Hope Studios

Tutorial Tuesday!

2012-01-31T02:50:00.002-05:00

No Sew Skirt:

Crack is Whack:

Hot Chocolate Dippers:

CLICK PICKS (last week's most clicked links):

#1 Handy Toothpick Trick

#2 Cinnamon Bun Waffles

#3 Harlequin Romance Dresser and Valentine Gift For Him

Now it's YOUR turn:

Please... (this is the part at the end of the commercial when the announcer talks real fast)

* Link up using the link to your actual post (not your general blog address) using your name and a the subject of your tutorial to generate interest.

* Add my button or a clickable link back to this post so everyone can join in.

* Visit and comment with all our friends. Show them some love! Meet some new friends! Learn something new!

Ready? Teach Me Stuff!

Valentine's T-Shirt Refashion

2012-01-30T06:12:00.000-05:00

This quick and easy t-shirt refashion is a great option for a stained t-shirt or just to brighten up a boring shirt! Think of the many ways you could adapt this...

Jeans pockets
Hat brims
The back of a sweatshirt

The possibilities are endless!

Supplies:

Fabric medium
Acrylic paints
Spray adhesive
Pencil eraser
Paper and scissors

Instructions:

Follow the instructions on the Fabric Medium, mixing it with ordinary acrylic paints, to magically turn acrylics into fabric paints!

Cut your shape from ordinary paper and spray the back of paper with spray adhesive. Let adhesive dry for 3-5 minutes and you will have a temporary bond, like Post-It Notes.

Line the shirt with a piece of cardboard and affix your "stencil" to the surface of your shirt.

Stamp the colors using the pencil eraser to the inside of the stencil. I like to move from darker to lighter, filling the entire area inside the stencil.

Let dry and peel off the paper stencil.

Voila!

The Debate Rages On - Feedback Friday

2012-01-27T06:30:00.002-05:00

I love a healthy debate, and thought I would continue last week's highly active discussion.

Two friends of mine got into a highly explosive argument over this post and are currently not speaking. I thought the subject of their discussion was worth opening up to all of you.

Last week we all discussed "Tebowing" and our feelings about it (btw, thank you for keeping the conversation productive and interesting. I learned a lot and loved following the debate!). My friends branched off into a similar discussion, off the blog, about American tolerance of Christian public displays of faith vs. public displays of other faiths.

One friend wondered if we would be accepting of a non-Christian form of "Tebowing"? It's Feedback Friday...Here was the basis of their debate and eventual argument:

Would you feel comfortable with a player on the football field in a Muslim/Jewish/Buddhist etc... posture of prayer?

Would you feel comfortable with a player on the football field with quotes from the Koran on his eye black?

John Deere Baby Shower!

2012-01-25T15:04:00.008-05:00

I haven't been to a shower in years, but I was lucky enough to be invited to one over the weekend that was so unique! The couple is having a boy and decided to have a John Deere themed party to go with the baby's John Deere themed nursery. Now, before this I only knew one other person who would consider such a theme, and it's John Deere Mom!

The shower was green and yellow, with jars of cookie mix decorating each place setting. I can't believe I forgot to take a photo of it, but it looked just like this example from Pinterest.

One of the guests collected the fabric that covered each jar lid to make a surprise quilt for the baby.

There was a brunch buffet followed by a loooong cookie table for dessert (just like at a wedding), complete with John Deere boxes to fill and take home.

The mother-to-be received many useful gifts including several John Deere fleece blankets:

I made a John Deere themed quote frame, complete with tractor tire tracks (The Big Guy's idea):

Now that I read through this post, I wonder if a cookie table at a wedding (or shower) is a Pittsburgh thing or is it common in other parts of the country? Have you heard of this tradition before?

.

Tutorial Tuesday

2012-01-23T22:01:00.001-05:00

Frosty Faces:

Leather Belt with Tassels:

Cinnamon French Toast Bake:

CLICK PICKS (last week's most clicked links):

#1 World's Best Lotion

#2 Dresser to Shelves

#3 DIY Giant Canvas

Now it's YOUR turn:

Please... (this is the part at the end of the commercial when the announcer talks real fast)

* Link up using the link to your actual post (not your general blog address) using your name and a the subject of your tutorial to generate interest.

* Add my button or a clickable link back to this post so everyone can join in.

* Visit and comment with all our friends. Show them some love! Meet some new friends! Learn something new!

Ready? Teach Me Stuff!

How to Remove Water Stains From Your Table

2012-01-23T07:58:00.005-05:00

Remember I mentioned we hosted The Big Guy's work party at home this year? Well, there was a little bit of damage I was sick about for weeks afterward.

Water from a chafing dish spilled onto the tablecloth and sat on the wood for the entire evening, causing these large white marks. The table had similar marks when we got it second-hand from a friend, but we couldn't remember what we did to remove them last time!

I hit the internet and tried a number of different tricks:

I rubbed toothpaste into the stain.
I used steel wool and lemon oil.
I used paint thinner.
I let mayonnaise sit on it over night.
I tried reasoning with it and explaining I didn't have the money to buy another table.

Nothing worked. I cried.

Then we suddenly remembered what had worked last time after I spotted Tidy Mom's blog! A hot iron!

We placed a thin towel (like those cotton IKEA ones that aren't terry cloth?) over the stain and set a hot iron on top and within 5 seconds the stains disappeared, like magic!

See, before:

And after!

The Tebow Effect

2012-01-20T08:15:00.001-05:00

It's been said that everyone loves Tim Tebow...except for everyone who hates him.

His religious displays at football games seem to be at the crux of the controversy and I have to admit, a little much for me too. My Steelers have Troy Polamalu, also deeply religious, who discreetly prays to himself on the sidelines...more my speed.

Just as many people applaud Tim Tebow for exactly what makes me uncomfortable about him, so which side of the fence do you lie on?

It's Feedback Friday...

Are you on the Tim Tebow bandwagon or are you among those who he rubs the wrong way?

Do you find "Tebowing" inspirational or unnecessary?

Needed: American Idol Dorks!

2012-01-19T06:58:00.001-05:00

Dude! Wendy from Ordinary Miracles and I need your help! It's almost time for our second annual American Idol Fantasy League to begin (think Fantasy Football, only cooler) and we are looking for some of our bloggy friends to join us to form a team - don't laugh, we're cool man...We even made our own creepy league photo:

Just so you know, the Big Guy is NOT allowed to join our league for two reasons:

1. He made fun of us.

2. He made the comment that Paula Abdul was looking really hot last season. (Yes, honey, JENNIFER LOPEZ is hot) Clearly, he is out of the loop and, therefore, banned.

If you want to battle Wendy and I in our (free) fantasy league email me ( hopestudios1(at)gmail.com ) or leave a comment below and I will collect the addresses to add to the league website once it opens. Once the site is active (I think it's after the top 15) I'll send you log in info. and it's GAME ON!

In the meantime, watch tonight to see my city, the Pittsburgh auditions! I'm afraid there will be an abundance of freaks!

See you in fantasy land...

Tutorial Tuesday!

2012-01-16T21:45:00.000-05:00

Paper Cake Baskets (I wish I would have seen this before I spent a mint on those waxed paper loaf pans for Christmas gifts!):

Hedgehog Mittens:

DIY Fabric and Vinyl Rug:

Cayenne Candied Bacon (I'm almost willing to chuck my diet out of curiosity!):

CLICK PICKS (last week's most clicked links):

#1 My New Rug and Family Room

#2 DIY Dress

#3 Top 10 Tutorials from RadCrafter

Now it's YOUR turn:

Please... (this is the part at the end of the commercial when the announcer talks real fast)

* Link up using the link to your actual post (not your general blog address) using your name and a the subject of your tutorial to generate interest.

* Add my button or a clickable link back to this post so everyone can join in.

* Visit and comment with all our friends. Show them some love! Meet some new friends! Learn something new!

Ready? Teach Me Stuff!

How to Snack Smart - 100 Calorie Snacks

2012-01-16T08:17:00.000-05:00

It's so tempting to grab one of those 100 Calorie Snack Packs, isn't it?

Let's come up with some healthier alternatives, thanks to WebMD.

1/2 cup slow churned ice cream

Did you know that slow-churned or double-churned ice cream is a process that reduces fat and calories while retaining the creamy texture? 1/2 cup has just 100 calories, protein, and calcium.

Saturated Fat: 2 g
Sodium: 45 mg
Cholesterol: 20 mg
Carbs: 15 g

1.5 Cups Microwave Popcorn

Some brands have just 100 calories. It's also high in fiber, which can help you stay full longer.

Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
Sodium: 220 mg

Mini Quesadilla

Sprinkle an ounce of grated low-fat cheddar cheese over a corn tortilla. Fold in half and microwave for 20 seconds.

Saturated Fat: 1.3 g
Sodium: 182 mg

Cottage Cheese and Cantaloupe

1/2 cup of cottage cheese has 14 grams of protein! Like fiber, protein can help you stay full longer.

Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
Sodium: 468 mg
Cholesterol: 5 mg

Three Crackers With Cheese

Choose whole-grain crackers and low-fat cheese and split it over three crackers.

Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
Sodium: 397 mg
Cholesterol: 7 mg

Fourteen Almonds

Almonds are rich in fiber and protein and super convenient on the go.

