Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Candy Cane Kitchen Sign---DIY from Flamingo Toes

Check out this awesome Candy Cane Christmas Kitchen Sign made by Flamingo Toes!




She is amazing and has some great ideas posted on her blog! Hop on over there and check her out! She has posted a tutorial for anyone who wants to get their craft on and make one for yourself or a friend!

I'm getting out the glue and wood today to get started. I will keep you posted! Two are for gifts so I gotta hurry!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Elf Your Neighbor---Free Printables

We haved been "Boo'ed" in the past but I thought I would start a new neighbohood game---We've Been Elfed!

I created some free printables for you to download and print. All I ask is you become a follower in return :)

To Elf Your Neighbor...Print out two copies of the instruction sheet and two copies of the "We've Been Elfed!" sign.


Include some treats or small gifts in a bag along with the free printables! One of the treats we included in our gift bags were Elf Cookies...our take on Bakerella's Cowgirl Cookies!

Our Free Printable Elf Cookie Labels Here!



Pick two neighbors and follow the free printable instructions to begin Elfing!!!

I created the free printables using free scrapbooking pack from Shabby Princess as well as Free Online Elf Clipart.

Happy Holidays!

Making The Girl Creative mmm button Keeping It Simple

Monday, October 25, 2010

Baby Boy Nursery...Need some opinions please??

So I have 13 weeks to go and I have finally settled on a plan for baby boy #3's nursery. It is a completely empty room now with white (eek) walls.

Here is the bedding from Pottery Barn Kids


Here is the crib I am planning to buy but I still can't decide on color...what would you do?

Espresso:



Or White:
I have a changing table/dresser combo from the twins which I plan to paint a navy blue color with the espresso crib or paint it white with the white crib! 

I have a glider and foot stool which need a navy blue slip cover. Looks like I have some upcoming projects to post.

So many choices!! What would you do?

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

It's a BOY!!!


Had my 20 week sonogram last Tuesday and we found out we are having another little BOY!! We are so excited!! Can't wait until January to meet this little guy! The twins have been so cute about the whole pregnancy! They are always talking to my baby bump!

 I have some exciting plans for his room! I can't wait to share them with you!

Have a happy Tuesday!! We are heading to Magic Kingdom!

Photo Credit: usflagdepot

Monday, September 20, 2010

Welcome Back!!!

Back from from my little Blog-Cation!


Didn't realize how long it has been. Now that the kids are in school and my yucky morning sickness is FINALLY over time to get back to blogging :)

I have super yummy recipes and fun stuff to post...like holiday crafts, room makeovers and more!!

Photo Credit: Key Posters

Friday, July 2, 2010

Versatile Blogger! Yay! PLUS A Big Announcement!!

YAY!!! I got an award from http://www.straightstiches.blogspot.com/!! How sweet to think of me! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Plus check out #1 of things about me for my BIG announcement!!!!


Here are the rules:

1) Thank the person/people who gave it to you and leave them a comment.

2) Share 7 things about yourself.

3) Pass the award on to 15 bloggers, whom you have recently discovered, and think are fantastic.

OK...so here goes with the 7 things about me!

1) I will be 10 weeks pregnant tomorrow. YES this is my big announcement to blog world and why I have been MIA for a few weeks! Not feeling well at all!!!! LOL!

2) My dad taught me how to cook! So I have him to thank for all the awesome creations!

3) Met my hubbie online before online "dating" was even popular. We were not even on a dating site! And here we are many years later with twins and new one on the way! Life works in mysterious ways!

4) While getting my master's, I produced a human protein used for cancer treatment in a leaf. Crazy right! If only that could get approved by the FDA! Medicine could be sooo cheap!

5) I was so sick with my first pregnancy with the twins...I lost 15 pounds! Uhhh ya...if that could only happen when I wanted to actually lose 15 lbs! What is wrong with this picture! LOL!

6) I am a natural red head!

7) I lived in Nassjo, Sweden in high school and can speak, read and write Swedish!

Here are the bloggers who I am passing the award to! Please head over and check them out!

