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.