HAPPY NEW YEAR...

TO EVERYONE!! I hope this year is better than the last, for everyone :) Enjoy it and be safe.

Secret Santa

I joined a secret Santa swap, on the Mommies group I am a part of and I thought I would share with you , the homemade item I sent. I also sent some other items, but just the one homemade piece (it was a busy time).

A covered journal:
The front...
...and of course, the back :)

Sometimes, I make things for other people and I want to keep them for myself...LOL! Don't worry, I sent this one :P

Wingin' it Waldorf Style: Phase 5

Here is a little update for you, on the Waldorf style process! I am now working on putting hair on this doll and let me tell you, this is no simple task! I think I really over did it with the hair I already have on here and I am not even finished covering her whole head...Doh! I don't think her neck is going to hold up under all this crazy hair...LOL! I used a yarn that is obviously too thick. Too late to go back now, but I think I can find a way to make this work :)

I don't have any pictures to share right now, but I will, just as soon as I am finished getting the hair on. This shouldn't take me too much longer.

Back at it...Stay tuned!

UPDATE:
Well, I am finished with the hair segment of this journey! YAY!! It seems there is more hair than there is doll...LOL!! I think it will be a much better result when I have some wool to stuff the doll with. Yes, I think I am crazy enough to try this one again :P Here is a shot of the doll with all her hair:
Now to make her a lovely outfit, so she won't have to be naked anymore :P

Crafts of Christmas

Ahhhhhhhhh! No more Christmas crafting stress!! SO nice to finally relax. Of course, this relaxing won't last long, I have so much to get done around the house now :( There's cleaning, organizing, de-cluttering and oh so much more! I have already decided that my resolution this year will be to make my life chaos free. This means being more organized, clutter-free, healthier and losing weight! Chaos-free home, life, family and body!

Okay, this post has taken a turn for the wrong subject...LOL! Okay, here are the goods I made this Christmas:

Decorated shadow boxes for Grammy and Great Aunt, on Macho Man's side. (Thank you Lottie for the inspiration)

These dollies were for 2 of my nieces and an honorary niece. There were actually three of them, but I forgot to take a picture of the third doll (she was in a green dress). Here is the tutorial, I used for these lovely ladies!

This is one of my favorite creations this Christmas...The monster pillow!!! I made it for my 2.5 year old niece and she loved it! I am so happy with how it turned out and that my niece likes it so much. This idea just came off the top of my head, on Christmas eve. I was actually planning to give her one of the felt dolls, but thought it was not a good idea, as they are bit too delicate for her.
Last but not least, the lovely scrap booked frame for my mother! The pictures are of Ya-ya and her Nanny. (Thanks again Lottie)

I have a few more things to post, I just have to get some pictures of them. There were actually a few gifts that I forgot all about! I was making a pair of slippers for Ya-ya and got side tracked with another craft, forgetting all about the slippers...Oops! It's okay, I will be finishing them up this weekend. I also made a covered journal for my nephew, but forgot to take a picture of it :(

I think I should also add that the Waldorf style did not make it under the tree :( It's okay though, Ya-ya had a ton of things to open (she got spoiled by the fam!).

Wingin' it Waldorf Style: Phase 4

More Waldorf updating coming at you...LOL!! My Mom stopped by for a moment today and I enlisted her help with this doll. I had her make a crochet cap for the beginings of a wig. She is a great crocheter and I was in the midst of making some other gifts. It was a great help...Thanks Mommy :)

Anywho, I did the face and the hair is started. Of course, when I say started, I mean just the crochet cap part, LOL! I think the hair will actual take me some time, so I am going to finish up the last four gifts I have to do and then do the hair later on tonight. I think I may even make her a dress and then worry about the hair.

I should probably add that I searched high and low for the perfect hair tutorial for this doll. I didn't want just any type of hair, I wanted a type of wig that could be changed after all it's wear ant tear. I finally found a tutorial last night, on a site that sells a lot of Waldorf doll kits/ Patterns and much more. The site is Dancing Rain Dolls. They have a little section how-to's that were are very helpful :)

Here is a picture update, yet again:

Wingin' it Waldorf Style: Phase 3

This is coming along nicely. It can be VERY frustrating without a pattern, but I am used to it. I can do this...I know I can...I know I can!!!

