simply homemade

A story and a sling tutorial

2013-03-25T10:48:00.002-04:00

I just finished up some work for a client and it got me reminiscing about my 4th baby who today, is a "not so baby" sassy pants.

Let's jump back a couple years before number 4. Everyone and their grandma's poodle told me how difficult it was transitioning from 2 to 3 kids. "You run out of hands" they all said. I'm not sure what this says about my sweet personality, but I love proving people wrong. So imagine how delighted I was when number 3 turned out to be a breeze! I was like, "BOOM! In your face people!!" (I guess maybe that means I have a rotten personality) Number 3 was a dream child. He slept through the night at 7 weeks! People, the child didn't cry. If he was hungry or upset he'd sort of grunt and scrunch up his little face but that was it!

Dream. Child.

So I think to myself, "Man am I fantastic or what?! I've got this child care thing down!" Guess what happened next? Number 4. That's what. Now, Miss M is a darling love of a child, but she was a really hard baby. She didn't nurse well and was always super fussy (unless I held her while doing the Charleston of course). She did sleep through the night early which was a blessing because she was in my face all day every day. She must have had tummy issues because she really was soooo cranky ALL the time. Looking back I wish I would have investigated a little more. But I didn't so oh well.

I did however, make myself one of these bad mamma jammas:

It saved us both and as it turned out, she was my best accessory!

Do you want to make one too?

Here's what you'll need:

2-2 1/2 yards fabric *

a pair of sling rings **

I didn't take a picture of this because my fabric was already cut, but you'll need to cut your fabric in half lengthwise. Doing this will give you two skinny yards of fabric. This means that you'll be able to make two. Great news right?!

You'll then need to either serge or hem 3 of the 4 sides (both longs sides and 1 short side).

After doing these steps my fabric measured 28 1/2" wide.

Of course I gave it to my client before I could take decent after pictures. I guess you'll have to make your own to see the awesomeness of it!

Notes:

*The fabric I like the best for slings is a polyester dressy fabric. I usually find it at Joann's in the "silky" fabrics section. It's not shiny silky but it has a nice drape and it weighs more than cotton. Quilter's cotton isn't a great fabric choice for slings because it's not as sturdy. You're going to be wrapping up your little bundle of cuteness in this thing so choose sturdy over the designer quilter's fabrics. Besides that the cottons and linens are a pain in the butt to adjust.

** As far as sling rings go, I only order from slingrings.com. The rings that you find in the craft stores are not safe for slings so don't even go there.

If you're curious as to how to actually use this there are a bunch of youtube tutorials...check it out.

Sunday inspiration #5

2013-03-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

Creativity is allowing yourself to make

mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.”

-Scott Adams

Happy little monster softie pattern & tutorial

2013-03-12T23:47:00.000-04:00

Several years ago when my baby was a real live baby I made him a happy little monster softie for Christmas. With its circular feet and simple design it reminded me of the fellows from The Happy Monster Band.

Do any of you remember the Happy Monster Band that aired on Disney....like forever ago??? They were kinda cute and my kids used to love watching and listening to their silly little songs. We looked them up today for fun...you know to relive the old days. My ten year old kept nervously laughing and saying, "this is a little weird mom". It's sort of sad when they grow up.....sort of.

Today I want to share with you my pattern so that you can make some for your own little monsters.

I created my pattern in a really fancy program called paint.....I know, right?!
Click on the pattern to enlarge it. Copy the image, save, and print. Or, make up your own happy monster!

The awesome part about this little guy is you can customize like crazy. Add rickrack, a bow, a monogram, ruffles, anything! Also, this is a pretty simple project and would be perfect for beginners.

For this project you'll need:

* 2 coordinating fabrics (for the body)
* cotton, felt, or fleece (for the legs) note: if you use cotton you'll need to add a 1/4 inch seam allowance to the legs.
* Felt (for the eyes)
* Embroidery thread
* hand sewing needles
* scrap of white fabric or felt (for the teeth)
* Fiberfill stuffing

Start by cutting out the back of the monster body in one of your fabrics. Set it aside.

