New Green Mama

Kitchen Update- Drawers

2012-02-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

I know I missed a kitchen update last week, but there was not much to show. So I thought I would wait until this week for an update. Mitch built the drawer boxes. Then we primed and painted them. He installed them this weekend. It took him all day Saturday and part of the day Sunday to get them working properly.

I think Mitch might be fine with never making another drawer in his life.

We are debating on whether to purchase premade unfinished doors or make our own. We are going to get a few quotes and price it out to see which option makes the most sense.

I think Mitch might need a break from the kitchen, so we may do some shopping this weekend. We still need to decide on pulls and handles. We need to get a countertop and decide on a what we are doing on the backsplash. We also need to change out our light fixture. I think we are going to do some sort of track lighting, so that the area is brighter.

Then we can decide when we want to tackle the real demo on the other side of the room. Yikes. I am so ready to start the demo, but not as ready to be without a kitchen. At least I have an oven and new microwave.

Baby Quilt Take 2

2012-02-06T19:25:00.000-06:00

You know there are some projects that just don't turn out the way you envision them. I had about 3 different plans for this blanket before I actually was happy with the results.

I ended up taking off the satin binding and just doing a regular quilt binding. I sewed it to the front and then hand stitched it to the back. It is more time consuming, but I am always happier with the results when I take the time to do it this way.

I decided to stitch the baby's name on some twill tape to create a little tag on the back. I liked the personal touch that it added to the quilt. I am so glad that I am finally finished with this quilt.

Sunday Snapshot- Mikey's Birthday Party

2012-02-05T18:41:00.002-06:00

My nephew had his birthday party this weekend at a gymnastics facility. They let the birthday boy do the bungee. I think he enjoyed it.

I know the kids had a blast!!

Meal Planning Success

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000-06:00

Since food photography does not seem to be my strong suit, you get a cute kid photo instead.

I am still going strong with my meal planning. Since I have been planning ahead, we have tried some really yummy recipes instead of relying on all of our normal stand-bys. I thought I would share some of the recipes that we have enjoyed plus some tips for how I have been meal planning.

I am by no means an expert in this subject, but I thought it might be helpful to share how I go about planning our meals for the week.
1. If I come across a recipe on a blog or pinterest, etc., I go ahead and print it out and set it aside.
2. On Thursday or Friday I look at the recipes I have collected and decide which ones I want to make. Then I fill in the gaps with any meals I have been craving or think that the kids would actually eat.
3. I plan for 4 dinners. This leaves leftovers for one night during the week. We usually eat out on Friday and Saturday night.
4. I list a few snack ideas for school and after school.
5. I have been trying to make one batch of soup each week for an easy lunch. I try to make this on Sunday.
6. I have also been making a healthy-ish treat to have on hand for the kids. The kids feel like they are getting something special and I don't feel guilty about giving it to them. I also try to make this on Saturday or Sunday.
7. I plan for easier meals on the days I know we have an activity like Tae Kwon Do. If possible I go ahead and make an extra meal on a night I am not as busy, so we can just grab and go or warm it up and eat.
8. Once I have my plan, I make a grocery list.

I will admit that this is a ton of work, but so far it has been so worth it. It is so nice to come home from work and not think about what I am going to make.

Here are some of our favorite recipes from the last few weeks:

Orange Slow Cooker Chicken- Mitch added hot sauce to it to off set the sweetness. The kids ate it so I am calling it a success.
Nut Butter Brownies- not necessarily healthy, but definitely yummy
White Bean and Kale Stew from The Vegan Slow Cooker
Totally Addictive Cornbread- Yummy and gluten free and dairy free
Spicy Lentil Collard Wraps- I used brown rice instead of bulgar wheat because it is what I had on hand.
Blueberry Banana Pie Vegan Overnight Oats- We all love these oats. I have made 2 batches now. I was skeptical about cold oats, but let me tell you these are REALLY good. The batch lasts for a few days, so you can have breakfast for several mornings.

I am sure there are more, but these are the ones that are standing out.

Baby Quilt Take 1

2012-01-31T06:00:00.000-06:00

I made a quilt for a friend that just had a baby. I used a super soft minky for the back. I just quilted in the ditch along each row. I used 9 inch squares with 4 of the squares cut in half, so that the squares are staggered. I was happy with how it was turning out until I added the satin blanket binding. I took it off several times then finally it seemed like it was going well, so I just finished. Now I keep looking at it and I am really unhappy with the wonkiness of it. Ugh. I will probably end up taking all of the binding off again.

