Fabric Bonanza!

I decided I need to MOVE some of the fabric out of the house: hubby is looking to do some work on a couple of rooms but CAN'T due to fabric constraints.  So.... it's time!

If you live nearby, come on over this weekend!  I'm marking most fabric 50% off!  Here's what it looks like at this moment:

I'll post more pix once it's all beautiful and organized!  If you don't live near and see something you just HAVE to add to your stash, let me know and we'll see what we can do!  I can fit about 5 yards or so in a flat rate envelop and LOTS in a flat rate box to save you money, so let me know!

Did I mention I am cooking, too?  I'll have lots of treats available (things from my OTHER blog!!)

Till later,
Carrie

Scrapbooking eBook

I have way too many pictures that NEED to get into a scrapbook.  I have the materials.  I just need the motivation.  I may have found it.

While searching the Internet the other day, I came across an eBook filled with titles and quotes that should put a fire under me to get started!  Then I looked at what else came WITH it... yikes:

• Friendly Gifts Craft Sayings e-book 
• Friendly Gifts Scrapbooking for Beginners e-book 
• Be a Scrapbooking Pro e-book
• Digital Scrapbooking Made Easy e-book 
• Scrapbooking Fonts Collection 
• Scrapbooking Kits Collection 
• Scrapbook 3D Title Maker 
• The Ultimate Scrapbooking Guide 
• Scrapbook Software 
• Create-A-Face 
• Scrapbook Generator

At this point I realized two things:
1.  I wasn't going to have any excuses: I am going to have to get back to scrapbooking, print those photos off the computer and haul out the boxes to get this done.  Well... maybe not DONE... but at least a dent made?

2.  I would make sure that my crafting friends also knew about this collection!  I signed up to be an "affiliate" with Terri Burrit, the author, and parked a little link over on the side for folks to see.  Being an "affiliate" means I receive a small compensation when my readers purchase the e-book.  I am so appreciative of any of you that do - it helps support the blogging I do and love.  Hugs and thanks so much!

One of the nifty things is that as an affiliate, I am able to offer a sample to you!  Whooo hooo!  Isn't that cool?  As one of my readers, all you'll need to do is click HERE and viola!  You pop in your email and a link to the sample zip into your inbox!  Wow... the wonders of modern science!  To check out the complete offer for the book, just click Click Here!. 

I am pretty excited to check out the craft sayings eBook, too.  I like playing around with creating posters in PicMonkey - might be a nice source of sayings to work with.

When I went through the sample items,  I found the titles just what I was looking for.  I do want to say that the "resource" page and links ALL seem to take you to more books to purchase - guess that's how this works, but I felt this one was more than enough for me for now.

You do also get a pair of craft eBooks, but in my opinion, they are for beginners.  If you have experimented with crafts and such, these might be a bit basic for you.  Then again, maybe these would be some great ideas for those of you with young children/grandchildren!  The illustrations are very simple sketches - I prefer photographs myself, for a better idea of what I am trying to do.  That's just me.

Take a peek and see what you think.  I think this may just be the kick in the pants I need!

Back a few years ago I was really into scrapbooking and went through quite a few photos, designed lots of pages and created several books.  Here's one page I really liked.  Very simple but tied together both the images (with color and theme) and where we were at at that time in our lives:

That little boy?  He's now almost 30 and STILL works with his dad see yesterday's post about Dodge Hill Family Farms!

So, it looks like I am going to be hauling out the paper & photos, guys!  Guess what YOU'LL be seeing here at Whitt's Kits?  Oh yah... scrapbooking ideas!  Let's get that flashdrive filled and head to Walmart!  :)

Happy crafting,
Carrie

PS.  As mentioned, this is a product you can purchase.  I do receive some compensation from the author, but the opinions of the product are all mine.  The good and the not so.  :)

Dodge Hill Family Farms --> Now on Facebook!!

Just what I needed: one more social network to manage, right?  Well, what's a mom/wife to do when your first born asks for help?  Create.

If you've followed my blog or know us, you'll know that for the past several years hubby and son have been doing maple sugaring.  They love it and we love the sweet stuff!  "We're going to the sap house" is one of my grandson's favorite sayings!

Realizing that social media is king, I told the two of them they needed a presence.  "Great!"  was the reply.  "When are you going to do it?"  So, I sat down yesterday and played around till I got what would be our first shot at it.  Here's the images I came up with.

