Nana's Christmas Gift: Bird Seed Wreaths

What did the greatest Moma and Nana in the world get for Christmas?

Bird Seed Wreaths. Yes, she is a bird fanatic. And since it's Winter in Oklahoma the birds need to eat and I can buy seed and make something pretty.

I found the idea on Pinterest of course. Here is my recipe, I ended up using more bird seed and flour than the ones on Pinterest, while mixing it up it just didn't seem thick enough.

What you need:

5 cups bird seed feed
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup water
3 Tablespoons corn syrup
4 envelopes of Knox gelatin
cooking spray
bundt pan

Directions:

1. Spray the bundt pan. 
2. In a saucepan, add water and gelatin. Don't boil. Just make sure it is mixed well.  Pour into large bowl. 
3. Add flour and corn syrup into the gelatin mixture. Use a whisk so there are no lumps.
4. Add bird seeds and mix well. I used the whisk the first time to mix my bird seed and switched to a spoon the next time. 
5. Press the seeds into the mold until it is good and firm. After about 20 minutes I flipped my wreath out of the pan using a butter knife onto paper towels. I only own one bundt pan and needed to make more wreaths. Be sure to allow adequate drying time on each side. I let mine dry about 48 hours before wrapping it up. 
6. Place a ribbon through the wreath and hang. 

So far only her yellow finches like the wreaths, but she hasn't sent me pictures. Boo. She claims that she has too many sunflower seeds out right now and the rest of her birds love those more. I see how they are. Snobby birds. 

Birthdays on a Budget

For some reason I decided to have Winter babies. December 12 and January 31! Ouch. Those dates are hard on the pocket books. No matter how much I plan to save up for my children's birthday and parties, the savings ends up going to the essentials in life- food, shelter, utilities, clothing and doctors.

I am telling you right now. Pinterest can be your friend and your frustrating enemy. I like the ideas, but I am an extreme DIY mom and I do not like paying for things I can do myself. For instance my daughter is turning seven in a few short weeks. She is totally into all things American Girl Doll. Now that is a pricey subject that just blows any household budget. Thankfully we have a few family members who are willing to go together and have now for a few years to make Miss K's dreams come true in the doll category.

But, how do I possibly pull off an American Girl Party for her and her friends? For me....

1. After holiday sales. Think red, white, silver, stars. Seriously, you can do this for almost any party, boy/girl any holiday!

2. Peruse Pinterest and pin ideas to your child's personally named party board. If you do not individualize your party boards, you should think about it..

3. Make your own invitations. Use PicMonkey, Word, or other software programs that you are familiar with. Or Evite. I love Evite.

4. The cake. Can you open a box? Do you have an oven? A cake ball maker? My $19.99 cake ball maker has entertained now at 6 parties. I love this appliance. So much that my mother in law asked for one for her birthday one year. Score!! Seriously, cakes are just going to be ate. Make one and forget it. I have bought a few in my life. We eat the homemade ones a lot better and faster. 

5. The venue. This is a toughy. I do not like paying for places to host parties, so we typically go for the "at home" parties. To be honest with you, my home is small and although I love to entertain, I used to shy away from hosting in my own home. Guess what? Kids do not care. They have fun no matter where. I will say this particular party is not going to be in my home, but rather my mother in laws. She has a looooong table that will sit the girls and their dolls perfectly! We are blessed. 

6. For a girl party to be a success, I think you only have to have a few things. Food/drink, play and/or craft and an open mind. Remember, the party is about celebrating her and letting her enjoy some one on one time with her friends. The preparation you put into it makes it fun and enjoyable for all. The smiles are priceless. 

These are just a few of my tips for birthdays on a budget. On February 1, you will have to look out for my actually party post to see what fun the girls have.

P.S. Just a  plug, but on February 4, 2014, I will be chatting it up on Twitter at 1pm with Offers.com during their #STSMchat (save time save money). We will be discussing party planning on a budget further. I cannot wait to hear more ideas to help me save time and money. Be sure to go read more about it on their blog!

A Very Pinteresting Christmas Day 11: Cinnamon Cream Cheese Taquitos

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My family NEVER eats an entire loaf of bread. Does yours? I usually feed the birds our old bread. But now I have found a way to feed the CROWS the bread before it gets old. 

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Taquitos.

Just the name sounds yummy right. I found this pin, and had to try it. 

