Oktoberfest Pizza

You know me.  I love pizza! Yesterday, I realized we had three pre-made pizza crusts in the house that we needed to use.  We also had a lot of leftovers from the weekend cookout. My challenge for dinner was to use the leftovers to make a new kind of pizza. 

When my husband called me on his way home from work and asked what we were having, I explained. He immediately asked if I could make something else for him.  The answer to that was NO. I asked him to have faith in me and give it a try.  He agreed.  Once he got home and tasted my creation, he ended up eating 3/4 of the pizza himself!

I call it Oktoberfest Pizza because it uses those tasty ingredients you get to indulge in when you go to Oktoberfest (sausage, sauerkraut, mustard).  Sound good? Recipe is below.

 Ingredients:

• One pre-made pizza crust (I used Freschetta)
• One cup of sauerkraut (washed and drained)
• Slices of cooked/grilled hot dogs or sausages (amount up to you)
• 1 tbsp. spicy mustard
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Worcestershire sauce
• shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses

1. Put the crust in the oven while the oven preheats.  This helps the crust get crunchy.  I take it out once the oven is preheated.  If you don't like crunchy crust, skip this step.

2. Make the sauce.  Start with the sour cream.  Add mustard and Worcestershire sauce to taste.  I probably used about a tablespoon of mustard and just a dash of Worcestershire sauce.

3. Spread the sauce evenly over the crust.

4. Layer on the sauerkraut.

5. Add the hot dog or sausage slices.

6. Sprinkle on the cheeses.  I used about half of each type of cheese to cover the pizza.

7. Bake until cheese is bubbly.

The sauce has a little kick to it that compliments the sauerkraut.  You could add peppers, change up the sauce, or use different kinds of cheeses to make your own creation!

I'm slowly learning that cooking is about taking the ingredients you have and thinking of different ways to combine them to create different flavors.  This time I used all kinds of things in my fridge.  I have to say that I was going out on a limb on this one, but if it hadn't turned out, I could have just called and ordered a pizza!

Easier Than I Thought!

Linked to:  Tues:  Tip Junkie,   Sugar Bee Crafts,  A Bowl Full of Lemons,   Today's Creative Blog,   Mommy By Day Crafter By Night,  Wed: Gingersnap Crafts,   Sew Much Ado,  Thurs: 36th Avenue,  52 Mantels,   House of Hepworths, Friday:Tatertots and Jello,  Serenity Now,  Whipperberry,   Sun.: I Heart Naptime,

31 Gifts Utility Tote Liner

A few months ago,  I ordered a large utility tote from a 31 Gifts party.  Everyone told me how great it was for storing things in the car.  I wanted to put it on the floor underneath my little one's car seat to catch all those stray books, toys, snacks, etc.  I was disappointed once I started using it because it didn't store anything.  It just was a flat pancake that took up space.  Like this:

So I made a liner for the tote using a diaper box and duct tape.  Now it sits up and looks great like this:

Much more functional!

Read on for the super quick how to:

Bringing in the Bling!

A couple weeks ago, I saw a purse at Target that had been marked down 50% to $12.98. I bought it knowing I could use it as an everyday bag or a pool bag.

I also knew when I bought it that it needed a little something to help glam it up.  So I did what I love to do and painted it.

 Using a little spray paint I already had, I took it from boring to blingy!

 Now it is one of a kind.  Until you want to spray paint your purse.  You know you do...

Easier Than I Thought! 

Linked to:  Tues:  Tip Junkie,   Sugar Bee Crafts,  A Bowl Full of Lemons,   Today's Creative Blog,   Mommy By Day Crafter By Night,  Wed: Gingersnap Crafts,   Sew Much Ado,  Thurs: 36th Avenue,  52 Mantels,   House of Hepworths, Friday:Tatertots and Jello,  Serenity Now,  Whipperberry,   Sun.: I Heart Naptime,

Pudding Paint!

We had a ton of much needed rain yesterday afternoon, so I thought it was time to let my little girl get creative. I have yet to purchase any finger paints for her.  They're so expensive! The other issue is that she eats everything.  Everything still goes in her mouth.  I can't wait until that stage is over (19 months and counting).