Saturated Fat: 0.63 g
Sodium: 0 mg

Six Whole-Grain Pretzel Sticks

This snack is cholesterol-free, low in fat and sugar, and provides more than 3 g of fiber.

Saturated Fat: 0.4g
Sodium: 257mg
Cholesterol: 0 m

Baked Apple

Core or slice an apple in half and then bake it at 350° F for about 20 minutes. You can sprinkle with a little cinnamon or nutmeg.

Saturated Fat: 0 g
Sodium: 2 mg
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Cheese-Stuffed Pita Pocket

Whole-grain pita pocket and stuff it with 1/2 ounce part-skim ricotta cheese.

Saturated Fat: 0.8 g
Sodium: 149 mg
Cholesterol: 4 mg

Blueberry Smoothie

Blend 1/3 cup of nonfat yogurt with 2/3 cup of frozen blueberries and ice.

Saturated Fat: 0 g
Sodium: 59 mg
Cholesterol: 2 mg

1/3 Cup Edamame

A third of a cup has more than 8 g of protein, 4 g of fiber, and nearly 10% of your recommended daily allowance of iron.

Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
Sodium: 4.5 mg
Cholesterol: 0 mg

3/4 Cup Frozen Mango Cubes

A 3/4 cup serving has just 90 calories and provides 60% of your recommended daily allowance of vitamin C.

Saturated Fat: 0 g
Sodium: 0 mg
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Eight Baby Carrots with Hummus

Dip eight large baby carrots into 2 tablespoons of hummus. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A and beta carotene, while hummus adds protein.

Saturated fat: 0.4 g
Sodium: 210 mg
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Apple Slices With Peanut Butter

Measure 3/4 cup of apple slices and spread a thin layer of unsalted peanut butter on each slice, don't exceed 2 teaspoons of peanut butter.

Saturated fat: 0.8 g
Sodium: 2 mg
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Yogurt With Sunflower Seeds

Stir a teaspoon of sunflower seeds into 1/2 cup of nonfat plain yogurt. Make sure to use unsalted sunflower seeds, especially if you are watching your sodium.

Saturated Fat: 0.26 g
Sodium: 0 mg
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Nonfat Greek Yogurt with Honey

Just 1/2 cup of nonfat plain Greek yogurt has 12 g of protein to help you stay full. Drizzle on a teaspoon of honey, and the whole snack totals 84 calories.

Saturated fat: 0 g
Sodium: 53.5 mg
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Half a Baked Potato with Salsa

Microwave a baked potato, skin on, for an easy snack that's loaded with vitamin C, not with calories. Spread a tablespoon of salsa on top to spice it up.

Saturated Fat: 0 g
Sodium: 124 mg
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Frozen Yogurt Sandwich

Spread two tablespoons of nonfat frozen yogurt between two graham cracker squares. Even with chocolate frozen yogurt, you're only looking at 84 calories.

Saturated Fat: 0.13 g
Sodium: 104 mg
Cholesterol: 1 mg

20 Pistachios

Eat 20 pistachios has only 80 calories and less than a gram of saturated fat. Plus, they're rich in protein, fiber, and several key vitamins and minerals. To avoid an unhealthy dose of sodium, eat them raw or dry roasted without salt.

Saturated Fat: 0.8 g
Sodium: 0 mg
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Frozen Banana Pop

Slice several peeled bananas in half and insert popsicle sticks. Coat each half with an ounce of low-fat plain yogurt. Put the pops in the freezer, and soon you'll have ready-to-eat low-calorie treats.

Saturated fat: 0.35 g
Sodium: 3 mg
Cholesterol: 7 mg

1 Cup Tomato Soup

Tomato soup is full of disease-fighting nutrients, but contains as little as 74 calories per cup, no cholesterol, and less than 1 gram of saturated fat. Look for labels that say "low sodium" and check the calorie count.

Saturated Fat: 0.19 g
Sodium: 471 mg
Cholesterol: 0 mg

1/3 Cup Dry Oat Squares Cereal

Pour 1/3 cup dry oat squares cereal into baggies you can keep in the car or at your office. Each serving has 70 calories and barely any saturated fat.

Saturated fat: 0.17 g
Sodium: 83 mg
Cholesterol: 0 mg

1 Cup Grapes

Grapes are loaded with water, which means that a whole cupful has only 62 calories. Grapes are also a terrific source of vitamin K and manganese, and contain some fiber to boot.

Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
Sodium: 2 mg
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Smoked Salmon Pinwheel

Spread 1 tablespoon of low-fat cream cheese onto a slice of smoked salmon (lox) and roll it up. This salmon pinwheel is high in protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Saturated Fat: 1.6 g
Sodium: 495 mg
Cholesterol: 13 mg

One Cup Jicama Sticks and Salsa

Slice the jicama into French-fry sized sticks and dip them in salsa for only 54 calories.

Saturated Fat: 0.03 g
Sodium: 235 mg
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Do You Play With Your Kids? Feedback Friday

2012-01-13T06:53:00.000-05:00

My bloggy friend, Jennifer, from Mamma Made It Look Easy raised an interesting question this week about "playing" with our kids.

She mentioned that though she does activities with her kids she doesn't actually play with them on the floor. Here is what Jennifer had to say:

"I do stuff with them. I color with them, draw pictures for them, play games with them, talk to them about what they are doing, etc. I just don’t normally get down on the floor and play dolls or dress up or Littlest Pet Shop."

I realized I had to agree with her, I bike ride, do art and science projects, and play games with my kids but I really don't remember ever sitting down and really playing with toys with them (maybe that's why I had 3 boys in quick succession, so I wouldn't have to?). I began to wonder, are Jennifer and I normal?

It's Feedback Friday...

Do you play with your kids? Really play, with toys, on the floor, using your imagination?

6 Pack Abs Oatmeal - Pinterest Pass or Fail

2012-01-12T08:45:00.003-05:00

I pinned this recipe for Oatmeal from Men's Health to my Workin' on my Fitness Board. It claimed to liven up boring oatmeal and keep you full till lunch. Since my big 4-0 birthday is coming up in May, I'm on a fitness kick for a birthday trip to Key West my husband is planning for April, so this looked like it was worth a try.

Powerfoods Oatmeal

1 cup 1% milk
3/4 cup plain instant oatmeal
1/2 banana, sliced
1 Tbsp peanut butter
1 tsp honey
1 tsp ground flaxseed
Dash of brown sugar

Mix everything together in a microwave-safe bowl and nuke for 2 minutes. Remove and let cool for a minute or two.

Per serving: 515 calories, 22 g protein, 75 g carbohydrates, 13 g fat (3 g saturated), 9 g fiber, 172 mg sodium

I give this a Pinterest Pass! This recipe was easy to prepare on a busy morning and tasted good. It was a little thin for my taste, but that could have been because I used old-fashioned oats rather than instant. I have to admit, I could only eat half the portion so that nutritional information was a little off for me but it was still filling and held me over until lunch.

Last week, Payne-less Photography Blog shared a Pinterest recipe for S'mores Bars she passed with flying colors.

And Northern Cottage shared a bunch of projects that have "Pin-spired" her on Pinterest!

What Pins have YOU tried lately? Drop me a line and I'll check them out!

My New Camera!

2012-01-11T08:27:00.003-05:00

I got my first big girl camera (Nikon D3100) for Christmas this year and it's my new obsession! We are a super active family, so a huge 55-300 zoom lens for sports photography was in my stocking. I swear I've taken 300 photos since I got it...want to see?

Our new sport this year is wrestling! I love watching and love photographing it even more. The concentration, the agony of defeat, the pure muscle. Sometimes it's easy to forget these are little boys on that mat! Though I have to say it's a sport that teaches accountability, if you lose there is no one else to blame. You have to accept it and vow to improve. A great life lesson.

My middle son is methodical and works the moves. He thinks about the little things like wearing his opponent down by digging in his chin while slowly working his hand around for a half-nelson.

The coaches have labeled my youngest son's style as "unorthodox" and he usually goes for the muscle moves. He just makes them move where he wants them to go!

And of course, my oldest is still into ski racing. He got "new" hand-me-down) race skis from a generous neighbor this season and won a bronze medal last week!

Sometimes as I'm looking through my photo card I see some surprises since I'm shooting on continuous shutter...like this...

I will admit that this freaked me out a bit!

Tutorial Tuesday!

2012-01-09T21:50:00.004-05:00

Braided T-Shirt Scarf:

Flirty Ruffled Apron:

DIY Microwave Popcorn:

CLICK PICKS (last week's most clicked links):

#1 Favorite Projects of 2011

#2 Frugal Challenge

#3 Entry Before and After

Now it's YOUR turn:

Please... (this is the part at the end of the commercial when the announcer talks real fast)

* Link up using the link to your actual post (not your general blog address) using your name and a the subject of your tutorial to generate interest.

* Add my button or a clickable link back to this post so everyone can join in.

* Visit and comment with all our friends. Show them some love! Meet some new friends! Learn something new!

Ready? Teach Me Stuff!

Simple Dessert Buffet

2012-01-09T07:19:00.004-05:00

We hosted a holiday party for The Big Guy's work last month and I was in charge of providing a dessert buffet for 21 guests in the height of the Christmas season. Not easy...or is it?

I came up with a variety of small desserts, including fresh fruit and nuts, that everyone could sample that didn't take forever to prepare. These ideas would be great for any get-together, chose them all or just a few for your next party!

