New Year Giveaway!

My blog is almost to 5000 hits since our debut in September 2012!!! To celebrate I am going to giveaway a free download of my Super-Mom Weekly Planner to one of my lucky readers!! :) Winner will be chosen on the morning of January 1! It would be much more dramatic to announce the winner at midnight --- but let's be honest I will have been asleep for a few hours by then, so we'll just do it in the am! Good luck!

To enter the giveaway post your email in a comment below.

Friendship Muffins

Friendship bread starter and the universal muffin mix were meant to be together!! See how tall and gorgeous they turned out!! This is a fabulous way to use your starter on a regular basis and does feel like you are eating pound cake for breakfast. I feed my starter once a week and bake using 1 cup of starter the same day. When my starter batch starts getting too large I either bake a few loaves to give away or I ask around if anyone wants some starter. Enjoy this recipe and happy baking!!

Friendship Muffins
1 cup mature friendship bread starter
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
2 3/4 cups muffin mix
1 cup mix-ins (fruit, baking chips, etc)

Mix well and bake at 400 in greased muffin cups for 15-18 minutes. Yield 12-18 muffins.

2013 Super-Mom Weekly Planner

As a mom of three (almost four) & a small business owner, having an efficient and well-organized planner is crucial to keeping my home running smooth! I have tried several apps on my smart phone, but in my opinion nothing beats being able to write it down and see the big picture at a glance. {Purchase a PDF download to print your own copy, including your choice of Super-Mom, at my etsy shop for just $9.99 or $35.00 plus shipping for a printed copy}

I designed this planner to be small enough to carry in my purse, but with enough space to write down notes for all that we have going on! Why superheroes? What mom doesn't need a boost of confidence everyday knowing that she has got it under control & that she is doing a fantastic job; saving the world - one diaper change, one story time, one carpool at a time!!

To accompany my planner, I purchased a mini set of markers and a 6" ruler to help me color coordinate each day and see who is where at a glance. Each person in my family has their own color which I use to highlight their activities during the day.

At the beginning of every month is a focus page that includes space to jot down upcoming birthdays and anniversaries as well as a place to set goals and focus on the month ahead. Also, too important not to be included is a weekly family schedule with columns for up to five family members. This is the pace where I can write down our schedule -- classes, sports, preschool and other fun things we have going on -- and see everyone's commitments at once. This helps me not spread myself out too thin and yet provide a variety of activities for our family.

The bulk of the planner is made up of fabulous weekly pages. To help save time the whole year has been pre-dated with major holidays included. Each page has two days that include a 13-hour daily schedule and room to make notes for dinner plans and a list of to-do's.

 After making the first few notes on my planner tonight, I am SO EXCITED to use it in 2013 and look forward to a well-organized yet fun to use planner at my finger-tips!!

Planning ahead for January 2013

All wrapped up in my fabulous ThirtyOne "Fold-And-Go Organizer"

Do you LOVE it as much as I do??? I love sharing the fruit of my labor with other moms who are also looking for a way to stay organized in a way that is fun but at the same time functional and highly efficient. Purchase a pdf download of the 2013 Super-Mom Weekly Planner at my etsy shop for just $9.99 or $35.00 plus shipping for a printed copy. (Personal use only, limit 3 copies per household.)

Graphics designed by CorazonDulce
{www.corazondulce.etsy.com}

Falling asleep on the job

Please forgive me! The idea for 30 Days of Homemade Gifts came to my a few months ago -- I thought what a great way to have fun doing what I love and making gift-giving more personal and heartfelt this year! That was all before I found out I was pregnant with my fourth child and quickly came to realize the overwhelming time and energy that it would take to create and blog about a unique homemade gift 6 days a week. Sigh! Needless to say, the first trimester and chasing after three boys has gotten the better of me. I have been going to bed right after the kids and spending any free time I have keeping up my home. So, I apologize for not continuing what was promised to be an amazing series. I hope to start blogging again once or twice a week starting in January. Thank you for understanding and Merry Christmas!! :)

Amish Friendship Bread

This starter has become a holiday tradition for us and luckily, starting a batch from scratch isn't hard at all! Once the starter has matured for 10 days you are ready to bake and start gifting!!

To make a brand new starter:
Mix 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) yeast with 1/4 warm water (110 degrees). Allow to sit for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, using all non-metallic bowls/utensils, combine 1 cup flour and 1 cup sugar. Add 1 cup milk. After 10 minutes add the yeast mixture and blend well. Pour into a gallon ziplock bag. Seal the bag - This is day 1.

To mature starter:
Day 1-4: Leaving the starter on the counter at room temperature...Mash bag lightly or swirl jar and release built up gases.
Day 5: Using all non-metallic bowls/utensils, combine 1 cup flour and 1 cup sugar. Add 1 cup milk and starter. *If using jars divide between 2 quart jars.
Day 6-9: Mash bag lightly or swirl jar and release built up gases.
Day 10: Using all non-metallic bowls/utensils, combine 1 cup flour and 1 cup sugar. Add 1 cup milk and starter.

