www.nap-timecreations.com

Satisfying my Sweet Tooth...{Featuring YOU}

2013-05-18T14:00:00.000+08:00

Every week I drool over all the sweet treats posted in the party... And every week I tell myself that features can't just be sweets... so I come up with something else.. like

20 Ideas for Kids

The Writing on the Wall

Mexican Food

Purses, Cases and Jewelry

Sandwiches that will Knock your Socks Off

Spring Project Ideas

Bread and Pizza

Celebrate Green

but today... I'm satisfying my sweet tooth and featuring yummy treats to tempt you too! {drooling!}

Pumpkin Pie {Busy Mom's Helper}

Ricotta Cheese Cake {Live Laugh Rowe}

S'mores Banana Bread Cake {Melissa's Cuisine}

M & M Brownie Bark {Diana Rambles}

Tangy Lemon Cake {Simply Sweet and Savory}

Rum-Flavored Apricot Pastries {Taste of August}

Chocolate Oat Krispie Bars {It's Always Autumn}

Ice Cream Sammies {Eat, Play, Love}

Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies {The Tip Toe Fairy}

S'mores Ice Cream {Dress this Nest}

Strawberry Rhubarb Oatmeal Squares {Queen B Creative}

Peanut Butter Mini-Cheesecakes {Winnish}

Chocolate Dipped Potato Chips {The Moody Fasionista}

What will you make first???

Flashback Friday: Fathers Day Collage

2013-05-17T14:42:00.000+08:00

Now that mothers day is over... its time to start thinking about the dads in our life! I've got an incredible (more involved idea) for you next week, but for now... check out this easy idea.

Here is the progression of photos we've taken over the years... {I can't show the new one until we give it on Fathers Day!}

Every year I just re-take the photos! I love it, becuase each year I can do an update, so easy! I did acutally buy letters this year, and I like the way they look. I just use Picasa for my edtiting and collages...FREE! Pick out a frame and you are finished!

and from last year:

Wow! They are growing WAY too fast!!! Do you have a go to Fathers Day gift?

Paper Flower Wreath

2013-05-16T13:43:00.001+08:00

I made this beautiful springy/summer decoration for my home. I love when I can make something fast (one nap time) and with supplies I already had (scrapbook paper).

ScrapBook Paper Wreath:

I saw these two flowers and I was inspired.

I decided to try and create my own one afternoon. I didn't have solid card stock like the blue one, so this is my version. I followed the tutorial from the concrete cottage and did the best with what I had.

We love the way it looks hanging in our home and we've gotten lots of compliments on it as well.

I will probably make another one sometime with the solid paper.. but for now this looks pretty good {if I do say so myself!}

The back was just the cardboard from the paper. and I punched holes used a pipe cleaner for the hanger.

shared here:

Strut-Your-Stuff-Somewhat Simple * Hookin' Up Party-House of Hepworths * Beyond the Picket Fence -

Show Off Your Stuff-Fireflies and Jellybeans * Link it up party-Seven Alive * Chic and Crafty Thursdays

* Crafts for Under 20 Somethings-Bear Rabbit Bear

* The Weekly Creative-The Girl Creative
A Crafty Soiree-Katies Nesting Spot * Blog Stalking Thursday-The Crafty Blog Stalker
I'm crafty party-So you Think You're Crafty *
36 Avenues-Share Awesomeness Thursdays *The Humble Brag Party-The Better Half

Weekend Wrap Up Party-Tatertots and Jello *

* http://www.504main.com/ * Shine on Friday-One Artsy Mama

Friday Favs Party-Nap Time Crafters *
Shaken Together-What's Shakin Friday * I Love Fridays-Petals to Picots * Feature Friday-A Glimpse Inside
Pinworthy Project Party-Just the Four of us * Friday Favorites - Simply Sweet Home
Kitchen and Crafty Fun- Kitchen fun with my three sons *.Pity Party-30Handmade Days
Friday Flair-Whipperberry * Freedom Fridays-My Turn {for us} *
a peek into my paradise-TGIF link party

Best Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Ever! {recipe round up}

2013-05-15T14:00:00.000+08:00

I'm super excited to announce that I have teamed up with 5 other amazing bloggers to celebrate National Chocolate Chip Day today. We are also kicking off a monthly venture called Recipe Round-Up. Today we are ALL sharing Chocolate Chip Recipes together- stay tuned to see what we share next month. Please visit all the other blogs listed here & gather these amazing recipes for your book.

Recipe Round-Up May: 1. Best Chocolate Chip Coffee Bars from Kleinworth & Co. 2. Best Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Ever from Nap-Time Creations 3. Best Chocolate Chip Brownies with Kahlua from One Martini at a Time 4. S'Mores Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe from The Taylor House 5. Chocolate Chip Cannoli Bites from Let's Dish 6. Chocolate Chip Cookie Lava Cakes from Mostly-Homemade Mom

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.

Here is my recipe!

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread {bites}

So, I set out to made a loaf of bread.... here's what I ended up with.

I've made this bread before...but tried something a little different and it DIDN'T work!

Here's the recipe: {adapted from all-recipes.com}

This makes two loaves

1/2 Cup Butter

1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened (this is what makes the bread the BEST!!!)

1 1/4 cups white sugar

2 eggs

1 Cup mashed banana

1 tsp vanilla

2 1/14 cup flour

1 1/2 tsp baking power

1/2 tsp baking soda

2 TBS brown sugar

2 tsp cinnamon

1 cup chocolate chips

cream the butter and cheese together. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at at time, beating well. Stir in the banana and vanilla. Add the baking powder, flour, soda, mix until just moist. pour half the batter into two loaf pans. Put brown sugar and cinnamon and chips on top. Pour the rest of the batter to top. Now... take a knife and swirl the batter. (I didn't do this and it was BAD)

Bake at 350F (175C) for 45 min. check with a toothpick

when it came out, it looked so nice...

