Roll of Bags

We always have an abundance of plastic bags from Target and they overflow the cabinet under the sink.  We already have a bad holder, but they can't be contained in it.  This is a new way to store some and take them along with you.

Website

http://tatertotsandjello.com/2011/07/summer-social-guest-project-make_21.html

Their directions are step by step with pictures, so please visit their website to follow them.

Cons

1. It was really hard to flatten them to the point that there isn't any air.

2. You need a long floor space to line them all up the way it's stated.

3.  I had trouble fitting 12 into the container, but it was also my first time.

Pros

1. I put the roll on the 3rd floor so we don't always have to remember to take bags up for our trashcans.

2. I don't have as many bags under the sink.

Things I Learned While Doing This

1. You don't need to stretch them all out.  You can roll one half way and then place the next one the way that it's supposed to be.  That way you don't have to travel down the hallway rolling bags.

2. The bags will fill with air after you let it out so it makes more sense to squeeze out the air at the closest time to rolling it.

I will continue to do this.  I don't really think I need this for outside of the house, so I will not be mod podging it to make it look nice.

Try it out!

Any questions or comments, please leave them!

Another Blackhead Remedy

I thought this would work because it uses baking soda and so did the first mask that I tried.

Website (it's in Russian and hard to find anything)

http://vk.com/pin_beauty

What the original pin states

Beauty Club Getting rid of Blackheads with fine salt and soda. Take gel facial wash, mix with tablespoon of baking soda and tablespoon of salt. Apply to damp skin with cotton pad, leave for 5 mins.

Problems

1. It burned.  Salt in an open wound burns!!  We all know this but I thought since it was just a scrub and not a complete open wound it would only burn slightly.  I was wrong.

2. There was no change in my skin

Looks like I'm sticking to the orange juice and baking soda mask!

Blackhead Remover

I have mentioned before that I hate blackheads and I'm always looking for ways to get rid of them.

I really was curious about this one.

Website

http://stylebees.com/get-rid-of-black-heads-in-5-minutes/2213

Directions

You just need to grab half lemon from your fridge (doesn’t matter if some juice is already squeezed from it) and put 3-4 drops of honey on it. Now just rub the lemon on your face for some time, make sure you emphasize on the black heads prone areas like nose, chin etc.  Leave the lemon and honey mixture on your face for 5 minutes and then wash it with cold water. You will be able to see the results immediately. Additionally, lemon juice will also fade other marks/spots on the face and honey will moisturize. So what are you waiting for friends , go and try this one out.

Problems

This was very messy!!!!!  The honey was dripping everywhere!  I'm still sticky!  And worst of all, I still have the same amount of blackheads!

DON'T BOTHER WITH THIS ONE!

BEFORE

AFTER

Vanilla Scented House

I'm a sucker for a house smelling like baked goods!  So when I see ways to replicate it without actually cooking, I'm on board!

Website

http://lifehacker.com/5828262/get-rid-of-household-odors-with-vanilla-extract

Directions

Put two caps full of vanilla extract in a coffee cup, then place it in the oven at 300 degrees for one hour. Within twenty minutes the whole house smells like Heaven. It's actually a common realtor trick.

Problem

2 caps full of vanilla does NOT last for 1 hour in the oven.  It was cooked out before a half hour was up.  I didn't think that it would be enough liquid for scenting the house once it was poured into the mug.

The house smelled mildly like vanilla.  I was hoping for a plethora of vanilla.  I wanted it to smell like a candle without using a candle (because I can't stand candles).  

DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME!  Maybe I should try this with more vanilla but it seems like it's easier to use oils.

Yummy Brown Sugar Body Scrub

So I've done a face scrub and a leg scrub to use while shaving, but what about the rest of the body?  I've been loving the soft skin and I want to have it all over.

Website

http://www.glamour.com/beauty/2008/11/13-diy-at-home-spa-tricks#slide=5

Directions

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup raw oatmeal
• 1 cup olive oil

Mix all the ingredients together and then apply on dry skin, using your hands. You want to perform slow circles—this treatment is to be enjoyed and not rushed.

I figured that was way too much, so I cut it down.  I used 1/4 for everything.  I figured I would try only a sample or so to see if I like it before I go wasting all of these great cooking ingredients.  1/4 was more than enough for 1 use.

This was a great scrub!  My skin is silky!  I will said that it makes you feel like an apple pie while you are scrubbing.  The scent is delicious which seems strange in the shower.  I love yummy scented scrubs and lotions, but that's a chemically made smell.  This smell is authentic.  Also, make sure you really wash all of the oatmeal off.  I kept finding pieces of it after I thought I got it all off.

I suggest using this weekly and feel luxurious!

Tell me what you think!

Another Little Girls Dress

I saw this dress on Pinterest but when I went to the website, there was no tutorial for it, just pictures.  I used this opportunity to make the dress the way that I want to.

Website

http://chickadeechickadeeclothing.blogspot.com/2010/10/last-nights-crafting.html

I used a onesie for the top part of the dress because she never wears them anymore.  I had fabric that matched for the skirt so it's an easy start.

