Author Archives: Whitney

DIY Nursery Decor

This last Pinterest Party was really more of an ‘Operation Get Benjamin’s Nursery Decor Done’ party for me. And I got it all done! I love all of it and I think his room is going to be modern, bright, and cheery–just what I was going for. And it really didn’t cost me anything, other than the cost of a few sheets of scrapbook paper, some spray paint, and some DIY knowledge. Remember this post and the sneak peeks I gave? Well, here you go!

This sign was in my son’s old nursery at our previous house, but it just didn’t go with this nursery. I tried to sell it but I guess it was just meant for bigger and better things. So, it got re-purposed.

A couple coats of ASCP Napoleonic Blue and it was good to go for it’s new plan!
And ta-da! All done. Scrapbook paper, the trusty Silhouette, some mod podge, and a clear coat of spray paint and it was a brand new piece.

I found this huge B at the Hob Lob and immediately knew what I wanted to do with it. I love the name Benjamin, but it is a *little* long to put up on a wall. The space on this B would allow me to put his name on there without taking up an entire wall. Problem solved. (I was so proud of myself and my craftiness this weekend…you guys don’t even know.)

Again, more Napoleonic Blue, Silhouette letters, and a frame found in Aunt Toni’s attic (which I spray painted orange), and we have decor for above the crib.

Now, this little beauty (ha) started out as a plant stand when my sister was going through a Mary Engelbreit-ish stage. I needed a small table for beside the glider and this was just sitting in her garage collecting dust.

You guessed it–Napoleonic Blue, some scrapbook paper and mod podge and it’s a cute table to hold my phone/water/bottle/etc. I LOVE it!

Now, this next project took the most time. More time than it probably should have but it was SO worth it in the end.

I had these old framed picture of herbs hanging in my old house, but was over them by the time we moved. Again, tried to sell them but couldn’t.

We took them apart (which took quite a bit of effort–thanks Aunt Toni) and got to work. A little spray paint, some cute pictures and sayings from the Silhouette, scrapbook paper, and posterboard for matting and they have a whole new life.

Can you even believe it? So much better, right? These will look adorable above his dresser/changing table.

I got the idea for the ABC canvas off Pinterest (I know, imagine that).

Source: blackflipflops.blogspot.com via Whitney on Pinterest

My version (thanks to Heather for helping me out with this):
It took a lot of effort to line them up and make the patterns “random” enough and then I *still* ended up spacing them wrong, which is why you see the 2 stars placed in odd spots. Oh, well. Still works.

My final two projects weren’t even in the original plans, but they sure did turn out cute! When scouring my aunt’s attic for other goodies, we came across this lamp. Old and brass, but would work great in the nursery.

That other cute sign? Totally last minute. I had this rustic sign from my old house and it wasn’t getting used, so I figured–why not paint it?

I figure I can hang it on his door or on the front door during naptime or something. Better than letting a good piece of wood go to waste! Oh, wow, how I have changed. A year ago, I swear I wouldn’t have looked at any of this stuff twice.

I can’t wait to get it all hung up this weekend and of course, I will share the pictures once it is all completed!

So what have you re-purposed? Or are you more of a ‘start fresh’ kind of person?

Barcelona Orange Nursery Dresser

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Only a little over 9 weeks to go and I FINALLY got the nursery dresser painted!

Remember this:

My $30 Canton steal? It sat in our bedroom for WAY too long and I was finally motivated/energetic enough to get started on it. I knew it would be a longer process–I have learned this with Barcelona Orange. But if you can’t put a bright orange dresser in a young boys’ room (or craft room), where can you put one?

From our previous experience with this color of paint, I knew it was going to take several coats. For some reason, it just doesn’t cover as well. Now, I think I know the reason, thanks to the ladies at Maison Blanche! Apparently, some colors (usually darker ones, but not always) have a deep base (when you look at the paint cans in the big box stores, they will say deep/medium base, etc.) and that means it isn’t going to cover as well. The way to overcome that is NOT to use white primer, but rather a gray color as a base coat. Wish I had known that BEFORE I started painting this beast (5 coats later!). Oh well, lesson learned.

Do you see that? Not great coverage like I have come to know and love from my ASCP. But I persevered.

And 4 (or 5–I lost track) coats later, it was finally done to my liking. Well, pretty much. I like my furniture pieces more modern-looking and smooth, rather than chippy and distressed (at least for boys’ bedrooms), so other people may achieve that look quicker if that’s what they’re going for. I also did 2 coats of poly (no wax) since it was going to be in a high-use area and I didn’t want to have to worry about it or re-wax in anytime soon. Plus, I am 7 months pregnant and waxing is pretty labor intensive.

I reused the same hardware (don’t love it, but hardware is expensive!) and just spray painted it chrome.

I still can’t believe I have an orange dresser. I can’t wait to see it with the rest of the room all put together, which we are getting to soon! I will be working on some nursery crafts this weekend at our Pinterest Party, so I will post pics when they are done. But I will leave you with some sneak peeks/hints:

If I can find some fabric I love (Heather might kill me by then), the plan is to recover this. Or attempt it, anyway.

