I finished up this custom order about a week ago.  It turned out so cute.  I bet the little girl that got those was really happy.

New Etsy item

Slowly getting my Etsy shop built up.  I got a fair amount of socks and am now introducing some cute hair accessories.  Not a whole lot right now, but will be adding more and lots of different colors.  My little girl begged me into making some for her and a friend, which of course I had to say yes!  Check them out and tell me what you think.

A Good Laugh

I came across this while reading my email and it just made my day!
Super Good Laugh

Looks like my children enjoy this tree as well, only for different reasons, unfortunately.  I found these poor blossoms on my kitchen floor.

So Sad!

Finally, It's in Bloom!

My Purple Robe Locust Tree!  It only blooms in the spring like most other trees, but these blossoms are more than gorgeous.  My favorite part about this tree, the beautiful bright pink blossoms smell alot like Lilacs, but stronger. Not sure why it is a named purple....
In the morning and evening for some reason they smell even better.  This tree is quick growing and makes a great shade tree.  

My Etsy Is Getting a Makeover!

I decided to give my Etsy shop a makeover.  I really lacked character and was kind of boring.  I really had alot of fun shopping for my banner and avatars from other Etsians.  There were so many to choose from and alot of them were extremely darling.  Still waiting for the Etsy banner set to be emailed to me.  Redid alot of the pictures to make them nicer and hopefully more catchy to the eye :)  Check it out and let me know what you think in my comments.  There is still more to come so keep checking back.

Cute Girlie socks

Got a few more pairs of socks finished up and in my Etsy shop.  They were alot of fun and quick.  Great for when you want a project you can finish up quickly to give as gifts or add to an online store.  Check them out if you get a chance.  Little girls love the ruffles and they are a darling addition to anything, not to mention they are under $5 including shipping!  That's my favorite part.  I was able to make them cute with out having to make them spendy.  Please do not think that selling them for a bit cheaper is because they are made cheaper...they are most definately not :)  I know that money is tight for everyone these days, and I wanted to make these affordable.  

Newest Crafting Project

I am currently working on a baby gift set consisting of handcrocheted beanies and washcloths at the moment.  I really want to make this darling crocheted blanket, but must wait for the time being.  I will post pictures as soon as my baby gift is done, as well as listing them on my Etsy.  Stay tuned......

Shark Navigator

I am in love with my new vacuum.  I finally just broke down and got a decently price one...not too cheap, but not extremely expensive.  I think it was close to $200.  I must say, it does an excellent job and is still working like new.  I have had it since February and I am still very pleased with it.  My last vacuum did a terrible job from day 1, but I just dealt with it until I was able to get a new one.  If this new Shark Navigator ever breaks, I will break down myself and just start crying.  It is bagless and the filters can be washed and air dried - no more buying filters for a while - and it is simple to clean out if the hose ever gets plugged or anything.  My children actually ask to vacuum the floor.  I have to keep telling them no because only I get to use the vacuum. (I really don't want it to break! Who knows what they will do to it.) So if you are in the market for a new vacuum, I would highly recommend this one. 
Cheaper is not better for sure!

Completely Unhealthy but Yummy!

Got discourage today with my donuts that did not work out at all.  But still in great need of a snack so I decided on something not very healthy, but my, it was good.
RICE CRISPIE ROLLUPS

Make a sheet of Rice Crispie Treats, making it only about 1 inch thick.  Let dry for a little while, enough to make it plyable, but not crisp.  Then take peanut butter and chocolate chips and melt together.  Spread on the Rice Crispie Treats and roll up carefully.  You may put what every else you would like on it before rolling it up.  I put Coconut on mine.  If you have extra chocolate sauce, spread it on the top and decorate how you like.  It was so delicious.
 I am still working the donuts, I will give it another try next week and hopefully adjust the recipe to turn out right!

Yummy way to brew coffee

A friend once shared this creative way to make home - brewed coffee a little more, well, creative.  I don't do this everyday, but when I just want some delicious coffee. 

Before brewing your coffee, sprinkle about 2 tsp of Ground Cinnamon on the grounds and a pinch of salt.

Fill your coffee maker with water and get everything ready to go.  Then take your coffee pot and fill just the inner circle with Grade A Maple Syrup.  If you pot does not have the little indented circle then I am approximating 2-3 Tbles of Maple Syrup.  Brew as usual, making sure the cycle is complete before serving.  Cream however you like and enjoy a different, but delicious start to your day.  

