DIY Applesauce/Babyfood

I began making applesauce as a school project for my first grade students.  I had been looking for a fun craft or snack for my class for Johnny Appleseed Day.  While I was searching I came across a recipe for home made applesauce.  I personally don't care for applesauce - something about the texture.  But, my kids all loved it!  It was a big hit with them!  So, every year for Johnny Appleseed day we would make applesauce!  It was a great lesson that they never knew they were learning!

I am currently a stay at home, taking care of my two precious children, so I am not making applesauce once a year.  Instead I am making it at least once a month!  My children love it and think it is a great treat!  I do try to buy a lot of apples when I find a good deal and make my applesauce ahead.

I start with my wonderful Pampered Chef Apple Wedger!

This nice little tool makes the job so much faster and easier!  Simply press down, then peel each little section!

I usually cut each section in half, but that is not a must.  The smaller the pieces, the more quickly the applesauce will cook.  So the size of the apple pieces is totally up to you.  I also add about 1/4 c. water to the crock-pot.  You can add cinnamon if you want - I always did, until we discovered my daughter has a mild cinnamon allergy.

When I made this in the classroom I cut my apples into very small pieces to be sure my applesauce was cooked in time for the students to sample it! When I make it at home I don't worry about the size of the pieces.  I just toss them in the crock pot and turn it on high!

Each time I walk through the kitchen I try to just give the apples a quick stir.  This just makes sure they continue to cook evenly and also let me know when they are done!  (It has also let me know I forgot to plug in the crock-pot...)

If I were making this for my toddler or older children, I would be finished after mashing the apples with a spoon.  However, when I make it for my 6 month old, I use a blender to puree the applesauce.  Then, I spoon it into ice cube trays to freeze and use as needed!

Good Luck and Enjoy!

How to get the Best baby footprint!

I don't know about you, but I love to make crafts!  Now that I have children, I love to make crafts that involved them!  However, that can get a bit messy!!  The first time I tried to paint my daughter's feet to make a footprint craft - oh my!  There was paint all over her, me, the towel I had put down and the paper I was trying to simply get one footprint on!  It was a mess!!

After a few trial and error attempts I have finally found the best way to capture those sweet little footprints - even on the wiggliest of my babies!

I prefer to use the washable paint! It cleans up so easily!!  I can use baby wipes, a rag, or just dip those precious little feet in the sink (which is definitely what my children prefer!)!!

The Bumbo seat has been the best thing I have used for feet painting!  It keeps their little legs pointed out, and keeps their feet from touching the floor (or anything else)!   

Then, I cover that sweet little foot with paint!  Thankfully my babies laugh at this part.  In teaching I have had some children who could not stand to have paint on their feet or hands - so we settled for tracing their feet/hands! 

To capture the footprint on paper I use a hard clipboard.  Simply place your paper on the clipboard and carefully press baby's foot against the paper.  The tricky part for me seems to be getting the toes (you can see a smeared toe in the picture).  I have found that if I start at the heel and roll the foot onto the paper pressing the toes in last I get the best footprint!

I hope this helps you as you create masterpieces with your babies!!

Baked Parmesan Garlic Fries

I absolutely love to eat potatoes...almost any way they can be fixed! Growing up I always thought it was a treat to have 'home made french fries'.  My mom would peel and slice the potatoes and pull out the little Fry Daddy and fry them.  Oh my...they were delicious!!!  We eventually started baking them in the oven.  This is much easier in that we don't have to deal with hot oil - especially nice when you have babies running around!  Either way you cook them, they are delicious!!  I usually make mine with garlic and Parmesan, just for a little extra flavor,  However, you can make them with any flavor you desire, and the toppings are endless!!

I begin by peeling my potatoes.  If you wash yours thoroughly you can leave the peeling on if you prefer.  I then slice my potatoes to the desired thickness.  My husband prefers much thicker potatoes, similar to steak fries or potato wedges.  Once the potatoes are peeled and sliced I place them in a bowl.  I then lightly drizzle them with Olive Oil and add my seasonings.  I use Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper, and Grated Parmesan.