Say bye-bye to the hearts and wood tone.

Old decor will become new again!

And look at the cute whale my aunt found at HomeGoods! Love!!

There is more where this came from–can’t wait to get it all done and put together! And of course, show it off to all of you!

What do you think? Would you paint a dresser orange? What’s the boldest color you have painted a piece of furniture (or anything)?

Have a great week!!

ANOTHER Faux Zinc Coffee Table

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After testing out the process (using this tutorial) on my $20 Craigslist coffee table (that I later sold for $90), I knew that was what I wanted to do with my $65 Craigslist coffee table. I just knew that it was going to take A LOT longer due to the 8 drawers and extra details that the other did not have. I put it off and put it off until finally I got some motivation (in the form of my sister who was coming over to work on her coffee table).

This is my coffee table BEFORE:

Quite the beauty, no? Well, maybe not in this form. She was scratched up and a little worse for wear, but SOLID (aka heavy beast) and had nice details on the corners. And lots of storage (which my son promptly took advantage of with his coloring books and games).

Using my trusty Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Graphite, I got started and had the first coat done relatively quickly. Heather was painting her coffee table at the same time with homemade chalk paint (post to come later about that) and her first coat took way longer than mine and her coffee table was nowhere near as detailed/large as mine. The ASCP just covers so well and goes so far–it is worth the money in my opinion (especially now that I have seen the comparison firsthand). I didn’t even sand or repair any of the scratches, I figured that would add character and a more “metal” look to it once it was done (plus I was lazy).

After 2 coats:

Once dried, I sanded down the entire table using a 200 grit sanding block. I tried sandpaper, thinking it would be better for the crevices and details, but I liked the sanding block so much better–much quicker and more comfortable to work with. It has a totally different look after sanding.

After sanding it was time for the wax. Heather and I decided we wanted to try Briwax, as we had heard it was a good substitute for the ASCP clear wax. I had been using Minwax Finishing Paste and it was easy enough but definitely took more elbow grease than the soft-as-butter ASCP wax. I have to say, the Briwax was a *bit* softer but had quite a strong odor. I had to open doors to allow for plenty of ventilation, which I usually never have to do. And I may have started waxing too soon, but the Briwax also seemed to take off some of the paint as I rubbed it on. Again, that could have been my fault for being in a hurry, but it was something I noticed. I still used the ASCP round brush for the wax (LOVE) and an old t-shirt to wipe off excess.

After the first coat of wax was dry, it was time to start on the faux-zinc part by adding silver metallic craft paint (any will do–Heather happened to have some in her stash so I just used what she had; I think it was 2 different silvers too) to the wax. It seemed to take more craft paint to achieve the look than it did with the last table, but it could have been because I couldn’t get it to blend with the wax very well. I may be splurging on ASCP Clear Wax for my next project–I have been spoiled by her Dark Wax already.

Drawers and top of table AFTER:

Top drawer has just been waxed, bottom drawer has been waxed with the silver craft paint added. You can see the depth the craft paint gives it in this picture.

After doing a final coat of wax (this is a much-used coffee table, after all) and letting that dry, I buffed the entire thing (using a good amount of muscle/force) to get a nice smooth finish and shine. I love the buffing pad I got from the ASCP stockist. It is just a microfiber pad (for only $1.50) but it is wonderful.

It took me a while to find knobs to replace the original worn-out wooden ones because I didn’t want to spend more on knobs than I did on the entire table. I saw some beautiful ones at Hobby Lobby, but even $3.00 a piece was more than I wanted to pay. I decided to go with some cheap, black $0.97 ones from Lowe’s. It ties it back into my black entertainment center and work just fine. They even had a little detail to them.

And I was done! Since it is a table that we use (and couldn’t NOT have in our living room), I kept it covered with a sheet for a couple weeks to make sure it could properly seal without getting scratched up by my son with a race car or something.

So, just for fun, let’s see a before and after. I always love those!

I love it! Now, if I can get rid of my couches and rug and get that charcoal grey sectional I so desire, then it would look even better, but that will have to wait.

This was definitely labor-intensive but still didn’t take very long in the overall scheme of things. I could have knocked it out in a couple days if I tried really hard. Definitely worth it when you see the results though–my cell phone pics don’t quite do it justice.

Next up, a Barcelona Orange dresser for the nursery! Yikes!

Have you tried this technique? What do you think of it? What has been your favorite piece you have painted (any technique)?

I’ve linked up to Miss Mustard Seed’s Furniture Feature Friday!

Pin There. Done That. Kids’ Artwork Storage {Whitney Edition}

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I have been meaning to organize Logan’s artwork/paperwork for some time now. Especially now that he is in Kindergarten, the cute crafts and writing samples just keep pouring in. Everything has been scattered throughout my house–in the guest room, in the cabinets, in drawers, some of it on the walls as display. But still very scattered. And driving me crazy.

I saw this pin a long time ago and thought I re-pinned it. Apparently I did not, so I had to go back and find it again today.

