October | 2011 | Run For Your Life

Archive for October, 2011|Monthly archive page

Bandana Dress

In Bandana dress, sewing on October 30, 2011 at 6:15 am

So after stumbling across this blog – Trey and Lucy – and seeing how easy this looked, I just had to try it. I mean, this literally cost me about $5 and 30 minutes of my time. The stitches aren’t perfect, but this was my first try at using a sewing machine. Well, I take that back, my dearest Megan taught me the basics of using a sewing machine, but that was several years ago. So all in all, I think it turned out adorable. So now of course, I’m hooked and am going to work on perfecting it.

Two bandanas, sewn together with ribbon ties.

This is from earlier, I bought this adorable pillow case-esque style dress on Etsy. You bet I will be teaching myself how to make these. Also playing around with my new portrait lens.

I have several projects lined up for this week, so keep checking back!

And I have to say thanks to an awesome McFriend who sent me this sewing machine. It means so much!

▶ View 1 Comment

Patio Teaser

In Uncategorized on October 29, 2011 at 3:03 am

Like my bedroom, I wonder if our patio will ever be complete. But here is a little teaser of the pretty lights I put up. I have my patio set picked out just need to order it and we are going to Home Depot tomorrow to buy our “grill/fire-pit”. So excited!

▶ Comment

Cupcakes!

In Baking, Cupcakes, Halloween on October 28, 2011 at 5:54 am

Sophie and I made some yummy Halloween themed ice cream cone cupcakes.

Helping mommy blend the batter.

Not quite sure about the blender.

“Mom, are you sure about this”?

Yummy!

Nice late night treat! Poor Sophie has to wait until tomorrow to eat hers.

▶ Comment

Coasters for Christmas?

In Uncategorized on October 26, 2011 at 9:48 pm

I’ve been inspired so much lately and have been working on several projects. Yesterday I posted the silhouette picture project and today I’m going to post how to make homemade coasters using Mod Podge. After doing some google searches, I found out Mod Podge coasters are nothing new, but there are several ways to create them. The first set I made, I used scrapbook paper, the second set I’m using pictures (part of a Christmas gift). Depending on what materials you already have, this gift can be super cheap!

First you will need ceramic tiles. They are $.16 at Home Depot. Can’t beat that price! These are 4×4 size.

Next, decide what you want to use. I’m using pictures. But scrapbook & wrapping paper work or fabric.

Here is an example of scrapbook paper. You will also need felt. I used the the kind with peel off back. It’s just easier.

You will also need Mod Podge (gloss), sponge brushes, and any sort of protective enamel. You can use Polyurethane spray or even clear spray paint. Just make sure it’s a clear finish.

Apply and very thin layer of Mod Podge to tile and lay picture/paper on tile and smooth out. If you notice bubbles (especially with paper, use a credit card to smooth them out.) Let dry. Then apply 3-4 more thin layers on top. Let the MP dry about an hour in between each coat.

After you’ve put all the coats of MP on the tiles, spray with protectant and attach felt to back. Wait a couple weeks before putting hot stuff on them and don’t stack them together for a few days! You want to make sure all the MP and sealant have dried completely. Wrap in pretty ribbon and give!

▶ View 1 Comment

Need Christmas gift ideas?

In Uncategorized on October 26, 2011 at 3:57 am

I can’t take credit for this next project, I actually saw it on a friends Facebook last year sometime, jotted down the idea, and created it last week. (Thanks S. Gaffney!!) This would be a great Christmas gift idea for grandparents. 😉

It’s super easy and anybody can do it, trust me! I printed a picture of Sophie (side profile) on regular printer paper. stapled the picture over black paper and cut out her head/shoulders and tada, you have an awesome silhouette picture. Make sure to use small scissors if you have them, it helps with the details. I just glued mine to some beige paper and put it in a black frame. Of course any color would do!

I wanted something besides another picture to hang and this works perfectly!

▶ View 1 Comment

Fruit Water

In Uncategorized on October 24, 2011 at 6:53 pm

So I’ve tried different variations of flavoring my water with fruit. The first thing I tried was lemon, lime, & mint. It was good but not good if it sits for any amount of time. I mostly drink water, but hate flavoring it with Crystal Light, etc…because those aren’t that great for you. I know the make flavoring with Stevia, but I haven’t tried those yet.

So today (after seeing this recipe on Pinterest) I made up this pitcher.

Handful of raspberries, 5-6 apple slices, 5-6 strawberries (small), 5 orange slices.

Then I filled it with water and it’s now “chilling” in the fridge for a few hours. I did a quick taste, but it was definitely too soon to taste much.

Looks pretty, right?

Hope it tastes as yummy as it looks!

▶ Comment

Rotisserie Chicken Tostadas

In cooking on October 24, 2011 at 1:55 am

Need something super easy for dinner? I gotcha covered!

Ingredients:

8-6 flour or corn tortillas

Avocados, pitted, cut in to chunks.

1 Tbsp. lime juice (optional)

1.5 tsp salt

1 cup refried beans (fat free if you wish)

Cooked, shredded, boneless rotisserie chicken

1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese (your choice) I used Mexican blend.

Shredded romaine lettuce

Tomatoes or salsa

Preheat oven to 400.

Line baking sheet with al. foil.

Mist both sides of tortilla with cooking spray and place on sheet.

Bake until crisp, about 5 minutes. Or a little longer if your oven isn’t a fast cooker.

Toss avocado with lime juice and salt. (Or just salt like I did)

Spread refried beans on tortilla, top with chicken and avocado.

Sprinkle with cheese.

Return to oven for another 4-5 minutes until warmed through.

Top with lettuce and tomatoes/salsa.

Serve and enjoy!!

I’m totally guessing, but probably between 300-400 calories depending on size and ingredients used.

Also, if you want a more “healthy” version like me…you can use whole wheat tortillas and organic produce and cheese. I have to admit, some of my ingredients tonight are not organic, but I’m running super low on everything. Trader Joe’s here I come!

You can also substitute ingredients or add them. Anything from sour cream to jalapenos.