Happy New Year

Just wanted to drop in and wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Stay safe and have fun :) See you again next year (I know I'm a nerd, but I always love to say that). Here's to the year of the Dragon.........

A quick hellooo

I am uber busy with all the holiday festivities. I have been dying, all day, to share my cupcakes I whipped up this morning. I gave myself permission to quickly post them just in case there is  still someone out there who is in need of  an idea, something EASY, YUMMY and FAST.  So here ya are copy away..........

Free Gooseberry Patch CHILI Cookbook EXPIRED

update: EXPIRED!
Yessss! Gooseberry Patch has a digital copy of a Chili cookbook on Amazon for FREE!

Get a taste of Gooseberry Patch in this collection of over 20 favorite chili recipes. Grab a spoon and dig in! Warm, hearty and oh-so-delicious, we've included plenty of recipes for your one-pot family favorite in our Chili cookbook. Try southwestern chili casserole, Grandpa's favorite chili and oh-so-cheesy chili dip.

 mmm mhm Can't wait to try out some of these. My BumbleBee lives and breathes on Chili!

Personal Party Planner: Sesame Street

Theme:

Can you tell me how to get to (child's name) Birthday Party? and Today was brought to you by the letter S and the number 1 (child's initial and age) or Sunny days keeping the clouds away

Colors:

Primary, Elmo Red, Big Bird Yellow, Cookie Monster Blue, Oscar the Grouch Green, Ernie Orange

Invitation:

A few I liked from Etsy stores

LisaKay Designs

Paper Monkey

Anders Ruff

Decorations:

Big Bird Feet walking up to party (printable freebie here)

Use the template to cut out Big bird foot prints on yellow construction paper. Place foot prints walking up to party. . . like on side walk or a trail!

Pom Pom Characters

I love these poms I made! I rounding Burt and Ernie's tips, cutting Big Birds at a sharp point and the monsters with a perfect triangle cut. I purchased a PDF file of the faces from IParty (her etsy store is suddenly gone) for $7. I printed the images out on full sheet mailing labels to make the face stickers. You can then re-use the file for many more things, balloons, favor bags, and more.

I think Whirly rainbow lollipops would add a great pop of extra color.

 I hand painted this sign for my twin nephew's birthday. It really added a great piece of decor for just pennies.

Games:

Cookie Monster fur tissue game printable freebie here Have the image blown up and purchase Cookie monster blue tissue paper and a glue stick. Have each kid, blindfolded or not, glue the "fur-small pieces of tissue" onto Cookie's body.

Ernie's rubber ducky game

Stock up on rubber duckies. You can get them at Oriental Trading for as cheap as $4 per dozen. Hide the duckies throughout the party place. Explain to the kids Ernie lost his rubber ducky and he is very sad. Have a scavenger hunt for the rubber duckies. Make a cute sign with game title and a sad Ernie to put close by.

Oscar's trash can toss

Buy a small silver trash can or you could also paint a picture of a trash can to wrap around a bucket. Crumble up paper or old newspaper or do it after presents and use the wrapping paper and toss it into Oscars can. Make sure to add another sign. A stuffed Oscar would be super cute too.

Food:

Recipe Card also here

Elmo's goldfish

Fill three or so small beta fish bowls with blue jello. Place a few swedish fish inside the jello to look as if they are swimming.  A thrift store may have bowls for cheap. Add a tag saying something like Dorothy's family or Elmo's Goldfish with a picture of him. Put the note on a stick and poke it into the middle of the bowl.

Cookies Monsters Cookie and Vegetable tray

Add a note nearby saying something like Eat your veggies before your Cookies with a picture of Cookie Monster on it.

I made Cookie Monster cupcakes in a prior post here. You can easily make Elmo too.

Prior to the party, I also like to put a scoop of ice cream in a cupcake liner and refreeze. It makes for  faster pass out. Don't forget to put a special label at each station food, game, presents, etc. It really helps add special touches of decor without spending much. I am a big fan of labeling food and games for extra decor.

Favor:

i am totally stealing the favor idea from my Sister-in-law. Super Grover Capes!! They were similar to the ones below. But all she did was make small red capes and attached a letter G to the back with Stitch Witchery. They were absolutely adorable.

Adventures in Babywearing
 

Book Review: Unbroken

Get it here

By Laura Hillenbrand

Laura Hillenbrand brings life and excitement to the usual snore stories of war.  It took seven years for Hillenbrand to write Unbroken mostly because of the extensive research.  Unforgettable hero, main character Louie Zamperini, stories are told by factual accounts of World War II.  Hillenbrand has a way of sharing uncommon facts that most are not aware of. I learned surprising information about the war. It was, at times though, difficult to read about the prisoners of war. Hillenbrand spared no cruel or brutal detail. I read through this quickly compared to other nonfiction, but I did have to walk away from it a couple times because of the intensity.  One of the best books I have read this year. Would be great for a book club, she left plenty of room for discussion.

