tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10137967710035948642024-03-05T15:59:22.119-08:00Mother HenSimply a place to write down my thoughts, ideas, struggles, and stories.Laura Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761626605029617625noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013796771003594864.post-34407957173349023612010-02-14T09:13:00.000-08:002010-02-14T09:13:00.291-08:00Happy Valentine's Day, Sweetie...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7d9s4xnBe0RSuXF7bEO1tVElUvPphTwSUCl6wH5CceTntYR67Qv2s-GV6YR3dRIFdKtHXJ-UnAwqsrFLVPoGhAmtkjmbbTT_BBWTybWsfBaRTRshuo8hpaGGaYya8XbFZtijHofayl0/s1600-h/Date+night+2009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 374px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7d9s4xnBe0RSuXF7bEO1tVElUvPphTwSUCl6wH5CceTntYR67Qv2s-GV6YR3dRIFdKtHXJ-UnAwqsrFLVPoGhAmtkjmbbTT_BBWTybWsfBaRTRshuo8hpaGGaYya8XbFZtijHofayl0/s400/Date+night+2009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433511946144436610" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: monospace;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">They didn't have you where I come from</span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Never knew the best was yet to come</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Life began when I saw your face</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">And I hear your laugh like a serenade</span><br /></span><pre><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">How long do you want to be loved</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Is forever enough, is forever enough</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">How long do you want to be loved</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Is forever enough</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Cause I'm never, never giving you up</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I slip in bed when you're asleep</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">To hold you close and feel your breath on me</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Tomorrow there'll be so much to do</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">So tonight I'll drift in a dream with you</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">How long do you want to be loved</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Is forever enough, is forever enough</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">How long do you want to be loved</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Is forever enough</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Cause I'm never, never giving you up</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">As you wander through this troubled world</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">In search of all things beautiful</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">You can close your eyes when you're miles away</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">And hear my voice like a serenade</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">How long do you want to be loved</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Is forever enough, is forever enough</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">How long do you want to be loved</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Is forever enough</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Cause I'm never, never giving you up</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">How long do you want to be loved</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Is forever enough, is forever enough</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">How long do you want to be loved</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Is forever enough</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Cause I'm never, never giving you up</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Is forever enough</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Cause I'm never, never giving you up</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Lullaby by The Dixie Chicks</span></span><br /></pre></div>Laura Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761626605029617625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013796771003594864.post-34145495216782396252010-01-04T09:09:00.000-08:002010-01-04T09:31:05.197-08:00Survival School Part IAndy officially started his two-year diesel mechanic program today. I officially started Survival School training. I will have all three boys (ages: 3, almost 2, and five months) by myself for four (possibly five) days a week...from dawn til dusk....every week....until summer.<br /><br />My survival school training will consist of providing three nutritious meals a day (Andy usually took care of two of those...gotta love swing shift); doing a little blogging; keeping up on the housework (goodbye hulu!); fitting in some gym time; finishing the bathroom remodel; and trying to figure out how to live a great life as a part-time single parent.<br /><br />Today is good so far. Everyone is clothed (having on underwear and diapers counts as clothes, right?), fed, and even did chores this morning. And its only nine o'clock. Oh boy!<br /><br />A key part of my survival training is providing nutritious meals. The last thing I want to do upon waking is do any sort of cooking and we usually don't have cereal so I had to find an alternative that was at least a little healthier than Burger King. <a href="http://www.womansday.com/">Woman's Day</a> magazine to the rescue (I know, I can't believe I said that either)! I found a great little recipe for instant oatmeal. Andy and I made a huge batch and everyone in the house is addicted.