2 T. of Milk in an 'Emergency'

 I rarely buy milk because...well, I rarely drink it...unless there is a box of Lucky Charms around.  When I do need milk, it's usually a tablespoon or two for icing.  I've frozen milk before in disposable containers, but then someone shared with me this idea for freezing it in ice cube trays.  First, I had to dust off my ice cube trays, but then I filled and froze them with some of the milk I bought that was about to 'go bad' (fine, for my Lucky Charms...I had the ratio wrong and had more milk that charms).  I started by 'measuring' it with T, but then quickly figured out 2 T. is pretty much the exact size of the cube.  This works so much better for me b/c the defrosting is so much easier, and in the past, one my whole container was defrosted I had to chunk the rest b/c I didn't think the freeze/thaw/freeze thing worked as well.  Bring on the Easy Mac and Icing Recipes-I'm ready for ya!

A Menagerie of Mickey Baby Gift

 I blogged about the 12 months of Mickey onsie stickers I made a few weeks ago for my friend Maurine that loves A)  Taking pictures and B)  Everything Disney.  These are a few of the other goodies that went into her baby box....a little pair of Mickey shoes (which launched this whole little gift box b/c I knew they were perfect for her upcoming bundle of boy). 

 I also found this hat via Etsy.

Cars Gift

 There comes a point in my life....right around Christmas where I sometimes have to hand over the homemade to other home makers.  My little buddy, Donovan, has a birthday five days after Christmas.  I wanted to fill a package with everything this (now) three year old loves....enter-Car themed gift package.  I've been trying to either personalize, or find someone who personalizes all the gifts I send this year-and I had to share this fun find.  I found this shirt on Etsy, and I could not be more pleased with the design and quality, and price.  I will first say that the only thing that prompts me to write this post is that I truly was just pleased and I love to share great sellers with great products.  The service was fast, shipping more than reasonable, and she completely exceeded my expectations on all ends.
I found a bunch of stuff with Car themes at Targets (not really a) dollar spot.  I also found a bunch of candy and stickers with the related theme at Party City, and then I ordered this shirt from Ruffles and Bow Ties on Etsy.  By the time I priced this shirt....doing it myself and having it embroidered was the same price, and a lot more time consuming that letting Kerry do it....

 Check it out?  I'm pretty sure this little guy is going to love this shirt.  ...and I can guarantee I'll be getting more of these little treasures from this shop. 

Fun Find: Personalized Face Plate

 I didn't make this plate for my goddaughter, but.....I bought it from someone who made it.  I don't get anything for sharing this, other than the pleasure of sharing it, but I do like to share fun finds on the internet, especially when they are from individuals making a living on crafting!  I found this at olliegraphics.  You can customize a plate-you choose the color, name/font, hair, eyes, skin tone, hair style, bows, facial expression etc etc etc.  My goddaughter turned one a few weeks ago and she's just now starting the 'plate thing.'  Not to mention she already has one of everything in every store, mostly because I bought it for her, so.....it's now all about personalizing 'stuff.'  Here's a fun little plate for Ms. Micah to eat on.....I'm pleased by the size, and the quality....and I can assure you nobody else got this little plate for her this year.  Go-me! 

Cord Covers

 My Mom's friend makes and sells these lamp cord covers.....my house has never been classy enough to house these....until now.  Look, I'm all about sewing, but I'm the last person who is going to figure out what sort of cover is non flammable, and how to pull these inside out and finish them off, and I sure don't know where to find these gorgeous silk fabrics.....sooooo...if you are in my boat, I'm sharing these fun finds just because they are pretty, and I know for a fact they are made in America by a sweet lady.  :O)

 They have 9 foot cord covers, and these 4 foot chandelier covers that have this stick tape you pull off to wrap around the cord (I didn't even think about that until I went to install and just realized I can pull the cord out of the wall...without major consequences). 

Here is the website with additional colors.

