I am Feeling Sew Sew!

Okay, tonight is the night that I will finally get this sewing on the go. I have so much to get done and here I am, lounging about and getting nothing done.

The weather has been great and it is high time I get Miss Z's summer wardrobe started. She is really in need of some clothing and I WILL not buy anything this year. I WILL make it all myself!! I can and will get my head out of my hind regions and quit procrastinating!

First item on the list, the polka dot dress recon. I thought I made a post a while ago, showing this dress but I can't seem to locate it now. Anywho, I will post before and after pictures when I am done. I have a very simple idea to make this dress work. In fact, I think I may use this plan to make my very first tutorial!!

Wish me luck and I will be back in a day or two to show off some pictures and maybe a tutorial :P

Sharing

A little something, something or two...or more :) These are some items that I made for a craft swap that I did last month. I was pretty proud og hoe well these things turned out, as I spent the majority of this craft swap, wonder what the heck I should make. Anywho, here is what I made.

A robot pillow/stuffie
2 small canvas paintings (made with recycled materials)
2 owl mug rugs (almost kept them for myself...LOL)
1 meter of owl fabric and a bar of delicious, homemade smelly soap. Of course, I didn't make the last two things :)

What I do When Most are Sleeping

Make late night/early morning perogies!!

I used this recipe for the dough and then winged the rest. Yeah, that's what I do, I wing it :)

I basically boiled about 8 small to medium potatoes and mashed them. Then, I sauteed some onions and a clove of garlic and mixed them in to the mashed potatoes. I let the mix cool for a while and while it was cooling, I rolled out the dough (really thin) and used a glass to cut out circles of dough. Next, I added a small spoonful to each circle, dabbed water around the border of each dough circle and sealed them by pinching. Last but not least, I boiled them in a slow boiling pot and then froze them! I kept some out for lunch tomorrow though.

Yay for homemade perogies!

Homemade Pasta: Taste Test Part One

YUMMO!!!!

This is some seriously tasty stuff and the sauce I made to go with it was truly delicious. A great combo!

I used the homemade garlic linguine and made a vegetarian spaghetti sauce with tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, St. Yves Veggie Ground Round and a mixture of different spices. This was so tasty! I am super surprised at how much Macho Man really likes the St. Yves Veggie Ground Round, he will eat it in anything. This makes me happy...one less fight to have over vegetarian meals :)

I have to say that I don't ever want to eat store bought pasta ever again, not when I know how good fresh and homemade tastes and the texture is different. I really enjoyed the fact that Claudette (brother's mother in law) garlic to the pasta and I plan to ask for her recipe and try some different flavours. She did mention making more and trying out sun dried tomato and pesto. Now these would be super tasty! Maybe if I am sweet enough, she will let me try those as well ;)

Give A Hoot!

A little something crafty to share with you, today :)



This is a set of "owly" mug rugs I have made for a fellow Craftster. It has been a while since I posted something crafty because most of the crafty goods I have made lately, are items that are surprises for some who may see my blog. This is okay to share because this will be a secret to the person recieving! She has no idea I am the person sending her crafted goodies ;) Such a fun craft swap idea!

What Will They Be?

I have been collecting materials and used clothing, in preparation to make a summer wardrobe for Miss Z and this is what I have purchased thus far:

Some shirts and a jean jacket that will remain a jacket but with a few touch ups. It needs to be taken in and I want to add some crazy color and patches.These skirts were a great buy at only a dollar a piece. The two sheets are super sweet and it is funny how I found a matching set.. The yellow sheet was purchased at a local secondhand shop but the pink sheet was found quite a ways from home. My family went on a mini-vacation and when we arrived to this tiny town, I saw something that caught my eye...A SECONDHAND SHOP!! Of course I can spot the only tiny secondhand shop in this town...LOL!! I had to stop in and take a look. I looked over just about everything and when I decided I was finished, I headed to the cash when I walked by this pink sheet that looked super familiar. I picked it up and hmmmed and haaaaaed over it when I realized, it was the same as the yellow sheet I had purchased at home! I had to get it, it was just meant to be :P I mean, Macho Man couldn't possibly argue this purchase. I have a pretty good idea of what will come of these sweet old sheets!

It is just a matter of time before these items become lovely (I hope) pieces of clothing. I plan to use the tutorials I posted in a previous post as well as winging it with a few things. I am thinking of making a few of my own patterns. We shall see how this all plays out.

Deoderant Review

WoWZERS!!! This is amazing and I LOVE it...Yes, I LOVE this homemade deodorant!!