<br /><br />Make at Home Instant Oatmeal<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />18 ounces quick-cooking oats (I used Bob's Red Mill...I got a great price at <a href="http://www.smartfoodservice.com/">Cash & Carry</a>)<br />3 1/4 ounces nonfat dry milk powder<br />1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar<br />1 cup raisins<br /><br />Directions:<br />1. In a large bowl combine oats, milk powder, brown sugar and raisins.<br />2. Transfer to a large airtight container<br />3. For breakfast: scoop 1/2 cup of oatmeal mix into a bowl, add 1/2 cup of water, and microwave on high for 1 minute. Enjoy!<br /><br />We made individual servings for Andy to take to school by putting a 1/2 cup of oatmeal in a pint canning jar. When Andy gets to school, he just adds hot water or adds cool water and puts it in the microwave. So easy! I keep a gallon ziploc bag with oatmeal mix in the house for the boys' breakfast.<br /><br />You could substitute other dried fruit for the raisins like apples, craisins, misc berries, or even a spice mix. Let me know what you've tried.Laura Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761626605029617625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013796771003594864.post-20619015615132828142009-12-07T13:00:00.000-08:002009-12-07T13:00:01.838-08:00To Scream or not to Scream...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXl1EgaIG-4BDgPDclCUc1m_dDMQTDS2asklewuSexDLDw9QKHf7WGp0RfcEFqyfp6niq1ngG3jt0nm8h8DDQQNfPQzKoH_OnuWcOBgp7OdLbb2SHfrsBNygTC201cSxE9Mo1i3YzfaE/s1600/3953639615_05ed7ddd13.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXl1EgaIG-4BDgPDclCUc1m_dDMQTDS2asklewuSexDLDw9QKHf7WGp0RfcEFqyfp6niq1ngG3jt0nm8h8DDQQNfPQzKoH_OnuWcOBgp7OdLbb2SHfrsBNygTC201cSxE9Mo1i3YzfaE/s400/3953639615_05ed7ddd13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407353242282323266" border="0" /></a>I want my kids to know how much they are valued and one of the ways I show them how they're valued is to know what is important to them. I know Isaiah likes his pb&j with jelly only served open face. I know Liam has a hard time after nap and likes to be cuddled for awhile. I know Owen looks forward to Mommy time after his brothers are in bed. I know many of my childrens' preferences and demonstrate my grasp of that information on a daily basis. So why do they always act like I have no idea who they are!?<br /><br />We all know that screaming is a part of being two (and apparently three as well) but it seems impossible to not take it personally. There are times when my kids scream and it is very easy for me to see it for what it is: a tantrum, power struggle, lack of sleep, hunger pangs, etc. But there are other times when their screaming goes straight to my soul.<br /><br />Sometimes when they scream I hear it as: "you don't know what I like" or "you never remember my favorite things" or "you don't pay attention". I know that they're little. I know that they are not saying those things. I know that I'm an awesome mom ninety percent of the time. So why do I hear hurtful statements sometimes when they scream?<br /><br />I'm not sure I know the full answer to that question but I think it provides me with a way to spot check myself. When I feel like my kids are telling me I'm a horrible mom, I have to take a moment, look at the situation and figure out if I <span style="font-style: italic;">am</span> being a horrible mom. Sometimes I have to readjust my attitude because I am not modeling appropriate behavior and sometimes my kids are just being kids.Laura Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761626605029617625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013796771003594864.post-53406000675559747032009-12-04T13:00:00.000-08:002009-12-04T13:00:00.511-08:00Homemade Shipping EnvelopesThe holidays are upon us. Relational gifts are waiting to be sent but it seems strange to put such a thoughtful gift in an ugly commercial mailer. This <a href="http://ecoetsy.blogspot.com/2008/12/eco-tutorial-shopping-bag-to-shipping.html">tutorial</a> will show you how to make your own shipping envelope from a paper grocery bag. You could then decorate it with markers, stamp images, modge podge, stickers or even let your kids have a go at it. For sewers, or people with large fabric stashes, it seems like you could do the same thing with scrap fabric. Let me know if you try it and how it turned out.Laura Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761626605029617625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013796771003594864.post-39866349185752560952009-12-01T13:00:00.000-08:002009-12-01T13:00:00.232-08:00Fabric Covered Buttons<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kJgeMSfbaaNqhewmUW_oWcpJJ_5sKRSlx0Bx_vw38cucxusj3_V8UiFd5qmdn3zOCIUvGuCVoUCrZ19hbaa7X-jnSYwdLhTuG_-0xZ3qkniy6YIKn1JDUtKxYQ9F2HapUARzhbZ4F5E/s1600/432f1bd7aef5952e.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 145px; height: 108px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kJgeMSfbaaNqhewmUW_oWcpJJ_5sKRSlx0Bx_vw38cucxusj3_V8UiFd5qmdn3zOCIUvGuCVoUCrZ19hbaa7X-jnSYwdLhTuG_-0xZ3qkniy6YIKn1JDUtKxYQ9F2HapUARzhbZ4F5E/s400/432f1bd7aef5952e.