South 35th

Marble & Mason Jar Makeup Solution

2012-01-12T12:41:00.003-06:00

OK, so the name doesn't exactly roll of one's tongue, but this has been the best addition to my makeup arsenal in quite some time.

I have sensitive skin. I break out like a maniac if I:
change face wash brands
fail to use a fresh towel to dry my face off after washing at night
get too much sun
use 95% of the makeup brands available at a drugstore

SO......
Since I have no plans on not wearing makeup anytime soon I am careful about what I use and take care to make sure that the products I use last as long as possible.

In come the mason jars. I love them. For cakes, presents, and even.......make up brush holders that double as makeup brush cleaners. Again with the awkward name, I know.

I like the look of a mason jar in the bathroom on my vanity to hold my makeup brushes in. It gave the vanity a shabby chic feel, and was cheap :). I placed flat glass stones from the Dollar Tree in the bottom to keep the brushes in place as well as to make them more raised so that I could grab the shorter ones with more ease.

I also found that these stones, or marbles, work wonders in helping to clean the brushes.

Here is what you will need:

mason jar or some other jar with a tight fitting lid
marbles or other small filler
baby wash
warm water

Step 1:
Grab your clean mason jar with some marbles/decorative stones in bottom.

Step 2:
Add a squirt of baby wash (same ingredients as many more expensive brush cleaners and gentle on your face and brushes!) and slowly add warm water.

Step 3:
Insert brushes and secure lid. Gently shake to agitate soap with marbles. This will help to loosen the dirt and get your brushes super clean. Repeat a few times.

Step 4:
Pour out soapy water and rinse thoroughly with clean warm water. Gently squeeze excess water from brushes and lay on a clean cloth to dry.

Your brushes will be cleaner than ever with minimal mess and clean up! I do this weekly when I deep clean the bathroom. A few shakes in-between tasks and by the time I am done, so are the brushes.

Caboodle Give-Away!

2012-01-09T11:37:00.001-06:00

There are very few things that make me miss junior high. The akward hairstyles, leggings as pants (although this is now back in style...weird), and need I mention hyper-color?

But there were a few things from the early 1990's that were pretty awesome.

Like?

Kristy from Kristy's Place is currently hosting a give-away for a new Caboodle.

Yes, you did hear that correctly. A caboodle. Like what I kept my makeup in in middle school and decorated with Lisa Frank stickers caboodle.

Caboodle is turning 25, and they have revamped their product design to offer a more grown up style of accespry organizer. The model offered by Kristy is:

"The Le Sophistique. It has every bag that you will ever need. Six bags to be exact. A clear zippered carryall, large upright bag, rectangular brush bag with protector flap, tubular bag, clear half moon bag, and Specs case. It also comes with 4 makeup brushes. I wasn't so keen on the quality of the makeup brushes included, but that's just fine as the bags in the Le Sophistique more than make up for them. There are small bags that easily slip into your purse. Bags great for carrying makeup and toiletries for overnight stays or small trips, and of course bigger bags to pack and organize for larger trips. The Le Sophistique stood out the most to me not just because of all options but because although made of durable material it's not a hard box, the Le Sophistique bags can be easily packed up wont take up a lot of space in your suitcase or other bags."

Make sure to visit her website for a chance to win!

Rainbow Cake in a Jar

2012-01-05T14:45:00.000-06:00

Even though Miss C is uber grown up and mature now, she loves anything "in a jar". Pies. Cookies. Cakes. You name it. She has excellent taste.

For her birthday this year I though that I would try something a little different. Rainbow cake in a jar. WHOOHOO. I know some of your minds just exploded. Rainbows and cakes and mason jars. Together. Wow.

"How can average everyday out of the box cooks make this?," you might ask.
Don't let on, but it is really easy.

AND

REALLY messy.....especially if you are impatient and like to "taste test" the batter as I do to ensure my family received only the finest tastes.