As I mentioned earlier, you'll need to add 1/4 inch seam allowance to the leg piece. When I drafted the pattern, I intended on the legs being made from fleece or felt both of which need not be turned after sewing.

When your monster is all fat and happy, stitch up the opening using a ladder stitch. Here's a good tutorial if you're unfamiliar.

Sunday inspiration # 4

2013-03-10T08:00:00.001-04:00

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening

that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.”

-Martha Graham

Little oval pouch tutorial

2013-03-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

Do you remember this post where I'm all like, "Hooray for zippers...........check back this week and next week for some super duper tutorials that use zippers"......?

Do you remember that?

And then you were like, "Wowza! That's fantastic!! I'm so gonna check back this week and next week" And then I was like:

"..........................................."

Guess what folks. Life happened and I'm not gonna lie, I may have had a mild case of crafter's block.....and laziness. Also, I'm not delusional enough to think that you all have been waiting on pins and needles for tutorials from me. Cause let's face it, there are a bajillion amazing blogs out there keeping the party rolling always!

But hey, I do have a tutorial for you today!

It's a little zippered pouch.....like really little.

And you know what? I kind of really love it!

Here's what you'll need for this project:

* 2 cute coordinating fabrics one 7 x 10 inches the other 10 x 10 inches

* 1 7-9 inch zipper

* Needle and thread

* a scrap of fusible interfacing (optional)

* lip gloss and some cash (to throw into your fun new zippered pouch!)

Use a sheet of printer paper to make your pattern.

My ovals are 4.5" x 7". You can make them whatever size you want of course just be sure to buy a long enough zipper.

For a refresher check out the zipper insertion tute

Like this:

Feel good Sunday # 3

2013-03-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

The older we get, the more we look back and realize that external circumstances don’t really matter or determine our happiness.

We do matter. We determine our happiness.

You and I are ultimately in charge of our own happiness.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Lesson #3 How to easily insert a zipper

2013-02-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

I have to admit, I was terrified of inserting zippers up until a just few years ago. I always opted for buttons and button holes. Zippers are actually super easy and after learning a couple of helpful tricks I'd much rather sew a zipper than a button hole thank you very much! True story.

The technique I'm showing today is, I think, the best and simplest place to start. I use this method to make pouches, skirts, & dresses (unless I'm using an invisible zipper).

Here are a few things you'll need to have/do:

1- You'll want to have a zipper foot. It's not always essential. In a pinch, I've put in a zipper with my regular foot (darn mom brain forgets where I put things sometimes). So it can be done but it's frustrating. Almost all machines will come with a zipper foot. They have a long narrow guide that is centered and can easily butt up against the zipper teeth. This ensures nice even stitching and a snug seam.

2-You'll need to know how to change the position of your needle. Most machines can do this. It's a good idea to get your needle as close to the zipper teeth as possible. Also, if you'll notice, the zipper foot doesn't allow you to have your needle centered. All machines are a little different so it's probably a good idea to have your manual handy.

When I buy zippers these days I pretty much just grab the longest length and then I cut them down to the size I need.

Voila! Zipper in. Easy peasy, right?!

Check back later this week and next week for some easy tutorials using zippers!

feel good Sunday #2

2013-02-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

As you create a home,

don't get distracted with a lot of things that have no meaning for you or your family.

Don't dwell on your failures, but think of your successes.

Have joy in your home.

Have joy in your children.

Have joy in your husband.

Be grateful for the journey.

Fabric covered headband tutorial

2013-02-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

I have three lovely little girls and they (bless their hearts) have a tenancy of looking a little mangy. I say that with all the love in my heart but I promise but it's true. They really hate me to fix their hair because they'd rather do it themselves. So when I saw these metal headbands at Hobby Lobby, I couldn't leave without them. Headbands are perfect for little girls who want to fix themselves up right?! Oh those little ladies were so excited.....well I was excited anyway.

