www.nap-timecreations.com

Ice Cream Soda {Lemon Lime Float}

2013-06-20T09:03:00.000+08:00

AAHHH!!! Summer is here... I've been waiting for the sun and hot to come during this rainy spring....and now that it's here, we just need something cool and refreshing to keep us going on these hot days. For my recipe round up contribution I came up with these Lemon Lime Floats. I've been {slightly} obsessed with lime sodas this year... They are simple, refreshing and not-as-many-calories as a regular soda. I even figured out the WW points plus and it was only 1.... awesome!

My simple Lime Soda Recipe:

1 can soda water

50 ml lime juice cordial

I buy this here in HK, but I think it might be more of a British thing.... I will have to see what US stores have that's similar... if you can't find it in the store you can buy it here

slice and squeeze of real lime

Note: it is not a terribly sweet soda... I love the refreshing tartness, but some may have to also add sugar.

I first measure out the serving of lime juice...Then pour in the soda water... top with a lime and enjoy!

But then... I thought... why be limited to just the soda.... let's see if we can make this even better.... and that's when I started looking for sorbet recipes... I found a lime sorbet at Sam Tan's Kitchen.

My first plan was to make lime sorbet... of course the day I went to the store they were out of limes... so I decided on Lemon Sorbet... I still used the same recipe though...

I think its a good thing I used lemons.. the limes here are TINY and I would have needed about 20 to make the recipe {grin!}

and now.... to combine my two newest obsessions...... {drumroll please!}

add a generous scoop of homemade lemon sorbet to your homemade lime soda and you have...

it really doesn't get more summery than this.... sit back on your porch {if only my apartment had one!} put your feet up... and enjoy your very own Lemon Lime Soda Float..

Check out all the fabulous Ice Cream Soda Recipes posting for June's Recipe Round-Up

Ice Cream Soda Cupcake from Chrissy @ The Taylor-House Patriotic Ice Cream Soda from Kelly @ Mostly Homemade Mom Lemon Lime Ice Cream Soda from Emily @ Nap-Time Creations Ice Cream Soda Cocktail from Jessica @ One Martini at a Time Independence Day Ice Cream Soda Bar from Danelle @ Let's Dish Blackberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Soda from Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats Raspberry Ginger Ice Cream Soda from Julie @ White Lights on Wednesday Vegan Ice Cream Soda from Tamar @ Random-osity Ice Cream Sodas from Kim @ Little by Little Cherry Limeade Ice Cream Soda Pops from Gina @ Kleinworth & Co. Do you want to participate in future Recipe Round-Up's & join in on the fun?? email Gina at Kleinworth & Co (chichomeschoolmama{at}att{dot}net) for details.

I will be linking this post to my Thursday-Saturday Link Parties

July Fourth Craft {Patriotic Tealights}

2013-06-19T08:39:00.000+08:00

I'm pretty excited about the patriotic projects I've made this week. On Monday I was part of the red white blue series at Sugar Bee Crafts... Today I'm sharing another Fourth of July Craft... red, white and blue tea lights... the perfect topper to my braided place-mat.... These tea lights are easy and adorable...

here's the whole table...

Today we are going to talk about the tea lights and ruffled napkin rings.

I just used sharpie markers...I knew these didn't need to be washed, so I didn't worry about the permanence of this project. You can read about my experience with sharpies and other glass markers here.

The first one is just dots.... two shades of blue and red... varying sizes and locations.

And another is horizontal stripes... again I had the same two blues and red. I put blue around the bottom at the base, then some wider stripes near the top.

and finally, I used glue and glitter to create vertical glitter stripes on the third light.

Now, I didn't want the silver candle to show, so I painted the outside of the candles blue and red. They look great inside the decorated holders.

and finally, have you ever ruffled streamers? I LOVE this... I originally got the idea from made.com. Basically you use your sewing machine to ruffle the garland into tight ruffles. You set your stitch length to the longest {mine is 5} and your tension to the tightest {mine is 9}. You can see more details for machine settings here.

so, now its a beautiful centerpiece for a picnic...

I love the colors and the way they go together. You can check out the tutorial for my July Fourth Craft Patriotic Braided Centerpiece here. What are you crafting for the 4th?

The Smilebooks winners have been displayed HERE...I also sent e-mails to the winners... If you won, you have 48 hours to contact me for your free code....

I will be sharing this at my Wednesday - Saturday Link Parties

I don't want to beat this into the ground... but I've heard that Chili's still has hundreds of thousands of flatbreads to giveaway...so, even if you aren't sure if you will use it... GO GRAB YOUR COUPON!!!! Seriously friends.... who doesn't like FREE FOOD!?!

Tasteful Tuesday {6/18} Co Host: Cooking on the Front Burner

2013-06-18T09:30:00.000+08:00

Hi Nap Time Creations readers! I’m so excited to be here co-hosting with Emily. I’m Deb, from Cooking On The Front Burner. I am married to John aka the DIY Guy and have 2 daughters, 1 son-in-law and soon to be a first time grandmother! I started blogging a bit over 2 years ago to start keeping track of recipes and sharing them with family and friends. When I first started I had no idea that I would be going strong at this point. I have been inspired along the way by meeting other bloggers (like Emily and yourselves!) and that makes me want to keep creating recipes and taking great pictures (work in progress). I want to thank Emily again for having me co-host and I’ve included some of my favorite posts. I hope you will stop by and find something you would like to try and I’m always available for questions or comments!! Have a great week!

Homemade Pasta Making

Chicken Parmesan

Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies

Wow, those are some fun projects! Thanks to Deb for co-hosting with me today! You can follow her at facebook, pinterest or bloglovin to stay up to date with all the fun at her blog!

Did you see all the fun features last weekend in my Nothing Says Summer... round up? You guys seem ready for summer, and I KNOW I am... our family finished up school last week and my administrator husband just has to work a few more days and we are outta here!!! A week from now we will be back in the good ol' US of A and we are excited!

This is also a seriously big week for me, yesterday I was part of the RED, WHITE, BLUE series and Sugar Bee Crafts.... she's got a whole line up of projects all week, so make sure to check it out.

also this week...

Wednesday I'll be sharing another great patriotic craft as part of my RED WHITE and BLUE picnic table...

AND... as if that wasn't enough! Thursday I'm part of the June recipe roundup hosted by Gina at Klienworth and Co. we are all sharing our take on the classic Ice Cream Soda...

Crazy, huh!! all these things came together this week, for a perfectly wonderful and busy week around here.

ok, time to PARTY!!!!!

