Check out this great use of freezer paper from Stay-at-Home Artist!
I've never done a freezer paper stencil before but now I think I have to. =)
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
Sand box!
We- okay, my hubby and niece- made the boys a sandbox this weekend! I had grandiose plans of making a BIG one (6'x8') but the sand alone was going to run about $300, so I downsized. The boys didn't really use the big plastic pool I bought (I don't know why when it's so freaking hot!) so it got repurposed.
I tried to take pictures of the project in progress but it was so stinking humid that my lens kept fogging up. I am not even kidding. We're talking tropical rain forest weather in Minnesota. Totally serious. See?
These pics are the best I could get...
Viola! Instant sand box.
The boys were out playing in it this morning when they were supposed to be eating breakfast. At least they were busy, happy, and not fighting nearly as much. =) I'd still like a big sandbox, but this will do just fine for now.
I tried to take pictures of the project in progress but it was so stinking humid that my lens kept fogging up. I am not even kidding. We're talking tropical rain forest weather in Minnesota. Totally serious. See?
These pics are the best I could get...
First, my niece drilled a ton of tiny holes in the bottom and around the sides about an inch off the ground to allow water to drain out. Then my hubby poured fourteen 50-lb. bags of premium white play sand inside. 
Child labor. Ha ha! He was actually very excited about helping.
Child labor. Ha ha! He was actually very excited about helping.
Viola! Instant sand box.
The boys were out playing in it this morning when they were supposed to be eating breakfast. At least they were busy, happy, and not fighting nearly as much. =) I'd still like a big sandbox, but this will do just fine for now.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
I WON! Rachael's Homemade Natural Soap
Believe it or not, I-- the person who never wins free stuff-- won a giveaway at The Cottage Home! I don't enter giveaways very often, especially when it is on a blog as popular as The Cottage Mama's, because I figure the odds of winning are not in my favor. Well, the odds changed and I was super excited to find out I had won some fabulous soaps and scrubbies from Rachael's Homemade Natural Soap! 
I got 3 scrubbies and my choice of 3 soaps out of 17 delicious-smelling options. I chose Peppermint Wake Up Bar, Oatmeal Milk & Honey, and Vanilla Orange. Aren't those yummy? 
I've been using the Peppermint Wake Up Bar this week and I LOVE it. I may have to order it in bulk.
The scrubbies are wonderful, too. They are the perfect size to hold in your hand, soft enough to be gentle, and durable enough to be effective. Plus, they are adorable and come in fun colors!
So head on over to Rachael's Homemade Natural Soap and drool over all the great dishcloths, soap dispensers, gloves, scrubbies, and beautiful bars of soap she has.
I got 3 scrubbies and my choice of 3 soaps out of 17 delicious-smelling options. I chose Peppermint Wake Up Bar, Oatmeal Milk & Honey, and Vanilla Orange. Aren't those yummy? 
I've been using the Peppermint Wake Up Bar this week and I LOVE it. I may have to order it in bulk.
The scrubbies are wonderful, too. They are the perfect size to hold in your hand, soft enough to be gentle, and durable enough to be effective. Plus, they are adorable and come in fun colors!
So head on over to Rachael's Homemade Natural Soap and drool over all the great dishcloths, soap dispensers, gloves, scrubbies, and beautiful bars of soap she has.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
A Happy 4th of July Pedicure
I did my toenails as a reward for being responsible and doing a ton of homework the other day. The star was from the Silhouette library; I shrunk it to 1/4" and cut it out of white adhesive-backed vinyl. This was so much fun I think I'll have to do a different decal for every holiday!
Giveaway
The talented Natalie of Anna Rae Custom Designs is doing a giveaway on her blog. The winner will get a pair of beautiful mixed-media paintings! How awesome is that? Take a look at what could be hanging on your wall:
Both are on heavy-weight arches paper, and have been created with a combination of watercolor, ink, beeswax, and oil paint. They both have actual texture created by the beeswax to make a truly unique conversation piece that will fit in practically every color scheme. As long as the pieces are framed properly and kept out of direct sunlight/heat, they will last forever. I love the rich browns, maroons, and reds that are variant throughout the pieces.