Personalized Bracelets

 I have the hardest time finding the perfect gifts for people.  I recently had a pal graduating, and I wanted to find something personal, something that screamed her name, and made a statement about where she has been, and where she is heading as she starts the next chapter of her life.  I met Ashley last year while traveling down the Amazon River on a mission trip.  She'd love to serve in Brazil full time someday serving the people, and God.  I found this bible verse that pretty much says it all I wanted to incorporate into a gift with her from Isaiah 6:8, the end in particular:  Here I am, send me!  I respect, and crave to be the person that puts my 'Yes!' on the table and then strap in for the adventure God takes me on when my heart is totally open to His plan.  That's Ashley.  In addition, I thought this would be more meaningful written in Portuguese on some sort of jewelry. Eis-me aqui, envia-me a mim! She has a ring she wears that is written in Spanish, and mentioned once she wished it was in Portuguese (the main language in Brazil).  After a hunt on Etsy, I found One Eyed Fox's Shop....I'm in love.  I don't get anything for saying this, other than the fact that I really do love the bracelet, and after conversations....because the day I got it I instantly emailed and started a conversation that involved ordering five more....and it turns out Miko is talented and nice.

I just have to share a cool find-she has great prices, and great merchandise. 

 She will engrave inside and out up to 50 letters each.  There are different alphabets, jewelery designs, and symbols you can choose from.... 
These are made of an aluminum material, which was important b/c my cousin is getting one of these and she is allergic to nickle, so her jewelery choices are limited. 

I ordered another five for the gals I love that I served and sweated with last year, and get to spend another week with shortly on the Amazon.  I'm sure I'll be placing another order after getting to know a new batch of friends, and I plan on personalizing some other jewelry for friends and their upcoming events.  Like I said, I have no reason to say this other than.....I think it's a great find!!  I love home businesses, especially when the projects are done well by nice people.  Check.  And.  Check!  Can't wait to share why God sent us all to the Amazon again this summer.....Here I am, Send me!  Head on over and tell Miko I said, 'Hi!'...no reason other than my need to introduce nice people to nice people! 

Pumpkin (Not so) Tie Dye(d) Shirt

 I saw the idea for this shirt last year at family fun.  They used a white shirt, pinched little circles with rubber bands, and dyed it in orange paint, and then colored faces.  Well....cheater cheater cheater, pumpkin shirt....uhhh....cree-ater....I did it my way (insert chorus here).  I accidentally came across this site at etsy, and I could tell they had drawn things on shirts using a bleach pen (angel wings on the back of onsies, flowers on the front, guitars, whatever).  I decided to apply this concept to the pumpkin shirt idea.  This makes my 17th pumpkin craft for the season.  Here are the other 16.  Pumpkin farmers are secure in their business structure with me on the prowl this season.  I'm a fan.  I bought an orange shirt, bleach pen, and permanant marker. 
l
 I put plastic/wax paper in the middle of the shirt so the bleach wouldn't bleed through. 

 I doodled my circles....circules was as crafty as I felt like getting with this pen.  I left it on for a few minutes, the longer you leave it, the more it bleeds to wider circles. 

 I rinsed, and dried. 

 Drew faces, and then shipped it out to one of my many friends under the age of five.  It would have been fun to just include the pen and some blank pumpkins so he could draw his own faces....next year I'll be more thoughtful! 

How To: Freeze a Cupcake

As a single gal, my very favorite question is-can you freeze it?  I usually cut recipes in half...or in thirds, but there is just something about a cupcake....it's hard to make 'just a few.'  I had to do just that for someone last Easter, and there just wasn't a good way (in my head) to scale Back with the red velvet due to the dye etc, so I began a hunt online in reference to if cake can be frozen.  I've heard it can, but it made me nervous.  I've never had too much success with freezing stuff....it taste....like it's been frozen upon the defrosting. 
Guess what, through a combo of online advice, this method actually worked really well!  No freezer taste upon defrosting!  I'm adding it to my strange, yet useful 'things you can freeze' list. 
The process:

Bake per usual.  Cool.  Place in tupperware (or ziplock bags), cover the tops with wax paper and seal in tupperware (or ziplock).  These will last in the freezer up to several months (and counting). There were a few due drops left on top of the wax paper....but...that's where it stayed!