This post sponsored by this fabulous offer from York Photo and the Paper Lantern Store

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July Fourth Craft {Patriotic Centerpiece}

2013-06-17T12:08:00.000+08:00

I am so excited today to be sharing this fourth of July craft as part of the RED WHIT BLUE series at Sugar Bee Crafts. Please head over to her site to check out ALL the amazing RED WHITE BLUE themed ideas. She is showcasing some really fun patriotic crafts, recipes and DIY ideas this week and next.

Today I'm share this little braided centerpiece mat. I started with the mat, I love the bright colors I used and the way it turned out.

but, it needed more... just the mat was not-so-great sitting in the middle of the table all alone... So, I added some fun festive candle holders and now we have ourselves a cute, fun fourth of July centerpiece. perfect for a causal picnic or even a inside dinner.

Today I am going to show you how to make your own nifty mat, and then you get to decide what to put on it... what would be the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table? Flowers? Candles?

Ok! are you ready to make your own centerpiece mat? Let's get started.

I used nylon roping... I am seriously limited with craft supplies here, so the rope I found was too thin. I ended up have to double up each strand. Ideally, you will have thicker rope and can just used five strands. You want to use a five strand braid here to make it wider. I have a tutorial for braided with five strands HERE, if you need. Depending on the size you want your mat to be, you may need more or less braid. I used 30" of the blue center and 104" of the multicolored. My finished dimensions are 9" x 12". After you have your rope all braided, seal both ends with a lighter...

You now also need needle and thread to sew your centerpiece mat together. Start your coil by bending the braid at around 5". Start sewing at the bend {as seen below} my stitched are loose here, but I wanted you to see that I was just zig-zagging back and fourth catching one or two rope strands on each side. Pull each stitch tight. Its a bit tricky at first, but does get easier.

When you reach the melted end, bend the braid around the end and continue the coil and stitching.

If you want to join another color, stop sewing with about an inch left of the first color. Use your lighter again to melt the rope and fuse the two braids together. I got it really hot, then pressed the two together. Use a hard surface under and over to press the two{don't use your bare hands, **disclaimer**}{ha!}. You may have to heat and press a few times.

Now you just continue until you get to the end. I finished it off by trying to tuck the end a but under the side. If you just sew the end and stop you will have a harsh blunt end on the side of your mat... try to ease the end.

and there you have it! A fun part of this picnic table decor. A centerpiece mat to highlight your fourth of July table.

Next week I'll be showing up close how I decorated the tea light candle holders.... But for now, get started on this easy July Fourth Craft and get braiding your own Patriotic Centerpiece Mat...

A BIG thanks to Mandy for hosting the RED WHITE BLUE series and for allowing me to be a part of it. I had a blast coming up with this idea.

I will be sharing this project at my Monday-Wednesday link parties listed here.

Nothing Says Summer Like....

2013-06-15T10:03:00.000+08:00

Thanks for another super fun party last week... I love looking through the links each week. Today was my husbands last day of school, so I say... "Its SUMMER TIME!!!!" To celebrate... lets look at some of the things that make summer.... SUMMER!!!!

Grilled Corn Korean Style {the salty kitchen}

Fiesta Corn Salad {easy to be gluten free}

Shucking Corn-the easy way {mommy on demand}

Strawberry Smoothie Pop {grow creative}

Copycat Sonic Ocean Water {lovesbakesgoodcakes}

Pina Colada Protein Smoothie {sara howe}

Garden Tea {homemade frenzy}

Watermelon Granita with a Twist {pret a vivre}

Watermelon Mint Iced Tea {family home and life}

Pineapple Sangria {gluten free with jubliee}

Fruit Smoothie Popsicles {i dig pinterest}

Summer Bucket List {peanut life adventures}

Ice Smashing Fun {glued to my crafts}

Duct Tape Sandals {green doodle}

Water Color Fun {life around the loop}

DIY Sunscreen {doterrahealingoils}

Glow in the Dark Flip Flops {the experimental home}

Watermelon Skirt {two many}

BBQ Burger {delectably domestic}
Sweet Chili and Lime Kebabs {the silly girls life}
Steak and Veggie Skewers {loris culinary creations}

Check out the other fun round-up features I've put together...

Feed Dad on Fathers Day

Satisfying my Sweet Tooth

20 Fab Ideas for Kids

FREE overall pattern!

2013-06-14T02:00:00.000+08:00

Today I've got a new pattern for an old post. This free overall pattern has gotten the most pageviews of any post on this blog... Probably because its a free pattern.... So I decided it was time for a little update and revamp of the pattern... I'm using the same pattern, but I have tried to make it clearer and better quality for your personal use only... So, let's check out what I made before we move on to how you can make one. The green one is a 3T and the red one a 2T, both made from this pattern.

Before we get to the tutorial I want to make sure you've entered the TWO fabulous giveaways I've got going this week.

1. SNAP IT OR BAKE IT {camera or kitchen mixer, winners choice!}

2. Smilebooks {three winners, up to $300 EACH}

go enter!!!

I’m so excited to share my first tutorial with pattern! The best part; its completely FREE. (for personal use only) Please let me know if you have any questions or comments after sewing your own overalls! This pattern is two sizes, around a 2T and 3T. These instructions are intended for those of you who are already sew-ers.{you know... those of you who sew, not who are in the gutter! ha!} Let’s get started!

Print the pattern: Google Doc .
(for some reason there is a blank page between all the pattern pages, sorry....

Print out and tape the pattern pieces. Match the symbols for the pieces that cover multiple pages. Find a fabric for the overalls and a colorful thinner material for the lining. I used a light canvas type for the outside and a normal cotton print for the lining. You should have the following pieces:

Front pants
Back pants
Pockets (this will look different than the pictures, but I changed the pattern for the better!
Back top lining
Back pockets and front top pockets
Waistband (no pattern, just measure waist, divide in ½, then add 3 inches. Cut 2 ½ inches tall)
Top bib
Top bib lining
Two straps (I used the waistband dimensions for each strap on mine.
Four buttons.
a overall sketch, mine included colored cuffs, which I ended up NOT adding... you can if you want...

2. Pin and sew front seam of pant bottom. I finished all seams with a zig zag and topstitch after)

3. Pin front pant pockets (right sides together), sew, fold back and topstitch.
4. Sew pocket together, right sides in. One corner cut to one full pocket. Make sure the two corner cuts are facing opposite directions. So you two pockets will face out. For more details at putting in a pocket see this Pocket Shorts post. Basically the same shorts without an overall bib. Pin top waist to pockets to keep in place.

5. Sew bib top, turn, topstitch. Finish bottom edge.

6. turn under the top bib pocket to finish the edge. Center and sew to top.
7. sew waistband, turn and topstitch. **clip corners before turning**

8. take back lining. Sew back center seam. Finish the bottom edge.

