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Sunday, May 26, 2013

18 Father's Day Gifts Kids Can Make

Sunday, May 26, 2013

18 Father's Day Gifts Kids Can Make

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18 Father's Day Gifts Kids Can Make

Father's Day is a fun holiday for you, kids to show how much the man in their life is appreciated! Here are 18 gift ideas that are easy for you and/or kids to make for Father's Day!

18 Father's Day Gifts Kids Can Make

1. Super Hero Action Pack by Creative "Try"als
2. Dad's Token Tin
 by Eighteen 25
3. Father's Day Gift Basket with Free Printables
 by Delightful Order
4. "I Love You This Much" Card
 by A Day in My Life
5. Daddy’s Car Wash Kit
 by Inner Child Fun
6. Father's Day Book
 by My Juice Cup
7. Custom Toolbox for Dad
 by BHG
8. Carved Letter Bracelets
 by Lil Blue Boo
9. Fishing Treat Tackle Box
 by emeals
10. Daddy Art by Adventures in PinkSugarLand
11. Shirt Pocket Cards by Holiday Crafts & Creations
12. "Love You to Pieces" Candy Jar by Creatively Christy
13. Stenciled Glass Plate by Crafting in the Rain
14. Necktie Key Ring by Positively Splendid
15. Personalized Photo Drinks by Craft-O-Maniac
16. Monsterized Phone Charger by AlphaMom
17. Father's Day Stache Jar by Artsy-Fartsy Mama
18. Car Play Shirt
 by The Blue Basket

Saturday, May 25, 2013

How to Make a Box Cake Even Better

Saturday, May 25, 2013

How to Make a Box Cake Even Better

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Cake is delicious, whether it's made from scratch or from a mix. Personally, I'm a fan of boxed cake mix mainly for convenience and there's so many things you can do with it. I think they taste perfectly fine, but I'm not really a fan of how crumbly they can be sometimes. It's really annoying - especially when a 3 year old wants cake and HAS to hold it. Hello, crumbs everywhere.

With a little research, I found some great tips to take your boxed cake mix to the next level. These simple tips & tricks will work for pretty much any flavor cake mix, any brand (though some brands are better than others), and should work fine for a gluten-free mix as well. You can also make these into cupcakes. (Cupcakes are just cake in a cuter, mini form!)

How to Make a Box Cake Even Better

Follow the directions on the cake mix, but make these substitutions for better cake:
  • Replace the oil with melted butter (salted or unsalted, just not margarine).
  • Use apple sauce, fat-free yogurt, or fat-free sour cream instead of oil to make your cake low fat!
  • Add an extra egg. Use the amount of eggs in the box recipe, but then add in one more.
  • Replace the water in the recipe for milk or buttermilk.
    *To make your own buttermilk (makes 1 cup): mix 1 cup milk and 1 Tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice. Let stand for 5 minutes.

Perfect Chocolate Cake - from a cake mix!

Perfect Chocolate Cake (from cake mix)
*Every box cake recipe is similar, but check your mix for specific measurements!

1 Devil's Food cake mix (Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines, and Pillsbury are my favorites)
4 eggs (use the amount of eggs in the box recipe, but then add in one more)
1/2 cup melted butter (substitute oil in the box recipe)
1 1/3 cup milk (substitute water in the box recipe)

Mix and bake according to box directions. Baking time and temperatures should be listed for cakes, cupcakes & bundt cakes.

Here's a few tips to help your cake come out beautifully (I'm not a cake professional, but these tricks work for me):
  1. Don't overmix. This will get too much air in the batter and can cause the cake to collapse.
  2. Test your cake for doneness by inserting a tooth pick in the center. If it does not come out clean, then bake the cake for a little longer.
  3. Get an oven thermometer (they are under $10) to check the accuracy of your oven temperature. If the temperature of the oven is too high, your cake could rise too rapidly, then sink in the middle. Too low and you'll have an undercooked cake. Yuck.
  4. I know it's fun to watch a cake bake, but resist opening the door. Checking on the cake before the batter is set can cause the cake to sink.

Monday, May 20, 2013

The Sandwich Witch

Monday, May 20, 2013

The Sandwich Witch

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My daughter loves having books read to her and is now learning to read. She loves going to the library and choosing new books to read, and it has been fun watching her want to learn to do it herself. I am planning on homeschooling with her, and am so grateful to find books that combine both a fun story and a way to learn something new.

The Sandwich Witch children's book

Friday, May 17, 2013

Purse Organization Made Easy with Grace Adele

Friday, May 17, 2013

Purse Organization Made Easy with Grace Adele

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Don't you love that feeling you get when you find that perfect purse? I sure do! Ever since my daughter was born, I have been on the lookout for a purse that was a decent size, lots of organizational options, and most of all high quality while still being affordable. I've tried more than a few purses thinking that purse was "the one", but then I was given the chance to review one of Grace Adele's handbags. I can honestly say that I have been impressed with this one.