Source: iheartorganizing.blogspot.com via Whitney on Pinterest

I was in need of a file storage box but I had a few hanging folders to at least get me started. After a quick (are they ever quick?) trip to Target, I was able to get started. I will say I am glad I started now–I can’t imagine going through everything after more than 5 years. Logan has already built up quite the stash. I will be starting one of these with the new baby ASAP.

I had a lot of artwork from before Logan started preschool–either done at home or with his sitter (from when I taught full-time), so I added a file for those years. (BTW, how much do you love this picture? Cracks me up everytime I see it!)

He went to 2 different preschools (one at age 3 and one at 4) but I combined them in one.

Ah, Kindergarten. This file has art, writing samples, report cards and other miscellaneous items I (or Logan) couldn’t part with.

And now it is ALL in one place. Nice and neat. It will go in his closet, easy to get to but out of the way.

All the printables I used for the front of the files are available here. There are also printable file folder labels, but I didn’t use those. I may go back and get some later and use them, but for now I will call it good.

I also made a file for all of Logan’s Santa letters. I have saved them since 2008 (the first year he could actually scribble). I will add hanging folders for every year and hopefully be able to keep it contained to one box–maybe that will be my goal so I can weed things out appropriately as we go along.

It feels really good to have it all organized and safe. My nesting phase has seemingly kicked in early and this satisfied that urge today.

Do you have your kids’ artwork organized? How have you done yours?

Also, see how Brittaney organizes her kids’ artwork here!

Brown Sugar Spiced Pork Tenderloin

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One night last week I actually got the desire to make something new (but also had a pork tenderloin that desperately needed to be cooked). I looked on my beloved Pinterest and almost went with my old standby (but excellent), Grilled Balsamic-Garlic Crusted Pork Tenderloin but then realized I was out of Balsamic Vinaigrette. Back to the drawing board (or laptop). I came across this recipe and all the rave reviews at Just Another Day in Paradise (found via Pinterest) I had all the ingredients, it looked easy enough, and I would accomplish my goal of making something new. Sold. I even took a picture~not that it’s great, but hey, I remembered.

Brown Sugar Spiced Pork Tenderloin

Ingredients

Rub Ingredients:

1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 pork tenderloin (approx 2 1/2 to 3 pounds) cut into quarters
2 tablespoons olive oil

Glaze ingredients:

1 cup packed dark brown sugar I only had light
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon hot sauce ( I used franks) I did not have this, but I had buffalo wing sauce--it worked in a pinch

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, stir together salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and cinnamon, then coat the pork with the spice rub. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium high heat until the oil is hot and rippling. Brown the pork, turning, about 4 minutes total. If you have a skillet that can go straight into the oven you can leave the pork in the skillet; however, if you are like me and don’t have an ovenproof skillet, transfer it to a foil-lined baking pan (like a 9X13-inch).
Stir together the brown sugar, garlic, and hot sauce and pat on top of each tenderloin. Roast in the middle of the oven until a thermometer inserted diagonally in center of each tenderloin registers 140, about 25 minutes. Let pork stand in the skillet at room temperature for 10 minutes. The temperature will rise to about 155 while standing. Slice on the diagonal and serve, spooning the sauce from the skillet on top of the pork.

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I will say that a meat thermometer is necessary. I did not have one and I am a horrible judge on doneness (especially with pork), so it cooked a little too long. Next time I will follow the time exactly (and hopefully have a meat thermometer).

This recipe was good but a little sweet for my taste. My son (5) ate it but claimed it was too spicy for him (he thinks everything is too spicy, though). My husband liked it but wanted a little more kick. So, it will probably make an appearance on our menu again, but with some adjustments to the amount of brown sugar (way less) and hot sauce (more).

I hope you try it and let me know what you think!

Nursery Design Plan…Maybe??

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I think last time I posted, I was 16 weeks along…well, now I am 21 weeks. Sorry about that. But my energy seems to have returned (meaning no more daytime naps) at least until around 7:30, then I am headed for bed as soon as Logan is tucked in. So, with that new-found energy I have completed ~~some~~ a project (you saw my coffee table if you follow us on Facebook) and will blog about that when I find the right knobs and can call it officially “done.” We have also found out some big news that has gotten my planning/DIY/nesting instinct going.

IT’S A BOY!

So, while my plans for a ruffled bedskirt and all things pink and turquoise are out the window, I am excited about all the new, cute stuff that is out there for boys…it has been 6 years since my last one, after all.

Onto the point of the post. Heather and I have been scouring the internet and fabric stores for a bedding set that I like. I didn’t want theme-y or babyish or character, but more of a modern look. Not easy to find unless you want to spend big money on a custom set on Etsy. I had an idea in my head and Heather said she could easily sew a crib skirt and maybe even a small quilt/blanket once we found the fabrics. So we found a couple fabric options:

Bright, modern colors and patterns. But I still wasn’t sold. I am not one of those people that can just “visualize” things. So we bought small swatches of the fabric so Heather could sew a sample piece together so I could see it with the crib. But that night, I found this on the Target website:

Source: m.target.com via Whitney on Pinterest

It’s brand new because it wasn’t on their website or in their stores last week. They just clearanced out all of their old baby stuff to make room for new stuff and this is the closest thing to my “vision” that I have seen (at least pre-made). And only $70! Can’t beat that with a stick. I think we are still going to add a little trim in orange or green (or both) to the bottom of the crib skirt just to add a little something. I haven’t bought it yet–waiting for it to be in the budget next month.

