A Little Fun With Me and Lu

Its been a while!!

2011-10-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

And My kids are growing like crazy!! Here we are in our halloween get up!! The baby just turned 1 and Lu is 8 now ... hard to believe! Hope you all have a safe and Happy Halloween!

Tissue Paper Tree

2010-12-08T16:25:00.000-08:00

Isn't it a beauty? I know I am bad with the camera ... If I could have just gotten a better shot, but you get the concept right? Good :) I got my inspiration from here such a great blog! One day I will come up with a great idea of my own, but for now I will copy others who come up with fantastic ones!

I followed her tutorial mostly, I did change a few things: I did not fold the tissue paper into squares, lets face it people I have an 8 week old who thinks cat naps are enough for her, so I had to do this fast, I'll admit it I just kinda crumbled the bottom of the tissue paper to make it look somewhat like her folded flowers, I tried the folding thing but It just took to long ... as a result of my "crumbling" it is NOT as fluffy as hers, and fluffy is cute!! But It s still great looking! I did use a paper cup and scrapbooking paper to make my "cone"

I think I should jazz it up with some "ornaments" maybe I will .. Hope you all are having a great week!

Cupcake Ornaments

2010-12-04T12:04:00.000-08:00

LOOK at these BEAUTIES!!! I just love them!

I helped "host" a baby shower last night, and the theme of the shower were cupcakes.

My job was to make decorations, favors, and help set up.

It took me forever to come up with a favor idea, I had a ton of ideas but nothing seemed quite right.

However when I saw this tutorial I was hooked!

Because the shower is in December and it's Christmas time and it was a cupcake theme what better than a cupcake ornament? PERFECT

On the table I set them all up and wrote a note to all the guest:

Take one and hang it on your tree, and everytime you glance at it, please pray for baby and me!

And of course I snuck about 5 or 6 ... maybe 7 ok you got me, for my tree :)

SO EASY TO MAKE TOO!

Our Advent Calendar

2010-12-02T18:53:00.000-08:00

I really like the advent we are doing this year! Its cute, kid friendly, and Lu loves it *thats what matters*

I made "24" snowmen, completed with fabric scarves (PERFECT for those scraps you dont want to throw out and have on hand!), and a little black hat.

Underneath the hat is where the "activity" for the day is! Lu loves it, she has been going over there to see under the hat all day :) I wish I would have lifted a hat and took a pic but I forgot!

Our Calendar is simple this year mostly because we are still adjusting to out "bigger" family.

Some of the Activities are:
Decorate Tree
Movie night
Read a Christmas story
Sing a song together
Dance around the house
Go to Steak n Shake for a shake
make an ornament
do a craft
paint
playdate w/ a friend
bake
walk the neighborhood looking for Christmas lights
Drive around town to see the lights

ect ect ... you get my drift right? Simple yet fun! I love having an advent keeps you busy while waiting for Christmas, and it also keep me accountable to do things everyday with Lu no matter how busy I get! I think I should make one every month :)
Check out our advent from last year here

What does your Advent look like?
Many more Christmas projects coming this week, I've been crafting away during Tierney's naptime :)

Matching Thanksgiving Dresses

2010-11-28T04:40:00.000-08:00

This year for Thanksgiving I made the girls matching dresses!

Aren't they too adorable? I followed the tutorial for Tierney's here! Isn't she getting so BIG?! 7 weeks already!

Lu's tutorial was a mixture of a few different ones, there are so many t-shirt turned dress tutorials out there! And I think its looks so cute on her!

This is my neice Lissy with the pillowcase dress, following the tutorial here, originally this was meant for Lu but on Thanksgiving Eve I tried it on her and decided pillowcase dresses look cuter on younger kids, and I needed something more "grown up and sophisticated" for here ... thats when the t-shirt dress came about!

I love how all the dresses are different styles, yet they match and look too cute!

The love of COUSINS!

Hope you all had a joyous Thanksgiving, this year and every year I am blessed with wonderful family and friends!

Thank you all for continuing to read my blog even though its been very sparce lately! Hopefully I will have some Christmas projects to share soon!

Tierney's First Handmade Outfit!

2010-10-24T03:30:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed there are no Halloween costumes that will fit a 2 week old? HA! Yes it's true. So then what do you do if your sewing skills are not quite good enough to make a costume and your local fabric store had run out of Halloween fabric? *Yes the very small Joann Fabric, only fabric store within a half hours drive is OUT of Halloween fabric*

Well....you compromise of course, and you make a Florida Gator's outfit, and send her to the Halloween party as a "Gator Fan" and you are sure to have one HAPPY Daddy, because of course he ADORES the gators! *even though they are playing miserably this year*

You can find the skirt tutorial here, I love this blog! Have you ever visited it? Talented girl, that has my style of crafting!
Then of course the onesie, just cut a simple heart and sewed it right on, easy peasy!
The bow tie/hairbow was simple too! I sorta kinda followed this tutorial I basically halfed her measurments, because if I would have made it regular size then you wouldn't be able to see Tierney's head LOL!

PROUD PAPA!!!!

Meet Tierney!

2010-10-11T04:08:00.000-07:00

Isn't she precious!!!!

Born on Friday 10/08/10

at 9:06 am

weighing 7 lbs and 4 oz

with a lot of love from big sister!

More pictures to come! I haven't had time to upload many!

I forgot how busy I would be!!

Cookie Jar Re-Do

2010-09-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

I threw a baby shower back at the begining of this year, the theme was "cookies & milk"

I picked up four of these goodies at good will for $5 bucks for all of them!

They've just been hanging out in my garage since the shower, getting no good use!

UNTIL...

I had a crafty idea of what to do with them!

yep you guessed it, something for the nursery, making all the bows I've been telling ya'll about, I needed somewhere to store them! So I painted those nasty wood tops in bright colors to match all the rest of the goodness going on in the nursery, had hubby put up a shelf, and VOILA!!! Bow goodness :)! Now go to the thrift store and find these cookie jars and start painting away!

Diaper Clutch and Wipe Case

2010-09-23T13:35:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about this project because they both turned out SOO CUTE!!

I know I am gonna have the cutest baby on the block, and she is gonna have the cutest accessories :)

For the wipe case I followed this tutorial exactly, with the exception of adding ribbon and a singed flower to the top.

As for the diaper clutch, I guess I am gonna have to make a tutorial, because I kinda winged that one, and it looks fantastic! I just love it. It fits 6 newborn diapers, but is wide enough to go all the way up to size 4 diapers.
I also added a singed flower to spruce it up a bit, will be posting more on those later because I have been making those up a storm, she is gonna have so many bows for her hair! Can't Wait!!! Just 2 weeks left and we will be adding a new member to our little family!!!

Bird Mobile

2010-09-09T04:36:00.000-07:00

One day I will learn to take pictures like the rest of the bloggy world, but for now these will work. However I must say this bird mobile looks SOOOO MUCH cuter in person!!!

I *gasp* when in Babies R Us and I saw the prices of mobiles ... oh my!! So I made my own for about $5 bucks! Getting my inspiration here but making it a tad different!

Don't you just Love it??

Again bear with the pictures, but here is a better close up of one of the tiers. so cute!! I think its fun and whimsicle!

This is what you need to make it:
1 small embriodery hoop
1 large embriodery hoop
paints
scrap book paper
ribbon
fishing wire

I took the hardware off both embriodery hoops (making 4 hoops when taken apart) be careful not to split the wood of the hoops when taking off the har ware, then I painted them several times each and let dry. In the meantime I just free-handed the bird onto scrapbooking paper and cut out, when hoops were dry I hole punched the bird, put a ribbon through, and hung it onto the hoop *I hot glued the ribbon into place* I then tied the hoops together with ribbon, and hung from ceiling with an eye hook and some fishing wire.

Go On Go make your own now! You know its too cute to pass up!

Baby Shower Goodness

2010-08-30T09:22:00.000-07:00

Warning: Picture Overload :)

My baby shower was a little over a week ago! It was wonderful and I am so Thankful to all the women who shared in that day with me! Thought I would share some pictures with you all.

I had an "Ice Cream Social"

It was too adorable, with all the toppings in waffle bowls and the table to the right *had ice cream on it, which we put it there last min so it wouldn't melt."

The Centerpieces were absolutley ADORABLE, and all around the room was "ice cream garland" which is pictured around the tables and above her name. Aslo in this picture in the background you can see "Little ice cream cones" They are actually the favors, bath fizzies on top of ice cream cones with a pom pom cherry on top!

We played silly games

giggled ALOT!

And of course we ate some ice cream!

I wish I could have got a picture with everyone but with over 25 wonderful women there it was nearly impossible, but above is my mom, 2 sisters, and of course Little Lu who is wearing her big sister shirt :)

And pictured here are the 4 wonderful women that threw the shower for me (plus myself) but I didnt do a think I just sat back and relaxed they did all the hard work!
Thank you to all the wonderful women that did such a great job and to all the women that supported us in our new adventure!!! Just a little over 5 weeks and we will get to meet the newest member of our family we are soo excited!
Stay tuned later this week I will post nursery pictures and all the goodies I have been making!

I'm Still Here ...

2010-07-29T19:04:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that Lu and I still actually do crafts and have fun?? My camera skills are getting weak though and I haven't been taking to many pictures, heck I've been sewing up a storm too for my friends baby shower gifts, I know SHAME on me for not posting, however recently I have gotten a few emails asking how we are ... so heres an update :)

I am 29 weeks pregnant, OH yes and I have the belly to prove it!

And heres all the bellies to prove all the baby showers I've been attending LOL! Lot of bibs, burp cloths, blankets and I have even whipped up a few wrist rattles:)
Lu is enjoying her summer, attending camps, and having fun with good ole' mom! I hope to be posting more soon!

Lots O' Meatballs!

2010-07-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we took a trip to visit my sister and after hours of playing together the kids needed a little more hands on interaction so we put them to work rolling meatballs for our speghetti dinner, now neither my sister nor I had ever let our children touch raw meat before, so there was EXTRA handwashing involved!

But they actually loved it!

Lu picked out the meal bc thats her favorite!

Lis made itty-bitty meat balls

while Aidman made giant meat balls and they all enjoyed the fruits of their labor at dinner, Lu and Aidman had 2 giant helpings Yum Yum!
Please link your Kids in the Kitchen post to the comment section!

Kids In The Kitchen 4th Of July Goodie

2010-07-01T05:48:00.000-07:00

I found this really great treat here when I was browsing the net the other day!

Looked nice and simple and delish, so Lu and I set out to make it!

We had most of the items on hand, and added a few of our "own" touches

We used pretzels *a couple handfuls*, about 12 oreo cookies, a handful of choco cheerios and a handful of honey nut cheerios, almond bark and M&M's ... YUM!

