If I had a Nanny

How To: Make that skirt long enough

2010-08-15T21:22:00.001-07:00

Materials:
1 short skirt
1/2 yard of fabricsewing machineyada yada yada
Ok, so I found this really cute denim skirt at the DI and had to have it...but it was too short. So I went to the fabric store and got this cute multi-color fabric that I can dress up or down to put a ruffle on the bottom.
1. cut your 1/2 yard in half (hotdog style) so that you have 2 long 1/4 yard strips.
2. Fold them in half and press, so that you have 2 even thinner strips, but still the same length. Then, sew the strips together on the short sides, matching the raw edges. Now you have a big loop.

3. Turn the skirt inside out, and start pinning the loop to the skirt. Make sure that the raw edges of the loop seam are facing out, not in.
Pin the seams of the loop to the seams of the skirt so that when sewn, match up.
Start pleating 1 side of the skirt: If you look at the picture below, I pleated (folded over the fabric and pinned) about every inch or so of skirt. play around with it until it pleats evenly.

4. Sew the fabric to the skirt on the one side. Do this by turning the skirt RIGHT SIDE OUT, so that you know that your stitch is straight. I sewed right over the existing top-stitch of the skirt.

5. Now pin/pleat the OTHER side of the loop to the OTHER side of the skirt and sew.

Ta-daaah! You're done!

DIY Nap Pad

2010-08-09T10:22:00.000-07:00

The toddler has been going to summer camp and will be going to pre-school in a few weeks. Since she is almost 2, she is in the class that naps. I looked all over and the prices for these are just outrageous. So, I found a lot of tutorials but this one is my favorite since it includes a built in blanket and the option to take out the pad for washing. Thank you Jenny Garland! I think I may make a few while I am at it for gifts!

I will show you pictures of mine when it is done

Hot Dog Cupcakes

2010-07-11T14:27:00.000-07:00

Is it a cupcake? Is it a hot dog? What is that?

Well, it is the perfect dessert to your backyard BBQ. That is what it is. It has been kid-tested and mother approved. Well, sort of.

I saw these at the grocery store and thought "I can make that" and so with an invite to a BBQ and being asked to bring dessert, I just knew that this would be the debut of the hot dog cupcakes. They are really simple.

Bake and frost cupcakes

Cut up red licorice and get vanilla cookies

cut the top circle part of the cookies. NOT IN HALF. Just the top part

get the cookies to stick... frosting and shoving are welcome.

add your licorice like this....

and some yellow fondant writer for mustard and you are done!

M&M dispenser.

2010-06-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

This is what my sister did so I guess I can't take credit. But what a cute and easy way to make your guy smile.

Wicker-Basket liners

2010-06-22T16:04:00.000-07:00

For those of you who want to RE-cover those wicker baskets... this post is for YOU!
My daughter has outgrown her crib! So we bought her a twin a few weeks ago. So along with a new bed.. comes, of corse new bedding. For me, this was exciting. Because not only do I get to re-decorate her room (YYAAAAAAAYYYY!!!), but I get to make stuff like curtains, re-paint picture frames, etc. The old wicker basket liners were nasty, as you can see from the picture. Stains, tears, you name it.

So while walking the aisles at Joanns, I found this:

Super cute huh? Super girly and bright. I just LOVE it!

Materials:
1 1/4 yard fabric
matching thread
fabric scissors
iron
the old wicker basket liner
seam ripper
1/4 inch elastic (measure the whole distance around the top edge of your wicker basket. this is the amount of elastic you will need)

*all seam allowances will be the same as it was before taking it apart. I used 1/4 inch and it worked great*

So I experimented a little. I got my seam ripper out and went to town on it.

I took the whole thing apart so that I could use the pieces as a pattern. Once you have your liner taken apart, iron the pieces:

Next pin your *pattern* piece to the right side of your new fabric:

Cut it out. Repeat until all 4 sides are done.

Then measure the lower side of your piece (see picture below). Cut a square with that measurement. For example. If the edge measures 12 inches, cut out a 12x12 square.

