The Blueberry Moon

UR Priceless................

noreply@blogger.com (blueberrymoon) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 02:04:00 +0000

Yea!!!! Today is my day!
For those of you who don't know......this is a blog hop displaying little coin purses made from the adorable pattern above. Please take a few moments and check out all the amazing work the other hoppers have done. Just click on the image above and you will find a full schedule for the hop.

I must have been feeling whimsical when I made my little purses.

Don't you think????

I have never used a purse frame before. It was a little challenging..........
But the sewing was fun and easy.
If you want the Pattern....... find it here!

I wish.... I had a little more time to make a bunch more.
I think they would make cute Christmas gifts. Stuff a gift card inside........ and ta done!!

My girl Brie loves pandas, so this one is for her.

I just love a mustache !!!!

Especially a mustache with Money $$$$$

Well there you have it..... My little purses !!!

Have a wonderful weekend!!!!!

Start by checking out the other lovely bloggers on the hop today :)

Polka Dot Classic
Geta's Quilting Studio
Busy Bee Free
Briarside Lane
Quilts and Dogs
Blueberrymoon
Debbie R
suebee's World
Englating
Les passions de Cliodana
Colorpoint Quilter
On the Go Quilting
Personalized Sketchesand Sentiments
Freemotion by the River
grannygoodstuff
Scrapbook-ChickADoodle

Hello Beautiful Strangers.....

noreply@blogger.com (blueberrymoon) — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 20:17:00 +0000

Wow! it has been busy at the homestead.........

I haven't been doing too much worth writing about.Unless you want to here about volleyball games, boy crushes or homework assignments. Boring!!!!!!

I did manage to finally finish a Pincushion set for a swap I joined on ...

If you haven't checked out Threadbias yet. Please do. It is so fun to see all the projects going together.

Here is my finished little Tweet in a nest, with a pin sharpening leaf.

I whipped up the little leaf from some wool felt. Then stuffed it tight with 00 steel wool.
I hope my Swap Partner likes it.
She really went all out on mine!!!!!!!!!

This is the pincushion Kathie sent me.........

Isn't this just the cutest thing!!! What a doll. She even sent a lovely note and some sweet sewing extras. Sewing ladies are the sweetest ladies!!!!!!

Pumpkin Spice Pancakes.....

noreply@blogger.com (blueberrymoon) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 21:46:00 +0000

I love fall !! One of my favorite things about fall is the Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks.

My girls LOVE them too. I have to hide my cup. I don't think they need to be coffee drinkers just yet.......

I came up with a couple fun Pumpkin Spice recipes. Then they can get the pumpkin spice love too........

I'll share my Favorite today.

These are my all time... most favorite.. pancakes EVER!!!!!

To make them even better..... Try my Family Favorite syrup!

Pancake recipe modified from Allrecipes.com

INGREDIENTS:

Wet…..
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Dry……
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground allspice
2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon salt

I had a little helper in the kitchen for these, Bridgitt.

Mix eggs and pumpkin together well. Add the rest of the wet ingredients. Mix very well.

Measure dry ingredients into a separate bowl .

Mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix until blended but do not over mix. They will lose their fluff.

Cook on the griddle. They come out darker than regular pancakes. That is okay. They taste AMAZING!!

Enjoy with butter and Family's Favorite syrup.

I have found a lot of shortcuts through the years of cooking for this big family. When you are trying to get everyone fed in a hurry, every minute counts!

On pancake days, I find it easier to melt the butter into the syrup, rather than spread butter on each pancake.

Which comes to this recipe. I have added some little extras over the years to make this syrup the.....

Family's Favorite Syrup

1 cup pancake syrup

1/4 cup butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Heat ingredients in microwave for 1 1/2 minutes on high.

Stir well to blend. Pour on pancakes.

YUMMY!!!!

I hope you enjoy these pancakes.

If you don't feel the "Fall Spirit" yet.

You will after these babies!

It Was A Ugly Weekend.............

noreply@blogger.com (blueberrymoon) — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 01:44:00 +0000

Well, I thought I was going to get a lot of

sewing done this weekend.

Turns out.....not sew much!

Well, not the sewing I thought I was going to get to anyway.

I did make a cute softie for a little girl's birthday.

Bridgitt the 7 year old informed me that shopping was not an option. She wanted to give her friend something sewn.

An Ugly Softie......... (shhhhhh... ugly doll knock off...).

It was so ugly I thought I had better cute it up a bit. A tutu and a heart on the booty did the trick.........

We have been making these for the

kids friends for a while now.

I love how fabric and stuffing becomes cherished friends.

Bridgitt was excited to give this little creature away!

Yes....she is always this smiley!!!

Here are some other friends created over the years.........

If you have never sewn a friend..... Do it!!

It is fun!

A Bunch of ugly........

Humpty........

Kitty Fish...........

Owls by Bronte........

Monster.........

Max by Brooke.........

Love Ninja by Brooke..........

Ugly for Ben's Girlfriend..........

I love them all !!!!!

I have to say I have so many UFO's around here.......... I really need to get'er done!!!

If I could keep myself from Pinterest and Instagram for a day or two it might help!! LOL

I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend!!!!

May the following week be productive for all.....

Easy Enchiladas........

noreply@blogger.com (blueberrymoon) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 21:27:00 +0000

Hello Folks!!
I hope you all had a wonderful week.

We have been busy here. Parent teacher conferences,

Brooke's volleyball and a whole host of other
time sucking events. Enjoyable but, time intense.

On Wednesday night Brooke had a home game.
It was my night to feed the team. These girls can eat!!

When I asked Brooke what she wanted me to bring.....She chose my chicken enchiladas.

Since I deliver food for the team at 5:30 and the family is hungry at the same time.
I knew a huge batch or two was called for.
I usually make these when I need a super quick dinner.
They are fast to make but, taste like you slaved for days. Most of the time when I make these ...
I just grab rotisserie chickens from the grocer's deli.
I have to use 2 for my big family.

And for the team and the family it was looking like I would need double plus.......

When I got to the Grocers and saw the price
and size of the chickens... I was shocked.
Is it just me or are the rotisserie chickens getting smaller and the price is getting higher ????
For a wimpy 2 lb. chicken from the deli, the price was $5.99. They looked more like cornish hens for goodness sakes!!!!!
I literally could fit one in the palm of my hand.
Luckily ...... Whole chickens were on sale for 99 cents a pound. So, roasting my own chickens it was.
I bought a 5lb and a 6lb whole chicken for $11 dollars. the same amount of meat from the deli would have been 3 times as much. Which is no big deal if you only need one chicken. Because your cooking for a regular size family... lol
But the Kids are many...and the appetites are LARGE!!

If you have never roasted your own chicken.... I'll give you some tips. Then I will share the recipe for the enchiladas. If you need a quick dinner this weekend. It is sure to please. And if you give roasting you own chickens a try.... roast double. It only takes a few minutes more. and then you can stick the meat in the freezer for a very fast chicken dinner later in the week.

