Craft & Bake

Conversion Charts

2010-02-18T06:52:00.000-08:00

I found a cool site that does numerous conversions and thought I'd share it here.

Valentine's Day Heart Magnets

2010-02-09T14:43:00.000-08:00

I teach art at my youngest son's school, so thought it might be kinda cool to make something sort of crafty for them this Valentine's Day. Inspired by Red Bird Crafts, I made these magnets. When finished, I sealed them with a clear sealant. Easy to make. I free-handed the heart designs on each disc, but you could also just use a rubber stamp.

Make a Photo Cube

2010-02-06T21:21:00.000-08:00

Check out: Tabblo to make a photo cube you can print out on your own printer at home!

Long Overdue Update

2010-02-06T21:20:00.001-08:00

This past year has been an overwhelming, busy one... lots of life changes and juggling happening... going to try to get back into updating this blog again.

We've moved! First snow

2008-12-16T12:46:00.000-08:00

We recently moved from the greater LA area out to the desert and this morning we woke up to this! Just in time for Christmas!

MSLO Bluelines Blog

2008-07-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

Say it ain't so! The Blueprint Magazine Bluelines Blog closed up shop today!

Our New Neighbor

2008-07-11T19:44:00.000-07:00

Martha Stewart Crafts Now at Wal-Mart

2008-07-10T07:32:00.000-07:00

According to Market Watch and many other sources online, Martha Stewart Crafts can now be had at... of all places... Wal-Mart.

Photo Tutorial - Coasters

2008-07-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

Craft Project: Coasters

2008-07-09T16:24:00.000-07:00

Supplies:
Plain Tiles
Stencil Paste
Stencil of Choice
Acrylic Paint of Choice
Plastic Spoon/Knife
Plate to mix on
Clear Polyurethane

Directions: Place stencil on tile. If it doesn't have a sticky film on it already, then spray with repositionable spray adhesive. Scoop amount a small amount of stencil paste and place it on your mixing plate. Next, squirt a small amount of acrylic paint onto the paste and mix together. If you prefer to have a white design, you can skip this step. Now you're ready to begin applying the image to the tile. Slather on a glop of the mixture onto the tile and work it onto the entire stencil. Once the entire stencil is covered, you can begin scraping some of it off so that there is a layer just thick enough to not see the tile through the paint. Carefully lift the stencil up. If there are spots that need to be touched up (paint went under the stencil?), just gently wipe it away with your finger or a baby wipe. If you decide you don't like how the design turned out, no problem! You can wipe the tile clean with some soap and warm water and start again. Once you are happy with your tile, set it aside to cure overnight. Seal with a clear polyurethane and you're done!

Free 411 from Google

2008-05-20T17:00:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't heard... Dial 1-800-GOOG-411 for FREE 411 info courtesy of Google. Click the link to watch a short video clip about the free service. If you call from your cell phone, you can even have the search information sent to you in a text message!

Bees!

2008-05-07T21:26:00.000-07:00

Found in the peach tree in the back yard recently... a bee ball!

Happy Spring!

2008-03-25T21:43:00.001-07:00

Here in Southern California, we've been experiencing some really wonderful weather over the past few days! It was in the high 80's on Easter. Gotta love that! Here's a shot of my peach tree in the backyard. It only stays like this for about two weeks and then the flowers start falling off and green leaves begin to sprout.

I've been busy planting some flowers this year as well. So far, gerbera daisies, dahlias, and another hydrangea plant (there are already 3 in the front of the house that the previous owners planted). Later this week, some strawberry plants will also be going into the ground... just as soon as the kids get around to putting on their gardening gloves and planting them. :)

Sizzix Die-Cutter and Converter

2008-03-10T11:47:00.000-07:00

Score! I just got my hands on an original Sizzix Die Cutter and Converter for $15 total! I have been intrigued by these for years, ever since seeing it demonstrated on The Carol Duvall Show, but could never justify the hefty price since I'd probably only use it once in a while. Well, I am glad I waited, because I got a great deal on this one! I popped by Jo-Ann's a little while ago to scoop out the dies and picked up the circle set. If anyone has any tips on using one of these, please let me know!

