See, I Told You

I told you I see lots of things I don't have time to make. Here's another idea for you. I saw these fabulous jars at Burgon & Ball. And you could so easily make your own! Here's how I would try it (and please tell me if you do): Take some self-adhesive paper (like contact paper or wall vinyl) and cut out the word or phrase you want, using a Cricut machine. Peel out the word/phrase and adhere the reverse (the rest of the sheet) to a jar you already have (so it's like a sticky stencil). Take some glass etching paint and follow instructions to paint in the stencil. Remove the stencil and there you go!
Of course you could also cut out words from solid colored sticky sheets, but that wouldn't be very permanent. Could work for a cute neighbor or housewarming gift though!
You should try it, and take pictures and send them to me.

Checkbook Cover

Here's another item to add to the Things I'd Like to Make But Will Probably Never Get Around To list:
A custom fabric checkbook cover. I really do need to make one of these to replace my 10 year old cracking and dirty plastic checkbook cover. You can find the tutorial at SewCute Shop.

Pom-Pom Onesie

I took a strand of mini-pom-pom ribbon (it's not really ribbon, so what is it?) and sewed it onto a onesie for baby {A}. Now it coordinates nicely with a pink and yellow floral skirt she's got. You could even sew some around the wrists, just make sure baby's hands can still fit through the opening.

Things I'd Like to Make, But Will Probably Never Get Around To

I'm starting a new segment on my blog of things I'd like to make but will probably never get to. I see so much and get so many ideas, but there's just not nearly enough time in the day or week or month to do it all. But I'm going to share the ideas and hopefully some of you can make use of these things, and share what you made! So here something to get it started!
A soft baby book made with fabric scraps and old jeans. What a great use of leftovers. Find the tutorial here.

Little Gentleman's Vest

Dana over at Made has done it again. She's amazing. Check out this adorable sweater-turned-vest! You know how I love upcycling! Here's the link.

Oh, and she has a tutorial of how to do this.

Totally Severe Wallpaper

I'm loving these digital wallpapers from Totally Severe. There are also loads of tile-able background images on the site. I've downloaded like 50 of them. I love her bio too, entertaining stuff!
via How About Orange

Choosing What Matters

via Perfect Sentiment, which I now plan to visit often.

They're Everywhere

As you've probably noticed, fabric flowers are everywhere these days. Here's my version of one for the hair.

Be Mine

We had an early Valentines exchange at work. Here's a peek at the little goodies I made to share.

Recipe Share: Zucchini Carrot Muffins

This recipe comes from Taste of Home's Prize Winning Recipes. I made these last week and they are surprisingly good, and even have some healthy stuff in them, which makes me not feel so bad about eating 6 in one day.

Zucchini Carrot Muffins

2 c shredded carrot
1 c shredded zucchini
1 c chopped apple
3/4 c flaked coconut
1/2 chopped almonds
2 tsp grated orange peel
2 c all-purpose flour
1-1/4 c sugar
1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3 eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 c vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract

Gently toss together carrot, zucchini, apple, coconut, almonds, and orange peel; set aside. In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Combine eggs, oil and vanilla; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened (batter will be thick). Fold in carrot mixture.
Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 375 got 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to wire rack. Yield 18 muffins.

Happy Dots

Once again, another carseat canopy. My sister-in-law requested one for her baby shower, one that could be used for a girl or a boy (she is having a girl this time around). Hopefully this will make her happy.

I'm working on making myself a dress right now, but I have no pattern (typical) so it may end up in disaster. Wish me luck!

Recipe Share: Lemon Seafood Risotto

Here's a new recipe I found on All Recipes (dot com). I tried it last week and I really liked it. I don't like scallops so I left those out, and I used shallots instead of leeks, because that's what I happened to have. Still tasted great. The key is the Arborio rice. Don't try to sub in a different kind or it won't be Risotto (though it might still taste fine...)

Lemon Seafood Risotto

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large leek, cleaned and thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup Arborio rice
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided
1 cup dry white wine
1/2 pound bay scallops
1/2 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup fresh snow peas, trimmed and halved crosswise
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
ground black pepper to taste


Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook the leek and garlic until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the rice, and cook for 5 minutes more, stirring frequently.
Pour in 1 1/2 cups of the chicken broth, and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, uncovered for 5 minutes, continuing to stir. Pour in the remaining chicken broth and wine, increase heat to medium, and cook for about 5 more minutes, stirring constantly.
Add the scallops, shrimp, peas, and red pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until the remaining liquid is almost absorbed, and the seafood has cooked, about 5 minutes. When the rice is just tender and slightly creamy, season with Parmesan cheese, basil, lemon juice, and pepper.

Toddler & Baby Shirt Tutorial

I've been wanting to figure out how to make a baby onesie/shirt from old t-shirts, and today I found a great tutorial on how to do it! That will save me the time of deconstructing a onesie and figuring it out for myself! Find the tutorial here at MADE.
Although this just increases my already powerful desire for a serger, she says this can still be done without one. Thank goodness.