First, is the profile:

Here's the cover shot, done "collage":

I created both in PicMonkey.  I'm getting better all the time with that one.  :)

Well... come on over, if you haven't yet, and "Like" the new page.  We'd love it and hey, I have to do my job, right?

Enjoy the day,
Carrie

Fun with my grandsons!

On Friday I posted some ideas for fun with my grandsons this past weekend on Friday Favs. There was some food fun and crafty thoughts.  We had a chance to do several of them and I thought I'd share the results.

I didn't get a chance to do the fruit plate - they ate the fruit BEFORE I could make it look all cute!  Oh well, it was yummy anyway.

We didn't need to make our own instruments (didn't get a chance to, really) but the boys found a couple recorders and regaled us with screeching noise music for awhile. It improved greatly when we popped on a Youtube video of The Lumineers - "Ho Hey" and one sang along while the other kept the beat with the recorder - seriously funny!

I would highly recommend the terrariums.  As I thought, it was a nice chunk of time spent outside collecting goodies. Myster was all about the plants - younger brother just wanted rocks!!  They filled the containers, toted them to the porch in their wheelbarrow and set to work creating once they were inside.

Youngest enjoyed pouring the rocks and sand in - he FILLED it with plants.  The above photo is Memere's "thinning" result.  Their terrariums came out pretty good for a 2 and a 3-year-old! You should definitely zip over to Parent Pretty so see how to make these.  Shauna looked at the site, made a list of what they needed and took that out with them because Myster loves to check things off!

The other huge hit was the pretzels!  As expected, the dough rolling was way too much fun!!  I'll be posting the recipe we used, our adaptations and some photos of the results on What's to Eat?  soon.  Till then... here's some process:

It was fantastic fun and the resulting pretzels were delicious!  Way to go, boys!

Have a great day and happy creating,
Carrie

Monday Mining: National Sunscreen Day - Let's Protect!

Good morning, friends!

Today is National Sunscreen Day.  As a field hockey coach I am VERY aware of the damage of sun - I often have to remind my athletes at the beginning of our season to be sure to protect themselves.  To that end, I thought I'd share some ideas I found that would help in this vein - how can we protect ourselves from the sun?

How about some DIY sunscreen?  Homemade Mommy has a recipe for what sounds like a lovely bar you rub on.  I tend to use a higher SPF than she says this has, but I like the lack of nasty chemicals.  Anyone else have an idea for this?

Image from www.homemademommy.net

Love this DIY straw hat from PS I Made This!  What a cute idea - bet you could find one to work with at Goodwill or some such place. 

Image from www.psimadethis.com/

Have some fabric handy?  Dulce Taylor will walk you through exactly how to make this project!  I want one made of the fabric she used - it's lovely. 

Image from www.dulcetaylor.blogspot.com/

This easy-peasy tutorial is perfect for a beach cover-up.  It's one of those "Why didn't I think of that?" sort of things!  See how she made this over at Make & Takes.

Image from www.makeandtakes.com

How about a DIY beach tent?  A few sticks, some fabric and Apartment Therapy says we can all pitch a tent!

Image via www.apartmenttherapy.com - by Alysha Findley

Your skin isn't the only thing that needs protecting!  Anyone else carry their Kindle or iPad around?  Daisies and Dominoes has a great project for protecting this valuable gadget!

Image from www.daisiesanddominos.blogspot.com

Do you have any other ideas for great ways to protect yourself and those you love from the summer sun?  Let' us know!

Have a creative day,
Carrie

Friday Fav's - 5/24/13

I am spending some time with my grandsons this weekend, so I thought I'd look around and see what great ideas hit me for today's Friday Favorites.

I LOVE the story Chica Chica Boom Boom - doesn't this look perfect to go with it?  A palm tree snack by The Coupon Lady.  Head over and see exactly how she does it plus lots of other ideas she has.

How about making some pretzels?   I found a pretty easy recipe at Chin Deep and kids love to dough, so this should be a hit!  

My boys LOVE bubbles!  This idea from The Muddy Princess is perfect!    She explains how to make this and I am thinking it will be hugely successful (more so that a regular "wand") because it makes so many!!

One thing our oldest grandson likes to make is noise music.  I came across a wonderful set of ideas for musical instruments made from everyday objects.  These go beyond a kazoo or a metal bucket upside down!  Take a peek!  Bugaboo, Mini, Mr & Me has 3 different posts describing how to make these.  Love it!

The last thing I think would be a fav with them is making a terrarium.  I found some wonderful directions at Parent Pretty.com.  The nice thing about that is you can incorporate a good long walk outside.  I am thinking grab the red wagon and head out!

