S is for Silas – DiY Baby Boy Gifts

My good buddy is having a baby boy. This is her fourth little and some friends are throwing her a small shower. She said all she wants is diapers but I had to do more than that. She always dresses her little ones really cute and usually not like most babies. The first time I saw her oldest son he was probably 3 months old and had on the tiniest button up and little jeans….ADORABLE! I wanted to make her a couple fun onsies so off to the craft store with me.

I had planned on getting material to add bow ties and suspenders and a maybe an S to the onsies I had grabbed but when I got there plans changed. I found a fun little frayed S appliqué for 71 cents and I couldn’t pass it up. 1 down 2 to go. Then I ran back to the material and had a thought, why not ribbon. Instead of buying, cutting and sewing a bunch of tiny pieces of material, why not use ribbon that is already hemmed on the sides and ready to go. So I did. I found a fun black and white stripped ribbon (on sale) and a couple buttons (also on sale). Perfect!

For the suspenders I cut a length of ribbon and added a little liquid stitch. I allowed 30 minute dry time as instructed by the directions and then headed to the sewing machine and added a stitch up each side for extra strength and added those cute buttons!

For the bow tie I simply cut a small length of ribbon (this depends on the size you want the bow tie and the size of onsie you are using) and folded each end in and then squeezed the middle. Stitched it up to sinch it and hold it in place and wrapped a small piece of ribbon around the center and sewed it into place. Finally I stitched it to the onsie. LOVE!

On the S applique, I followed the directions on the back and once it cooled I added a stitch around the outside to make sure it held. I always like to add a line of stitching to iron-ons because I want to make sure that if the glue lets go the appliqué will stay intact.

I also found this tiny T and superman appliqué and had to have them. I simply followed the iron-on directions on the back. Once it cooled from being ironed I grabbed a needle and thread and added a line of stitching in the black outline with black thread so it was nice a hidden but added a little strength. Come on what tiny one doesn’t need a superman shirt and this one can serve double purpose with that “S.”

I'll wrap these funsies up with some diapers and we'll have our gift ready to go!

I looked all over Pinterest for inspiration but didn't follow any particualar tutorials, just search "boy onsies" and you'll find a ton of ideas.

Also check out Jenny's link on some other fun DiY onsies.

Happy Thursday, March is almost here!!!

Daspri

Strawberry Syrup-Simple, Healthy & Delicious

As I began to make the pancake batter for dinner last night, I realized that we were all out of bananas and fresh strawberries. Oh no! What would we top our pancakes with?
We like fresh fruit, honey and sometimes even pecans on our pancakes around here.
I had almost given into the idea of just having pancakes and honey but I really, really wanted some fruit tonight too.

I remembered that I had a bag of frozen strawberries in the freezer and my wheels started turning.

I grabbed my Ninja and threw in some frozen strawberries with a bit of water too. I blended them until they were nice and smooth.
Then I took the thick mixture of strawberries and poured them into a saucepan. I added some honey and turned up the heat to med-low.

That's it! Strawberry syrup!

We do our best to avoid sugar around here unless it comes from fruit, honey or good, pure maple syrup so this was a fun surprise atop our pancake stacks!

The amount of honey really depends on how sweet you want your syrup. I just added and tasted and added a bit more. It didn't take much because the berries are already sweet themselves.

If you wanted the syrup to be thicker then you could blend half of the strawberries really smooth and blend the other half, leaving them a bit chunky. Or you could cook half of the strawberries in the sauce pan and then add the smooth mixture and honey.

I went for quick and super easy tonight but I may try cooking some of the berries next time.

Or not....because it was a HUGE hit just the way it is. 

Enjoy!

-Jenny

No Chip Nails

We’ve talked about nails. Painting them, decorating them, and even cleaning them. But I’ve recently found a new product that I am Loving! If you are like me, your nails last a day or two, maybe 3 if you are lucky (this is with an at-home manicure). And for me that can be frustrating because when I actually take the time to paint my nails it usually means I’m taking a break from crafting, cleaning, or something and I would love if the paint would hang around a while. I’ve found that a cheapy top or base coat or both can really cause that mani to jump right off my nails. But alas, I have found a great product that helps me and has held my mani (almost completely) intact for nearly a week!!!