1)  http://www.knock-offwood.com/

2) http://www.achicabakes.com/

3) http://www.kevinandamanda.com/

4) http://alittleknickknack.blogspot.com/

5) http://adventuresofabettycrockerwannabe.blogspot.com/

6) http://craftysisters-nc.blogspot.com/

7) http://sawdustandpaperscraps.blogspot.com/

8) http://www.thetshirtdiaries.com/

9) http://lovelypapershop.blogspot.com/

10) http://mackenziescraftymom.blogspot.com/

11) http://craftedition.blogspot.com/

12) http://www.homeandheartsblog.com/

13) http://www.craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/

14) http://33shadesofgreen.blogspot.com/

15) http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/


Thanks again Straight Stiches!
 
Straight Stitches

Friday, May 28, 2010

Grape-tacular Smoothie!

My lil man loves this smoothie! He says, "This is super yummy!"



Grape-tacular Smoothie
6 oz grape juice
6 oz strawberry yogurt
6-7 frozen strawberries
1/4 cup crushed ice

1) Add everything except ice to blender and blend on low to medium speed for 15-30 seconds to chop strawberries.
2) Add crushed ice and blend for 10-15 seconds on high speed.

Enjoy!

(photo credit: webmd)

Monday, May 24, 2010

Twilight Saga: Eclipse Party Preview

Some of my mom friends and I are Twilight Moms. We are all going to see the midnight showing of Eclipse in June! Ohhh I can't wait! So to get us ready for our big night I am hosting a Twilight Saga Pre-Eclispe Party!

I have everything all planned out. I have already downloaded all my free printable quotes and drink labels from HWTM.  Look at these awesome printables she designed.


I created some other super fun printables in photoshop and will have them available for download after the party.

I have my menu all planned out. I will be serving themed appetizers, desserts, popcorn and candy. Twilight and New Moon will be shown and also a fun game!

And of course...can't forget the mommy drinks which I've asked my guests to bring their favorite one.

A sneak peak into some of my menu:

Team Jacob

--La Push Pizza Bites ~ Circular mini pizza bites with tomato sauce, fresh pesto, sundried tomatoes, feta and mozzarella.

--Werewolf Kibble ~ Homemade Caramel Popcorn


--Quileute Peaks (aka James Island) ~ High Hat Mini Cupcakes with a different cupcake paper of course.



Team Edward

--Bella's Ravioli ~ Baked Ravioli with Marinara Dip

--Italiano Bruschetta ~ Pecorino Romano Bruschetta with Roasted Red Pepper Sundried Tomato Spread


--Twilight Cupcakes ~ Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache. Topped with fondant chess board topper and red chocolate chess piece.

Can't give away anymore because some of my readers are coming to the party! I want it to be a surprise!

Photo Credits: HWTM, Caramel Popcorn, Baked Ravioli , and all other photos were taken by me.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

FireHouse Cook Off...My Fireman's Station Needs Your Votes...This is the last day!


Please click this link and Vote for City of Stuart Firefighter Dave Harrow...not only is he a good cook (I mean the guy even brings his own knives to the station)...he is pretty darn funny too! Just wait until you see his video.

Today is the last day to vote for Dave!!



Thanks love you guys!

Friday, May 21, 2010

3-D Fondant Puppy Cake Toppers

I love baking and making cakes but have always wanted to try and make some 3-D figures. My friend's twins just had a party and her daughter wanted a puppy cake. So I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to give it a try.

Here are my puppies...well a puppy and a half. The purple one was digging a hole on top of the cake with chocolate sprinkles for the dirt. I used some candy bones found at the dollar store and I made a little fondant bowl with purple sanding sugar for the food.






To make these I did ALOT of research and after trial and error I found the best method for my figures.

It was to buy ready made white fondant like Wilton's or Satin Ice and add some sprinkles of tylose powder and knead very well to make a quick gumpaste. Divide it into small blocks and wrap in plastic wrap and place in ziptop baggie. Then, you can color your fondant/gumpaste as needed.