Here is what you'll need:

Box of white (your best choice) or yellow cake mix
Can of frosting, or your own. I prefer a homemade cream cheese frosting, click for recipe.
6 mason jars size 12 oz washed and dried
package of food coloring
cake pan
water
hand mixer
4 separate smaller bowls
small ice cream scoop or tablespoon
cooking spray

Preheat your oven to 350. While the oven pre-heats make your cake mix according to the directions on the back of the box. (In my picture you may see milk, I always substitute milk for water in cake mixes, I think it gives them a fluffier and richer texture)

Spray the inside of each mason jar well with non-stick cooking spray

Separate the cake mix into each of the four bowls equally. Add food coloring. A lot. The more you add the more vibrant the color, and saturation is the key here. I used some cheap-o stuff from the Dollar Tree, and I ended up using the entire bottle of each color to get the tint I wanted.

Using your ice cream scoop or tablespoon carefully scoop the mixes into your jars. It work best to start with the darker color and work your way up to the lightest. Doing one color at a time in each jar, washing your spoon or scoop as you go from one to the next, is the easiest way to keep the colors from running together and ensuring you have the same amount in each jar.

Grab your cake pan and fill it with around 1/2 an inch or so of water. Add mason jars and place in over. Bake for 25-45 minutes. Mine took 45, but ovens vary so just keep an eye on them.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Take a spatula or butter knife and carefully take off the rounded tops of the cakes if you are a perfectionist. If not, just go ahead and slop from frosting in there. I usually fall into the latter category, but since this is for Miss C, I was careful.

You can put the lids on these and store in the fridge, or just eat them as soon as you are done frosting them like a normal person.

Cream Cheese Frosting

2012-01-05T13:03:00.000-06:00

I am a firm believer in the power of a good frosting. While you can doctor up a cake mix in a box, there is not much that can be done with prepackaged frosting.

Luckily, frosting is so easy to make.

Our favorite kind of frosting is one that is not too sweet, with a creamy texture that adheres well to the cakes. Mr. J and Miss C. both are not huge fans of super sweet frosting, so I have experimented with a lot of ingredients, and found this cream cheese frosting recipe seems to impress just about everyone with or without a sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

8 oz. package of softened cream cheese
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 c. powdered sugar
1 softened stick of butter (1/2 c.)

Place softened butter and cream cheese in a bowl. Note that this recipe calls for softened. This does not mean melted. I have found that leaving them out for 15 minutes on the counter top brings them to about the right temperature. You can try to microwave them for 15 seconds or so, but be careful. Melted butter and cream cheese will NOT give you a thick and fluffy frosting, rather you will end up with something that is more like a rick glaze.

2. Add vanilla. Slowly mix in powdered sugar

3. Use immediately or over and store in refrigerator until ready to use.

My little girl is 12

2012-01-05T09:08:00.000-06:00

Those of you who know Miss C. may think that she is turning 17 today, but in truth she has turned 12. Yes, she is funny, musically talented, a great writer, and can talk longer than anyone I know, but above all of this she is a great daughter. Happy Birthday C!!!!!!!

Cinnamon Apple Chips

2012-01-04T21:58:00.000-06:00

I have been trying to be better lately about not baking so many sweets for the people I love. During the holidays I relapsed a bit, but did not go as crazy as I have in the past. Now that there are no good excuses to bake cookies for a bit, I am relegated to once again cooking up some healthy treats for everyone when they come home.

These cinnamon apple chips are a delicious alternative to regular potato chips, and are so easy to make. They even have a bonus....apple pie scented.air freshener for your whole house!

Here is what you will need:

Cutting mat
Sharp knife or mandolin
2 large apples
1/4-1/3 c. sugar
2 tsp cinnamon

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 250. Wash and dry off apple slices. Thinly slice on cutting mat or mandolin. Make sure to cut off the ends first, and then pick out the seeds. No one wants to eat seeds. Some of the slices will have a star shape to them in the middle.

Step2:
Mix your sugar and cinnamon in a small cup or empty spice container. Arrange slices in a single layer on a sprayed baking pan and sprinkle with spice mix.

Step 3:
Turn them every half hour until they are completely dry. Depending on how thick you sliced the apples, this could take 1-2 hours.

Step 4:
Place on cooling racks until completely cooled. Store in an air tight container. These do not have to be refrigerated.

Stitched Valentine's Day Card

2012-01-03T11:04:00.000-06:00

I know, I know Christmas has just passed and already I am thinking about Valentine's Day..... I can't help it!

Valentine's Day is one of my favorites. All of the red and pink, heart decor, and glitter make me feel faint. I know that every day "should be like Valentine's Day" but I love the fact that we set aside a day to let the people in our lives know how much they mean to us.

