Pinterest Pillows

As I mentioned in my last post, I have been changing a few things around and rearranging. I moved the throw pillows from off of my bed onto the couches, so my bed was feeling pretty sad and lonely. I had a couple of pillows that I had been using on the plaid couch but that didn't look good with the new couch covers, so I made a couple of slipcovers for the pillows and slid them right in. I found this flower pillow idea on pinterest and adapted a little--instead of sewing the petals on I hot glued them so I could do it while sitting in front of the tv :)

Cut about 15 small circles (about 1 1/2 inches in diameter) and 15-20 big circles (about 2 1/2 inches in diameter) I did not measure or use a template. I like the "homemade" not perfect look.

Cut the circles in half

Start hot gluing the large halves in a circle, layering on top of one another and moving in slightly with each layer. Once you get a few layers of the big halves, start using the little halves until you've made it all the way to the center. I covered the center with a little felt circle.

I love how they add a little fun to my room! I already had the throw pillows and the fabric for the slipcovers, so these little babies cost me about $1 a piece for the felt, and they took less than an hour to make them both! That's my kind of project!!

Small Transformations

  When my husband and I got married almost 6 years ago, my parents gave us their custom sofa and loveseat. We were so grateful to have furniture that we didn't have to buy! (I think every single piece of furniture we owned up until this last year was given to us. Blessings!)

Well, the time has come to make a small change. We are still students, living on a student budget, but I've really been wanting to give the room an update. I found some slipcovers that I actually like, and the room feels instantly updated!!! Inexpensive, definitely not permanent, but a definite change. It's like a breath of fresh air!

I pulled a couple of throw pillows from off my bed to use on the couches, so I've been re-doing pillows this weekend. I will post them next!

A few of my favorite things

Let's face it...January and February tend to be a bit long a dreary...and cold...and wet. It's hard to be stuck inside all day, especially with little ones wanting to run outside and play!! There are days when I just need a little me time, and these are some of my favorite products, espeically during the winter time. The other day I treated myself to a little "spa" day during my daughter's nap, and used all of these products, on top of painting my fingernails and toenails. I felt so refreshed afterward!


makeupalley.com

Vaseline Healthy Body Glow
Get a nice glow without the harmful UV rays foa tanning bed, AND without the smell of most sunless tanning lotions!







allrecipes.com
Green Smoothie
I try to drink a green smoothie at least a few times a week. They are so refreshing and I love getting servings of veggies in without even thinking about it! I always feel refreshed and cleans, especially when I drink a few glasses at a time.

Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Sugar Scrub

bathandbodyworks.com

This sugar scrub from Bath and Body works is honestly one of my favorite products EVAH! Dry, harsh, winter weather leaves your skin feeling rough and dry. This is like magic in a jar! Slather it on in the shower and the sugar exfoliates your skin and the oils leave your skin feeling soft for DAYS!!

Burts Bee's Lip Balm                                                                       

Of course, Burts Bees lip balm. I don't know about you, but my lips get so dry and sore during the winter, and this ALWAYS does the trick!

What are some of your favorite must-haves to get you through the winter??

What's For Dinner Wednesdays

Goodness! This poor little blog has been a little neglected the past couple of weeks...I won't make a list of all my excuses, I'll just try to do better! I got this recipe from the author of one of my favorite blogs, brownpaper--packages.com. Great for busy days when all you have time for is the throw something quick into the crock pot! (I may or may not use my crock pot almost every day)

Easy Chicken Cacciatore:

4-5 chicken breasts (frozen or thawed)
1 24 oz. jar of your favorite spaghetti/marinara sauce
1-2 green peppers
1 onion

Place chicken in bottom of crock pot. Pour spaghetti sauce on top. Chop green peppers and onions and pour on top of spaghetti sauce.  Cook for 7-8 (for frozen chicken) or 4-5 hours (for thawed chicken).

Serve over pasta.

Yummmm!!!!

What's (Not) For Dinner Wednesdays

This week has been rainy and cold here, and I have had a nice head cold to go with it! So for dinner for the last three nights, we have had chicken noodle soup from a can. Nice. That's probably what we'll be having again tonight, so I decided to share one of my favorite dessert recipes in the ENTIRE WORLD!!! You really must try this...you will be in HEAVEN!

Mile High Peanut Butter Brownie Pie
Ingredients

• 1 Pillsbury® refrigerated pie crust, softened as directed on box
• 1 (15.5 ounce) package Chocolate Chunk Brownie Mix
• 1/4 cup peanut butter chips
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 egg
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 2 tablespoons peanuts, chopped
• 2 tablespoons mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Unroll pie crust; place in ungreased 9-inch glass pie plate as directed on box for One-Crust Filled Pie; flute edge.
2. In medium bowl, stir brownie mix, peanut butter chips, oil, water and egg 50 strokes with spoon. Pour batter into crust-lined pie plate.
3. Bake 30 to 40 minutes, covering edge of crust with strips of foil after 15 to 20 minutes, until crust is golden brown and center of brownie is set. Cool slightly, about 20 minutes. Refrigerate 1 hour or until completely cooled.
4. In medium bowl, beat cream cheese, peanut butter and powdered sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread mixture over brownie. Sprinkle with peanuts and chocolate chips. Refrigerate 30 minutes before serving. Store covered in refrigerator.

Rosette Ball Tutorial

Here is a quick tutorial on how to make the rosette balls I have pictured on my sidebar.

You will need:

crepe paper streamers

styrofoam balls

hot glue

ribbon

pins

 Start with a piece of streamer about 18 in. long (no need to measure, just guess) Tie a knot in the middle of the streamer piece.

 Hold the knot at one end and twist the ends of the streamer together.

 Roll the twisted streamer around the knot to form a rosette

 Hot glue your rosettes onto a styrofoam ball

 If you want the balls to hang, cut ribbon to desired length and use pins to attache ribbon to ball

I am definitely not the greatest at tutorials, hope that makes sense!! Happy rose ball making!

What's for Dinner Wednesdays

Slow Cooked Chicken, Apples, Onions, and Rosemary


2 c. chopped onion
2 green apples cubed
4-5 uncooked chicken breasts
2 T Rosemary
salt/pepper to taste

Sauce
1 can cream of celery, mushroom, or chicken soup
1 cup chicken broth
Mix the sauce together in a separate liquid measuring cup.

Place onions on bottom of slow cooker, then place chicken, apples, and seasonings on top. Pour sauce over chicken. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve on top of rice.

This is really easy and a yummy, savory dish that will warm you up on a cold day! Rosemary reminds me of the holidays, so I especially like this around the holidays. I got this recipe from a good friend who lives states and states away from me now, so it always reminds me of her as well!