{Easy} Strawberry Cream Cheese Spread

I decided to have a bagel for breakfast this morning, but the idea of a plain bagel with plain cream cheese was just, well, boring. Then the light bulb came on and I came up with this little creation.


You can hardly call it a recipe it's so very easy, but here's what you'll need:

• Strawberry Jam/Jelly
• Cream Cheese Spread (you could probably just use cream cheese too rather than a spread)

Mix the two ingredients. You'll want twice as much cream cheese as jam/jelly. Spread on your bagel or toast. It was so good! Much better than plain cream cheese and it was super easy. 

I'm linking at these great parties:

Mondays: Sweet Sharing Monday * Get Inspired Monday * The Girl Creative * Destination: Cutesy Monday * What's In The Gunny Sack * Etcetorize * Tuesdays: Riverton Housewives Roundup * Ta-Da Tuesday * Tuesdays Cute Crafts & Cute Parties *Happy Family Times * Show Me What You Got * Tuesday Time Out * Tuesday Tidbits * Wednesdays: Super Link Party * Show & Share * {Wow Me} Wednesday * Thursday: Pin'Inspirational Thursday * Recipe Roundup *A Crafty Soiriee * Creative Thursday * Fridays: Delicately Constructed Fridays * Flaunt It Friday * Financial Friday Link Up  * Saturdays: Strut Your Stuff Saturday * Once Upon A Weekend * Sharing Saturday * Dare To Share Saturday * Craft, Create and Inspire * Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday * It's Overflowing Sunday Party  * Cooking & Crafts Party

Camping {I'm Back!}

I'm back! A couple weeks ago we went camping, and then I tool the past week to try to get my breath after being gone. I had some posts scheduled for the week during camping, so it may not seem like I've been gone that long to you. It seems like FOREVER to me!


I have some great things to share coming up this week. We went camping several hours away, so I had to put a lot of thought into entertainment for our 2 1/2 year old little guy. There will be some ideas for the road trip and for games/activities around camp. I can't wait to share them with you!


Those posts are still being polished so to speak, so for now, I hope you'll enjoy some pictures from our trip. We stayed in Colorado, but went to a part of Colorado that is so different from where we live. Everything is soooo green compared to the fairly brown landscape on our side of the mountains. It is so very beautiful and is by far my favorite place in Colorado. I hope you enjoy the pictures!

Colorful Quarters {Men’s Card}

Here’s another men’s card for you. I’m not sure if it’s quite as masculine as my last men’s card, but I like it for a guy all the same. Maybe it could be an either or kind of card?

It was a fun one to make! Here’s the trick, though. You have to be prepared to either make four versions of the card or waste/save some paper for another day.

I, of course, do not throw any paper away that is much bigger than an inch square. Seriously. If you don’t believe me, you should check out this flower card, these woven paper cards, and these block birthday cards. They were all made with paper scraps of some sort or another.  

Ok, back to this card. Here’s how to make it:

1. Cut your standard piece of white card stock 5.5x8.5 inches and fold/score it in half.
2. Cut four pieces of card stock (one red, one blue, one green, and one yellow/mustard) measuring 5.25x4 inches.
3. Cut each piece from step two on the diagonals (basically cut an “x”). First cut from one corner to the other. Keep the two pieces together. Cut from the other corner to the other. You should now have four quarters (triangle shaped) of each color. You’ll want to make sure to cut each piece as close to the same as possible.
4. Now, here’s the reason you’ll want to make four cards. Take one quarter/triangle of each color, and fit them together to form one rectangle. Glue these pieces on to your white base. If you notice, though, you still have quarters/triangles left. Use these to make more cards! You’ll have just the right amount to make four cards, and they’ll all be a little different.
5. I wanted to tie all the colors together, so I cut a piece of patterned paper with all the colors of the quarters/triangles measuring 2.5x4.5 inches. It’s the polka dot border you can see in the picture. Glue this piece to the center of your card.
6. Cut a piece of white card stock measuring 2x4 inches. Stamp “happy” in different colors. I used the same four colors of blue, green, red and yellow/mustard. I also embossed the last “happy”, so it would stand out a little bit from the others.
7. I had a little room on the bottom still, so I added a row of brads to finish the sentiment piece off.
8. Glue your sentiment piece to your patterned paper, and you’re done!

