Today you get a two-for-one!
Since I was out of town all weekend, and deprived you of posts for THREE days, I'm gonna do a two in one post tonight! It's a very inexpensive and variable project, good and easy for any time of year, and you can add any theme or embellishment and really make it your own.
Its a twine wrapped wreath with felt flower accents.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
No pin today :(
No pin today or for the entire weekend.... I'll pick it back up Monday. We had a death in the family and family comes first.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
BATTLE OF THE CLEANING AGENTS
Today I put two pins head to head in a challenge of cleaning some nasty burned up baking pans.
In the blue corner: baking soda and PEROXIDE
And in the red corner: baking soda and VINEGAR
I am not much of a cook and so my baking pans that were brand spanking new this time last year, have sadly fallen victim to many ill attempts at baked goods.
The peroxide method uses mostly baking soda and tells you to squirt in peroxide and make a paste. Then you are supposed to rub the paste on the offending item with your fingers or a small sponge or dish brush.
I slathered that paste on there and scrubbed my heart out and did not get the stellar results that I hoping for based on the before and afters of the pin.
I was getting really disappointed because I did not want two nights of failure in a row, so I made some macaroni and cheese and drank a glass of wine and was ready for the vinegar test.
Remembering back to my first science classes, I was suddenly struck with the thought that vinegar and baking soda are what makes up the classic volcano project. The outlook for the night was suddenly much brighter, especially since D said he had never done the volcano thing as a kid. (I tend to forget that not everyone was a nerd growing up).
The basics for the vinegar project were put vinegar in the pan, heat it to boiling then sprinkle in some baking soda and let her rip! (bring it to the sink first!) After the fizz calms, you are supposed to Rinse and scrub. it suggests to make a paste of baking soda and water and let it sit on the especially tricky stains.
The results I got from the vinegar test were much better than the peroxide results. If I has used steel wool and a little more elbow grease I could have gotten some really rad results, but I didn't feel like putting that much work into scrubbing a pan that I always cover with tin foil anyways.
So, the champion tonight is definitely VINEGAR!
Vinegar worked better and it was totally more fun to do (Addy would have loved to see the fizz)
....and anything that makes scrubbing burnt cookie sheets a little less crappy, wins by default!!!
In the blue corner: baking soda and PEROXIDE
And in the red corner: baking soda and VINEGAR
 |
| BEFORE-- VINEGAR |
 |
| BEFORE -- PEROXIDE |
 |
| BEFORE--- GROSS and BURNED from my lack of kitchen skills. |
The peroxide method uses mostly baking soda and tells you to squirt in peroxide and make a paste. Then you are supposed to rub the paste on the offending item with your fingers or a small sponge or dish brush.
I slathered that paste on there and scrubbed my heart out and did not get the stellar results that I hoping for based on the before and afters of the pin.
 |
| After- its better but I'm still using tin foil for everything I bake on this thing |
I was getting really disappointed because I did not want two nights of failure in a row, so I made some macaroni and cheese and drank a glass of wine and was ready for the vinegar test.
Remembering back to my first science classes, I was suddenly struck with the thought that vinegar and baking soda are what makes up the classic volcano project. The outlook for the night was suddenly much brighter, especially since D said he had never done the volcano thing as a kid. (I tend to forget that not everyone was a nerd growing up).
The basics for the vinegar project were put vinegar in the pan, heat it to boiling then sprinkle in some baking soda and let her rip! (bring it to the sink first!) After the fizz calms, you are supposed to Rinse and scrub. it suggests to make a paste of baking soda and water and let it sit on the especially tricky stains.
The results I got from the vinegar test were much better than the peroxide results. If I has used steel wool and a little more elbow grease I could have gotten some really rad results, but I didn't feel like putting that much work into scrubbing a pan that I always cover with tin foil anyways.
 |
| After- Its not brown! and that is not a glare, that is shiny metal like it was when it was new!! |
So, the champion tonight is definitely VINEGAR!
Vinegar worked better and it was totally more fun to do (Addy would have loved to see the fizz)
....and anything that makes scrubbing burnt cookie sheets a little less crappy, wins by default!!!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
glass jar + twine + spray paint
Today's pin is a twine stenciled spray painted glass jar.
this is my version.... not so great.
 | |||
| This brings to mind a terribly chipped and cracked manicure. NOT a lovely candle pair. |
The idea is that you wrap a jar with twine and then spray paint it so that the twine acts as a stencil.
Easy enough right?
WRONG.
It is supposed to be quick and cute and easy and fool-proof. But I clearly missed the memo.