Lay 2 pieces down, right sides together, matching up all edges. Sew down the short side:

Press seams:

Repeat until all pieces are connected. It should look like this:

See how the top edge is larger than the lower edge? Ok now take your square and sew it, one side at a time, to the lower edge. (make sure right sides are together!). Now it should look like this:

Ok now its time to finish our edges. Fold edge over 1/4 inch, ironing firmly as you go. When finished, fold over again but this time do 1/2 inch.

Sew at lower edge of your fold, leaving a small (1 1/2 inch or so) opening so that you can insert your elastic.

Take your string of elastic and wrap it around your basket about an inch below the top. Cut. Slip safety pin through end of elastic and feed it through the opening (make sure as you feed it that you dont lose the other end). Once its pulled through, sew ends of elastic together. Sew opening closed. Youre done!!

Hope you have as much fun with this as I did!

Little girls hair bows

2010-06-22T15:02:00.000-07:00

Ok so I LOVE this!! I love her, she has some really awesome, cute, cheap crafty ideas. I fell in love with this idea a few weeks ago, and have been waiting to do it ever since.. SO family pictures are friday. Yesterday I went shopping looking for something for me and cami that goes nicely with ANY of ryan's shirts. This was much more challenging then I thought it would be. He wears a lot of blue, which should be easy to match but not when you live in california and nobody has long sleeve shirts this time of year. (not too fond of my flabby arms taking presidence in the picture). So I decided Ryan would be wearing this:

I found a shirt for me to go with my white skirt. Pretty color huh? only 8 bucks on clearance thank you very much. AND it matches the lighter blue in his shirt.

So then I am thinking about Camis wardrobe.. which consists of mostly pink because for some reason I feel no need to buy her any other color (seriousely?.. thats gonna change). Im thinking.. hmmmmm navy would tie in the other color.. but finding something navy that is also pretty and semi formal for pictures is kinda hard. Then I remember that someone once long ago came up with the idea of Jeans. Brilliant. We have those. So.. an adorable jean skirt, and a white shirt. BORING. (am I picky? yes, im picky. but i dont want to look back at our family pictures in 20 years and think... thats ALL I came up with??) so, a thought comes back to me about a blog I visited a few weeks back... BOOM hits me like lightening. IM MAKING ONE OF THOSE!!! So.. now that ive shared my entire thought process with all of you, here is my finished result. I had the fabric, I had the pin.. I had everything for it. In her tutorial it shows a button. I didnt have a cute button, so I used an orange button that I have from a while back. Covered it with matching fabric. Slipped it up through the hole from the back of the flower, cut the excess, and hot glued the remaining fabric in place. Then I just hot glued the hair clip to the back. This just goes to show that you can improvise if you dont have the right stuff, and it can be free to make stuff like this.

Cute huh?

Here is the finished outfit. Im in love with it.

Make sure you visit her main site for lots of other fun ideas, its called Pink Paper Peppermints.

Delicious Cheap Chicken Enchiladas!

2010-06-20T20:43:00.000-07:00

Yes, its me again. Im just such an amazing cook, and so humble too, that I couldnt keep my recipies from you any longer :).

And you are gonna be SOOOOO happy because its a Crock Pot recipe. I dont know about you, but I am a huge fan of Crock Pot recipies. Simple, Quick, and you dont have to babysit it! Its just great! Not to mention you (or the hubs... hehe) only has one pan to clean :). Ok so Ive experienced a bit with chicken enchiladas. I wanted them to be yummy, easy, fast, and inexpensive. So here is what I have come up with that isnt going to break your pocket book, but is still UBER yummy. (I just love that word.. UBER).

This meal fills a 9x13 pan if you have a lot of mouths to feed (or just one HUNGRY hubby). But for some of us we just have a little family so you can make 2 8x8 pans if you dont want 5 days of left overs :). What I actually do is just do the 9x13 pan, then freeze the rest and reheat a week later. It reheats really well!

