DIY Money Tree! For those hard to shop for! A post from the archives!

We all have a few of them on our lists!

   You know! Those hard to shop for friends and family! For me it is a handful of teen and pre teens! My daughter and I shopped aimlessly with little luck! I finally surmised that we could just get them a gift card or money.... Money is the ultimate gift after all. Your recipient is free to do as he or she pleases, but it has always felt a little impersonal to me! I give you the Christmas money tree!

Start with two pieces of felt. Trace a tree pattern, cut and either sew or glue them together with hot glue. Leave about a half inch border and a hole for stuffing the tree at the bottom! Next stuff your tree! Do not be afraid to get into the corners.

I used a small dowel cut into equal pieces for the trunk! To create the candy cane striping, paint first your base color. Then when dry apply painters tape in a spiral around the dowel and paint your secondary color! Once you remove the tape touch up and even out where necessary! These blocks that I used for the base were only .30 at Hobby Lobby! I painted a primary color then topped it with ivory and sanded the edges for that unique look! Once your base is completed use a cute piece of scrapbook paper to cover the top!

So Cute, Easy and Affordable!

Assemble by closing the opening to the tree around the dowel! Use a small amount of hot glue to attach the trunk to the base! Decorate!

Use ornaments that reflect the personality of the intended recipient!

 I found tiny clothespins at Wal Mart. Use them to attach money or gift cards! Have fun! 

          What are you working on?

Vintage desk upcycle and milk paint!

    Baby Keeg, Ab and I loaded into the car and hit the local Deseret Industries! Living in a DIY valley, finding treasures is a rarity! We lucked out! I found this great desk, a matching head and footboard, and fantastic set of shutters! My mind was racing as we crammed our prizes into our small car! We were certainly a sight! 

    

    Milk paint is making such a comeback! I was just about to hit the checkout button and purchase milk paint over the web.... then me, being me thought "I have to try to do this on my own!" I try everything once! It was amazing! I highly recommend the following recipe! I started out with the Martha Stewart recipe, but after 24 hours had few curds. I did a little experimenting and was very pleased! Not to mention I saved so much learning how to create my own!

1 quart skim milk (must be skim!)

1 cup white distilled vinegar

acrylic paint

cheesecloth

strainer

Allow skim milk to reach room temperature. In a large bowl combine milk and vinegar. Let the mixture sit overnight. The next day cover a strainer with cheesecloth and pour milk mix in to separate the whey from the curds. Rinse well and place the curds into a mixing bowl and mix until smooth. Add a few drops of color and continue adding until you reach the desired hue! I got about 2 cups from this recipe. enough for three coats on the desk. Do not mix until you are ready to use. It is important you use it quickly, as it will not store.

    If you have never used this type of paint before.... Be patient take your time and figure out how to apply it. The first coat is very nearly transparent. Making sure your surface is properly sanded and prepped is crucial! It will begin to lift itself off as it dries. So it will just fall off of any unprepped surface. It will not stick to a varnished surface real well. I promise you will love it once you figure it out! If you love that chippy, vintage paint look... this is the paint for you! I used to spend hours painting, sanding, and distressing! This paint does it for you!

   

       I was able to keep a reasonable budget with this project by using what I had on hand! Using a little spray paint and spare buttons, I covered unsightly areas. The original hardwood seat was upholstered. This desk is solid wood. Very sturdy! It has a functioning book rack, and desktop! Made even more fun with a few chalkboards! Perfect for any corner in your home! The desk was finished and sealed with several coats of polyurethane and furniture wax! 

AND.... she's for sale! Available for pick up in Cache County Utah! Asking $100 If you would like more information please email: curiouswisdomlj5@gmail.com

The gift of service.

