Smashed Peas and Carrots

Smashed Peas and Carrots Featured in Homespun Magazine!

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:15:00 +0000

I just wanted to share that I was featured in the current May 2013 issue of Homespun Magazine! How neat is that!

They asked to use my Mason Jar Sewing Kit idea and even put it in their table of contents...wowie zowie, pinch me please!!

Here is a look at my feature...a full page spread!!! I can't believe it! I feel very blessed and oh-so-lucky to have been asked and then even more so that they gave my project a WHOLE page!

If you want to check out a copy of the magazine you can do so here!

Thanks for stopping by today and letting me share!!

XOXO,

Flea Market Finds

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:09:00 +0000

Today I thought I would write up a Flea Market post sharing some of the neat things I see while shopping and some of what I buy as well! I'm lucky to live in Chicago where there are quite a few great flea markets all less than an hour from where I live. And I count myself very lucky to have a husband who is willing to watch our kids so I can go visit at least one a weekend with my girlfriends.

One of my all-time favorite Flea Markets I seem to hit up every month is the Kane County Flea Market that occurs the first weekend of the month in St. Charles, IL. I think the only times I've missed picking at this Flea Market was right after I've had a baby, otherwise if it's open, I'm there!

I always hit this one up with friends, it's nice to have a great group of ladies to shop with at the Flea. My momma friends and I get some good girl time in while we look out for each others "wish list" of things to find if we have one although I've gone many times without anything in mind as it's fun just to see what I find. And we help each other barter with the vendors...that is a total learned art and I have been getting better and better at it over the years!

The best part of Flea Market shopping is that there really is something for everyone! Whenever we go, we spend the better part of the day there just picking through each vendor's goodies...you really never know what you'll find. And many times, it's the vendors that I would normally have just passed by from the first look of their booth that are the ones I tend to find the best deals!

If you are wondering where to find all that pretty vintage pyrex, a flea market is a great place to look. Seriously...how pretty is this!

I tend to find all my vintage trims and lace at Flea Markets...I mean really, how can you pass up picking through vintage trims in vintage suitcases!

And tables full of vintage pillowcases, tablecloths, and linens...oh my!

A couple months ago I found these two milk glass pieces, one is a smaller sized candy dish and the other is a large pitcher, all for $2 a piece...what a deal!

Last time I went I found these beautiful vintage fabrics for $1 a piece and they are all about a yard or more in length!

And many of you saw on my Instagram feed how I bought the buttons and trim for $2 (!!!) That set of vintage napkins? Yup, $0.25 for all of them!

I thought I would use these water spigot handles in Oliver's room...if I can get this project done, I'll share it on the blog soon!

And this wee little mushroom? Well, my friends' Ana and Katie found it for me at a very random seller's booth and I just had to have it. How cute would it be with a coat of spray paint?

That's the cool thing about Flea Markets, garage sales, and thrift shopping. You just never know what you'll find. Keep your mind open too as a change of color or a coat of spray paint or chalk paint can really change a piece of furniture or other flea market find into the perfect decor piece for your home!

Thanks for stopping by today and letting me share!

XOXO,

RECIPE: Orange Dreamsicle Poke Cake and Pillsbury Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Fri, 10 May 2013 12:19:00 +0000

I think it's safe to say that Spring is finally here in Chicago with soccer practice officially happening for our older two children. Our weekends are being taken over by soccer games! It's good stuff but unfortunately with the addition of soccer, it seems that our extracurricular activity schedule has become a sort of tetris puzzle that I am having the hardest time beating. Anyone else feel the heat?

Well, even though I'm stressing out a wee bit on getting my calendar organized, I figure why not get the kids (and the hubs and I) excited about the start of a new season (both soccer and Spring!) by making an Orange Dreamsicle Poke Cake. Really, who doesn't love a celebration!? There is no reason you can't celebrate every day occasions in my opinion!

Pillsbury even has a new seasonal mix and frosting called "Orangesicle" and I thought it would be the perfect base for this lovely cake. It's part of three new mixes they are bringing out to celebrate Spring!

And hey! Here are a few of my "Spring-Themed" Tips to help you celebrate more every day occasions:

Add fresh fruit to your table. Whether it be an appetizer, side dish, part of your dessert, or even a garnish. Fresh fruit makes a great fresh Spring statement, especially when it is in season!
Add fresh flowers to your table. It's amazing what the addition of a few fresh cut flowers can do to spruce up a even the simplest celebration. It can be as simple as a few flowers in small glasses or a larger bouquet that can put a smile on anyone's face.
Use bright colors in your decor. One of the easiest ways to infuse a bit of happiness in any celebration is to add bright pops of color. It can be in the decorations, tableware, or even the sprinkles on the cake that can instantly brighten up even the most every day occasion!

Orange Dreamsicle Poke Cake

1 box Pillsbury Orangesicle Premium Cake Mix and ingredients needed on back of box

1 can Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Orangesicle Frosting

1/2 cup orange juice

1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk

3/4 cup heavy whipping cream

red food coloring (optional)

yellow food coloring (optional)

Mix together the cake mix and ingredients needed found on the back of the box. Pour batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-34 minutes or until a knife inserted into the middle comes out with only a few crumbs.

While cake is baking mix together the orange juice, sweetened condensed milk, and whipping cream. You can add 6 drops of yellow food coloring and 4 drops of red food coloring if you would like it to have an orange hue. When the cake is done, let it cool for 5 minutes then poke cake almost to the bottom of the pan with the blunt end of a wooden spoon making small holes all over. Pour the orange juice mixture over the entire cake and let cool for an hour or overnight.

Once cake is cooled, frost with the Orangesicle frosting. Enjoy!

Here are two of Pillsbury's newest cake mix and frosting creations just perfect to celebrate Spring!
For this recipe you will need to make the cake mix according to package directions.

While the cake is cooling, you can mix together the orange juice, heavy whipping cream, and sweetened condensed milk.

It will look like this!

If you would like it to have an orange hue you can add in 6 drops of yellow food coloring and 4 drops of red food coloring.

Once the cake is finished, let it cool for 5 minutes. Using the blunt end of a wooden spoon, poke holes into the cake stopping just short of the bottom of the pan. Continue to make holes all over the cake.

Pour the orange juice mixture over top, using every last bit!
Let cool for about 1 hour, overnight is best!

Then frost with the new Orangesicle frosting from Pillsbury and garnish with some beautiful fresh orange slices before serving.

Mmm...delish!

Enjoy!!

And to get your seasonal celebration moving in the right direction Pillsbury is offering ONE of my readers a Summer Seasonal Celebration Starter Kit which includes:

One box each Summer Seasonal Cake and Cookie Mixes
Frostings (1 each of Creamy Supreme Key Lime and Creamy Supreme Orangesicle)
$50 dollar Visa or American Express gift card
Total estimated giveaway value: $60

You can enter to win the giveaway by Clicking Here or via the Rafflecopter widget below!

Visit the Pillsbury Facebook page here to enter to win an additional giveaway too!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

XOXO,

** I have been compensated for this post. However, all opinions are truthful and my own. This post contains paid links.

Nestle Outshine Bar Review and a VISA Gift Card Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:01:00 +0000

Did you know that those delicious Edy's Fruit Bars you can find in the freezer aisle at your local grocery store (that's Edy's on the east coast and Dryer's on the west coast!) are now being called Outshine bars? Yup, true story. I have always love, love, loved these fruit bars for their great flavors and simple ingredients. You too?

