Wine Cork Christmas Wreath

I have been saving my wine corks for over a year.  Doesn't look like many does it???  That is because I had over 9 months of no drinking. lol
For those of you that don't drink wine, you can purchase the corks at places like The Home Depot.  They are in the hardware department with the hard to find items.

I used 18 corks for this but you can use more if you have them. There are also 18 bells on here too.  You can get away with only using 17 if you don't put one where the ribbon is.

What you will need:
18 corks
18 bells
2 different gauge wire
Ribbon
Drill and small drill bit
Wire cutter and needle nose pliers

Start by drilling holes through all the corks.  Two holes in each cork.  Cut two similar lengths of wire.  One from each gauge.  The lengths depend on how many corks you plan to use.  Remember it is better to have too much wire than to cut it too short.  Thread the corks on the heavier gauge wire first and then put the thinner gauge wire through the other holes.  String a bell in between the corks (this is the one you use the thinner wire with).  I messed up the first time I made this and had to tear it all apart.  It is very important to use the heavy gauge wire.  Once I got mine all assembled it sagged and was more of an oval than a circle.  Once you have it all assembled, twist the wires and trim off any excess wire.  Place the ribbon where you have the wire twisted to cover it.  That is it.  Hang and enjoy!!!

Pepperoni Pizza Subs

I think I finally made the perfect homemade pizza subs.  I normally burn the bottoms or the tops and bottoms.  These were perfect!!!

Super simple and quick...

1 package of small Italian loaves
1 jar of pizza sauce (I used walmart brand)
Pepperoni
Mozzarella cheese (block not shredded)

I cut the loaves of bread in half and put pizza sauce on both halves.  Then I cut chunks of mozzarella cheese.  I placed the pepperoni on top of the cheese.  I don't recommend using the shredded cheese because it doesn't melt as well.  You could always shred the block of cheese if you want the cheese shredded...
Bake at 400 degree F. (in a preheated oven) for 10 minutes.  Turn it to broil and broil for an additional 3 or 4 minutes.  The broiling is just to crisp up the top so that the bottom doesn't get too dark.

Simple right???  Normally I wouldn't share something so easy but I just can't get over how perfect they were...
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Keepsake Ornaments

My daughter and I went to a ladies craft night this past weekend and it really inspired me to do some crafting.  I had planned on doing this a long time ago but sometimes you just need a little push to get you going.

This is my oldest son's graduation tassel.  I had it hanging in my jewelry box for years...

I just purchased a large clear plastic ornament and drilled a hole in the top to slide the top string of the tassel through.  When purchasing the ornament make sure that the opening is large enough to fit the year through.  At first I had a smaller ornament and went through all the steps of drilling the hole.  It didn't fit...  I was a bit bummed because I liked the smaller ornament better.  I even purchased some clear glass ornaments but the openings were way too small.  I am saving them to make some other projects.  I will be sure to share those when I get them done.

This one is for my youngest son.  I took his first (hospital) hat and the wrist bands and put them inside the ornament.  He had two little hats from the hospital.  I chose the thinnest one because the other one didn't want to fit inside the ornament.  I think I may just do this for all the kids.  It makes a great keepsake.

I purchased these ornaments at Wal-mart because it is the store that is closest to my home.  I am sure you could get them at Michael's, Hobby Lobby, or even Target.  They were only .88 each (no matter what size you want).  They even have ones that look like Christmas lights and other shapes as well.

I hope this inspires you!!!

Storage Tins

I was going through my basement a while ago, doing a little organizing, and came across these old popcorn tins.  I really hate throwing anything that could be useful away so I decided to do something with them.  I am using them in my laundry room so I had to pick colors that went with the theme...

These are the finished product.  I actually made one more too.  The one not showing is all red but I don't know what to use it for so it sits with no writing on it yet.

All I used were some old popcorn tins that you tend to get a Christmas time, sandpaper, and spray paint.  To make the letters I used my Cricut and designed what I wanted it to say with that.  You can also stencil on what you would like it to say.