Spread the potatoes evenly on a baking sheet/stone.

This is just a glance of the fun that happens around me when I am cooking! :)  

Bake the potatoes at 425F, for approximately 20 minutes. Time will vary depending on the thickness of the potatoes.

You can top with bacon, cheese, onions, peppers, or even just eat them like they are!  Enjoy!  Let me know your thoughts or suggestions! I love those comments! :)

New Laundry Detergent

I know that I have previously posted a recipe for laundry Detergent, but I have been given a new one that is SO easy!!! (I'm honestly not sure where the recipe originated...)  It works great!  My Mom made me two gallons when we moved because I had to wash everything that we stored.  I have just made myself another gallon and it was so simple!

You will need:

1/4 c. Borax
1/3 c. Super Washing Soda
2 Tbsp. Dawn
Water
Sturdy Gallon Container (for liquids)

I filled the container about 1/4 full of HOT (really hot) water.  Then I added the Borax and Washing Soda.  Swirl the container around until the powders are dissolved.  After the powders are dissolved add the 2 Tbsp. of Dawn, and then fill the container with water (temperature does not matter).

You're Done!  Wasn't that easy!!

Use this just as you would any other liquid detergent!  It has worked great on baby clothes, my clothes, my husbands work clothes and everything else I have needed to wash over the last month!

Let me know what you think!

Getting Settled

Well, for those who may not have know, we have moved!!  It was certainly an experience!  We put our house on the market and had a contract within a month.  We had prepared ourselves to wait much longer because several homes in our neighborhood had been slow to sell.  Since we were somewhat unprepared for the speed of the sell, we had not yet found a house to move into.  We looked every chance we had - when my husband and I were both off work.  But, the day came to move out and close and we were homeless!  Thankfully we were able to stay with family (my husbands parents) while we continued to look for a house.  We put all of our things in storage and packed our suitcases...

We finally found a house, and it was for sale by owner.   We were so excited!  It was a great house, closer to my family, and hubby's as well as being closer to hubby's work.  We started on the process of putting a contract on the house, got inspections and so on.  We got down to near time to close and kept hitting little hiccups...we were truly afraid we were going to have to start all over.  However, the Lord answered our many prayers and we were able to close on our house!  My wonderful Mom and I came over and began cleaning and lining cupboards immediately!  Then, moving day was here - and it was a little chaotic! But, all of our things were once again in the same place we were, and we had our own bed to sleep in!

Fast forward about a month and a half and now we are settled in (for the most part) and unpacked (for the most part).  Finally getting back into our routines and our way of life.  So...all of that being said - be on the lookout for more postings from me.  My mind is on craftiness and DIY overload!  I have SEVERAL projects all lined up to do and share!  I can't wait!

Rice Cereal Cookies

My daughter is loving those little rice cereal cookies that you can buy at your local grocery.  We buy ours from Wal-Mart.  However, even buying store brand they are about $2.50 per box and I just hate to spend that much!  So, I looked around for some recipes.  I found one from Wholesome Baby Food that I liked.  I, as always...., changed one thing in the recipe.

My recipe:

You can also use flavored baby cereal if you want. I made them plain, just because this was the first time I was trying the recipe.  Next time I may play around with some flavors.  The original recipe only used the rice cereal,but I thought I would try it with a mix, and it was a hit!  

Let me know if you try them and what you do differently!

Cream of 'Whatever' Soup

I (as many of you) try to pinch pennies whenever possible, without losing quality.  I also love to use my crock pot...especially on days that I babysit.  Several of my crock pot recipes call of a can of cream soup.  While browsing Pinterest I found a recipe for a dry cream soup mix.  I have actually been planning to try it for awhile...but am just now getting around to it.  What can I say...life happens! The original recipe can be found 'here'.  There is also a second dry soup mix recipe I have pinned that I want to try when this one runs out.  I did make a couple minimal changes to the recipe!

You will need a container (that will seal well) to store your dry mix in.  I chose a large glass jar.  I also used a Sharpie marker to write the recipe and directions on my jar.  (If I need to use the jar for something else a little acetone will wipe that marker right off!)

