Sweet Potato Recipes

Salsa 1

I was just reading about the health benefits of sweet potatoes.  You probably already know this, but they are so good for you!  Recently, I made sweet potato salsa that was featured in THIS month's issue of EVERYDAY FOOD.  

Salsa 2

I loved all the chopping ahead of time and it looks like this when it's finished.  I served it with couscous and the next day over a salad—super fresh and awesome on a brisk night.  Ok, there are a couple slices of bacon in there too (which aren't so good for you, but I'm focusing on the positive).

A couple nights ago I tried this recipe—Sweet Potato Fries with Rosemary.  AWESOME!

Spicy Coconut and Sweet Potato soup is a fav too!

With Thanksgiving on our heels, I can't leave out Sweet Potato pie of which I use a pre-made crust that I'm not apologizing for.

I hope you're having an incredible Fall!

Sizzix Fresh Vintage Blog Hop: DIY Flower Brooch

DSCF1078

Sizzix has always made me so happy.  Fifteen years years ago, I was a student aid using the Ellison machine to cut letters for the bulletin board.  Eight years later I got the original Sizzix machine—the red one with the handle that went up and down.  And just this year I got the Big Shot!  Rolling in style, right here!

657114

Many thanks to sweet Eileen Hull who asked if I wanted to do the Fresh Blog hop.  I was thrilled!  For my Fall Poppy brooch, I used the Sizzix #9 Flower die.  This die punches three different flower shapes that you can stack or use alone.  It's pretty much a party when you cut your fabric.

DSCF1076

If you want to make your own Fall Poppy brooch, you will need:  fabric, buttons, Katiedids, Mod Podge, bicone Swarovski crystals 4mm, and of course the #9 Flower die.

DSCF1093

Cut four different fabrics into flowers–I ran the die through twice per pattern for a total of eight passes (24 flowers) and yes I had a few extras (yay!).  Coat each flower front and back with Mod Podge.  Lay them on plastic to dry.  This basically gives you oil cloth flowers.  Are you excited?  You can make your own oil cloth with Mod Podge!!  I'm excited!!!

DSCF1090
Stack your flowers small on top to large on the bottom.  Did you notice I was sneaky on the bottom two pattern layers?  I clustered the flowers around versus putting them directly behind to make the poppy bigger.  Once you have them situated, glue or stitch together.

DSCF1083

Lastly, string a row of crystals on nylon and attach to the outer ring of the Katiedid component.  String a second row of copper beads and tie around the outside of the Katiedid.  For times sake, I glued the pieces onto the flower and inside the component.  I also added a few pieces of chain that are tucked in between the flower petals.  I hope you like this and make some for head bands, purses and cake toppers!

DSCF1084
For a chance to win your own die, go to Oh My Crafts! 

To hop to the next blog, click on the "hop forward" Sizzix button on the right side of this page.  Thanks for visiting and happy crafting.

Fall Craft Activities with Children

IMGP4578

If you like this little Pine cone Pumpkin idea, check out my guest blogger post over on the Plaid Kids Blog for how to make them and more fun fall activities to do with your kiddos!  I heart Fall!

Glow in the Dark Halloween Craft


 

(Picture me with a flash light under my chin in the dark)  Oooooooooooo, there are tons and tons of inexpensive Halloween wood surfaces at the craft stores right now!

Grab some creepy green paint and glow in the dark Mod Podge or Glow Away and let the kids go to town!  

Happy Weekend Crafting!

Dusty Miller

IMGP4576

I just want to show you the most amazing thing ever.  This is what happens when you plant a dusty miller in a regular flower pot and water it all summer long…  It's nice, no?

IMGP4575
And this is what happens when you plant a dusty miller in a hollowed out log.  You get a shrub!!!  Is that not AWESOME?!?!  That's State Fair entry material (in my opinion). šŸ˜‰

Mod Podged Necklace

IMGP3917
I heart Mod Podge.  This is a necklace I made with decoupaged fabric this past summer.  Hello, Hot Pink!  But you can tone it down with cooler colored fabric, right?  Here's a detailed tutorial for how to make this little gem.  XOXO.

Birdcage Lanterns

IMGP3757

I love birdcages.  Period.  I especially love them lit up.  Above is a chandelier I made for my birthday bash in May.  This one had ribbons and a hunk of lights hanging in the middle.  Clip a butterfly on top as a finishing touch.

DSCF9797
Here is a completely different version for Fall.  Hang the cage, drop a few leaves and a candle in the bottom.  VERY pretty at night!  And better yet….SO SIMPLE!

Wishing you a good start to your work week, I am.  Sweet dreams.