The newly named Outshine bars are still made with real fruit or fruit juice and are fat-free (except for the Creamy Coconut flavor as there is some saturated fat from the coconut milk!) They even have some really great tasting Seasonal Flavors, two of which are in stores right now...Peach and Raspberry...and they are SO good! If you live in the midwest like I do, you will gladly welcome the fresh taste of those two fruit flavors. Boy have I missed them during our long winter.

So now that you know all about the name change let me tell you about how I enjoy my Outshine bars, as these better-for-you bars definitely make every day a little brighter and more delicious when you get to snack on one :-)

I love to take our bars to the park...the kids get to run around and burn off some energy while Oliver naps and I get to sit on a picnic blanket on the side hanging out with a few of my favorite magazines and basking in the sun. I feel like my day instantly brightens when I get to enjoy a little "me" time in the middle of my crazy day being a momma to 4 kids all the while savoring a delicious treat, yum!

This bar, the Coconut Waters with Pineapple, has to be one of my top favorite flavors! Coconut and pineapple...it's like indulging in a pina colada on a stick (minus the alcohol of course!) All the flavor minus any of the guilt, you cannot go wrong there!

My kids absolutely love these bars too (yes, I do share them with them when they are done playing!), in fact we love every single flavor we have ever bought. The real fresh fruit or fruit juice ingredient list really makes it easy to say "sure, dudes!" when they want to add them into my grocery cart!

Ahh, look at that bar...who's hungry now? Seeing this picture definitely makes me want to head to the park again tomorrow so I can do this all over again! It's amazing what just a bit of "me" time and a great-tasting, better-for-you snack like an Outshine bar will do for a momma. They really are a great tasting snack that helps me be my best and essentially Snack Brighter as they give me the boost I need so I can be recharged and ready to push my cuties on the swings or play a game of hide and seek, which is always so much fun to do with my littles!

And Outshine and BlogHer are offering a $100 VISA gift card to my readers, just leave a comment telling me: Which Outshine flavor is your favorite or which one would you most like to try?

Stay up-to-date with Outshine on Facebook.

XOXO,

Sweepstakes Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: "#SweepstakesEntry"; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 5/8/13 – 6/12/13.
Be sure to visit the OUTSHINE brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

BOOK REVIEW: Sew Pretty T-Shirt Dresses

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:03:00 +0000

Today I'm part of a book tour for a new book called Sew Pretty T-Shirt Dresses by Sweet Seams. It is a really great book to have on hand if you sew as it's filled with more than 25 easy, pattern-free designs for dresses that use a simple t-shirt or tank top to create them! The dresses inside this book fit the size range of 2T-8 years old which makes it a good book to own as you'll get a lot of use out of it you happen to have or know of a little girl!

There are so many cute dresses in this book, some are super easy and will take you 30 minutes to finish and others you'll need to put in a little more time, but none of them are at all overly-complicated. This book is perfect for a beginner sewer! For this review, I decided to try my hand at the Bubble Tee dress. It has a partial t-shirt/tank top for the bodice and then a simple sewn bubble skirt is attached to make it nice and bouncy and perfect for twirling.

The directions are really easy to follow and from cutting my fabric to giving it to Penny to wear it probably took me 30-45 minutes total to finish! Gotta love a fast project that looks cute too!

Here is my version on little Miss Penny.

The verdict? She loves it!

I bought an inexpensive t-shirt at Walmart, although up-cycling a stained or outgrown t-shirt would work well too! And then I used some of my Heather Bailey stash to create the bubble skirt. This dress is perfect for our Spring...well, soon to be Summer weather. It's nice and light and airy!

And like I said, perfect for twirling!

In case you want to catch more of the Book Tour where you can read more reviews, see more finished projects and enter some great giveaways for the Sew Pretty T-Shirt Dresses book here is a list of all the stops:

May 5

The New York Mom

Nouveau Stitch

Just Pure Lovely

The Crafty Princess Diaries

May 6

Craft Knife

Stitched by Crystal

BlogHer DIY

May 7

Prudent Baby

House of 34

May 8

Smashed Peas and Carrots

Simply Modern Mom

May 9

Marsha’s Spot

Sew Spoiled

Maya Made

May 10

Dollar Store Crafts

Only From Scratch

May 11

A Few Shortcuts

Wild Olive

Positively Splendid

May 12

On the Laundry Line

Elegance and Elephants

May 13

Luvinthemommyhood

My Little Gems

XOXO,

** I have been compensated for this post. However, all opinions are truthful and my own.

TUTORIAL: Teacher Appreciation Gift And FREE Printable!

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Mon, 06 May 2013 12:18:00 +0000

Need an easy gift to show those teachers you know how much they are appreciated this week? You know, for Teacher Appreciation Week all week long (May 6-10, 2013)!

I thought a fun gift for Noah's teacher and his classroom teacher's helper would be a fun jar full of goodies with a cute printable attached telling them how much we like them. This way they could use the goodies inside at their leisure and once they are done they have a cute little jar to use for whatever they want later.

If you want, you can just copy and paste this printable (below) onto your desktop and print "scale to fit". That should give you 4 tags for the smaller pint-size mason jars that can be cut with a 2 inch circle punch and then two larger tags that you will need to cut by hand but will fit a larger quart-size mason jar.

Teacher Appreciation Gift

mason jars

spray paint

miniature toy dog figurines

hot glue, e-6000, or strong glue dots

burlap strips or twine

free printable (found above)

First thing you want to do is take the lid(s) off your jars and spray paint just the outside of them whatever color you want.

Next, take your toy dog figurines and spray paint them as well. Aren't these little guys just soooo cute!

Once both the lid and the dogs are dry, use your adhesive of choice and glue, hot glue, or glue dot them onto the lid of the jars.

So easy, right?

Fill each jar with whatever little goodies you think your teacher would like. Noah's teacher happens to use those fun Mr. Sketch scented markers to grade their papers so I thought I would get her a new supply of them. And then what person on earth doesn't like chocolate? ;-) I filled the rest of her jar with chocolates and I also filled the teacher's helper gift full of chocolates too! Of course, each teacher will also get a gift card cause I just think they all deserve a lunch/coffee out on the town for their hard work all year long.

Then, hot glue the burlap strip around the middle of each jar and glue the printable onto that....

Or take some twine and wrap it around the center of the jar a few times and hot glue the printable to it!

So simple and versatile...I love gifts that keep on giving!

And really, who wouldn't want a sweet little puppy looking up at you from your desk all day long!

Thanks for stopping by today!

XOXO,

We Won!!! And a Jo-Anns Giftcard Giveaway!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:15:00 +0000

Hey friends! Remember when I made the Pom Pom Hair Ties video tutorial for Jo-Anns Youtube channel? This one here:

Well, guess what!

My video received the most hits and was declared the winner of the Creativity Made Simple Campaign!! Whaaaaat?!?!?!?!?

And now, thanks to so many of you who viewed my video and shared it with your friends and family I get to give away a $100 gift card to Jo-Anns to ONE of you!!!! YAYYYY!!

Sooooo click here to enter or enter via the Rafflecopter widget below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

THANK YOU again!! You all are the best-est!!!

XOXO,

RECIPE: Raspberry Creme-Filled Cupcakes and a Pillsbury Funfetti Starter Kit GIVEAWAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Thu, 02 May 2013 12:17:00 +0000

If you read my blog you know I love a good party and what's more is that I love to throw a good party. One of my absolute favorite types of parties to throw are birthday parties, woot! They are just so fun, I love deciding on the theme, planning the menu, and creating the ambience and table decor. There is just something about putting it all together that I can't get enough of...color coordination at it's best!

