece or sorts for my house. Hubs went and grabbed all five pallets in her neighborhood. I split the loot with a couple of other mama friends with pallets on the brain (thanks, pinterest, we're all *slightly* obsessed now).

I originally thought I would do a scripture or something on mine...but looking around my house, I have a lot of that going on. So...a heart seemed appropriate since it was going in our master bedroom.

The beginning of it all...it was ROUGH!! I did do a round or two with my hand sander...but I did want to leave it a bit textured.

Apparently, I didn't sand it quite enough...it was still quite rough. So rough, in fact, that it wreaked havoc on my sponge brush. Yikes.

After throwing a coat of white paint on it (I just used whatever was left from this project), I painted (freehand) a gold heart. I intentionally didn't do it even. But the slats on the pallet certainly helped with some spacing.

Then my team of sanders went after it. (No explanation as to why he was in a random Mario costume...life as we know it).

Then I went back over the now distressed piece with stain that I wiped off to give it more of a worn look (does a pallet really need a more worn look?). I go into a lot more detail on this weathering/distressing technique in this post...I used the exact same method here.

Wiping the stain off. You can achieve different looks/levels of weatherization (is this really a word?) by the amount of stain you rub off or leave on.

She's ready to hang!

Hanging was a bit interesting. I had originally wanted to hang this on the wall above our bed. However once my handyman (aka, my dad) arrive and realized how heavy this thing was, he told me I'd have a death wish if I hung that above our bed. If it were to ever fall (although he said he guaranteed his hanging technique was fail-proof), it wouldn't be pretty.

We have a faux-fireplace in our bedroom that I decided to hang it above instead. It was a bit of a bittersweet moment...two years ago, I spent a good six hours painting a verse (with an overhead projector, a paintbrush, and a major neck ache) over that fireplace. But the flatness of painted words had kind of served it's time for us (we still adore the verse)...and I was so tired of looking at that font!

These are what my dad used to hold two "L" brackets (or corner brackets) onto the wall...spaced according to the back of the pallet dimensions.

Mounting the L-brackets that are secured into those WallGrippers in the above photo. And getting ready to cover up the verse....makes me a bit sad.

Annnnnnd.....done! The thing I didn't think about is that you can indeed see between the slats...not great since there are still words on that wall! HA! I will be dragging out the paint and painting over that verse (makes me a little more sad).

But, I am happy with my little Pallet heART.

A Crafty Soiree, Catch a Glimpse Thursday, Commercial Break Thursday, Get Your Brag On!, Haute Stuff Thursday, Hookin’ Up With House of Hepworths, Show Off Your Stuff Party, Frogs & Snails & Puppy Dog Tails, Pin’Inspirational Thursdays, Show-It-Off Thursdays, Strut-Your-Stuff, Sweet Treats Link Party, Taking a Timeout, Thematic Thursday, Thingamajig Thursday, Thrifty Thursday, Thrilling Thursday, Transformation Thursday, Polkadots On Parade, Lollipop Cards, JAQS Studio, Let Birdz Fly, Let Birdz Fly, My Girlish Whims, thethriftyhome, Transformation Thursdays, Somewhat simple, Show off your stuff, House of Hepworths, Delightful Order, My Simple Home Life, The Frugal Girls, Thrifty Thursday, DIY Diva Thursday, No Minimalists Here, Crafty, Scrappy, Happy, Thrifty Decorating, Between U and Me, 36th Avenue, The Shabby nest, Show and Tell Friday, Finding Fabulous, I’m Loving it, Simply Sweet Home, Whipper Berry, Chic on a Shoestring decorating, Spunky Junky, Delicate Construction, Homemaker in Heels, Family Ever After, French Country Cottage, Common Ground, Young And Crafty, At the Picket Fence, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Miss Mustard Seed, Addicted to Decorating, Bacon Time with The Hungry Hypo, Making Lemonade, I Can't Stop Crafting, Over the Big Moon, Shabby Art, Answer is Chocolate, Freckled Laundry, Tatertots & Jello, Serenity Now, Lolly Jane, One Artsy Mama, Six Sisters, CRAFT, The Southern Institute, The Sweet Talk Shop, More Bang for your Bucks, Lady Behind the Curtain, Fusion Fridays at Jennifer Cooks, Miz Helen's Country Cottage, Answer is Chocolate

LUCK Free Printable

2012-02-14T15:05:00.000-08:00

I know we're still smack-dab in the middle of Valentine's Day, but I couldn't wait to share one of my St. Patty's Day printables with you. Inspired by Robert Indiana's LOVE Statue in Philadelphia...I wish you lots of LUCK this St. Patty's Day!

