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Trying New Things
Friday, March 30, 2012
Friday's Motivation - Adversity
I'm wondering if some people have given up difficult things for Lent and feel like they've just about reached the edge of their tolerance for adversity. These are for you:
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Link It Up Thursday #13
Rindy Mae mentioned on Tuesday that Easter is only 12 days away,..10 now. How in the world did that happen? Did it sneak up on you too? Or will this party be filled with link after link of awesome Easter projects? I guess we'll see. But first, this is what caught my eye from last week's party.
Rose has done it again with this great spring wreath. I often have difficulty with spring wreaths for some reason but this is a great tutorial that I am definitely going to be giving a try.
This little skirt makes me want to twirl and apparently Momo feels the same way. Check out the rest of Annie's photos of her daughter wearing this sweet spring skirt.
These little crocheted rainboots are the perfect rainy day accessory for your little pre-toddler. Sarah has the pattern perfectly explained at her site with the most adorable little model.
A Mother and Daughter Blog revamped old lamps into a pair of gorgeous coordinating upcycles with yellow and polka dots. Love them.
I love this springy wreath that Amanda made. She has a complete tutorial over at her site and it looks so easy to make. Just in time for Easter decor.
Nice work ladies. Please grab a featured button for your awesome projects. If you weren't featured here, pop on over to Kadie's blog, Seven Alive, and see if she featured you over there.
Rose has done it again with this great spring wreath. I often have difficulty with spring wreaths for some reason but this is a great tutorial that I am definitely going to be giving a try.
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| A Rosie Sweet Life |
This little skirt makes me want to twirl and apparently Momo feels the same way. Check out the rest of Annie's photos of her daughter wearing this sweet spring skirt.
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| Peaches and Bees |
These little crocheted rainboots are the perfect rainy day accessory for your little pre-toddler. Sarah has the pattern perfectly explained at her site with the most adorable little model.
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| Repeat Crafter Me |
A Mother and Daughter Blog revamped old lamps into a pair of gorgeous coordinating upcycles with yellow and polka dots. Love them.
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| A Mother and Daughter |
I love this springy wreath that Amanda made. She has a complete tutorial over at her site and it looks so easy to make. Just in time for Easter decor.
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| One Day in The Life of a Mother |
Nice work ladies. Please grab a featured button for your awesome projects. If you weren't featured here, pop on over to Kadie's blog, Seven Alive, and see if she featured you over there.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Salmon Packets
I love easy. Tasty and easy? That really makes my day, and that's exactly what these little fish packets are.
I actually went in search of white fish but the supermarket didn't have any (??!!) so I settled on some salmon steaks. Didn't matter, this method made them taste awesome.
I put the salmon on a piece of parchment and topped with artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, black olives and parsley. Then I drizzled with a bit of the artichoke marinade and some dried chillies.
You could really throw in whatever you enjoy in the packets: zucchini and red peppers, capers, dill, chives. Whatever floats your boat. Once you've piled on all of the goodies that you want to include, wrap up the salmon like a little present; nice and tight to keep in all of the moisture.
Cook for 12-15 minutes in a 450-degree oven. I put the little packets on a cookie sheet in case the liquid oozed out. I know we're all big fans of easy clean-up.
You can serve right from the parchment or plate it up. Just remember to be careful of the hot steam when you open it.
I actually went in search of white fish but the supermarket didn't have any (??!!) so I settled on some salmon steaks. Didn't matter, this method made them taste awesome.
I put the salmon on a piece of parchment and topped with artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, black olives and parsley. Then I drizzled with a bit of the artichoke marinade and some dried chillies.
You could really throw in whatever you enjoy in the packets: zucchini and red peppers, capers, dill, chives. Whatever floats your boat. Once you've piled on all of the goodies that you want to include, wrap up the salmon like a little present; nice and tight to keep in all of the moisture.
Cook for 12-15 minutes in a 450-degree oven. I put the little packets on a cookie sheet in case the liquid oozed out. I know we're all big fans of easy clean-up.
You can serve right from the parchment or plate it up. Just remember to be careful of the hot steam when you open it.