A few things I like to keep in mind when I throw a birthday party are:

Know Your Guest of Honor. What do they like...food-wise, drink-wise? What are their interests? As much as you want to make your guests feel special the number one person you should be catering to is your Guest of Honor! Having their favorite food whether it be a meal or a certain appetizer is a way to add that personal touch to a party. And knowing their interests can help you pinpoint a certain theme or come up with a few fun activities to do during the party as well!
Determine Your Guest List. Is it just a small family affair? A get-together with close friends? Or is it a big blow-out bash? Knowing who you will invite will help you determine the venue you will need (house, park, restaurant, etc) as well as the style of the party (buffet, sit-down meal, or something in-between)
Plan Your Menu. Spending a few moments a few weeks ahead of time on your menu will save you a lot of stress. You can figure out if you want to do light appetizers, a buffet lunch, or a full-on meal. Plus you can determine what foods can be made ahead of time and what truly has to be done the day of so that you can actually enjoy your party when your guests arrive.

Did you know that Pillsbury is celebrating the 25th birthday of Funfetti this year? Yup, they are having a big 'ol celebration for Funfetti by putting out 4 all-new frostings in bold and vibrant colors! In honor of this quarter century birthday celebration I was asked to create a fun recipe for y'all using that crazy-colored sprinkle cake mix. Sweet, let's get this party started!

I decided to create Raspberry Creme-Filled Cupcakes as my tribute to Funfetti...I mean who doesn't love raspberry-flavored frosting oozing out of the center of their Funfetti cupcake, nom!!

Raspberry Creme-Filled Cupcakes (makes 24 cupcakes)

1 15.25 oz box of Pillsbury Funfetti Cake & Cupcake Mix
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 15.6 oz container of Pillsbury Vanilla Confetti Funfetti Frosting
1/4 cup Seedless Raspberry Jam
#12 circular tip
Ziploc bag

In a medium bowl, mix together cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Pour batter into lined cupcake tin and bake at 350 degrees for 19-22 minutes or until cupcakes are golden brown. While the cupcakes cool make the raspberry frosting.

Raspberry Frosting
In the bowl of an electric mixer, add the full container of frosting and the raspberry jam. Mix on high for 1 minute or until frosting is well combined. Snip a very small corner off of the ziploc bag and place the tip in its place. Pour the frosting into the bag. Place the tip into the center of a cupcake and squeeze the frosting into the cupcake just enough until the cupcake puffs up a bit. Finish frosting the cupcake top as you desire. Decorate and enjoy!

First off, you will need a box of Funfetti cake mix and a container of Funfetti frosting. It feels like a party already doesn't it?

You'll also need a jar of Raspberry Jam, seedless is best!

Make the cupcakes as directed on the back of the box and let them cool.

While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare your frosting! Place the whole container of frosting and 1/4 cup of raspberry jam into the bowl of an electric mixer. Mix on high for about 1 minute or until everything is well combined.

Grab a #12 circular piping tip and a ziploc bag.

Snip one itty bitty corner off of the bag and place the tip into the opening. Fill with frosting.

Then just place your tip into the center of each cupcake and squeeze the frosting into your cupcake until the top puffs up a bit.

Once each cupcake is filled, frost the tops of each cupcakes anyway you desire.

Of course, if you are using the Funfetti frosting you have to use sprinkles!

Ahh, so pretty...but pretty enough to not eat? I don't think so! ;-)

I think these are the perfect cupcakes to help Funfetti celebrate 25 wonderful years.

And to help you celebrate from your very own home, Pillsbury is giving away ONE Funfetti Celebration Starter Kit to ONE of my lucky readers which includes:

One box of Pillsbury Funfetti Premium Cake and Cupcake Mix
Funfetti Frostings (1 each of the four new frosting flavors)
$50 VISA or American Express gift card
Total estimated giveaway value of $60

You can enter to win the giveaway by clicking here or the Rafflecopter widget below.
Visit the Pillsbury Facebook page here to enter to win an additional giveaway too!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

XOXO,

** I have been compensated for this post. However, all opinions are truthful and my own. This post contains paid links.

TUTORIAL: DIY Bento Lunch Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Wed, 01 May 2013 12:13:00 +0000

After my Bento Series a couple weeks ago, I thought wouldn't it be fun to teach you how to make your own Bento Lunch Bag? I know when I was searching online to buy them almost all the ones I saw were cute but pretty girlie and if you have a little guy, like I do, he may want one that has a bit more boy flair to it!

I found this really adorable Japanese hippo fabric in navy blue from my blog sponsor, Modes4U.com. It's called Dark Blue Oxford fabric with Hippo by Kokka. Isn't it so cute! And totally boy...my Noah loved it when he saw it online and I have to say it is just as cute in person! This particular fabric is kinda like canvas but not as heavy, it's really a great weight and super easy to sew with...no special needles needed.

This Bento Lunch Bag will fit a standard two-tiered bento box as well as a utensil set, a smaller bento box, or ice pack too. It also has a drawstring closure so it's easy for small hands to open and close, hooray!

Bento Lunch Bag

2- 10"x5" main (upper) fabric pieces

1-10"x7" secondary (bottom) fabric piece

coordinating thread and sewing machine

scissors

2-29" pieces of 1/4" wide double fold bias tape

safety pin

serger (optional)

Isn't this the most adorable fabric...I still can't get over how cute all those little hippos are...and the little bird sitting on top every so often, cuuuute!

Ok, so you'll need two pieces of you upper (main) fabric measuring 10x5 inches and one piece of your bottom (secondary) fabric measuring 10x7 inches.

First thing you need to do is sew the two main fabric pieces to the secondary piece with right sides together. Use a 1/4 inch seam allowance to do so. You can serge your seams for a more finished look if you like.

Once you have all fabric pieces sewn together, you can serge all four sides of the rectangle to clean up the edges if you'd like as well (see photo above). If you want the edges to look a little cleaner and do not have a serger then you will need to add about 1/2 inch to all pieces so that you can make a 1/4 double folded hem instead.

Next, fold over the short edges (wrong sides together) about 1/2 inch to make your casing. Sew in place.

Then fold the rectangle in half right sides together and sew down each long side, like in the picture above. Making sure to sew from the fold at the bottom ONLY to the very edge of the casing otherwise you will not be able to get your drawstring through! Use a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Next, take the bottom corners of the lunch bag, still right side out, and pinch off the corner to make a triangle. Sew a line 1 1/2 inches down the bottom of that triangle like the picture above. Clip the triangle. This will make your lunch bag have a flat bottom to stand up on.

Finally, take your 1/4" wide double fold bias tape and sew the open fold together to make one unit. Pin one end with your safety pin and weave it into your casing at the top of your lunch bag. Pull it all the way down one side of the casing and back down the other. When you get to the end, make a knot so that the drawstring is connected and won't get lost back into the casing. Do these same steps but start on the opposite side so that you have a fully functional drawstring.

And there you have it! One Bento Lunch Bag complete!
Do you see how that drawstring works? You have two sets of strings in there each knotted on opposite sides. Pretty cool, huh...magic!

Now you can fill up your newly made Bento Lunch Bag with all your lunch goodies and hit the road!

Enjoy friends!

And thanks for stopping by today!

XOXO,

RECIPE: Better-For-You No Bake Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:14:00 +0000

My dear sweet husband told me a few years ago that the only homemade cookie he ever really had growing up was something called a No Bake cookie, also known as No-Bakers to him and his family.

So I learned, back on that day, just what a No Bake cookie was. Interestingly enough, I had never had one in my life! Basically, a No Bake cookie has oatmeal, LOTS of sugar, peanut butter, chocolate, and butter and you heat it up in a pan on the stove and plop it on waxed paper once it's all been mixed together. Easy peasy...No Bake cookies..duh!