This does not have to break the bank however.

Making your own stitched Valentine's Day card is a great way to show someone in your life how much you care. The stitching adds a personal and unique touch, while you can save the $6 you didn't spend on a Hallmark card and add your own sentiment to the inside that will mean a lot more to the recipient. Or, if expressing yourself through words isn't really your thing, you can always google romantic poems/sayings and include one of the many results in your card as well.

Materials:

Blank cards with envelopes (Can find a pack of 8 at Micheal's $1 spot)
Yarn or thick thread of your choice
needle
shape to trace or a steady hand
pencil

Step 1:
Take your stencil/shape or freehand a design onto the front of your card lightly with pencil.
Step 2: Using your needle, punch holes closely together around your design. This will help to ensure a uniform stitch.
Step 3: Thread needle and following the holes you already created, work your way around the design.

That's it.
You are really only limited by your creativity in what you want to convey with your cards. Happy crafting!

Button Hair Pins

2011-12-28T10:43:00.000-06:00

I am sure almost all of you with girls have a bazillion hair clips, bows, headbands, and pony holders floating around your house and after the holiday gift frenzy might not be thinking about procuring more food for your vacuum. But, in case you are a push over for cute hair accessories and are looking for something mindless to do while your kids watch the Star Wars boxed set, you are in luck!

Materials:

shank buttons (the type with the loop in the back, not the holes drilled in the middle)

thread

needle

bobby pins

Step 1: Go through your button stash and find some cute shank buttons. These are the buttons that have the loop in the back for attaching them to fabrics. I like to buy my buttons in bulk from large craft stores and there are always gobs of cute shank buttons that I have no idea what to do with, but hate to throw out since they are so darn cute!

Step 2: Assemble your needle, thread, and bobby pins along with the shank buttons you chose. Thread your needle and place the shank button between the ends of the bobby pin so that it is lying flat against the button. Sew the thread through the shank.

Step 3: Pull the thread through the ends of the bobby pin and loop back through the shank.

Step 4: Knot the thread each time you pass it through the shank. Make sure to alternate coming up through the shank from both sides, as to ensure a tight adhesion.

That's it!

Cute and unique hair pins that use up some of those buttons you have no idea what to do with.

Pull Tab Surprise

2011-12-16T15:45:00.000-06:00

I like to keep stuff. Lots of stuff. Bottles. Jars. Cottage Cheese containers. You get the idea.

I have convinced myself that I might need it some day, or that I could think of a way to upcycle it and enjoy a second time around. Usually that day never comes and the only thing that is accomplished is more space being filled up in my basement.

Until I saw this idea at a PTA meeting. It is so cute. It's a great green alternative to wrapping paper and boxes, and the best part is you get a smile EVERY time you give it to someone. Guaranteed.

All you need is:

Pull tab can (the kind that hold veggies/fruits)
Hot glue gun or clear caulk

Optional: ribbon, scrap paper, bow, gift tag

Step One:
Empty your can by opening from the BOTTOM with a can opener. Be sure to not go all the way around as this will make it easier to adhere back together later.

Step Two:
Empty contents and rinse can thoroughly with soap and water.

Step Three:
Dry can completely and place desired object(s) inside.

Step Four:
Hot glue or caulk the can closed. Caulk will need a few hours to dry, so keep that in mind if using.

Step Five:
Decorate if desired. Also is cute left plain, especially for a guy.

Pinenut Encrusted Green Beans

2011-12-01T08:50:00.000-06:00

I am in a vegetable slump in my house.

Partly due to the facts that:

I am a picky eater. Think that kid you hate your children to invite over to dinner because they only pick at everything on the plate.
I get sick of things easily, especially food.
I eat a low carbohydrate diet, and so vegetables such as: corn, peas, and potatoes, which the kiddos like; are not an option.

One vegetable I love is green beans. They can not be frozen or canned though, only fresh. They are an affordable vegetable, we bought ours last night for $1.20/lb. and work well with a variety of flavors.

Here is a green bean that got rave reviews on our table last night, and that I hope will do the same for you.