After a quick Pinterest search, I found this idea and thought it was the perfect painting recipe for us-pudding paint!

I made instant vanilla pudding and added food coloring.  After I created the different colors, I put them in a heart shaped cupcake pan.  I gave her a piece of paper from my huge craft paper roll I got at Ikea and put an old t-shirt on her.  Then, I let her go for it.

First, with brushes.

 

Then, she discovered her hands. 

It was fun watching her experiment with the colors. We are also working on color identification, so it was good practice with colors too.

I couldn't believe that this kept her occupied for a whole hour.  If you know my little girl, you know that this doesn't ever happen.  EVER.

Our first crafting experience was a huge success.  Plenty more crafting fun to come! 

Easier Than I Thought!

Cost: Free since I already had pudding and food coloring.

Linked to:  Tues:  Tip Junkie,   Sugar Bee Crafts,  A Bowl Full of Lemons,   Today's Creative Blog,   Mommy By Day Crafter By Night,  Wed: Gingersnap Crafts,   Sew Much Ado,  Thurs: 36th Avenue,  52 Mantels,   House of Hepworths, Friday:Tatertots and Jello,  Serenity Now,  Whipperberry,   Sun.: I Heart Naptime,

Dining Table for the Deck- Mix and Match!

A few weeks ago, we had a storm with strong winds that knocked over our patio umbrella while it was still in the table.  The results:

We usually NEVER leave the umbrella in the table, so I was heartbroken since we only had the table for two summers.  It had taken me a long time to find a table that I liked.  I was not happy about having to go out and find another one. Here is a look at the entire set:

Alas, the search was on. I was looking for something similar since I loved the contrast of the dark brown wood with the white and sandstone decking.  My husband and I both agreed that we also wanted a table that was larger and would seat more people.  We mostly use our deck as an entertaining space, and it would be nice to be able to have more people seated at the table. Plus, a bigger table would be more to scale in the space.

Luckily, we both found and really loved the Chesapeake table from Pottery Barn.  It has leaves that extend the table up to over 100"!

After reading this article on breaking up dining sets and mixing chairs, I thought it might work to use my existing 6 outdoor dining chairs and just buy two new chairs to go on either end (a savings of $1,200). Here is the new set with the existing chairs (table extended).

I really like how the mix turned out!  The resin weave in the old chairs gives the set a different texture.  It doesn't even bother me that the color is a little darker.  Some cushions will helps unify the set. Overall, I really like how it turned out!

Do you like the mix and match look?  Do you have a mixed set in your home or on your patio/deck?

Easier Than I Thought!

Linked to:  Tues:  Tip Junkie,   Sugar Bee Crafts,  A Bowl Full of Lemons,   Today's Creative Blog,   Mommy By Day Crafter By Night,  Wed: Gingersnap Crafts,   Sew Much Ado,  Thurs: 36th Avenue,  52 Mantels,   House of Hepworths, Friday:Tatertots and Jello,  Serenity Now,  Whipperberry,   Sun.: I Heart Naptime,

Decorate with Fabric Using Liquid Starch

Using liquid starch to apply fabric to a surface is an awesome way to decorate something.  The fabric adheres well but can be easily removed and reused after washing.  My mother-in-law has fabric lining the walls and shelves of her hutch using this technique that has lasted for 20 years or more!

 This is the same technique I used to decorate my jewelry organizers.  I know everyone loves Mod Podge, but I love how using liquid starch offers the same look without the commitment. Plus, it's cheaper and can be reused. Are you sold? Read on to find out how it works...

Materials:

• liquid starch- I bought mine years ago at Walmart
• exacto knife
• bowl or container
• putty knife (optional)

1.  First, cut piece of fabric larger than the surface you are applying it to. An inch or two allowance on all sides is plenty.

2. Immerse the fabric in a bowl of liquid starch.  Be sure to saturate the fabric fully.  Wring out. You can pour the excess starch back into the bottle to be used for a future project!
DO NOT cut the fabric to size before immersing it in the starch.  The fabric will shrink slightly when moistened, and your fabric won't fit the surface.

3. Apply fabric to surface and smooth out the surface to get rid of any bubbles.  Start smoothing in the center and work out toward the edges.  You can use a putty knife if you prefer.