Sponsoring A Child In Africa

2008-02-24T13:59:00.000-08:00

Ever since I can remember, I have seen countless commercials on television asking for people to pick up the phone and sponsor a child living in poverty. Having also grown accustomed to hearing the horror stories of countless organizations misusing the funds, I would quickly change the channel and go on about my day. It was not that I had no heart or that I didn't feel that these kids really existed. It was more of a fear of being taken advantage of and the money not really getting to the kids like it really should. That is until a couple of weeks ago. In my list of blogs that I read is one called Rocks In My Dryer. I'm not quite sure how I originally began following this blog a few months ago, but for some reason I added it to my Bloglines notifier and would make a point to stop in every now and again to read her latests posts. Well, a couple of weeks ago she started writing about a trip she was about to embark on to Uganda. Seeing as how Africa is a country I have longed to visit, I decided to tune in during the days that followed. What I quickly came to learn is that she was going there with a group of bloggers to meet a child that each of them sponsor through a program called Compassion International. As the days went on, I grew more and more curious about the organization. They actually do help the kids? You get to correspond with the one child that you sponsor and they write you back? Well, long story short - a few days into the groups' trip, I logged on to Compassion with my two sons and we chose a young man named Denis in Kenya (see photo) to sponsor. With the promise of a packet and more detailed information about Denis and his family arriving in our mailbox within 10 days, we nearly stalked our mailman in the days that followed. Yesterday our packet arrived and my kids can't wait to get our first, of what will be many letters off to Denis. For a mere $32 a month, you too can sponsor a child. Gosh, I sound like such a commercial right now! Having seen through the Compassion Blogger trip firsthand that these kids really are helped by the money and the organization in general, how could I not? Be sure to pop on over to the RIMD blog and check out the posts about her trip. There were also some great video clips shot of some of the sponsors meeting their sponsored kids.

Pink Legos

2008-02-08T18:39:00.000-08:00

Finally... Pink Legos!

Smores on a Stick!

2008-01-27T17:55:00.000-08:00

Bad picture, but delicious treat! The kids and I made Smores on a stick. I'll try to reshoot a better photo for this soon.

Things You Just Don't See Everyday

2008-01-27T17:48:00.000-08:00

A few months back, there had been a few whales washing ashore here in California. Seeing as how this just isn't something one sees everyday, I loaded up the kids and we headed to the beach to catch a glimpse of this magnificent sight! There were crews there scooping out the insides so that the bones could be removed and taken to a museum in Santa Barbara. Sorry for the somewhat grotesque shot. The smell was rancid, but that still didn't keep the hundreds of people away that had gathered around the area.

Location: Faria Beach Summer/Fall 2007

Send an E-Cookie 4 A Cause

2007-12-23T12:10:00.000-08:00

Betty Crocker has a cute e-card set up that let's visitors decorate their very own sugar cookie and send it as an e-card. For every card sent until December 25th, .10 is donated to Toys For Tots. The service itself is FREE to use.

Amazon's Black Friday - A Bust?

2007-11-23T08:02:00.000-08:00

So, I thought I would log into Amazon and see what special Black Friday deals they have going on today. I signed on about 10 minutes before the next Amazon deal was about to start. With eyes glued to the countdown of 10...9...8... the anticipation mounted. Within moments, the next item up for sale was listed... and with only 1 second ticked off already 25% had been claimed! As you can see from the picture accompanying this post, after only a few more seconds, all 100% of the stock had been depleted! What?!?!

They're Back!

2007-11-20T16:03:00.000-08:00

Target has the peppermint candy cane shot glasses again this year in their dollar section, for yup, you guessed it... $1. See the photo with this post so you can familiarize yourself with the box to look for this year. It seems that 'candy cane shot glasses' are the number one search phrase that brings people to my blog, thanks in part to a post I made about them last year around this time. Good look to those that are looking for these. I'm sure they won't last long. They also have a ton of other cute items again this year too, including adorable wooden toys, but proceed with caution, because they were made in China.

Halloween Class Bags

2007-11-11T17:34:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post with a picture or two of the Halloween 2007 class bags Little D took to school this year. They each had a pumpkin fan, a GITD skeleton keychain and a tombstone eraser. Sorry for the bad pictures!

Mr. Goodbar Tree

2007-10-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

Today's project - a Mr. Goodbar Tree. 30 minutes and three bags of Mr. Goodbars later, this is what we have.

Martha blogs

2007-10-24T16:40:00.001-07:00

Martha's new blog is up. Not much there as of yet.

What color are you?