This is a PDF that prints on a letter-sized sheet and is designed to be trimmed and framed for display. By the way, so many of you are so sweet about my printables. I would love to see what you do with them and feature the photos within the printable's post. Email me at ishouldbemoppingthefloor@gmail.com with any photos of my printables that you've used!

Download it here or by clicking on the image!

By the end of the week, I should have my other printables back from the printer to show you and give away! SUPER excited about them!

Partying Here:
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In Our Lunchboxes This Week

2012-02-13T16:14:00.000-08:00

Can't let Valentine's pass me by without posting the boys' Bento boxes for tomorrow. Includes: ham & cheese sandwiches on wheat bread (I pulled out the heel of the bread and did a heart cutter on it and the regular piece of bread and replaced the heart on the regular bread with the heel one), pretzels (they seemed heart shaped), Babybel with a heart cutout on the wax, raspberry yogurt with sprinkles, and spinach leaves with heart shaped carrots (used Mrs Happy Homemaker's tutorial for cutting the carrots).

Linking Up Here:

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Mop It Up Mondays #3

2012-02-12T16:06:00.000-08:00

Hey, hey, hey! It's time to mop up the creativity at another Mop It Up Mondays! I was blown away with over 200 entries last week...WOWZERS. Thank you all for joining me in blissfully ignoring all of our chores for crafty fun instead!

Here's a few things that caught my eye last week...so hard to just pick a few features. If you were featured, feel free to grab a button for your site.

It was so hard to just pick a few features. Everything linking up was awesome. But, below are a few of my favorites. If you were featured, feel free to grab a button for your site.

Beth, over at Hungry Happenings, created these adorable Valentine sweethearts that are actually little CHEESECAKES! She used the Wilton mini-heart molds and gives a wonderfully detailed tutorial on how to create these beauties. I just think they're so much fun!

Kristi (gotta love her name) over at KrisKraft originally bought this bed (in not nearly this great of condition) at a yardsale for $20 (I'm in awe of that, y'all). She transformed it into the beauty you see here. She even shared some of her tips for having to recreate some detail that was missing from some of the legs. This is such a beautiful keepsake for her daughter now! See the complete tutorial here.

Amee over at Amee's Savory Dish created these cute clown cupcakes for her daughter's school spelling carnival. Her kids even joined the fun and helped paint the icing on the hats.

These beautiful Jonathan Adler inspired vases were handmade by Rita from Design Megillah. She used clay on some and puff paint on others before she sprayed them white. I think they are so pretty!

Meaningful Mama Jodi has come up with a divine concoction of S'More Bars with ROLOS!! As if S'Mores weren't yummy enough. This dish looks like it will be going with me to the next potluck.

Have you guys seen these DIY Yarn Chandeliers that Megan Brooke from Megan Brooke Handmade created? They look so pretty and judging from the supply list, they probably won't bust the party budget. Super FUN!

Not only do I love a good chicken noodle soup, but look at these carrots!! Crystal over at Mrs. Happy Homemaker shared the recipe for her homemade Chicken Noodle soup with the adorable carrot-hearts...which she includes a complete tutorial for! Since my husband's away for Valentine's, this will be perfect for me & the kiddos!

The sisters over at Natural Nesters created their own Homemade Glitter. It's perfect for the kiddos to make as well. This looks so much fun and is going onto my to-do list before littlest man starts kindergarten in the fall (sniff, sniff).

This photo is only a sampling of what gorgeousness this post has. Seriously...it's chocked-full of amazing photos of a B-E-A-Utiful home. Melody of Chatty Chics takes us on a tour of Diane's lovely home. The rooms will amaze you...check out the harlequin kitchen floor...one of my favorites!

These have to be the most doggone cutest things ever. Jill from Kitchen Fun with My 3 Sons put together these precious Puppy Love Pot Pies. These scream Bento Box-perfection to me!! Can't wait to try them out! ;)

Would love for you to link up your favorite project, recipe, tip or whatever (it's an anything goes linky party)! It's all about sharing ideas. And, the more the merrier: link up as many posts as you like. Let's MOP UP SOME FUN!

While you're here for the party, be sure to check out other's links and become a follower of ishouldbemoppingthefloor, if you like.

The only rule is to please link back...either grab a button or link in your own style!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Free Valentine Bag Topper Printables

2012-02-11T16:42:00.000-08:00

I was inspired last year when I saw a very similar Valentine printable from The Crafting Chicks. I totally didn't come up with this one on my own...those Crafting Chicks are the genius behind the message/non-candy Valentine. But, I wanted to design one especially for my kids' to use this year and let them actually help with the design aspects (my way of not totally doing it all for them). Both boys agreed on the stripes for the background. And my older son fell in love with the "line-y font" as he called it (is it strange that my seven-year-old knows what a font is? He's been hearing about them his whole life!) {I've been a font junkie since the nineties!}

Anyway. Ordered some ridiculously inexpensive bouncy balls from Oriental Trading and we were set. I used old treat bags that I had from the mustache chocolates at the Mario Party for the balls...I just cut them in half so they weren't so long.