4. Once you have worked out all the bubbles, use your exacto knife to cut off the excess fabric.

5. Use a wet papertowel to wipe off any excess starch on surrounding surfaces. 

6. Leave the fabric to fully dry.

7. Enjoy your newly decorated item!

If you get sick of the pattern and would like to change the fabric, it peels off easily and after it has been machine washed, the fabric can be reused.  Plus, the surface it has been applied to is just as it was.  Wipe it down to remove any remaining starch residue, and begin again!

I only have experience using this on wood with cotton or cotton blend fabrics, but I think it would work for other surfaces as well. Also, this technique shouldn't be used on a table surface or something like that where it would run the risk of getting wet.  Moisture would reactivate the starch and cause the fabric to become sticky or peel off. 

Imagine lining the shelves of your pantry or closet, the back walls of your bookcase or china hutch, the drawers of your kitchen or dressers.  The possibilities are endless!

What kind of project do you have in mind for this technique?

Easier Than I Thought!

Linked to:  Tues:  Tip Junkie,   Sugar Bee Crafts,  A Bowl Full of Lemons,   Today's Creative Blog,   Mommy By Day Crafter By Night,  Wed: Gingersnap Crafts,   Sew Much Ado,  Thurs: 36th Avenue,  52 Mantels,   House of Hepworths, Friday:Tatertots and Jello,  Serenity Now,  Whipperberry,   Sun.: I Heart Naptime,

Box Tops turned Jewelry Organizers

I have been fortunate enough during my adult life to have one of those fancy jewelry armoires. It was a gift from my husband the first Christmas we were married.  That will be eleven years ago!

Until recently, I have been fond of my jewelry armoire and have felt fortunate to have it.  However, having a toddler has turned my entire house up side down and has forced me to relocate and reorganize.  She loves to get in to my jewelry and tries to put necklaces on herself as well as the dog.  The cheap shamrock beads that were in the bottom drawer of the armoire were fair game.  My nicer necklaces were not.  I decided I needed to abandon the armoire (since I can't install child locks on it) and come up with a different method of organizing my jewelry.

Last summer, we purchased a 4x4 Ikea Expedit unit to house toys, books, etc. in our great room.  We also bought the Prant unfinished wood boxes. I couldn't fit the boxes in the unit with the tops on, so I saved the box tops for some unknown future use. They are basically rectangular wood trays. Hold that thought.

Back to my search for jewelry organization.  Of course, I scoured Pinterest for inexpensive options to store my necklaces.  I saw this pin (picture below) and was inspired to do something similar using the box tops, mounting them to the wall behind the closet door in my walk-in closet.

 Then my necklaces would be up high and out of reach. Perfect!

Here is how I went about making these wood trays into hanging storage for my necklaces:

Materials: box tops or wood trays, paint, two 5 gallon paint sticks, fabric, trim, drill, cup hooks, glue gun

First, I painted the lids black using spray paint.

Then, I cut down five gallon paint sticks and glued them to the back of the box lid  to create an even surface so the lids could be mounted to the wall. *This was necessary for my project because my trays had a lip, but it may not be necessary for yours.

 Next, I applied fabric to the tray bottom to dress it up.   I have had this fabric in my stash for a long time.   I thought it looked just right for this project.  I love the pop of color it provides (see pic below).

If you would like to see how I applied the fabric to the tray, see that tutorial here.  Nope.  No Mod Podge.

Next, I evenly measured  and marked where I wanted the hooks to go.

Using a drill and a bit that corresponded to the size of the cup hooks I was using, I drilled pilot holes for my cup hooks.

After that, I screwed in the cup hooks.

 Finally, I hung the trays using 3M picture hanging strips. This provided the strength I needed without the commitment of putting holes in the wall.

*It is really hard taking pictures behind the door in the closet! The lighting stinks!

I love the convenient storage the new trays provide.  I can see my jewelry better and it is so easy picking out necklaces since my clothes and jewelry are together in one place!

I decided later to add some gold trim to the edge of the trays for some added bling.

Sadly, the armoire will be moved to the basement with the other unused and abandoned furniture:(

Easier Than I Thought!