The recipe is:
1 c. Non-fat dried milk
3/4 c. Cornstarch
1/4 c. Bullion
4 T. Dried Minced Onion
1 t. Basil
1/2 t. Thyme
1/2 t. Parsley
1 t. Pepper

I did learn something very new when making this recipe.  It may be something you all know, but it was new to me and I was excited! It truly is the little things that make me happy!  I did not know that you could buy bullion powder!  I have only ever purchased bullion in cubes.  This stuff is amazing!  I can use just a couple teaspoons when I make rice!  I love it!  If you don't want to purchase this item, you can crush up some cubes.  Although the bullion powder was very reasonably priced!

Also, I didn't have any minced onion, so I used Onion powder and it worked great! If I have something in my cabinet/pantry that will work I don't buy new!


To use the dry mix you add 1/3 c dry mix and 1/2 c water.  Then microwave for 30 seconds (or until it starts to thicken.  Just be careful, if you cook in longer increments it may get too thick, so check it often until you find the right time for your microwave!

Let me know what you think!!

Frilly Scarf Tutorial

First of all, I have tried to write this blog several times...every time I sit down to type someone needs me! :)  It is wonderful to be a needed wife and Mom though!!

I'm sure you have seen the 'frilly' scarves that became quite popular last year.  I always wanted to make one, but the price per skein of the yarn was more than I was willing to pay... I can be rather cheap sometimes! :)

Not to long ago I found the yarn on clearance!!!  Yay!  So, I purchased several skeins (with intentions to make one for myself and a few for gifts or to sell).  Then, they sat in my craft closet for several months.  Sadly, I had to take a break from crocheting during the second half of my pregnancy.  My fingers would go numb (from slight swelling in my hands and wrists) if I did to much...since grading papers and typing lesson plans was what I was getting paid to do, I had to put those things ahead of the fun stuff!

Now, I am finally back to crocheting and crafting and I am loving it!!!  I certainly missed it!  I finally sat down to make the 'frilly' scarves and oh my goodness!  They were so much fun to make!  It does not take much time to make them at all! I had all of mine made in two afternoon nap-times! (I now measure thins by nap-times!)

I looked at several tutorials (I am a visual/hands on learner) and I still had a couple questions.  So, after I figured it out I  took a few pictures of my own to share with you!

I used a size 'h'crochet hook.  If you spread the first part of the yarn out, you will notice that the two sides are different. You will want to work in the side that is more open...has holes for you to work in.

You are going to run your crochet hook through every other hole/space until you have cast on 10.   In the picture below you can see my crochet hook going through every other space.

After you have cast on 10, you will gather all except the one closest to the hook, and pull the single strand through the group.

Stitch markers were suggested in at least one of the tutorials I looked at, but I chose not to use them, and had no problem.  I believe they were suggested so that the whole scarf would not unravel or you would not lose your place if you had a mishap and dropped the stitches you were currently working on.

Now, I do not claim to be a super knowledgeable crafter/crocheter.  So, if something I have said does not make sense, please comment below or message me and I will do my best to help you out!  

Enjoy your new 'frilly' scarf!!!

DIY Microwave Popcorn

I don't know about ya'll, but I LOVE popcorn!! The more butter and salt the better!  (Not better for you....but it sure does taste good!)  Last night I decided I would like some popcorn...but, I didn't have any microwave popcorn.  I do have an air popper, but I was being lazy and didn't feel like pulling it out.  So, I decided to try the DIY microwave popcorn I had seen on Pinterest!  It was good!  I did learn a couple things to make it better next time though!

The tutorials I read each said to put 1/4 c. popcorn kernels in a glass bowl.  I used the 1.5 quart, and it was much too small...  I would probably use my largest glass mixing bowl.  It also said to put a ceramic plate on top...that was no problem, unless you don't have one big enough for your bowl.

The tutorials also said to pop the popcorn about 3 minutes...that was not long enough for mine.  I'm sure all microwaves are different though and the time will vary from person to person.  I let mine go for about 4 minutes and my popcorn kernels were not all popped.  However, my bowl was full!