9. Sew back center seam of main bibs. Finish edge.

10. Sew lining to back (right sides together), turn, topstitch.

11. Hem pockets and sew to back butt area.

12. Sew straps around, turn and topstitch. Can use two of the same fabric, or one side with lining fabric if desired.

13. Sew straps to back top. At this point I would check the angle you want the straps attached to the back. Mine was a little off, try on, and pin first. ( I just stitched them together, nothing fancy)

14. Sew the front shorts to the back shorts on the sides, then the crotch seam.

15. sew waistband to short front bottoms, then add the bib top.

16. find 4 buttons. Two for sides and two for top. Mark and sew buttonholes. Sew on buttons.

17. try on your intended child and hem the bottom.

YOU DID IT! I would love to hear feedback on this pattern and instructions. Thanks!! I've tried to make the pattern the best sharpie traced free overall pattern I can... But, do know that its not a professional for-sale standard! {grin} thanks!
I made a few other versions

and then we tried to take photos of the cousins wearing them...

It went down hill SO fast... {this summer we will have 7 kids under 6 trying to get a good photo! Wish me luck!}

Linked up to my Friday and Saturday Link Parties HERE

Chevron Baby Blanket {free knitting pattern}

2013-06-13T08:42:00.001+08:00

I've been working on two chevron baby blankets for a few months now. I just love having a knitting project going, one that is easy to pick up and just work on for a few minutes. I bought my yarn in a market here in Hong Kong, so I know its not high quality, but it was soft and fleece like... so I thought it would be good for baby blankets.

I ended up two blankets... this pretty girly one... but the knit was too tight... yarn too big, needles to small.

So for the next one, I used bigger needles... This worked great! Looser stitching and a better look.

Yep, I was all excited about this second blanket until I took it off the needles.

and then I was sad! It wasn't a cute chevron baby blanket.. It was a runner! Yikes it was long and thin and NOT good.

So, I returned the yarn to its natural state... and started over..

You can find the pattern over at the Purl Bee... of course her knitting is perfect and her yarn is beautiful... but it does work with different yarn.

I cast on 1/2 the stitches, still used the larger needles and tried again!

It was perfect this time! A square when finished and loosely knit. I'm so pleased with it and I can't wait to give it away.

For other baby blanket ideas see:
Knit Squares Crochet together baby blanket
Frayed Flannel Baby Blanket
Flannel Hand-stitched Baby Blanket

Linked up to my Thursday-Saturday link parties

and... I know this has NOTHING to do with this blanket, but did you see the new menu item that Chili's is offering? I used to work there in College and its still one of my FAVORITE restaurants!!! You can get a FREE flatbread... I think you just have to sign up for an e-mail... EASY!!! I will be getting mine for sure!!

Kids Art Bag {Sewing tutorial}

2013-06-12T07:18:00.001+08:00

I needed to make a few birthday gifts recently.. you saw my marker belt last week, and today I've got a cute ART BAG FOR KIDS.

Its an easy sewing project for even beginning sewers (is that a word? is sounds funny to me) and a fun place to keep your favorite coloring book and markers/crayons/colored pencils.

Before we get to the tutorial I want to make sure you've entered the TWO fabulous giveaways I've got going this week.

1. SNAP IT OR BAKE IT {camera or kitchen mixer, winners choice!}

2. Smilebooks {three winners, up to $300 EACH}

go enter!!!

Now, lets get sewing!!!

First, make sure that you have a coloring book you want to use for a size. I found these GREAT Melissa and Doug coloring books on sale.

I used this book as the size for my bag. You need to make a square. Mine was 13 x 13. (cut 4) or cut 2 from each of two fabrics(in this tutorial my outside fabric is flowered, and the lining is pink) you need four squares total. You also need two straps 3x21. And finally you will need to cut a pocket. Mine was 13x8. (make yours wider/narrower depending on the size of your bag)

Fold the pocket in half and match the raw edges with the sides and bottom of one bag square. Mark the lines to sew for the marker slots. I sewed every 1 inch, but use your makers/crayons or pencils as a guide for the width.

Sew down all the marks across the bag.

(if you want a pocket on both sides, repeat this again with another pocket on the other front side of the bag) Now, take your bag outside pieces, front and back. Sew together and clip the corners.

Prepare straps. Fold right sides together, sew along this long side.

Turn right side (I like to use a pen to turn it)

Pin the straps to the front and back of the bag on the right side.

Sew the lining together with right sides together, clip corners and leave it un-turned.

Now, put the bag outside, inside the liner. Right sides together.

Pin long the top, and sew around, leaving a 4 inch hole to turn. Pull the inside to the outside.

Push the lining inside the outer bag. Pin and close the hole + topstitch all around the top of the bag.

I also attached my personal label at this point... {I like to spread the word, you know!} DO you have labels for your sewing projects? I've recently discovered Mabel's Labels.

I love that they have IRON ON labels... it would make attaching them in difficult places so much easier!
You can also use them for fundraising {how great is that!}, help start a Mabel's Labels fundraiser for your child's school or daycare! Once the fundraiser has been set up you can shop through a specially created website link and your group gets a percentage of all sales. No more hauling boxes and filling forms because Mabel's Labels handles all orders, payments and deliveries. Get started today!

So pretty... so fun!!! An art bag for the girl/boy in your life who likes to color.

For other recent sewing tutorials see:
Marker Ammo Belt tutorial
15+ Sewing tutorials and ideas {features}
Kindle Cover tutorial
Linked up to my Wednesday-Friday parties.

Tasteful Tuesdays {6/11} & SmileBooks Giveaway!

2013-06-11T09:30:00.000+08:00

Have you entered the SNAP IT OR BAKE IT GIVEAWAY???

I am SOOO excited for today party... not only is in another week to link up your fab projects... but I get to giveaway THREE photobooks this week.

1st place: 12x12 photo book
2nd place: 8x11 photo book
and 3rd place 8 x 8 photo book
with unlimited pages for all of them (anywhere between 26 to the maximum amount)
FREE shipping in the US
**Free book codes will be good until the end of Janary 2015{wow!}so you have plenty of time to make the perfect book!**

Personally, Smilebooks is helping me to overcome the overwhelming amount of photos that I take each year... This company has given me a way to print and store all my photos for an entire year in ONE photobook. I LOVE that they offer up to 154 pages in a single book. AMAZING! You can see my previous post on Smilebooks HERE.

I'm currently using Smilebooks to make a photobook for my son of his first year in pre-school. His teachers have taken SO many photos and posted them online for us. I'm putting together a book for him to show our family back in the US... I love the easy to use format of the Smilebooks software. (I used the auto fill feature for the first time!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Todays Post Sponsored by:

$5 Labels (140) with FREE shipping!

Snap It or Bake IT Giveaway!

