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1/31/2010

Ruffled Hedgehog

This hedge hog is CUTE!


And if you put a little red heart on him he would be all ready for Valentine's Day!  I found this little guy on Tangled and True, but his real home is Matsutake.  You can see the tutorial HERE.

I guess it is possible that the hedgehog is a girl.  And I might have just offended her.

One Minute Onesie

Cathy Fillian shows you how to make a cute onesie with an iron on in one minute.  The perfect last minute baby shower gift.  You can watch the video HERE:



And Abby at the Feathered Nest posted a tutorial a couple of months ago to make iron ons from your own fabric scraps.  You can check that out HERE.

If you have a little one it would be easy to make a cute one for Valentine's Day.  And honestly you could make a shirt for anyone using the same method!!

Meringue Cupcakes

I want one:




How about you?

Recipe from  Martha Stewart.

What you need for the cupcake:

6 large egg whites
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 cup creme fraiche
1/2 cup heavy cream

What you do:

Preheat oven to 225 degrees. Line every other cup of two standard muffin tins with paper liners; coat liners with cooking spray. With a mixer on medium-high speed, use whisk attachment to whisk egg whites, vinegar, vanilla, and salt until frothy. Add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating 2 minutes after each addition and scraping bowl to make sure all sugar dissolves. Continue whisking until firm, glossy peaks form.

Transfer meringue to a pastry bag fitted with a large plain tip, and pipe into lined cups so meringue is about 2 inches above rims. Bake until meringues are just beginning to color and are completely dry on the outside but still soft in the middle (a toothpick inserted at base of top, through the side, should have moist but cooked crumbs attached), 3 to 3 1/4 hours, rotating tins halfway through. Remove from oven, immediately remove from tins, and peel off liners. Transfer to rack to cool completely.

Just before serving, whisk together creme fraiche and heavy cream until soft peaks form. Using a serrated knife, gently slice tops off cupcakes (don't worry if they crack). Spoon compote and then cream onto bottom halves, and replace tops. Serve immediately.

Strawberry-Rhubarb Compote:

What you need:

10 ounces (2 cups) fresh strawberries, rinsed, hulled, and chopped
1/4 cup plus 1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
10 ounces trimmed rhubarb, cut into 1/4-inch pieces (about 2 3/4 cups or 2 large stalks)
2 tablespoons water

What you do:

Stir strawberries, 1/4 cup sugar, and lemon juice in a small nonreactive pan; bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until softened, about 3 minutes. Remove strawberries; place in a bowl and let cool. Set aside pan with strawberry liquid.

Meanwhile, in another small pan over medium-low heat, combine rhubarb, remaining 1/3 cup sugar, and the water. Simmer gently, stirring often, until sugar is dissolved and rhubarb is almost tender, about 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer rhubarb to bowl with strawberries. Add strawberry liquid to pan.

Raise heat to medium and simmer until thickened and reduced to 1/2 cup, about 10 minutes. Let cool. Stir into strawberry-rhubarb mixture.

1/30/2010

Paper Heart Garland

I may not have scrap fabric, but I have paper!  LOTS of it!  And that is all I need to make this Paper Heart Garland from Serving Pink Lemonade:




And I am SO making one for my house.  Hold me to it!!! 


You can get the template for the hearts HERE  and see her instructions HERE.

Glitter Heart Rag Garland

3 Three and Under made this very cute rag garland with glittery hearts for Valentine's Day:


You can see her tutorial HERE.  I have a feeling that if I keep seeing too many cute projects that use scrap fabric I am going to start collecting fabric even though I really don't sew!

And a tip for any of you that want to decorate with glitter in a place where you don't really want glitter all over the place...after it dries, use Mod Podge over the glitter to seal it!  I made some fun glittery hearts to hang from the ceiling of my songs classroom for his Valentine's party last year, but didn't want glitter raining down on their heads.  It keeps it all in place!

Photoshop Valentine

Alissa from 24-7-365 made the CUTEST (and I really mean that) cutest Valentine's for her girls to give away last year:


You can get her tips HERE.  And now I am really sad that my front door is painted an ugly color!

Becca from Blue Cricket Designs made these CRAZY Valentine's that I know the grandparents would love to get from the kiddos:


And if you want to make your own Photoshop Valentine, HERE are some free brushes from Photoshop Support:


And Web Resources Depot has a link to a TON of heart brushes for Photoshop HERE.

