Pinkie's Picks - August 23, 2011 (and Etsy news)

First, let's get some news out of the way. The Etsy Share theme for the week is football. Preseason is underway and regular college games start Labor Day so let's start hunting for items to help us cheer on our favorite teams!

Another tidbit of news - I am currently working on setting up my own Etsy store. I have a few items listed already but I am just not happy with my photos yet so it's all rolling out very, very slowly. But I will get there and when it's all up, I will have a Grand Opening.

It's been awhile since I posted any Pinkie's Picks so that's what I'm sharing today.

For the best step by step stitching instructions I have found, try Stitch School.

If you want step by step cooking videos, try Visual Recipes.

I'd like someone to make me these cake batter pancakes from How Sweet It Is.

If you can't get your family to eat lima beans, make a lima bean wreath out of them like this one found at TipJunkie.com.

For those of you that have to pack lunches for the kiddos and have already run out of ideas, check out the $5 Dinner Mom's favorite sites for lunch ideas.

It won't be long before the haunting begins again.  I love this vintage clip art of a witch and the moon found at The Graphics Fairy.

I know a certain friend of mine in Iowa will appreciate this Mini Cooper party just like I did.  From Farmstyle Studios.  The cake is smashing!

I think this chalkboard lunch box would be a great way to leave special notes to your sweeties when you send them off to school.

I keep telling Hubz that I can spray paint our bathroom fixtures and we can have a whole new look but he thinks I'm crazy.  Well, thanks to Saving 4 Six, I have proof now that I'm not so crazy.  Well, at least about this point anyways.

Pinkie's Picks - June 13, 2011

I think it's been too long since I've shared any Pinkie's Picks. Here is a mismash of goodies I've found recently.

Mommy Moment shares a list of 10 Everyday Math Skills for Young Children. I do the counting out loud a lot with Bean.

Aqua and red make up my new favorite color combination. Look at this post and this one from Allsorts. She's inspired me to paint our back porch swing these colors.

If I could be trusted with power tools, I'd love to make one of these DIY Outdoor Chaise Lounges from Shanty2Chic.  

This recipe for Slow Cooker Risotto by Planning with Kids looks yummy.  I wonder if Gordon Ramsay would approve?  She also has a wonderful Google Spreadsheet with all of her meal planning recipes here.

About a year ago, I found a Montessori mom blog, A Bit of This and a Bit of That.  Jojoebi shares their lessons as well as crafts sells in her Etsy store.  After the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan back in March, she started sharing their story of putting their lives back together in posts called "2:46".  A couple of days ago she shared a post showing then and now pictures of Japan that had been published by the Winnipeg Free Press.  I recommend taking a look at those pictures and reading jojoebi's latest 2:46 post.  As you can see, life is not back to normal for those in Japan.  It might not be for years and years.

Pinkie's Picks - April 20, 2011

I've been trying to catch up on all the posts in my Google Reader. I'm reading but the number sure doesn't seem to be getting any smaller. Here's the latest batch of webby goodness I've found.

Since I haven't done a Spring sensory box for Bean this month, I thought I'd share one of the prettiest ones I've ever seen. This one is by Pink and Green Mama.

I want to try this recipe for Cinnamon Honey Butter by Kevin and Amanda.  Cinnamon.  Honey.  Butter.  I doubt I could get that wrong.  (Wishful thinking.) 

This paint chip egg garland by Nap Time Crafts makes me want to run down to Home Depot right away. I wonder how many women they have to escort off the paint aisles for taking only the paint chips?

I've decided I want a mermaid birthday party.  Do you think that would be too weird for a grown up? Probably, but "weird" has never stopped me before.  Check out this post about a mermaid birthday party at Living Locurto. (She's also having a giveaway for this collection. If you enter and win, please invite me.)

All I can think about when I see these Peep S'mores from Eclectic Recipes is "those poor bastards".  Maybe this is better though than the slow death I inflict by chomping off one ear at a time.

If you are like me and are thinking of trying to learn how to sew, this tutorial on "How to Thread a Sewing Machine" by Tip Junkie might be a good place to start.   I think it's probably a good idea to have thread in a machine when you're sewing.  (Nothing gets by me!)

I can just see this chalk board purse idea coming back to bite me in the patooty if Bean were to mistake her purse for one of my vintage Coach purses.  And by "vintage" I mean 7 -10 years ago when I had money to blow on a purse.  Chalk and Coach do not mix!

These Chocolate Dipped Frozen Bananas from HowDoesShe are probably something in the kitchen that I couldn't screw up.  (More wishful thinking.) 

And could you imagine dressing like this...everyday...in the Georgia heat?   No wonder there were so many fainting ladies way back when.

Courtesy PecanneLog blog.

Enjoy!