Both paper sizes are about 10x11.5" and the image sizes are 4" x 5.5" and 4x4". They are not framed.
Both are on heavy-weight arches paper, and have been created with a combination of watercolor, ink, beeswax, and oil paint. They both have actual texture created by the beeswax to make a truly unique conversation piece that will fit in practically every color scheme. As long as the pieces are framed properly and kept out of direct sunlight/heat, they will last forever. I love the rich browns, maroons, and reds that are variant throughout the pieces.
Both paper sizes are about 10x11.5" and the image sizes are 4" x 5.5" and 4x4". They are not framed.
The instructions for entering this giveaway are on Natalie's blog, so please head on over there and do your thing. Good luck!!!
While you're at it, take a peek at the super cute stuff in her Etsy shop. You won't regret it! Here are a few of my favorite things...
While you're at it, take a peek at the super cute stuff in her Etsy shop. You won't regret it! Here are a few of my favorite things...
Friday, June 17, 2011
New semester
I am taking an insane 11 credits this semester, and my babysitter is coming a week and a half later than planned. Needless to say, I'm a little bit frazzled. Just a tiny bit. Thank goodness for kind neighbors and friends, and an understanding and supportive husband!
The new semester started 5 weeks ago with an online class, American Government and Politics. To be honest, I was really dreading this class-- it sounds like a total snooze-- but I'm actually somewhat enjoying what I'm learning. Shocker! The downside is that there are 3-4 quizzes per week, and each quiz requires at least 2 hours of study and preparation. Yikes.
Monday, I started the Family Law class with a professor that I had for all 3 classes last Summer. It took me the whole semester last year to decide that I liked him. Now I have to start all over. Have you ever talked to someone that made you feel stupid every time you ask a question, no matter how valid? Yup. That's him.
Last night was my first Litigation class. The teacher is a hoot, but I've heard her tests are brutal. Lovely. She had us do a getting-to-know-you activity to find things in common with each other since we were going to have to work together closely in groups for the next 8 weeks. One guy, right off the bat, asked me to guess how old he was. Not going to happen, my friend. He then asked if I played chess (I don't) and proceeded to tell me that learning to play the game would turn me into an excellent conversationalist. Um, is there something wrong with my current conversation skills? One woman, when she found out I am a stay-at-home mom, said, "Yeah, I don't work either." Excuse me?
My last class, also online, is Language Structure in Thought and Action...yeah. I'll keep you posted on what I think of that.
Don't you just love his unique sense of style? This kid is hilarious!
Glimpses of the AWESOME Minnesota Children's Museum that we will be visiting as many times as possible in the next six months.
SO much fun!
(He did the face painting himself.)
The new semester started 5 weeks ago with an online class, American Government and Politics. To be honest, I was really dreading this class-- it sounds like a total snooze-- but I'm actually somewhat enjoying what I'm learning. Shocker! The downside is that there are 3-4 quizzes per week, and each quiz requires at least 2 hours of study and preparation. Yikes.
Monday, I started the Family Law class with a professor that I had for all 3 classes last Summer. It took me the whole semester last year to decide that I liked him. Now I have to start all over. Have you ever talked to someone that made you feel stupid every time you ask a question, no matter how valid? Yup. That's him.
Last night was my first Litigation class. The teacher is a hoot, but I've heard her tests are brutal. Lovely. She had us do a getting-to-know-you activity to find things in common with each other since we were going to have to work together closely in groups for the next 8 weeks. One guy, right off the bat, asked me to guess how old he was. Not going to happen, my friend. He then asked if I played chess (I don't) and proceeded to tell me that learning to play the game would turn me into an excellent conversationalist. Um, is there something wrong with my current conversation skills? One woman, when she found out I am a stay-at-home mom, said, "Yeah, I don't work either." Excuse me?
My last class, also online, is Language Structure in Thought and Action...yeah. I'll keep you posted on what I think of that.