I also found the best method was to use all vegetable shortening to prevent sticking to your work surface and your hands. Some people use cornstarch or even confectioner's sugar but the shortening worked awesome for me.

To make the puppies, I used edible glue which is made in a small bowl with a lid from 2 tablespoons of warm water and 1/4 teaspoon of Tylose Powder. Gently stir with a toothpick and allow the Tylose powder to melt at least 1 hour.  It will look like it is not blending but if you leave it on the counter for about an hour if you are in a hurry or in refrigerator overnight covered.

Monday, May 17, 2010

My Early Anniversary Present...I'm so excited...

Fireman came home from the air force base with an early anniversary present for me.

A BIG bag...and inside was this:


Yes...that is right folks I am the proud owner of my first D-SLR...a Nikon D3000!

I'm sooooooooo excited I can barely contain myself!!! Love that man!!!! I was totally caught off guard. I had no idea! I mean I talk about wanting one to document all the beautiful memories of our children growing and our family but never did I think I would really get one!!!!! Yaaaaa-hoooooo!!! I'm shouting from the rooftops!

Now all I need to do is learn how to use this thing! LOL!!!

Monday, May 10, 2010

The Twins Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Drops...Mmmm!

I tried a new version of this recipe and these things taste and have almost the same texture as Reeses! Mmmm-mmmm-mmmm is all I have to say about these yummy morsels!!!



Add the natural peanut butter to your bowl. It is important to use natural peanut butter meaning peanut butter containing only peanuts and salt in the ingredients to get the Reese's like taste and texture. I think we used Smucker's Creamy Peanut Butter.


Add the confectioner's sugar, vanilla and salt. Looks like somebody got caught tasting the peanut butter. LOL!


Your mixture will be a little crumbly but when you form the peanut butter balls it will come together nicely.



Mmmm-mmmm...Look at all that peanut butter deliciousness !



Then, dip those babies in the melted chocolate and make yourself a cute lil swirl on top with a toothpick. I realize there are no dipping pictures. Dipping 20 PB drops with 4 1/2yr old twins plus using a camera was too much for me LOL!



After all that hard work you deserve to take a bite and enjoy! Ok well if you are like me...maybe 4 or 5 bites and enjoy!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Drops
Printable Recipe

2/3 cup Creamy NATURAL Peanut Butter
2 1/2 tbsp butter
1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/8 salt
1 cup confectioner's sugar
12 oz semi sweet chocolate chips
2 tsp vegetable shortening

1) With a mixer, combine peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and salt on low.
2) Add confectioner's sugar and mix until well blended.
3) Add additional confectioner's sugar if needed.
4) Shape into 1" ball. Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and put in freezer for 15-20 minutes.
5) Put chocolate chips and vegetable shortening in microwave safe bowl.
6) Microwave for 45 seconds on medium. Stir and repeat until completely smooth.
7) Working quickly so PB balls do not get soft, use a fork to dip PB drops into melted chocolate, rolling around to completely cover. Gently tap fork on edge of bowl to remove excess chocolate. Place on parchment paper. If you wish, you can use a toothpick to create a little swirl on top. Refrigerate or freeze. You may need to put chocolate back in microwave will dipping to re-melt and stir until smooth.

Sumo Sweet Stuff The Girl Creative

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy Mother's Day!

Wishing you a special day to all the mom's out there!


Here is a sweet poem I wanted to share:


Dear Lord, it's such a hectic day



With little time to stop and pray



For life's been anything but calm



Since You called on me to be a mom



Running errands, matching socks



Building dreams with building blocks



Cooking, cleaning, and finding shoes



And other stuff that children lose



Fitting lids on bottled bugs



Wiping tears and giving hugs



A stack of last weeks mail to read



So where's the quiet time I need?



Yet when I steal a minute, Lord



Just at the sink or ironing board



To ask the blessings of Your grace



I see then, in my small one's face



That you have blessed me



All the while



And I stop to kiss



That precious smile


I hope you have a special day with your mom, your little one's or with someone special in your life!