So here goes.........

There are a lot of fancy ways to roast a chicken.
This is not one of them. This is a method purely to achieve great tasting cooked meat. They are not tied up and pretty.... but they taste good and it is fast!!!

Set your oven to 400 degrees.
Get your chicken out of the bag, clean out the cavity and disgard contents. Give the chicken a quick rinse then pat dry. Cover a shallow baking pan (or cookie sheet) with foil. Toss your chicken on the pan. Using either butter or olive oil about 2 tablespoons. Rub down the chicken. Then sprinkle the chicken liberally with salt. I use grey sea salt.
It is wonderful !!!

This is what my two birds looked like.

You can see the nice crust of sea salt. The skin will be crispy and the chicken flavorful.
Toss in oven and roast for about an hour.
The birds should look very golden brown.

You can tell if the chicken is done by sticking a fork in the thigh. If the juices run out clear, done. (You can also insert a meat thermometer it should read 180 degrees).

It is ready to pull out of the oven.

Yummy!!

When the chickens are out. Crack the top the chickens and slightly open the meat from the bone with a fork. This will let the steam escape and start the cooling process.

When the chicken has cooled just enough for you to
handle it, without you screaming your head off ....
Use a fork and your fingers. ( It really is the only way)
Pull of all the meat. Then shred. These two birds gave me enough meat for 30 good sized enchiladas!!!!!

Now for the Enchiladas.......

Here is what I used.......... I love Macayo's Green Enchiladas sauce. But any kind will do.

If your making this for a family of 4 to 6.
You will need.......

A whole chicken 3 to 4 lbs. (Deli or home roasted)
1 - 32 oz. can of green enchilada sauce
1 small can of diced green chilis
1 package of flour tortillas
1 16 oz. sour cream (more if you want for topping)
4 cups shredded Colby / Jack cheese. (More if you want them really cheesy)

For my friend Jill........
You can use low fat cheese, sour cream and tortillas to make this a lil' healthier.
Still tastes great!!

( I sorta spaced taking pics here.......ooops)

For the filling.
Mix the chicken, sour cream, 3 cups of the cheese and the diced green chilis together in a bowl.
Taste. Add a little salt if needed.
In your baking dish, pour about a quarter of the can of sauce in the bottom of the dish.
To assemble.
Lay out a flour tortilla in the middle add a dollop of the filing. Roll the tortillas around the filling.
Like in this Link

Lay each enchilada side by side in your pan.
When finished pour remaining sauce and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Here is all 30....

Bake at 375 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Serve with sour cream on top if you like.

A green salad with chips and salsa makes
this dish a whole meal.

I hope everyone has an amazing weekend.

I will ...I am sewing!!!!!!!!

Tweet Tweet..........

noreply@blogger.com (blueberrymoon) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 18:12:00 +0000

I am sewing birds. And I can't stop.........

But come on!!! Are they not the cutest?!!!

It all started when I joined a pincushion swap over at Threadbias.

I went on the google machine looking for inspiration........

and there it was.

The Birdie Pincushion Pattern.

It is pretty easy to make. So ....Why make just one???

I will confess my hand sewing is for the birds

(pardon the pun). I try ........

I started with a basket of scraps. And the pattern.

Trying to match up fabrics for cute lil' birds.

Then I sewed them up on the machine.

Stuffed them and pinned wings and tail in place.

Then hand sew to finish........

One lil' girlie bird done.....

many to go:)

Have a fun weekend " Peeps" !!!!

Update!

I have gone mad..... I have made 11 of these. For no good reason really!!!

Maybe Christmas ornaments?

My cat Merlin likes them. Maybe a cat toy :)

More pics!!

Broken Bark and Dishes......

noreply@blogger.com (blueberrymoon) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 05:09:00 +0000

Sounds like a party in the woods..........

But, it is just my finished quilt. Finally!!!!!

I think this is the first quilt that I have made, where I took pictures all through the process.
Thank you instagram.

I knew when I started this one, it was for me. My bedroom is dark woods, deep caramel walls and lavender bedding.
So, I chose fabrics that were bright and dark at the same time. And had all my colors in it.
I went with......
Heirloom by Joel Dewberry (the ruby palette)
And Bark from his Aviary collection

Since, I am not much for a quilt pattern or even a plan........
I just started playing.

I came up with the block....

And then played with it some more.....

Had a beverage......... in a mason jar, of course!!

Then sewed a whole bunch!

Sewed it together. Made the binding.....

Thought about a border..... Couldn't decide. So, I skipped it. Pieced the back.

Then quilted it together. Put the binding on.....

Can you see my squiggly machine quilting? I just loved how it turned out:)

And now..... I have a quilt. Just for me!! :)

Here are a few more pics of my finished baby!!!

A little shady......

A moment in the sun.......

Showing off her backside.....

Some time just hanging around.....

And a pic of my assistant Brie. Always there with a lint roller, a free hand, and a smile.

Well.......... finishing a quilt is a bittersweet.
I love that it's done. But, now to begin again.

I haven' the foggiest idea what my next quilt will be right now. Maybe, I will finish some UFO's..............Hmmmmm.

Hugs and Happy Sewing!!!!

Playing with Pictures.......

noreply@blogger.com (blueberrymoon) — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 21:07:00 +0000

I love taking pictures. I am not great at it, but I try.

Lately it seems like the harder I try....

The more discouraged I get. Before the digital revolution.

I took a million pictures, developed them. Chose a couple photos out of the pack and put them in a album.

Done! Now, my life of photos has become quite different.

I take 2 million pictures....look at them in iphoto.

I think to myself.....man they just seem so BLAH!!!!

So, then I get discouraged and yell for Bronte.

She will pic a few photos and say, "These are great Mom." With that sweet look in her eye that says....aren't you sweet for trying mom. I recognize that look because it is the same one I gave her.... when she was little and

I was still better at things that her....

In this realm, she is superior!!

Well, I am done feeling sorry for myself!!!

I decided to teach myself a couple things.

(I can't face that look from Bronte again!!! )

One of the things I decided to learn was how to develop photos in some post processing programs.

I had pretty low expectations for myself.

But, I am here to say..... I think I got this!!!!

I first played with Photoshop.... I love Photoshop. I am just barely at a beginner level. It is a slight bit over my head.

I did understand and love the using the Actions option in Photoshop. There are TONS of free Actions downloads out there in internet land. And easy to understand instructions.

Just click on this link.

With my learning curve being a bit of a disability.......

Next, I tried Aperture. I found it super easy and really fun. In Aperture you can use Presets. To adjust your photos. And again there are tons of free downloads out there. Making aperture the easiest to pic up and run with.

Being the curious one.... I had to try Lightroom.