Ingredients:

water
a large pot with a lid
1 Tbsp salt
1 lb fresh green beans, ends snipped off (perfect project for a wiggly child)
3 Tbsp butter
1/2 c. pinenuts, chopped
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp. lemon juice
black pepper to taste
1/2 tsp kosher salt (yes, again)

Bring the water and salt to a boil. Add the beans, cover and let cook at fast simmer for about 5 - 7 minutes until nearly done. Drain.

Return the hot pot to the stove. Melt the butter on MEDIUM heat. Add the pine nuts and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring constantly until the butter browns and the pine nuts turn mostly golden or brown. Remove the pot from the heat. Add the green beans and the 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine. Add the lemon juice and stir to combine. Add the pepper and additional salt if needed.

What's for dinner? November 30, 2011

2011-11-30T22:00:00.000-06:00

So many of us are busy with kids, work, school, volunteering, and a myriad of other things that planning a menu for the family every night can be the last thing anyone wants to do at 11:00 at night.

I am going to try a "What's for dinner?" segment on South 35th. There will likely not be any life changing recipes or ideas on here, and most of the main entrees will be geared toward easy, affordable, and low carbohydrate recipes.

If you have a goof recipe, or link to one, I would love to hear it. :)

Main entree:

Crock Pot Beef Fajitas
Ingredients:

1 1/2 lb. beef flank steak
1 large onion, chopped
2 tbsp chopped garlic
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
14.5 oz can stewed tomatoes
6 low carb tortillas
1 tbsp lime juice
any extras your family likes such as: cheese, sour cream, olives, and so on.

1.Trim fat from meat and cut into 6 pieces.

2.In slow cooker combine onion, cilantro, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Top with meat; add un-drained tomatoes.

3.Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours. To heat tortillas, wrap them in foil and cook at 350 10-15 minutes.

4.Use a fork and shred meat in crock pot. Return meat to crock pot and stir in lime juice. Place shredded meat in tortillas and place all additional ingredients wanted on top.

Fruit:
1/2 c. unsweetened applesauce for the kids with cinnamon and "just like brown sugar".

Vegetable:
Spinach and romaine salad with ranch and bacon bits.

Sweet:
Sugar free generic pudding with homemade whipped cream. Pudding is made with unsweetened coconut milk and the whipped cream is simply heavy whipping cream, some splenda, a tsp vanilla blended until smooth and creamy.

Homemade Greek Yogurt Recipe

2011-11-30T11:41:00.000-06:00

I admit it, I have jumped on the Greek yogurt bandwagon. It is low in carbs, delicious, full of good for you cultures....and expensive. I found myself going through a $5.00 container every 2-3 days and had to finally admit that I had a problem.

Only I didn't want to give up my daily fix! So, I decided to try and make my own.

I am quite happy to report that the results were quite delicious :).

Ingredients/Supplies:

1/2 gallon of 1% or higher milk
2-3 Tbsp of yogurt with active live cultures
kitchen thermometer
blanket/large towel
oven with a light/thermos
heavy bottomed pan or double boiler
mixing spoon
glass or ceramic bowl
coffee filters/cheesecloth
2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream of buttermilk

Pour entire 1/2 gallon of milk into heavy saucepan or double boiler with the heat turned to medium. Stir occasionally until the thermometer reads 180 degrees, then remove immediately from heat.Transfer your heated milk to a glass or ceramic bowl and set out on a counter until it reaches 105-110 degrees. Make sure to leave this uncovered so as to not inhibit the healthy bacteria.

When the milk has cooled, turn on your oven light to warm the oven. Mix together the 2-3 Tbsp of yogurt with the heavy cream/buttermilk until smooth.

Add the yogurt mix to the milk and stir well to combine.

Wrap the bowl in a blanket or towel and place inside the over for 7-8 hours. Make sure that no part of the cloth touches the light bulb.

Take off the cloth and voila, you have yogurt! You can stop here if you wish, but in order to make Greek yogurt follow these additional steps:

Remove the yogurt mix and place a strainer on top of a bowl. Line the strainer with coffee filters or cheesecloth.

Pour yogurt mix into strainer and place in the refrigerator for a hour. Drain whey from bottom of bowl. Return to refrigerator for another hour and again pour out the whey.

If done properly, it should come off in a sheet from the strainer.

Put in a container with a tight fitting in your refrigerator and enjoy for up to six days...although mine does not last more than three :).

