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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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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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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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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Web site: Chee Chee and Company

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Citrus old buddy old pal

This winter has been unkind to my family. We seem to be battling cold after cold. Between my husband, son and I, one of us gets sick. The last couple of day I have felt it creeping on yet again but I am refusing to let it get me down. I know that I am stronger then any sickness and do not have to put up with it. I have been trying to beat it down with the power of Vitamin C. Since citrus is in season that has been my method of intake. It is no coincidence that citrus comes in season during the winter months, it is there to help us fight the evils of the microscopic armies. Here are just a few of my favorite citrus uses.

Baked Grapefruit-
Wash grapefruit then cut in half. Remove any seeds and cut fruit along rind and around the center. This will make it easier to eat once done. Place in cupcake pan cut side up then sprinkle a little sugar and cinnamon or any spice you like. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 mins or until top has caramelized then you are ready to eat.

Dehydrated Lemons - 
I love lemon in my tea but since they are not available year round dehydrating slices work great.

Wash and cut lemons in 1/4 inch. Remove seeds then place on dehydrator tray. Usually takes about 2-6 hours depending on the dehydrator. You can also do this in the oven on low (200 degrees).

Orange-Vinegar All Purpose Cleaner-
I try to use as many plant based products as I can in my home. I have used vinegar and water as an all purpose cleaner before but frankly it stinks, literally. The smell does dissipate after a little while but still a little smelly (Granted it is better then a chemical smell).

Using the peel of a couple of oranges, place in a glass jar and cover with white vinegar. Let sit in cool place or refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. You can now add some water and put in a  spray bottle for easy use. I do about a 1:1 ratio of vinegar and water.

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A new season is upon me

 I feel that a new season is upon me and my family so here are some thoughts that have been swimming around in my head. These are my personal thoughts and feelings. If you do not agree that is just fine. Hope you enjoy!

A new season is upon me
Lord, where you lead, I will follow.
You are my Shepard.
I graze if fields of Milk and Honey.
Thank you, for your example of how to be a parent.

Our guardian, care taker if...
I care to put my trust in you.
Trust you with all  my heart,
But
I fight it, i'm struggling, in an abyss.
Keep my heart above my head.
You let me struggle, it makes me fight.
To be closer to you.

A new season to try more.
More of anything,
More of everything.

Lead me to your light, let me burn.
Inside.
Inside, a hot violet light.
Rainbow.
Your promise for me.

Shows to not scare me.
Have no fear, on a T-shirt.
Clothes are for the body, not the mind.
Art in the eye of the beholder.

Father forgive these ramblings.
My love is imperfect, not yours.
I'm a perfect creation, sadly in a sorry state.
My fault, I am to blame.

Blame is not for me, so I give it away.
Take me away.
I don't want to go yet!
I need to love as you love.
I need to prepare.
Three steps, baby steps.
In the big picture.

I am but a grain of sand in an infinite desert of space.
Sandy deserts into Eden.
Eden = Permaculture
Save my earth!
Save it yourself!
You made the mess, clean it up.
Clean up my life, clean my heart and soul.

Make my soles sturdy so I may press forward and work for the grace of God.
Give free.
Take it and be full.
Full of petrol, dependence.
Prison.
Break these chains.
The chains of doubt.

Fear pulling me in.
Trying to resist, but then I watch the news.
Good News, Coming soon to...
Theaters, in which we live.

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Croissant Pizza Rolls

While having some friends over, the hunger pains were calling. I was going to make a spinach rolls but did not really have everything I needed. I managed to scrounge up something resembling pizza fixings so naturally I pretending that was my plan all along. Thus I have created, Croissant Pizza Rolls!

Here is what you will need 

to make your own...

A tube of croissant dough
Pizza sauce or a tomato based pasta sauce
Italian type cheese (Shredded)
Toppings (Pepperoni, veggies, olives, etc.)

Unroll your dough onto a floured flat surface like a cutting board.

Spread sauce then add toppings.

Roll up then slice 1-2 inch thick rounds.

Bake flat on cookie sheet for about 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees.


These rolls were very quick and easy and were eaten the same way. You can also serve with some sauce on the side for dipping. I highly recommend these to anyone needing an appetizer or finger foods for a get together. Please given them a try and let me know how you like it!

~Connect with me ~ 

Web site: Chee Chee and Company

Facebook : Chee Chee and Company

Youtube : HandmadebyKristen

Twitter: Handmadebykris