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Sunday, April 28, 2013

20 Cinco de Mayo Recipes

Sunday, April 28, 2013

20 Cinco de Mayo Recipes

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20 Cinco de Mayo Recipes - Everything from Appetizers and Entrees to Dessert! #recipes #mexicanfood #cincodemayo

Cinco de Mayo is one week away! I was in a Spanish-immersion program in elementary school, and we'd have a Cinco de Mayo party every year. Even though I'm not from Mexico, I try to keep that tradition going and at least make some kind of Mexican dish for dinner to celebrate. Today I'm sharing 20 yummy recipes that would be fun to make for Cinco de Mayo! Do you celebrate?

20 Cinco de Mayo Recipes - Everything from Appetizers and Entrees to Dessert! #recipes #mexicanfood #cincodemayo

1. Mini Mexican Pizzas by The Taste Tester
2. Cinco de Mayo Breakfast
 by Kitchen Fun with My 3 Sons
3. Cinco de Mayo Piñata Cookies
 by SheKnows
4. Vegan Five-Layer Bean Dip
 by Mary Jolley
5. Margarita Cookie Bars
 by Keep It Sweet Desserts
6. Restaurant Style Mexican Rice
 by Favorite Family Recipes
7. Cherry Empanadas
 by Taste and Tell
8. Easy CrockPot Carnitas
 by Pinch of Yum
9. Taco Pizza
 by Real Mom Kitchen
10. Perfect Guacamole by Gimme Some Oven
11. Pomegranate Margaritas by Tide and Thyme
12. Spicy Chicken Flautas with Lime Sour Cream by The Kitchn
13. So Easy Sopapillas by Kitchen Meets Girl
14. Slow Cooker 8-Can Taco Soup by Six Sisters' Stuff
15. Mexican Stuffed Shells by High Heels & Grills
16. Mexican Manicotti by Chef in Training
17. Margarita Popsicles by Confections of a Foodie Bride
18. Mexican Lasagna by Is This REALLY My Life?
19. Churros con Chocolate by The Baker Upstairs
20. Homemade Tortillas by Rak's Kitchen

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Cricut Fashion Show: Refashioned T-Shirt Dress

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Cricut Fashion Show: Refashioned T-Shirt Dress

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Refashioned T-Shirt Dress with Cricut Iron-On

Cricut came up with an ingenius idea: to put on a fashion show with bloggers using a simple white t-shirt and a bit of Cricut Iron-On! I couldn't resist being a part of it. I love to refashion t-shirts into something amazing (like my Refashioned Ruffle Skirt)! It's also a lot of fun to see what other bloggers come up with.

Toddler Dress from Adult T-Shirt with Cricut Iron-On

So, with white t-shirt and Cricut Iron-On, I made an adorable sleeveless dress that will be perfect for summer!

Refashioned T-Shirt Dress with Cricut Iron-On

Supplies:
White X-Large t-shirt
Cricut Iron-On (pink, yellow, silver, and gold)
Pattern and tutorial from {LBG Studio}
2 buttons
Sewing supplies/sewing machine

The dress tutorial was easy to follow, and I will be making more of these dresses in the future! Instead of adding buttonholes in the top section, I just sewed it closed and added the pink buttons (that were a perfect match to the pink iron-on).

Refashioned T-Shirt Dress with Cricut Iron-On

After the dress was done, I used the cut-off sleeves to make two pockets on the dress. All I did was cut a 4-5 inch square, lining up the hemmed edge of the sleeve as one side of the square. I cut through both layers so I had 4 squares for two pockets.

With the right sides together, I sewed the squares leaving an inch or two gap to flip (I would recommend this being on the bottom). Make sure to clip the corners to get them nice and pointed! Fold in the gapped section and iron the pocket. Repeat for the second pocket.

Arrange the pockets on the dress and pin in place. The hemmed part from the shirt sleeve looks best at the top (as seen in the image above) to give it a finished look. Sew around the sides and bottom of each pocket, making sure to close up the gapped section. Once they are sewn on, the sewing part of your dress is done!