This is where I'm partying:
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
House Tips Series - Stains
I'm sure that all of you moms must feel like laundry is never-ending and trying to get rid of stains is a constant challenge. I know that in our house, even without kiddos, it feels like I'm always struggling with stains, usually food or blood. Yeah, I'm kind of clumsy in the kitchen.
I have two tips today that will make this stain business so much easier. The first is the spray that I use. It couldn't be easier:
The peroxide is the same stuff that you can get at the dollar store, pharmacy, or grocery store. I haven't tried it with another brand, but I am pretty sure it has to be Dawn.
Just mix in a spray bottle and then leave the top off overnight so that the Dawn can settle down. If you don't, it might foam out of the top and make a mess. I don't seem to have that problem if I let it settle.
Here is a before shot of my kitchen cloth with (I'm embarrassed to say) stains that have been sitting there for days. One is spaghetti sauce and the other is chicken soup broth.
I sprayed the stains, left it overnight, and then laundered as usual. Ta da! I couldn't even figure out which side had the stain so I took pictures of all of them, lol.
For greasy stains I make one adjustment. I spray the stain and then cover the sprayed area with baby powder (quite a bit). You could probably use cornstarch as well, but I haven't tried that out. Just leave it overnight and then launder as usual. Occasionally I will have to do this process twice for really greasy stuff, but usually once through does the trick.
If a stain isn't too bad, I have been known to spray right before putting the soiled clothing in the way so don't be afraid to use it that way also. What is your hardest stain to get out?
I have two tips today that will make this stain business so much easier. The first is the spray that I use. It couldn't be easier:
** 1 part Dawn dish detergent and 2 parts hydrogen peroxide **
Just mix in a spray bottle and then leave the top off overnight so that the Dawn can settle down. If you don't, it might foam out of the top and make a mess. I don't seem to have that problem if I let it settle.
Here is a before shot of my kitchen cloth with (I'm embarrassed to say) stains that have been sitting there for days. One is spaghetti sauce and the other is chicken soup broth.
I sprayed the stains, left it overnight, and then laundered as usual. Ta da! I couldn't even figure out which side had the stain so I took pictures of all of them, lol.
For greasy stains I make one adjustment. I spray the stain and then cover the sprayed area with baby powder (quite a bit). You could probably use cornstarch as well, but I haven't tried that out. Just leave it overnight and then launder as usual. Occasionally I will have to do this process twice for really greasy stuff, but usually once through does the trick.
If a stain isn't too bad, I have been known to spray right before putting the soiled clothing in the way so don't be afraid to use it that way also. What is your hardest stain to get out?
Monday, March 26, 2012
Twine Pear
Don't you love it when you can check something off of your Pinterest list of things to make? Of course you do. Well, this twine pear was on my mine.
I love how it starts with a dead light bulb - recycle, upcycle, whatever you want to call it. I've been staring at all the incandescent bulbs in our house, just waiting for one of them to burn out. Now? How 'bout now? Finally.
I grabbed some twine and the glue gun and got to work.
I found the original photo at Here In the Waiting Place. There weren't any instructions, but really it was just a wrap and glue sort of thing. Or should I say wrap, glue, and burn finger sort of thing?! I guess I haven't used the glue gun in awhile. :)
The stem is just a piece of twig that was also glued on (minus the finger-burning that time - woohoo). Here is where it ended up:
What is the most recent craft you were able to knock off of your Pinterest list?
This is where I'm partying:
Shine on Fridays (One Artsy Mama)
Freestyle Friday (Happy Hour Projects)
Frugal Friday (Shabby Nest)
Things I've Done Thursday (Bear Rabbit Bear)
Taking Timeout Thursday (Mom On Timeout)
It's A Party (A Creative Princess)
Super Sweet Thursday Par-tay (Fabulously Flawed)
I love how it starts with a dead light bulb - recycle, upcycle, whatever you want to call it. I've been staring at all the incandescent bulbs in our house, just waiting for one of them to burn out. Now? How 'bout now? Finally.
I grabbed some twine and the glue gun and got to work.