Recommended.

Vintage Trailer Trash

1967 diamond in the rough is what I have here. I am absolutely GIDDY to restore the trailer. I have big plans for it including white and black checkered linoleum, chalkboard paint, a white wash, red painted oven, texture and more texture, and a toys-camping-playing-vintage kind of theme. Here she is in all her glory.

Lots of potential, right? I just love the original vinyl in perfect condition, on the counters, table, and bathroom shower and sink. Crazy after 45 year there is still original details. The green room separator is great and the original magazine holder is still in the restroom. There are some details that absolutely have to go like the curtains!

 The latest owners changed the couch seating area to a permanent bed. I am not sure what I want to do here yet. My husband wants to leave it and build a dresser/storage area at the foot. I would love it in its original loveliness with a couch though. But the bed is SUPER comfy and huge. Hmmmm. . . all the possibilities :)

I think I may paint him white with tan detail. Not sure yet. Primary colors with a vintage touch, is what I am invisioning for my beauty right now. But hey, it may change. When i made the inspiration board below, I hadnt thought of sharing it. If these are yours or you know whos there are let me know, so i can give proper credit where proper credit is due :)

I found this absolutely inspirational blog The Vintage Housewife. Miss Cat remodeled a 1953 trailer that is too die for. Of course pink from top to bottom, with the cutest vintage touches. I only dream, one day, I will have my own 50's rounded trailer to transform into pure vintage love. Drool over her trailer.

I have made one purchase for my happy camper 

So what if its not truly vintage, it only cost $3.99 at WorkSports and its fully functional just in case.

Mustaches with Martha

     Recently while perusing the craft store, I stumbled upon a new multipurpose paint from Martha Stewart Crafts.  The back reads:

                   Use on wood, glass, metal and fabric. Indoor/Outdoor. Water based.

                 Non-Toxic. Weather Resistant. Shake. Dry 1 hr between coats. For Glass:

                   Clean surface with alcohol. Cure 21 days. Top-Rack dishwash.

     Glass? I couldn't believe it. I have always used Pebeo Porcelaine Paint. This would not only simplify the process, but also add a wide range of colors to use. What could I test the new miracle paint out on? Mustache mugs, of course. I have seen a variety of these babies floating around, and have been dying for an excuse to whip some up. Here are my clever mugs 21 days after painting.

And they made it through the dishwasher. Yipee! Oh Martha, how you continuously knock my socks off.

Mustache Freebie Printable

Also that night, T-bird needed a class treat. So we quickly through together 26 mustache suckers. So cute!

Secret Santa

Sssshhhh, don't tell. My Mother-in-law asked me to whip up architectural photography art for family. Look how they turned out. Super easy with photoshop :) I made eight of these but the Briggs family was my favorite. I just loved the "I". I purchased all the photos from multiple sellers on etsy.

I even turned it around and made one for her (They are avid outdoorsmen) I googled for these photos. I forgot to write down where I got them so if they are yours let me know please.

Cookie Monster Cupcakes

     Me want cookie! Me want cookie in cupcake!

Quite a few tutorials have been circulating around for these adorable Cookie Monster cupcakes, but when my sister-in-law asked me to help make 80 of them, I realized the recipes I'd seen, would have to be simplified. So for all those out there with little time, large quantities needed, bad bakers, or tree-nut allergies, here is what we did. 

1. Baked the perfect cupcakes,

 cut a slit just above the wrapper, and added a small cookie.

I used Target brand (like chips ahoy) cookies.

2. Blend store bought white frosting and NEON blue food coloring.

Must use neon, with regular blue you must use too much coloring and
the blue still isn't bright enough in my opinion . Use a star tip to apply fur.
I found it easiest to add fur under cookie first, then finish the top.

3. Turn white chocolate melting chip upside down and add black dots for eyes.
Perfect eyes is what sets apart the good and the bad I found.
So be sure to make the pupils M&M size with one pointing up and
one pointing to the left or right. I have seen a lot of people use
M&M for eyes but my sister in law wanted black and
that would have cost an addition eight dollars per forty.

Easy and Cookie Monster approved!

It's beginning to look a lot like a Homemade Christmas!

. . . . . Everywhere you go.

I just love homemade gifts. Whenever I receive ornaments made from noodles or homemade fudge or a knitted scarf, I am absolutely gleeful. To be completely honest, these  gifts are always my favorite, and most memorable. Not saying I wouldn't be ecstatic for a new sewing machine (hint, hint SmittenHub).

With the economy the way it is, this year may be perfect for a homemade gift exchange. Homemade gifts don't have to be fancy or even perfect. They only have to come from the heart. Think about the gift receiver, and brainstorm some ideas of what they like. Does grandma just adore pigs? Have the kids make a piggly wiggly paper weight. Does your husband love sports? Make him a team tag blanket. The possibilities are endless. If you don't know how to do something, don't be afraid to Google or look for tutorials on Youtube.

