Up cycled cupcake holder

Hi friends ! I know, I know. It's been forever. Life with toddlers can get so crazy busy. Am I coming back from the blog grave? I really don't know, but in honor of earth day I wanted to share one of my favorite new re-use ideas.
I've been getting these amazing organic apples at Costco. They come in these giant plastic containers with individual compartments that just so happen to make amazing cupcake holders (photo below). Now you can transport your cupcakes smash free without buying one of those overpriced special containers. Simply wash, dry, and reuse.

Changing table gone to pot

  When I was about to give away my daughters old changing table my cousin (and master upcycler) convinced me to keep it around for something because you just "never know."
Fast forward six months to spring and I decide we need a potting table and this changing table fits the bill. Here's what you need for this project:
Supplies:
-Old changing table
-Nails and hammer (or staplegun or screws and drill)
- s-hooks
- lattice or peg board cut to fit
Method:
Attach the lattice to the back of the changing table. Throw on some S-hooks, hang some garden tools and have a potting party! Now if only the ground would thaw.....

looking clean now....sure to be full of soil bags, dirt, etc in a few weeks

DIY door draft stopper

   Have a drafty door? Or possibly a rather loud toddler and a door that has over an inch gap at the bottom which allows all the "quiet time" noise to bleed into the sleeping siblings room?
   If either of those sounds like your house, I invite you to try my up cycled door draft stopper. Up until today I was just using a half rolled up towel. Not exactly appealing compared to my new creation.
Here's what you'll need:
- Old pair of footed tights
- a ribbon to tie the end (or if u use footless tights you can just tie both ends)
- old baby bath towel or rice. ( rice will keep the stopper from moving around so much, but it costs more and is a little riskier with toddlers involved of one was ever to "come open")
-scissors
Method:
1. Cut the tights up the crotch- in half
2. Lay your material at base of doorway and cut the length you need.
3. Fill the stocking with rice or rolled baby towel
4. Tie the end and you are done!

Black beans and coconut rice with lots of fun flair

  Tonight we tried a recipe courtesy of Michael Natkin at Herbivoracious. This dish is easy healthy, kid friendly, and seriously delish. I substituted white with brown rice and made the beans from scratch. Click here for the recipe.

Lampshade makeover

 I've been trying to find material thick enough to cover up a subpar stencil attempt on a lampshade. The material was in my closet all along! Since the shirt was gathered the bottom no adhesive was required.
   Here is the lampshade before:

Here it is after:

Wine box divider crowns

    Next time u have wine box dividers, cut then in half, tape them together and let the kids decorate away. We used chalk, stickers, and markers for ours.(tip: you can get the dividers in the box bin at Costco)

Paper bag jellyfish

  We finally went to the aquarium at the Mall of America today. The jellyfish exhibit was pretty great and I decided on the way home I needed to figure out a way to make one. Here's what I came up with:
Supplies:
Brown paper grocery bag
Crepe paper
Googly eyes
Paint
Scissors
Glue or tape
Method:
1. Cut a large circle from paper bag
2. Cut a slit to about the middle of the circle

3. Paint the circle (we also used circle brush for dots)
4. Once dry, overlap the slits to make a dome and glue or tape shut
5. Glue or tape eyes and draw a mouth
6. Turn upsidedown in a bowl (this keeps it from sliding around)
7. Glue or tape streamers to underside of bag.

8. Hang and enjoy!

Stained glass window craft

   After a spring-like day yesterday, winter is back with a vengeance. We took some time to turn our glass front door into a "stained glass window." It's fun and easy and unlike many other stained glass crafts it doesn't involve glue!
Here's what you need for this project:
-Random cut shapes of multi colored contact paper (can be found at craft stores)
- a solution of 1/3 dish soap and 2/3 water
- a window
What to do:
- smear the window with the wet mix
- have kids place contact paper up and enjoy when the sun shines through

New slate for the New Year

    Start 2012 with a clean new magnetic slate! I've had this project half finished for a few months and figured it was time to complete and put it out as the Christmas decor came down.
What You'll Need:

* Chalkboard paint 
* cookie sheet or vintage metal TV tray (I got my sheet at the dollar tree)
* wine corks (Feel free to get creative with your border on this project. I've done some with bottle caps, pretty ribbon, buttons, etc.)
* hot glue
TIP: if you don't have enough wine corks, and don't feel like imbibing that frequently, ask your local spirits shop. They usually have extras from tastings. 
What to do:
1. paint chalkboard paint onto your sheet. let dry and add another coat
2. glue your corks onto border of tray
3. pick a inspirational quote to admire and write it on your board
That's it! Super simple and fun. You can also do one for each family member and use as your "message/note" center using magnets to hang papers on it.