But.. becuause I had made a layer of chocolate in the middle (and didn't stir/mix) it fell in half when I tried to take it out... So I chopped it more and served it with toothpicks!

and ate some with ice cream...

Yum! I had so much fun being party of this recipe round up... can't wait see what the theme will be next month.
great coupons for the week:
Summer-time treats!!!

Pain relief

Water & Beverage (+ water bottles)

Misc

Tasteful Tuesday Link Party {5/13}

2013-05-14T09:30:00.000+08:00

Hi friends!!! Its my favorite time of the week again, Tasteful Tuesday! Yeah... I love me some Tuesday link love.

**Co-Host Update**

drumroll please....

I've decided to open it up to ANYONE and create a co-host for the week style party! I'm going to publish the full details next week, but here are somethings to get you thinking.

- I will have a co-host every other week

-I will put out a google spreadsheet where you can sign up to co-host

- you will receive the party code to put on your blog Monday night with an introduction to the party and introducing it to your readers.

- I will post a bio about you (with links to all your goodies -FB, Google +, etsy, etc....) and a few of my favorite posts from your blog...this is a great opportunity as this party receives over 1,000 pageviews in the week it goes up

Looking forward to posting the spreadsheet next week and getting you all signed up!!!

Before we get to the party check out what I've been posting the last couple of days.

A few homemade gifts..... .

20 Ideas for kids... by YOU!!! Love the Saturday features...

and now.... lets party!!! Hope your Monday has been incredible... I'm enjoying my last week with our little foster daughter before she leaves next Sunday {sniff!}

A few gifts...

2013-05-13T13:34:00.000+08:00

Over the last week I've made and given a few gifts... I know I usually share a recipe on Monday, but I'm participating in a recipe round up and we will all be posting those on Wed... so this week I'm mixing things up a bit.

First, a couple of weeks ago I ordered a present for my mom... {Happy Mothers Day!}

JeniHarveyDesigns makes these adorable mugs... my mom always drinks out of jars, so I thought this was perfect for her.

I also made a couple of gifts... Several friends have May birthdays so I whipped up several camera strap covers... I loved this fabric...
need some labels like these?

www.mabelslabels.com/

and for my Mother-in-law, who loves her Kindle... I whipped up this little cover.

I started by finding the dimensions fer her Kindle online. I added an inch to both the height and width. I also added extra on the top for the closure.

I wanted a pocket on the front. Start by folding your strip in half (not counting the top flap)... you can see the crease in the photo. Sew a pocket (with a finished top edge) right sides together to the front, then flip up and stop-stitch. Should look like this...

Here is a view all folded.

Pin your lining right sides together and sew. ( I used minkie) I left the bottom straight edge open for turning.

I wanted a button closure, so here is where I added that.

all ready to mail!

shared here:

Making the World Cuter Mondays-Making the World Cuter *

Made By You Mondays-Skip to My Lou * Market Yourself Mondays-Sumo's Sweet Stuff

Motivate Me Monday-Crafts Keep Me Sane * Craftastic Mondays-Sew Can Do * Motivated Mondays-Becolorful

A Marvelous Mess-Marvelously Messy *Rain on the Tin Roof-Show me the Goods

Making Monday Marvelous-C.R.A.F.T * Busy Monday-A Pinch of Joy

More the merrier Monday-diy Home Sweet Home * Mad Skills - Mad in Crafts * I Should Be Mopping the Floor
Made With Love Monday- Sew Chatty * Manic MOnday- Serendipity and Spice * Make a Scene Monday-Alderberry Hill
Metamorphosis Monday - Between Naps on the Porch

Get Your Craft On-Todays Creative Blog * JAQ Studios-Made by ME * Tutorial Tuesday - Hope Studios

* Take a Look Tuesday-Sugar Bee Crafts * Tip Me Tuesday - Tip Junkie

Talent Show Tuesdays-Chef in Training * Show Me What You Got - Not JUST A Housewife
Handmade Tuesdays - Ladybug Blessings * Anti Procrastination Tuesday - New Nostalgia * Lil'Luna Link Party
Too Cute Tuesday - Funky Polkadot Giraffe * Tuesday Time Out - Reasons To Skip the Housework
One Project at a Time - A Bowl Full of Lemons * Time to Shine-A Diamond in the Stuff * Carolyn's Homework
Terrific Tuesdays-Adventures of a DIY mom * Uncommonly Yours link party
How To Tuesday-The Howto Housewife *

20 Fab Ideas for Kids {FEATURING YOU}

2013-05-11T21:50:00.004+08:00

I was SO excited to see all the fun ideas for kids linked up to the party last week. Today I've put together a round up of things for kids to eat, do, wear and make... I hope you enjoy and get some great ideas for your kids, I know I did!!! All the ideas have been pinned! {please pin from original source if you plan to share the pinterest love}

oh... and I'm guest posting over at Alderberry Hill today... a Fathers Day gift idea! Go check it out!

let's get started with a fun one! My boys would LOVE a CARS themed room!

Steph @ Silver Boxes made some adorable DIY art.

I don't know whats cuter? The bows or the girl! Jenn @ Planting Daffodils has some super fun ideas.

Jerry and Kay made this adorable butterfly.. Seems like a fun craft for kids... imagine a whole room full of them! {butterflies, not kids!}

B-Inspired Mama shared several fun ways to frame your kids art and make it beautiful!

I love this idea!! Homemade Fruit Roll Ups by Busy Moms Helper.

Isn't this play room adorable? The gallery wall is amazing!!! Texas Life Blog did an incredible job.

This treasure map is a layout of her actual home! Kids can follow the path to a special treat... the dry erase makes it fun to use over and over again. Cutesy Crafts... fun times!

I love this stack of thin pancakes... super fun idea for breakfast by A Handful of Everything.

I am for sure making these muffins for my boys! I love hiding healthy things in muffins. AnnMarie shares here amazing recipe HERE.

