Styrofoam Wall?

Yep you read it right. I had this wall upstairs and I needed something BIG to fill it up and I didn't want to spend a lot of money on something I just sorta liked so I made a filler until I find something I love. It was so easy. I couldn't find paper that I LOVED but this worked... You get 12 x 12 scrapbook paper, Styrofoam sheets (also 12 x 12, I bought a 12 x 36 and cut it) and enough ribbon to wrap around each one. Glue... well I read to use spray glue, not the best idea it eats the Styrofoam so I re-did most of them with a glue stick and it worked much better. This is where I got the idea, I really loved the coffee filter wall art too... I am considering doing it above my bed. Just a side note... mine didn't cost $5.00. I got the Styrofoam sheets at Roberts and they were $5 or $6 dollars and I had to buy 3. But I never checked the dollar store. When you don't live by these stores it makes it hard to hit up all the places you need to.
Me and Jill have been crafting, well she has been trying to get me to craft so I've joined the fun. We made these balls out of coffee filters, they are alot like Maci's rose balls but not, and I'm sure alot less time involved! I dont know where Jill got the idea for these balls from, but we used wiffle balls and hot glued them in the holes. We put a pencil eraser in the middle of the filter and shoved it in the hole. Then you spray paint them. I've seen them done just on Styrofoam balls and pinned in, this makes a much fuller look (here).



We also found these on a blog and loved them. We were originally going to do a bat or something 'Halloween' but then we decided we wanted something we could leave up the whole season so we went with the crow. I think they are sooo cute and the only cost... $1.00!!! Go HERE. We used black paint... well we first used brown and it looked like blood so we went over it with black and it looked much better. We also don't own a Cricut so we just found a silhouette that was easy to cut and printed it offline.

Toddler Dish Towel Bathrobe!

I fell in love with this when I saw it. I haven't attempted to make one yet, but I have bought the stuff. Its just a matter of finding the time. It looks super easy though.
There is a full step by step tutorial here.

Photography Sites from Laci Davis

On Studio 5, one of the greatest shows ever made, they have contributors that make usual appearances on the show and show their talents, crafts, and treats. So I'm sure I will be saving/reposting a lot of the stuff I see on there, just so I don't forget all the fun ideas when I actually find the time to do them.

One of those AWESOME contributors is a Photographer Laci Davis, up in the SLC area. One the show she has revealed some of the beautiful walls and backdrops she uses for a lot of her photo shoots. I of coarse don't get to use them, since I am not anywhere close to most of them, but when I am up there I want to stop by all of them! She has done this reveal twice now, and with each site I don't think they could get any cuter, but somehow they always do.

Reveal #1

Colorful Striped Wall
650 N. Main Street, Logan
You will find this amazing wall tucked away behind the Papa Murphy's on Main Street. It speaks loud volumes with its bold primary colors with a subtle hint of vintage coloring. Now this is something you could design a room around!

Bright Red Patterned Wall
Taqueria La Costa Burrito, 4700 West 5800 North, Bear River City
I don't only love this wall because of its vibrant red color, but you just can't find a pattern wall everywhere. A black outfit will steal the show here!

Bear River City
This charming building is perfect for a great vintage look. The front offers strong pillars and an old fashion sign, then head on over to the side for some bright colorful brick.

Bright, Royal Blue Wall
Napa Auto Parts, 498 South Main Street, Brigham City
Bold? Yes, please! This deep tone will richen up any photo. I love to pair it with a great pink or yellow. This wall is perfect for boys and girls.

Gray Wall
Historic 25th Street, Ogden
Looking for something more natural or modern? Go with this sleek Gray. Its color flatters all skin tons and it has just the right amount of texture for a little flair. When you're done here go ahead, keep walking because you will find all sorts of hidden photography treasures here.

Bright Pink Wall
Jose Burritos, 2583 North Main Street, Clearfield
Think Pink! This unexpected spot is just perfect for a photo with sass. The best news is all sides of this building are painted so go any time of day!

White Textured Wall
100 South Main Street, Bountiful
Soft and serene this wall gives you a crisp clean look while still having that sought after texture in the circles
**Since the airing of this segment, this building/wall has been torn down .

Olive Green
160 South 5th West, Salt Lake City
Right behind the gateway is where this beauty is hidden. It offers several different tones of green from sage to olive you will be happy with this choice. Don't forget to use the great levels and garage doors for some sitting options. Bright Orange Wall with Blue Trim
Just off the 1-15 Exit, West Side Frontage Road, Lehi (can see it from the freeway)
This wall makes me happy with the perfect tone or orange mixed with the soft blue. Don't stress the wardrobe, everyone will just be checking out the wall!

Tunnel
Entrada Golf Couse, 2537 Entrada Trail, St. George
St. George offers us such a beautiful landscape. Go over to the golf course snap some killer photos in the light shining tunnel and don't forget to hop on the black and red rock for another great photo.

Reveal #2
1. Maroon and Yellow Checkered
A&W, 701 N. Main Street, Logan
A checkered backdrop is such a great patternto work with. You can use the checks to frame people in. It also gives great depth and interest to your photo, without you having to do all the work!


2. Black and White striped
1050 N. Main Street, Logan
Stripes all are the rage right now, so this is a great way to incorporate the trend into your home. A secret, tucked away find - these shots would also look great printed in black and white!

3. Red
Mellen Glass,132 N Main St., Brigham City
This wall makes a serious, bold statement. The window details and textured brick make it a favorite for me!

4. Blue
American Legion, 845 W 24th St., Ogden
Bright, blue walls are one of my favorite to photograph on. This wall will give you a clean, crisp look, and complement all skin tones.