As pictured above Lu broke all the pretzels in half, and the oreos into small pieces, & threw on the cheerios. The Above picture is what is should look like before the almond bark goes on top!

I melted the almond bark and Lu put some red & blue M&M's over top, she was 3 steps ahead of me :) I wasn't done pouring the almond bark before she was already putting on the M&M's silly girl!

This is what is should look like now, let dry for about 30 mins or more THEN ....

Break into pieces, put in a nice big mug and let your guest have at it!! It was SOOO Yum and alot better than I expected! And to think, you can make so many variations :)
If you have a Kids In The Kitchen post please link up in the comment section!

Better Late Than Never ... Kids In The Kitchen

2010-06-24T12:22:00.000-07:00

I know I have been slacking on my Kids In The Kitchen post ... but who would have thought that summer would be just as busy if not busier than the hustle and bustle of school year activities??? We are fortunate to live in a place where everything is just a jump away, into the second week of summer and we've been busy with the beaches, water parks, playdates, vacation bible school and more!
And because of our busy schedule I decided to post something SOO SIMPLE! I've said it before and I'll say it again, Kids In The Kitchen can be fun even with the simplest of things!

For fathers day we made Joshy's favorite foods, Tilapia, green beans, italian bread, and baked potatoes. Lu JUST LOVES "snapping" the beans she did the WHOLE package, was content and joked around the whole time! I love how she took a "manoutnoues" task and make it fun!

Please Link all your kids in the kitchen post to the comment section. If you have things you did while we were on "break" feel free to link those up as well!!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-16T05:51:00.000-07:00

We did Lu's B-day party at the roller rink!

Lots of kids and good times!

This picture .. I love it! Reminds me of the late 80's early 90's

with the leggins and the roller skates!!

Now all she needs is bigger hair!

Linked up here for Wordless Wednesday!

Big Ol' Dirt Cup

2010-06-06T17:10:00.000-07:00

I thought this would be fun to share with you all! I was asked to bring a "kid friendly" dessert at a Memorial Day get together we went to. I decided that it be fun to make a dirt cup, and instead of buying all the small individual cups I found this BIG bucket at the dollar tree. It held 2 large boxes of chocolate pudding, 1 large container of whipping cream (whipped up), 3/4 pack of oreos, and a pkg of worms ... and it was ENTIRLEY GONE! the whole thing! We served it with the shovel too, but we had to switch to a spoon because the handle on the shovel wasn't long enough! The kids had a blast with it!

Happy Birthday Lu!

2010-06-03T06:02:00.000-07:00

My baby girl is 7 today!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY my little Lu!!! May you always be happy and healthy, you have blessed my life more than words will ever begin to say! We love you!!!

Korker Bows!

2010-05-22T13:46:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love that SMILE??? It warms my heart!!

I thought I would make some korker bows! I have always loved the look of them! Found the tutorial here and followed it to a "T" I like the look above .. and I made this one fuller by adding more ribbon.

Then of course you can wear a pony or to the side, these are less full, I just added less ribbon.

And of course ... I had to make some for Baby Tierney. They are smaller in length and nice and full, I cut the ribbon 2" instead of 3" like I did for Lu's bows. Isn't Lu being a lovely model for me? Baby Tierney is gonna be one stylish baby and she's not even here yet! And well we all know little Ms. Lu is stlyish too!

Try making them its FUN!

Kids In the Kitchen

2010-05-13T05:03:00.000-07:00

We have decided to take a break from Kids In the Kitchen until the summer arrives. May is a very hectic month with plans that far exceed the number of hours in a day and with the end of the school year approaching we are just very busy.
I hope that when the summer comes there will be more of a response to Kids in the Kitchen and more kiddies will be cooking up a storm. Summer for us starts in Mid-June, hope to see you then!

Super Simple Bird-Feeders

2010-05-11T09:56:00.000-07:00

The birds are chirpping loud and clear every morning! It's Spring *but feels like summer* and I saw this super simple bird-feeder a while back on a blog *don't remember which one* so we gave it a try!

I cut out some shapes from cardboard *from an old box in the garage* punched a hole at the top, and Lu spread p-nut butter on both sides, then sprinkled bird-seed all over the p-nut butter!

I used some ribbon and hung it from the tree.

And if you are sneaky you can catch your kiddo off in the corner of the yard lickin the p-nut butter off the butter knife lol!
Shes been watchin the squirrels attack the "bird feeders all morning" shes amazed!!! Super easy and Super fun! We made 2, but you can make all different shapes and sizes and hang them from every tree in the neighborhood :)

Teacher Appreciation Week

2010-05-06T17:24:00.000-07:00

I just love reading other people's blogs, I get such great ideas and such. This year I wasn't sure about doing a Teacher Appreciation gift because I couldn't come up with a "good gift" then I ran across this I love that blog! And what a GREAT Idea! So I sat out on a trip to Wally World and came up with this.

First I found a box in the tackle section, also you could find one in the craft section (but they are actually about 2 bucks cheaper in the tackle section for nearly the same thing) I cut out some blue paper for the top of the box and dressed it with matching ribbon *Sorry it looks messy, I blocked out the teacher's name for her privacy*

Then I filled it with 2 things of hand sanitizer, some butterfly post its, highlighters, push pins, binder clips, and jolly rancher hard candies. I think it looks bright, and festive!! It also has all things in there I know she could use! And its better than a mug or an apple =)! I think we hit the teacher Jackpot this year and I am thankful everyday for Lu's teacher, especially after the bad experience we had last year. Now only if I can get this lucky until she finishes high school!!!
Linked up to Ramblings Of a Crazy Woman!

Kids In the Kitchen - Lolipops

2010-05-06T04:57:00.000-07:00

We made the easiest ever lolipops! Fun and tasty Jolly rancher lolipops!

First thing is first, preheat oven to 275 degrees. Then BUTTER genourously and I mean genourously a non stick cookie sheet.

Then have your kiddo un-wrap the candies and place 3 as pictured above. This would be good for teching kiddos colors. Lu is old enough that she was just worried about mixing flavors! And she had fun doing that!

Lu tried to move them to the oven but then got the giggle bug :)! Place in oven for 6 mins and NO MORE! As soon as you get them out place a lolipop stick in the middle of each pop *remember to only touch the stick itself as the pan is still warm*

And there you have it ... Lollipops simple huh! My suggestion is to use a pizza slicer to remove them, that was the best tool. And don't forget to butter or grease that pan GOOD! Or they will break! They were YUMMY!
Don't forget to link up!

Are you READY?? IT'S A ...........

2010-05-02T16:18:00.000-07:00

Are you ready???? DRUM ROLL PLEASE ....

IT'S A GIRL!!!

YES - thats right we are adding a little girl to our family.

And Lu could not be more EXCITED!!! She's been carrying a picture around all weekend showing off her baby sister!!! Just for those of you that have been following my pregnancy .. I am a little over 16 weeks pregnant ... ALMOST half way there! Baby is nice and healthy with a good fast heartbeat! As for me, I am doing well ... A Little tired but other than that I am great. We have picked the name Tierney and for those of you that are going to ask me how to pronouce it it is TEAR-KNEE *my whole family has asked me how to say it LOL* yes it's a different name but we love it!

Kids In The Kitchen

2010-04-29T05:11:00.000-07:00

Today, we have no Kids In the Kitchen post. Lu wanted to plant flowers rather than be in the kitchen. Which I will post with pictures later.

However, please feel free to link up, and we will be back with more great ideas next Thursday!

Felt Flowers!

2010-04-27T04:43:00.000-07:00

I have been crafting AGAIN! :) And behind on many posts, but I will get around to it! I have friends that are popping out babies everywhere LOL! So I've been makin bibs, burp cloths, bow ties, binkie clips, felt flowers, hairbows, you name it I'm doing it! And pretty soon I will be makin my "new" little one some great stuff!

Felt flowers have been all the rage for a little while now so I tried my hand at them!

And this is what I came up with!

you like? *excuse the crappy pictures, I don't know what is up with my camera*

Its easy ... the blue one is just a flower I cut in different sizes! And the grey and pink one tutorial found here however I did change it up a big, I made the felt longer and wrapped it twice for more depth and volume.
I put little alligator clips on the back of them and they are ready to wear!

Kids in The Kitchen- Homemade Lemonade

2010-04-22T05:59:00.000-07:00

It is starting to get NICE and WARM here in good ole' Florida! And I thought no better time to whip up one of Lu's favorites: Homemade Lemonade!!

She looks like she's squishing the lemon instead of rolling it .. but she got the juices flowin! And I love love love our lemon squeezer :)

you need 6 lemons *that'll make about a cup of juice* pour your lemon juice, 6 cups of water, and a cup of sugar into a pitcher.

I also cut up 2 whole lemons (after they were juiced) and threw them in for texture and taste!

Stir Stir Stir! and Lastly don't forget a taste test! Because according to Lu you can't even get a cup unless you've made sure its PERFECT =) and she said "MMMmmmm MMMmmmm taste like homemade lemonade, yummy"
Whats your favorite summer drink??
Don't forget to link up!

Kids In The Kitchen Hamburger Casserole

2010-04-15T05:55:00.000-07:00

I do realize alot of you will take a look at this dish and ask me if I've lost my mind! But I haven't ... Its looks like dog mush and sounds a bit weird, but I think it is pretty good, however I don't cook it often because my dear hubby isn't in love with stuffing! So here goes .. Hamburger Casserole

brown and drain ground beef, in a bowl combine beef and 1 can Chunky Vegatable soup.

Don't you love Lu's consentration to open the can? I think its cute!

prepare a box of stuffing according to directions and combine that to the beef mixture and stir really well. Then dish into casserole dish, Lu started patting it down, it was quite funny! After you dished half of the mixture, put some shredded cheese over it, then dish the rest of it on top.

And top with more shredded cheese ... bake on 400 degrees for 35-40 mins and ENJOY! I think it taste pretty good and its super cheap to make =)
Don't forget to Link up!

A Little BELLY!!!

2010-04-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

Please take my apologies in adavnce for the crappy-non-make-up wearing pictures!!

Thought I would share with you all a little pouch of a belly ... I am normally on the "smaller" side so I started showing rather quickly, in this picture I am 13 weeks and 2 days =)

Spring Break Re-cap!

2010-04-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

Warning: Picture overload!!!!

If you can't go on Vacation during Spring Break I say bring the Vacation to you!! I made sure Lu and I did something each day during her spring break to make it fun and memorable!

Monday we visited Lu's cousin's and went to the nearby Spray Park, fun day!

On Tuesday we went to see 'How to Train A Dragon' with some of Lu's favorite friends: cute movie!!

On Wednesday we hit the beach and boy am I thankful the beach is just 10 mins away! We will be there alot this Summer!!