Anyway, in spite of some "interesting" fellow students and a hectic schedule, I think this will be one crazy, informational, memorable Summer. Things should simmer down in 3 weeks when my Am. Gov't & Pol. class wraps up and then I can have some FUN before it snows again. =) In the mean time, I have my monkeys to keep things lively and entertaining.
Don't you just love his unique sense of style? This kid is hilarious!
Glimpses of the AWESOME Minnesota Children's Museum that we will be visiting as many times as possible in the next six months.
SO much fun!
(He did the face painting himself.)Sunday, June 12, 2011
End-of-School-Year Teacher Gift
My 2nd grader had an awesome teacher this year. It was her first year in charge of a classroom, and there were a lot of children my son's class that had serious behavior problems. It was quite a challenge, but she is a brilliant, fun, and enthusiastic teacher who worked very hard to get to know and understand the children as individuals.
For our end-of-school gift, my son wanted his teacher to have homemade bread and some new earrings. 
I had to tweak his original design, but he was happy with the finished earrings and the surprise matching bracelet.
I used white glass pearls and pink glass beads. I love how the opacity and irregular shape of the pink beads contrast but complement the perfect roundness of the pearls. I may have to recreate this for myself!
I had to tweak his original design, but he was happy with the finished earrings and the surprise matching bracelet.
I used white glass pearls and pink glass beads. I love how the opacity and irregular shape of the pink beads contrast but complement the perfect roundness of the pearls. I may have to recreate this for myself!
Monday, June 6, 2011
*UGH*
I've had kind of an "ugh" couple of weeks. You know the kid that I mean? The days are way too long, yet not long enough; the kids are tired but won't sleep enough; Mom is tired but somehow ends up staying up way too late every night trying to get stuff done that never seems to actually get done, etc.... Oh, and my baby finally figured out he could get out of his crib. That's been fun. Ha ha! Anyway, I found myself alone last night in a quiet house after everyone, including hubby, was asleep by 8:30. Did I jump on those projects I've been dying to get to, crank out a few more pairs of fun earrings,clean up the messy living room, or make bread because we've been out of it for 3 weeks? Nope. I curled up on the couch and watched two episodes of Veronica Mars, talked to my prego sister about baby names, talked to my brother about what he can buy me with all the money he's making this Summer, and ate chocolate cereal at midnight. Fun, right? I thought so. =)
Here's what I did accomplish, though, just so you know it's not all soap operas and bon bons around here:
I completed all my homework assignments early and aced my first 2 quizzes. I sorted through every file and several boxes of "stuff" that has been piling up for...um...a while, and got it somewhat organized. I posted our 12-year-old car on craigslist and sold it in 3 days for the full asking price (I had to fight for that one). I planned and hosted a successful baby shower that included mini cheesecakes, spinach and artichoke dip, and chocolate mint brownie bites (oh, yeah). I also cleaned and organized the little boys' room and started teaching my 8-year-old how to play the piano.
But now I'm determined to get out of the slump I've been in. I went to the gym this morning, even though I really just wanted to watch some more Veronica. I joined Weight Watchers (again) because I have finally accepted that my jeans are too tight because I have (once again) lost all self-control when it comes to food and really have not been bloated for 2 months. I am cleaning my living room tonight so my little guys can have a play date tomorrow. I will make bread tomorrow because it really is not that hard or time-consuming. I will make sure my kids have loads of fun. I will finish and send my brother's and two nephews' birthday boxes this week (better late than never, right?). And I will enjoy my 12th anniversary afternoon date with my husband this Saturday!
Here's to future "ugh"-free weeks, looser jeans, a cleaner house, fresh bread, and a happy family!!!
Here's what I did accomplish, though, just so you know it's not all soap operas and bon bons around here:
I completed all my homework assignments early and aced my first 2 quizzes. I sorted through every file and several boxes of "stuff" that has been piling up for...um...a while, and got it somewhat organized. I posted our 12-year-old car on craigslist and sold it in 3 days for the full asking price (I had to fight for that one). I planned and hosted a successful baby shower that included mini cheesecakes, spinach and artichoke dip, and chocolate mint brownie bites (oh, yeah). I also cleaned and organized the little boys' room and started teaching my 8-year-old how to play the piano.