Use 1 cup of starter to bake 2 loaves of Friendship Bread. Place the remaining 3 cups into separate bags/jars and pass along to friends with these instructions and your favorite friendship bread recipe. (Keep one for yourself and start over on day 1)

Baking the Bread:
1 cup friendship bread starter
1/2 cup oil
3 eggs
2 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease 2 full sized or 4 mini loaf pans. Combine ingredients adding 1 cup nuts or dried fruit (optional). Pour into lag pans and top with cinnamon sugar. Bake for 30-40 minutes for small pans or 45-50 minutes for large pans or until a toothpick comes out clean.

***starter may be refrigerated or frozen to delay maturation process.

Custom Printed Jars

This is an amazing craft and would make a wonderful gift. Kristine from The Painted Hive has done an awesome job with her tutorial and even provides a free printable --- make sure this one gets onto your wish list!

Find the direct link to the craft {here}

Honey Oatmeal Mask

Oatmeal is an amazing natural moisturizer, gentle exfoliant, skin soothing element. To use as a mask combine raw oats that have been pureed into fine dust with olive oil, honey and water to make a paste. Apply to face and reswt under a hot towel for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off and enjoy a baby-soft face.

Ingredients for 1/2 pint jar:
1 cup ground oats
2 Tbsp water
2 Tbsp oil
2 tsp honey
~Combine until thick. Use immediately, or withing 5-7 days

Oatmeal Bath

My kids have very dry skin, and this is an inexpensive way to give them the luxury of having an oatmeal bath anytime they want. Great for those with eczema or sunburns too!

Supplies:
Quick cooking oats

Directions:
Place dry oats into a coffee grinder, blender or food processor. Grind until very fine & store in an airtight container. (6 cups of whole oats made 1 quart of oatmeal bath) To use in the bath dissolve 1/4-3/4 cup of ground oats in the bath water. Soak & rinse.

Bird's Nest Charm

These are easy to make and completely adorable --- perfect for mom or grandma :)

Supplies:
Thin jewlers wire
Small beads (birthstone colors??)

Directions:
1. Thread your first bead onto the wire leaving a 2 inch tail.
2. Add any additional beads.
3. Wrap the wire several times around the beads to create a "nest" appearance.
4. Secrure the beads by wraping it around the outside to hold the nest in place. Clip wire and tuck in loose end.
5. Use the 2 inch tail to create a loop at the top of your nest, then clip and hide the end.
6. Wear it on a neacklace, bracelet or keychain.

Kettle Corn

I have been told this is the "best popcorn in the world." Whenever I bring it to a gathering I always get requests for the recipe!

Ingredients:
1/4 cup corn oil
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup popping corn

Directions:
1. Heat the oil, sugar and popcorn in a large pot on high.
2. Using hot pads hold the lid on while shaking the popcorn frequently. Because of the sugar - it is important to keep shaking it every few seconds or it will burn.
3. When the popping slows down - remove from heat and add salt to taste.
4. Pour into a bowl and allow to cool. It will harden as it cools - toss it gently to loosen. Makes approx. 10 cups of popcorn or enough to fill 2 medium tins.

Family 5 Year Journal

This craft was inspired by a pin I saw recently - jot down a note about your day that year and enjoy looking back to see where you have been and what special things have happened over the years. This journal version is more compact and doesn't have the risk of being scattered across the floor or down the stairs when your kids get a hold of it. (Just keep the pens out of reach)

This would be especially neat for a newly-wed couple or for a new baby. Wish I had started one the year we got married.

 

Example of how it might look over the years...

January 1

2013 - Celebrated the New Year in Time's Square

2014 - Celebrated the New Year with our new baby

2015 - Sarah took her first steps today

2016 - Enjoyed the countdown at a B&B in Aspen

2017 -

(apparently this family I made up has like to travel, haha)

 

Supplies:

Spiral journal

Nice pens

Scrapbook stickers

 

Directions:

1. Decorate the front and inside covers with the stickers. On the inside of mine is our last name and the yeat we were married as "est. 2005"

2. Slowly and carefully write the date for each day of the year, equally spread out on the pages. Mine had 3/page and 7 lines between each date. I messed up several times and had to tear these pages out. If you make a lot of mistakes - count the pages to ensure you will have enough at the end.

3. Include a nice pen and an invitation for the recipient to jot down a note about each day noting the year on each line.



Fabric Scraps Pot Holders

As I was pulling dinner out of the oven last week I noticed how worn out my pot holders were...after doing some checking I also learn how easy they are to make!!

Supplies:
Fabric Scraps
Heat resistant batting
18" x 9" piece of regular batting

Directions:
1. Sew together 1-2" strips of fabric until you have two pieces that measure 18" x 9".
2. Place the two pieces right side facing out with the two pieces of batting in between.
3. Quilt the pieces together using a random pattern
4. Cut the piece in half to create two 9x9 inch squares (approx)
5. Sew a strip of binding around each piece starting in the center of one of the sides.