Cold? Blueberry? Cheesecake???Yes please!!! Check out these Popsicles from the Pint Sized Baker.

Cute Lunch alert!!! I love this rabbit with a heart by Kiddie Foodie!

I've made crochet booties before... but these are about as cute as it gets. Whistle and Ivy shares the pattern for free.

The colors are amazing on this blanket... You need to go check out the photos of the whole thing. Queen Bee Creative Me shares the story behind this piece of work.

This looks like a fun last minute Mothers Day gift or other time gift too. This idea was shared by A Spoonful of Crafts.

I love this shirt... My boys would go nuts! Howling at the Moon shared her cute shirt.

Nothing is more fun than a pool noodle... so many things you can do with one!! The Crafty Blog Stalker put together a great round up of ideas.

One of my most dreaded parenting duties... we can all use more tips!!! Happy House of 5 shares some great ideas.

I've made lots of felt food, but this scrap fabric food is adorable! Cook and Craft My Crazy made some amazing pieces.

When my son needs to pack a lunch for school I hope I am half as creative as these amazing ideas!!!

go over and check out all the great bento lunches.

and finally, every girl needs some headbands. These are great DIY wire ones... Hot Commodity Home Decor shared here great method.

Enjoy your weekend!! Its already Saturday night here in Hong Kong and I can say its been a good day... hope yours is too.

Girly Pant- Tutorial {Flashback Friday}

2013-05-10T10:00:00.000+08:00

From the files of March 2011

This was a post I did for Keeping It Simple TWO years ago! {Ruffled Girly Pants} Seriously... where does time do? I am going to have to make a few more of these... I have three little nieces approaching their first birthday!

For my tops I dyed white onsies coordinating colors, then did some applique with the material from the pants.

Gather the materials for your pants. Use a pants pattern or make your own, cuts strips for the ruffles, and have some ribbing material handy.

I started by sewing the two backs together at the back butt seam and the two fronts together as well.

Sew down the middle of your ruffle strips with a LARGE stitch. Then pull the bobbin string to ruffle. Mine was the white one as you can see above.

Arrange, pin and sew the ruffles to the right side of the butt. Sew down the middle of the ruffle, trying to stay on top of the line you used to gather the ruffle.

Sew the inseam and the side seams right-sides together.

Get the ribbing material ready for the waist band and leg bands. I cut the waist band the same size as the top of the pants and the leg bands slightly smaller than the bottom of the legs.

This is the best part! Easy elastic waist! I put the elastic inside the folded over waistband and sew down the middle, catching the elastic and both sides of the material. See the photo below. Then all you have to do is sew the waistband right-sides together to the pants.

If you have a tag you can sew it on the back of the pants at this point.

Sew the leg ribbing together, then fold in half. With right sides together sew to the bottom of each leg.

You are finished!!! A very easy, cute project!

Some other variations:

Put a V of material in the back butt seam to make baggier pants
Leave the cuffs off the bottom and put a ribbon around the bottom of each leg.
Make the top of the pants longer, and just fold over for a elastic casing.
Put more ruffles on the butt for a more covered look.

Basically, just have fun!!! I would love to see your pant embellishment ideas. Stop by and leave me a link to your blog and great ideas.

Wow, this little girl is now THREE!

These pictures from two years ago show here modelling the pants {big enough for cloth diapers!}

Have you seen the great deal from coupons.com???

Shared here:

Weekend Wrap Up Party-Tatertots and Jello *

* http://www.504main.com/ * Shine on Friday-One Artsy Mama

{how to} Host a Giveaway

2013-05-09T17:08:00.000+08:00

Let me just start by saying I'm no expert... but I have hosted a few giveaways over the past few years. Last week I shared my tips for ENTERING giveaways. Today I thought I would share a few things I've learned by hosting them.

1. Don't wait for a company to contact you!

I've passed on over $1,000 worth of goodies to you from companies that I have approached. When I know I am going to do a post that mentions a company, service or website, I sometimes will contact them ahead of time and ask if they would be willing to sponsor a free product or dollar amount of free stuff. For example, when I was posting about making a digital photobook using the company Smilebooks, I contacted them about doing a giveaway... I was BLOWN away with the response. They sponsored THREE photobooks that I got to pass onto you, and they also gave me a code for a free book for myself. You can check out my giveaway post HERE.

I've also giveaway items from other bloggers, shabby apple, cutting edge stencils and etsy sellers that I have directly approached.

Of course I LOVE when I get an e-mail from a company asking about hosting a giveaway through my site... makes me feel popular {confession}... and if its a product that I would use and think fits with my site, I usually say yes!

2. Choose a popular day.

I don't know about you, but some days are better than others as far as pageviews go. I usually choose to post my giveaway around that time. The weekends seem to be slower around my blog {I know I spend less time then as well, because I'm with my family} so over the weekend I will do some social media promotion. Usually I keep a giveaway open for around a week, but you should keep it to at least five days.

3. Follow the sponsors requests

When I contact a sponsor (or are contacted by them) I ask what they would like in return. I usually suggest a visit to their site or a facebook like. You have keep the sponsors happy! Make it worth their while to give you free product. Make it worth your while too! Give people lots of chances to follow and support YOUR BLOG through the entries!

4. Promote and remind

If you just put up a giveaway and leave it for a week until it closes... you may not have very many entries! You have to keep reminding your readers that its there and PROMOTE!! Post every couple days on social media sites and on the last day as well.

Link up to giveaway directories and other link parties that allow giveaways.

here are the ones I use regularly:

Someday Crafts

Bacon Time

Homemaker on a Dime
pursuit of functional home - breaking the rules party

5. Keep the entry clear and uncomplicated

When I see a rafflecopter with 50 different ways to enter... I get overwhelmed... I usually just enter a couple of the options and quit... Now I know those are for the giveaways that are sponsored by MANY blogs together... but still.... do we need to follow each blog 5 ways? Or can we just keep it to one way? I know we all follow blogs differently, I'm just saying it overwhelms me... What do you think? Do you enter all 50 ways? When I host.. I usually have around 2 entries for the sponsor and another 2-4 for me.