    I was running around frantic! Somehow in between my other daily responsibilities I had found myself overwhelmed with the "task" of service. Several hearts were in need of mending. There were dinners to be made. Babies to hold. A run to be ran. A pile of laundry to the sky. An after school play. Somewhere in the madness and anxiety I found peace. I felt that even though my load was... well, overloaded! Everything would be fine. Silently praying I began to reflect on the wonderful gift of service. I began to really focus on how and who I was blessed with serving on a beautiful Tuesday afternoon...

    Nearly eight years ago I took a leap of absolute faith! With nothing to lose and everything ahead,  I packed up the sparse items my daughter and I owned and set on a grand adventure. Thirty miles away from home our new life began to form. These were tough days. Going back to school in my late twenties with a baby in tow was nothing short of a miracle. We were able to qualify for housing, and I was not allowed to hold a job at this time because I was the recipient of a generous state program that paid my tuition in full. We had to survive on a government stipend that was under $400.00 a month.  My objective was to complete school as quickly as possible and become employable. At times I felt as if the weight of the world was upon my back. I knew however this was the only way to make a better life for the two of us.

    Not long after we had moved into our apartment we began to experience the humble service of others. I would often return home late in the evening, sometimes just long enough to give my sweet girl a bath and kiss her goodnight. On our porch I would often find small packages of toddler clothing. Or bags of food items, blankets and toys. Twelve days before Christmas a baby doll and a hand mixer, the first I had ever owned and a dolly she has to this very day. We had nothing, yet because of the kindness of others we had it all! The gifts continued throughout our time in that apartment and I learned a very wonderful lesson from our angels. I may never know who these silent angels were. Keeping watch over us, but I vowed when I could, when I had enough to give....

 I would! Not once. Not twice. Every chance I got. I would serve those in need. I would show my gratitude.

    Fast forward several years, my husband and I are sitting close together fidgeting on our couch. Across from us the Stake President! In our home to commend us for an act of service we had just completed. "We just did what anyone would have done." I offered meekly. Knowing in my heart of hearts that is simply what we are meant to do. Take care of one another...

    Back to the eye of the storm within my kitchen. I felt a warmth spread through me as I recounted the many times I have been blessed by service. Knowing that I posses the power to serve. That it is indeed a gift. Understanding the power of being a blessing in someones day. The blessings that come back three fold.

    We are all capable of great service. As mothers we serve our families daily. Its the warm batch of cookies awaiting school children. Their arms around your waist. The prepared dinner for the returning husband, a kiss upon his cheek as he teases you about your yoga pants. The clean house full of love. Or perhaps a disastrous house that you didn't get to because you were too busy playing peek a boo and painting tiny toe nails.  As friends we serve as a patient heart willing to listen. Help me to understand. Let me take your kids...

Sisters, Brothers, Aunts and Uncles, Neighbors, cousins...

    Service does not require an invitation, but rather intuition. Who will you bless today?

no truffle at all... A tasty post from the archives!

Get your chocolate on!

     I am so behind! Sweet baby K has been so sick this week and I have been busy keeping her happy. My Valentines prep is suffering! I have finally begun! I am going to share the easiest chocolate truffle recipe with you!  

 For easy peasy chocolate truffles you will need:

16 oz bittersweet chocolate chips
1 cup whipping cream
2 tsp almond extract
truffle toppings of your choice!

 In a saucepan bring your cream and almond extract to a simmer. Stir occasionally. Like my spatula?

 Have your chocolate chips ready in a separate bowl.

 Pour cream over chips and let sit for a few minutes then mix.

Oh my ganache!

     You just created ganache! Refrigerate for three to four hours. Once chilled roll into teaspoon size balls and top! This step gets kind of messy so move fast!

Peanut Butter?

 Feeling encouraged? My husband loves peanut butter! Try this awesome recipe! Peanut butter truffles

     While your mixtures cool get to work on your presentation! I love books so I always feel bad when I destroy one! However...creating a book box is always a fun and unique gift! I found a few old books at the D.I. for under a dollar! Start by gluing the pages and back cover together. Once dried trace a square onto the front inside cover, and using a razor blade carefully begin cutting out your box.