Ingredients:

8 ounces cream cheese (one package) softened a little

1 cup white granulated sugar

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/4 cup white granulated sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon 

1 loaf white bread

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and 1 cup sugar, set aside.

In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon, pour onto small plate, set aside.

Melt butter in a small bowl, set aside.

Using a rolling pin or glass, roll  bread completely flat. Try to get them as flat as you can. Try not to tear. 

Place about one tablespoon cream cheese filling on bread and roll it up like a taquito. I spread mine with a butter knife. Carefully dip wrap in butter and roll in cinnamon mixture on the plate. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet, and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a little crispy on the outside. 

I get about a dozen out of this recipe. I did mine slightly different than the original pin. I use my bread crust and she uses a different type of bread.

My kids loved this recipe! 

Be sure to tune in each day this week as I bring you "A Very Pinteresting Christmas" Linkup and if you have any Pinterest inspired activities throughout the week, be sure to grab the above button and linkup your ideas! "A Very Pinteresting Christmas" will be 15 days of Pinterest inspired food, fun, crafty days of linkups that all can be used during this wonderful season of joy. It will run from December 2-20 here at The 4-Crow's. I hope you will join in on the fun!

A Very Pinteresting Christmas Day 10: Basketball Cake

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I have to take a little break from Christmas in December to celebrate a very special day. The birth of my first born. My son. His birthday was yesterday. This was no ordinary birthday. He became a teen. Yikes. I have a teenager in my house. Actually I have been seeing the signs for a while now. Weird smells, a changing voice, peach fuzz, the know it all attitude. 

13 years ago I was blessed with the wonderful gift that I call my son! He is kind, compassionate, and has a heart bigger than Dallas! Above all he loves Jesus! Happy Birthday Braden Chase!

This year I decided to make his cake. Pinterest inspired of course. Anyone that knows my little man knows that he is all about he hoops. I found this pin originally and it would have been so much easier to make, but then I found this one and decided to try it since I had the ball cake pan. I think I used it for his 2nd birthday and have loaned it out several times since. 

Here is the final result. 

I used a Pillbury chocolate cake, tinted a can of white icing a peachy/brown color and then decorated it with Reece's Pieces. The 19oz Family size contains plenty of brown and orange to decorate this cake. Just try not to eat too many of the yellow ones. 

Be sure to tune in each day this week as I bring you "A Very Pinteresting Christmas" Linkup and if you have any Pinterest inspired activities throughout the week, be sure to grab the above button and linkup your ideas! "A Very Pinteresting Christmas" will be 15 days of Pinterest inspired food, fun, crafty days of linkups that all can be used during this wonderful season of joy. It will run from December 2-20 here at The 4-Crow's. I hope you will join in on the fun!

A Very Pinteresting Christmas Day 4: Terriyaki Chicken Veggie Stir-Fry

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Today I thought I would share a recipe. Pinterest inspired of course! This is becoming one of my family favorites. The original pin is here, but I have changed it up a bit. I basically only use her sauce. Can you believe I am going to share a recipe that is NOT made in the Crockpot? I am. I really am. 

Terriyaki Chicken Veggie Stir-Fry

Ingredients

2 large chicken breast

2 T oil

1/4 cup Brown Sugar

1/4 cup Soy Sauce

3 Tbsp of Ketchup

1/4 cup water

1 pkg frozen stir fry veggies

2 cups instant rice

In a bowl, mix brown sugar, soy sauce, water and ketchup.  Stir until well blended.  Set aside. Cube chicken breast, I do mine when its still a little frozen so it cuts easier. Add oil to pan and brown chicken. Once brown, add stir fry veggies to it and cook on low. Prepare rice. Once rice is done add sauce to it and then mix w/ chicken & veggies. Serves 4- if you are lucky and husband & teen son save some!

(printable recipe card, just right click save/print) 

Be sure to tune in each day this week as I bring you "A Very Pinteresting Christmas" Linkup and if you have any Pinterest inspired activities throughout the week, be sure to grab the above button and linkup your ideas! "A Very Pinteresting Christmas" will be 15 days of Pinterest inspired food, fun, crafty days of linkups that all can be used during this wonderful season of joy. It will run from December 2-20 here at The 4-Crow's. I hope you will join in on the fun!

A Very Pinteresting Christmas Day 2- Snow Family Ornament

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Remember yesterday when I told you I had extra dough to make another ornament? My little "helping" hand made another tree ornament for his Mommy. 

