Projects Just for Fun!

We had the chance to make some fun placemats for my daughter's preschool recently. Grandma (Lana) helped by cutting out some of the fabric and I sewed with my little apprentice on my lap =).

Bon appetite little munchkins!

Ribbons and Bows

My daughter was bald until she was 2 years old and when her first strand of hair came in I couldn't wait to put a pretty little bow in her hair! Instead of paying a fortune for buying bows in retail stores I decided to learn how to make them myself and it really is a lot of fun. OK, so you have to be a little bit crafty to think it's fun =). Here is some info if you are interested in learning about making bows:

• Girly Things is a great web site with step by step bow making instructions. The basic boutique bow is a nice one.
  

• Wal-Mart has a large selection of ribbon at a decent price. If you plan on making a lot of bows you can find better deals on-line. I like RibbonsandBowsOhMy.com
  

• Sally Beauty Supply sells alligator clips at a great price.
  

• To line the alligator clip cut 4 1/2 inches of 3/8th ribbon for a partially lined clip or about 7 inches for fully lined and hot glue to the clip.
  

• You'll want to heat seal your ribbon so it doesn't fray. I use a lighter (the kind used for grilling that can be turned off) but some people use fray check.

• "Girly Things" doesn't specify what kind of thread and needle to use. Use something strong that you can easily pass through a thick bow. An embroidery needle and embroidery thread work well.
  

• If your child has very fine hair you might want to add something to the clip so it doesn't slip so easily. I cut a piece of bubble shelf liner or velvet ribbon and hot glue it to the inside of the clip.
  

Best Pumpkin Bread Ever!

My husband has been waiting all year for his favorite pumpkin bread and I know I'll be making a lot of it this season because it's so delicious. This recipe was adapted from a recipe my mother-in-law gave me. I accidentally purchased the canned pumpkin that already had the spices in it and it turned out so delicious and yummy!

Pumpkin Bread

2 1/4 cups of Libby pumpkin pie mix (make sure it has the spices in it – in 30 oz can)
3 cups sugar
1 cup canola oil
2/3 cup water
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 ½ cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp salt
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp fresh grated nutmeg (or in the can if you don’t have fresh)
Dash ground ginger
Dash cloves

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease and flour bottoms of two loaf pans (or use pam spray). In a large bowl, blend the pumpkin, sugar, oil, water, eggs and vanilla. Mix using an electric mixer for a couple of minutes at medium speed. Fold in remaining ingredients then mix at low speed until well moistened. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake at 350 for 55 to 70 minutes (it seems to vary depending on the time of year). Cool in pans for about 15 minutes then invert on a cutting board or plate. Cool completely. Wrap tightly in saran wrap and tin foil – this keeps the bread moist for days.

Enjoy!!

Ready for Something Sweet???

Lana's cute little cupcake aprons are back in stock! We have an adorable little half apron and also a full apron. These make great birthday presents or something fun for the holidays. We just love them!


Many thanks to our little model Anna =).

September Giveaway!

This month we will be giving away a pair of cute ladybug clippies! My daughter Anna was bald until the age of two and now I love making and buying pretty bows and clips for her hair. Luckily she likes to wear them, too =). You will receive one pink and one red unless you prefer two of the same color.

How to enter:
Leave us a comment and please include your email address so we know how to contact you. We'd also love to know how you came across this blog. This contest will run through 9/30 and is open to anyone in the United States or Canada.

Carol Sue, you are the winner!