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405194811390835986" border="0" /></a>Have you ever thought of making your own fabric covered buttons? It never crossed my mind but now I am intrigued. This <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=320824.0">tutorial</a> shows how to make buttons (duh!), hair clips, rings, and earrings. I'm saving up my allowance to buy some button blanks but first I have to find store that sells them. Have you seen any? Do you know of a good craft/sewing store to try?Laura Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761626605029617625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013796771003594864.post-31334957041781259252009-11-28T13:00:00.000-08:002009-11-28T13:00:00.298-08:00Food Gifts for the Holidays<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWvM1JfzuAJUynIrK_K4ouaV6QKzpGVmvXMRhwUY1G0XnNNeuEX6z2_Wc_O_wt6-WiMt1zH1utngMS5CdeaHEjRj1MzEGJ3QshIMnsrQMzdl4BpzKinHPkXJj5WLbEEbkL3XrFnOuUVA/s1600/canning-label-template.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWvM1JfzuAJUynIrK_K4ouaV6QKzpGVmvXMRhwUY1G0XnNNeuEX6z2_Wc_O_wt6-WiMt1zH1utngMS5CdeaHEjRj1MzEGJ3QshIMnsrQMzdl4BpzKinHPkXJj5WLbEEbkL3XrFnOuUVA/s400/canning-label-template.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405191248872299378" border="0" /></a>I've always wanted to give food gifts during the holidays but the jars never seemed pretty enough to hand out regardless of the tastiness inside. I stumbled across a <a href="http://www.merrimentdesign.com/canning-label-template.php">canning label template</a> that has finally changed my mind. <a href="http://www.merrimentdesign.com/about">Merriment Design</a> tells you everything you need and walks you the process step by step.<br /><br />Why stop with food goods? Glam up your craft closet with decoratively labeled jars, spice up homemade bath salts, tuck in knit goods like gloves and a lacy scarf. There are so many things that can creatively be given inside a glass jar (they come in many different shapes, sizes, and styles) and the labels give it such a personalized touch.Laura Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761626605029617625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013796771003594864.post-40798418270119654742009-11-25T13:00:00.000-08:002009-11-25T13:00:00.391-08:00Allen Wrench on Aisle 23<a href="http://info.ikea-usa.com/Contact/">To Whom it may Concern</a>,<br /> <br />First and foremost, let me say, I love <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/">IKEA</a> furniture! About 70% of the furniture in my house is IKEA furniture and I plan to buy more in the future.<br /><br />I know that IKEA wants to take responsibility for the environment and is taking many positive steps in that direction with flat boxes, using waste products, and reducing resources used in production of your goods.<br /><br />There is one area where your company could improve. With almost every piece of IKEA furniture I've purchased, I have received an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_wrench">allen wrench</a>. I now have dozens of them around my house and in my toolbox. I would love for your store to provide a way to recycle allen wrenches at your store and, ideally, for your store to find a way to reuse them.<br /><br />I have talked to many other individuals who frequently shop at your store and many of them have shared similar concerns. Almost all of your packing materials are recyclable except for the wrench that comes with many of your products. I would greatly appreciate your business devising a way to make the allen wrench yet another area in which sustainability and concern for resources is a high priority.<br /><br />Thank you,<br />Laura M.<br /><br />PS: For any of you reading this letter on my blog, I would encourage you to send a similar letter to IKEALaura Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761626605029617625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013796771003594864.post-86797071051403352622009-11-22T13:00:00.000-08:002009-11-22T13:00:02.064-08:00A Flashback I didn't see Coming...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7rQDh3Z6VkGncSH8DM5ESZ7NrQ3ooZJbXWIx77cxb7VfD5vjGNqAKvF7HzTjQu2YUd0qdBKtj0KfFUKEAscQgM5P1KQeNR9OmG-d-kG-FaxOnuD4oLxAtsVSj4iHJJ7v2lGI-gjA2Fc/s1600/157dbc2bad5023da.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 97px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7rQDh3Z6VkGncSH8DM5ESZ7NrQ3ooZJbXWIx77cxb7VfD5vjGNqAKvF7HzTjQu2YUd0qdBKtj0KfFUKEAscQgM5P1KQeNR9OmG-d-kG-FaxOnuD4oLxAtsVSj4iHJJ7v2lGI-gjA2Fc/s320/157dbc2bad5023da.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404875607951880850" border="0" /></a>Does anyone remember <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaMo4k7iG7s">Bravestarr</a>??? Andy and I were reminiscing about cartoons of our youth when Andy pulled Bravestarr out of the blue. I had never heard of this cartoon! Andy claimed to even have a toy horse from the series. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, we were able to find it on <a href="http://www.hulu.com/browse/alphabetical/episode">Hulu</a>. Why not watch a couple of episodes, right?<br /><br />Holy Crap! That is one wacko cartoon! Just watch the intro and you'll see what I mean! According to <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0127471/">IMDB</a>, the show debued in 1987. It is about an American cowboy who has to protect New Texas from renigade robots. It is so strange to watch! I can't believe my husband, who was only allowed to watch Nova, was allowed to watch it!Laura Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761626605029617625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013796771003594864.post-28054646030377614642009-11-19T13:00:00.000-08:002009-11-19T13:00:00.595-08:00How to Make your own Hand Sanitizer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDoutHR8fzUO0qHLZUdAleOEkuYbOzkaBp0LVu78wb9yNDkAt2xAYKXSZPPMC82QCvtKYUSVN-mNdD7SxhDr3vzPzIkKyQMR97378gif4Q-JabLg-QOdimaaRgFDHOjVzKy8JESiWhdM/s1600/8c18066be0e17052.