I LOVE IT !!!!! It is slightly more complicated than Aperture. But, way more beginner friendly than Photoshop. And yet again.......tons of free Presets downloads.

You want to see what this 45 year old barely computer friendly lady taught herself ?

Please keep in mind.... I am just a newbie.

And, I learned everything on my own with just the google machine! It amazes me what you can teach yourself with just a little gumption and the internet! Am I right?

Before / After

This is a photo of Brooke. Great pic..... But with a little help from Aperture. Better!

This is a picture I took of Ben.

I like the original photo (center). I caught some sun rays and sun spots, along with his super cute smile.

It really did shine more in the Lightroom fix (left).

The Aperture fix(right) has a great modern vintage feel........

If that makes any sense.

I took this pic of Brie while out shooting the Mason Jar Cozy. Just a quick spontaneous shot. This one was done with Photoshop actions. I love the golden highlights!!!

I know this probably sounds crazy.....

This is one of my favorite pictures of Ben. He was just staring off into space. I took it without him even really knowing.

Something about the fact that it is so candid.

I can feel him in this one. Crazy I know!!!!

I adjusted it in Lightroom.

I think by taking out the color ... it focuses on him and the elements around him that I loved. The bricks, parking meters and sun rays. But loses the fray. Like the patrons in the far back. I was also able to sharpen up his face and remove some shadows.

(FYI if you click on the photos they get bigger :) )

Isn't this one a hoot!!

Brie always has a smile on her face.

But in this pic that Bronte took. She looks all tough and stuff. Since she looked like a little skater kid..... I wanted to give this pic a old school california dog town feel.

I think I nailed it!!

I guess I have learned a couple things.

I feel way more energized to go out there

and take some photos!!!

I may be an old dog....but, I can still learn a new trick or two.

If you are more experienced at this I would LOVE some tips!!!

If you wanna try it like me ....

I found this free program that can get you started.

Right Here!

I got lucky when I bought my Mac.

It was loaded with all this cool stuff.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Even though there wasn't any fabric or food involved......

Have a great week guys!!

Hugs!

Winner!!

noreply@blogger.com (blueberrymoon) — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 16:12:00 +0000

First off!!! Thanks for all the sweet comments !!! I have the very best peeps!!!

I had a lot of fun reading what you all would drink in a mason jar. I think there is something about sewing and sweet tea........ you girls love some sweet tea.

Anyway...........

We have a winner!!!!!

It is .....Angiepants!!!!

She was #28 ... picked by random.org

So, Miss Angiepants ... Let me know where to send your goodies girl!!!

Hope all of you have a great week!!!!

I am Getting Cozy with Mason.....

noreply@blogger.com (blueberrymoon) — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 05:33:00 +0000

Mason "jar" that is.............

I have had so many beautiful people ask me how I made my mason jar w/ a straw lid. And y'all loved the cozy :)

So, I thought I would share how I do it.

(Little giveaway at the bottom of this post)

First for the cozy.............

You will need some 3 inch quilt blocks,

or just a 3 inch square.

Also some knit fabric scraps or old tee shirts.

I made some 3 inch blocks.........

I added a 1 3/4" x 3" inch pieces of knit to the top
and bottom of the block.....

The I attached a 6 x 7 inch piece of knit one side of the block.

(this is when my camera died ...oooops)

Once that is done. Fold in half , with the right sides of the longest edges together. Sew . Then turn inside out. Fit it around your jar. Sew a seam right sides together, so that the cozy fits the jar and slides on like a sock.

Speaking of socks. My kids use socks with the foot cut off.... on there water bottles at school. No water rings on there desk or work.

There you have it ...one way to make a cozy.

Now, for the Straw lid.

I am going to punch a hole on my lid....

and put a grommet in it.

I am using my old snap press( from my diaper sewing days) and some grommets I found here.

If you go to your local home improvement store..... They can hook you up with a whole kit.

I have this cool little scrapbook tool kit. It has a strong hole punch and little hammer to whack it with. Perfect for metal lids.....

Make sure you have a wooden surface you dont care about. It is going to get damaged.

It is pretty simple. Whack a hole the size of the grommet in the lid. Remove any sharp edges from the hole. And tamp down edges on the bottom of the lid, you might leave some by making tho hole.

Line up the hole and the grommet.
Then press. Perfect straw hole.

What the back looks like.......

What the front looks like..........

Straw fits!!!

Put it all together now.......

I found these little red lids years ago. I still had a sealed box in my pantry :)..... there so cute.

Can you see the damage to my board.... I guess I hit it hard enough...lol

By the time I was done, camera was charged......

So, we went for a photo shoot.

4 little cozies..........

Bonus Cozy.....

Pinwheel cozy.........

Shirt sleeve cozy (I used a little stained shirt's sleeve).

Owl Block Cozy........

Paisley Cozy............

Ruffles cozy...........

And the original cozy........

I hope you liked the mason jar cozy and straw lid post!

I think they are pretty fun. I never go a day with out one...........

So y'all want one ?

How 'bout this?

Since jars are tricky to send......

I'll send you the ruffles cozy, 12 paper straws. 2 lids with straw holes and 2 packets of my favorite Mason Jar drink. Starbucks Refreshers.....VIA in very berry.

Fun little prize in the mail......right?

O.K. Here is the deal........

Leave me a comment telling me what you would drink in your jar.
If you want an extra try....Like us on Facebook
Third shot?.... Follow me on pinterest or instagram.

I'll choose a winner with Random.org on Monday.

Have a Fantastic Friday!!!!!!

I am seeing dots on dots.......

noreply@blogger.com (blueberrymoon) — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 06:22:00 +0000

Welcome to the Dots on Dots blog hop.

If your here for the first time. Please hang out and look around some. Here at the Moon. There is quilting, sewing, cooking, baking and lots of loving!!!

The challenge of this hop was to make a quilt block with dots. I love dots!!!

I knew just what I was going to do. I had been thinking about this block for a while. I had seen something like it before. But I could remember where..... and couldn't find a tutorial.

Soooooo... I took a shot at it, my way. It is a pretty old school way to do it. But, I am going to share what I came up with. I hope you like it!!!

Here is the 12 inch block I made for the hop.

I call this block "Echo Star".

I used Michael Miller's TaDot in three colors.

First, I drew it out on my beloved graph paper.

I have every computer program imaginable for these sorts of things....... But, I always go back to a pencil and paper.

After I thought I had figured it out.......

Away I went. Cutting and piecing.

It really doesn't look like its going to

work at this point.................

But, Look it does!!!!! Isn't she pretty???

If you want to try one......... Here goes!

Old school...right :) HST ( half square triangle)

Cut and piece this.....

