Pinterest Fun

I love Pinterest.  It is my way of relaxing at the end of the day.... to go through all the lovely pictures, "pinning" the photos to the links that will teach me how to do something new, or just inspire me.  It was time to start trying some of the "pins".

1.  The Time Out Jar/Mind Jar (water, glitter, glitter glue or gel glue, food coloring, and super glue to seal jar lid, if you have a 2 year old in the house.)

2.  Treasure Rocks/Dinosaur Eggs (used coffee grounds, flour, salt, sand, water and a trinket to hide inside)

3.  Busy Boxes (A small collection of objects to be used together, inspiring a little one to play independently and creatively.)

This one was glue, paper, pom poms, foam sticky letters and glitter.  She loved it.  

4. Shark Bite Drink (Pineapple Juice, Orange Juice, a splash of Grenadine, and lots of ice)

 

Another project that I have been working on over the past few weeks is a re-do of a child size rocker/glider.  

Before: It started out with lighter wood and this fabric.

After: White Paint and New Cushions!

What is your one of your favorite things on pinterest?

Inspired by...

Cute craft displays at the local toy store.

The return of embroidery.

Scrapbook with lots of bits.

The clean look of Russell & Hazel. I bought my planner from here, and the shop has the prettiest displays.  It makes me feel organized just by looking at it!

Bored with Cooking

I usually love to cook.  However, the 3 meals a day and 2 snacks that I have to produce on a daily basis are wearing me down.  I feel like we keep eating the same meals over and over and over...

It might be time to watch some Food Network, which I haven't tuned into in awhile.  Though yesterday I was watching Diners, Drive Thrus, and Heart Attacks and need healthier inspiration than that.  (Though it all looked scrumptious!!)

Any ideas?  In order to give back for any recipe ideas that you give me, here are a few of our staples (that we are completely bored of.)

Crock Pot:
Chicken w/ Bones in, 1 cup BBQ.  Remove bones and skin, Shred and use for quesadillas.
Pulled Pork: Cook over night with cider vinegar.  Pour off all liquid.  SHred and remove any fat or weird bits and cover in BBQ.
Pot Roast: Chuck Roast, Veg, 2 packets of Onion Soup Mix and a little water.  (This works quicker in the table top roaster.)
Roast Chicken: (I put it in the Tabletop roaster or in oven) Veg, salt and pepper, garlic, lemon in cavity

Chili: (kids won't eat it)-2 cans Ranch Style Beans, Ground Beef, 2 Cans diced tomatoes --we grind them up, cumin, chili powder, garlic, or even the Mcormick Chili Seasoning if you prefer.
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup:  Yes, we have this for dinner
Breakfast for Dinner: Ditto on above.
Homemade Pizza: dough is ridiculously easy, or buy it premade at Trader Joes for like a buck.
Chicken, Pan Cooked:  We have some version of this weekly.  Usually with pasta and broccoli. I'm sure if you have little kids this is on your menu SOMEWHERE.  We try to jazz up the adult version by making a sauce or putting in a tortilla.
Tacos:  With ground chicken. YUM.
Pork Tenderloin: preseasoned, throw in oven and follow directions on package (350F for about 30 min).  No one really loves this, so I have to make really good side dishes.  Corn on the cob is a favorite.
Pasta Night: Pasta+Sauce+Trader Joes Meatballs.  I get hugs for this.

Not a great list, but that is all I can think of at the moment. :)

Around the Home

I made this for a friend who moved into a new house. 

 I had to hide the felt sunshine from the kids, who wanted to play with it. 

Soleil loves to plant things.  

Unfortunately for these garlic and onion plants, she also likes to un-plant things. 

 

 I need this!  It looks really inspiring, with checklists and daily tasks. 

Family Visit!

I'm so happy that this will be leaving my garage.

My brother, Mike, bought this huge panda suit while he was on tour (he sells merchandise for a signed band) and when they came to Minneapolis, he convinced me to take it with me, until he could come to get it. He and my mom came for a visit this week.

Here is my mom at Tate's Grandparents' Day

 And my brother, Mike, in Soleil's spin chair.  He got a stomach cramp cramming himself in there, but it was pretty funny.

Mike watched Soleil while I took my mom to Tate's school.  He is an AMAZING babysitter.  Actually, both of my 20-something brothers are great babysitters!  They will make great husbands some day for this reason.  It was nice to be able to get out and feel very calm about who was watching the babe.