Ike & Ella

Sharing Saturday

2010-04-02T07:11:00.000-07:00

So Andy's been working down on the farm all week so I'm sharing Farm Related things! I found some great things on Etsy!

How great is this shirt? I'm getting one for Andy. It has the ears of corn, the kernels and the silo in the background. But then the shirt has a diagram showing how corn is used in everything from office supplies to beer. Pretty cool huh? Check out the other cool shirts the store has to offer here!

Then what about these milk jug push pins? Crazy cute.

Hayride scented candles. Are you kidding me? Gotta get one. Although Andy probably will have enough of the smell of hay this summer. I'm one of those geeky people who say aw look how I show you that I'm proud.

This is so cool. I love vintage. Love it. This is a pillow made from a burlap vintage feed sack. Who ever thought that the feed sack would end up so pretty on someones couch?

I think I need me some cowgirl boots. I can't walk the walk without the right shoes! :) I don't really talk the talk either but I am a sucker for a new pair of shoes! I'm sure I could go on 'virtual shopping' all day! I actually found some cute stuff. I will admit I was skeptical. I'm not really a country girl. I just happened to fall in love with a country boy so I'm trying! But I suppose we could have a country touch or two in our home. :) Have a good weekend!

Friendly Fridays - All Thingz Related

2010-04-02T06:06:00.000-07:00

You just HAVE to meet these gals! They are just too creative, not to mention so sweet! I just love, love, LOVE their projects! My favorite? The book wreath - seriously need to make one. Like today. :)

We are Bridgette and Rebekah from All Thingz Related! We are thrilled to be here! Thank you Amanda for having us!

If you've never stopped by All Thingz Related, we encourage you to do so! We've both been crafting and creating for a while and together we decided to start our own blog, even though we live over 700 miles apart! Our first post was back in January and we've been loving every minute of blogging!

We thought that we would showcase a few of each other's favorite projects!

REBEKAH: Some of my favorite projects that Bridgette has made are her unique Painted Number Balls...

her Summer Night... Light (I want one of these!) ...

and her gorgeous Easter Table setting...

BRIDGETTE: Rebekah has so many great projects, but some that are my favorites are her Magnetic Recipe Stand. I am so PROUD to look at it everyday!

Her Favorit Book Wreath... Because it is the prettiest book wreath that I've ever seen!

And her most recent post...and a BIG hit...A Nest For My Nest! Her idea to make clay eggs is amazing!

Creating is our joy and passion and we hope that you can see that each and every time you visit us!

And be sure you do come visit! We are hosting an All Thingz Related Blog Party, starting next Tuesday, April 6, where you link up YOUR projects and we will highlight Our Favorite Thingz that you have made!

Thanks Bridgette and Rebekkah! These projects are great! Make sure you go and visit them! I will be sure to submit something to their Blog Party! How fun!

April Fools!

2010-03-31T16:41:00.001-07:00

Mmm. Yummy. Grilled Cheese for dinner. NOT!

I saw this on Family Fun's website and just HAD to make it! We (obviously) made ours tonight which was great because I will be working tomorrow so Grandma will be picking up Josh from school and taking him out for dinner. And Josh can never have too many tricks! I just made a box cake - I made it in a loaf pan. Cut it into slices. Toasted them in the oven. Tinted our frosting (mostly yellow with a little red) and cut into sandwiches. Super easy. Super fun.

Chicken and Chips on a stick

2010-03-29T16:03:00.001-07:00

So this is def. not the healthiest recipe out there. But, if you have kids it will be one of the quickest eaten meals! Experiment with different chips - BBQ, Sour Cream & Onion, Doritos, any kind will do!

Ingredients:

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves cut into cubes

1 egg

2 tbsp. milk

2 cups crushed potato chips

lollipop sticks available at craft stores or party stores (Our Wal-Mart had some in the craft/cake decorating aisle)

1. Preheat oven to 350. Grease cookie sheet.

2. Crush potato chips on a plate. In a bowl, whisk the egg and milk together. Dip a chicken cube in the milk and roll in the chips. Spread on baking sheet.

3. Bake for 10 minutes. Turn and bake for 10 more minutes or until golden brown. Remove from baking sheet and skewer on a lollipop stick.

4. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces - honey mustard, ranch or ketchup.

SUCCSESS

2010-03-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

I just HAD to blog about our dinner tonight - it was a complete succsess. What did we have? Meatball sandwhiches (or pizza sandwhiches as I had to tell Josh otherwise he wasn't going to eat it!). Not exciting right? But oh, how wrong you are! It was meatball sandwhiches on homemade whole-wheat flax seed added buns with homemade sauce. And in that sauce were tomatoes (duh.), carrots, celery, green pepper, parsley and onions. And he ate it. He said, and I quote: "This pizza sauce sure is good."

HAHAHAHA child it is just veggies thrown in the food processor!!! Here's another quote : "that was the deliciousest sandwhich I ever had."

Point mommy & team veggies.

I wish I had taken a picture but they got eaten before I could. Yum. And I have TONS of sauce leftover for the week and I had enough dough left from the buns to make a loaf of bread. And my house smells so good. Ahh such a good night.

Caramelized Banana Loaf Cake

2010-03-22T09:57:00.000-07:00

Josh had so much fun helping me make this cake! I think that mashing the bananas was his favorite! Go to www.rachaelraymag.com/Recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipes/sweet-spot-dessert-recipes/Caramelized-Banana-Loaf-Cake for step by step picture directions!