What are your tips for hosting giveaways?

Shared Here:

Strut-Your-Stuff-Somewhat Simple * Hookin' Up Party-House of Hepworths * Beyond the Picket Fence -

Show Off Your Stuff-Fireflies and Jellybeans * Link it up party-Seven Alive * Chic and Crafty Thursdays

* Crafts for Under 20 Somethings-Bear Rabbit Bear

Weekend Wrap Up Party-Tatertots and Jello *

* http://www.504main.com/ * Shine on Friday-One Artsy Mama

{more} Black and White Picture for Baby

2013-05-08T13:19:00.001+08:00

My previous post on Black and White pictures for babies has been one of your all-time favs... so today... for all of you who like the first batch... here's another! I love messing around with graphics, so I find this fun to put together. You can click on the picture to go to the downloadable link!

** these printables are for personal use only **

Other printables for kids... FREE for you!

shared here:

We Did It Wednesdays-Sew Much Ado * Sugar & Spice and Everything Nice-Seven Thirty Three

* Look What I Made-Creations by Kara

Someday Crafts - Whatever Goes Wednesday * Savvy Southern Style - Wow Us Wednesdays
Wicked Awesome Wednesday – Handy Man Crafty Woman * What we Wore and Made Wednesday-Rae Gun Ramblings
Wow Me Wednesday-Gingersnaps Crafts *
Time for a Party-Fine Craft Guild * Works for me Wed. - We are that Family * A Creative Princess
Inspiring Creativity-Twin Dragonfly Designs * Adorned from Above Wednesday

Strut-Your-Stuff-Somewhat Simple * Hookin' Up Party-House of Hepworths * Beyond the Picket Fence -

Show Off Your Stuff-Fireflies and Jellybeans * Link it up party-Seven Alive * Chic and Crafty Thursdays

* Crafts for Under 20 Somethings-Bear Rabbit Bear

make it and wear it- The Train the Crazy * The Weekly Creative-The Girl Creative
A Crafty Soiree-Katies Nesting Spot * Blog Stalking Thursday-The Crafty Blog Stalker
I'm crafty party-So you Think You're Crafty *
36 Avenues-Share Awesomeness Thursdays *The Humble Brag Party-The Better Half

Tasteful Tuesday {5/7}

2013-05-07T09:30:00.000+08:00

Welcome to another week and another fabulous party!! Hope your Monday is going well, so happy to have you here. Please make sure to follow these guidelines when linking.

And I know I don't usually post "rules" for my part, but there have been a lot of newbies around... SO....here are my party expectations!

1. Please link back! a text or button link are fine... I do prefer direct in the post, but will take a link party page too.

2. Limit 3 links please...

3. Check out a couple other links... and leave nice comments please!

Yesterday I posted my Lettuce Wrap recipe with variations to make the whole family happy!

And Saturday I posted a lovely round up of YOUR great work... all with letter art.

{Easy} Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps

2013-05-06T14:37:00.002+08:00

Todays recipe is an easy dinner idea, that cam be made with meat or without. This Lettuce Wrap Recipe was a huge hit with everyone in our home. To find something that we all like can sometimes be a challenge. I am a vegetarian, my husband is not, and our kids are well.... kids {you know!} I loved this, because with a little tweaking, we were all satisfied!

I adapted the recipe from a old pampered chef cookbook. I don't even remember where I got it... and I don't have any of the pampered chef tools or ingredients, but I was able to make a couple of changes and turn this into something delicious.

Lets get started. You will need:

2 packages chicken flavored ramen noodles

1 red or yellow pepper

1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions

2 TBS soy sauce + a dash

1/2 cup oil (I used vegetable)

1/4 c. sugar

1/4 c. vinegar

seasoning from the ramen noodles

1 tsp garlic (minced)

1 med. cucumber chopped small

1 carrot chopped small

24 letucce leaves (I used butter) but you can use Romain or Boston too.

(optional)

chicken breast, cooked and chopped

1/4 chopped peanuts

1. Cook the noodles in boiling water for two minutes (break them up before you cook them). Drain and rinse in cold water.

2. Place all the chopped veggies and garlic in a medium bowl. Add the noddles to the veggies and toss with a dash of soy sauce.

3. Make the dipping sauce:

Combine the oil, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce and seasoning...

(optional) prepare chicken on the side to be added if wanted

(optional) make a bowl of noodles with just carrots and cucumbers (the veggies my kids will eat)

place noodles and (meat) in a lettuce leaf and spoon sauce over the top... eat... say yum... and repeat!

Some other recipes that would go well with these:

Here are the coupon deals for the week! What are you making for dinner?

shared here:

Making the World Cuter Mondays-Making the World Cuter *

Made By You Mondays-Skip to My Lou * Market Yourself Mondays-Sumo's Sweet Stuff

Motivate Me Monday-Crafts Keep Me Sane * Craftastic Mondays-Sew Can Do * Motivated Mondays-Becolorful

A Marvelous Mess-Marvelously Messy *Rain on the Tin Roof-Show me the Goods

Making Monday Marvelous-C.R.A.F.T * Busy Monday-A Pinch of Joy

Get Your Craft On-Todays Creative Blog * JAQ Studios-Made by ME * Tutorial Tuesday - Hope Studios

* Take a Look Tuesday-Sugar Bee Crafts * Tip Me Tuesday - Tip Junkie

-->

The Writing on the Wall... {Featuring YOU}

2013-05-04T16:30:00.000+08:00

I noticed these projects as soon as I started looking through last weeks projects, lovely letter art! You guys really came up with some creative ways to use letters to decorate your homes and make beautiful art. There were 10 great projects linked up that all used the alphabet... and I'm featuring those 10 today... ENJOY!