Flannel Shirt to Juggling Fun!

2011-11-29T23:19:00.000-06:00

   In my son's third grade class their juggling kit is a huge hit. Every time there is indoor recess, there is a mad dash for all the "best toys".

   The problem was that my son really enjoyed learning how to juggle, while some of the other boys liked the juggling sacks for their ease of throwing at each other.

   Every time the kids had recess inside I heard about how he didn't get to use the juggling kit, and how he was frustrated that the other kids were not using it correctly.

   One night, while transforming some old flannel shirts into a skirt (tutorial on that to come!), I thought of making him his own juggling sacks with the left over material. It was soft, easy to sew, and not as girlie as much of my other fabric on hand was. I also happened upon a box of barley that I had planned on making soup with, but since it had been over 2 years, I decided that juggling sack stuffing would put this shelf warmer to better use.

Materials:
*scissors
*old flannel shirt or other scrap fabric
*pins (for holding fabric scraps together)
*sewing machine or needle
*thread
*measuring tape or ruler
*barley, rice, or other dried beans
* 1/2 cup measuring cup
*funnel

1. Start with a nice pre-washed fabric that your child likes. Juggling takes time and practice to learn, and that is a lot more fun to do with sacks that they like looking at.

2. Measure 5 inch squares and cut out your fabric. I found that folding the shirt in half cut down on the cutting time as this way you can do two at once. A good number to shoot for is six, in order to make three juggling sacks.

3. Putting wrong sides together, pin them closed on three sides. Sew the bags closed on three sides you just pinned. Now, on the fourth side you want to stop about an inch or two from totally closing it, as you need to be able to pull it right side out.

4. Pull the fabric right side out through the small opening and grab your measuring cup and rice/barley/dried beans.

5. Take your funnel and place the end in the opening. Measure 1/2 cup of the filling of your choice into the bag.

6. Remove the funnel and carefully sew the bag shut. Try to stay as close as possible to the edge in order to maintain a clean look.

I made my son his own set of three for home, and later in the week decided to make a set for his classroom. His teacher and classmates were thrilled, and my son can practice his juggling at school if he wants :).

Homemade Oxi-Clean

2011-11-29T13:23:00.001-06:00

I am not a great housekeeper. I like to think I am. But, when it comes to it, I am a total "shove everything in the basement" kind of girl.

Vacuuming bores me, dusting makes me sneeze, and dishes give me dry hands.

But laundry is another story all together. I am slightly neurotic when it comes to laundry. I am the only one that can do it right in our house.

Maybe it I smell clothes when they come out to make sure that they emit the right mixture of fragrance and cleanliness, and have been known to rewash clothes that just weren't soft enough. I use a certain detergent, softener, and dryer sheets. I loved all of them but my stain treatment.

It was expensive. I tried cheap knock-off stain sticks, sprays, and pastes. Nothing worked as good as the high-end real deal.

Until now. Homemade oxi-clean. Yay!!!!!

You will need:

A container with a tight fitting lid
1 c. water
1/2 c. hydrogen peroxide
1/2 c. baking soda

Simply mix all the ingredients in your container and secure the lid. Shake well before each use and let stain soak anywhere from 15 minutes to overnight.

I personally have not had any problems with color fading/bleeding, but you should always check your own clothes in a not-so-noticeable area first if you are concerned.

Happy washing!

Thrift Store Redo

2011-11-18T13:37:00.001-06:00

I found this wood shelf at a thrift store for $1. Yes, it was oakish and looked like it belonged in your moms living room circa 1985....but it was calling to me.

It sat in our basement for a long time, and then one day while passing by my personal Mt. Everest of unfinished craft crap, it whispered to me. I pulled it out and grabbed my best friend, cheap white spray paint.

Now it's been reborn as a cute and dare I say shabby-chic esque scarf organizer.

Mushroom Philly Cheese Steak

2011-11-17T22:26:00.001-06:00

Winter is horrible for my diet. As soon as the cold winds start blowing, all I want to do is curl up on the couch with a warm plate of gooey cheesy hot food and hibernate until it is above 60. Unfortunately, that is not really an option for me, and I am trying to eat as healthy as I can before all of the Thanksgiving/Christmas dinners.