Hope you have a fabulous Valentine's Day!!

For the free printable, click here.

This is a PDF (which will stay true to size). Designed to fit over treat bags (not zip top bags...although in a pinch you could fold your zip top bag under the stapled area.)

Linking Up Here: Funky Junk, Craft Envy, Tatertots & Jello, Serenity Now, Lolly Jane, The Shabby nest, Show and Tell Friday, Finding Fabulous, I’m Loving it, Simply Sweet Home, Whipper Berry, Chic on a Shoestring decorating, Spunky Junky, Delicate Construction, Homemaker in Heels, Family Ever After, French Country Cottage, Common Ground, Young And Crafty, At the Picket Fence, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Miss Mustard Seed, Addicted to Decorating, Bacon Time with The Hungry Hypo, Making Lemonade, I Can't Stop Crafting, Over the Big Moon, Shabby Art, Answer is Chocolate, Freckled Laundry, Be Different...Act Normal, Young & Crafty, Family Ever After, i heart naptime, Savvy Southern Style, Six Sisters, CRAFT, The Southern Institute, The Sweet Talk Shop

Banana Cream Cheese Bread

2012-02-08T21:20:00.000-08:00

Recently, I took my boys to a new coffee shop with my mother-in-law. I bought them a piece of banana bread and my younger one told me he "could eat this everyday". I realized that it had been so long since I'd made banana bread, that he couldn't even remember it!

The below recipe is one of my favorites. The addition of cream cheese makes the bread lighter in color than most banana breads...almost cake like. After it was made, it was gone in less than 24 hours!

Ha, so I totally left out the vanilla and walnuts in the above photo. But, you get the idea. Let's not be too judge-y on how overripe those bananas got.

You'll Need:
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
- 1 c. sugar
- 1/4 c. butter
- 2 super ripe bananas

- 1 teaspoon vanilla (I like to use the clear kind to keep the cake lighter in color, but that's total pickiness on my part)
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/4 c. flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1 c. chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Here's a little trick I use to mash my bananas. (And to totally prevent dirtying another dish. . .or potato masher). I mash it up in its peel. The peel still comes right off and the bananas can go straight into their spot in the recipe. Geez...someone needs to work on those nails before photographing her hands. That's some scariness right there, y'all.

Combine cream cheese, sugar, butter, vanilla, banana and eggs, mixing until well blended. I do like to beat up my eggs with a fork before adding them to recipes...just to make sure the yolk gets broken up. The water has nothing to do with the recipe. I'm sure someone set it there and then walked off...does this happen at your house, too?

Combine your dry ingredients (except the nuts) separately. And I'm one that just dumps it all in there...I don't slowly add the dry stuff. If the method's good enough for Paula Deen (she totally advocates this when she bakes), then it's good enough for me. And then I tent my towel over my mixer to prevent a flour explosion when I crank on the mixer.

Just make sure to keep your towel away from your paddle while it's spinning....that would be baaaad.

After everything is just barely mixed (don't over mix...would cause some very tough bread), fold in your nuts with a spoon (or if you're lazy like me, just turn the mixer on the absolutely lowest speed and let it go around a couple of times...but not too many).

Pour your batter into a prepared loaf pan...I use the spray with flour in it, but totally go with what you like on pan preparation. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes, remove from pan to cool longer on a rack.

I love that it cracks on top...just adds to the simpleness of this recipe (I know, I know, simple-shmimple...it has cream cheese for crying out loud). But, I still think she's a thing of beauty.

Y'all, don't be like me. I'm so anxious to taste things that I cut them when they're hot and they're not nearly in nice neat slices like they would've been had I let it cool for 30 minutes or so. Tsk, tsk.

But...there you have it! Love this for breakfast (or anytime really).

