Edible Glitter

It's that time to be making Christmas cookies and I always want different ideas on decorations.  Why not edible glitter?

The Pin Picture

The Pin Says

I THINK I JUST DIED!!!! 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of food coloring, baking sheet and 10 mins in oven to make edible glitter....Christmas cookies

 

I SHOULD HAVE NEVER LISTENED TO DIRECTIONS ON A PIN!

The Website

http://www.planetpals.com/craft-non-toxic-craft-supply-recipes.html

The Website's Directions

Make Non Toxic Glitter This glitter can be used for almost any type of project and may even be mixed with glue for special crafts

Tools needed for this project

• Baking Pan
• Jar
• 1/4 cup of salt (or granulated sugar)
• 1/2 teaspoon of LIQUID food coloring
• Preheat an oven to 350 degrees
• Oven for 10 mins

Directions:

• 1/2 cup coarse salt (non iodized) or 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 -10 drops food coloring (a drop at a time), adjust for desired color
• Measure salt or sugar into a clear jar with a tight fitting lid. Add food coloring one drop at a time and screw the cap on tightly. SHAKE to combine. Repeat until desired color is reached.
• Sprinkle, dip or shake onto whatever you like. I like to put this in a clear salt shaker for easy shaking or pour some into a saucer and dip the wet rim of an empty glass in it to make the glass pretty!

NOTE:

• Some recipes suggest that you bake in the oven for 10 minutes.
• Paste food coloring can result in smoking
• You may also store it in an air tight container for several months.
• This stays drier and stores wonderfully as is but even better if you spread colored salt/sugar in a thin layer to air dry for about an hour or microwave in 30 second intervals, stir and repeat for about 1-2 minutes or until moisture is evaporated. You can also add a few grains of rice to absorb any moisture. Allow your homemade glitter to cool before using it.
• Temperature extremes (weather) may cause different results

Be aware that colors like silver are hard to obtain.

 

Problems

1. It didn't look anything like glitter.

2. It was very clumpy, even stored in an air tight container.

My Picture

Nothing Like the Original Picture!!!  Don't waste your time.

Yummy Baked Potatoes

I'm always a sucker for a baked potato, so having one with a little bit of a twist, I'm on board.

Website

http://pagesfoodblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/your-new-favorite-way-to-cook-potatoes.html

Directions

Slice whole potatoes aaalmost all the way through, so that the slices are all 

still attached at the bottom of the potato.

 Drizzle with olive oil and your favorites potato seasonings...

..bake for about 40 minutes at 425 F..

 

My Thoughts

I love them.  My husband isn't really a fan of baked potatoes but he was excited to eat them.  He told me how good they look.  This is definitely a keeper recipe.  I start them off by putting them in the microwave for 5 minutes to speed the process since baked potatoes take awhile to cook.

 

My Picture

Yup that's parm cheese as a topping.  I waited until the potatoes were done cooking before I added the cheese.  YUM!

 

Brussel Sprouts

I'm not a huge fan of brussel sprouts but sometimes I want a different side dish.  I feel like I'm always cooking the same side dishes.

Website

http://whatsgabycooking.com/lemon-garlic-brussel-sprouts/

Directions

Ingredients

• 2 lb Brussel Sprouts
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 3 tbsp gruyere, grated
• sea salt
• pepper
• 
  

Instructions

1. Clean the brussel sprouts by trimming off the ends and peeling the outer layer of the sprout off. Cut each one in half.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
3. Once heated, add the halved brussel sprouts to the pan and saute for about 7-8 minutes on each side until the outer part is a caramelized brown and the inside is soft and fully cooked.
4. Add the garlic half way through the cooking.
5. Reduce the heat to low and add the lemon zest, juice, salt and pepper.
6. Stir to combine and taste. Adjust seasoning if needed. Add the cheese on top and serve.

Their Picture

My Thoughts

These were good brussel sprouts.  My husband doesn't eat brussel sprouts and he said they are the best he has ever had.  That being said, he will only eat a couple and hope that I don't make them often.  I will use this recipe again, despite no one else in the family wanting to eat them.

My Picture

 

DIY Glitter Play Doh

I never really thought Play Doh was expensive so I never really understood why people make it.  But why not jump on the Pinterest bandwagon and make some.

Website

http://tenkidsandadog.blogspot.com/2010/01/s-is-for-snow.html

Their Picture

My Thoughts

Maybe I made it wrong, but it was crumbly.  I played with it to mix in the glitter and to soften it up, which it did.  However, I tried making a snake and it kept breaking off.  I don't think this would be fun to play with.  Plus the peppermint smell might make a child think they can eat it.  I would just go buy Play Doh instead of wasting the time.