Ingredients:

3-4 large bananas

3/4 cup sugar

2 tbsp unsalted butter cut in 1 piece

1 large egg plus 1 large egg white

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1. Preheat the oven to 325. Grease a loaf pan. Cut the ends off of 3 bananas to fit crosswise in the pans. Peel and cut longwise in half.

2. In a skillet bring 1/4 cup sugar and 2 tbsp water to a boil. When the water has evaporated and the mixture starts turning brown remove from heat and stir in butter. Add the bananas cut side down in mixture and heat on low heat for 1 minute. Transfer bananas cut side down to bottom of loaf pan and drizzle with remaining caramel.

3. In a medium bowl, mash up banana to make 1 cup. Add the remaining 1/2 cup sugar. Beat in the egg, egg white and vanilla.

4. In a large bowl whisk the flour with the baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Add the banana mixture and oil. Whisk until blended. Pour over bananas. Bake until toothpick comes out clean about 55 minutes. LET COOL FOR 10-15 MINUTES!!! Invert on a plate and let cool completely.

Yummy!

THIS WEEK...

2010-03-22T06:17:00.000-07:00

Sorry if you all have felt neglected this week! Life has been a little crazy! The store is open (www.shopikeandella.com) and been doing great, I got promoted at work so I've been working much more, Josh is on Spring Break, I'm working on the Autism Fundraiser (if you would like to make something to donate to our Etsy store -100% of procedes will be going to the Autism Society!), and the weather has finally been nice so the hubs has been working his tail off! WHEW! :)

But neglected no more! We are going to start having themed days here.

Mmm Mmm Mondays - check each Monday for a yummy recipe!

Tutorial Tuesdays

Wild Card Wednesdays - you will have to come see to find out!

Trash to Treasure Thursdays - I think I'm really a hippie at heart!

Friendly Fridays - Guest bloggers, lots of link-y love (If your interested in guest blogging let me know! I've got a few people set up already!)

Sharing Saturdays - the 'must make' things I've found this week

Family Sundays - family activities

So this week make sure to check back each day!

later today I'm posting the how to make a caramelized banana loaf!

Tuesday - Picture chart - we use these a lot for special needs children but all children (and parents!) could use them to help make morning / bedtime routines easier!

Wednesday - Napkins

Thursday - Use up those old dryer sheets in this project!

Friday - I've got a guest blogger - you will just love her. I do!

Saturday - My theme this week is Tractors/Farm.

Sunday - An idea to help teach your kids to try to always think positive!

I hope to see you later this week! :) Talk to you soon!

St. Patrick's Rainbow Cupcakes

2010-03-16T20:02:00.000-07:00

Me + Cupcakes = L.O.V.E

No. Scratch that.

True love.

I saw these babies on familyfun.go.com and just knew that I had to make them! Hello - the insides are rainbow!!!

They are easy - a little time consuming but totally worth it. I am sending them to school with Josh tomorrow for his class. They will be so surprised when they unwrap them and take a bite! :)

Want the how to? Well you need a box of white cake mix, the ingredients to make it, white frosting, food coloring, and 6 plastic baggies. *I know that the rainbow has 6 colors, but really indigo? For real?

Mix the cake as directed (I used 2 boxes of cake mix and 2 tubs of icing. The first batch of cupcakes came out HUGE and the second more normal. Sorry half of the class. But I did get about 30 cupcakes from using both)

Then I used my big old spoon to pour about 5 BIG spoonfuls into each baggie. (It was about 3/4 full I'd say. There about. No need to be exact)

This was def. just a mommy job. It wasn't bad but man. I can't imagine having a helper for dumping batter into a sandwhich bag. :) BUT the next part is cool! Perfect for kids! You need to dye each batter a different color. Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue and Purple (Violet. Whatever.) Put a few drops in. Seal the bag. Seal the bag. Seal the bag. LoL. Make sure you get the air out, and mash it together in your hands to mix. In the end you will have all of your color baggies.

Pick a color to start with. The first batch I did the traditional Roy B Giv color scheme. But the second time around I started with purple and ended with red. (well as red as I could get). I would suggest ending with a lighter color, yellow would be perfect because it stays that pretty color. Not that it really matters - your putting icing on the top anyways! :) So snip a small corner - small - seriously small - corner and pour a little bit of each color in.

Then layer each color on top. See the picture below. Those were my HUGE cupcakes! You don't need to put that much of each color!!! :) Unless. You like massive cakes and then by all means. Fill away!

Cook. Let them cool. And frost! I frosted ours green with green sprinkles. And I'm running to buy some chocolate coins to put on top of each one! Ordinary cupcakes they are going to think. But ohhh no. Inside is rainbow-y goodness.

WINNERS WINNERS WINNERS

2010-03-14T05:25:00.000-07:00

I have winners to announce!!!

BUT...
Before that I need to say thanks to some folks.

First, thanks to the gals at Giggle Junction. They are the ones who make those fabulous I Spy bags. Well, they asked if they could make one for my son. Uhhh yea! And they did and seriously, pictures do not do it justice. It is so stinking cute. And he loves it. And I love it. I've been 'spying' items ever since it arrived in the mail. So thank you! :)

Second, thanks to all the fabulous ladies who helped spread the love about Ike & Ella. If you haven't checked out any of these blogs -- you should. They are wonderful.

http://www.sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/
http://www.firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/
http://www.brownpaper--packages.blogspot.com/
http://www.thecreativeitchboutique.blogspot.com/
http://www.bridgetbaxter.blogspot.com/

Thanks ladies!!!!

