Gathered Clutch!!

Jake has been invited to a classmate's Birthday Party this weekend and I decided to whip up this cute little gathered clutch for the Princess!  I must say that I think it turned out adorable!  I love the colors and the white band is perfect!  I think I may make one for myself...

Stay tuned as I plan to put up a tutorial for you to make a Gathered Clutch on your own!

Tutorial Tuesday - Baby Burpcloth

 An easy and fun gift to give a friend who's had a baby is homemade burpclothes.  They are unique and everyone loves a handmade gift!  I went to JoAnn Fabrics to pick up a package of 4 Gerber Burpclothes.  I believe they are about $6 or less.  And...with a coupon...even less!

 At JoAnn's I also found this pink John Deer flannel fabric.  I have normally used regular cotton, but wanted to give flannel a try this time.  I love it!  I picked this fabric out because the burpclothes are for a friend who's baby girl announcements had this exact pattern as a background, so I know they like this.

 Iron out the fabric to get all the wrinkles out and then measure the length of the burpcloth. Cut the length of the fabric about an inch longer than the length of the burpcloth (you will be folding over the edges for sewing and want to make sure the flannel will be the same length as the burpcloth). I cut the width at 5 1/4".  Unfortunately, and I don't even know how I forgot, I didn't get pictures taken of folding and ironing the edges all around the flannel.  I iron the edges over about 1/4" on the sides and however much under on the ends to fit the length of the burpcloth and iron it down and then pin it to the center of the burpcloth.  I then sew very close to the edge of the flannel all around the flannel piece.  I used a white thread which gives it a nice look.  Any color thread you choose will be nice. 

I made two of the burpclothes.  Aren't they cute!?!?  I can't wait to get them mailed to their sweet baby girl.

Have fun going to the store and finding a cute print for a girl or a boy!  You can't go wrong giving burpclothes!!

Grilled Burgers = YUMMY!

 This is what I call a true burger!  Huge, isn't it??  Not to worry, just squish it down to a size that will fit in your mouth for a scrumptious bite!

 Let's get first things first:  the buns.  These buns are good and I had them on hand.  Though I do think a sesame seed bun would be even tastier.  So, go grab the buns you like and get ready!

 Butter the tops of the buns, and don't go chinsey on the butter.  Good grief, we are making the perfect burger so spread it on there nice and thick...

 Put them buttered side down on a nice hot griddle.  Mine was turned up to 300 degrees or so.  Let them toast there for a minute or two...

 Take them off the griddle and this is what it looks like.  Yummy, huh?

 Head outside to check on the burgers on the charcoal grill.  There's just something extra special about charcoal grilled burgers, let me tell ya.  And, my husband does the best grill job!

 Now, for the spread.  I make this up earlier in the day so it has time to let the flavors blend well.  Take about 3/4 cup of Mayo, 1 tsp of minced garlic, and 1 tsp or more of lemon juice and mix it up.  YUM!

This is the spread before it's mixed.  

When you're ready to build your burger, add this spread to the toasted bun top.  Then pile on avocado, tomato, onion, and more of your favorite veggies!  It is crazy good!

Rosetti Purse - Score!

I love thrift stores and, more specifically, 'Savers'.  I've mentioned this store before because of it's organization, friendliness, and cleanliness.  Last week, when my Mom was visiting, we loaded up and headed there.  My daughter, Tayler, found this purse and I couldn't resist snatching it up.  It cost me all of $10.99!  I was looking up on ebay how much this purse was selling for but couldn't find this exact one.  I did find similar ones that were going for up to $30!  That means I saved nearly $20!!  Major score for me...and...it is in 'like new' condition, which is a huge plus.  I've gotten lots of compliments on it already and smile away at the price tag!

May Giveaway - Craft/Sewing Tote

Enter a comment on this post to WIN this cute Tote Bag from JoAnn Fabrics!!  Perfect size for carrying your crafting supplies.  I couldn't resist picking this up at the store today and want to share one with a reader!

The WINNER will be announced on Saturday May 4th!!

Snow Ice Cream

Yesterday the kids had a Snow Day from school as a storm was rolling in.  Denver gets most of our snow in March and April, so when I am ready to go plant flowers...I don't until the end of May due to our crazy Spring storms.  Anyway...  I sent them outside to get a big bowl of snow (white, specifically. lol) while I mixed up the rest of the ingredients to make Snow Ice Cream.  I was way impressed with it as it tasted like homemade ice cream.  Possibly a touch sweeter, but who cares, right?

Snow Ice Cream

Big bowl of white snow

2 eggs

4 cups milk

2 cups sugar

3 tsp vanilla extract

1/4cup - 1/2cup sweetened condensed milk

send kids out to get snow

meanwhile, whisk the eggs until bubbly (1-2 minutes)

add milk and whisk until bubbly some more (1-2 minutes)

add sugar and whisk until bubbly again (1-2 minutes...notice a pattern here??)

add vanilla, whisk until you know when

add snow and sweetened condensed milk and stir with wooden spoon

Eat and Enjoy!

Quick Mix Muffins

I was given Make a Mix Cookery by Karine Eliason, Nevada Harward, and Madline Westover. It is a cookbook filled with recipes for bulk mixes.  I love it!  I made up their Quick Mix recipe (follows) and enjoy using it to make muffins.  You can add whatever ingredients for flavoring it, such as lemon and poppyseed.  I've also used craisins.  I am sure blueberries, strawberries, chocolate chips and more would also taste great!  I store the quick mix in my pantry and it is good for 3 months.  Perfect easy treat to make!

Quick Mix Recipe

8 1/2 cups flour

1 Tbsp baking powder

1 Tbsp salt

2 tsp cream of tartar

1 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 cups instant nonfat dry milk

2 1/4 cups vegetable shortening

*for altitudes above 3500 feet, add 1/2 cup flour to the mix

For the muffins:

2 1/2 cups Quick Mix

4 Tbsp sugar

1 egg

1 cup water or milk

Set oven at 425

  Grease the muffin tin or muffin paper

Bake 15-20 minutes, or until golden on top and the muffins bounce back after touching

ENJOY!