On Thursday: Not pictured :( We visited the 'Tea Room' where Lu dressed up in all their neat clothes, hats and boa's and we had fancy tea sandwhiches.

On Friday we picked lots of yummy strawberries, here in FL bc of the weather they are trying to get rid of the strawberries and fast, its been a bad season, so they were a dollar a pound, not bad!

And lastly Saturday Laney went on the boat with some friends and Joshy, I couldn't go bc of the pregnancy and the rough tide, but lucky I was able to drive and meet everyone up for dinner and some fishing :)

Hopefully you all had a GREAT Spring Break too!!!

Kids In The Kitchen

2010-04-08T05:17:00.000-07:00

This week is Spring Break for us, so undoubtably we have been super super busy we've done something super fun each day *which I will post about sometime early next week* my plan for Kids in The Kitchen this week was not to do anything, with all the running around we've been doing there had been no time for anything in the kitchen, however last night Joshy worked late, so I cooked a "simple" dinner for just me and Lu and she wanted to help, which worked out great because it turned into my post! Well atleast now you know we aren't perfect with everything planned LOL! Oh you already knew that hehe!

We simply made fruit topped pancakes! With my silly little girl dancing while mixing the batter! Cutting up some bananas too!

And she made her own decked out fruit topped yumminess .... wish dinner was this simple everynight! =)
Don't forget to link up!

Muffin tin Monday and More

2010-04-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

Lu is on Spring Break this week, so I let her have a sleep over with her cousins last night, and this morning I went to pick her up *which is an hour and a half away* so anytime I go we spend the whole day we took the kids to the water park and had a picnic in our muffin tins!

We fixed leftovers from Easter: Deviled eggs, strawberries, connect 4 candy game, rye bread, kielbasa, and veggies w/ dip.

The kiddies enjoyed playing in the water! While the girlies showed off ...

the boy relaxed LOL! Such like a little boy to find a cozy little spot!

Check out more Muffin Tin Monday!

Kids In The Kitchen Chocolate Nest

2010-04-01T04:35:00.000-07:00

In true Easter fashion we made "Chocolate Nest" this week for our Kids In The Kitchen Post!

Our nest were made from Haystacks

*1 cup of chow mein noodles and 1 cup of melted milk chocolate*

Lu topped them with "grass" green colored coconut

and "eggs" which were jelly beans

you can tell which ones Lu did and which one I did ... I only did one ... it has different colored jelly beans, but all of Lu's are color coordinated orange only in one nest, pink in the other and so on and forth ... haha! I love it!
Hope you all have a Happy Easter!
Don't forget to link up all your post, ideas, and fun stuff to do in the kitchen!

Kids In The Kitchen-Peanut Butter and Jelly Crunch Truffles

2010-03-25T04:16:00.000-07:00

I found this idea on Picky Palate it looked very simple and VERY kid friendly, and I had all the ingredients on hand, whats better than that!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Crunch Truffles ... sounds fancy right?

Lu crushed ..

and scooped

and measured ...

she mixed ... added ingredients

... and mixed some more!!

she rolled balls into powdered sugar ... and got her hands all messy =)

she she showed off her goodness with a little sassy face thrown in =) I know she's cute!
I didn't change one single thing from the recipe on Picky Palate so jump on over there and get the goodness, I mean what kiddo doesnt love a little PB&J with alot of sugar and granola??
Don't forget to link all your goodies up!

Finally a Craft!

2010-03-24T06:12:00.000-07:00

It seems like ages since we've done a craft! I am glad to KINDA be back in the swing of things! And I know Lu was super excited, she loves to sit down and paint!

I saw something SIMILAR on Frugal Family Fun Blog they used a oatmeal canister, I wanted something on a smaller scale, so I used a toilet paper roll, and cut it in half. Same concept though. Lu painted away, she wanted me to round up all the toilet paper rolls and keep making flowers for her LOL! After they were dry, I put yellow tissue paper in the middle and used a pipe cleaner for the stem!! Nice and SPRINGY! So glad its finally spring!

Closer look at her masterpiece! I think they turned out darling! Linked up to We Made It! Showcase Friday

Kids In The Kitchen - Big Helper

2010-03-18T06:15:00.000-07:00

Today's Kids in The Kitchen post was switched at the last minute. I had something new and interesting for you all ... but my little Lu asked if she could help me make her lunch for school today, since this was her first time attempting a sandwhich, I had to post it =) proud mom!

She choose pb&j and if you look closely at the jelly picture, her face is more of an adjitated look rather than a smile she said "Mom my Jelly is not spreading, it always spreads for you ... can you show me your tricks?" LoL how I love her! And the she wanted to cut watermelon into chunks, she would eat watermelon all day long if I let her! Paired with cookies, yogart, and water she was all set! And Next week I will post what I was going to this week! I sometimes think you don't have to be all fancy and elaborate just to help good ole' mom in the kitchen =)
Don't forget to Link up!

Muffin Tin Monday Green

2010-03-15T13:31:00.000-07:00

MTM is green today! As usual we did an afternoon snack

Lu picked all her goodies which were green apples, green yogart with green sprinkles, and although I didn't think apples yogart and pickles go together she insisted she wanted pickles and so she got them!

She's being a little sassy today LOL =) thats my little Lu for you! Happy Monday Ya'll!

Kids In The Kitchen- Chocolate Covered Banana's

2010-03-11T05:57:00.000-08:00

Yes we have started attacking fruit with chocolate ... what can I say? I've been craving fruit. But I am not a big fan of banana's Lu on the other hand is, so this one was for her! An after school snack of sorts =) I really think I want to try tangerines dipped in chocolate, I have seen that somewhere before ... mmm my mouth is watering!

I cut one banana in half, inserted a popcicle stick, and stuck them in the freezer for one hour. Melted chocolate and Lu dipped and rolled in sprinkles .. then she started dipping her fingers in the chocolate and rolling them in sprinkles as well, silly girl! Looks pretty tasty! Very easy and gives her something to look forward to after school today!

Don't forget to link up!

A Night to Remember ...

2010-03-10T06:37:00.000-08:00

Last week I took my baby girl to her first concert ever.

for none other than Taylor Swift, this is Lu's favorite singer/artist, my little Lu will listen to music all day if you let her.

The moment/memories were priceless, I will never forget it! We were super close too I got some great pictures! And she even touched Lu's hand, which made Lu like her so much more!

I went with 2 of my girlfriends and their daughters which happen to be good friends with Lu!

We had a great time! Can't wait to experience something like it again!!!!
Hope over to Seven Clown Circus for Wordless Wednesdays Pictures!

Muffin Tin Monday- Yellow

2010-03-08T14:20:00.000-08:00

Muffin Tin Monday's theme was yellow today .. which came at a PERFECT time since I was making coco-nut cream pie for a friend of mine that just had a baby, and the filling of coco-nut cream pie is yellow =) as usual we did MTM for snack after school!

and what kiddo doesn't want banana's and pudding for snack? I know mine enjoyed it!

And ... I love this picture shes got a mouthful and looks like a chimpmunk ... and shes dipping one of her banana's in the pudding ... gotta love that!

Our Little Peanut

2010-03-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

Thought I would share a sonogram picture of our little peanut!

I am 8 weeks and 1 day pregnant. Baby has nice strong heart beat, everything looks great and all mommas body parts are nice and healthy! We are soo excited!

Kids in the Kitchen - Strawberries

2010-03-04T04:48:00.000-08:00

Here in Central Florida *where we live* once it hits March it is officially strawberry season. Infact the Strawberry festival is in March ... that is one of my favorite times of the year. I always say I go to look at the crafts and let Lu ride the rides, but really I think I go for the ever popular yummy fresh strawberry shortcake, and of course the ripe delishous flats of Strawberries, and it is so worth the drive for those kinds of Strawberries =)

So today we did something simple, something I recently saw in an issue of Family Fun Magazine

We simply made white chocolate dipped strawberries with sprinkles!

First Lu rinsed them *one by one I might add* then patted them dry.

She dipped them in the already melted chocolate and sprinkled them with red sprinkles.

Not the prettiest picture here but you get it, they were yummy goodness! We love strawberries in this house! I think we might attack some grapes next with chocolate :)!
What kinds of food fairs and festivals do you all have in your states that you love going too??
Don't forget to link up!

A Little Fabric and ALOT of hot glue ...

2010-03-01T09:44:00.000-08:00

Warning: Sorry About The Horrible Pictures!!!

Remember these ugly plastic braclets that were in a Happy Meal of a fast food resturant?? Yes those! We have so many floating around ... why I don't know, we don't even go there often. However they are still here, and I have seen this on a blog or 2 before *I forgot which ones* And I decided to dress them up a bit ...

With a little fabric and alot of hot glue ... they look much cuter!

And they dress up any ordinary tea party .. don't you think? Very simple, and just a few mins to re-do! I might have to raid Lu's jewlry box and decorate them in my style! =)

Kids In the Kitchen

2010-02-25T07:44:00.000-08:00

I am getting really BAD at blogging lately I'm sorry. Hopping that you will all bear with me for the time being. Combined with a little morning sickness, ALOT of tiredness, and a cold :( I have been off my game AGAIN this week. Florida has been having hot and cold weather like crazy which is causing a little bit of a bug.
So this week I have decided to link some of my past favorite Kids In the Kitchen Recipes ... I hope you enjoy looking back. I plan to do next week what I had planned for this week.

This Pizza Bake we made was delish, so much infact that I made an Alfredo Bake to "spin off" of it and its become a staple ... YUM
I think these Blondies are yum, never made them before this, they are great alone or with some ice cream :)
One of my hubby's favorites is our Tator Tot Casserole it is good!
One of Lu's favorites was these Popcorn Balls

We've made many many things over the course of our "Kids In the Kitchen" posts, most of which have been new to us, alot that have been fun and exciting and some that have been "bloopers" which is not often shown :) I do have fun getting into the Kitchen with Lu and will continue to posts about it. I hope you all stick around to see what we have in the future and for more great ideas from all of you.

Please don't forget to Link up!

MTM-Orange

2010-02-22T13:31:00.000-08:00

Today for MTM the theme is Orange and we chose to do snack after school today.

Lu had "Orange" frosting with graham crackers, cheese slices, and nectarines

What a yummy snack!!! Hop on over to Muffin Tin Mom for more great MTM ideas!!

Kids in The Kitchen-Apple Strudel Muffins

2010-02-18T02:42:00.000-08:00

Here's the question: what do you do when you know your out of cereal and don't want to run to the store? Why you make muffins the night before of course, doesn't that seem easier? Stores haven't been my strong suit lately. I'd rather be home, but I guess I have to go sometime. Lu and I made Apple Strudel Muffins, sounds great huh?

Notice her face while peeling the apples .. to funny! Then she measured them.

measured butter and threw in salt

greased muffin pan and then I took over filling them up.