2 chicken breasts (about a pound. I buy mine on sale for no more than $2)
1/3 cup mild salsa (about $.50)
1 10 oz can chile verde enchilada sauce (about $1)(many brands make it. Ive found that Las Palmas has the best flavor.. but thats just my opinion)
1/2 cup cheddar cheese (i use the cheddar/monterey-jack blend) ($.50)
1 1/2 cup mozerella cheese ($2)
10 tortillas (about $1.50)

Totals around 7 or 8 bucks. not bad to feed a whole family. especially not bad for 2 meals.

mix sauce and salsa in crock pot.

add chicken and fully coat. cook for an hour on low heat (i think my crock pot cooks really fast so check for doneness at this point. chicken should be completely cooked). shred with 2 forks and return to pot, keeping pot on "keep warm" setting for at least 30 minutes. the longer it sits in the sauce, the better the flavor so i do mine for an hour.

put a little cheddar, some chicken, and some mozerella in each enchilada.

top with remaining sauce and mozerella. 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly. We were so excited to eat these that I forgot to take a final picture.. but you get the idea. Enjoy!!

DELICIOUS Homemade Wheat Bread

2010-06-20T19:59:00.000-07:00

This recipe is amazing. For one.. its delicious. Two... its a FOOD STORAGE recipe. No eggs, no milk, etc.. like many bread recipies call for. Will come in handy one day if it needs to. I have to say that my mother in law makes the most amazing wheat bread. Its like candy... seriousely. My almost 2 year old (picky as picky gets) eater wont touch storebought bread, but calls for this one by name! I could eat a whole loaf, but havent (or have I?). Its sooo good and I didnt take pictures because its super easy and well.. i forgot. So get out your bread maker and write down this recipe!

*First of all I have to say that some of my comments are geared toward those who may have never made bread before, or are new at it. These are tips that I wish I would have known when I was new to making my own bread*

First, make your Bread Mix:
1 cup shortening powder (you can buy this in a #10 can at places like Emergency Essentials
2 cups sugar
4 TBS salt
combine all ingredients and mix WELL!

Now this mix makes about 13 loafs of bread, thats why this might seem like a huge amount. But if you are like me you make it often so I like to make it in large quantities and just grab a small amount each time I make it.

Tip: Have all ingredients ready when you start, if the water sits too long it will cool down and take longer to rise.

Here is the recipe: Add to bread maker in order.
1 1/4 cup very warm water (not HOT, just very warm)
1/4 cup Bread Mix (see above)
1/4 cup honey (I know.. YUMMM right?)
3 TBS, 1 tsp non-fat dry milk

Every good bread recipe has 3 cups of flour or grain. As you can see in the next part, she uses a variety of yummies that make the flavor of this bread INCREDIBLE!

First cup:
2 heaping spoonfulls of gluten (Walmart has this)
the rest whole wheat flour

Second cup:
whole wheat flour

Third cup:
1/4 cup instant oats (the quick ones... they are smaller then regular oats)
the rest bread flour

2 tsp yeast. When adding yeast to the top of the flour, make sure the yeast does not touch the liquids in the bottom. The heat from the water kills the yeast and it will not rise properly if it doesnt churn with the flour first. The best way to do this is to make a pool on the top of the flour thats about 2 inches wide and an inch deep. Pour yeast in pool, cover lightly with flour. Set bread maker to dough setting. When its done, do not knead! Gently form dough into loaf and place in greased loaf pan. Ive found that using crisco works best. Let rise until double in size. This should only take 1-2 hours. Sometimes less depending on temperature of your kitchen, and altitude level. Im in California and it takes about an hour. I just moved from utah and it used to take like 3 or 4 haha! But when its double the size its ready to go in the oven. 350 degrees. 29 minutes. TaDa!

This hits store-bought wheat bread out of the park!! Its a lot healthier for you too. Im a nerd sometimes. One thing that makes me a nerd is that when I find or make up new recipies I like to do all the math and figure out the nutrition facts for it. This is especially fun to do with bread because bread isnt very good for you. BUT, lets be honest now, most of us would sit and eat a whole loaf becaues bread is AMAZING! So its fun to find recipies that are healthy, as well as delicious. SO, I have done the math on this one and the nutrition facts are as follows:

Serving size: 2 regular slices (or one large (3/4 inch or so) slice if you like to eat it plain like me)
Calories: 106
Fat: .5 g
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 151 mg
Protein: 4.5

So as it turns out, its actually pretty healthy for you. A great source of healthy calories. Enjoy!

