Bloglovin'.....here we go

As some of you might know, Google Reader is shutting down from the 1st of July and as from that date, you will lose the list of blogs you follow. 

Here is how to import all the blogs you follow from Google reader to Bloglovin’ …Don't forget to follow me on bloglovin'.....we'll figure this out together.....I hope.

Kool-Aid Tie Dye

Maybe you read my post about spray dye. We used up most of the dye, and being the frugal gal I am, I saved the small spray bottles....they do come in handy for crafting projects or travel. I got to wondering if there is any cheaper way to tie dye....Kool-aid? I googled and sure 'nuff, here is a recipe for kool aid tye dying. I am not sure how quickly it washes out or how good it works on paper projects but I am pretty sure I will try it one of these days. disclaimer: do not use fabric softener when you wash any items you want to dye, the dye will not take. I usually dye thrift store items that have to be washed first. I do not use liquid softener but some of you might.

 

I've read that you can dye your hair with it, I don't think A's mom would go for that and I don't have a reason (today) to have pastel colored hair, so that endeavor will have to wait for a bit. I do think we could try tie dying her fingernails (not a Kool Aid project) but she bites her nails.....another way she is like her great grandma. I'd like tie dyed fingernails!

Just google Kool Aid tie dye for lots more ideas if you wanna try it, there are lots of ideas online. Don't you just LUV the internet?

The Week In 3 Scrapbook Pages

Usually when one of my grandkids spends the week here I make a small photo book for them. Since A just completed her first full size scrapbook I decided to make up a couple of pages with my fave photos. After we dropped her off at the mall (where her mother and sister were waiting) my bff and I headed to Archiver's scrapbooking store. We had several coupons to use. One of them was for a free 12X12" die cut, the green layout page below is what I chose. I'm not sure why some photos were not large enough for the cut outs so I used pink to back them with.....and of course behind the JUNE 2013. I embellished it with a few buttons and it's done!

I really like this idea and may purchase more when I get there. It's a good thing I live 50 miles away and seldom get there.

On this 2nd page I wrote a brief description of the week and attached some photos with Washi tape.

 On the 3rd page I just added a few photos and a caption or 2. 

I have LOTS more photos and A can choose the ones she wants to use on her own pages. I hope now that she's actually created several pages she'll want to keep it up. 

Oh yeah, I almost forgot we ate at our favorite mexican restaurant in Appleton before we came home.

Tonight we are off to hubby's niece's wedding. To be honest, I'd prefer to stay home....this is my first full day without grandkids and I'd like to relish ALL DAY & NIGHT. Once I get out I will probably enjoy seeing people I haven't seen in a long time. 

Happy Weekend to one and all....thanks for stopping by.

We've Been Busy

Right around now I am wondering if I have a mental  deficiency???? My granddaughter has been here since friday and my grandson spent 2 nights with us also. We've been on the go!!!

Of course we had to set up the tent. They were able to sleep in it one night. Grandpa told them it was time for bed at midnight....how long they were up after that I don't know. I do know that they woke up early (birds) and were in the house about 5 and played games on the computer until I got up (or was woken up).

One afternoon we went to the library's program about animals in the rain forest. Two of my grands were chosen to help hold the 100# snake. The other one held the tarantula earlier.

Naturally we spent an afternoon at the local water park.

 A is sorting the embroidery floss that we picked up at the thrift store. On the left you can see some of the full cards she got. She sorted it all by color and marked off, on the master list, which colors she has. Can you say organized? She is making friendship bracelets to sell in their garage sale and the money will be donated to an animal shelter. Do you think this grandma is proud??? We were talking the other day and she said she was thinking that on her next birthday, since she has enough of everything, she'd like to have people donate to the animal shelter instead of buying a gift for her. This is all her own idea! Her mom is not an animal lover and they don't have any pets. My mom was a great animal lover and I told her that is what we requested when her great grandma passed. I love all of my grandchildren, each one has a special gift, but at this moment a tear of pride is running down my face. 

Grandson J is making up the menu for lunch. He wanted to go to a restaurant and I was not doing that so she suggested that they have a restaurant here. They ordered their food and even paid me. I made over $2, including my tip. A didn't have any money so J gave her some of his money. (Which is our money b/c most of it comes from grandpa anyway.)