And here ya have it all done, this pic did not turn out super great, but you get the idea right? They were not bad however I am such a big fan of the Banana/walnut ones we make much better!
Heres the How to's:
2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup butter 1, cup white sugar, 2 eggs, 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla, 1 1/2 cups chopped apples
1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon butter

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 12 cup muffin pan.

In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

In a large bowl, beat together butter, sugar and eggs until smooth. Mix in vanilla. Stir in apples, and gradually blend in the flour mixture. Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin pan.

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture is like coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over tops of mixture in muffin pan.

Bake 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. Allow to sit 5 minutes before removing muffins from pan. Cool on a wire rack.
Enjoy!
Don't forget to link all your goodies up to Mr. Linky

Muffin Tin Monday-RED

2010-02-16T15:33:00.000-08:00

Okay, not only did I do Muffin Tin Monday on time yesterday but we did it at lunch because it was President's day and there was no school, but have you know my stinkin computer crashed :( It was out of commision for a whole day and using my husband's comp was like being a fish outta water. Thank goodness his IT guy showed him how to fix it and quick :)! So I know I am late posting, but better late than never!

The theme of MTM this week was RED! And Lu had "red" iceing with pretzels, bow tie pasta with "red" sauce, red strawberries, and red raspberry applesauce! Good lunch! Sorry I'm so late!

Valentines Day Bag

2010-02-12T11:28:00.000-08:00

As you may have read in an earlier post this week had been a bit "off" for us, I didn't do much crafts with Lu but earlier in the week I did take her to Michael's craft night.

And she made this cute little bag, she loved it and insisted it would be perfect to tote her valentines cards home from school for the valentine exchange/party.

She's so goofy :) playing around with googly eyes! Can't beat a 1 hour filled with fun for only 78 CENTS yes, just the cost of the bag, they supplied everything else, even helped her do it. Happy Valentines day :)
Linked up to Round Robin & Ramblings Of a Crazy Woman

A Little more on a Personal Note ...

2010-02-10T23:05:00.000-08:00

I know this should be a Kids in The Kitchen Post ... but sadly this week I have nothing for you! We have had a whirl wind of a week really 2-3 weeks over at my house! I haven't ever blogged about it, I don't know if I have ever felt the need, or If I just wanted some aspects to be "private" It all started over a year ago when Josh and I started "trying for a baby"several several months went by with much frustration, until 6 months ago we started seeking ferility "treatments" after months of testing they suggest that Josh needed a surgery, explained why and we agreed because we had a feeling he had "issues" because of past surgeries. He had the surgery 2 weeks ago today, man was that a rough night. It was suppose to be a outpatient treatment lasting about 5 hours total from start to finish, pre-op and all. The surgery ALONE ended up being that long itself, then we had to stay overnight and it was exhausting. Well over 2 weeks period time i've been awfully tired, and a little sick, but 'we' only thought it was because there was alot going on for us emotionally and otherwise, however when I was up at 3 am Monday night sick we knew that I was pregnant, and I am. 4-5 weeks and Due October 17!!! We couldn't be more blessed, and excited, happy, so many emotions! So it turns out we didn't need the surgery after all .. I feel bad for my husband! But God is GOOD!
This past year has been a long journey for us, for me, it has been a rewarding, yet humbling experience, teaching me to hold on to what I have, and be happy for that, and not at all times was that easy, infact there were very many 'down' moments!We are praying for a happy, healthy pregnancy and are super excited!
My waking up at 3 everymorning *notice the time stamp 2:02 am* just didn't make me wanna get in the kitchen for anything extra special ... but I promise next week we will have something for you. In fact Lu went to bed last night and she said "OH NOO mom we forgot baking Wednesdays" My heart dropped as I promised her Thursday! So there you have it ... a more personal side of our lives! I am sorry for the no "Kids In The Kitchen" today but we will be back next week! For now I am gonna try to watch TIVO and fall asleep =)

Lissy's Birthday Party!

2010-02-10T00:58:00.000-08:00

Sunday was my neice's Birthday! We all celebrated by having a party at Gymboryee. Such cousinly love pictured above =)

Birthday girl with beautiful smiles and blowing out 4 candles, yes already 4 years old!!

They were having a blast rolling and tubbling in the barrel so I got in on the action too!

Of course no birthday party is complete without bubbles, eating yummy cupcakes, and decorating art work!

And there you have it ... half of my silly family ... being goofy!!! Good Birthday!!!

Muffin Tin Monday

2010-02-08T15:33:00.000-08:00

Today's MTM was a no themer so I decided to do dinner

Top row: 1/2 of a hamburger slider, fries *with ketschup mayo combo*
Bottom row: Strawberries and the other 1/2 of the hamburger slider
And yes that is Lu's quirky little smile with her mouth full LOL! But she ate it all and them some more! it was YUM! I got this new recipe for Homemade White Castle Sliders ... the whole fam thought they were yummy so that recipe's a keeper!

*One day last week I was walking through Ross when out of the corner of my eye on the clearance table I spoted them cute Muffin Cups for $3 bucks, couldn't pass them up, and certainly not something I would expect to find at Ross =) Muffin Cups can be found anywhere I guess! YAY*

Littlest Pet Shop Bag

2010-02-07T06:32:00.000-08:00

Little Lu LOVES to take a toy to wherever we go, weather it be the store, the movies, dinner, whatever she "needs" to bring along a toy, I usually only let her take one small one so her hands are not full and ALL the time she grabs a littlest pet shop figurine ... well my neice also likes pet shops, it is her birthday today *Happy Birthday Lis* Lu picked her out a toy from the store, a box full of 6 pet shop dogs,cats, birds ect ect.. All I could think about while buying them is it would be great to make a small bag for her to tote them around town ...

so I bought some little pet shop fabric, and sewed a little drawstring bag, complete with satin ribbon.

Lu was grumpy bc I have not made her one yet *but I am getting there* but I let her play with it put her pets in it ....

and she tied it up, now I guess I am off to make more ... next time I am gonna put seperate puches on the inside for each pet to have their own space!

Happy Sewing
*sorry my post have been all about "sewing" lately, I've actually been just whipping up small projects, I have been working on a "babyshower" can't wait to show you all the pics it was awsome so stay tuned for that next week*
Linked up to Ramblings of A Crazy Woman

Who needs Girl Scout Cookies when you have these???

2010-02-05T10:01:00.000-08:00

Yup thats right ... I made my own tag-a-longs! Hey I know its girl scout season, but the cookies aren't getting to my door step fast enough!!! They taste just as good *I think better* Go ahead try them out! Don't you wish you could taste things from your computer?
Here's the recipe:

Peanut Butter *whatever kind you like, we like Peter Pan*
1 roll Ritz crackers
1/2 bar chocolate bark *I use Almond bark, chocolate falvored*
Waxed paper

Make alot of peanut butter sandwhiched crackers ... mmm those are good by themselves!
Melt your chocolate according to packaged directions ... and start dipping ... keep dipping ... yes dip some more!!! I think 2 forks work best ... then put them in the fridge to get nice and solid .. or you could just start eating .... either way .... they are delish!
Linked up to Round Robin & Ramblings of a Crazy Woman

Kids in The Kitchen - Pizza Bake

2010-02-04T03:56:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Kids in the Kitchen! Lu and I are back to making dinner this week. We are trying to cut down on desserts ... but I have you know that If I don't make em' I just buy em'! =( Besides this week I will be baked since I am throwing a Milk and Cookies themed baby shower, I am baking 10 dozen cookies! Thank goodness I've enlisted some friends to help =) So thats why I am not featuring baked goods, And I am sure I will only eat 1/2 a dozen while baking them all hehehe!

SO for dinner a few Nights ago we had Pizza Sausage Bake *soooo goood, I wish I would have snapped more pictures!

I went to go get a shot of the finished product *after dinner bc I had forgot to before dinner* and it was GONE! So atleast I knew they liked it! It is a really good/simple meal, with a great little Kid Friendly twist .. every kid loves pizza and every kid loves noodles, combined them together and you do have a delishous meal! Heres the Ingredients:
1 lb of Sausage cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups of and small shelled pasta
1 (14 ounce) jar pizza sauce
2 cup shredded mozzerela, divided in half

How To's:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned. In large saucepan, cook macaroni according to package directions, drain. In 9-inch square baking pan, combine sausage, macaroni, pizza sauce,1 cup cheese. Sprinkle remaining cheese over sausage mixture. Cover and bake 20 to 25 minutes or until sausage is fully cooked.

So Simple and So good, if you haven't made it before you should try it!
Please don't forget to Link up your Kids in the Kitchen Stuff! And if you like what you see make sure to Follow!

Crayon Wallet!!

2010-02-01T16:55:00.000-08:00

Today I sewed a crayon roll for my neice, her birthday is this coming weekend. I got the tutorial from here but I changed a few things ... as always in Sherry fashion!

I guess I should have flipped it to the other side so you could see the stitching oops, ohwell!

The only 2 things I did different than the tutorial was to make 6 crayon slots instead of 4 *I wanted her to have more choices* and at the top I made a "bigger" pouch for a notebook. I did it the same size as the piece that holds the crayons 3 1/2x6, so she can whip out her little notebook from the pouch and start coloring, would be great on a car ride or in a resturant!!
Happy Sewing!
Linked up to Ramblings of a Crazy Woman! and Round Robin

Baby Shower goodies!

2010-01-31T06:18:00.000-08:00

I am telling you I wish I had a better camera, you know one of those fancy ones that make all your craft projects appear so nice and wonderful? Yah one of those. When I post something I think to myself "Man this sure does look betetr in person" but I gotta work with what I have so this camera will do for now :) This past week I was SUPER busy on the sewing front! I went to a babyshower yesterday ... My hubby has been recooperating all week from surgery so I stayed around the house to take care of him, and when he slept I sewed ... look at the baby gifts I gave that lucky gal!

She's going for a shabby chic/country garden look ... so thats the fabrics I chose!

The bib pattern I used was from an already existant bib I borrowed from a friend. And I attached velcro on the straps.

The burp cloths *they are rolled up and tied with a ribbon in this pic above* I just cut out 2 squares approximately 12x20 I use my choice of fabric and a pink terrycloth fabric for the back.

For the diaper clutch .. oh man I love this thing, I mean there comes a time when you don't need a HUGE diaper bag just a couple diapers, or when you run to the store for a couple mins and dont wanna take much this diaper clutch is genious! I follwed THIS tutorial.

I also made 2 binkie clips for her ... and forgot to take a picture I followed THIS tutorial except I used fabric instead of ribbon. I sewed (or hemed whatever the correct term is) the fabric, they were sooo cute I really wish I didn't forget to take a pic of those, and the fabric was SUPER adorable too!

However I did snap a picture of the diaper clutch open ... cute huh?!