This is a pic of my nails this morning after almost a week of wear. There are a couple small places but for the most part intact and lookin good.

This is the magical product (no, they are not a sponsor nor have they offered me money. I just wanted to share a product that is true to its advertised greatness).

Note: The top layer does dry to the touch in 30 seconds but if you push down or rub the polish the underneath layer is not quite dry yet and will pull or press down. It needs a bit longer to dry completely.

There you have it ladies, keep that mani going!

Daspri

Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cupcakes

I posted about these in an earlier post today, but we made them again this morning so I was able to snap some better photos of them for you.

 Truth be told, eating these is really much like eating a cookie for breakfast. But, shhhhhh, don't tell anyone.

 Here is the original recipe.

I added a few things.
We didn't have blueberries but we did have mini chocolate chips and who doesn't think chocolate in the morning is fun!
I also added about 2 tsp of chia seeds, 1/3 cup organic unsweetened shredded coconut, 1tsp cinnamon and 1/4 cup chopped pecans.
I think you could pretty much add whatever you wanted.

Some add-ins that I thought of and will be trying soon:
Option 1-raisins, shredded carrots and sunflower kernels
Option 2- small pieces of diced apples, cinnamon, and pecans
Option 3- using pumpkin instead of bananas and adding cinnamon and pecans

Can't wait to try these different variations. These were so delicious and so good for you, minus the chocolate. ;)
If you try them, let me know what you think.

Enjoy!
-Jenny

Some Things I Love (good food & good books)

So, today's post is a bit random. Sorry about that. We've been fighting cold junk here at our house for the past two weeks, so I have not been doing much crafting.
But I have been doing some good cooking and some reading.

Say what?! Yes folks, that's right, I have been doing some reading.
For those that know me, they know that my head is usually way too full of projects and ideas that I could be working on to sit down and be still and concentrate on words on a page!
There is one book that I read on a consistent basis, but that book is necessary to my life. I need those Words!

Reading just to read, well, it comes in seasons for me. And right now, I am in one of those seasons and I rather enjoy it when I'm there.
I am not a novel kind of gal, AT ALL. I enjoy books that teach me something and/or inspire me.
I recently posted that I got these two new books.

And my husband ordered me this one. He heard the author speaking on a radio show on the way to work, thought how I would enjoy it, and ordered it for me off Amazon that day. I love that he not only knew but did that!
I just began reading it today and so far, it is very interesting. Can't wait to read more and share more with you later!

This is another book I am currently reading. I have had it for some time now but like I said, this is seasonal for me. ha!
This book is blessing me tremendously right now! Very timely for me and I am super excited to read more and also share with you.

 I really love to cook. But sometimes, life seems a little crazier than normal and cooking becomes just necessity, rather than enjoyment as well.
Lately, I have really been enjoying cooking again. Food has always been inspiring to me. Does that sound weird? Let me explain. Good, fresh food is really very beautiful and pleasing to the eye. The colors are so vibrant and the texture is so complex......beautiful.
The fresh veggies above were about to be sprinkled about our yummy gluten free pizzas and topped with avocado slices.

 Coconut shrimp and vegetables over jasmine rice........YUM-MY!

Black Bean soup......

....topped with crunchy slices of corn tortillas.

And the new recipe we tried this morning....Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cupcakes. OH MY!
I had intended on getting some really great photos of these. The texture was so great....but so was the taste and they got devoured very quickly!

Here is the original recipe.

I added a few things.
We didn't have blueberries but we did have mini chocolate chips and who doesn't think chocolate in the morning is fun!
I also added about 2 tsp of chia seeds, 1/3 cup organic unsweetened shredded coconut, 1tsp cinnamon and 1/4 cup chopped pecans.
I think you could pretty much add whatever you wanted.

Some add-ins that I thought of and will be trying soon:
Option 1-raisins, shredded carrots and sunflower kernels
Option 2- small pieces of diced apples, cinnamon, and pecans
Option 3- using pumpkin instead of bananas and adding cinnamon and pecans

Can't wait to try these different variations. These were so delicious and so good for you!
If you try them, let me know what you think.

Happy Monday!!
-Jenny

Things We Love Kate Spade New York & Doodles Unleashed!

