Week 23 - Water bottle bubbles and multi-color volcanoes

In honor of school ending, I decided to have some fun things for the kids to do the last day of school for my son.  He is crazy about science, so I started with the multi-color volcanoes.  What kid doesn't like to watch something "explode" and bubble over?  Found this pin which led me to the blog Preschool Powol Packets.  We omitted the "sparkle" because I didn't plan ahead and get glitter.  :)  We took the small vase, cookie sheet, and ingredients outside to test it out. 

We started with one color at a time.  The kids really enjoyed seeing the foam bubble up as the color they chose.

After a couple times of that, they decided to mix colors to see what came out.  We had some interesting shades of brown and green.  The laughed each time at how the color mixed together, and even worked together on how to use the primary colors of food coloring that I had to make different colors.  Nice teamwork! :)

After that we moved onto the water bottle bubbles.  The pin was from the blog, Projects for Preschoolers.  I have to admit that I didn't check the blog out before making this project.  I just saw the picture on the pin and went from there.  I also just used bubble solution that I had at the house.  I had them each drink the small bottle of water first.  ( I have never seen my kids so motivated to drink plain old water!).  Once finished, I used one of our little razor knives from the tool box to cut out the circle in the bottom them gave them to the kids to have fun with.  I even made one for myself.  I discovered as my kids did, that it is a little more difficult that blow bubbles through a wand, but once you figure it out, it's not bad.  The kids loved how they were able to make big bubbles!

The kids enjoyed these fun little things that helped the afternoon pass by quickly!

Week 14 - Pillow Mat

This may have been one of my (and my kids') favorite projects so far.  I saw a pin that showed a blog with instructions to make a pillow mat.  It looked so cute that I couldn't resist trying it out!  The pillow mat instructions came from the blog Southern Disposition.  The instructions were super easy to follow, and this project took me about an hour the first time, but only 45 minutes the next.

I started with a shopping trip to IKEA to get the duvet cover and the pillows.  The duvee cost me about $16.99, and, after some searching, I was able to find the $.99 pillows.  I got to work with the duvet when I got home cutting it into half and stitching it per the directions.

I measured the same way she did by laying out the pillows, then I marked the spots to stitch with pins.  It was overall pretty easy, although I did mess up some of the measurements creating some pillow pockets are little bit bigger.  The mat worked out well though, I am just going to add some velcro to avoid the pockets opening and allowing the pillows to come out.  She loved it!

We found that you can even fold one pillow on top of the other to create an elevated pillow for extra cushion under her head. :)  My son wanted one once he saw hers, but I couldn't find a duvet that looked boyish enough for a 7 year old, so we went off to Target to look for a flat sheet.  We found an entire sheet set for the same price that I got the duvet at Ikea in a space print, so we got that.  I figure that I can use the sheets one his bed with a different flat sheet.  It was not hard to convert the instructions to a sheet.  I first cut the sheet to the length of the four pillows since I knew it would be longer than the duvet.  I sewed the raw edge to clean it up.  I folded the sheet in half and pulled out the bottom half of the sheet until the tops half matched the width of the pillows.  I then cut the bottom half about 5 inches longer in width to create the pocket.  I sewed the bottom and top together then sewed up the raw edge and completed it the same as the duvet.  I think that this actually did better b/c the length was created exactly for the pillows making the pillow pockets just right.  The sheet was also a little thicker fabric, not stretching as easily either. 

End result, they both love them!!

They use them for mattresses when they do "slumber parties" in the playroom, and they have actually started using them on top of their real mattresses in their bed b/c they are so comfy!

Week 13 - Not so triumphant

Along with my successes this week, I also had a couple not so successful moments.  We can start with the Chicken Parmesan Bake from the blog Food Wishes.  This pin looked so good that I actually repinned in 3 times without realizing it! :)  This picture looks great doesn't it?