This year, the gifts i made varied in difficulty. I hope to inspire you to get out there and craft.

the lovely ladies:  Chalkboard Finish Wine Glasses

Have you seen those very charming wine glasses with the stem painted with chalkboard paint? What a great idea right! The down fall is the color: Black. Wouldn't it be cute to match their kitchen decor? So why not put a spin on the idea and add a pop of color with DIY chalkboard paint. You can pick ANY color!

Pick up wine glasses from your local thrift store. I did for $.69 each!! Wash them and let dry. I primed the glasses with a white base coat, using Martha Stewart's new multi-surface acrylic paint. I am not sure if this was necessary. I prime everything. I would rather be safe now than regret not priming later. Next mix your paint. Pick your favorite color or colors (for this set I choose purple jewel-tones). Use any acrylic craft paint. For about every three tablespoons of paint add half a teaspoon of UNSANDED tile grout. After a few tries and research I also decided to add one and a half teaspoons of a water based glazing medium. Stir the paint until hardly no clumps are left. Paint a few coats on the wine glasses with a sponge brush (the two darker colors needed five coats but the two lighter only needed three). Once satisfied, condition the chalkboard finish by rubbing chalk all over it and then wiping it off. 

 For the studdly men: A Duck Call Lanyard

My husband has been asking me to make him a lanyard for awhile. I was having a hard time finding good directions though. Finally, I ended up using a tutorial by Issak9898 off Youtube. He did a great job explaining the how to's. After watching the video a few times, I finally got the hang of it. I bought 100 ft of paracord here for $8. It made five lanyards. Just in case the hubby's peeking, I don't want to post a picture until after christmas.

 

 the strapping young men: Marshmallow Blow guns

Super Cheap AWESOME present and incredibly easy. One PVC gun cost a whoppy total of $2.64!!! Add a one dollar bag of mini marshmallow and you will be amazed at how much fun your little boy can have with less than four bucks.

You will need:
2 1/2" PVC Tees
2 1/2" PVC Elbows
2 1/2" PVC Caps
2 8" pieces of 1/2" PVC40 pipe
5 4" pieces of 1/2" PVC40 pipe

Now all you have to do is put together the pieces according to the picture below. I don't recommend gluing the gun together. The marshmallow can become very sticking, jamming the gun with too much spit.

 Load the marshmallow gun , by placing ONE marshmallow through the top open pipe. Blow as if it were a trumpet. But be careful the marshmallow can come out very quick leaving a sting if hit LOL

For the sugar and spice and everything nice in your life: Homemade Kool-aid lip gloss

To make lip gloss you will need small jars, various kool-aid mix, petroleum jelly, a bowl and a spoon. First add the desired amount of petroleum jelly to a bowl. Warm it up for about forty seconds. Add appropriate amount of kool-aid. Stir thoroughly for a minute or so. Microwave for another thirty seconds. Stir until consistency is just a bit thicker than honey. Easy peasy!

The Droolers: Stocking Caps.

Every little bambino needs a cute hat to keep their ears warm. I recently taught myself how to knit, but before I made hats, scarfs, blankets with looms. Loom knitting is super easy and nobody can tell the difference. Looming is great for kids too.

I made both these hats with my loom. they are infant size. They do have looms that vary in sizes. So you can make adult or kid sizes as well.The pick hat I doubled the rim and the green I did not. I highly highly recommend buying soft and high quality yarn. The Loom Room has a great hat tutorial plus many more.

50 Thanksgivings

1. my husband :) I could go on forever, really, forever and ever of how thankful i am to have such a great guy.

2. family movie nights

3. rainy days

4. my beautiful kiddos

5. new purses

6. my hub providing for his family any way he can

7. my mama

8. a house over my family's head

9. full bellies

10. a good little puppy

11. a good little meatloaf (kitty)

12. Family

13. The hour after the kids are in bed

14. bbf's

15. tanner's sweetness

16. a running car

17. brooke's speech therapist

18. my creative skills

19. books

20. Thanksgiving with family

21. love

22. soldiers

23. living in america

24. brookey bee's sassiness

25. game time with the fam

26. Chilly fall weather

27. cozy reading breaks

28. My smashley

29. pretty shoes

30. craftting time

31. Small quiet times alone

32. being able to stay at home with my babies.

33. public school systems

34. good teachers involved in tanner's learning

35. The ellen show.......i just love her

36. my husband

37. god

38. laughter

39. aunt t the ya ya

40. creating beauties

41. the most perfect wedding

42. everybody that helped in the wedding

43. sushi

44. ummm did I say my husband :)

45. christmas spirit

46. Friends

47. turkey mash potatoes and cranberries

48. the crock pot

49. hot cocoa

50. sweet eskimo kisses from my loves