I liked the idea of the soft cuddly back and satin trim to make it more appealing to a baby, but now I am thinking about using cotton fabric to bind it. Hopefully I will have take 2 next week.

At least there is some proof that I did get some sewing done this week.

Happy Crafty Tuesday everyone.

Sunday Snapshot-Greatest Show on Earth

2012-01-30T08:44:00.001-06:00

We took the kids to the circus on Saturday night, so instead of one snapshot I have several.

It was a pretty incredible show.

Kitchen Update- Painting Cabinets

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

This weekend was spent priming and painting our cabinets. Ick. I forget how much painting cabinets stinks! Mitch spent Saturday morning sanding, filling holes, and doing more sanding. I was able to help a little bit between shuttling the kids around.

Then we spent the rest of the afternoon priming. It took us a good 3 hours to get everything primed.

On Sunday we were able to get our first coat of paint on. It turns out that this is definitely a two person job so Mitch didn't get anything else accomplished this weekend. It just seems like it should go so much faster than it does. We will put a second coat on next weekend. We are using an oil based paint, which takes forever to dry. Then Mitch needs to build the drawers so that we can put a countertop down. I am excited to have more space to spread out. I might even start moving some things into those cabinets once everything is dry.

Two Zip Hipster Bag

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

I finally found time to finish my Two Zip Hipster bag.
I saw How About Orange's review of the pattern and knew I had to make one for myself.
I have found that if I break it into small manageable steps, I am more successful finishing projects. I cut out the pieces one night. Then interfaced the pieces the next night. Then I completed the front piece with the pocket. Then put the bag together. It took all week to finish, but didn't seem like I spent hours slaving over it.

The pattern is very detailed and easy to follow. I love the front zipper, plus the top zips close so I can keep all my belongings nice and secure. It is even big enough to hold an iPad, but doesn't feel huge when you are carrying it. It even has an adjustable strap. I would highly recommed this pattern.

Here's a link to the fabric I used in case anyone is interested.

Silent Cinema

This week I am hoping to put together a baby quilt.

If you get a chance check out Sewcanshe.com today, she is featuring my Snack Bag Tutorial.

Sunday Snapshot- Playing in the rain

2012-01-22T20:02:00.001-06:00

I found these crazy kids playing outside in the rain. I can't believe it is the middle of January and the kids are able to play in the rain without freezing to death.

Kitchen Update- Cabinet Progress

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

Mitch has been spending every free minute working on the cabinets. He has the bottom cabinets and upper cabinets finished and installed. Now he has to make the drawers and doors. Then we need to paint everything. We decided to wait until we have everything painted to get the countertop. The garage is already overflowing with wood, so no need to add to the clutter.

I am really looking forward to organizing everything in this space. We should have plenty of storage space now.

It is so strange to see the whole wall full of cabinets. I should be able to start priming and painting next weekend while Mitch works on the doors and drawers.

Meal Planning Again

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

I have successfully planned our meals for the last 2 weeks. Woohoo. I am on a roll. It makes life so much easier when I don't have to think about what I need to cook for dinner. I have been making some meals on Sunday so that we have food for lunch and good snacks to eat during the week. I have also been making dinners ahead of time to cover the nights we have Tae Kwon Do. It is definitely more work, but it is worth it to have healthy food to eat.

Here's what I planned for this week:
Snacks
Sunflower Oat Bars
Raisin Seed Balls
Ancient Grain Banana Breakfast Bread
Sunflower Seed and Cashew Cheese
I made all of the recipes above this weekend. I can tell you they are all winners. The kids love the raisin seed balls and the sunflower oat bars. I used peanut butter for the oat bars. The breakfast bread is also very yummy and also almost gone. The sunflower and cashew cheese is great on crackers or could work in a wrap with veggies for lunch too.

Lunch
Dilled Egg Salad
Sweet Potato Hummus
Avocado and Bean Burritos
Black Bean Soup
Black Bean Confetti Salad
I made all of these except the burritos this weekend too. The sweet potato hummus might be my favorite. It is really, really good.

Dinners
Cashew Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Wild Salmon with Rosemary Sweet Potatoes and Lemon Asparagus
Coconut Dal with Broccoli and Wild Rice
Sesame Crusted Sole, Kale Chips, and Quinoa
Kale Stuffed Portabello Mushrooms with Rice
I also have some chicken and tofu that will get thrown into the mix too for the kids. Harper refuses to eat fish. She was traumatized back in August when we went trout fishing. We ate the Lettuce Wraps Sunday night for dinner and the kids loved them.

So needless to say there has been no sewing going on at my house. I did manage to cut out and interface some fabric for a purse. I also have a baby quilt to make. So I promise there will be crafty things to show soon.