I can't wait to see what you make!

1/29/2010

Conversation Heart Wreath

If you are like Mandi and me and don't like to eat the conversation hearts that are so abundant this time of year, you can make this:



I think my daughter would love to have one hanging on her bedroom door.  Unfortunately I have decided that I am not making a wreath for my front door because the paint color on it is UGLY!!  Actually I should say paint colors.  Yes.  There are two!  I would repaint it, but then I would have to repaint the shutters and the rest of the house to match as well.  And since it is two stories I would probably have to hire someone to do it.  And we are only renting for now, so that doesn't seem like a good use of my moola.

So long story short, making a conversation heart wreath and hanging it in doors!  How about you?

Jewelry Art

Jenny from Little Green Notebook posted about this Jewelry Art from Budget Wise Home:



I have stored my bracelets around glass votives for years, but this takes it to a new level!  Now I feel like I need cuter jewelry!  And can justify it not only as an accessory for myself but for my home!

Subway Love

Tater Tots and Jello is as in love with subway art as I am.  And this idea to use it for Valentine's Decor is beyond brilliant:



She has a great tutorial on how to make these (or any subway art) HERE.

1/28/2010

Nuts About You

If you have someone in your life that doesn't like chocolate (I actually know people like that) or that can't have chocolate (I know people like that too) these cute Nuts About You Valentine's from Colleen at Happy Little Art might be just what you are looking for:





And even though I love chocolate, the nuts about you tag line is too cute to pass up.  Maybe I could use chocolate covered almonds.

She also posted these cute "I dig you" Valentine's that I...well...dig!




You can go check out all her crafty projects HERE.

Silverware Centerpiece

Easy centerpiece you can make with stuff that you already have:


image from Osvaldo Zoom

Valentine Pillow

Larissa from Just Another Day in Paradise has a tutorial on her blog for these cute Valentine pillows:



Cute, Cute, CUTE!!  And the tutorial for the cute banner is HERE.

I need these!  Need I say!!  I must figure out what box in the garage has the sewing machine in it!

1/27/2010

Valentine's Apron

This Apron from Pink and Polka Dot:


And I need it!  One of those things you can buy for Valentine's Day and then not feel guilty because it will be cute everyday!

We give each other little presents on Valentine's Day (the whole family) and I might have to get this for myself!  Or find an inexpensive white apron and give it a shot.

Checkered Tablecloth

I found some cute Valentine's place mats at Target, but they were a little too girly for the boy.  I am trying to avoid using our plain everyday red place mats for the Pink and Red Dinner, and I think this idea from Better Homes and Gardens just might solve that problem:



Now to find just the right fabric.  Or some table runners at the right price would be even better.

Sweetie Pies

The Farm Chick has a tutorial for these little beauties on her Facebook page:



Yum!  They are going on the short list for the pink and red dinner!

1/26/2010

Ribbon Heart Wreath

Yet another cute Valentine's Wreath:


This one is from Craft Rookie and is a great alternative if you can't find the heart shaped styrofoam to make the other ones.

Thanks to Lynn from An Unfinished Work for leaving me a link to this one.

Valentine Brownie Bag

Twig and Thistle has a free download of this cute treat bag for Valentine's Day:



Too bad it doesn't come with the cute milk bottle and straw!

You can get the download HERE.

Cake Garland

Poppytalk posted about this cake from d. Sharp:


And although it is beautiful with the stamp garland, I am thinking a garland of paper hearts would be perfect.

1/25/2010

Snowflake Garland

I love this mess of snowflakes that Anthropology had in their window:



I found the picture on A Beach Cottage and although I am not really decorating for winter, I am thinking of using the same idea for Valentine's Day.  Heart Doilies anyone?

Licorice Love

Look what The Decorated Cookie used to decorate these cookies:



Licorice!  Such a cute idea.  Especially if like me you couldn't make straight lines with icing if my life depended on it!

Boardgame Storage

I now officially need a game room.  Why?  Because of this from Infarrantly Creative:



She has decorated her room with the boards from her kids favorite games.  But not just for looks.  The pieces to those games are tucked away behind there.  You have to go HERE to check it out.  AMAZING!

I hate the boxes that boards games come in and have never understood why some company that makes Tupperware type stuff has never come out with boxes that are the size of board games!  Now I can stop waiting for that and just frame them.  All I need is a game room!

