I've been a member of Pinterest for a few months now. I avoided it for a loooooooong time because I knew what it would do to my already lacking time management. Unfortunately one day, I caved. How amazing is that world?? I could spend hours but have been disciplined enough to limit the categories I'll look at and my main page only comes up to the the "Pinners You Follow" section. Heaven forbid, I open the site to the plethora of delightful images. I know the limits of my ADD mind, and they cannot handle those endless possibilities. My children would be left to fend for themselves, and I'd fall off the face of this earth.
Check out what I've pinned! Some of the crafty projects are actually some I've seen in the past and have attempted on my own. I've only stepped in to the posting puddle with one toe as I've put just one of my own projects on display. As I start to review past creations for this blog, I'm sure I'll be brave enough to post more of my own pictures.
In the meantime, one of the more interesting baked goods I've found on Pinterest lately is a cupcake that includes a brownie layer on the bottom. The blogger actually made hers "neopolitan" style with the chocolate, a layer of strawberry cake and vanilla frosting on the top. I'm going with a chocolatey pepperminty combo when I finally get the energy to bake the 4 dozen cupcakes the recipe yields.
Time for dinner then off to retrieve the heathens from their dads to hang out til bedtime. Then it's off to the land of the jolly green people with orange hats as I do what it takes to make that dolla dolla!! Enjoy =)
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Reliving Recent Projects
I've spend the last several months combing the internet for new projects and trying some new things. I've developed a total love for mason jars, especially the vintage blue tinted ones!!
I imagine these lining a beach walkway leading to the water, glowing on a summer evening. Or around a gazebo as friends and family gather at dusk. While I've seen luminaries that use candles, on this particular project I used the tops of the solar lights that are sold at WalMart and other mass retailers. They fit perfectly on top of the jar and I didn't have to worry about the kids around the candles! I wasn't thrilled with the other decorative features I added to these particular jars but was looking for something that looked cheery during the daytime. There are definitely changes I'll make next time but maybe when I finally have that house in the country I'll have these everywhere along my big front porch and down by the pond.
See what I mean?? Not digging the decorations. But totally love the way the light reflects on the desk through the vintage lace. This was my first attempt. I learned some lessons but love the basic idea!
I imagine these lining a beach walkway leading to the water, glowing on a summer evening. Or around a gazebo as friends and family gather at dusk. While I've seen luminaries that use candles, on this particular project I used the tops of the solar lights that are sold at WalMart and other mass retailers. They fit perfectly on top of the jar and I didn't have to worry about the kids around the candles! I wasn't thrilled with the other decorative features I added to these particular jars but was looking for something that looked cheery during the daytime. There are definitely changes I'll make next time but maybe when I finally have that house in the country I'll have these everywhere along my big front porch and down by the pond.
See what I mean?? Not digging the decorations. But totally love the way the light reflects on the desk through the vintage lace. This was my first attempt. I learned some lessons but love the basic idea!
2012...BRING IT!
Have done horribly at this but I am ready to do this thing! Lots going on in the life of Chaos. Had to close the retail location but I've gotten a full time job in order to get things back on track!
So many new and exciting things I want to do this year and growing this blog is one of them so...stay tuned!!
So many new and exciting things I want to do this year and growing this blog is one of them so...stay tuned!!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Another Week Flies By...
Whew...ok someone please stop the ride! I'm ready to get off & take a break! Can you believe September is more than half over???
Time is flying by and with that, come many changes. The kids have adjusted fairly well to apartment life but I'm having "issues". Not sure how long I will be able make it work. It's a money saver but there are some things I'm not sure I can get used to. The cramped space is however making me want to revamp the back part of the shop into a workspace so that may be a project in the works very soon! I could be a little more productive on slow days that way. Productive equals peace of mind for me these days!
Latest projects...just doing more upcycling!! Gotta love finding new uses for furniture, "trash" and even clothing! Went thrifting the other day and got some wool sweaters...going to make some more leggies like these...
Aren't they adorable?? They will be so warm on somelilbaby's legs!! As you can see I've still got to work a little on my technique but hey...it was my first pair! And all my sewing is self-taught so my skills definitely need honed. Will have more available for sale!
Another easy peasey creation...baby leg warmers!! When my girls were little I loved putting Babylegs on them. They kept their legs warm (and protected while crawling), were cute as the dickens and made diaper changing so much easier. BUT...they were expensive! So...voila!
My version...and available for purchase in other great patterns!
(Ugh...somebody just stopped (stopped...as in stayed for an HOUR!!) into my shop...not a customer, just a friend of a friend digging for info...and totally ruined my blog mojo!!)
Soooo...hope the weekend is good to ya! Hasta luego!
Time is flying by and with that, come many changes. The kids have adjusted fairly well to apartment life but I'm having "issues". Not sure how long I will be able make it work. It's a money saver but there are some things I'm not sure I can get used to. The cramped space is however making me want to revamp the back part of the shop into a workspace so that may be a project in the works very soon! I could be a little more productive on slow days that way. Productive equals peace of mind for me these days!
