Tuesday, July 31, 2012

MyMemories Tip: Photo Organization

Yep.  That's right.  I'm still having a blast with my My Memories software.  (Have you entered the giveaway yet??)  There's just so much fun stuff you can do with it.  And it's really intuitive.  I'm not really into reading directions or watching how-to videos, when it comes to technology and software, so I usually just dive in and figure things out along the way.  The best method?  Probably not.  But that's how I roll, folks.


However, maybe you're smarter than me and like to get a few tips before you jump in.  I thought, in the days leading up to the end of the giveaway, I'd post things that I'm learning as I work with the My Memories software. (And just so you know, they didn't ask me to write these how-to posts.  I just thought it would be fun!)

For the first tip, let's start with something basic and kind of obvious: photo organizing.

If you're like me, you have about a gazillion pictures of your children, and they're all in iPhoto, and a few of them are organized into folders.  Oops.  Since I didn't take the time to organize earlier on, that means a lot of sorting through as I'm importing the pictures into My Memories.

What saves me time is, once again, going to be pretty obvious to most of you.  First, I created a folder in iPhoto called "scrapbook".

After I did that, I decided what I want my page to focus on (for this one, Noelle's first week) then I scroll through the pictures in iPhoto.  When I find one I like, I drag it to the folder.  Now they're all in one place.

Now, when you're in My Memories, you only have to go to the scrapbook folder.

Place them in your page and voila! :)  Woohoo!
By the way, it's okay if you think that Noelle looked just a tad bit like a little old man.  I think she would be cool with that. :)

Monday, July 30, 2012

My Memories Review and GIVEAWAY!



Scroll down to the end of post for giveaway details!

Have you heard of My Memories?  Maybe I'm just behind the times, but I'm glad that I'm catching up.  It's this digital scrapbooking software that is freaking fantastic.  As I was downloading mine, I browsed through the pages and pages (and pages!) of different layouts and kits (there are 11867 total kits and a freebies page!) and holy cow... I pretty much started bouncing in my seat, waiting for the download to finish.  Okay, so I may be prone to over-enthusiasm, but still... it looked amazing!!  And when my software was ready, my hopes were justified.  This. thing. is. cool!

I made the image above, using all the free stuff that came with the my memories suite software.

But let's say... hypothetically, of course... that you don't have a lot of time to put scrapbooks together for your kids.  We could even say that your first child has a scrapbook done up to the age of 9 months... but she's four years old.  And, according to the scrapbooks, your other two children don't exist... Wait.  What were we talking about?

Oh yeah.  Let's say you don't have a lot of time to create cool scrapbooks for your kids.  Never fear!  Not only is digital scrapbooking quicker, but the My Memories software also includes some "quick page" layouts for you.  Check these out that I whipped up in NO TIME by just dragging pictures and adding text!   
Oh, and they have effects to add to your photos, too.
Cool cool cool.
I think my favorite tool, so far, is the color match tool.  When adding the text, I could just drag the arrow over any color in the template, and my words were perfectly matched to the background. 
Lovely.

Or you can create your own "quick pages" that you can come back to later!  Just add picture! :)

And if that's not enough to convince you, here are just a few of my favorite packages that are available for just a few bucks each.  (I'm thinking I'm going to use the train one for SOMETHING in Brooks's room!)







Oh.  That's notenough for you?  How about this?  Use the code: STMMMS55937 and get a $10 discount off the purchase of the MyMemories Suite Scrapbook software AND a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.comstore!  That's a $20 value, folks!!

But now, for the GRANDFINALE!  My Memories has provided me with one software package to giveaway to a lucky reader!!  How awesome is that?!  Here's what you haveto do...

1.Become a follower of sew easy being green.
2.Leave a comment, telling me what your favorite package is from the My Memoriessite (there are soooo many good ones!).
3.Get an additional entry by tweeting the giveaway, posting on facebook, orgiving a shout-out on your blog. (Only one addition entry, though, even if youdo all three)  Let me know where I can find your shout-out!

Goodluck, folks!! :)

**My Memories provided me with a freesoftware package to play with and giveaway.**

Little Lounger Dress-- Upcycle!

 I had this knit maxi skirt that I got way back when I was pregnant with Riley.  That was roughly five years ago.  It's been stuffed in my closet, storage bins, and a few other places for-- pretty much-- the past four years.  I ran across it the other day and slipped it on.  Sure, it was comfy, but I looked awful.  And a closer inspection revealed a few stains.
Clearly, it was a perfect volunteer for the upcycle chopping block!  I originally thought I wanted to make a maxi dress for Noelle, but then I thought about how she loves crawling on the floor like a dog.  So, instead, I went for semi-long and plenty roomy.  It's a great playdress for her. 




