Mod Podge Mania

Last week I went CrAzY with my mod podge. Nothing was safe!

I {despise} clutter...even on my fridge. I have very few fridge magnets...and if a fridge magnet makes it on there...it has to be cute!

This guy was the ONLY exception. You gotta have one of these mail openers.

I had seen this idea on another blog (can't remember which one...sorry). Funny thing is...hubby used it over and over and finally the other day starting laughing. I asked him what the problem was...then I noticed the "envelope opener" in his hands. "You are too funny," he says!

Crazy or BORED...but not funny!


I also seen this next idea on a blog as well. I bought the black frame at Walgreen's for $0.49. Then rummaged through my scrapbook paper...found a keeper...mod podge it, grabbed a pear from my jar (fake ones of course)...cut it in half...hot glued it on....ta-da!

My hubby also laughed at this one too. Am I really crazy? Or is he SO not into this modern fad of decorating with fruit?!


I got this vinyl from a friend, here. I was originally going to put the vinyl on wood blocks and tie with a ribbon...but, didn't have wood blocks.

I did have this frame that I purchased a few months back at the D.I. for $2. On this craft, I also mod podge paper, waited for it to dry, placed my vinyl and ta-da! Oh, and I like the look of it better WITHOUT the glass...so it is in my future craft pile waiting to be made or designed into something fun!

Nope!...not a fan!

Aaahh!....much better! I love the antique look much better. I laughed at myself on this one. Bought something new, and tried making it look old, dirty, cracked, and rusted.

NOTE: It looks much better in person!

I think I am going to make an insert for each Holiday...to put in this frame!

No such thing....

Hubby and I have realized that one way we can cut out un-necessary spending is to not eat OUT! The longer we have gone on with this, the more we realize that MOST of it really isn't that good anyway. Way too much food, way too much grease, way too much salt and seasonings, and way too much money. But, we can be honest...there are times that you CRAVE it and will do anything to get it...like tell your hubby you have nothing for dinner so when he gets home from work he has two choices: 1. take you where you want to eat (or bring home pizza), or 2. STARVE! ;) Sshhh....it works every time, but don't tell them that!...it is part of the hubby training program and informing them of this operation would completely destroy all attempts of reaching your destination...the PERFECT man!

Let's be honest once again, sometimes you really want to eat out, but there is one thing in the way: MONEY! Solution...find a recipe for your favorite entre' and make it at home!!

We did! Results below:

WARNING: For all you weight watcher, Jenny Craig, health nuts....stop reading now!


BETTER than Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
(no such thing...yes, there is!)

1/2 cup sweet butter (I use whatever I have in fridge)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups heavy cream
pinch of salt
1/4 tsp. white pepper (I use regular)
1/2 cup grated parmesean cheese
3/4 cup mozzarella

Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium/low heat. Add the garlic, cream, pepper and bring mixture to a simmer. Stir often. Add the parmesean cheese and simmer sauce for 8-10 minutes or until sauce has thickened and is smooth. When sauce has thickened, add the mozzarella cheese and stir until smooth. Stir frequently.

Our favorite is to serve it over fettucine noodles with grilled chicken, cut into strips with a side of steamed broccoli. Make your favorite breadsticks and use the rest of the sauce to dip them in! YUMMY! Definitely a crowd pleaser!...less than 1/3 the cost of actually going to the restaurant. Sorry, Olive Garden, you no longer compare!

Enjoy!

Feeling a little more like me again....

...I have been so busy with photography lately that I haven't had an afternoon to just sit and tinker with something...anything! I have had this project ready to go for some time now, I only needed an afternoon and cooperating kiddos to complete. And ladies and gentlemen (well, probably not gentlemen), I FINISHED another project today. Only 22 more on my list.....

I got this idea from my friend, Beth. Take an old laundry bucket that you would normally discard or use outside...

...mod podge scrapbook paper around. I used 3 full 12x12 sheets. (NOTE: a pattern that is up and down will allow for your seams to look better!)

....and then sew a liner! There will be NO tutorial on how to make this. I am not a seamstress and let's just say....I hope nobody EVER looks at the bottom!

For the princess!

For our buddy!
I love it because it holds a TON of his balls!

Divotz

For FHE a few weeks ago, we went and hit golf balls.

Jaxon was taking it a little too serious. He LOVES sports!

Maycie needs a little more coordination (sadly, she takes after her mom!)...Jaxon already has her beat!

Cutie Pie

I have mentioned this before but Maycie LOVES getting her picture taken. She loves going to my photo sessions with me. This particular session we were doing of her cousins...which you can view on my photography blog: here

What a cutie pie! We missed you Maycie and are so glad you are back home!

Honk! Go Green!

I got these fabulous pieces at the Honk's dollar store. I couldn't believe they were only $1 because they are extremely sturdy plastic. I have always wanted to make a cake/dessert stand and when these green polka dots met my eyes...we officially had a winner. Plus, it helped that I went on .88 cent Tuesdays!

Take one bowl, tip upside down, place plate on...glue...and wha-lah!


Cheapest, cutest dessert stand ever!

Let Freedom Ring!

My mom cut these letters out for me a couple months ago. Maycie is at Nanny's house, so I am feeling like I have spare time with only one child to tear down the fort...aka "to clean up after." I grabbed them from the shelf, dusted them off, searched through my scrapbook paper, and went to work.

Not too shabby!