Episode Saturday: Burp Cloths

If you are like me, you have a lot of friends who are pregnant or have recently had babies. It's just that time of life, I suppose, in the late 20's. I found this little project as a really easy way to make a great gift that is personalized and special. It does require sewing skills, but bare minimum!  I've included some step by step photos, as well as a video for you, if you want to watch it...it's long.

1. Buy a package of burp cloths (Wal-Mart or Target).

2. Buy some soft fabric, like flannel (1/2 yard is plenty for 2).

3. Iron the burp cloth.

4. Measure burp cloth.

 5. Measure fabric (see, it's way  bigger than the burp cloth). 

 6. Cut the fabric to be 1/2 in to 1 inch larger on all sides than the burp cloth.

7. Lay the fabric, pretty side down, on the burp cloth. Pin, if you so desire.

8. Sew up 1 long side, then 1 short side, then back down the other long side, then about 2/3rds the way down the last short side.

9. Turn right side out. Use finger or chopstick to push the corners out.

10. Sew up the last section on the outside, then continue sewing all around the perimeter of the fabric and burp cloth (1/4 to 1/2 inch seam).

11. Finished!

*Of course, you can frill them up or try something different. This is just the basic idea of this project. 

Have a very happy Saturday!

Saturday Episode: Making Jam

A few things I really enjoy: hanging out with friends and doing something crafty/Martha Stewart-ish. About once a month, I get together with some ladies and we do those 2 things. It's one of my favorite nights! 

This past time, we made jam! We followed this recipe and used the printables (and some that my friend edited to match the berries we were actually using). We made blackberry and strawberry jam, so here are some pictures of the two, during the process:

1. You need 3 cups of smashed berries. Grab a potato masher and smash away!

Johnita is really smashing the blackberries.

We put the strawberries in the food processor and let it do the work for us!

2. Then you add 5 1/4 cups sugar and stir together until mixed. Let stand for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

3. Mix a package of Sure-Jell fruit pectin with 2/3 cups water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Let boil for 1 minute while stirring and then pour directly into the berry/sugar mixture.

4. Stir for 3 minutes and then pour into 8 1/2 pint jars.

5. Put lids on immediately. Wipe jars down, because it WILL make a mess!

6. Let sit at room temperature for 24 hours. Store in fridge for 3 weeks or in freezer for up to 1 year. 

7. Decorate super cute and then give as gifts!

Episode: Special Edition

My dad spoke at a homeschooling group's Father Daughter Tea Party this past Saturday. He was going to be speaking to just the dads so he asked me to record a video of some advice for the daughters. The girls ranged from grades first through eighth. I had some help from a sweet friend of mine, a homeschooling mom with a daughter in first grade. We came up with a concise list of 3 points. I wanted to post the video and share it with you so if you want to see it, you can. If you have homeschooling daughters and would like to show it to them, please feel free. There is no ground breaking information, just the heart of a 28 year old grown up homeschooled daughter.

 

Happy Monday!

Episode: April Birchbox Review

Sorry I didn't post a recipe this week. I'll make it up to you. I promise!!

Here's my April Birchbox Review...I was really tired, so sorry for looking/speaking like a crazy person! :)

Interested in joining Birchbox? Click here.

To shop around or learn more about the products mentioned in this video, click here.

Have a happy weekend!

Episode Saturday: How to "Make" a Journal

Hi!

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Next Saturday, I hope you'll come back to hear the details of how you can buy one of these journals to help raise money for my friends' adoption to bring home Baby Roberts!

I hope you have a very, very happy Saturday!

Episode Saturday (Sunday): What's In My Purse

Sorry for the delay...it's been another one of those weeks!

Zenni Optical
Tarte Lip Stain
Starbucks (for Gold Card info)

Have a very happy weekend!

Episode Saturday: Discoveries

Happy Saturday!

Hope you and your family have a wonderful and worshipful Easter weekend!

Downton Abbey
Coconut Oil

Episode Saturday: March Birchbox Review

Birchbox

All items in the video can be found in Birchbox's shop.

Thanks for watching! Hope you have a very happy Saturday!

Episode Saturday: Pound Cake Tutorial

My mom and I made a cream cheese pound cake!!!

The video tutorial is in recorded in steps, so each video is a few minutes long and shows the the process as we go:

Welcome and getting started:

Adding sugar:

Adding eggs:

Adding remaining ingredients:

Pouring and baking:

How to eat a pound cake:

Enjoy!!!! The recipe is in the blog post below:

Episode Saturday: Sprucing Up

The day began with a simple project and turned into a revamping of part of the apartment...today I share with you some easy, cheap/free ways to spruce up your home!

Hope you all have a very happy weekend!

Episode Saturday: Things and People I Love

Happy Saturday!

I'm really excited about the things I share with you in this video. I talk about some people I love and things that you can buy to help them out with their adoptions.

Elissa, me, Kimmie (i'm a giant)

Here are the links to the blogs/sites mentioned in the video:
Kimmie's blog (for info on buying headbands)
Elissa and Matt's adoption journey
Erica and Calvin's adoption journey (click the Sseko sandals tab at the top for info on purchasing)
Sseko Sandals
Peachy Peachy

photo: Sseko Designs

Thanks for watching, listening, and supporting my friends!

If you need/want more info about any of these people or causes, leave a comment or email me t sixfiftyblog@gmail.com.

Have a happy weekend!

Episode Saturday: Monogram Frame Tutorial

Hi, friends!

In this episode, I'm making a monogram frame for a friend. It's a really easy, quick, and inexpensive DIY project that is perfect for gifts. I got the idea from Jones Design Company, which is a great blog for decorating, design, and creativity. To see her photo tutorial, click here. She does things a little differently than I do and you might find that easier.

Here's a look at the ones I made for Christmas gifts:

If you try this, let me know how it goes and share your photos with me. I'd love to see your ideas!


Thanks so much for reading the blog this week. I hope you're enjoying it!

Have a fun and happy weekend!

Episode: Six Fifty

Welcome to the new format! If you make it through the whole 10 minute video, you are a trooper. I'm a talker!
Here are the links for the things you'll find in the video:
-Bex!
-Origins Halo Effect
-Suave Sleek Anti-Frizz Cream
-Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint (I have Pearl)
-Eye Rock Stick-On Eye Liner (there is even a video tutorial of how to put them on!)
-Birchbox (If you decide you want to do the monthly Birchbox, let me know and I can send you an invitation to the wait list. You don't have to get one from me, but I get points if you sign up!)

Thanks for stopping by! Have a happy weekend!