Hope your weekend is loaded with fun - I know ours will be!
Carrie

More Eco-Free Laundry Detergent

Good morning, friends!

The other day I gave you an update on my homemade eco-friendly laundry detergent.  Here's some things you might want to consider, if you aren't sold on trying it yet.

• Making eco-friendly laundry detergent is easy. You can find all the ingredients you need at your local supermarket. When I first bought some washing soda, I had to order it through my hardware store (thank you, Edmund’s Hardware!)  Now I have been able to find it at the grocery store – I think more and more people are trying it!
• It saves you money.  The ingredients are less expensive than buying a jug of manufactured detergent. Plus, a homemade batch will last you quite a long time.The sign above is vintage, but it's true if you make your own!
• It isn’t made with as many chemicals so it’s better for the environment.

I found another formula using soap flakes (rather than Fels Naptha soap).  If you try this one, let me know what you think – I would like to give it a try when I finish this container’s worth.

I also have another option for you, if you like to use liquid detergent.

Powder Detergent Ingredients:

* 1 cup borax

* 1 cup washing soda

* 2 cups soap flakes (use glycerin or other natural soap grated with a cheese grater or food processor)

* 1 Large bowl or bucket for mixing

* Storage container

Directions:

Simply combine the ingredients in a large bowl. Store in your container of choice. When ready, use approximately 1/8 of a cup of detergent. 

Note: The ration for powder detergent is one borax to one washing soda to two soap flakes. So you could easily double, triple or quadruple the recipe. Just keep the proportions equal.

Liquid Detergent Ingredients:

* Cheese grater (Sturdy food processor with a grating attachment or a blender can work well too)

* Large saucepan  (needs to hold at least six cups of water)

* 8 oz. soap (glycerin or other natural soap works best.)

* 2 cup washing soda – you can find this at your local home store or supermarket

* 2 cup borax

* Large bucket. Needs to hold approximately two gallons.

* Water  

* Storage container 

Directions:

1. Grate 8 ounces of your soap (about one cup)

2.  Turn burner on to medium low. Heat six cups of water in large saucepan. Slowly add soap flakes. Let them dissolve before adding more.

3.  Add washing soda and borax. Continue stirring. Mixture will thicken. Remove from heat.

4.  Add four cups of hot water to your bucket. Pour soap mixture into the water. Stir to combine.

5.  Add another gallon of water to the mixture. If you’re using a two gallon bucket simply fill the rest of the bucket up with water. Stir well. Let sit overnight.

6.  Pour mixture into your storage container. When you’re ready to do laundry, use ¼ cup of detergent per load.

The liquid options is definitely more time consuming, but if you love liquid and it's all you want to use, this is a great option.  My daughter-in-law swears by her homemade liquid detergent, so it's worth a try!

Let me know what you think.  Do you have a formula that works for you?  Do tell!

Enjoy,

Carrie

Wordless Wednesday: Children in the Arts Festival

When I have to work on a Saturday, it's always cool if it's a fun day.  Children in the Arts Day in downtown Peterborough is just that!  No more words - just look at the fun!

So much creativity unleashed!

Thanks for stopping by,
Carrie

Do you eat? Do you cook? Check out the new blog!

Good morning, friends!

I am heading into the kitchen for awhile this morning to bulk up our "What's in the freezer?" options.  Shauna and I worked up a few things yesterday and today we're doing some more.  I am enjoying this immensely, even on days like yesterday when we had to head out to a couple of games in the afternoon/evening.  We put together a cooler filled with the "parts and pieces" necessary to make dinner and away we went.

BTW, just want to give a shout out to the ConVal Cougars Girls Softball Team!  You ladies are AWESOME!!  Luv yah!

Okay...anyway, back to the task at hand.

If you haven't stopped by the new blog, What's To Eat?  Dining In and Out, PLEASE DO!!  We are having a bit too much fun over there!  If you cook or eat, you'll find ideas you'll enjoy!  Here's a quick summary of what's been on tap so far:

Does that tickle your taste buds?  If so, come on over and take a peek!

Hugs,
Carrie

Mining Monday: Memorial Day Ideas

Wow, would you look at that - I'm trying to do things a week ahead?  Who is this and what are you doing with my blog!  Just kidding... sort of... Let's see what EASY and quick ideas come my way to get ready for the upcoming holiday.