My problems started with the twine, maybe I got the wrong kind but it was fuzzy and smelly and I couldn't tape the twine and make it hold tight enough around the jars that it wouldn't move and shift. So I brought out the big guns (duck tape and glass of wine) to figure this thing out. After much fiddling I finally was able to tape it down on the bottom and the inside tight enough to keep it somewhat in place. [But don't ask me how because I have no clue]
Then I sprayed two light coats of a pretty, matte cranberry color and let it dry but apparently I got that step wrong as well somehow.
After a few hours when the paint was dry I pulled the twine and tape off and was ultimately disappointed.
I ended up with a horrid waste of twine, paint and glass jars. Maybe I will revisit this in the future, but based on the luck I had this go around, probably not.
Oh well, there is always tomorrow.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Blessing Bags
Today I was planning on doing a toddler project with baby A but an opportunity presented itself and I couldn't miss it. Today I did a "blessing bag".
The past few days I have seen a couple that is down on their luck. They sit close to the interchange for 75 at a park-and-ride with a few belongings and each other. Today I was headed home for lunch and I saw them sitting in the same place they were when I left for work this morning. I was planning on bringing them some cokes and cookies on my way back from lunch but then I remembered an idea I saw on pinterest called a "blessing bag".
The general idea is that you fill it up with with stuff someone in need might be very grateful to have like travel size toiletries, water bottle of water, snacks, granola bar, etc.
Since this was a spur of the moment thing I did not have travel sized stuff and goodies that I had presorted to fill up a bag, so I got a little crafty and made it all up and I think that made it so much better.
Here is what I did:
I took one of those 99 cent reusable bags that I had and starting filling it up. I didn't know exactly what I would put in it so I started to think I stuff I would need if I had to be away from home for a few days, and anyone who knows me, knows I don't pack light.
I included a full arsenal of dental care items, lotion, body wash, wash cloths, a small towel, a un-used hairbrush, some q-tips, etc.
Then I went and raided the pantry. I threw in cookies, crackers, drinks, granola bars, little boxes of cereal, candy, Little Debbie cakes, chewing gum and some fortune cookies. (I sincerely hope they aren't diabetic)
There was no stopping me at this point. I put in a stamped envelope, a small notepad and pen, some coupons for free McDonalds, a small "Message" bible and the information for some local agencies that could help them get back on their feet. I decided to write an unsigned letter to the couple letting them know they were always loved by at least me and Jesus. I packed it all into that bag and put a ribbon on it and drove to where I had seen them last.
I pulled into the lot where they were sitting, still and I stopped the car and turned it off. Here I am, a little girl in a little car that has ribbons and pearls hanging in front and sorority stickers on the back, I was greeted with a puzzled look from the couple. I got out of the car and got the bag out. I started to walk toward them and the woman stood up. I felt a knot in my stomach, in all my excitement to put the bag together I had never even thought of what I would say to them and its not like I could just drop the bag and run. We got closer and closer to each and finally we were standing there she looked at me and at the bag and back at me. I looked at her and I could see the pain in her eyes, no one wants to have to rely on the kindness of strangers for their next meal or ride or place to sleep. She probably used to be a 20-something with everything going right for her and her husband, she may even have children out there somewhere. Then it hit me that I am only one mistake or unlucky act from being right in their shoes. I felt a wave of thankfulness crash over me and I was humbled instantaneously. When I finally opened my mouth and spoke to her, I told her that I put some snacks and drinks and other goodies in the bag for them and that I wished I could take them where they were trying to go but I had to go back to work and that this bag was the best I could do. I wished them well, she thanked me and told me "God bless you, child" and I walked back to my car. As I was leaving I saw them going through the bag of all the stuff that was just sitting at my house, most it probably wouldn't have really been used or eaten, just stuff in my bathroom cabinet and kitchen pantry. I know that they will appreciate that stuff more than I ever would and the smiles on their faces lifted my heart to a place of happiness that has only been matched by the love of my daughter and husband and the love and grace I receive from God. By giving them a blessing bag, they in turn gave me so much more, they gave me new perspective. I can guarantee that tonight I will go home and hug D and my sweet child and look around that all I have been blessed with, and be a little more grateful.
The past few days I have seen a couple that is down on their luck. They sit close to the interchange for 75 at a park-and-ride with a few belongings and each other. Today I was headed home for lunch and I saw them sitting in the same place they were when I left for work this morning. I was planning on bringing them some cokes and cookies on my way back from lunch but then I remembered an idea I saw on pinterest called a "blessing bag".