Partying Here: Blue Cricket Design, Somedays Crafts, Sew Much Ado, Sew Woodsy, Handy Man, Crafty Woman, Savvy Southern Style, {Primp}, Midweek Fiesta, Rae Gun Ramblings, Polkadots On Parade, Lollipop Cards, JAQS Studio, Let Birdz Fly, Let Birdz Fly, My Girlish Whims, thethriftyhome, Transformation Thursdays, Somewhat simple, Show off your stuff, House of Hepworths, Delightful Order, My Simple Home Life, The Frugal Girls, Thrifty Thursday, DIY Diva Thursday, No Minimalists Here, Crafty, Scrappy, Happy, Thrifty Decorating, Between U and Me, 36th Avenue, The Shabby nest, Show and Tell Friday, Finding Fabulous, I’m Loving it, Simply Sweet Home, Whipper Berry, Chic on a Shoestring decorating, Spunky Junky, Delicate Construction, Homemaker in Heels, Family Ever After, French Country Cottage, Common Ground, Young And Crafty, At the Picket Fence, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Miss Mustard Seed, Addicted to Decorating, Bacon Time with The Hungry Hypo, Making Lemonade, I Can't Stop Crafting, Over the Big Moon, Shabby Art, Answer is Chocolate, Freckled Laundry, Tatertots & Jello, Serenity Now, Lolly Jane, One Artsy Mama, Six Sisters, CRAFT, The Southern Institute, The Sweet Talk Shop, More Bang for your Bucks, Lady Behind the Curtain, Fusion Fridays at Jennifer Cooks, Miz Helen's Country Cottage, Answer is Chocolate

Kids' Artwork Gallery Frame

2012-02-06T21:51:00.000-08:00

Every Tuesday morning, I head over to my friend Jill's house for a small group Bible study. While that's a whole other post on what an amazing study we're doing, I'm here to tell you that Jill has some ADORABLENESS going on in her house. She has several of these precious art displays around for her kids' artwork. So, in true girlfriend fashion....I copied her.

Which brings me to the WHY I was in desperate need of an artwork display. Those sweet boys were starting to Magic tape their masterpieces on anything. The final straw was when the oldest taped something to his paper-bag treatment walls...AND PAPER BAG CAME RIGHT OFF WITH IT.

{Eyeroll}.

We've had this frame forever...can't even remember what was in it last. But it was time for the gold & black to say adios.

I spray painted it red.

And since I have no muscles to speak of, the hubs stapled in twine for me.

Nothing fancy...plain old twine.

We hung it...grabbed some clothespins...and called it good.

My FAVORITE piece of artwork.

(This is a manger scene underneath...but, I have no doubt that you recognized it right off!)

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Mop It Up Mondays Party #2

2012-02-05T16:03:00.000-08:00

WELCOME BACK TO THE PAR-TAY!

Y'all, last week was a BUH-LAST! Thanks to everyone who linked up and visited... y'all made my first party super fun! I was overwhelmed (in a great way)! I thought I'd get a jump start on things this week since I pulled my back yesterday (working on a pallet project, no less). Instead of getting everything prepped for game time...and by prepped, I mean throwing these bad boys into the oven, we've had to pull a plan B and let me sit on a heating pad all day while the hubs throws frozen pizza in the oven (niiiiice).

It was so hard to just pick a few features. Everything linking up was awesome. But, below are a few of my favorites. If you were featured, feel free to grab a button for your site.

Sarah, over at Dwell on Joy whipped up these AdOrAbLe Everyday Napkins. This was her first sewing project...ever!! This gives non-sewers like me some serious hope. I'm wildly intimidated by bobbins, needles and fat quarters...but she taught herself to use the sewing machine in one day! The fabric colors are just beautiful, too!

Anita over at Aunt Nubby's Kitchen created these delicious High Tea Lemon Cookies. Can't wait to try these, y'all. The sweet lady who hosted my wedding shower years ago (after we eloped...lol) made a very similar cookie for that special event. And I adore all things lemon!

This giant pencil just makes me smile! One of my college roomies used to have one in her classroom when she taught math. And you won't believe how simple it looks to make. Michell over at Girl In Air gives a fabulous tutorial on how to make your own.

Brittney from Third Time's A Charm showed us her first quilt: The Juice Box Quilt. I love the fabrics and colors she used in this. It's so sweet!!

Sherilyn over at Falling Down House shared a wonderful recipe for a Butterscotch Breakfast Bundt Cake. You'll have to check out the finished product on her site in all of its ooey-gooey goodness.

I am constantly amazed at what can be done with an old t-shirt. Jennifer at Delightfully Noted created these sweet flowers and attached them to pillows for a lovely Valentine's touch.

Jennifer at Jennifer Cooks had me at Zuppa...I'm such an Olive Garden fan. She duplicated this unbelievably delicious recipe for Zuppa Toscana. I have to say, the name of her site does not lie. Jennifer can cook, indeed. They used to live closer to us and we attended church together (and were even in the same Life Group for a while). Anything to come out of this girl's kitchen is life-changing. I was always giddy to go over to Jennifer & Quentin's house because the eating (and company) couldn't be beat. You'll have to check out her site because she is one amazing lady (and not just because she's a fantastic chef).