Want to make some for your little princess too? Well follow the tutorial and rock on.

Do you remember these? Make some to add to your head bands!

Sad but true story: 2 days after making these adorable little things the wild women of this house (excepting me of course) lost all but 2 of them. I know, you're so jealous.

How to sew #2 Changing a needle

2013-02-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Knowing how to change a needle is crucial. If you're working with the same needle that came with your machine you probably need to switch it for a shiny new one. Shoddy dull needles are bad news. They can snag your fabric, cause skipped stitches, or make the thread break. All of which are super frustrating.

It's also important to note that there are specific needles that should be used with certain fabrics. Choosing the right needle is important as the wrong needle will/can cause the same sort of irritating problems that I mentioned earlier. Click here to see the huge array of needles and their awesome powers!

Replacing a needle is pretty darn simple. So simple that the pictures mostly speak for themselves.

Feel good Sunday #1

2013-02-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Come here every Sunday to have an inspirational, thought provoking, happy, feel good moment!

The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before. Everyone can create. You don’t need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty. You might say, I am not the creative type. If that is how you feel, think again. Creation is your opportunity in this life….. Start small. Creativity does not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you. You will make the World a better place.

Improve, beautify, extend, smile, cultivate, develop, create.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

How to sew #1 Threading a sewing Machine

2013-02-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

It's such a thrill to turn a flat very unshapely bit of fabric into something functional or wearable. I love it! It's also kind of awesome to be able to recharge a wardrobe with a few simple alterations, like taking that unsightly pair of flares and turning them into skinnies. Sewing is super AWESOME!

When I started this blog, I had grand plans and ideas most of which never actually happened (go figure). One of those ideas was to have a weekly sewing lesson. I know January was sooo last month but I wanted to share with you all one of my blog goals. So, I love sewing....like love it! And I've had so many people tell me that they wished they could sew. I'm not an authority in the craft by any stretch of the imagination, but I still know some stuff so throughout this year once a week I'll be posting sewing how to's. Today's little lesson might seem like a cop out but it's not. Also, for those of you who are already pros at this stuff feel free to share your know how!

Whenever I teach classes or lessons I always start here. At the beginning. Because if folks don't know how to thread their machines or what a bobbin is, chances are they'll only sew until their thread breaks.... I'm not gonna lie, that totally happens.

THREADING
Threading your sewing machine quite is possibly the most important thing to know how to do when you sew. There will be broken threads, broken needles, and the need to change the thread color. Also, there will be times, when a machine is misbehaving, and you think "crap! My machine is dying!" 9 times out of 10 it only needs to be re-threaded. Of course every machine is a tad different so having your instruction manual is a must. If yours has been demolished by children, been lost, or you never had one to begin with because your great aunt Debbie gave you hers, you can replace it by ordering it here or here. Generally though, most machines are similar enough that once you get the hang of it you can thread pretty much any style. I've put a photo tutorial on how to thread a sewing machine. Understand that machines may vary but most will have these elements.

Looking at those thumbs makes me want to get to a salon quick for a manicure. Eeesh! Don't look.

Sweatshirt pants + tutorial

2013-01-31T08:00:00.000-05:00

My poor baby was sick. Like pneumonia sick. Cough, fever, no appetite, lethargy. Sick. Folks, the kid didn't even want any of my fancy chocolate! Pitiful. I went to his drawer to pull out some comfy clothes but alas, I've been neglecting laundry. A normal person would probably wash some. But see, I'm unique.....so I chopped up an old sweatshirt and made him some lounge pants. I figure the laundry will get done eventually.

Here's how I did it:

You'll need to take down some measurements first.

After you measure, cut a basic pant leg (like the one pictured above) from each sleeve.

You're going to join the pant legs together. To make life easier, turn one leg inside out.

If you have a serger, finish the seam edge. If not, you can zigzag or heck, it's knit fabric, it won't fray if you leave it alone.

Instead of folding the top of the pants to make a casing I used the bottom of the sweatshirt to make a waistband. To create the waist band:

Now it's time to pull it all together. Yea! Put the waistband over the pants (the folded edge should point down), line up the raw edges and sew it up!

Then throw 'em on your kid, pop some popcorn, and have some movie cuddle time!

Brie & blackberry crescent rolls

2013-01-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

I have a dear friend who called me up one night, but blast it all my phone wasn't on! She had been calling to see if I'd like a tasty treat. Curses! Yes. I always want tasty treats and for the record I was home. Ah well. I ended up making some myself. They are delightful so I wanted to share them with you dear readers. Brie and blackberry crescent rolls. Uber easy friends. You'll need:

Brie

Seedless blackberry jam (or whatever flavor you want)

1 can (or a few) crescent roll dough

Pat out the dough so that the triangles are a little more symmetrical. Carefully spread a bit of the

brie onto the dough and top with some jam. I used about a teaspoon of each but next time I'll increase the amount of brie.

Roll it up......

Into a tidy little package. Sprinkle the tops with some sugar and bake at 375° for 12-14 minutes or until tops are golden brown.

Avoiding catastrophe & fixing that broken makeup

2013-01-03T09:58:00.000-05:00

The moment it slipped from my hand I knew it was done for. What's worse, I hadn't even paid for it yet!

Sometimes I'll refrain from grabbing a cart at Walmart in order to save money. (Am I the only one that does that??) So naturally my arms were full of unnecessary stuff. Ironically however I did need the blush. (I've gotten rather pale in my old age.....like a ghost.) Of course I then felt obliged to buy it after it fell and shattered into a million pieces. The words, "you break it you buy it" kept running through my brain so I bought it. Even when the cashier asked if I wanted to replace it. Whatever. At that point I had a huge string of people behind me. Ahead of me? Sweet freedom that's what. (Walmart is the pits) So I brought the mangled blush home with me. I used it a few times before I decided to fix the stuff. I mean, broken make-up is like a tragedy waiting to happen. All it would take is a prying toddler. I have one of those, he makes missals of my tampons! It would only be a matter of time before he scattered ghost un-paler all over my floor!

Here's what I did.

Dump the broken stuff into a little bowl.

Crush it all up with a spoon.....that's what I used. You can use whatever you want!

Add 1/4-1/2 tsp. water....be patient because make-up hates water and doesn't like to mix with it!

Press into original compartment and let it dry. Occasionally I blotted mine with a paper towel.

So ya, it's not gorgeous, but it totally works!

How to re-wig an American Girl doll

2012-12-11T13:04:00.001-05:00

Last year for Christmas the little ladies of the house received American Girl dolls. I adore them myself so I was thrilled when they each wanted one.....there may have been some gentle persuasion...but I admit to nothing!

When the dolls arrived, I seriously felt like a kid. They were so pretty, and perfect and....well, smiley! Sadly, the doll I bought for my oldest had curly hair and after just a few months of use her hair was all sorts of nasty. I even tried the fabric softener trick which worked for a little while but went quickly back to "ratty".

Bummer.

While perusing the net a few months ago, I curiously Googled: "how to re-wig american doll". Winning!

You know what? It's totally possible! And you know what else?? It was pretty darn easy too!

Here's my process. Bear in mind the original wig was trashed so I didn't want to keep it. If you're wanting to be able to switch out wigs the "scalping" of the doll will have to be gently done. Here's where I got our wig.

Pull the rest of the wig cap down over the ring of glue.

Maneuver it until it looks right.

You're still seeing the bald doll in your brain aren't you? I don't know if it will ever leave mine.

DIY Holly wreath tutorial

2012-12-07T10:30:00.000-05:00

Every year while perusing the Pottery Barn catalog I fall in love with their fresh foliage wreaths. I've always been enthralled with the homespun Christmas look, so fresh wreaths are right up my alley. Then I found a shop on Etsy that sells gorgeous fresh box wood wreaths and the light bulb in my rusty brain started to flicker. 'I wonder if I could do such a thing?' Turns out it's not only possible but it's totally budget friendly!

The great thing about this tutorial is it should work for just about any evergreen. Boxwood, Balsam, Pine, Cedar....etc. Whatever you have at your disposal. (Unfortunately for my hands all I had was holly)

I usually hate our holly bushes. They're poky, harbor scary creatures, and need lots of hair cuts to keep them in line. This year, I'm super glad to have them!!

(it only took 5 years...sheesh!)

To begin, cut each stem off of the branches. Mine were all about 5-7 inches long. Also, to wrap the bundles of holly, I cut some of my floral wire in thirds making them around 5 inches long.

You may now commence the "Fa la la-ing"

Picture frame ornament tutorial

2012-12-04T14:49:00.001-05:00

My brain has been buzzing with Christmas stuff and I'll be lucky if I can get 3 tutorials in before the blessed day! Thank heavens for Tator Tots and Jello!!

Have you noticed that life is insane all through the "ber" months?? I totally have too! But I love it! I love pulling out the scarves and mittens and drinking my body weight in hot chocolate. I actually love all the planning and scheming associated with the holidays as well. I'm weird.

This year, I decided to buy my my kids a tree because I wanted my own. (is that wrong and Grinchy of me?) Ironically, the theme of my tree is my family. I had great plans (not all of them implemented yet) for said tree. I knew I wanted some mercury glass orbs (epic craft fail by the way), pine cones (for that earthy handmade look), and pictures of my favorite people. I know what you're thinking, but unfortunately Hugh Jackman did not make the cut. (sad I know)

I found all of my tiny frames at the dollar store, so like, score!

Start by removing the little arm thingy on the back of each frame (I know I'm sure eloquent) and slide the back off.

On the wrong side of the removed frame back shoot a puddle of glue with your hot glue gun. Carefully stick each end of your twine (about 6 inches long) into the hot glue making a loop.

Usually there's a piece of cardboard in each picture frame. If you have it, slap it on the exposed glue. Center your picture in the frame and tape in place. Then with the cardboard facing the back of the picture, slide the back of the frame in.

There you have it. The easiest Christmas ornaments ever! Oh, and I won't judge if you decide to implement a handsome man theme. I totally have a few on my own tree!

handmade Christmas part 1

2012-11-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

Every year I get an "I'm so crafty I wanna make every Christmas present" itch. This year is no different. I wish I'd get it in June though. After Halloween the handmade Christmas itch makes me a frantic monster of a person. I'll work on that problem next year.

First up an Anna White doll bed pattern. My girls got AG dolls last year so a doll bed would be perfect this year right?! Right.

Okay, this is going to happen this year. I've admired Yoki the Dragon for a couple of years now. Is he not the most adorable thing ever? Yes he is and he is going to make a boy I know very happy.

Copy and paste above praise for this adorable rhino stuffie. I love Mariska's patterns. Love. Them. I bought the 3 pattern pack last time and had such a hard time choosing only 3. She's a brilliant artist!

After you make these cute stuffies make a tent for your kids to stick 'em in!

I adore this sweet little tent featured over at Sew Mama Sew.

And for the Star Wars lover in your house you can't go wrong with this cute little Chewie softie. When I showed this photo to my 6 year old he freaked out and needed one post haste! This is a super simple project and can be finished in an hour or 2.

I don't know about your kiddos but mine {heart} tents. They frequently trash our family room in pursuit of their tent adventures which makes me think this would be a fantastic gift for any of my 5 hooligans. Super easy and you could totally make it using vintage sheets which is what I will probably do as I happen to adore all things vintage....although chevron would probably rock as well.

Have any of these DIY gifts sparked any handmade Christmas ideas?? I thought so.

The duties of a super hero

2012-10-29T23:09:00.001-04:00

Being a mother is a dangerous profession. There are all sorts of scary things I have to do now. Like fishing poop out of the tub, cleaning out the refrigerator, checking to see if random undies lying on the floor are clean, and protecting sleeping children from Shelob-esk invadors. (yup we're a bunch of LOTR dorks over here)

None of these things bring me satisfaction or joy.....like at all, but to be a responsible adult one must very properly suck it up and deal. For some strange reason when it comes to creepy crawly things my eyes are immediately drawn to their hideous presence. Such was the case tonight. As I went into our dungeon-ous basement to shut off the lights my eyes scanned the room and instantly I beheld the most gigantic spider nestled in one of the corners of our family room. Seriously I think I stopped breathing. Huge. It was HUGE!

So naturally I sat down to contemplate my options: I could squish it, catch and release, or leave it alone and wait for it to carry my children home to it's giant family. Of course I also couldn't help remembering horror stories of bajillions of wolf spider babies scattering upon the sqashing of the mom wolf spider. Being the brave soul that I am I picked up the nearest shoe and planned my attack. After 7 minutes of staring the monstrosity down (and making absolutely sure it had no babies) I walked over to it and swiftly (sort of) brought my 6 year old's shoe down....of course it was in a corner so it scurried away from me a bit. I'm not going to lie to you, I screamed a little. In the end Shlob's cousin met with 3 more blows of the shoe...or it may have been 24 more blows. Who knows. All I know is that I played the hero tonight and it feels pretty great! Also, I will be hiring a different exterminator....like tomorrow.

Blogging hiatus and business cards

2012-10-25T09:03:00.000-04:00

I've been on a heck of a long blogging hiatus. Mostly for my own sanity. I'm not going to apologize because it was a much needed break. I'm going to pretend that I haven't been swamped with Halloween costumes, new business plans, and setting up my very own "studio" (in home studio that is). I'll let you all think that I've been catching up on my precious readings of Mr. Darcy and his flirtations with one Elizabeth Bennet. drinking cocoa, and soaking in bubble bath after bubble bath. The former would be much too tedious so we'll pretend the latter.

I am excited about a new business venture that has completely hijacked my brain and all other interests. I'm in the throws of starting up my own alterations and custom sewing business. The idea is to start small.....like in my house small, and then eventually (if I enjoy it, build clientele, haven't pulled all my hair out)go store front. It's been a little overwhelming but I've had such an outpouring of love and support from my friends and family that I'm ready to take the plunge.

I'm not entirely sure what it means for my blog. I suppose I'll eventually need an actual website but I'm trying not to kill myself off just yet with all the logistics. One bite at a time is my strategy. Today's bite? Business cards. I've got to get my big bum out of my house and talk to as many people as possible and hopefully spread the word that there's a new alterations specialist in town.....wow. I'm a dork. But really, this is today's goal. Talkin' up the biz. This is probably the hardest most painstaking aspect for me. I don't enjoy the networking and the talking about myself bit. But whatever. Wish me luck dear friends!

BB Daily Deals + Giveaway

2012-09-26T14:42:00.002-04:00

Do you want to know a love of mine? Deals. Deals, bargains, sales, clearance...I love it all! That's why I'm super excited about this awesome new website, BB Daily Deals.

BB Daily Deals is a website off shoot of the darling "Bungalow Boutique" in Heber UT which sells fun home decor, boutique clothing, and (my favorite) handmade treasures by local artisans. This place is a little slice of heaven to me (unfortunately I live on the opposite side of the country...boo)

This new site, however, will be offering discounts on certain items in her lovely little shop on a daily basis. So happily for those of us who can't physically get there, it will give us access to some pretty sweet discounts! Hooray right?!

Isn't it adorable?!

Here are some items that will be sold in the next little while

To kick off the opening of her new site, Kathleen is giving away an amazing frame set (like the one above) valued at $60. It's so easy, you can't be too lazy to enter this one.

Here’s how you can enter to win:

1. Head over to BB Daily Deals and enter your email address in the signup box. This will alert you of new awesome deals. ***Remember: You've got to confirm your email address via the link in the confirmation email you'll receive from the site to be entered to win!

2. Like The Bungalow Boutique facebook page!

Easy peasy right?! . . . winners will be chosen directly from the BB Daily Deals confirmed email list. (And no worries, your email address will not be passed around or shared with other sites.... promise!)

ps. no need to comment on this post letting me know you entered. I'm just the one heralding this great news to you!

Artsy Fartsy photography

2012-09-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

Every once and a while I get a hankering for arty fartsy photography complete with editing. Husband doesn't understand....but I do it anyway. Now all you photographers out there. No judging. I have no idea what I'm doing....mmk!

I really love the cinema-scope filter in Picasa. It whacks out the color but I think it's kinda cool. I also love perfecting my eyebrows with the "retouch" tool.....don't laugh!

I think it's amazing how a close up can really capture emotion or thought........

irritation

cheerful

I love my mom

feeling bashful

I'm a serial killer disguised as an angel

thank heavens for retouch

Pineapple and chicken fried rice

2012-09-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

Food is a happy thing for me. I love to smell it. I love to eat it. And when I'm not being mauled by children I love to prepare it (emphasis on the not being mauled bit)

Recipe adapted from Pioneer Woman's "Pork Chops with Pineapple Fried Rice"

A little while ago I was talking to a friend of mine about dinner....what else would we talk about?! She mentioned a recipe she had found on The Pioneer Woman's blog. It sounded so tasty that I promptly looked up the recipe and bought all supplies to "throw" it together. It's such a simple yummy meal and my family loved it which is odd because I can't seem to make anything that they all like at the same time. So here's my take on this fabulous recipe!

Chicken and Pineapple Fried Rice

1 Pineapple, Cut Into Spears
2 cups White Or Brown Rice, Cooked
2 large chicken breasts
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 whole Large Onion, finely chopped
6 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
1 Tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
2 Tablespoons Honey
a pinch of ground cayenne pepper
Salt To Taste
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 Eggs

Directions

Cook rice and set aside.

Saute pineapple spears. Cut into chunks and set aside.

Heat oil over medium heat, then add the onions and garlic. Saute for 3-4 minutes.

Add chicken breasts and cook until chicken is cooked through. While chicken is cooking combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and cayenne. Pour over chicken. Shake the pan, stir it around, and let it cook and bubble up for a good couple of minutes until chicken is completely cooked and the sauce is thicker. Remove the chicken and cut into chunks. Return chicken to pan and toss with the sauce and add pineapple. Pour into a bowl and set aside.

Add a small amount of oil to the same pan (without cleaning it) and return it to the stovetop over medium-high heat. Crack in the eggs and immediately stir them to scramble them a bit. Add peas and a couple of tablespoons (additional) soy sauce. Add cooked rice and stir it around to cook for a couple of minutes.

To serve, pile rice on a plate, then top with the chicken/pineapple mixture.

Back to school fashion

2012-09-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

I'm not going to lie to you, I love back to school shopping! I love perusing the web for the biggest and best deals of all time, and I love "dressing" my kids. Ya, my kids' mom dresses them! Bahaha!

My older girls are getting to be more independent and wanting to take charge of their own wardrobes, which can be a little terrifying at times. They're getting their own fashion sense and for the most part it's pretty neat to see their personalities coming out in their ensemble choices, but sometimes it can get a little crazy.

Evelyn loves cardigans which I'm totally down with. I {heart} cardigans and I'm itching to pull my own out of hibernation. So this is great we can identify with each other!

(Click on the pictures to go to original source)

While skinnies are all the rage (I love them myself) my second baby hates them. It's cool though because boot cuts and flares are so flattering on her. That's an important rule to follow and she's learned it early. Kudos Caitee Bug!

Spencer doesn't really care as long as he's comfortable....so I pretty much just dress him the way I want to. The easiness of boys is overwhelming.

Secretly, I wish my kids were enrolled in a Catholic school.....or any school that required uniforms. My inner prep is alive and well I'm afraid.

So what are your favorite kid fashions??