1. Cheesecake with Caramel and Cashews - store bought cheesecake cut into small squares topped with caramel ice cream topping and salted cashews. Serve in little cupcake papers.

2. Panna Cotta with Strawberries and Balsamic served in tiny espresso cups.

3. Fresh Cherries and Spiced Nuts served in paper cups.

4. Oreo Truffle Pops Form the balls as directed then freeze.
Melt your candy melts (I used Wilton), poke a hole halfway into your truffle with stick, dip stick into melts, and place into hole to "glue" in place.
Now, dip the whole "pop" into the candy melts and place into a block of Styrofoam to set.
Store in fridge until time to serve.

5. Brie topped with Fresh Raspberries and Hot Pepper Raspberry Chipotle Sauce from Costco. (This sauce is so awesome! Just pour it over brie, cream cheese, put it in a crock pot with meatballs...this was a nice, less sweet dessert alternative.)

6. Fresh Raspberries Stuffed with White Chocolate Chips

I had this entire menu ready in one afternoon - and several things like the Oreo Truffle Pops and the Panna Cotta were made the day before.

I used several tips from the Project Wedding website to set up my buffet table - don't have a photo because it wasn't totally set up until right before the guests arrived.

Don't forget to come back tomorrow to Teach Me Stuff for Tutorial Tuesday!

Excessive Force? Feedback Friday

2012-01-06T09:03:00.003-05:00

My blogger friend, Constant Complainer, occasionally sends me news stories to get a woman's perspective from my blog readers. Here is one such story about an 8th grade student gunned down by police after he pulled out a realistic looking pellet gun in school.

The story, from MSNBC, can be read in it's entirety here. To summarize, the student walked into a classroom and punched a boy in the nose then pulled out this pellet gun:

image

The police received a call about an armed student, they responded, the student refused to drop the weapon, and they used deadly force to bring him down. The police fired three shots, two of which hit the student in the chest and the back of the head.

The police feel they were justified to use deadly force in this situation and the parents feel that this was excessive and that a shot to "bring him down" would have been more appropriate.

It's Feedback Friday...

Do you feel that deadly force was justified in this case?

Do you think that because of the student's age the police should have fired a shot to simply bring him down?

Do your feelings change if you think of the boy as a student in your child's school vs. if the boy was your own child?

Removing Water Stains From Utensils - Pinterest Pass or Fail

2012-01-05T07:37:00.001-05:00

I saved a Pin to my Housekeeping Board last week explaining How To Remove White Water Stains From Black Utensils originating at One Good Thing. Do your black kitchen utensils look like mine?

I only recently discovered this problem in my own kitchen, and didn't even realize it wasn't permanent! The recommended method for removal involved baking soda and hydrogen peroxide mixed to a paste. Rub the utensils and watch the stains disappear.

Did it work? Well, take a look at my after photo:

It was effective and bought me some time before my black kitchen utensils need to be replaced. Pinterest Pass!

Last week Patti told me about making Marbled Ornaments.

Wendy has been making recipes from Pintest - Creamed Eggs over Toast, Chicken and Black Bean Enchilada Bake and Christmas Tree Meringues. There are some passes and fails in there.

What Pins have YOU tried lately?? Drop me a link so I can check it out!

Tutorial Tuesday!

2012-01-02T21:31:00.001-05:00

Christmas is over and I had a nice long rest! Some craziness happened with last week's party - over 100 of you linked up but for some reason they never displayed! I hope I have resolved the issue for this week. In the meantime, here are some of my faves:

Berry Infused Vodka:

Storing Your Christmas Tree:

Turkey and Wild Rice Soup:

Now it's YOUR turn:

Please... (this is the part at the end of the commercial when the announcer talks real fast)

* Link up using the link to your actual post (not your general blog address) using your name and a the subject of your tutorial to generate interest.

* Add my button or a clickable link back to this post so everyone can join in.

* Visit and comment with all our friends. Show them some love! Meet some new friends! Learn something new!

Ready? Teach Me Stuff!

Wine Glass "Charms" for a Crowd

2011-12-30T07:40:00.000-05:00

Are you entertaining a larger group this holiday season? Last week I had 21 ladies from the 'hood over for an ornament exchange. I planned to make Shrinky Dink Wine Charms for everyone but ran out of time...and Shrinky Dink plastic.

I had to come up with a fast solution since I only had 24 wine glasses - I couldn't afford to allow more than one glass per guest.

I looked around and found my liquid chalk marker, which is essentially a dry erase marker in white, and marked the bottom of each glass with a guest's name.

The marker wiped away clean with a dry cloth. Easy Peasy!

Tutorial Tuesday!

2011-12-26T21:53:00.001-05:00

Easy Dish Towel Apron:

Burlap Wine Bags:

No Knead Ciabatta Bread

CLICK PICKS (last week's most clicked links):

#1 Shampoo Bar Soap

#2 Last Minute Christmas Gifts

#3 15 Potentially Free Gifts

Now it's YOUR turn:

Please... (this is the part at the end of the commercial when the announcer talks real fast)

* Link up using the link to your actual post (not your general blog address) using your name and a the subject of your tutorial to generate interest.

* Add my button or a clickable link back to this post so everyone can join in.

* Visit and comment with all our friends. Show them some love! Meet some new friends! Learn something new!

Ready? Teach Me Stuff!

Bourbon Soaked Cherries

2011-12-24T11:19:00.003-05:00

So, it's Christmas Eve and you need just one more quick and easy gift for the man in your life...

Try Bourbon Soaked Cherries!

Directions:

1. Fill a jar with Maraschino Cherries (no juice)

2. Pour Bourbon to cover...or try your man's own fave liquor: Rum, Vodka, or Whiskey would also be good!

Replace lid and tie with a manly bow.

Merry Christmas, Sweetie!

Christmas Traditions - Feedback Friday

2011-12-23T11:05:00.000-05:00

I am gearing up for our big Christmas here and wonder what special traditions the rest of you have?

We Tour the Lights, decorate with Lots of Candles and Lots of Snowflakes, have special ways of wrapping and delivering gifts, make special Christmas Crafts, make Cookies.

It's Feedback Friday...

Tell me about your Christmas Traditions!

Edible Candy Plate - Pinterest Pass or Fail

2011-12-22T09:26:00.004-05:00

I pinned this idea for making a Plate or Tray from Peppermint Candies (originating at Tutta Bella) this week and thought I should try it for my party tonight.

The directions were simple enough:

1. Arrange peppermints on a piece of parchment or waxed paper (I used a silicon pad)

2. Bake 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

3. Let cool, peel from the paper, and use as a serving tray or plate.

The baking took me more like 10-12 minutes and the mints almost look like they are not melted together when you take them out, they just get square. (**My first try I waited until the mints actually looked melted and they had totally lost their shape and the square became all blobby and was super thin and fragile.) Also, make sure you set your mints in from the edge of the paper at least an inch, because it will grow and roll over the edge.

I would say "Meh". It's okay, but not as cute as I expected. It definitely worked as described but I probably won't pull it out at my party. The kids? They loved it!

So, I'm going to give this Pin a PASS.

Paulette tried a Cinnamon Glazed Pretzel Pin and turned it from a fail to a pass!

What pins have you tried lately?
.

Tutorial Tuesday!

2011-12-19T21:48:00.000-05:00

Candy Cane Kiss Shortbread Cookies:

Damask Stenciled Curtains:

Little Frosted Trees:

Cardboard Fireplace:

CLICK PICKS (last week's most clicked links):

#1 Easy, Cheap Teacher Gifts

#2 Christmas Bustle Skirts

#3 Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole

Now it's YOUR turn:

Please... (this is the part at the end of the commercial when the announcer talks real fast)

* Link up using the link to your actual post (not your general blog address) using your name and a the subject of your tutorial to generate interest.

* Add my button or a clickable link back to this post so everyone can join in.

* Visit and comment with all our friends. Show them some love! Meet some new friends! Learn something new!

Ready? Teach Me Stuff!

Pine Cone Snowman Ornament

2011-12-19T08:14:00.007-05:00

While reading Janet's post about traveling to the Christkindlmarket
in Bethlehem, Pa. I saw an ornament she photographed and knew it was my choice for our Soul Sister's Ornament Exchange this year.

Thank goodness Janet also gave me some tips about how to create this ornament because I was stumped!

Pine Cone Snowman Ornament:

Supplies-

Pine cone
styrofoam ball
Snowtex (I found it near the Plaster of Paris at Michael's)
White glitter
Hot glue gun
Twigs
Small beads
Toothpick
Orange paint

Instructions:

Hot glue the ball to the top of the pine cone. I actually poked the tip of the cone right into the ball, then removed, added glue and popped it back on. (**If I did it again, I would insert the hook right into the foam ball at this point and hot glue it in).

Slather the ball and upper portion of the cone with Snowtex - be generous! I used a small cookie frosting tool.

Try to fill in the area between the ball and the cone to make it look like the snow is dripping down, then hit the tips of the cone's "petals"(?) all the way down.

Sprinkle the wet Snowtex with glitter (I used Glamour Dust by Deco-Art). If you do this over a paper plate, you can funnel the excess right back into the container, easy peasy.

Press some beads into the face for the eyes and mouth:

Use the tip of a toothpick, painted orange, for a nose. Stick it right into the foam ball, then hot glue some twigs into the sides for arms:

Now, gift them to your friends, drink some wine, and pose for your annual photo in front of the Christmas tree!