I found the original photo at Here In the Waiting Place. There weren't any instructions, but really it was just a wrap and glue sort of thing. Or should I say wrap, glue, and burn finger sort of thing?! I guess I haven't used the glue gun in awhile. :)
The stem is just a piece of twig that was also glued on (minus the finger-burning that time - woohoo). Here is where it ended up:
What is the most recent craft you were able to knock off of your Pinterest list?
This is where I'm partying:
Shine on Fridays (One Artsy Mama)
Freestyle Friday (Happy Hour Projects)
Frugal Friday (Shabby Nest)
Things I've Done Thursday (Bear Rabbit Bear)
Taking Timeout Thursday (Mom On Timeout)
It's A Party (A Creative Princess)
Super Sweet Thursday Par-tay (Fabulously Flawed)
Friday, March 23, 2012
Friday's Motivation - Coffee
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Link It Up Thursday #12
Woohoo. Spring has sprung - I can't believe how early it settled into Ontario this year, especially after having the no-winter we had. I hope you've been enjoying the warm weather all week and are now ready to party.
First, let's see what caught my eye from last week.
You have to pop over to Rosemary's blog to see what she used for the legs on this footstool. Very clever.
I just love the chevron pattern of Kara's gorgeous afghan. She has the pattern over at her site, so be sure to head over to check it out.
I love this upcycled rose t-shirt that Pam made. The black insert of material really highlights the other blues. Pam also has a series of ongoing sewing parties (e.g. skirts, bags and totes, boys' clothing, etc.) that are great for inspiration or for showing off your masterpiece.
Full Circle Creations made all of these signs. I especially like the fresh coffee sign, but they all look so amazing.
This is seriously making me hungry looking at it. Lyuba shows what fabulous flavour you can get from braising. Besides saying you made Coq au Vin just sounds so french and classy.
Nice work ladies. Please grab a featured button for your awesome projects. If you weren't featured here, pop on over to Kadie's blog, Seven Alive, and see if she featured you over there.
First, let's see what caught my eye from last week.
You have to pop over to Rosemary's blog to see what she used for the legs on this footstool. Very clever.
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| Villa Barnes |
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| Simplistically Sassy |
I love this upcycled rose t-shirt that Pam made. The black insert of material really highlights the other blues. Pam also has a series of ongoing sewing parties (e.g. skirts, bags and totes, boys' clothing, etc.) that are great for inspiration or for showing off your masterpiece.
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| Threading My Way |
Full Circle Creations made all of these signs. I especially like the fresh coffee sign, but they all look so amazing.
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| Full Circle Creations |
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| Will Cook for Smiles |
Nice work ladies. Please grab a featured button for your awesome projects. If you weren't featured here, pop on over to Kadie's blog, Seven Alive, and see if she featured you over there.
This is a shared link party, so if you link it up here, it will show up on the fabulous Kadie's blog, Seven Alive. We want to see everything you have to link up! Old projects, new posts, giveaways, etsy shops, recipes, crocheting, any and everything. If you have more than one thing to link up, even better.
Here are our very simple rules.
1. Please keep it family-friendly.
2. Link back to our site or grab a button so others can share in the fun.
3. Following us would be nice (but don't feel you have to).
4. Have fun, be inspired.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Twisted Bracelet
If you have admired those seed bead twisty bracelets and necklaces, but didn't know how to get the twisted effect, then today is your day.
I started with 4 strings of beads. I used a crimping bead and fed all four strings through, and then crimped. I did this at both ends so that the beads wouldn't come flying off. People who follow me on Facebook know that I did this precaution after those beads came off several times. Eventually, I learn. :)
In this photo, you can see the crimp bead with all four strings fed through it.
After you crimp both ends, lay out your bracelet flat. To get the twist, hold down the right-hand end with your right hand and don't let go throughout all of the steps.
Separate the first strand from the rest of the strands.
Pick up the left-hand end of the bracelet and fish it underneath that first strand that you separated. You'll notice in this photo that I moved my right hand. That was only to take the photo. Don't move your right hand. :) (again with the smiley face)
Pull the left-hand strands all the way through and re-straighten the bracelet. Next, you want to move over the first and second strands.
Once again, take the left-hand end of the bracelet and fish it underneath the first two strands that you separated. (keep your right hand holding it down)
And pull it through.