Summer of Love, no, not THAT kind!

2010-06-16T08:18:00.000-07:00

Me: "Hubbs, I have an idea"

Hubbs: "ok" (I have LOTS of ideas so he is used to this)

Me: "I have been thinking that maybe we could do something fun and different this summer"

(in my mind I am picturing ideas from here, here, and here)

Hubbs: a little hesitation than, "what do you have in mind)

because let's be honest, sometimes my ideas are WAY out there. Like how I think we should live in Australia. No job there? BAA! Who cares! Let's just go

Me: "Summer starts on the 21st. That's in a few weeks. So, I was thinking that everyday until the end of summer we can do acts of love. EVERY DAY. "

(I can't see his face since we are laying in bed but I can only imagine...)

"It doesn't have to be very big. (because I know he is adding up the costs) But just little things each day, like a letter or leaving a note somewhere or....

Hubbs: "That's a great idea!"

Me: "Really?" I mean, "yeah, it is a good idea. If course it is!"

And thus begins our summer of love. Are you going to participate?

Homemade Foam Pump Hand Soap

2010-06-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

I know that this post is supposed to be genuinely from me.. but it is not. Others have such better ideas.. well.. sometimes. I am awfully talented, you know. So you know those incredible smelling foamy hand soaps (awesome for kids)and if, emphasis on the IF you can get them on sale they run you about 3 bucks each, and last.. Oh.. about a month. If you are like me, you buy them anyway, because they are just THAT awesome! But it gets expensive. Well I was browsing blogs the other day and I found THIS. She has the cutest ideas and is super creative. Its how to make your own foamy hand soap! Awesome huh? I thought so! I found it yesterday and went into my bathroom and made some in like 2 minutes. All you need is liquid hand soap (I used softsoap and it worked great), water, and an empty foam soap bottle. The liquid handsoap I have, I bought from Sams Club. 160 oz for like 8 bucks. That would make an awful lot of foamy soap since you only use a few oz per bottle. Im thinking I want to try to find unscented soap, and add my own scents... hmmmm.. I will have to experiment a little. But anyway, I wanted to share this because its the best idea ever! If you make some, leave a comment and let me know how it went!

Easy Chewy Granola Bars

2010-06-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

I used this easy chewy granola recipe. But I adapted it a bit It turned out YUMMY! The toddler east a few bars a day. I think that means it passed the test

add the oats and the flour. I added some whole wheat into the mix

be sure you know where your granola maker helper is!

fresh honey. Seriously. Its from my parents house where there are bees.

mix everything all up. It will be crumbly. Make sure there are no dry spots

Add in the mix-ins. This can be whatever you want.

Pat down. Not hard but firm.

yummy whole wheat homemade bread and butter and honey to pass the time while it bakes

whala! The finished product!

Fathers Day Gift Ideas

2010-06-06T06:38:00.000-07:00

We love Daddy from Howdeosshe.com

Father's Day Shirt cards from Martha Stewart

Burgers and fries from Bakerella

Fathers Day card shirt and candy bar from Visitingteaching.net

Have an extra board book laying around? Change it into a scrapbook

52 reasons why from Love-Actually

DAD Picture. See it in the background? What a cute idea. Visit Pamperingbecki

Date with dad kit from Overthetipsytopdesign

or this date with dad from Martha

Fathers Day Checks from executivehomemaker.

What ideas do you have this year?

Ricotta Mozzarella Stuffed Shells in 30 minutes

2010-05-30T14:51:00.000-07:00

This is WAY easier than it sounds or looks. I got the original from Moms who Think. But I changed it.
15 jumbo shells, uncooked
1 10-oz. package frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 tsp Cilantro
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp garlic powder
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 14 1/2-oz. cans crushed tomatoes

Get your pan of water with a tad of salt and oil. Bring to Boil

While you are waiting for it to boil... Have a dance party!

and then find a fancy or old oven safe pan and line with foil. Who wants to save on dish duty?

mix together the ingredients

now stir. Be sure to turn your head and sneeze in your sleeve. The pepper is potent!