Latest projects...just doing more upcycling!! Gotta love finding new uses for furniture, "trash" and even clothing! Went thrifting the other day and got some wool sweaters...going to make some more leggies like these...
Aren't they adorable?? They will be so warm on somelilbaby's legs!! As you can see I've still got to work a little on my technique but hey...it was my first pair! And all my sewing is self-taught so my skills definitely need honed. Will have more available for sale!
Another easy peasey creation...baby leg warmers!! When my girls were little I loved putting Babylegs on them. They kept their legs warm (and protected while crawling), were cute as the dickens and made diaper changing so much easier. BUT...they were expensive! So...voila!
My version...and available for purchase in other great patterns!
(Ugh...somebody just stopped (stopped...as in stayed for an HOUR!!) into my shop...not a customer, just a friend of a friend digging for info...and totally ruined my blog mojo!!)
Soooo...hope the weekend is good to ya! Hasta luego!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Balance...Has Anyone Seen Mine??
Whew...what a whirlwind these last few weeks have been. Unbelievably, and sadly I have heathen #3 in kindergarten. You would think that would leave me a little more time but noooooo....the pace has only picked up!! And the shop...well hopefully we are getting ready to dive into a busy season with the town's annual Festifair this Saturday so things are only going to fly from here!!
I felt like I needed to take a few minutes to re-group this morning so I was looking through some of the pages I've bookmarked over the last few months. Sometimes I save them and then never go back to look at what it was I wanted to remember. One of those pages was titled "Zen Habits" on the Gypsy Girls Guide blog. It was awesome reminder of the little things that can be done each day that can make a huge difference! Just thought I'd share it with you...
Appropriate, right?? I'm loving it and even printed it out.
That's my "share" for the day. Just another tool I'm going to attempt to use in order to find the balance of mom, woman, shop diva, and what other roles life throws at us!
I felt like I needed to take a few minutes to re-group this morning so I was looking through some of the pages I've bookmarked over the last few months. Sometimes I save them and then never go back to look at what it was I wanted to remember. One of those pages was titled "Zen Habits" on the Gypsy Girls Guide blog. It was awesome reminder of the little things that can be done each day that can make a huge difference! Just thought I'd share it with you...
Appropriate, right?? I'm loving it and even printed it out.
That's my "share" for the day. Just another tool I'm going to attempt to use in order to find the balance of mom, woman, shop diva, and what other roles life throws at us!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Happy Happy Sunday
It's a gorgeous morning so far...hard to believe that several hundred miles from here Hurricane Irene has been spreading her destruction through the night.
Been busy this week...finally getting the last of the little stuff put away in the new place, the 2 older kids started school and I've been getting little bits & pieces of time to start working on some more projects. One was an EPIC FAIL!!! I bought some peaches at the local farm on wheels and was very excited about trying a peach cobbler in the crock pot. I made the mistake of wanting to cook it overnight since 11:00 pm is when I get all my great inspiration. Unfortunately, I didn't wake up until it was burnt!! I even took a pic but I won't sadden you...my heart was crushed over the loss of that fresh peach, cinnamon-y goodness =(
Also did a little sewing this week...made a cute crayon roll!! Thank you Chocolate on my Cranium for your awesome tutorial!! That was very simple & I thought it came out pretty darn adorable. Going to tweak it a bit and roll some out for Christmas gifts to sell at the shop! Also made another dress out of a cute vintage pillowcase. Has some awesome orangey & turquoise to it!!
The crayon rolls can be made in any fabric/theme!! This particular one holds 16 regular sized crayons but that can be customized too! As you can see with the dress, the little diva did not feel like being photographed and made me show her the picture after I took it to be sure her face wasn't in the shot! I added the embellishments after I had her try it on.
Crazy Nana & Papa Jay are coming to visit today so I get to pick the kids up early!! Lots to do til then (like make Nanner Puddin...mmmm....).
Been busy this week...finally getting the last of the little stuff put away in the new place, the 2 older kids started school and I've been getting little bits & pieces of time to start working on some more projects. One was an EPIC FAIL!!! I bought some peaches at the local farm on wheels and was very excited about trying a peach cobbler in the crock pot. I made the mistake of wanting to cook it overnight since 11:00 pm is when I get all my great inspiration. Unfortunately, I didn't wake up until it was burnt!! I even took a pic but I won't sadden you...my heart was crushed over the loss of that fresh peach, cinnamon-y goodness =(
Also did a little sewing this week...made a cute crayon roll!! Thank you Chocolate on my Cranium for your awesome tutorial!! That was very simple & I thought it came out pretty darn adorable. Going to tweak it a bit and roll some out for Christmas gifts to sell at the shop! Also made another dress out of a cute vintage pillowcase. Has some awesome orangey & turquoise to it!!
The crayon rolls can be made in any fabric/theme!! This particular one holds 16 regular sized crayons but that can be customized too! As you can see with the dress, the little diva did not feel like being photographed and made me show her the picture after I took it to be sure her face wasn't in the shot! I added the embellishments after I had her try it on.
Crazy Nana & Papa Jay are coming to visit today so I get to pick the kids up early!! Lots to do til then (like make Nanner Puddin...mmmm....).