Don't forget that I will post Tutorial Tuesday tonight if you want to come back to teach me something!

Our Restaurant Game

2011-12-16T22:46:00.004-05:00

(my photo won't flip!)

So, the Soul Sisters always play a game of "guess the food server's name" when we go out. Some of you mentioned wanting to play along so I found a blurry photo of our waitress and me, (with makeup smeared under my eye), from the night of our Christmas Ornament Exchange Party.

I guessed immediately after her first hint: "I love mustangs."

Now you can play along. Any guesses?

Elf on the Shelf

2011-12-16T09:31:00.003-05:00

We have adopted an elf from the North Pole named "Jingles". He arrived on our front porch at the beginning of the month and my kids really love him. He came with a book explaining that he came to spend some time with us to hear what we want for Christmas and to report any bad behavior to Santa each night. We are expected to behave all year long, so we mostly see him as a little friend sent to entertain us and keep us company.

Jingles is mischievous! My youngest son says "Mom, Jingles is trouble!" When we sleep he messes around in the house and we find him in the strangest predicaments each morning!

The kids have a special box they use to collect any little elf paraphernalia they find in the morning and they make me take a photo each day to document his mischief. Sometimes, I think they wish they could get into the same trouble during the night! So far, they have found him:

Parachuting
Roasting marshmallows
drinking pancake syrup
Fishing in their fish tank
Stuck in the paper chain
Making his own paper chain
Making a snow angel
Changing all the ice in the freezer to snow (use this)

I have heard from friends that Elf on the Shelf is too much work, or one more thing to worry about during this busy season. I have read on Pinterest that we should say no to "subversive parenting" like this elf. I have also heard from families who really love the tradition of their elf each year.

It's Feedback Friday...

Do you have an Elf on the Shelf?

Do you use him for behavior control during the holiday season?

What are your gut reactions to the concept?

Looking for Elf on the Shelf ideas? Check out my Elf Pins!

Soul Sisters Annual Ornament Exchange

2011-12-15T08:54:00.007-05:00

The Soul Sisters met for a dinner and drinks and our annual ornament exchange last week! We played our usual game of "guess the food server's name" and laughed until we snorted and exchanged our hand made ornaments. The dress code for the evening was dubbed "sparkly" and we had a ball! Our honorary S.S., Ordinary Miracles, was there in spirit

Do you remember the rules? We must make 4 ornaments to exchange and not exceed $10 in materials.

Let's go!

Marzipan made delicate paper ornaments with scrolled card stock coated with glitter:

The Treat Girl made a White Glitter Snowman Ball Ornament:

**can you see our own Soul Sisters Christmas cards we exchanged in the background??**

Joy filled this glass globe with a paper tree and ornaments:

And Girl in the Sticks choose scrapbook paper that represented each of us to make her pleated circles:

I was so busy snapping pictures of my Sisters that I don't have a photo of my ornament, but soon I will teach you how to make a Snowman Pine Cone Ornament! Do you have any holiday traditions with your girlfriends?

DIY Glitter - Pinterest Pass or Fail?

2011-12-14T07:32:00.000-05:00

image

So, sometimes things I see on Pinterest cause me to say "DOH! Why didn't I think of that??" hence, my Great "Doh!" Moments board.

One such pin for DIY Glitter originating at PlanetPals explained how to make glitter in your oven with salt and food coloring.

The directions were as follows:

Mix together 1/4 cup of salt with 1/2 teaspoon of food coloring until well mixed.

Spread mixture on a foil lined baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

Cool and use as glitter in your projects.

Robyn commented that this pin might be a fail, so I decided to try it out for myself.

I followed the directions and though the salt colored well and uniformly, it just wasn't sparkly as shown in the example photo! It resembled colored sand:

Wait! This would be great for sand art projects. But glitter? It's a stretch. I have to give this pin a FAIL. Let's rename this pin "DIY Colored Sand".

But hold up, this pin gives me a thought. Let's experiment:

DIY Colored Sugar:

Mix 1/3 cup sugar with 1/2 tsp. food coloring until uniformly colored.

Spread onto a foil lined baking sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 5-10 minutes. Watch closely because sugar will melt and/or burn!

Cool and pour into an airtight container, breaking up any clumps that may have formed. Use to decorate cookies!

Robyn made Toffee with Saltines.

Shelly learned how to cut her son's hair.

Jennifer learned how to Photograph her Christmas Tree last week.

What pins have YOU tried lately?
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Tutorial Tuesday!

2011-12-12T21:48:00.000-05:00

Fabric Garland:

Christmas Card Display:

DIY Train Table:

Click Picks (last week's most clicked links):

#1 Easy Hair

#2 6 Easy Handmade Gifts for Boys

#3 Decorate Your Tree Like a Pro!

Now it's YOUR turn:

Please... (this is the part at the end of the commercial when the announcer talks real fast)

* Link up using the link to your actual post (not your general blog address) using your name and a the subject of your tutorial to generate interest.

* Add my button or a clickable link back to this post so everyone can join in.

* Visit and comment with all our friends. Show them some love! Meet some new friends! Learn something new!

Ready? Teach Me Stuff!

DIY Custom Christmas Cards - that are cheap and fast!

2011-12-12T07:08:00.000-05:00

So, let's just say you forgot to order Christmas cards this year. Let's say you are interested in a custom card and have no time and even less money to spend. I don't actually know anyone like that...(wink)

What would you say if I told you I could show you how to order custom 5x7 inch cards that could be ready in an hour? Okay, here goes...

Choose a snapshot from your computer and upload it to Picnik.

I created a frame around my photo to give it more of a "card" feeling by clicking the "frames" tab using the "borders" option from the sidebar (there are many options):

Did you know you could add text to a photo just like the big card companies do? Chose the "text" tab and write your message in the box to the left:

You can move your text to any spot on the card by simply clicking and dragging. You can even change the font, color, and size of your text with a quick click.

Send them out to Walmart to get 1 hour 5x7 reprints for $.58 apiece. Throw in a box of 50 stationary envelopes from Staples for $6.49 and you can have 50 large, frame worthy Christmas cards lickety - split for about $35.00. Now, go buy some stamps - there is still time to send cards this season!

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20 Kids and Counting...

2011-12-09T08:14:00.004-05:00

image

So, we all know the Duggars announced that they were pregnant with their 20th child a few weeks ago. They sadly announced the miscarriage of that latest pregnancy this morning.

I watch this program in the morning every once in awhile with my jaw hanging open.

Sometimes I feel awe, sometimes I feel pity for the oldest kids with so much responsibility, sometimes I feel angry that the mother risks her life, at this point, with additional pregnancies, and sometimes I feel inadequate when I see how smoothly this household seems to run compared to my own. More importantly, I wonder how they arrange 19 people so nicely for a family portrait when I can't get a decent photo of just 3 kids??? Why?!? Why?!? (Sorry, Christmas card drama is still a fresh wound...)

What do you feel when you watch this show?

It's Feedback Friday...

What do you think when you watch a show like 19 Kids and Counting?

Do you think it's a risk to have a 20th pregnancy? Do you think it's a beautiful thing? Do you think the show figures in to their family planning?

Let's Cut Down A Christmas Tree!

2011-12-08T07:43:00.003-05:00

You are cordially invited to join our family on our hunt for the perfect tree again this year! Jump on the tractor, we're headed up to the fields!

Where do you choose your Christmas tree?

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Olive Fritte (fried olives) - Pinterest Pass or Fail

2011-12-07T08:07:00.011-05:00

We are hosting The Big Guy's executive staff Christmas Party at our home this year (so scared!). It will be the 1st time a General Manager at his club has ever hosted the staff at home and I just want everyone to feel comfortable and enjoy themselves. We are having some of the food catered, but I feel like cooking for guests really shows you put some effort into the event and I wanted delicious food that even his award winning chef would enjoy.

I've been saving Par-tay Food on Pinterest and have been intrigued by the Olive Fritte, originating at Bellalimento for a while.

I finally decided to test it beforehand and was shocked at how quick and easy the whole process was! I made up a few and tried them hot and at room temp. to determine if they could be made ahead and they were delicious both ways. The Big Guy is concerned about the smell of oil in the house so I might plug in my frier on the back porch.

Olives are tricky, you either love them or hate them. I love them and used a blue cheese to stuff. Here is the scoop:

Olive Fritte

Find large, pitted olives

Stuff each with a small sliver of cheese (blue, chevre, ricotta...)- you can do this ahead

Set up a breading station of flour, beaten egg, and bread crumbs.

Begin by coating the stuffed olives in flour then egg.

Scoop out with a slotted spoon and drop right into the bread crumbs to coat.

**I need to experiment to see if I can do everything up to this point ahead of time.**

Slide olives into 350 degree oil and fry for about 20 seconds or until golden. They fry quickly, so have your slotted spoon and a paper towel covered plate ready, sister!

I have been dreaming about this little delicacy since I made them last week! Yikes!

PINTEREST PASS!

Jennifer tried this new hair styling technique with a flat iron.

And Kassie tried my own Doughnuts with Biscuit Dough pin.

What pins have YOU tried this week? Drop me a link and I'll check it out!

Tutorial Tuesday!