I'm linking at these great parties:

Mondays: Sweet Sharing Monday * Get Inspired Monday * The Girl Creative * Destination: Cutesy Monday * What's In The Gunny Sack * Etcetorize * Tuesdays: Riverton Housewives Roundup * Ta-Da Tuesday * Tuesdays Cute Crafts & Cute Parties *Happy Family Times * Show Me What You Got * Tuesday Time Out * Tuesday Tidbits * Wednesdays: Super Link Party * Show & Share * {Wow Me} Wednesday * Thursday: Pin'Inspirational Thursday * Recipe Roundup *A Crafty Soiriee * Creative Thursday * Fridays: Delicately Constructed Fridays * Flaunt It Friday * Financial Friday Link Up * My Crowded Kitchen * Saturdays: Strut Your Stuff Saturday * Once Upon A Weekend * Sharing Saturday * Dare To Share Saturday * Craft, Create and Inspire * Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday * It's Overflowing Sunday Party  * Cooking & Crafts Party

The Garden Is Alive!!!

Some of you may remember me writing about a little hail storm. I thought my garden was gone for sure, and it wasn't looking good at all.


I'm happy to say, though, that it came back and it's looking great! I hope you'll enjoy some pictures:

Lettuce (good thing mud washes off!)

A little pea pod. These are the plants I was most worried about.

Carrots. They're looking good!

Spinach. Is it supposed to look like this? Looks a little weird to me, but I've never had much success at spinach.

Spaghetti squash (winter squash). I really, really hope I get a harvest from this. I 'm so excited about it!

Corn. Saving the best for last. It's gotten so big!

Close up of the corn.

Thanks for taking a little tour of my garden!

I'm linking at these great parties:

Mondays: Sweet Sharing Monday * Get Inspired Monday * The Girl Creative * Destination: Cutesy Monday * What's In The Gunny Sack * Etcetorize * Tuesdays: Riverton Housewives Roundup * Ta-Da Tuesday * Tuesdays Cute Crafts & Cute Parties *Happy Family Times * Show Me What You Got * Tuesday Time Out * Tuesday Tidbits * Wednesdays: Super Link Party * Show & Share * {Wow Me} Wednesday * Thursday: Pin'Inspirational Thursday * Recipe Roundup *A Crafty Soiriee * Creative Thursday * Fridays: Delicately Constructed Fridays * Flaunt It Friday * Financial Friday Link Up * My Crowded Kitchen * Saturdays: Strut Your Stuff Saturday * Once Upon A Weekend * Sharing Saturday * Dare To Share Saturday * Craft, Create and Inspire * Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday * It's Overflowing Sunday Party  * Cooking & Crafts Party

Purple and Pink Butterflies

What little girl doesn't love purple and pink butterflies? This card was inspire by (and made for) one of my little cousins who has a purple and pink room with butterflies. She's such a cutie!

The background was actually clip art. I printed it and added a border with a purple paper that closely matched the purple butterfly.

Then I added a couple of these little guys with dimensional adhesives to tie in the little guy below with the background.

I stamped the bug and then added the "happy birthday" sentiment below it. Then I used a paper punch to curve the edges. I did the same for the border piece which is the same purple I used to border the background. Simple! 

***I used the "Love Bug" stamp set from Stampin' Up! and individual word stamps***

I'm linking at these great parties:

Mondays: Sweet Sharing Monday * Get Inspired Monday * The Girl Creative * Destination: Cutesy Monday * What's In The Gunny Sack * Etcetorize * Tuesdays: Riverton Housewives Roundup * Ta-Da Tuesday * Tuesdays Cute Crafts & Cute Parties *Happy Family Times * Show Me What You Got * Tuesday Time Out * Tuesday Tidbits * Wednesdays: Super Link Party * Show & Share * {Wow Me} Wednesday * Thursday: Pin'Inspirational Thursday * Recipe Roundup *A Crafty Soiriee * Creative Thursday * Fridays: Delicately Constructed Fridays * Flaunt It Friday * Financial Friday Link Up * My Crowded Kitchen * Saturdays: Strut Your Stuff Saturday * Once Upon A Weekend * Sharing Saturday * Dare To Share Saturday * Craft, Create and Inspire * Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday * It's Overflowing Sunday Party  * Cooking & Crafts Party