Stir some more and taste it. I added more seasonings.

add some tomatos into your pan and then some more basil

and don't give in too much to the cute ones wanting a taste. Unless they beg.

add the remaining broccoli

now your jumbo shells should be done.

Rinse with COLD water.

Scoop the yummy filling into each shell. Its a bit messy.

and now you can give into the little beggar

Place the shells in the pan. Add the rest of the tomatoes over the shells. So pretty.

Now cover those pretty shells with foil. Bake at 375*

Sprinkle more cheese and ENJOY!!

Baby Caterpillar Tutorial

2010-05-26T18:31:00.000-07:00

I know this is supposed to be something that was made by me but I just couldn't help myself. Its a baby caterpillar for a baby! Check it out on Ruffles and stuff.

Movie Night Invite with the Hubbs CAUTION

2010-05-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

I know this is not a traditional post. So please don't judge me. But I have been inspired by Cher at Love actually, I wanted to do something creative. So I made this for the hubbs and I for this weekend. He had a short day on Friday so I surprised him with this in the car that he found as he left for work. Then he had all day to think about it and the "dessert" of his choice. (wink, wink)

I met him at work and we left to have lunch and a movie downtown. This was really fun for a few reasons:

1-it took something ordinary and make it fun.
2-an afternoon date was cheaper for both eating out and the movie.
3-I was able to find a sitter much easier than on a weekend or evening.

Hershey Kiss Flower in 5 minutes

2010-05-23T14:38:00.000-07:00

I had 20 minutes. In 20 minutes I was going Visiting Teaching. And I still had to get dressed. So I made this lil' gem. A Hersjey Kiss Flower... WITHOUT CELLOPHANE
Materials needed: Bag of kisses, 3 sticks, glue gun, pom poms (I think tissue paper would work too), ribbon

Glue your stick down to a piece of cardboard. In this case an empty cereal box remnant

Cut your ribbon. Since I couldn't fine ANY of my SIX pairs of scissors, i used what was on hand.

This is the center of your flower. I only had orange poms so I added a green button. So life like huh?

Now glue your kiss to the box like this. Do it six times

Arrange in a circle

Add your pom or whatever you want to for the middle. And....

There you go. A tasty treat.

Saving money

2010-05-20T08:47:00.000-07:00

Recently I was asked "How do you do it with just ONE Car?" Actually, I was asked this every day for about a week. It was weird. But it got me thinking. And since I can, I am going to talk about it here.

I choose to have one car. It is very rarely hard since I stay at home. Meaning: I have no job outside of the home to go to.

"What about errands?" Well, i have a toddler. It is SO MUCH easier to go without her. When the Hubbs is home. And therefore the car.

"How do you stay busy?" I read. I write. I clean. I make really delicious food. I write thank you cards. I call friends. I ponder. I meditate. I work out. I do yoga. I go to the pool. I go on walks. It really is endless.

"Why do you choose to have one car?" Well, most families in the world at large have one or none at all. Besides, I enjoy not having to pay for another car and the insurance and the gas and the maintenance. That all adds up. I would rather go on cruise.

So, with that little soap box done with... this post is about saving money.

There are several ways to save money. And most you have heard of or are already doing. One of the most effective ways that I have found is to coupon. Yes, it can be a little time consuming to start with but it really gets so much easier.

Another way is to write companies. That's right folks. Love your shampoo? Have a favorite cereal? Terrible experience at a restaurant? Email them. Let them know. I have gotten many a free products/gift cards just for my input.

I think the best one I have ever heard was of my friend who went to Disneyworld. They go every year. One year the Wild Kingdom was lacking in the Wild department. He made a slide show and sent it to them, not expecting anything in return. Guess what... the entire family was asked to come back. All expense paid. They met with him about his experience and went over the things he had sent them.

Moral of the post: You matter. So does your money. And it can get you free stuff.

Little girly tabbed skirt

2010-04-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I'm new to this blog. My name is Chanelle Lake. I can't post things too often because I'm a full time teacher. But, I'll do what I can. Anyway, to quickly introduce myself, I'm a 24-year old married woman living in Salt Lake City. No kids yet! I teach 4th grade while my husband goes to school.