2011-12-05T21:47:00.001-05:00

Faux Ice Flowers:

Mini Tree Ornaments:

Snowman Tee:

Bottle Brush Christmas Trees!

CLICK PICKS (last week's most clicked links):

#1 (by a landslide) How a Mercury Filling Almost Took My Son's Life

#2 5 Quick and Easy Fleece and Felt Projects

#3 Dressing Up a Cheapie Tree

Now it's YOUR turn:

Please... (this is the part at the end of the commercial when the announcer talks real fast)

* Link up using the link to your actual post (not your general blog address) using your name and a the subject of your tutorial to generate interest.

* Add my button or a clickable link back to this post so everyone can join in.

* Visit and comment with all our friends. Show them some love! Meet some new friends! Learn something new!

Ready? Teach Me Stuff!

Light Layering Lessons (tongue twister!)

2011-12-05T08:09:00.008-05:00

Over the years I have developed the perfect system for achieving my Christmas tree goal - I want it colorful and bright with LOTS of lights!

Here is my system:

Begin by covering the tree in small, clear twinkle lights. I have used My Modified Martha method of pushing the lights into the center of the tree, moving up and down rather than around and around like this:

Next, I use the same method for small, colored twinkle lights. (I think a tree with only colored lights is too dark).

Next, I cover the tree in old fashioned, large clear bulbs like these (I don't go in and out with these lights):

Image

Finally, old fashioned, large opaque colored bulbs like these:

image

Tada!

Do you have trouble getting a good, glowing picture of your Christmas tree?

1. Turn off your flash
2. Set your camera on a solid surface
3. Set the timer to take the picture

Public Discipline - Feedback Friday

2011-12-02T07:38:00.005-05:00

My local news covered a story this week about a Pittsburgh area mother who is being charged with simple assault for slapping her child's hand off her shirt after her child grabbed her shirt while shopping at a local grocery store.

The witness (and several others) called the police to report abuse and claimed that the mother could have disciplined in a better way and took the incident as abuse.

The mother, in her own interview, states that she doesn't see anything wrong with chastising her kids as long as she isn't leaving bruises or marks. In this interview, we hear the mother speak out and a demonstration of the slap in question from the accuser (I can't figure out how to embed it!): VIDEO

It's Feedback Friday...

What are your thoughts on this particular form of public discipline?

Do you think this mother should be charged with assault?

Christmas Mantle

2011-12-01T08:54:00.003-05:00

I've been scurrying to get most of my house decorated before December 1st this year. Last year, I was a little late and I felt frustrated that I had done so much work that would be taken down in 3 weeks!

After many trips up and down from the attic, my mantle is finished with a few new tweaks this year:

I found these amazing giant pine cones from Save On Crafts at a great price (10 for $10!!! Woot!). I used inspiration from my Pinterest "Christmasy Stuff" board, and planted mini trees along the mantle this year.

I made the wooden angel wings a few years ago and had to include them again.

I rubbed acrylic paint in Citron Yellow and Jamaican Sea colors (Folk Art paints)over terra cotta pots with a rag and inserted the giant pine cones and scattered them over the mantle with a garland.

A few green balls and twinkle lights for a glow at night and it was easy peasy! I'd love to see your Holiday Mantle this year. Drop me a link if you want me to come visit!

How to Stretch Your Boots - Pinterest Pass or Fail?

2011-11-30T07:39:00.005-05:00

I found a pair of boots a few years ago that were a great bargain. They were the perfect black boot for every day. I loved them, but they were too tight along the sides. I bought them anyway with the intention of stretching them out. I imagined myself bopping along in my new black boots looking all sassy. That never happened.

They were too uncomfortable to even wear around to stretch them! So, they hung out in my closet. They were embarrassed.

I tried to give them away to Treat Girl, but they were too big. Finally, I discovered this tutorial for stretching your boots with ice! I pinned it to my DIY board and vowed to wear those boots!

This is a Pinterest PASS! It worked! Now, I'm trying to think of all the other shoes I have that may pinch. You can use this method with any leather shoe.

After I removed the ice I rubbed boot conditioner on the inside of the boot, paying close attention to the seams, and wore them around with some old socks for a few hours. Nice and comfy.

So, that is my Pinterest Project for the week. What Pins have you tried?

Mama Izzy made this Pesto Pasta. Drop me a link so I can check out what you tried and if it passed or failed!

Psst! Tomorrow is December 1st - do you need Advent Calendar ideas? Never fear, look what has already been linked to Tutorial Tuesday so far:

Toilet Paper Roll Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar Bags

Mini-Box Advent Calendar

Envelope and Twine Advent Calendar
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Tutorial Tuesday!

2011-11-28T21:25:00.000-05:00

I had an amazing Thanksgiving! I spent my morning making good food to show my family how much they mean to me - we enjoyed it and some nice wine. It was a lovely day...

Mittens Made From a Sweater:

Natural Wreath:

Grow Your Own Winter Lettuce:

Sock Toppers:

CLICK PICKS (last week's most clicked links):

#1 Stocking Stuffers

#2 Easiest Cinnamon Rolls Ever

#3 DIY Snowflakes

Now it's YOUR turn:

Please... (this is the part at the end of the commercial when the announcer talks real fast)

* Link up using the link to your actual post (not your general blog address) using your name and a the subject of your tutorial to generate interest.

* Add my button or a clickable link back to this post so everyone can join in.

* Visit and comment with all our friends. Show them some love! Meet some new friends! Learn something new!

Ready? Teach Me Stuff!

Like Magazines? I Do!

2011-11-28T13:14:00.005-05:00

I love me some magazines! Check out these awesome Cyber Monday deals on magazine subscriptions on Amazon today!

House Beautiful: $5!

Country Living: $7!

Good Housekeeping: $7.95!

Real Simple: $12.00!

Hey....where did you all go???

It Looks Like a Snowman Puked In Here...

2011-11-25T07:46:00.000-05:00

Kids make messes, it's the truth. My boys have smeared an entire tub of A & D Diaper Ointment all over our carpeted stairs, they have wallpapered my master bathroom with panty liners and played parachutes with tampons, and they have gotten into my make up bag:

(photo of a photo from the dark ages before digital cameras)

Okay, here is the latest controversy on the web. Watch the following viral video and tell me what you think.

It's Feedback Friday...

Is this messy video real or a set up?

What crazy messes have your kids made over the years?

Graceland

2011-11-24T07:12:00.004-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Want to take a holiday road trip with me?

What an unexpected treat to take our road trip to Graceland during my girl's weekend away this month! I grew up like many of you with a mother who adored Elvis, I listened to the records (yes, records) and watched the movies. We still have Elvis Christmas songs in our regular holiday rotation.

I never realized just how handsome and successful Elvis was until I visited Graceland! That man was beautiful and I have lots of blurry photos of me pretending to kiss life-sized posters of him while there. Shhhhh...

His clothes were stunning! His home was crazy! Let me show you some of my favorite rooms...

Here we are in front of the mansion. We were both surprised at the size - it isn't what is considered a "mansion" by today's standards. It really isn't much bigger than an ordinary middle class home.

Here it is from the back - pretty ordinary looking!

Surrounding the home are horse pastures and barns. Lovely white fences and rolling hills were the view Elvis saw every day.

The first room you saw as you entered the home was the white living room. Photos of his parents and a large mirrored wall were opposite this large white couch. Crazy peacock stained glass matched the blue drapes that are changed out to bright red during the the Christmas season:

The dining room sparkled with the mirrored table and crystal chandelier. This is where Elvis' staff would usually erect a Christmas tree:

With all the crazy decor in Graceland, I was surprised to see the ordinary looking kitchen. Nothing special, just like mom's, right?

This is the TV room with a HUGE sectional sofa and three televisions mounted into the wall. This crazy blue and gold room had sparkly throw pillows, a whole house stereo system, a pull down movie screen and a wet bar off to one side.

Finally, the famous Jungle Room is outfitted like a crazy tiki room, carved furniture, waterfall walls, green shag carpeting on the floor and ceiling. Crazy! Elvis actually used this room as a recording studio at the end of his life and released a record from this room.

There was so much more, a billiards room upholstered on all four walls and ceiling with pleated fabric and stairwells covered completely in green shag carpeting or mirrors for a dizzying fun house effect. Elvis' decor was totally unexpected and so fun to experience.

Sadly, the second floor was off limits to visitors today as it was back then. Apparently Elvis never allowed guests upstairs where his bedroom was and the tour upheld that tradition. Not even the employees are allowed in this off limits zone! I did manage to find a website claiming to have authentic photos of this secret area. If you are interested in peeking, click HERE. If only the walls could talk!

Easy Quilt - Pinterest Pass or Fail?

2011-11-23T06:09:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago I pinned this Soft Flannel Quilt that originated at Do It Yourself Divas. The original design was meant as a baby quilt, but I liked the idea of a lap quilt and imagined lots of plaid flannels on a chilly night.

The idea was simple, layer 3 layers of flannel in strips and sew them together. The top of the quilt has the raw edges of a rag quilt and the bottom has the right sides of the seams. Check out the Diva's quilt:

Pinterest PASS! Though I have lots of strings right now, the Divas assure me that is normal at first. Some of my plaids may not have been true flannels and will shed more threads.

It's a nice comfy lap quilt for watching TV on cold nights.

Lori at Waterstone Jewelry tried a recipe for Apple and Winter Squash Soup this month.

