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I was giddy yesterday when I found a fabulous new blog, just plain giddy with joy.
Ashley Ann is not only an amazing photographer put has some fabulous original ideas. Unlike me, who just likes to borrow ideas rather than thinking them up on my own!
I came across this post and decided they would make great gifts.
It didn’t require much in the way of “things needed” which is a great sign for someone like me.
Taking canvas tote bags I ran an iron over them to get out all the wrinkles and folds.
Taking a 12inch doilie I applied spray adhesive to the back and stuck them to the right corner of the bag.
Using a sponge brush apply a little paint to the tip of the dollies pattern. You can tell form the two that I did which one I chose to work a little faster on. Still a great look just a bit “heavier” look than the one I took more time with.
I typed up initials using microsoft word with MS Minco font. Traced them onto freezer paper and created a stencil to use.
These make great gifts for just about anyone. I am planning on making a few for graduation gifts and filling them with items that any grad would be happy to get.
They would be great to take a meal in to a new mom. Or to fill with snacks for the hospital.
Perfect for a teacher.
The uses are endless!
I will be linking up at these great sites. Stop by if you get a chance!
Toot Your Own Horn - DIY Day - Get your Craft On -
I know that many of us have a good ole’ standby potato casserole recipe filed away, or stuffed, in our holders ready to go.
This Potato Casserole was passed onto me from my Mother-n-law. And now has become my go to potato recipe for the last few years.
It's a no brainer and requires just a hand full of ingredients.
20 oz. bag cubed hash browns
2 Cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
¼ cup milk
2 cups (16oz) French onion dip
Handful of onion flakes
1 can cream of chicken soup {undiluted}
Using a large bowl mix everything together except the potatoes and butter. Once everything is well blended stir in the frozen hash browns. Top with ½ stick butter sliced over the top. I like to mix mine up the night before and cover with foil and let set in refrigerator until the next day. Bake uncovered @ 350* for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
The result is ooey starchy goodness!
I will be linking up at these great sites Tempt my Tummy - Tuesday At the Table - Tasty Tuesday
Because it’s Monday and I know that some of you could use a good smile.
Hannah had Nerd Day last week at school.
Its pictures like these that I can’t wait to show on her first date {smile}!
If you need a good laugh for the day I encourage you to read on…
This story begins many months ago, at the start of our churches Awana program. It was our first gathering, where leaders discuss the ins and outs and what’s to be expected, the clip board begins to make the rounds. You know the one full of dates and obligations for you to commit to, if you wish.
As I do each year I signed up to bring Ice Cream Cupcakes to the end of the year awards in May. May is a long, long way from August so no worries! And the cupckae are so easy to make.
Well as the time drew nearer I begin to realize Gabe had his first t-ball game the night before I was to take the cupcakes. So I decided to bake them the Monday before the awards {Wednesday night} and ice them after the t-ball game on Tuesday. I was happy that I actually had a plan of attack.
Monday comes and I get a call from the Awana’s leader asking if I could bake a few more.
Sure, not a problem I have plenty of cones at home. So I agreed to bake a total of 48 Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes.
I baked the first 24 without a problem. As they cool I begin to wonder just how I am going to transport 48 Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes. Then I remembered seeing a tip somewhere not too long ago and gave it a try.
This was when I took a few pictures and thought it would be great to share with you a "how to" make Ice Cream Cone Cupcake.
Using a man’s shirt box and a ruler I drew out 3X4 rows cutting a 2x2 X at each cross point. This allowed each cone to snuggle down in the box. Perfect!
I proceed to making my second batch of Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes. I mix up another funfetti cake mix pour into my muffin liners and pop open my last box of cones. It is then, at 10:30 in the evening, that I realize my cones are MINI cones! I didn’t even know they made such a thing.
With my mix already mixed I decide to just make cupcakes for the family. I used some powdered sugar I had to make a frosting and Hannah would enjoy them in her lunch the next day.
I’ll just have to bake the other 24 after tomorrow night’s game and buy canned icing for them.
Piece of cake, right?
So, after the game I run back to the store to buy another funfetti mix, because hey that’s what the kiddos like, and another few boxes of Ice Cream cones.
We get home; I get the kids in bed and bake my 24 remaining Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes. It’s then I realize that I forgot to buy ICING! It’s 10:30 pm again and Ryan is at a ballgame {work} and I am home alone. So no problem I’ll just make some. That’s when I realize I used all my powdered sugar the night before making icing for the cupcakes without cones! And at this hour it was too late to go ask my neighbor’s.