Star 1

1~ 2 inch square of print 3

4-~1 1/4 inch Stripy HST's ( one triangle print 3, and the other triangle is the solid with a print 2 strip )

2~1 1/4 HST's print 2 and print 3

2~1 1/4 HST's solid and print 3

3~ 1 1/4 inch squares of solid

1~ 1 1/4 inch square of print 2

Star 2

2~ 2 inch squares of solid

3~ 2 inch squares of print 2

1~ 2 inch square of print 1

2~ 2 inch HST's of print 1 and print 2

4~ 2 inch Stripy HST ( one triangle print 2, and the other triangle is a solid with a print 1 strip )

Star 3

3~ 3 /12 inch squares of solid

6~ 3 1/2 inch HST's of solid and print 1

3~ 3 1/2 inch squares of print 1

This is how I made the Stripy HST.

Sew 2 strips of a solid and a print.

Using a square or triangle ruler....Cut triangles lining up the seam in the middle of the triangle (slightly larger than you will need) Cut 2 with the solid on the right and 2 with the solid on the left. Sew the stripy triangle to a whole triangle to make the square you need. Square up to the correct size.

That will give you the 4 you need.

Lay Star 1 out first. The pieces are so small.

It is on my 6 inch square ruler.

Then lay out Star 2 and 3

Then lay it all together.

Sew together Star 1 ...Add Star 1 to Star 2. Sew Star 2 together . Then add Star 2 to Star 3 then finish up the block. Square up and your done :)

What you do with your block is up to you.

I made a Mini quilt for my desk.

By adding some black around the block to suit me.

And I straight line machine quilted it.

I used some more TaDot to bind it.

You see, my desk was a mess!!!!

I do everything at this desk. Work, Blog, Sew and all kinds of other things. I thought, if I made it pretty.....

I would be nicer to it.

Hmmmmm we'll see.

Better huh?

I used some Wonder-Under and a scrap of dots

to make my mouse pad pretty too.

I Just traced my mouse pad onto fabric. Ironed the Wonder-Under to the fabric. Peeled the paper off the back and ironed fabric to the old ugly mousepad.

Good as new. And pretty too!!

Another thing ....... I am a beverage-aholic.

I always have something drink in my hand

(It rarely has alcohol in it silly, I know what your thinking....).

Coffee in the morning. And a iced something in my mason jar for the rest of the day. Right now ,

I am hooked on Starbucks refreshers!!! Lime..Yummmmm

I do love my Mason Jar. But, it does sweat. And it is often on something important. Leaving water rings everywhere.

So, I made a cozy for my jar!!

And, a coaster for when my jar is really having a sweat.

What do you think ????

My daughter Brie thought I needed some better pictures, since my office is kinda dark.... I think she just wanted to play outside. So, we went outside and shot these.

My Mason Jar loves the outside......

So did my lil' quilt......

And Brie.... likes the outside very much.

I hope you all enjoyed my Dots on Dots blog hop post!!!

Please visit the other bloggers in the hop!!
Here are the bloggers hopping today!!!

September 10th

Cat Patches

Busy Bee Quilts

Stitch by Stitch

Mary on Lake Pulaski

Just Let Me Quilt

[Amy's] Crafty Shenanigans

PolkaDotClassic

AnnieOak Designs

Blueberry Moon ( you are here)

Get the list of Bloggers and the schedule by clicking the badge below.

P.S. If you make one of these blocks,

I would LOVE to see a picture!!!

Post on my Flickr group Quilt Love

Or Instagram me @myblueberrymoon

Or even email keithena@theblueberrymoon.com

Oatmeal in a Jar........

noreply@blogger.com (blueberrymoon) — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 02:24:00 +0000

Feeding your kids a healthy breakfast is hard when you have a busy family. I am always looking for ways NOT to grab the cereal box. When I go to bed at night....I am thinking I will get up early, make pancakes and have a Brady Bunch morning. But instead it's more like, I get up late because someone shut down the alarm, then run through the house screaming..... WE ARE GOING TO BE LATE!!! GET UP!!!! And our day begins. Hectic and cold... with bowl of cereal :(
When the kiddos were little the loved instant oatmeal packets. Now that they are all pretty darn grown up. That lil' packet doesn't do the trick. Plus, those little packets are kind of expensive.

My solution....... Oatmeal in a jar.
I love oatmeal....and I love jars!!!
This works out really well. Very filling, pretty healthy and when it is a cold morning they warm up the hands pretty nice too. Perfect for those cool fall mornings that are around the corner.

When I am running really late. I can let them eat in the car on the way. They arrive with full tummies, warm hands and big smiles.

Here is how I do it.

I gathered up some jars, 8 ounce works well for this. I dug around until I found my jar filling funnel.

What do you put inside the jars you ask???

I am using Quaker Oats the quick stuff.
Nuts, raisins, cinnamon, coconut, brown sugar and salt.
If you want the fruit and cream kind....Dried fruit, powdered milk and white sugar. Should do the trick.

Put 1/2 cup oatmeal in a jar (1/3 for littles)
2 T. Coconut
A healthy sprinkling of cinnamon.......

Add few raisins, and a few chopped walnuts
Then a couple teaspoons of Brown sugar depending on how sweet you want it.
And a pinch of sea salt.( Don't skip the salt... It makes all the difference between a great oatmeal or flavorless mush)

Look at the pretty layers in the jar :)

Screw on some lids and your done.
Put them away on a shelf for a quick breakfast.
At home or on the go.

When you are ready to eat........

Poor in a 1/2 cup boiling water , give it a good stir. Then screw the lids on tight.
Wait for 5 minutes.

Then open, stir, eat, be warm and smile.

I hope you enjoy some oatmeal in a jar.
Happy Eating!!!

Some quick notes...........

When you use walnuts.

Try to always give them a quick toast in a frypan. Just put them in a med. hot pan and stir, or toss if your talented like that, until the start to glisten and you can smell them....
This releases the oils and you get such a better flavor.

Vanilla bean brown sugar.......oh yay!!!
Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean in a container of brown sugar stir then throw the pod in too.. you will be amazed at the flavor. It is sooooooooo good in coffee. And in anything else you can think of putting it. The brown sugar sucks every bit of oil out of the pod. So in a couple days you will want to discard it.

Linking Here......

Back to Sick Time.......

noreply@blogger.com (blueberrymoon) — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 18:53:00 +0000

Every year it is the same story. The kids are so excited to get back to school. Mom feels like she has her life back. We all settle into a nice routine.... Ahhhhh. Then Wham-O!!! Someone gets sick. Then it spreads like wildfire through the house. Having a big family means we lose about 3, on an average, and I have at least one of the kiddos home for about 10 days. Luckily we only seem to go through it once or twice a year...but it still sucks!!!!!
Even though we get sick and it doesn't seem to matter how sick we get....There is still energy for creativity :)

Bronte was the first to be stricken. Senior year is not the time to miss school. But it was strep so she was out!!! When she came to. She worked on this Comic ....It was for her AP Lit. Based on a British book...... They could choose any medium and create something that portraid a scene from the book. She painted this on a canvas. She kind of amazes me. She did this in a couple hours.