Pinkie's Picks - March 1, 2011

I have found more internet lovelies I want to share with you.

These chalk blocks from Playful Learning are such a great idea and very easy to do.

I just found this blog recently while looking for some Montessori-based projects to do with Bean. I am going to make her a card making basket like this one I found on The Adventures of Bear. I know she will love it.

I know Bean would have a ball playing in a Playdough Bakery like this one at the Frugal Family Fun Blog.

Hey, remember that sewing machine I got for Christmas? The reason I wanted a sewing machine was to make aprons. I still haven't tried to use the machine because it scares me but if I did I'm sure I could find one pattern I liked out of these 24 free apron patterns from Tip Junkie.

Just in time for St. Patrick's Day is a Skittles Rainbow cake by Crystal & Company.

We have made this Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup shared by eighteen25 and it is wonderful. You should try it.

Pinkie's Picks - January 28, 2011

I was planning on sharing my birthday banner tutorial with you today but someone forgot to upload the pictures. And by "someone" I do mean me.  Sorry.  So to tide you over until I get that masterpiece completed here are some of my favorite internet finds of late.

Please don't forget to enter our TinyPrints.com $50 gift certificate giveaway here.

Now let's get to pickin'. 

This has got to be a top crafting pick of all time.  This glue gun is probably one of the greatest inventions in the world.  First, it's cordless.  Second, it has a LED light on the end so you can see where exactly that glue is gonna go.  And third, it's pink.  What more could you want?  A box of chocolates to go with it.  I understand.

These valentine pooches by Bluebird Papercrafts are just the cutest! 

This caramel apple cider for the crockpot found at A Year of Slow Cooking sounds very nice on these cold, cold January evenings.

These Super Bowl Party dips from Food Your Way are getting us ready for the Big Game.

Obligatory cupcake reference of the day:  Cupcake Pincushion from Kitty Stamp.

Bean would love for her Daddy to make her one of these Little Helper Towers from Ana-White.  A girl can dream, can't she?

I wished Hubz would make me Bean a dollhouse like this one found at Kristen Duke's site.

If you haven't already had enough of the snow and ice this year, you can make your own snowflakes using this tutorial from All Things Heart and Home.

I'm trying to introduce more salads at home now.  Hubz really has gained the weight.  Yep, it's just Hubz.  The rest of us are just fine.   Poor Hubz.  He's a fatty and he's the only one.  I repeat - he's the only one.  So this Avocado Taco Salad from Living Locurto might help Hubz and only Hubz out. 

Pinkie's Halloweeny Picks - Oct. 15, 2010

I took an unofficial blogging break this week. Have you ever had those days or weeks or maybe months were you just wanted to step back and regroup? That's how I've felt for the past week so I thought I would give myself a little break. Thank you all for hanging in there with me.

Since I haven't shared many Halloween picks with you this week I thought I would do a post and share several great ideas that I've found while blog hopping.

Look at this dollhouse turned haunted house from Veranda Interiors. My Goth Barbie would so love this!

We all know how much I love cupcakes.  This cupcake costume from Lemon Tree Creations is the cutest cupcake I've seen in awhile.

My mother-in-law has mentioned having a Halloween party for the kids this year.  If we do, I am making some of these Witch's Broom favors from Martha Stewart.  What up, Martha!

This is such a cute Halloween Felt Bunting from 3 Four and Under.  It looks very easy to make.

These Monster Jars from Crazy Domestic are very cute but thankfully not that scary.

Make your own pumpkin tart-less warmer found on MarthaStewart.com.  (Sending more love to my bestie, Martha!)  

Pinkie's Halloweeny Picks - Cagey Ghosts

I found these scary cagey ghosts in a newsletter from Disney's Family Fun site. These would look so good on our front lawn.

*Property of Disney's Family Fun.

Pinkie's Halloweeny Picks - Candy Corn Ruffle Tee

This is such an adorable shirt. Check out this candy corn ruffle tee from Naptime Crafters. (And drool over that baby's beautiful smile!)

*Property of Naptime Crafters.

Pinkie's Halloweeny Picks - Pumpkin Bowling

This pumpkin bowling idea from A Girl and a Glue Gun is such a great idea for something to do with formula cans or any tin can. You could switch out the covers too for any season or holiday.

*Property of A Girl and a Glue Gun

Pinkie's Halloweeny Picks - Mason Jar Ghosts

These Mason Jar ghosts from Cute as a Fox would be so cute lined up around our porch.

*Property of CuteAsAFox.com.

Pinkie's Halloweeny Picks - Spider Sacks

My brother-in-law will absolutely freak out if he saw these spider sacks from You Craft Me Up. Maybe I'll make him a couple...just to hear the girly screams. Hmmm...

*Property of You Craft Me Up.