1/24/2010

Football Cupcake Wrapper

Football textured scrapbook paper (you should be able to get it at Michaels) and some shoelaces are all you need to make this cute cupcake wrapper for your super bowl party:




You can get the instructions for these wrappers at Celebrations.  Here is a how to on making a cupcake template.  And go easy on yourself and made the cupcakes from a box.  If you are going to make something by scratch, make the frosting!

TuTu Lampshade

Found this tutu/tulle light cover on decor8:



And I think it could be really cute in a little girls room, but am I the only one that thinks it looks like a giant fire hazard?

Heart Shaped Krispy Kremes

Thank goodness there is a Krispy Kreme in Austin:



These are going to look so cute on their plates on Sunday morning:



I might have to find a reason to have them before Valentine's Day!

1/23/2010

Record Wrapping

A cute idea for Valentine's Wrapping (or any wrapping) from BHG:



Check out a thrift store or used bookstore for some old 45s, find one with a theme that matches the occasion and Voila!

DIY Heart Doilies

These cute heart doilies from Martha Stewart are made from paper napkins:



You can get the directions and watch a video tutorial HERE.  A lot like making snowflakes!  A fun project for the kids, and an easy project for you!

Candy Bar Valentine's

Wrapping candy bars in decorative paper ins't a new idea, but after seeing these on Better Homes and Gardens I think I might be crazy enough to let my kids give them as Valentine's to their friends at school:


1/22/2010

Felt Heart Pencil Toppers

If you are looking for a sugar free Valentine for your kiddos schoolmates, these cute felt pencil toppers from Once Upon A Holiday might be just what you are looking for:



Pretty easy to make, and young kids still get really excited about pencils.  At least mine do.  But maybe my kids are just weird.

Valentine Cupcake Liners

I love cute cupcake liners, but I never use them on my cupcakes because they are never quite as cute once a cupcake has been baked in them.  But BHG has some cute ideas to use them for Valentine's Day, no cupcake required.

You can use them to make cards for family members or to decorate photos to display around the house on Valentine's Day:




Or you can use them over a glass votive to wrap gifts, treats, or even just to make a cute centerpiece:



What else can you use them for?  Any suggestions?

Framed Vintage Valentine's

If you know where to get your hands on some vintage Valentine's you might want to steal this idea from Poppytalk:



If you get some basic beautiful frames you could switch out the contents for each holiday.  And then you would have a holiday decoration that you never had to put away!!

1/21/2010

Quilted Valentine's

Dana from Made is giving away these cute quilted cards on her blog:



But even if you don't win I think they would be pretty easy to make!  And such a unique Valentine.  You can see her tutorial for quilted cards HERE.

Heart Photo

I found this image on the Work In Progress Kits blog:



The image was taken by flickr user mikepageky.  He created it by making a filter with an old lens cap and some paperboard.  It looked like this:



Trish has a bunch of links on her post for tutorial on how to take this type of picture (bokeh) if you are so inclined.  I am just wondering if Mike would sell me a copy so I could use it as Valentine's decor!

Candy Heart Centerpiece

Lisa at Enjoying Everyday usually posts her amazing paper projects, but yesterday she posted this cute Valentine's centerpiece she made with a seldom used trifle bowl and some conversation hearts:



I think my grandmother is the only person I know that actually used her trifle bowl for trifle.  I think I will pull mine out for Valentine's Day.  Maybe fore a centerpiece or maybe even for an actual trifle!

Of course, all this talk about my my Grandma's trifles, Valentine's Day and the fact that Lisa's countertops remind me of my old countertops is making me homesick for Arizona.

Party City $10 off

If you are having a Valentine's party and have  Party City near you, this might come in handy:




You can print it off HERE.  Thanks to Family Fun Tips for the heads up!   But use it soon, it expires Feb. 1

1/20/2010

I Heart Jello

I love jello.  I am not a big fan of chunky jello, so no fruit added for me.  Except for the one with pears that my mother in law makes.  At least I think it is a pear.

Anyway, if you like jello than this treat from Family Fun is a great dessert for Valentine's Day:



They layered jello and condensed milk (you can get the recipe HERE) but I know my mother in law does it differently.  Mixes jello with whipped cream maybe?  I will have to ask her.

Felt Heart Garland

I love this garland from Made By Rae:


I want one made for Lorie.