So what am I to do? I work till 5pm Wednesday. The Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes have to be at the church by 6pm. We live 25 min. from church, one way. Hmmm…… I load the un-iced cones into my car before work. Drive by Homeland and buy 2 large containers of icing and ice 48 Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes in the back of my car in the church parking lot!
I believe this may be a sign telling me to stop volunteering so much.
But look, the kids loved them. And that made it all worth it!
Yet, another project of mine that I have had for a few years and am just now getting around to it…terrariums. They make a perfect gift just for about anyone.
This weekend the kids and I made a few in less than 20 mins.
Things you will need:
Apothecary jars
Rocks
Charcoal {found at garden and aquarium centers}
Potting soil
Small low-light plants
Moss {found this in my back yard!}
Let the layering begin!
Make sure that you have first cleaned your jar well. Now, garb a handful of rocks and carefully drop them into your jar at least 1” deep. The rocks will ensure proper drainage.
Next, rinse your charcoal well before layering on top of your rocks. The charcoal will filter the water and prevent stagnation.
Now it’s time to add your potting soil. About 2-3” of soil will be needed for proper plant growth. Then simply add your plants. Using 2-3 mini fern type plants is an excellent start.
Place you new green-glassed garden in indirect light within your home. Checking the moisture level every week or so. Sprits with water or add a few shot glasses full as needed. A little condensation is ideal but be careful not to over water.
You can see me over at these blogs today - Show and Tell - Works for Me Wednesday
I am going to show you a glimpse into my future. A glimpse of what the next 12 + years will look like for me.
That’s right little man had his first t-ball game.
Crazy me volunteered to keep the score book…just this ONE year!
Many, many, more days and nights of double headers, rain delays and a trunk full of blankets and yard chairs.
God only knows how many wins and losses lay ahead of us. And a shiver just went down my back as I realized I will be near 50 when I finally have a spring free of attending more than my share of baseball games.
And sadly I think that it’s going to all go by so very, very fast.
Lately I have been on a reading kick and am not so sure why. The weather around here has been great and my "to do" list is never ending.
It would have to start with my confession that I rented New Moon one weekend when Ryan was on the road. There was not much else that night at Red Box and I thought I would see what all the hoopla was about. I got hooked and read the next 2 books, by Stephanie Meyers, in 2 1/2 weeks, all 1,462 pages! Not the best writing and I don’t even like vampires. I just had to know how Bella and Edward ended.
I should have gotten a clue while at Hastings I couldn’t find Breaking Dawn. Asked the nice girl working where I could find it and she directed me to the TEEN section.
But ah… I just finished up a wonderful book by the Christian author Francine Rivers entitled Redeeming Love. A novel based on the book of Hosea.
If you have not read this book I highly recommend reading it as soon as possible. It’s helpful to read the book of Hosea first. As it will only open your heart and mind further in understanding this woman God talks about in the Bible.
I can’t wait to start on her new book Her Mothers Hope.
The first in an epic two-book saga by beloved author Francine Rivers, this sweeping story explores the complicated relationships between mothers and daughters over several generations. Near the turn of the 20th century, fiery Marta leaves Switzerland determined to find life on her own terms. Her journey takes her through Europe and finally lands her with children and husband in tow in the central valley of California. Marta's experiences convince her that only the strong survive. Hildie, Marta's oldest daughter, has a heart to serve others, and her calling as a nurse gives her independence, if not the respect of her mother. Amid the drama of WWII, Hildie marries and begins a family of her own. She wants her daughter never to doubt her love-but the challenges of life conspire against her vow. Each woman is forced to confront her faulty but well-meaning desire to help her daughter find her God-given place in the world.
So if you are in need of a few good summer reads I highly recommend Redeeming Love and Her Mothers Hope.
I am giving away a copy of Redeeming Love today because I know that this book will touch your heart and soul.
All you have to do is leave a comment answering this little question.
What book have you read lately that you just could not put down?
Giveaway will end Wednesday May 5th at 12am…goodluck!
***We Have a winner! RANDOM.ORG grnertated number 7***
Debbi said...
The Teen section????.....nothing wrong with that. I've been there myself. I have never read or heard of Francine Rivers, but it sounds like something I would really enjoy and then pass to my daughter and then daughter-in-law. They both love Christian books, but I don't believe they have mentioned this author. Thanks for the chance to win.
Congrat's to Debbi for winning this fabulous read. And thanks to all those who entered.
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