I saw this pin and loved it. Of course it is a private blog and doesn't come with directions. So I took half of the Salt Dough Ornament Recipe (see below) and had Baby E. impress his hand. I let it air dry for 5 days and then, sealed with acrylic seal. Then I painted it white. I used a fine tip sharpie marker/pen to make the snow men and acrylic paint to give the snow people their hats, scarves and buttons. 

Salt Dough Recipe

1/2 C Salt

1/2 C Flour

1/4 water (can add more if needed)

Add all ingredients together in a bowl, knead until dough forms 

Form dough into shape desired. Don't forget to poke a hole in the ornament so you can hang it! It is better to let air dry, make sure you air dry on both sides! Seal before painting and after. I use acrylic seal before and Mod Podge after. 

Baby E of course has five members in his family so this ornament is perfect.

Be sure to tune in each day this week as I bring you "A Very Pinteresting Christmas" Linkup and if you have any Pinterest inspired activities throughout the week, be sure to grab the above button and linkup your ideas! "A Very Pinteresting Christmas" will be 15 days of Pinterest inspired food, fun, crafty days of linkups that all can be used during this wonderful season of joy. It will run from December 2-20 here at The 4-Crow's. I hope you will join in on the fun!

A Very Pinteresting Christmas Day 1: Santa Hand Ornament

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I love, love, love homemade ornaments. I can promise you today's ornament will not be the only ornament you will see during these 15 days. Today's ornament is special because I had a helping "hand" in making it. 

See this little guy. I spend a lot of time with him. I love him. Like my own. His Mommy LOVED  her ornament and he made a great impression if I say so myself. 

I  found this pin and decided to try it. (sorry, I don't embed anymore, when I do the pics disappear and make my posts ugly) 

I mixed together 1/2 cup salt, 1/2 cup flour and 1/4 cup of water. Kneaded until dough formed.  I did have enough dough to make two ornaments. Rather thick ornaments. 

Then we made a hand impression and I cut the shape out with a butter knife leaving a border. Poke a hole in the top. A good sized hole, for hanging. I DID NOT bake like the directions said, instead I let dry for about 5 days and then sealed with acrylic spray, then painted with acrylic paints, using a fine black sharpie for black details and sealed again using Mod Podge. 

Be sure to tune in each day this week as I bring you "A Very Pinteresting Christmas" Linkup and if you have any Pinterest inspired activities throughout the week, be sure to grab the above button and linkup your ideas! "A Very Pinteresting Christmas" will be 15 days of Pinterest inspired food, fun, crafty days of linkups that all can be used during this wonderful season of joy. It will run from December 2-20 here at The 4-Crow's. I hope you will join in on the fun!

Mark Your Calendars! A Very Pinteresting Christmas Linkup with The 4-Crow's Blog begins December 2nd!

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It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, but I want to enjoy Thanksgiving first. What about you?

Mark you calendars now and be sure to tune in December as I bring you the second annual  "A Very Pinteresting Christmas" Linkup.  If you have any Pinterest inspired activities throughout the month, be sure to grab the above button and linkup your ideas! "A Very Pinteresting Christmas" will be 15 days of Pinterest inspired food, fun, crafty days of linkups that all can be used during this wonderful season of joy. It will run from December 2-20 here at The 4-Crow's Blog. I hope you will join in on the fun! I can't wait to see what you come up with and your twists on the fun  pins floating around.


Think you will join in? RSVP below!

Halloween 2013

Another Halloween has come and gone. I fear this may be the last for my little, big man. I think I say that every year. This year we had a Pre-teen Candy Hobo and Little Miss Dorothy from Oklahoma. Once again costumes were as frugal as could be and Pinterest inspired. Miss K's American Girl even got a matching costume made, down to her ruby red slippers. 

Miss K helped me make her tutu and B's cap was made by a friend at church. Of course my sewing machine didn't work so I resorted to my favorite alternative Liquid Stitch for the aprons. It worked. 

Miss K, knotting the tulle

Making the aprons

Glitter, Mod Podge, Foam Brush and shoes

The finished costume on the American Girl Doll- adorable! (sorry for the terrible iphone pic)

Thankfully we only hit three houses for candy and only received 3 Snickers bars. I had them for breakfast with my Diet Coke. How was your Halloween?

