April 22, 2013

Earth Day Up-cycled Decor

I love home decor items that make a dull boring space seem more warm and inviting.So with that need in mind, and also my love for all things recycled and re-purposed, I have decided to liven up my bathroom. Not the most glamorous of places but hey, it needs some character!

Anyone who knows me can clearly see I have a obsession/problem with recycling. Not in a bad way, but I am sure my husband gets really annoyed with be always telling him, "uh... hun, that can be recycled". I just have a strong urge to do the best with what we have got and that means no excuses for disposal. If we can't use it, give it to someone or a place that can.





You will need:
Old Vase that you would otherwise get rid of
Rope or twine
Hot glue and glue gun
Ribbon or embellishments as wanted

Make sure your vase or container is clean and ready for your glue. You will be only putting it on the outside, so your vase will still be usable for flowers or what ever you would like to put in it. I just left mine empty but I may add something more at a later time.

You will need enough rope or twine to go around your container from top to bottom.

I started with one end laying glue down on the vase then pressing the rope into the glue all the way around. Once you have gotten back to the start, guide your rope just below the first round and start your second round. Continue this process all the way to the bottom of the vase.


***I found that using one piece and spiraling down the 
vase works better than cutting each round.***

Once you have gotten to the bottom of the vase you can overlap the bottom ring and tuck the tail under the row above to conceal the end.

You do not need to put glue the entire way around each ring. Just enough to hold in place. I also found that as you are gluing and wrapping the rope, press the rope up against the ring above to make a tight wrap.

If you need  a place to get rid of your old stuff but don't want to throw it away consider donating it to a second hand store, charity or use an online service to help you find a new home like Freecycle.

Let me know what Earth Day inspired projects you come up with or if there is anything you would like me to try. Happy crafting!


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April 18, 2013

Father's Day Treats

This year for father's day my son and I are making his favorite cookie (Shortbread) with a little piece of us in it. The shortbread is a family recipe, raspberry jam made fresh last June and my son's hand print.



To make your own, make up a batch of a cookies that can be rolled out like a sugar cookie. Roll a ball of dough about golf ball sized then gently smash almost flat. Press child's hand down to leave imprint then fill with jam. Bake as directed in recipe. Finished cookie will be about 3-4" in diameter.


 ***Jam will be very hot when it first comes out so let cool before eating***

Size of dough ball may need to be altered depending on child's hand size. Try it out this Father's day!


Here is a link to a couple cookies I have made that will work for this project:
Mmm...cookies!




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April 16, 2013

Bison Tacos

I am always trying to make new foods for my family. I came across some ground bison recently at the grocery store. We have had it before but it is not usually on the forefront of my mind when shopping. I like bison for its great taste and low fat content.This recipe was never really intended for a blog but it turned out pretty darn good so my husband encouraged me to write a little something about it.




Bison Tacos

1lb Ground bison
1-2 Large Sweet potato
1 1/2 C Quinoa
1 C Water
3 Cloves Garlic
1/4 C Green onion (optional)
3 T Coconut Oil
Salt and Pepper to taste

Rinse quinoa, Add to pot bring to boil on med/high heat with the water. Cover with lid a reduce heat to low for 15-20 mins or until tender.


Peel and dice sweet potato then steam until tender. (About 8 mins)


In large pan brown bison with garlic and fresh ground pepper and salt. Drain any fat then add sweet potatoes, oil, quinoa and onion.


Fold together and serve on warm tortillas. Garnish with additional green onion if desired. 


Serves four adults.(Three small tortillas is about one serving depending on how full you fill each one.)

Try bison out and let me know how you like it. If you have any ideas for using bison please share here. I hope you enjoy!



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April 05, 2013

Frozen Almond Butter Bananas

I have heard similar recipes are floating around on the internet... so here is my version to add to the bunch. This treat is great for anyone that wants a cold alternative to ice cream. Vegan, no sugar, no fillers just deliciousness!



Frozen Almond Butter Bananas
3  Medium Bananas
2 T Almond butter (I used fresh ground, no salt added)
1/4 C Coconut or rice milk

Peel and freeze bananas until solid. Once frozen through, place in food processor / blender. Add almond butter a milk a little at a time. Puree until smooth. Serve immediately. It will get a little soupy if not consumed right away.
You can also other flavors to suit you needs. My husband suggested a chocolate hazelnut spread. I have to admit...it did make dangerously delicious!




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