Alright....Materials:1/4 yard of cotton fabric
-1/8 yard of other cotton fabric1/2 inch thick elastic.
-The 2 pieces of fabric need to be exactly the same length. To get the right length that you need, measure your child's waist, and then double it.-thread to match your material
-sewing machine
Step 1: Iron your 2 pieces of fabric in half (length wise) and sew your ends together (separately) to make one full loop. I hope this makes sense. Maybe the pics will help.

Step 2: get the piece of fabric that is going to be your tab (1/8 yard) after it has been sewn to make a loop and iron it so that the 2 raw edges are lined up. Make sure that you iron it so that you can see the right sides of the fabric.

Step 3: Sew the raw edges of the tab to the raw edges of the skirt part (1/4 yard). Make sure you start with the 2 seams lined up. At your last 10 seconds of sewing, make sure you stretch the material nice and tight so that everything lines up. Also, notice how I sewed it so that I can see the right sides of the fabric (is that what it's called?).

Step 4: Iron the tab down, make sure that everything looks right. Then, measure and cut your elastic to fit your little girl's wast. I made a skirt for a newborn, so I measured the elastic to be a little bit smaller than the wast of the newborn onesie so that it would be stretching a bit and not falling off of her.

Step 5: So, you want to hold the skirt up to your little girl and cut it to be two inches longer than where you want it to fall. Then, at the top of the skirt fold it over and iron twice to make slot where the elastic is going to be. You fold it to be 1" folds. Get it? That's why it's going to be 2" longer than you want it to be. Now you sew along the bottom of the fold so that there will be room to put the elastic in. Stop when you have about an inch left of sewing.

Step 6: Insert the elastic. I did this by putting a safety pin on the end of the elastic and feeding it through. Don't forget to hold on to the other end so you don't lose it! When you have the elastic all the way through, sew the 2 ends of the elastic together. Then, finish by sewing up that spot where you fed the elastic through.

Voilaaaa! You are done :) Congratulations! If you want to know how to do the appliques on the onesies, let me know and I'll post about that soon.

Easy Toddler Cape

2010-03-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

I like to think of myself as self-motivated. With that said, I would also like to point out that many thing I do are out of pure necessity. This little cape was no exception. I was self-motivated to make this since my toddler likes to pull out all my fabric... no matter how high I put it up. What does she do with it? Well, she drapes it over her head or shoulders and runs runs runs! I just knew I had to do something to appeal to her imagination in order for me to continue packing.

So off to talk to my good friend and companion Google. And I came across this DARLING website called Apple Cyder. And she made a cape. And she posted a pattern with pictures and step by step direction. What an angel!

My camera has been missing for almost a week now. I am HOPING it got packed up. Otherwise... I doubt I will be getting anything in my stocking besides coal this Christmas. I did take pictures on my camera phone.

Here is the "Super J" embellishment, then the toddler with the goods on, and off she goes!

DIY Painted Bulletin Board (Thanks Hobby Lobby)

2010-03-01T09:37:00.000-08:00

Hobby Lobby. To me, it is like heaven. I feel this way about very things. The Library, BYU-Hawaii, and a particular fabric store I mentioned months ago in my personal blog. As I was strolling through (read: walking as fast as possible with a wriggly, unhappy toddler), I glanced down and saw something wonderful. It was a cork board with a painted embellishment on it. And I knew I was in love. The price, however I was not too fond of and lets be real, I live in an apt. Where am I going to have a cork board?!

But, I did know of one place that was already primed and ready to go: My daughters art/book/diaper amour. See?

The top ( I know, it is sideways here) is cork and the bottom is a chalkboard (spray on chalkboard paint). So I gathered a few tools and set to work

1. Stencil 2. Foam paint brush 3. Stencil paint (i thought about using spray paint but this was going to be done inside

I just taped the stencil up and painted away

Final result. I like it. I actually like it a lot. Oh, the possibilities are endless

Caramel Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

2010-02-17T18:01:00.000-08:00

Baking is amazing.. and whoever discovered the incredible blend of chocolate and caramel is even more amazing! But the most amazing thing of all is this recipe, given to me by a friend of mine. I mean.... look at the name!! Caramel Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars...... MMMMMMMMMM!!!