Basically all I did was cut out fabric for the skirt and sewed it on to the onesie.  I did cut the bottom half of the onesie off because she may fit into it longer if she gets taller (no height restrictions).  I am going to use the fabric that I cut off to make a head band to match.

My daughter's daycare is freezing so I would like to buy purple fabric to match and make leggins (now that I've accomplished that).  Then she will be able to wear this outfit year round!  YAY!

Picture

My daughter does not do well with posing in outfits so I don't show the outfits on her.

Please feel free to comment or ask questions!

Children's Leggins

I put my daughter in leggins all of the time.  I usually wait until they are on mega discount at Gymboree, but from what this website says, it doesn't take long to make them (or a lot of fabric).

Website

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2011/09/super-simple-leggings-only-2-fabric-pieces.html

These were a breeze to make.  I also used a double needle for the first time as per the request on the site.  I loved it and now I'm hooked.  I see many of these in the future!

I love how I can pick whatever fabric I want to match clothes that she already has!

Feel free to leave messages or questions!

Summer Dress for Little Girls

I'm on a huge clothing kick since I got a sewing machine.  I sew clothing everyday.  I haven't experiment much with children's clothes due to the fact that my daughter already has more than what she can wear.  But when I saw this dress, I put my own clothing desires on hold to make it.  She has to wear it before it gets colder outside.

Website

http://prudentbaby.com/2012/07/baby-kid/clothing/gathered-pillowcase-dress/

Picture

This dress was pretty easy.  Since I'm a beginner sewer, it takes me extra time to make something.  Once I've made it, I can make another in much less time.  This took me about an hour and a half.  I know that I could do this in about half that time if I made another.  

I didn't measure my daughter because the only time I get to sew is when she is at preschool.  I'm not sure if it fits yet, but I did measure it with a dress she wears, so it should be ok.

Here's the Dress

Feel free to leave comments and questions!

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

Who can resist dinner in 20 minutes?  I love brown sugar and garlic so let's make it into a chicken dish!

I liked the chicken, but I'm more of a grill fan.  I think I would try to do this on the grill next time.  The flavor was great, it's just the texture of baked chicken isn't my thing.  I have weird preferences!!!

Their Picture

Website

http://www.food.com/recipe/easy-garlic-chicken-5478

Super Easy Recipe

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts 

4 garlic cloves, minced 

4 tablespoons brown sugar 

3 teaspoons olive oil 

 

Directions: 1 Preheat oven to 500°F and lightly grease a casserole dish. 

2 In small sauté pan, sauté garlic with the oil until tender. 

3 Remove from heat and stir in brown sugar. 

4 Place chicken breasts in a prepared baking dish and cover with the garlic and brown sugar mixture. 5 Add salt and pepper to taste.  

6 Bake uncovered for 15-30 minutes.

Read more at: http://www.food.com/recipe/easy-garlic-chicken-5478?oc=linkback

 

My Picture

 

It doesn't look as scrumptious!!!!

Olive Garden Dressing

I just love Olive Garden's Italian Dressing!  I know that you can buy it from them, or at least used to be able to buy it, but why not make it at home?  I would much rather make dressings than buy them in the store.

I really think that this was a great dressing.  I haven't had Olive Garden in awhile to determine how close they are in taste.  This is a dressing that I will continue to make.  

 

My Dressing

 

Website

http://www.thecountrycook.net/2012/01/olive-garden-salad-dressing.html

Directions

Ingredients:

1 packet Good Seasonings Italian Dressing

(Ingredients needed to make dressing; oil, water, vinegar)

½ tsp. dried Italian Seasoning

½ tsp. table salt

¼ tsp. black pepper

½ tsp. sugar

¼ tsp. garlic powder

½ tbsp. mayonnaise (no Miracle Whip, please)

¼ cup olive oil

2 tbs. white vinegar

1 ½ tbsp. water

If you've never seen Good Seasons Italian Dressing before, you can usually find it down the aisle in your grocery store where all the other salad dressings are.  The packets are usually near where they keep the packets of ranch dressing. Most stores carry the boxed sets that also come with the salad dressing cruet like the one I have above.

Directions:

Prepare Good Seasonings Italian Seasonings Dressing as it states on back of packet.

The packet makes just a small bit of dressing.

Once prepared, pour dressing in a medium bowl, then add additional ingredients

listed above (starting with the dried Italian Seasoning).

Using a whisk, mix all ingredients until mixed thoroughly combined and pour it into a container with a lid.
Mason jars also work well for this.

Serve with your favorite salad fixings.

Store unused dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. 

Be sure to give the bottle a good shake before using.

T Shirt Updo

I am mentoring a 6th grade student.  In Philadelphia, the students have to wear uniforms which in her school consist of a yellow shirt and navy blue pants.  I want to make the child feel special going into school this year so I decided to put my skills to use.  I let her look at my pinterest and pick out a shirt that she would want me to make for her.

Picture

Website

http://www.rufflesandstuff.com/2010/03/ruffly-shirt-refashion.html

I didn't make hers from a long sleeve shirt.  I bought a white T Shirt from Michaels for $3 and yellow dye for $2.  The buttons were in a pack for $1.

