Wedding Photo

Dr. & Mrs. W.

We had a busy summer.  My daughter, Jennifer, married her true love, David.  I will post a pic of the wedding, now and then, because I'm a Mom! 

Birdfeeder Crafting

I was at the dollar store today and my mind was reeling.  Everything I saw I kept thinking....I saw that on Pinterest and I know I can make it.  I went in there to buy a specific item, I came out with a ton of stuff to craft with. 
Today I made a birdfeeder.  It was super easy and looks pretty.  I used a small willow wreath and some sisal twine and an old potting dish I had here. 
I hope the birds like it.  I know the cats looking out the window at the birdfeeder will be happy. 

My Review of Long Sleeveless Tagfree Knit Lounger by Dreams & Co.®

Originally submitted at Roamans

Front and back scoop neck, full tiered skirt, pockets; abt. 52".

• Polyester/cotton knit.
• Machine wash.
• Imported.
• Sizes: M-5X.

Long Sleeveless Tagfree Knit Lounger by Dreams & Co.®

Pretty and Comfort

By Ninasu from Michigan on 5/25/2012

 

4out of 5

Waist: Feels true to size

Length: Feels too long

Pros: Soft, Nice Design, Comfortable

Cons: Too Long

Best Uses: Lounging, Beaches, Sleeping

Describe Yourself: Casual Dresser

Was this a gift?: No

I bought this to use as a summer shift. I love the cool comfortable style and fabric. The only reason I took away one star was because of the length. It is long on me, (I'm 5'3") and is also long on my Mother (she is 5'8"), but if you don't mind hemming then this is a perfect summer dress, lounger, house dress.

(legalese)

Today's Craft....

I decided to decoupage some clipboards.  I received one last year as a gift and I loved it.  I thought this would be so easy...and it is..!! 
I used a small clipboard.  (you can purchase them at Dollar Tree or Walmart) 
Scrapbook paper, decorations and ribbon
Mod Podge
I traced the size of the clipboard onto the back on a sheet of scrapbook paper.  (you can use any type of paper you want, ie:  wrapping paper, wallpaper etc.) Cut out the size you need and start decoupaging.  I use a sponge type brush to apply the mod podge.  About 4 coats are needed letting them dry in between applications.  I like to decorate the clip at the top.  And you're done.  So cute.  I think they will make a nice gift for teachers, or anyone that makes lists. 
Do you make lists?  I do!! 

FAIL

Once again I am making bread.  This time I wanted to make it in the bread maker without using a mix.  I used a recipe that was in the instruction booklet for Banana Honey Wheat Bread.  I put it together pretty quick, but I swear I followed the directions.  My bread didn't rise as well as I thought it should.  It didn't make a full loaf  What I did get was delicious but I was a bit disappointed.  Oh well... I should try again.  huh?  :)  I'll let you know how it works out. 

BREAD!!

I've always loved bread.  I know it's one of the reasons I gain weight so easily.  *sigh*  It's still one of my favorite foods. 
A bread making machine has been on my wish list forever.  I finally found one on Craigslist that someone wanted to get rid of.  (I can't imagine why.)  Today I made my first loaf of fresh bread.  It smelled wonderful baking.  I could barely wait for the bread to cool.  I finally got to cut some and spread real butter on a slice.  Oh my goodness, I've died and gone to heaven......
I know I will have to find healthier recipes if I want to continue to make bread.  If you have any skinny bread recipes please let me know.  

Nina's Sugar Free Apple Strudel Recipe

I wanted to make something yummy but simple.  This is what I came up with.

Easy Apple Strudel Nina's Sugar Free

2 cans sugar free Apple Pie Filling
1 stick of melted butter
3 tbs oil
1/2 cup chopped nuts of your choice (I used walnuts)
Cinnamon
All Spice
Splenda
1 Pkg of Phylo Dough
Pam or other non stick spray

Prepare your pan, spray with Pam. 
Mix melted butter and oil in a bowl set aside with pastry brush.
Start laying out sheets of phylo dough one sheet at a time in the 11x13 pan, brush with butter mixture, do this about 4 - 5 times.
Spread one can of pie filling and sprinkle with cinnamon, all spice, splenda and nuts. 
Layer phylo dough brushing butter in between each sheet another 4 sheets.
Add second can of pie filling, cinnamon, all spice, splenda.
Layer remainder of dough brushing between each sheet.
Brush top sheet and sprinkle with nuts, cinnamon, all spice, and splenda.

Bake at 350 for about 30 min or untill golden brown. 

This recipe can be altered to use sugar in place of splenda and sugar free pie filling.  I prefer to leave those calories behind. 
You may also like to layer in raisins or dried cranberries or dried cherries with the apples. 

*note*  I forgot to cut a few slits in the top of mine in the picture.  It is prettier and bakes better when slits are cut. 

My Review of Sequin Trim Bolero by Denim 24/7

Originally submitted at Roamans

Our newest knit cardigan is edged in shimmering sequins! Cotton/ polyester. Machine wash. Imported. By Denim 24/7®

• Curved front hem
• 3/4 length sleeves
• About 18"

Plus size tops, cardigans - sequin trim bolero by denim 24/7, sizes S to 5X

Sequin Trim Bolero by Denim 24/7

Beautiful Bolero

By ninasu from Michigan on 2/22/2012

 

4out of 5

Chest Size: Feels too big

Sleeve Length: Feels true to length

Pros: Stylish, Comfortable, Lightweight, Soft, Warm

Best Uses: Layering, Going Out

Describe Yourself: Classic, Stylish, Practical, Comfort-oriented

Was this a gift?: No

I ordered this to go with a dress I had ordered from Roamans. I love the color of the dress, Midnight Navy. I thought if one was named that color then everything else named that color would be the same color. I was wrong. This jacket did not match the dress color. I was disappointed. I had to return the jacket. The color mismatch is the only reason I took away one star. It really is a beautiful jacket.

(legalese)

Crafting Crazy

I've recently become obsessed with Pinterest.  My obsession has put me into a crafting frenzy.  I had to go to two re-sale stores to get supplies and then a visit to my Dollar Tree Store.  I have the kitchen table covered in a mess of stuff and it's starting to over-flow into the living room.  YIKES!
I finished making a cake/cupcake stand, then moved onto a springtime wreath for the front door, from there I started a cover/case for my Nook E-Reader.  I've been busy...oh and I'm about halfway done with an infinity scarf that I'm knitting.  I need a break.
Today I decided to tidy up and put all of my crafting project supplies into a box.  I'm taking a few days off. :)

This is the e-reader cover I made today.

My Review of Shaker knit cardigan

Originally submitted at WomanWithin

Shaker-knit cardigan is a forever favorite in all the colors you love. The best price and fit in women's plus size cardigans and plus size sweaters.

• Covered buttons
• Ribbed trim at the cuffs, patch pockets and hem
• 32" long
• Washable...

Shaker knit cardigan

I have 3 of these..!!

By ninasu from Michigan on 2/3/2012

 

5out of 5

Chest Size: Feels true to size

Sleeve Length: Feels true to length

Pros: Flattering, Comfortable, Versatile, Warm, Soft

Best Uses: Casual Wear, Layering, Cold Weather

Describe Yourself: Comfort-oriented, Classic

Was this a gift?: No

I want one in every color. I have black, navy and brown. They are wonderful for cool days and for layering over tops in the winter. I don't machine wash them but handwash and lay flat to dry. Mine have shown very little wear. I'm so glad to have nice sweaters to add to my wardrobe.

(legalese)