With all the colors, it will be easy to accessorize. I have a dresser I bought in Canton back in November that will be used for a changing table and it desperately needs a makeover. It was a steal for $30 but it is crying for some ASCP and fun knobs.

Am I crazy for thinking ASCP Barcelona Orange?? The walls will be gray, the crib will stay white, so the room will need another pop of color. When else do you get a chance to paint furniture orange (unless you are Heather and have a craft room all to yourself)?

Other ideas for the nursery that we will probably DIY are from my Pinterest board (and will, of course, be done in coordinating colors):

Source: everythingdesignish.blogspot.se via Whitney on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Whitney on Pinterest

But with the name and birthday instead. And, NO, we don’t have a name yet…it is killing me but I just don’t love one yet.

Source: etsy.com via Whitney on Pinterest

This could not be more true for my situation and needs to have a place in this baby’s nursery for sure.

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Whitney on Pinterest

I want some sort of shelf/storage above the dresser and I like the way this looks, just not sure if that’s what we will go with.

I also want to recover and add some padding to my glider in a bad way. I pinned a tutorial, but I am not sure how easy it will actually be.

So, can you visualize it? I am getting closer but until we clean out the room (which has been my storage/painting room) and start putting things in place, it will be hard for me.

Any other ideas I should add? Seen anything out there that I must have in my nursery? Please share…I have been out of the loop for far too long!

Be on the lookout for lots of DIY baby/nursery crafts coming up! Nesting is hitting full force!

Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

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Hey guys! Long time, no blog. I have to give Heather and Tarah props for picking up the slack around here when the rest of us (or at least me) drop off the face of the earth. This whole pregnancy thing has really taken me down a notch. I am 16 weeks along now and *starting* to feel better, so I am hoping I can pitch in on a more regular basis once again.

Speaking of feeling better, yesterday was the first day in a long time I actually felt good. I worked at the preschool, picked up my son from school, and STILL had energy to burn (and hadn’t gotten sick!). That’s a good day right there. It was cold and rainy around here and I was craving beef stew. Logan and I headed to the store to pick up the ingredients I needed (for a recipe I found on my phone last minute while waiting in the car line when the craving hit–yep, that’s how I work now). There were several recipes that popped up when I googled “best beef stew recipe” but I was looking for one that didn’t have anything fancy and didn’t require a bunch of ingredients. I just wanted a traditional, old-fashioned, thick (but not too thick) beef stew. I think I found it. I was certainly impressed on my first attempt at making stew. I know, I am sure many of you are thinking “it’s not that hard, just throw some stuff in a pot with some broth and you got stew.” I don’t work that way, people. I need a recipe. Once I have success with it, then I can play around. Until then, I need exact instructions.

So all I had to buy were veggies, stew meat, and beef broth (but let’s be honest, I am pregnant, hungry, and cravings hit, so much more was actually bought). I started cooking it as soon as we got home because it had to cook for a while but it was worth the effort. It wasn’t hard, but there was quite a bit of chopping involved.

*My husband also added some cayenne pepper to his bowl for an extra kick and I do have to say that did help with the flavor, although I was happy with it the way it was. I will probably add some to the whole pot next time.
And, although it is hard to make stew look appetizing, I took a picture.

Overall, I was very impressed and the husband had 2 bowls, so that is always a good sign. It was just what I was wanting with no weird ingredients. I will definitely make it again and play around with the spices some more. It was still good the next day, which is always a bonus, but maybe a little thicker than I would have liked…reheating on the stove rather than microwave probably would have helped.

So, try it if you have had trouble finding a good stew…or share your favorite stew recipe with me! I am definitely open to trying more!

Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

Ingredients

1 -1 1/2 lb cubed beef stew meat *I used closer to 2 lbs
1/2 cup flour *3/4 cup
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped fine
1 carrot, chopped fine
1/4 cup finely chopped celery, with a few minced leaves
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 pinch thyme
3 1/2 cups beef broth *4 cups
2 medium potatoes, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 onions, diced *1 onion
*I also added some more celery at this point as well and added salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Put flour, salt and pepper in a large ziploc bag. I used a bowl with a lid--we didn't have big ziploc bags
Heat oil over medium heat in a large dutch oven.
Place meat in bag with the flour and shake until well coated.
Shake off meat pieces and add them to the oil and stir until slightly browned, add remaining flour from the bag and the finely chopped onion.
Stir until well browned.
Add finely chopped carrot and next 4 ingredients.
Cover and cook over low heat for 1 1/2 hours (stirring every 15 minutes).
Add diced potatoes, carrots, and onions, cook for another 45 minutes or until potatoes are tender. It only took about 20 minutes until the potatoes were tender but I cut them pretty small

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My Favorite Christmas Cookie Recipes

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Oh, how I love to bake. Usually. I just can’t get into it this year. Between the ridiculous exhaustion and the nausea (and the recent start of morning sickness–at 12 weeks!), I just don’t have the energy or stomach to handle baking. Which kills me because that is one of my favorite holiday traditions.