Today's Post: Frugal Friday

Today I am posting at Oklahoma Women Bloggers. I am sharing a little secret that I do at my nest. I make my own foamy hand soap. Seriously. I found the idea on Pinterest. It's frugal. It's fast. It's safe.

• Rinse and Clean your leftover pumper bottles. I peeled off my labels, then sprayed them with WD-40 to get the sticky off. Works like magic.Then be sure to use some dish soap to off. I just love WD-40.
• Fill bottle with about one inch of soap.
• Slowly fill the rest of the bottle with cold water. Don’t completely fill. The pump has to go in and you don’t want it to overflow.
• Place pump back on bottle. Do not shake, but rather tilt from side to side to mix soap and water.

You must go read the story behind this. It's a good one. Everything I do is for a reason and usually involves one of the 4 Crow's! 

Moma & Me Journal- Pinterest Inspired

I cannot believe I am going to have a first and seventh grader in a few short weeks. I told/showed you earlier in the week how I had made writing sentences into a behavior modification for a certain diva. I still like that idea, but I also do not want her to begin to resent writing. I found this pin a few months back that gave me the idea for one of my latest Pinterest inspired project. You must take a look at that idea also. Adorable. She even has a download. 

http://pinterest.com/pin/250512797995244337/

Of course, I always have to make any project I do my own. How fun is it going to be to write letters back and forth to my daughter? Our plan is to hide it under each others pillows. I think this will be a journal to cherish and hopefully one of many we make.

Supplies: 

A daughter

Wordle.net to make your cute word design

Scissors

Mod podge

Foam paint brush

Composition notebook- I love Carolina Colors ( not paid to type that)

Glitter, buttons, glue optional

Now. What can I do with my 12 year old? He wouldn't even give me a chance to make him one. Somehow I have got to get inside one of those video games. 

Burlap Crayola Clock

I mentioned in an earlier post this week how this summer has also been filled with lots of crafting with my friend. She is a school teacher who is moving from teaching Pre-K to Kindergarten this year. While our kids play, we have been having fun planning and crafting for her new classroom. She is doing it in rainbow, with crayon accents. The room is going to be so CUTE when she finally gets in to put it together.

Today we made this....

A Crayola Clock with Burlap accents. Isn't it adorable? Mrs. S, my friend, found the idea on Pinterest. But wouldn't you know it, not a single image linked back to a blog for instructions. I guess they thought it was too easy. It was. But it would have been nice to know a few things like:

1. Where did they get the clock? 

2. Where did they cut on the crayon? 

3. What did they cut it with? 

4. How did they glue it? 

5. How many crayons were used? 

Here are the answers:

1. Walmart- $3.97

2. After the "a" on Crayola, but it really depends on how long you want/need it. You don't have to cut at all.

3. We tried a box knife. Didn't work. We used her Santoku knife. Hope we didn't ruin it. 

4. We used hot glue.

5. I think I counted 65 crayons. Get them now. Their on sale. And honestly the Crayola did cut better than the cheap ones. We tried some cheap ones out first as a trial. 

Fun, fun craft! Even more fun when you are crafting it up with a friend.

Summer. Moving On By.

Hello. Wow! What. A. Summer. Where has July gone? The boy got back from DC, we both were sick and we haven't stopped since those diagnosis last Tuesday. I think it's time for a quick catch me up post. 

We've crafted. Yep, made a banner for my friend's kindergarten classroom. How cute did this paint chip banner turn out?

What about these glitter clothes pins and pencil cups? Got to love the mod podge and using vegetable cans. Got to love being Pinterest inspired.

We've also done LOTS of swimming. Even made a little trip to Muskogee to River Country Family Water Park. Way smaller version of Big Splash, way easier on this Moma's nerves. Especially when the kids just wanted to float the lazy river all day. 

And then we roll into this week. Is it really already Thursday? 

We had a dentist appointment on Tuesday...

Followed by a pedicure.

 

And of course didn't miss our Wednesday movie. This week's was Happy Feet. I have loved these fifty cent movies.  I also started my 34 lb weight loss mission again this week. So far so good. I have logged three days onto My Fitness Pal and have logged 9 miles worth of walking so far this week. It really messed up my pedicure. 

Activities for the week are not over yet.

Keeping these kids entertained this summer has been a full time job and paycheck, even though most of the activities we do are at a reduced rate or free.  I'm betting we see the swimming pool and a pair of bowling shoes before the week is over. 

How is your summer going?