It needed a little oomph, so I appliqued a flower in hot pink and teal.  I used my Go! Fabric Cutter.  Holy cow, that thing makes my life easier!

I love a good upcycle!


P.S. If you read this far, I'll let you in on a little secret.  I have another giveaway coming up soon, and it's awesome!!  Keep your eyes peeled!

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Fabric Paint Fun

When I made the kids' cow outfits, I used fabric paint to add the cow spots to Riley's (upcycled) outfit.  I gotta say, I was not a huge fan of how hard and kind of crunchy the stuff was once dried.  Even after a few washes (because Riley really likes dressing like a cow--  no joke), it still has a less-than-desirable feel.


So I thought I'd give fabric spray paint a try.
I was inspired by this pin.  Pretty cool, right?  I grabbed some purple and green paint and sprayed away.  I decided to just do the purple lace-y.  Then I made the green solid. 


I did the front, allowed it to dry, then flipped it over and did the back.
P.S. Noelle's hair is really fun to play with. :)

Friday, July 27, 2012

Estimates vs. Real Time

Michael took the day off today to get some projects done around the house.  We've worked up quite a list of desirable changes, but today began with the hanging of new doors.  Considering that not a single door in our house closes nicely, I'm pretty excited.


Mike's dad came over to help.  Mike had taken down a lot of the molding when our helper arrived.  Then they ran out to Lowe's and picked up some 6-panel doors.  By the time they had finished the prep work, it was noon.


"Ahem," I cleared my throat.  "I'm no expert, but is there any way you guys can get a door done by naptime?"  Naps, mind you, usually start anywhere from noon to 1:00.
Mike answered, "One door?  Oh, sure."

Famous last words... :)

Rawr. I'm a Teething Monster (toy)!

Brooks turned 9 months today!  Way to go, Brooks!


In honor of the teething madness that is going on over here, I made Big Man a little monster to chew on.

His first response?  I'd translate it as something like, "Ew."

But it didn't take long for him to go to town on that little monster... which begs the question, "Which one is truly the teething monster?"
Deep thoughts, folks.  Deep thoughts.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Gluten Free and Dairy Free Hashbrown Pie

I've been gluten-free for almost 10 years now.  I've only been dairy-free for the past few months.  And seeing as how I lurve my cheese, it's been a little rocky. 


Obviously, I've had to make adjustments.  Most of the recipes I cook from use, uh, liberal amounts of cheese.  So now I have to figure out how to make yummy stuff that is both gluten- and dairy-free. 


As I'm sure you can guess, I often browse Pinterest.  But this time, I got creative on my own.  After all, I watch Food Network; I can do this, right? ;) 


Here's my gf/df hashbrown pie.  I'll tell ya-- it's not half bad.  In fact, it's pretty darn good.  At the risk of saying something I'll regret... I didn't even miss the cheese.  (Gasp!)




Hashbrown Pie
Ingredients:
3 cups frozen hashbrowns, thawed
2 Tbsp Earth Balance Natural Buttery Spread
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 whole eggs
2 eggs, separated into whites and yolks
1/2 bell pepper, chopped
2 scallions, chopped
2 tsp seasoning salt

Instructions:
  1. Lay paper towels down on a cookie sheet.  Spread hashbrowns out over them.  Place paper towels on top of hashbrowns and press, trying to get rid of as much water as you can.
  2. Melt buttery spread in microwave then mix with olive oil.
  3. Mix hashbrowns and "butter"/oil together in a bowl.  Press into pie tin.
  4. Bake crust for about 20 minutes at 450 degrees.  Crust should have crisped around the edges.  Turn the oven down to 350.
  5. After you pull the crust out, place your 2 eggs whites into a bowl and beat until foamy and they're semi-firm.
  6. In separate bowl, mix yolks and whole eggs, bell pepper, scallion and seasoning salt.
  7. After you're done beating the whites, fold in the other egg mixture and dump the whole thing on the crust.  Put back in the oven (which should now be at 350) and bake for 25 minutes, till golden brown on the top.
Yum!!
Full disclosure... I went back for seconds. :)

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Give Us a Wave Skirt Tutorial

This skirt is so quick to whip up that I got both the skirt and the tutorial finished in one naptime.  Boom!




It's bouncy; it's fun; it's flattering.  Seriously, it looks good, even on my (still) post-baby body.  And it's great for the year round.  Wear it in the summer on its own, or layer it over tights or leggings. 