2013-06-10T13:31:00.000+08:00

Good morning and Happy Monday! Boy have I got a great giveaway for you!

Who wouldn't like a new DSLR Camera? Or perhaps you want a brand new KitchenAid Standup Mixer. {I DO!!!} Well, you are in luck! Now you have your chance to enter a giveaway to win your choice of a Canon Rebel T3 DSLR Camera or a KitchenAid Mixer plus a $100 Amazon eCard! This giveaway is perfect for all bloggers. If you aren't a baker, you can choose the camera! If you're a baker who already has a DSLR camera but are in the market for a standup mixer, you can choose the mixer and the Amazon ecard. Already have both? One of these would make a great gift for one of your family members or friends. Whatever your situation, we have you covered. Say hello to the lovely gals who made this giveaway possible:

Before we get to the fun stuff, we'll need to cover some basic legal stuff with you. For the full disclosure, please see the rafflecopter.

This giveaway is open to all US and International residents. However, international residents will receive a $450.00 Amazon eGift Card in lieu of the camera or mixer.
The winner will choose either a Canon Rebel T3 DSLR Camera ($450 value) or a KitchenAid Mixer ($350 value) plus a Amazon eGift Card. The gift card only comes with the Mixer.
The winner will have 48 hours to respond to Julie from This Gal Cooks via email. If the winner fails to respond within this time frame, another winner will be chosen.
The winner will be announced on Monday, June 24th.
This giveaway is not open to anyone participating in the giveaway (the hosts) or their immediate family members.

Now for the fun part. Enter to win! Remember, you can come back and complete the Tweet entry once per day. Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Standing Rigatoni Pie Recipe {Anyonita Nibbles}

2013-06-10T10:18:00.000+08:00

I'm Anyonita and I blog over on Anyonita Nibbles! I'm very pleased to be here, sharing a new favorite on Emily's amazing blog. Thank you so much for having me, Emily! Let's get to that delicious-looking recipe, yeah?

When I first saw the recipe I've adapted my Standing Rigatoni Pie from I was blown away. It looked like a work of art, getting those little pasta tubes to stand all! Needless to say, I was impressed. It was one of those, wow, I've got to try this right now moments. We're all pasta heads in my family, so introducing a new pasta dish was simple! And after they saw the standing rigatoni, they were all intrigued. (They were also somehow misled to believe it took a lot more effort than it did!)

Ingredients:

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 onion, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 can chopped tomatoes with herbs
1 tbsp dried basil
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp tomato paste
3 garlic cloves, minced
300g beef mince
500g dried rigatoni pasta
2 types of cheese of your choice, I used Edam and Cheddar
pinch of sugar

Method

Begin by warming the olive oil in a skillet. Add the mince, onion, garlic, herbs and cayenne pepper and cook until fragrant and the mince is browned. Add the tomatoes, sugar and tomato paste and simmer for about 15 minutes. Preheat your oven to 200C/400F.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the instructions on the packet, but undercooking it slightly. (According to my packet, the pasta needed 12 minutes. I boiled it for 9.) Strain and allow to cool enough to handle the pasta.

While the pasta is cooking lightly grease the sides of a 9-inch springform tin. Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom. Stand the pasta upright with one end on the tomato sauce layer. Tightly pack in each noodle.

Spread over half of the remaining sauce, allowing some to fall inside the rigatoni. Sprinkle on a layer of cheese, covering the sauce. Spread the remaining sauce on top, followed by some more cheese.

Bake until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Allow to stand two minutes before releasing the tin from the base. If you carry the pie to the table before slicing, it makes for quite an interesting centerpiece.

Beware: as soon as you start to slice into the pie, the rigatoni starts to fall, so take your photos before you slice!

I serve this with some green veggies, a light salad and garlic bread and it got the seal of approval from both my husband and my toddler, who enjoyed munching on the pasta tubes, with one in each hand!

YUM!!! Anyonita... that looks so fun and tasty... head over to her site to get more delicious ideas...
Linked to my Monday and Tuesday Parties...

15+ Easy Sewing Ideas

2013-06-08T14:27:00.001+08:00

I've got a fun round up of easy sewing ideas for you this weekend. I've been meaning to do a sewing features for awhile now, and there were lots of sewing ideas linked up this week. I'm also including a few fun sewing tutorials that I've done recently at the end of the post in case you missed them the first time around.

Sewing with a serger tips {Serger Pepper}

Sew a skirt from a shirt {The Crafty Blog Stalker}

Sewing for the Beach {Patchwork Posse}

Sewing for a Doll {PA Country Crafts}

Sewing to Organize {Phat Quarters Blog}

Sewing a reversible tote {Ana Love Craft}

Sewing for mother and daughter {Handmade Frenzy}

Sewing for Pregnancy {Happy, Healthy and Domestic}

Sewing a skirt {Sewing like Mad}

Some hand sewing {Queen B Creative}

Sewing for Father and Son {The Experimental Home}

Sewing fun Towel Pants {Tossed Salad Life}

Sewing tutorials on Pinterest {Sew So Easy}

Sewing for Gifts

{Kindle Cover}

{Marker Ammo Belt or Roll}

Sewing for the bedroom {Pillow Sham Remake}

Sewing for Baby Girl {Infant/Girls Skirt Pattern FREE}

Sewing for Travel {Portforlio for Fat Passports}

What are you sewing? I bet you now have a lot more sewing ideas! I'm working on a dress for the Once Upon a Thread series... So excited to be a part of that...happy weekend!

Image Mapping {How TO}

2013-06-07T10:14:00.002+08:00

wahooo! take a look at my side bar and what do you see? A brand new favorite posts widget looking at me!!! Jamie@Scattered Thoughts of Crafty Mom shared with me her Photoshop Elements storyboard to make this great links to my favorite posts on my sidebar. Be sure to keep checking her blog because she is going to make the story board available really soon!!! Now, inserting the images with elements is one step, the next is linking the photos to your post locations with IMAGE MAPPING!

I'll let Jamie share the photoshop part of this... but I'd like to quickly run though how to Image Map a picture. (can be any file, edited in any program) My header and my title bar were linked though image mapping. Today little bloggy tutorial we will be using the site www.image-maps.com.

First, you need to upload you photo to a hosting site. I use photobucket most of the time.... I used to be able to use my picasa web album, but now that it integrated with google plus, I can't seem to find the links... anyone know if you can still use that as a hosting site???

Copy the DIRECT LINK and paste it in the from a URL in the main page of image maps..

Click start mapping your image.. When it uploads you will see this: click the continue to the next step.

Now, you need to add you links to the map. I open up all the tabs I need the links for (recipes posts, sewing and craft posts) get them all ready to copy and paste. Click the rectangle button.