2007-10-24T09:05:00.000-07:00

Via How about orange, you can goto: Spacefem.com, read through their list of check box descriptions and based on your responses, determine which color best describes you! According to the site, I am Aquamarine.

SoCal Fires 2007

2007-10-22T17:16:00.000-07:00

I have the misfortune of living in an area prone to wildfires. Here are a couple photos taken from my master bedroom window yesterday. The air is so thick with ash you can practically cut it. No school tomorrow! Sounds like the perfect time to head out of the area and maybe visit Ikea!

Links of Interest

2007-10-15T10:52:00.000-07:00

Some recent link discoveries:

- TipNut A great resource of all sorts of tips, including a plethora of craft related ideas.
- RedKid.net Some unique sign generators for when you have time to kill.
- Creative Kismet An extensive list of tutorials found around the web.
- QLu Celebrity Auctions for good causes.

Frozen Worms

2007-09-29T21:14:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the Martha Stewart site, we made some frozen worms. Using an ice cube tray, place a gummy worm or two in each cube compartment. Add some water and freeze. It's a fun, kid friendly activity. For a cool effect, leave bits of the worm hanging out so when the water freezes, the worm will still be visible.

Marthapedia

2007-09-28T17:14:00.000-07:00

I just heard on the news that Martha is launching a new website called Marthapedia. I just tried to hit the site and it took me to the main Martha website. Apparently it will be a wiki style website that is all Martha Stewart related - culling items from shows, her magazines, etc.

Bat Craft Projects

2007-09-26T16:53:00.000-07:00

- Batworld.org is offering up a cute cut and color little brown bat.
- The Manchester CT Elementary School offers up a bat origami project.
- Bat Conservation International offers up actual bat house plans. Build your very own!
- The Halloween Alliance has a simple hand print bat craft project.
- Craftbits has an easy kids bat napkin ring.
- About.com has another easy kid craft; a bat finger puppet.
- LifeTips lists instructions to make a black garbage bag bat.
- Howstuffworks.com shows how to make bat bracelets.
- Craftelf.com has a simple bat magnet and bat clip.

Carol Duvall Show

2007-09-26T14:53:00.000-07:00

HGTV has brought The Carol Duvall Show back to the network! It's repeats of the older episodes, but still. Old CDS is better than no CDS.

2007-09-19T15:39:00.000-07:00

Setting up the craft room

2007-09-05T16:49:00.000-07:00

I've been tackling the craft room lately, trying to figure out how I want to set it up. I've finally got all (well, almost all!) of my craft books on bookcases in it and have most of my supplies organized by type. I think my next step will be to put up some shelves on one of the walls. I have toyed with the idea of painting it, but since I'll probably put the house on the market and move within the next year or so, I opted to skip that plan... at least for now.

Labor Day Weekend

2007-09-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks to LJC posting a message on her blog that she and some of her co-workers from Kodak would be in LA on Saturday to give out Nascar tickets, I was lucky enough to not only make my way into Hollywood to meet her in person, but to also get my hands on two tickets for the race. Seeing as how my youngest brother is such a fan, I took him to yesterday's race out in Fontana, California. At one point, the temperature in the parking lot was 113 degrees before the race started! Since neither of us had ever been to a Nascar race before, we weren't going to let a little heat keep us away. The seats were great! Stevie Wonder was the Grand Marshal. What a treat that was to see him in person, let alone a Nascar race too! Kodak's very own #12 car driven by Ryan Newman was in first place for one lap and stayed in the top 10 for quite a few. Here's a picture just before the green flag. Thanks again, LJC!

Upcoming Halloween Shows

2007-08-31T08:43:00.000-07:00

Here's a list I stumbled upon that notes the shows, dates and times for many upcoming Halloween related programs on Food Network, Fine Living, AMC, etc.

A new Martha Show?

2007-08-24T10:26:00.000-07:00

I just heard that DIY Network is planning on launching a new Martha Stewart Show this Thanksgiving called Martha Stewart Crafts, a 30 minute how-to series featuring various crafts from Martha over the past several years. The segments will actually be from older Martha Stewart Living episodes, but feature just craft projects.

Halloween Crafts from Martha

2007-08-22T18:39:00.001-07:00

Martha Stewart Crafts has just released their Halloween collection of spooky craft kits and goodies. So many possibilities!

The Queen of Crafts

2007-08-22T15:39:00.000-07:00

The Queen of crafting has a new book due to hit the shelves in the coming months - Paper Crafting with Carol Duvall! Both my former neighbor Katmom and I had the pleasure to meet her and attend tapings of her Holiday Workshop show a few years ago. What a treat!