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 96px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDoutHR8fzUO0qHLZUdAleOEkuYbOzkaBp0LVu78wb9yNDkAt2xAYKXSZPPMC82QCvtKYUSVN-mNdD7SxhDr3vzPzIkKyQMR97378gif4Q-JabLg-QOdimaaRgFDHOjVzKy8JESiWhdM/s320/8c18066be0e17052.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404871782019713330" border="0" /></a>I stumbled across this awesome recipe for <a href="http://pepperpaints.com/2009/03/23/natural-hand-sanitizer/">natural hand sanitizer</a>. I have yet to try it since it is a little heavy on the natural oils and my budget seems spoken for until March! My husband prefers to use hand sanitizer throughout the day instead of trying to squeeze in true hand washing while helping chase our three boys. I never realized making my own sanitizer was even an option!<br /><br />The recipe looks very simple and straightforward. I will be trying it probably in the spring. If you decide to try it before then, please let me know how it works!Laura Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761626605029617625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013796771003594864.post-76203280982793539202009-11-16T15:21:00.000-08:002009-11-16T15:26:56.559-08:00Send Postcards for Free!There are three things I enjoy: getting something in the mail, anything free, something to do during naptime. <a href="http://www.hippopost.com/start/">Hippopost</a> to the rescue! Their website allows you to pick a picture (upload one of your own or choose one of theirs), type out a message (up to 14 lines) and send it to anyone you want. They print and send it out. The catch? You choose an advertiser (they usually have one or two choices) that puts a little blurb at the bottom of your postcard.<br /><br />We've used Hippopost to send out thank you cards, keep in touch with extended family members, and send birthday wishes from the kids' favorite toys. There are so many possibilities. We're even considering using the website to send out Christmas post cards this year. You can send up to ten postcards a day.Laura Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761626605029617625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013796771003594864.post-86297051007229298682009-09-28T15:09:00.001-07:002009-09-28T15:32:23.728-07:00Extra Produce, Anyone?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dIdiz2_AXHMFvHXQsryKBeAVt9kF2ZaaaApOWoGTkzyh97kX50q1N4KWbT0m56fG090NjOeNZx7vk2e7aXF4UqT9ezUX4eTgqlw8h3-YZ6vxLfoC9XKIH5BJ4bIF2hRa4d37pkWxrg0/s1600-h/9b1a68247ceab786.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dIdiz2_AXHMFvHXQsryKBeAVt9kF2ZaaaApOWoGTkzyh97kX50q1N4KWbT0m56fG090NjOeNZx7vk2e7aXF4UqT9ezUX4eTgqlw8h3-YZ6vxLfoC9XKIH5BJ4bIF2hRa4d37pkWxrg0/s400/9b1a68247ceab786.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386645508262620338" border="0" /></a>Have you ever hear of <a href="http://www.veggietrader.com/index.php">Veggie Trader</a>? It is billed as the "craigslist for veggies and fruit". You sign up (its free!) and then post what you have and what you want in return. It is fairly new so there aren't too many people in my zip code posting yet but that's why I want all of you to sign up. Just think of all the fun veggie and fruit trading that could happen next summer if we spread the word. Do a blog post, send some emails or even put it on facebook: Veggie Trader is a great idea!Laura Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761626605029617625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013796771003594864.post-34654666574275330082009-08-24T15:43:00.001-07:002009-08-24T15:44:10.437-07:00Hmm....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMOGj__vT1uQFfxbTWVd_Zqhs3wQAHBP89KtHVfVBaAaPLQnCnStUMB3MyVKBpl2XbCa1nzabvgj9vCTL5M6e_V3g8qaN_5Y7n8CHRLTcoa5OM1RQbGlHkbT26Xw30ck13qf00Xanw1E/s1600-h/Qpoth.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 296px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMOGj__vT1uQFfxbTWVd_Zqhs3wQAHBP89KtHVfVBaAaPLQnCnStUMB3MyVKBpl2XbCa1nzabvgj9vCTL5M6e_V3g8qaN_5Y7n8CHRLTcoa5OM1RQbGlHkbT26Xw30ck13qf00Xanw1E/s400/Qpoth.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373664792808687106" border="0" /></a><br />The best comic ever…rewritten if modern child psychologists got a hold of Calvin.Laura Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761626605029617625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013796771003594864.post-59276166891126213412009-06-01T12:00:00.000-07:002009-09-28T14:29:09.109-07:00Mint Tin Candle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoc-xXl_VRKgl4UFdWBMrgaMnInsb-hUkrCrEZcsBCD_EywGs52qyrJEJmoLtUEIua-qd5ZR3M0rzqRefZ26MNlJgR_EgUHhIGSkn1NojVxsTUwhWn7UnsfAwvDUmbRHfzgmhTGDpOik/s1600-h/tin-candle-closed.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoc-xXl_VRKgl4UFdWBMrgaMnInsb-hUkrCrEZcsBCD_EywGs52qyrJEJmoLtUEIua-qd5ZR3M0rzqRefZ26MNlJgR_EgUHhIGSkn1NojVxsTUwhWn7UnsfAwvDUmbRHfzgmhTGDpOik/s320/tin-candle-closed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337671612333261042" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarprBlh5O2VnR1mvLatQW3IBXLLRIxeljNEIMwMQXgjyYUvjzehBpSkItcMn3sv0Kz69I6kuwv62Gb1BWaoieBLPD21Yn62zVS6L9YMyBVWce2HDJDGDK611YfBQU9Jp_imRh05NlwjM/s1600-h/tin-lit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarprBlh5O2VnR1mvLatQW3IBXLLRIxeljNEIMwMQXgjyYUvjzehBpSkItcMn3sv0Kz69I6kuwv62Gb1BWaoieBLPD21Yn62zVS6L9YMyBVWce2HDJDGDK611YfBQU9Jp_imRh05NlwjM/s320/tin-lit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337671400676133810" border="0" /></a>A <a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2009/04/diy-project-kates-tin-travel-candle.html">mint tin candle</a> is the perfect way to re-purpose an old mint tin. I could see these being a part of a homemade spa gift basket or a housewarming gift. Anyone feel like getting crafty???Laura Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761626605029617625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013796771003594864.post-579009492427831022009-05-28T12:00:00.000-07:002009-09-28T14:29:09.127-07:00Watercolor Stencil Portrait Gift Idea<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0reVieV_CQkbj6sh2vKucM7fsKSCqx-f0eKIxnGLlsiD65-KryZNhZPXToNPsy2ac067zipmRcA_-ewO0KeL1lLvep_VEF30dL5bH7yPZ__dgUhMZ6p6gm-s5zNV0jgpdWTBXJWXOfAQ/s1600-h/watercolor+stencil+portrait.