Well, since we are trying to eat cleaner these days I thought, why not try to tackle his oldie but a goodie of a cookie for Mr. Smashed Peas and make it a bit healthier...not loaded with sugar. I revamped the recipe and created this yummy version for a healthier treat. With this recipe you don't get that "make your teeth feel like they are going to fall out" feeling after eating just one. I use Gluten-Free Oats to make them gluten free and almond butter in place of peanut butter to clean them up a bit. And the verdict? It's a winner!!! Penelope now calls these her new favorite cookie and asks for them as an after-school snack every day (even the days she doesn't have school, ha!) Enjoy!

Better-For-You No Bake Cookies (makes 20 cookies)

1/2 cup honey (raw or regular honey both work well!)

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1/4 cup solid coconut oil

1/2 cup almond butter

1 cup dry oats (we love Bob's Gluten Free variety!)

1 cup unsweetened, shredded, dry coconut

In a small saucepan on med-high heat, mix together the honey, cocoa powder, and coconut oil until boiling. Then turn down heat and simmer for 2 minutes while stirring often. Take pan off of heat and add in the almond butter and mix well. Then add in the dry oats and shredded coconut. Drop by tablespoons onto waxed paper and let cool. ENJOY!

In a small saucepan, you will heat until boiling the above three ingredients...coconut oil, honey, and cocoa powder.....mmmm!

Once the mixture is boiling, turn the heat down and simmer it for 2 minutes....la la la!

Then take the pan off the heat and add in the coconut, almond butter and oats...mix well!

Drop and plop the mixture by the tablespoon onto waxed paper and let cool.

And you will have made the most delicious batch of Better-For-You No Bake Cookies, hooray!
They are just the right amount of chewy and softness, nom!

Now, just try not to eat them all in one sitting ;-)

Thanks for stopping by today!!

XOXO,

TUTORIAL: The 30 Minute Color Block Skirt

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:22:00 +0000

Did you know that this week is Kids Clothes Week (or what used to be Kids Clothes Week Challenge) over at Elsie Marley? Yup, it totally is. If you don't know what KCW is, it's just where sewers are challenging themselves to work on making kid's clothes during one week this spring. Pretty simple, right? This challenge has become so big that there is now a blog devoted to it and you can find it right here if you want to read more and join in...I highly suggest it by the way! It's so refreshing putting small moments of time into creating pieces for your kids (or grandkids...or friend's kids wardrobes!) in just one week.

This sweet little skirt is one of my contributions to my girls' closet this KCW. It's made from the most gorgeous Japanese fabric from my new blog sponsor, Modes4U.com. It's the Little Red Riding Hood Patchwork in Off-White by Kokka. When I first saw this fabric I new both of my girls would adore it, and true to form they did! I mean, c'mon, what's not to love about that cute little Red Riding Hood, even the wolf is cute! And what better way to use such a sweet fabric than a quick-to-make little skirt that can be worn even in the chilliest of Spring weather with a pair of tights!

30-Minute Color Block Skirt

1/2 yard of main fabric

1/8 yard of secondary color fabric (for the color block)

3/8 inch non-roll knit elastic

rotary cutter and mat

ruler

coordinating thread

Here are the goods you will need to get this skirt made...oh, how I love that Red Riding Hood fabric!

The first thing you want to do is measure the waist of your child. Penelope is 4 years old and has about a 20 inch waist so the measurements for this skirt tutorial work great for her but my 2.5 year old can also wear the skirt, it's just a wee bit longer on her!

Cut two pieces of your main fabric to 13 x 17.5 inches. And cut two pieces of the color block fabric to 5 x 17.5 inches. I like to make the width of the skirt 1.5 times the waist measurement for elastic waist skirts which is where the 35 inch measurement comes in. I also wanted to make the color block section of the skirt to be about 4 inches so I just measured out on Penelope where I wanted the skirt to hit on her leg and made that my length which is the 13 + 5...also added to this are the 1/2 inch or so we need for the casing at the top of the waist as well as fabric we will need to turn the hem under and to join the two pieces of fabric together.

Next, place the two fabrics (orange and main fabric) right sides together a the top edge of the main fabric. Sew together using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. You can finish the seam any way you like, I serged mine.

Next, iron the seam flat and top stitch on the front (right side) of the orange fabric using a 1/8 inch seam allowance.

Then place the two joined pieces of fabric right sides together and sew up each open edge to form your skirt. Finish of the seam as you'd like, I serged mine (not shown!)

Then, either fold over the top edge of the skirt 1/4 inch and then a 1/2 inch to make the casing for the elastic or just serge the top edge and fold over 1/2 inch. I also serged the bottom edge of the fabric (picture on the right) and hemmed it using a 1/4 inch fold. You can also fold the bottom edge 1/4 inch and then another 1/4 inch if you'd like as well.

Next, with the skirt still right side out, make the casing for your elastic by folding the top edge over 1/2 inch (like I explained in the last step!) making sure to leave a 1/2 inch opening to thread your elastic through. Using a safety pin, thread your elastic through the casing, sew together the two ends together with 1/2 inch overlap, and then sew the casing shut. Make sure to hem the bottom of the skirt if you haven't already!

If you have one, sew a tag onto the backside of the skirt!

And there you have it! One cute little skirt for one...or two...cute little girls!

XOXO,

** I have been compensated for this post. However, all opinions are truthful and my own.

Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine Features Smashed Peas and Carrots!

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:26:00 +0000

Hi friends! I just wanted to let you know that a piece from my Smashed Peas and Carrots clothing line has been featured in a magazine....how cool is that!!

You can find one of my Flutter Sleeve Ruffle Peasant Dress in Pink and Red Dots on page 29 of this month's April 2013 issue of Pregnancy and Newborn magazine!

It's right there, you see it? In the middle of the right hand column.
Being styled with a Mini Boden cardigan and a pair of red Tiny TOMS shoes...ps. I'm lovin' the outfit!
Here is a link to the digital copy too!

How about a slightly different view? ;-)

Thanks for allowing me to pinch myself in front of you and letting me share this fun bit of news with you!

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by today!

XOXO,

Bento Lunch Giveaway!!

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:09:00 +0000

**This giveaway is now closed! See winner below!**

After all the cute bento goodness from the past two days with my little Bento Series (see Part One here and Part Two here) I thought, hey let's end the series with a bang and have a Bento Lunch Giveaway! Does that sound good to you? There is nothing I like more than to be able to say Thank You to all of you, my wonderful readers, for without you this blogging stuff would definitely not be as fun!

So today, let's giveaway some goodies to get you started on the Bento making fun :-)

So how about a Tiered Bento Box and a matching Elastic Strap...

And what about a sweet little cloth lunch bag to keep your bento all contained?

Yeah, that sounds pretty good to me!

I'll even add in a little Bento fork with it's very own case, some cute little flower picks, and some deliciously yummy Pocky...in color coordinated Strawberry to boot! That should totally help you get your Bento on!

Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter giveaway below or CLICK HERE!
**The winner is...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And if you missed the Bento Series earlier this week, click the images below to read on!

XOXO,

Bento Lunches Part Two: The Containers

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:13:00 +0000

So after yesterday's fun post on Bento lunch accessories how about today we focus on the containers! There are so many options for meal containers when it comes to how you are going to present your bento meal. Maybe a few questions need to be answered first before you go out and spend money on something that might not work for your needs later on down the line.

#1. Will you need the container for a school lunch or a home meal?

#2. Do you plan on using the container for meals or snacks?

#3. Does the food need to be re-heated?

#4. Will the food be mainly dry or wet ingredients?