This morning I was craving a Philly sandwich. I decided to try to make a healthy low carb version in the crock pot as I have been feeling extremely lazy lately.

This is fast, filling, and healthy :)

Ingredients:

1-1.5 lb. Flank Steak
1 8 oz. package sliced mushrooms
1 large onion, sliced
2 cups beef stock/broth
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
Mayo to taste
Sliced provolone
Buns/wraps of your choice

In a large skillet, heat up the oil and brown the steak on both sides.
Meanwhile, in the crock pot, place sliced onion, seasoning, and mushrooms.
Place meat on top and add broth.
Cover and cook on High for 5 hours or Low for 10.
Shred meat with two forks and serve on bread of your choice with mayo and cheese.

Button Love

2011-11-09T11:54:00.000-06:00

Big J's niece is getting married this weekend, and I had no clue what to get her. I didn't want to go the registry route, as I wanted to give them something that was handmade and they could hold on to. I went into my craft room and sat staring at all of my supplies. I had just purchased a huge jar of buttons from the thrift store and decided to use them along with an old dollar store shadow frame to make them a framed button heart. I hope they love it, if not, I am totally stealing it to put it in my bedroom :).

Here is what you will need:

- shadow box frame

-thread and needle

-glue gun with glue

-lots and lots of buttons

-paper for backing

Step 1:

Pry the back off of your frame

Step 2:

If there was an embellishment in the frame take/scrape it out

Step 3:

Hand rip your scrap paper to roughly fit the frame backing. Just eyeball it. It does not need to look perfect, and actually looks better imperfect.

Step 4:

Place your paper against your backing to see if you like the fit, if you want more of a rustic look. let more of the backing show through.

Step 5:
With a pencil, draw a hear shape on your paper

Step 6:

Using your needle and thread, begin sewing buttons all around the perimeter of your heart shape. You can also use hot glue to do this, but I like the look of the hand sewn buttons.

Step 7:
Fill in the heart with buttons. Where there are gaps, bend the paper and wedge buttons in, sewing them in place. This will give your heart dimension, and make the buttons really stand out.

Step 8:

Place hot glue along the back of the paper, wrong side up

Step 9:

Press heart gently onto backing of frame add more glue if needed.

Step 10:

Glue frame back in place with hot glue. Press backing onto frame to secure.

Finished Product:

Low Carb Chicken Soup

2011-11-08T10:22:00.000-06:00

Before posting this recipe, let me first off confess that I am not the world's biggest fan of soup. I never crave it, order it when we are out to eat, or stock some in our cupboards for emergencies.

BUT, the other day we had our first snow fall. Huge flakes came tumbling down and for the hour before it all melted, everything outside was a beautiful cold wonderland.

And I wanted soup.

Weird, but the results were delicious! Best part? Everyone liked it, even little J....who is allergic to all things veggie :).

Ingredients:

-10 cups chicken stock (or 10 bouillon cubes with 10 cups boiling water)

-2 large chicken breast, cut into piece sizes your family prefers

-4 oz. can mushrooms, drained

-4 oz. fresh sliced mushrooms (this is optional, my family loves mushrooms so they are in almost everything I make)

-1 onion, chopped

-4 carrots, chopped

-4 celery stalk, chopped

-1 bag of cauliflower, chopped (I did this in the food processor to get a fine grain like texture)

-1/2 c. butter + a couple tsp.

-1 small jicama, chopped (optional, but adds a nice faux potato taste and texture to the soup)

-2 Tbsp. curry

-salt and pepper to taste

Step 1:

In food processor fitted with a blade chop cauliflower into fine particles.

Step2:

In large soup pot saute the onion, celery, carrots, and mushrooms in the butter.

Step 3:

Add curry and cook for 3-4 more minutes.

Step 4:

Add chicken stock and simmer over low-med heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5:

Add the rest of your ingredients and simmer for 20-25 more minutes.

Enjoy!

Easy & Cheap Fall Decor

2011-11-07T12:56:00.000-06:00

Easy and Cheap Fall Vase from Dollar Store Items

I love fall. Especially Halloween. Mostly for decorating reasons. I think that witch doormats and spiderweb encases porches make just about anyone feel like a kid again.