Orange Belt

2012-01-16T10:40:00.001-06:00

Harper is still loving Tae Kwon Do. She tested for her orange belt this weekend. It is amazing to see the

dedication from all of the kids. She was set to test in December, but she got strep throat the day before the testing. She was so upset that she missed it. She had to wait a whole month to test. She was devastated at first, but eventually took it all in stride. The extra month of practice made testing a breeze.

The testing took 3 hours, but she left with an orange belt.

I am so proud of you Harper!!!!

Sunday Snapshot- First Snow of 2012

2012-01-15T19:41:00.000-06:00

Carrie decided to start posting a Sunday snapshot of her favorite photo from the week, so I decided to join along. We had our first snow of the year. We didn't get much more than you see in the photo, but school was still out the next day. Crazy!!

Surviving

2012-01-11T09:18:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to pop in and let everyone know that we are still alive. We have had a rough start to 2012 so far. Nothing major or life altering just battling one thing after another, which has left little time for much of anything. I will have a kitchen update next week. Maybe I will even dig my sewing machine out. We will see.

Here are a few random photos from the last couple of weeks.

One morning Harper and Miller decided to dress up in each other's clothes. They are even wearing each others shoes. Harper is trying to attempt one of Miller's side smiles. These two are quite the pair!!

Harper and I made it out of the house last week for some fresh air. I even remembered to bring my camera. She was home sick from school, but you can tell from the photo that she was feeling much better.

I am so thankful that we have had some really nice weather for January. Being able to get outside for awhile has saved my sanity on more than one occasion.

We have an oven!!

2012-01-05T06:00:00.000-06:00

We have an oven!!! I have successfully cooked a couple of dinners in it now, so I know it works.

It was delivered on Friday.

We painted the cabinet Friday night, but it took a couple of days for the paint to completely dry. I promise the paint is not this yellow in real life.

Mitch got to spend New Year's with the oven because I had strep throat. Great way to spend New Years, huh?

When we pulled out the oven, we realized there was a chicken nugget button. What is up with that? We all thought it was a bit strange.

On Monday the paint was finally dry enough for Mitch to install the oven. He enlisted the help of his dad. They were able to get it in the space with no problems. Then Mitch hooked up all the electrical. The microwave is going to go in the space above the oven.

While he was waiting for the paint to dry over the weekend, Mitch was able to make the cabinet above the fridge. I love how built in the fridge looks.

He even found time to start working on the base for the bottom cabinets on the other side of the fridge.

Mitch has planned out the cabinets and drawers for this side of the room. He is hoping to start building them this weekend. He also found a 8 foot piece of butcher block countertop that we might pick up this weekend.

2011 Tutorials

2012-01-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

I know that it is already a new year, but I thought I would do a round up of some of my tutorials from 2011. Plus I have not had any time to sew with the holidays and kitchen remodel. : )

Easy Teacher Tote Tutorial

Fat Quarter Quilt Tutorial

Zentangle Bookmark Printable (not really a tutorial, but I am throwing it in too)

Wool Pocket Warmers

Super Easy Reusable Snack Bag Tutorial

18 Inch Doll T-Shirt Tutorial

Kindermat Cover Tutorial

Organic Striped Baby Quilt Tutorial

Wool Patchwork Stocking Tutorial

Happy 2012

2012-01-01T06:00:00.000-06:00

Since I have made a collage of some of my favorite photos the last several years, I decided I would continue the tradition. I really can't believe that this is the my 4th New Year's post on this blog. My other New Year's Post are linked below.

2011

2010

2009

Overall 2011 was a really great year. Miller started playing baseball. I ran (and walked) the half marathon despite my pesky hip injury. We took a family trip to Louisville for Spring Break. We visited family in Minnesota this summer. Miller started kindergarten, so both kids are in school this year. Wahoo!! Harper started Taekwondo. We went camping and made a trip to Atlanta to celebrate my niece's birthday. We started a major kitchen remodel and much, much more. I really could not ask for more to be packed into one year.

I do have some things that I would like to accomplish in 2012. I want to get back into running. I really want to run the half marathon again this year, but train for it properly. I haven't signed up yet because I want to make sure my hip isn't going to flare up again. So we will see.

Last year was a very busy year and I am sure 2012 is going to be the same. I need to figure out a better way to get healthy, quick dinners on the table when we are running in all different directions. I think meal planning is key for this to actually happen.

I sure hope our kitchen remodel is finished this year along with refinishing the floors and drywalling the living room. I know we have a long way to go, but hopefully we can get it all done this year.

