Summertime Popsicles!

I don't know about you, but its HOT HOT HOT out there! Summer has arrived and with it the heat. I am originally from Las Vegas, NV and know what heat is. 117 degrees you say? Been there and done that. Its like an oven. Here in the great Northwest in Washington, it doesn't generally get over 100, but the humidity can play all sorts of tricks on you! No matter where you are and what kind of summer heat you're battling, we are all trying to cool off. And what better way than with some fun homemade Popsicles?!

I have tried several of these Pins and I really like the Nutella pops, the Orange Creamsicles, and the Strawberry cheesecake pops! Its not just enough to be cooled off, a little indulgence is needed as well. (wink) And have I mentioned how fun it is to do these with the kids? My 7 year old just loved to be a part of this fun treat!

Orange Creamsicles

http://www.ovenloveblog.com/orange-creamsicles/

Nutella Pops

http://www.canadianfreestuff.com/nutella-coolwhip-popsicles-an-easy-delicious-treat-to-keep-you-and-the-kiddies-cool-this-summer/

http://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelysanders/super-cool-popsicles-to-make-this-summer

All of these are amazing links to homemade popsicle recipes. There are so many that I decided not to try to add them all to the post. Visit these wonderful sites and choose what flavors you'd like to try. I promise you cannot not go wrong with ANY of them! Enjoy a fun popsicle by the pool or in where its cool! Have a fabulous summer!

Happy Pinning!

DIY ANTHROPOLOGIE CURTAINS!!!

Am I the only one who loves Anthropologie stuff? Especially, DIY knock offs?!  Anthropolgie has some seriously cute items for the home, but lets face it, $150 for one drapery panel? I think not. I see ideas on Pinterest all the time and if you can do it for 1/4 of the cost, then why the heck not? My friend had the one up on me, and had already made these for her bedroom. They were so cute! So I decided to give them a shot. Seemed relatively simple. And so it should have been.... Ha!

I am just not a natural born seamstress. Both my grandmothers were expert level seamstresses and could whip up a project from scratch. It was like a super power! My Mom was a great seamstress as well. My sister and I always had matching outfits and dresses, not to mention all of those fun Halloween costumes over the years. Sadly, the line ended there.  I just do not have the skill. This project is Level: EASY and even I should have breezed through it, but alas, my machine and I had a disagreement and the machine won.- 1 machine, 0 Amanda. :)

So yes, the machine bested me, but while it was being repaired, I continued on by hand with the ruffles. When I got the machine back, the remaining sewing was done in an hour. :) This really is an easy project, I swear!

Also, did I mention that this is made from 2 twin sheets? I ended up using 3 actually, but that's because I did my ruffles by hand and really liked them tight.

This project cost me a total of $15 and in total sewing time was only a few hours. It should only take a day for those with a working machine. :)

Original Pin:

http://diytilwedie.blogspot.com/2012/06/anthropologie-knock-off-curtains-from.html

Visit her blog above to see more of her DIY ideas! Such a cute blog!

Items Needed:

1) 2 twin sheets of your choice in color and pattern.( I used beige from Walmart for $4.98 each)

2) Matching thread

3) Sewing machine

4) Scissors

How To:

1) If the sheets are wrinkled, you may want to iron them out so its easier to measure and cut, etc.

2) You need 3 six inch wide strips for the ruffles on each drape panel, so cut a section of sheet about 18 inches wide lengthwise.

3) Cut the 18 inch section into 3 six inch sections.

4) On the side of the sheet you cut, hem using a straight stitch on your machine.

5) I did not hem the ruffles, but you may choose to at this time if you want a more finished look.

6) Now its time to ruffle! Cut one of the 6 inch pieces in half. When you ruffle you lose length! If you have a machine, adjust your tension and create the ruffles. Or take a bit more time to hand ruffle. If you visit her tutorial above she shows how to use the machine and ruffle. I recommend the machine way! lol

7) So now you should have 2 long ruffles for each panel and the panels themselves.

8) Now, you know the top of the sheet that is about a 3 inch hem? Start to pin the ruffles onto the panel  just below that hem. Later that hem will be the rod pocket. The ruffles should be about 13 to 14 inches in from the outer edge on each side. Pin the ruffle all the way down to the bottom hem. Securing it for easy sewing.

9) Time to sew! Carefully and purposefully sew a straight stitch right down the middle of the ruffles and onto your panel. remember to remove those pins as you go!

10) This is where I cheated...I used that fabric stuff that is a glue strip and with heat from a iron seals a hem. I folded over the 3 inch hem and glued the rod pocket together. The other option is to cut a slit in the side of that 3 inch hem and its already a pocket. The tutorial from the Original Pin did hers that way. Take a look to see what you think is easier for you!

