My Very Educated Mother

19 Crafty Wreath Ideas

2013-05-20T05:15:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago I was one of 19 bloggers sent a wreath form from FloraCraft and asked to get crafty. This week we’re all sharing our creations via Google+ Hangouts On Air. The complete schedule is below, just follow the links at the times listed to watch live or tune into Craftyhangouts.com anytime to see the recordings. Come back here on Friday and you’ll see me make a nautical themed wreath…it’s going to be really awesome!

Monday May 20

11 am PST/1 pm CST/2 pm EST Easy Scarf Wreath with +Niki Knows from Homemadeville
3 pm PST/5 pm CST/6 pm EST No Sew Summer Wreath with +Rhonda Greene from Mrs. Greene
4 pm PST/6 pm CST/7 pm EST Quick Wreaths with +Angie Holden from The Country Chic Cottage and +Carolina Moore from 30 Minute Crafts
5 pm PST/7 pm CST/8 pm EST Living Succulent Wreath with +Randi Dukes from Dukes and Duchesses

Tuesday May 21

9 am PST/10 am CST/11 am EST Patriotic Wreath with +Ashley Phipps from Simply Designing
11 am PST/1 pm CST/2 pm EST Summer Wreath with +Leslie Stewart from House on the Way
4 pm PST/6 pm CST/7 pm EST Summer Wreath with +Colleen Jorgensen from Just Paint It

Wednesday May 22

9 am PST/10 am CST/11 am EST Picnic Wreath with +Amy Buchanan from Atta Girl Says
11 am PST/1 pm CST/2 pm EST Cake Stand with +Morena Hockley from Morena's Corner
1 pm PST/3 pm CST/4 pm EST Succulent Wreath with +Gina Luker from The Shabby Creek Cottage
3 pm PST/5 pm CST/6 pm EST Summer Wreath with +Jessica Kielman from Mom 4 Real
5 pm PST/7 pm CST/8 pm EST Year Round Wreath with +Jessica Hill from Mad in Crafts

Thursday May 23

9 am PST/10 am CST/11 am EST Patriotic Wreath with +Mandy Beyeler from Sugar Bee Crafts and +Kilee Nickels from One Little Momma
1 pm PST/3 pm CST/4 pm EST Wreath HOA with +Barb Garrett from The Everyday Home
3 pm PST/5 pm CST/6 pm EST Patriotic Wreath with +Kathy Penney from Sparkles and a Stove

Friday May 24

9 am PST/10 am CST/11 am EST Beach Themed Wreath with +Erin Sipes from My Very Educated Mother
11 am PST/1 pm CST/2 pm EST How to make an Engaging Wreath with +Cyn Gagen from Creative Cynchronicity
1 pm PST/3 pm CST/4 pm EST Topiary Wreath with +Sharon Hines from Mrs. Hines' Class
4 pm PST/6 pm CST/7 pm EST MORE Quick Wreaths with +Carolina Moore from 30 Minute Crafts and +Angie Holden from The Country Chic Cottage

Want inspiration with Styrofoam all the time? Be sure to follow along with the Crafts n Coffee blog!

50 Patriotic Projects

2013-05-17T05:30:00.000-05:00

Memorial Day, Flag Day, and 4th of July are all creeping up on the calendar. Here are 50 projects to look through and get started on now to celebrate America!

The Scrap Shoppe: Patriotic Pinwheels & Double Pinwheels
Crazy Little Projects: 4th of July Baby Girl Dress
Mama Miss: Patriotic Dipped Pretzels
Crazy Little Projects: 4th of July Wreath
Carolyn’s Homework: Red Bandana Party Favors
JoJo & Eloise: Sheets Sailor Made
Uncommon Designs: Patriotic Mason Jar Lanterns
Vicki O’Dell The Creative Goddess: Decorative Firecrackers
BHG: Firework Garland
Mom’s Crafty Space: Salad Spinner Fireworks

Vicki O’Dell The Creative Goddess: Patriotic T-Shirt
Yesterday On Tuesday: Vintage Sparkler Party Favors
A Night Owl Blog: Patriotic Tulle Flag Wreath
Crazy Little Projects: 4th of July Garland
Seven Alive: Patriotic Filigree Earrings
Dreaming-n-Color: Paint Stick Stars Banner and Door Décor
The Scrap Shoppe: Land of the Free Printable
A Little Tipsy: Patriotic Burlap Ruffle Table runner
Setting For Four: American Flag Painted Tea Tin
My Repurposed Life: Easy Peasy 4th of July Flag

Yesterday On Tuesday: Red, White, & Blue Garland
A Pumpkin & A Princess: Patriotic Paper Windsock
Reasons to Skip the Housework: Nestle Star Cookies
Creative Green Living: A Natural Mom’s Guide to 4th of July Celebrating
The Scrap Shoppe: Burlap & Denim Ruffled Patriotic Wreath
Crazy Little Projects: Red, White, and Blue Tie Dye
Chase The Star: 4th of July Mason Jars
The Country Chic Cottage: American Flag Décor
A Night Owl Blog: 4th of July Mantel
A Little Tipsy: Stars and Stripes Pillow

The Scrap Shoppe: Patriotic Doily Banner
Crazy Little Projects: 4th of July Apron Tutorial
BHG: Chocolate Berry Meringue
Mama Miss: Fourth of July Homemade Gummi Candies
Creative Green Living: 4th of July Pennant Wreath
Uncommon Designs: 4th of July Apothecary Jars
Vicki O’Dell The Creative Goddess: Easy Patriotic Card or Invitation
Martha Stewart: 4th of July Bike Parade
The Shed: Vintage, Patriotic, Heart Box
Dreaming–n-Color: Paint Stick Flag

Sew Woodsy: Mod Podge Patriotic Photo Plaque
The Scrap Shoppe: Mini Patriotic Wreath Pin
Crazy Little Projects: Patriotic Popcorn
Martha Stewart: Rocket Favor Packets
The Country Chic Cottage: $5 4th of July Wreath
Uncommon Designs: Burlap Flag Banner
Carolyn’s Homework: Bandana Boats
Mama Miss: Patriotic Pinwheel w/Free Printable
A Little Tipsy: Patriotic Ribbon Topiary
My Repurposed Life: Easy Peasy Wooden Firecrackers

Tin Can Creatures

2013-05-15T05:30:00.000-05:00

This is a project I’ve been working on here and there for over a month now, I’m sure my husband will be glad these cans have finally found a home outside.

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I’m Over At Keeping It Simple Today

2013-05-10T08:53:00.001-05:00

It feels like I’ve been MIA this week but I assure you, I’ve been working on some behind the scenes projects and you’re going to love them! In the mean while I’m guest posting over at Keeping It Simple! The Magnetic Desk Caddie I’m sharing would make a perfect gift for the teacher’s in your life and despite its appearance it is very quick and easy to make!

Hope you guys have a great weekend!

A Home Remedy For Frizzy Hair

2013-05-06T20:00:00.001-05:00

I have naturally curly hair, and though I have finally grown to love it, one thing I don’t appreciate is the frizz that comes with it. Let’s face it, frizz is something we all battle and we are always happy when we find a quick and easy home remedy that works and if we’re feeling particularly smitten with a tip we might even share it.

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Check Your Newsstands…Again

2013-05-01T05:55:00.000-05:00

Consider this a kinda wordless Wednesday, sorry I’ve just been busy with that whole ‘not letting your blog hold you back’ thing. In other news, my Baked Crab Rangoon recipe is in this month’s issue of All You magazine. Be sure to pick up your copy today, or you can just head over to my old post (forgive the photography)and read the recipe there!

Queen Bee Market Giveaway

2013-04-29T05:50:00.000-05:00

If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook you might have heard me whining a couple months ago about having to sell my ticket to the SNAP Conference. It may have been the right choice, BUT, that doesn’t mean I wasn’t pouting and moping around the house the weekend I should have been in Utah.

One of the reason I wanted to attend SNAP was to do a little shopping at the Queen Bee Market, a gathering of some of the hottest, handmade retailers out there! Well, obviously I wasn’t able to do any shopping for myself but I was able to partner up with some of my blogging friends and BlogPrizes.com to give YOU a chance to win some of the items featured at the Queen Bee Market. Several of these items were sold out before the show was over, and a couple sold out very shortly after it started!

The giveaway will run from April 29th to May 5th, when a winner will be selected, contacted, and given 48 hours to respond. Good Luck!

One winner will be getting a box filled with all of this!

Be Kind Sign - Evie Ivy Engraved Cutting Board - Alexis Mattox Design Camera Strap - August Blossoms Cupcake liners, straws, and cookie cutter - Bake it Pretty Aqua Bracelet - Hoop-la Crochet Rose - Made by Jewls 3 Bars Handmade Soap - Karol's Handmade Soap White Flower Earrings - Love Stitched Heart Necklace - The r House Couture Moustache Covered Notebook - Ameroonie Designs Leather and Fabric iPad Case - Sage & Harper 3 Lip Balms - Kustom Kissers

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget found below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mother’s Day Craft: Message on a Bottle

2013-04-26T05:55:00.000-05:00

Today I’m going to be sharing my Message in a Bottle craft as well as a couple other projects, using DecoArt paints, with Cyn from Creative Cynchronicity during a Mother’s Day, Google+ Hangout on Air at 3 p.m. CST. Just come back here and I’ll have a link below.

Birthdays and Mother’s Day

2013-04-24T05:55:00.000-05:00

Today is my youngest’ birthday and in my infinite wisdom I decided instead of ONE get-together/party, we’d have TWO! This way she can have a party with family {presents} and a party with friends {fun & games}. Thankfully today is the family party and the craziness has been saved for Saturday. In the meanwhile…

Today is also the day I’ll be guest hosting a Google+ Hangout on Air with Cyn from Creative Cynchronicity. The theme is Mother’s Day and I know Cyn is planning on sharing a Flower Pot Bird Bath while I’ll also be sharing a quick little flower pot craft using DecoArt paints. Just head on over to Cyn’s Google+ page HERE at about 1:30 CST and join us LIVE. If you can’t make it, no worries, I’ll also be sharing a link here afterwards.

REMINDER: This Friday we’ll be doing it all over again but Cyn will be my guest! I’m going to be making a message on a bottle craft and a few other things! Be sure to check back there!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2013-04-22T05:58:00.000-05:00

I’m feeling very behind on my garden this year. I do have seeds started, these are my tomatoes, but other than that things are kinda on hold. Whether it’s more health issues, forthcoming construction, homeschooling demands, or the fact that I need a big load of shit (you heard me right-manure) some things have fallen by the wayside. But let it be known I am still planning on some major gardening this year and not just of the vegetable variety.

In a couple of weeks we’re planning on attending the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed’s Annual Spring Planting Festival. The kids and I went to the farm last year on a homeschooling field trip and are looking forward to another visit. This time Nate is coming with us. If you look at the schedule of speakers, John Brazaitis is going to be talking about beekeeping and well, despite our small acreage (one irregular) we’re considering it. Don’t worry I’ll let you know how it goes. For now here’s a little update on what is going on in our garden.

This is the shed Nate built. I can’t remember if I told you about it. My Dad came over and helped with the siding which actually came off an old barn that had been on his land. Below is the side that I’m seriously thinking about painting mock, vintage gas station signs on. What do you think?

Okay, have I told you how awesome my husband is? This is the tee-pee, wigwam, whatever that he also built. A couple of trees were taken down in anticipation of adding onto the house. We gave the bulk of the wood to my sister but we still had all these branches left over. What else were we supposed to do with them?

This is our rather plain yard. We’re going to start working on turning it into a nature path this year. Right now it’s hard to see which parts are going to be full sun but once we figure it all out we’re going to try to stick with native plants. Goodness knows we need something that’s used to growing among rocks.

This is one of many chamomile plants that have slowly but surely started to take over a portion of our yard. Mind you I haven’t planted a seed since 2011.

This is my 15 year old son riding around on the lawnmower. Repeatedly Nate had told him how to actually, you know…mow with the lawnmower. As I’m sure you’ve already guessed, those words fell on deaf ears because my son is 15 and already knows how to use everything.

He made two turns around, smiling and full of himself. Can I just say I haven’t had a laugh like that in quite a while.

Ugh, I wish I’d paid more attention to this picture and leveled it out a little more. This is one of the benches Nate has been working on using wood he salvaged from some old homes that were being torn down in town. I love that man, even if he makes me feel like an underachiever.

So that is what has been going on in our garden, what’s going on in yours?