The blog features the list of ingredients then a video to go over the recipe.  I prefer to follow a written recipe as opposed to a video, but it was pretty easy, so I didn't mind.  I bought chicken breast cutlets from sprouts, so they would be thinner to start with and take less time to bake.  The recipe calls for 35 minutes to bake, but mine took closer to an hour to make even when the thinner cuts.  The only problem with baking it longer is the cheese on top gets a little burnt.  I scooped some out for my kiddos and some for me.  I ate a little, and unfortunately wasn't too impressed.  The croutons got pretty soggy and mushy and didn't get that crispiness that he described in the recipe.  Both kids ate about two bites and were done.  My husband, the chicken parm fanatic, didn't even try the leftovers I put for him in the fridge.  Oh well, don't think I will trying this again.  Too bad, it looked really good!

Our other attempt was started off really cool, so it wasn't a total fail!  We attempted to make the puffy paint for the bathtub. 

 We tried the Ivory soap in the microwave from the blog Toys in the Dryer.  This part was a success.  The kids and I both marveled at how the soap puffed up like a cloud in a matter of seconds.  You quarter a bar of soap then stick it in the microwave.  I put a paper towel on a plate then put the soap on top of the paper towel.  It says to set the microwave for 3 minutes, but it took less than a minute to get all the puff we needed from the soap.  It was pretty cool, and it made the kitchen smell nice and soapy clean!  Bonus!! :)

Soap before

Soap after

For the next part I referred to the blog, Housing a Forest.  I followed the directions, and blended the puffed soap with water until it reached the yogurt consistency.  I poured it into cups and mixed in the food coloring. 

I knew something probably wasn't right when I saw the liquid at the bottom separating, but I tried to just remix it and keep going.  When I poured it into the baggies, I tried to pour out some of the liquid that had separated again before putting it in the baggies.  The continued to separate in the baggies, so I just squished them around to remix.  By the time we got around to trying them that evening at bath time they had gelled up pretty good. 

What was supposed to be puff paint more turned into congealed, dyed soap.  The kids enjoyed smooshing on the bath walls (they had looked so looked forward to using it all day, that I couldn't tell them no), but it was not so fun to clean up out of the bottom of the tub. 

Not sure what I did to mess this up, but if anyone has suggestions, let me know!

Week 13 - Triumphs

Well this week I tried a couple different things from pinterest.  Some things turned out great, and others I will not try again.  Live and learn!  This post with contain the success stories, and I will put the learning experiences in the next post. This will be a longer post, so hopefully you don't get bored!  :)

Starting off with one of the successes!  I was invited to a shower last weekend that was put together by my church's associate pastor and his wife for a pregnant woman in their apartment complex whose husband is serving overseas and family lives out of state.  When they heard that she was about to deliver and had not yet had a shower, they threw together a fantastic shower for her and invited everyone in our church to come by to congratulate the mom to be and "shower" her with gifts. :)  I thought this was the perfect opportunity to try out the diaper trike that I had seen on pinterest!  The pin lead me to the link, Maiden D'Shade.  It gave very easy instructions to follow.  The whole thing took about maybe 30 minutes start to finish.  Very easy! 

I started with the wheels.  I didn't have rubber bands as the original blog called for, but I had some stretchy ribbon that I used instead and just pinned it.

I then connected the wheels with the first rolled receiving blanket.  Instead of using yarn to connect the blanket, I just pinned it together.  I looped the second rolled receiving blanket through the front wheel and tied it together with some coordinating tulle.  I stuck a pacifier in to serve as the head light. :)

 To finish off the trike, I folded up the last receiving blanket into a small rectangle and pinned it to the top of the "tires" to serve as the seat. 

SUPER EASY!!  I would definitely do this again!  I would try and get the rubber bands for the tires next time to hold them a little tighter and just go over them with ribbon.  That is really the only change I would make.  Totally recommend this for a quick and cute shower gift. :)

Next success:

Chalkboard paint!  This was awesome and will be a regular part of our summer entertainment.  I am guilty of not going to the blog on this one b/c the pin had the directions listed, but I wanted to list the blog anyways to give credit where credit is due.  Plus, I like to go back and visit the blogs later as they usually have lots of other great ideas!  Domestic Charm served as the inspiration for this pin!