11) Hang up your glorious new drapes! Be ready to be wowed at your own savvy! :)

Don't these make a difference in the room? This project is very inexpensive and is very simple. In total, an afternoon could yield you a new accessory to your windows! If there is anything unclear on this How To, please let me know! I would love any feedback!

-Happy Pinning!

Cheap, easy, and fast dinner for a Monday night!

Alright, post 2 is... food of course! Nom nom nom! I love me a good salad and whenever I go out to eat at a nice restaurant, I like to get the wedge salad. They are just so dang good! And I love me my carbs! So of course some bread to go with that salad. Ha! I found this wedge recipe on Pinterest and it looked so dang tempting I had to try it. Let's just say, even my 7 year old who isn't a fan of Blue Cheese gobbled down this inexpensive and delicious meal! And because the dressing is home made you can make it more or less to your liking.  The bread I made was by The Pioneer Woman called THE Bread and yes it is. No joke this bread is slathered with butter and then broiled to a golden crisp. The butter caramelizes and makes it oh so finger licking good! But buyers beware, its a whole lotta butter, so its not diet friendly. :) Total cost of this meal: approx $10! 

The Original Pin(s):

 http://cookingbride.com/salads/blt-wedge-salad/

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/09/the-bread/

While my photos aren't quite as pretty, you can see they turned out pretty darn close! They tasted divine and that's all that counts! Ha!

Ingredients for the salad:

1) One head of Iceberg lettuce, cut into quarters

2) Tomato, diced

3) 4 to 5 strips Bacon, crumbled

For the dressing:

1) 1 large egg

2) 3 cloves garlic

3) 1 cup vegetable oil

4) 1/4 cup buttermilk

5) 1/2 tsp salt

6) 1/2 tsp white pepper

7) 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

8) 8oz blue cheese, coarsely crumbled.

To make:

Using a blender or food processor, combine the egg and garlic cloves. 

While the machine is going, drizzle in the olive oil.

Turn the machine off and add the buttermilk, salt, and peppers. Blend a few more seconds.

Pour dressing into a bowl and stir in cheese.

Place a wedge on each plate and top with the dressing, tomatoes, and bacon.

Ingredients for THE Bread:

1) 2 sticks butter, room temp

2) 1 loaf french bread, sliced lengthwise down the middle

To make:

Take each half of the bread and spread a stick of butter all over it. You heard me. An entire stick a side. :)

Place on a cookie sheet and then under the broiler for a few minutes. You may be tempted to pull it out early, but just wait! You want it to start to burn the edges and turn golden in the middle. Trust me! Its magic!

Serve with the salad!

Visit these wonderful websites for more finger lickin good recipes! Seriously good stuff!

-Happy Pinning!

Teacher Appreciation!

Ok, I know I promised my DIY knock-off Anthropologie curtains, and I solemnly swear they are on their way.  But, I had a HUGE fight with my sewing machine and the machine won. It had to go in for a check-up. I really did try! But its totally ancient and was my mother's. Was bound to need a tune-up eventually I guess. SO, while I finish my fun drapes up this weekend, here are two posts to make up for it!

This is the fun teacher appreciation gift that we made for my daughter's teacher. It was so simple and fun to put together! And to top it off, her teacher said it was totally different, and she liked it so much she didn't want to open it all the way and ruin its presentation! Score! Total cost? $10! Total appreciation? Priceless. :)

Original Pin:

http://pinterest.com/pin/208995238928077293/

What you'll need:

1) Empty 2 liter soda bottle cleaned.
2) Misc. items of your choosing such as candy, pencils, glue sticks, etc to put inside.
3) Tissue paper or paper grass to place inside.
4) Paper for the label
5) Printer and computer for label or if your handy at your own fun handwriting.
6) Scissors to cut  a secret door to place all the items in with.
7) Glue stick or Elmer's glue to seal the label on.
8) Any stickers, ribbons or extra embellishments

How to:
1) Clean out and dry the 2 liter soda bottle.

2) Once dry, cut a C shape in the side that will be big enough to place your hand through but not so big the label won't cover it up.
3) Place in the tissue paper or paper grass at the bottom.
4) Place the gift items inside on top of the paper. Arranging how you prefer.

5) If using paper grass, place just a bit at the top as well.

6) Print or make the label and glue it on over the C shape.
7) Embellish with ribbon and stickers.

8) Give to the teacher and expect a big Thank you!

My daughter and I had fun with this and just bought fun candy and teacher items from the Dollar store. It made her teacher smile and that just brightened my daughters day! To all those teachers out there, Thank you for all you do!

-Happy Pinning!

Announcing!

If you are following this blog, then you may have noticed that I was absent for about a month. I had a good reason!  :)

I apologize for the gap in activity and am glad to be feeling better. I just did not have the energy or stamina to do more than breath. Ha! So, now that I am a little farther along, I am returning to normal. Well, hopefully anyway!  I am working on a few projects and starting next week, you should start to see new posts and crafts. Watch for my post next week: DIY knock off Anthropologie drapes! Hope all is well out there!