Pinewood Derby Treats

This year is my son's first Pinewood Derby.  I am not in charge of the treats, but I think I might make him this from The Idea Room:



It is on a Saturday, so maybe we will have spare tires for breakfast too!

1/19/2010

Valentine Tree

Manueala from Pleasures of Homemaking made this tree with sticks from her yard and the cute hearts from old cereal boxes that she prettied up with some scrapbook goodies:



Somewhere in one of the boxes I have yet to unpack I have a black urn.  And I have branches in my back yard, old cereal boxes in the recycle bin and enough scrapbook paper to kill a person.  All I need is a little white spray paint.  Oh, and to figure out which box the urn is in.

Laundry Bags

I had to talk myself out of going to the store last night to buy one of these:



Our new laundry room is not as big as our old one and my old system of sorting laundry into piles on the floor really doesn't work anymore.  Our old laundry room was HUGE and it wasn't actually in the house, so I had no qualms about dumping everyones dirty laundry onto the floor and sorting it there.

But now my laundry room is like a walk in closet.  And clothes on the floor not only means no walking room, but no opening the door either.

But I talked myself out of going out in the middle of the night and I am glad I did because I found this on The Red Chair Blog:



Cotton canvas laundry bags that she hung on double coat hooks.

I think I am in love.  My only hang up is that I really would like one for lights, darks and whites.

Do I sacrifice floor space or do I sacrifice my sorting options?  Either way I am going to use her tutorial to monogram therm.  You can find that HERE.

Popsicle Stick Hearts

One of my Bloggy BFFs Lisa (of Fern Creek Cottage) posted about her son Grant's new blog.  He is ten and he just started his own blog.  So far he has a recipe for homemade graham crackers and this cute Valentine project:



A kid after my own heart!  His next post is going to be about Valentine Monkey Bread.  You can bet I am going to be reading it!

You can check out this project HERE at Grant's Fired Up.  Stop by and say hello!

1/18/2010

Button Heart Ornaments

Kimberly from The Cupcake Cuppy made these cute button heart ornaments:



I think they would make a super fun garland if you strung some together.  You can get the how to HERE.

Pink Acorn Wreath

I am still debating over what I want to hang on my door for Valentine's Day and I found this cute pink (raspberry) wreath from Dana at Made:


Can you guess what is under that raspberry spray paint?  Until a couple of days ago I never would have know.  It used to look like this:


And only because Olivia became obsessed with an acron on Saturday did I even know that this is what an acorn looks like without it's cute little cap.

I wonder if I can still find enough acrons to make a wreath.  Or maybe I will have to go for the lima bean version.

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies I Have Ever Made (with Peanut Butter Chips)

I wanted chocolate chip cookies last night, but to be honest my chocolate chip cookie baking skills are only so-so.  And that is being kind.  I had some peanut butter chips and was going to take the easy way out and make some peanut butter chip cookies.  I am much better at peanut butter cookies.

But the kids wanted chocolate chip.  And my husband suggested that I put some peanut butter chips in them too.  And although I could have just thrown some peanut butter chips into one of the many chocolate chip recipes I already have, I did some Google-ing and I found a recipe for these:



And as you can see they actually turned out pretty darn good.  And they were YUMMY!  And did I mention they weren't flat as pancakes!  It could just be Texas, but I think it was the recipe.  Or maybe a little of both!

I got the recipe from For The Love of Cooking and it is one I will be using it again.  I tweaked it a little.  Some on purpose (I always use more vanilla than a recipe calls for) and some by accident (she called for 3/4 cup of sugar and 3/4 cup of brown sugar.  I only used 1/2 a cup of each by complete accident, but they turned out so good that I will do it that way again.

Here is my version of the Chocolate and Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

What you need:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 t baking soda
1 t salt
2 sticks (1 cup) butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 t vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups of semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup of peanut butter chips

What you do:

Preheat oven to 375°

Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl and mix thoroughly with a whisk or sift together.

Beat butter, white sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large bowl until creamy.

Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Mix in the flour mixture in three parts.  Then stir in chips by hand.

Drop small spoonfuls onto an un-greased baking sheet. (I use a scoop to make sure that they are all the same size, that way they bake evenly)

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool on wire racks.

Try not to eat them all in one night.

The recipe made three dozen and that was minus the large amounts of cookie dough that was consumed by someone in the house.  We will not name any names.

What is your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe?