knitted baby blanket

So I have been trying to use up the yarn in my stash and this has been my most recent finished project.  It's a baby blanket that I made for Leonard's cousins baby. 

The actual knitting doesn't take me that long, usually.  The reason it seems to take me forever to finish a knitting project is because I hate to sew in the ends.  That's right!  It's not difficult and it only takes maybe 15 minutes, but I hate doing it.  I'm really not sure why.  I have a swiffer pad that I completed three or four months ago that's waiting for the ends to be sewn in.  If anyone has a theory, I would love to hear it.  :-)

Last day of 4th of July recipes and craft

This is the last day of the recipes and crafts for the 4th of July.  I hope you enjoyed it and were able to get some new ideas on things you could do to celebrate our country's birthday.  Today's recipe is Red, White and Blue cookies.

 INGREDIENTS

1	cup granulated sugar
1	cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2	teaspoon almond extract
1	egg
2 1/4	cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
2	tablespoons red colored sugars
2	tablespoons blue colored sugars

Directions

1. Beat granulated sugar, butter, almond extract and egg in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed 2 minutes. Stir in flour.

2. Divide dough in half; cover half and set aside. Place remaining half on waxed paper or plastic wrap; press into 8-inch square. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon each of the red sugar and blue sugar. Using waxed paper to lift, roll up dough. Repeat with remaining dough and colored sugars. Wrap rolls in plastic wrap and refrigerate about 1 hour or until firm.

3. Heat oven to 375ºF. Cut rolls into 1/4-inch slices. Place about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

4. Bake 6 to 8 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.

 Recipe courtesy of BettyCrocker.com.



Today's craft is 4th of July Wreath. 

 

Materials:

11 yards 1" wide red-white-and-blue ribbon
20" grapevine wreath
Three 4" x 6" American flags
Floral wire

 Directions:

Weave 2 1/2 yards of ribbon through the grapevine wreath. Glue the ends of the ribbons together; this is the bottom of the wreath. Arrange three flags at the bottom of the wreath in a fan shape so they slightly overlap; glue the flags in place. Use a small amount of glue to secure the edges of the flags where they overlap.

Cut two 36" lengths of ribbon and fashion a small multi-loop bow from each piece; tie with floral wire. Glue a bow to each side of the wreath.

Use the remaining ribbon to make one large multi-loop bow. Glue bow to the bottom of the wreath to cover glued sections of ribbon and flags.

Craft courtesy of Familycorner.com.

Have a great weekend and a Happy 4th of July!

Day 4 of 4th of July recipes and crafts

Today's recipe is called Patriotic Drink.  I just had to throw in something cool and refreshing for those hot July days.  I am so excited to try this recipe and I am sure that the kids will really love it!  (FYI:  This is NOT my child!!)

Ingredients

• Ice cubes
• Cranberry juice

• Wild Berry flavor Gatorade Fierce
• Diet 7-Up

Instructions

1. Fill a clear glass with ice cubes. Pour the drink with the most sugar (check the nutrition label) into the glass. For our red, white, and blue recipe, start with the cranberry juice.
2. Very slowly add a beverage that contains less sugar -- in this case, Wild Berry flavor Gatorade Fierce. Be careful to pour it onto an ice cube -- not directly into the other drink -- to keep them from mixing.
3. Use the same technique to add a layer of Diet 7-Up.

Recipe courtesy of Family Fun Magazine.

Today's craft is String of Stars. 

Materials

• Craft Foam
• Scissors
• Tacky glue

• Hole punch
• Ribbons

Instructions

1. Cut out a bunch of craft foam stars that measure five or so inches across.
2. Next cut out smaller stars of contrasting colors and use tacky glue to attach each one to a larger star.
3. To finish, use a hole punch to make two holes in each glued pair, then thread lengths of ribbon through to tie them together.

Craft courtesy of Family Fun Magazine.