No Sew T-Shirt Ribbon Scarf

Grab an old tshirt and lets get started!

Supplies:
XL cotton tshirt *without hemming up the sides
Scissors

Directions:
1. Cut the tshirt straight across just below the armpits
2. Cut the seam off at the bottom

 3. Stop now and stretch <----> for a thick scarf
4. For a ribbon scarf, keep cutting 1 inch strips then stretch to finish.
5. To wear, gather all the pieces and wrap twice around your neck. You can also make a chain-link with two sets if ribbon then wrap the loop around your neck wearing the chain in the front.

Cranberry Yogurt Muffins

Ingredients:
2 3/4 cups {Homemade Muffin Mix}
1 egg
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Crumb Topping (makes enough for 2 dozen):
1/3 cup flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup butter

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine all ingredients for the muffins and fill greased or lined muffin cups 3/4 full. To make crumb topping, combine dry ingredients then cut in room temperature butter until pea sized pieces form. Sprinkle crumb topping over muffins, pressing lightly to adhere to muffins. Bake for 18-20 minutes.

Knit Boot Cuffs

How fabulous are these!! And the best part is ---- no heel to worry about! HOOT! Because they only have to be about 6-8 inches long they are fast to make so grab your needles and some yarn and get knitting! :)


{click on photo for link to pattern}

Casserole Carrier - Two Ways

We had a crazy day today, so my original project never got done. (Have you been there?!) Here are the links for two different versions of a casserole carriers - depending on your budget and time for sewing. Both are equally functional and equally adorable.

The first is the faster and cheaper version --- two placemats sewn together with belting used for the handles.

The second takes considerably more time to make but is in my opinion a little more appealing because it is fitted to your dish and fold over on four sides to enclose. (This one is on my to-do list)

Monogrammed Magnet Board

A perfect place for recipes, notes or pictures!!

Supplies:
Baking sheet
Scrapbook paper
Modge Podge
Acrylic Paint
Ribbon
Circle magnets
Clear flat-bottomed glass stones
(Cricut)

Directions:
1. Paint the baking sheet and allow to dry completely.
2. Trim coordinating scrapbook papers to fit on the top of the baking sheet. Glue the paper to the baking sheet with a layer of Modge Podge.
3. Cut initials and embellishments out using your Cricut. And glue onto the baking sheet.
4. Apply a top coat of Modge Podge.
5. With a hammer and nail, make two holes at the top of the cookie sheet and string through a piece of ribbon to hang.
6. To make coordinating magnets, cut 1 inch circles from scrapbook paper and glue to the flat side of clear stones print facing against the stone using Modge Podge then unto the magnet with hot glue. Hold done firmly for 30 seconds to a minute to ensure hold.

Brown Sugar Facial Scrub

Two ingredients, easy as pie --- works like a charm! Use a Tablespoon of this scrub on your face when you are in the shower a few times a month. The sugar gently exfoliates and the olive oil locks in mositure leaving your face feeling super soft and smooth! (If it dries out before using it all, just add more oil)

Ingredients:
Light Brown Sugar
Olive Oil (the more "virgin" the oil the stronger the smell will be, but any of them will work)
Jars for gifting

Directions:
Pour unpacked brown sugar into jars & slowly add olive oil until the sugar is saturated and no longer absorbs the oil. It will begin to pool on the top of the sugar. Enjoy!

How to cut a melon for kids :)

1. Cut the melon in half.

 

2. With one half at a time, cut the stem edge off at 1/4-1/2 inch in depth.

3. Place the melon with the wide cut side down. Trim the rind off the melon starting at the stem cut side and following the curve of the melon.

4. Cut the fruit into wedges or cubes.

Hand Warmers - Simple Photo Tutorial

These Homemade Hand Warmers are the perfect size for chilly hands to snuggle with. Just pop them in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute then slip them in your coat pockets on your way outside to play in the snow. (They also work as mini-ice packs for kids when you put them in the freezer)

 

Supplies:
1/2 cup to 1 cup long grain rice (not minute rice!!) PER set of 2
1/4 yard of flannel (makes 10 sets)
(sewing machine)

Directions:

1. Fold fabric in half with wrong side facing out. Cut fabric into 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch squares. You will end up with 40 squares. Sew pairs together wrong-side facing out on three of the 4 sides, leaving one side open.

2. Turn them right-side out and fill each warmer with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of rice.

 

3. Fold over a 1/4 inch seam and sew together, keeping as close to the edge as you can.

 

 

 4. Trim thread and you are done! :)



DIY Mug

As you probably know homemade gifts are always welcomed and DIY mugs are very popular this year!!! You can find plain white mugs at the dollar store and pack of Sharpies most places office supplies are sold. Grab a big pack full of lots of colors and have fun!! Decorate your mugs then bake at 350 for 30 minutes to make your design permanent. :)