But, when a holiday is over I want the decorations down ASAP. The day after the kids and I went out and pulled up all the tombstones, took down the spiderwebs and lights, and went around the house tucking all of our Halloween decorations away until next year.

As soon as Joe came home from work, much to his excitement I could tell, he went to the attic and brought down the fall tote. We opened it and proceeded to take out five things. Yep, 5. Some wooden leaves for the front porch, a wreath, a cornucopia, and a scarecrow votive holder. That was it. "This can't be all", I told him. His look back assured me that it was.

I was SURE that we had more. I debated putting some of the Halloween stuff back out like the plug in pumpkins, but decided that it would drive me crazy if I did. A trip to Dollar Tree was in order I decided.

The next day Claire, Joseph, and I were on the hunt. But, as it was November 2nd, all of the fall decor had already been put away, and the only things out were related to Christmas. Ugh!!!

In the clearance isle I spotted some paper leaf doilies. I decided that I HAD to buy something, so I took them home and decided to tape them to our windows like falling leaves. Then I decided that it would look pretty to Mod Podge them onto a large vase I had been saving. It turned out great, I think. We have been putting pumpkin scented candles in it and lighting it at night, it adds a nice "fall-ish" glow to the room, and is perfect to keep up until Christmas decorating time.

Here is the how-to:

Things you will need:

-mod Podge and foam brush

-paper leaf doilies (or dried real leaves)

-clear acrylic spray

-vase

-candle

-razor blade or exact-o knife

First off, grab a vase or large jar that can fit the leaves you have chosen. I went for a large mouthed tall skinny vase, but any jar would do as well. You will want to liberally coat your foam brush and coat the vase 1/2 of the way up with a thick layer of mod podge. I experimented with going all of the way up, but found that half way yielded the best results.

After you have coated the jar, begin to layer your leaves in a pattern that you like. Be sure to be careful is using paper leaves as they will tear easy. Carefully smooth them down as you place them as to limit air bubbles.

Carefully place a layer of mod podge over each leave as you place them, making sure that all surfaces of the leaves are covered.

After all of the leaves are placed and covered, allow your vase to dry. I turned mine upside down to help protect the finish.

As soon as your vase is dry, seal the leaves by spraying a clear acrylic spray all over them. Be careful to only spray the area where there are leaves. Let dry again.

Next, take your razor blade or exact-o knife and cut along the perimeter of the leaves. The mod podge will come off quite easily, almost like a thin layer of dried glue on skin. Carefully peel off the excess and clean up any unwanted blemished on your glass.

Finally, grab a candle, light it and enjoy your masterpiece!!

Free bagel.....count me in!

2011-05-09T09:24:00.000-05:00

From now until May 16th, Bruegger's is offering a FREE bagel with cream cheese at all participating locations. You can print off the coupon above, or find the original link here.

I love Bruegger's, there is even one in walking distance from our home, but I make my own bagels and am cheap :). I know where I am grabbing my lunch today!

Six Word Saturday

2011-05-07T09:20:00.000-05:00

Show My Face has a very nice blog hop on Saturdays. In her own words:

" Want to play along? All that's necessary to participate is to describe your life (or something) in a phrase using just six words. For more information, try clicking here. Feel free to explain or not explain. Add an image, a video, a song, nothing."

My six words for today?

So glad to see the sun!!!! :)

5 Question Friday

2011-05-06T09:07:00.000-05:00

For those of you that are new....go link up over at My Little Life . She lists the Sneak Peek on Thursday night and then you look for the linky list on Friday morning. Copy and paste the 5 questions listed and answer them.

1. Have you ever had roommates?

2. How many names do you/your children have? (i.e. Prince Charming William Phillip Arthur Louis John Jacob Jingleheimer-Schmidt)

3. Did you watch the Royal Wedding?

4. What is the messiest room in your house?

5. What is your ideal mothers day?

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1. Have you ever had roommates?
Not unless you count my little brother who lived with us for a short time.

2. How many names do you/your children have? (i.e. Prince Charming William Phillip Arthur Louis John Jacob Jingleheimer-Schmidt)

They all have at least 3 nicknames. I have no idea what my fascination with this is :).

3. Did you watch the Royal Wedding?

No, but we did have tea and crumpets for breakfast. Well, really we had strawberry milk and crescent rolls, but that's how I roll.

