(Un)Crafty - Stainless Steel Magnetic Board

Yep...I would consider myself "uncrafty".  But, I love a good repurposing project, do-it-yourself remake, or something easy (especially when the outcome is impressive!).  This project falls into that category.  BUT, my mom made this for me and she actually IS crafty.  She can do lots of cool stuff; she's talented (and she's tried to help me/teach me on many occasions).  It just happens that is project is easy enough for even ME to do!

The frame is a photo frame from Michael's.  You can always find a -40% or even -50% off coupon online for Michaels for a regular priced item.  Often, photo frames there are already -40% off.  I think this frame ended up costing about $12.  The sheet metal is a pre-cut piece that happens to fit beautifully in this frame.  My mom lives in the great state of Minnesota, so she found her sheet metal at Lowe's or Home Depot, but the word on the street is that Menard's also has these pre-cut pieces of metal.  I think the metal runs about $4 for a piece this size.  My crafty mom said she is covering some buttons with fabric and attaching magnets to use - how cute!  Of course, any magnets will work.

1. Buy frame on sale at Michael's
2. Buy sheet metal cut to size
3. Take glass out of frame, replace with metal
4. Hang for immediate use and adorn with magnets!

I really love this because it allows for easy switching of current photos of my kiddos, easy pin-up of cards, announcements, and other fun mail.  Find a fun place to hang this and enjoy!

Looks good, right?  Thanks, Mom!

Be My Valentine

I'm not one for baking (or cooking, for that matter), but I had fun making these cute and easy cupcakes for a Valentine's treat.  I used a rich chocolatey cake mix, store bought frosting, and Peeps.  They were a hit!

Chicken Wild Rice Soup

I have never made soup before (from scratch...I am darn good at opening a can! Ha!).  On Sunday after a morning of playing outside in the freshly fallen heavy white snow, I could think of nothing better to feed the family than some yummy, comforting, warm soup.  So...I went where I've never gone before and made a new recipe for Cream of Chicken Wild Rice soup from my cousin.  After just one touch of the soup to his lips, my husband said, "Wow, this is really good!".  Why thank you.  :)  Not so bad if I do say so myself.

1 onion chopped
1 large carrot shredded
1 celery rib chopped
1/4 c. butter
1/2 c. flour
8 c. chicken broth
3 c. cooked wild rice
1 c. cubed cooked chicken
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 c. evaporated milk
1/4 c. chives snipped

In large saucepan, saute onion, carrot and celery in butter until tender.  Stir in flour until blended.  Gradually add broth.  Stir in the rice, chicken, salt and pepper.

Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.  Stir in evaporated milk; cook 3-5 minutes longer.  Garnish with chives.  Enjoy!

Visit Irvine Park!

Get to Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls this holiday season! Your kids will love cozying up in the car: pajamas and slippers are a must; and going to view the holiday lights display at Irvine. If the kids are old enough, treat them to their own little travel mug of hot chocolate or apple cider - this is a tradition they are sure to love!

Hint: December 12th is "walk through" when no cars are allowed. You can pull your kids on a sled, push a stroller, or just run in the snow!

Being (Un)Crafty - Felt Advent Calendar

I am really not very crafty. In fact, I consider myself best at really "uncrafty" projects like this one. I saw this cute advent calendar in a catalog and decided I could create one to make the countdown to Christmas a little more exciting. Its all made of felt, glue, and some other adhesives - no sewing or fancy stuff like that. Let me know if you want more info on how I created this little gem...oh...and if you have any great ideas of what to fill it with for my two year old!

Thankful

We are so thankful for so many things this year. Each year brings new blessings, new trials and new struggles. Admidst it all, we seem to have more and more things each year that we are so grateful for. This year, I made a Thankful Jar with some friends to have on our mantle. We were able to add cards with what we are thankful for - and our 2 year old could participate, which was a great lesson. And, hey, being thankful for the neighbors' dog is a pretty good start!

Bathtime Buddies

As you will quickly learn, I am a sucker for all things cute. The result makes me a total consumer - always on the look-out for the cutest addition to any activity, routine, or room in my house. I'm also a sucker for anything that will make the daily routine a little quicker, easier, and more fun for my kids! Bathtime is a superfun time at our house and I'm convinced its party due to our friends: Frog, Moby, and Shark (among many others).

The Boon Frog Pod is awesome! We registered for this gift on our baby registry at Target before the birth of our first son and its been a great item to have in the baby bathroom! The frog is equipped with little shelf that will hold your baby shampoos (Burt's Bees Baby is our favorite!), and a quick-drain removable scoops that allows your baby's bath toys to dry without any work from you! The kids love visiting the frog at bathtime...beautiful! You can see the Frog Pod and other cool Boon products at: www.booninc.com.

We also really love "Moby". Made by SkipHop, Moby is a bath spout cover for your bath that ensures your little ones won't bonk their head in the bath. This is the cutest, most versatile spout cover I could find - and so clever! At bathtime, the kids are excited to see Moby start up...he's our bathtime buddy. Easy to fit any bath spout and easy to remove for cleaning, this is a hit! Check it out: www.skiphop.com.

That brings me to our new favorite bath towels! The Pottery Barn Kids Bath Wraps are totally awesome and fun! These supersoft, thick bath wraps are superior quality and come in so many fun critters - you just can't resist! This would make a great holiday gift (on sale right now!). My favorite is the shark...it actually has a cute fin on the back - ADORABLE! You know the website, but I'll spell it out for you anyway: www.PotteryBarnKids.com.