Cricut Iron-On

The iron-on sheets are made up of two parts: the iron-on film, which will be ironed on to your project, and the liner. The liner is a carrier sheet (think transfer paper) that holds the design in place and protects your iron during application. Like any iron-on product, make sure you mirror your image, otherwise it will be backwards when you iron it on! The design I used is the same either way, so I didn't worry about mirroring.

To cut the iron-on, place the sheet liner side down on the cutting mat. Cut the sheet with a kiss cut (where you only cut through the iron-on, but leaves the liner intact). Every Cricut machine has a different setting, so make sure to check your cut guide. I cut at 3 blade depth, 2 pressure at medium speed. The design cut beautifully.

Refashioned T-Shirt Dress with Cricut Iron-On

I used the cupcake design from the Sweet Treats Cartridge. After measuring the pockets, I sized the cupcake pieces in the Cricut Craft Room, and cut the pieces out of the different colors of iron-on. Keep in mind that you can't layer on top of the glitter iron-on.

I ironed on the middle cupcake piece first (yellow & pink), then removed the liner. Then, I arranged the cupcake wrappers and hearts and ironed them on. You can kind of see the pink showing through the silver glitter wrapper, but it's not too bad.

If you've never worked with Cricut Iron-On, here are some basic instructions:
  1. Set your iron to the Cotton/Linen setting with the steam OFF.
  2. Lightly preheat the area with the iron for 10-15 seconds. This really does help!
  3. Place your image, liner side UP onto the area. If you don't place the liner side up, it will stick to your press cloth.
  4. Carefully lay a press cloth or dishtowel over the design. You don't want any of the pieces to shift!
  5. Apply medium pressure with the iron for 25-30 seconds.
  6. Flip the material over and apply medium pressure with the iron to the back for an additional 25-30 seconds.
    *If you have any parts that didn't stick for some reason or if edges are flipping up, re-iron the pieces or loose edges for 10 seconds.
  7. Let cool and remove liner. If you try to remove the liner before it cools, you risk burning your fingers or peeling the iron-on up.

Toddler Dress from Adult T-Shirt with Cricut Iron-On

I am so happy with how the dress turned out, and what the Cricut Iron-On adds to it!! My daughter loves the dress and I'm hoping it warms up soon so she can wear it more often. 

Refashioned T-Shirt Dress with Cricut Iron-On

Want some iron-on for yourself? You can still get $15 off the Iron-on Bundle, or if you don’t have a Cricut yet, you can purchase the Iron-On Machine Bundle that includes the Cricut Expression, a Tool Kit, and three 12"x19” sheets in White, Teal and Glitter Silver for $199.99 (regularly $319.95).

What would you make with Cricut Iron-On?

I was given the supplies from Cricut as part of this Fashion Show campaign. All opinions and images are my own.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013

45 DIY Neon Projects

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

45 DIY Neon Projects

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45 DIY Neon Projects

I'm definitely an 80's girl and am pretty excited about neon coming back in style! There are so many cute things showing up in fashion, home decor, jewelry, and accessories in these bright, fun pops of colors and I just love it! Today I'm sharing 45 brilliant neon DIY projects to inspire you to get back into this exciting trend!

45 DIY Neon Projects

1. Paper Flower Wreath by Infarrantly Creative
2. Neon Canvas Mouse Pad
 by Because I'm Addicted
3. DIY Neon Rings & Bobby Pins
 by Henry Happened
4. DIY Neon-Studded Phone Case
 by M&J Blog
5. DIY Neon Confetti Gift Wrap
 by Studio DIY
6. DIY Neon Shoes
 by La Petite
7. DIY Pinwheel Necklace
 by Handmade Charlotte
8. DIY Neon Classic Pottery
 by Shop Sweet Things
9. DIY Neon Gift Bags
 by Finley & Oliver
10. DIY Neon-Striped Coffee Table by Oh So Pretty
11. Summery Striped Neon Shirt by Shrimp Salad Circus
12. DIY Neon Glass Gem Magnets by Madigan Made
13. Neon Twisted Head Wrap by Sugar Bee Crafts
14. DIY Neon Bow Bag by Four Flights of Fancy
15. DIY Striped Neon Vases by Curbly