One little tip when spray painting...  Always follow directions on the can.  It was too cold when I was trying to paint them and the paint bubbled.  I sprayed them in the garage because I didn't want the house to smell and then brought them inside to dry.  The house still smelled a little but not as much as it would if I had sprayed them inside in the first place.

I hope this inspires you to reuse something old and make it like new again...

Crockpot Italian Chicken

I made this awesome meal the other day.  When I say awesome, I mean AWESOME!!!  I just couldn't believe that something so easy was so yummy...

Crockpot Italian Chicken

Ingredients:
4 Chicken breast, thawed
1 Packet of Zesty Italian dressing mix
1 8 ounce cream cheese (softened)
2 cans (10 3/4 ounce) cream of chicken soup

Directions:
Cut chicken into strips or cubes; whichever you prefer.  Combine chicken with remaining ingredients.  I added the other ingredients to the crockpot first to make sure they were mixed completely.  The cream cheese will still be in chunks but that is fine for this recipe. If you want the sauce to be a thinner add a little bit of milk.  Cover and cook for 4 hours on low.  Remember to not lift the lid because it releases heat and increases cooking time.
When ready to serve...  Boil noodles of your choice and top with Italian chicken.  I made some Cheddar Bay biscuits to accompany this meal but you can add garlic toast, dinner rolls, or nothing at all.

Homemade Pinata

We go through several pinata's every year and buying them can get really expensive (around $15 to $20 each).  I originally started making this one for our Halloween party.  Since I didn't get it done in time I decided to finish it and turn it into a balloon so we have one for the next birthday party.

This was suppose to be the head of an alien.  We were going to paint it green and put glow in the dark paint on it.  That is why the picture below has glow in the dark paint and permanent markers in it.

All you need to make your own pinata is:
1 balloon
Flour
Water
Newspaper (torn into strips)
Paint

In a small bowl combine the flour and water to create a paste.  Blow up a balloon and find a bowl or something to prop it up with.  Wet the newspaper with the paste and put it all over the balloon.  It took me several days because I let it dry between layers.  Let it completely dry to the hardness that you want it.  I put a ton of newspaper on mine because I want the pinata to last through everyone getting a chance to swing at it come party time.  When it is the way you want it, paint it.  Cut a tiny hole in the top to attach a rope and cut a hole  to put the candy in.  That's it...  Really easy...

Several years ago I made the alien head and it turned out really good.  I wish I would have taken a picture.  I think the balloon one turned out good too.

Peanut Butter Brownie Cups

This is one recipe that you should print out and hold onto forever.
I originally got this recipe off of Pinterest but the link that was connected to it disappeared so I thought I would share it on here so everyone can make it.  I still recommend printing it off so that you have a hard copy though...

Peanut Butter Brownie Cups
Ingredients:
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon water
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup peanut butter chips plus about 1/3 cup more for garnishing
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips plus 1/3 more for garnishing
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter




Instructions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Spray 12 muffin tins with cooking spray or you can use muffin liners.  I have made it both ways and they turn out good either way.
2.  In a large microwave safe bowl, combine sugar, butter (I used margarine and it still turned out super yummy), and water.  Microwave on high for 1 minute or until the butter is melted.  Stir in 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips until melted.  Stir in egg and vanilla.  Add flour and baking soda, stirring until blended.  Allow to cool to room temperature.  Then, stir in 1/2 cup each of the peanut butter chips and semi sweet chocolate chips.  Spoon batter into muffin cups.
3.  Bake for 13 - 15 minutes or until top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out slightly wet.  Place pan on wire rack.  Centers of brownies will fall upon cooling.  If they do not fall, tap centers with the back of a teaspoon to make a hole.
4.  Place peanut butter in a small microwave safe bowl.  Microwave on high for 45 seconds, then stir.  While brownies are still hot, spoon about a tablespoon of peanut butter into the center of each brownie.  Top with semi sweet chips and peanut butter chips.  Cool completely in pan before attempting to remove. I place mine in the refrigerator for a little while to get them nice and cool.  They should pop right out when you use a knife to pry them up.