Not only was making it fun and simple, it works so well. My armpits feel dry and there is no stink, even after sweating it up today! I think there may be one more test to be done, and that is to work out for an hour at the gym and see how it holds up. I have to say though, I have complete faith that this will do just fine. It is so great to know that I am now using natural deodorant, with nothing scary in it and I made it myself! Woo hoo :P Who knew deodorant could be so exciting...LOL!

For those of you who are thinking of trying this, I urge to do so NOW!!!!!! It is well worth it. This stuff is far healthier than store bought, chemical filled junk. Even if you weren't planning to try it and you just happened to see this post, you really should give it a shot;)

This stuff is so good, I think it deserves yet another link:
"Coconut Oil Killed My Stink" homemade deodorant recipe.

Woo hoo for Homeade Deodorant

There is something very liberating and satisfying about making your own care products. Knowing that you aren't lining the pockets of big company (that doesn't care about it's customers) and that you aren't coating your body with toxins! I really like knowing what the ingredients are and the fact that I can pronounce them.

So, I made myself some lovely deodorant today and I really like how easy it was to make. It took no time at all. I decided to go with the "Coconut Oil Killed My Stink" recipe. Such a funny title :) This was a very easy to follow tutorial and though I used this recipe, I opted to not add any essential oils, this time around. I wanted something plain and basic, to start off. I will admit, it was really hard to convince myself to not drink the melted coconut oil...LOL. It just smells soooooooo good! The tin that I recycled, is a perfect fit!


Anywho, I didn't get any pictures of the process, even though I said I would. I just forgot to get a battery charger, and I was too impatient to wait. I will take a picture or two the next batch. I know there is no need for at least a few months, to make any more but I think having more than one scent to choose from everyday would be nice. I think I will add the tea tree oil and something else, the next time around. Now, if I can just get Macho Man to embrace the homemade godness of this deoderant!

Homemade Show and Tell...Yet Again

This is a dress that I made for Miss Z, for Christmas this year. It was made using an online tutorial/pattern, that I can not currently locate. As soon as I do find the link, I will be sure to post it.

I love the way it turned out, even though it did have it's flaws. Not that it was the fault of the tutorial/pattern. I didn't have ink in my printer, so I was winging the pattern a bit :) That is the usual for me though.

My Pits Shall Stink Another Day

Okay, it isn't that serious, I still have plain old baking soda! I really did want to make some deodorant and try it out, but this day did not go so well and now I am plain lazy. I was looking around a bit though and found a few other blogs/sites that have their version of the homemade deodorant. I was thinking it would be nice to add some essential oils but unsure if it would change the consistency. I was browsing some blogs and found a link for THIS recipe! Right before I found that one, I found THIS link that shows you an easy way to store your deodorant in an empty "store bought" deodorant container. I believe that link may also have a recipe. Now, I think storing it that way would be sweet, but I haven't bought deodorant in almost a year.I figured it was a good one to share though.

I am really hoping to make some deodorant tomorrow and get a battery charger, so that I can share some pictures of the process :)

Making Deodorant

I have not bought deodorant in almost a year and my armpits have never been happier! Now, there are times where I wear nothing at all, but some days it is a necessity to put something under these arms...LOL! On these days, I have simply been putting aluminum free baking powder, under my arms. I simply put the baking soda in my fingers, add a bit of water to make it a paste and wipe it on to my under arms. Though this is very effective, it would be nice to have something already made and quicker to apply.

The other day, this was posted on Facebook, by a lady on my list. It seems so simple to make and I already have all I need to make it. I do have another recipe for homemade deodorant, but this one was right in my face and I figured I would give it a try first. I am really hoping it turns out well and it is something I will make again and again...but if not, there are always other recipes :)

I will be sure to post pictures, as soon as I am finished making this and have tried it out. Wish me luck!!

P.S. This also gives me a use for a little tin I got from some hot chocolate, that was given to me as a gift. It is the perfect size and shape.

Homemade Show and Tell

I figured it as time to share a little crafty goodness with you, as I haven't posted anything crafty in quite some time!




These are a pair of patchwork cord pants that I made for a FB friend. She is a lovely lady that I met through a Mommy group (online), I joined when I first found I was pregnant with Miss Z. She recently had her second child, a boy, and while she was pregnant, I offered to make her a pair of pants for her little guy. Being a hippie as well, I figured these would be perfect! There was a picture posted of her little man in these pants and though they are still a bit to big, they looked really sweet on him :)

Check Out My Buns!!

