Friday, December 27, 2013

Sausage and Veggie Quiche

Sausage and Veggie Quiche2

Did you have a nice Christmas? I did. The kids slept in until about 8, which is pretty good for them and they went straight to playing in the toy room. They didn’t really realize that it was Christmas. So it was pretty low key and simple. I made this quiche the night before to have for breakfast. As much as I love cinnamon rolls, they just aren’t a practical breakfast food for two little boys and a nursing momma. This quiche, though, is really filling and lots of protein to keep bellies full.

Sausage and Veggie Quiche

Sausage and Veggie Quiche
(makes 2 quiches)
  • 16oz Italian Sausage
  • 1 pkg frozen veggies (I used the California Blend – carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower)
  • 3/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian sesoning
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheese
  • 8 eggs
  • 2 cups half and half
  • 2 crusts
Directions:
Begin by cooking sausage in a pan until brown. Lift out and set aside. Add the veggies to pan and add garlic powder and herbs. Cook until veggies are soft. You may want to break up the veggies into small pieces as well. Remove from heat and add the sausage back in and add cheese. Divide the mixture between the two pie crusts (have pie crusts on a cookie sheet). In a bowl, beat 4 eggs and add one cup of half and half. This should be enough for one quiche, pour over the veggie/cheese mixture. Then repeat for the second quiche, you may not need the full 4 eggs for the second, just depends. Place in oven and bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes until ingredients are solid.

Sausage and Veggie Quiche3

Enjoy! I love that this makes two quiches, either for a crowd or plenty of left overs. I froze my second one to have for an easy dinner later. Yum!

Monday, December 23, 2013

Pallet Wood Christmas Tree

pallet wood Christmas tree
Hey wonderful readers, I hope you had a great weekend! I’m just popping in quickly to share this craft with you I just did with a friend on Friday.

It was really simple and cost $0! Plus I used up some pallet wood that was taking up space in my garage! So here’s how you do it. First dismantle your pallet and cut down the wood. Here are the measurements that we used.
pallet wood Christmas tree11-2
After you get it all cut down to size you can either free hand the words on, use a cutting machine to make a stencil or just use vinyl, or you can print the words out. That’s what my friend and I did. Print the words out on a regular ink jet printer. Turn the paper over and rub chalk on the back then place the paper on the wood and rub each letter with an embossing tool. This causes the chalk to transfer to the wood. Then you just paint over it.

To assemble, use nails or screws from the back. I used 1” nails because that’s what I had on hand and worked great.

It was super easy and fun to do while hanging out and talking with a friend. I left my tree tall, but you could also cut it down and hang it on the wall or it could be a yard sign. I put mine right by my front door and I love it!
pallet wood Christmas tree5

I hope you all have a happy, safe, and Merry Christmas! I’ll be back afterward with a great breakfast recipe and some other projects!

 pinterestbutton Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket facebookbutton

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

DIY Nursing Cami

DIY Nursing Cami16-2
I don’t know about you, but sometimes it feels like I have 3 different wardrobes; normal, pregnancy, and nursing. Nursing seems to be the hardest for me to find functional tops. This time with two little boys running around, I like to have my back/belly covered because I never know when I’m going to have to get up and help or chase a little boy. Winking smile So I’ve found I really love wearing a cami under shirts so I’m always covered but the one I’ve been using has gotten stretched out pulling it down to access the goods.

I looked at getting a nursing tank, but they were pricey, like $30! What?! Plus I like my tank tops to come up a little higher than the ones I was seeing. My favorite ones are from DownEast Basics and Shade. Over the summer Shade was going out of business Sad smile so I snapped up a couple camis. So here’s what I did to make it accessible for baby.

DIY Nursing Cami2

Cut the straps about a 1/4” from the neckline
DIY Nursing Cami4

Then grab some snaps
DIY Nursing Cami6

With a needle and thread, simply sew the snaps on. The ‘female’ side goes on the front of the neckline hem, and the ‘male’ side goes on the backside of the strap.

DIY Nursing Cami7

I love how it turned out and it works so well! I’m able to wear it under V-neck tees and dresses and can easily access everything without stretching out a shirt or having to lift the cami up. I’ve made a couple of these so I’ve always got one to wear. The great thing is I can still wear this when I’m not nursing.

DIY Nursing Cami16

What are your favorite nursing essentials?

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Wood Block Christmas Present Decorations

wood block christmas present decoration2
I love an easy craft, especially during this busy time of year. I put this craft together for a ‘Fabulous Friday’ craft night at church. The ladies loved it because they could finish it in one night! Smile

What you'll need:
-4"x4" wood post (12" for a set of 3)
-paint 
-fabric
-scissors
-saw
-sandpaper

Cut a 4”x4” post 3”, 4” and 5” long.
2013-11-08 10.12.13
Sand the edges, paint your desired color, and let dry. Cut your favorite fabric 1-1 1/2” wide by (about) 36” long.

