KNITTED BABY BEANIE....

Awhile back my mother-in-law taught me how to knit.... (Just the basic purl and knit stitch).

While I was at Borders one day, I saw a book with several baby-based knitting patterns... so of course, I had to get it! Now, if you haven't looked at a knitting pattern (I hadn't) When you open that little book, you will probably be totally lost and confused... (well, I was anyways).

To give you a small example, knitting patterns read a little something like this: cast on 60 stitches k 1 row p1 k2 p3 k3 k2tog co ... you get the point, right?? There are a lot of other knitting stitches that I don't know how to do yet (like circular knitting, and alligator or mattress stitches, etc..) So there is quite a lot in my little knitting book that I do not understand! I went on google and searched several things and was finally able to decode most of the pattern. (which doesn't mean I can do it, I just understand what it stands for, lol)  I found a pattern in my book that only called for a knit and purl stitch, which I know! Yay! It was for a little baby beanie :)

Now the pattern stated '0-3 months' but as you can see in the pictures, its slightly big and he is almost 4 months (trust me, my kids do NOT have small heads). So it didn't fit him for a little while, but he's starting to grow into it now and I just think its adorable!

I used a super soft yarn (sorry I forgot what brand, but I bought it at Jo-Anns). When I washed the beanie, it became even softer! I would suggest not using such a soft yarn though, because it is so silky it like to slip off his soft little hairy head, but of course its totally up to you!  Here's a few more views:

By the way: I will make these to order if you want one! Just email me for details :) babiesnmoregalore@gmail.com

Meeting your 'get fit' New years goals???

As I mentioned in an earlier blog post, Ashley, from makeit-love it, has been working on a goal she set for herself for the New Year to 'get fit'. In doing this she has been given a couple of cool devices to try out! The best part is, she holds giveaways so you can try these devices for free too! (if you win) :)

Right now she is holding a giveaway for the fitbit activity dvice!  click here if you would like to follow Ashley's progress and enter to win one for yourself! 'The FitBit uses motion sensor technology (just like the Nintendo Wii remote) and measures your motion all day long. The Fitbit accurately tracks your physical activity, steps taken, distance traveled, and calories burned.' It also measures sleep quality!!!!


Anyone that set some 'get-fit' goals for themselves too, I hope everything is going well for you! :) I ned to get on mine... I cannot believe that it is already February, can you?!

I have several projects in the making... I will post as soon as I get them all completed! Stay tuned... Here is a sneak peak... :)




(is this Dinosuar material just not the cutest ever?!)

*update* Dinner... Fast, Easy, and Delicious

(Scroll to bottom for the update!)
This is one of my favorite meals to make. It is so simple, and takes very little prep time!
It takes me about 5 minutes to prep, and cooks for 50 minutes. And I love that it is an all-in-one meal, meaning I don't have to make a salad, bread, etc..

Would you like to make it???

1 can cream of chicken soup (I use regular campbells)
1 1/3 cups water
3/4 cup uncooked regular long grain white rice
1/2 tsp onion powder (I actually don't have this so I have never used it in the recipe)
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
2 cups frozen mixed veggies
4 skinless, boneless whichen breast halves (I just use how many ever I need, usually 1-2)

1/2 cup chedder cheese (I also never use this...)

1. Stir soup, water, rice, onion powder, black pepper and veggies in a 11x8" (2-qt) shallow baking dish
2. Top with chicken. Season chicken as desired (I use lawrys). Cover.
3. Bake at 375*F for 50 minutes, or until chicken and rice are done (50 minutes has worked great for me) Top with cheese. Let casserole stand 10 minutes. Stir rice before serving.

See, wasn't that easy?!?!
*recipe says 'serves 4'

Update:
In case any of you were wondering, I tried making this in a pot on the stove instead of the oven. (How I traditionally make my rice, I used to use a rice cooker but mine broke). I didn't use any chicken when I cooked it on the stove, just the rice and veggies (plus the seasonings and cream of chicken). It turned out great! Although more work than the oven in my opinion, a little of stirring involved (aren't I nice and lazy?!) It did cook a little faster though... I cannot remember exactly... Sorry! But I think about 30 minutes.

And the very best part about this meal?!??! My two year old will eat it!!!!

From Sweater to Pillow... repurposing

Check out this post on my Thrifty to Nifty blog! Using a sweater I bought from a local thrift store... I made a new pillow for my bed!

At home Micro Dermabrasion... giveaway!

So I just LOVE To read from Ashley's website, make-it love it she has so many great inspirations and tutorials! With the start of this new year she has been focusing on a healthier lifestyle (something I need to get going on...lol) Recently she was just given a product to try out... the PMD Home Microderm Abrasion Device from best buy.




Click here to read about her results, and enter for a chance to win one of your very own!!!!

Easier Paint Cleanup....

I found this makes it a lot easier to clean
up my paint mess when I am done....

I slide my tray into a garbage bag and tape it down so it is secure. That way I can just throw the bag away and not have to wash out the tray! (Or in my case here, end up with a painted tray! I obviously started doing this project a little too late... sorry paint tray...)

Clean Labels off Glass Jars Easily....

Have an empty Jar laying around your kitchen that you would like to turn into a project! (I love to do this, so cheap! And a great way to 'recycle'!) Are those glass jars covered in sticky labels that just leave goo and paper behind when you try to peel them off?! Heres how I get mine off, super easy! (I suggest using this on GLASS jars only!)

First, wash your jars and put the lids back on (if you chose).
Peel off most of the label with your hands.

Boil a large pot of soapy water.

Once the water is boiling, put your jars in the water and let boil for several minutes. (I used tongs to get my jar out and to turn it in the water).
Take your jar out and let it cool down.
Then I washed my jars once more to clean off the soap and the last of the goo (it came right off after boiling it, otherwise I would have had to scrub diligently at it!)

Now what to do with these jars.... lol


(I have also heard that putting them in a solution of bleach water does the same thing, but I have never tried this for myself!)