Too cute!

    Once I get close to the back cover I start peeking carefully at the pages remaining until I find a neat picture to stop on. This will serve as your box backdrop.

Yum!

    Truffles rolled and topped! I used two coffee filters to line my box and place my truffles in. It turned out darling! I might have to keep one for myself! Keep refrigerated until ready to share! Happy dipping! 

Dear Santa, about last Saturday.....

Please place Sweet baby K back on the good list!

     When my husband and I learned I was pregnant over two years ago we rode the roller coaster! The usual fear of the change and the  elation of a child of our own.... We have two older children and we would be literally starting over with diapers and all nighters! Fast forward to life with Sweet Baby K! Starting over has its most heart fulfilling moments! We get to experience her milestones together! We are having an absolute riot!

Wordless Wednesday...With words!

It has been a rough few days! Good rough...not bad rough, there is a difference! When I stop to count my many blessings rough seems an unfair analogy, but the terrible two's are in the beginning stages. My little Houdini is into everything!  and yes, that is duct tape on her diaper.....

Alice Cooper called...

    Oh how history repeats itself! One sunny Sunday eight years ago I awoke to find my then toddler with a mascara unibrow! "I pretty!" She exclaimed excitedly! Yes baby you are! Fast forward some years, and the quiet is making me nervous as I busy myself around the house... Once again a three foot nothing beauty queen emerges from the bathroom... "Eye! Eye!"

What else can you do but giggle!

Eight tips to surviving the outdoors with your toddler...

 

Because sometimes the real danger is the screaming toddler in footed jammies!

    As a mother of three, two of which I raised up from newborn I am not immune to all nighters! Three insanely long nights in particular stick out in my mind...The first two would be the deliveries of my babies. My babies take a long time to get here. Seventeen and fourteen hours of anxious anticipation!

    The third insanely long night of my life? 

    That would be the first night my family of five crammed into our new camping trailer for what we hoped to be a restful nights sleep....

    Sweet baby K was convinced that camping's sole purpose was... baby torture! As we listened to her scream, a scream that was not from this earth I felt my last nerve snap! Wondering if this was what we were in for...long nights of  sleepless screaming! It is funny how dedicated we become when sleep training our little ones. Training them to have the confidence to sleep in their own bed and to fall asleep on their own...

    Take them away from their comfort zone and all that confidence is lost as they try to figure out why, and where, and what the?! 

    But dedicated campers and parents are we! Here are eight tips to make your camping trips a little easier this summer season!


Tip one: Get your toddler used to the idea of sleeping in your tent or trailer! Baby K and I took a nap in our trailer yesterday. I let her lay by me and look around. Once she was drowsy I slipped her into the small bed we had crafted for her of the side of our bed.

Tip two: Camping only toys! Grab a tote full of your baby's favorite toys and store them with your camping gear! Toys that she only plays with while camping. This builds excitement as she looks forward to the next time she plays with them!

Tip three: Let her explore! This is hard for me as I am a helicopter mom of sorts! Dress her  in long pants, light long sleeved shirts with shoes and socks then let her roam safely  within eyesight! The new sights and sounds will fascinate your baby and wear her out!

Tip four: Anticipate getting no sleep! If you are prepared to comfort fears and anxiety you will be a much better parent at three in the morning. Lay down in the afternoon with your child and gear up for whatever your baby has in store!

Tip five: Recruit older siblings and the hubs. If you are like me you have the main responsibility for baby. However, I am also fortunate to have an amazing husband and two older kids that are just waiting for me to hand over baby. Hand her over for a hike with daddy while you prepare meals then switch off. Help your husband relax too! He will also be a much better parent and support system at three in the morning!

Tip six: Breath! Your little one will soon get used to the idea and learn from your reactions whether camping is a good or bad thing! Smile! Relax!