My Pictures

I have no clue how they got the Play Doh so white in the picture!!!

DIY Gel Air Freshener

I know that it's been awhile, but I'm back.  Part of the reason is for being sick and the other part is for trying to figure out what I want to take on as a challenge.

I already tried an air freshener that didn't work so why not try another.

Website

http://sewstylishboutique.blogspot.com/2011/07/gel-air-freshener.html

Their Picture

Directions

All you need is:

2 Envelopes unflavored Gelatin 

1tsp or more of some perfume or other fragrance

1/2 cup hot water

1/2 cup ice cold water

Food coloring 

A small jar like a jelly or baby food jar

Mix the gelatin and hot water in a bowl until the gelatin in dissolved. Stir in Fragrance and food coloring, then the ice water. let set in a cool place. ( do not put it in the frige)  

My Thoughts

It smells great, when you put your nose to it.  I would assume that's the essential oil that I chose.  I cannot even smell it about 6 inches away.  It definitely will not scent up a room.  Oh well.  I guess it's just easier to buy air fresheners.

My Picture

Yeah I went ghetto and put it in tupperware.  I figured there was no point in making it look nice if I don't know how it's going to turn out.

My Leave of Absence

I haven't posted in awhile due to the fact that I've been sick.  I'm being treated for Lyme disease and I'm still awaiting the test results.

I have been looking up stuff on Pinterest but I've been having trouble figuring out what would be good to test.  I seem to keep seeing the same pins and nothing that's catching my eye to test.  There is a homemade pore strip that I would like to try but I need to by plain gelatin and I haven't found it yet.

So I'm asking you what you would like to see tested.  If there's a pin that you are curious about, please let me know and I'll see about testing it.

Diaper Pail Deodorant Disk

I have a special needs child.  Even though she's 3 and 1/2, she's no where near ready to be potty trained.  With that comes an extended use of the diaper pail.  It reeks!!!!  I have tried the ones from Arm and Hammer and even 3 at a time with no luck!  So what could it hurt to make one and see what happens?

Website

http://zksim.blogspot.com/2012/01/stinky-diaper-pail-make-your-own.html

Directions

For baking soda disks, you will need:

• distilled or boiled water
•  2 cups of baking soda
• your choice of essential oils 
• a muffin pan
• paper muffin cups

Add a few drops of essential oil to a small amount of water. Mix the water with the baking soda. Mix well. Gradually add and mix more water until you have a thick paste.

 Press about ½" of paste into each muffin paper and let dry 24 hours. Tear the paper off. After you've used each disk for a month or so (however long you find it effective), crumble the disk into the diaper wash. Baking soda deodorizes and softens the diapers.

This recipe made me a year supply. Happy Diapering! :) 

My Thoughts

Our pail still reeks!!!  It's beyond repair I believe.  We should just invest in getting another since we don't know how long we will be using it anyways.  These disks might work in the fridge or something less potent, but not a diaper pail.  Luckily the only time we smell the pail is when we have to empty it and put in a new bag!!

Cleaning Cookie Sheets, Again?

You've all seen my dirty cookie sheets before, so I needed another cleaning method since the first didn't work.  This one seemed more practical.

Website

http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/05/new-life-for-old-cookie-sheets-again.html

Directions

After sprinkling the spot with baking soda, then hydrogen peroxide, then another layer of baking soda… I left it sitting there like that while we went to breakfast. When we got home I rubbed a little of the cleaner off and was actually quite astonished to see MOST of the gunk came right off! Minimal rubbing with my fingers (you could use a scrubbie too) was required.

Their Pictures

My Thoughts

Blah!  My cookie sheets are getting thrown out today and I'm buy new.  It's not like they are that expensive anyways.  I'm sick of trying to clean them.  This does not work like the pictures!!!  I will say that it didn't spell horrific like the other method, so that made this method a little better.

My Pictures

Before

During

And After

This cookie sheets should have been replaced a long time ago!  What was I thinking???

Oven Cleaner

I bought this oven cleaner and it got almost all of my oven clean.  There's these little specks on the window that I cannot get off.  Of course I'm going to try something from Pinterest to see if it will work on those specks.

Website

http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-to-clean-oven-glass-it-seriously-is.html

Directions and Pictures

ant to clean your oven? I promise its super easy.