After the library we stopped at the Historic Washington House for a quick tour and some ice cream. A and I always get ice cream here when she visits. Grandson S had never been there so he enjoyed it, well, they all did. Here they are in front of a wonderful dollhouse. 

Is that old lady with my grandchildren me???

A loves to scrapbook so we worked on hers. This is her favorite page. It's with her and her little sister. I gave her a bunch of supplies for Christmas but she hasn't had time to use it so I hauled stuff upstairs. My basement is a mess!!!! And who wants to be in a 'dungeon' when you can work in front of the patio door and hear/see outside? I think she likes using all of my papers and stickers too! Her mom scrapbooks too, but with 3 children and the activities they are involved in, she hasn't had much time. We are going to do more scrapbooking today. 

A sleeps in so I have a couple of hours to myself in the morning. I crave my alone time and so does she. The boys wanted to go the 'kids night' at the park last night but she choose not to. J was upset but this is her week and she wanted to just stay home. I usually take the boys to such events..........mom is working, dad has all the boys including their 2 year old and doesn't drive. The other grandparents, along with mom's brother and sister, live just a couple of blocks from the park, but......

Tonight we're attending 'Sundae Thursday' and the boys will come along with us. Two Rivers is the birthplace of the ice cream sundae!!!

My left leg has really been bothering me. My hamstring is so tight and  I can not bend my knee very much. I have to go upstairs stepping only my right leg, it hurts to put weight on my left when stepping up. Walking on a flat surface is just fine. I am beginning to think it could be something with my back???  My knee has been stiff for years but the thing with walking upstairs is new. I am going to make an appointment with the chiropractor for next week. Wish me luck!

New Clothes

My granddaughter is NOT keeping me out of the thrift store!!! During the 5 days she's been here we've been to both of the thrift stores in town. 1) I was looking for light colored items to dye and 2) my granddaughter always needs books to read. We go to the library but that isn't always enough....and she needs something to read in the car on the way home. Besides, we both love a bargain. 

I found this Bonnie Jean dress for her. It looks like new. I don't think it will fit her this summer but for $3.00 she can save it for next summer. Today I found a pair of new, tags on, plaid, Urban Pipeline shorts (Kohls brand) for my grandson. Mom says he doesn't need any more shorts...but the price was great. For a little more than $5.00 we came home with 6 books for the grands, a tank top for my grandson, the new shorts, a skein of yarn (for granddaughter), a folder with tons of embroidery floss (.50 for granddaughter), an insulated Green Bay Packer mug (for the one of the grands) and a necklace (I just like the heart on it). 

We should have today to ourselves (no grandsons around).........she needs her quiet time just like I do. We also want to work on her scrapbook!

A New Way to Tie Dye

I am on vacation this week. Actually I will receive vacation pay from my job but this is no vacation! It is a lot of work, but something that I thoroughly enjoy!!! My 10 year old granddaughter is spending the week with us, she's really no trouble at all.....but....my 8 year old grandson is staying a couple of days here too.They get along good but he can be a bit demanding and I think she gets tired of always being on the go with him.

We've been making memories........or at least I hope they'll have great memories of spending time at grandma's house. 

One of the things we did was tie dying.

When I went to buy some dye (at  Hobby Lobby) I saw spray bottles and thought that would be much easier than dipping the items. The brand was SEI and it was $2.99 for a 2 oz bottle that says it's good for 12 shirts and I saw kits with 3 bottles for $7.99 (cheaper when I used my 40% off coupon). I had been collecting clothing, to dye, for several weeks from thrift stores. 

I watched a youtube video showing how to get various effects but the kids just wanted to lay their items out and spray them. Works for me....if they're happy, I'm happy. You can still scrunch up a t-shirt and spray dye it but you can also use a stencil to add words/letters. HMMMM....

I am now on the lookout for a white tank top to dye red & purple for my Red Hat activities. 

Not only is the dye good for clothing; it can be used on paper, wall paper, wood, any porous items. It's a lot cheaper than the spray mists I buy at the scrapbook store. 

Here are some of their items hung on the deck to dry. My grandson is preparing water balloons in the background....their next activity.

The following day they were outside at 8:15 AM dying more items. 