I have played with this recipe adding and subtracting chips etc...  It just depended on what I had in my pantry.    I do not have a tendency to carry unsalted butter in the house but margarine is readily available so I use that instead.  I have made this recipe with peanut butter chips and without.  As you can probably see from the picture, I did not add the peanut butter chips to this batch.  I have also added milk chocolate chips as well as semi sweet.  It is good no matter what way you make it...
Enjoy!!!

Laundry Detergent Storage

Several days ago I shared with you a recipe for homemade laundry detergent and mentioned that I was going to look around for a container to store it in.  I thought with all the cute glass containers that I have in this house there was bound to be at least one that I could use.  Well,  I didn't find one.  All the containers that I had didn't seal which is very important with this detergent.  So, I went shopping...

It didn't take me long to find something that would work great and looks so cute.  The first store I went into (just happens to be my 2nd favorite store) was Target and I found it right away.  I always look on the clearance shelves first.  This cute container was there with a price of around $10.00.  I thought that was a decent price considering all the other containers like that cost quite a bit more.  Since I brought my 4 year old with me, we had to do his favorite thing there.  I am one of those patient moms that lets my kid scan anything and everything his little heart desires (as long as no one else is waiting to scan something).  He found a Skylander clock to scan ($19.99 - which I didn't buy). and I let him scan my canister.  Normally Target is really good at keeping the clearance items priced correctly but this time, much to my excitement, it was priced incorrectly.  It was only about $5.00.  Yay for me!!!  The things I get excited about... lol

 It doesn't really go with the theme that I have in my laundry room but I don't care.  This is just too cute!!!
The theme that I use in my laundry room is patriotic (red, white, and blue).  I just knew you would want to know that. lol

The canister is kind of deep so I am able to put a measuring spoon right in with the detergent.

The container that I was originally looking at wasn't very big so I was thinking about how I was going to keep the measuring spoon with it so I didn't lose it.  I was going to tie a hook onto the lid with a ribbon or twine and hang the spoon right on that.  I had it all pictured in my head.

Someday, (when I remodel my laundry room) I will share all the little organizational tips and pictures I have for that room.  Until then I will just have to share other stuff...

TV Remote Organization

Seems like with so many remotes lying around the house that it would just make sense to put them all in one spot.  I know, not that easy.  Especially when you have children.
My remotes were always coming up missing and I finally got sick of it.  I tried having a basket on the table that housed all of them but I think it was just too easily accessible.  I say that because when my boys were really little they would pull everything off the tables and the remotes would all end up under the couches, tables, and even in other rooms.  So I came up with a super simple plan that ended up working wonderfully.

I simply hung a basket on the wall with a cute hook and made sure it was up high enough that only the big people could get it.  As the kids got a little older they became smart enough to get a kitchen chair/stool and get the remotes when they need them.  It kind of seems too simple but it really works.  I found a spot on the wall that it looked good and it has stayed there for years.  I think it was really harder to "train" my husband to put it back than anyone else.  He got the hang of it though...

I hope this simple idea helps.  I am one that will spend quite a bit of time surfing Pinterest and have found many cute/functional ideas there too.  If you have a few minutes type in "remote organization" into the search bar and all sorts of ideas pop up.

Remember that every little step helps with getting organized.  Good luck!!!

Message Station

Everyone should have a location in their home that is for messages, important papers, business cards, etc...  I thought I would share with you where that spot is in my home and show you what works for me.

* I started with two framed cork boards.  I bought these ones but you can make them if you have frames that you really like or if you just have some extras lying around that you want to use.
* Next I bought a magnetic dry erase board from Sam's Club.  They were very inexpensive there (only around $16.00 or so).  Since this board is also magnetic, I put a magnetic clip on the board that I clip the kids important papers too.  I used to have extra magnets on the board too but I found that the kids liked to color on them and then drop them on the floor so I moved them to the refrigerator.
* Then I hung a basket that I had that I wasn't using.  I hung it on a cute hook (which I also already had).  The basket holds all my dry erase markers and eraser.
* I finished the area off with the word "Messages".  I ordered this one through a company called Uppercase Living but you can make the letters yourself if you have a Cricut machine.  I did this in my pre-cricut days.  You can custom order just about anything from them.  You can pick colors, font, and sizes...