The healthiest way to eat the popcorn would be plain...but, I don't always go for the healthiest (even though I do try to usually).  I like to melt a chunk of real butter in a bowl with some olive oil and drizzle the mixture over the popped popcorn and then add some salt!

My snack was absolutely delicious!!  Let me know if you try it and if you like it!!

Easy Iced Coffee!!

Ever since college I have been a coffee drinker.  Probably more so when I am teaching.  However, I prefer decaf.  I also drink it for several reasons.  One reason is that it keeps me from snacking.  Another reason is that it is relaxing to drink a nice warm cup of coffee while sitting on the couch after everyone else is in bed!   It also is the perfect drink to accompany anything sweet, such as ice cream!

I have been wanting to perfect my iced coffee drink since college.  I do my best to pinch every penny possible...so I don't keep the air on 68 (much to my husbands dismay) in the summer.  Therefore, drinking hot coffee is not always what I want in the heat of summer...I still want the taste though!  So, after trying many different ideas and recipes I have finally made a simple,delicious, and easy iced coffee!!

You will need:

Coffee Pot

1 pkg sample coffee (like at Wal-Mart, those little bitty bags)

Ice trays

Milk

Sweetener (I used one pkg truvia per cup)

Chocolate/Caramel if desired
Flavored Creamer if desired (I love the Chocolate Caramel from International Delight)

I made a 12 cup pot of coffee using a whole small pkg of coffee.  I chose to use a flavored coffee for this.  Then I poured this into the ice cub trays and placed them in the freezer overnight. (I got over 4 dozen ice cubes).  The next day I dumped all the cubes out of the trays and into a freezer bag for storage.

To make each drink you simply make a cup of coffee as you usually would.  Add about 1/2 c milk (I use skim), 1 pkg sweetener (truvia),  4 to 6 coffee cubes, and flavor with chocolate/caramel if desired!  

Enjoy!!

**Also if you like that cup - check out some more Tervis Tumblers!! They are my favorite cups to use! they are microwave and dishwasher safe, keep hot drinks hot, cold drinks cold and don't sweat!!**

Diaper Box Makeover - Pinterest Project of the Week

Although I use cloth diapers when we are at home...I have chosen to use disposables when we are out and about, especially when we travel! Therefore, I have several diaper boxes.  I also am trying to organize my daughter's closet in a cute and inexpensive way.  Therefore, I saw a great idea on Pinterest about covering diaper boxes. The idea that I read mentioned using contact paper or sticky shelf paper.  When I went shopping the cheapest I could find was approximately $6 + tax, and, it was partially see-through.  So, as I was walking through the store, I found a large display of very cute duck tape!  Voila!  I actually bought 2 rolls ($3 each) because I had other projects that needed duck tape!

This project used less than one roll of duck tape (I probably could cover 2 boxes with just one roll).  I was beyond excited about how my project turned out!!  Check out the pictures below and let me know what you think!


I began with one diaper box...

Use scissors or a box cutter to remove the top flaps (I think using a box cutter is much easier!)...

I then began placing the duck tape (I alternated my two designs just for fun!)

The finished product is now in my daughter's closet holding all kinds of wonderful things!!  Seriously! This was so much cheaper than purchasing storage cubes!  I could easily have done 2 boxes from one roll of duck tape and possibly had a little left over!!  Yay for super Pinterest project!!

Let me know what method you try and how it worked out for you!

DIY Laundry Stain Remover

So, my beautiful little distraction tends to create stains on her cute little pink clothes!  And since little girls look much cuter in clean clothes, I had to find a great stain remover!  My Mom told me about a home made stain remover that she had found and tried and how wonderfully it worked!  It got out a stain that had been in a sweater for years!  So, I decided to try it, and I love it!  This is my second batch...