Then it was my 9 year old Breven's turn to be sick. She decided to spend her sick leave from school painting also. This is what she did. Also on a canvas. I would love to have this on fabric (says the quilter in me).

This painting now hangs in her 4th grade classroom.

I created soup. Whenever the kids are sick. I make Homemade Chicken Soup. It takes half the day and the house smells fantastic..... But this time....I was coming down with it too........ So, a very quick soup it was!! I realized this is almost as good and is way easier!!! I will share.

Quick Chicken Soup for Sickies.......

1 Rotisserie Chicken from the supermarket
2 boxes chicken stock
1 red pepper chopped into lil' chunks
2 cups celery thinly sliced
2 cups carrots thinly sliced
1/2 sweet onion finely chopped
2 Knorr bouillon cubes
1 tsp. curry powder
minced garlic ...a clove or 4 depending on how much you like garlic.
1 to 2 packages egg noodles ( I used 1 package of egg noodle flakes)
4 cups water

In a Large pot....... poor in chicken stock and water. Add bouillon cubes, curry, onions and garlic.
Turn it on high and get it boiling. Let boil for about 10 minutes to reduce a little, and flavor up.
While that is happening. Pick all the chicken meat off the chicken and shred a bit. Gather and chop the veggies.
All at one time add the chicken and the veggies to the pot. Turn down to a medium simmer and let the veggies cook for 7 minutes. Then add your noodles( 1 package for girls ...2 for boys, Boys like noodles!!) and return to a boil until the noodles are done.

Poor in cups or bowls serve with hot buttered bread if you like, I like!!

I don't know if it is the curry, the garlic, the chicken or what. But chicken soup always makes you feel better.

It worked for me. I am up bloggin' sewin' and barkin' at my kids. I guess I am healed.

All the kiddos are back to well also. Hope it sticks until at least spring.

Have a fantastic weekend!!! And Stay Well!!!!

And the winner is..........

noreply@blogger.com (blueberrymoon) — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 00:36:00 +0000

First I just want to say a BIG THANK YOU!!!!! from the bottom of my heart. We received 206 comments and 80 new facebook friends. Let alone new followers to boot. What a fantastic party!!!

Because I left the contest open to both facebook likes and comments. We are choosing a winner this way. First we used Random.org to choose a number from comments.....

Then we counted through just comments and got a name......

The we used random.org again using the number of facebook likers.........
Which got us another name.

Then we threw both names in a hat, and had my cute lil' Bridgitt draw one name................

Duh! Duh! Da! Dun!!! And the winner is.......

Angie Neil !!!!!
Congratulations !!!!!!

I will also post this on facebook. Please contact me within 72 hours. Or, we have to give the prize to the runner up.....a.k.a the other name in the hat.

My Weekend sewing........

Binding in bark....

Quilt back....

Finished top........

I really hoped to add some kind of boarder. I just didn't have enough of any one, or two, fabrics ....meh.
It has a little modern feel though so it is what it is.

I think the back turned out well. Sadly....I like it best...hehehehehe

Now it is quilting time. I kinda want to straight line quilt it. But... I am a big fat chicken.
I hope everyone has a fantastic 4 day week.

Kool-Aid in your hair......

noreply@blogger.com (blueberrymoon) — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 23:58:00 +0000

Your going to do WHAT?!?!?!?

Yes, This is what happens when you have a 3 day weekend...too much time on their hands. They dip dyed there hair in Kool-Aid.

It really does look pretty!!

If you what to try it, CLICK HERE

It would be fun for school spirit week. It is suppose to wash out in a few washes:)

Little Tart........

noreply@blogger.com (blueberrymoon) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 02:52:00 +0000

Little Round Tarts.....

So Cute ....And so Yummy!!!!!
It's a little round version of a pop tart....but from scratch. And, like, a million times yummier!!!

We made 3 flavors.
Blackberry, Peach and Brown Sugar Cinnamon.

The cinnamon is my favorite!!!
The kids prefer the peach.
Dad likes the Blackberry

Nutella would be awesome......but we were out. Sad but true.

I started with my favorite pastry recipe. It is the one that came with my food processor.
It is the flakiest crust ever.
If you don't want to make your own. The pillsbury role out crusts are pretty fantastic. Always flakey ...zero hassle.

Pastry Recipe from Cuisenart

3 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon baking powder
16 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut in ½-inch pieces, well chilled
2 tablespoons shortening (Crisco), cut in ½-inch pieces, well chilled
5 to 8 tablespoons ice water

How to do the pastry.....

Insert the metal blade. Process the flour, salt and baking powder to sift, 10 seconds. Add the well chilled butter and shortening. Use short rapid pulses until the mixture resembles coarse corn meal and no pieces of butter larger than a “pea” remain visible, 15 to 20 pulses. Sprinkle half the maximum ice water on the flour and butter mixture, then pulse 5 or 6 times. The dough will be crumbly, but should begin to hold together when a small amount is picked up and pressed together. Sprinkle on more water, a teaspoon (two for the two-crust recipe) at a time, with 2 to 3 quick pulses after each addition, adding just enough water for the dough to hold together easily when pressed into a ball. Add the liquid sparingly so that the dough is not sticky. Do not over process or the pastry will be tough, not tender and flaky.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Press together into a ball, then flatten into a disk about 6 –inches in diameter (two disks for the two-crust recipe). Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour before continuing to allow the glutens in the flour to rest. The dough will keep refrigerated for up to 3 days, or may be frozen (double wrapped) for up to a month, thaw at room temperature for an hour before using.

Now for the tarts.

You will need some fillings. I used spreadable fruit. If you use jam... I would add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water....Stir into a 1/2 cup jam.I also made a paste of brown sugar cinnamon and softened butter like for cinnamon rolls. A 1/2 cup of filling does 10 to 12 tarts.

1 egg whipped smooth. And a pastry brush.

Some icing. And sprinkles if you like......

How to assemble the tarts

Roll the chilled disk out into a big circle (or take out of box and unroll if using store bought). It needs rolled out to be about an 1/8th inch thick. I always roll my crusts out on a floured dish towel. It is how my Granny did it. It always worked well for her...... She made amazing pie.

Using a 3 inch round cutter ( If you don't have one, you could use a clean soup/veggie can with the top and bottom removed).
Cut out your little crusts.

Put your little circle on a baking sheet and brush with a egg wash. Put a spoonful of filling in the middle. Then top with another circle. Press edges together and seal with the prongs of a fork. Poke a few holes in the little tart to let steam escape
(Heart shape is nice)....

Bake until golden and flaky.......

Remove from the pan and let cool on a rack......

The are perfectly good to eat just like this !!!!!

But if you want to get fancy.....

These are the peach .......

Very Pink Blackberry.....