Third, to everyone who started following this blog, joined our mailing list (http://www.shopikeandella.com/), facebooked us and shopped with us. THANK YOU! I had 62 people enter the giveaway! :) Today is the last day for all products to benefit Autism Speaks and we could still use your help to reach our goal!

Without further ado the winners:

1. The Little Miss Jr. Bag - Summer from http://www.sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/ - Hooray!
2. The Felt Chocolate Bunny - Trina - Woo Hoo!
3. Crayon Wallet - Mommy2Luke2008 - Yeah!
4. Grocery Tote - News around the blogs - Yippie!

Congrats! I will contact you all individually so we can find can get information! Have a great rest of the weekend!

The Month of April...

2010-03-10T14:24:00.000-08:00

So 2 things just occurred to me. 1 this is like my 4th post today. Sorry. Yup, you can tell it's my day off. :) (Blogging v. cleaning...hmmm) 2. April is like 2 and a half weeks away. And April is Autism Awareness Month.

Well you know I have to try do to do something special. SO here it goes. I know I've already bombarded everyone out in blog world with my Autism speech but I am planning on opening up an Etsy Store for the Month of April. So I need at least 30 people to help (one for each day) to volunteer to make something to donate, spread the word about their item or just spread the love for us! I don't care what you make (item/pattern/autographed picture of yourself) we just need items!

And if you can think of a fun name for the store that would rock! Craft for Autism is all I've got - not very creative.

I made a goal for $500 - I know we can do it!!!!

If you are interested in helping - making something or spreading the word - please e-mail me. I have a page set up on autism-society.org through 1power4autism but blogger is being silly and won't let me paste the link in here! I'll keep working on it!

Thanks so much you guys are seriously wonderful!

Quick project

2010-03-10T10:06:00.000-08:00

Well this was not the project I was planning on sharing with you today, but it was the first one I finished today.

So I'm embarrassed to say this but we have been missing the main remote to the TV for seriously about a month. A MONTH people. (The dog took it under my son's bed in case you were curious). Well I was so happy when I found it this morning that I vowed that we will never lose it again.

Flash forward to Wal-Mart today.

In the clearance aisle they had this tray left over from Valentine's Day. Light bulbs went off. Ta da! Remote holder! I think I paid $1 for it?

I got my Mod Podge (I love this stuff), 2 pieces of scrapbook paper, scissors, a pen and sprinkles. Yes sprinkles, keep reading.

First you trace the paper to fit on the tray, cut it out and then test it out on the top of your tray. I did the press and create a place to cut test.

Trim it up and adhere it with a thin layer of Mod Podge.

This is where the sprinkles come in.

This little bottle of sprinkles is perfect shape for getting out all of those air bubbles. Easy to hold, gets into corners, really lets you smooth it out. And, I had it on hand. And since this tray has all of those circles which, of course, are indented I really needed to smooth it out.

See. What a great job those sprinkles did!

Nice and smooth.

Ok. Finish the rest of the paper. Smooth. And then apply a very thin layer of Mod Podge on top. Dry. I chose not to do the handles (partly because I didn't feel like messing with it. Hey, I'm honest.) but if you want to go right ahead! Seriously, this took me 15 minutes.

Now because I vowed never to lose the remotes again, I put a strip of Velcro on each of the remotes and on the tray. (I think Andy will be excited to have the remote. Tomorrow, I will probably hear something about the Velcro. ) :) BUT they are attached! They have a home. THEY WILL NOT GET LOST AGAIN.

Or so I hope.

You like my canvas? haha.

Quilt: Update

2010-03-10T06:32:00.001-08:00

I've had a couple e-mails so just real quick (I have to finish your tutorial!), I got the quilt pattern from Baby Love by Allison Jane Smith. Love it.

And this is what the quilt should look like when it is finished. Please excuse my flash. Yes I did take a photo of the book! I looked online everywhere but couldn't find this picture.

This was my first choice, but I thought I would start with a more basic one first. But this is on my to do list!

Isn't it sweet? It was inspired by what your dream your little boy will grow up to be. LOVE IT.

Quilt tips

2010-03-09T19:36:00.000-08:00

First I want to say hello to my new followers! Hello!

So here is my new BIG project. A quilt.

I found one that I want to make. And I ordered the fabric. And it arrived.

And now. Well, here it goes. :)

I've never made a quilt before. In fact, I googled how to make a quilt. (As you will learn, I google everything. And note to Google - you should pay me for saying that I use you all the time. No more spell check - just google.)

So the fabric is in the wash and it will be cut tomorrow! If any of you are quilting masters feel free to leave me some tips!

Other news: the winners of the giveaway will be announced on the 14th (My birthday woo hoo!). That is also the last day for 15% of all proceeds to go to Autism Speaks. Donation will be made in my son's name. So if you haven't placed your order you should -- it's such a fabulous cause!

That's my son right there (on Hundred day!) In case you wanted a face to go with where your money is being donated.

We also added American Girl doll clothes (made to match your favorite Gymboree clothes no less!). I just wanted to put a quick update for you all. I'm thinking up a pretty cool tutorial for all of you for tomorrow so make sure to come back!

GRAND OPENING!