All you need to know about coconut oil

 For the past year we've been using plenty of coconut oil in this house. Many people don't know much about it, so I thought I'd give you the basics.
Coconut oil basics:
* Yes it's high in fat, but guess what? It's good fat (the kind you get in avacados, olive oil, etc) and can actually lower your bad colestorol.
* High smoke point makes it ideal for use in certain dishes and excellent for popcorn
* Great for uses besides cooking
* A natural oil. Unlike many other oils, which use hydrogenation to manipulate and create an "oil"
* Half it's fat is from lauric acid which has antibacterial, and antiviral properties
* A middle-chain fatty acid makes it easier for your body to break down, which some believe can increase your metabolism
How to use- in the kitchen:
* use in baking as a one for one replacement for butter
    CLICK HERE FOR GINGERBREAD cookie recipe
* use anywhere else oil is called for in cooking. Many health professionals say coconut oil and olive oil should be the only oils in your kitchen!
- Outside the kitchen:
* apply to lips for a natural lip balm re-placer
* some people say that they use as a deodorant....I still prefer baking soda, but everyone's different
* eye makeup remover
* luxurious body butter or night cream for face (and it smells like you're in the tropics)
* help for dry scalp- put on scalp in eve then wash in am-this really helps!
What/Where to buy?
It seems pricey, but when you compare the cost to what you would spend on organic butter, it's about the same. I usually purchase the NUTIVA brand online at vitacost.   You can also find it at Trader Joes, and most co-ops or Natural Food stores. It is important to make sure you get cold pressed, so that the oil still contains its beneficial properties.

Whole Wheat Gingerbread Cookies

   I really like this recipe featured on the Tropical Traditions website for whole wheat gingerbread cookies that just so happen to be vegan friendly too. Enjoy!

Whole Wheat Gingerbread Cookies

---

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• Dash of nutmeg
• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 2/3 cup black strap molasses, generous
• 1/3 cup coconut oil

Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease cookie sheets with additional coconut oil and set aside.

Mix all dry ingredients together and add molasses and oil together and slowly. Blend into dry ingredients well. If it is too dry add a tablespoon or two of water. Cookie dough should be of rolling consistency. You can roll and cut with cookie cutters or roll into a ball and use fork to press the cookie out.

Bake for 8-10 minutes for cookie cutter cookies and about 15 minutes for rolled and fork mashed cookies.

Bring Nature to the Table-Acorn Top Napkin Rings

my acorn tops..waiting to be used

This easy project is a great way to get your kids outdoors to hunt for acorns. Then come back inside and create something festive for your Thanksgiving place settings.

What you'll need:
* Old napkin rings (however many you want)
* About ten acorn tops per ring 
* Krazy Glue (i like the brush on kind)


What to do:
* Put glue on napkin ring
* Border entire ring with acorn tops (i did one at a time and held it and blew on it a few seconds)
That's It!
Super easy, festive, and fun.

Birch Christmas Tree Ornaments/Gift Tags

   
   When I saw these at a local boutique I thought "hey those would be so easy to make!" You could use almost any material you like if you don't have access to birch bark. I cannot emphasize enough just how free form this project really is. Sizes don't have to match, the bark doesn't have to look uniform, etc. Just HAVE FUN! This is a great craft to do with toddler age children as well (just make sure to use non-toxic materials)

Before you begin:
* In the interest of tree health, it's best not to peel the bark off of a living tree. I was thrilled to find some old hollowed out birch logs in the back of our lot for this project.
* Depending on how dirty your bark is, you may want to wipe it down with a damp cloth.

What you'll need:
Birch bark
scissors
mod podge
super glue
elmers glue
yarn, ribbon, hemp, etc for ornament hanging
What to do:
1. Cut your bark into 3 triangles similar in size (photo of my triangle. pre-tree below)

2. Cut a "stump" for your tree
3. superglue the tips of your triangles to each other, slightly overlapping to make a christmas tree shape. Also, glue the stump onto the bottom triangle (backview photo below)

backview 

4. Cover entire tree in thin layer of MOD Podge glaze
5. While glaze is drying, tie your yarn into a circle of desired length (refer to backview photo to see mine)
6. Use elmers glue to attach knot to back of the ornament
   Now sit back and enjoy your beautiful creation on the tree, or as a gift tag on your holiday presents.