Suz from Suz Mae: Thriving in the Desert created these adorable felt baking hearts. These are just precious. Although my boys are probably out of this phase of play, I wouldn't mind stacking these up on a glass cake plate for a lovely centerpiece or decoration.

Can you believe this adorable charm was made from a fuse box? Kim from Martha on a Budget designed this with a fun accordion pull-out full of photos. Very cool! Check out the tutorial here.

Jen from At Home in the Northwest not only linked a fabulous post on how she totally revamped her pantry (it's awesome, y'all), she also gave us a step-by-step tutorial on how to create the beautiful labels she used.

Sooo...let's get this party started! Right?

Would love for you to link up your favorite project, recipe, tip or whatever (it's an anything goes linky party)! It's all about sharing ideas. And, the more the merrier: link up as many posts as you like. Let's MOP UP SOME FUN!

While you're here for the party, be sure to check out other's links and become a follower of ishouldbemoppingthefloor, if you like.

The only rule is to please link back...either grab a button or link in your own style!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Our Toy Story Birthday Party

2012-02-04T18:40:00.000-08:00

I'm knee-deep in planning my soon-to-be-five-year-old's Star Wars party and it occurred to me that I never shared his fourth birthday party on this site. I have to say...it was one of my favorites to plan. Toy Story lends itself to soooo many possibilities. I mean the decorations alone are a cakewalk... just raid the toy box!

(Which is exactly what I did for the above pictured TOY STORY WELCOME WREATH,

click here for details on making it!)

I learned how to make tissue paper pom-poms...and used them everywhere I could think of! Tried to stick to Buzz's colors.

Celebrate Banner

(the printables from this party were compiled into a kit that I sell on my graphics site, if you're interested)

Barrel of Monkeys banner....there are small monkeys nestled in the points of the triangles.

I even found a place for my oops item! I ordered two etch-a-sketches thinking they were full size and this is what arrived. They hung out in the bathroom.

Pizza Planet Pizza, T-Rex's Dino Nuggets, {Mr.} Potato {Head} Chips & Dips, Buzz's Rocket Ships (fruit skewers) and Planetary Pretzels were on the menu!

We served tea for the moms & dads and "Jessie's Juices" (Capri Suns) for the little Space Rangers.

I found the idea for Buzz's Rocket Ships somewhere online (if this was your idea, let me know...I'd love to give you credit!). They are simply grapes with a strawberry (pointed upward) on a skewer.

Pez Party Favors with labels that read "Thank You for Making My Day Toy-Riffic"

One of my favorites....the Photo Booth!

Woody & Buzz

Sweet friends having fun!

"You saved our lives! We are eternally grateful!"

The BFF

GAME #1: The Army Men Hunt!

I stole this idea from my friend, Jami. It was like an Easter egg hunt, but with Andy's Army Men from the movie. We told the kiddos that Andy's mom was bustin' out the trash bags before he was leaving for college. They could help save the army men from their doom by collecting them all and taking them home! I was also super excited to find all the camo buckets at Dollar Tree!

Sweet brothers hunting for army men!

GAME #2: HOT {Mr.} POTATO {Head}

Originally I created a poster for a "Pin the Badge on Sheriff Woody" game. Long story as to how that got scrapped...had to do with hours uploading to print! So we played HOT {Mr.} POTATO {Head} with music from Toy Story.

Passing the potato!

Jonathan and his cake (made by a local baker with a lot of talent!!)

It was a fun time. I love home parties. They're a bit more work (cleaning, planning, etc.), but totally fun. I dread the day when my boys are too old for me to plan a fun party with lots of neat details and such!

Toy Story Wreath

2012-02-04T18:36:00.000-08:00

Just to be clear, I don't normally have a Toy Story wreath hanging on my porch...this was for my son's birthday party: The Toy Story Party!

This isn't a full photo-filled tutorial...probably because this is a pretty self-explanatory wreath. I truly can't remember which site I originally found the idea for this...but it is somewhere out there in blog land. If this is your original idea, please let me know so I can give credit where credit is due!!

For this wreath, I used:
- a 15" grapevine wreath
- various toys from Toy Story (I personally think that the Etch-A-Sketch makes this wreath unique...I used Vis-A-Vis to write on it)
- floral wire (I would use a thinner gauge so it's easier to work with)
- 3" ribbon

Step One:
I started by hot gluing army men to the top of the Etch-A-Sketch (With a little elbow grease, these can be pulled and peeled off later to use the toys again, if you like). I set it aside to cool.

