Pinterest Challenge: Week 6

My project for week 6 did not happen!  It was the sweatshirt makeover that I had been putting off and it just did not work out.  I did actually buy two sweatshirts, but just did not have time to complete the projects.

But there were some other really great projects that were completed!

Week 6 Projects:

Zucchini Crisps:

http://www.essentiallyeclectic.com/2013/03/parmesan-zucchini-crisps-easy-appetizer.html

Spinach & Artichocke Melts:

http://www.halfbakedharvest.com/spinach-and-artichoke-melts/

Fruit Wash:

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/21241_330558780404896_562720774_n.jpg

Cauliflower Alfredo:

http://www.theskinnyfork.com/blog/guiltless-cauliflower-alfredo-sauce

Cardboard Playhouse:

http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/967135/diy-collapsible-cardboard-playhouse

English Muffin Bread

Pinterest Challenge Round 2 begins Monday, May 27th!

Pinterest Challenge: Week 5

The end of the first Pinterest Challenge is near as we wrap up with week 5 projects.  For me I worked on the star mantle decor, which I plan to use for Memorial Day & the Fourth of July displays.  I knew that we were going to be away for part of the week (headed to Littleton), so I did all of the cutting & machine sewing beforehand.  Then I was able to finish the project by stuffing & hand sewing while were were away.  

I think it came out really well and I am pleased with how it looks all together with other items on the mantle.  

Week 5 Projects:

DIY Argyle Sweatshirt: http://mellysews.com/2012/02/argyle-hoody-tutorial.html
Turtle Brownies: http://www.unegaminedanslacuisine.com/2012/03/salty-turtle-brownies.html
Cotton Ball smashers: http://4herreras.blogspot.com/2012/02/smashing-balls-baked-cotton-balls.html?m=1
Desk Makeoever:

DIY No Sew Valance: http://inmyownstyle.com/2011/08/quick-and-easy-home-decorating-window-valance.html
Old MacDonald Puppets:http://zitzmanfam.blogspot.com/2010/09/old-macdonald-puppet-tutorial-and.html

Pinterest Challenge: Week 4

For the next three weeks I have some sewing projects to complete for the Pinterest Challenge.  For week 4 I successfully made a case/stand for my iTouch.  I wanted something that I could use for when I am laying down using it to read.  So, it is not really meant for everyday use/carrying it around. 

The directions were easy enough to follow and I liked that there was a video tutorial to go with it.  

Finished Product

Had to adjust holder pieces slightly because I wanted to keep the cover on it.
So, some of them slip off.  

Again I am putting off the sweatshirt project, because just not sure it is going to be successful.  It is either that or my mantle sewing project.  We'll see...

Week 4 Projects:

Crayon Art: 

Dairy Free Ice Cream:

http://theprimalhome.blogspot.com/2011/07/strawberry-ice-cream-non-dairy-sugar.html

Spaghetti Squash Alfredo:

http://www.thecomfortofcooking.com/2013/03/skinny-spaghetti-squash-alfredo.html

Front Door Makeover:

Lots of Organizing going on this week:

Manuals:

http://pinterest.com/pin/135600638752441668/

Outdoor Toys:

Embroidery Floss:

http://heatherjslife.blogspot.com/2011/08/organizing-embroidery-floss.html

Fabric:

http://www.iheartnaptime.net/organizing-fabric/

Laundry Baskets:

http://ana-white.com/2011/07/laundry-dresser

Baby Clothes:

http://www.typicalsuburbanfamily.com/2012/02/03/organize-baby-clothes/

Baked Fried Pickles:

Baked fried pickles. It was 2 eggs, Worcester sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning and pepper mixed together. Dill pickle chips are dipped in the mixture, covered in panko crumbs and broiled

Fried Rice: 

http://life-as-a-lofthouse.blogspot.com/2010/09/baked-sweet-and-sour-chicken-with-fried.html

Cauliflower Breadsticks:

http://mamagrubbsgrub.blogspot.com/2011/11/cauliflower-breadsticks.html?m=1

Hasselback Potatoes:

http://www.seasaltwithfood.com/2009/05/hasselback-potatoes.html?m=1

Raised Beds:

Homemade Salsa: 

http://www.myrecipes.com/m/recipe/spring-salsa-50400000112175/

Smoothies:

http://www.somethingswanky.com/0-points-delicious-summer-smoothie/

Pinterest Challenge: Week 3

Well, week 3 is complete (halfway there) and the group is still going strong!  This week for me wrapped up my recipes/food ideas and now on to the more difficult pins.  I have been putting the sweatshirt project off, because it intimidates me and I'm not confident that it will be a success.  We'll see in the weeks to come!