Ingredients:

Water

Baking Soda

Add about a 1/4 cup of baking soda in a dish and mix just enough water to make a slightly runny paste. 

Spread your mixture all over your glass (and the door if it needs it too. Mine did).

Wait 15-20 minutes (or if it is really, really bad like mine you can wait 30 minutes. Not sure if this is necessary but that's what I did.).

After 15, 20, or 30 minutes wipe off. If there are still spots left they should easily scrub off with a scour pad.

And Voila...

 

 

 

My Thoughts

 

Well my specks are still there and my oven looks the exact same as when I started.  I actually think this was harder to clean off of the oven because the baking soda is hard.  It took me several paper towels and cleaning wipes to get all of the cleaner off.  I wouldn't bother with this again.

 

My Pictures

(notice on the second picture that the specks are still there)

 

 

 

Don't waste your time!

Homemade Body Scrubs

I haven't been buying body scrubs for the past couple of years because I feel like they are such a rip off.  I love the way it makes my skin feel, but 20 bucks is a bit out of hand.  Ever since I lived at home as a teenager, someone was always stealing it from me and when I would go to use it, it would be gone.  How could I resist a homemade recipe? So how could I resist 24 recipes?

Warning: These recipes are sold for $3.99 (not from me)

Website

http://inbetweenlaundry.blogspot.com/search?q=scrub

My Thoughts

I've tried several, and it's worth the money to spend on the recipes.  They aren't just sugar and oil and scent.  They are full on mixtures but still keeping it at a cheap price.  The recipe makes a ton, so I cut it in half to make smaller portions.  I want to try all of the recipes and how can I do that if I keep the same one around for a long time.

One Thing I Changed

I like to use Grapeseed Oil because it's a lighter oil.  They have a large quantity of it at Target for about the same price as the cheap olive oil.  It's more expensive everywhere else and for half the quantity.

My Picture of Caramel Apple

(yes I keep them in tupperware)

 These will make great Christmas Gifts!  I will have to buy nicer containers though!

Greek Pasta Salad

I love pasta and Feta Cheese.  What a great combo.  I had to try this one!

Website

http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/greek-pasta-salad-recipe/

Picture

Man that's a great picture.  Looks like it's from a restaurant.

Directions

For the Dressing

1 cup olive oil
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons basil dried basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons Za'atar*
1-1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons granulated sugar

For the Salad

1 pound rotini pasta cooked according to package directions
1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half (you can also sub in grape tomatoes)
1 large cucumber, seeded and chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
4 green onions, thinly sliced
3/4 cup Kalamata olives
1-1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese
1 7-ounce pepperoni stick, sliced

Directions:

1. In a a large Mason jar or other sealable container, combine olive oil, vinegar, garlic powder, basil, oregano, Za'atar black pepper, and sugar. Shake well to combine.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, green onions, olives, feta cheese and pepperoni.
3. Separate and reserve ½ cup of dressing in the refrigerator.
4. Toss the pasta salad with the rest of the dressing until evenly coated. Cover, and chill overnight.
5. Right before serving, freshen the salad with the reserved dressing, tossing to coat.



My thoughts

 Great recipe and great dressing.  I couldn't find Za-atar so I worked without it.  I also don't like peppers or olives, so I skipped those too.  I added chicken to it to make it a meal instead of a side dish.

This is a pasta that I will make many more times!


My Picture

Crock Pot Applesauce

I've mentioned before that I want to go fresh.  Instead of buying applesauce, which is so easy, why not make it?  Might as well complicate things for myself, but at least it's fresh.

Website

http://mommymakesitbetter.blogspot.com/2012/04/crock-pot-applesauce.html

Their Picture

Directions

Ingredients:

8 medium apples (Use a combination of Golden Delicious, Honey Crisp, Fuji, Gala, etc.) (I filled the crockpot, using about 20 small apples)

1 strips of lemon peel - use a vegetable peeler

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

3 inch cinnamon stick

5 tsp light brown sugar (unpacked) - or agave


1.  Peel, core and chop the apples.

2.  Add the sugar, lemon peel, lemon juice and cinnamon stick.

3.  Set crock pot to low and cook for 6 hours. Stir apples occasionally, apples will slowly become a delicious applesauce. Remove cinnamon stick and use an immersion blender to blend until smooth or if you prefer a chunky sauce, leave sauce intact. (I used a whisk, which gave the sauce a nice chunky consistency.)

