Mesh bath toy holder- great baby gift idea!

This is a great gift for new moms (or veteran moms)! A mesh bath toy holder with suction cups. You can include cute tub toys with your gift!

Check it out andGo to the make it-loveit blog for the full tutorial!

Make your own play kitchen-Start now for Christmas!

Isn't this play kitchen precious?! This is a true gift from the heart....so don't give Santa credit for this one it should be from Mom and Dad! Plus, you can recycle and re-purpose an old piece of furniture.

Here is the before picture...Go to outofthecrayonbox for all the details!

If you are feeling motivated start now while it's still warm and make it for the kids for Christmas. (Yes, I think of Christmas all year long!)

Easy burp cloth sewing project!

We all love the special homemade baby shower gifts but a lot of us are sewing challenged. Don't fret I found an easy sewing square project for you and ME! Go here to how does she blog for all the details! She shows you step by step how to make these designer looking burp cloths with soft chenille backing for a couple dollars by using a Jo Ann's coupon (or two).

So ca-ute!! Now, I just need a working sewing machine.

You know your frugal when you buy yourself a few b-day presents at a Garage Sale!

Yes, I am a proud "garage sale-er"! I bought myself a few b-day presents and you can't beat the price.
I got:

• A never been used bread maker still in the box (I will use mainly for doughs)
  
• Metal measuring spoons & a whisk
  
• A stack of greeting cards never used
  
• A new Microsoft ergonomic keyboard
  

All for $10.25!
I also bought a flower vase to give flowers away in to friends and some books for my kiddos (for Christmas of course).

Do you frequent garage sales? What have you been getting?

30 sucks gift!

In honor of my 30 (and holding) birthday this week here's a darling adult birthday gift idea called.....30 SUCKS! Happy birthday to me!

Go here for the detailed information from the sisters stuff blog.

Don't drink Lemonade Kool-aid use it in your dishwasher!

photo courtesy Real Simple

Why Yes, that is lemonade Kool-Aid in a dishwasher dispenser! Real Simple magazine claims the citric acid in the Kool-Aid helps with the lime stains in your dishwasher. Put the whole lemonade packet into your dishwasher soap dispenser in an empty dishwasher. Run through a whole cycle. And you'll have a stain-free dishwasher. I got packets for $.10 at Winco. Not bad to the $4 dish washing packets at Walmart. (note: Only use Lemonade it's the only one that works!)

I have tried it and it works pretty well (not perfect but good enough for $.10).

Homemade Applesauce without canning and no sugar!

You don't need to be in the canning mode to make homemade applesauce today!

Here's the ingredients:

Supplies for Simple Homemade Applesauce:

• 4 apples (3 granny smith and 1 gala suggested)
  
• knife
• apple slicer – optional
• large pot
• blender
• cinnamon
  

For the easy tutorial, pictures, and all the information head on over to Make and Takes!

Have a great day feeding your kiddos!

10 Colorful outdoor walls in Utah-Great for fall family portraits!

Are you getting ready to take a fall family picture?

The TV show Studio 5 highlighted ten colorful wall locations in Utah.

Here's a sneak peek of one. A darling red, green, and cream stripe wall.

Colorful Striped Wall

650 N. Main Street, Logan
This wall is located behind the Papa Murphy's Pizza on Main Street in Logan, UT. I like the bold colors in stripes. I think if taken in black and white or sepia it would be nice since they are stripes.

Go Here to view all 10 outdoor colorful wall photography locations.

***Studio 5 and Staci do not encourage or promote the use of these locations without prior authorized permission. Photography is by: Laci Davis who is a local photographer check out her work at www.lacidavisphotography.com.
Thanks to Studio 5 and Laci for the copied information and photograph.

Have you ever made fruit leather?

I want to make fruit leather (someday!)
(I doubt I will get to this in 2010 but another year it sounds fun!)

Apricot Leather Ingredients:

• 2 cups blended apricots (or other fruits)
  
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 Tablespoons honey
• This makes 2 roll-ups depending on the size of tray
  

Thanks to Make and Takes blog for the how to information and easy looking recipe.
For all the details go to her blog by clicking Here!

Heartland Paper baby shower paper booties filled with candy!

These would be inexpensive but impressive as a baby shower party favor. Another idea would be make a pair for a new mommy in your Bible class, a topper for a diaper cake, neighbor had a baby, pregnant friend, teacher, or for a girly party favor.

Aren't they just precious?

"Ca-ute!"

Go HERE for the details and a few more paper crafts.

Go here for the easy printable template

Homemade taco seasoning- With out MSG and preservatives!

I like to eat taco salads, tacos, and burritos! I don't like MSG, preservatives, and lots of salt. So, when I found a taco seasoning that you can make from ingredients in your pantry from scratch I was interested. I got it from Around my family table.

It comes across as really spicy, but it's not. If you are nervous just use half. If you can handle the the ones from the store you'll be ok. It's not time consuming either. Feel free to make it quadrupled or 10x it. Store it in an airtight container for several months.

Taco Seasoning from Around my family table
2 tsps dried onion flakes
2 tsps chili powder
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp paprika
3/4 tsp garlic powder
2 tsps cumin
1 1/4 tsps salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
pinch of cayenne pepper (or leave it out)
1 tsp cornstarch

Mix all together. Yield: ~ 4 tbls

To use: Brown 1 lb hamburger meat. Add 2 tbls seasoning and 1/2 cup water to meat. Bring to a simmer and then reduce heat until thickened, stir often.

I am alive, well, and back to blogging!

I had a great summer with my kids and new baby!
Meet "Gummy bear"! That's his endearing nickname from my oldest daughter.
I have enjoyed this baby so much.

I have some fun, useful, creative, and random blog posts planned.
Stay tuned they will be coming gradually. :0)