45 DIY Neon Projects

16. DIY Neon Polka Dot Pots by For The Love Of...
17. Neon Fabric Spray Paint Shirt
 by I Love to Create
18. DIY Neon Animal Pushpins
 by A Bubbly Life
19. DIY Neon Pom Pom Wreath
 by Crafts Unleashed
20. DIY Neon Necklace
 by A Pair & A Spare
21. Neon Feather DIY Storage Boxes
 by Mod Podge Rocks
22. Neon Duct Tape Purse
 by All Things Thrifty
23. Neon Bach Birthday Party
 by Hello! Lucky
24. DIY Neon String-Wrapped Vases
 by Curbly
25. DIY Neon Toe Shoes by Green Wedding Shoes
26. Neon Elastic Bow Belts by What I Do
27. DIY Neon Stud Clutch by Glitter 'N Glue
28. DIY Neon Wrapped Bracelet by WobiSobi
29. DIY Neon Paper Bead Earrings by Dollar Store Crafts
30. Neon Confetti Nails by Mojo Spa


45 DIY Neon Projects

31. DIY Neon Necklace by The Style Dossier
32. DIY Neon Bottle Table Numbers
 by Hostess with the Mostess
33. DIY Neon Edged Boxes
 by Caught on a Whim
34. DIY Neon-Trimmed Purses
 by The Pretty Life Anonymous
35. Neon Doodle Embroidered Shoes
 by Dream a Little Bigger
36. DIY Neon Lace Bowl
 by Stolt
37. Neon Candle Vases
 by HGTV
38. Neon Shirt Dress
 by Fuji Files
39. Wrap It In Neon
 by Omiyage Blogs
40. DIY Neon Pyramid Necklace by Créme de la Craft
41. Pineapple Orange Banana Popsicles by Gimme Some Oven
42. Adorable Banana Split Bites by Fancy Edibles
43. Whole Wheat Buttermilk Banana Bread by My Kitchen Addiction
44. Banana Doughnuts with Dried Banana "Streussel" by Tartelette
45. Bananas Foster Mini Whoopie Pies by A Cup of Sugar...A Pinch of Salt

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Bling Frame Makeover

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Bling Frame Makeover

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Frame Makeover with Darice Bling on a Roll

Sometimes all a frame needs is a little bling to take it from "meh" to marvelous! Working with Darice's Bling on a Roll couldn't be easier. With a sparkle-obsessed mama and a girly-girl daughter, I see a whole lot of sparkly "makeovers" in our future!!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Stenciled Name Blocks

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Stenciled Name Blocks

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DIY Stenciled Name Blocks with Plaid Crafts

I think it's so great that my daughter loves creating as much as I do! We're always crafting together, and she wants to make her own version of whatever I'm doing. Plaid Crafts sent some new Mod Podge Washout and Apple Barrel paint to create with, which are perfect for kids crafts since they are both washable.
Sunday, April 14, 2013

30 Banana Recipes

Sunday, April 14, 2013

30 Banana Recipes

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30 Banana Recipes

Bananas are one of my favorite fruits. I love how versatile it can be in baking and how much healthier it can make one of your favorite meals. Banana bread isn't the only thing you can make with bananas. Today I am sharing 30 banana recipes that would be delicious for desserts or even breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

30 Banana Recipes

1. Best Banana Bread by An Edible Mosaic
2. Banana Split Cupcakes
 by Cake and Allie
3. Blueberry Banana Bread
 by Inside BruCrew Life
4. Banana-Nana Cake Bars
 by Big Red Clifford
5. Kids Peanut Butter Banana Sushi
 by Domestic Charm
6. Banana Bread Scones
 by How Sweet It Is
7. Banana Nutella Bread
 by A Sweet Baker
8. Mini Banana Cheesecakes with Nilla Wafer Crust
 by Baked by Rachel
9. 2 Ingredient Banana Ice Cream
 by Whole Living
10. Healthy Banana Bread Granola Bars by Erica's Sweet Tooth
11. Whole Wheat Peanut Butter & Banana Nutella Swirl Muffins by Tracey's Culinary Adventures
12. Banana Oatmeal by Dainty Chef
13. Easy Banana Cupcakes by Your Cup of Cake
14. Low Fat Banana Brownies by Roxana's Home Baking
15. Peanut Butter Banana Fudge by Cookies & Cups