Cinnamon Brown Sugar..........

We made about 30.

After school snack rocked today!

Happy Baking .... XO!!

This lil' doggy reminded me of......

noreply@blogger.com (blueberrymoon) — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 03:40:00 +0000

I saw this pin on Pinterest, and just about died.

How cute is he????

It reminded me of a post from a while back where I made the Hot Dog Wraps from my youth....

So, I decided to share again.

I would love to make these little doggy dogs.

You can too using my recipe below .

Or go to this link on

Rhodes Bread ...There is even a video!!!!

Super Duper!!

Original Post:

A Trip in the Way Back Machine......

Do you ever do something and it brings up a rush of childhood memories?

Well, I did that today. It was fantastic.
I was looking around the kitchen trying to figure out what to feed the troops.... I did not want to make that dreaded trip to the store. I hate the store. I saw hot dogs....
And just like that ....I thought of the wiener wraps they served in my grade school cafeteria.
It was a strange wave of memory and emotion.
At the time we complained, as little kids do, about they horrible lunch room and the evil lunch ladies who made us finish our veggies and they wore those fishnet
covers on their heads.
We really didn't know what we had....But now.....I wish my kids could eat fresh prepared,
well balanced, healthy and tasty meals made from scratch like we were blessed with.

The photo below is where I went to elementary school. I guess this is what it looks like now. When I was there it was painted in a 50's style sage color. I attended John Gumm Elementary School waaaaaay back in the 70's.
I had such a great time there.......

Anyway, I decided to make some of those
wiener wraps of my youth.

They were pretty great. Just like I remembered. I told the kids a dozen stories from the way back machine.
While I was making dough.
It is nice to reminisce......
I fed them something other than a sandwich
or one of the other
boring lunches we have around here.

And, I made a little dessert.
All in less than 2 hours.
I got some Super Mom creds today!!!

Don't you wanna try 'em???

For the dough I used this tried and true bread dough recipe. I have made it a hundred times. Very easy for first timers.
The only thing I changed was that ........
I used rapid rise yeast for speed.

Amish White Bread

Ingredients

2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
2/3 cup white sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
6 cups bread flour

Directions

In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water, and then stir in yeast. Allow to proof until yeast resembles a creamy foam.
Mix salt and oil into the yeast. Mix in flour one cup at a time. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Place in a well oiled bowl, and turn dough to coat. Cover with a damp cloth. Allow to rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.( 30 minutes for rapid rise yeast)
Punch dough down. Knead for a few minutes, and divide in half. Shape into loaves, and place into two well oiled 9x5 inch loaf pans. Allow to rise for 30 minutes, or until dough has risen 1 inch above pans.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

This is how we turn Amish Bread into lunch time fun!!

After step two in the recipe. Roll out the dough into a huge rectangle. 1/2 inch thick.

Mine was super huge, because in this house one must double all recipes.

Cut into squares about the length of the dog you are using. And how many dogs you wanna make.

I used the doggies that were in the fridge. But you can use turkey dogs. Ham rolled with a little cheese inside would be awesome too. Dontcha think.

Lay doggy on square.

Roll stretching a little as you go. you want to totally cover the doggy.

Pinch dough together at seam.

Pinch ends and tuck under.

Lay them all on a baking sheet sprayed with no-stick spray.
( for the little guys I cut doggies in half and rolled.You can see some little ones on the end). Let rise for about 20 min. Longer if you use regular yeast.

Pop them in a 375 degree oven until golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Cut and serve.

If they are a little doughy on the bottom just flip each one over and pop back in the oven for 5 min.

Just like back in the "Lunch Lady Land "!!!

I had some dough left over sooooooooo,

I mixed 1/4 cup softened butter with 1 cup of brown sugar and a 1 tsp. of cinnamon . I spread it on the leftover dough and rolled it up.

Cut in 1 inch sections

Laid them on a prepared sheet.

And baked with the doggies.

This is what I got. I am off to make some icing.

Delish!!!

Kids are happy....Momma happy

It's back to school........Let's Party.

noreply@blogger.com (blueberrymoon) — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 07:01:00 +0000

Give Away Now Closed!!!!

I don't know about you all......But, I am thrilled that everyone is back in school !!

Whoot Whoot!!!

It's sew time.

To celebrate the ladies at Quilting Gallery are having a

Blog Hop Party.

Yippee!

So, to join in the fun... I am having a little giveaway here at Blueberrymoon.

In my giveaway... there are 4 yards of fabric.

And a package of Omnigrid

Dresden Plate rotary cutting templates.

Fun Right!!

I just Love Dresden Plates...

Look at these beautiful examples.

This one from Fussy Cut.......

And this one from Oh, Fransson........

So Pretty!!!

Now for the good stuff.......

Here's what you get if you win!!!

2 yards each of these pretty plum OOP Andover fabrics........

And this "Omnigrid Dresden Plate" acrylic cutting templates with Instruction booklet.

Here is what you have to do to win.

Like Blueberrymoon on facebook (click cute button below)...

If you don't facebook, leave a comment .....or both :)

you'll get a chance for each.

That is it. That easy !!!

And don't forget to hop on over to the

The Blogs in the Hop...for there fun and prizes

I'll be using random.org to pick the winner.

On Sept.3rd

My Long weekend......In instagrams

noreply@blogger.com (blueberrymoon) — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 16:43:00 +0000

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Mine was busy and lasted through Monday.

I tried to relax, and shake off a cold that has been going around the house.

But, no matter how hard a tried.....It got me.

Because we collectively have been feeling bit funky...........Some comfort food was in order.

I made our favorite chicken breasts,.

This is the easiest dinner. It is so very tasty.

And Yes, That is Bacon!!!

You don't need a lot to make this.

Chicken Breasts

Bacon

Rosemary

Olive oil

salt&pepper.

Pound out your chicken a little. Just enough so that all the breasts are the same thickness.

Toss them in some olive oil salt and pepper and a few sprigs of rosemary. Let sit for a few minutes to marinate.

Place your chicken is a very hot fry pan. Medium high flame hot.....searing hot!!!

Turn when the side are white, opaque and the bottoms are golden brown. Do the same on the other side. This should only take a couple minutes on each side. If your pan is searing hot.

(at this point I pour myself a glass of wine. Torrontés is a perfect pairing! )

Place that pretty chicken on a baking sheet. lay a piece of bacon on each breast. Put baking sheet in a 425 degree oven. Bake until the bacon is slightly crispy and the chick is done. About 15 minutes.

I made a sourdough dressing and some potatoes to go with. Delish!!!

Served.

Next on the weekend agenda.........My Beautiful daughter Brene's 14th Birthday. I can't believe how time flies.

Each one of my girls are true individuals. But, My Brene' is wonderfully unique. She is artsy and quiet. You can't help but smile when she walks in a room. She is funny and quirky. Has friends that mean a great deal to her. She has a true heart with no drama. I love this kid!!!!!!