And for her I also made 2 fabric flowers one for a headband and one for a clipie *my lovely model is trying them on*

This picture stinks ... but owell! I put all the stuff in a cute little basket and was on my way! The hostess of the baby shower like it so much she put my gift on a pedestal for "showcase" I was so proud of me! hehe! A little time and effort goes a long way! I would love to have homemade one-of-a-kind gifts rather than your store bought, everyone has it gift!
Happy Sewing!
Linked up to Ramblings of a Crazy Woman!

Kids in The Kitchen-Cheesecake Pops

2010-01-28T04:25:00.000-08:00

Seriously I think I should put a warning label on our food item today!! WARNING: If you make these you might eat them all, they are so good and just pop right into your mouth! Your thighs may not like it, but hey who's watching?!

My version of a cheesecake pop:

Make a "No Bake" store bought box *I know store bought OH NOO!* of cheesecake, and let it set up in fridge for 1-2 hrs. Then Put the whole thing crust and all in mix with hand mixer.

Put filling in zip-lock baggie, cut tip and make a good size circle of cheesecake goodness, then stick loli-pop sticks in them, and freeze for a couple hours or over night then....

dip in chocolate! Now I am a chocolate lover and all but I will admit it, these are just fine without it, and you can skip this step all together, but please take my advice and eat them frozen, they are delish .. you don't have to go hurting your teeth and all by trying to bite into a super cold lump of goodness, just suck on it like a loli-pop and it will melt away!!
SUPER YUMMY! Easy ... it takes time between the freezer and all but is all well worth it!!! They are so good!
Please link all your kids in the kitchen stuff to Mr. Linky!

Heating/Cooling Rice Pack

2010-01-26T15:53:00.000-08:00

I sewed this tonight, in 15 mins! Isn't it great? I have BAD back problems and I thought it would certainley help! I have alot of friends who get migrains so I thing I am gonna make some gifts :)

I used a 13x13 piece of flannel, sew the right side together on either side (long side) hemed the two short sides, then sewed one side together, put 2 cups rice and 6 drops of lavender, then sewed the other side and VOILA!!! Thats it! Put a matching ribbon on it, if I were to give it away the ribbon would be cute! and there you have it!

Lu didn't wanna get up LOL! However as I am typing I noticed Joshy stole it, heated it up and is using it on his head *bc he has a bad headache today* he says its wonderful! I think so too and I better get making some more so I can actually have one for myself, cuz I think this one has dibs on it by both Joshy and Lu! Happy Sewing!

Muffin Tin Monday-ABC's & 123's

2010-01-25T14:31:00.000-08:00

Today's MTM theme was ABC's & 123's we choose to do ABC's. Lu is always super hungry after school, probably because her class eats at 11:00am which is crazy if you ask me because school doesn't start until 20 mins till 9am so they eat a couple hours after they arrive ... hmm! Glad I pack her a snack everyday!

We did an afternoon snack for our MTM!

A is for Apple

B is for Banana

C is for Craisins

I was actually gonna do 3 apples, 4 banana's (which I did do) and 5 craisins, but 5 craisins I thought was nothing not enough, but little squirt over here saw what I was going for, counted 5 craisins and thats all she ate...little stinker! :)

And of course we put in p-nut butter for good measure ... She LOVES to dip!!! Who doesn't?? Happy Monday All!!

Ariel Jean Skirt

2010-01-22T09:54:00.000-08:00

I'll admit it ... this is the toughest sewing project I've done to date! It took me HOURS ... but it was worth it when I saw the smile on Lu's face.

I think I will actually give directions on this one bc its so cute and your little one would be so happy and I think next time it won't take me as long!
First I went into Lu's "give away clothes pile" because lets face it, this girl is tall, but she don't have any meat on her, her pants are ALWAYS too short, but still fit her in the waste!!!
Step 1: Cut jeans about 1 in" below the zipper, then you will have a REALLY short skirt
Step 2: Make a stitch (I did a zig-zag) along the bottom of the "jean skirt" DON'T hem it, no need to fold, just zig-zag it so it wont fray in the future.
Step 3: Measure how long you want the skirt to be, I tried the skirt on Lu and measured from the bottom of the jean until where I wanted it to sit *just above her knees* add about 1 to 2 inches for seam allowence. Now Measure width my with was 12" times that by one and a half so mine was 30"
Step 4: fold both bottom and top of the ariel fabric (or whatever kind you chose) over twice and hem.
Step 5: AND MOST TRICKY this is the reason I am writing directions bc there are other tutorials out there for skirts LIKE this, but I kept messing up at this part *which is why it took me so long* so finally I scrapped this step and made my own! I pleated AS I SEWED so I sewed, pleat, sewed, pleat all the way along the skirt with a straight stitch, and it worked well. I tried the whole "ruffle method" and the thread kept breaking and the stitch would come out bc the fabric was too long, then I tried pleating it and pinning the pleat it didn't look all that great, so I did It as I went along ... and it actually turned out really well!!! *I hope that this didn'y confuse you!*

Now I am gonna transform a shirt so it will match with her new skirt! She love this skirt, and I love how it turned out!!!
Happy Sewing!!!!
Linked up to We Made It! Showcase Friday!

Kids In the Kictchen Blonde Brownies

2010-01-21T04:46:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Kids In The Kitchen! Yep me and Lu are back to desserts!! Its been a while since I've posted a good ole' ooey gooey mess of goodness .... We have a sweet tooth what can I say! Call me crazy I'll admit it, I've never made blondies before ... oh man what have I been missing? These little beauties are ADDICTING!!!!

1st pic Lu pourin flour in the bowl, and 2nd chopping up the walnuts.

3rd pic packin down the brown sugar *which was her favorite to do* 4th wiskin the egg *whiched she also loved, I think she beat that pour egg out of it senses ....

And here you go ... YUM with some choc syrup over top DOUBLE YUM!!!! Yes I have eaten half the pan, but don't tell you, I, and blog land will keep it a secret :) Wouldn't want my thighs to find out HAHA!
Lu sure does make one mean blondie/brownie!

Heres the Ingredients:
1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips

And the How To's:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).

Measure 1 cup sifted flour. Add baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sift again. Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts. Mix well and set aside.
Melt 1/3 cup butter. Add 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar and mix well. If shortening is used, add 1 tablespoon hot water. Cool slightly.
Add egg (beaten) and vanilla. Blend well. Add flour mixture, a little at a time, mixing well.
Spread in 9 x 9 x 2 inch pan. Sprinkle 1/2 to 1 cup chocolate chips on top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes

I have noticed lately alot of my bloggy friends are in the same "circle" ... and you all do different things with your kids regarding food throughout the week art, cooking, baking, kids cookbooks ect ect, don't forget to link up even if you posted it on last Sunday ... We want more great ideas!
And Don't forget to follow, if you keep coming back for more,consider following :)

LOOK at all these ... I'm sewed out this week!

2010-01-20T04:36:00.000-08:00

My neice is having her 4th birthday party in less than a month *cupcake themed* my sister and I made aprons for the guest.

Here are some of the patterns (Lis is in the middle, she got a special fabric w/ pockets on hers too which no other child got) All the other aprons have duplicates.

I think they turned out darling, and what a great "parting" gift!

And let me tell you something, candy these days is soo expensive, and usually we put together senseless candy bags and send them home with the kids, only for their mom's to throw away. This project seems expensive but its not. I raided the $1.50 table at walmart paid 8 bucks got 4 childs apron out of every yard, the ribbon for the ties cost $12 and so that was a grand total of 20 aprons for $20 now tell me could you do that with goody bags?? Yes it takes a little time and effort on your part, but soo well worth it! My child can use it to bake, cook, paint ect ect ... I wont chuck it into the garbage like I would candy!
Can't wait to see what Bran has in store for me next year! LOL

Muffin Tin Monday

2010-01-18T17:23:00.000-08:00

Today we did MTM at my sister's house, you all know my sister right? Bran over at Adventures of a Flake, yah well she had me enlisted in a sewing project *that I wil lpost about later this week so stay tuned* so i've been to her house twice in 1 week, which is alot seeings how's I live almost 2 hrs away! No school for the kiddos today MLK day!

Top Row: pears, cheese, ham

Bottom Row: coleslaw, air head, roll

Lu was so sweet she had 90 cents and really was itching to spend it bc she is usually good at "saving" so she bought a pk of 6 airheads for 86 cents (so that everyone could have one) so we included it in their lunches :) I was so proud of her for sharing!

and they all had a picnic in the living room! So much fun huh! No theme for MTM today which worked out well for us!

S'mores in a Bag ...

2010-01-15T18:08:00.000-08:00

I just love when there is no school! Lu and I get to spend so much time together, and get to do new stuff and try more crafts, food, ect ect ... I found (well Lu found bc she steals my magazines LOL) this idea in Family Fun, Smores in A Bag! Sounds fun right? RIGHT!

First put one graham cracker in a ziplock bag and crush (Lu crushed with her fist and it worked quite well and fast)

Next put 3 heaping tbsp of marshmallow cream and 1/4 cup of chocolate chips (the recipe called for 2 tbsp, but when she started kneading it didn't seem like enough so we added more, also I chopped the chocolate chips into fine pieces) Then knead the bag together until nice and gooey!

Cut a NICE SIZED hole it the bottom of the bag and squeeze into mouth, enjoy!

*note*

It taste pretty good! She needed a little help getting it out of the bag so the hole I ended up cutting was pretty big! It was a pretty fun experience, and I had all the ingredients on hand.

Quick Hair Accessories!

2010-01-15T05:22:00.000-08:00

I have alot of "scrap fabrics" some of them are years old and some are from recent projects, but I just can not bring myself to throw away that strip of fabric! I got this idea from here. I made them a little differently than she did, I used fabric instead of ribbon, they are SUPER easy to make take 15 mins max, and jazz up a cute little outfit!

Don't ya'll just love em'?? I do! I made a flower for an embellishment on the first one, embellished the second one with buttons, and the third I left as is, I think it'd be a cute one for Valentines day!
Follow the tutorial from the website I gave you from above, if you wanna do it with fabric, fold over the edges and hem, so you don't see any rawness!
They even look great on me! Think I am gonna go make some more "adult friendly" ones, with less bright colors LOL!
I linked up to We made it! Friday Showcase

Kids in The Kitchen- Tatortot Casserole

2010-01-14T04:56:00.000-08:00

Ok I will be honest, I lied about cooking something from the cookbook that I featured last week (well I wasn't lieing at the time) it just so happens that Lu was chopping at the bit to help me with something else, so I let her, of course I grabbed my camera and started snapping away, and it just turned into my post! I know you guys don't mind :) We cooked dinner together again this week! She absolutley loves to help me with the Tatortot Casserole, with that name what kid doesn't? If you haven't heard of it and you think all the ingredients in it would make it less desirable, note this, it is actually one of my husband favorit meals!!! Can you beleive that? It is good .. but favorite?? I don't know! It has become a staple in our house though!