You now can stretch the rectangle/square to the size you need and drag it to cover the part of your picture you want to link up. Once you have the highlighted part where you want to link copy your post link in the box. Hit SAVE.

Do this over and over until you have all your links. I changed my base URL to my website, then hit the get code button.

You will see a page that looks like this:

(I don't know why there is funny coding across the top here. But you need to click the second tab that says HTML code.

The you will see the code. I don't want the text to show below my picture so I only copy the TOP part of the code, until the first </map>. Take the HTML and paste it into a gadget on your blog for HTML in the location you want your picture. I have used this for my header and tabs as well.

If you dont have photoshop, I made this sidebar gallery using the code that A Typical Ensligh Home shared a few weeks ago.

Some Other Blogging tips by Nap-Time Creations:

How to Host a Giveaway

How to Enter a Giveaway

DIY blog Makeover {where I use Image Mapping!}

Growing my Blog

Making a Menu of Blog Posts

Linked up to my Friday link parties.

Crayon Roll Tutorial {for markers}

2013-06-06T08:37:00.001+08:00

Okay, well... this isn't actually a crayon roll project, its a MARKER ROLL! Whatever it is, I have a fun sewing tutorial for you. I didn't know if anyone would know what a marker ammo roll was, so I thought I would give this a name people might know... but, I'm going to show you a FUN re-mix on the crayon roll... its a...

I've got the full sewing tutorial for you today...

I loved this project because I used up a bunch of scraps! You can wear it around your waist and be ready for any marker emergency, or roll it up and take your makers with your where ever you go!

Lets get started...

You will need:

main piece cut 6"x21" cut 2

Pocket cut 7" x 21"

ties/strap cut 2"x21" cut 2

I've laid out all the pieces here

Take your pocket piece and fold it in half {the green flower fabric}. Align the bottom and sides with one of the main roll pieces {the pink} I put a few pins in to hold it in place.

Mark every 1 1/2 inches {for fat markers} less for thin ones. I just used a marker and put a dot along the top of the pocket and a dot along the bottom to mark the sew lines.

Sewing from the top mark to the bottom mark all along the pocket.

Here is the pocket all sewn.

Now for the ties/strap. Fold in half the long way and sew along the long edge

Turn and add a label here if you want

Do you have your own labels? I have really found that having personalized labels are great for branding. Especially when making a gift! Here are some label companies I have work with. This one sells sticky labels for easy applications.

Mabels Labels has great Iron-on Labels + loads of labels for everything in your life that needs to be labeled.

Now back to the project! Pin the two ties on either side of the roll. The ties should be places just at the top of the pocket. The raw edge goes outward and the tie inwards for now.

Take the other piece of the main roll and place it on top of the pocket side. Keep the ties inside and pin all around the outside.

Sew around, leaving a four inch hole for turning.

Clip the corners and turn. I use my scissors to poke out the corners.

Top stitch around the edge, closing the hole.

Fill it with markers or crayons {and I put another little gift}.. Roll it up and away you go! A perfect gift for a little girl {or boy, if you change the fabric!}. I think a crayon roll is a great gift... my son wants one after seeing this one, so I guess I know what I'm making next!

My son had fun trying on this crayon roll for the photos.... and, for some reason he thought it might be something to eat?

Linking to my Thursday and Friday parties
Idea credit to:

Handmade Cards

2013-06-05T10:15:00.000+08:00

Do you make your own cards? I started making handmade cards several years ago, and I haven't gone back! I do occasionally buy a sappy anniversary card or something humorous that catches my eye, but for my everyday card sending... I make my own.

I've gotten the handmade card idea down to a science...

Now, I really only have to site down once a year for several hours and I can crank out enough cards for the next several months. The picture above is the stack I made in two-three hour sessions. Of course, I already have all the supplies ready beforehand. When I'm back in the US I stock up on blank cards, stickers and embellishments, usually only buying what's on sale! {I'm cheap!}

It goes so fast for me because I've really narrowed down what I need and how I make them. I now really only make three main kinds of cards. A large stack of thank yous {seen above} I'm a stickler for "real" thank you cards.

I also make a stack of boy/girl baby cards... seems like everyone I know {and their mother, ha!} is having babies right now.

If I have a pack of flower stickers that are all the same I will often make several cards almost the same. {that's how I go fast}. Find some coordinating paper for the sticker, get a happy birthday stamp and in a few minutes you have 10 cards.... They are all a bit different... but mostly the same..

I also try to make sure I have a few "man" birthday cards as well... Its easy to go all girly!

I made these cards around Mothers Day, so I did make a couple of those too. Generally if I need a special occasion card I will just make as I need. I used to make a few of EVERYTHING... but I still have happy new house cards sitting in my box... so now I just stick to the basics that I actually send....

Now, my card box is full of handmade cards! So happy!

For more posts on Handmade Cards and Handmade Card Ideas see my old posts:

cards, cards, cards

I was down to the last one

and

much needed cards

shared at the Wednesday-Friday Parties HERE

Tasteful Tuesdays {6/4} Happy, Healthy, & Domestic Co-Host

2013-06-04T09:30:00.000+08:00

I'm SO excited! Today marks the start of a new chapter for my little Tasteful Tuesday party... I started this party as a food only party about two years ago... we opened it up to crafts and DIY last summer... and I'm so glad I did... Its been growing and growing and now today we start a series of Co-hosts!!!You can link up at my blog or my Co-host....ONE GREAT PARTY!

Hi Nap Time Creations readers! I’m so excited to be here co-hosting with Emily! I’m Alex, from Happy,Healthy,&Domestic. I’m mom to two wonderful little boys and we’re expecting #3 in September (gender unknown). I started blogging after my first was born to keep the family up to date with him. After a while it grew to be more than just sharing pictures of him so I started a separate blog to share my craft projects and ideas. It’s evolved over the years and the look has changed but I’m still blogging about crafts, cleaning, sewing, DIY projects, and (mostly) healthy recipes. I’ve recently really been enjoying furniture transformations and here are a few of my favorites.

(click on the pictures for more info on each)

Feel free to come on over and explore a bit!

And follow along so you don’t miss any awesome projects!

I've posted a few fun things in the past week:

Now its time for you to link on up!

Strawberry Tart {recipe}

2013-06-03T08:41:00.002+08:00

This Strawberry Tart Recipe is super easy and simple. I whipped it up after I returned from shopping without planning for dessert from items we had on hand. We were having some friends over for a Survivor {the show} finale party last month. I got home from my trip to the store and then remember that I wanted to make something for dessert to share. That's where this easy strawberry tart came in! I happened to have everything on hand and whipped it up in about 30 min. Simple, lovely and delicious! Whipped cream would have been the perfect topping, but I wasn't going back to the store {sigh!}

Yep, it was as good as it looks. {grin} I used three simple ingredients that I had on hand to construct this tart.