Craft Contest

2007-08-22T12:41:00.000-07:00

Venus Magazine is currently accepting entries for their 3rd Annual Craft-Off Contest. Good luck!

Around town

2007-08-21T17:54:00.000-07:00

Having lived in Southern California for quite some time, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that there is an estimated 70ft. waterfall a few miles from where I live. The kids and I decided to head out for a hike at a nearby park and much to our surprise, we stumbled upon this great location. Considering that California is once again experiencing a drout and that it's the middle of August, the last thing one would expect to see is something like this.

Links of Interest

2007-08-21T16:05:00.000-07:00

- ConAgra Foods recipes and cooking videos.
- Find Your Spot for those of you thinking about relocating.
- Jonathan Adler's online store.
- Jaques Torres yum! I miss seeing his chocolate show on tv.

Summer Outings

2007-08-08T18:50:00.000-07:00

Last year, it seemed as though summer was here and gone before we knew it, so this year we decided to make use of the small amount of time the kids are out of school and set off on a few fun and low cost day trips here in Southern California. Yesterday was a trip to the La Brea Tarpits. Last week - Solvang, Venice Beach and Paramount Ranch (which is practically in our back yard). The kids have been having a great time exploring and both have been armed with their own cameras to take in the sites from a child's POV. With Little D just getting the hang of using a camera, we've gotten some awesome close-up shots of his finger. Big D, on the other hand, has been putting his photographer skills to use with his Kiddie Video/Digital Camera.

Childhood Frozen In Time

2007-08-06T20:04:00.000-07:00

We recently went to Disneyland and on our way out of the park, spotted two older ladies chatting just inside a shop surrounded by silhouettes. Having just been thinking to myself in recent weeks that I'd like to have something like this made of the boys, I talked them into checking the place out with me. A sign on the wall read 'Silhouettes in one minute or less!' Curious how much such a thing would cost at 'the happiest place on Earth," one of the ladies said it would only be $7 per child. Sold!

Last week, we made our way over to Venice Beach and eye spied a man making face sculptures of various people plopping down in his lawn chair. Well, an hour later, we walked away with yet another unique and timeless treasure... a sculpture of both boys.

Links of Interest

2007-08-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

Recent discoveries:
Rate My Space via HGTV
Zillow - A fun Real Estate Search
CraftGossip website
Templates - various templates from a generous UK based website

Birthday Classroom Favors

2007-07-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

Back in February for my son's birthday, he wanted to take some birthday party favors in to share with his class. He's in the 5th grade, so we opted for something a bit more quirky than a standard baggie of candy and trinkets. We filled up ice cream cones with random colored animal cookies, circus peanuts, candy dots strips, rub-on tattoos, etc. Sorry for the not so good pictures. I was having trouble with my main camera at the time the photos were taken.

Vacation!

2007-07-13T18:23:00.000-07:00

I just returned from a week long vacation to NYC and Ohio and where was my first stop after being dropped off at the hotel? Why, Serendipity of course! I own both cookbooks, but had never had the opportunity to visit the restaurant on previous Big Apple visits. It was everything I expected it to be and more! I ordered the chicken pot pie and of course... the Frozen Hot Chocolate. Delicious! The interior was an eclectic mix of cute and bizarre. Here's a shot of the monster dessert just before we devoured it. More photos and trip highlights soon...

A Christmas Story

2007-06-30T23:46:00.000-07:00

The movie. A classic. The leg lamp - every home should have one... or in my case... two! Coming in July... A Christmas Story Monopoly! Also, for those that might not know... there was a sequel called My Summer Story.

* UPDATE * 08/08/07 - Mine arrived this morning and ooh is it neat! The Monopoly Money has Ralphie's face on it and instead of houses and buildings, the green and red pieces are gift wrapping and crates! Too cute!

Birthday Classroom Favors

2007-06-13T18:52:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, little D turns 6, so to celebrate, he asked if he could take in party favors for his class. Here is what I came up with. Since tomorrow is also Flag Day, we added a miniature American flag to each bag. The stickers on the front are word bubbles that I wrote each child's name in. The poem I wrote reads:

Magic Birthday Rock

It's Dylan's birthday
So what does that mean?
Everyone gets a special magic rock
That's shiny and green!