Linking To:  Tempt My Tummy

Lego Mania...Or Why I Need a Hobby...A Husband...or a Hug

So....I might have gone a little crazy at the lego store at the Mall of America. I should say, we have a Lego store in Dallas. As a rule, I don't shop places out of town that we have in town if they have the same stuff. They have the same stuff in MN that we have in Dallas. As a rule, I try to avoid buying meaningless, silly things I'll only use once. As a rule, I never follow any rules I set up for myself. So....I bought this.

Doesn't every 31 year old need lego men ice cube trays? I thought so too.
I made ice.

You might could use these for a robot party, huh? (Have I justified this purchase yet?)

I turned all my dogs into cannibals.

The lego men screamed as my dogs nibbled.
I also do birthdays and barvmitzvahs.
I'd say I don't get out much, but I get out all the time. I'm just not quite right.
And then I decided to use these as little chocolate molds.

I made little baggies of these lego men for some lego-maniacs I know (who I previously made a lego cake for). I believe in bribing children to like me, I'm preparing for motherhood.
I could have really gone crazy playing with colors, and making features, but at this point I was ready to move on to my next toy, and the word crazy hit a little too close to home. Alternative Title to This Post-A product you will see at a garage sale at some point in the future.

Twilight: Signature Drinks...That Sparkle!

It was important to have a few unique offerings at the party. I discussed some thoughts with Heather, and Taylor (Laine's sister) regarding a fun drink to serve that Laine would like. We knew we wanted it to be red...and sparkly. I usually gear towards exciting things like Diet Coke. I'm not much of a drinker..at all, almost ever...never ever. I'm not good at it, at all, not one bit, ever, never ever, with one exception...I love champagne....a lot. Too much, which is why I usually stick to Diet Coke. With these limitations, I always look forward to wedding toast. Incidentally, I'm also happy with sparkling apple cider, which is probably a more popular choice in the bible belt. I found out that Laine (the birthday girl) is also in the same boat regarding a love of the bubblie. I googled some drink ideas using this drink of choice and came across the PERFECT drink on Southern Living's site. Pomegranate Champagne with a sugar cube added before serving.
Sugar=Sparkle Factor=Perfect.
I did some research regarding the perfect sugar stirrer, and I found some rock candy stirrers through Amazon. It was a 72 pack from Dryden and Palmer, but I have (a different) party plans for the rest of the sticks...and sparkles, and rhinestones. I tried to find local stores carrying these candies, but the few that had a couple of clear sticks were selling them for a dollar, so this met my needs better.
I printed out little Edward faces, and "Real Men Sparkle" and made a two sided tag to tie to the stems (or rather, have Heather tie to the sticks for me).

We borrowed champagne glasses from Lori! It certainly saved me big time on the party, thanks again! ;o)

We mixed 1/2 c. of champagne with 2 T pomegranate juice, and lots of Twilight fans and had a mighty fun time if I do say so myself.
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P.s. When take the sugar stirrer and add it to the drink, it fizzed, and sparkled a little more.

Not-So-Top-Secret Recipes (With A Twinkie Peek)

First, I have no reason for telling you this, other than I think it's a cool cookbook, and website.
My cousin discovered this cookbook a few years ago.

There are several editions now. This guy takes popular recipes from main stream restaurants, and figures out how to make a version that taste just like these favorite dishes. Holly has tried out quite a few recipes (including chicken crispers and queaso from Chili's....yum!). They do taste EXACTLY like the real thing. You can buy his books, or visit his site. https://www.topsecretrecipes.com/ I have book 2 (thanks to Holly), which I love.
You can purchase individual recipes on the site, AND he also has free recipe links you can click on, and try out.
Holly recently made Hostess Twinkies for my Mom (who loves this little snack cake).