Week 3 for me was a white Chicken Alfredo Lasagna.  It was edible (although Braden wouldn't touch it), but it is not something that I would try again.  It was too bland, dry and honestly way more work than I wanted it to be (even with my mom here to help make it)!  

The Pinterest version looks much cheesier! 

Overall it was a successful week for others as well.  I had a few other recipes that we tried and really enjoyed.  There were also some great craft projects posted this week as well!  Very fun.

Little Tykes Makeover:

Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa:

http://whatsfordinner-momwhatsfordinner.blogspot.com/2012/12/cheesy-broccoli-quinoa-and-giveaway.html?m=1

Tooth Fairy Pillows:

http://pinterest.com/pin/239464905159311517/

http://pinterest.com/pin/239464905159311516/

Tooth Fairy Money:

http://pinterest.com/pin/142074563217461041/

Lemon Cookies (so easy):

http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/easy-lemon-cookies/

Philly Cheesesteak:

http://www.puffpastry.com/recipe/60947/Philly-Cheesesteak-Rolls

Avocado Salad:

http://shesveggingout.blogspot.com/2012/05/avocado-tomato-salad.html

Monterey Chicken:

http://kimmccrary.blogspot.com/2010/05/perfect-day.html

Great Tip on Cutting Watermelon:

http://pinksuedeshoe.com/2010/07/09/how-to-cut-a-perfect-watermelon/

Delicious Cupcake Brownie:

http://iheart2stamp.com/2010/06/

Pinterest Challenge Week # 2

Week 2 was much more successful for my project - yah!  I tried a sangria recipe and I thought it tasted pretty good.  I took it with me to a 31 party and other seemed to enjoy it as well.

The recipe can be found here: http://lindawagner.net/blog/2011/07/skinny-girl-cocktail

I used frozen peaches & ended up putting in 5 packets of the Stevia.  Although next time I am thinking about trying this recipe, because I think I would like something with a bit of fruit juice: http://www.ohsweetjoy.com/search?q=sangria

Here are a few of the other Week 2 successes:

Some wall art & crafts: 

http://pinterest.com/pin/127930445637460112/

Roasted Summer Squash: 

http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/clean-eating-roasted-summer-squash/

Shower Head Cleaners (works amazingly well): http://pinterest.com/pin/239464905159259981/

Stuffed Breakfast Biscuits: 

http://richestoragsbydori.blogspot.com/2012/03/stuffed-breakfast-bubble-biscuits.html

Pinterest Challenge: Week # 1

Well the DIY Pinterest Challenge has begun.  We had a great first week with many new projects attempted and most of them successful.  My first project however - FAILED.  I started off the challenge with the homemade fruit snacks.  I had wondered if Braden would even attempt to eat them, because of the texture, but decided to give it a  try anyway.  

The original recipe that I had planned to use was not working the day I needed it:

http://thankyourbody.com/homemade-healthy-fruit-snacks/

So, I went with this one instead:

http://easy-homesteading.blogspot.ca/2013/02/homemade-gummie-bear-recipe.html

I used blueberries, orange juice and honey as the sweetener.  I also was one packet of gelatin short.  In the end the taste was not very good and I think that the texture was effected by the lack of gelatin.  Braden wouldn't even put it in his mouth.  But, even if they did taste good - it was more work than I wanted, so I don't think I would have made them again.  

Here is my final product (I even used little animal cookie cutters):

Here are some successful projects from the week: 

Chocolate Glazed Donuts - (more cake like): http://www.bunsinmyoven.com/2013/04/01/glazed-chocolate-donuts/

Healthy Turkey Chili: 

http://www.theyummylife.com/Turkey_chili

Taco Ring: 

http://shabbybrocante.blogspot.com/2012/01/taco-ring-thats-whats-for-dinner.html?m=1

Chocolate Truffles: 

http://pinterest.com/pin/475481673128663986/

Orange Juice Chicken:

http://indianriverjuice.com/2013/03/08/easy-and-delicious-orange-juice-chicken-recipe/

Baked Spaghetti Squash: 

http://www.steamykitchen.com/11285-baked-spaghetti-squash-with-garlic-and-butter.html

Great first week of Pinterest projects and I am looking forward to new projects!!! 