Wrap around the wood block, criss cross, and tie at the top. Voila! You’re done. Smile
wood block christmas present decoration

Monday, December 2, 2013

Little Girl’s Headband and Bow Organizer

Litte Girls Headband and Bow Organizer8
Having a little girl is fun! I can craft and sew for her and there are so many accessories I can put on her Smile. (Mom, you can wipe that smug grin off your face – I know, I never thought I’d be so girly haha)

At my baby shower I wanted us to make headbands instead of playing games, it was awesome and the ladies made headbands to match the outfits they picked out for Cadence. So with all these accessories comes the problem of how to store and organize them. Here’s what I came up with.
Take an oatmeal canister and shake it out really well.

Little Girls Headband and Bow Organizer1

Next you pick a fabric and measure it around the canister and cut it to length allowing a little bit to fold under.
Litte Girls Headband and Bow Organizer2

Hot glue the edge down. Apply ModPodge to the body of the canister and smooth the fabric down as you go. Get out any air bubbles that form.
Litte Girls Headband and Bow Organizer4

Tuck the top and bottom in and hot glue down.
Litte Girls Headband and Bow Organizer5

Let it dry and then put your cute headbands around the canister and bows on the inside.
Litte Girls Headband and Bow Organizer6

Litte Girls Headband and Bow Organizer7

Super easy and it really helps keep her headbands in one spot where I can find them, love it!

Monday, November 25, 2013

Oreo Trifle

oreo trifle
Last week was my husband’s birthday. He had been out of town all week on a business trip and was coming home on his birthday so I wanted to make him something special. He’s tough when it comes to desserts. He isn’t picky, he just doesn’t get excited by most desserts – brownies, cookies, cake. Sure he’ll eat a bit, but not be excited by them – not special. So I pondered long and hard about what he loves and what would make him feel special and loved on his birthday.

Oreo Trifle!

It was a hit! He gasped and started salivating. Not really, but he did ask me, “Oooo, Is that for me? Can I have some?” Smile 

It wasn’t complicated and my son had fun helping me put it together. It was also delicious!

oreo trifle2
Oreo Trifle
  • Brownies
  • Chocolate Pudding (the instant kind)
  • Cool Whip
  • Crushed Oreos
All you do is prepare the brownies and pudding according to the directions. Once they are done layer (I did 3 layers) in order; brownies, pudding, cool whip, oreos.

Enjoy!!

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

DIY Washer Dryer Stand

Washer Dryer Stand15
Have you ever had one of those projects that just drags on FOR-E-VER? Yeah, this has been mine. My dad and I started building this washer and dryer stand so long ago that I’m ashamed to admit exactly how long it’s been. haha.

I wanted to build this washer dryer stand for a couple reasons. One my laundry room is in the worst place ever, just inside the door to the garage. It’s nothing more than a hallway with a room for a washer and dryer. Super inconvenient.

Two, the front loading washer and dryer are great but bending over to change the laundry was hurting. For some reason the builder of our house decided to reverse the normal position of the washer/dryer with the washer on the right. I was able to change the way the dryer door opens but the washer door can’t be switched. So I would have to bend over to empty the washer then either pick up or slide the basket around the door to get to the dryer.

My dad and I set out to build this stand so I would have a place to put my laundry baskets when not in use and so I wouldn’t have to bend over so much when doing laundry. We got the plans from Knock Off Wood and modified them slightly to fit the space in my laundry room and my laundry baskets.

Washer Dryer Stand

Once the stand was built, I painted it white with some latex we had on hand. As a bonus, the previous owner of this house had left some extra vinyl in the garage. I thought it would make the stand easier to clean and protect it from water if there ever was a leak. So I measured it out and cut it to size with a utility knife.

Washer Dryer Stand4

I’d never laid vinyl flooring before, but it wasn’t too hard. Just spread on the glue and let it sit for a little bit. Put the vinyl on and roll out the bubbles.

Washer Dryer Stand6

I didn’t have a vinyl roller so I used my rolling pin (wrapped in plastic). haha!
Washer Dryer Stand10

From there it was pretty much done. It sat in the garage for a long time waiting to get installed. My husband doesn’t like to ask for help so I woke up from a nap one Saturday to find him in the laundry room with the stand in place and trying to lift the washer and dryer up into place. Crazy man! Luckily a friend happened to pull up (for another reason) at that exact moment and helped out. Good thing too because by then I was pretty pregnant.

Once the stand was in place I finished it off with some corner molding and finish nails.

2013-11-11 10.20.48

And I finally filled the holes and painted!