1. pre-made crust... I had the just add water kind in my cupboard. You can also use the freezer kind.

2. Sugar Free-Fat Free Instant Chocolate Pudding

3. Strawberries... lots and lots of fresh berries

Bake the crust according to the directions for a baked-filled crust. You MUST bake first.

Make the pudding as directed for pie filling and spread on the cooled tart crust.

Cut up the strawberries and arrange on top. I went for the totally-random look, but you could do a really pretty design as well.

and.... that's it!! Yep, it was seriously just that easy!

I love my green tart dish. I got it at Target when I was back in the US over Christmas... I've used it for quiche, but the was the first tart it had held. I love that you can just slide off the side, and still have a bottom for support. {can you tell I've never had a tart pan before} {ha!}

I scored big on a strawberry sale, so we had lots to use up... you can hardly see the chocolate, but you could taste it!

My pasty crust was perfectly imperfect... but it tasted amazing! We ate the whole thing and loved every bite. I haven't done many fruit tarts, but I will be making this strawberry tart recipe again very soon...

Linking up to my Sunday and Monday parties HERE.

PS: I'm REALLY trying to work on my food photography... please feel free to offer critiques of my photos in the comments... trying to grow....

for other simple desserts using pudding see these posts:

15 Fun Ideas for Summer

2013-06-01T14:21:00.000+08:00

Who's ready for summer? We are! Its finally gotten hot and humid here in Hong Kong. I know that doesn't sounds fun, but its been a cool spring and we are ready for the pool and beach!!! So in the spirit of summer.

Here are 15 Fun Ideas for Summer

I can't wait to show you the fun features I have for you today! Putting these features together is one of my favorite tasks of the week.

Deck makeover {twin dragonfly designs}

Bring summer inside... {Pennys Vintage Home}

paper butterfly art {Grow Creative}

Strawberry and Yogurt Popsicles {Pint Sized Baker}

Strawberry Jam {the new mrs. adventures}

Strawberry Spinach Salad {Unoriginal Mom}

Plant Markers {Pin Junkie}

Strawberry apricot swirl ice {Jazzy Gourmet}

Washi Tape Flag S'more Sticks {a Thrifter in Disguise}

Jeans to shorts {its always autumn}

Flip flop remake {the experimental home}

Sparkling Limeade {Half Baked Harvest}

Herbed pasta with Tomatoes {Cooking on the Front Burner}

Rainbow button I-Phone case {living well, spending less}

Corn Salad {on the home front}

Are you inspired for summer yet? I want to make and do all of the things posted here... if only I had a deck {sigh} I'm in the mood for summer. Let's have some summer fun!

Sock Monsters

2013-05-30T14:44:00.003+08:00

* This is a sewing project I first posted in summer of 2010*

I love sock monkeys! But, when I saw this knee high colorful socks, I knew I had to turn them into SOCK MONSTERS! I love how they turned out!

It's a cross between a sock monkey and a monster toy :o) I put bells inside with the stuffing so it's fun to shake, and on the small one I added some yarn hair for a soft feel. Don't you love the big lips! {grin} I was pleased with my first attempt...

I just want to squeeze them! These two little beauties were given to good homes with little girls to love them.

I'm not sure the best way to attach the arms? I didn't want to hand sew, so I stuffed the arm and attached it to the body before stuffing. Works, but doesn't look so great. Any great looking ideas?

Looking at these photos has inspired me to dig out some other socks I have and make some more monsters. I should do a sock monster round up first... There are so many fun ideas!

linking up to my Friday parties HERE.

Who's ready for summer? Have you seen the incredible deals form Coupons.com? You can get this amazing deals + more by clicking the photos below:

Fathers Day FREE Card

2013-05-30T13:03:00.003+08:00

If you missed the FREE Father's Day card offer from Treat earlier this week, I have good news for you..

They extended it through the end of the month! I took advantage of this myself and it really is FREE!

If you're not familiar with Treat, they are just like regular greeting cards except much better.. You get to choose your own message, add photos, and even pick your own fonts.

To get the card totally free, have it shipped to you. Then you can sign it and write a message in your own writing. For the cost of a stamp, you can have Treat mail it directly to the recipient. And since it's still a few weeks to Father's Day, you can even choose the delivery date.

Here's how to get the deal:

1. Check out their selection of nearly 500 Father's Day designs and choose your favorite card.
2. Upload pictures, choose your font and message, and preview the card to make sure it's right..
3. Use promo code TREATDAD when you checkout.

Formula Can Craft {Whale Bank}

2013-05-30T08:19:00.001+08:00

One of the joys of having a foster baby was formula feeding! With this new item in the house, I discovered the joy of crafts using formula cans. Wow, I was amazed at how much we went through in the three months we had her. Anyway, to console myself when she left I used the empty cans left behind to create these adorable banks for my boys. {this was my entry on One Crafty Contest top 20}

first, I took these two formula canisters

I knew I had to make a slot in the top for the money to go in, and at first I thought of cutting.. but then I thought of melting... And it worked! Heat a knife {one you don't care about} to HOT.

Then slowly press it into the lid. I pushed down, then side to side and made the slit the length I wanted.

And yes, I ruined my knife.

Now, here is the point I went with whale... but you could make these banks any animal that you want! I was thinking pig or sheep would be cute.

I used Creative Paperclay (Google Affiliate Ad)

which air dries and is SUPER light... so it sticks to the can with normal hot glue.

I let it dry over night next to our de-humidifier {I was on a tight schedule because I had to submit for the contest}Then I took these outside ans spray-painted them a blue-grey color I had on hand. It happened to be the perfect whale color. After the paint dried I cute circles for the eyes from felt and added the mouth with a marker.

I do wish I was able to get the tail a bit smoother {you can see my finger marks} But overall, I love it! And more important.... my boys LOVE them.

The slot is big enough for coins or bills.

and now to actually start teaching my kids about money {ha!} My four year old wants to spend every cent he gets. Any tips for teaching kids to save, give, spend appropriately? What have you made using cans or formula tins?

Linking up to my Thursday/Friday Parties HERE

AND...

Growing my Blog {Ideas from YOU}

2013-05-29T09:54:00.001+08:00

First off, I didn't write my blog post last week because I'm thinking of quitting {I love this BLOG! Its my baby!} or because I HAVE to make money doing it... I'm just wondering if its possible. I know many bloggers do make a bit of cash, and I just want to explore if I can too...

Second, you all gave such amazing advice. I am honored that SO MANY of you took the time to leave me a comment or send an e-mail. WOW... Really amazing... so THANKS! Even though my head is spinning, and many of you were really honest, I actually felt very encouraged and inspired by your comments/emails... Many of you asked if I would be writing a follow up post, and YES! I think there were great tips offered, so I'm putting them together here...