Here is where I'm at now:
Hair, face and a dress and that is it!!

Wingin' it Waldorf Style: Phase 2

Well, it seems to be going well with this Waldorf style doll! There was some serious fighting with making the body and I had to do it twice, to get it right but I've got a handle on it now :)

Here is what I have now:

I seriously hope I can finish this in time for Christmas *biting nails*

A New Favorite

Just wanted to share another Christmas present I made for Ya-ya!

My good friend Lottie has been reading a lovely crafting blog she found, some time ago and has recently shared this blog with me...YAY!! I am beyond happy that she did because it was there, that I found the greatest fleece hat tutorial! I have to say, it was super simple to make and it turned out fantastic! The only thing that I did differently, was that I did not use the patter provided. I would have but my printer has no ink :(

Anywho, here is the hat I made from this pattern:


I think this hat is so great, I am planning to make another one this week :) Be sure to check out Infarrantly Creative for this tutorial and so much more!

Wingin' it, Waldorf Style!

I have been crafting up a storm for Christmas this year and was looking for a nice doll to make for Ya-ya, when I came across the Waldorf Dolls. These are the cutest little dolls, EVER! I really like the way they look and really want to make one for Ya-ya, but I don't shop online and can't really afford to pay for the patterns :( I was browsing some of the sites, belonging to people who have made Waldorf dolls and got an idea...I bet I could wing it if I tried hard enough! Not that I have a fat head or anything, but I do have a knack for making things from pictures, without a pattern.

So, I began the process of figuring out how to make a Waldorf style doll, using the small tutorials online as well as my own ideas. I haven't gotten too far yet, but I have started!! I would like to share with you, what I have so far.

Here is my take on the Waldorf doll...The head is all I have so far:

Now remember, I am working with no patter and I have no real clue as to how this is "supposed" to be done...LOL! I really hope it turns out!

Keep your eye open for more updates on this one as I will be posting more soon! Well, I am off to work this doll :)

On the Menu: Eggplant Pasta Bake

Lately, I have been trying a lot of new dishes for our meals and I thought it would be fun to start a little segment called, "On the Menu", to share with you the tasty recipes we've been trying.

I have been in search of some great vegetarian meals, in a fight to eat healthier and be greener. In my searches, I have found a lovely selection of tasty meals and am amazed when everyone actually likes the them! Macho Man is not in to veggies at all, so when he likes it, it is far more amazing than when Ya-ya eats it all up.

I must add that this dish was absolutely delicious and it was gobbled right up! I think it may be a new favorite, along with the vegetarian Minestrone Soup from last week.

Without further adieu, here is tonight's tasty meal:

Eggplant Pasta Bake
(this is my finished product...It was soooooooo YUMMY!)

Deliciously rich and full of tomato goodness. Whole wheat pasta adds a nutty flavor to this casserole.

2 cups Whole wheat penne pasta (or other tube pasta)
2 Medium eggplants, peeled and cut lengthwise into 1/4 inch (6 mm) slices
Salt, sprinkle
1 tbsp. Olive (or cooking) oil
1 cup Chopped onion
2 3/4 cups Tomato pasta sauce
6 Roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup Basil pesto
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Grated part-skim mozzarella cheese
Cook pasta in boiling salted water in large uncovered saucepan or Dutch oven for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but firm. Drain. Return to same saucepan. Set aside.

Sprinkle both sides of eggplant slices with salt. Place on wire rack set on baking sheet with sides. Let stand for 20 minutes. Rinse with cold water. Blot dry with paper towels. Spray both sides of eggplant slices with cooking spray. Preheat gas barbecue to medium (see Note). Cook eggplant on greased grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to large plate. Cut into 1 inch (2.5 cm) pieces. Add to pasta.