Friday, May 7, 2010

Mother's Day Brunch Menu...Recipes Included



This year I will be hosting a Mother's Day Brunch at my house! Hopefully, my hydrangeas will still have some of these gorgeous blooms on them!!

Here is the menu I planned for this Sunday. If you need any ideas for your own brunch I have included some printable tasty recipes. Just click the links below. I plan to print out my menu on nice cardstock and post it in a shabby chic frame on the buffet table.

MENU


Assorted Pancakes - Blueberry & Chocolate Chip

Warm Maple Syrup

Fresh Fruit Salad

Crispy Bacon

Turkey Sausage Patties

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Fluffy Scrambled Eggs with Assorted Mix-ins

Croissants

Sliced Honey Ham

Carved Turkey Breast

Orange Juice

Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

Spa Water

Mimosas

Fruity Rum Punch


I'm participating in these great link parties:

The Girl Creative

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Thank You Sweet Pickles and Chocolate

Just wanted to say thanks a bunch to Dena @ Sweet Pickles and Chocolate for this special Cinco de Mayo Rave Review! Check her out for Rave Review Wednesdays!


Sweet Pickles and Chocolate

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Carnival Party: How to DIY



Here's how you can DIY a Carnival Party too:



Carnival Food:
  • Set up 1-2 tents side by side for food area. Set up an 8' foot folding table for all the food. Put a primary (Red, Yellow or Blue) colored table cloth on the table. Hang a pennant banner on front of table in primary colors. 

  • Lemonade in glass dispenser and water bottles with custom carnival sticker label (DIY-customize using free downloadable carnival font)


  • Hotdogs/Corn Dogs: Use a roller grill or crock pots filled with water to keep the hotdogs warm and ready to serve. Or you can set up a fabulous table just like A Little Polka Dot did here.






  • Nachos: use circle nacho chips and melted nacho cheese, serve in paper or plastic nacho trays  ***Tip: You can use these same paper trays to serve your hotdogs, nachos and big pretzels.






  • Big soft pretzels with salt (frozen section of grocery store). Serve with nacho cheese and yellow mustard.



  • Ketchup, Mustard, Relish in clear squirt bottles from Walmart or dollar spot at Target. ***Tip: Cut tip of bottle bigger with scissors so relish can squirt out.


Dessert Table:


  • Under a tent,  set up a smaller rectangle or card table for the desserts and cover with another primary color table cloth. Add a pennant banner to the front of table that says "Sweet Treats"!
  • Carnival birthday cake (This is a BEAUTIFUL CAKE from Tammy at Southern Cottage Cakery, inspired me to be a blogger) (how to DIY fondant popcorn)









 Here is how Jen did it:

  1. 1) Bake cupcakes in red and white striped liners or use a cupcake sleeve. Ice with white buttercream. Use miniature marshmallows to make the popcorn by placing them on top of cupcake onto the  buttercream layer.
  2. 2) Use a pair of clean scissors and snip the tops of the marshmallows twice (in opposite directions, to form an "x").
  3. 3) Lightly spray the top of the cupcakes with yellow color mist to look like butter.



  • Caramel apples (DIY)


  • Confetti Rice Krispie treats (dip in bright colored sprinkles) (DIY)
  • Cotton candy in paper cones (DIY) Most dollar stores or walmart sell cotton candy or again you can go all out and rent a machine!





  • Snow cones or try colorful italian ice (Store italian ice in a styrofoam cooler with dry ice and have an adult scoop it into 4oz paper souffle cups for kids. They can squeeze it right into their mouth...no spoon needed!)



  • Low clear bowl or wide brimmed jar filled with skittles with bright colored whirly pops stuck in there which can be purchased from Amazon (Check this out from P is for Party...Beautiful Candy Buffet)





  • There are very cool plates and supplies at Oriental Trading called Under the Big Top and also check out amazon to buy paper products in bulk. (Google for a coupon code to save some money while you're at it.)




Carnival Games:


  • A group of friends and family members to help out at your booths.