So, I have had a few books on my wish list for  a while now. I finally ordered a couple of them and when two of them came in the mail yesterday, it was like Christmas!
I am too excited to dive into these and to get my other two in the mail soon as well.

Things We Love by Kate Spade New York is pretty much a book full of inspiration; full color, full page photos that inspire. LOVE. :)

I cannot wait to sit down with Doodles Unleashed, my pens, paints and paper tonight when all of the kids are in bed. The author, Traci Bautista,  does amazing work and she basically teaches you some of her techniques while encouraging you to step outside the box and let your creativity, in the area of doodling and drawing, flow freely.

I ordered mine from Amazon. Check them out here and here.
I'll let you know just how great they are when I dive in later!

Have a great weekend!
-Jenny

anyway

I began reading a new book and this was the opening:

anyway

People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Honestly and frankness will make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.

People need help but may attack you if you try to help them.
Help them anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.

From a sign on a wall of Shishu Bhavan
a children’s home in Calcutta.

I’m going to move forward anyway, you?
Daspri

DiY Knife Butcher Block Update

My kitchen, like every other room in the house, slowly gets little changes all the time. A couple items in my kitchen that needed a little sprucing were our knife butcher block and our paper towel holder. Of course, I could have purchased new ones and may do that at some point, but for now they are updated and blend in much better.

See…one of these things is not like the others, one of these things is just not the same…

Pretty easy updates that make a very subtle but great difference.

1.     Make sure you clean each item well.

2.     Sand down lightly.

3.     Paint each item with two coats of paint (I used non-VOC Interior Latex paint that I had on hand) letting it dry well in between coats.

4.     Add additional designs or coats. (I added the squares with a paint dipped cookie cutter and drew the lines in with a paint brush. I wanted the design to be fun and not exact so I didn’t measure.)

I was pretty excited with the outcome and it was a FREE update. What can you spruce up in your kitchen?












Here is a quick look at the paper towel holder:

Enjoy!
Daspri

Southwest Brunch Anyone? (another recipe)

Okay, I warned you with my last post that I get on a kick with certain flavors and ingredients and then it's "on" for a while!
So, if you enjoyed the last recipe, then I think you'll enjoy this one as well.

It's just as simple as the last recipe and just as delicious!
You start out with this

Dice up a couple of green onions, grab your skillet, fry those eggs, sprinkle on the seasoning, and add your green onions. Cook until eggs are done.
While you are frying the eggs and the onions....

prepare your corn tortillas.
Heat a skillet on medium high (no oil) and toss a tortilla in. Let it sit for a minute and flip it for another minute.
When your tortillas are done...

...place an egg on top, a spoonful of salsa, some fresh diced tomatoes and fresh cilantro.
*you could also add some cheese and throw it in the oven to melt it for a few minutes.

Southwest Brunch
eggs
corn tortillas
diced tomato
diced green onions
chopped cilantro
garlic salt
cumin
chili powder
black pepper

Enjoy!!
-Jenny

Southwest Corn Quesadilla Recipe-Simple & Delicious

I tend to really enjoy a certain flavor or food and just run with it.......until we are all just done with it. I know what I like and I like to eat foods that I enjoy and that are good for my body. So when I come across something that "hits the spot", then it's on. I start finding various ways to eat!

Enter: Southwest Corn Quesadillas

I grabbed what I had on hand: tomato, green onion, cilantro, avocado and corn tortillas.
I often know what sounds good and then just go to the fridge and start pulling things out. I love creating, even in the kitchen!

I pulled out my skillet, spread some mashed avocado on one corn tortilla and placed it in the skillet. I then sprinkled on the chopped green onion, some garlic salt, a bit of cumin and chili powder, layered three large tomato slices on top with a small bit of sea salt on top, and added the fresh cilantro.
Next, I placed another corn tortilla with more mashed avocado on the top.

Your burner should be on med-high heat this entire time. Once you have placed all of your ingredients and topped it with the second corn tortilla, you very gently flip it over. Let it toast the top tortilla for just a minute or two and you are done!

Once on my plate, I topped it off with a spoonful of salsa, a few pieces of avocado and more fresh
cilantro.

A simple, fresh, and delicious meal.

