Monthly Archives: June 2013

Jun 29 2013
basket weave scarf

Basket Weave Scarf

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basket weave scarf

So remember way back in November when I started to knit a basket weave scarf for my husband? Well I FINALLY finished it! Just in time for this 90 degree and humid weather we’re having. So my husband will have to wait a few months to wear it but I’m very happy to have finally finished it.

Here’s what happened. I don’t enjoy long projects so I started knitting it in November worked on it for maybe two weeks and put it away. Then a few weeks ago I was sorting my yarn when I found this unfinished project sitting at the bottom of basket. I decided it was time I got back at it. I’m very happy with the results. The pattern is just nice enough to give it some visual interest without being overbearing. I love it. Now I need to tackle some other unfinished projects.

It ended up being  about 5½ inches wide x 6 feet long.

basket weave scarf

basket weave scarf

Jun 25 2013

Where to Buy Fabric Online

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A lot of people don’t have access to great fabric stores in their areas and some, like me, are a bit lazy and prefer the comfort of their homes and computer screens to buy fabric. I have found a few online fabric stores to aid in your search for the perfect fabric. Granted you can’t touch the fabric and you have to wait for it to be shipped to you but I feel being able to find exactly what you want is worth the wait.

  1. Big Z Fabric has a something for everyone. It has your basics, as well as beaded fabric, faux leather, lace, velvet and upholstery fabric. It’s worth it to just browse to see what all it has to offer.
  2. Fabric.com has all of your basics. It also has great sales and a couple of free patterns.
  3. Fabric Exchange is another great place that has everything from cotton, fake fur, sequined fabric, taffeta and many more options. It’s an addicting fabric website to just look at. There are so many unique fabrics at the Fabric Exchange.
  4. Fabric Worm is great for children’s and quilting fabrics. It also has a few free patterns.
  5. Mood Fabrics has a little bit of everything. Part of my love for it stems from it being featured on Project Runway, I love that show!
  6. Purl Soho is another website that is fun to browse. It has fabric, notions, yarns and books. All seem to be unique and it even has kits to make a variety of projects.
  7. Spoon Flower is another fun online fabric store. It has a lot of unique patterns. It also sells wallpaper and wall decals. Another reason to love this store is because you can design your own fabric, wall paper, decals and wrapping paper! You just need to upload your file of the pattern you designed and they create it for you!
  8. Emma One Sock for fabric! It even lets you order swatches of material.
  9. Fabrics Fashion Club
  10. Trim Fabric for fabric and it has a great selection of trims and notions.
  11. M&J Trimming for all trims! Ribbons, rhinestones, lace, crystals, buttons and more!
  12. Mendel’s is where I purchased the faux fur for the lion’s mane costume.
Jun 21 2013

Fixed Latch on a Canister

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I read the book Vitamin Water by Arnel Ricafranca. It’s a free kindle book that explains how to make your own vitamin water.  It inspired me to create my own. But I didn’t have an air tight glass pitcher or one that didn’t take up a lot of space. Then I found this glass canister at Marshalls! $3.00!!!!

canister

canister

I was so excited that I didn’t even notice it was missing part of the latch. Of course, the simple thing would have been for me to return it. But why? Of course I could fix it. First I tried a paper clip. That didn’t work because it was too flimsy. I decided to try a wire hanger. I grabbed my husband’s tools and some of my own and got to work with Gordon Ramsey yelling at the chefs on Hell’s Kitchen in the background.

canister

It took a lot longer than I expected, like 3 episodes of Hell’s Kitchen on Hulu. I thought I’d just use part of the hanger that’s already bent because it’ll be more pliable. But no, it snapped in two. So I took a piece about 3 inches long from the straight part of the bottom of the hanger and used pliers and my tiny muscles to bend it. My fingers hurt after I finished but it was worth. It’s not pretty but it works! Now I can make delicious vitamin water.

canister

Jun 17 2013
wedge salad

BLT Wedge Salad

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wedge salad

I had a BLT wedge salad at a restaurant the other day and loved it. It’s a fun new way to eat your veggies. I needed to make it at home. It is really easy to make too! Just wash and cut your head of lettuce into 4 pieces, sprinkle your favorite salad veggies and proteins around it, dress it and you’re done!  A wedge salad is also an easy way to wow your guests at your next get together! I like to serve it with salmon and a twice baked potato or biscuits.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • head of iceberg lettuce
  • diced tomato seeds removed, or cherry tomatoes cut in half
  • bacon
  • blue cheese
  • blue cheese dressing

