Thursday, October 18, 2012

No Sew Fleece Scarf

I was at Hobby Lobby the other night and spotted a clearance basket of scrap material in little rolls. I looked through it and found myself a pretty sweet deal. I got a 1/4 yard of grey fleece 60 inches long. I immediately thought of an idea: a no-sew scarf!

It took a total of 15 minutes to do. I could have finished sooner, but with two kids, that's not always possible. This was so easy, if I can do it, anyone can!

First, fold the material length wise in half.





Then cut the end that is not folded all the way down the length of the fleece in about one inch strips. Cutting to about a half an inch to the fold.






Then after it is cut tie the pairs together. I alternated back and front when I tied so that it was fuller.






Ta daaaa!





Not too shabby for a whopping .88 cents if I don't say so myself. I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for more remnants like this next time I go to the store!




Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Fall Trail Mix

I have a bake sale coming up and really wanted to make a trail mix. It sounded so fitting with the season to do a fall mix. So I started to think of what I wanted to include in it. It didn't take long to figure out what I wanted and I have to admit, it is one of the best I have ever had!



4 cups Golden Grahams
2 cups Peanut Butter Crunch
2 cups Pretzels
1 cup Reeces Pieces
1 cup Chocolate Chips
1 cup Peanuts
1 oz White Chocolate Baking Bar
2 tablespoons Coconut Oil
1/2 cup Powder Sugar

Mix Golden Grahams, Peanut Butter Crunch, Reeces Pieces,
Chocolate Chips, and Peanuts together.

In a small bowl, microwave Coconut Oil and White Chocolate
for about a minute and a half, stirring once until melted. Pour
over dry mixture. Stir to coat.

Sprinkle with Powder Sugar, stirring once again to coat.
Spread onto baking sheet or wax paper to dry.

Store in air tight container.





This makes approximately 12 cups of trail mix. My husband couldn't stop eating it! Such a yummy treat!

  Enjoy!




Thursday, October 4, 2012

Cloth Diaper Chronicles


We have come to the end of the road with diapering as we once knew and onto the unknown. I can't say it was a carefree feeling I felt inside, probably more like apprehension and fear when we reached the crossroads yesterday.

{J} is now four months old and I made a goal that when we have only one more bag of disposables left we would convert to our prefolds. {We have still only bought 1 package of newborn diapers ourselves, the rest that we have had were given to us!} We will save the one bag we have left for overnight and when we leave the house. At least for now.

It has been interesting so far. Yesterday, I was beginning to wonder what we were thinking. My pinning technique has a lot to be desired. Nick was on board, but now is starting to have second thoughts. I think these feelings can be attributed to inexperience and lack of confidence. Already today, I have noticed some improvement in my pinning skills. I have to say that the cloth diapers seem to be containing more than the Huggies we were using did!





There were a couple factors in our decision to cloth diaper. First, being cost. Reusing saves money. Period. Second, the land fills will thank us. Is it easier? Not really. There is more laundry involved. There is extra work in rinsing. Then there is storing dirty diapers until they can be laundered. All not so convienient, but over all, it is well worth the extra effort.

The biggest negitive side effect has been bulky butt. Her little tushie more than doubled in size due to the bulk of the cloth making her pants too tight. She also feels wet faster than with disposables. So she needs changed more. My hope is this will lead too faster potty training!

This is going to be challenging. But, I am hoping it will become easier as we go along. We shall see!