Purple Purses {Quilts For Kids}

 

Have you heard of Quilts For Kids? I first heard about it here from Ashley at Make It and Love It. It's a program that gathers quilts and gets them to kids in hospitals. Many times, these kid's aren't allowed to bring something personal with them. Not to mention that a cheery quilt can do a lot to brighten up a drab hospital room, so these quilt are a comfort  and may even feel a little like a piece of home.

You don't even have to purchase the fabric. You can request a kit (with fabric already cut even) here. You can purchase your own fabric and cut it if you'd like. Just make sure to follow their guidelines:

• The quilt should measure approximately 38"- 40" x 45"- 46" when finished.
• Please use LOW LOFT 1/8 to 1/4 inch batting. Cotton or poly or a combination of the two is acceptable.
• Due to immunity issues that the children may have, only NEW 100% cotton fabric is allowed.
• All quilts have to be machine quilted. No hand tied or hand quilted quilts. 
• Check their FAQ for more information.

I requested one of their kits, so I could get a better idea of what they're looking for, and here's a full view of my completed quilt!

Quilts I've made in the past were very simple. They were just  rows of squares and were hand tied with yarn. It was fun to learn how to make this type of quilt.

When sewing the top of the quilt, I just followed the instructions that came with the kit. Ashley's instructions are also very helpful though. Her kit was a different pattern than mine, but she always has such good advice about sewing.

I wasn't really sure where to start when it came to machine quilting. Luckily, I didn't have to figure it out, because Ashley shared another post detailing machine quilting and binding. She even shows us a little trick for folding the fabric on the corners when doing the binding.

When you order a kit, you even get a tag for your name and the name of the quilt.

It was so worth all the time and effort. We're sending it off in the mail today. I hope it's enjoyed and loved. I loved making it and plan to make some with my own fabric now that I have a little experience making one!

Have you ever made a quilt for Quilts For Kids? Do you plan to now? I'd love to hear from you. :-)

I'm linking at these great parties:

Mondays: Sweet Sharing Monday * Get Inspired Monday * The Girl Creative * Destination: Cutesy Monday * What's In The Gunny Sack * Etcetorize * Tuesdays: Riverton Housewives Roundup * Ta-Da Tuesday * Tuesdays Cute Crafts & Cute Parties *Happy Family Times * Show Me What You Got * Tuesday Time Out * Tuesday Tidbits * Wednesdays: Super Link Party * Show & Share * {Wow Me} Wednesday * Thursday: Pin'Inspirational Thursday * Recipe Roundup *A Crafty Soiriee * Creative Thursday * Fridays: Delicately Constructed Fridays * Flaunt It Friday * Financial Friday Link Up * My Crowded Kitchen * Saturdays: Strut Your Stuff Saturday * Once Upon A Weekend * Sharing Saturday * Dare To Share Saturday * Craft, Create and Inspire * Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday * It's Overflowing Sunday Party  * Cooking & Crafts Party

May All Your Wishes Come True {Ladies Card}

 

This is another easy peasy one. 

1. Start with the standard base of white card stock folded to measure 5.5x4.25 inches (you'll start with a piece 5.5x8.5 inches).
2. Cut a  piece of green card stock  measuring 5.25x4 inches and glue it to your base.
3. Stamp your flowers, scroll designs and sentiment on a white piece of card stock measuring 5x3.75 inches.
4. Add brads to the center of your flowers.
5. Glue the white piece to your green piece.