Heres how to make it:

1st step is not pictured, brown and drain ground beef & put into a casserole dish Preheat oven to 350

Then pour and spread 1 can of cream of mushroom soup over meat, then add one cup of cheese over top of the soup, then add enough tatortots to cover cheese (usually 1/2 bag) Then put it in the oven for 40 mins

Take it out of the oven spread ketschup on it and pop it back in the oven for 5 more mins. (I have tried it without the ketschup bc the actual recipe I have doesn't have ketschup in it, but it isn't NEAR AS GOOD)

And VOILA! Easy, Simple, and GOOD!
Link all your kids in the Kitchen post up ... can't wait to see all you recipes, ideas, and cookbooks! Tell all your bloggy friends about it, and DON'T forget to become a Follower!

Repurposing your child's old shirts!

2010-01-12T18:40:00.000-08:00

I did a little sewing project tonight, I am still trying to decide weather I like it or not, but the only reason I am posting it, is because my dear husband thought it turned out cute! I am sure it will grow on me LOL! Maybe it was the fabrics I used or how I did it! Anyhow I have seen stuff "like" it on other blogs but no tutorial, so I just kinda "put it together" how I thought it should be.

A mom in my mommy group brought me a bag full of clothing she got while thrifting, the whole HUGE bag for $5 bucks, some of them were WAY to big, others had a small hole, or stain so I decided to repurpose them. I cut off the portions of each shirt I liked .... turned them inside out and sewed together.

It was cute on my little Lu, she wears everything well! *In this picture it looks like the arm holes are too big but I promise its the way shes standing.* Anyways ...3 shirts =1 dress I think it would look cute with a pair of leggins. If you like it and would like step by step directions let me know & I would be happy to tell ya'll how!

Muffin Tin Monday: Back to School

2010-01-11T16:43:00.000-08:00

Today was a bit of an off day for us, as I have been sick all day. My muffin tin may look a little weird, but we had fun anyways!

Theme for MTM today was Back to School/Learning! What better way to celebrate going back to school than a smoothie party?

Top row: Ice, OJ

Bottom row: Milk, banana, oranges

Now at first this was just a "smoothie party" no learning involved. I always invite Lu to help me in the kitchen ... and it became learning when she started counting each piece of ice, the how many bananas she tore apart, then she would add the two together! Such a bright Girl!!! I do love her so!

She had a great time, infact I wish I could have gotton her "happy dance" picture that she was doing when she finished :)! Happy Monday!

Look what I made from this OLD sweater!!!

2010-01-10T17:48:00.000-08:00

I am loving taking "old" or "unworn" items out of our goodwill stash and repurposing them, its so much fun!

I took this old sweater of Joshy's ....... and I turned it into .......

This great little beanie cap Lu is wearing, Don't you just love it???? I got the tutorial from Ruffles and Stuff I absolutley *heart* her blog!!!

After I made the beanie cap I made a *flower* by taking a long strip of fabric, and making a "ruffle strip" then I just made it in the shape of a flower and sewed, it is perfect! And makes it look all girly and stuff! Go on Go take your old sweaters and start making these AWFUL CUTE beanies, look I know its cold where your at, I'm in FL and the low today was 27 degrees .... so I give you permission start cutting up your sweaters LOL!
I linked this up to Make it Monday & Made it Monday

Kids In the Kitchen

2010-01-07T04:45:00.000-08:00

I have nothing for you today ... we are still on winter break and have been really busy! I have also been SUPER-busy crafting and sewing have you noticed?? Since Lu and I didn't get to get in the kitchen this week, I thought I would share with you all her new cookbook that My dad and step-mom got Lu for Christmas :) I love when she gets cookbooks, her collection is almost as big as mine now!

This is a great little cookbook, it has things in it like Sandwhich cars, cheesy nachos, clown cookies, roasted veggies, chicken wraps, ect ect.

The categories in the book are "Food for Friends", "Mid-morning Snacks", "Afternoon treats", and "Party treats"
The main thing I like about Kids Cookbooks are the pictures, It gets Lu interested, and she wants to try to make her food item just like the picture *don't we all!*
We will be back next week with a great item, straight from this book so stay tuned!
And don't forget to link up with Mr. Linky!

In lovvvve with these Cake Stands!

2010-01-06T20:24:00.000-08:00

I've had a "crafty" bug lately! Wanting to do everything I've seen all over blog land! I have seen these SUPER cute cake stands, that are sooo simple to do! Just a plate (that you like) and either a vase, candle holder ect ect.. and apoxy them together. I found these at a local thrift store, got both plates and both candle holders for a total of $4 bucks, thats 2 cake stands for $4 bucks NOT BAD!!! Love the one picture above, its got great colors, I think I am gonna put it out at a baby shower I'm hosting next month.

And this one just had such vibrate colors, with the yello lemons and green leaves, who says they need to be for cake and cookies? The apples bring out the colors!!!
It would be neat as a gift, to give it to someone with a cake or some cookies on top!
Jump on over and Gina @ the Shabby Chic Cottage & Round Robin Friday & We Made It! Friday Showcase for some more awsome ideas!

More Sewing!

2010-01-05T18:00:00.000-08:00

Earlier today I posted about this skirt I made from a pillowcase ..after I looked at it a bit I realized, I wasn't sure If I loved it ... I couldn't find a matching shirt, and blah blah blah .. so simple fix, I had fabric left over and I turned it into a shirt by adding sleeves! VOILA! thats MUCH MUCH better! Now I LOVE it! With a pair of jeans and a bow, so cute! I think I might like this sewing stuff!

Again a shirt for .77 cents not bad! I already had the ribbon on hand! And since we live in FL she'll be able to wear it soon, bc our winters dont last long!

Linked up to Round Robin! & We Made It! Friday Showcase

Pillowcase to Skirt

2010-01-05T13:52:00.000-08:00

Most of you know I got a sewing maching for Christmas from my lovely husband! I am a begining sewer, with alot to learn for sure! But I love searching different blogs and websites for great tutorials and patterns! Since I am such a beginer I am trying not to spend alot of money on fabrics I may mess up. With that I bought this cute little .77 cent pillowcase at the local thrift store (I should have gotten this cute little vintage pillowcase I saw but Lu insisted she liked the butterfly one better, I may have to go back tomorrow for the other one)

Anyhow, I took this pillowcase and turned it into...

A cute little drawstring skirt for Lu, if it were summertime it'd be PERFECT, however she loves to play dress up, and right now she is trotting around wearing it, with a tiarra and dangily "costume jewlry" not bad for .77 cents right? I have enough fabric left over to put some embellishments on a white or purple t-shirt to match, and make a cute little matching purse!
Linked up to Round Robin!

Muffin Tin Monday

2010-01-04T10:26:00.000-08:00

Lu is still on winter break, so there was no school today! She was happy to have MTM! There was no theme so I made her a "dipping" lunch!

In the tin was: Dijion dressing to dip the carrots in, yogart to dip her pretzels, and a ketschup/mayo combo for her hot dog! She love it!

Hop on over to Muffin Tin Mom for more great Muffin Tin Meals!

I am having BLOG problems ... PLEASE help!!!

2010-01-04T05:29:00.000-08:00

I am not sure how this happened when or why??? I thought it was my background, but I changed it SEVERAL times with NO and I mean hours of trying to fix it NO LUCK!!!! At the bottom of my blog shows my followers, my button, and "about me" I want it on the right side of my blog ... yesterday I was trying to put other peoples buttons on my blog (which by the way if you've featured me or I really love your blog, its NOT that I am not showing blog love, its that I am blog dumb and can't do it!!) Anyways I know HOW to add the buttons just not how to make them appear on the right hand side ... they keep showing up at the bottom where the rest of my stuff is (which I too want on the right side ..) Any help???

No-Sew Fleece Flutter Cape

2010-01-03T15:05:00.000-08:00

I have found a blog I am SERIOULSY in love with ... a girl named Disney over at Ruffles and stuff makes the cutest things ... just by the name of her blog, shes a girl after my own heart!

She has a tutorial for this CUTE No-sew flutter cape! I love it! Doesn't Lu just look too cute! I picked up a yard and a 1/2 of grey fleece and went to work (didn't use quite all the fabric I had but thats ok, some left over for my next project!)
I absolutley am fond of how this "cape" takes an ordinary pair of jeans and plain black shirt and makes it look cute, dressy, snassy, and sassy :)

*The only thing I did different than Disney, was sewed on a few buttons and made it a button down cape*

I am linking up to Make It Monday! & We Made It Friday! Showcase

Perfect New Year's Hostess Gift

2009-12-31T14:37:00.001-08:00

I got a sewing machine for Christmas *well really a couple weeks before* so I could make some handmade gifts that turned out too cute! I have found that I really enjoy sewing although I'm a beginner and I mess up quite often, I find it relaxing, and rewarding! Its fun to say "yah I sewed that" Anyhow I saw this idea on Funny Days with Mommy and Maddie I thought it was perfect for a hostess gift to the gathering I am attending tonight for our New Year's Celebration. Put a nice bottle of Moscoto in it, and will give it to her tonight. Voila! It was simple simple simple, I used a wine bottle as my template and one of my hubby's shirts that he outgrew and was in the goodwill pile *I did was it hehe* Give it a try! Happy Sewing!
I am linked up to We Made it! Showcase Friday

Happy New Year to you all! Thank you for reading in 2009 hope to see everyone in 2010! May you all have a blessed an happy New Year fill with, Fun, Joy, Laughter, Family & Friends!

Kids In The Kitchen .. FUN New kitchen Gadget!

2009-12-31T06:23:00.000-08:00

Holy Moly ... Look at what my dear friend Mel got me for Christmas, A mini donut maker! She knew I loved making donuts from bisquits click here, I blogged about it once! I didn't think donuts got any easier, but they did with this snazzy little gadget! And the donuts were 10x's better than my bisquit ones!
Lu helped me mix the batter which was:

5 tbsp butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg (beaten)
1 1/2 cup flour
2 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup milk

Mix butter & sugar, then add egg and mix well. Sift flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg together. Add dry infredients to the egg mixture while alternatin the milk in.
Fill the donut maker with batter, and take off when golden (takes about 3-5 mins, and they slide right off)
Then ....... Dip them in powder sugar, or cinnamon ... mmmm or EVEN ...
Decorate with chocolate! Oh yeah my kinda donut!!
I halfed the recipe I just gave ya'll and still got 24 mini donuts!!! Love Lu's expression *c'mon mom get your picture and lets eat"

Now shes my little waitress!!! Love this new gadget! If you don't have one run to the sotre right now!