Old Things New made this neat sign on a vintage ironing board.

This only has an A in it... but it is a letter and I needed to get to 10 projects.... Happy Housie created a beautiful entry hall.

I love this C is for Car project from Crystal and Comp.

Made to be Momma gets two features this week! She created this neat ABC wall in her sons room.

AND this fun sign for her kitchen....

{seriously... sometimes the bake, cook, eat cycle seems never ending!!!}

This is a fun one to do with kids... and I love the message...

B-inpired Mama's kids must be older than mine though because my kids can't read yet and this wouldn't stop them. {can't remember the last night I napped!}

I LOVE this idea... the finished product is so fun. You could writing so many different things...Happy, Healthy and Domestic did this project with a craft club.

Unoriginal Mom shared how she made this lovely wood panel and even the free printable.

This Initial Art turned out super cute as well. Essentially Eclectic shared how she made it.

And finally, isn't this family tree made from names amazing? I just love how Cutesy Crafts made this for her family.

And that's a wrap! Can't wait to see what next weeks party brings! As always... party will open at 8:30 pm central time. See you there!

Daddy's old shirt = Toddler PJ's! {tutorial}

2013-05-03T10:00:00.000+08:00

In the spirit of the PJ post I did yesterday... I'm re-posting this from may 2010... I can't believe how small Jack looks! {where does the time go!}

So when my son desperately needed new summer PJ's I was faced with a problem. Kids' clothing is pretty expensive here (or cheap market clothing), we weren't headed back to the US for another month, I didn't have any material to make new ones, and I was not looking forward to the trip to the fabric market (hauling my son and stroller). So, I asked my husband if he had any t-shirts he was willing to part with. He gave me 3 shirts! Yeah! I made one for a trial (the shorts were great, the shirt was thrown out!). The shirt flop helped me make the changes I needed to have success on the second try. I am very pleased with the whole outcome. Plus, I now have two shirts and three pairs of shorts: FREE pajamas!! Check out my cute model!

I used size X-large for these Pjs, but I think anything over a Large would work. If you are making smaller Pjs, a smaller size would be fine. These are approx size 24 mths.
Making the Pattern: I used the basic idea of this tutorial from MADE to get the idea. I guess I didn't take any pictures of the shirt, but I just traced the outside edges. If you have one to cut up, it would be a lot easier. I was trying not to ruin the one I was using for a pattern. It was hard to trace the sleeve, but just keep trying.

After the first shirt had sleeves that were way too tight, I had to adjust my pattern. I traced a new one over the old. I had to make adjustments in a few places. Use the first try to figure out what works and what doesn't.

Here is the shirt I am turning into PJ's.

Cut the large shirt apart, along the side seams, all the way out the sleeves.

Cutting out: Basically you are just cutting out the pieces where you can find material. I cut the pieces for the shorts using the bottom hem of the shirt for the hems of each leg opening. (There are two colors becuase I took pictures of two different shorts) Then for the shirt front and back I cut from the upper chest of the Tee, laying the pattern sideways.

After my first pair of shorts were sewn I had a hard time telling front from back. I cut a notch in this pair to help. I notched the back.

Cut out the sleeves using the edge of the real sleeves for your edge. It saves having to hem them.

SEWING: I started with the shorts. Sew crotch seam and side seams, right sides together.
Measure the length of elastic needed for child and sew a casing along the top of the shorts. I didn't fold over twice, just once with a zig-zag finish. Finish off the shorts by threading elastic through the casing. Sew the elastic together and close the remaining hole at the back of the shorts.

Finished! I zig-zagged the bottom of the shorts, even though they were already hemmed. I wanted it to look like they matched the rest of the stitching.

Shirt: With right sides together, pin and sew the sleeves to one side of the shirt, repeat with the other side. You should now have a cape (all sewn but side seams)

Sew side seams. If you want to add decorative stitches to the sleeves or applique something on the front, it can be done before this step.

Finish the shirt by turning up and sewing the bottom hem. I didn't do a double turn up, just zig-zagged the edge. With the knit fabric, it shouldn't fray...

To finish the neck, trim the opening, if needed for size. This probably took me the longest; picking out the stitches from the neckband. Measure and cut the ribbing from the big shirt. I cut it in half, so it was much thinner, but you could use the whole thing for a thicker neck band.

Top stitch after you have sewn in place with the stitch of your choice.

Here is what my (second attempt) shirt looks like. I appliqued a car to the front for some cuteness. The finishing options are endless....

The final product! Jack loves it!

Simple Summer PJ Sets

2013-05-02T20:26:00.000+08:00

If you've spent any time around my blog you know I have a slight PJ Obsession! This summer I've kept it really simple with my sons summer pajamas. I used Fabric Markers, shirts we had, and shorts I made to create these two cute summer pjs sets.

In the fall, Jack's school had a green day. We had created this outfit from an old shirt and IKEA fabric for that. Somehow the shirt didn't survive the fall and the shorts got put away. When I pulled out the spring/summer clothes I knew I could use them for Pjs.

We paired the shorts with a t-shirt that a friend passed on. Its a bit big to wear as a day shirt, but perfect for night. I traced and enlarged (just freehand, so its not perfect) the hippo from the shorts and put in on the front. I just love my Crayola Fabric Markers, they made it so easy to create the coordinating shirt and shorts.

The second set is a cute whale theme. We have had the shirt (came with long pants) for years.... Jack has been wearing it since it was WAY to big... now it finally fits, but the pants were worn out. For this set I whipped up a pair of shorts from the Alex and Anna Summer Pjs by Peek-a-Boo Patterns. Again, I just used my Crayola Fabric Markers, and this becomes a super simple project. The shorts are made from an old t-shirt, so there is a bit of the old printing on the back... but the front looks cute.

*remember to heat set the markers before washing*

What do you use for Pjs? Do you have a go-to technique or tip?