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0reVieV_CQkbj6sh2vKucM7fsKSCqx-f0eKIxnGLlsiD65-KryZNhZPXToNPsy2ac067zipmRcA_-ewO0KeL1lLvep_VEF30dL5bH7yPZ__dgUhMZ6p6gm-s5zNV0jgpdWTBXJWXOfAQ/s320/watercolor+stencil+portrait.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337663370618324930" border="0" /></a>I know there are some of you out there who love to paint. I found this unique idea for a <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=301135.0">Watercolor Stencil Portrait</a> and thought how great it would be to have some done of the boys. Check out the <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=301135.0">link</a> and let me know if its something you're interested in...looks fabulous to me!Laura Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761626605029617625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013796771003594864.post-13550488253496711912009-05-26T12:00:00.000-07:002009-09-28T14:29:09.136-07:00Pop Tab Gift Can Tutorial<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtNcYMf0pAU5zUynAkatr1b0ywT_uxWqfqCGHQVHzBGOi9EFLqM4kYUw2QtUjuEFb_DjdGDUnUDyawBWO5AUhsRH4DTtQQ__U0KK0P-Jt6CJ5kbyIBhJ94vEmBcjr_8tyyjxblNXXmlM/s1600-h/IMG_0944.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtNcYMf0pAU5zUynAkatr1b0ywT_uxWqfqCGHQVHzBGOi9EFLqM4kYUw2QtUjuEFb_DjdGDUnUDyawBWO5AUhsRH4DTtQQ__U0KK0P-Jt6CJ5kbyIBhJ94vEmBcjr_8tyyjxblNXXmlM/s320/IMG_0944.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337659947533686610" border="0" /></a>I love using these pop tab gift cans to "wrap" children's gifts, jewlery, bath salts, baby onsies/booties, candy snacks or anything else that fits inside. I will now attempt my first tutorial...enjoy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxwPq0aIJ0Xy0YxVO8WyXX2IwefqvLpGNGd-7NhECXptP1ohXWOZYjOoP746HHKTSin7zfkGoIffGdtl0eTZgEWziEP-M6s-Z1yJgDwXZqxFGDc5PL3V29HVczEof9Iky1tKFJnlFfmU/s1600-h/IMG_0934.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxwPq0aIJ0Xy0YxVO8WyXX2IwefqvLpGNGd-7NhECXptP1ohXWOZYjOoP746HHKTSin7zfkGoIffGdtl0eTZgEWziEP-M6s-Z1yJgDwXZqxFGDc5PL3V29HVczEof9Iky1tKFJnlFfmU/s320/IMG_0934.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337659842031314514" border="0" /></a>1. Any size pop tab can will do (I just happened to have a bunch of smaller fruit ones). Flip the can upside down and using a safety can-opener (it leaves a little bit of a dull lip which is how you will seal the can towards the end), take off the bottom of the can.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiroDd1DPGZ2CbcHlw2EyppHrZUE1kOWFoUiBuBLnO7GGWVN44ISIRfu_H9XxehxAR105kg7gFvxANvmYjmgMk0Hj3zXWu8Ovgf2lE65ZgIo5FhbQvfTKJjKfposxs-zFNJwpnzlgckE0/s1600-h/IMG_0936.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiroDd1DPGZ2CbcHlw2EyppHrZUE1kOWFoUiBuBLnO7GGWVN44ISIRfu_H9XxehxAR105kg7gFvxANvmYjmgMk0Hj3zXWu8Ovgf2lE65ZgIo5FhbQvfTKJjKfposxs-zFNJwpnzlgckE0/s320/IMG_0936.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337659755793331282" border="0" /></a>2. I found it helpful to do this step in small batches...guess what my kids had for snack that day!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupbfKPmNQa_T4u3IUDrzVLi4mpuS85E8bCR5dIfCA1q7tOdYxcLF1OSP-PtT9CMdLxOEM6uK_vK2Uo50u6-jM5cepDAh6P8EhKoKYlx8P56D3f5zTaiyfXddr6eSfHRacgbF2GSg4Vho/s1600-h/IMG_0937.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupbfKPmNQa_T4u3IUDrzVLi4mpuS85E8bCR5dIfCA1q7tOdYxcLF1OSP-PtT9CMdLxOEM6uK_vK2Uo50u6-jM5cepDAh6P8EhKoKYlx8P56D3f5zTaiyfXddr6eSfHRacgbF2GSg4Vho/s320/IMG_0937.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337659531994713202" border="0" /></a>3. After removing the bottom of the can, carefully peel off the label and set it off to one side.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEdHeWEgEfEC1X7k_bXALopxwrKiHpkE_d4dJuLk6OjIzzzfH3Egjox0fruaWiQdDiFSSjlf4_V-CgdvrBzOM44WYtjvBr-XhkA6VfSaBtmo_20zIjMEAFV8fMdFseF3kibwQeymdxnE/s1600-h/IMG_0938.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEdHeWEgEfEC1X7k_bXALopxwrKiHpkE_d4dJuLk6OjIzzzfH3Egjox0fruaWiQdDiFSSjlf4_V-CgdvrBzOM44WYtjvBr-XhkA6VfSaBtmo_20zIjMEAFV8fMdFseF3kibwQeymdxnE/s320/IMG_0938.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337659440625005730" border="0" /></a>4. Rinse and dry the can. You want it absolutely clean. You could even run it through the dishwasher.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDaoFzQW9HcqiHwfEZtvBEu3OjTXLaBB-vasV42RUkFjoMJXnDsP-XIwlOoyRdI_b_hEM9XD7TdvoVJy0laYJsyTR8clTXuETvxiVhmAc1eC93nhGenU0GmrVM4y2_BpXZCMzLEPU6Mw/s1600-h/IMG_0941.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDaoFzQW9HcqiHwfEZtvBEu3OjTXLaBB-vasV42RUkFjoMJXnDsP-XIwlOoyRdI_b_hEM9XD7TdvoVJy0laYJsyTR8clTXuETvxiVhmAc1eC93nhGenU0GmrVM4y2_BpXZCMzLEPU6Mw/s320/IMG_0941.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337659211526267026" border="0" /></a>5. While the can is drying, take the label and trace it on the back of whatever you are using for your new custom label (scrapbook paper, fabric, graphic print, etc). Cut your strip of paper.