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.