2010-03-07T21:27:00.000-08:00

Today is the Grand Opening of Ike & Ella!

http://www.shopikeandella.com/

I am so excited! To celebrate we are donating 15% of all proceeds to Autism Speaks!

And...

We have some giveaways!

1. A little Miss Jr. Purse

2. A felt food chocolate bunny

3. Crayon Wallet

4. Reusable Grocery Tote

How to win:

1. Follow this blog

2. Join the mailing list at http://www.shopikeandella.com/ (join the list and recieve $5 off!)

3. Blog (or post on facebook) about our store opening, the Autism donations and the giveaway! Copy and paste the link to your post in the comments!

Do one of the three things above (Or all three!) and come back here and comment about your favorite thing in the shop! Don't forget to copy your links if you have them!

3 chances to win , 4 fabulous prizes and hopefully at the end of the week 1 big check sent out to Autism Speaks!!!!

Update on the bunny

2010-03-05T10:23:00.000-08:00

"The bunny, the bunny, yea I ate the bunny. I didn't eat my soup or my bread, just the bunny." Oh come on. I can't be the only Veggie Tales Mom out there? It's the Bunny Song. That song came to my mind as I was making the Easter Bunnies (From Rack, Shack and Benny - they work in the chocolate factor and their boss Nebby K. Nezzer wants them to bow to the bunny? Anyways. Have your kids watch it. It's cute. Even if you believe in something else, it teaches your kids to stand up for what is right.)

Anywho. The Bunny. I went to the store last night. Bought some more brown thread among many things that I'm sure that I didn't need. And made the bunny. I thought the pattern was perfect and I just love our bunny. And I love the fact that the bunny stands up! So take the pattern and try it out!

If you don't feel like making one I am going to sell them in my store at www.shopikeandella.com

And with that being said. The "Official" launch date is going to be Monday March 8, 2010. Check back here on Monday for a giveaway! That hopefully someone will enter! :)

Felt Food: Chocolate Bunnies

2010-03-03T16:57:00.000-08:00

UPDATE* I am giving one of these handsome guys away for my Grand Opening of www.shopikeandella.com Find out what else we are giving away! And how to get your $5 coupon! PLUS 15% of all proceeds this week go to Autism Speaks!

So today I had this plan to share with you a pattern to make a felt chocolate bunny. Went to the store to get some brown thread (I ran out yesterday) and came home and drafted up a pattern. Cut it all out and went to get my thread to sew it together - and it was not in my bag.

Grrrr. (That's me angry)

So I decided to still share the pattern with you and since it's so easy to make I would just quick guide you (and hopefully the pattern I made should work without having to be tweaked).

1. Print off the pattern (I would print off cardstock).

Click here!

(And yes, it is upside down. I'm not technical - who knows how to fix it? lol If the link does NOT work will someone let me know!? It works on my computer but I just want to be sure! And if it doesn't you can just leave your email address in the comments and I will mail it to you until I get it fixed!)

2. Trace onto brown felt. Cut out

3. Sew the eye and the leg on each side of bunny. I would put a little bit of stuffing in the leg. Adds a little 'depth' (like that huh?).

4. Sew the long strip around one of the bunny pieces.

5. With right sides together sew the other bunny piece to the long strip leaving an opening for flipping and filling.

6. Flip and fill.

7. Sew shut.

8. Tie a ribbon bow around the neck. Awww!

IF the pattern is working and loading - please feel free to make and share! Link it around - make some for your friends but please don't profit off it. And please send some love my way! :)

And. Have you ever shopped at http://www.fabric.com/ ? I do. I always spend at least $35 to get the free shipping. Well tonight I was about to send in my order (my 2nd one this week!) and I decided to go to http://www.retailmenot.com/ (another little obsession) and guess what I found? Coupons. 30% off a $50 purchase. Guess what 30% of $50 is? $35. So I spent the same amount of money and got an extra 2 yards of fabric for free! Plus my free shipping! Hooray!

Moral of the story: Always check for coupons before you shop. :)

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

2010-03-02T18:16:00.000-08:00

When I was teaching preschool - I loved March 2nd. Really loved it. It ranked right up there with Halloween and Christmas. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR.SEUSS!!!

And, I'm sorry to say that this year I totally slacked.

We did continue the tradition of having green eggs. And ham. Not green ham but ham none the less. And I did, bring in cupcakes to Josh's class to help them celebrate!

But, I didnt have him in some kind of Dr. Seuss clothing (last year I made a super cool Yertle the Turtle shirt - you know cool not "cutesy").

And if I was a great mom I would have made the cupcakes. And I would have made them to look like this:

HOW FREAKING COOL? Lyndsey made them on her blog Kitchen DoughDough. http://kitchendoughdough.blogspot.com/2009/07/thing-1-and-thing-2-cupcakes.html

Next year, Dr. Seuss, I promise I will be prepared and do something so cool that it blows the hat right off the cat. You have my word.

365 Project .... and your child's artwork

2010-03-01T05:55:00.000-08:00

So I just got my camera (as you all know) and I just found this website - http://www.365project.org/

You should sign up! It's a neat way to challenge yourself. And if you are looking for an even bigger challenge - then look at their challenges! You can join a competition - one week it's water, one week it's out in public. The giant icacle on my front porch that is melting is my entry for water. Hey, ice melts into water -- right?! Or join their ABC challenge. 1 photo for each letter of the alphabet! Would be neat to make for a child's book.