I hope you can be inspired as well... take what works for you and go with it! I also know that my goal is to do lots more reading on blog SEO and see what I can do with that. Anyone have a favorite SEO resource? Paid or free? I'm willing to buy an e-book, etc... Just trying to get specifics, you know? There are so many general idea and posts... but I just feel like I can't wrap my head around the details and specifics!

Here we GO! I've just copied and pasted so the tips are in your words. {my thoughts in blue}

ADS:
-Too busy- Lots of Ads {I've made a few changes}
-I also purchased inexpensive ad's on BIG blogs with thousands of followers/pageviews a day. When I sell ad's I reinvest the money to advertise on bigger blogs so I'm not really spending much. Sometimes those blogs will also spotlight you.
-The top performing type of adsense ad is 336x280,

PINTEREST:

- Pin to pinterest - you own boards and group boards.{Many of you suggested this as an excellent traffic source...}

RELATIONSHIPS:
-I've had success with attending SEO linking parties and following everyone and asking for a follow back (including my link). Also, listing my ad's at https://app.passionfruitads.com/.
- Finally, network with other bloggers in your niche.

PHOTOS:
-Your photos for DIY, sewing, tutorials, crafts, etc. are FANTASTIC! However, your food ones could be brought up a notch (please don't feel bad....yours are still way better than mine, that's something I'm really trying to work on at the moment). {I know my photos of food aren't that good...a goal}
- noticed that renaming my photos and tagging my posts, like SEO stuff, has boosted my pageviews.
LAYOUT:

- I think your blog is very cute, but so much white is a bit harsh on the eyes.

- On your right sidebar, there's some spots that are large blanks. Not sure if that's just my browser, or normal....but take a look. {not sure... I don't see blanks... Anyone else??? What do YOU see?}

- One of the many things people highly recommended was to have a list with photos of your top/favorite posts on your sidebar, or at the top of your blog. Show people your best!

GET FEATURED:
craftgawker
foodgawker
myrecipemagic.com

ucreate
free pattern sites

Google Reader: - it merely moved to Google+ , some already see it in their G+ sidebar, some not {Google did say it will take time to roll out - however I liked the old reader better, but they are more or less the same} {I a very interested to know more about this! Anyone written a tutorial on viewing your followed blogs this way????}

What I have done already:
-Removed the ads from between my posts... you can now scroll through on the front page without that distraction.
-Re-sized the ad at the very top of my page
-Changed the format of my archives {I like to be able to use this feature to find old posts for linking to current posts, so I kept it}
-Removed my inspiration blog list {I'm following them all with Bloglovin so I wont miss a thing!} and added a favorite posts widget to help my better brand my blog.
-Signed up for +Amy Latta s grow your blog class {its a steal at $25 for early registration} You can e-mail her for details.
-Started using adwords to find better keywords

and to finish off
Top Five Reasons I Might Never "Make it Big"
5. I live out of the US and many companies won't work with International Bloggers
4. My resources and supplies are limited {I live about 7,000 miles from the nearest Michaels or Joanns!}
3. I really like hanging out with my friends... So might not spend enough time on the blog?
2. The market is flooded with other bloggers sewing, crafting and cooking.. and that is what I really enjoy doing... Not really willing to change my niche?
1. I'm not a Mormon {grin} Does anyone else think there is a conspiracy going around? {Dear Mormon blogger friends... I love you and your blogs!}

More Questions:
Should I go back to all my "best" posts and add better keywords?
Can I change the names of old posts without changing their links? I don't want a bunch of broken links.

Linked up to my Wednesday and Thursday parties HERE

Tasteful Tuesday {5/28} and Fathers Day Card Offer

2013-05-28T09:30:00.000+08:00

Happy Memorial Day to those of you in the USA today!! I serenely appreciate all those who have served our country...it is an amazing one!

Attention somewhat early Father's Day Shoppers...

{Yes... That's me! I've already posted a gift idea & Round up!}

Treat is offering all new customers a FREE Father's Day card through the end of May! If you're not familiar with Treat, think regular greeting cards, but with added awesome. You get to choose your own message, add photos, and even change fonts. In short, you get to make the card uniquely...YOU!

Like I said on Saturday... I've already ordered one for both my dad and FIL for Father's Day... It was super fun to make and personalize to! {You just have to pay the stamp! Nothing more...}

Get the card totally free, and have it shipped to you. That also allows you to sign it and write anything you want to add in your own writing. Or, for the cost of a stamp, you can have Treat mail it directly to the recipient. And since it's so early, they even let you choose the delivery date. Sweet. So check out their selection of nearly 500 Father's Day designs and choose your favorite card. Upload some pictures, play around with what you want to say and use promo code TREATDAD when you checkout. That's all there is to it.
This year I have been on the ball with Mothers Day and Fathers Day... {at least so far!} Last week I posted what I think it a GREAT gift for any man in your life that likes to golf:

and then over the weekend I featured you {which I love to do!} and all the yummy goodies you can make for dad as a treat this Fathers Day.

And finally, I have my first "official" sponsor for this little blog! SOUTHERN FABRIC!!! Check out the amazing sales they are having this week! You can get up to 40% off with the additional code!!

Now, onto the party this week!
I've been trying to go through all the links and leave comments about once a month. There are just TOO MANY links to do it every week {isn't that a nice problem to have??? Too many amazing bloggers linking up?} But, I do want to go through and show my appreciation to all of you for supporting my party and I LOVE visiting all the great ideas... so you should have seen me pop over and leave a comment on at least one of the links you left. I was REALLY impressed with how many of your are linking back these days... there were a few without a mention of the party, but overall. I'm really pleased... so THANKS!
and now... lets see what you've been making! {next week we will have our first co-host!!!}

Angel Food Cake {Guest Post}

2013-05-27T09:42:00.000+08:00

Today Danielle is here from Snippets of Inspiration sharing a super great Angel Food Cake recipe. Confession: Angel Food is my ALL-TIME favorite cake {it was even my wedding cake!!} but... I've never made one from scratch! I'm the just-add-water-from-the-box kind of Angel Food Cake baker... {yikes!} So, when Danielle made this for her guest post I was so excited to see her recipe and tips. I will be trying this out for sure in the near future.

This is a fantastic angel food cake recipe that is very spongy and light! It is definitely worth the effort to make! I got this recipe from the cookbook, The Joy of Cooking, which provides alot of tips and information on the science and correct baking instructions of an angel food cake. Please refer to the bottom of this post to read about angel food cakes and tips on better baking! INGREDIENTS:

1 1/3 cups sugar
1 cup cake flour {not all-purpose or self-rising}
1/2 tsp salt
11 egg whites
1 tsp cream of tartar
2 tsp vanilla

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Sift flour and salt three times in a bowl and set aside for later use; Sift sugar twice in a bowl and set aside for later use.