DIY Pinterest Challenge

I've decided to create my own Pinterest Challenge.  Whether this ends up being on my own or if others decide to join me - I am determined to finish at least 6 new projects from my Pinterest boards.  

I had previously enjoyed participating in this Pinterest Challenge, and even received "honorable mention" one month.  But, unfortunately the project seems to have been abandoned :(  So, now I am starting one "just for fun" and I am hoping that by posting my progress here on my blog it will keep me motivated!  

So, here are the 6 projects that I have chosen:

1. Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

2. Homemade fruit snacks

3. DIY hoodie

4. 4th of July star decor

5. Homemade Sangria

6. Ipod cover/stand

This is not necessarily the order that the projects will be completed! But, over the next 6 weeks I will attempt to complete them all.  Each week I will feature one of the projects & the progress - whether a success or a failure.  So, here goes...  Anyone want to join me?  

Fall Decor

Over the last three years I have been slowly collecting holiday pieces to eventually put together as decoration on the mantle.  This Fall I finally had some things I could put up for fall/halloween decoration.  

One of the last pieces I added to the collection was a Subway Art project that I found through Pinterest.  It was really simple to put together and I think it looks great.  All I had to do was print the sign off on card stock and then I used Mod Podge to glue it onto an 8x10 canvas.  I also printed off a Fall bucket list and framed it, so we can check the items off as we complete them.       

Braden and I hosted an apple play date, so the apple art project was a nice added touch to the mantle.  The tutorial for the apple artwork can be found here.  

DIY Pillow Pad

When I was visiting my mom's last week Braden loved my niece's mini Mickey Mouse couch.  He was constantly sitting in it, lying back to relax in it and of course using it to climb up onto the big couch.

Instead of buying one, I thought I could make something similar.  So, I made him his very own own pillow pad.  On Pinterest, I found this tutorial that used a twin sheet.  I was able to complete the entire project during his nap.

 With the wrong side folded over sew the end to make a clean hem.

Turn the sheet right side out and measure/pin the divisions for each pillow.

Then sew across the fabric.

Fold over the end piece to make a nice clean, even hem for the top.  

When Braden woke up from his nap we tested it out.  I think he liked it!  

Meals for a Month (October) * Updated *

I don't know what it is about it, but I hate grocery shopping!  Thankfully, Mike tries to go as often as he can, but sometimes the timing just doesn't work out and I have to go.  

So, I have decided to do more planning & prep ahead of time, so that I only have to go ONCE a month.  Sounds crazy I know, but I was inspired by this family's experience, which I found through Pinterest.  They are a family of 8, so it takes a lot more work, so I think that our small family of 3 can handle it.  I talked it over with Mike and we are going to give it a try for the month of October.  

The Prep:

* Organized the pantry, cupboards, fridge & freezer.

* Set up cork board inside the pantry for the monthly calendar, grocery list, receipts & coupons.

* Searched Pinterest & other sites for freezer/crockpot meal ideas.

* Set up an October calendar with meal options.

* Created a HUGE grocery list based on the meals & items we need.

The Plan:

* Join Sam's Club in hopes that by going once a month we can get better deals on bulk items.

* Go shopping at Sam's Club & Hannaford.

* Prep and label any food that needs to be put in the freezer.

* Do some baking ahead of time & freeze items for lunch snacks or dessert.

* Mike can stop on his way home for items like milk, eggs & fresh fruit.

Below I have included the meals for the month with links. I found many of the freezer/crockpot meals on Pinterest as well. Having them organized here will help when I go to prep them all.  I'm sure we will end up being very flexible with the days, depending on what is going on (guests, trips away from home, busy days or unexpected events).  But, here is the plan...  (*written recipes we have at home, but I have linked recipes that are similar,  (new) - new to us recipes).