What Pins have you tried this month? Did they PASS or FAIL? Toss me a link so I can check them out!

Tutorial Tuesday!

2011-11-21T21:58:00.002-05:00

Pallet Headboard:

Thankful Tablecloth:

Handmade Soap:

Backpack Hanger:

Click Picks (last week's most clicked links):

#1 Black Friday Deals: Walmart, Target, Old Navy

#2 Top 10 Handmade Gifts

#3 Tree of Life Ornament

Now it's YOUR turn:

Please... (this is the part at the end of the commercial when the announcer talks real fast)

* Link up using the link to your actual post (not your general blog address) using your name and a the subject of your tutorial to generate interest.

* Add my button or a clickable link back to this post so everyone can join in.

* Visit and comment with all our friends. Show them some love! Meet some new friends! Learn something new!

Ready? Teach Me Stuff!

How to Hem Your Jeans - Using the Original Hem

2011-11-21T08:50:00.007-05:00

Hemming jeans is always tricky - especially if you splurge like I did in Nashville last week (girl, your butt never looked as good as it does in Miss Me Jeans!) Part of the "look" of the jeans is the distressed hem, and you can never duplicate it if you start cutting and sewing a new one.

Let's learn to hem jeans the way a real seamstress does, using the original hem.

Let's Hem Our Jeans!

Okay, put your jeans on with the shoe you intend to wear. Now, roll up the cuff to the desired length (good rule of thumb is 1" from the floor).

Slide the jeans off carefully and lay them flat and measure the cuff you rolled.

Divide that measurement in half. (I rolled up my jeans 2" to the desired length so I divided that number in half and came up with 1") Adjust the cuff to the new measurement and pin in place.

Using a dark blue or black thread, carefully sew just at the edge of the original cuff - go nice and slow to keep the seam neat and close to the edge without going over:

Flip the new cuff up toward the top of the jeans and press the new cuff inside. Use lots of steam and make it lay flat:

Now, turn right side out and press again:

Check it out:

I hopped on over to ihearttoday to link this tutorial.

Healthy Thanksgiving?

2011-11-18T06:19:00.000-05:00

photo

During ordinary days I like to try to make healthy choices for myself and my family. Maybe I will add more veggies or cook with low fat milk or olive oil, but for holiday meals I go all out with whole milk and cream, real butter, and rich recipes.

Am I in the minority or the majority?

It's Feedback Friday...

When cooking for special occasions do you still try to make low calorie / low fat choices or do you throw diet out the window for the day?

Speaking of rich holiday recipes:

Eggnog Pumpkin Pie!

Nashville Girls Weekend

2011-11-17T08:54:00.006-05:00

I am having a few technical difficulties with my camera today so this post will be short. I will try to get the rest of my photos on here next week. Let's start with "What to wear in Nashville?" This is the question I googled many times while packing for this trip. The answer? Jeans and boots. Period. After that it's up to you whether you want to go the "NashVegas" route with the sparkly top and belt or if you want to dress it down a bit with a shirt and jacket.

We dressed down for Graceland (an amazing trip I want to write about later):

We ate fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches (Elvis' fave):

Then we went "NashVegas" compete with sparkles, for Saturday night which was my sister-in-laws birthday:

Later that night we were serenaded by our taxi driver, an aspiring songwriter:

Only in Nashville!

A Grassy Crime: Conclusion

2011-11-16T13:45:00.003-05:00

So, I've had several questions about the resulting backlash from cutting down my neighbor's dead clump of ornamental grasses (Read the full story here).

It went down just like I suspected...I don't even think they know they are gone. In fact, I'm not even sure they realize that flower bed is on their side of the line. Before they moved in there was about 6 months between the previous owner moving out and them moving in so I used to weed their beds on a regular basis to make it easier for them to keep up with when they moved in. I think that was probably the last time anything was done outside.

So, I'm a free woman to walk the streets and take care of peoples yards all willy nilly for another day. Beware...

Are you getting ready for Thanksgiving yet? You have a little over a week - I just bought my turkey yesterday.

Take a look at some of my previous Thanksgiving posts to help with the Thanksgiving day schedule and recipes:

Thanksgiving planning

Thanksgiving planning cont...

Fun Thanksgiving Cookies, Pilgrim Hats

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Tutorial Tuesday!

2011-11-14T21:50:00.000-05:00

I just returned from my girls weekend to Nashville, and I am now in love with a new city! It was small, clean, and fun! It reminded me a lot of a country version of Pittsburgh. Thanks for linking up while I was away:

Diaper Babies:

Slow Cooker Applesauce:

Messenger Bag:

CLICK PICKS (last week's most clicked links):

#1 Knot my Scarf

#2 How to Preserve Fall Leaves

#3 Recipe Box ($1 Craft)

Now it's YOUR turn:

Please... (this is the part at the end of the commercial when the announcer talks real fast)

* Link up using the link to your actual post (not your general blog address) using your name and a the subject of your tutorial to generate interest.

* Add my button or a clickable link back to this post so everyone can join in.

* Visit and comment with all our friends. Show them some love! Meet some new friends! Learn something new!

Ready? Teach Me Stuff!

A Grassy Crime?

2011-11-11T08:21:00.001-05:00

Let me first wish you a happy 11/11/11 while I'm still a free woman!

Look how my hands in jail will be all hairy and man-ish! (image)

I might have committed a teeny tiny crime of trespassing and possible property damage this weekend ... technically.

Let me state my case then you can either convict or acquit. Yikes!

My next-door-neighbor isn't very...um...attentive to her lawn and landscaping in general. Most of the trees, bushes, flower beds are completely overgrown and/or overrun with weeds. They have lived next door for almost 2 years and never trimmed a bush or pulled a weed and rarely mowed.

Well, this weekend we were cleaning up our beds for the winter - removing the leaves, cutting back the perennials and pulling the annuals. We also cut back our ornamental grasses each year or else they make a MESS.

My neighbor did not. Again.

Last year her ornamental grasses that border my yard broke off in the wind and ended up all over my yard and in my garage all fall/winter/ and spring until the new growth took over. I drove me batty! (am I setting up my case to plead insanity??)

Exhibit 1 - The grass in question:

So, while we were outside trimming back our own grasses we snuck over to cut back theirs too. I know! Overstepping! I couldn't help it!

It's Feedback Friday...

It's your call - Am I Guilty, Not Guilty, or Insane?!?

Baked Kale Chips - Pinterest Pass or Fail

2011-11-10T06:58:00.001-05:00

smitten kitchen's kale chips photo

This week I tried Baked Kale Chips from my Cookin' Mama Board. This recipe originated at Smitten Kitchen and sounded pretty good, easy, and healthy. Could it be true?

Check out the directions:

*Rip up kale into bite-sized pieces

*Drizzle with olive oil and mix in a bowl.

*Pour onto a cookie sheet, sprinkle with sea salt, and bake at 300 degrees for 20 minutes.

It really was that easy!

The chips had such an interesting texture, they kind of shatter in your mouth. I liked the flavor, but they had a burnt aftertaste - I'm not sure if I baked them too long or if that is the flavor of the kale. My youngest son and I had a love/hate thing going. We ate them and liked them until about 30 seconds after we swallowed them. Then we didn't like them anymore, yet we kept coming back for more!

So, with some tweeking I give this Pin a Pass!

Wendy made some Princess Cupcakes she pinned.

What Pins have you tried? Post the link so I can check it out!

Crochet!

2011-11-09T08:15:00.005-05:00

The Treat Girl and I learned to crochet over coffee and pumpkin bread yesterday. Let's just say that I was not a natural at this. I have never felt so awkward and dumb! The Big Guy thinks crocheting is for old ladies, but I think the yarn can make all the difference. Just check out all the cool projects I've pinned to my Crochet Board.

I completed a few wonky granny squares and Treat Girl made some lovely lacy squares in about half the time it took me.

Thanks to my new friend Sondie for her extreme patience! Here we are pretending that her granny square is mine!

Now check this out! My boys went to wrestling practice one night:

And were crocheting the next morning!

I can't make this stuff up, people!

Here is an awesome granny that can teach you how crochet since Sondie can't visit all of you:

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Tutorial Tuesday!

2011-11-07T21:56:00.001-05:00

Reusable Snack Bags:

Extreme Couponing for Healthy Food:

DIY Toy Oven:

CLICK PICKS (last week's most clicked links):

#1 31 Days to a More Organized Life

#2 DIY Wardrobe

#3 Great Ideas

Now it's YOUR turn:

Please... (this is the part at the end of the commercial when the announcer talks real fast)

* Link up using the link to your actual post (not your general blog address) using your name and a the subject of your tutorial to generate interest.

* Add my button or a clickable link back to this post so everyone can join in.

* Visit and comment with all our friends. Show them some love! Meet some new friends! Learn something new!

Ready? Teach Me Stuff!

Phone/iPod Charging Pocket

2011-11-07T07:53:00.004-05:00

I made this doorknob pocket a few years ago to help me remember keys and other things I would need when dashing out the door. I spent about 50 cents to make it - two 25 cent pieces of felt and left-over interfacing. Whoo, cheap organization! Yahoo! It was cool, but now I see that it can have another life as a phone or iPod charging pocket! Check it out:

So, use this tutorial to organize your keys or to prevent your phone from falling off the counter while charging.