Burger buns, that is ;)

In my plight to stop buying foods from the store (with mass amounts of added garbage and ingredients I can not pronounce, in them) that I can make myself, I decided to finally try making burger buns! I wanted to make Chili Bean Burgers (I omit the ketchup and add garlic, Worcestershire sauce and what ever other spice I enjoy) for supper and that called for buns...Of course! So, I searched online and found this recipe and decided to give it a shot. There turned out SOOOOOOO well!! I am having a really hard time, not eating every last one of them...LOL!

Oh, and they are a bit on the heavy side, but still VERY delicious!

More Goodies!

I took a break from Ya ya's Summer wardrobe, to help my sister out with a few small items she needed, to complete a craft swap she was a part of. I thought I would share them with you.


I made a freezer paper stencil, by hand and used acrylic paint to paint it on.


This bag was actually quite fun to make! I used a pattern (which I never really do) and though it was a wee bit confusing, I just got the basics and did my own thing. I really like how this one turned out and plan to make a few more for myself and as gifts. I am not sure of the pattern I used, maybe my sister will add that in a comment :)

Homemade Summer Wardrobe: 10lb Ruffle Dress

Ok, it isn't really 10lbs (I am sure you knew that though...LOL), it is just SUPER heavy! All I really did for this dress, was add 5 inches of material to the bottom of a shirt and added ruffles. I make it sound like it was super easy but I had a lot of issues with the ruffles and had redo some of them, more than once. Actually, it was more of an issue with the thread breaking. I think I will use a sturdier thread, next time I make ruffles for anything.

I am amazed at how heavy it seems and wasn't sure if it was going to be comfortable for Ya ya, but she seems to really like it. The material used for the bottom part was old t shirts that I had in my drawer but never wore them.

Though it was a wee bit aggravating, it was relatively easy and turned out cute.

Homemade Summer Wardrobe: Skully Shirt Recon

Here's what I have been up to, for those who are wondering :)

I am planning to make a Summer wardrobe for Ya ya and work through the "recon bin" at the same time. I have a habit of picking up shirts, skirts, pillow cases and so forth, at second hand stores, with the intention of making something new with it and have never gotten around to making anything...Until now! I really want to keep in line with being frugal, green and crafty, so this year will be a homemade wardrobe for Ya ya and some for myself. Some items will be re-purposed items and some will be made from scratch. I figure I will work through the "recon bin" first, as it is overflowing and taking up space I really don't have!

Now, I will share with you, the first item in Ya ya's Summer line :P A shirt and shorts, made from this t-shirt. I did use a piece of blue material I had as well.



I have to say, I am pretty proud of this little number and Ya ya really seems to like it!! She bounces around in it saying, "Mommy, you made dis fo me?" LOL!!

On The Menu: Refrigerator Soup + Homemade Crackers

A simple recipe for all to enjoy! All you do is throw everything you have that is "soup" material, in to a pot with water and the spices you like. You might want to add some pantry goods as well, like beans, rice, barley...What ever tickles the taste buds, for you :) I also like to add a soup base/stock for extra flavor.

Tonight, I had a lot of wilted, sad looking produce that I thought would be better eaten in a soup, than wasted. I love getting to use everything, and wasting nothing!! This also good to make when you find yourself in a grocery crunch (I haven't been to the grocery store, and we are past due for a visit..LOL) Here is what I put in my soup:

Celery
Zucchini
Carrots
Onions
Garlic
Tomatoes (frozen, from our garden)
Cabbage
Onion soup mix
Barley
And, I think that's it!

Of course, what is soup without cracker? Just silly! So, I whipped up some homemade cracker as well :) These are so very simple to make and you can make which ever flavor you like. I made plain whole wheat and cheese...Mmmmm! I Googled cracker recipes and found a large amount of different kind types of crackers. I just grabbed something from each one and threw this together:

Homemade Crackers

1 cup unbleached flour
1 cup organic stone ground whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2/3 cup water
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 - 1 cup cheese (not really sure here - Of course, you can make whatever flavor you like)

Combine flour, baking powder and salt. I just gave it a quick mix up. Then add the liquids. I mixed it all together with my hand until it formed a nice ball. I suppose I kneaded it a little, but nothing too heavy. Roll out on to a floured surface, make it really thin. Cut in to what ever shape or size you want. I used a pizza cutter and cut them in to squares. Bake for about 10-15 minutes on a greased cookie sheet. Let them cool for a few minutes...VOILA!

Hope that makes sense :)

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!).