Acorn Squash Stuffed with Kale and white beans

   I normally only post my own creations, but this recipe, adapted from eatingwell magazine, has been one of our favorites this fall, so I decided to post it for you all. It goes great with a apple/mixed green/goat cheese salad. Hope you all enjoy as much as I did!


Ingredients:

• 2 medium acorn squash, halved and seeded
• 1 teaspoon plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 8 cups chopped kale (may sub chard)
• 1 1/2 cups cooked great northern beans (or one can)
• 1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Directions:
• 1. preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut squash in half and remove flesh/seeds. Rub inside of squash with salt, pepper, and tablespoon EVOO. Place cut side down in baking dish and bake about 45 min, until squash is tender.
• 2. Meanwhile, heat remaining oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring, until starting to brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Add garlic; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in water, tomato paste and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Stir in kale and cook until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in white beans and olives; cook until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes more. Remove from the heat.
• 3. Position rack in center of oven; preheat broiler.
• 4. Fill each squash half with about 1 cup of the chard mixture. Place in a baking pan or on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with parmesean. Broil in the center of the oven about 3-5 min.

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Bread

   What's fall without some pumpkiny goodness? Try my fiber filled whole wheat pumpkin/cream cheese muffins and savor the flavors of the seasons.

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Icing

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1/4 cup oat bran or wheat germ
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 T flaxmeal
3 tablespoons cane sugar
1/3 cup canola or sunflower oil
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup milk
1 1/4 cups fresh or canned pumpkin puree- CLICK HERE for DIY puree
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ Cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Icing
4 oz Organic Low Fat cream cheese (I used Trader Joe’s- $2.99 for 8 oz)
1 T Pure Vanilla Extract
3 T Honey
mix all ingredi ents together. If desired you can thin the icing with water or milk.

Directions

preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch loaf pan with canola oil cooking spray and set aside. 

* In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients (except the nuts). In a second large bowl, combine wet ingredients. Add this mixture to flour mixture and stir until just combined.

* Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake until cooked through and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean, about 1 hour. Cool for 15 minutes on a wire rack then remove from pan and set aside to let cool completely.
Once cooled spread icing and top with chopped nuts.

Free Bumper sticker

Want to express your feelings on the organic food movement? Get yourself one of these free bumper stickers from Annies
Theyre super cute and a great price!

	Be Green Bumper Sticker BE GREEN, Help the Earth Live is a campaign we started in 1989. It's not about any particular organization or corporation or trying to get anyone elected. Be Green simply lets people know that you’re an Earth advocate, and that you care about what happens to our wondrous, blue and green planet. Get your BE GREEN bumper (or skateboard or bike or notebook) sticker today!
	Recycle Sticker Annie's is happy to offer a "Recycle" sticker to help promote reduction of waste. Recycling is an easy way to help our environment. Why should you recycle? Here are Four Good Reasons: 1. Recycling conserves our valuable natural resources. 2. Recycling saves energy. 3. Recycling saves clean air and clean water. 4. Recycling saves landfill space.
	Stand for Peace Bumper Sticker STAND FOR PEACE lets people know that you are committed to creating a peaceful planet. It’s not about any particular organization or corporation or trying to get anyone elected. It’s just a simple way to express that you want peace on earth. Creating a peaceful planet begins with believing that it can happen. Within each of us lies the capacity to bring a little more love, a little more compassion, and a little more acceptance into the world. We are all interconnected. We all share the same home.
	Think Organic Decal THINK ORGANIC lets people know that you support the organic movement. It encourages others to buy organic products and to support local farmers whenever possible. Organic farmers keep alive a shrinking, but sacred way of life. They are committed to a sustainable future and need our support.

