Embroidery Hoop Cork Board

Found a great idea from Burdastyle.com. When I saw the video I had to make one. So today I finally got the rest of what I needed to make these hoops. I asked my mother in law to come by and help me out. They turned out great. I have a bunch of bark looking fabric and really wanted to try that first. I have more hoops to do other fabrics. I hope you like these and try one if you get a chance. I think they are great for gifts too.

Busy in the Kitchen Today

 So, I had some bananas and already did a banana shake and wanted to make some banana bread. Went to Betty Crocker and made up some banana bread without nuts. Only because I didn't have any on hand. Only thing about their recipe is, the time calls for much longer so I had to watch it. It only takes 45 minutes tops. Last time I burned my bread and I wasn't too happy with that. I always enjoy it warm with cream cheese on my slice.

The other day a couple recipes caught my eye and I wanted to try them. I made a 2 ingredient Lemon Bars. Oh yes, if you like lemon do it. I have always liked a graham cracker crust even though the recipe didn't call for it. So I made a small graham cracker pie crust and the rest in the baking dish. I think they are both great. I think I will bring it for the next ladies meeting at church. The next recipe is a great dinner throw together. Chicken & Spinach Pasta Bake, Its so easy and great. I think the only thing I normally don't buy is mozzarella cheese and cream cheese with onion and chive. Its well worth it. My husband will like it and I may make this again. I hope you try them, they are worth it.

 

So Good So Far

Well, I've been sewing quite a bit this last couple weeks. I am selling my coffee sleeves and some critter pouches in a handmade store in Charlotte, NC called the Bag Lady. I'm really excited and hopeful that I can get something selling. I'm not that great with online sales and really its a lot more work. My photography skills aren't what I would like either.
Well, after I got my stock set up for the store I have been dying to make these crafty embroidery hoop bags to hang on my wall in my bedroom above my sewing table. After an hour or so I made them and I'm so happy with them. I have had some fabric for oh, 5 years and waited for the right project to use it. This was it and I have found another project to use the rest of the fabric to match it.
Now I just need to make that trip to Hobby Lobby to get the rest of the supplies I need for my next project. I love my time to make all the things I've always wanted to.

Well I've been sewing

Bought this wallet at the Bag Lady.
Couldn't resist. 

A couple weeks ago I found a little handmade store in Charlotte near a Starbucks. Its called the Bag Lady. Which I think is so funny, since my mom used to be called that. She used to make grocery bags when I was a kid and got the nickname. I have been sewing since I was younger and really making things for the last 10 years. I usually keep a coffee sleeve in my purse for when I get coffee, hot or cold. So I stopped in this store with my coffee and sleeve a gal who works at the Bag Lady really liked my coffee sleeve. I told her that I make them and she mentioned I should talk to the owner. I was so thrilled to hear that. So today I'm going to meet with Karen, the owner to talk about selling grocery bags, coffee sleeves, critter pouches and zipper bags. I've tried Etsy and that never became successful. I know I need to work on taking pictures with my camera too. So we will see how this goes. Here are the pictures of what I have made so far. Have a great day.

Baby Wipes

I have one son now, and one baby on the way. At first I was thinking I have some extra time before the next one and feeling ambitious. I told my husband what about making cloth diapers. It would save so much money. Then he opened my eyes to what that would really look like cleaning those diapers and extra work that really would be. So I considered it and said ok, what other thing can I make that will help cut costs? I think with laundry soap and dishwasher soap alone that helps so much. I was on Pinterest again found a great link to make your own baby wipes. I figured I would give it a try. Only thing I had to buy was a container to put these in since I already had: paper towels, tear free baby shampoo/ body wash, and baby oil. So, I gave it a try and its a success. After showing my family they are convinced too. My mother in law even mentioned to have at least two containers going at one time when the baby comes since you use so many. The price of the huge bags of wipes are around $6.00 per bag and when my son had diapers I was using the bag at least every two weeks. You buy baby soap anyways and only use 1 1/2 tablespoons per batch and the baby oil I use to get waterproof mascara off and use 1 tablespoon. Depending on where you get your supplies its probably $6.00 without the purchase of the containers. You want something that is sealing because you are going to have it upside down for all the liquid to soak through the paper towels. Here is my link for where I got it.  

Ingredients:
1 Roll of Select a size Bounty Paper Towels
1 1/2 Tbsp. Tear Free Baby Bath Soap
1 Tbsp. Baby Oil
2 Cups of Water

To make it easier go to the link for the step by step pictures. They are great and easy to follow.
I have noticed that since I made mine there is a liquid pool at the bottom and its safe to pour it out. You don't want soggy wipes.

I have a baby shower I'm going to soon and I think I am going to do this for her and give her the recipe so she can have this great tip and save some money. I think its a great gift. I think with the baby coming soon I would leave the liquids in a container separate, so she can add the liquids once the baby is home and can use right away. I have a cousin who is having a baby soon too and will send her the link for sure.

I hope this has been helpful and are able to use this. I know I can't wait to use this for my next baby. Now I just have make up wipes for now.