30 Days of D.I.Y. Gifts and Decor: Homemade Marshmallows

Welcome to Day 18 of 

Hi All! I have switched my focus onto the up-coming holidays that will be filled with family and friends, love and laughter, giving and receiving! For me, some of the best memories and gifts have been what is handmade and from the heart. And, I love giving and receiving handmade and locally crafted gifts. So, I am going to share a new project every day for the month of November to get y'all (and myself) into the spirit of the holidays! I hope you enjoy the next thirty days with me! I would love to hear if you try any of the projects and how they turned out. <3 Erika

Homemade Marshmallows

I made marshmallows a couple Christmas's ago after I watched how easy it was on a cooking show. Every non-homemade marshmallow I have had since just doesn't add up! And I love to see peoples reaction the first time they try one. I love this recipe from County Living because it also provides gourmet flavors to make like peppermint and coffee. 
(You can substitute vanilla for the peppermint extract if you would like to try vanilla like I made. I have also seen some peppermint marshmallows swirled with red food coloring to add a touch of festiveness!) 

Wrapped up neatly, these make a great little gift for holidays hosts or friends and neighbors.
Check out the full post with the recipe at County Living.
You can also find a link on my Pinterest board: 
Gift Ideas: Hand made or Hand picked.



Tomorrow: Elegant 'Thanks' Word Art Display

30 of D.I.Y. Gifts and Decor: Bath Salts

Welcome to day 15 of

Hi All! I have switched my focus onto the up-coming holidays that will be filled with family and friends, love and laughter, giving and receiving! For me, some of the best memories and gifts have been what is handmade and from the heart. And, I love giving and receiving handmade and locally crafted gifts. So, I am going to share a new project every day for the month of November to get y'all (and myself) into the spirit of the holidays! I hope you enjoy the next thirty days with me! I would love to hear if you try any of the projects and how they turned out. <3 Erika

Homemade Bath Salts from Martha Stewart

This project sounds quick and easy and, packaged just right, would make for a lovely gift. To see the easy step-by-step instructions, go to Martha Stewart.

For a great selection of essential oils to add to your bath salt project, check out Fit2B On Your Skin. 

This Weekend: Handmade Advent Calendars

30 Days of D.I.Y. Gifts and Decor: Homemade Play Dough

Welcome to Day 6 of

Hi All! Now that Halloween is over, I am switching my focus onto the up-coming holidays that will be filled with family and friends, love and laughter, giving and receiving! For me, some of the best memories and gifts have been what is handmade and from the heart. And, I love giving and receiving handmade and locally crafted gifts. So, I am going to share a new project every day for the month of November to get y'all (and myself) into the spirit of the holidays! I hope you enjoy the next thirty days with me! I would love to hear if you try any of the projects and how they turned out. <3 Erika

Homemade Play Dough

This has become one of my favorite things to make for the kids.

 One - because it is SO easy! And Two - because I (almost) always have the ingredients on hand. If I don't, they are very inexpensive at my grocery store's bulk bin section. This also makes a great gift for all those birthday parties the kids get invited to. You can personalize the play dough by coloring it the giftee's favorite color. And with the money you save by making it yourself, you can add fun play dough tools with it! I have a friend that used this recipe to make up multiple colors and divided it out in small containers as a take-home gift for attendee's of her son's birthday party. Love that idea! I hope you enjoy making this quick and easy gift, whether you make it for your own kids or as a gift for some one else!

Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.

 

Step 2: Stir constantly for 3 to 5 minutes.

 

Step 3: Mixture will form a ball. I added in the coloring while I was stirring instead of at the beginning so the color wasn't quite dispersed all the way at this point. Ooops!

 

Step 4: Remove from pan and let cool in a vented container. I use a recycled lunch meat container that has been thoroughly washed. I have found them to be the perfect size for one ball of dough. I place the lid side ways on top of the container so moisture doesn't build up while the play dough is cooling. 

Step 5: When cool enough, knead until smooth. Keeps well and for a good while in an airtight container. My daughter being impatient and playing with the dough while I attempt to take pictures! 