Her Birthday pancakes for breakfast.

Brontë made tissue flowers and hung them for her little sis.

I sewed her up these sweet nighties.

Added some lovely details to these cuties.

Found tutorial for these at Sew,Mama,Sew!

Her Birthday Sandwich....Her request.

Finished it off with a oreo cake baked by Brooke.

It was such a sweet day for my sweet girl.

I got a little sewing of my own done.

On Monday......12 finished blocks. Yippeeeeeee!!!

I hope you liked the weekend journaled in instagrams.

Please follow me here.

Or @myblueberrymoon

I promise I will follow you back :)

Have a great week peeps!!!!

Sugar Cookie Heaven.........

noreply@blogger.com (blueberrymoon) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 05:10:00 +0000

I had not intended to post about these cookies. But they turned out........ just that good.

My sweet girl BrieElly wanted to learn to bake cookies.
So, I found my old recipe for soft sugar cookies and away we went.
I shot a few instagrams to remember the day.
I believe this girl has the magic. Because they turned out amazing!!!! Just perfect. It had been years since I made this recipe.....I had forgotten just how good there are.
Brie said, "I bet this is how cookies taste in Heaven." I believe she is correct.
They are crisp on the outside and super chewy in the middle.
And they are pretty.
Pretty heavenly !!!

I have a couple secret ingredients that make them extra wonderful........Lemon and lemon.

Ingredients

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup softened butter
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 Tablespoons sour cream
1 or 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon zest
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice.
Sugar sprinkles for the tops.

How to Make

Preheat oven to 375

In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.

In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in dry ingredients. Add the sour cream,lemon juice and zest. Give it a good mix.

Roll rounded teaspoons of dough into balls and place on a ungreased cookie sheet. They puff up like mad. So leave lots of room. Flatten slightly with a glass dipped in sugar. Sprinkle with pretty sugar sprinkles.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until slightly golden Let sit for a minute .... then lift onto a cooling rack.

Cool then store in a air tight container.

If you want to keep them crisp and chewy. Store in a tin.

Tips.......

These tips are things I have taught the girls to make sure their cookies always come out fabulous.

Use your whipping attachment for your mixer to cream sugar, butter and eggs. Switch to paddle for dry ingredients.

Always make sure butter is at room temp. before using.

Good quality vanilla is worth every penny.

Cooling racks are a girls best friend.

Always try to make cookies all the same size for even baking.

And last but not least......... Boys don't like bimbos.

They like strong good girls........So be smart, confident and bake them cookies.

Linked here.......

I am" Breaking Dishes" around here............

noreply@blogger.com (blueberrymoon) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 05:08:00 +0000

Okay, not real dishes......

I have been making these blocks. Traditionally called "Broken Dishes".

What do you think??

The Fabrics are from Joel Dewberry's "Heirloom" .

I am framing each block in his "Woodgrain".

I am using these babies in bed quilt just for me...{sigh}

A dream come true.....one for me:)

I knew I would have to choose something fast and simple...........Nobody will ever let Mom do something for herself .........for long anyway.

Can anyone relate?

Here is a quick tutorial on these super easy blocks. This would make a great beginner block!!

Each block uses four fabrics. Cut in Squares. I cut 7 inches.......I wanted a big block. Finished it will be 12 inches.

My border/frame is 2 inches........

So, when all is done.... the framed block is 15".

To begin we will make half square triangles.

Pair up two squares, put them right sides together. Repeat with the other two.

Draw lines from corner to corner. Use a dark pen so you can really see the line. It will be used as a guide to sew and then cut.

Stich a 1/4 inch from the line... on one side. Turn your block and do the same on the other side of the line. That should leave your pen line with two stitched lines, one on each side. Now do the same with other squares......

Now cut down the pen line. Easy Peasy. Repeat with remaining squares.

Open each square and press flat. Trim each one to 6 1/2 inches squared up. This is what you should have.

Arrange Like so...........

Then stitch squares together to make the block. I sew the top two together , then the bottom two. Match center seams and then sew top to bottom. Just like that...Broken Dishes.

This one is sewn in a slightly different combo of fabrics.

Here is one with the border/frame.

I'll be sewing twelve in all...........

To be continued.........

Ooh Ooh .....I am linking here.

Sunday Munch...........

noreply@blogger.com (blueberrymoon) — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 07:00:00 +0000

This is a re-post from a couple years ago.
Made the pound cake again.......Still Amazing!!

I love sunday brunch !! My kids call it "Sunday Munch". We don't get to do it as much as everyone likes. So, when we do it's super fun!! Today we made this........

Bronte made Lemon pound cake, It was so good.!!!!
She found this recipe ...
Got up very early and baked. The whole house smelled Amazing!!!!
(Tasted just like Starbuck's, No Lie)

I found another use for the "Hey Cupcake Liners"

Little quiche cups. I didn't use a crust, just filling. It was so fast to make. 5 min. to whip up the filling, and 15 minutes to bake at 350. I think you can use any frittata or quiche filling recipe.

I just whipped 12 eggs with veggies, cheese and a little cream and it made 18 cups.

I think these would be great for Easter!!!

We sliced some oranges.............

Can't forget the bacon!!!!!

We threw in some grape juice mixed with seltzer water, coffee and some spiced nuts.

Everyone loved the meal and it gave us all a chance to sit around the table and talk,

laugh and count our blessings.We have so many.

I hope you have a happy Sunday too.....

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Time to Pony Up......

noreply@blogger.com (blueberrymoon) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 20:11:00 +0000

Back to school means back to doing 3 heads of hair every morning.

I am not complaining .....At least the Big 3 do their own.

It was 113 degrees here yesterday. Oh so hot!!

So, If they don't leave with a pony tail in their hair.......they come home with one for sure.

These are our favorite pony tail ties.

They never break hair. They are really pretty. They work for all ages. And they look really cute when you use several colors.

The girls leave for school with them as bracelets. And come home with them in there hair. So cute!! They are very cheap to make. That way I don't have a cow when they don't come home. My girls loose a lot of hair stuff.........

They also make great gifts for their girlie friends.

Here is how I do it.

Get yourself some "Fold over Elastic". I buy mine from Etsy . (I'll post some sellers below) Scissors, ruler and a lighter or candle.

Cut pieces:

9 inches for pony holders

20 inches for kid's headbands

22 inches for adult headbands.

1. Fold elastic in half

2. Tie in a knot at the end

3. Pull tight

4. Cut ends at a slight angle with very sharp scissors

This is what you should have.

Flare ends slightly like this . Then carefully run ends through a flame quickly. I use a lighter, but a candle will work.( Can't do it and take pic at the same time....sorry)

This will seal the ends and keep it from fraying.

I made pony ties.

And headbands.

Made a ton!!