Purse Organization Made Easy with Grace Adele

In case you aren't familiar with them, Grace Adele is a part of the Scentsy family of brands. The Grace Adele Style System™ makes fashion work for you by using a step-by-step process using mix-and-match accessories based on color. I am not what you'd consider a fashionista, but with a selection of stylish colors, bags, clutches, jewelry, clip-ons, and fabulous accessories to choose from, they make it easier than ever to create a look that suits you best.

I love that everything is so different, but they all coordinate! Even the keychain matches. So fun! What's even better is that the clutch fits inside the front purse pocket (leave the top flap out) so everything fits in the purse and gives the bag a whole different look! Carrying your clutch with you also makes it easy to transition your bag from day to night.

Purse Organization Made Easy with Grace Adele

Not only are the bags and accessories super cute, but most women know that the inside of a purse is just as important (or more) than the outside. I added everything from my previously over-stuffed purse into this new one, and I still have tons of room for more! Every bag, clutch, and wallet features an Intelligent Interior™, which means that everything in your bag has a place. There are multiple pockets, zippered sections, and pen slots to hold everything you need and keeps your purse organized.

Grace Adele bag with Dahlia Clip-On Grace Adele bag with Marguerite Medallion Clip-On

The accessories and clip-ons that are available give your bag that little extra something to make it fun and unique. My bag has the Dahlia flower clip-on on the purse strap, and the Marguerite Medallion clip-on on the clutch. I love how they are so different, but coordinate beautifully. The clips are high quality and hold on nicely.

Grace Adele Marguerite Medallion necklace and earrings

Want to really coordinate with your bag? Grace Adele even offers coordinating jewelry! I absolutely love my Marguerite Medallion necklace and earrings. They have so many colors and styles, and even carry bracelets, rings, and scarves.

Purse Organization Made Easy with Grace Adele

So, if you're in the market for a new handbag and in need of some organization, seriously take a look at what Grace Adele has to offer. I couldn't be happier with my bag and jewelry.


I was given the Grace Adele purse and accessories shown in this post as part of this review. All opinions are my own.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Hello Sunshine

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Hello Sunshine

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After a few freak snowstorms, I'm so happy that this beautiful spring/summer weather is here to stay! There's nothing quite like feeling the warm sunshine on your face and the way a beautiful spring day can lighten your mood. It has been wonderful to play outside, and do a small amount of gardening (I'm not that great at it yet, but I'm going to try!).

I designed a printable to bring a bit of that sunshine into my home. I love the bright colors and the cheerfulness it brings into the room, and I wanted to share it with all of you!

Hello Sunshine Free Printable

Sunday, May 12, 2013

36 Homemade Popsicle Recipes

Sunday, May 12, 2013

36 Homemade Popsicle Recipes

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36 Homemade Popsicle Recipes

It's getting warmer and warmer outside, and we all know what that means: it's popsicle season!! Not that popsicles are really ever out of season, at least at our house. We go through them like nobody's business. Today I'm sharing 36 homemade popsicle recipes that you (and/or your kids) can make this summer!

36 Homemade Popsicle Recipes (1-18)

1. Rainbow Pudding Pops by Sandy Toes and Popsicles
2. Raspberry Limeade Ice Pops
 by Poofy Cheeks
3. Orange Julius Popsicles
 by A Night Owl
4. Banana Split on a Stick
 by Damy Health
5. Mango Popsicles
 by Katy She Cooks
6. Root Beer Float Pops
 by Erin Cooks
7. Pineapple Coconut Cilantro Popsicles
 by Keep Your Diet Real
8. Blackberry and Lime Popsicles
 by Baked Bree
9. Chocolate and Salted Caramel Pudding Pops
 by Endless Simmer
10. Lemonade Stand Popsicles by Somewhere Splendid
11. Cereal and Milk Popsicles by The Little Foodie
12. Pomegranate Yogurt Pops by The Kitchn
13. Easy, Creamy, Lemon Dream Popsicles by Whipped
14. Fresh Fruit Popsicles by PopSugar
15. Peanut Butter Oreo Popsicles by Pass the Sushi
16. Berry Yogurt Popsicles by SkinnyTaste
17. Peaches and Cream Popsicles by My Baking Addiction
18. Frozen Smoothie Pops
 by Culinary

36 Homemade Popsicle Recipes (19-36)

19. Boston Cream Pie Popsicles by Something Swanky
20. Homemade Frozen Jello Pops
 by For the Love of Food
21. Chocolate Covered Strawberry Popsicles
 by Chocolate & Carrots
22. Sunshine Pops
 by Martha Stewart
23. Chocolate Kiwi Popsicles
 by ShowFood Chef
24. Lemonade & Strawberry Cheesecake Popsicles
 by Eat Good 4 Life
25. Honeydew Popsicles by Pass the Sushi
26. Watermelon Pops by Kraft
27. Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Popsicles by All Day I Dream About Food
28. Cookies and Cream Popsicles by Just Baked
29. Nutella Fudgesicles by Daily Waffle
30. Mango Orange Yogurt Popsicles by 6 Bittersweets
31. Strawberry Shortcake Popsicles by Bakers Royale
32. Chocolate Cheesecake Ice Pops by Babble
33. Piña Colada Popsicles
 by Becoming Bettty
34. Double Rainbow Quick Pops
 by Zoku
35. Ice Pops
 by Bakerella
36. Samoa Popsicles
 My Baking Addiction

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

DIY Peacock Earrings

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

DIY Peacock Earrings

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DIY Peacock Earrings

I love creating my own jewelry. It's so fun, and I love being able to create something unique for myself.  I received a package of fun jewelry findings from WholePort, and I'm so excited to share more jewelry that I've created.