But at least I can share my favorites with y’all and maybe that will get me motivated to attempt it as well.

This first one was discovered on Once A Month Mom and was an instant hit. I just found it last year but it is definitely a keeper since I got several requests for the recipe and/or more cookies.

Source: onceamonthmom.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies
makes 3 dozen

3/4 cups butter or margarine, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1/4 cup molasses (original, not blackstrap)

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

additional granulated sugar for rolling cookies

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add egg and beat well. Add molasses, mix well. Combine flour, baking soda, salt and spices; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Chill dough overnight {I have found that even just chilling for an hour or so seems to work fine}. Shape into 1-inch balls; roll in sugar. Place two inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Allow cookies to cool for two minutes before removing to a wire rack.

Allow to cool completely, then transfer cookies to gallon freezer bags or freezer safe containers.

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The next recipe is one that I found in the newspaper a few years ago and have kept the clipping ever since and made them every year. I really like them but you have to like shortbread. They are crumbly but addicting.

PS…this Pinterest link isn’t the exact recipe but I wanted to give you a picture and this is very close…just doesn’t make the same amount basically.

Source: delishhh.com via Lacey on Pinterest

Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies

(serves 90–AKA makes a BUTTLOAD of cookies)

2 cups margarine, soft

2 cups powdered sugar

2 t. vanilla

4 1/2 cups flour

12 oz. mini chocolate chips

Cream margarine, sugar, and vanilla. Gradually add flour and then chips. Roll into logs and chill (I have left the extra logs in the freezer and pulled them out to bake as needed throughout the season). Cut and put on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 11 minutes. Cool on racks.

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My last recipe (I have several favorites, but I am limiting myself) is one that I have made for many years. Nestle used to have mint chocolate chips that were just chocolate flavored with mint instead of the green and chocolate mix. I preferred the original, but they are no longer around. They are still excellent cookies that get gobbled up quickly…so double or triple the recipe.

Source: stapleyfamilyrecipes.blogspot.com via Whitney on Pinterest

Deep Chocolate Mint Cookies

makes 1 1/2 dozen

1 1/2 cups (10 oz) mint chocolate chips, divided

1 1/4 cup flour

1/2 t. baking soda

1/4 t. salt

1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 egg

1/2 t. vanilla

Melt 3/4 cup of chocolate chips in small saucepan over lowest possible heat (I have also just used the microwave). When morsels begin to melt, remove from heat, stir. Return to heat for a few seconds at a time, stirring until smooth. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar in small mixer bowl. Beat in egg, vanilla, and chocolate. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in remaining morsels. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheet. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 8-10 minutes or until cookies are puffed (don’t overbake). Cool 5 minutes.

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I hope y’all enjoy my favorite holiday cookie recipes and make some for your family. Come back and let me know what you think!

What are your favorite holiday cookie recipes? Share with us!

12 weeks on 12.12.12

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So you haven’t heard much from me lately. Sorry ’bout that. I have been in the midst of 1st trimester pregnancy EXHAUSTION. I am talking multiple naps a day and then still being too tired to do anything around the house. My poor, neglected house. If it weren’t for my husband, our sink would be overflowing with dishes and we would have NO clean clothes. Also, dinner just wouldn’t happen if it weren’t for him. I am not joking.

But anyway, since it’s 12.12.12, I thought I would post my 12 week update. I have been keeping my personal blog updated with all things pregnancy-related (when I have the energy), but thought it would be nice to share over here occasionally as well.

How far along? 12 weeks!
How big is baby? Just over 2 inches, about 1/2 ounce. About the size of a lime…pretty amazing since 3 weeks ago it was the size of a kidney bean!!

Source: babycenter.com via Whitney on Pinterest

Total weight gain/loss? Not sure, my scale isn’t working right now. Not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. I don’t feel like I’ve gained much, though. Will find out Monday.
Maternity clothes? Still prefer stretchy pants but can wear regular shirts, although I have bought a couple maternity shirts that are still a little big.
Stretch marks? Still none (unless you count the ones I still have from Logan)
Sleep? All the time. Like, it’s ridiculous. I am hoping that starts to go away once I hit the 2nd trimester.
Best moment last week? Seeing a slight bump
Movement? Not yet.
Food cravings? Burritos, clementines, malt-o-meal, cereal, water with lemon, coke
Food Aversions? Varies day to day. Lots of food just doesn’t sound good depending on the day.
Gender? No clue yet. Impatiently waiting!
Labor signs? None
Pregnancy symptoms? Nauseous off and on, tired, lots of burping, irritable, emotional
Belly button in/out? In
What I miss: Having at least a little energy. And food tasting good.
What I am looking forward to: My ultrasound on Monday for the NT scan (to check for chromosomal abnormalities)
Milestones: Hitting 12 weeks I guess.
Bump picture: Slight bump…depending on the day it is bigger or smaller. We took this pic last Sunday, it will have to do. And excuse the ghetto chalkboard writing…we were in a rush and it was still wet from being wiped off.