Step Two:
I wrapped ribbon around the wreath...nothing fancy. Just a loose wrap. On summers & holidays home from college, I worked at a floral shop (two actually) and was terrible at arranging flowers...so I was always on bow duty. I may not be able to put a dozen roses together, but I can make a mean 24 loop bow without a single hand cramp (you know what I'm talking about if you make bows). This is a skill that has proved handy to have learned all that time ago. I made the bow and wired it onto the wreath.

Step Three:

Examine your toys for inconspicuous places that they can have wire through them. I was lucky with that Etch-A-Sketch...it had many holes into a hollow backing that I could run wires through and out of another hole. You can kind of see Woody's wires around his arms (by the tops of his shoulders) in the above photo. All of the toys were then wired onto the wreath (this is where having the grapevine wreath proved essential...couldn't have done this with foam).

And there you have it!

I think this would also be darling in a kiddo's Toy Story room...on the Etch-A-Sketch, you can write the child's name or "So & So's room", etc...

To Infinity....and Beyond!

K-Cup Box to Valentine Holder

2012-02-02T22:31:00.000-08:00

I was looking for something easy to convert into a Valentine holder. I like the how the little flap on an empty K-Cup box folds down...similar to a mailbox. So...a little tissue paper, mod podge and less than an hour later....ta-da!

Everything I used I already had on hand...so this is seriously a $0 project. The tissue paper was leftover from Christmas.

I added a piece of cardstock into the front of the box to make it easier to attach velcro to later. I just glued it in. It was covered with tissue & mod podge, so it doesn't show.

I cut my tissue paper into little squares.

And away we went! Since it was tissue, I did several layers: mod podge/tissue/mod podge/tissue. That also helped make this little cardboard box a lot sturdier.

After it was dry, I added the velcro to make it easy to open & close and fill with Valentines. I also tied gross grain ribbon on for a simple handle.

I also added the rosette to the front to add a little extra texture. It's your basic layered flower rosette.

This was a seriously EASY project!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Benjamin's Banana Bread

2012-02-02T14:27:00.000-08:00

When my oldest son was younger, he loved pretending to be a chef on Food Network. I dug this up from our family blog from about four years ago. This little kiddo is now seven and ruling the halls of elementary school! Crazy how fast time flies.

This is the EASIEST banana bread recipe I have ever seen and great for preschool-aged kiddos to help with. Benjamin loved "smooshing" the bananas. It's also quite moist!

The Next Food Network Star:

Benjamin's Banana Bread (it is shamefully easy!)
3 ripe bananas
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 c. flour
1/4 c. butter, melted
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. walnuts, chopped
Mash bananas with fork or potato masher. Stir in all ingredients. Pour in greased loaf pan. Bake one hour in preheated 325 degree oven. Could it get an simpler?

Slow Cooker Ravioli

2012-01-31T11:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I had two slow cookers going in my kitchen simultaneously. The slow cooker is by far, my hardest working appliance...can't live without it. In one of the cookers was this yummy, easy recipe for ravioli which uses frozen ravioli to simplify things even further.

You'll Need:
-- 3 lbs. frozen ravioli (cheese or spinach varieties)
-- 2 14.5 oz. cans diced tomatoes
-- 1 14.5 oz. can tomato sauce
-- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
-- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
-- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated (fresh is better, but Kraft was what I had on hand)
-- 1 tbsp. dried oregano
-- 1 tbsp. dried basil leaves
-- 1 cup mozzarella cheese

Coat the bottom of the slow cooker with the olive oil

(about two turns around the stoneware)

Do you have one of these? They are awesome for peeling garlic super fast. After you peel & dice up your garlic, throw it in the pot with the olive oil.

Throw all of the tomatoes and tomato sauce in the pot and stir well.

I realized during this recipe that I have become my mother when it comes to cooking. It has always driven me crazy when I call and ask about a recipe and she gives me the "oh, you know, a little of this, a little of that" when it comes to measurements. I realized that I do that, too. I inevitably will use my palm instead of dragging out measuring spoons...looks about right to me.
Toss in your "handfuls" of oregano and basil. Add a little salt and pepper to your liking as well.

Toss in the ravioli (still frozen) and give it a few good stirs to make sure its well coated. Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours (watch closely towards the end...nothing worse than burnt ravioli). You won't need any additional water or anything to cook the frozen ravioli. Everything comes out great. During the last ten minutes of cooking, add the mozzarella shreds and give it a stir to melt the cheese.

Goes great with a big salad! Mangia!

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Mop It Up Mondays Party #1

2012-01-30T10:38:00.000-08:00

WELCOME TO THE PAR-TAY!
Would love for you to link up your favorite project, recipe, tip or whatever (it's an anything goes linky party)! It's all about sharing ideas. Let's MOP UP SOME FUN!