Shared here:

Strut-Your-Stuff-Somewhat Simple * Hookin' Up Party-House of Hepworths * Beyond the Picket Fence -

Show Off Your Stuff-Fireflies and Jellybeans * Link it up party-Seven Alive * Chic and Crafty Thursdays

What are little Boys made of?-733 * Crafts for Under 20 Somethings-Bear Rabbit Bear

Weekend Wrap Up Party-Tatertots and Jello *

* http://www.504main.com/ * Shine on Friday-One Artsy Mama

How to Enter a Giveaway

2013-05-01T14:30:00.000+08:00

Who likes free stuff??? I DO??? and I love to enter giveaway... I also love HOST giveaways!!

Ok... I hope that most of you don't need to read this post... but... after hosting several giveaways this spring... I think some tips are in order! I'm going to walk you through entering a rafflecopter giveaway. I think this widget can be confusing and its easy to miss something and not correctly enter!

when I saw this simple post from uncommon designs about how to follow blogs, I thought... I want to write a post for bloggers and non-bloggers on giveaways...

I'm always SO sad when I choose a winner, then go to verify the entry and the entry wasn't done correctly. Don't miss out on a great opportunity!

Here's a fake giveaway..

This one has 9 possible entries {possible entries in corner}. There is ONE mandatory entry. Once you do that one, you can unlock 8 more.

So when I click the +1, I see this:

I now need to visit the site sponsoring the giveaway and then enter my favorite. I've asked you to enter it right in the widget... sometimes you are asked to leave it as a BLOG COMMENT. {Krista also commented that you should click the +1 button before you comment.... sometimes you need to leave a SPECIFIC comment}.

If you need to leave a blog comment, you must leave the widget and leave a comment in the actual post of the blog.... This is a very common mistake! I've seen many entries with No Comment left... For this giveaway I made it simple and had people leave the comment in the widget.

Okay, so now... we have one entry...You can leave it at that... OR you can get 8 more entries... even if you leave now you have a chance to win the prize... You can continue to click the +1's if you earn more.

Each entry has specific tasks for you to complete. Facebook is one of the easy ones. You can LIKE the page right on the widget. Then click I'm a Fan. If you are already a fan... you just click the I'm a Fan... EASY!

For this entry I have asked that you follow my blog in one of three ways... Read carefully! I've asked you to give HOW you follow and your NAME... I do check my entries and I want to be able to follow up. My answer would read:

GFC Emily Thompson

For Pinterest you have to go to my pinterest account, but using the link provided. This will open a new tab. Click Follow.... then come back to the giveaway, leave the name you use on pinterest and click ENTER.

Other tips:

-When you subscribe via e-mail, make sure its a valid address and that you complete the subscription

-If you are asked to leave your e-mail as a blog comment for contacting, you can leave it like this:

nap-timecreations {at} hotmail.com if you are worried about spam.

-What tips do you have for entering giveaways???

shared here:

Get Your Craft On-Todays Creative Blog * JAQ Studios-Made by ME * Tutorial Tuesday - Hope Studios

We Did It Wednesdays-Sew Much Ado *ee

* Look What I Made-Creations by Kara

Strut-Your-Stuff-Somewhat Simple * Hookin' Up Party-House of Hepworths * Beyond the Picket Fence -

Show Off Your Stuff-Fireflies and Jellybeans * Link it up party-Seven Alive * Chic and Crafty Thursdays

What are little Boys made of?-733 * Crafts for Under 20 Somethings-Bear Rabbit Bear

Tasteful Tuesday {4/30}

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

Hello my party friends! So happy to have you here today!...

Announcement... I am looking to share this party.... DO you currently have a blog link party? I'm looking for a co-host with a party of similar size to mine....{let's combine parties!} I'm willing to change the party name to suit us both... There are SO many blog parties... lets give bloggers the chance to link up only once, but be seen at TWO blogs... e-mail me if interested...

nap-timecreations @ hotmail.com

Let's just take a moment to get caught up...

yesterday I share this simple chicken nugget recipe:

Saturday I was drooling as I featured many of you in this tasty round up:

And now... A few crafts to feature....

Patchwork Postcards {buttons and paint}

Thrifty Upcycled Lamp {the happy housie}

Vinyl Garden Markers {cutesy crafts}

T-Shirt Flowers {3 peppers recipes}

And I know I don't usually post "rules" for my part, but there have been a lot of newbies around... SO....here are my party expectations!

1. Please link back! a text or button link are fine... I do prefer direct in the post, but will take a link party page too.

2. Limit 3 links please...

3. Check out a couple other links... and leave nice comments please!

Party time!

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

2013-04-29T10:00:00.000+08:00

I've got another family favorite to share with you today. My husband and boys LOVE these chicken nuggets, and we know that you will two!

These are super easy and I call it a "dash of this and that" recipe... which means that I don't really measure...This recipe is for two LARGE boneless, skinless, chicken breasts...

I start with 1 cup Bisquick (maybe I measure that) Put it in a large ziplock bag.

add about 1/4 cup parm cheese... just shake, shake...

a dash of salt and pepper

and a few shakes of paprika.

Cut chicken breast into bite sized chunks. Crack and mix an egg in a small bowl. Dip the chicken in the egg, then toss with the bisquick mix in baggie. {it was very hard to hold the bag and take a photo of the chicken inside.... camera kept wanting to focus on bag, not chicken} {ahhh life}

While you are breading the chicken, heat old in fry pan. I put no more than a 1/2 inch in the pan... its a very shallow fry. Fry on both sides for a couple of minutes until lightly browned. Remove from oil and place in paper towel to drain... serve!

and here is what the boys will eat... all smothered in ranch, of course!

and for the big kids in the house, I served the chicken with my colorful broccoli salad... AMAZING!

What are you cooking this week? Here are the weeks coupon offers: As always... some great deals!

Candy, etc.