The general idea is that you fill it up with with stuff someone in need might be very grateful to have like travel size toiletries, water bottle of water, snacks, granola bar, etc.
Since this was a spur of the moment thing I did not have travel sized stuff and goodies that I had presorted to fill up a bag, so I got a little crafty and made it all up and I think that made it so much better.
Here is what I did:
I took one of those 99 cent reusable bags that I had and starting filling it up. I didn't know exactly what I would put in it so I started to think I stuff I would need if I had to be away from home for a few days, and anyone who knows me, knows I don't pack light.
I included a full arsenal of dental care items, lotion, body wash, wash cloths, a small towel, a un-used hairbrush, some q-tips, etc.
Then I went and raided the pantry. I threw in cookies, crackers, drinks, granola bars, little boxes of cereal, candy, Little Debbie cakes, chewing gum and some fortune cookies. (I sincerely hope they aren't diabetic)
There was no stopping me at this point. I put in a stamped envelope, a small notepad and pen, some coupons for free McDonalds, a small "Message" bible and the information for some local agencies that could help them get back on their feet. I decided to write an unsigned letter to the couple letting them know they were always loved by at least me and Jesus. I packed it all into that bag and put a ribbon on it and drove to where I had seen them last.
I pulled into the lot where they were sitting, still and I stopped the car and turned it off. Here I am, a little girl in a little car that has ribbons and pearls hanging in front and sorority stickers on the back, I was greeted with a puzzled look from the couple. I got out of the car and got the bag out. I started to walk toward them and the woman stood up. I felt a knot in my stomach, in all my excitement to put the bag together I had never even thought of what I would say to them and its not like I could just drop the bag and run. We got closer and closer to each and finally we were standing there she looked at me and at the bag and back at me. I looked at her and I could see the pain in her eyes, no one wants to have to rely on the kindness of strangers for their next meal or ride or place to sleep. She probably used to be a 20-something with everything going right for her and her husband, she may even have children out there somewhere. Then it hit me that I am only one mistake or unlucky act from being right in their shoes. I felt a wave of thankfulness crash over me and I was humbled instantaneously. When I finally opened my mouth and spoke to her, I told her that I put some snacks and drinks and other goodies in the bag for them and that I wished I could take them where they were trying to go but I had to go back to work and that this bag was the best I could do. I wished them well, she thanked me and told me "God bless you, child" and I walked back to my car. As I was leaving I saw them going through the bag of all the stuff that was just sitting at my house, most it probably wouldn't have really been used or eaten, just stuff in my bathroom cabinet and kitchen pantry. I know that they will appreciate that stuff more than I ever would and the smiles on their faces lifted my heart to a place of happiness that has only been matched by the love of my daughter and husband and the love and grace I receive from God. By giving them a blessing bag, they in turn gave me so much more, they gave me new perspective. I can guarantee that tonight I will go home and hug D and my sweet child and look around that all I have been blessed with, and be a little more grateful.
Monday, November 14, 2011
How To Paint Letters Perfectly
Today's pin is "how to paint letters perfectly"
 |
| "take me to the sea" |
It is something I would definitely recommend to anyone who wants to personalize something, I'm certainly going to use this technique again. My daughter's headboard is next!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Pasta Cordon Bleu
What better way to start than FOOD!
Today, my inspiration comes from my delish! board on pinterest. Its a yummy pasta dish inspired by the wonderful classic: Chicken Cordon Bleu.
The pin I'm trying today is: PASTA CORDON BLEU!!!!
Today, my inspiration comes from my delish! board on pinterest. Its a yummy pasta dish inspired by the wonderful classic: Chicken Cordon Bleu.
The pin I'm trying today is: PASTA CORDON BLEU!!!!
Friday, November 11, 2011
About This Blog
A few weeks ago I stumbled across an amazing website for the DIY, creative, wannabes like myself called Pinterest. Its a great resource for...everything! They have food, fashion, fitness, arts, crafts, cars, humor, etc. Its a place to take all these pictures and links and ideas and to hoard all these things that you want to get around to doing one day. I am the biggest procrastinator I know. I find all these amazing ideas that I know I can do on my own, things I can cook and sew and pictures I should take, but I find them and pin them on my virtual pinboard and loose them in the mess of my brain. So, in my quest to be a do-er and not a will-do-er I am picking things from Pinterest to actually do! A recipe, an exercise, a craft, a photo, a thought process, an idea, anything. This blog will chronicle my adventures in pinning!
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