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCwsXwi-q2OUHploo_6-EoV45syoNfftImy_YTalJCFDj6AEV9JsvPx0GBL1gQLoSm13czt2slClUS9fv1XUupSF2exLuI0XFsb_zO6m5qcAOErvfcu_J15yXK6FpzjwBJmiCgiq_xw4/s1600-h/IMG_0942.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCwsXwi-q2OUHploo_6-EoV45syoNfftImy_YTalJCFDj6AEV9JsvPx0GBL1gQLoSm13czt2slClUS9fv1XUupSF2exLuI0XFsb_zO6m5qcAOErvfcu_J15yXK6FpzjwBJmiCgiq_xw4/s320/IMG_0942.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337659022697978754" border="0" /></a>6. Using stick/craft glue, attach your new custom label to the dry pop tab can.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7FrWJiDmvxmOR10UerqmHNdRvpUSV7GqsHu6Wz-13D27iEJYmJx39Sg1HO2bOu4YDhV59DQ8fDyo9jR9UzZlImknaCvjQFo17rrp4iPBC_j1XEquMcVSxlkdirOwaSVfydoDYDmIVd4/s1600-h/IMG_0944.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7FrWJiDmvxmOR10UerqmHNdRvpUSV7GqsHu6Wz-13D27iEJYmJx39Sg1HO2bOu4YDhV59DQ8fDyo9jR9UzZlImknaCvjQFo17rrp4iPBC_j1XEquMcVSxlkdirOwaSVfydoDYDmIVd4/s320/IMG_0944.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337658758964516274" border="0" /></a>7. Put your gift item inside the can. I prefer to wrap my gifts in tissue paper or fabric just to insure it doesn't get any goop on it during the last step. Using a hot glue gun, attach the bottom of the can back on and let dry.<br /><br />Voila! Your pop tab gift can is complete!!! You can dress it up even more with ribbon tied to the pop tab itself or leave it plain.Laura Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761626605029617625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013796771003594864.post-10354478975047421562009-05-24T12:00:00.000-07:002009-09-28T14:29:09.146-07:00Felt Strawberries<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFIK-3NmN5wWjp8wb1vOAMeB3hJHrfj68GGoyvuCUT6avugHFi0IzGzm1gJBK69mkLfIcHXwwhTRPuj7qImTt8f8bHtCE-tmXSQvA89F7fjAkF2XkL5YDhfIwc19SYjo_aBNIEMzHxmM/s1600-h/Felt+Strawberries.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFIK-3NmN5wWjp8wb1vOAMeB3hJHrfj68GGoyvuCUT6avugHFi0IzGzm1gJBK69mkLfIcHXwwhTRPuj7qImTt8f8bHtCE-tmXSQvA89F7fjAkF2XkL5YDhfIwc19SYjo_aBNIEMzHxmM/s320/Felt+Strawberries.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337657021651114546" border="0" /></a>I know there are several of you out there who love felt and all things using felt. I am not one of those people but I found a tutorial for <a href="http://forum.threadbanger.com/showthread.php?t=8915">felt strawberrie</a><a href="http://forum.threadbanger.com/showthread.php?t=8915">s</a> and thought they would make great gifts for some of my nieces and nephews. I would love to trade with you if you wanted to make some strawberries and/or other assorted felt food items. They would definitely add to rainy day play.Laura Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761626605029617625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013796771003594864.post-67373662783422078242009-05-22T12:00:00.000-07:002009-09-28T14:29:09.155-07:00Seed Stitch Dishcloth<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiwTL2qGyN4YnOlEs_eaIzbykgxRbkVLmP_3hbko4-Li7tODYkhNUak8_B-P9mYZKLQV2dJXvqmQHovVNN5y4VtdLNXUQdzxR1FoEgx5SqTx9en25mFBwrwBnyXcr4ihOVPk_MBT1fmQ/s1600-h/dishcloth.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiwTL2qGyN4YnOlEs_eaIzbykgxRbkVLmP_3hbko4-Li7tODYkhNUak8_B-P9mYZKLQV2dJXvqmQHovVNN5y4VtdLNXUQdzxR1FoEgx5SqTx9en25mFBwrwBnyXcr4ihOVPk_MBT1fmQ/s320/dishcloth.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335793106777548274" border="0" /></a>I make these in sets of two using organic cotton or linen. They are great for everything from wiping down counters to using for baths.Laura Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761626605029617625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013796771003594864.post-18342408304831429002009-05-20T12:00:00.000-07:002009-09-28T14:29:09.164-07:00Two-tie Sling<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsD05R3sygslyo2C0DBZA2OBKlRQT7GGTKdqT1TfOdZoYN4P2U2MrIV35813jJOyeLYUoth0bUxEclKnsGTbiATsVCbdsRD9wjave67cOYocz1rJObWFf4QbtncW0Jo2I0i9eK2osIGw8/s1600-h/IMG_1397.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsD05R3sygslyo2C0DBZA2OBKlRQT7GGTKdqT1TfOdZoYN4P2U2MrIV35813jJOyeLYUoth0bUxEclKnsGTbiATsVCbdsRD9wjave67cOYocz1rJObWFf4QbtncW0Jo2I0i9eK2osIGw8/s320/IMG_1397.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335407371560446370" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5DVo5dL9q1p7gMntyX2TWY6BZSFR3GGbJUD1xDYyKy0AF0mTvhT_xpRLb7KZoKGV0seJ4wtsE4zD1xaqHupKO3tJsJDOJoDIT3M_5zK-mtfRzZ9VeQw7Dvkc0TZ-w8SGq4Nv770miBU/s1600-h/IMG_1398.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5DVo5dL9q1p7gMntyX2TWY6BZSFR3GGbJUD1xDYyKy0AF0mTvhT_xpRLb7KZoKGV0seJ4wtsE4zD1xaqHupKO3tJsJDOJoDIT3M_5zK-mtfRzZ9VeQw7Dvkc0TZ-w8SGq4Nv770miBU/s320/IMG_1398.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335407277107389522" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkYo0lFwmx-6I9t6D3lV__b8n3AG3CQmOewOvcXSn-zT9t9v7YyG6vhoyS-guEtdbaKSYdwtAvKupM1n0FQ4OpMVEIfHAQYqmvkvp_3Wpb30XYpM167my2P-gEjLt6Hfau6DUfeNUP5M/s1600-h/IMG_1400.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkYo0lFwmx-6I9t6D3lV__b8n3AG3CQmOewOvcXSn-zT9t9v7YyG6vhoyS-guEtdbaKSYdwtAvKupM1n0FQ4OpMVEIfHAQYqmvkvp_3Wpb30XYpM167my2P-gEjLt6Hfau6DUfeNUP5M/s320/IMG_1400.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335407188425530146" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QWxXxaws0h4Bo2WJ83uTc1cwuKl0vBrymmNoKkPHL1UiEJH2ZmP1cAg4onUyB89Cyjlu_t-HvDdFHDlB_jIug9TSfC_o80j-f2zZqgsV0U1N-wFDuP8vOob1A_e9nd0EKwxKSEoooCA/s1600-h/IMG_1401.