Next, you separate the first, second, and third strands. You probably figured that out already, didn't you.
Keep repeating (the next step would be back to separating away the first strand again), until your bracelet has the right amount of twist. When you're happy, go ahead and fasten on a jump ring on one end and a lobster clasp to the other. That's it - you're done. All that's left to do is show it off.
I started with 4 strings of beads. I used a crimping bead and fed all four strings through, and then crimped. I did this at both ends so that the beads wouldn't come flying off. People who follow me on Facebook know that I did this precaution after those beads came off several times. Eventually, I learn. :)
In this photo, you can see the crimp bead with all four strings fed through it.
After you crimp both ends, lay out your bracelet flat. To get the twist, hold down the right-hand end with your right hand and don't let go throughout all of the steps.
Separate the first strand from the rest of the strands.
Pick up the left-hand end of the bracelet and fish it underneath that first strand that you separated. You'll notice in this photo that I moved my right hand. That was only to take the photo. Don't move your right hand. :) (again with the smiley face)
Pull the left-hand strands all the way through and re-straighten the bracelet. Next, you want to move over the first and second strands.
Once again, take the left-hand end of the bracelet and fish it underneath the first two strands that you separated. (keep your right hand holding it down)
And pull it through.
Next, you separate the first, second, and third strands. You probably figured that out already, didn't you.
Keep repeating (the next step would be back to separating away the first strand again), until your bracelet has the right amount of twist. When you're happy, go ahead and fasten on a jump ring on one end and a lobster clasp to the other. That's it - you're done. All that's left to do is show it off.
As always, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. It's tricky to explain, and I clearly needed at least one more hand for the photos, lol.
This is where I'm partying:
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
House Tips Series - Bananas
Spring seems like the perfect time for a new beginning, so how about a completely different series? Put your cameras away (okay, don't put them away, still keep snapping and sharing), because we're going to start talking about household tips.
Starting with bananas.
Well, where would you start? Trust me, if you eat bananas you are going to be thrilled.
I love having bananas available on the counter for a healthy snack option, but seriously don't you find that you can buy them perfect one day and then they're over-ripe crap the next day?
Well, I'm about to solve that little dilemma for you. Really I am.
For starters, take your bunch of bananas apart at the stems. This will help to keep them from ripening too quickly.
But the second tip is the best, put them in a plastic bag. I know, it doesn't sound right does it. I balked at it as well, but I hate ruined bananas so much that I thought I would give it a try.
So above you have two bananas. One of them was purchased 8 days ago and the other was purchased 3 days ago, and at the time of purchase, they looked pretty much the same as far as ripeness. So, which banana do you think is older?
I know you want to say the top one, but that's the one from only 3 days ago. The bottom one (8 days) was in a plastic bag all week. I couldn't believe how well this worked.
I just used one of the produce bags from the grocery store. I tried it last week with a ziploc-type bag and it worked great as well, but it was a pain to keep zipping it (yeah, we're all about the minimal amount of effort around here).
Let me know how this works for you if you try it.
Starting with bananas.
Well, where would you start? Trust me, if you eat bananas you are going to be thrilled.
I love having bananas available on the counter for a healthy snack option, but seriously don't you find that you can buy them perfect one day and then they're over-ripe crap the next day?
Well, I'm about to solve that little dilemma for you. Really I am.
For starters, take your bunch of bananas apart at the stems. This will help to keep them from ripening too quickly.
But the second tip is the best, put them in a plastic bag. I know, it doesn't sound right does it. I balked at it as well, but I hate ruined bananas so much that I thought I would give it a try.
So above you have two bananas. One of them was purchased 8 days ago and the other was purchased 3 days ago, and at the time of purchase, they looked pretty much the same as far as ripeness. So, which banana do you think is older?
I know you want to say the top one, but that's the one from only 3 days ago. The bottom one (8 days) was in a plastic bag all week. I couldn't believe how well this worked.
I just used one of the produce bags from the grocery store. I tried it last week with a ziploc-type bag and it worked great as well, but it was a pain to keep zipping it (yeah, we're all about the minimal amount of effort around here).
Let me know how this works for you if you try it.
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