You simply mix 1 cup of cornstarch with 1 cup of water.  I did this in a Pyrex measuring cup.  I then poured it into a large 6 opening muffin tin.  One mixture of the solution filled 3 openings in the tin, so I made two batches.  Once in the muffin tin, I added the food coloring.  We took it outside, and the kids went to town.  They loved how it went on wet, but dried to look like chalk only seconds later, especially my science-nut son!  They stayed busy for about 45 minutes painting the driveway.  I even joined in on the fun! 

I had been worried about it possibly staining their clothes, but instead of absorbing into their fabric it seemed to bead up instead (not sure if b/c of the corn starch).  It also did not stain their skin either!  Great paint!!  It washed off the driveway easily with the hose a couple days later when I was watering the plants. 

Week 11 - Bonus Post!! :)

Ok, so I tried a couple new recipes that I had to share with everyone, so there is a bonus post this week!  The first is one that I posted a picture about this morning that got a little buzz on my facebook page.  I decided to make a special breakfast, since my husband took off today to have a family day while our son is on spring break.  I looked up the recipe for the cinnamon sugar pull apart muffins on Pinterest, since we are all fans of cinnamon rolls.  I got up a little earlier this morning to put it together, and it was well worth it!  While it took a little longer than I thought to put together, I am betting the next time will go a little quicker having one try under my belt.  I had to make some adjustments to the recipe found on Wendy See Wendy Do.  When I went to make the muffins this morning, I found that I was out of nutmeg, so that was eliminated, but I figured that it wouldn't be a big deal.  I also had to use a mini muffin pan as I do not have a regular muffin pan.  Despite the adjustments I had to make, they were still delicious!  Instead of layering them in stacks of 5-6, I layered them in stacks of 4 to fit in the smaller muffin pan.  I think I liked having the smaller pan thought b/c it made more in quantity and the smaller size was perfect for my kiddos!  The smaller size would also make it a perfect finger food for parties or brunches. :)  The only change I would make for next time is doubling the recipe.  They disappeared quickly!!!

The other recipe I tried out this week was a ground chicken gumbo.  I stumbled upon this on the All Recipes site while looking for something to do with the ground chicken I bought from Sprouts a couple weeks ago.  I will definitely do this one again!  I left out the celery this time as my crew, including me, doesn't really like celery.  I think I will try it next time though.  Instead of dicing the green pepper and onion, I blended it down to more of a smooth, almost puree-like texture.  I do this with most recipes when dealing with these ingredients b/c if I don't they will end up on the side of my hubby's, son's, and daughter's plates.  I through everything else together according to the directions, but I did add a little more chopped okra that what was called for (~1 and 3/4 cup) b/c I love okra and so do my kids!  I heated up the leftovers tonight, and it was as good, if not better than the first night!  It has been a yummy week here!

Week 11 - Peach Vanilla Bean Bundt Cake

I have been trying to get some non-chocolate sweets recently, as my 7 year old gave up chocolate for Lent.  That's a pretty big commitment for a kid!  He is doing really well with it and remembering when his Dad and I forget.  I wanted to support him by offering sweet options that don't include chocolate.  I found this Peach Vanilla Bean Bundt Cake on pinterest that looked delicious!  The pin led me to the blog Week of Menus.  You can find the complete recipe by clicking on the link. 
I was tempted to buy canned peaches to dice and peach baby food for the strained peaches, but I opted to go with fresh.  It's not quite peach season, so it was slim pickings at the grocery store.  I found 5, what I thought were, decent peaches.  Once I got home I got started.  I love making bundt cakes.  I am not sure exactly why, but I think that part of it is how nice they look coming out of the pan, needing little to no decoration.  It's that simple elegance without the hard work! :)
The batter was pretty standard and straight forward. I have to say that I used vanilla extract instead of the vanilla bean.  The only vanilla bean I could find at my grocery store was going to cost $7, so I opted out of that.  I used 2 tsp of vanilla for the flavor. I got it all mixed up and poured into my greased and floured baking pan.  I love the Pam spray for baking.  It shoots out the oil and flour in one making it so easy!  It also smells really yummy, like you are already baking the cake!  I poured in the first layer of cake.