PT5~11.17.12 {Baby Edition}

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So, if you aren’t friends with me on Facebook or know me in real life, then you don’t know my EXCITING news!! I recently found out I am pregnant, only about 8 weeks, but I have wanted this for so long that I can’t keep it a secret. My husband and I have tried for several years–everything from OPK tests, to Clomid, injections, even IUI (3 times). We stopped treatments back in May just to give ourselves a break. Well, I got a surprise 3 weeks ago. We are over the moon excited, as are both of our families. My son is 5 1/2 years old and long overdue for a sibling. I am hoping for a girl but would certainly be great with a boy as well (of course). So, now that the cat is out of the bag, I can share my Pinterest favorites for the new baby!! It has been 6 years since I have been pregnant, so there is a ton of new stuff/new ideas out there for this time around. I can’t wait!!

Source: momtog.com via Whitney on Pinterest

I love this idea for weekly/monthly maternity pictures. With Logan, I think we only have 2 pictures of me pregnant, 1 of which was at my baby shower. I am determined to take more progression pics this time and I definitely want Logan to be a part of it!

Source: natcaronphotography.com via Whitney on Pinterest

I love this picture of the older sibling with their new brother/sister. So many families have kids so close together that our situation is kind of unique in that our kids will be 6 years apart. I want Logan to have a special bond with the new baby and I think this picture illustrates that perfectly!

Source: etsy.com via Whitney on Pinterest

This could not be more true for our situation. I am not an outwardly religious person, I tend to keep that part of my life pretty private but I had so many friends praying for us and I spent many a night crying and begging for another child. It truly was not in our timing and I am so very appreciative of this blessing.

Source: blog.hannamac.com via Whitney on Pinterest

I love the idea of keeping a weekly/monthly journal of what is going on during the pregnancy. Again, I didn’t keep track of a whole lot with Logan. I was still working full-time and just didn’t think about it much. He has a baby book, of course, and it is filled out completely but lots of the cute little details/cravings/feelings get forgotten about.

Source: blog.hannamac.com via Whitney on Pinterest

Along the same lines, I love this little book of the monthly happenings for the first year of life. I did take monthly pictures with Logan but just having the extra details would be so great when looking back.

So, any tips for me? Anything I MUST do or MUST have? Or got any other cute ideas for me?? I am a little out of the loop these days so I would love any suggestions!

White Chicken Chili (and some new keeper recipes!)

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I made soup for the first time this season tonight. I like to wait until it is actually cold enough to enjoy a hot bowl of soup, and that night was tonight. It is super easy to make and SO, SO good.

White Chicken Chili
1 bag Pictsweet Seasoning Blend (in frozen veggie section)
1 rotisserie chicken, pulled off bone and chopped (I used grilled chicken we already had (probably 3 breasts)
1 lb. andouille sausage (or smoked sausage), diced
1 can Hatch green enchilada sauce (found this at Wal-Mart and Target)
1 can chopped green chiles (hot or mild)
1 can Rotel tomatoes
1 can corn
2 cans cannellini beans
1 1/2 qts. chicken broth

Saute seasoning blend in some olive oil. Put everything else in the soup pot and bring to a boil. Simmer for about an hour.

Target didn’t have the Pictsweet Seasoning Blend, so I just chopped up some onion and peppers I already had. I also didn’t realize I didn’t have any canned corn, so frozen corn went in with the onions and peppers.

It makes a full stockpot, but leftovers are great!

Two other recipes I tried this weekend were also big hits. My husband’s family had their Thanksgiving this weekend and I got these from where else but Pinterest.

Corn Casserole

Source: penniesonaplatter.com via Whitney on Pinterest

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Source: pincookie.com via Whitney on Pinterest

Both went over VERY well and will definitely be made again. Bonus that they were ridiculously easy to put together.

Now, share your favorite soup recipes! Or your favorite, easy, family get-together recipes! It’s that time of year–we all need new ideas!

My Pinterest Party Crafts!

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I am just now recovering from our Pinterest Party this past weekend. A full day of shopping at Canton + late nights up laughing + crafting and eating non-stop = a very tired Whitney. BUT– I am so proud of myself. I am getting so much craftier since we started having these Pinterest Parties. I no longer require the help (or at least not as much) to get my crafts done. I no longer just copy what someone else is doing. I actually inspired the other girls to do one of the crafts I did because they all liked it so much!! I am telling you, if you think you aren’t crafty (like I did), then organize a Pinterest Party for you and your friends. It doesn’t have to be a whole weekend, maybe start with just a few hours, but you will learn so much from each other and get inspired. It doesn’t hurt that between all of us (well, between Heather, Tarah, Paige, and Aunt Toni), we basically have a craft store with any and all the supplies we might need. That makes it REALLY easy! Check out all the stuff we made!