Heartland Hippie is not affiliated with Annies Homegrown. All sticker photos taken from Annies.com

Baked Apples

 
   Have you heard the news? Apples are an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, and rich in antioxidants. They have been shown to lower cholesterol and reduce C-reactive proteins that contribute to heart disease. Even better? They're in season! 
   One of our favorite autumn family activities is walking down the road to our local orchard for apples and a good play session. We also have a few apple trees of our own that we frequent.
Nothing makes the house smell more fall-ish than a delicious baked apple. Here's our no-fail baked apple recipe.
Baked Apple
Ingredients:
1 Apple
1/2 T sweetener of choice (ie; organic brown Sugar, maple syrup, honey, molasses)
1/2 T Organic Butter
1/4t Cinnamon
1/4 C Apple Juice (Optional)* 
Directions:
1) Cut off some of the apple top (to keep from exploding) and bottom
(so it stands up straight) 
2) Use butter knife or peeler to "core" apple from top, creating a nice
pit to hold butter and sugar while it bakes. Be careful to stop 1/2"
from bottom of apple. 
3) Melt butter in microwave 
4) add sweetener to butter and stir
5) Fill apple core w/butter and sugar mix
6) Generously sprinkle Cinnamon over apple
7) (Optional) Pour a little apple juice into bottom of casserole dish*
8) Add apples to casserole dish and bake @325, ~45 minutes until skin is
falling off and soft all the way through
9) Stand next to oven in eager anticipation as smell fills entire house

*Step 7 I've done just once, it's amazing no matter what so don't go out
of your way to purchase apple juice. 
* Also important to note that the Environmental Working Group has tested and determined that apples are the dirtiest (most pesticide laden) of all fruits and vegetables, so when possible purchase organic.

Magazine Page Art

  I know. I've really been slacking on the blogging lately. I promise it's because I've been so busy cooking, creating, and playing outside. The good news is that means I've got lots of good stuff to give you all in the months to come.

  Right now I'm loving the pretty divider pages in my Woman's Day magazine. They are full of inspirational/and humorous quotes that are great for displaying around your home. Here are some photos of my free "art".

this one is sitting on my dinning buffet

this one is on a vintage tv tray hanging in my kitchen

this one is on my bedroom memo board

Next time, don't just toss your magazine-

Display something inspirational.

**All magazine pages featured are contents of Woman's Day magazine.
Heartland Hippie is not affiliated with Woman's Day.

Baked Eggplant Parmigiana

   We have been getting a lot of eggplant this year which I'm not a big fan of. Because of the fruits (yes, it's a fruit) powerful antioxidant properties, I have been making attempts to incorporate it into our meals. I can finally say that with my yummy eggplant parmigiana, it is not only tolerable but tasty!

Baked Eggplant Parmigiana 
Ingredients:
1 medium eggplant. peeled, stem removed
1/2 Jar pasta sauce (I use my homemade garden tomato sauce)
1/2 Cup Panko bread crumbs
1 T basil
1 T flax
1 t salt
shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese (about 1/2 cup)
1/4 C shredded parmesan
1 egg
1/4 C milk


Directions:

eggplant- post roasting

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees
2. Cut the eggplant lengthwise into 1/4" slices
3. in one bowl whisk egg and milk
4. in another bowl mix panko, basil, salt, and flax
5. dredge each piece of eggplant into the egg mixture then coat in the panko mixture
6. place eggplant on cookie sheet and bake 7 min on each side
7. when finished roasting change the oven temp to 350 degrees
8. In a greased glass baking dish coat the bottom with a little sauce
9. cover the bottom with a single layer of eggplant, followed by mozzarella
10. add another layer of eggplant, then mozzarella
11. cover in sauce
12. sprinkle with parmesan
13. Bake covered with foil 20 min then 20 min uncovered

Healthier Summer Squash Casserole

   It's that time of year again. Squash season. Last year I blanched and froze my squash. It turned out way to mushy/watery for my taste, so this year I decided to make and freeze some sort of prepared dish. I searched high and low for a good "healthy" squash casserole recipe on the web and came up with nothing, so I've created my own version and think that it's mighty tasty. I will definitely be freezing a bunch of these to enjoy throughout the year.
Healthier Squash Casserole
Ingredients:
2 med summer squash, sliced (you can do half zucchini as well)
1/4 C organic Butter softened
1/2 T Honey
1/2 C chopped white onion
1 egg
1/2 C plain nonfat organic yogurt
1/2 C organic shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 C whole wheat panko bread crumbs (you can use your imagination on this. crushed crackers or cereal would be fine too)
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 C flaxmeal
optional: 1/2 c crushed pecans, 1/2 c shredded carrots
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Bring large pot of water to boil. Add squash and cook til tender (about 5 min). Drain well.
3. Place squash in mixing bowl and mash well
4. Add butter, onion, yogurt, egg, honey, salt & pepper, cheese, and if using, carrots & nuts to mixture.
5. Transfer mixture into a greased 1 quart casserole dish
6. mix bread crumbs and flax together then spread on top of mixture
7. bake 40 min @350 degrees