Mother’s Day Hangout Time

2013-04-19T19:14:00.001-05:00

It’s that time again! Time for some Hangouts! All next week crafty bloggers, including yours truly, will be hanging out and creating and celebrating Mother's Day during LIVE Google+ Hangouts on Air. Follow along right here on My Very Educated Mother and visit the lovely ladies on Google+ so you don't miss a thing.

This month's hangouts are proudly sponsored by DecoArt. We will each be talking about their products in our videos. A huge thanks to DecoArt for helping us out this month.

Monday April 22nd

9 am PST/11 am CST/12 pm EST Bonnie and Trish from Uncommon Designs with a Chalkboard Cake Plate Dome

11 am PST/1 pm CST/2 pm EST Niki from Homemadeville with DIY Mother's Day Gift Ideas

1 pm PST/3 pm CST/4 pm EST Marty from Marty's Musings with a Mother's Day Plate and other gifts for mom

4 pm PST/6 pm CST/7 pm EST Carolina from 30 Minute Crafts and Angie from The Country Chic Cottage with Quick Crafts for Mother's Day

5 pm PST/7 pm CST/8 pm EST Rhonda from Mrs. Greene with Flower Pot Wind Chimes

Tuesday April 23rd

9 am PST/11 am CST/12 pm EST Ashley from Simply Designing with a Chalkboard Vase

4 pm PST/6 pm CST/7 pm EST Colleen from Just Paint it with Painting Easy Spring Flowers

Wednesday April 24th

9 am PST/11 am CST/12 pm EST Amy from Atta Girl Says with Mother's Day Gifts for the Garden

11 am PST/1 pm CST/2 pm EST Cyn from Creative Cynchronicity and Erin from My Very Educated Mother with a Flower Pot Bird Bath

5 pm PST/7 pm CST/8 pm EST Randi from Dukes and Duchesses with Decorative Herb Pots and Markers

Thursday April 25th

9 am PST/11 am CST/12 pm EST Mandy from Sugar Bee Crafts with a Mother's Day Picture Frame

4 pm PST/6 pm CST/7 pm EST Jessica from Mom 4 Real with a Mother's Day Hangout

5 pm PST/7 pm CST/8 pm EST Shannon from Madigan Made with a Mini Flower Pot Blooming Gift Card Holder

Friday April 26th

9 am PST/11 am CST/12 pm EST Sharon from Mrs. Hines Class and Barb from The Everyday Home with a Mother's Day Tablescape

11 am PST/1 pm CST/2 pm EST Leslie from House on the Way with DIY Personalized Glassware

1 pm PST/3 pm CST/4 pm EST Erin from My Very Educated Mother and Cyn from Creative Cynchronicity with a Message on a Bottle Craft

2 pm PST/4 pm CST/5 pm EST Angie from The Country Chic Cottage and Carolina from 30 Minute Crafts with MORE Quick Crafts for Mother's Day

Stay tuned right here for all of the videos in one place!

Pin It–Did It: Abstract Watercolor

2013-04-17T06:08:00.000-05:00

I’m always on the lookout for fun art projects to do with the kids and a good friend once taught me that abstract is a great way to go with little ones, wanna know why? There is no wrong way to do it! Visit Made By Nicole’s Abstract Watercolor Flowers and find directions for this piece.

Recycling Craft: Bottle Cap Beaded Door

2013-04-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

Earth Day is right around the corner and…what am I saying…I’m a crafter and we look for ways to recycle, upcycle, and reuse EVERYTHING, no matter what day it is? And our trash continues to be a source of infinite inspiration! So here’s a creative way to reuse plastic bottle caps and create a beaded door!

Supplies

Lots of plastic bottle caps
ice pick
rubber mallet
cutting board
yarn
scissors
needle
thumbtacks

Directions
Place your cap on the cutting board and use the mallet and ice pick to make a hole through the top. Repeat with the rest of your caps.

Cut about 6 pieces of yarn the length of your arm and begin threading the caps onto it. It’s best to just tie a big loop around the cap like you see in this picture instead of trying to make a knot above or below it, to hold it in place. You don’t have to be precise with your caps along the yarn, unless you want to.

Once you’ve got that done start hanging them with thumbtacks along the top of the doorway of your choice. We made jungle vines for my son Vin’s room.