I put some on cards for gifts. Next time I think I will use paint chip cards :)

Places I've seen these sold......For way to much.

Here, Here and Here.

Places to buy supplies......For cheap.

Here, Here and Here.

Hope you make some !!!

Happy Hair Dos ....

Shoe Redo.............

noreply@blogger.com (blueberrymoon) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 20:28:00 +0000

It is Back to school time!!!! I am just plain giddy!!
I love my kids, but I need some ME time.

Every year the kids and I have the same routine. Clean out the closets.
Sort things like this........
If it fits...keep It.
If it is too small ....pass it down to the next kid in line.
If it is torn..... mend it.
If it can be refurbished....do it.
If you don't love it..... Donate it.

After that job is done. Then the shopping begins.With a BUDGET....... You would be surprised how they would rather have refurbished shoes.......Then they can spend there cash on fun new jeans, tops and accessories.

This year while refurbishing the shoes........ I had a genius idea !! Instead of buying new shoe strings for the "Chucks". MAKE SLIP-ONS !!!!
Their shoes never stay tied anyway. Am I right??

The girls LOVE them!! They are super easy to slip on, look good as new and best of all they didn't have to spend the cash. New Converse All Star Chuck Taylor's are a whopping $40 now.

Let me show you how to do it.
First clean up your old shoes. ( I'll give great tips at the end of this post )

Grab 2 pieces of 1/4 inch elastic. Each 36 inches long for kids. 45 inches for adult.( Yes, the Men love slip-ons too)

And away we go............

Using the elastic. Lace up your shoes like you would with strings. Until you get to the last grommet ....

Go through the top and pull the elastic behind the tongue of the shoe. On the back of the tongue...... line up the elastic on the bottom of the label sewing stitches and pin.

Try to get it as straight as you can. We will be trying to hide our stitching in the shoes label.

This part is a bit tricky. Wrestling that shoe tongue under the foot of the sewing machine. But one you have it lined up. Put the presser foot down and sew. I made two lines of stitching here.

See the stitches? Kinda hidden......

There you have it....Slip-ons. They look shiny and new. But they also have that cool worn quality.
Can you believe those Blue ones are 2 years old and the red ones are on there 3rd owner and are almost 4 years old??? Breven wore them almost everyday last year. Now Bridgitt gets them , and she says they are super comfy ...and no strings to trip her up. She is 7.

One Chuck , Two Chuck, Red Chuck, Blue Chuck.............

A Few Words About Cleaning..........

Your going to need some stain remover spray, some oxygen cleaning powder and a Magic Eraser. These are the products I used. The bathroom Magic Eraser isn't needed. Regular will do. It is just what I had ...... If you have a cleaning brush it will help scrub them up.

This is how I do it.
Take out the shoe strings and disgard. Spray down well with stain remover and let sit overnight.
Then fill your sink up with hot water and a couple scoops of oxygen powder. Soak shoes for an hour or so. Then scrub up the fabric of the shoes with a brush and clean all the rubber and soles with the magic eraser. It is amazing how much I got off with the magic eraser. My oldest daughter had even written on her's with markers...........
After they look good and clean. Toss them in the washer on rinse and spin. That should get all the soap out. Then dry under the sun outside.

Here is one before and after. I wish I had taken more pics of the really filthy ones. These weren't that dirty. But you get the idea........

So there you have it......
Have fun redoing the shoes.

London Called......It was for Brontë.

noreply@blogger.com (blueberrymoon) — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 20:41:00 +0000

Remember When I said London was calling?

Well look....It did. And it was for Brontë.

Quilt and pillow ..... Jolly good I'd say.

WARNING!!

Here comes the quilt story....It's a bit long winded.

When I was 19 I read "Wuthering Heights". Oh, I loved that book! I read it over the summer of 1986. It was a challenge for me. I love to be challenged. It remains as my all time favorite reads. The author of that great tale, Emily Brontë, I found fascinating also. I remember telling myself at the time. If I ever have a daughter. I will name her Brontë.

Eight years and two sons later, I did. And she, like the book, has been challenging. In the very best way possible. I have learned so much about who I am by raising her. She is fascinating, complicated, silly, kind, smart, thoughtful, creative, strong-willed and beautiful.

On tuesday she begins her senior year of high school. She has plans to attend college. She is thinking photo journalism. I am thinking..... I never want her to leave !!!

Senior years are so tough these days. The stress can be overwhelming for these kids. I have watched some of my son's friends get crushed under the pressure. And some achieve amazing things. I know what lies ahead for her. And it is a lot. The best and most challenging of times. As a mom I can only comfort her. The work and results are all up to her.

So comfort her I will...

With this pillow.

And this quilt.

This idea came to me a while back.I was going to wait until graduation.

But for all the reasons I will give. The time was now....

I know in the days ahead,

She will come home angry at something some dumb girl said....

"The Boy" will bruise her heart....

The testing will melt her brain....

The teacher just won't understand....

There are sure to be,

Rejection letters......

Failed awards....

Grades that didn't come out as planned......

Plans that seem like they will never succeed.....

But then again there will be,

Great test scores....

Amazing teachers....

Homecoming ........

The Prom .....

The acceptance letter...

Graduation celebrations....

The acceptance letter....

Saying goodbye to friends.....

For each of these moments in time. She can run home and cuddle up with these gifts of love. She can cry tears of anger, happiness or fear. Scream into the pillow. Hide under the quilt.

But she will know she has a Mom that loves here......

And the goal is to just......

Keep Calm and Graduate on !!!!

More pics....

If any of you out there have a Senior in your life...... I think this makes a great gift idea.

UPDATE: Soon I will have the PDF template for the the letters and cap. Also included will be cutting and finishing instructions. So keep a look out.......

Until then have some fun,
Make your own " Keep Calm" poster at

The Keep Calm-o-matic

The Blueberry Moon

UR Priceless................

Hello Beautiful Strangers.....

Pumpkin Spice Pancakes.....

It Was A Ugly Weekend.............

Easy Enchiladas........

Tweet Tweet..........

Broken Bark and Dishes......

Playing with Pictures.......

Winner!!

I am Getting Cozy with Mason.....

I am seeing dots on dots.......

Oatmeal in a Jar........

Some quick notes...........

Back to Sick Time.......

And the winner is..........

Angie Neil !!!!! Congratulations !!!!!!

My Weekend sewing........

Kool-Aid in your hair......

Little Tart........

How to do the pastry.....

This lil' doggy reminded me of......

Amish White Bread

Ingredients

Directions

It's back to school........Let's Party.

My Long weekend......In instagrams

Sugar Cookie Heaven.........

Ingredients

How to Make

I am" Breaking Dishes" around here............

Sunday Munch...........

Time to Pony Up......

Shoe Redo.............

A Few Words About Cleaning..........

London Called......It was for Brontë.

Angie Neil !!!!!
Congratulations !!!!!!