In the summer month's ahead
When finding new things to do is a chore
Rub it for creativity
And let your imagination soar!

Each contains a 'shiny green rock' I picked up at the craft store in addition to the flag and a few small pieces of candy.

Dead Sea Salt Lasagna Chips

2007-06-13T14:04:00.000-07:00

I just tried A & J's Dead Sea Salt Lasagna Chips today for the first time and am now hooked. Their crunchy and have a nice salty taste without being overbearing. The ingredients on the back of the bag list only: Unbleached semolina flour, vegetable oil and Dead Sea salt. Seems to me they would have used EVOO instead since they are 'lasagna' chips...

Braised Chili Chicken and Corn

2007-06-11T13:33:00.000-07:00

The April 2007 issue of Sunset Magazine had a great recipe for Braised Chili Chicken. Always one to have a hankering for a new chicken recipe to try, I headed to the grocery store and picked up the necessary ingredients. I've made this concoction six times since discovering it; each time tweaking the recipe a little here and a little there. I think last week's go around was the best yet! The kids aren't big on spicy food, so I toned some of the ingredients down, upped the chicken broth to 3 cups and I also added the delicious Pictsweet Seasoned Corn and Black Bean dish to it as well. Ta da! Both kids, including the picky eater, asked for seconds!

Groceries?

2007-06-06T06:34:00.000-07:00

Hey folks, Food Chronicles is asking for your help. When you buy groceries this week, take a photo of what you buy and send the picture in. All the details are on the post on the FC website.

Detox Foot Pads

2007-06-01T08:58:00.000-07:00

A few months back, I read about BodyPure+ Detox Foot Pads. Not so sure about it, but still curious I spied them on sale at a wellness website, so I went ahead and ordered a box. Well, last night was day 2 of using them and so far I'm not sure if they are actually working or not, but both mornings I been greeted with a metallic taste in my mouth. I also feel more energetic than I've felt in a long while despite having gotten the same amount of sleep I always get. There is a 10 day supply in the box, and the company recommends using them for at least 30 days, so I may go ahead and order another couple boxes if I'm still feeling this energetic in a few days. The smell is actually quite pleasant when you go to apply the pad. Removal is another story... Luckily, the smell residue washes off easily.

Anyone else have any experience with these?

* Update * 06/08/2007
Okay, I'm sold! For years, I've constantly had cold hands and cold feet... so much so that my nails turn purple regardless of how warm it is. Since using the detox pads, I no longer suffer from chilly limbs and my energy level is through the roof! I just ordered 2 more boxes to round out my 30 day regimen.

New Organizing Magazine

2007-05-31T09:18:00.000-07:00

The premiere issue is scheduled to launch this summer - Organize Magazine.

Random Links of Interest Part 2

2007-03-21T15:28:00.000-07:00

- via The Labyrinth Society, build your very own labyrinth.
- via Pottery Barn, the Stylehouse. Projects, how-to's and fun ideas!
- via Jane, DIY projects.

Hostess with the Mostess - I won!

2007-03-16T09:43:00.000-07:00

I just popped on over to one of the blogs I visit on a daily basis and saw Craft&Bake mentioned. Was it a typo? Was I imagining it? No and no. I entered a giveaway on the site a few days ago for this delicious goody and I won! So exciting! Thank you HWTM and Kiwi Studios. I can't wait to display it in my craft room!

* Update *
It arrived and it's even more beautiful in person. It looks like candy! Thank you again HWTM and Kiwi Studios! I love it!

Fun Paper Goods!

2007-03-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

I am seriously drooling over a new (to me) line of paper goodies called Memory Boutique! Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous, drool worthy designs - tags made on chipboard, inspiring papers, fun rub-ons... the list goes on and on!

Invitations

2007-03-01T15:17:00.000-08:00

I'm the chairperson for the PTA's art program at my kids' school again this year and in preparation for the upcoming awards ceremony, I put together the invitations. Since the event is a little over a week away, I affixed large, business card sized magnet strips to the back of each card so that the parents can place them on the fridge as a reminder. I had intended on doing some rubber stamping and adding some adhesive backed rhinestones to them as well, but time was not on my side and I needed to get them done and delivered by today.

Valentine's Day Goodies

2007-03-01T15:05:00.000-08:00

For both kids this year, we made Valentine Envelopes that were bursting at the seems with goodies. Using wax envelopes, each were filled with red, pink and white candies and small trinkets. Then, we attached handmade cards rubber stamped and then added a puffy conversation heart sticker to each. They were a huge hit with both classes and a nice change of pace from the ho-hum store bought variety too!