Here's the recipe!!
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

You will need:

1 bag of Caramels (the bag should contain approximately 48)
8 tsp Whipping cream (I used Reddi Wip because thats what I had... it tastes the same, but you will need 1/3 cup of that deliciousness)

1 1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 cup oatmeal
1 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2/3 tsp baking soda
1 1/8 cup MELTED butter

1 (12 oz) bag chocolate chips

Unwrap Caramels and put pile into a microwave safe bowl. mix in your whipping cream.

Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Repeat this process until it looks like this:

Mix flour, oatmeal, brown sugar, salt, and baking soda in large bowl. Add melted butter and mix thoroughly.

Lay half of dough in the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Do not grease pan! Pack down, and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over dough. Drip caramel over top the chocolate chips. Sprinkle with remaining dough. Bake for an additional 15 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool for at least 4 hrs. Now doesnt this look incredible??

Look at that chocolatey caramely bubbly deliciousness....

Dont you want to take a bite?

This recipe serves 12.

Tip: Make these the day before serving. If you cant or dont want to, another option is to let them cool for about a half hour, then put them on a hot pad in the freezer for an additional half hour or so.. they set up much faster this way. Enjoy!!

Decorative Pillows

2010-02-17T13:15:00.001-08:00

I spent days drawing sketches with all my different ideas for pillows for my living room. I knew I wanted them to be different, and I knew that I wanted teal and brown to go with the valance that I made last year, as well as the flower bouquet I have above my fireplace. After hours at the fabric store (wont do that again with an 18 month old!) I found a nice lined brown that was THE perfect shade. I had left over fabric from my valance to go with it. After figuring out what design I wanted to use, I got to work. Here is the finished project:

LOVE IT!

Now before you think "wow, those are possibly the ugliest pillows I have EVER seen", you have to see them in my living room:

much prettier huh? Yes, I thought so! :).

So here is how you do it!
You will need:
*16" pillow forms. Dont pay full price for these if you can help it. They often go on sale at hancocks and joanns. I got mine for 3 bucks each!
*3/4 yard "home decor" fabric for each pillow (you will need more than that if you pick a fabric with a directional pattern.
*thread that matches your colors just in case your seem is visible (it shouldnt be if you use the smallest length)

The best way to go about picking your fabric is to go with what matches. If you love the pattern, and it goes well with your living space.. then your pillows will be gorgeous!

First things first: cut your pieces. Fabric for the backing will be a square 17.5 inches. The front half is tricky. Each of the 4 triangles shound be 17.5 inches on the long side (2 of each color). Each short side should be 12 3/8 inches long. From the tip of the triangle to the middle of the long side should be 8.75 inches. Are you still with me? This is confusing I know.. it is much easier than it sounds. If you have a rotary mat and cutter, this is much easier! Also... if you use a directional fabric, make sure you cut the pieces going the same direction.

Take one of each color of your triangles. Line them up, right sides together, sew along one short side. Do the same with the other two triangles. These are the 3 pieces you should now have:

Line up the 2 large triangles, right sides together. Stitch the long side. Here is what it should look like now:

Open it up and press seams outward:

Flip it over, it should look like this:

Take this piece and line it with the large square piece of backing, right sides together. Stitch 3 of the 4 sides, leaving an opening big enough to fit the pillow.

Flip right side out and insert pillow form:

Slip-stitch the opening closed: If you dont know how to do a slip-stitch.. take a look at this video. Here is the finished edge:

VOILA!!! gorgeous pillows. These didnt take very long, and I saved SO much money making them, rather than buying them. Have fun!!

Chalkboard pillow 101

2010-02-15T13:53:00.000-08:00

Not that I am a pro... or even an amateur for that matter but this really was a super SIMPLE pillow and it is a pillow that keeps giving ad giving. That's right folks, its a CHALKBOARD PILLOW!