Don't forget to Link all your Kid Friendly Kitchen stuff up! If you made something last week please link up ... I took the day off last week due to Christmas! Hope you all have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

AWARD!!!

2009-12-31T04:15:00.001-08:00

Isn't it always so nice when you are honored with an award for you blog? Also with the fact of knowing people read and like your blog? When I started this blog I didn't know what to expect, but now I have 53 people who follow, and tons more that stop by to comment and say hello! It warms my heart! Thank you to Crafts ~N~ Things for Children for thinking of me *this too is an awsome blog! Go check her out as well!

The Lemonade Stand Award is awarded for being a blogger who shows great attitude and gratitude. The rules for accepting this award:

- Put the Lemonade logo on your blog or within your post.

- Nominate at least 10 blogs with great attitude or gratitude.

- Link the nominees within your post.

- Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

- Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

I have chosen the following blogs to pass along this award to ... they are all creative, crafty, and inspirational & uplifting.... Hope you enjoy them all! Make sure to browse through them, you'll never know what you can stumble upon!

Happy Browsing!!! I will be back a Little Later this morning to do my Kids in The Kitchen Post, running a little Late because we wanted to do the cooking this morning instead of last night (we are trying out a new breakfast kitchen gadget...) so stay tuned!

Fun Christmas Pictures

2009-12-30T05:14:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have the problem with taking too many pictures and trying to siff through the BEST ones? But they are all the best because its pictures of the people you love! I took way too many pictures over the holidays, way more than you would all like to see ... LOL But I thought I would post all the "open mouth pictures" the ones where Lu is so excited her mouth drops LOL! I've also included one of my family above, I know we are one handsome bunch!

The night before Christmas, all excited dancing around the living room in her new Hannah Montah nightgown!

See what I mean! Flies could fly right in that trap :)

Love that look, she put those boots on RIGHT away!

Uh-huh every 6 year old girl loves Taylor Swift! Get ready mammas if your child hasn't hopped on that bandwagon yet!

I probably have enough open mouth pics to do 3 or more post! So Thankful my child gets excited over little lifes joys!

More pictures to come throughout the week! Check here for more awsome pictures!

Cheesecake Trifle

2009-12-28T20:30:00.000-08:00

If you all read my blog, I bet you would have never guessed I bring the dessert to every function! *since of course that's the only food group my house seems to recognize LOL* Anyways I thought I would TEMPT you all with this LOVELY cheesecake trifle, I made specially for my step-dad on Christmas Day .. because one he is a lover of cheesecake, and two he don't like chocolate! Who doesn't like chocolate? Anyway lets just say I think the bowl was licked thats how CLEAN it was when I left!

Heres the Ingredients and How to's:
4 Cups strawberries *sliced*
4 to 5 tbsps sugar
2 pkgs cream cheese
1 3/4 cup milk
1 lg pkg instant jello pudding vanillia flavored
1 3/4 cup whipped topping
pound cake (I used entemans brand and about 1 and 1/2 loafs)

This amount of ingredients fills the entire bowl pictured above, if you want a smaller amount, adjust accordingly.
And to be ahead of the game you can go ahead and cut your pound cake into squares and set aside.

First thing mix the strawberries with sugar and put in fridge to allow juices in the strawberries to come out.
Then in a lg bowl put the cream cheese (I cut into blocks) and SLOWLY beat in milk, until no longer clumpy, then add jello, and beat about 3 mins, now FOLD in whipped topping.

In bowl layer pond cake, 1/2 of the cream cheese mixture, strawberries (with the juice), and repeat. At the top you can do strawberries like I did, or chocolate drizzled on would look pretty too.

I've link this up to Tempt my Tummy Tuesdays hop on over and find more great recipes!

Riding on the scooter!

2009-12-28T05:48:00.000-08:00

I am sure this will be the 1st of many post throughout the week about our Christmas this year! Which was FABULOUS! I couldn't ask for a better family or a batter weekend!This pictures are a little fuzzy but I am sure you all get the gist! Lu's big gift this year from Santa was a power scooter that goes 10 MPH and is pink! We had so much fun riding it around the neigborhood Christmas morning and we both fit on it without breaking it hehehe!

I think I had just as much fun as she did!!! Felt good to be a kid again!!! We ended up riding that thing a good couple miles!

And she NEEDS a helmet with that scooter, she drives like her mamma! Shes so stinking cute!

My house is filled with toys, trinkets, and girlie makeup from her room, to my living room, to all over my dining room table! Oh boy! Thank you to all my friends and family, and of course Santa for making Lu's Christmas Fantastic!

I think next year we are gonna start a tradition of making Jesus a cake!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T19:35:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to you ALL!
I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas!
I apologize for the lack of post this week!
It has been a very fun-filled, hectic, and festive week!
We will be back next week with more great post, holiday photos,
and of course Kids in the Kitchen!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Muffin Tin Monday-Holiday Winter Wonder Land

2009-12-21T15:55:00.000-08:00

We ALL had a great time doing Muffin Tin Monday today, the theme was "Holidays" so I took that and ran with it. Seen this all over the bloggy land! We took this:
Top Row- Sugar cones, green icing, coconut
Bottom Row- Red sugar crystals, gum drops, and round green and red candies

And we turned it into a "Winter Wonder Land" We all got into the action it was a fun eveing!
First we sprinkled a red tray (I had stored away) with "snow" (coconut)
And we iced the trees

Joshy got in on the fun too :)
And Lu decorated with "lights" (red sugar crystals)
And then decorated with ornaments (the green and red candy balls) the funniest part was Joshy started to throw them to see if they would stick, and of course Lu followed suit and I had candies all over the kitchen! Oh well all in the name of FUN!!!
And we now have a BEATIFUL "Winter Wonder Land"

Check out Muffin Tin Mom for more great tins!

Cookie and Ornament decorating!

2009-12-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

I'm telling you Christmas is my all time favorite! Even though I run around like a chicken with my head cut off ... buying toys, making presents, baking, cooking, getting photos done ect ect... those special moments, the parties, gatherings, get togethers, the family OH how it makes it all worth it!
Last night we attended a "cookie decorating party" with my bible study ladies and our families, I tell ya the kiddies really enjoyed the cookie decorating! I think there were about 15 or so kids there! Way too much toppings ... but thats the fun part right? All the sprinkles and M&M's

Look at that sugary mess .... HOLY COW!!!

And no I did not let her eat it all ... that one bit you see her taking was her only bite, LOL!

Then the kiddies made some ornaments, the glitter glue was a hit with Lu she loves that stuff, and while all the other kids colored with markers, not my Lu her ornaments were entirley painted with glitter! Oh atleast they sparkle :)

And she sure is proud!

They went straight on the tree when we got home! And the cookies in the garbage (but don't tell her ... HAHA she would have gotten a super sugar attack) But mommy got to bring home about a dozen different kinds of cookies all the other ladies made, and they are super good, I hope I don't eat them all!!

Handmade Ornaments

2009-12-19T20:41:00.000-08:00

I saw this cute tutorial over at No Time for Flash Cards and thought Lu and I would give it a wirl, and I am so glad we did! The ornaments we made turned out super (pictured above) I LOVE handmade ornaments and I really love to adorn my tree with a new one (or two) every year! This project was so simple, and so easy I bet you have all the supplies you need right in your craft closet, so go grab them (and your kids too) and give it a try!

This salad spinner is the best $3 bucks I've spent in a long time (so glad I didn't use it for its intended purpose haha) I used paper plates (you could also go for card stock), traced different holiday itemes with a cookie cutte ie: snowflakes, candy canes, christmas trees. Cut the plate so it'd fit inside the spinner, dabbed on some paint ...

And she spun and spun .. this picture wasn't so great but she did have a blast *this was when she first started to get the hang of it*

Then we punched a single hole at the top and tied ribbon through it! Cute huh? I love the way they turned out!

I think tomorrow we are gonna make salt dough ornaments ... Oh how I love the Christmas Spirit!!!

Kids in The Kitchen Ham Casserole

2009-12-17T07:28:00.000-08:00

WOW! I am seriously late today with my Kids in the Kitchen post. I've been working all morning, I got beind and its been super busy because of the holiday season of course. For a change we actually made dinner together last night instead of dessert! We needed to mix it up a bit :)!

We baked EVERYDAY last week for different functions, holiday parties, church, friends, exchanges ect ect... so we are all sugared out!!! I extracted the recipe form here, the only thing that I did different was to cook it in the oven longer that way it isn't as "runny" we like our food to be thick and hearty!

Lu helped me grate the cheese, which she loves to do!

And she filled the bowl with goodies, like ham, potatos, corn, & butter.

She loved that I let her cut the green onions with scissors, I believe that was her FAV part!!!

Of course no meal is complete without MORE cheese!

Isn't she a beauty???

Please Link up with all your Kid Friendly recipes, Kids in the Kitchen, Kid friendly cookbooks or anything with the kids in the kitchen!

Handmade Christmas!

2009-12-15T06:01:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share with you all this great tutorial I found! It was my first sewing project and it turned out so great! My lovely model!

And me ....

Then I made this awsome pot holder, which needs no template really, I didnt use one. I cute a square, rounded the edges, and sewed on a pocket. Conviently the pock holds a "cookie in a bag" I put the ingredients to Chocolate Chip Walnut cookies in a ziplock bag, wrote a recipe card and stuck in into the pocket of the potholder!

Now doesn't this make a LOVELY Christmas gift? Whip out your sewing machines it won't take long! I am giving it to my Secret Santa ... she loves to bake & those are her favorite cookies!

Happy Sewing!

Linking up to a Soft Place to Land and Tator tots and Jello and Ramblings of a Crazy Woman

Santa

2009-12-14T20:19:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share some great pictures of my little Lu with Mr. & Mrs. Claus. Adorable! These were the friendliest people ever! They chatted with Lu even when there was a line they focused on her and her alone! It was really great!

And of course she is getting SUPER excied for Christmas!

Stayed tuned this week to see my first sewing project finished! It will make the perfect gift! (I am giving it tomorrow for our Secret Santa exchange, and just incase I don't want my Secret Santa to see, so I will post later this week!)

On ANOTHER note ... I am 1 follower away from 50 hooray hooray I think thats a MILESTONE!

Snowmen Ornaments

2009-12-10T18:02:00.000-08:00

I've seen this adorable ornaments on every kid blog in the world! I knew we had to give it a try! A white hand print and a child's imagination makes for some cool and cute funky snowmen!

I just took a red ball right off the tree and grabbed my box full of paints .. it was simple, I had everything on hand! And they made for cute "homemade ornament" gifts!!!