Heat olive oil in small frying pan on medium. Add onion. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until softened. Add to pasta. Stir.

Add next 3 ingredients. Stir. Transfer to greased 3 quart (3 L) casserole.

Sprinkle with both cheeses. Bake, uncovered, in 350°F (175°C) oven for 30 to 40 minutes until heated through and cheese is golden. Serves 6. 1 serving: 447 Calories; 16.6 g Total Fat (8.3 g Mono, 2.6 g Poly, 4.5 g Sat); 13 mg Cholesterol; 64 g Carbohydrate; 7 g Fiber; 17 g Protein; 828 mg Sodium. Note: If preferred, cook eggplant slices in 3 batches in 1 tbsp. (15 mL) olive (or cooking) oil in large frying pan on medium for 2 minutes per side until golden.

Tonight's dish has been brought to you by Company's Coming Most Loved Casseroles Cookbook

Christmas Chaos!

Aaaaaaaaahhhhh!!! Things are SO out of control right now and I have a million projects on the go! I don't know why I do this to myself. I have decided that I am not only going to make as many of the Christmas gifts this year, as I can, but I thought it would be a lovely idea to take everything out of Ya-ya's room and paint!!!!! WHAT WAS I THINKING?!?!?! What makes me do such insane things?? Why can't I get away from all this chaos I create?? I am crazy I tells ya! AHHHHHHHHH!!! This place is a crazy, horrible mess! It just makes everything so confusing and nothing is getting done. It doesn't stop me from trying though...LOL! I just hope I can finish all the gifts I have on the go, before Christmas. I promised myself that I would NOT be sewing on Christmas day, like last year.

This year, the New Year's resolution is one thing and one thing only....NO MORE CHAOS! I have to rid myself, my life and my family of all this insanity I bring on. This means a clean, organized, clutter-free home and life (add healthy living to this list). It also means ridding myself of the chaos in my own body. I must lose weight! Just another thing in my life that is out of control!

Nothing negative, just looking to the positive! Even though things are super crazy, I feel good that I am actually getting some crafting done and Ya'ya's room is a quarter done..LOL! I think my Mom will be coming to help with the room, I really need to have it done before Christmas. I have most a lot of things cut out, I just need to sit in front of my sewing machine and get things done. I can do thins, I know I can. In fact, I am off to the craft room to do some sewing, right now!

I suppose that is all for this crazy lady update! I am really hoping to have some great crafty goodness to blog about later :) I will also finish up the construction on here, after Christmas (no time right now, you see the chaos...LOL)

Tree Hugger

Need I say more? I think not ;)

Another Tasty Treat

Just thought I would share another tasty creation. I figure, I better get all the tasty treats of the past, out there before I give up all the goodies in life. I MUST lose some serious weight, and eating this stuff is NOT going to encourage weight loss! Off topic, I think I may blog some of my weight loss journey as well...We'll see.

Anywho, I bring you "Blueberry French Toast Supreme"! Mmmmm, mouth watering!!



This is something I just decided to whip up for breakfast, one morning. Oh, it was super tasty!! I can still smell it cooking!! LOL

Strawberry Short Cake for Lottie!!

Just for you sweet Lottie!!

Baking Powder Biscuits

Ingredients:
1/4 cup shortening
2 cups all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour
1 Tbsp sugar, if desired
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup milk (soy, rice, cow, whatever)

Instructions:

Heat oven to 450 degrees.

Cut shortening into flour, sugar, baking powder and salt with pastry blender until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in just enough milk so dough leave side of bowl and rounds up into a ball. (Too much milk makes dough sticky; not enough makes biscuits dry.)

Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead lightly 20 to 25 times, about 30 seconds. Roll or pat 1/2" thick. Cut with floured 2 1/2" biscuit cutter. Place on ungreased cookie sheet about 1" apart for crusty sides, touching for soft sides. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet.

* If using self-rising flour, omit baking powder and salt.

I found the recipe here.