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QWxXxaws0h4Bo2WJ83uTc1cwuKl0vBrymmNoKkPHL1UiEJH2ZmP1cAg4onUyB89Cyjlu_t-HvDdFHDlB_jIug9TSfC_o80j-f2zZqgsV0U1N-wFDuP8vOob1A_e9nd0EKwxKSEoooCA/s320/IMG_1401.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335407084897416850" border="0" /></a>I love this idea!!! Its basically two ties, sewn together to make a water bottle or camera sling. I get the ties at thrift stores and dry clean them at home (no one wants gross ties). The purple one is up for grabs if anyone wants to trade for it. The length is adjustable, you just tie the skinny parts of the tie together to make the bag hang the desired length.Laura Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761626605029617625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013796771003594864.post-79092192708742734762009-05-18T12:00:00.000-07:002009-09-28T14:29:09.225-07:00Garter Stitch Kids Scarf<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIN24iwqDQ3rUph5nkxuNglc90ST_jU-oeB_gLdWJWN6Rtj91tesMBgLgo-v3vhekMRfWvOXFzn_zemRCuFGlivwDnSFz_UQHKhs5tFKGOLkVWu265bmpiuSyorU1oFENbPuRemDiJhs/s1600-h/IMG_1419.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIN24iwqDQ3rUph5nkxuNglc90ST_jU-oeB_gLdWJWN6Rtj91tesMBgLgo-v3vhekMRfWvOXFzn_zemRCuFGlivwDnSFz_UQHKhs5tFKGOLkVWu265bmpiuSyorU1oFENbPuRemDiJhs/s320/IMG_1419.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335406256471194594" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQenRS65Ex0quZrrLcYdrjyE0IMTyMxxO8vwNN8oKBPaSlhW5c5l3oOG0v5m1EzcuFGeDfyO0kYQHjblADVALKQ7P-NJb9kclD-uTiPgGeylitDsD-xNb-vf1B144DL-jfT9J4HBGQkN0/s1600-h/IMG_1415.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQenRS65Ex0quZrrLcYdrjyE0IMTyMxxO8vwNN8oKBPaSlhW5c5l3oOG0v5m1EzcuFGeDfyO0kYQHjblADVALKQ7P-NJb9kclD-uTiPgGeylitDsD-xNb-vf1B144DL-jfT9J4HBGQkN0/s320/IMG_1415.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335406146880557122" border="0" /></a>This is a great gift idea for siblings or couples if done in matching or complimentary yarns. I love the look of variegated yarns in the simple garter stitch. This pattern works well for kids because there is no right or wrong side to the scarf. Relatively quick to knit.Laura Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761626605029617625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013796771003594864.post-27190663735940196842009-05-16T12:00:00.000-07:002009-09-28T14:29:09.249-07:00Washer Ribbon Necklace Gift Idea<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8X2Fr6nSAVl0zbRQBDZLU5kHUCDaCDOk0BERlKDmPpZq0a6QgZ3Xu0AQzBpLD_ME_G0ROy-rAPsMcquGmsziIcw3r3TQio1KpZhE_YZfCiBlB0rxIWNJJ8bTAsE9ukD3xbr_LKDfv6-k/s1600-h/washer+necklace.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8X2Fr6nSAVl0zbRQBDZLU5kHUCDaCDOk0BERlKDmPpZq0a6QgZ3Xu0AQzBpLD_ME_G0ROy-rAPsMcquGmsziIcw3r3TQio1KpZhE_YZfCiBlB0rxIWNJJ8bTAsE9ukD3xbr_LKDfv6-k/s320/washer+necklace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335156305751784114" border="0" /></a>A <a href="http://www.homeofthesampler.com/howtos/smallobject.html">necklace made out of washers and grosgrain ribbon</a>...who would have thought! I stumbled upon this unique gift/craft idea while staying up much too late one night. This would be a great gift idea for that spunky person who is impossible to shop for or someone who really enjoys being an original. I have yet to try this myself so drop me a line if you decide to give it a whirl.Laura Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761626605029617625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013796771003594864.post-86469995702501660392009-05-14T12:00:00.000-07:002009-09-28T14:29:09.258-07:00Neat Gift Idea for Kids<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLO_m3ebGqjsvEGeR7uW3F2jpMNu0I0_TCVAIX3hn9N6UlIDXBg03S05e3Px8uHvRIyfwxXq6Qe69JR-h4OjqzlIpfB0FqZ0GsVE9Dr4_-rRydhbY3I1rm0S6sinsyN0e1QTF-CkQ61OA/s1600-h/Rollup+kitchen+playmat.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLO_m3ebGqjsvEGeR7uW3F2jpMNu0I0_TCVAIX3hn9N6UlIDXBg03S05e3Px8uHvRIyfwxXq6Qe69JR-h4OjqzlIpfB0FqZ0GsVE9Dr4_-rRydhbY3I1rm0S6sinsyN0e1QTF-CkQ61OA/s320/Rollup+kitchen+playmat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335051536533055874" border="0" /></a><br />I would love to have this awesome <a href="http://balancingeverything.com/2008/11/28/roll-up-kitchen-playmat-tutorial/">roll-up kitchen playmat</a> if anyone out there would like to use their sewing skills and trade for something I can make. I could really use at least one of these to use for a Christmas present so let me know if you want to try to bust one out.Laura Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761626605029617625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013796771003594864.post-91785023151858838582009-05-13T12:00:00.001-07:002009-09-28T14:29:09.241-07:00Toy Ball<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AucLq8z6fseQD_t8hD6JAbqkJQM9vs7Ll0HmvAR4ZzYam74lNDWV-9uzBXYXOrqEntsKM8RUA7seEIzQvgi3gq7ksFVWSWtS4F6cdAhnE2gU64je8pM82iKrriK7l6DSin_G_CTkA6E/s1600-h/IMG_1390.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AucLq8z6fseQD_t8hD6JAbqkJQM9vs7Ll0HmvAR4ZzYam74lNDWV-9uzBXYXOrqEntsKM8RUA7seEIzQvgi3gq7ksFVWSWtS4F6cdAhnE2gU64je8pM82iKrriK7l6DSin_G_CTkA6E/s320/IMG_1390.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335043827852037890" border="0" /></a>I can knit this ball out of a variety of colors (and color combinations). It is a little time consuming to knit so a bit of a heads up would be awesome. I stuffed the ball with fabric and yarn scraps which make it super soft and absolutely machine washable. Both of my boys love having a ball they can actually throw inside the house.Laura Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761626605029617625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013796771003594864.post-61664827994816531762009-05-13T12:00:00.000-07:002009-05-13T14:07:11.580-07:00Two-tie Sling<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJb56RmtYPqIrWkBrJqypDB-4qbmvyj0reiKXBi95LmAMe9Wt5LK6OK2yYQwKjeyv0CuYbh0Tai6xEQxw9jXDB19_7J2HIgXZ36xwyZgkFYbkJB02sndsm3BkIQIv7hnDIW7j0RFHeg0w/s1600-h/IMG_1397.