For more great stuff check out We Made It! Friday Showcase and Kid Friendly Friday

and Round Robin Friday

Kids In The Kitchen- Snowflake Cups with Mousse

2009-12-10T04:36:00.000-08:00

Today has been one of those mornings! We do/did have cookies to show you ... but you can imagine my frustration as for some reason my computer is deciding not to read my flah card ughhhh! When and if I get this stinking technology stuff working right I will upload some photos of my darling Lu cooking!

We made Snowflake Cups with pomegrante mousse shown at Gourmet mom-on-the-go

They were good but the filling was SO SOFT .. it just kinda leaked out of the cups! Hoever we made a chocolate filling that was pretty good.

Choc Mousse Filling:

1 tbsp coco

2 1/2 tbsp sugar

1 C whipping cream

beat them all together and fill the cups! The chocolate mousse filling held real well in the cups and they were pretty!

Some friends of mine were over, and they liked both fillings, both of them said they taste like "mini cream pies" I think they were good too, but not worthy of Christmas Gifts. So I am nixing these right off the list! I did find a few last night that I wanna bake, but If I don't get movin Christmas will have passed by and I will still be doing trial cookies! :)

Please Link all you Cooking and recipes up to Mr. Linky! Hope everyone has a fantastic week!

Kids in the Kitchen- Dipped Cherry Cookies

2009-12-03T04:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Thursday and Welcome to Kids in the Kitchen, I am still on my search for the best holiday cookie, which by the way if you have a great cookie recipe let me know!

I love this pictire of Lu multi taskin its too cute shes cutting in cold butter while mixing :)

Here she looks like shes holding down the entire fort, trying to chop those cherries.

And of course you can not finely chop white choclate any other way than with a chopper!!!

I think the dough was her favorite part ... she got so messy then licked her hands for 5 mins, oh the joys of being a kid! Finished product ... mmm heres the link for the instructions on how to make them, they were super good, my hubby was popping one in his mouth every 3 mins bc they were soo small! I just wander if they are good enough for gifts??

Please link up all your great kids recipes, cookbooks, children in the kitchen snack ect.... Can't wait to find out which cookie Im making next week!

Christmas Photos

2009-12-02T04:28:00.000-08:00

Just incase you haven't figured out, I love our photographer! Didn't she do a supurb job on our Christmas photos? So well I wanted to share :)

Please click here and here for more greats pics!

Advent Calendar

2009-12-01T21:48:00.000-08:00

I would seriously like to know if I am the only mom in the world that goes into the store so unprepared that its ridculous? I searched for 2 full days for cute Advent calender ideas on the internet, picked out my favorite 3 and wrote down everything I needed, and of course the reason I chose 3 so that the store didn't have 1 or more of the items that I needed for that particular one that I could just move on to the next one on my list... Well between the 3 stores only 1 off my list had "everything" I need for that particular advent calendar but it didn't look as great in person as I had hoped :( so back to square 1! This idea just came to me OUT OF NOWHERE, I haven't seen it before I just saw some items here and there and pulled it off :) and for less than $10 ... and this one does LOOK SO MUCH CUTER in person! I bought 2 pks of gift tags from the dollar tree (the gift tags that almost look like a mini card and have a ribbon/string for tieing to the present) then BACK to target I went where I found a wreath for $5.99 and I had a vision .... isn't it great? I wrote our activites on each one, numbered, and tied it to the wreath. SO SIMPLE ... SO INEXPENSIVE!

Our activites include alot of local events, Christmas movie night, drive around looking at lights, go to the park, read a Christmas book, go to the library, make a gingerbread house, make cookies, holiday craft day, bake, make dinner as a family, drink hot coco on the porch, have a frosty from Wendy's, play dress up, tea party ... ect ect... you get the point right?

Hope you like it! Did you make an Advent this year? I would like to know what they all look like please share!

I am linked up to :

Christmas Edition- Monthly Craft Challange

We Made it! Friday Showcase

Muffin Tin Monday

2009-11-30T15:33:00.000-08:00

We have not been able to participate in MTM for a few weeks now, and today I just couldn't deny Lu of her favorite Monday "tradition" she kept reminding me it was Monday! There is no theme today, so she had her Tin for dinner. The top row was a "surprise/dessert" for her she was able to make her on pudding sundae
Top row: cherries, brownie bits, and pudding
Bottom row: Shepards pie :) She ate all her shepards pie, then sat off to make her dessert come to life ...
Mmmm yum!
Joshy got so jealous I had to make him a special treat too LOL!
Stop on over to see more great Muffin Tins

Kids In the Kitchen- Andes Mint Cookies

2009-11-26T05:02:00.000-08:00

GOODMORNING AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM MY FAMILY TO YOURS!!!!!! I was unsure about posting this on Thanksgiving, I may not have many participants, but thats okay, this is a week for cooking, so if you've put something on your blog in the last week or so link it up! I am still on my search for the best Christmas cookies, last week I ruled those out right away due to the crunchy factor! This week however I have a contender!!! These are FABULOUS! I actually want to do some changes to them .. and when I do that I will get back to ya'll on how they are! They are PERFECT just like this, but I have an idea, so I am gonna run with it, and probably make these again next week with my spin on them! (I will also make a "new" cookie I've never tried to make before next week)This week I am doing it differently .. I've posted a bunch of pictures then I am gonna give ya'll the link where I recieved the recipe from! I love these simple pictures of Lu!

I found the step by steps here, this is DEFINATLEY a cookie worth making, especially if you love andes mints! so good! And funny enough better the second day!
Please link up your kid friendly recipes, your kids in the kitchen, your favorite kids cook books and more!!!

I just would like to take a moment to wish you all A Very Happy Holiday season! I am so thankful for my famil, especially my husband and daughter, they make me who I am, they make me wanna be a better wife and mom and I am truly blessed! Also I am thankful for all my blogger friends, all the people that follow the blog, the ones that keep me posting regularly! Thank you!
Also linked up to We Made It Friday Showcase!

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The cutest pilgrims ever!

2009-11-20T04:21:00.000-08:00

I am IN LOVE .... with this craft, I keep looking at the finished product thinking that Lu and I out did ourselves, I know I know that is super silly but ... just wait till you see! I am not gonna lie, this is a little time consuming because there are so many details, however its way worth the work! Lu painted the toilet paper roll.

Then she cut small pieces of yellow paper, and balled them up for the corn, she did alot more, but my hands were to busy for pictures!

LOOK LOOK LOOK at these pilgrims ... love them right? I do I do! you can find the instructions here I will tell you this, I used her instructions for a template, you can tell I didn't use foam and felt like she did, or even yellow pom poms for the corn, we used construction paper, bc thats what we had on hand, and it is still sooo cute!

I just can't stand it they are adorable!

Check out We Made it Friday Showcase and Kid Friendly Friday for more great stuff.

Handprint Turkeys

2009-11-20T04:08:00.000-08:00

Once a month our playgroup does a craft, and these turkey handprints are supercute which is why I picked to do them this month. Laney couldn't attend the playdate because she was in school, but thats ok, I did it with her the night before and we had a ball!I just took different pains and painted away her hand.

being the budding artist she is, she had to put her artist touch on it!

and voila, cute, quick fun!

Check out Kid Friendly Friday and We Made It! Showcase Friday

Kids in The Kitchen -Pecan Florentines

2009-11-18T19:37:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year! I love the holidayness :) (is that a word?) anyways I think its great! And from here on out I will probably be making cookies with Lu! Heres the deal, my family, its not big its HUGE and so last year I started baking for them instead of gifts! I never thought it would be enough, but I have come to the conclusion, baking for that many people is hard work, and it is very thoughtful, I mean I love when people give me baked goods, so what I am doing from here until Christmas is TRIAL cookies to see which I like best and which one I wanna do for my family. Most of these I have never even made but I have been scowering through books and blogs to find the best, most unique cookies I can find! And first up are **Pecan Florentines**1/2 cup of pecan halves finley ground (the recipe calls for 3/4 cup, but I didnt have any more)

1/2 cup of flour ... mix the ground pecans in with the flour.

meanwhile in a pot on medium heat bring to a boil, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup light corn syrup, 1/2 stick of butter, and 2 tablespoons of milk. ( I love my little Lu's eyes! aren't they big and beatiful.

After the brown sugar mixture comes to a boil stir it into the flour/pecan mixture. Place cookies on a greased-foiled cookie sheet, drop a tsp full, 3inches apart from each other. Bake on 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and lacy & cool completley before next step!

Place 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips in a small bag (ie: ziplock bag) seal and microwave in 30 second intervals, knead bag lightly, and microwave for another 30 seconds or until melted completly, Cut a small corner of bag and squeeze chocolate on the cookies.

Cookies are chewy when still warm, but when they cool they are crisp (they are suppose to be nice and crip. THE VERDICT: They were very pretty and very tasty cookies. I am however a bigger fan of chewy cookies! They are pretty fantastic though, different than most cookies, and have an unexpected factor to them, the chocolate on top never gets "hard" so I think it would be hard to pack them in tins, the chocolate would get everywhere, no longer making them the pretty cookies they are. This is a great cookie, I reccomend making it, and it is holidayish, however I don't think I found "our" cookie yet!

Lu loved them, she was all chocolate faced *wish I snapped a picture of her*

***If you have a great cookie recipe or holiday recipe PLEASE share! Don't forget to link up with Mr. Linky! Get in the kitchen with your kiddos and have fun!***

Mexican Pizzas

2009-11-17T09:10:00.000-08:00

I made these mexican pizza's the other night and they were so GOOD! I had never even thought about making them before ... then I saw a great recipe, modified a bit for my family's taste and now its added to the list of favorites!

I have to say they are very filling too and better than *any* fast food! I wish I could get a better pic, I need one of those fancy cameras :)

heres the recipe:
1/2 lb ground beef
taco seasoning
1/4 cup water 1/2 can enchilada sauce (I get the red kind)
4 flour tortillas (10 inch)
cooking spray
2 tbsp chopped green onions
1/2 can (8 ounces) refried beans
1 cup diced tomatoes (I used cherry tomatoes chopped up pretty fine)
1 cup shredded cheese
sliced black olives, optional
Dollop of sour cream

**Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until brown, drain. Return to the heat taco seasoning and water. Continue to cook for several minutes, until cooked through, stirring often.
**Spray both sides of each tortilla with cooking spray and place directly on the middle rack of your oven. Bake for about 6 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully so they do not burn. Remove to a baking sheet.
**Microwave the refried beans for 30-60 seconds, or until spreadable.
Lay 2 tortillas out on a baking sheet; top each with a spoonful of the beans, ground beef, and 1/4 cup cheese. Top with another tortilla and lightly press down.
**Top the second tortillas each with meat mixture, 1/4 cup enchilada sauce. Layer with diced tomatoes, cheese, green onions and a few black olives.
**Bake for 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Cut into wedges and top with sour cream and/or salsa if desired.

AND ENJOY!!! SO TASTY!
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