Beachy Fun!

2007-02-24T08:17:00.000-08:00

It was a gorgeous 84 degrees last weekend at the beach, so the kids and I loaded up and headed to the seashore. If only this weekend were as nice...

A Fun & Useful Photo Editor

2007-02-23T06:48:00.000-08:00

Via PhotoJoJo, comes Picnik, an online photo editor. It's currently in Beta, but seems to be a fun little photo editing tool.

Snowman Cookies

2007-02-22T15:07:00.000-08:00

I'm a bit behind in posting pictures due to a camera issue, but all is well now. Here is a photo of the snowmen sugar cookies I made for my son's class party back in December. A simple sugar cookie recipe and then decorated with icing and round candies.

A Fun Generator

2007-02-18T16:35:00.000-08:00

Via il Bloggo, an index card generator - free! I love fun, free applets! Know of any others?

Spring Cleaning Around Here

2007-02-16T14:59:00.000-08:00

With the weather warming up, I've been bit with a case of the Spring cleaning bug. The main portion of the garage is 90% complete and the kids' room is almost finished. I just have to say that I love THIS vacuum. Holy Moley! I've been using it for about a week now and can't believe what it's been pulling out of the carpeting. After all the research I did on which one to get, I'm pleased to have decided on this one. Although I am emptying the container more often that I'd like, I chalk it up to all the extra work it does at pulling the ick from the carpeting. It's not really that noisy compared to my previous vacuum and the weight is comparable as well.

New Blogger

2007-02-01T07:44:00.000-08:00

Well, I bit the bullet and went ahead and upgraded to the new Blogger. I like the ability to add tags to my posts... but that's about it. For all of you using Bloglines to read this blog, sorry for all the updated posts showing up. I've been going through and adding tags to some of the entries.

In other news, I've been feverishly working on setting up an actual craft/art room/studio here in the house. The room still has several Rubbermaid containers I need to sort through, but each box is another inch closer to finishing it. The kids and kitties are in there as much as I am now, which is way cool.

Loose Change Around the House

2007-01-22T11:00:00.000-08:00

Last year I blogged about Coinstar machines and how some of them are set up to convert your change into Amazon gift certificates without charging a fee. Well, the kids and I decided to gather up our change into plastic shoe boxes over the weekend and headed to the nearest Coinstar machine. We converted it into a $166 Amazon gift certificate! Now the kids are obsessed with picking up change all over the place and we can't wait to visit the machine again. The gift certificate is good for two years, but I'm sure we will have used it within the next couple of weeks. I've got my eye on the Infinity Upright,for part of the take, but we haven't fully decided on what to use it on. Take the Coinstar challenge yourself and post in the comments area your outcome too!

Staub 5 Quart Cocotte - Love at First Sight!

2007-01-17T17:05:00.000-08:00

The UPS Man stopped by the house today and dropped off THIS Gorgeous Turquoise Work of Artpictured to the right! We have SNOW here in Southern California today (yes, you read that right!), so I can't think of more of a perfect opportunity to break this wonderful pot in.

January means time for organizing

2007-01-15T14:08:00.000-08:00

So, I'm attempting to re-organize the house since the old systems aren't working like they used to. On the bedside table are The Beverly Hills Organizer& HGTV's Mission: Organization book.I've just had the carpets cleaned, the custom made blinds in the bedroom installed and the repairman out to fix the heater that decided to stop working during record breaking cold temperatures here in Southern California. The kids are home from school today and have already been roped into helping me out in the garage in exchange for their choice of Ben & Jerry's miniature ice cream. Sure, everyone wants ice cream in the dead of winter!

Another new photo toy!

2007-01-07T14:52:00.000-08:00

Oh how I love free things like this! Try your hand at Museumr and view your photos inside an art museum!

Crafting with the Kids

2007-01-05T10:31:00.000-08:00

With a two week winter vacation the kids have been on, I was on the hunt for a craft project or two to do with them. I stumbled across Crafting With Kids: Creative Fun for Children Aged 3-10 online and decided to order a copy even though I hadn't heard any reviews about it yet. The kids LOVE this book! Ooh! Ahh! Mommy, look at this! Sure, like any other craft book on the market today, some of the projects can be found online, but the combination of the beautiful photography and great project samples is more than enough reason to purchase a book like this. The kids have already done several projects (on their own I might add) from the book and I'm sure they will be doing more before their winter break is up. For less than $12, this book is a great investment to keep boredom at bay.