Before we start having lots of fun, it is important to remember why we celebrate this holiday.   It's time for a bit of history.  Memorial Day started as "Decoration Day" in 1868, after the Civil War. It was renamed "Memorial Day" in 1882 but it wasn't declared the official name by Federal law until 1967.

A traditional observance of the day includes the flag being "raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains only until noon. It is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day. The half-staff position remembers the more than one million men and women who gave their lives in service of their country. At noon their memory is raised by the living, who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty and justice for all." Wikipedia

As the wrestling coach at our high school, many of my husband's former athletes (and several of my field hockey players) have gone on to serve in our nation's armed forces.  Having a son, some of his friends did, as well.  On Memorial Day, their service stands out in our minds.  Thanks goes out to you all.

We appreciate all you have done and continue to do.  Now, let's celebrate this together!

~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~

This first one is not only for decorating, it's useful.  Fantastic! It also gets me thinking about other ideas using other washi prints.  Oh goodie!  Pop over to The Sweetest Occasion to see all the details.

Better Homes & Gardens has this sweet idea for serving up fruits with your red, white & blue theme.  Just so happens I have some parchment paper on hand, but I could see using scrapbook paper to REALLY jazz it up.

Here's another decorating idea from Martha Stewart, and we all know she's the queen of that!  My grandsons would enjoy these.

This decoration is super cool and inexpensive to make.  I will probably try this with fabric, because, well, you know me!  Multiples and More will tell you all about it.

Wait till you see this tablescape from over at Hoosier Homemade.  I totally have to try the blue jean serving platter!  You MUST go see what she did!  I love the pockets to hold silverware and napkins.  Whitt had better watch his jeans... might need to "borrow" them!

It just so happens that I have a Sizzix that can make star cutouts.  Using AliLily's idea, I could whip up a super quick star banner like this.

I would like to end by suggesting this book for children. Eve Bunting is an incredibly talented author and her messages are clear and touch the heart.  You can find it on Amazon (The Wall) or at your local library.

I will have some food ideas next week.
For now, hugs from NH,
Carrie

PS.  As an Amazon Associate, we receive a small compensation for anything purchased through our links.  We appreciate you support!  Thanks!

Five Friday Favorites: Week #2

Good morning, friends!
I am back in search of things I've seen that I love this week.  Let's think warmer weather, shall we?  Puleeze?!

How about starting with something to eat.  This one stopped me in my clicking tracks: Loaded Mashed Potato Balls!!  Bacon, potatoes, cheese?  They have it all!  Head over to Centless Deals to find out how!

 

Lindsay has some fantastic creations she's sharing with us all as freebies off her blog.The print below is one to purchase, but go to Lindsay's site.  Read about WHY we have to be careful about pinning and listen to her.  Follow the pins BACK to their source!

We love scrabble.  Here's my Friday Favorite Game Idea.  This site tells you how to make it.  Yay!

Here's my Friday Favorite where flowers are concerned: I told you I was thinking warm weather... with that around here come lilacs!  I can't wait! Here is an entire article from Midwest Living about my favorite floral.  Sigh...

Here's a crafty Friday Favorite - looks like fun!  It's a Rag Rug Tutorial by Sugar Bee Crafts.  It looks very do-able.  What do you think?

Hope your weekend is wonderful.  Enjoy and have a great day,
Carrie

Wow! Laundry Soap Lasted!

Good morning, friends!

I just HAD to let you know about the laundry soap I made back in April.   It was 1 lb of each of these:

• Baking Soda
• Washing Soda
• Borax

and 1/2 bar of Fels Naptha soap, grated. (You can see the original post HERE.)

I HAD to report back on it!

When I originally made it, I gave it 4 1/2 stars.  I am going to now say: 5 stars!  Not only is it phenomenally inexpensive per load, it cleans like a whistle and NO problems for the people here who need fragrance free. 

I made the first batch on April 28th and finished up the container 5 weeks later!  We are literally talking pennies/load here, people!

I still thing the Fels Naptha is strong, but I will live with it and grating it is the hardest part, but ALL GOOD!

Let me know if you decide to give it a try - questions?  Just ask!!

Carrie

Wordless Wednesday: One of my Mother's Day Treats

Welcome, friends -
It's Wednesday and that means an image I'd like to share.  Today you can see the adorable gift I received from my grandsons - luv, luv, luv it!  It's absolutely perfect and I can't wait to head into the kitchen to use it.  I will have to give something similar a try for you all to win for one of my aprons of the month!

For now, here it is:

Hugs to my boys! 
Memere (AKA, Carrie)