Homemade Play Dough Recipe

Yield: About 2 cups   

1 cup flour

1 cup salt

1 tbsp cream of tartar

1 tbsp oil

1 cup water

Food coloring

1/4 tsp peppermint or vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly for 3-5 minutes. Mixture will form a ball. When cool, knead until smooth. Keeps well in an airtight container. 

Tomorrow: Pencil Christmas Cards 

Homemaker Adventures: The Making of Laundry Soap!

My mom and I gave making homemade liquid laundry soap a whirl yesterday. And guess what, IT WAS EASY! And so much fun to do. I tell you, for something so simple, quick and easy to make, it left me with such a feeling of accomplishment! Something about making laundry detergent by hand for so little money instead of paying the corporate prices at the big box stores...... just awesome. We doubled the recipe in the link and we filled the pictured three containers. It cost me less than $10.00 for the ingredients and I have a bunch left over! I will let you know what I think of its cleaning abilities after I give it a couple of tries but let me reassure you that this has been tested and tried by friends of mine that love it. And there budgets love it too! 

Here is the cost breakdown. All items bought at my local Winco.
Box of Borax: $3.38
Box of Arm&Hammer Washing Soda: $3.17
Bar of Fels Naptha: $0.97
Total: $7.52 *

*In the recipe, she also adds that you can add in essential oils for scent. We added 10 drops of Lavendar Essential Oil that I purchased a while back from my friend, Karyn. It's not much but a little can go a long way and the Fels Naptha is already scented. Check out Karyn's site, Fit2B on Your Skin, to purchase essential oils and learn about their different properties and how they can boost your laundry detergent's cleaning abilities. 

Here is the link to the 
Laundry Soap: http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/laundrysoap.htm
She includes a ton of great information about the products she uses, her cost breakout and answers a bunch of reader questions. 


Happy Soap Making Friends! 

Falling for Autumn!

Ah...... Autumn is here! 

I do enjoy all the other seasons but there is just something about Autumn that I love.

Like the above picture says, the cozy sweaters and crisp air with hints of smoke from chimneys and rain with it. 

Cuddling in plaid blankets with warm drinks watching the leaves fall.

 mmm Just something about it. 

How about you? Do you love Autumn? What are some of your favorite things about this time of year?

http://www.bhg.com/thanksgiving/decorating/fall-mantel-decorating-ideas/?socsrc=bhgpin091413birchlogs&crlt.pid=camp.FR7TyOr8P3uV#page=13

These are just some of the pins from my Falling for Autumn Pinterest board. There are pins on decorating, craft ideas, recipes and the beautiful Fall outdoors. And, I am adding more every week!

http://www.redbookmag.com/recipes-home/tips-advice/bootiful-home-ideas#slide-5

Fun craft ideas to do with the kids to get them into the season!

http://www.momontimeout.com/2011/09/stained-glass-fall-leaves-with-template/

Candy Corn Cookies!

http://www.countryliving.com/cooking/halloween-cake-recipes#slide-9

Skinny Pumpkin Pie Milkshakes!

http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/skinny-pumpkin-pie-milkshakes/

So stop on by and check out my board here:

http://www.pinterest.com/mishmashedme/falling-for-autumn/

I hope my Pinterest board inspires you this Autumn season to get outside and enjoy time with your family and friends. And maybe even try a few seasonal recipes and crafts too! I am thankful for you all! What are you thankful for this season?

http://www.stayathomeartist.com/2010/11/free-thanksgiving-printables.html

Apple Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

Pin Me!

This last winter, I helped my parents prune there mini orchard that hadn't had a good pruning in a while. Apples and plums and pears, oh my! Did they need it too! And although many of the trees aren't producing that great this year (that's normal after a good pruning),  their Granny Smith Apple tree is doing great! So well that Mom called and said I just had to come out and pick some before they all end up on the ground for the deer. : )

All those apples sitting and waiting to be canned got me thinking about different recipes I could try out with the abundance. I remembered this recipe I found on Allrecipes a while ago. I have tweaked it and adjusted it a couple times since I first tried it and I am happy with this version. It brings the scents and tastes of the coming fall season to you and your home. I like to enjoy them with a good cup of spiced tea while wrapped up in a cozy blanket watching the leaves turn. Enjoy!