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJb56RmtYPqIrWkBrJqypDB-4qbmvyj0reiKXBi95LmAMe9Wt5LK6OK2yYQwKjeyv0CuYbh0Tai6xEQxw9jXDB19_7J2HIgXZ36xwyZgkFYbkJB02sndsm3BkIQIv7hnDIW7j0RFHeg0w/s320/IMG_1397.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335417289413040626" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQFaoSPx-DiLbHh1xc9CFTqzTamz6y0E1oNd8ZIQCOU_9ZDF3zzFEKyMVrSwSFaA7M-br1BExhZnjaYhQRx_LF_MU6zx1Zfet3VJKvhGNkSeDimrBH952ZnfVYbEA6SQvVVyRR9cRUTo/s1600-h/IMG_1398.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQFaoSPx-DiLbHh1xc9CFTqzTamz6y0E1oNd8ZIQCOU_9ZDF3zzFEKyMVrSwSFaA7M-br1BExhZnjaYhQRx_LF_MU6zx1Zfet3VJKvhGNkSeDimrBH952ZnfVYbEA6SQvVVyRR9cRUTo/s320/IMG_1398.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335417178248884498" border="0" /></a>I did it! I finally sewed something sharable!!!!! I found a tutorial online for this super sweet water bottle sling, and guess what...it worked! It was the easiest thing in the world after I found ties that were the same size and shape at the Salvation Army (don't worry, I washed them at home using a dry cleaning kit I've been holding on to for years). I was surprised that it was big enough to fit our Klean Kanteen but there it is. It would also make a great camera bag...hmmm...maybe I should go make some more...Laura Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761626605029617625noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013796771003594864.post-68094583857104924622009-05-12T14:28:00.000-07:002009-05-12T14:38:02.845-07:00Kombucha Craze<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqu3uD2mTOzdcydvrMceXIC_XvR-iJvwzzOKz7U7faQC2l3mBCS3bZjJF4pApmQd05WGlCoc2DG4Fkx7ZMvX52odqD784sDc7TqcGKfdgMNa1f2ykoUDSnXXev8R_oB_wNXaaG9y7yJq4/s1600-h/kombucha.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 108px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqu3uD2mTOzdcydvrMceXIC_XvR-iJvwzzOKz7U7faQC2l3mBCS3bZjJF4pApmQd05WGlCoc2DG4Fkx7ZMvX52odqD784sDc7TqcGKfdgMNa1f2ykoUDSnXXev8R_oB_wNXaaG9y7yJq4/s320/kombucha.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335054892001115970" border="0" /></a><br />Blame Wendy for this one...I want to make my own <a href="http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2007/08/craft_02_kombucha_tea.html">Kombucha</a> tea. For those of you who have never tried it (but who really should!!!), Kombucha is a super potent, fermented tea which has been made in China and Eastern European countries for centuries. There are huge health benefits but the best part is the taste (almost like hard apple cider).<br /><br />The process for making the tea almost seems like a bad science experiment gone wrong. It involves a "mother mushroom" (which is no mushroom at all but a pancake like glob of bacteria and yeast), mason jars, tea, sugar, and a whole lot of good timing.<br /><br />You can find commercial kombucha in most health food stores. It comes in original and a variety of other flavors. Once I convince Andy to invest in my own mother mushroom, you can just come over to my house. Until then, you'll have to support the economy.Laura Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761626605029617625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013796771003594864.post-60888864575216792142009-05-11T13:00:00.000-07:002009-09-28T14:29:09.185-07:00Twisted Gnome Hat<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdxsRDrUFe4CYoeO1qTU7iiR_0aTk-zP5Fog8uQaj_nfNk56ICnb0rvmGtiz76XnpL-DQDlHzBAK8NKy-flSk9QYrLP0OGcv-v7nHCLTzotRpW8h9RXfvZefcf8VQi0laydxH8UMSMAU/s1600-h/IMG_1408.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdxsRDrUFe4CYoeO1qTU7iiR_0aTk-zP5Fog8uQaj_nfNk56ICnb0rvmGtiz76XnpL-DQDlHzBAK8NKy-flSk9QYrLP0OGcv-v7nHCLTzotRpW8h9RXfvZefcf8VQi0laydxH8UMSMAU/s320/IMG_1408.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335405608177303554" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisE_JIwpgjmdwbm_jC-_CvmwHI2Cy-JgKG9Ve-D89dCYyoiDXyASSsSIr9AnGYegeefqVzKUe3B-h6dgC2uyPOc9JWZ8t9vUIJSABo29uOtNAiTNQC3f8xpNE6k_OM33qU8UXTTDQug2E/s1600-h/IMG_1394.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisE_JIwpgjmdwbm_jC-_CvmwHI2Cy-JgKG9Ve-D89dCYyoiDXyASSsSIr9AnGYegeefqVzKUe3B-h6dgC2uyPOc9JWZ8t9vUIJSABo29uOtNAiTNQC3f8xpNE6k_OM33qU8UXTTDQug2E/s320/IMG_1394.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335042899853717074" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyg8G9_O3vuApixxBEtBJKPkX3HBDoa0mtaFoQwMvfXum-TjAccwaB3J56hAF68pbiAjLMYcNTYGdCSxzewvry5NC0UZ4r0gXDHnmgoeVSo-dDTYOBkneh5crKiNsoju6d5nZ-Cq69mow/s1600-h/IMG_1393.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyg8G9_O3vuApixxBEtBJKPkX3HBDoa0mtaFoQwMvfXum-TjAccwaB3J56hAF68pbiAjLMYcNTYGdCSxzewvry5NC0UZ4r0gXDHnmgoeVSo-dDTYOBkneh5crKiNsoju6d5nZ-Cq69mow/s320/IMG_1393.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335042794255379026" border="0" /></a><br />This is one of my new favorite patterns! The hats fit kids all the way up to adults...all I do is change the length (from brim to peak). I prefer to make them out of 100% virgin wool which is naturally water resistant. In the bottom picture I added one strand of colored yarn just to mix it up. These hats are super comfy and as Andy says, "I'm gonna wear this hat all the freakin' time!"Laura Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761626605029617625noreply@blogger.com2