My Shirt

Kids Ruffle Skirt

I'm a sucker for tutus and ruffle skirts for little girls.  I found one on pinterest that I loved so I had to try to make it myself.  As a note, I'm not to keen on following directions, so I kind of wing it.

Website

http://kimboscrafts.blogspot.com/2012/01/cute-tiered-skirt-that-only-took-me-two.html

Here's Her Skirt

Here's Mine

 

Things that I would do differently:

1. I like how she folded the ruffles in half to prevent frays - I would do that!

2. I needed to use white thread for the ruffles instead of black.  I thought black would be ok since her skirt underneath is black.  Well you can see some of the seems.

It was my first article of clothing for a child and I like it!

Another one might be in my future!

Wallpapered Stairs

I thought this was a great idea to spruce up the stairwell.  I was going to have to paint them anyways because they were pretty scuffed up.  So I decided to cover up the marks instead.

Website

http://lovelycraftyhome.com/2011/11/28/a-new-love-textured-wallpaper/

About 1/2 hour and 40 bucks later, I have a new stairwell.  I love it!!  It went faster when I made a template and followed that.  Also the wallpaper didn't stick well the first time so I mod podged it.  Much better!!  I used paintable wallpaper so if I decide to add color sometime, I can!

My Pictures

Removing Labels

My husband and I are both teachers and we are always looking for ways to recycle things that we already have and can use in the classroom.  We have a special needs daughter that is 3 and we still have wipe containers.  I figured we could use these for storage in the classroom, but we needed to remove the label.

I came across a pin the tells you how to remove the labeling.

Website

http://2busybrunettes.com/2012/04/18/i-heart-earth/

Their directions call for a more work that I needed.  I guess these directions were for labels that are really imprinted.

So here's what I did:

Step 1.   Rub nail polish remover with acetone on the label

That's it!!  It took about 1 minute!

Mushroom Skewers

I'm a huge fan of mushrooms, but I'm the only one in my family.  So I made a side dish for myself yesterday.

Website Picture

Website Directions

Mushroom Skewers Recipe
4 servings
1/2 tablespoon harissa
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
8 ounces baby portobello mushrooms, halved lengthwise
Whisk the harissa, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and oregano together in a medium bowl.
Add the halved mushrooms and toss well to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or Preheat the grill, if grilling.
Thread the mushrooms onto presoaked bamboo skewers. Roast them in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or grill them, 5 minutes per side.

I just loved this recipe.  This will be made many more ties in our household.  If you love mushrooms, what are you waiting for?

My Picture

 

Crispy Potatoes

These potatoes looked so good on the picture, I just had to make them.

Website Pic

Website

http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/11/ultra-crispy-roast-potatoes-recipe.html

Website Directions

Ingredients

• 4 1/2 pounds russet potatoes (see note), rinsed, peeled if desired, and cut into 2-inch chunks
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• Kosher salt
• 1/4 cup duck fat (see note)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 12 sprigs thyme

Procedures

1. 1
   Adjust oven racks to lower and upper position and preheat oven to 500°F. Place potatoes in a large saucepot and cover with cold water by 1-inch. Add 2 tablespoons salt and vinegar. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce to a simmer, and cook until exteriors are tender, about 5 minutes. Potatoes should show a slight resistance when poked with a paring knife or a cake tester. Drain potatoes and transfer to a large bowl.
2. 2
   Add fat to bowl with potatoes. Season with pepper and more salt to taste then toss with a large metal spoon until exteriors are slightly bashed up and coated in a thin layer of potato/fat paste. Divide potatoes evenly between two heavy rimmed baking sheets. Spread thyme sprigs over potatoes.
3. 3
   Transfer baking sheets to the oven and roast until the bottoms of the potatoes are crisp and golden brown, about 20 minutes total, swapping top the trays top for bottom and rotating them once half way through roasting. Using a thin metal spatula, flip the potatoes and roast until the second side is golden brown, another 15 to 20 minutes. Discard thyme sprigs, and serve.
   
   
   
   

   I thought this was a good recipe.  I thought they were a little too crunchy, so I would cook them a little less, however, everyone else loved them being that crunchy.  So this is obviously a preference in the crunchiness of potatoes.  I will make this again!!  They tasted like potato chips!!

   
   

    My Picture

   

   
   

Watermelon!!!

This is a great site for info about getting and cutting the perfect watermelon.

http://fifteenspatulas.com/2011/04/25/how-to-pick-a-superstar-watermelon/

I picked and cut a watermelon (by following her directions) while I was on vacation at the beach.  What better time to have watermelon?  I have never cut a watermelon the way she instructed and it seemed like a lot of hassle.

DUE to a copyright stamp on her site, I can't copy and paste the directions to you.  At least I included the link.

Cutting the watermelon this way seemed to yield tons of watermelon.  We were in a house of 11 and we didn't even finish the watermelon.  That's just one watermelon.  We even froze it to keep it throughout the week and we still couldn't finish it.  You definitely get the most out of watermelon when you follow those steps!