Cake
Nonstick spray
4 egg whites
16-ounce box golden pound cake mix
2/3 cup water
Filling
2 teaspoons very hot water
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups marshmallow creme (one 7-ounce jar)
1/2 cup shortening
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Fold each piece of aluminum foil in half twice. Wrap the folded foil around a spice bottle to create a mold. Leave the top of the mold open for pouring in the batter. Make ten of these molds and arrange them on a cookie sheet or in a shallow pan. Grease the inside of each mold with a light coating of nonstick spray.
3. Disregard the directions on the box of cake mix. Instead, beat the egg whites until stiff. In a separate bowl combine cake mix with water, and beat until thoroughly blended (about 2 minutes). Fold egg whites into the cake batter and slowly combine until completely mixed.
4. Pour the batter into the molds, filling each one about 3/4 of an inch. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick stuck in the center comes out clean.
5. For the filling, combine the salt with the hot water in a small bowl and stir until salt is dissolved. Let this mixture cool.
6. Combine the marshmallow creme, shortening, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a medium bowl and mix well with an electric mixer on high speed until fluffy.
7. Add the salt solution to the filling mixture and combine.
8. When the cakes are done and cooled, use a skewer or chopstick to make three holes in the bottom of each one. Move the stick around inside of each cake to create space for the filling.
9. Using a cake decorator or pastry bag, inject each cake with filling through all three holes.
Makes 10.
Sure, you can also go to the restaurant and buy the 'real' version, but I think this is a lot more fun. :O)
Linking To:

What a Day (for a Day Dream)....

...what a day for a day dreamin' girl....sorry...don't know where that came from....now back to 'my day.'
It was an amazingingly beautiful, perfect day filled with adventures, and the most amazing deals. In fact, I don't know that I've EVER scored so many great buys for such low prices in a single day. This is not good....I want to go do it all over again tomorrow.
I mentioned a few weeks ago after visiting a Lavender Farm near Gainesville, Texas that I'd be heading back for their festival over Memorial Day. They had vendors on site, and the lavender was finally ready for picking.

The farm provided baskets, and scissors, and you were released into the field to go select your stems.

You brought your clippings back to have the ends wrapped in a damp clothe, and bagged. I didn't cut any lavender b/c we weren't heading directly home, and I bought some dried lavender the last time around, but I watched, and I shopped.
The vendors were GREAT....lots of antiques and vintage fun.

I bought several fun things, my favorite was this bird cage for $10.

Next, we headed down the road, and across the border into the great state of Oklahoma. We decided to see what was going on with my very favorite place on planet earth (today), Lake Murray.

This place houses so many of my very best childhood memories. About three years ago we found out the state had sold a portion of the resort to a private company that was planning on taking it all down, and rebuilding a luxury resort, but guess what? The economy stinks everywhere, and the deal fell through. Many of the cabins have sat empty for 3 years, so there are a lot of repairs to be done, but now the state plans on restoring it to 'yesteryears' which happens to be JUST THE WAY I LIKE IT! I'm so excited! I won't go into too many details about my memories at this point, but...life is good. In addition to this good news, I finally got a shot of a butterfly up close.

Why does this matter? I chase butterflies and birds around all the time with my camera, and the only time I can snag a picture is when they are in captivity. I don't even care if this turns out to be a moth, I was just excited it sat still on the flowers by the lake so I could snag a picture. It was a goal of mine, goals are important. I hope it tells it's friends I'm harmless and they should stop fluttering around when I'm trying to take pictures.
After lunch, and a walk around Lake Murray, we headed back up the highway via some back ways through the tiny little town of Marietta, Oklahoma.

I saw an antique shop, and made my cousin pull over. It was just about the only thing IN the town other than the obligatory Sonic and McDonald's. I don't know if I bought a trunk load, or if I stole it b/c the prices were practically garage sale level. I found SOOOOO many great things, and could have spent so much more if I weren't about to leave on a two week vacation, and I was pretending to be responsible with money. I found antique (blue) ball mason jars for 3 bucks each (I usually see them for 10-12) and these plates I've been in love with since Maggie introduced them to me at a Christmas brunch she hosted. I got 2 boxes in mint condition with 8 pieces each for 8 dollars a box. They have this little round groove that holds the cup. I....love....them. These dishes and I are getting married. You're invited.

...and they all lived happily ever after.