Day 3 of 4th of July recipes and crafts

Today and tomorrow are going to be crazy busy because I am getting ready for Alyssa's 3rd birthday party!  I can't believe she is already 3 and will be going to Preschool in the fall.  It's exciting but sad at the same time.  My little baby is growing up.  I am using a new recipe as one of the side dishes for her birthday so I will post more on that later.  Also, maybe after her party, I will be able to make some of these 4th of July treats I have been *dying* to try.

Today's recipe is 4th of July Jigglers.  I have seen (and eaten!) the layered salads and I am sure this tastes just like that but in fun star shapes.

Ingredients

• Two packages (4 serving size) or one package (8 serving size) any flavor red gelatin (e.g., JELL-O)
• Two packages (4 serving size) or one package (8 serving size) blue gelatin (e.g., JELL-O)
• Whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip) 
• 2-1/2 cups boiling water
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Rubber scraper or large spoon
• Table knife
• Two 9x9-inch pans (or you can do it in one pan, one flavor at a time)
• Clear plastic cups (4 to 6 ounce size)
• Star-shaped cookie cutters
• Large tray
• Cherries (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Pour one flavor of gelatin into the mixing bowl. Add 1 1/4 cups of the boiling water and use the rubber scraper to stir until all of the gelatin has dissolved (about two minutes). Pour the mixture into one of the pans. Repeat with the other gelatin flavor.
2. Put the pans into the refrigerator and let the gelatin chill for about three hours.
3. Put about an inch of warm water into the sink. Dip just the bottom of the pan (don't let the water come up over the sides) into the water for just a few seconds. (Note: Be careful to not let it sit too long or the gelatin will start to liquify.)
4. Wash your hands thoroughly. Use the star-shaped cookie cutters or the table knife to cut shapes. Use your hands to lift out the shapes onto another tray. Repeat with both flavors.
5. Place a thin layer of  jigglers (blue or red) onto the tray, then add a layer of whipped cream. Alternate the jigglers and the whipped cream until you have a stack of jigglers. Top with a cherry if you would like and enjoy!

Recipe courtesy of Kaboose.com.


Today's craft is Red, White and Blue Garland.  This craft is really easy and I bet many people have the supplies lying around. 

Tools and Materials
Letter-size, stationery-weight paper in red, white, and blue
Paper cutter or scissors
Ruler
Pencil
Bone folder
Mini-stapler
1/8-inch hole punch
White cotton string

Red, White, and Blue Garland How-To

1. Cut paper to 6 by 11 inches. Using a bone folder to make crisp folds, fold the paper in half; then, fold it in half twice more. Open the folded paper, and use the creases as guides to accordion fold the paper to resemble a fan.
2. With the paper still folded, find the center, and mark it with a pencil. Use a desktop stapler to staple the center. (The staple should be perpendicular to the folds.)
3. Make a mark, 1 inch from each end on the folded side of the fan. Using scissors, trim both ends of the paper on an angle, starting from the 1-inch marks and cutting to the paper's edges.
4. Fan out the paper to form a star, and bring the ends together. Staple the ends together with a mini-stapler.
5. With a 1/8-inch hole punch, punch 2 holes, one fold apart from each other. Thread cord through one hole, around the back of the star, and then through the other hole.


Craft courtesy of MarthaStewart.com.

Day 2 of 4th of July recipe and craft

The 4th of July recipe for today is Patriotic Pops.  I can't wait to make this recipe with the kids!

Ingredients

• 2 cups blue Powerade, Gatorade, or Kool-Aid
• 12 5-ounce disposable cups
• 1 cup frozen whipped topping

• 1 cup vanilla yogurt
• 12 craft sticks
• 2 cups cran-raspberry juice

  Instructions

1. To make the pops, equally divide the blue juice among the plastic cups, then place the cups in the freezer until the juice is partially frozen, about 30 to 45 minutes.
2. Mix together the whipped topping and yogurt and divide this mixture among the cups.
3. Set a craft stick in the center of each pop and return the cups to the freezer for approximately 45 minutes.
4. For the final layer, add the cran-raspberry juice to the cups and place them in the freezer until solid.
5. To remove the pops, run warm water over the outside of each cup.