While you're here for the party, be sure to look around and become a follower, too!

The only rule is to please link back...either grab a button or link in your own style!
Thanks so much for stopping by!

1 Corinthians 13 Printable

2012-01-29T19:41:00.000-08:00

I couldn't resist creating one more Valentine's printable with one of my favorite verses. This is created as an 8x10 image (to be printed on letter sized paper if needed).

As usual, I'd appreciate a follow before you download your file. ; )

Click HERE to download the high res version (high res is the best for print quality).
Click HERE to download the low res version (low res is best for web resolution...not recommended for printing).

Have a great week!

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Stomach Bug Prevention Trick (Every mom should know this!)

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

Just to be upfront: this little trick is a PREVENTATIVE. Once you actually have a stomach bug in your system, it will not work. You will probably be throwing up grape juice...and could ruin some carpet! ; )

I know this isn't what I typically post about. When you get to the bottom of this post, you'll see why. But, I am known (in my "real" world) as the grape juice mom...thought I'd share it with all my bloggy friends, too.

I first heard about this from a coach who works at my husband's high school. He carried grape juice with him all the time. And he was never sick and always attributing his stellar immune system to the good people at Welch's. About three years ago, I noticed a friends' Facebook status announcing that her family caught the dreaded tummy bug. A friend of hers wrote in the comments suggesting preventing it the next time with grape juice. So, then, I started researching...and came across Granny Sue's Blog who mentions the same method for prevention of this nasty creature. Apparently, this is a pretty popular preventative!

I hate cleaning up/smelling/hearing/thinking about throw up more than anyone. I seriously have panic attacks when someone pukes...just can't handle it. My friends giggle about my phobia...but, yeah...it's bad. So when we were all struck down by one of those bugs in 2009, I resolved from then and there, never again! We actually drink grape juice everyday. Each kid has a glass with his breakfast. AND, when I hear the bug is going around, we bump it up to a couple of servings a day. I do have one child who isn't as into grape juice as the rest of us...and he, inevitably will catch the bug every now and then. Which means the rest of us go on full alert...three servings of grape juice a day and the adults add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to theirs. It's the acidity in the juice that's supposed to help the bug from settling in your digestive tract. I'm no GI, but a good friend of mine is married to one and I know she does this as a preventative, too...so it can't be all malarkey, right?

One BIG rule is that it MUST be 100% grape juice...and y'all....just buy Welch's to be sure. Lately, Welch's has been coming out with all sorts of new grape juices...avoid them if you can. No light or white, no "Essentials", no grape juice cocktail....just plain old 100%. I even avoid the ones with calcium. There are so many varieties...look very carefully when shopping for grape juice.

If you're just using it as a preventative when you've been exposed to the bug, try 3 glasses a day. If you want to add a bit of apple cider vinegar (no more than 1 tsp.) to it, it's one more measure to take. If you want to add it to your diet regularly (again, I'm not a doctor, this is just from my own experience), just a glass with breakfast is a good way to do it (I think 3 glasses of this every day all the time might hurt your stomach in other ways...LOL).

And of course, the reason I'm sharing this with you? I'm getting over a bug. YEP. Since the new year, I cut out my grape juice because of calories. And here I am....bleh. Just thought I'd spread the info out there. Let me know if you have any questions. Again, it's a PREVENTATIVE. Do not drink this if you already have the bug...that would be bad! ; )

Thanks to Coach John Christian for this info, the friend of Kate Martin's on FB and Granny Sue. Our mantra (until two days ago...heehee), was "feeling fine since 2009" because that's the last time one of these bugs really took us all out. (Can you tell we're big HIMYM fans? "Vomit free since '93?" LOL)

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Foil, Modpodge & Paint on a Lamp Base

2012-01-21T15:07:00.000-08:00

This poor lamp has been through the wringer with me. I just can't settle on a "look" for it. I purchased it in the spring from Goodwill for next to nothing. I originally just did THIS to it last year. But, I was itching to change it up...again.

In all her glory.

(Not sure if I love the black on it, but it may grow on me. My husband said it was interesting. That's a loaded word when used as an aesthetic opinion.)

This was how she looked when I started a couple of days ago.

I used foil, mod podge and some black craft paint that I'll show you in a bit.

I started by cutting my foil into (roughly) 3"x3" squares. It really didn't take much foil...didn't come close to using the 200 feet in the box I bought.

Then I just started modging & podging (I did use a brush for most of this...pictured above is some bubble rubbing). The foil is applied with the shiny side down. The edges were a bit trickier and I had to go over them with my fingers a few times. I gave it two more coats of Mod Podge after all the foil was on.