SPEAKING of making a child's book...Does your child come home with tons of artwork that you of course, love, but don't know what to do with it all? Do you feel guilty about throwing something away (and do it when your child is not looking and then stuff something else on top of it so they don't see it in the trash?) Am I the only one?!?!?!? Well I started taking pictures of Josh's artwork. This moose is one of my favorites!

Well, so is Frosty. See the flower on his hat? And his corn cob pipe? And the nose? LOVE him.

Well this is what I'm planning. Take the pictures. Upload them to http://www.snapfish.com/ (Well google first - you will find coupons!). Then, have them printed into one of their books. Right now on http://www.retailmenot.com/ they have a coupon for 25% off the photo books!!! I wish I had enough pictures to get one now! :) (P.S. I am also planning on having a book done when my year of pictures is finished! A coffee table book filled with my photography. Cool huh?)

Who is New?

2010-02-27T06:33:00.000-08:00

I just HAVE to show you these incredibly talented people. I am so excited to be working with them!

First, is Annie. She makes the cutest little soaps - EVER! And she is SO great. She is making soapsicles for shopikeandella.com Ahhh! I'm so excited! Don't know what a soapsicle is? Oh my gosh. Let me just educate you here. This is Annie's Neapolitan Soapsicle.

Looks completely real doesn't it?? But it's not! It's soap!!! And each layer is scented (strawberry, then vanilla and of course, chocolate!) YUM. They are only $4 each. Check them out here: http://shopikeandella.com/simply_kids

Then, we have the fabulous Joshua VanderKlok. He is so amazing. He makes these wonderful wooden blocks and toys. Natural, non-toxic. Great for everyone! Check out these pictures!

This is a great 20 piece set of blocks.

I.LOVE.THIS. A child's I-Phone. It can be chewed on - pretended with - dropped!

This 7 piece Magic Kingdom set includes a dragon, unicorn, a troll, knight, king, queen and princess.

This is an 8 piece interchangable farm set. Little hands can match up the animals correctly or be silly and put cow legs on a pig! This is going to be an AUTISM DONATION PRODUCT. Joshua has other interchangable sets available (African set with giraffe, gorilla, hippo, lion and wildebeast and also a Predator set which includes a lion, bear, wolf and couger)

If you have a little one teething you need a wooden teether! Joshua makes them in turtles, hearts, fish, bunnies, you name it! They are made out of maple and sanded soft. The perfect thing for kids to chew on. And with a big handle they are perfect for them to hold on to!

Thirdly, we have Melissa with NuxieMade. Melissa makes hats from newborn - adult. They are simply to die for. Here is a sample of some of her work:

Isn't she Amazing?!?

Then, we have the fabulous ladies from Giggle Junction who are not only talented, but SUPER sweet as well. They are creating the coolest, ever I Spy Bags. Did you ever play with those Look and find books (like Where's Waldo?) These are sort of like that. Except, you can play again and again because the items will always move! These are also going to support Autism Speaks with 20% going towards the foundation. These talented ladies have so many designs to chose from! There is also a firetruck, 2 Easter designs (great for those baskets!), dragon, pirate ship, a pirate, ballerina, robot, sail boat, cell phone -- these ladies make them all!!

I have a few more people 'in the works' and I will be sure to share them with you! I am so excited and right now the "official launch" is going to be March 1st!! Make sure to join our mailing list for your $5 coupon!! Join here: http://shopikeandella.com/contact_us

Reusable bag tutorial

2010-02-27T05:47:00.000-08:00

It’s been a couple days! Sorry! So many great things have been happening!
1. I got my Cricut – and I’ve been having SO much fun!
2. I got my Gypsy – and been having fun on the go!
3. I have the great talents of some fabulous people joining our store!! I will introduce them in a minute!

But first I want to show you this tutorial on how to make reusable bags. They are great – and so versatile. Use them to pack lunches with, make up bags, travel bags to put soap or shampoo in. Plus, they are SO easy.

1. What you will need:

Some fabric. I made a snack bag so I only used a little bit of fabric (I think mine was only like 6 x 6 ")
A zipcloc bag in the size you would like to use
sew on velcro (because of the plastic make sure it is the sew on kind!)2. You are going to cut the side of the side (not the bottom!) and also cut of the zip top. Make sure you cut as close to the zip top (I'm not sure of the technical term for it) as you can. Do you see my Cricut in the background? :)

3. Open your bag up and trace it on the fabric (I trace mine on cardstock to have a stencil ready. You need more than just 1 little snack bag right?!) :) Cut out your fabric and fold it in half with the like sides together.

4. Place your half folded bag on the top half of your ziploc bag (you will see a groove dividing the baggie in half). When you unfold your fabric you will have the plastic lined up evenly with your fabric. Pin in place.

5. Sew around the baggie. You are going to sew pretty close to the edge. 6. You will have 2 'flaps' of fabric on either side. Fold those over and pin into place. This is where I'm not sure what I was thinking when I was taking pictures! After you pin down your flap. Cut a piece of velcro. It should be longer and almost fit the length of the bag. (Look at the 1st picture with an open bag if you are worried about the length.) Center it and pin it on your flap. Sew the flap down (sew right through the velcro). Then finish sewing the velcro down. This will make sure that you have nice clean lines. I was so worried about taking pictures that I forgot the velcro! I had to add it later which made it harder to sew in there!