30 Banana Recipes

16. Funky Monkey Milkshake by Diddles & Dumplings
17. Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
 by Lovin' From the Oven
18. Nutella-Stuffed Banana Cookies
 by Recipe Girl
19. Banana Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
 by The Novice Chef
20. No-Bake Banana Cream Cheesecakes
 by Eat. Drink. Love.
21. Peanut Butter & Banana Ice Cream Sandwiches
 by Kitchenette
22. Nana Banana Cream Pie
 by Delia Creates
23. Butterscotch Banana Blondies
 by Hungry Rabbit
24. Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
 by Cooking Classy
25. Caramel Banana Cake by The Kitchn
26. Pineapple Orange Banana Popsicles by Gimme Some Oven
27. Adorable Banana Split Bites by Fancy Edibles
28. Whole Wheat Buttermilk Banana Bread by My Kitchen Addiction
29. Banana Doughnuts with Dried Banana "Streussel" by Tartelette
30. Bananas Foster Mini Whoopie Pies by A Cup of Sugar...A Pinch of Salt

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Lampshade Makeover

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Lampshade Makeover

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Lampshade Makeover with Cricut Iron-On

This lamp makeover is probably the easiest one I have ever done, all thanks to Cricut! I have had this lamp sitting in my "not sure what to do with this, but don't want to get rid of it" pile for months, and when I received some iron-on vinyl from Cricut, I knew it was meant to be.
Sunday, April 7, 2013

15 DIY Spring Wreaths

Sunday, April 7, 2013

15 DIY Spring Wreaths

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15 DIY Spring Wreaths

Wreaths are one of my favorite DIY projects. I love how you can use any materials to create a unique wreath for any holiday or season. If you need inspiration for a spring wreath of your own, you're in luck! Today I'm sharing 15 DIY spring wreaths with tutorials so you can create a beautiful wreath for your spring decor.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Sugar Marshmallow Pops

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Sugar Marshmallow Pops

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Sugar Marshmallow Pops

I've always wanted to make marshmallow pops, but never made the time to make them. For Easter this year, I decided to just go for it. I wanted to do something different than covering them with frosting, so I did some research. I found out from Idle Wife that marshmallows can easily be dipped in water with food coloring and not completely disintegrate! Genius.

So, I carefully dipped a marshmallow in a cup of water and let the excess water drip off. While the marshmallow was nice and sticky, I sprinkled some sugar crystal sprinkles on to see what would happen and they stuck beautifully. I was relieved that it worked and loved how they looked. I decorated  an entire bag in less than 30 minutes. If the kids are helping, it will take longer, but they love it!

Sugar Marshmallow Pops

Supplies:
Lollipop Sticks
Large Marshmallows
Sugar Crystal Sprinkles
Water

Directions:
  1. Poke one of the lollipop sticks into a marshmallow, but don't push it all the way through.
  2. Fill a small cup with water. Just enough to cover a marshmallow.
  3. Dip the marshmallow into the water, just to wet the outside. Probably not the best idea to let it soak. Carefully tap the marshmallow pop on the edge of the cup to remove excess water. You don't want to drip on the extra sprinkles.
  4. Pour sprinkles into a bowl and use a spoon to cover the marshmallow with sprinkles. Or, hold the marshmallow pop over a bowl and pour the sprinkles over it, turning at the same time.
    *If the kids are helping, it's easier {and less mess} to let them stick the marshmallow pop into the bowl of sprinkles and turn it until covered.
  5. Once coated, stick the pops into styrofoam or lay on wax paper to dry. They should be ready after about an hour.

Sugar Marshmallow Pops

To make into a cute gift or party favor, just place the marshmallow pop into a cellophane bag or sandwich bag and close with a wire tie, ribbon, or washi tape! These were a hit with the kids on Easter, and would be so cute on display at a birthday party, baby shower, or even as a gift to cheer up a friend.