I then added my layer of peaches.  The recipe calls for 1 and 1/2 cups, but when I poured my peaches in, it didn't seems like enough, so I diced up another 1/2 cup of peaches to go in, then I poured on the top layer.

I did leave the skin on.  I figured it wouldn't hurt, and I had already diced up some of the peaches by the time I realized it.  I don't feel like it changed the cake, and it saved some time! :)
I put it in the oven and set the timer for 50 minutes at first.  The tester didn't come out quite clean, so I left it in to closer to 60 minutes.  Then let it cool in the pan for a little while.  I took it out of the pan to cool, and it was a little brown on top with some bubbles, but otherwise looked pretty good.

I was going to make the syrup to drizzle on top of the cake, but when I cut into the last peach to make the strained peach, it was no good.  Bummer!
I cut into the cake to get a slice for the kids and myself to taste test.  The cake looked great with the layer of peaches!

Since we didn't have the syrup on top, I decided to heat the pieces in the microwave for about 10 seconds (didn't need long as it was still a little warm from baking) and put a scoop of vanilla ice on top.  YUMMY!! 

The kids and I both ate it up pretty quickly.  I would like to try the syrup next time, but this cake doesn't have to have it to be delicious!  Definitely recommend this one.  Perfect for a spring brunch or just because.  I think I will have to make this one for a dessert auction we will be having at church. 

Week 10 - Easter Egg Tree

This project was another learning experience for me, but in the end it turned out really cute!  I chose to try out the Easter Egg tree that I saw on pinterest that linked me to the blog, Sweet Floweret.  This seemed easy enough, so I went to Walmart to get the floral foam cone, eggs, and Easter grass.  I decided I would try to use some craft glue that I had at home since I did not have a hot glue gun.  I thought it would be fine, so I started to glue small spots onto the eggs then attach it to the cone.

The glue was not drying quickly, and the eggs were sliding around a little bit, so I had to prop them as I kept gluing.  I made it around the first layer and... they all fell.

I thought about some sticky dots that I had tat have worked well with other crafts including fabric.  I tried sticking some on the same spot as I had applied the glue. 

It did not work with just the dot, so I put some glue around it.  I got the rest of the way around the tree and decided to wait until the morning to put the grass in, so the glue would have a chance to completely dry.

I went off to watch a show with my husband, and half-way through I heard a plastic "clink" on the table.  I told my husband I didn't even want to look since I knew what was happening.  We started to laugh after a couple more "clinks."  I still didn't check.  I thought I would just fix whatever fell in the morning.  This is what I walked into the next morning.

That was a lot of fixing.  Instead of repeating the same mistake, I decided to go a buy a glue gun.  I have learned to use the proper materials and not try and substitute other things.  I also learned that craft glue will not glue plastic to foam. :)
After purchasing a glue gun I tried again.  It's amazing how much easier and faster it is when you have the right materials!  

Woo-hoo!  No plastic "clinks" after the fact too.  After making sure the eggs were secure, I stuck the grass in between.  I would pull the grass apart (it was clumped up in the bag) then I would bunch it and stick it in between the eggs.  I would try and stretch it out so that it would be secure.  It was pretty easy to do.

Ta-dah!  The finished product!!

Overall this was a pretty easy project, especially once I got the glue gun!  It took about 45 min start to finish. 