Showing off. Why can't boys just smile????

 How to use the spray dye?

*wet the article to dye

*scrunch or plan your design

*spray

*let air dry

*heat set in the dryer

Nothing has been washed so I can't report on that yet.

Hopefully I'll find some computer time later in the week. This morning the kids are catching up on their sleep. *SMILING GRANDMA here*

Thoughts On Thursday

Facebook really annoys me....or maybe I should say the people on that site bother me. OK, I agree  that it's nice to keep in touch with friends and family who live far away. I love seeing photos of my grandchildren and catching up with friends that I haven't seen in a long time. Oh, and I enjoy when my facebook friends wish me happy birthday or happy mothers day or merry christmas, etc. I do know 97% of the people who are my 'friends' but most are just acquaintances. But, c'mon people, doesn't a  family member or friend that you know personally deserve more than a few words on facebook that everyone can see??? Me? I'd prefer to receive a real card, or a phone call, a personal message. I admit I am guilty of 'facebooking'  messages sometimes.  I do send out a few cards, but some people just don't appreciate it, even the hand made cards I make. I play a lot of Words with Friends so hang out on Facebook all too much.....someday I'll get bored with that and move on.... Unfortunately I'm all about 'doing unto you what you have done to me'. I know that is not how I should be.....I've decided that if that is how you treat me that it must be the way you want to be treated. And, now for invites to events that are on Facebook............I NEVER look at the events. So don't expect me to be there or even acknowledge it.....because, most likely, I do not even know about it. Not everyone who is on facebook is that savvy to know to check under events every day. Even an email would be better!.....but I guess email is passe now. What about those who are not on facebook? No, not everyone is...or they may have an account but don't check it. Anway..... I'd prefer a card or invitation in the mail. If you can't go to that much 'trouble' to contact me why do you expect me to spend my time shopping for your special day????....hey, shopping is hard work and my time IS worth something also.

I admit it - I am old fashioned and prefer to have something in my hand that I can hold onto, look at, put in my scrapbook, or post on the fridge as a reminder. Am I the only one who feels that way? I know I'm not b/c my friend and I were discussing this just the other day. What are your thoughts?

Christmas in June???

 At one of the very few garage sales I stopped at this year I picked up these new Santa ornaments. I collect Santas and have a Santa theme tree that I do every 3rd year. They're brand new and I think they'll be a great addition to my Santa tree.

I May Be A Pajama Convert

I'm not a pajama girl, I'm more of a nightshirt gal. I don't care for all that fabric on my legs, they're plenty warm under the covers. I picked up these Simply Vera pj's last week and put them on yesterday after my 6PM and shower (I was sweaty and dirty after planting flowers in the afternoon and we did not have plans for the evening). Comfy, very comfy! I just love 'em.

* I could wear these all day

* One does not need to keep the bottoms on while sleeping (too much info? sorry)

* I wouldn't be embarrassed to answer the door wearing these

I found this same pair on ebay - new, selling for $42.99

A couple of weeks ago I stopped at a thrift store and the friday policy (all summer) is '$5 stuff a bag' with clothing. I don't need any more clothes, in fact I need to clean my out!!! I went on to look for whatever was on my itinerary, but one woman was having so much fun calling to her friend "Look at this, would (so & so) wear this?" and "This is nice." I don't like digging through bins but I walked over and started looking too. We chatted as we looked through the clothing. It's not really about what you find but more about the hunt!  I picked up a few things for a couple of grandkids and one top for myself. If it doesn't fit or they don't like it I won't be offended or out a lot of money. They can stuff a lot of clothing in a grocery bag!

Last friday I was off again and had shopping to do but was not going to stop at the thrift store. While searching for a garage sale (that I never found) I went past that thrift store....and my car automatically stops (or it feels like it does). I figured I might as well look for stuff for the grands and I did find some things for my 13 year old grandson.....I hope the pants fit and he likes them. As I looked in the ladies bin the color of this top caught my eye and I threw it in my cart.....then I found another article of clothing in the same color..............oh! Pajamas....what the heck, I'll try 'em. They are not torn, stained, or pilly and were a lot less than $42.99 and I love 'em!