This area is actually a multi-use area in our home.  My boys enjoy drawing pictures and writing letters and numbers (they are little still).  I love it because they will sit on the stools that I have in my kitchen and draw for hours.  The best part for me is that there are no messy papers lying around when they are done.

Sesame Chicken

I am always trying new recipes and came across this one.  And...  I love it!!!

Sesame Chicken
Ingredients:
3 large chicken breast, cubed
1 cup honey
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons garlic powder
Sesame seeds, to taste
4 cups brown rice


Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2.  Place chicken in a shallow baking dish.  In a small bowl combine the honey, brown sugar, soy  sauce, and garlic powder.  Stir.
3.  Pour the sauce over the chicken.  Stir a little to coat the chicken. 
4.  Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
5.  After 1 hour remove foil, sprinkle the chicken with the sesame seeds, and bake for an additional 30 minutes uncovered.
6.  Prepare the rice and serve immediately.
There will be a lot of liquid in the pan with the chicken.  You can pour the liquid over the rice to give it more flavor.  It served 6 but everyone wanted more so I recommend making as much as you can.  All together it takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to make.  Most of that is baking time though.  Very easy dish to make...

Homemade Laundry Detergent

I made it!!!  Took me all of 10 minutes...

Homemade Laundry Soap
This contains the same ingredients as the liquid soap but you don't have to use the water to dissolve the soap,then add more water, stir, pour into milk jugs, and add more water.  Plus the liquid version has to set up over night.  This one is ready to go.  The only thing with the powdered is that you have to use warm/hot water when washing your clothes.  Either that or dissolve it into a 1/4 cup of warm water prior to using.  Only time will tell which one I will like better...


Ingredients:
1 cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
1 cup Borax
1 bar of Ivory or Fels-Naptha (Purex) soap

Grate the bar soap into tiny pieces.  Mix with the soda and borax and it's ready to go.  For HE washers you only use 2 tablespoons per load.  Double it for regular washing machines.
I think now I will scour the house for a cute container that seals tight.  I'm sure I have one somewhere...

Buffalo Chicken Casserole

Happy Veteran's Day!!!
I would like to start out by saying thank you to all the Veterans.  I want to let everyone that has served or is still serving know that I appreciate all you have done for our country, not just today but every day.
Now, on to the recipe...
I originally pinned this recipe off Pinterest but I must say, it needed a bit of tweaking.  This casserole is great for a family that loves buffalo chicken...

Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into small strips
1/3 cup Frank's Red Hot Sauce
5 cups grated potatoes
1 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can of cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup Panko



Directions:
1.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2.  Combine the chicken in a bowl with the hot sauce.  I recommend letting the chicken marinade in the sauce for a few hours (if you have the time).  I didn't do it and there wasn't that much flavor in the chicken.
3.  Grate the potatoes. You can also use store bought grated potatoes.  This step is a little time consuming so if you are short on time I recommend going that route.  Once the potatoes are grated, pat off as much excess moisture as you can with a paper towel.
4.  Spoon the chicken and sauce into the baking dish in a single layer.
5.  Using the same bowl, combine the potatoes with the ranch, soup, and the cheese.  Spread over the chicken.
6.  Sprinkle the Panko evenly over the potatoes.  This is another step that I would change.  Instead of using the Panko, I would just use Italian Style Bread Crumbs (unbranded is fine).  I found that the Panko was too bland.
7.  Cover tightly with aluminum foil.  Bake for 45 minutes.  Remove foil and bake for another 30-45 minutes.  Or, until potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked completely.  The bread crumbs should be a little browner than it shows in my picture.  I didn't bake mine as long and the potatoes were a little crunchy.  Let the casserole sit for a little bit before serving to absorb some of the moisture.

Keep following...
I will be making powered laundry detergent today and will post how that turns out.  I have never used the powdered kind, only the liquid.  The liquid takes up a lot of storage space so I am ready for a change.  Many of family and friends have used the powered kind and they love it.  I am sure I will too...