Pinkie's Halloweeny Picks - Halloween Wreath

I have found one of the cutest Halloween wreaths I have ever seen.

I love this Halloween wreath made by Tatertots and Jello. She better be glad she lives in another state. This might not stay on her front door long.  Ahem, I mean, I bet there's a lot of "wreath theifs" out there.

*Property of Tatertots and Jello.

Pinkie's Halloweeny Picks - Glass Block Jack-o-Lanterns

Normally on Fridays I post Pinkie's Picks where I showcase crafts, projects, recipes, and the like that I find while visiting other blogs. Since it's now October 1st and Halloween will soon be here, I thought I would spend a few days sharing different craft ideas I have come across and think are really cute.

I'm starting this all off with these glass block jack o'lanterns from The Other White House.

Pinkie's Picks - September 24, 2010

Happy Friday all! I've found more links to share with you all.

First, though, please remember that if you are an Etsy, Facebook or online retailer of handmade products, please consider being part of my Handmade Holidays blog series I will run in November. If you want more info, please email me at:  pinkiefae@gmail.com


Now, let's get to the picks! 

This week's crockpot recipe:  Chicken Tortilla Soup by Ya Get What Ya Get.  You can also do this without the crockpot.  I made this on Monday using a rotisserie chicken I picked up at the grocery store.  Hubz loved the soup so it will be added to our family recipe book...which I haven't really made yet but it's on the "to-do" list.

Even I could make this Starbucks Bird Feeder by MaryJanes and Galoshes.  I think.

Ever had a purchase you wanted to make but wondered when the best time of the year was to get the best deal?  Here's a list by Get Rich Slowly called When is the Best Time to Buy Everything.

I think these tiny birthday cakes made by Chocolate on the Cranium are so cute.  Bean would love to help make some of these. 

Clover Lane shows how to make a blog header with Picasa. 

Make a ChalkCloth table cover for your child's table like this one at Smashed Peas and Carrots. 

Frugal idea of the day - this puzzle storage idea from On the Banks of Squaw Creek.  I saw her post a few months ago and have been looking for these racks at yard sales ever since.  You fellow yard salers need to quit buying these out from under me.  I'd hate for there to be a brawl at the next neighborhood yard sale but I'm tired of missing out.  You have been warned.

Pinkie's Picks - September 17, 2010

It's been another crazed week at work. Trial preparation stinks. Oh well, enjoy these picks of mine while you're waiting on me to come up with something original.

This week's crockpot recipe: Balsamic Beef and Onion Pasta from $5 Dinners. I've tried this one and it is pretty good.

Wanting to design your own Twitter background?  Paisley Cat Scraps shows you how here.  She also offers free Blogger backgrounds and great tutorials.

Do you have a toddler (or husband) that you are trying to potty train?  Prudent Baby shows you how to make your own very cute DIY Potty Chart to keep track of their progress.  We use a sticker chart for Bean and she gets so excited when she can put a new sticker on her chart. 

Tip Nut shares ways to use herbs to freshen up your home.  If we could just teach them to pressure-wash...

I am going to make these Peanut Butter and Jelly Roll Ups from Meal Planning Mommies for Bean this weekend.  Of course, there'll have to be some taste testing going on before I can give them to her. 

I have an idea in my head to do something similar to this tin can storage shared on Craftzine.com.  Darn, now I'll have to use a bunch of canned food in the coming weeks so I can gather the materials needed for this project.  What. A. Shame.

I've never had nor even know what a crostata is but this one from Betty Crocker sure looks good.  Anyone wanna make me one?  

Not really a tip or craft but more a shameless plug for a friend of mine.  Please stop by my friend Holly's blog and tell her she's entirely too cute to be nearing the end of her pregnancy.  She doesn't even have "pregnancy nose" like my friend Melalee likes to call it. 

Pinkie's Picks - September 2, 2010

Happy Fall Y'all! Sit back and enjoy my recent web findings.

Look at this dollhouse made out of dresser drawers from Nice Girl Notes.

I have so many baby clothes that I know I should get rid of but can't bring myself to do it.  These printable size labels from Buttoned Up will help me keep them all organized while I'm procrastinating. 

Look at this diaper cake from Something From Cassie.  It almost makes me want to have another baby.  Calm down, Hubz!  I said "almost".  Sheesh!

This week's crockpot recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice from Eat at Home.

You know, it only takes a brain to think to make a cupcake towers like this one at Annie's Eats.  Too bad I didn't have a brain at Bean's First Birthday Party which was CUPCAKE themed.  "If I only had a brain."

Ah, see!  This is why I haven't gotten rid of all those baby clothes yet.  I am suddenly going to become a quilter and make this baby clothes quilt using all of those precious clothes.  - From Craftastical

I'm just lying.  I'll probably just sit back and eat some blueberry poundcake from this recipe at My Wooden Spoon.