  • Ring Toss (Take 25 or 36 plastic soda/water bottles and fill with sand. Put cap back on and spray paint them primary colors: red, blue, yellow. Set them up on a table or low platform in rows of 5x5 or 6x6 with a colored table cloth. Allow children to take a turn tossing the rings which can be pool diving rings.)

  • Pie Toss (You will need paper plates with shaving cream or whipped cream, an adult who wants to get messy, a hanging vinyl table cloth for backdrop and plastic chair.)

  • Bean Bag toss (Cut circles in cute piece of bright fabric or even a sheet and hang it it up -OR- using plywood DIY ... sew small squares and fill with beans or rice)

  • issing Booth (Fill a big jar with Hershey Kisses and have kids guess how many are in the jar! The prize: they win the whole jar.)

  • Clothes Pin Drop (Big Glass Jug...Try to drop wooden clothes pins straight down into jug)





  • Fishing Game (Get a small kiddie pool. Then using plastic fish (which can really be plastic fish or it can be construction paper fish which are laminated) and hot glue magnets to them. Fill pool with half way with water. Using a craft store stick to avoid splinters make a fishing pole. Drill a small hole through stick and feed a string through and make a knot. Attach a magnet on the other end of the string. Go Fishing!!)

  • Spray Away (Get a foam board and spray paint it a primary color.  Paint golf tees with spray paint in another primary color. Stick tees in foam board at regular intervals in a straight line. Place set up on a table covered in primary colored table cloth and put ping pong balls on the tees.Then have kids stand back behind a line and spray the balls with water guns.)

  • Tattoo booth

  • Face Painting booth


  • Bounce House

  • Football Toss

  • Big blown up slide


  • Photo booth (Use Fridge/Appliance Cardboard Box. Cut off one side and top completely, spray paint both sides a dark color and cover the back in cute bright wrapping paper (like primary colored polka dots) for your photo background). Have silly props available for photos like clown nose, clown rainbow wig, feather boa, princess crown, funny glasses ect... Have an adult on standby to take kids photos. Give pictures of each kid as thank you cards.

  • Win tickets for games and take them to prize table to claim prizes.

  • Give kids paper bags with handle (like present style bags) decorated with their names or let them decorate them to collect their prizes. This will be their party favor.

  • Prize Board (Cover foam board with bright wrapping paper or fabric, pin prizes to the board in little plastic bags with custom bag tags). Many prizes can be obtained from the dollar store, dollar section at target/walmart, oriental trading.com or a host of other sites out there for party favors. Online shoppers make sure to google for a coupon code for your store before you shop!


Location:


  • Backyard

  • Nice open park

  • School Yard

  • Church Parking Lot


Decorations: This is where you can go all out!!


  • Red and White Vertical Stripes scream Carnival. Look around for bold wide red and white striped fabric. I have seen it at IKEA
  • Tie strips of fabric (red, yellow, blue) to backs of chairs for color!
  • Hang crepe paper streamers straight down in primary colors from the door way entry to your carnival if it is at home.
  • Use bright colored table cloths in primary colors for tables and games.
  • Make your own ticket booth by using an appliance box and painting alternating red and white vertical stripes. Cut a rectangle window for your ticket taker using a box cutter.
  • Make your own game booths using card tables, fridge/appliance boxes which are spray painted, etc...





  • Hang red, yellow, blue crepe paper streamers from inside center of tent to edges and let them dangle down on 2-3 sides to look like a big top tent. Tie three red, yellow and blue balloons to inside center of tent.
  • No Sew custom pennant banner (DIY)
  • Balloon arch (red, yellow, blue...easy to make yourself with helium balloons) DIY You Tube
  • Make signs for games with carnival font (make signs on computer and print at print shop like FedEx Kinko's -OR- Print letter templates and hand cut letters out of felt or use diecut machine. Then, glue them to decorated poster board...have fun and let your kids help you too before the party) (Check these fonts Magic Jelly's 12 carnival fonts free download)







Hope these ideas help you have a super fun carnival party!! If you use any of these tips and post your party on your blog, I would love it if you could link back to this post. Thanks!

Photo Credits:

Carnival Food Popcorn Machine  Cotton Candy 
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