Washer Dryer Stand12

Washer Dryer Stand13

I’m really happy with how it turned out. And for any of you wanting to build one, do it. Just because it took me forever doesn’t mean it was hard. It was actually a pretty simple build. I just needed help doing heavy lifting and building during my pregnancy so it only got worked on here and there. Hope that helps!

Monday, November 11, 2013

Hanging A Large Piece of Art on Your House or Wall

Well, it sure has been quiet here on the blog front. Halloween night we had a bunch of family come to town for Cadence’s blessing.
2013-11-03 11.20.37
After they all left, it took a while to finish all the laundry and cleaning and then I took a rest.

So here I am finally sharing a project I finished. Remember this American flag I made over the summer? Well we finally got it hung. First my husband had to decide where he wanted it, then we had to get HOA approval, and finally I had to wait until the baby was safely out of my belly to scale a ladder.

2013-11-08 10.11.58

We ended up having to stand on the back of our SUV because our ladder wasn’t tall enough.
So how do you go about hanging something like this on your house? Well there might be an easier way, but this is how I did it…

I made a french cleat, but without the mitered edge.


I attached two 1”x2” along the back of the flag. I forgot to take a picture, but here’s the general idea…
hanging flag
Then I measured really well and attached two 1”x2” to the house to sit underneath the ones on the flag. I used special stucco bolts to drive them into the house.

Then with my husbands help, we lifted the flag up and rested it on the two 1”x2”s on the house.
The last step was attaching the flag to the ‘cleats’ with a 3” wood screw. We did this by driving a screw through the cleats coming from the top and bottom (does that make sense?) So basically we screwed the two cleats that touched on top together and the two cleats touching on bottom together.

Anyway, it was a process so I didn’t take pictures, but I hope that makes sense to you. I've got a bunch more coming; I finished my DIY washer/dryer stand, made some Christmas decorations, and have a couple sewing projects in the works. I think we'll be going to the park every morning this week so nap times are really good :)

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Homemade Funfetti Cake

homemade funfetti cake4
Fall is a busy time around my house. Lots of birthdays and lots of holidays. You thought dieting was hard for you – it’s nearly impossible in my house, 2 birthdays in October, 1 in November, and now with our newest addition next year we’ll also be celebrating in September. Not to mention Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas and all the treats and goodies that come with them.

Well this week was Ben’s birthday, he turned 2! He’s not much of a talker just yet, so I took it upon myself to choose what kind of cake to make him. I know, tough job, right? hehe. My personal favorite cake is funfetti. After Andrew’s cake success, I wanted to give it a go again making a cake from scratch.

homemade funfetti cake2

This one wasn't a complete success (I'm not much of a baker, if you couldn't tell), I’m not sure what I did wrong. I was lazy and just baked all the batter in one cake pan instead of borrowing a second. I’m not sure if that made it more dense or if I messed up something in the recipe. Maybe I over baked? I’m not sure, but the pictures from the original recipe look great so I’m sure it’s something I did…

It still tastes great, but isn’t as light and fluffy as I would expect.

homemade funfetti cake3

Ben loves it and really that’s all that matters. He was so cute when we sang to him, just smiling the whole time and blew out his candles like a pro. :)

Enjoy!

Homemade Funfetti Cake (recipe adapted from Simply Scratch)

YIELD: 24 cupcakes or a 2 layer cake

INGREDIENTS:

4 whole Egg Whites

1 cup Whole Milk

2 teaspoons Real Vanilla Extract

3 cups Cake Flour, sifted

1 1/2 cups Sugar, sifted

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Baking Powder

1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt

1 1/2 sticks of Unsalted Butter, softened

1/2 cup Sprinkles, plus more for garnish (or 1/4 cup if you fold them into the frosting)

1 recipe of Cream Cheese Frosting


Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare cupcake pan with liners or two 9” cake pans.
Combine the wet ingredients; egg whites, whole milk, and vanilla. Whisk together and set aside.
In a large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients. Blend with the butter and half of the wet ingredients. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl before adding the rest of the milk and egg mixture. Mix again until combined.
Fold in sprinkles and fill cupcake liners halfway or divide between the two cake pans. Bake for about 17-20 minutes
Frost with frosting (recipe below) and top with sprinkles. Or you can do as I did and fold the sprinkles directly into the frosting – up to you. Refrigerate any uneaten cupcakes/cake.
 
Cream Cheese Frosting (also from Simply Scratch)

INGREDIENTS:

1 package (8 oz.) Cream Cheese, softened

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) Butter, softened

1 teaspoon of Real Vanilla Extract

1 package (16 oz.) powdered sugar (about 4 cups), sifted

DIRECTIONS:
On medium speed, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla in a large bowl until well blended.
Add the sugar gradually until blended after each addition.
Always keep cream cheese frosting refrigerated.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...