Let's get to work.

Supplies:

2 Sheets of felt
Interfacing (medium weight)
Measuring tape
Scissors
Thread
Sewing machine

I used two different colors of felt to jazz it up. I cut the first piece to measure 11 x 7.5 inches, the second piece of felt 1/4 inch smaller all around and the interfacing another 1/4 inch smaller all around. This way the colors of felt accent each other and the interfacing stays tucked inside and out of sight.

These sizes can be adjusted to fit your own needs.
Layer your felt, sandwiching the interfacing, like this:

Sew around the edges. (**if you're not hot on sewing, just buy fusible interfacing and skip this part. Just pull out your iron and go)

Since I have small, lever-style door handles rather than a knob, I used the spool of thread as a guide for my hole.
I like it a little "wonky" so I chose a contrasting thread and went over the seams several times.
Now, fold up the bottom about 3 1/2 inches to form a pocket and sew. (**If you are anti-sewing machine and used the fusible interfacing, you can whip stitch the sides with a needle and thread.)

Hot glue a few buttons left over from your ribbon flowers onto the edge to jazz it up and you're done.

You're going to look so smart walking around town with your wallet/cell phone/sunglasses/car keys!

Sports Related Religion

2011-11-03T09:07:00.002-04:00

One of my son's sports coaches sent an email to the team summing up the season last week. Within the body, he referenced a Bible verse related to something better yet to come since our season ended with a disappointing loss (1 Peter 5:6).

After reading the email (then Googling the verse) I began to wonder if some recipients might have felt a little put off by the mention of the verse in this context. I have a friend who I know would have felt uncomfortable and another who would have thought nothing of it.

I know this is common in blogs, and many blog writers sign their names in posts and emails with significant verses from the Bible. Sometimes I feel like it is intended as inspiration and other times a point is being made.

It's Feedback Friday...

Does it make you feel something specific when you see Bible verses quoted in every day settings?

Do you feel like the writers are imposing their beliefs or naturally mentioning something on their mind?

Football, and Pumpkins. and Zombies...oh my!

2011-11-03T07:29:00.001-04:00

We started our week with a football game on a waterlogged field covered in 2 inches of snow.

Then carved our wicked pumpkins:

Showed them off:

Then became zombies! Who knew getting run over by a car would ruin these convicts' lives?!?

Did you know you can't dress as anything bloody or scary for the school parade? Some quick thinking the morning of the parade produced yet another crazy costume:

This was an exhausting week!
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Tutorial Tuesday!

2011-11-01T07:12:00.006-04:00

Goodwill Vase to Lamp:

Sewing Apron:

Pizza at Home:

CLICK PICKS (last week's most clicked links):

#1 Advice from an Ex-Coupon User

#2 How to Freeze Eggs

#3 Cardigan from Shirt

Now it's YOUR turn:

Please... (this is the part at the end of the commercial when the announcer talks real fast)

* Link up using the link to your actual post (not your general blog address) using your name and a the subject of your tutorial to generate interest.

* Add my button or a clickable link back to this post so everyone can join in.

* Visit and comment with all our friends. Show them some love! Meet some new friends! Learn something new!

Ready? Teach Me Stuff!

How to Fix Your Washing Machine

2011-10-31T06:01:00.000-04:00

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Crystal and Co. linked a post a few weeks ago about a clogged trap in her washing machine that was causing a "Suds" error in her front load washer.

Wouldn't you know that about a week after I read her post I began seeing that same error reading on my own Whirlpool Duet?! I went back to re-read her post then I googled it and discovered that it is a very common problem, an easy fix, and not something that is mentioned in the owners manual at all!

Well, The Big Guy figured out how to fix it and I took pictures to help all the other families out there in the world struggling with this same problem. There is no need for a costly repairman!

This is how the lower front panel of the washing machine looks. Under that lip at the bottom of the panel are three screws with a head like that of an allen wrench (square, not like an ordinary Phillips or Flathead screwdriver):

Look under that lip to find the screws and unscrew them, The Big Guy has a screwdriver set that has attachments that fit that square screw head:

This is what your washer will look like with the panel removed:

You can see the "trap" when you look closer, unscrew it and empty out the contents. Depending on how recently you have run your washer, you may have to put a container or towels under the trap before you unscrew the cap to contain the water that may come out:

Replace the trap and put the front panel back in place. Get on the floor and drop the screws 25 times while sweating and swearing while your wife takes photos for her blog. Your goal here is to replace the three screws...or two screws if one rolls under the washer:

I had no idea, but you should also clean the inside of your washing machine periodically to keep ahead of soap build-up. Tidy Mom shares how to clean the inside of your washing machine HERE

To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate, that is the question...

2011-10-28T07:55:00.001-04:00

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The new-ish HPV vaccine has had lots of media exposure over the past few months after presidential candidates Rick Perry and Michelle Bachmann disputed it's safety and/or risks during debates.

The New York Times reports a federal advisory committee has now recommended that boys and men should also be vaccinated for HPV. The paper goes on to explain:

HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease — between 75 percent and 80 percent of females and males in the United States will be infected at some point in their lives. Most will overcome the infection with no ill effects. But in some people, infections lead to cellular changes that cause warts or cancer, including cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers in women and anal cancers in men and women. A growing body of evidence suggests that HPV also causes throat cancers in men and women.

The HPV vaccine must be given in a series of 3 shots and costs upwards of $300 out-of-pocket since most insurance companies do not cover the cost.

It's Feedback Friday...

How do you feel about the HPV vaccination?

Do you think the vaccine should be added to the list of state required vaccinations?

Do you think insurance companies or the government should cover the costs of this vaccine?

Are your children, boys or girls, vaccinated against HPV?

**Interesting point brought up in the comments - do you think of this as a vaccine against Cancer or a vaccine against STD's?

Pinterest Pass or Fail? Getting Fit!

2011-10-27T05:56:00.000-04:00

This week I tried to incorporate this Quick Workout originating from the Getting Fit Tumbler Page. I pinned it to my Workin' on my Fitness board. This quick workout takes about 10 minutes to go through it 2-3 times and it works! It's a great go-to workout for days when I'm too rushed to devote to an hour long class. My heart rate was up, I was sweating, it was a great mix of cardio and resistance...I give it a "Pinterest Pass"!

Shelley tried Biscuit Pizza Rolls and liked them:

Did you try any Pins this week?

Glow-In-The-Dark Flag Football?

2011-10-26T08:07:00.000-04:00

While planning my youngest son's birthday party last month, he kept coming up with all sorts of ~~off-the-wall~~ creative activities he wanted to play with his friends. We figured out how to create the Life-Sized Angry Birds game, angry birds pinata, and a birthday cake made entirely out of doughnuts:

Another thing he wanted to do was to play glow-in-the-dark Flag Football...oh, and I had one day to do it.

I ended up making skinny pockets from some old curtain sheers, I used the hem that was already sewn! I sewed across the hem with my machine several times to make 12 "pockets" and cut apart each one.

Next, I sewed one side of the Velcro to the back of the pocket and the other side to a length of rope long enough to tie around each child's waist. Each pocket Velcro-ed to a rope "belt".

Repeat 12 times...

Slide a glow stick into each pocket:

Now, PLAY!

Each team tries to pull the glowing flag from the opponent's belt. Moms, it's really hard to get a picture of this!

**Scroll down to join in on the Tutorial Tuesday party and teach me something!**
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Tutorial Tuesday!

2011-10-24T21:42:00.000-04:00

Thank you for linking up in record numbers last week! I loved so many of your tutorials, but here are a few that really stood out:

Candy Corn Fudge:

Loopy Wreath:

Fabric Pumpkins:

Funnel Cake:

CLICK PICKS (last week's most clicked links):

#1 Modestify a Dress

#2 Breakfast Burritos

#3 Finger Knitting

Now it's YOUR turn:

Please... (this is the part at the end of the commercial when the announcer talks real fast)

* Link up using the link to your actual post (not your general blog address) using your name and a the subject of your tutorial to generate interest.

* Add my button or a clickable link back to this post so everyone can join in.

* Visit and comment with all our friends. Show them some love! Meet some new friends! Learn something new!

Ready? Teach Me Stuff!

In-Your-Face Wall Calendar

2011-10-24T07:28:00.000-04:00

I needed a big way to organize my three boy's schedules...and I'm not good at remembering to look at a calendar...and I'm cheap.

Enter "Chalkboard" Contact Paper! An in-your-face calendar right on the wall of my office that I can customize and can't help but see when I leave the room.

Supplies:

Chalkboard Contact Paper

I attached my Contact Paper directly to my wall and drew a calendar grid using a Liquid Chalk Marker, leaving room on the one side for notes. Each month, just wipe with a damp cloth and begin again.

Mark in your dates and fill in with what you need to remember - Easy Peasy! My PTO will be so happy I remember to attend their meetings each month!

How do you stay organized?

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Childbirth as Art?

2011-10-21T06:36:00.004-04:00

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The Today Show covered a story of a new performance art exhibit, "The Birth of Baby X" planned by artist Marni Kotak. After the birth, she plans to expand the exhibit to include "Raising Baby X". Above, you can see her in the birthing suite she has designed for the "performance".

Do you think childbirth is legitimate performance art?

Would you ever want to see such an exhibit?

Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread - Pinterest Pass or Fail?