Week 9 - 29 day Organization Challenge

So this pin that I found I have been working on all month!  I have seen The Organizational Junkie website (http://www.orgjunkie.com/)  before, but the pin on pinterest drew my attention.  It showed a 29 day Organization Challenge.   I was motivated!  I dove in and checked it out.  In order to participate in the competition, you had to start a blog about it, so I did...secretly.  I didn't post about it b/c who likes to show everyone their dirty laundry, or otherwise known as clutter in my case.  The challenge finished yesterday, and I am proud to say that I did it!  I chose the garage, not really knowing what an undertaking it would be.  Despite some challenges along the way, it looks great!  So now being able to show the after pictures, I am feeling better about showing the before.  For those who know me, it really would not come as a surprise that my garage would be cluttered.  Have you seen my house? ;)  Well here's the link to the blog that I set up for the challenge. 
Mission Organization

If you read through the blog you will also notice that I took another idea from pinterest.  I saw an idea to mount a flashlight by the circuit box.  I took that and changed it to the pegboard by the door to the garage so I can make my way to the circuit box if needed without tripping over things in the dark along the way.  :) 

Feel free to follow the other blog as well.  I will be trying to get a new organization project each month (probably none as big as this one though).  You can follow along on my mission to be a more organized person! :)

Week 8 - Ruffled Tier Skirt

Sorry about the delay!  I am a couple weeks behind on posting, but I am still crafting! :)  On week 8, i decided to try my hand at making my daughter a ruffled skirt.  Now I have only made one other sewing project from a pattern and that was a pillowcase dress, which is pretty hard to mess up.  The measurements on this one had to be a little more exact and I had to create a waistband.  I took it on excited about learning how to ruffle as well!  I know that I can buy a ruffling foot for my machine, but that costs some $$, and if I can do it with what I have, that will work! 

I took the pattern from this pin on pinterest which led me to the blog, Craftiness is not Optional (http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2012/02/l-o-v-e-tee-and-easy-tiered-skirt.html).

Cute blog with pretty easy to follow instructions.  I cut my fabric to the to my calculations per the directions on the blog.

Now looking back at just these measurements, I can see why this skirt wasn't as cute as I thought it would be.  I didn't get enough length on my middle fabric.  A couple more inches on the cupcake fabric would have led to a probable success on this one.  Oh well! :)

Not realizing my mistake, I went ahead sewing the skirt.  I did a zig-zag around the top and bottom edges since I do not have a serger.  I ironed up a hem on the bottom layer of the skirt and zig-zag stitched to secure it.  After this I sewed a long single stitch on a tension of 5 across the top of the bottom and middle layer. This will create your ruffle! :)  I was able to pull one side of the thread to ruffle the fabric.  It took a little time to figure out just how to get the fabric to bunch, and it's hard to explain, but one I got it, I was able to ruffle it pretty quickly.  She probably does a better job of explaining this process on her website. 

I then tied my strings to the string on the other layer of fabric to complete the full circle of that layer and zig-zag stitched them together wrong sides out.  I did this to both the bottom and middle layers.  I then took the middle layer and turned it inside out and put the top of the bottom layer inside of that to pin together to sew together wrong side out.

I ran this through on a zig-zag stitch to connect together.

Looks cute so far right?  Well attaching the top layer is where I went, "huh?"  I prepped the top layer by ironing the top over to create a space for the waistband to go into.  I threaded the elastic through using a paper clip that pierced the elastic and a pin to grab it and pull through.  I really should get some safety pins!  That would have made that process a little easier.  Oh well! I got it through and sewed it together.  I then attached the top layer to the middle using the same method as before.  It was at that moment that I though, "This doesn't look right."

Where it was supposed to tier out it was almost gathered tight.  I had my daughter try it on, and she was excited at first, but then decided that she didn't like "lumpy" skirts.  I had to laugh b/c she pretty much hit it on the head. :)  The tightness of the skirt on the middle created a bubble on the top part. LOL! 
I am going to try this again with some changes.  I will DOUBLE check my math this time.  I am thinking it was user error and not the fault of the pattern as I look back.  I would also tighten the waistband about an inch tighter.  It said to add an inch to your child's waist size, but for my daughter the waist was a little big, so I think I will keep it exact next time.  I will post an update with a hopefully better looking skirt! :)