This recipe is courtesy of Family Fun Magazine.

The craft for today are Fireworks Shirts.

Materials

• Plain T-shirt
• Newspaper
• Glittery fabric paint
• Paper plate
• Pipe cleaners

Instructions

1. Start by placing a few sheets of newspaper inside a plain T-shirt.
2. Pour one or more colors of glittery fabric paint onto a paper plate.
3. Create a stamp (for each color paint) to print fireworks: arrange four pipe cleaners in a bunch, pinch the center, then bend all eight ends over your thumb and twist them together a few times, forming a loop. Spread apart the ends and bend up the tips, as shown.
4. To use the stamp, dip it into the paint so that it's evenly coated and press it firmly onto the fabric.
5. Once you've finished your design, allow the paint to dry thoroughly, and refer to the paint manufacturer's directions before laundering the shirt.

This craft is courtsey of Family Fun Magazine.

two winners and 4th of July

So today my daughter drew names of the two winners for the spin pin giveaways and they are (*drum roll*) Amanda and Kelli (Elijah's mom)!!!  Congratulations girls!  Make sure to message me about which color you need (blond, light brown or dark brown).

So this is the week before 4th of July.  In celebration of the United States independence from England, I am going to be posting a yummy dessert recipe and a fun craft that is red, white and blue everyday this week.

Our 4th of July recipe for today is Red, White and Blue Chocolate Dipped Strawberries.  They look so yummy and take very little time to make.  

Just like any other chocolate-dipped strawberries, the method for making these is very easy. There is only one additional step: dip the tips of the strawberries into some blue sprinkles or blue sanding sugar once they have been dipped into the chocolate. Blue sprinkles or jimmies have a bold color to them and look cute on the strawberries, but blue sanding sugar, which I used for the strawberries here, gives the berries a little bit of a sparkle. The color of the sprinkles will not stand out well on milk or dark chocolate, and you won’t get the same visual effect as you do with white chocolate. That said, if you really want to incorporate milk or dark chocolate, just double dip the berries first into the chocolate of your choice, let that layer set up, and continue on with the white chocolate and sprinkles.

Store the berries in the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat them, as white chocolate is a little more heat-sensitive than other chocolates. The berries are best within a day or two of being made.

Red, White and Blue Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
1 pint fresh strawberries (approx 12 oz)
4-oz white baking chocolate
Blue sanding sugar or sprinkles
wax or parchment paper

Line a baking sheet or cutting board with wax paper or parchment paper.
Chop up the chocolate roughly with a knife if it is in block form. In a medium-sized, microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate in the microwave. Heat it in 45 or 60-second intervals, stirring between each time to ensure that the chocolate is melting evenly and not burning. Meanwhile, place blue sanding sugar into a small bowl and set it aside.
When chocolate is smooth, dip the berries 3/4 of the way into the chocolate, dip the tips into the blue sprinkles, and place on wax paper.
Berries can set at room temperature if you live somewhere cool, otherwise refrigerate them until ready to serve to allow the chocolate to set up

Recipe courtesy of Baking Bites.

Our 4th of July craft for today is Holiday Lanterns.  I remember making these when I was little and I always thought they were fun. 





Lantern How-ToCut construction paper to 6 by 9 inches; fold in half lengthwise. Fold edges back 1/2 inch for rims, and crease; unfold. Glue a 1/2-by-9-inch strip of decorative paper on each rim. Cut slits from middle fold to rims, spacing 3/4 inch apart. Shape into lantern: Open paper; bring the ends together to overlap slightly; staple. Staple 3/4-by-8-inch paper handle inside lantern. Glue on construction-paper stars (made with a craft punch).