4.  Can and process as you would other recipes or keep refrigerated up to 3 weeks.

My Thoughts

I cut the recipe in half to see if I would like it and it didn't make a lot of sauce.  It's amazing how many apples put in to it and what comes out.  

It needed some sugar, so I will add some.  Other than that, I like the recipe.  It's nice to just put it and and forget about it for awhile.

My Picture

(I use a liner in my pot so I don't have to wash it)

It's a little hard to see.  Sorry about that.  Try it out!

 

Italian Chicken

I love an easy recipe.  Just throw it in the stove and forget about it for awhile, sign me up.

Website

http://tristanfamily.blogspot.com/2012/07/whats-for-dinner.html

Picture

Directions

 4-6 raw chicken breasts, new potatoes, green beans (fresh or canned-really any green veggie would work. Broccoli is good, too). Arrange in 9x13 dish. Sprinkle with a packet of Italian dressing mix and then top with a melted stick of butter. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. 

 

 

My Thoughts

 

My butcher splits my chicken and pounds it for me, so it's thin.  I knew that the chicken would cook faster than the vegetables, so I put them in first and then added the chicken. 

This was a great dinner!  It was so easy and tasted great!  I used different veggies though.

My Picture

Yum!  Give it a try!

Pickle Dip

I have always loved pickles.  My cousin and I would eat a whole jar of those really huge pickles that they sell at delis - but in one sitting.  I also like the juice.  I know some of you think I'm disgusting now and I'm ok with that.

I've been craving chips so this was a great time to make the dip.

Website

http://bunsinmyoven.com/2012/01/18/pickle-dip/

Directions

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/2 to 1 cup dill pickles, depending on how pickly you like things
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• dill, for garnish, if desired
• pickle juice

Instructions

1. Chop the pickles into very small pieces.
2. Combine with the cream cheese and Worcestershire sauce until well mixed. Splash in a bit of pickle juice to thin the dip out a bit (around 1 tablespoon, but more is fine, dependent on your taste).
3. Serve cold or at room temperature with potato chips. 

Results

I  really liked the dip.  It is really pickly (is that a word), so don't try this if you only like pickles sometimes or just a little bit.  This is major pickle taste.

Room Air Freshner

I don't really like candles, so I thought this would be a great alternative.

Website

http://www.theburlapbag.com/2011/12/diy-room-air-freshener/

Problem

I can not smell this at all!  Even standing next to it!  I put extra scent into it and waited another day or two, and then put more scent into it - still don't smell it!  This sucks because I love cucumber melon scent!

Homemade Lip Gloss

I've been on a big kick lately with everything being fresh.  Now it's time to make homemade bath products instead of spending all of that money for it at the store.  I know that lip gloss isn't expensive, but no how many times I misplace it and have to buy another, it will be worth it.

Website

http://blog.justlove.ly/2012/01/14-days-of-love-lip-balm.html

Directions

First up.. because the Kool-Aid is what supplies the color to your lip balm I would suggest you purchase a flavor that comes out red.  I mixed cherry and tropical punch together.  I have also done this recipe with Crystal light which tastes much better, but sometimes the crystals don't dissolve as well as the Kool-Aid ones do so it can be tricky.

Gather your supplies and in a microwave safe bowl (I ended up using a mixing cup) put a glob <--- that's a proper measurement right.. ok about a cup into the bowl and heat on high for about a minute. Stir. Do again. This is the repetitive part, I usually browse pinterest on my phone while standing next to the microwave.. or sometimes I eat raw cookie dough from the fridge.. whatever works for you!  Keep repeating this step and make sure to stir, stir and stir some more in between each heating. If you plan on making a lot of these I would suggest doing it in batches as it will be easier to melt down.  **please do in small increments to assure that you do not blow your microwave, also if you have access to double boiler that works great too!

 

Take your bowl of liquid greasiness =) and let cool for just a few seconds, stir in the kool-aid a little at a time and make sure it starts to dissolve (keep stiring!)  The more you add the darker it gets so this is up to you and what you want your lip gloss to look like, I used two whole packets for this pretty color.

Now if you use Crystal Light the flavor is so much better, since the Kool-Aid is bitter I simply pour in a couple packets of stevia just for a little sweet on my lips.  Oh and it's zero calorie in case you ingest the stuff!

 

My Thoughts

It's a very simple process, don't let the directions fool you.  She is just wordy with the directions.

 

I love this.  Vaseline is great for your lips.

 

The only problem is that it tastes so good, I'm scared I'm eating too much of it.  Ha Ha!

 

This will be a recipe that I will keep!

 

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.