Here is a general look at some of the Bento boxes you can buy online. I bought many of these at BentoUSA but you can also buy similar products at Modes4U.com and a few online retailers on Etsy.

As you can tell, there is quite a variety of containers out there. I have a whole bunch of different ones for different uses...if we eat lunch at home, or go to a park, or maybe just need a snack to take to a museum or friend's house. To me, different food scenarios require different boxes because we bring different types of food. You can certainly make do with one or two, I'm not saying you need a cabinet full of them but I have four kids so I need at least one for each kid and then of course I just found cute ones here and there that I had to add to my collection because the price was right.

Most of the cute Japanese bento boxes are made of plastic. Now I don't read a bit of Japanese so I am not totally sure about the BPA-free-ness of them but for the way that I use them I am not overly concerned. All the Japanese bentos that I have bought do say (in English) that the bottom/food portion can be microwaved but not the lid and that they should not be placed in a dishwasher to clean. I don't do any of that anyways so I feel ok with using them. I don't ever put food in them that is wet (like applesauce or dips) without some type of silicone liner or such. And you can always use paper cupcake liners if you want all your food protected as well. On that note, if your box does start to look dingy after lots of use, just replace it! That's what you'd do with plastic rubbermaid/tupperware containers anyways right?

The boxes above are two-part bentos. This means that the lid completely separates from the box and the box portion has clips on two sides to "lock" the lid in place. Many times these separate lid type bentos are not leak-proof. Which is why I tend to like using them for dry goods...nuts, dried fruit, etc.

Next up are the Tiered Bentos. This means that the food portions are stacked one on top of the other and are separated by thin fitted lids that are better at stopping leaks. Most of the tiered bentos do not stick together like a stack of legos though. For many of them you will need an elastic strap belt accessory or a fitted lunch bag to hold all the tiers in place, especially if you are traveling with it...like to school.

Tiered bentos are by far my favorite because they can accommodate a variety of foods in two separate but together containers. So if you want dry goods in one and say carrots and ranch dip in the other you can totally do that! The picture above on the right shows you the tiered bento disassembled. There is a smaller bottom box with a fitted lid, a larger top box with a fitted lid and then an very slim space at the very top of the bento for thin utensils and a small napkin or baby wipes under a clear rounded lid.

Next up are these cuties! Gah, are they not just sooo freakin' adorable! I bought these on my trip to Seattle a few weeks back. Umm, can I just say thank you so much leeetle seester for getting married in the great Northwest and for my random walk about that found this shop!!

These containers are similar to the top half of a tiered bento. But the food compartment on these has a movable divider so it can help separate your food. There is a fitted lid on these as well (the white part in the picture above on the right) and that lid has built in chopsticks for your chopstick eating pleasure. There is also room on each side of the chopsticks for a thin utensil. I found the neat-o spoon and cap to match so hello, of course I'll be using that on the side! This particular bento also came with the elastic strap accessory which is perfect for attaching the cute spoon!

Now if you are not too keen on buying Japanese bentos for whatever reason you can always use a divided plastic Ziploc container. I love these for when we go to the beach in the summer (lake beach peeps, I live in Chicago!!) The lid has slight indentions so none of the compartments can mingle and they are cheap enough so if we were to leave one behind (cringe! but it happens if you have kids!) I don't mind as much as if it were my cute Japanese boxes.

I also saw these cute "lock" style boxes at Target the other day. They seem like they would work as great bento boxes and as a bonus they even come in a variety of sizes and fun designs!

Now if you are totally anti-plastic you could go the route of stainless steel. I found these fun ones at World Market (love that store!) a few years back. These are great for adults to use as they aren't decorated with cutesy japanese cartoon animals ;-) Mr. Smashed Peas takes these ones to work filled with dried cherries, nuts and, dark chocolate or almond butter and apple slices...Nom!

These divided trays (my momma bought mine at Target a few years back) are also great for bento-type lunches that don't need to be portable! You have fun little compartments to separate food into and you can still use picks and fun cookie cutters to make kids meals exciting!

Now that we've talked about different styles of bento boxes let's chat about some add-on accessories that you might want to get to help with meals on the go!

You may want to buy a few "bento utensils" if you are thinking about getting a tiered box or packing food in a lunch bag that will need a utensil that can be re-used. These specially designed spoon/fork/chopstick sets are made to fit in that very top tier with the rounded lid. They are thin and short...and juuuuust right. You will NOT be able to use standard plastic forks in the lidded section of these bentos they are just too long and wide! I bought my sets at BentoUSA and found my singular utensils in....you guessed it....Seattle!

This is how they fit in that top lidded area. They sit right on the white lid and then you place the rounded clear lid over top.

You might also want to buy a few of the elastic strap belts to keep your bentos together as they do not stick together!

Another fun and inexpensive purchase would be a bento lunch bag. I bought a few different cloth ones for the kids in case I need to throw them in the wash between school days next year. They are roomy enough to hold a tiered bento and a small water bottle or juice box.

Or a square bento and a tiered bento...if you are hungry or will be gone for most of the day!

And even an icepack and a tiered bento!

Oh, and to answer your questions about how to keep bentos chilled before lunch if you happen to be out and about or at school, I just throw in a small ice pack that came with my breast pump. I figure if it is good enough for my precious breast milk it is good enough for a lunch, lol!

You may want to invest in a insulated lunch box if you are packing foods that are the "chill me or I will wreak sickness on you" type just to be safe. For the most part I've found that they cloth and icepack do the job but I'm not bringing a leftover chicken dinner anywhere either.

So thus concludes my Bento Lunches series...was it fun? I hope it was somewhat helpful to you. If there is something I missed that you wanted further info on let me know in the comments. I can't say I know everything on bento meals but I can give you my thoughts if you want them!

And if you missed Part One of the series you can click here to read all about it and catch yourself up!

Enjoy and thanks for stopping by today!

XOXO,

Bento Lunches Part One: The Accessories

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:18:00 +0000

Since I seem to get many an email asking me about my kids' bento lunches when I post pictures of them or the goodies I buy to make them on Instagram or Facebook I thought that today would be the perfect day to share with y'all a little more about how I do a bento meal. Now, this isn't a post on how I make them necessarily, as really anything goes, but more of a what type of stuff do I use post...the paraphernalia, the cutesy pretty things, the how you say...ACCESSORIES!

Here is a picture of the cutesy heart-themed lunch I made for my older three on Valentine's Day (shared on IG and Facebook) If you have no clue what a bento meal is or why you'd make one here's my take: Bento meals are traditionally from Japan. They are to-go type meals that consist of small groupings of food. If you want to read more about the history or some type of critical detail that I'm not going to get into you can read the Wikipedia page here. Otherwise I'll just tell you that as a momma I love, love, love them...for a variety of reasons :-)

#1. I love that they a small groupings of food which equals VARIETY. As a momma, it is waaaay easier for me to put small portions of many options on a plate, in a box, or a container for little mouths and hands then to make a big meal or sandwich that they may only half eat (and then I end up eating the leftovers) This way they get a variety and even if I put something in it that they don't love they only have a little bit of it to eat (or try) so it all works out in the end! Which leads me to my #2

#2. It is a GREAT way for kids to try new things. Thinking about adding something new to their diet? Or maybe something gross like *gasp* a veggie...kale anyone? Bentos make the portion small and many times it is presented in a cute way be it in a cute cup or with a pick so many kids will be a bit more excited to try it.