7. Fold your bag in half right sides together and sew up the sides. Don't forget to backstitch! :) Then turn it right side out and ta da. Your bag is complete. Easy huh? You can put a decorative stitch on the outside if you want. They also look neat with initials or other appliques added. Obviously you would do that before you sew on the plastic way back in step 3!

Dinner tonight

2010-02-22T17:27:00.000-08:00

Does your family like burgers? Mine does. And this is one of our favorite recipes. I love the fact that it is on english muffins and not buns! The first time I read it I was like uhhh cranberries and mustard? NO thanks. But we tried it. OMG it is SO yummy. Just have faith and try it! :)

Here is the original recipe from Rachel Ray:

Apple Cheddar Turkey Burger
Ingredients:
2 pounds ground turkey breast
4 scallions, finely chopped
1/3 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley (a generous handful)
1 tablespoon grill seasoning
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
1 apple, such as granny smith, cut into 12 slices
8 slices extra-sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons grainy mustard
4 sandwich-size english muffins, split and toasted
8 leaves red- or green-leaf lettuce

Directions:
In a bowl, combine the turkey, scallions, parsley, grill seasoning and poultry seasoning. Form into 4 patties, pressing your thumb into the center of each to prevent it from bulging.
In a large skillet, heat the EVOO, 2 turns of the pan, over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 6 minutes on each side for medium. Top each with 3 apple slices and 2 cheese slices, tent the pan with foil and cook until the cheese melts, 1 to 2 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce and mustard; slather on the muffin tops. Pile 2 lettuce leaves on each muffin bottom, top with the patties and set the muffin tops into place.

My notes:

The recipe calls for 2 pounds of turkey! We use just 1 pound and the burgers are still good size - 2 pounds and they are MASSIVE! And with everything on the burger you don't want it that big (it would never fit in your mouth!)

These burgers also are great the next day! So have one for lunch!

And if you want a meatloaf recipe here it is! Instead of ketchup just put the sauce on top (after you cook it). I would still add the apples though! :) Gives it a good crunch!

And my son doesn't know that there are cranberries on his burger! It's just our secret!

Today's to do list

2010-02-22T11:22:00.000-08:00

I have SO much that I need to do today. I thought that maybe if I posted my to do list then maybe it would motivate me to get EVERYTHING crossed off! Keep me accountable kind of thing! So here it is!

Clean the living room
Bible study
Cut/Iron/Fuse the following:
chef hats (1 boy 1 girl)
DS Case
matching aprons
Easter eggs (Felt)
Happy Meals (Felt) & Krabby Patties (Felt)
Cape (1 Batman/Superman 1 Batman/Caleb)
Crayon wallets (3)
Fabric house
Napkins (still!!!)
Bingo games (1 street signs, 1 car, 1 alphabet, 1 shapes)
Cuddle bug bib (2)
Work on Diaper wallet pattern
Check for the Cricut!!!!
If it does get here, mess around and figure it out! :)
Have Andy fix the sink!!!
Look for clothing designer and bow wonder for the store!
Chris birthday gift?!?
Write a real blog
Diaper case
Email my list of people to email
Work on supply list for fort
Dinner?!? Not sure.....

In case you can't tell today is cut and prep day....tomorrow....sew central around here! :) Hopefully tonight when I write you all a real blog My list will be all crossed off!!!! Wish me luck!

So ..well I didn't do to bad! Got lots crossed off my list today! :)

Museums and Forts and Cricuts

2010-02-21T18:04:00.001-08:00

Today was a great day! We went to the Indiana State Museum (we had free tickets and of course, I lost them) but we went anyway! They had an Abe Lincoln exhibit that was pretty neat. (Labor-ham Linclon as Josh called him). I like to slowly stroll and read, but Josh isn't there yet. He likes the interactive stuff! The first floor (the "museum of natural history" Josh's quotes - not mine!) was his fave! I was so excited - esp with my new camera. But -- the batteries I put in didn't work! :(

I am working on a craft along. Feel free to join! It is at Fireflies and Jellybeans. Love their blog! http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot .com/search/label/Felt%20House%20Along That's it right there! I have a (very) rough sketch done. Don't laugh at my drawings either - please. I'm going to copy - and blow up and trace the final product! :) But anyway ... Join us! Should be fun!

This will be my front panel. I better explain bc...well I wish my artwork spoke for itself but..it's not that good! :) This will be spongebob's house. There will be 2 windows on the front of the (portholes? Is that what they are called?) and the flap to go into the house will be the actual door. Spongebob and his fabulous pet Gary will both be on the front as well as a mail box (probably just attached to the door). And I know Spongebob really doesn't have a mailbox as my son pointed out. But I want it to. Background is blue and I MAY not have the green pineapple on the top. I may just do the bottom half of the house. (I dont want it to be all smashed in) but would that look goofy? What do you think?

Ok .... NEXT......

Then off to the ever so wonderful Krusty Krab. Aren't these pictures wonderful. My son actually laughed at me. Haha! This is the second panel. The the window behind Squidward is going to be an open window (see picture/description below) And there is Squidward (all of the pictures I found of him working are frowning but I think I may make him smile anyway) working away taking orders on his register. The boat he stands behind is kind of tricky. It may end up being just a white box lol. And the cool fish eating his krabby patty down there.