Cost: the only things I had to buy for this project were the cup hooks- $3 and gold trim- $1.50

Linked to: The Pinterest Challenge: Centsational Girl  Young House Love, Bower Power Blog, Ten June Blog Tues:  Tip Junkie,   Sugar Bee Crafts,  A Bowl Full of Lemons,   Today's Creative Blog,   Mommy By Day Crafter By Night,  Wed: Gingersnap Crafts,   Sew Much Ado,  Thurs: 36th Avenue,  52 Mantels,   House of Hepworths, So You Think You're Crafty, Friday:Tatertots and Jello,  Serenity Now,  Whipperberry,   Sat.- Family Ever After, Sun.: I Heart Naptime, 

Watermelon Ice Cubes

The other day, I was flipping through channels and stopped as I saw an idea on Rachael Ray that really caught my eye. She cubed and froze watermelon to make watermelon ice cubes!  Brilliant!

We added seedless watermelon to our grocery list and used the first half to make watermelon mojitos.  We used other half of the watermelon to make the ice cubes.

 The ice cubes were great with the mojitos, but I can see throwing a couple in a glass of lemonade or even water as a little natural flavoring.  It really works.  As the cubes melt in the drink, the watermelon flavor comes out.

The best part is that you can keep these in the freezer all summer long.   Plus, you get to eat the watermelon when you're finished with your drink. 

Make watermelon ice cubes with any left over watermelon you might have! It's  a fun and healthy addition to any summer drink.

If you haven't already, I invite you to like and follow me on Facebook (located in the right side bar).  Happy Friday!

Easier Than I Thought!

Linked to: Centsational Girl (BBQ recipes) Tues:  Tip Junkie,   Sugar Bee Crafts,  A Bowl Full of Lemons,   Today's Creative Blog,   Mommy By Day Crafter By Night,  Wed: Gingersnap Crafts,   Sew Much Ado,  Thurs: 36th Avenue,  52 Mantels,   House of Hepworths, So You Think You're Crafty, Friday:Tatertots and Jello,  Serenity Now,  Whipperberry,  Sat.: Family Ever After,  Sun.: I Heart Naptime, 

Patriotic Bow

My mother-in-law stopped by the other day with the cutest flag ribbon.  She said she saw it and thought I could make something cute for my little girl.  Of course I could! I went straight to work wondering what kind of bow I could make out of the ribbon.

I chose to make my own design to create a five pointed star.  I'm really happy with how it turned out.  She is just starting to wear bows, so this is my first time actually making a hairbow.
 **The English teacher in me researched if hairbow is two words or one.  It seems they are used interchangeably, so I went with one word.

You can make one too!  It's not too late! Here's how:

Materials:

• scissors
• hot glue gun
• small piece of felt
• 7/8" ribbon (3/4 yard)
• thread and needle
• hair clip of your choice

Step one:
Cut five 3" pieces of ribbon. Join one end to the other at an angle to create a point. Glue ends together. Do this with all five pieces.

Step two:
Using a large spool of thread, trace circle on felt.  Cut out circle. You like my dog chewed thread spool?

Step three:
Arrange and glue all five ribbon pieces to the piece of felt to create a five point star shape.

Step Four:
Cut one 12" piece of ribbon. Thread needle and double knot the end.  Fold ribbon in fan shape to create pleats as deep as you want (mine were about 1/2" folds).  Sew through the bottom center of the ribbon through each pleat.

Step Five:
Gently pull the thread and join the two ends of the ribbon to create a circular fan shape.  You will need to play around with this a little.  You can glue the two ends if necessary to keep the circle closed.  

Step Six:
Arrange the pleated fan in the middle of the star and glue to the center. Add a button for embellishment if you want.
*Excuse the glue gun strings. I was a little anxious to take pictures:)

Step Seven:
Glue the back of the felt circle to any kind of hair accessory you desire. 

Easier Than I Thought!

Linked to:  Tues:  Tip Junkie,   Sugar Bee Crafts,  A Bowl Full of Lemons,   Today's Creative Blog,   Mommy By Day Crafter By Night,  Wed: Gingersnap Crafts,   Sew Much Ado,  Thurs: 36th Avenue,  52 Mantels,   House of Hepworths, Friday:Tatertots and Jello,  Serenity Now,  Whipperberry,   Sun.: I Heart Naptime,