Enjoy!
-Jenny

Bangin Style

So, I’ve gotten used to these new bangs of mine and have really enjoyed them. It’s been fun to do some different things with my hair. I don’t really do much drastic with my hair and when I’ve cut bangs in the past I usually just did a few to sweep to one side. These were a bit different and I actually went with a semi-full set.

Here are a few fun styles I’ve done:

Headbanded

Ponytailed

Pomp with a side sweep

A little pomp and curl

Jenny also got some new bangs a while back and here are a few pics of her bangin do:

Straighten down

Curls please

Side sweep

The verdict is...bangs are fun, if you're looking for a change maybe you should get some!

Happy Tuesday,
Daspri

Fabulous Flea Market Finds

I have a confession. I LOVE rummaging through things at flea markets. I mean, seriously, I drive by them and long to stop and go in.
I don't get to go to them hardly at all anymore. Most of them are NOT at all kid-friendly. My kids know how to act in stores and I expect them to do and not do certain things. However, many of the flea markets are so jam packed with things that sometimes I even bump something and nearly knock it over.  SO, it has been a LONG time since I have been able to walk through the doors of one of these fabulous places.
You can imagine my excitement when I got to go explore through one of the local flea markets over the weekend.

 Here are some of the things that caught my eye, but didn't go home with me.
Can a girl ever have enough vintage buttons? Um, no, she cannot.
I am always drawn to old metal fans and coffee and bread boxes. And oh my goodness, I have a thing for vintage dishes! I could fill every cabinet with them, but I practice restraint.
Look at those fun vintage children's books too! But I actually already have a few shelves of books like them.

Vintage children's table with a chalkboard in the middle anyone? I would love to have been it's new proud owner. But we have nowhere to put this little treasure in our home and so again, I practiced restraint.

Can that big teal blue shelf just go home with me and live forever storing all of mine and the kids art supplies?! Pretty please!
Unfortunately, they said no, display only. This happened to be the case on a few different super cool storage pieces that called out to me. Oh well, not meant to be.

Oh how I love vintage clothing. I looked at these dresses and just thought about what the women that wore them must have been like. Where were they going? Were they women of influence or did they save up to buy these dresses for a special occassion?

And, can you see the beautiful red poppy tablecloth hanging in the bottom picture? Probably not because the photo is so blurry-my bad!
But, it was A-MAZING! I wanted to take it home with me so bad and make pillows out of it and and maybe even some tea towels too, but I didn't and now I wish I had. Hmm, I wonder if they are open today?
I LOVE vintage fabrics, tea towels, table cloths, etc.

Ok, so I love MOST things vintage! I love the style. I love that they have history and tell a story. I love that they were used, worn and loved. I love it all!

Now, these three pieces are mine. This is what I DID come home with.
This adorable tea towel was the first thing I saw when I walked in the door and I knew right away that it was going home with me. I cannot wait to show you what I am going to do with it! I'll share that soon. ;)

The beautiful, colorful lady is a vintage painting. It is a plaque and has been sealed and looks the same way it did SO long ago. It is in great shape and I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. It was underneath some fabric that I was rummaging through and I was so excited when I saw her.
The color is wonderful in it and I love the clock tower in the background.

And the old school hymnal......well, old books are just cool. Plain and simple. I scored this one for $1 and it is full of old, timeless hymns.
I plan to use the pages for art stuff. Very excited about the ideas swimming around in my head. ;)

I am going to make a point to take the time to go treasure hunting more often again. Really and truly, even if I had left with nothing in my hands, I would've been so happy to have just gone and looked at all of the wonderful pieces while day dreaming about their past.
It really makes me happy.

Some tips about Flea Market shopping:
 -set a budget for your adventure and take exactly that amount of cash. If you find something amazing that costs more, then you will HAVE to really think about it and if it is still there when you come back, it's meant to be.
-Look for truly unique pieces that YOU love.
-If you find something you love but aren't sure about the price, don't be shy. Ask the store clerk if they will take less. Many times they have a set amount that they can negotiate with.
-Look for "good bones" when it comes to furniture pieces. The hardware,finish and/or paint doesn't matter. You can easily change that. Look for sturdy pieces and style.

Just a few tips for now. Now go treasure hunting and tell me what you find!
Enjoy!
-Jenny