"New" Vintage Labels

2007-01-02T19:23:00.000-08:00

Via HP, Retro Citrus Labels you can customize!

Random Links of Interest

2007-01-02T08:38:00.000-08:00

New links I've recently discovered:
- Road Food
- The Condiment Packet Museum
- Top 100 Confucius Says Quotes
- The Find
- Dogs Who Care
- Wired Berries
- Saucy Magazine
- Sugar Daisies
- Leavenworth Jackson Rubber Stamps

Kitchen Appliances

2007-01-02T08:03:00.000-08:00

I just discovered a website called HeatEatReview and it reminded me that I've been wanting to post about my microwave - or lack of. 15 months ago I decided to challenge myself to see if I could go without using it for a year. Well, that was September of 2005 and I'm still going strong. In fact, at this point I don't even notice that I don't use a microwave anymore. The oven and stove are my new best friends. For heating water, I recently bought THISand I don't know how I went so long without it! In about 60 seconds I can have a piping cup of water for my hot chocolate with marshmallows craving! Practically instant gratification by my standards.

Snowflake soaps

2007-01-01T22:14:00.000-08:00

Via Sunset, adorable snowflake soaps. Ahhh, why didn't I see this before Christmas?!?! What a neat idea! I think it would also be cool to add a small amount of ultra-fine glitter to the soap to give the pieces some shimmer. I suppose I will give these a whirl next Christmas.

Ooh, FREE downloads!

2006-12-07T06:42:00.000-08:00

Via The Felt Mouse, how could I NOT already know about this amazing website? It's Mathew Mead Productions, Inc. Run, don't walk to this site! It's absolutely stunning!

Halloween 2006 Cookies

2006-11-05T14:57:00.000-08:00

Here's a shot of the 3 dozen cookies for my oldest son's class. They're snickerdoodle cookies and I used letter stencils and food coloring to make them fit the theme.

Nerd

2006-11-03T14:30:00.000-08:00

Because I have nothing better to do on a Friday afternoon, I took the nerd test and apparently I am considered a High Level Nerd - 'definietely MIT material' according to the results...

Peanut Shells Have Eyeballs!

2006-10-23T16:10:00.000-07:00

Peanut shells with eyeballs I just got the new Amy Sedaris book called I Like You. Oh my! The pictures... the text... the layout... it's hard for me to choose what I like best! So many fun ideas are presented in this book!

Football Themed Birthday Cupcakes

2006-10-22T09:54:00.000-07:00

My oldest son's teacher had a birthday earlier this week and I was asked to make cupcakes for a surprise class party for her. She loves football (the 49'ers) so I made 3 dozen cupcakes with 1/2 red (maroon) and the other 1/2 yellow (gold). I inserted little football picks and then made some impromptu candles using candle stickers and a toothpick for each cupcake. Viola!

Mini Cards From Your Photos!

2006-10-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

Via Deep Fried Kudzu, Mini Cards made from your Flickr photos from a company called Moo.

Design Your Own Virtual Pumpkin

2006-10-06T18:59:00.000-07:00

Via the Hershey's website, design your own virtual pumpkin using various pieces of candy. There's also a few cool Halloween inspired recipes and crafts!

Coffin Cake

2006-10-06T18:51:00.000-07:00

Via the Hershey's website, a Halloween Coffin Cake just in time for October 31st.

TasteTV

2006-10-03T08:39:00.000-07:00

I just discovered TasteTV, the indie food channel website and thought I would post the link here.

Craft Lab on DIY

2006-09-06T17:20:00.000-07:00

So excited! I've been asked to come in as a guest crafter for three episodes of DIY's new show, Craft Lab! More details to follow in a few weeks!

Get a FREE Slurpee!

2006-07-10T22:45:00.000-07:00

Via the Junk Food Blog, get a FREE slurpee at 7-Eleven in celebration of their 79th birthday on Tuesday, 7/11/2006.

A new craft mag!

2006-06-08T21:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I received a new craft magazine in the mail called Adorn. It's quite cute with many simple, easy to do projects in it. I look forward to reading future issues!

Art in 60 seconds for $1!?!?!?!!?