This is going to be on the inside of the fort (DO NOT CALL IT A PLAYHOUSE. I have been warned a cew times by my son. Playhouses are for girls. Forts are for boys.) See the window is in the same place and to the left is the secret formula for the Krabby Patty. (probably with velcro so it can change!) There will be a black stove top with velcro on it too. A spatula and 6 envelope style pockets holding what else but felt food/Krabby patty ingredients. All labeled/velcro-ed ready to be made. This is going to be the only wall all done up on the inside I think.

This WAS the 3rd panel. It was going to be the Chum bucket. But on the way home from the museum today my son decided he wanted the Jellyfish field. So I'm going to have just jellyfish floating around. They will be velcro to come on and off. And I'm going to make a net/bucket? Is that what they use to go jelly-fishing? Sounds much easier than the Krusty Krab so sounds good to me!

And Finally....

the last panel: The Bikini Bottom Map. Filled with everyone's home/work place. Jellyfish field, the boat school and Larry the lobster's workout place. I need to do some research here. To be honest, I'm not a fan of spongebob. When its on...I go in the other room and fold laundry or make dinner or SOMETHING. But I did learn...do not type Bikini Bottom into google images. You don't get much spongebob.

So again. Please don't laugh at my drawings. They are very rough sketches done in the car today. VERY rough! :) Hopefully our FORT will be cool! Not rough. Oh, and not cute. "Mom, I'm a boy. I'm not cute. I'm cool." Great. He's growing up. :(

Remember that secret purchase I made? Well it was a cricut! My hubs found out (they def. called my house to tell us it was in the mail. He said what machine did you order? BUSTED.) But now that he knows....I can be excited! Hopefully it will be here soon!

And I got more fabric in the mail! I love the mail. I just don't love the bills! How cute are these? I love the little red riding hood set (the forest, Red, and dots!). The bikes are for a gift (my stepdad loves biking). And the Michael Miller zoo. A*DOR*ABLE. I know these pictures are hard to see...Sorry. But the pink has parts of princess dresses & shoes. And the blue is all kinds of transportation. Love them all!

I'd love to hear your comments - as long as they aren't LOL look at your spongebob. Please. My hubs and my son have already cracked up! :)

Check out this website!

2010-02-19T18:49:00.000-08:00

Do you have kids? Do they have chores? My little guy doesn't necessarily have chores (although he could probably use some!) but he does have to earn video game/ TV time with good behavior at school. I found this website called http://www.4chores.com/ . It is free and parents just put in their child's chores. You can pick the days you need it done or if it is a daily chore. Then the child logs in and clicks yes I did it or oops I forgot. You can add a dollar amount to each chore. Then either daily or weekly your child can print off his/her "paycheck". And it lists the chore, the date completed and the amount that they earned on there! Pretty cool. Josh gets his paycheck every Friday. Then with his money from that week that has to last him until his next paycheck. He's almost 7 (OMG.. I can't believe it) but he is already starting to budget! Even if it is fake money (30 minutes of video games = "$2"). One day he is going to be better than me at finances! Probably at the age of 8. lol. It is working for us though! He is really into logging in and checking off his chores. And he loves LOVES getting a paycheck at the end of the week! :)

By the way...that cute snow pup up there is my puppy! Say hello to Louie!

Today is the greatest day in blog history

2010-02-19T08:51:00.001-08:00

In my mailbox of goodies today I recieved:
1. my vista print stuff! hooray!
2. A new sewing pattern! Woo hoo!
3. A couple shirts for Josh! Yea!
4. My bingo fabric for a project for my grandma! Super!
5. This fabric shown below for something in the store! Rock on!
And yes, I know. It's on it's side. I don't know how to fix it! I'm working on it! :)

6. Something that goes with my reasoning for being grounded from e-bay. Which I hid. Can't let Andy see it! :)
7. MY CAMERA!!!!! Get up! Dance! Clap! Cheer! Whistle! It's here!! Gotta go take pictures! I'll be back! :)

Today....

2010-02-18T20:00:00.000-08:00

No camera...still. Makes me really sad. :( And I ordered somethings that I shouldn't have ordered - that my Andy is not aware of yet - and they are not here yet either. (I'll tell you later - after I share with Andy!) I need to get my secret packages first because I'm going to hide the big ones...and in a few weeks say "So hunny, about my birthday. I don't need a gift. Because well. You actually already bought me a gift. A BIG gift. And oh, you already got me my Christmas presents too." Seriously. That's how much trouble I'm going to be in. Because seriously, that's how much I overspent. Oops. Ebay. I am grounding myself from you. You are so addictive. I would bid on something and lose by 50 cents. 50 cents! That made me so angry. So now, I'm like well what if I am one click away. Just one click. Well one more. And ug. Now I'm in trouble. But I'll show you my secret stuff soon! :)

Look at this

2010-02-17T18:16:00.000-08:00

So I am just cruising through all of my favorite crafty links and one of them I just HAD to share with you all. If you haven't checked out http://www.bakerella.com/ yet....DO IT NOW!!! No joke.

A-MAZ-ING.