But now I'm determined to get out of the slump I've been in. I went to the gym this morning, even though I really just wanted to watch some more Veronica. I joined Weight Watchers (again) because I have finally accepted that my jeans are too tight because I have (once again) lost all self-control when it comes to food and really have not been bloated for 2 months. I am cleaning my living room tonight so my little guys can have a play date tomorrow. I will make bread tomorrow because it really is not that hard or time-consuming. I will make sure my kids have loads of fun. I will finish and send my brother's and two nephews' birthday boxes this week (better late than never, right?). And I will enjoy my 12th anniversary afternoon date with my husband this Saturday!
Here's to future "ugh"-free weeks, looser jeans, a cleaner house, fresh bread, and a happy family!!!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Perspective
A friend's teenage son, Jonathan, was in a serious bike accident last Thursday and is in critical condition with multiple facial and skull fractures. He has had to have surgery to remove parts of his skull due to brain swelling, and now- after making so much progress in such a short amount of time- he is in isolation fighting a staph infection. This amazing family's recent trials have put my relatively minor troubles into perspective.
TROUBLE- Just as we were starting to make a dent in our debt, we had to replace a car, pay to repair both the new and the old car, replace our washing machine that died suddenly, and I found out I no longer qualify for subsidized student loans.
PERSPECTIVE- We now have two functioning vehicles plus one that is almost ready to sell, the new washer is awesome and more efficient, and I can still get unsubsidized loans so I can continue to go to school.
TROUBLE- My kids are driving me crazy!
PERSPECTIVE- I have three amazing, smart, funny, determined, healthy, strong children. I am blessed to be able to be a stay-at-home mom and watch them learn and grow.
TROUBLE- My house is cluttered, leaking, and we are outgrowing it.
PERSPECTIVE- We home that shelters us with sufficient room for my family and our abundance of belongings. We live in a safe neighborhood with caring, quiet neighbors.
TROUBLE- The pile of laundry is never-ending.
PERSPECTIVE- We have clothes! They fit, look nice, we have enough to not have to wear the same thing every day, and I don't have to wash them by hand.
TROUBLE- School. I miss out on evening events when I'm in class, and I don't get to socialize or do the fun things I want to do because I have to do homework. School just takes up too much of my time.
PERSPECTIVE- I get to go to school! I am gaining a valuable education that will allow me to adequately support my family if need be, and I get to meet new people and feel good about myself in the process! I have been incredibly blessed with a supportive family and friends that make it possible for me to go to class and complete my assignments, and the ability to learn and maintain a 4.0.
TROUBLE- My husband works long hours and his schedule is unpredictable. He comes home tired and I don't get the help I want around the house.
PERSPECTIVE- My husband works hard and has a fantastic job at a company that values him and wants him to succeed. He is good at what he does, works hard to constantly increase his knowledge and skill, and makes enough money to ensure all our needs are met and we can live comfortably without worrying about how to pay the bills or feed our children. And even though he is tired in the evening, he still helps get the boys to bed and helps fold the perpetual mountain of clean laundry while we watch movies together.
TROUBLE- I am not as thin, fit, or pretty as I would like to be.
PERSPECTIVE- I have all my limbs, my body is strong, and I am able to take care of my family. If I continue to take care of myself, eat healthy foods and exercise on a regular basis, my hard work will eventually pay off.
TROUBLE- My two youngest boys have asthma and require tubes in their ears due to chronic ear infections.
PERSPECTIVE- The asthma is totally manageable and not triggered by exercise. We have access to excellent medical care and life-saving (literally and metaphorically) medication.
I could go on and on and on, as I continue to realize how very blessed I am. I am grateful for my family, our opportunities, and the knowledge that the gospel of Jesus Christs affords us. I know that I can pray to a loving Heavenly Father and get help and comfort. I know that there is a healing power that can make the impossible happen. I hope that you will all join me in praying for Jonathan and his family, and realize the blessings in your life as well.