Pinkie's Picks - August 13, 2010

Check out some easy ways to reduce recipe costs from $5 Dinners.com.

If you are looking to spruce up your Blogger blog, check out ShabbyBlogs.com.  They have tons of freebies to make your blog beautiful.  I absolutely love their Old School background.

I am dreaming of a pearl strand lamp like this one featured on Be Different...Act Normal.  I am now on the lookout for a basket like that...and the pearls...oh, and the light.  Well, you know what I mean.

Green Mama shares her recipes for homemade cleaning products. 

From WhatToExpect.com, tips on handling stubborn toddlers that do not involve any closets or duct tape!  Who knew?

I would have loved to had one of these zippy wet pouches to put Bean's wet swimsuit in this summer.  Check out the tutorial at The Polka Dot Chair.

Mommy's Kitchen Iron Skillet Pizza is definitely on the menu plan for next week.  There is some cooking from scratch involved so I'll probably have to have the fire department on standby but I'm gonna chance it.

Pinkie's Picks - July 27, 2010

There's no real category for these picks. They're just a hodge podge of things I've found here and there.

Easy peasy toddler matching game from No Time for Flash Cards.

Make your own BabyLegs from BabyHopes.

Printable recipe cards from bellybytes.com.

Gain five pounds after eating this Chocolate Velvet Cake with Strawberries from My Wooden Spoon.  Hey, the strawberries are healthy!

Other uses for photo albums that I never thought of but should have from Wonder Woman Wannabe.  After you read this if you don't say "duh", I'll pinch myself.  No...correction...I'll pinch Hubz.

Five for Friday: Sharing great recipe sites

Five for Friday.  This is where I share five great sites that I've found on the internets and think they are good enough to share with you.

This week I want to share some recipe sites.  I have tried some recipes here and there but I've done more bookmarking than actual cooking.  Hopefully, for Hubz' sake, that will change.

1.  Recovered Recipes - I think this is one of the best ideas I have heard of and am actually upset that I didn't think of it myself because I have several boxes at home that contain recipes handwritten by my Mom and Granny.  Recovered Recipes is a "vintage recipe project". 

2.  Simple Mom's Guide to making a Del.icio.us Cookbook - This really isn't a recipe site but I used Simple Mom's instructions here on how to make an online cookbook with all my bookmarked recipes using del.icio.us tags.  Now anytime I find a recipe I want to try later on, I click the del.icio.us button on my toolbar and save the recipe there.  I use an overall tag of "cookbook" and then separate it down even further with meat and meal types like "chicken" or "dinner".  I can access these all directly from the del.icio.us site either from my work or home computer or my iPhone.  I now also use this online cookbook to do my menu planning which has really saved us some money and me some time.  If you have a ton of online recipes that you've been bookmarking and saving, I suggest trying this method. You can see a list of my latest bookmarks on the left-hand side of my blog.

3.  The Pioneer Woman Cooks - No recipe listing can be complete without The Pioneer Woman.  She shows you step by step how to do her recipes. She has just come out with a beautiful new cookbook as well.  She even has a recipe that is making me think about eating blue cheese.  Yeah, I know!

4.  My Wooden Spoon - This blog is written by A Cowboy's Wife.  On her main blog, she shares really great tips on blogging but I think her recipes are far, far better.  She is responsible for another big section of my bookmarked recipes.  Her Easy Crock-Pot Tater Soup is what's on the menu tonight at our house.


5.  Mommy's Kitchen - I have found a lot of recipes here that are very quick and simple.  And I love that she also breaks the steps down for you with pictures of the recipe as you're going along.  I've made her Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole with Ham and her Broccoli Beef Stir Fry.  Yummy!

What are your favorite recipe sites? Please share them with me in the comments section.

Pinkie's Picks - Summer activities with the kids

I thought I'd share some great ideas I've found on the internet for some fun activities you can do with your kids this summer. Most of these are crafty things you can do or, like me, you can put them on your list of things you want to do. Then at the end of summer we can compare how many we actually did. Procrastinate much?

So here we go...Pinkie's Picks for neat summer activities with the ankle biters kiddos.

1.  Create a memory game for your little ones using family pictures just like this one at Smart-Bottom Enterprises.  

2.  Edible peanut butter play dough that is PEANUT FREE!  Wha?  Huh?  Just check it out at Smashed Peas and Carrots. 

3.  Make foam bath dolls like these at Serving Pink Lemonade for some fun in the tub.

4.  Enjoy some bird watching after you make these pinecone bird feeders from itmom. 

5.  Make some discovery jars/bottles like these at Sometimes Creative. 

6. With the Fourth of July coming up, you could fashion this idea from Creative Jewish Mom to make your own flags to celebrate.