Here's the how-to:


Materials:
lightweight knit fabric
2-inch elastic
basic sewing stuff

Instructions:
Cut three strips of your knit, selvage to selvage. (NOTE: for toddler sizes, you should decrease the width or gather the skirt more when you get to that step.)  Your skirt will end up being roughly 1.5" longer than your longest strip.  The other strips should be 2 and 4" shorter than the longest one.  Mine are 17", 15" and 13".

Once you have them cut, place each right sides together and sew short ends.

Turn your three loops right side out and layer them.  Pin them together at the top.
Run a gathering stitch along the top edge of your three pieces and gather SLIGHTLY.  I only do this because, otherwise, your elastic will be nearly impossible to stretch to the width of your skirt.  This step makes your life easier. 

Cut your elastic to your desired waist size.

Sew right sides together then sew down the seams of the elastic.
 

Pin both the top of your skirt and your elastic in 1/8ths.

Then match up the pins, pinning your skirt under your elastic.  It will fall a little, like so.

Sew the skirt to your elastic, stretching the elastic as you go.  I used a 3/8" seam allowance.  Then pull out those gathering threads.  The backside will look like this.

I like to run a sew a second line of stitches close to the edge of the elastic.  You'll have to pull it again as you go.

Now do a lettuce edge on all three of your layers, like I explain in this tutorial.  The harder you pull, the wavier it will be!

Then you're finished and have a skirt like this!  Congrats! :)
Fun, no? :)

Give Us a Wave Skirt: Skirting the Issue

We've got a few firsts going on today. 


First "first"-- I sewed up something that actually works on me.  Whoa.  I mean, WHOA. 
Second "first"-- The photo you're about to see is the first one I've posted which is taken by my budding (4-year-old) photographer.  You can see she has the artsy angle thing down.
Third "first"-- I'm posting a picture of me from the waist down.  Big deal, folks.  This isn't my best half.  However, this skirt looks waaaaaay cuter on a body than on a hanger, so I'm taking one for the team.
 I'll have the tutorial up soon, but I forgot to take pictures at the start when I was making this one.  Oops.  It's pretty darn easy, though.  And it's flattering.  LOVE that!  This skirt will be going to Skirting the Issue (if you haven't already, check it out!!). 

 See... cute waves, but it's much cuter on.  Am I right?

Monday, July 23, 2012

Giveaway Winner!

The 100 Followers Giveaway winner is... (drumroll, please)...

Christy, who said, "im a GFC follower. i love bright cotton prints."


Congrats, Christy!  Hope you love your ruffle top!  :)

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Have you entered the ruffle top giveaway??

It closes Sunday night, so get your entry in! 
Just become a follower and leave a comment on this post, telling me what your favorite fabric print is! 


In other news, Picnik is fun.  Happy Saturday!


Thursday, July 19, 2012

Triple Digits Giveaway!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED.

Look at that, folks!  We're at 100 followers!  This is pretty exciting.  I'm so excited that I'll be giving away this top that I whipped up yesterday:



Here are the details about this little number:


The base is a Carter's super comfy tee in size 4/5.  If you don't have anyone in your life who that will fit, I'm sorry!  However, I really think this will actually fit anyone from 2-5 years old.  It's soft and stretchy and a little more fitted.


I added some black and white ruffle fabric to it, but the black is kind of translucent, so I kept the tee intact underneath.


I also added a little rolled red flower with a black button, because you always need a pop of color!


Want to be in the running??  All you have to do is become a follower (if you aren't already) and leave a comment, telling me what your favorite fabric print is!  See, I'm always on the look-out for cool new fabric.  And use this as an excuse to browse fabric.com, Etsy, or wherever you love to get your fabric from!  You're welcome.

Make sure you have an email connected to your account (or leave your email for me)!  Good luck! 

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Moo!

I promise that our whole little world doesn't revolve around cows.  It just seems like it.  In the past week, we dressed up like cows, watched a Curious George with a cow, and sung the "cow song" many times (see below for lyrics).


And now, Noelle also has a new cow shirt.

It's made from more of that iron-on t-shirt vinyl.  That stuff is pretty awesome.
I've decorated quite a few shirts with it, and it washes well, too.  That's important to know.  If you're thinking of getting some, I definitely recommend it.  Happy vinyl-ing! :)

Cow Song

I had a cow down on the farm.
Moo moo moo moo!
She gave milk without alarm.
Moo moo moo moo!
One time, she drank from a frozen stream.
Moo moo moo moo!
And ever since then, she's been giving ice cream.
Moo moo moo moo!!!