Happy Pinning!

Love of Photography!

Today I would like to highlight one of my favorite all time hobbies...Photography! I LOVE LOVE LOVE photography! Saved up for a year for a good DSLR camera. But more importantly, I would like to highlight Holly Clouse and all  her photography savvy! 

You can visit her site and blog http://www.hollyclousephotography.com/ 

Our new Family portrait 2013! By Holly Clouse Photography!

I just love how the colors and the golden spring light came together! Holly did a wonderful job! Heart!

I interviewed Holly and she has some great tips and tricks for family sessions,etc:

1) Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into photography. Why do you love it?

Hi! I'm Holly, the owner and photographer of Holly Clouse Photography. I've been married to Nathan for almost 7 years, and we have two kiddos, Landon is almost 6 and Emmalia just turned 4. I home-school both kids, and in my spare time, we're flipping a house! I've always loved photography, and really started getting into it when Nathan & I were newlyweds, and when I was pregnant with Landon. Once he was born, that love really poured forth, since I had a little guy to capture! 

I love photography for so many reasons, but one of the huge one's is the look on a client's face when they see their images. I wish I could take an image at that moment as well, when they see the memories and love that their family shows, or when they see how beautiful they are. It is truly priceless.

2) How did you decided to do it professionally?

There are two sides to this question. The first was out of absolute love and joy for my art. I just adore what I do, and I wanted a career that I would just adore forever, and I do! The second was out of the need for a job where I could choose my own hours and have flexibility. Those two things meshed amazingly well, and with wonderful timing for me.

3) What tips and tricks would you give families for a good session?

Pick a time when the kiddos are happy! Before naptime or after, you know them best. A professional on-location photographer will have times they like best as we are light manipulator's, but should be willing to work with your family and the timing they need as well, and create lovely portraits. Also, something Amanda and her hubby where awesome at, leave some room for the photographer to get to know your kids! Unfamiliar person's with a huge camera can be quite daunting to some kiddo's. Alot of times I put the camera down, and just play for a few minutes, until they feel comfortable with me. We always end up with some happy images that way!

4) What outfit suggestions and tips? 

Color! Colors are so pretty in pictures, though a little girl in a white dress in a field of flowers will always make me swoon. :) Too many patterns can be a little crazy, so add designs and color pop's with accessories. For more, check out my page on it: http://www.hollyclousephotography.com/designing-your-session-style-guide/ or check out the amazing images of Amanda's family, she pulled it off to a "t"!

5) How to handle tough kids? (wink wink)

Besides, as I mentioned above, giving them some room, I can usually get laughs when I start dancing, telling stories, asking for silly faces in pictures, or pretending I don't want to photograph them anymore. It's amazing how willing kiddos are to get in front of a camera when they think you don't want them in front of it! It does really depend on the child though, and working with their unique personality.

6) Tell us a bit about your blog. 

I started my blog five years ago, and have never been able to stop blogging since. It started out as a family blog, evolved into showcasing portfolio sessions, and now is full blown to coincide with my business. I show off client and family images, discuss details on making amazing sessions, VIP specials, and blog every Tuesday about 10 things from the week before-probably my most read posts!

7) Maybe some small tips for moms just catching moments at home?

You don't have to be a professional to capture lovely moments. So many mom's think that's the next step to photographing their kids, and try to start or run a business, forgetting you don't need to do all that to capture fun moments. It's not just about the camera either, it's about capturing the every day, and the memories. Follow your kids around. Take pictures of them watching movies, eating, being silly, the little things you forget about sometimes. The moment's become SO precious, a mishmash of memories in a scrapbook someday to look back on, your most treasured gifts. Don't forget to hand over the camera to someone else, and make your own memories too! 

8) Anything else you want to add. :)

You can contact me at holly@hollyclousephotography.com, and find me at www.hollyclousephotography.com. I love making new friends!  Thank you for having me, Amanda!

Holly

Spokane Portrait Photographer

-Thank you for your time Holly! I love the photos and can't wait to hang them up! 

Again, you can visit her website at http://www.hollyclousephotography.com/

Here are a few more photos from our session!

Holly did a wonderful job and I am not sorry I didn't wait for Fall(my favorite time). Ha! The session turned out so fun!  Thanks again Holly!

Book your outdoor photo session with your local photographer! If you have your own camera, step out into the sun and shoot away! Enjoy the rest of spring and the upcoming summer season full of color and light!

Happy Pinning!

I'm back!

Hello world! I apologize for my absence the last few weeks. I have been on a bit of a sabbatical if you will, but I have returned and in full force.  On a side note, I'd like to say thank you to all 300,000+ visitors to my blog! I am thinking a giveaway next month would be a nice way to show my appreciation! Stay tuned! ...Now onto my post....