No, that isn’t Vin, Essie’s always such a ham and happily volunteered for this picture instead. I wanted to show you that it’s important to make sure the strings don’t hang down too low. Trust me, it keeps them from getting tangled and the cat can’t reach it.

Winner, Winner, Spaghetti Dinner!

2013-04-14T21:27:00.001-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I took part in a twitter party hosted by The Big Toy Book and RideMakerz. One is a go-to site for all that’s new and happening in the toy world and the other is an awesome business that let’s you customize your own toy cars. As luck would have it I won a prize package, woohoo! Just to be on the up and up with FTC guidelines, I was not expected nor required to write a review in exchange for the prize, I only wanted to share a little about one of my favorite products with you.

When the FedEx truck pulled into the driveway the kids started cheering, “the cars are here!” Complete chaos ensued shortly there after.

I learned about RideMakerz a couple of years ago during a trip to Branson. We were there for a wedding but if you asked my kids the highlights were getting to drive a boat (don’t ask) and making their cars. The store definitely gives you a Build-A-Bear feel but you’re working with vehicles instead of stuffed animals.

Did you hear me? I said vehicles instead of stuffed animals, DON’T assume it’s a store for boys because I’ve got one little girl who very happily tricked out her pink ride and can crash a car with the best of them! In fact with the variety of accessories offered I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a girl who wouldn’t love to visit RideMakerz.

They’ve got an array of makes and models to chose from and so many different ways to customize: stickers, fins, wheels, engines, you name it! During the twitter party I also learned that RideMakerz can be found in some Toys-R-Us and Target stores and that they offer both Cars and Batman vehicles. Score! I’m considering stocking up on a few so that I can have them ready for those last minute birthday parties! Visit the site and you’ll learn you can order spare parts, schedule a birthday party, or order some gift cards too!

Returning to the scene of the crime: After we took our cars out of the boxes we got everything clicked in and on, even the grey thingies out in the front, I’m going to go out on a limb and say grill guards? Once the ~~bossy~~ diligent 15 year old deemed everything road worthy the jumping, crashing, and chasing commenced.

So, if you know a car lover or can’t figure out what to get the kid next door for their birthday I highly recommend a RideMakerz!

{this moment}

2013-04-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

This moment was captured a couple of weeks ago. We are adding on to our home, giving our two little ones their own rooms, our family a school/craft room, and a much needed FULL second bathroom. There are so many things about this that gives me an anxiety attack if I think about it for too long. Instead I’m choosing to take it one day at a time and live in this moment.

Pin It–Did It: White Trash Bars

2013-04-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

Last February I ran across this delish recipe for White Trash Bars on Cookies and Cups. Unfortunately when we made them we were missing one of the ingredients so we improvised and switched toffee bits for chocolate chips. Guess what it worked out just fine! Here’s a photo run through of the baking experience. Be sure to visit Cookies and Cups for the full recipe!

YUM – It’s all I can say! For more recipes like this one be sure to follow me here or on Pinterest, Google+, Facebook, or Twitter!

Personalized Scrap Paper Artwork

2013-04-08T06:00:00.001-05:00

Guess what? We’re adding on to our house which means the two little ones will be getting their own rooms and I’m already daydreaming décor ideas. When the package of Apple Barrel paint and Mod Podge Washout showed up at our door I couldn’t wait to get busy on the first project on my list – Personalized Scrap Paper Artwork!

Read More Here.

Skeleton Key Artwork

2013-04-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

A long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, I use to actually pull out the Mod Podge and make stuff. Here’s a little home décor DIY project I made, oh, about a year ago.

Skeleton Key Artwork

Let me start by introducing you to a very awesome website, you may or may not be familiar with it. Blockposter.com allows you to take an image and make it any size you’re little heart desires.
So to make this piece of art I went over to The Graphics Fairy and found these two keys and then followed the prompts on Blockposter.

Once I had the images printed out. I taped them together and also put a tape around the part of the image I would be cutting out.

Then I cut out the image with an X-acto knife.

Next I laid the stencil onto the canvases I had already covered with old dictionary pages. You can see up at the top of the key things got tricky. There I used double-sided tape to hold the individual pieces in place.

Then I began painting.

Once the paint had dried I removed the stencil and sprayed a coat of Mod Podge sealer over the entire canvas.

Guess what? My Very Educated Mother delivers! Sign up here to have projects like this one delivered to your inbox daily…or follow me via Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest!

Ultimate Blog Party 2013

2013-04-05T01:00:00.000-05:00

Last year was the first time I took part in 5 Minutes for Mom’s Ultimate Blog Party. It is basically the ultimate blog hopping party of the year. Months afterwards I was still finding new blogs and being found myself. The party starts today but it’s not to late to get in on it yourself! Now for all you first time visitors let me tell you a little bit about myself.

What’s with the name? My Very Educated Mother is part of a mnemonic device used to memorize the planets in order from the sun. My Mercury Very Venus Educated Earth Mother Mars Just Jupiter Served Saturn Us Uranus Nachos Neptune. See the thing is, when I started the blog I was a stay at home mom still making payments on her student loans…so it kinda fit my situation at the time.

Now I’m a homeschooling mother of three, and while the loans are paid, the educating never ends! This is my little slice of the blogosphere where I share crafts, recipes, lesson ideas, activities, and even some blogging advice I’ve picked up. Take a moment to look around my project gallery and recipe page and see some of the things I’ve been working on!

You can also follow me via Twitter, Facebook, Google+, or YouTube.

Hope you have a good time blog hopping!

P.S. Leave a message that you’re following on Facebook and I’ll follow you back!

I’m going to be a ROYO Presenter at BlogHer'13

2013-04-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

I try not to use this as my own little brag book…but I can think of no other group of friends I’m more excited to share this with than you guys!

Last month I learned my Room of Your Own (ROYO) submission for this year’s BlogHer conference was accepted. I wrote about the inspiration for it here. So what does this all mean? It means as long as I don’t think about it…I’m not thinking about it.

Seriously though, when I left the TCC conference two years ago, speaking at BlogHer became one of my ‘make the impossible possible’ goals, and to clarify, having a ROYO is not the same as being a speaker, but, it is one giant leap closer. It’s funny, I’ve been tormented with defining my purpose and figuring out the work that really feeds my soul, all the while reaching goals I’d set out to mark the way. But that’s another discussion altogether isn’t it?

Hope to see you there!

Kid’s Craft: Cat Toys

2013-04-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

Confession: I’m not big on pets…and I’m going to leave it at that. So, you can imagine my family’s surprise when I suggested we get a cat. What can I say, I knew it’d make the kids happy and I’d hoped it turn into a playmate for our dog. When we went to the local shelter Kira was instantly on us, she didn’t hide, she didn’t pat us with her paws, and best of all she didn’t seem to mind when both our younger kids surrounded her. A month later she’s still a great cat desperate for play so we made these little cat toys for her one afternoon.

Kid’s Craft: Cat Toys

Supplies

felt
embroidery thread
needles
scissors
plastic bags

Directions

Start off by cutting out two pieces of felt in the shape of your choice. We chose to make a fish and a mouse but truth be told you could make any shape…the cat won’t care.

Add a quick eye to your mouse and fish by marking and then sewing a simple X.

Hold the two pieces of felt together and sew along their edges.

Start stuffing your fish or mouse with the plastic shopping bags.

Once the toy is stuffed sew up the open end.

Add a string to make it easier to play.

I hope you and your family enjoy this quick craft!

To have projects like this one delivered straight to you Follow me via e-mail or Rss feed, Pinterest, Twitter, Google+, and Facebook.

Thank You! Erin

From the Garden: Chamomile Scones

2013-03-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

A couple of years ago I planted chamomile, hopeful I’d have at least one year’s harvest but doubtful the plants described as sensitive would do much more than that. Hmph, sensitive? Sure. These self-seeding little buggers have taken over parts of my yard.

I’d gathered the flower heads and dried them to make tea but since they’d been sitting in the cabinet since last fall and I still hadn’t used them, I decided to skip the tea and try baking with them instead. Of course I went with scones, because they’re easy and since they’re not too sweet I thought it’d be perfect for the floral flavor. (In my opinion when you mix too much sugar with sweet-smelling flowers it can quickly taste as if you’re eating perfume…yuck.)

The scones turned out really well and I was super happy to see that even the kids liked them. Usually I only get a thumbs up from them if chocolate chips are involved. I hope you like them as well!

Chamomile Scones

Ingredients

3 cups of flour
1/2 cup of sugar
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
6 Tbsp. butter
1 1/4 cup yogurt
1/2 cup crushed, dried chamomile (I used my own but I’m sure you could also empty teabags or pick it up in a health food store, maybe?)

Directions

Preheat oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a large cookie sheet. Mix all dry ingredients-including the chamomile, cut in the butter. Mix in the yogurt, the dough will be very crumbly. Knead it together as best you can, shape into a circle, and cut into wedges. Place them on the cookie sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes.

Once removed from the oven put them on a rack to cool. I glazed this batch with a simple powdered sugar/milk/vanilla glaze.

My Hair Has Been Officially KISSed

2013-03-25T06:15:00.000-05:00

A little over a month ago I mentioned I was trying to feel like a girl again. You know, actually spend time on feeling pretty or at least a step or two above presentable. One of my biggest stumbling blocks in that department has and will forever be my hair.

See I have frizzy, crazy, naturally curly hair. This is what it looks like combed out and trust me when I say this picture doesn’t do it justice.

Seriously, for the longest time I never understood volumizing hair products…who would want to make it bigger? I wish I could pull off a short hairdo, I actually did a la Madonna in La Isle Bonita. But I’m not a 12 year old anymore and now short hair makes me look like a man. I don’t want to look like a man. That has nothing to do with what I wanted to share with you today though. So let me get to the real point.

I received a Kiss Tornado 360 1875W Ionic Blow Dryer to review and it was wonderful and I mean that.

Honestly the only thing I had been using a blow dryer on was my bangs, which I straighten, and my daughter’s hair. But the Tornado has this really awesome feature, an automatic booster. It rotates as the air passes through it creating which means the air distributes evenly which prevents hot spots and dries your hair faster. The booster also saves you the trouble of shaking your arm back and forth…you know what I’m talking about. But the selling point for me was the massaging effect it creates. It’s as if you’re at a salon getting some luxurious blow out. Plus it has an easy to use cool setting…remember, I have dry hair and prefer the cooler air.

So, yes, I’m getting my girly on with my new blow dryer and loving my fluffy hair! If you’re in the market for a new dryer I highly recommend the Kiss Tornado 360 1875W Ionic Blow Dryer, whew, that’s a mouthful!

The item was received for review, however I was not required, nor was I expected, to write about my experience. The opinions expressed are both mine and honest.

Paper Bag Bird Nests

2013-03-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

The simplest supplies usually make the most fun projects when kids are involved, and in this case, one of the quickest. These paper bag bird nests can help you decorate for both Easter and spring and when the season passes recycle them and make more next year!

Supplies

two paper bags
scissors
glue

Directions

First off don’t open the bag all the way, it will make the cutting much easier. Cut all four corners of the bag down to the where the bottom folds up.

Then lay out your bag and make additional cuts.

Open your bag and then crunch it down a little.

Flip the bag over, start gluing all the strips to the bottom of the bag, and ignore my ugly nails.

Once all the strips are glued it should look like this. While you let it dry, cut the other bag into strips and crunch them up, they’re going to be your nest’s filling.

Once it’s dry it makes a pretty cute little centerpiece. We have this one with some blown out eggs from our own girls I might add, on the dining room table.

And this one ( made with two different sized bags) is on our holiday table.

I easily stayed under the 15 minute time limit, and that was even with little hands doing most of the work! Think you could meet the challenge? Be sure to stop by 30 Minute Crafts or The Country Chic Cottage this week to see more springtime craft lightning projects!

How to Make Mexican Cascarones

2013-03-15T06:11:00.000-05:00

Cascarones are confetti eggs that have a long history but since the Mexicans were attributed with filling them with confetti, I’m giving them all the credit! These things are fun and so much quieter than the firecracker-esque pop toys my kids always want, so this year I decided to make some of our own.

I know what you’re thinking…where’s the how-to? Come back here at 1 p.m. CST, today, March 15th, and hangout with me as I make a few of these toys LIVE in the final hangout of Easter Hangout Week! See ya then!

If you can’t make it for the live taping be sure to visit my Youtube page and watch the video at your leisure. You’ll also be able to find the recording in my Google+ feed.

Also going on this Friday:

I'm guest posting over at Love Bakes Good Cakes where I'm sharing one of my absolute favorite things to make when I am in desperate need of some comfort food, Dump Cake!