I actually did 4 out of the 5 crafts on my PT5 from a couple of weeks ago and then added another item on a whim.

Pinterest Inspiration:

Source: hisugarplum.blogspot.com via Tarah on Pinterest

My Interpretation:

This was easy, you guys. I bought these wooden letters in Canton, but you could easily use chipboard letters from Hobby Lobby or Joann. Slap some Mod Podge on and cover with glitter and you’re done. I sealed them with spray sealer just to keep the glitter from constantly flaking off…we’ll see if that works. Helpful tip: Spray adhesive + glitter = glitter clumps that can’t be reused/funneled back into the glitter container. Mod Podge is the way to go.

Pinterest Inspiration:

Source: bargainhoot.com via Whitney on Pinterest

My Interpretation:

Again, easy. I used 12×12 cardstock to make the cones, but they aren’t super sturdy. If the foam cones had been on sale (or I had seen the chipboard ones Tarah told me about later) then I would definitely have used those instead. But these will work on my mantle for at least this year. I added the jingle bell and bow on top at the last minute and it definitely made it more festive.

Pinterest Inspiration:

Source: etsy.com via Heather on Pinterest

My Interpretation:

I love this little sign. I did not use vinyl letters like I originally thought I might since my sister had her Silhouette handy. I painted one of our many canvases then Mod Podged the letters on. Sure, there are a few wrinkles here and there, but nothing that is super noticeable from a distance. I made one for me, one for my sister, and one for my aunt. How I got roped into doing all 3 I will never know.

Pinterest Inspiration:

Source: matt-and-becky.blogspot.com via Heather on Pinterest

My Interpretation:

I actually ended up using this tutorial for the ornament wreath and it was super easy and quick. All the girls ended up wanting to make one so there was an impromptu trip made to the town Dollar Tree to stock up on more ornaments and bows (there were balls for days). Yes, we are all immature children than like to make jokes about balls.

And take pictures:

Brittaney and Sars sent us this picture from the Dollar Tree with the caption “Oh balls.” The rest of the weekend, there were many, MANY ball jokes. And we laughed every time. Don’t judge.

Pinterest Inspiration:

Source: houzz.com via Heather on Pinterest

My Interpretation:

I need to wipe off some the excess glitter, but it is a cute sign. The Pinterest picture used battery-operated lights but I am far too lazy/cheap for that. So glitter dots it was. And it will still be cute on my entertainment center.

So, it was a busy weekend. And SO much fun. I laughed so hard my stomach hurt and stayed up way later than I have in at least a year (btw, EVERYTHING is funnier at 1:00 am).

Here’s a goofy pic of all of us girls with our crafts. By Sunday, I think we were all delirious and someone thought it would be a good idea to use our wreaths as frames…

I love my girls and our Pinterest weekends and can’t wait for the next party. I realize how lucky I am to have such a good group of friends that enjoy being together and crafting. And that we have husbands that understand our need to get away! I also love that my house is filled with crafts that I made for a fraction of the price you would pay for it in the store.

Linking up at Things I’ve Done Thursday at Bear Rabbit Bear Crafts

PT5 10.27.12~{Christmas Pinterest Party Edition}

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I CANNOT wait until next weekend. All of us {Cheap} Housewives plus a few extra girls are getting together at my aunt’s house for our Christmas Pinterest Weekend. We are starting the weekend off on Friday by going to First Monday Trade Days in Canton. The rest of the weekend will be spent eating, drinking, and crafting. Specifically, Christmas crafts (see last year’s here). So I am going to show you what I love/dream/aspire to make next weekend. Oh, it won’t all get done and I will probably change my mind later this week or when I see what the other girls are making, but this is my starting point.

Source: hisugarplum.blogspot.com via Tarah on Pinterest

Love these letters. And my mantle definitely could use some help. Most of the other girls are craftier than me, so I will let them lead the way on this one.

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Source: bargainhoot.com via Whitney on Pinterest

How much easier could these be? And instead of expensive foam cones, roll up a piece of scrapbook paper or cardstock into the shape of a cone. I think this one is a *for sure*. Or this one.

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Source: williams-sonoma.com via Heather on Pinterest

I have loved this wreath forever but, man, bells are expensive. Especially when you need a TON. We had this pinned for last year’s Christmas Pinterest Party, too, but it didn’t make the cut.

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Source: etsy.com via Heather on Pinterest

I may attempt something like this (ala canvas word art) since I have some extra canvases and there will be an abundance of paint available.

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Source: matt-and-becky.blogspot.com via Heather on Pinterest

I also love this wreath and have had my eye on it for a couple years. I have a thing with wreaths. I think my husband might hurt me if I come home with another wreath, but I have always loved the way these looked!

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What crafts do you have planned for Christmas? Anything we should try??

Here are the links to our Christmas Pinterest Party Boards if you want to follow us!