Apple Pumpkin Muffins

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup wheat flour

1 cup sugar

1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 eggs 

1 cup pumpkin puree (I used canned pumpkin)

1/4 vegetable oil

1/4 unsweetened apple sauce

1 1/2 cups finely chopped apples (about 3-4 apples)

1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray 24 muffin cups with non-stick spray. Combine first six ingredients in a large bowl and set aside. Chop apples and pecans, place in small bowl and set aside. In another bowl, combine the eggs, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil and apple sauce. Mix well. Stir wet ingredients into large bowl with dry ingredients just until combined. Do not over mix. Fold in apple and nut mixture. Fill muffin cups 2/3 of the way full. Bake for about 18 minutes. Makes 24 muffins. 

Small Town Fourth of July and a Backyard BBQ

Last year, my mom, my kids and I spent the Fourth of July with our friends, Pete and Beth. 

They invited us out to Corbett, Oregon to watch the small town's parade which was their annual tradition.  

I dressed Lauren in a handmade dress given to me by my friend, Victoria. Beth and I proceeded to add on all sorts of fun, cute things to Lauren's outfit. Then I tried to get her to sit still for a picture with Nana. (my mom) 

 Not sure if she is happy or crying here but we finally got a great picture!  

 And what else do you do while waiting for the parade to start? Well... 

eat donuts, of course! Pete and Beth were kind enough to bring donuts for everyone and did they hit the spot! : )

When they finally shut down the road, all the kids ran out into the street to play. Trying to get a good shot of Lauren waving the flag...... 

wait for it........

 There it is! I love this photo of my baby girl!

And then, down the road, what do I see!? Here comes the parade of cool old cars, a group of kids on dirt bikes and a.t.v.'s, horses and their riders, firetrucks and police cars! 

And let's not forget Lady Liberty!

After all the fun had at the parade, we went back to our friends house for what else but a BBQ. Hot dogs and hamburgers were on the menu, of course! But Beth also encouraged us to bring a 'patriotic' side dish or dessert. 

Boy, did we have fun with that!

We had watermelon stars and grapes. 

There was a Red, White and Blue salad. It had red tomatoes, red radish slices, crushed blue corn chips, corn, shredded cheddar cheese mixed with (my) garden fresh greens and salsa ranch dressing.

 For a different kind of salad, there was a Red, White and Blue potato salad of red potatoes, red onions, blue cheese and all the yumminess of a potato salad. Oh so good!

 For dessert, we had these precious (and handy!) fruit parfaits in little mason jars. Local farm fresh, hand picked strawberries and blue berries with biscuits, whipped cream and sprinkles! 

 Last but certainly not least, there were hand-dipped white chocolate and sprinkle covered strawberries!

What a great way to spend the Fourth of July, the day we celebrate our independence and freedom. With family and friends at a small town America parade and finishing it all of with good food and laughter. 

So, from Me to you, I wish for a Happy Independence Day this year and ask you to pray for our nation.

God Bless the U.S.A. 

(and you too!)

California Turkey Burgers

This is one of my favorite burger recipes. Probably because it has cilantro in it but also because it is a light burger, perfect for a summer evening barbecue. Add some rosemary & garlic fries, a bowl of fresh fruit or a light salad as a side dish. Try it out and let me know what you think. I think you will like it! Recipe from the Favorite Brand Name Grilling cookbook.











1 pound ground turkey
1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro
1/3 cup plain dry bread crumbs
3 tbsp's yellow mustard
1 egg, beaten
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 red or yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into rings
Monterey Jack cheese slices
4 hamburger buns

Love the smell of fresh cut cilantro! These are going to be good!

Combine turkey, cilantro, bread crumbs, mustard, egg, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Shape into 4 patties, pressing firmly. Place patties on oiled grid. Grill over medium/high heat about 15 minutes, until no longer pink in the center. Top with cheese during last few minutes of grilling. Grill bell pepper rings 2 minutes. To serve, place burgers on buns and top with pepper rings. We like ours with some olive oil mayo. 

Yummy! Enjoy!