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Two (Ok...3) Ingredients! And Delicious Too!!!
So I've been absolutely craving something that reminded me of fall and have been browsing various blogs for new ideas for the change of season. I came across a blog called The Big Red Kitchen that screamed READ ME!!! Especially since I saw one of her posts was titled Two Ingredient Pumpkin Cake with Apple Cider Glaze...Holy Autumn Batman!! Apple cider brings back amazing childhood memories of trips to the old orchard, picking pumpkins & seeing how cider was made. Definitely a must try for me...
So...I got out my yellow cake mix and my can of pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix) and started researching variations on the recipe on other blogs. Everyone warned that the batter would be extremely thick. Some suggested adding milk but one of course caught my eye...they added apple cider to thin it out a bit! That was the one for me! Got out my stand mixer and went to work. Started with just the 2 ingredients but slowly added in the cider, little bit at a time. All told I was happy with the consistency after adding about a quarter cup.
Plopped the batter in a lined muffin tin, baked about 18 of them at 350 for approximately 18 minutes and enjoyed the aroma! Figured I would have time to glaze them this morning when I got up but of course no...can't have spare time on the first day of school!! Figured I should sample one to see if they just had to have the glaze before bringing them into the shop and the moist & yummy goodness was just fine without for today. Definitely a must for next time though!
Oh yes...if you do choose to do the glaze...all you need is 1 cup confectioner's sugar, 2 T apple cider and 1/2 t pumpkin pie spice. Combine the ingredients, drizzle over the cake (cupcakes, muffins, whatevs!) and let it set before covering.
So...I got out my yellow cake mix and my can of pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix) and started researching variations on the recipe on other blogs. Everyone warned that the batter would be extremely thick. Some suggested adding milk but one of course caught my eye...they added apple cider to thin it out a bit! That was the one for me! Got out my stand mixer and went to work. Started with just the 2 ingredients but slowly added in the cider, little bit at a time. All told I was happy with the consistency after adding about a quarter cup.
Plopped the batter in a lined muffin tin, baked about 18 of them at 350 for approximately 18 minutes and enjoyed the aroma! Figured I would have time to glaze them this morning when I got up but of course no...can't have spare time on the first day of school!! Figured I should sample one to see if they just had to have the glaze before bringing them into the shop and the moist & yummy goodness was just fine without for today. Definitely a must for next time though!
Oh yes...if you do choose to do the glaze...all you need is 1 cup confectioner's sugar, 2 T apple cider and 1/2 t pumpkin pie spice. Combine the ingredients, drizzle over the cake (cupcakes, muffins, whatevs!) and let it set before covering.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Ah...Bliss Returns
Several months ago I tried my hand at soap making and really enjoyed it. It was fun to see what blends of essential oils I could use. The shop then began to consume all of my time so I let my supplies sit in the corner. Well...last week my friend and fellow shop owner Valerie mentioned she was running low on the soaps she carries and hadn't heard from the girl who had done some for her in the past. Hello? Opportunity knocking...I love it when I can do things I truly enjoy AND make enough money to actually pay for doing it!
So, last night I cleared off the counters and got to work. I recently taught a kids' soap ball making class at Val's shop and had picked up some Lime Oil. This stuff smells good!! And very invigorating...even the kids loved it! By the end of my play time I had 2 different soaps...a basic oatmeal bar made with a shea butter base (so moisturizing!!) and a rose lime blend in the same base. Yep...it even had rose petals throughout the bar! So fun! And did I mention...all natural?? I will be dropping 3 of each off to Plain & Practical this evening when I close my shop and hope that she likes them. Would love the opportunity to play some more!
PS...Want some?? I ship =) or stop by Val's place!
So, last night I cleared off the counters and got to work. I recently taught a kids' soap ball making class at Val's shop and had picked up some Lime Oil. This stuff smells good!! And very invigorating...even the kids loved it! By the end of my play time I had 2 different soaps...a basic oatmeal bar made with a shea butter base (so moisturizing!!) and a rose lime blend in the same base. Yep...it even had rose petals throughout the bar! So fun! And did I mention...all natural?? I will be dropping 3 of each off to Plain & Practical this evening when I close my shop and hope that she likes them. Would love the opportunity to play some more!
PS...Want some?? I ship =) or stop by Val's place!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
And Away We Gooooo....
Welcome!!
Thanks for stopping by!! I'm looking forward to sharing my adventures with you as I go dumpster diving for awesome treasures, prepare fun & tasty new treats in the kitchen (I promise...it won't be right after I dumpster dive and I will sanitize my hands first) and navigate my way through this chaotic life as a business owner and single mom to my 2 girls and a boy, whom I affectionately call my "heathens".
Thanks for stopping by!! I'm looking forward to sharing my adventures with you as I go dumpster diving for awesome treasures, prepare fun & tasty new treats in the kitchen (I promise...it won't be right after I dumpster dive and I will sanitize my hands first) and navigate my way through this chaotic life as a business owner and single mom to my 2 girls and a boy, whom I affectionately call my "heathens".
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