Christmas 2011

Christmas 2012

Things I Learned While Camping

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This post has nothing to do with crafts. Sorry. But it was a pretty cheap trip, so that works right? This past weekend my family and my best friend’s family went on a one-night camping trip in a state park 30 minutes away (Cedar Hill State Park if any of you were wondering–it was great). We wanted to stay close in case something happened (it did) and only wanted to stay for one night before committing to longer trips in the future. So, if any of you were thinking about going camping in the near future, I just wanted to share some of the things I learned.

1. No matter how long the trip–one night or one week, I believe the amount of stuff required would be the same. Seriously, ONE NIGHT.

2. Kids are not nearly as interested in roasting food as you might think. Once their hot dog/marshmallow/whatever was done (or even close), so were they. So, it all started out well and good…

but ended with the adults finishing the job.

3. Kids (or at least our kids) also have no interest in cleaning out and carving a pumpkin, especially when they could be playing in the tent instead. I bought a big pumpkin at the store with high hopes of a fun group activity. Instead, it was a one-man show of my husband gutting and carving the pumpkin. Sure, the kids kind of helped design the pumpkin face, but even that seemed to interfere with their play time. So we got a sub-par jack-o-lantern.

4. Kids DO like eating in a tent or outdoors–period. My child ate more this weekend at any given meal than he ever does at home.

5. Kids DO NOT need anything more than a tent, some sticks, and rocks to keep them entertained…until bedtime. Then an IPad loaded with videos sure does come in handy.

6. Staying close to home for this first attempt at camping was a great idea. Around 11:30 pm, my friend’s youngest daughter woke up having trouble breathing/gagging/gasping for air. They were able to leave and be home within 45 minutes where they could better monitor her and make sure nothing serious was going on.

7. I do not sleep well in the outdoors. Even though I had an air mattress and my own pillow from home, there just wasn’t enough of a breeze passing through to make for a comfortable night.

8. Packing up after a one-night stay is not fun. Especially after a night of not-so-good sleep.

9. Despite all of the failures (not even failures, just things not going as planned), it was still a great trip. My son is already planning the next one.

10. So while I may not love camping, my son has told me multiple times how much he loved it. I am not sure when our next trip will be, but this trip was proof that there will be another trip. Maybe not for more than one, possibly 2, nights, but it was fun. A LOT of work, but a lot of memories.

Have you been camping with your family? How was your experience? Any other cheap getaway ideas?

My New Christmas Tradition

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It has been all over Pinterest lately with the holidays fast approaching, but I am taking this idea and running with it.

Source: dandee-designs.com via Whitney on Pinterest

Want, Need, Wear, Read.

Simple. How Christmas should be. Over the past several years since my son was born (he’s 5 now), Christmas has gotten out of control. He is the only child on my side of the family (immediate anyway) so he is the main focus at Christmas. While he definitely makes Christmas more magical and fun, I am afraid he also loses the meaning of Christmas due to the overwhelming amount of presents he receives. My husband and I are to blame as well as his doting aunts, uncles, and grandparents/great-grandparents. It is SO hard to pass up an item you know he would love to get. And when I don’t want to get him another present, I stuff it into his stocking. I know. Pathetic.But I love to give. Not just to him. To everybody. He is just the most fun. What’s not fun is seeing him open one present, then shove it out of the way to open another in the huge pile beside him. There is no gratefulness or appreciation and that worries me.

So this year, things are changing. I am super excited about it and it has already helped me have restraint. I went to a nearby toy outlet, the Mattel Outlet. If you haven’t been, you should see if there is one near you. They have a revolving inventory (of Mattel products, of course) and it changes frequently, but they have great sales and coupons. Just the other day I went with a friend and she was able to get a CART FULL of stuff for her girls (and other gifting needs) for under $200. She was amazed at my ability to not purchase anything for Logan. I told her about the Want, Need, Wear, Read plan and she was very impressed. Since we already know what we are getting him for Christmas (from Santa), there was nothing else I could buy for him since we hadn’t made his other lists out yet. I was so nice and stress-free to know I have a plan.

We will use this letter. He will still get his big gift from Santa. the other 4 gifts will come from us. And then stocking stuffers (I will have self-control. I will have self-control.).

Source: somewhatsimple.com via Whitney on Pinterest

I am not sure if other family members will do the same for him because 4 gifts from each person is a lot, but I hope to encourage them to show restraint as well. I will have him make a small list for each category and then I can direct family members accordingly. We have all been trying to simplify Christmas for the adults for the past few years–now it’s time to simplify Christmas for the kids but still make it fun.

So, all I know so far is this:

Santa: LeapPad 2

Want: ?

Need: ? (It will be really interesting to see what he thinks he ‘needs’)

Wear: Christmas Eve PJ’s (yearly tradition)

Read:

But it sure is nice to know there is a limit. I am not overwhelmed. And I plan on doing this for other children in my family as well (to a lesser/smaller extent) and we always choose a child from a charity (Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, etc) to give to at Christmas. I also want to carry it over into birthdays.

So have any of you tried this method? Has there been any resistance/issues? Or has it been wonderful? Or do you have a different tradition for giving gifts?