These bronze findings are so pretty, but I wasn't really sure what to do with them at first. The more I looked at them, the more they looked like peacock feathers. So, I looked through my collection of beads and found some that looked a little like the colors and shimmer of peacock feathers. It was meant to be! After a little bit of experimenting with jump rings and beads, I created some beautiful earrings that I have gotten many compliments on. A few people were surprised that I had made them myself.

DIY Peacock Earring Supplies

Supplies:
2 Antique Bronze Jewelry Findings (found at WholePort)
2 Fishhook Earring Wires (bronze if you can find them, but I used Sterling Silver)
20 Jump Rings
20 Black Rainbow Seed Beads
Jewelry Needle Nose Pliers

Step 1: Open the bottom loop of the fishhook earring wires with the needle nose pliers. Hook the top of the bronze finding through the loop and use the pliers to close it back up.

*The best way to open earring wires and jump rings is to twist it until you have a space big enough to fit a bead or finding by using your fingers on one side, and the pliers on the other (or two sets of pliers). This will also help the rings keep their circle shape. Do not just pull the jump ring open. Pulling the rings open will distort the circle and make the rings more likely to break.

Step 2: Open one jump ring, and slide a bead onto it. Slide one end of the jump ring through one of the loops at the bottom of the finding. Close the jump ring. Repeat for the remaining four loops with different color beads.

Step 3: You can leave the earring as-is, or I added a second jump ring & bead to each loop. Repeat step 2 with the jump rings and beads, but attach them to the rings already on the earring instead of the finding loops.

DIY Peacock Earrings

Repeat steps 1-3 for the other earring, and you're done! These earrings are easy and inexpensive to make for yourself, or they would make a perfect Mother's Day, birthday, or even a bridal shower gift! My mom has already asked for a pair of her own.

I was given the earring findings from WholePort as part of this review. All opinions and images are my own.
Monday, May 6, 2013

Chocolate Cheesecake

Monday, May 6, 2013

Chocolate Cheesecake

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Cheesecake is delicious, but it has a reputation of being really finicky and difficult to make for someone (like me) who is a beginner in the kitchen. We were having a family party where we were all to bring a part of the meal, but it had to be made from a recipe we've never tried before. I was given the dessert, and figured my family would be the perfect guinea pigs to try a cheesecake recipe on.

Surprisingly, it didn't turn out to be as scary or difficult as I thought it would be! I found the recipe from Hershey's, so even if it looked horrific by the time I was done, it shouldn't taste too bad, right? The only problem I had with this cheesecake was that the top of the cheesecake cracked. After doing a little research, I found out that that is a common problem, so now I just need to practice! The cheesecake was a big hit, and I highly recommend trying it (at least once)!

Chocolate Cheesecake

Ingredients:
1 cup Oreo crumbs (about 14 cookies)
1/4 cup butter
3 packages cream cheese, softened
1 1/4 cup sugar
1 container (8 oz) sour cream
1/2 cup cocoa
2 Tablespoons flour
3 eggs
1/2 cup chocolate chips
2 teaspoons shortening

Directions
  1. Prepare chocolate crumb crust:
    Combine 1 cup Oreo crumbs and 1/4 cup melted butter (or margarine). Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
  2. Beat cream cheese and sugar until blended. Add sour cream and vanilla, beat until blended. Beat in cocoa and flour. Add eggs, one at a time and beat just until blended. Pour onto crust.
  3. Bake at 450º for 10 minutes.
  4. Reduce oven temperature to 250º, and continue baking for 40 minutes. Check to see if it's done by gently shaking the pan. If it's set, but the center still jiggles, it's done.
  5. Remove from oven to a wire rack. With a knife, loosen cheesecake from the side of the pan. Let cool completely.
  6. Melt chocolate chips and shortening in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds and stir to make sure chips are melted. If necessary, cook an additional 15 seconds. Drizzle chocolate over cheesecake.
  7. Refrigerate 4 to 6 hours (or overnight). Store covered in refrigerator.

Friday, May 3, 2013

You Are Loved Blocks

Friday, May 3, 2013

You Are Loved Blocks

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You Are Loved Blocks: perfect for Mother's Day, Teacher Appreciation, or for yourself!

I love creating projects out of wood. These blocks are such a quick and simple craft that anyone can do - even the kids can help! The vinyl might be a little tricky for the smaller kids, but with a little help, it is certainly doable. I already had all the supplies, so this project literally cost me nothing. If you were to buy everything, I would think you'd spend less than $10.