#3. I also love bentos for making sweet portions small. In my house, if I make a treat, a dessert, a sweet my family will D-E-V-O-U-R it in a matter of hours. Now we are really eating more of a clean food and Paleo diet these days so much of my sweets are actually not that bad for them but regardless I would like them to stick around for at least a day or two. With a bento, I can put a tiny portion in it and they get that that square of bar or that mini cookie is it...it's psychological almost...if they only see a little piece they are cool with it cause it's portioned out that way. Weird but true.

#4. Bentos are fun so they make meal time fun! It's true. I have to admit that I really love all the accessories and ways to present food to my kids. And they really like it when I make them...the excitement is palpable and, I kid you not, there hasn't been a day where I've made a bento and they haven't eaten everything presented to them...win/win!

#5 Bentos are environmentally friendly in the fact that you are reusing so much of your meal components...picks, silicone cups, containers, etc. What a great way to lesson your carbon footprint!

Shall I go on? ;-) Really, bento meals can be as little are as much as you want them to be, don't be scared! What about if I move on to the accessories...that's the fun part of this post anyways ;-)

Okay, so here are some of the fun things I have in my kitchen cabinets to make bentos in our home. Now, in full disclosure, I do not make bentos everyday. Yes, you totally can and I'm sure there are many people out there that do. But hey, I have 4 kids, one of which is 9 months old. Plus none of my kids are in full day school yet. So I make them when I can but not every day. But they are fun to make for park playdates, picnics in the backyard, and to spice up an otherwise boring lunch. Now I will say that my two oldest will be in full day school next year and I am "planning" on making bento lunches for them as they will need to take a lunch...we'll see how it goes though!

If you are thinking of doing bento lunches, you really can buy as little or as much as you want. Of course if you are new to this you may want to start your collection small and grow from there depending on how much you enjoy making them. They do take a bit of work to make sure you have a variety of foods on hand to present as well as just time to "pick" things (I'll talk more about that later!) etc.

I started a few years ago by just buying cute silicon cupcake cups on clearance after holidays. I bought cute little pumpkins and hearts for about a dollar a pack. Then I just rounded out my collections with squares, stars and circles when I found good deals or had coupons. I bought most of these, above, at Jo-Anns, Hobby Lobby, and Michaels.

I recently added these cute cups to my collection when I was out in Seattle...holy Japanese import awesomeness!!! It's fun to have little cups to separate your bento containers so that foods don't spill, liquids don't touch, and your bento meal is just prettier in general! Neatness counts in my opinion!

Next I have a whole plastic jewelry/bead organizer (literally the best way to organize my picks ever...and my washi tape too, see here for more on that!) for all my picks. I found mine at Jo-Anns for like a dollar with a coupon! I bought many of my picks at BentoUSA, my new blog sponsor Modes4U, and there are now many sellers on Etsy too like World of Kawaii, Japanese 2 Please, etc. I also find many picks at Michaels, Jo-Anns and Walmart if you look in the holiday sections...think cupcake toppers and food picks!!!

You typically use picks to decorate food...pick fruit, hold turkey roll-ups together, and they can even be used as a mini fork to skewer foods that need to be dipped or makes hands messy! The leaves (above) are some of my all time favorites as they can pick two grapes, strawberries or cherries together...even olives...think outside the box!

Oh, I also have these cute little cups, seriously so small, which are perfect for ranch dressing, hummus, almond butter, etc. Plus, aren't they stinkin' cute!?

If you don't want to invest in silicon cups you can always use paper cupcake liners...these days they come in all sorts of cute colors and themes and are priced extremely reasonably. This option is a little less environmentally friendly but if you aren't sure you want to invest in bento meals yet it's a great way to go. I found these super cute ones out in Seattle...umm, can I just live there please! Japanese imported bento cuteness and fabric shops carrying all that super adorable Japanese fabric...sigh.

Another area of accessories is mini cutters! Yup, to make bento meals even more fun and cute...and help your kiddos to gobble them up you will want to make cute images out of sliced deli meats, cheese, bread, etc. My kids eat this stuff up, no lie. There is just something oh-so-exciting about eating a cheese in the shape of a scottie dog that even adults will get excited over!

I find many of my cutters in the seasonal section of Jo-Anns, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby. Or you can even head into the baking aisle of these stores and just look at their general cookie cutter section. There is usually lots to choose from, holla!

Here are a few I bought from Hobby Lobby a la carte for (I think!) $0.25 each...say whaaat!? Yeah, awesomesauce.

You can even search thrift stores, flea markets, and garage sales. I found these super cute vintage cutters at a garage sale last summer....score!

You can buy Japanese cutters too...I just bought these and love that there was a boy theme and a girl theme available :-)

These are plastic Japanese sandwich/cookie cutters. They remind me of an infomercial I saw when I was a kid for an easy appetizer making stacking sandwich cutter...I think you stuck a frilly toothpick in the end to hold the stack together when you were done. I soooo wanted those but when your 9 years old you really have no reason to need appetizer making kitchen gadgets. These ones are great in that you cut the sandwich first and then when you are done you can imprint a cute little animal face on the top piece of bread :-)

And lastly, I'll share with you the hard-boiled egg bento gadget. Super cute...if your kids don't love hard-boiled eggs, this may just get them to! You hard boil your eggs, peel them, and while they are still warm you place them in the animal shaped cavity. Lock it and place the whole thing in cold water to set the form. After a few minutes you pop out your bear or bunny shaped hard-boiled egg...super cute!

Ok, so is that enough for today...does your head want to explode?
Or are you ready for more?

Tomorrow I'll go over different bento containers you can use for the meals...yay fun!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO,

TUTORIAL: Washi Tape Stool Makeover

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:10:00 +0000

I bought a sparkly white step stool at Target a few years back thinking it would be the perfect clean and pristine piece for the kids' bathroom upstairs and boy has it been helpful to help the mini's reach the sink. But as much as I love the simple white look in my home I have kinda fallen out of love with the new dingy white look its gotten thanks to dirty footprints and toothpaste smears....kids!

I've been wanting to revamp it somehow but I really like the simple white color (I can't help myself...except for the fact it showed dirt so well!) so I thought why not give just the top some love in the form of a Washi Tape makeover!

This project was so easy! And what a perfect one for Michaels RE-Love Blogger Challenge too :-) Taking my dingy old step stool and transforming it with a little (and I mean little!) bit of effort to a happy and bright piece that fits my home and personality perfectly. No need to spend money on a new stool, I just needed to revamp the one I already had, holla!

Washi Tape Stool Makeover

One old stool

Washi tape in your choice of colors and designs

X-acto knife

Mod Podge and foam brush (optional)

Of course the first thing I did was run to Michaels to buy some (yes more!) Washi Tape. I love their selection of colors and designs. I went with bright yellow and aqua colors for a nice, cheery look!

To makeover your step stool, wash and dry the surface you will be decorating first. Then, one by one, line up strips of the Washi Tape right next to each other and press firmly so that they adhere well to the stool.

Flip your stool over on a cutting mat and use your X-acto knife to cut the excess tape to the size of the top of your stool.

Flip back over and Voila! You are done!

Now, if you think you will be needing to wipe down the surface of your stool you may want to give it a coat or two of Mod Podge to protect the surface, Washi Tape definitely isn't waterproof!

Ahhh, what a thing of beauty I say!

If you'd like to find more inspiration on how you can RE-Love something in your home, visit Michaels Lookbook here!

Thanks for stopping by today!