1 - Tomato, Mozzarella & Basil*

2 - Beef Tacos

3 - Pulled Pork Sandwiches

4 - Burgers & Sweet Potato Fries

5 - Baked Scallops & Greenbeans

6 - Leftovers

7 - Order Out

8 - Lasagna

9 - Omelettes

10 - Leftovers

11 - Meatloaf & Carrots

12 - Homemade Pizza

13 - Cheddar Broccoli Soup* & Beer Bread

14 - Ravioli (new) & Veggie

15 - Quesadillas (recipe is for shredded chicken) & Rice

16 - Leftovers

17 - Chicken Casserole* & Greenbeans

18 - Stromboli*

19 - Teriyaki Chicken (new), Veggies

20 - Leftovers

21 - Chowder & Grilled Cheese

22 - French Toast

23 - Chili (new)

24 - Spaghetti 

25 - Leftovers

26 - Order Out (Happy Birthday Mike)

27 - BBQ Chicken & Broccoli

28 - Cilantro Lime Chicken (new)

29 - Fajitas (new)

30 - Leftovers

31 - Pancakes

The plan is to also have enough groceries for breakfast & lunch.  A few baked goods will work for lunch snacks & dessert (muffins for breakfast).  I will also make and freeze some breakfast wraps & buffalo chicken wraps which will be available for the month.

Who wants to come over for dinner?

*Update*

The goal was to spend around $300 and I went over just a bit.  I ended up with about 186 at Sam's and 166 at Hannaford for a total of 352.  But, I have 3 bags of spaghetti sauce and 3 other meals bagged for future months.  Also for future months I will stagger the big items we need like toilet paper, dog food, etc.

As far as the prepping is concerned it took a full day.  Some of the meals I could only freeze the meat and will have to prep them on the day of, because I just did not have the freezer space for casserole dishes.  Instead of freezing baked goods I decided I will make a batch of muffins and cookies each week.

So, far things are going well.  I missed a few things that I had not put on the list, but I just adapted the menu to make it work anyway!  This week so far as been great, because I already know what will be for dinner and most of the work is already done!!!

Mess Free Painting

After a few finger painting attempts I have discovered that Braden does not enjoy getting his hands dirty.  He cries and screams any time I attempt a crafty project using paint or stickers.  He is fine with eating messy things like applesauce, yogurt or oatmeal with his hands - so I am not sure what the issue is.  

So, that is why I was excited to discover this blog on Pinterest which is geared towards toddler activities.  There are a few great mess free painting activities that I decided to try last week. 

First we attempted ice cube painting - the inspiration here. I used red paint and intended to cut the paper into little apple shapes for Fall.  At first Braden enjoyed shaking up the bag, but once he felt the ice cubes he wanted nothing to do with it.  I tried getting him to shake it again and he would either cry or just crawl away.  

The second attempt involved putting finger paint, paper, marbles and in a box.  I cut the paper into little pumpkin shapes and used orange paint, but the options are endless.  The Pinterest inspiration found here involved yellow paper & black paint to create bumblebees.  I put everything in a medium sized box & sealed it with tape.  Braden loved shaking it around, drumming on it, sliding it across the floor and throwing it.  Finally, a successful, mess free painting experience!  

Pinterest Challenge

As I mentioned in my home update post, my most recent Pinterest project is the styrofoam art piece.  I have decided to use that project as one of my entries for the Pinterest Challenge (five days left if you would like to join in the fun).  

We recently repainted our living room, which inspired me to work on the styrofoam art piece.  I wanted some new decoration for the one blank wall left in the room.  I have had no luck finding artwork that I like, so I decided to create my own.  

My inspiration came from a few different pins, but ultimately I decided to go with the more abstract option. The tutorial was great and really easy to follow. The one problem I had was with cutting the styrofoam - I could not get nice, clean, straight cuts.  So, I was little disappointed with the uneven pieces, but you have to look really closely to notice.  

I think the final product looks good, and I absolutely love the fabrics and how they pull the room together.  The only problem is that the piece looks too small on the long, blank wall that it was intended for. For now it works above the mantle. But, during the holidays I like to put up new decor on the mantle.  So, I think it will end up on the wall to the right.  It will balance out the room with the TV being mounted on the other side. 

Who is going to join me?