I use just half and half or heavy whipping cream when done this way as the maple syrup does sweeten it some.

Great way to cut back on  sugar if you are on a diet as well.

What are Dogs thinking?

Why do dogs chase cars?  There is a little tiny dog that lives down my street that runs out and tries to bite my tires.  Are they that dumb?  My tires are at least 3x bigger.  I just know one day that poor little pooch is going to get run over.  Hopefully I am not the one. 

Lemon-Butter Brussel Sprouts

Believe it or not, my 9 year old has been begging for brussel sprouts.  Apparently my sister in law made some really good ones for him a while back.  I finally decided to give in, it's healthy, what can in hurt.  Anyway, here is her recipe which is really good.

15-20 Brussel Sprouts, Steamed with the ends cut off and peeled to the nice part.
1 cube of butter, melted
1 fresh lemon, squeezed
salt and pepper
Mix the melted butter and lemon juice to make a sauce.

There are 2 different ways to serve this:
1. Serve the whole sprouts with the sauce to dip in.
2. Cut the sprouts in 1/2 and drizzle the sauce over them.  Sprinkle salt and pepper.

I like the 2nd way a lot better, the halves seems to soak up more of the sauce and had a better flavor.

I had to keep from picking in them, they were so good!

Another great product!

I have come across another great product to use in my daily life.  I finally decided to try Downy Pure Essentials -  Aloe and White Lilac.  I have been hesitant to try it, not knowing how it would effect my clothes etc.  I am picky with my fabric softener because what I get I have to use all the way up before buying more.  
I was very happy with the results.  They have such a fresh, clean scent.  My sheets smelled just wonderful!  Not to mention, my husband actually complimented on how nice everything smelled.  That means alot to me.  
So, if you, like myself have been holding back, go on and try it!

Next Great Project.

I have my next great project lined up for me.  I am going to attempt homemade, sugar free, sprout wheat donuts.  I love donuts and homemade are just delicious.  Now I have got to find the perfect recipe to revamp and make many batches until I get it just right.  This one will be a keeper in my box for sure, if I can get them to turn out right.  I will post recipe as soon as it is perfected. 

Yellow Cake Recipe

1 c. Butter
1 c. Agave
2 Eggs
3/4 c. Milk
1 1/2 tsp Vanilla
1 3/4 c. Flour (All purpose or wheat)
1/4 c. Cornstarch
2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
Preheat oven to 350*  Sift together dry ingredients.  Cream together butter and agave.  Beat in eggs, 1 at a time.  Stir in Vanilla.  Beat in flour mixure alternately with milk until smooth.  Bake 25-30 minutes.  Let cool completely before frosting.
This turned out quite moist and very delicious.  I topped it off with Sugar-free vanilla pudding and canned peaches.  Using sprouted wheat instead of regular will make this gluten free :)

Good News!  I have finally got everything figured our for my soap making hobby/business.  You can follow it Scented Scenes . Can't wait to see you there.

Only the Best of Etsy Sample Packages GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Only the Best of Etsy Sample Packages GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Try this yummy dip!

Spicy Bean Dip

1 Can       Pinto Beans
1 Can       Great Northern Beans
1 Can       Corn
1 Can       Fiesta Nacho Cheese Soup
1 Can       Diced Tomatoes
1 Pkg       Taco Seasoning


Mix everything together in a saucepan.  Heat on medium heat until hot. You could also do this in a crockpot with equally as good results. Serve with any kind of tortilla chips.


*You may replace the Feista Nacho Cheese Soup with regular for a milder flavor.  

Too Many Broken Crayons?

If crayons at your house are anything like they are at mine, chances are, you have a ton of little broken ones kicking around.  Instead of throwing them out and buying a new box, here is a good way to make them usable again.  Sort them all into same color piles, different shades and such is ok.  Grease the bottom of some muffin tins and put the piles into each of the cups.  Melt them on low until they are all melted.  Let cool and remove from pan.  You may need to wipe the grease off with a paper towel.  Now you have very unique crayons that your children will be overly excited to use.  You will have all the colors with different shades and maybe glitter in a round fun crayon.  If you want to throw in a variety of colors to make them rainbow that would be just as much fun I am sure.