You will need:

Dish Detergent (I used Dawn)
Hydrogen Peroxide
Baking Soda
Small Container (I use a small canning jar)

Mix all ingredients in container and you are done!  How easy was that?  As the mixture sits the baking soda does seem to settle to the bottom.  I use a small spatula to stir the mixture before each use and then to apply it to the stained clothes.  I just keep the stain remover and the spatula right beside the washer!  I hope this works as well for you as it has for me!

DIY Liquid Laundry Detergent

So, I had hoped to post this much sooner! However, I currently have a very cute distraction:

So, I am finally getting around to re-posting this with more details and pictures!  I have been using homemade laundry detergent for a couple years now and I absolutely love it!!  This recipe will make 10 gallons (the 5-gallon bucket is double concentrate that you will mix with water as you use it).  I could not even tell you the money we have saved by using this as opposed to purchasing detergent!

You will need:
          - 5 gallon bucket (with lid)
          - 1 bar of soap (Fels Naptha, Ivory, Castille...)
          - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
          - Borax

You will need about 2 cups of water in a medium sauce pan, on medium heat.  

Grate your bar of soap into the saucepan of water.

Stir until the soap is completely melted.

I usually place my 5 gallon bucket in the bathtub.  I also measure my Washing Powder and Borax ahead of time and place them in a small container.  After the soap is dissolved in the water, pour the soap mixture into your 5 gallon bucket. Add your Washing Powder and Borax.  Stir until the dry mixture is completely dissolved.

Fill the bucket with water and let sit overnight.

It's consistency will turn to a gelatin like consistency, with some liquid around the edges.  When you are ready to use it, simply fill a laundry detergent container half way with the homemade mixture and then finish filling the container with water. Shake well and use just like you would your regular detergent!

**If you want, you can add some essential oils for a nice scent**

I hope that this has been helpful!!! Please feel free to comment below!

I'm Back!!

Well friends, I have taken some time off from blogging, but I have certainly missed it! So, I'm back!!  I have a plethora of ideas to blog about and can't wait to get started!  First things first...I have some exciting news to share!!

 

There will be another pair of boots beside the back door in January!!

 

Although Cooper isn't showing his excitement...he truly is excited! He has loved 'sniffing' all the new things are making their way into the house!

Therefore, you can probably expect my blog to begin containing baby things also...this could get crazy - crazy fun!!

Thanks for reading!

Taco Seasoning - Home made!

 

I am all about making things myself, as opposed to buying them.  They are usually better than what you can buy in the store, and also much cheaper!  It is my goal to spend as little money as possible - We are working very hard to have everything paid off and to get ahead on the house - it doesn't happen overnight, but I figure every penny helps!!

 

 

This week I made my own taco seasoning - I used a recipe from Pinterest (Taco Seasoning).  However, as I usually do, I adapted it a little.  I also quadrupled the recipe!

 

The recipe, as I made it, is as follows:

 

4 Tb Chili Powder

1 tsp Garlic Powder (plus a little extra shake or two - I like garlic)

1 tsp Onion Powder

2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper

2 tsp Paprika

6 tsp Ground Cumin

4 tsp Salt

4 tsp Black Pepper

 

 

I placed all ingredients directly into my jar that I would be storing the mix in.  I also used an old lid from a Parmesan Cheese jar - also a tip from Pinterest!!!  After all the ingredients are in the jar, screw on the lid, and shake shake shake!! :)   

 

As I made tacos I just season to taste.... 

  

So far, it seams to be a big hit!! - Enjoy!

Laundry Shelf

I am all about organization!!!  I also hate it when things fall behind the washer or dryer...because then I have to pull them away from the wall.  Which means I will end up vacuuming and mopping behind them...  Now, it is a good idea to clean behind the washer and dryer, but I try to plan these things for a day when I am off work, or do not have ten places to be!  :)  So, I saw on Pinterest the idea to put a shelf over the back of the washer and dryer.  I loved it!!  Now, I'm sure you will notice that my washer and dryer do not match...but, they came with the house, and I will not complain about appliances I did not have to buy!  So, I asked my sweet Mountain Man husband to dig through his extra wood, and we found a board that would work.  So, I found some stain that was close to my cabinets and I stained it - so easy!! Then, we pulled out the washer and dryer (and I swept and mopped) and we hung the shelf!!  It is definitely one of my favorite additions to our laundry 'hall'!  It took a total of about 3 days - I was only able to work on this after work.  Day one I did one coat of stain, Day 2 I did a second coat of stain, and Day 3 we hung the shelf!!  It is wonderful!  )We did make a small cut out so that we could still get to the outlet just behind the washer!)