XOXO,

** I have been compensated for this post. However, all opinions are truthful and my own. This post contains paid links.

TUTORIAL: Date Night Ring Handled Clutch

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:11:00 +0000

This weekend Mr. Smashed Peas and I are going on a hot date! Yup, me and my man...just the two of us :-) With four kids and no family in town or nearby we hardly ever get a chance to do a date night out, often times we make up for it with a date night in once the kids are asleep. Usually that consists of a bottle of wine and a Red Box movie sometimes I even make an over the top dessert...just for us. But what am I talking about? Let's get back to our hot date out ;-)

I wanted to make a sweet little clutch to use on our date, something fun and flirty. Something cute and eye-catching that speaks of the warmer spring weather we should be having. And with enough room for my phone, wallet, and a few different lipgloss, you know, just the essentials, lol!

I was sent the perfect fabric for this project thanks to Joann Fabrics! It's from HGTV HOME and it's really nice, durable home decor fabric, not too thick but just right. The Urban Blossoms print on the outside of the clutch just screams warmer weather, doesn't it?! The inside lining fabric is called Checkered Past Berry...and it's so, so pretty and colorful!!

Let's make a clutch, shall we?

Date Night Ring Handled Clutch

1/2 yard of home decor fabric for outside

1/2 yard of coordinating fabric for the inside lining

1 set of ring handles (mine 5" x 5")

sewing machine and coordinating thread

Clutch pattern (found below)

Isn't this fabric just fabulous? The colors 'pop' so much, I'm in LOVE!!

Oh, and I bought my handles at Joann's. They have lots of shapes and sizes so you can get what suits you best!

This is the pattern I created for the clutch. You can try printing it if you like but it's not in PDF format so I don't know how well it will print to size. The measurements are listed on it so you can free-hand it as that's what I did! The long 8.5 inch side is meant to be cut on the fold, I just realized I forgot to write that on there.

You will need to cut two of each pattern (on the fold!) from both the outer fabric and the lining fabric.

Sew right sides together along the right and left sides and the bottom only (see picture above) for each outer and lining fabrics using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Turn the lining fabric right side out like the picture above.

And place the lining fabric (still right side out) inside the outer fabric that is still wrong side out so that right sides are facing.

Then sew along the top two L-shapes (see picture above) using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, making sure to leave the very top of the handle unsewn.

Next flip the clutch right side out via the unsewn handle section. Just pull, ever-so-carefully, the outer fabric and lining so that the outer fabric is sitting on the outside of the clutch.

Next turn the top edge of the handle section in 1/4 inch and press with an iron. Topstitch using a 1/8 inch seam allowance all the way around the top edge of the clutch including the handle portion!

Then take one ring handle and place it on the inside of the clutch and pin the handle portion over it (see picture above). Leave enough wiggle room so that your sewing machine can stitch it in place, it can be a tight fit! Do this with the other handle as well.

And Ta-Daa! You are done!!

One pretty Date Night Ring Handled Clutch all ready for a hot date!

Thanks for stopping by today!

And if you want to run over to Jo-Ann's and pick up some of their delicious new HGTV HOME fabric here is a coupon you can print at home for 10% off....Hooray!!! Plus From April 7-May 4 the HGTV HOME line is 50% off at Jo-Ann!! You can even use this coupon in conjunction with the sale :-)

XOXO,

** I have been compensated for this post. However, all opinions are truthful and my own.

Updating Your Kitchen with Home Depot and BlogHer

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:24:00 +0000

Hey friends!
Just wanted to share this quick video from Home Depot and BlogHer today! We definitely have a kitchen renovation project on our ever-growing list of home improvements...hopefully we can get to it someday soon. I love their idea of Replace, Reface, Renew...I'm crossing my fingers that we can renew our kitchen cabinets! I love them but would love them more if they were white. Anyone want to talk Mr. Smashed Peas into that one for me? Pretty Please!!!

XOXO,

TUTORIAL: How to Silkscreen A Spring Centerpiece

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:50:00 +0000

Today I'm participating in Michaels RE-Love Blogger Challenge! It's where Michaels has asked a select few bloggers to use our creativity and refresh something in our home in honor of April being Earth Month (and Earth Day being April 22!)

Most of us have some old items sitting around our home or garage that may be a little worn and Michaels believes that all of us can take an old item and turn it into something to love again with a little creativity (paint, glue, etc.) Upcycling old items will save them from the landfills too so it's a win-win for us and the Earth!

For my project today, not only did I recycle but I upcycled too :-) Yup, a double whammy! Let me show you how I did it with my Silkscreened Spring Centerpieces!

How to Silkscreen: Spring Centerpiece

Empty coffee bottles (I used old Starbucks Frappuccino bottles I had on hand)

Spray paint

Martha Stewart Glass Paint in Wedding Cake Gloss Opaque

Martha Stewart Crafts Adhesive Silkscreens (I used the Doily Lace set)

Foam brush

Alcohol

Twine

As you all know, I love a good party and I LOVE to entertain. So I just happen to have a huge box of old Starbucks Frappuccino bottles I've saved over the years as I think they make the perfect "milk bottle" on the cheap...recycling at it's best! If you remember, I used them for Penelope's "Just Stay Little Dress Up" birthday party found here.

Well, I thought I would upcycle a few of them with some fun, bright spray paint for pretty Spring Centerpieces. Adding in some lovely flowers to help my home feel a bit more Spring-y as the weather in Chicago is still not on-board with the calendar...sigh.

Here's how I did it. I washed and dried my bottles (I did this when I first recycled them!) and then flipped them on their necks and spray painted them with Krylon's Sun Yellow Gloss spray paint. You can find it at Michaels! I let them dry for about 1 hour.

Then I found these really pretty lace doily adhesive silkscreens from Martha Stewart Crafts at Michaels...I really liked that little butterfly! I also bought a small bottle of MS Glass Paint in Wedding Cake (found in the same section at Michaels) and a foam brush.

Once your spray paint is dry, wipe a bit of alcohol over the area you plan to use your silkscreen as per the instructions. Then lay cut your silkscreen of choice out and peel the back from it. Lay it down where you'd like your design to be and it sticks pretty darn nicely.

Then just dab the Glass Paint over your silkscreen like so...just a nice even layer, not too heavy and not too light.

While the paint is still wet, carefully peel the silkcreen off...I know it sounds scary and you think it's going to get all messed up but it doesn't...REALLY!

It truly turns out so pretty...and professional :-) Let the silkscreened print dry though so you don't accidentally smudge it! Then wrap some twine around the neck and fill with your favorite pretty flowers (mine are silk flowers from Michaels!)

Now for a few things, as some of you may ask...

-I chose to spray paint the outside of my bottles so I will be able to fill them with water when I want to add fresh flowers.
-The instructions for the glass paint say to cure it (let it dry) for 21 days or bake it in the oven for optimal results but since I used spay paint on the outside I just let it be. Mine will need to cure for 21 days just sitting out and I'm fine with that, I'll just wash them with care in the mean time.
-So far I haven't noticed any scraping or chipping of the spray paint but mine are rarely moved/touched, if you plan on having yours out in high traffic area you may want to used the MS glass paint and then cure it in the oven.

If you would like more ideas and inspiration on how to RE-Love an old item in your home, check out Michaels Lookbook here!

Thanks for stopping by today!!

XOXO,

** I have been compensated for this post. However, all opinions are truthful and my own. This post contains paid links.

RECIPE: Gluten-Free Fudgy Brownies

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:17:00 +0000

Oh hey, how are ya? Was anyone else out there sad when Martha Stewart's Everyday Food magazine was canceled? Hands? Anyone? Aww, man. I loved that magazine. And, yes, I was so dang sad to get that little card in the mail saying my subscription would be finished out with MS's Everyday Living magazine. Nothing against that magazine, I just really liked her Everyday Food magazine. (Hey can I say "everyday" or "magazine" more in one paragraph? Yeah, I'm good like that.)