2011-10-20T08:36:00.000-04:00

This lovely Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread is pinned to my Cookin' Mama board. This recipe originated from Joy the Baker (oh, how I want to be her friend!).

Here is my attempt:

A little wonky, but very delicious! This Pin Passed with flying colors! Click here to try Joy the Baker's Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread.

Some of you took me up on my challenge. Here are some of the "Pins" YOU tried last week:

Paulette made a Jug Skeleton.

Jenn tried her hand at this Halloween Wreath:

Patti tried this Crock Pot Mac and Cheese:

Leave a comment to let me know what "Pins" you tried this week!

**(There is still time to join this week's Tutorial Tuesday Linky Party)

Bread Clips as Organizing Tools?

2011-10-19T09:33:00.001-04:00

Please tell me I'm not the only one to find a tangled ball of earphones every time I open my junk drawer? Simple, ordinary bread clips saved the day.

Want to see how Unpluggd.com uses bread clips?

Brilliant, right?

**Scroll down to join the Tutorial Tuesday Linky Party already in progress!**

Tutorial Tuesday!

2011-10-17T21:44:00.000-04:00

With over 200 links to choose from, I had my work cut out for me last week. Here are some of my personal faves:

Ogre Toes:

Giant Painted Wall Clock:

Why Pay for Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint?

Jessica Baby Shoes:

CLICK PICKS (last week's most clicked links):

#1 50 Ways to Save Money

#2 Rose Trim Bracelet

#3 Shirred T Shirt Makeover

Now it's YOUR turn:

Please... (this is the part at the end of the commercial when the announcer talks real fast)

* Link up using the link to your actual post (not your general blog address) using your name and a the subject of your tutorial to generate interest.

* Add my button or a clickable link back to this post so everyone can join in.

* Visit and comment with all our friends. Show them some love! Meet some new friends! Learn something new!

Ready? Teach Me Stuff!

Time to Make the Donuts...

2011-10-17T07:18:00.000-04:00

My youngest son is a HUGE fan of doughnuts. He talks about doughnuts, he writes homework papers about doughnuts, he dressed up as a Krispy Skreme Doughnut Zombie for Halloween.

Imagine how upset he was when all our area Krispy Kreme shops closed (he really hates Dunkin'). He was in doughnut mourning. I think he wore black for a week.

Enter How Does She... with a great semi-homemade doughnut recipe that was said to resemble our beloved K.K.! Well, we got right to work and I now have a happy boy!

Gather up your ingredients for:

Doughnuts!

1 can of Grands Homestyle Biscuits
Crisco or oil to cover bottom of pan 1/2 inch deep

Directions:

Heat oil on med/hi heat for 8-10 minutes.

Separate biscuits and cut holes using a cookie cutter or any other round object on hand (Gatorade lid?). I like to wait until my oil is hot before beginning this. I want my dough to be nice and cold when it hits the oil.

Carefully set dough into hot oil and cook for 20-30 sec. per side. Use a fork to flip. Mine got a little "floaty" when they were ready to flip.

Remove and cool on a rack.

When you can comfortably touch them, dip doughnuts in glaze (I like to totally cover the whole doughnut.)

Or chocolate ganache (1 cup milk chocolate chips + 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream. Microwave in 30 sec. increments. Stir til smooth.) You can then dip in sprinkles if you don't live in an anti-sprinkle home like I do.

They passed the taste test. Here is the verdict, straight from the doughnut connoisseur himself:

"Pretty good! They aren't as good as Krispy Kreme, but they are better than Dunkin'! Can we make them again tomorrow??"

We tried them later when they cooled and they were still pretty good and moist! These are a great option for a special occasion breakfast around here.

Too Old for Trick-or-Treat?

2011-10-14T07:42:00.000-04:00

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My local radio station covered a story this week about the town of Saltsburg, a borough near Pittsburgh, that has an age limit of 12 years for those permitted to trick or treat.

I had never heard of limiting those allowed to participate, but after some research, I found that cities in the states of Illinois, Virginia, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Maryland have similar ordinances limiting the age of trick or treaters.

Though they are rarely enforced, there are fines of up to $100 and/or jail time as a penalty for trick or treating over age.

Some of the same ordinances also prohibit anyone over the age of 12 from wearing a mask in public on Halloween and every other day of the year.

It's Feedback Friday...

Do you agree with setting an age limit for trick or treat?

How old were you when you gave up trick or treating?

What's Up With Hope Studios - the shop?

2011-10-13T09:28:00.001-04:00

Things have really started to pick up at The Shop in the last month as Fall weddings come up. Here is just a week's worth of work - some custom and some new things for the shop.

I'm always looking for new quotes that speak to me, and here are a few examples of quotes that did just that:

Love Story

My Heart

I am always looking for inspiration, what is your favorite quote?

DIY Facial Peel: Pinterest - Pass or Fail

2011-10-12T07:59:00.000-04:00

Like many of you, I have jumped on the Pinterest bandwagon with both feet. I. Am. Obsessed. I want to Pin all the time! As we accumulate all of our Pins, it's easy to put off actually trying them because now we know just where they are...for later.

This is my new weekly challenge: Let's all attempt to try at least one Pin a week and report back our successes or failures. You game? I'll start by posting my weekly Pin and grade it either Pass or Fail. You can join in with your own experiences. You can either comment below or let me know if you want me to set up a linky party.

This week's Pin can be found on my Juniper Style Board, where I keep all my fashion, hair, and make up tips.

Full Face Pore Strips Mask originating from Petit Elefant.

Allison teaches us how to make a Peeling Pore Cleaning Mask from two ingredients:

1 Tbsp. unflavored gelatin
1-2 Tbsp. milk

1. Stir, then microwave for 10-15 sec.
2. Immediately spread onto face (Allison used a popcicle stick, but I just used my fingers).
3. Let dry for at least 15 minutes.

Now peel!

I liked the easy recipe and it felt nice going on.

Mine was still tacky after about 25 minutes in some spots and crunchy in other spots. This could be user error with uneven application.

Peeling the mask was very painful on most of my face as it was really stuck on there! I felt like I was peeling off the whole top layer of skin. Most times I just had to rip it quick, like a Bandaid.

The little fine hairs around my jaw line all pulled out by the roots and I had to get into the shower to really get all the residue off.

My face was very red afterward, especially in the areas where hair had been pulled out:

This morning I have little red sore bumps along my jaw and my skin is tender.

I'm going to have to give this Pin a Fail. I could Pass this tutorial if used only in the T-zone, I think.

What Pins have you tried this week?

**Don't forget to scroll down to join the Tutorial Tuesday Linky Party this week!**

Hope Studios

Tutorial Tuesday!

Valentine's T-Shirt Refashion

The Debate Rages On - Feedback Friday

John Deere Baby Shower!

Tutorial Tuesday

How to Remove Water Stains From Your Table

The Tebow Effect

Needed: American Idol Dorks!

Tutorial Tuesday!

How to Snack Smart - 100 Calorie Snacks

Do You Play With Your Kids? Feedback Friday

6 Pack Abs Oatmeal - Pinterest Pass or Fail

My New Camera!

Tutorial Tuesday!

Simple Dessert Buffet

Excessive Force? Feedback Friday

Removing Water Stains From Utensils - Pinterest Pass or Fail

Top Twenty Tutorials of 2011

Tutorial Tuesday!

Wine Glass "Charms" for a Crowd

Tutorial Tuesday!

Bourbon Soaked Cherries

Christmas Traditions - Feedback Friday

Edible Candy Plate - Pinterest Pass or Fail

Tutorial Tuesday!

Pine Cone Snowman Ornament

Our Restaurant Game

Elf on the Shelf

Soul Sisters Annual Ornament Exchange

DIY Glitter - Pinterest Pass or Fail?

Tutorial Tuesday!

DIY Custom Christmas Cards - that are cheap and fast!

20 Kids and Counting...

Let's Cut Down A Christmas Tree!

Olive Fritte (fried olives) - Pinterest Pass or Fail

Tutorial Tuesday!

Light Layering Lessons (tongue twister!)

Public Discipline - Feedback Friday

Christmas Mantle

How to Stretch Your Boots - Pinterest Pass or Fail?

Tutorial Tuesday!

Like Magazines? I Do!

It Looks Like a Snowman Puked In Here...

Graceland

Easy Quilt - Pinterest Pass or Fail?

Tutorial Tuesday!

How to Hem Your Jeans - Using the Original Hem

Healthy Thanksgiving?

Nashville Girls Weekend

A Grassy Crime: Conclusion

Tutorial Tuesday!

A Grassy Crime?

Baked Kale Chips - Pinterest Pass or Fail

Crochet!

Tutorial Tuesday!

Phone/iPod Charging Pocket

Sports Related Religion

Football, and Pumpkins. and Zombies...oh my!

Tutorial Tuesday!

How to Fix Your Washing Machine

To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate, that is the question...

Pinterest Pass or Fail? Getting Fit!

Glow-In-The-Dark Flag Football?

Tutorial Tuesday!

In-Your-Face Wall Calendar

Childbirth as Art?

Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread - Pinterest Pass or Fail?

Bread Clips as Organizing Tools?

Tutorial Tuesday!

Time to Make the Donuts...

Too Old for Trick-or-Treat?

What's Up With Hope Studios - the shop?

DIY Facial Peel: Pinterest - Pass or Fail