I really NEED to stay out of thrift stores.....I guess  I love to hunt for a bargain and I do give lots of it away....but I'd save a lot of $ if I just wouldn't walk through the door....

But today I do have a box of items to donate!!!!

Have a great week!

It's National Fudge Day

Of course I have to promote National Fudge Day ....here are a couple of recipes. I have not tried the first two but always made the No Fail Fudge at Christmas time. 

SUPER EASY FUDGE

 2 cups milk chocolate chips

 2 1/2 cups prepared chocolate frosting

 1 cup chopped walnuts

Line one 8x8 inch square pan with foil. Lightly butter the foil.

In a small saucepan melt the chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove the melted chocolate from the heat and stir in the frosting and the nuts stirring until smooth. Pour into the prepared pan and refrigerate until firm. Once firm cut in small squares.

======================================================================

JELLO PUDDING FUDGE

2 pkg.  (4 oz. each) BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, divided

1/2 cup  butter or margarine, divided

1/3 cup  water

1 pkg.  (3.9 oz.) JELL-O Chocolate Instant Pudding

3 cups  powdered sugar

LINE 8-inch square pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides. Microwave 4 oz. chocolate, 6 Tbsp. butter and water in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 min. or until butter is melted; stir. Add dry pudding mix; stir 2 min.

ADD powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, stirring after each addition until well blended. Press onto bottom of prepared pan.

MICROWAVE remaining chocolate and butter in large microwaveable bowl 1-1/2 min. or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Spread over pudding mixture. Refrigerate 2 hours or until firm.

====================================================================== • NEVER FAIL FUDGE

2 1/2 c. sugar

3/4 tsp. salt

1/2 stick butter or margarine

1 5 oz. can evaporated milk (2/3 c.)

1 Jar (7 1/2oz) Marshmallow Fluff

3/4 tsp. vanilla

1 12-oz. package semi-sweet chocolate pieces

1 /2 c. chopped walnuts

Grease a 9-inch square baking pan; set aside. In large saucepan combine the first 5 ingredients. Stir over low heat until blended. Increase heat to Medium and bring to a full-rolling boil being careful not to mistake escaping air bubbles for boiling. Boil slowly, stirring constantly for 5 minutes (use Soft-Ball test). Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and chocolate until chocolate is melted. Add nuts. Turn into greased pan and cool. Makes 2 1/2 pounds.

Hint: As with all fudge recipes, cooking time will vary depending on factors such as humidity and altitude. For best results, use the softball test to make sure the fudge has been cooked enough. 

Happy Father's day! and remember to eat some fudge for me!

Pumpkin Roll

I haven't shared my pumpkin roll recipe with you, so I will today.

Many, many years ago my sister in law use to make this and it was sooooooo good.....still is! My son in law just LOVES it and so do their 3 children. Mark will almost always ask me to bring it when we have a family get together and I do. At first I was intimidated and thought making a roll would be too hard, it's not, it's so easy.

PUMPKIN ROLL

Beat 3 eggs on high until light and fluffy

Gradually beat in 1 cup sugar

stir in:

2/3 cup pumpkin

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ginger

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 cup flour

Grease and flour a jelly roll pan (cookie sheet with sides) or line it with parchment paper

Pour batter into pan, top with finely chopped walnuts

Bake @ 350 for 15 minutes

Loosen edges and flip pan over onto a towel that has been sprinkled with powdered sugar

Roll 'cake' up in the towel

Let cool, unroll, and spread with filling

filling-beat:

1 cup powdered sugar

3 ounce pkg cream cheese

4 tsp butter

1-1/2 tsp vanilla

Roll up and sprinkle with additional powdered sugar

ENJOY!!

We do!

On thursday I and 2 friends were suppose to visit one of our Red Hatter who moved out of town. But Janice called at the last minute to say that a grandchild was on her way......so plans changed and I had to eat the pumpkin roll myself. 

It freezes well if you make it ahead of time. 

Have a great weekend. No plans for us...........and I like it that way!

A Few Thrifty Finds

One day as I was browsing a local thrift store I spied these fabulous handmade pins and necklaces made with slides. There were more but I only took 4. I feel kinda bad for the artist who crafted  these, the price on the back was $20 and you can see the price I paid was much cheaper.

 You KNOW I HAD to have the chocolate one!