Tip Seven: Pack for safety as well as comfort! Recreate the creature comforts of home and pack small travel size portions of baby's favorites! Remember pain and allergy relievers!  Our Sweet baby K was cutting top molars and we were so grateful for infant Advil!

Tip eight: Remember fire precautions! We got in the habit of not even allowing our little one to play near the unlit fire pit. That way when we did roast hot dogs she already knew it was not an area she was allowed in. Use caution with hot dogs and warm foods.

    Enjoying activities year round with our families is indeed a privilege! Learning the little tricks of traveling with kids is worth it's weight in gold!

How do you survive summer travels?

Believe everyday is a gift...

    I have received so many sweet emails this morning! Yes! All is well! And no, there will not be a hop this week! I have been suffering from a case of life at it's craziest! I sincerely enjoy my blog and all the fantastic opportunities that are coming and have come my way after many hours, sweat and tears....

It is my five minutes each day

   I would not even no where to begin if you were to ask! Between end of school reports, projects and room parent duties! Redecorating our new awesome trailer! That is a whole different post! Because for $0.00 Yep! I said zero! I was able to revamp the interior! Old flannel sheets make the perfect cozy camping atmosphere! Pics posting soon:) With a little mechanical TLC we will be up and running in no time! Campers beware!

   So there is that! 

    Struggling yet triumphing with my 4HB diet. Triumphant because I have said goodbye to my muffin top! Woot Woot! Struggling because it is hard. The support of my husband has been that needed extra boost! The curious eyes of my children as I wrap my burger in romaine lettuce... When you are raising very impressionable young ladies whom's self esteem and identities are developing  you do not get to say "I m fat!" "I m struggling!" " I feel insecure...." Truthfully I do not feel fat, I just want to feel good! You know what I mean Mamma's!

Sigh

    Coming to grips with the reality check of a lifetime and thankful for promptings! Our eight year old was struck by a teenager on a dirt bike....on her bicycle! Earlier that morning as we sat down to apple pancakes I felt I needed to really rail on my kids about their bike helmets. They have recently entered the "I look stupid in my helmet!" phase. Later that afternoon I hit my knees and tearfully thanked my Father for black and blue knees and torn jeans...

     Sitting down to catch my breath this morning with my spinach and egg salad, Judy Garland crooning in the background I prepare for all that must be accomplished today. 

    Smiling as I replay my sweet husbands 40th birthday which was yesterday. Wondering how on earth I  pulled off yesterday with a work meeting, homemade cheesecake, the wrapping of forty of his favorite things......laughing out loud at the look on the teenage checkers face as my one year old chucked her shoe at him in sporting goods! Steaks on the barbie! Loud honking from passing cars as they read the kids sign "Honk! My dad is 40!" Kissing his sweet face! He is my knight! Loving the laughter...

Life is good 

" I love this crazy, tragic, sometimes almost magic, awful beautiful life!"

    

Spring has Sprung!

This Winter gal is ready for Spring! Ready to chase Sweet baby K around in the grass! So we hit the craft store early this morning to see if we could coax Mother Nature along! Remember this frame? My dollar find at the DI:)

I used my fishing line trick and a few magnets to keep it from whacking our door in the infamous morning wind storms! I like it! Spring has Sprung!

Taking charge while having a little fun...

    Hello again from day two of defying death on the treadmill! Thanks for all the fun comments! It really irritates me when I think of the weeks of time I spent just wishing myself into a workout...Arg! We truly are lazy bones!  Between working and my little blog hobby I spend alot of time on my computer...

    I mentioned before that I am eager to reclaim my body after nearly two years of being body snatched by Sweet Baby K so here goes nothing:) My adorable mini Acer laptop is strapped into position and off I go! I even inspired my husband with my hour of walking yesterday! Last night while I prepared insurance claims he hopped on and ran himself! Look out beaches and swimming pools! Here we come! Maybe a Ragnar is in our future! I of course am getting ahead of myself!