TROUBLE- Just as we were starting to make a dent in our debt, we had to replace a car, pay to repair both the new and the old car, replace our washing machine that died suddenly, and I found out I no longer qualify for subsidized student loans.
PERSPECTIVE- We now have two functioning vehicles plus one that is almost ready to sell, the new washer is awesome and more efficient, and I can still get unsubsidized loans so I can continue to go to school.
TROUBLE- My kids are driving me crazy!
PERSPECTIVE- I have three amazing, smart, funny, determined, healthy, strong children. I am blessed to be able to be a stay-at-home mom and watch them learn and grow.
TROUBLE- My house is cluttered, leaking, and we are outgrowing it.
PERSPECTIVE- We home that shelters us with sufficient room for my family and our abundance of belongings. We live in a safe neighborhood with caring, quiet neighbors.
TROUBLE- The pile of laundry is never-ending.
PERSPECTIVE- We have clothes! They fit, look nice, we have enough to not have to wear the same thing every day, and I don't have to wash them by hand.
TROUBLE- School. I miss out on evening events when I'm in class, and I don't get to socialize or do the fun things I want to do because I have to do homework. School just takes up too much of my time.
PERSPECTIVE- I get to go to school! I am gaining a valuable education that will allow me to adequately support my family if need be, and I get to meet new people and feel good about myself in the process! I have been incredibly blessed with a supportive family and friends that make it possible for me to go to class and complete my assignments, and the ability to learn and maintain a 4.0.
TROUBLE- My husband works long hours and his schedule is unpredictable. He comes home tired and I don't get the help I want around the house.
PERSPECTIVE- My husband works hard and has a fantastic job at a company that values him and wants him to succeed. He is good at what he does, works hard to constantly increase his knowledge and skill, and makes enough money to ensure all our needs are met and we can live comfortably without worrying about how to pay the bills or feed our children. And even though he is tired in the evening, he still helps get the boys to bed and helps fold the perpetual mountain of clean laundry while we watch movies together.
TROUBLE- I am not as thin, fit, or pretty as I would like to be.
PERSPECTIVE- I have all my limbs, my body is strong, and I am able to take care of my family. If I continue to take care of myself, eat healthy foods and exercise on a regular basis, my hard work will eventually pay off.
TROUBLE- My two youngest boys have asthma and require tubes in their ears due to chronic ear infections.
PERSPECTIVE- The asthma is totally manageable and not triggered by exercise. We have access to excellent medical care and life-saving (literally and metaphorically) medication.
I could go on and on and on, as I continue to realize how very blessed I am. I am grateful for my family, our opportunities, and the knowledge that the gospel of Jesus Christs affords us. I know that I can pray to a loving Heavenly Father and get help and comfort. I know that there is a healing power that can make the impossible happen. I hope that you will all join me in praying for Jonathan and his family, and realize the blessings in your life as well.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
I love, love, love hummus! It's so yummy and healthy and versatile! I usually stick with my favorite tried and true basic recipe mentioned here, but I tried roasted red pepper hummus from Trader Joe's the other day and found a new love. I knew it had to be easy to recreate, so I went in search of a recipe and found this. So simple, so delicious.
Here's what you need:
Blend everything up in an electric blender or food processor until super smooth. Hummus can be refrigerated for 3 days, or frozen for a month. It is best served at room temperature, but I eat mine straight out of the fridge all the time. This would be great as a dip for crackers, pita chips, veggies, or as a spread on pita bread or a sandwich or wrap. I put mine on focaccia bread and made that my lunch.