4. What is the messiest room in your house?

Not really a room...the basement is a pit of despair I try to keep guests away from at all costs.

5. What is your ideal mothers day?
Mexican food, hugs and kisses, being outside having fun

Early Mother's Day Surprise

2011-05-06T01:33:00.000-05:00

I am a holiday lover. I love any excuse to celebrate, bake, and decorate. One of my guilty secrets is keeping an Oriental Trading Company calendar in my craft room so that I will know when National Ducky Day or Rainbow Day falls so that I can do something to commemorate them…..usually this involves the cricut, my stove, and some sort of theme music.

One holiday that I do not get all gun-ho and overboard about is Mother’s Day. Please do not misunderstand me though. I am in no way saying that my family does not celebrate it, or that they don’t make me feel special every year on this day, because believe me, they do! I guess its just that on this day I can’t really plan on anything for someone else (mom and mother-in-law excluded of course).

Like most of you, there is probably a
100 to 1 ratio of pictures of everyone else in your family to you. Why? Because we are the archive and celebration keepers. As a mom, it is in your nature to make those around you happy. As a mom, you tend not to think about yourself much.

Saying all that, just as I was headed out the door this morning I see a Fed Ex guy coming up our stairs to the front door. I sign for the package, and inside the box there is a tag that reads:

And inside the box are three smaller boxes. Each containing a small orchid in a small clay pot. They are beautiful, delicate, pink and perfect. And there are three of them, one for each one of my children.

When I called Joe to tell him thank you, he told me "Happy early Mother's Day sweetie...you deserve a whole week of surprises". I feel so blessed to have a wonderful man in my life like Joe who always puts my well-being and happiness above his. I am so used to doing this myself, that these acts of kindness of his always mean the world to me.

Coconut-y Caramel-y Cookie Bars

2011-05-06T00:17:00.000-05:00

I am one of the only people in my house who like coconut. The smell, taste, and texture all can send me into a tailspin of overeating faster than the stress of a high school reunion.

There had been a bag of coconut sitting in my cupboard for almost two months. I had originally bought it to make some cute Easter treats, but since I am one of the only people in my house that like coconut, it sat unopened. Every time I opened the door to get any baking supply it would call my name. So today I embraced my cocnut fever and made these cookie bars. When baked, the center of these bars come out somewhat gooey and caramel-esque in flavor, therefore the name of the post.

I hope you enjoy making these as much as I enjoyed eating them!

Ingredients:
1 ½ to 2 cups of coconut
2 cups of packed brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp sea salt
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup butter
Cooking spray
3 beaten room temp eggs

First thing you will do is make your cookie’s crust. Preheat your oven to 350. Add ½ cup of the brown sugar, the flour, and butter in a large mixing bowl. Beat with a mixer on low speed until the mix becomes fine and smooth. Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray, and using a spoon or spatula, press mixture into the bottom of the pan, coating as evenly as possible. Bake this for 10-15 minutes, until nicely browned.

While this is baking, combine your eggs, the rest of the brown sugar, vanilla, salt, baking powder, and coconut together in a mixing bowl. I use a mixer to combine everything together besides the coconut, preferring to add it last with a spoon to keep the texture of the coconut.

Using your spatula or spoon again, spread the coconut mix over the cookie crust.

Bake an additional 20-25 minutes. You will need to wait until this is cool to the touch to cut, and make sure that you are using a sharp knife, or your pieces will come out wonky. (Then you will have to make the ultimate sacrifice for your family and re-cut them all, eating the scraps so that they look perfect!)

Four Things....

2011-05-05T23:26:00.000-05:00

I was "tagged" with these questions from Kortney from Kortney's Krazy Life.

So here's what you do...just answer these questions and then tag someone else!! Simple and fun! Be sure to link back to the person that tagged you! Have fun!!

Four Places I go:

Kid's School
Grocery Store
Dollar Tree
Thrift Stores

Four Smells that I Love:

Lilac
Vanilla
Tide
Babies

Four Favorite TV Shows:

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Arrested Development
Glee
Colbert Report

Four Favorite Movies:

Stranger Than Fiction
The Corpse Bride
Moulin Rouge
Chicago

Four Recommendations:

Aldi the grocery store for meat
vinegar as a laundry softener
lingerie bag for all your delicates
being silly