You're finished! Here's a close up view of one of the brads:

I'm linking at these great parties:

Mondays: Sweet Sharing Monday * Get Inspired Monday * The Girl Creative * Destination: Cutesy Monday * What's In The Gunny Sack * Etcetorize * Tuesdays: Riverton Housewives Roundup * Ta-Da Tuesday * Tuesdays Cute Crafts & Cute Parties *Happy Family Times * Show Me What You Got * Tuesday Time Out * Tuesday Tidbits * Wednesdays: Super Link Party * Show & Share * {Wow Me} Wednesday * Thursday: Pin'Inspirational Thursday * Recipe Roundup *A Crafty Soiriee * Creative Thursday * Fridays: Delicately Constructed Fridays * Flaunt It Friday * Financial Friday Link Up * My Crowded Kitchen * Saturdays: Strut Your Stuff Saturday * Once Upon A Weekend * Sharing Saturday * Dare To Share Saturday * Craft, Create and Inspire * Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday * It's Overflowing Sunday Party  * Cooking & Crafts Party

A 4th Of July Birthday Card

 

It looks like it's a card celebrating 4th of July doesn't it? Well, that was sort of the idea, because it was for someone who happens to have 4th of July for a birthday. Isn't that a cool day for a birthday? I think so. I mean, people celebrate your birthday with fireworks! 


It's simple, simple to make, so here we go:

1. Start with the standard base of white card stock folded to measure 5.5x4.25 inches (you'll start with a piece 5.5x8.5 inches).
2. Cut a  piece of red patterned paper measuring 5.25x4 inches and glue it to your base.
3. Use a star paper punch to punch one red, one blue and one white star (I used card stock for this). Cover each star in glitter. I mention in step 8 of this post what glue I use to get my glitter to stick.  Set your stars aside.
4.  I created a sentiment on my computer using the StarshineMF font. Cut out your sentiment. Cut a border piece for your sentiment that measures 1/4 of an inch wider and taller than your sentiment piece. For example, if your sentiment piece is 2x2 inches then your border should measure 2.25x2.25 inches. Glue the two pieces together.
5. Attach two of the stars with a dimensional adhesive. 
6. Attach one of the stars with two levels of dimensional adhesive. You want this piece to stand up higher than the other stars.
7. Attach the sentiment piece with dimensional adhesive (just one layer).

There you have it!

I'm linking at these great parties:
Mondays: Sweet Sharing Monday * Get Inspired Monday * The Girl Creative * Destination: Cutesy Monday * What's In The Gunny Sack * Etcetorize * Tuesdays: Riverton Housewives Roundup * Ta-Da Tuesday * Tuesdays Cute Crafts & Cute Parties *Happy Family Times * Show Me What You Got * Tuesday Time Out * Tuesday Tidbits * Wednesdays: Super Link Party * Show & Share * {Wow Me} Wednesday * Thursday: Pin'Inspirational Thursday * Recipe Roundup *A Crafty Soiriee * Creative Thursday * Fridays: Delicately Constructed Fridays * Flaunt It Friday * Financial Friday Link Up * My Crowded Kitchen * Saturdays: Strut Your Stuff Saturday * Once Upon A Weekend * Sharing Saturday * Dare To Share Saturday * Craft, Create and Inspire * Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday * It's Overflowing Sunday Party  * Cooking & Crafts Party

Happy 4th of July! {Card Gallery}

I hope you all (those of you in the US anyway) are having a wonderful holiday! It's weird that it's in the middle of the week isn't it?


I've added a page that I couldn't wait to share with you, so without further ado I give you my Card Gallery page! Since card making is my favorite craft (and lately the one I've posted about most), I figured it might be nice to have them in an easy to access spot. I haven't included every single card that I've ever posted, but they are some of the best (if you ask me anyway :-)). If you're interested in all my card posts though, you can click here to view them all. You can click on the pictures to head to the original post. I hope you all enjoy it!

Fireworks Alternatives

With the dry, dry conditions and fire bans here in Colorado we won't be having any fireworks for the 4th of July. Most (if not all) of the big displays have even been cancelled.


It's okay though! After experiencing the wildfire so close to home (The Waldo Canyon Fire), I'd rather everyone stay safe. We still need to have a little fun though, right? I decided to try to find a couple alternatives to fireworks. Here are a couple of the best ideas:

Source: alphamom.com via Erin on Pinterest  

These Confetti Popper Rockets look like lots of fun!

Source: stevespanglerscience.com via Erin on Pinterest

I never would have thought of doing this as a firework alternative, but this Mentos and Diet Coke trick is explosive but not flammable. A great idea!

If you're here in the USA, I hope you have a wonderful and safe 4th of July!