Directions:

  1. Cut off bottom/stem of head of lettuce and then cut head into 4 equal pieces
  2. Cook bacon in skillet until and break into pieces.
  3. Put quartered lettuce onto four separate plates.
  4. Sprinkle the tomatoes, blue cheese and bacon around the lettuce.
  5. Cover in blue cheese dressing.
  6. Get your knife and fork and enjoy your wedge salad!

wedgesaladwedge saladwedge salad

Jun 14 2013
shredded chicken

Shredded Chicken Recipe

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shredded chicken

Shredded chicken is a very versatile food. You can cover it in barbecue sauce, taco seasoning or anything else you can think of; there are endless possibilities. This makes it a great meal starter and it’s super easy to make!

How I make shredded chicken:

Serves 1-2

Ingredients:

  • 2-4 chicken tenders or 1-2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Directions:

  1. Pour broth into a skillet that has a lid, bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce to a simmer and carefully place chicken into the skillet. Cover with the lid.
  3. After 4 minutes, carefully flip the chicken and cook another 3-4 minutes. *I found using tongs much easier than using a turner.
  4. Remove the chicken from skillet and place onto a cutting board. Discard the broth.
  5. With two forks, shred the chicken.
  6. Season as you wish.
  7. Enjoy!

shredded chicken

Jun 10 2013

Favorite Patriotic Dog Outfits

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Fourth of July is another fun holiday to dress up your furry baby and take them to parades and barbecues. But if your dog is anything like my Rusty, you have to take them home before the fireworks because fireworks are scary. I’ve picked a few of my favorite patriotic dog outfits for the occasion.

fourthofjulydog This adorable outfit is the perfect for your pup! It can be found on Amazon or Rubies Costume Co.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

patriotic dog

pat2aThese matching his and her dog outfits from The Pet Boutique are just perfect for your little lady and gentleman.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

patriotic dog This bow is oh so cute even a person could wear it! It from the Yuppy Puppy Boutique and is the perfect accessory for your lady.

 

 

 

patriotic dog

Like the bow, this is a great way to dress up your pup without putting on a lot of extra material if it tends to get too hot where you live. Also, it attaches with a clip! So you don’t have to tie it. It can be found on Amazon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

patriotic dogAnother way to keep them cool but still dress up are these cute stars and stripes collars by Bloomingtails Dog Boutique.

 

 

 

 

patriotic dogYour handsome little gentleman will never be turned away from a party in this collar and bow tie found at Muttropolis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

patriotic dogThis is a great simple and chic dress for your little lady. It can be found at Cassie’s Closet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

41-OhmuHesL

 

I have never seen a dog in a swimsuit before but when I saw this when I was online shopping I knew I had to include it! It’s just too cute for your little lady! Found on Amazon.

 

 

 

 

 

PatrioticPak-200

This is for the more practical. It’s a great backpack for your dog. Now you don’t need to carry a purse around! Just don’t lose your dog. Perfect for a day out. This backpack can be found at PupRwear Dog Boutique.

Jun 4 2013
pancake

Pancake Recipe with Applesauce

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pancake

Good morning! Pancakes are delicious and not particularly healthy with the butter and syrup added to it which is why I decided to make mine with applesauce and only a tiny bit of oil instead of a lot of oil.

Makes 6-8 largish pancakes.

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs
  • 1¼ cup milk
  • 3 Tbsp of applesauce
  • ¼ tsp of vegetable oil

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 Tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • large pinch of cinnamon

Directions:

  1. Whisk all the wet ingredients together
  2. In a separate bowl mix all the dry ingredients together.
  3. Add dry ingredients to wet and whisk until well combined.
  4. On a griddle or a skillet on medium heat, place a couple spoonfuls of batter.pancake
  5. Flip when the top of the pancake starts to bubble.
  6. Leave on for a couple of minutes to cook the other side.
  7. Enjoy!

pancake