In fact I have a whole shelf (a large shelf, I might add) in my bedroom devoted to the past 8 years of this make-me-so-happy-getting-it-in-the-mail subscription I owned. That's like my whole married life, peeps! It was just such a fun little magazine. It was so cute, almost pocket-sized, ok, you needed some big pockets to tote it around in...we'll say purse-sized instead :-) I just loved it so. When I go thrifting I will specifically look for old editions I might now have to add to my collection, is that weird?

On another weird note, did you know that a few years back I asked my husband for a Sirius Radio subscription for Christmas? Yup. And not for all the cool music channels it had...nope. It was for the Martha Stewart Channel..now is THAT weird? I just love Martha! Annnnd, she even had an Everyday Food hour (or was it two hours?) where the editor would talk the talk about recipes, gardening, tips and tricks, and kitchen stuff, you know...Maggie salivating at it's best! See I told you I really loved this now defunct magazine! I remember running errands with Noah and Penny and listening to it in my car to my hearts content....good times.

On yet another note, yep it just took 3 to get to my point. I found this here recipe for Gluten-Free Fudgy Brownies from that perfectly, perfect, wish-it-were-still-around magazine. Except in typical Maggie fashion I tweaked it just a bit to suit my likings :-) I hope you love it. Even if you aren't gluten-free you should enjoy it's fudginess...there is really nothing like a fudgy brownie!

Gluten-Free Fudgy Brownies (makes 16 brownies)

(lightly adapted from Everyday Food)

6 tbsp salted butter, plus more to grease the pan

1/3 cup cornstarch, spooned and leveled

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

10 oz dark chocolate

3/4 cup sugar

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

3 large eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter an 8 inch baking dish and set aside. Mix together the cornstarch, cocoa butter, and cinnamon. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chocolate in 30 second increments until smooth. Stir the vanilla and sugar into the chocolate mixture. Then stir in eggs, one at a time until well combined. Add the cornstarch mixture until smooth and well mixed. Pour into greased pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool for a few minutes on a wire rack and then flip out onto the rack carefully to finish cooling. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Ingredients! Go get 'em!

Mix together the dry ingredients...cocoa powder, cornstarch, and cinnamon and set a side.

Melt the dark chocolate and butter in the microwave next...in 30 second increments....until it's nice and smooth. Then add in the vanilla and sugar, mix well. Then add in the eggs, one at a time. Then add in the cornstarch mixture. Finally mix it all until it's well combined.

Pour it into a greased 8x8 inch pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

Let it cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes, then turn the pan out, ever so carefully, onto the wire rack to finish cooling. You have to wait otherwise it's going to be a brownie massacre when you cut into these puppies...trust me....they are FUDGY.

See, you wait and you get lovely little squares of joy. Gluten-free joy.

What's that? A whole stack of gluten-free joy? Why, thankyouverymuch!

Enjoy!

And, oh hey! Thanks for stopping by today!

XOXO,

TUTORIAL: Framed Inspirational Canvas

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:16:00 +0000

I know I showed y'all the girls' room reveal already (here) but every now and then I add a little somethin' somethin' to it that it just needs. Y'know, a little pop of color here, a cool clearance find there, whatever floats my boat :-)

I decided that their tall dresser area needed a little something more...it was just too bland over there between the two cornice boards I made for the windows (tutorial here). I had to seep in a little of that yellow but for a while just wasn't sure how to do it. Enter Michaels and their dandy little (big really) finished and unfinished wood section. Man, I think I could spend all day in there dreaming up fun projects...

Anyhoo, I found these super cute finished wooden inspirational words that spoke to me...and I hope speak to my girls. Words like: Dream, Believe, Love, Imagine, and Live. YES! Totally words I hope they take to heart and play a big part in their own lives. I really hope I instill in my girls the desire to be strong women. That they can have big dreams and go for them. That nothing is impossible! So after finding these words my Framed Inspirational Canvas project was born! It was going to be the perfect piece for their dresser, just what the doctor ordered!

Here's how you can make one too!

Framed Inspirational Canvas

Finished wooden inspirational words (found at Michaels)

Hot glue and gun

Canvas (I used an 16x20")

Frame (I searched their frames to find one that fit the canvas)

Paint (I used the paint we painted their bedroom walls with to match it)

Foam brush or paint brush

Spray paint for frame (optional)

Painter's tape

This project is really so easy and gives such a nice pop of color along with some great inspiration. First take your canvas and give it one to two good coats of paint and let dry for a few hours. I used Sherwin Williams Enchant so it matched the bottom half of the girl's bedroom walls. If you plan to spray paint your frame do so now too, so it has ample time to dry (I used Rustoleum Gloss in Sun Yellow).

Take your inspirational words and place them on the canvas to figure out where you'd like them to be...I went for a subway sign look with my words sort of shifted all over the canvas but still parallel to each other.

Then flip one word over at a time and hot glue all around the backside of each letter. Press it to the canvas exactly where you want it placed and hold for a few seconds until the glue cools down and dries. Continue to do this with each word.

Then place your canvas in your frame and tape it into place using the painter's tape. This way it stays in place but is still easily removable in case you change your decor in the future!

And there you have it! So pretty isn't it!

Thanks for stopping by today!!

XOXO,

TUTORIAL: How to Make a Magnetic Pin Dish

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:22:00 +0000

I was shopping at Michaels a couple weeks ago and I came across the cutest little ceramic owl dishes...are they not the most adorable things?! And in their dollar spot section no less! I bought a few thinking that they had so many uses...a dish to keep on the dresser for change...and rings and what's that? A Magnetic Pin Holder? Yes ma'am, my sewing room needed one of these too! Just remember that you will need MAGNETIC pins for this dish. Did you know not all pins are magnetic? Weird but true. I find the longer quilting type pins are more so than the little ball-tipped ones, just an FYI for ya!

So once I decided that my sewing studio needed one of these it was off to the magnet section I went to buy some tiny but STRONG magnets...you see this ceramic dish is a wee bit thick which is a good thing cause it's sturdy! Of course you could always make a Magnetic Pin Dish with any type of dish...or tea cup saucer...how cute would that be!

So let's make a few shall we? They are uber easy...especially if you use permanent and strong glue dots (you don't want that magnet coming off if you have little ones in the house!)

Magnetic Pin Dish

Cute dish (tea saucer, melamine plate, you name it!)

Neodymium magnets (the super strong kind!!)

Glue (I used both E-6000 and Elmer's CraftBond Glue Spots)

Magnetic Pins

This is what the Elmer's CraftBond Glue Spots look like (above left) They are permanent, clear, acid-free, and photo-safe (important if you are a scrapbooker!) I was sent a few samples of some new products from Elmer's and the Glue Spots were just perfect for this project! Nice and strong and great for attaching those leeetle tiny magnets. Just press a dot on a magnet and push firmly for a few seconds to attach...easy peasy!

I also used E-6000 just to compare! This can be a little messier but still did the job. Just dab a little on one side of a magnet and press it to the backside of your dish of choice.

See, it gets a little messy as the glue comes out on the sides a bit but it dries quickly so no worries!

If you use the E-6000 you will want to place one magnet on and then let it dry before adding a second magnet. I found that if the glue wasn't dry the magnets would "find" each other and stick like no other...hey, these are some STRONG magnets people! The Glue Spots from Elmer's definitely made attaching the magnets a bit easier in that regard.

Then just flip your dish over once the glue is dry and drop your pins in...ahhh!

So easy...and cute!

Ya gotta love a functional and fast project!

Thanks for stopping by today!

**Giveway winner has been chosen, the winner is:

Oh! And if you'd like to win your very own box of Elmer's Glue Spots click here or enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

XOXO,

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