 

Have you made any additions to your laundry room?  What would you change if you could?

Home Made Body Wash...

There are many recipes for home made body wash. Some claim to be good for eczema, moisturizing, cheap, etc...   I took one of the recipes that I found and, as I often do, I modified it! :)  I am pretty sure that if I made it again, I will still make at least one change...

You will need:

1 bar of soap
several containers
Glycerin (can be found at places like Hobby Lobby)
1/2 gallon water
scent/color if desired
large pot

 

Start by putting your water in the pot and turning the burner to medium heat.

 

I chose to use Ivory soap because that was what I had on hand.  I think that next time I will try Dove or a more moisturizing soap.  The Ivory turned out fine, but I would be interested in seeing what the difference is.  You need to grate your soap so that it will melt into the water more easily.  I cut the soap into small pieces first.

 

When making my home made laundry detergent I learned that it was easiest to use my Pampered Chef handheld grater (like the ones at Olive Garden)

 

 

After the soap is grated into the pot, stir until all the soap is melted.  Then add 2 Tbs Glycerin (next time I would use only 1 Tbs I believe - it made this batch a little gooey...not as smooth as I would have liked) and any scent or color you would like to use.

 

Pour/ladle the soap mixture into your containers and let cool.

 

After the soap has cooled the color will darken.  It will seem as if it is a solid, just shake the container and it will loosen up.  I used mine this morning and it worked just fine! 

 

Let me know of you have any variations, or if you try it!  I would love to hear how it worked for you!



 

The Fire Pit...

For awhile now we have been wanting to put a fire pit in our backyard. When Stephen bought the house a few years ago, he bought it from a lady that had quite a variety of 'un-killable' plants in the yard... There was a circular garden in the exact center of the backyard, and we could not do anything to kill those plants!! So, my very own personal Mountain Man (I swear, he could be on that show...if we lived in the mountains) dug up all the plants! After that, we had a nice hole in the yard...so, what better time to construct a fire pit!  



 

 

 

Since I am the OCD person in the house, I got the job of placing each stone and being sure it was level...this was honestly the most time consuming part of the job...and honestly, it might could have been done faster, but, I had to make it perfect! :)

 

 

 

Since our back yard is slanted, we had to do a little extra digging on one side so that the fire pit itself would not be slanted!

 

There's my Mountian Man, waiting patiently for me to tell him where to dig, or when I need another stone!  He even smiled and said I was allowed to use his picture! Isn't he the greatest!! :)

 

And of course, since the truck got put in the back yard, and the doors were open, Cooper thought it was an invitation to go for a ride.  He literally stayed sitting in the truck the whole time we were working (the doors were open).   I guess he was the supervisor! 

 

 

We had enough stones to make two and half rounds (about 18 blocks per round).  So, we had to run back to Lowes to get a few more stones (and since Cooper was already in the truck he got to go for a ride!). ***Special note - these garden stones have gone up in price!  The first time I bought a load they were between $1.15-$1.30 each.  When we went back to get 10 more...they had gone up to $1.91 each...apparently Lowe's figured people would be making fire pits and there would be a demand.***

 

I'm not sure if you can tell, but we put a couple bags of sand in the bottom.  If you buy a fire pit kit (about $200 at Lowe's - we made this, larger, pit for about $75-$80) it will come with sand for the bottom...the guy told me why and I believe it had something to do with rain and mud, but I don't guarantee that. 

 

 

And , here is the fire master Mountain Man hiself! I cannot tell you how many evenings will now be spent in the back yard!!  WE are both so excited about this project!  It was not overly expensive, it was not difficult to assemble, and it is a wonderful addition to our yard!