Pretty, right?

Lucky me!

It's a beautiful sunny morning here......long overdue!

I'm off on a road trip later this morning with friends to visit one of our Red Hat sisters who got married and moved away. She's having us over for lunch....should be a great day!

Hope yours is also!

Wordless Wednesday

tonight's rainbow

Defending Jacob/book review

I had been wanted to read this book for a while so I placed a hold on it on Overdrive. A couple of times it was available and I had to pass on it. I was finally able to fit it in my schedule and just finished it. It's a good book, if you like mysteries.

 

Andy Barber is an assistant district attorney in a small town in Mass. He's happy with his life, job, wife, and son. His life is turned upside down when a 14 year old is murdered in the park on his way to school and his son is arrested. Is there another suspect? Did the boy do it? The ending is quite surprising, read the book.

A Wonderful Sunday Afternoon

Earlier this month we went to my daughter's for a belated birthday celebration for her 5 year old. It was a little cool, but I managed to find a spot of sun to perch in. We had such a nice visit. Mark is a people person and brings out the best in my hubby. They live over 100 miles away from us so we don't see each other very often. Amy and Mark have 3 wonderful children who are involved in baseball, dance, tae kwon do, swimming, etc...so they are busy. 

 

 This is the view from their deck, just part of the back yard.

 

 Chalk paint and potions are a favorite activity

 

 

This beautiful girl turned 5 in May.

These 2 get along so good. The 2 older boys are more closely matched in interests so they hung abound together. It was so nice.....the kids are old enough that they don't need watching and can explore the woods and river.

I brought corn on the cob and pumpkin roll....both were a hit for all. Amy made brats, hamburgers, angel food cake, and a delicious spinach salad.

As we were sitting on the deck catching up an oriole sat in the tree and 'hollered' at us to leave so he could get to the grape jelly that was on the rail. We also watched a squirrel actually grab 2 smaller squirrels out of a hole in the tree and toss them to the ground. We decided they must have been teenagers and dad said 'get out and get a job!'

 Roasting marshmallows for s'mores.

My oldest and only teen age grandson. He's a great kid!!! Well, all of my grandchildren are wonderful.

 The girls have such pretty, long hair. The youngest one's is curlier though. When the oldest one gets hers cut it is for Locks of Love.

The boys.

Where Does The Time Go???

It's almost summer, but here, next to the big lake, we can't tell. It's mid morning, only 48F, and it's raining....I suppose we need the rain...but why can't it rain when I'm sleeping?

I've been busy: 

We had a great trip to Louisville with the Red Hat group- we visited Churchill Downs, did you know that all of the betting is done with CASH? There are rows of electronic betting machines. Can you imagine the amount of money that passes through those gates? 

We also visited the American Publishing House for the Blind, where they print Braille books, very interesting.

We stopped at the Louisville slugger Museum/factory.

We may be a bunch of old ladies wearing red hats, but we have fun!!!

My good friend makes me exercise in the pool in the evening. The pool was so neat, you were able to swim under the wall to the outside pool and vice versa. I've never been in a pool like that. (I know, I live a very sheltered life.) We exercised outside with some other friends, making the time go much faster.

Last week we went the a garden fair and had so much fun looking around at all the different plants. I only bought a few small succulents. We tried to find ones with 'babies' so we could share.....what a couple of "cheapos", huh???

On saturday I did a little bit of planting, it's still pretty cool here so we are waaaaay late. Earlier in the year I picked up these children's rain boots at the thrift store specifically for this purpose. I pulled out my drill (so happy to have MY OWN) and drilled holes in the soles, added some rocks for stability, and put the potted plants inside. It will look better as the plants grow. The boots are sitting by my front door now. 

 Carolee and I like to share plants, we're cheap! I have a cutting from a coleus for her.....how can I get it to her without it spilling all over?

 As I was going through my spice cabinet I came across a very old, almost empty container. I was going to save it for the grandkids............that's a whole 'nother post....but I decided it would be perfect for the plant cutting. 

I just cut between the holes in the shaker top, making enough room for the stem. It's not pretty but it works perfect!

Guess I really need to shower and get dressed and DO SOMETHING!!!! I have much more to share....hopefully I will have time to write soon. Have a great weekend!