Soup

Clean & Organize

Pain Killer

shared here:

Making the World Cuter Mondays-Making the World Cuter *

Made By You Mondays-Skip to My Lou * Market Yourself Mondays-Sumo's Sweet Stuff

Motivate Me Monday-Crafts Keep Me Sane * Craftastic Mondays-Sew Can Do * Motivated Mondays-Becolorful

A Marvelous Mess-Marvelously Messy *Rain on the Tin Roof-Show me the Goods

Making Monday Marvelous-C.R.A.F.T * Busy Monday-A Pinch of Joy

Meatless Mondays-My Sweet & Savory
Melt In Your Mouth Monday (Food Only) @ Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms
MOuth Watering Monday- A Southern Fairy Tale
Hey, What's for Dinner - Just Another Meatless MOnday
Mealtime Monday-Couponing and Cooking
Sweets for Saturday @ Sweet As Sugar Cookies

Recipe Link Party @ Remodelaholic
Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative
Your Recipe, My Kitchen @ Frugal Antics of a Harried Homemaker
Sweet Indulgences Sunday (sweet recipes) @ A Well-Seasoned Life
So Sweet Sunday @ Little Rays of Sunshine
Savory Sunday @ The Sweet Details

Mexi-Mexicana!!! {Featuring YOU}

2013-04-27T15:30:00.000+08:00

I must say I noticed all the amazing Mexican food right away in last weeks party. We love living in Hong Kong, but one thing that I miss the most (besides family) is good, authentic mexican food. There are a couple of awesome restaurants near my parents and we love eating there when we are back! It's hard to even make my own here because the ingredients are hard to get... most chips seem stale {ukk!} and other things are SO expensive... we get by though! While I'm dreaming... take a look at these great ideas...

Yum...these chopped Chicken Tacos look great! Chef Not Included made these...

Lovesbakesgoodcakes made this breakfast casserole....Great way to start the day!

The Pin Junkie made some copy cat Quac.... YUMMY!

I love the homemade burritos bowl that Half Baked Harvest made.

This avocado and bacon salad looks great! I'm not sure its Mexican, but it has avocado, so we will include it! Thanks to SteakNPotatoesKindaGurl made this.

Learning the Ropes made a great salad.... Avocado Cream Dressing... mmmmm

Cheesy Enchilada dip... from Butter with a side of Bread

Kitchen Korner Recipes made these Chicken Fajita Nachos... what a combo!

This Pico De Gallo would go well with anything in this round up. Great Tastes Tuesday made this great version.

I love restaurant salsa. This version from Angels Homestead looks great!

I heart eating made these Salted Apple Caramel Chimis... what a way to finish off any Mexican meal.

This taco soup looks really zesty! Sharp Lady Musings shares this recipe.

Here's another great soup from the Not So Perfect Momma, Cilantro Lime and Chicken... yum!

I love Fritos with Mexican food! The Not So Perfect Mom made this yummy meal.

KleinworthCo made some amazing Enchiladas Go check 'em out!

What have you been cooking up lately? Come back to share your craftiness and yummies on Monday night...

Shared here:

Check Me Out Saturdays-A Vision to Remember * Show and Tell Saturday-Be Different Act Normal

* Weekend Bloggy Reading-Serenity Now

Serenity YOu-Serenity Saturday * Saturdays 7 Party- Positively Splendid
Get Schooled Saturday-Too Much Time on my hands *

Strut Your Stuff Saturday-Six Sisters Stuff
Or So She Says-Hello Weekend Your great Ideas * Overflowing with Creativity-Its Overflowing

Sundae Scoop-I Heart Naptime with Chocolate Sundaes * Nifty Thrifty Things Sunday-Nifty Thrift Things
* Sunday Showcase Party-Under the Table and Dreaming

Sharing Time-Raising Memories * Sunday Link Party-Petite Hermine

Seeing Double? {summer tank dress}

2013-04-26T09:00:00.000+08:00

I love looking through old posts to find my flashback Friday posts... This is a fun summer tank dress than I made two years ago for a couple of friends. It was easy to make and I'm thinking I should whip up a few more of these soon!

Summer Tank Dress

I LOVE sewing for girls... I know I have said that before.... but whenever I get the chance I love to make something girly. Having two boys only makes the desire to sew dresses worse! I know two little girls who are turning three this summer, so I thought I would make something for them.

here's my result:

The easy tank top dress. To make it I traced a tank top of my sons (So femine, I know!), then just added a gathered skirt to it. The top red material is an old t-shirt from my husband and the bottom is leftover from another project. I made my own bias tape for the arm holes and ribbing for the neck. I did make my son try it on at the point when I finished the top to make sure it would fit over his head. Fortuntely for him I didn't make him put in on with the skirt! I also noticed that the skirt looked a bit long, so I used the pin tuck foot on my machine and added three tucks. Perfect! The pockets are the same red material with more bias tape finishing the top edge.

Pillow Sham to Pillow Glam {remake}

2013-04-25T14:37:00.001+08:00

Well, actually it should read: Pillow Sham to Pillow Comfy... but that doesn't sound very good {ha}. Today I'm going to show you how I took the sham that came with my sons circo boys bedding, and turned it into TWO great pillow cases... and the best part.. I used all fabric that I had on hand. Bonus points for using up the stash!

I started with this sham...had never been used... my four year old doesn't really "do" decorative pillows on his bed! {he takes after his mom... I don't either!}

I cut out the car and the truck and also took off the car print backing {not pictured}and turned one... into two!

I used a flannel with stars for the main part and added a bit of the blue car print along the edge. I had some red flannel left from a baby blanket, which I used for the road. All the fabric is soft and snuggly... either side can be slept on...

They like their new pillow cases alot! Sometimes after I make something they don't seem impressed, but they have been loving these. {score!}

So... they don't really sleep in the same bed... that was just the blog photoshoot...I snapped these pictures one night when they really were sleeping... don't all kids look so sweet and innocent when they are sleeping? {can be deceptive!} You can see they have each chosen a different side to sleep on... one on the front and one on the back.