Sort of wished I left her like this without the paint. That's okay. I'll learn

This was the paint I used.

I worked in small sections. Paint on and rub off...probably immediately. I left mine on a wee bit long.

The top area is rubbed already...leaving the paint in all the grooves and ridges.

Tada!!

There you have it! Avery inexpensive and fast change (took two afternoons...a lot of which involved drying time).

What are your thoughts on the black paint? I'm planning to use the same technique on a sofa table I have...not sure if I should do the black paint again.

Have a fabulous weekend, y'all!

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Lunch Box Sandwich Alternatives

2012-01-18T19:48:00.000-08:00

Truth be told, making kids' lunches can be a major chore. And the worst part for me? Making a sandwich. Each kid wants a different kind, I'm pulling out my entire condiment shelf in the fridge, and well, don't get me started on the angular crust-cutting requests. And the worst? When 3/4 of that sandwich comes back home the next afternoon.

The best ever alternative?? Savory frozen muffins (that I make ahead of time) that thaw by lunch. I love when I can throw those puppies into a lunch and be done! I try to keep a couple of dozen on hand to use when the sandwich frustration arises.

Pictured above are my boys' FAVE...

Pepperoni Pizza Muffins

2½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup mini pepperoni (I like the Hormel kind)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
3 green onions, finely chopped
1/4 cup canola oil
1 large egg, beaten
1½ cups buttermilk

Preheat oven to 375ºF.

Line two standard size muffin pans with liners or spray with cooking spray (I usually do this...less waste that way). Mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, basil, oregano and sugar in a large bowl. Fold in green onions, pepperoni and one cup cheese. In a medium bowl, combine egg and oil and then whisk in buttermilk. Add buttermilk mixture to the mixture and stir until combined. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups about half full. Sprinkle tops of muffins with remaining cheese.

Bake at 375ºF for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.

After muffins cool, individually wrap in plastic and freeze in a large container (I use a tupperware container, but a freezer-style zip-loc bag would work, too). Place one or two muffins in a lunchbox and they will thaw and be ready for a hungry first grader by lunchtime. Makes 20 muffins.

Pictured above is one of our...

Corn Doggie Muffins

1 box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix

1 egg

1/3 cup milk
Two or three hot dogs, cut into thirds (about 1 1/2 inch pieces)
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Preheat oven to 400.

Combine corn muffin mix, egg (beaten) and milk and set aside. Spray 6-8 spots of a muffin tin with nonstick spray and set aside.

Fill the muffin openings 1/3 full. Add a piece of the hot dog and sprinkle with a little cheese. Top with more mix, filling each tin about 2/3 of the way full. Sprinkle with a little more cheese.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until light golden on the edges. Let cool for a few minutes before removing from tin.

After muffins cool, individually wrap in plastic and freeze in large container (I use a tupperware container, but a freezer-style zip-loc bag would work, too). Place one or two muffins in a lunchbox and they will thaw and be ready for a hungry preschooler by lunchtime.

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Easy-to-Make Lego Play Palette

2012-01-15T20:37:00.000-08:00

I have a love/hate relationship with all things Lego. The hate factor comes into play when I step on one at 10 p.m. when I'm tip-toeing into my kid's room to put clothes away. I hop out of there and over to to the couch to bury my head in a pillow and scream. The love factor? Well, it's a Lego...hoping I can turn a kid into an engineer one day. Or doctor. Or president. What evs.

Enter our homemade Lego palette-thingy. LOVE it. We've had ours for a couple of years and they've made a heap of difference in the late night scream factor. The boys know that the Legos stay ON the palette. And at the end of the day?

...it slides right under the bed! We actually have two of them, y'all...with the ever expanding Lego-City sets that my seven-year-old is always seeking, we needed enough room for everyone who lives in Lego City. Didn't want anyone to feel left out, no? As you can see, we also use these for our K'Nex sets, too. (If you're wondering what a K'Nex is, think Legos with lots of little peg thingies that are easier to lose than a Barbie shoe. I'm assuming this much...we have no Barbies around here!)

This is so easy. We used plywood...the half an inch. It's 2.5x2.5 feet square. I considered particle board, but with both of my boys actually sitting on the board to play, wasn't sure how well that would hold up. It is covered with felt...stretched taught and then stapled on the underside. The felt "grass" does require a bit of "mowing" from time to time. I use my scissors to trim off the pilly spots. But, truly it's low maintenance. I mow like once or twice a year.

Happy Playing!

OH, and I definitely need to give credit where credit is due. Got this idea from my super sweet friend, Jami, who made something similar to these for her sons' Legos.

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