Yes. I am well aware of the fact that Valentine's Day is over. But I just found these. Check them out. She printed those from her computer using an edible ink/paper. Vintage valentines turned into icing to be eaten. How crazy. Here is the link. Even if you are like me and know that you will not be going through all that just for a cookie - you have to look! http://www.bakerella.com/valentines-day/

Today's Goodies

2010-02-17T11:27:00.000-08:00

The mail has come. I look forward to it everyday. Everyday I have the chance of getting something exciting in the mail. And today I received some goodies! First, my Real Simple magazine. I love it. Do you read it? They have some really good chicken recipes this month! Then, I got some Veggie Tales fabric that I ordered on Ebay awhile back. I paid $2 for it….for 2 YARDS. We love Veggie Tales. Josh is going to get something cool! What else? Oh and I got some fabric that I ordered from http://www.fabric.com/ This is what I got:

Love it! The first is Michael Miller's poodles. That is going to be something (hmmm....) in the Ike & Ella store. Then the last is called Merry Mushrooms Posies (I know the picture is hard to see). Also going to be in the store. The other 3 are Lizzy Dish fabrics. And they are for me! :) Look closely, they are plates and silverware! How cool! I'm going to make some cloth everyday napkins. We're going green! Saving the world one tree at a time! Plus, napkins are expensive! And I got a great deal on the Lizzy fabric! Skip to my Lou has a great tutorial on making cloth napkins (I know your thinking how hard can it be?). But she shows you step by step how to have square corners or mitered.

http://www.skiptomylou.org/2009/04/20/make-your-own-cloth-napkins/

And lastly, I also recieved my 4 oz. containers in the mail. I need to order larger ones, but these will do for party packs/sample packs! What packs is she talking about you may ask yourself. But I've got some great art supplies that will be going in these to put in the shop! And it will be an Autism Donation product! WOO HOO!

So now with all my goodies I need to get busy! No camera today :( Hopefully tomorrow. The UPS website says its in transit so that means soon right?!? Cross your fingers for me!

Grilled Orange Seasome Chicken with veggies

2010-02-16T06:58:00.000-08:00

Soo I lied. Sorry. No special project today. I got started on it and realized that it seriously is impossible without photos. So it is on the back burner for the time being. BUT I did come across the recipe today at http://www.marthastewart.com/ It looks so yummy!

I'm posting it so that I remember where to find it! And yes family, I promise I WILL make this one! :) It doesn't list any nutritional information on the recipe, but it sounds healthy. Plus, it was under the healthy recipes in whole living (and Martha wouldn't lie - would she?!) All in my sneaky plan to try to get everyone in the Smith home to eat a little healthier! I just ordered Jessica Seinfeld's book on Amazon today.

I can't wait to sneak in the veggies! Andy if you are ready this... I was just kidding. :) Order yourself a copy. Or try the Sneaky Chef. (next on my list!)

Grilled Orange Sesame Chicken

Ingredients
Serves 6
3 oranges
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
3 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half
2 pounds (2 bunches) asparagus, trimmed
6 small (1 3/4 to 2 pound) zucchini, cut on the diagonal 1/4-inch thick
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
Directions
Cut 1 orange into wedges (peel intact); set aside. Of the remaining 2 oranges, remove zest of 1 and juice of both; place zest and juice in a glass bowl. Add lemon juice, vinegar, pepper, and mustard; whisk. Slowly whisk in sesame oil; set aside.
Place chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap; pound with a meat tenderizer to 1/2 inch thick. Place chicken in a glass bowl; pour half reserved vinaigrette over chicken. Coat thoroughly, cover with plastic wrap, and chill 1 to 2 hours.
Heat a grill or grill pan until very hot. Coat asparagus and zucchini with olive oil; sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Grill vegetables and reserved orange wedges until tender. Remove chicken from marinade; season with remaining teaspoon salt; discard marinade. Grill until browned on both sides and cooked through. Arrange chicken and vegetables on platter; sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve with remaining reserved vinaigrette.

In the Beginning....

2010-02-15T09:35:00.000-08:00

Hello world! My name is Amanda Faulkner! I am starting to launch my own company called Ike & Ella. I just created a website, www.shopikeandella.com , and please note before you check it out --- I am NOT the most technologically advanced person out there!! It is pretty bare right now because I am waiting on my new camera to arrive in the mail! (Mom, I think I left my old camera in your van! Can you look for it? I keep forgetting to ask you!) But don’t stop reading this blog! I promise it is not going to be a “hey look at my site --- go shop!” blog. It will be full of fun stuff.

P.S. my definition of fun stuff is as follows: artsy craftsy things, family activities, party ideas (honestly, who doesn’t love a party?), recipes (I will be honest I like to look at recipes, think to myself hmm that looks good but I rarely ever actually make them so hopefully this will force me to actually make all this yummy stuff I’ve been saving on the computer! You’re welcome family.) and really whatever tickles my fancy! It’s my blog right?! :)

So I am working on a really special craft to show you tomorrow (how is that for a cliff hanger?). It’s tricky with not having a camera – but don’t worry! I will get it! Today I am just going to leave you with my introduction.

This is me. And that guy on the left is Andy. We live out in the sticks. (Not my first choice). But have no fear because we will be moving this summer (everyone cheer! Hooray!). He works down on the farm. Right now I work at Gymboree (somedays I wish I didn't. Do you know how many clothes my son has? Ridiculous.) We are a happy little family.

And this handsome guy is Josh. This picture is his school picture last year (remember -- I need my new camera!!) but he just looks so stinkin' handsome!!! He is in 1st grade and growing up WAAAAY to fast.

Come back tomorrow to see what special things I have for you!! :) And be sure to join my mailing list on my website! We are giving away free $5 gift certificates to everyone who joins! And you get $5 for every friend that joins too! (As long as they make a $25 purchase).

And if by chance my mail lady is reading this. Please deliever my camera soon! :) Thank you!