They were pretty helpful for the photo shoot... although it took us awhile to get going...

And we got a decent one... {before things took a turn for the crazy}

Yes, I did make the matching Pjs! They are from Nap Time Crafters the Alex and Anna Pjs pattern.

Next Step:

When I am back near fabric stores this summer I plan to take this crib size quilt... cut it apart and make it a twin size.

Then we should have two set of coordinating {not matching} bedding for the boys.

Did you see my post about the boys transportation room? Or the printables HERE and HERE that I made for them {you can have for FREE}... When I was on So You Think You're Crafty I also did a clock for them on thrift store week.

Shared here:

We Did It Wednesdays-Sew Much Ado * Sugar & Spice and Everything Nice-Seven Thirty Three

* Look What I Made-Creations by Kara

Strut-Your-Stuff-Somewhat Simple * Hookin' Up Party-House of Hepworths * Beyond the Picket Fence -

Show Off Your Stuff-Fireflies and Jellybeans * Link it up party-Seven Alive * Chic and Crafty Thursdays

What are little Boys made of?-733 * Crafts for Under 20 Somethings-Bear Rabbit Bear

make it and wear it- The Train the Crazy * Pinning Away-The Arsty Girl Connection
A Crafty Soiree-Katies Nesting Spot * Blog Stalking Thursday-The Crafty Blog Stalker
I'm crafty party-So you Think You're Crafty * Delightfully Inspiring-Delightful Order
36 Avenues-Share Awesomeness Thursdays *The Humble Brag Party-The Better Half
The Weekly Creative-The Girl Creative

Weekend Wrap Up Party-Tatertots and Jello *

Simple Creations Friday-Simple Home Life * http://www.504main.com/ * Shine on Friday-One Artsy Mama

WINNER WINNER!! {chicken dinner!}

2013-04-24T13:41:00.002+08:00

Or as my two year old says.... hungry, hungry, chicken dinner {love him!}

I love announcing winners!! Who doesn't like making people happy!?!

a big thanks to everyone who played along!

SALADS and Tasteful Tuesday Party

2013-04-23T09:30:00.000+08:00

Welcome to another Tasteful Tuesday Parrrrr-Tay!!! It was another fabulous party last week....A big thanks to all you linkers... both new and returners!
I featured several of you on Saturday. {click the photo to see the post}

and yesterday I shared a tasty sandwich that I made!

Fun times!!!!

I'm trying out the new EMBED widget from pinterest with todays features... not quite sure how I feel about it... I was kinda used to the other one, even though I didn't use it that often. Let me know what you think about it for features...

And I know I don't usually post "rules" for my part, but there have been a lot of newbies around... SO....here are my party expectations!

1. Please link back! a text or button link are fine... I do prefer direct in the post, but will take a link party page too.

2. Limit 3 links please...

3. Check out a couple other links... and leave nice comments please!

Party time!

Spinach and Provolone Focaccia Sandwich

2013-04-22T12:35:00.000+08:00

I've been dreaming up this Spinach and Provolone sandwich since I was inspired by my round up a few weeks ago. I meant to post this last week, but I had been sick and hadn't made it yet....So... without further ado...

and yes... it was as good as it looks! {ahhhh yum!} I started by making my {easy} focaccia bread the night before. I baked it in the normal rectangle shape, then cut wide slices the next day. Cut the piece of bread in half, so you can stuff the inside with amazing goodies. Here's what was in my sandwich.

I served it with store bought sweet potato chips and it was a tasty lunch!

Here are some links you might want to see:

Sandwiches that will Knock Your Socks off {round up}

{easy} Focaccia bread recipe

Chicken Pesto Sandwich

and some great coupon deals this week:

Shared here:

Making the World Cuter Mondays-Making the World Cuter *

Made By You Mondays-Skip to My Lou * Market Yourself Mondays-Sumo's Sweet Stuff

Motivate Me Monday-Crafts Keep Me Sane * Craftastic Mondays-Sew Can Do * Motivated Mondays-Becolorful

A Marvelous Mess-Marvelously Messy *Rain on the Tin Roof-Show me the Goods

Making Monday Marvelous-C.R.A.F.T * Busy Monday-A Pinch of Joy

Purses, Cases and Jewerly {featuring YOU}

2013-04-20T20:39:00.001+08:00

Happy Saturday everyone.... I seriously can't believe how big the Tasteful Tuesday party has gotten... I know I've been doing some work to grow it, but also YOU come back week after week to link up and can I just say... THANK YOU! I love seeing what you link up each week and getting to know some of you better through what you link... Todays features are all:

Isn't this bag adorable? I love how grow creative took a blah tote bag and added all these adorable flowers to make a standout creation!

Can you believe Lauren @the thinking closet painted this vintage purse? It looks brand new and so cute!

I love this old suitcase makeover that kaminskis creations did.

I love my engagement ring and wedding band.... but I'm a bit drooling over this photo! Brooke @designed by BH shared a post on eco friendly wedding jewelry and dresses.

I think these would make an great party favor for a girls birthday party... super cute! Connie shared the tutorial. FamilyHomeandLife.

the bowdabrablog showed how to make this cute bags from Capri Sun bags!

Sometimes Homemade gave a great tutorial to make these circle inspiration bracelets and are really lovely!

This beautiful pearl ring has a HOW TO tutorial on the Hoops By Hand blog.

Jewelry Making Journal gives tons of great ideas for grunge graduation jewelry...I can't believe the end of the school year is in site!

The Crafty Blog Stalker shared this neat IPAD/IPAD MINI/TABLET/KINDLE cover pattern review... super fun!

and last, but not least...Creative Blossoming gives ideas for making fashion statements with accessories that you've made... (purses and totes!)

Thanks all for linking up to Tasteful Tuesdays!!! See you again next Monday night!

have you entered the two giveaways going on? Click on the photo to enter.