2006-05-31T08:11:00.000-07:00

I recently stumbled upon this really cool business venture of a blog called Sketch-It. It's compromised of a handful of artists, all with unique styles. Send them a photo or an idea, they say, and they'll sketch it in 60 seconds for $1. Curiousity got the best of me and so I decided to submit a photo I had taken of my two boys. I zapped them a dollar via PayPal and uploaded my photo for them to use as a reference for the drawing. A few hours later I checked back on the site and there it was - a sketch of my two boys! Here is a photo of the original and the final sketch. Try it out! You never know which artist will tackle your submission, so that's half the excitement!

Craft & Bake Magazine!

2006-05-19T17:49:00.000-07:00

For Sale - the new Craft & Bake Magazine! Okay, so maybe not yet, but you too can make your own magazine cover using this tutorial!

Candy Plates

2006-05-04T08:08:00.000-07:00

Via JunkFoodBlog, candy glass plates available at Sweet Madness Candies. Wouldn't these look cute as gifts with homemade cookies on them around the holidays?!?!

JANE Magazine!

2006-05-03T22:11:00.000-07:00

Exciting news! JANE Magazine is doing a story on me! One of the editors called me yesterday. I've been a subscriber off and on for several years, so it's really cool to know that I'll be appearing in an upcoming issue!!!

Baby Shirts

2006-04-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

I was recently going through my youngest son's outgrown baby clothes and came across a package of unopened onesies. A blank canvas? I stenciled some cute designs on them using fabric paint and stencils. Here are a couple of the shirts...

Recap for the past 2 weeks...

2006-04-28T22:37:00.000-07:00

While taking a moment today to reflect back on what's happened of late, I realized, that although some really stressful situations have presented themselves to me, I've also had some good things come my way too!
- I worked with a recent Academy Award Nominated makeup artist
- I sold 3 articles I wrote within 24 hours of one another
- I got cast in another movie to play the girlfriend of the lead actor
- was hired for 5 unique editing jobs and completed them all in record time
- found a $10 bill
- did a great deal of spring cleaning (which is how I found the $10 bill!)

Free Take5 Candy Bars!

2006-04-28T15:43:00.000-07:00

I'm seriously digging these Rewards for Taking Surveys
that I've been doing lately. The mailbox produced a rather large box full of Hershey's new Take 5 Candy Bar. I've heard of them, but hadn't tried them until today. YUM! The kids are equally enjoying them. My kitty's are still eating the large supply of IAMS cat food that showed up last month. I wish I would of known about this survey site sooner!

Anyone else interested in taking surveys and receiving FREE goods in exchange for your opinion, just click on the link above and fill out your info. It's free to sign up and you really do get product to test at no cost either!

New Public Television Show

2006-04-27T12:54:00.000-07:00

Wilton has announced a new PBS TV show called 'Bake Decorate Celebrate!' It's not currently airing in my area, but I thought I would blog about it anyway.

Cupcake Liner Flowers

2006-04-07T11:08:00.000-07:00

The newest issue of Better Homes and Gardensmagazine has some simple paper flowers made out of cupcake liners. (Page 87)

My Cats

2006-04-06T16:51:00.000-07:00

Harvey (grey) and Sketch (striped)... Harvey has some of the best kitty hair I've ever petted and Sketch, well Sketch is quite quirky, as you can see from this photo...

Chick Cookies

2006-04-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

My son is having a Spring Class Party tomorrow and I was asked to make some cookies, so I thought I'd whip out the cookie cutters and see what I could come up with... Little Chick Sugar Cookies. :)

*** UPDATE: The cookies were a hit at the class party today. So much of a hit that one the mother's of another student even called and left a message on my voice mail telling me that the kids loved them! :)

Marshmallow Bunny Treats

2006-04-06T10:53:00.000-07:00

Via the Martha Stewart website, Marshmallow Bunny Treats.

Bunny Pops

2006-04-06T10:45:00.000-07:00

Via the NabiscoWorld website, bunny cookie pops.

The Dancin' Doughboy

2006-04-06T10:34:00.000-07:00

Be a choreographer! The Pillsbury website has added a cute interactive program. Choreograph a dance routine for the Doughboy! You even get to choose the song. So cute!

Bunny Cookies Part III

2006-04-06T10:25:00.000-07:00

Via the FBNR website, fluffy cottontails bunny cookies. The site also has chocolate bunny cookies.