Strawberries and Whip Cream

All I did was wash and sliced the strawberries.
I made my own whipped cream, using a carton of whipping cream. It comes in a carton at the grocery store. You simply mix it with a hand mixer.
When whipping the cream, I add a few scoops of icing sugar and a cap full (from the bottle) of vanilla extract. I use a hand mixer and blend on high until it reaches the desired texture (whipped cream texture of course).

Cut biscuit in half. Put a piece of the biscuit in the bottom of your dish and top with whipped cream, then add some strawberry. Put top of biscuit on top of everything, add more topping and a strawberry to garnish. I also scattered some strawberries around the biscuit in the bottom of the dish. This is really up to you, however you want to put it together.

Amazing...

How something so simple...

Can become something so lovely and delicious!

That is all :)

Crafty Links for Fall

I was going through my HUGE list of craft links when I decided it was high time I share the interesting and fun tutorials I have come across.

I figured, since Fall is upon us and I have decided to try a few decorations out, I would share some Fall decoration tutorials. Woo hoo...FUN!!

Here they are:

Fall Leaves and Mod Podge Magic!
I plan to make this one for decorating around the house, as well as scrap booking :)

Coloring Pages from Crayola
This is a great idea for the little ones to get in to the Fall fun! Make a little printed coloring book. There are many seasons and occasions to be found here. There also games, puzzles and more!

Maple Leaf Coasters
These little tidbits looks so sweet and simple to make.

Acorn Garland
Oooohhh, so purdy!!

Life Saver Pumpkin Lollipop
A sweet, simple, tasty treat. I know, not really a craft but worth posting :)

A Reversible Quilt Coat for a Dog
Why not decorate the dog too? This one is special for you Lottie!

Hanging Leaves
So many ways to preserve leaves! I think these look very nice hanging in front of a window, just like in the picture.

Recycled Glowing Pumpkins
You know, it isn't fall without something pumpkin related. I do love a good recycled craft!

Well, I guess that's it for now. I'll be posting more links eventually ;) If anyone tries these craft items out, I would love to see the results...Happy crafting!

The Long Awaited Playdough Post!

Ladies and gentlemen! I give you, the post you have all been waiting for...HOMEMADE PLAYDOUGH!! It turned out great, just as I remembered it as a child. The best part was kneading it while it was still warm, my favorite part of homemade cooked playdough!


Here we have a picture of the playdough before and after coloring. Next, is a picture of Tinker enjoying her new treats!! She had a great time playing with it and didn't make much of a mess (to my surprise). We both had a good time with the playdough and when Daddy got home from work, so did he...LOL!! See, great fun for all ages :)


I looked at all kinds of recipes and tutorial videos on You Tube, but I am not sure where the recipe I used came from. They're basically all the same idea and you can add or take away whatever you want, to suit your playdough needs :)

Here is the recipe that I used:

1 cup flour
1 cup water
1/2 cup salt
1 tbsp oil
2 tbsp cream of tartar (I believe this is just a preservative and from what I hear, you don't have to add it. I think it just might not last as long)
food coloring

I just mixed all the ingredients in a medium pot and then cooked it over a medium to low heat. Keep stirring until the mixture becomes lumpy and form a sort of ball. I then let it cool until it was cool enough for me to handle. Put dough on a floured surface and knead until smooth and no longer sticky. Add food coloring as desired and VOILA! Be sure to store in air tight containers or baggies, to keep fresh...ENJOY!!

This recipe makes a pretty nice amount of playdough. When I started to make it, I thought it was such a small amount, but it is actually quite a bit. I hope you all enjoyed this post and make lots of your own homemade playdough. If you do, be sure to post pics so I can see the playdough goodness :)

Tomatozilla!!

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!

Ladies and gentlemen! I am proud to present the freaky, deaky, mutated tomato that is...TOMATOZILLA!!!

LOL...I found this growing in the garden a while back and it has finally ripened enough to be picked. It must have weighed a few pounds...LOL!! It is so odd looking. The only unfortunate thing is, only part of it seemed okay to eat, as there were creatures nesting in a hollow spot at the top of the tomato. Ah well, it was neat to see!