Craft courtesy of MarthaStewart.com

Mother's Day

Today is Mother's Day!  Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers, grandmothers, and soon-to be mothers.  My mom passed a year and a half ago and I really miss her.  Especially on days like today. 



My sister, my mom and I two years ago at my cousins wedding

 Even though my mother is gone, I still got to celebrate with my mother-in-law and munchkins.  I wasn't completely sure what to get my mil but had a few ideas.  This is what I ended up making her.

The frame was super easy to make and I really think it turned out good. 

Hand print picture frame tutorial

materials:
-acrylic paint (or any other paint that would cover the frame)
-paint brush
-old frame
-scraps of fabric (inch to inch and a half wide, 10 to 12 inches long)
-hot glue gun and glue sticks
-white paper that will fit into your frame

Step 1
Find an old picture frame and paint it any color of your choosing.  I used acrylic paint on my frame and put on two coats.  This did a decent job of covering the frame.  I am sure you could use other kinds of paint (i.e. spray paint).

Step 2
Using your scraps of fabric make fabric roses for the corners.  I personally followed this tutorial to make the roses. 


My first fabric rose ever!  They were so easy to make!
I will definitely be making some more.

Step 3
Glue the roses onto the frame.  I overlapped mine because I thought it looked cool.  Play around with them on the frame and adjust them before you glue the flowers down. 



Step 4

Paint your child(ren)s hands and place them on the paper.  I just used a piece of plain printer paper.  Take the paint brush and paint acrylic paint onto their hands.  Then place their hands onto the paper.  Make sure you have an idea of where you want the hands before you start.  Also, it's a good idea to only do one hand at a time.  The acrylic paint that I used dried fast and some of it was even drying before I could get the entire hand painted.

Step 5

Let the hand prints dry and put the frame back together. 

TA-DA!!!  All finished!  Now you have a beautiful gift for that special mom or grandma.

My inspiration came from this blog!



Valentines day!

Happy

Valentine's Day!



Yesterday was Valentine's Day. My husband got me this beautiful rose! We also went out to dinner and a movie. We saw the most recent Harry Potter movie at the cheap theater. It was very good, though a little scary. Hermione wore tons of knitted items throughout the movie which led me to look on ravelry when I got home to see if I could find any. I was able to find a few that I want to make soon. This hat was so cute in the movie!

Hermione's Godrics Hollow Hat

knitted swiffer sweeper pads

So a few days ago I decided that I needed a new crafting project to work on. I decided to look through my Ravelry queue and see what would be quick and easy, and chose to knit up some reusable swiffer pads. They got rave reviews so I hope they work as well as they knit up. I have only been working on this one for about an hour and this is how far I gotten (sorry it's upside down).


This is the first knitted project I have worked on in over a year, so naturally I forgot a few things. When I started the project and had the stitches casted on my needle, and had already knitted a row, I realized that I had to purl the next row. I always hated purling for some reason, so I must have totally blocked it out of my brain because I could not figure out how to do it. After a few tries, I referenced my trusty 'Learn How Book -knitting, crocheting, tatting, embroidery' by Coats and Clark. This is the same book that originally taught me how to knit and crochet. While I was trying to remember and figure out how to purl, I realized for the past 5 years that I have been knitting, I have been casting on incorrectly! Seriously!?!?! I couldn't believe it! I had been casting on by just doing knitting stitches and pulling it over, not by going in between the two stitches (the correct way). Well, all my previous projects turned out OK, so I guess it wasn't super detrimental.

On a side note, my city is under a snow emergency. We haven't even gotten any snow but I think it's in preparation for what we are suppose to receive (10 to 20 in). Last time they predicted a huge snow like this we got less than an inch. I think it would be funny if we only got a few inches.

For those of you that love 'All You' magazine, they are giving away a free subscription. I personally love this magazine. It always has tons of coupons, fashion and decorating ideas.