4. Separate the egg whites from the yolks carefully.

5. In a mixer beat egg whites on medium-high until foamy {about 1 minute}. Add the cream of tartar and beat on medium-high until soft peaks form {about 2 minutes}. Add sugar and vanilla and beat on medium until those ingredients are incorporated into the mixture. {less than 30 seconds}.
Stiff peaks should form and be rather thick.

6. In the same bowl, fold in the sifted flour in batches {not all at once} until combined. *While turning the bowl, use a rubber spatula to fold in the mixture lightly by cutting down the center and coming up the side.*

7. Gently spoon the batter in an ungreased tube pan {similar to a bunt pan but without the ridges} used for angel food and sponge cakes. Make sure that you do not pat down the batter, although you may smooth it across the top to make it even.

8. Bake for 45 minutes on the lower third half of the oven rack. It should be slightly caramel colored on top when finished.

9. Let the cake "hang" for an hour and a half. That means turn the cake {still inside the pan} upside down, either on the cake pan prongs or on something to lift the cake above the counter or table where you are leaving it. Read further under 'The Pan' section below for more details.

10. After hanging the cake, use a knife to separate the cake from the pan sides and gently pull cake away from the wall. Turn upside down and gently knock on the pan bottom with a utensil to loosen the cake. Repeat this process until the cake falls out.

11. Enjoy your angel food cake plain {which is VERY good} or garnish with strawberries or other fruit!

About Angel Food Cakes

Laboratory research in some types of recipes - and no cake has a larger bibliography than angel cake - has become so elaborate as to intimidate the housewife, who can rarely know the exact age of the eggs she uses or the precise blend of flour. Yet, working innocently as she must, she can still contrive a glamorous result with a little care. The main risers in angel cake are air and steam, so the egg white volume is important.

Egg Whites

Have egg whites ready. They should be at least 3 days old, at about room temperature and separated just before use. Divide the beating time into 4 quarters. During the first quarter, beat whites gently until foamy. Add salt, cream of tartar and liquid flavoring. Be sure the cream of tartar has been in a closely covered container. It is added midway during the first quarter of the beating and controls both the stability of the foam and the whiteness of the cake. End the first quarter of the beating with an increasing speed and gradually add, whilte continuing to beat at a high speed, 3/4 of the sugar called for in the recipe.

Mixers

If you are using an electric mixer, the sugar addition should be in the second quarter because it guards against over-beating the whites. If you are beating by hand with a flat whip - and this gives the best results- or a rotary one, the gradual addition of sugar is made in the last half of the beating time. In either case, the remaining 1/4 of the sugar is sifted with the cake flour to keep the flour well dispersed when it is folded into the egg and sugar mixture. The folding should never be done mechanically. As in all hand folding, the movement is both gentle and firm, but rapid. Avoid breaking down the cellular structure of the egg whites which have trapped air.

The Pan

The pan and its preparation are integral with good results. Choose a tube pan with a removable rim. {I did not} Since the dough is light, it helps to have a central tube to give it additional support while is rises. If the pan has been used for other purposes and any grease remains, the batter will not rise. Wash a suspect pan with detergent, scrubbing well to remove every trace of grease. after putting the batter in the pan, draw a thin spatula gently through the dough to destroy any large air pockets. More information about the pan coinciding with the picture above, can be found in the following paragraph.

Baking

Endless experiments have been performed for baking angel cakes - starting with a cold oven and ending with a very hot one. But the best oven is one that is not so slow that it will dry and toughen the cake and not so hot that it will set the protein of the whites before they can expand to the fullest volume. In other words, the ideal is a moderate, preheated oven. We use 350 degrees for about 45 minutes for the recipes given here. Place the pan on a rack, adjusted in the lower third of the oven. When the cake is done turn the pan upside down when you remove it from the oven. Use an inverted funnel to rest the pan on, if the tube is not high enough to keep the cake above the surface of the table. {The pan I used had prongs with which to hang the cake, by allowing air into the pan, when placed upside down.} Let the cake hang for about 1 1/2 hours until it is thoroughly set. Be sure to remove it from the pan before storing. Do not cut a fresh angel or sponge cake with a knife, but use a divider or 2 forks inserted bath to bath to pry the cake gently apart. {I used a serrated bread knife to carefully and gently cut the cake without pressing down on cake.} *All instructions and baking tips were gathered from the cookbook, The Joy of Cooking.*

Thanks Danielle! If you liked this you should head over to her site for LOTS of other inspiring projects and follow her on TWITTER, FACEBOOK, PINTEREST or G+. Be sure to come back Monday night for the Tasteful Tuesday party!
Linking to my Monday and Tuesday Parties HERE.

Feed Dad on Fathers Day! {FEATURING YOU!}

2013-05-25T11:12:00.004+08:00

What do Dad's want on Fathers Day? Maybe something cute and homemade from the kids...Maybe a card... but guys like food right? And dads are men, so lets assume that Dad wants GOOD FOOD for Fathers Day. {and everyday, ha!} Last weeks party had some incredible food linked up, so if you are wondering what to cook on Fathers Day, look no further!

And, even better... Want a free card for Dad or Grandpa? Get your free card by clicking the photo below!

{I am going to order one for my dad with his grandkids on it!}

Promotion is good on the 27th and 28th.

Did you see the Fathers Day idea I posted earlier in the week?

Beef and Bean Nachos {Loves Bakes Good Cakes}

BBQ Chicken Mini Pizza {Lemon Tree Dwelling}

Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken {Busy Moms Helper}

Chicken Parmesan Casserole {Makin it Mo Better}

Good for You Fries {The Salty Kitchen}

Garlic Cheese Monkey Bread {Food-Ramblings}

Steak Strognauff {Mommy on Demand}

Cosmic Brownies {Melissa's Cuisine}

Lemon Chicken Kebob {Peanut Life Adventures}

Peanut Butter Shortbread {Simply Sweet N Savory}

Ranch Chicken Enchilada {Mostly Homemade Mom}

Best Beer Brats {Grandparents Plus}

Cheesy Guacamole {Morsels of Life}

Mexican Chicken Rice Skillet {a wiener dog in the kitchen}

Calzoncici with Ham, Mozzarella & Tomato {Pretty Elements}

Oh, and so dad doesn't gain 10 lbs in one day... use these fonts to make him a cute card...

7 Fathers Day Fonts {A Typical English Home}

And make something fun for him like this wreath from {Just Us Four}