All you need is a few things and a box of chalk. I got my chalkboard cloth here from Ebay. I picked out some orange-y/brown fabric and used an old pillow I got for $5 at Walmart.

Now, just cut to length your fabric and your chalk cloth. I did a simple square that was about 3" shorter than the front of the pillow. I also added some ruffles to one side. Now I wish I would had added ruffles to all 4 sides.

Just measure, pin, sew, stuff and whola! You are done and now are the proud owner of your very own chalkboard pillow. I was thinking this is a really great gift to give for weddings, showers, birthday, or just to say You are my friend.

Chili's Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

2010-02-03T11:09:00.000-08:00

Here it is folks. You can look at it here or visit him on YouTube.

I am on a baking roll this week gearing up for my Valentines Day Party.

My Husband Rocks

2010-02-02T09:02:00.000-08:00

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. Mignon McLaughlin

VERSES

Love is one long sweet dream, and marriage is the alarm clock.~ Unknown

Do you, as I do, see two different points of view here? It seems that marriage has changed over time. "Starter Marriages" are common and accepted. I have not been married long but I would like to think that I have become a pro at one thing... that is, I have become a pro at loving my husband through it all.

Whether it is the lazy-sleep-in-Saturday or the-hurry-out-the-door- Mondays, marriage is hard work. And it is something that requires constant, daily care.

I came across this quote from Union 28 website while I was visiting Love Actually.

"...Some may say it’s a stretch to attribute marital improvement to a slogan or symbol on a t-shirt, but we know better. God intricately designed us to be affected by simple things. Why else would we get such joy from an ice cream cone on a hot day, be moved to tears by watching a new dad hold his baby for the first time, or feel completely withered by one harsh word?

I am a woman. And I am a sensitive woman at that. This past weekend, ice cream really cheered me up. A few days ago, a friend said something in passing and my heart was crushed!

I was happy to find this site all about how "My Husband Rocks" Fridays. And I decided that I too, would participate. One of the things I did a lot while we were dating was leave notes for him. On his door, on his car, hidden in scriptures for later... And unfortunatley it is something that has seemed to fallen off my to-do list of late.

I am really excited to participate and I hope that you will as well. AND.... be sure to get a few shirts from Union 28. As an added bonus, read this and you can get your shipping charges refunded.

I think I am going to order these:

$5 Candy Sundae

2010-02-02T07:58:00.000-08:00

Each month I visit two wonderful ladies in correlation with my church's Visiting Teaching Program. My sister sent me this link from JesseKate Designs and I knew I wanted to make this for them.
Its my $3 Candy Sundae! Here is the full tutorial

I got my glass and styrofoam from the $1 store. And the candy from WalMart

Dump the candy in, trim down the styrofoam, add the straws and warm up that hot glue gun. {note: add the hot glue to the candy FIRST}

...and hopefully you can give it away before a certain toddler grabs it and it ends up like mine.

Groundhogs Day Cupcake

2010-02-02T07:28:00.000-08:00

I saw this at Family Fun and KNEW I had to make it. Meet Punxsutawney Phil declared six more weeks of winter this morning.

Mine did not turn out as nice. But I think after this trial run, next year will be even better.

All you will need is:

white jelly beans

Almond Joy bars
Red chewy candy
mini m&m's or chocolate chips (i would use the m&m's)
white and black frosting
cupcakes
chocolate cookie (to crumble for the "dirt")

Cut the jelly beans in half for the eye's and add black frosting for the pupils.

Cut the red candy to make the nose.

I forgot to make the cheeks AND the teeth. It was late. It was MIDNIGHT!

And the result of midnight groundhog making? I think it looks a lot more like an owl.

so far

2010-02-01T09:11:00.000-08:00

So far.. I am still an avid copy cat of others work. So, here is what I have made so far.
They are from places like My Momma Made It and Ruffles and Stuff and How Does She and The Lucky Penny. And since I have just a few minutes and I know there are a million pictures I should post, I am going to sign off and just start fresh from this point forward. And all the while I think... if I had a nanny and a million dollars I could do so much more

welcome

2010-02-01T09:01:00.001-08:00

My little way of keeping track of things. And I doubt that this will do but it better for now