5. Green
470 S Main Street, Bountiful

This color is the perfect palette to Photoshop - bright and happy, or soft and dreamy. It will go with all looks!

To review, Laci's original "Top Ten Color Walls of Utah" article, click HERE.

6. Yellow
900 S State Street, Salt Lake City
This wall makes a bright, happy statement! All sides of the building are yellow, so you can go day or night and lighting will work to your favor. Plus, you will discover many different textures to play with. This is a must go!

7. Multi-Colored Wall
900 S State Street, Salt Lake City
Have you ever seen something so fun?! I would love a whimsical shoot full of lollipops and balloons here!

8. White
900 S State Street, Salt Lake City
A great white backdrop makes for a great go-to photo stop. It will always complement what you are wearing and let your outfits do the talking. What I love about this wall is the exposed brick; it offers added texture.

9. Lavender
Mercado Latino Market, 300 S University Avenue, Provo
I love the spot for staging pictures of sweet, little girls. The calm, cool tones seem to complement any and all skin tones. And the color goes with all your favorite "girly" outfits!

10. Mint Green
900 W Center Street, Provo
This spot is special because of the different color tones the wall provides. The building is light green with amazing 70's paintings in bright colors, framed in a dark green border. You might even find a shopping cart to use!

She is an amazing photgrapher! Her site is www.lacidavisphotography.com if you want to go and admire her talents!

Roasted Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Coconut Curry Peanut Sauce

This was featured on Studio 5 yesterday and it looked really good and quite easy to make. My picky husband even said he would be willing to eat/try it. That is always a plus!
Studio 5 Link

Coconut Curry Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup Lite coconut milk
• 1/3 cup orange juice
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1-2 tbsp red curry paste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp fresh minced ginger
• 1/2 tsp garlic

Method:

In a medium sized bowl whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, orange juice, lime juice, and honey. Add curry, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.

Mix until smooth and even and set aside.

Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:

• 1 Rotisserie chicken, shredded or sliced
• 1 pint red, orange, and yellow mini bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 2-3 cups matchstick carrots
• 1 oz can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
• 3-4 green onions, sliced
• 2 oranges; skins removed and thinly sliced
• Zest from 2 oranges
• 1 head of lettuce leaves rinsed and patted dry
• Chopped peanuts
• Snipped cilantro
• Wonton strips (optional)
• Lime wedges

Method:

In a sauté pan over medium heat, pour desired amount of curry sauce over sliced chicken. Heat for 1-2 minutes, or until sauce starts to bubble. Remove from heat.In a sauté pan over medium heat, pour desired amount of curry sauce over sliced chicken. Heat for 1-2 minutes, or until sauce starts to bubble. Remove from heat.

To assemble wraps:

Place curry chicken inside lettuce leaf, top with carrots, chestnuts, peppers, cilantro, green onions, peanuts and wonton strips. Squeeze lime juice over top, if desired.

Makes 4-6 servings

Crepe Paper Rose Balls

I made these cute balls for my friend Krystal's Bridal Shower, and to hang them in my craft room. They were quite easy to make, just very time consuming. I enjoyed making them! And no matter how hard I tried to get Ryan to help me, he always refused!
There are a few sites that I got the idea from and I will link them up, they have step-by-step tutorials.

oopsey-daisy
house of smiths

 

Doesn't it look so yummy!
Better Homes & Gardens

Creme Brulee French Toast

Makes: 12 servings

Prep: 15 minutesChill: 4 hoursCook: 7 to 8 hours (low)Stand: 30 minutes

Ingredients

•     Plastic slow cooker liner
• 12  ounces  challah or sweet bread (such as Portuguese or Hawaiian sweet bread), cut into 1-inch cubes (about 9 cups)
• 4  cups  milk
• 1/2  cup  sugar
• 3    eggs, or 3/4 cup refrigerated or frozen egg product, thawed
• 1  teaspoon  vanilla
• 1/4  teaspoon  salt
•     Caramel ice cream topping, warmed

Directions

1. Line a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker with a plastic slow cooker liner. Place bread cubes in prepared slow cooker.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Pour over bread cubes in cooker. Press bread lightly with back of a large spoon to moisten bread completely. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 4 to 24 hours.
3. Remove from refrigerator. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 7 to 8 hours or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Turn off cooker. Let stand for 30 minutes. Carefully lift plastic liner from cooker, using a plate to transfer French toast to a cutting board. If desired, slice French toast to serve or spoon it into serving dishes. Top with ice cream topping. Makes 12 servings.

Recipe Round Up

Recipe Round Up

A fun site I found where many recipes were added by different people. Lots of fun ideas!

Recipes!

There is a fun recipe blog that I believe my friend Pam set up. It has a bunch of girls/cooks that all post their own favorite recipes for everyone to see and share. I think its a great idea and that's kinda the idea I had with this blog, but to have crafts and all sorts of ideas from whoever wants to be a part of it.

Anyway... The recipe site is 24 Hour Menu, and it is super fun and has lots of fun ideas!

Check it out!

Personalized Building Blocks

I saw this idea on a craft blog, i spun it a little and made it my own, but I sure had fun with it. I cant wait for Bladen to be old enough to enjoy them! I also made a set for my nephews Kiptyn and Kyson.






As you can see, I made them ALL BOY! Everything from animals, trucks and bugs!

On the ones for Kiptyn and Kyson, I made it so their names were each on the blocks. I used a different color of blue for each of them, and doubled up the colors on those letters that were in both of their names.