    We are officially weaning! It is hard! With Sweet Baby K's birthday less than two weeks away I am struggling to make my goal of totally weaned! I have cut down feedings, shortened duration of feedings and still feel challenged! Perhaps it is the loss of an emotional bond I am fighting against...

We  just had to get the treadmill that wipes the screen clean when you accidentally pull the safety tether from its base! Now I can't see my hard work computed into precious calories and miles burned!  ARG! I am OK though! Just a tiny trip...It is merely a flesh wound;)

    Anyway! Amidst the hard work and dedication of being full time parents, employees...(My husband just got yet another amazing promotion!) and hard working at everything we do... we always find time for some fun and laughter!

We are blessed to live in a beautiful area with the mountains in our backyard!

    I have been a wienie this year when it comes to my beloved snow! I am nervous to take my lil baby snowmobiling... Last weekend we got Grandpa Jensen's old 1979 Yamaha Enticer out! This was the first snowmobile the hubs and I owned together! In fact she is the one who hooked him into the sport along with a ski doo blizzard that tested our very patience! Happily we have since upgraded but this sled will always be special and we will never get rid of her! It was fitting to have baby K ride her!

    Baby K's first ride! She loved it! She giggled and smiled! I think she will fit in fine!

Be my Valentine...

    Once again valentines day is upon us! I enjoy Valentines day! The chocolates! The flowers! The general feeling of love! The extra time certain girls spent in the bathroom this morning! Oh boy! It is happening! My poor husband is in for it! Three little girls....

 Adam Levine is beautiful! Not many women would argue this....

   Last night as I tucked her little body in snug, my eight year old was grinning from ear to ear. An obvious case of butterflies had her. "Momma?" She asks kissing my face. "Yes baby?" I reciprocate. "Who is that guy on the Voice with all the tattoo's?"  My girls inquiry forces me to giggle because the smirk on her face now has an explanation....a tattooed older man explanation! "Adam Levine? He is a cutie huh!" I reply.

    By now my baby doll is hiding her face blushing and giggling uncontrollably. This is the same girl who cannot resist pausing Twilight to gaze upon Taylor Lautner! "Oh Jacob I loooove you!" I can support a crush on a admittedly cute young man, but I wonder if her Adam "Guy with all the tattoos" crush should concern me?

   Ahhh! My poor husband! Three girls!

    Happy Valentines day!

    

Boston Cream cupcakes!

   

     Saturday while out and about with the kids we decided to stop at the little cupcake shop I had noticed a hundred times before but never had the chance to visit. Once all three kids had piled out of the car and we had made it to the door in one piece (a major accomplishment:) a lady rushed to greet us at the door "Sorry! We are closed! We just sold out!" I was perplexed...Sold out? I glanced at the door and noticed the hours: Open till we sell out!

    Bummer! It had taken me this long to find five minutes to just check this place out. If they sell out by noon I will never get to sample what from the menu appeared to be gourmet deliciousness! My girls were equally disappointed. The baby squirmed as I crammed her back into her car seat. "What kind of cupcake place doesn't make enough cupcakes for everybody?" My eight year old pouted.

    As we made our way home cupcakeless...We brainstormed our revenge out loud. Last summer my kids were very industrious. It was not uncommon to find them out in the front yard selling hot chocolate chip cookies and punch. Myself, also grouchy about having no cupcake thought "Hmmmm?!" I mean they must be delicious cupcakes if they are sold out so quickly....I wonder what we could come up with (SEE CURSE OF THE CREATIVE MIND)

    So we are determined to find the most delicious most beautifullest cupcakes to sell out the summer cupcake stand....

    It just so happened that Lidia...whom I love! Made these tasty little Boston Cream cupcakes the very Saturday night we were denied our own savory cake. Boston cream! Oh my!

  What are your favorite recipes? I think I will try my hand at these! Boston Cream cakes