Here's what you need:
- 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained (I actually reserved 1/4 cups of the juice and added that to the mix)
- 1 (4 ounce) jar roasted red peppers ( I got mine at Trader Joe's but you can probably find them at any grocery store by the olives and stuff)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons tahini (This is sesame seed paste. It can be tricky to find and a bit spendy, but it so totally worth it. It is usually with the Indian or Greek foods, but can sometimes be found by the peanut butter or olives. Weird, I know.)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (I didn't have any, so I used 1/4 t. black pepper)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley ( I skipped this)
Blend everything up in an electric blender or food processor until super smooth. Hummus can be refrigerated for 3 days, or frozen for a month. It is best served at room temperature, but I eat mine straight out of the fridge all the time. This would be great as a dip for crackers, pita chips, veggies, or as a spread on pita bread or a sandwich or wrap. I put mine on focaccia bread and made that my lunch.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Super Easy Blueberry Muffins
My 4-year-old requested blueberry muffins for breakfast. I'm not a fan of berries, so I've never made blueberry muffins before, but blueberries just happened to be on sale at the grocery store so I figured I'd better try. I rifled through my recipe folder to see if there was something usable and found this recipe. You've got to love anything that uses a cake mix, right? I changed it a bit, made it a little more healthy, and came up with these:
They look super yummy to me and I don't even like blueberries!
Here's the recipe---
Preheat oven to 350*.
Mix until most of the lumps are gone:
I used a mini muffin pan and baked for 13-15 minutes. You could also follow the original recipe and bake the batter in a 9x13 inch pan for 20-25 minutes.
The possibilities are endless with this recipe! You could use any flavor cake mix and a variety of stir-ins: other berries, raisins, Craisins, nuts, chocolate/white chocolate/mint/butterscotch chips, etc. Enjoy!
They look super yummy to me and I don't even like blueberries!
Here's the recipe---
Preheat oven to 350*.
Mix until most of the lumps are gone:
- 1 box cake mix (I used Classic White)
- 1 egg (I used 1/3 cup Egg Beaters)
- 1/2 cup oil (I substituted 1/2 cup applesauce)
- 1/4 cup water
I used a mini muffin pan and baked for 13-15 minutes. You could also follow the original recipe and bake the batter in a 9x13 inch pan for 20-25 minutes.
The possibilities are endless with this recipe! You could use any flavor cake mix and a variety of stir-ins: other berries, raisins, Craisins, nuts, chocolate/white chocolate/mint/butterscotch chips, etc. Enjoy!
One happy boy!
There are only 2 muffins left out of the nearly 4 dozen we started with last night. I think they were a hit. =)
There are only 2 muffins left out of the nearly 4 dozen we started with last night. I think they were a hit. =)
Saturday, May 14, 2011
I've been bitten by the sewing bug
I'm itching to get some sewing done!
I have a million ideas and all this fabulous fabric...
...but this is what my tiny sewing nook looks like after months of neglect.
Yikes!
I have some serious work cut out for me before I can get to the fun part, but my mom is coming for a few days so the motivation to get it (the organizing and sewing) done is there. Wish me luck!
I have a million ideas and all this fabulous fabric...
...but this is what my tiny sewing nook looks like after months of neglect.
Yikes!
I have some serious work cut out for me before I can get to the fun part, but my mom is coming for a few days so the motivation to get it (the organizing and sewing) done is there. Wish me luck!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Jewelry sets
I LOVE making jewelry. It's very cathartic for me, but it requires uninterrupted time, so I haven't done much lately. Time to start again! Here are two of my latest sets. If anyone is interested, they will be for sale in my Etsy shop for $10/set.
Blue glass beads with white glass pearls on a silver chain.
The earring hooks are nickel-free.
Pink and gray glass pearls on a silver chain.
The earring hooks are nickel-free.
I hope you all had a wonderful, beautiful, pampered Mother's Day!
The earring hooks are nickel-free.
Pink and gray glass pearls on a silver chain.The earring hooks are nickel-free.
I hope you all had a wonderful, beautiful, pampered Mother's Day!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
A needlepoint for "one of those days"
My hilarious sister-in-law made this beauty for her sister.
Don't we all have those days sometimes?
This totally made my day. =)
Thanks, Abby!
(This design is based on a comic she found online years ago.)
Don't we all have those days sometimes?
This totally made my day. =)
Thanks, Abby!
(This design is based on a comic she found online years ago.)
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