Happy New Year's everyone!!

This Week in the Kitchen

2011-12-30T09:12:00.000-06:00

We made some pretty good progress in the kitchen this week. We ordered an oven, microwave, and dishwasher. It is being delivered today. Can you believe it?

Mitch and his dad built the cabinet that will house the wall oven and microwave. So once the oven is delivered, we will have a place to put it.

This weekend we will be priming and painting. Then hopefully (fingers crossed) we will install the oven. Wouldn't it be great to start the new year with an oven? It's not too much to ask is it?

I am already dreaming of all of the things that I want to make in my new oven. I never thought I would be this excited about an oven.

Mitch also built a bench for the mudroom, so that we have a place to put our shoes. The plan is to put a shelf above it with hooks for coats and backpacks.

I need to find baskets to fit in each of the cubbies, so there are not shoes everywhere.

The next step is going to be to build out the cabinets on the other side of the fridge. We are planning on putting a butcherblock countertop on that section. It will probably take awhile to get those cabinets built, but once that side is finished we will work on the other side of the room. I am hoping that we can bring in our contractor to help with the opening between the two rooms and the drywall, but who knows Mitch might decide to take it on himself.

I hope everyone has a safe New Year's Eve.

Christmas Craftiness

2011-12-27T10:18:00.000-06:00

I kept it very low key this year for Christmas, but I did manage to sew this Super Hero Cape for my nephew. It is reversible. The other side is Batman. I did not get any photos before I wrapped it up, so here are a few action shots.

I also put together a doctor's kit for my niece. I made the casts using felt. Then I purchased a bunch of medical supplies. I found a real stethoscope on Amazon.com for $5. I also printed off some x-rays. I had fun putting it all together.

I also managed to make Miller the Angry Birds game. Mitch and I painted all the rocks and then paired them with a slingshot. He loved them.

Here's an action shot.

That was all the craftiness I could muster this year.

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!!

Zentangle Bookmarks- Free Printables

2011-12-19T14:42:00.001-06:00

Have you ever heard of Zentagles? I have also seen it called zendoodling. I stumbled upon this method of drwaing on Friday when searching for some printable bookmarks. I have always really enjoyed doodling, but have never put much thought into it. When I saw some examples of Zentangles, I knew I had to give it a try. Since Friday, I have been drawing non stop. It is such a stress reliever for me. It is also highly addictive.

Here are a few of the bookmarks I have made so far.

Here's a couple of works in progress.

I copied some for Harper so she could color them. I was interested to see how she would color them.

I am making the goody bags for Harper's Christmas party at school. So I thought I would include a bookmark in each bag. I hope the kids have fun coloring them.

After making several I decided to create a template. I have included a link to my template if you want to give it a go. I also included some bookmarks for download in case anyone is interested.

Bookmark Template

Zentangle Bookmarks 1

Zentangle Bookmarks 2

Weekly Kitchen & Laundry Room Update

2011-12-15T05:00:00.000-06:00

Well, the electrician actually showed up on Friday. Woohoo. He moved some light switches, installed the outlet for the oven, moved an outlet, and installed a new switch and light in the garage. Plus he fixed a switch that was not working properly.

Here are some photos of the destruction.
Mitch has already patched the drywall here.

New oven outlet.

Repaired switch.

It is so nice that the light switches are in the correct place now.

The next step is going to be to build a cabinet for the oven. Then build out around the fridge. This is what we have in mind.

Source: ths.gardenweb.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Now we need to decide if we are going to move the microwave over the oven or keep it over the range. I am leaning towards a small microwave or no microwave. Decisions, decisions. Mitch and I have to be the most indecisive people on the planet.

The laundry room is almost finished. Mitch installed the floors and trim this weekend.

We had some major issues with the riser that Mitch built. It was about half an inch too big for the space. We realized that he built it before we decided we were going to build the wall to enclose the space. Sigh. Mitch removed some boards and we were actually able to fit it into the space, but realized it would be really hard to move the washer and dryer once they were on the riser. The washing machine is very heavy. He put castors on the riser, but I was afraid it would move around too much. So after many hours with the riser situation, we decided to scrap it for now. If we decide to go with no riser, the shelf will be moved down.

Next weekend the plan is to finish out some trim around the steps, then put up some hooks so we can start hanging coats and backpacks. We have a busy weekend planned, so we are keeping our projects easy. Mitch's table saw isn't working so he has to figure out what is wrong with it before he can build any cabinets. It seems like it is always something.

Felted Wool Sweater Stocking Tutorial

2011-12-12T18:25:00.000-06:00

A few of you were interested in a tutorial, so I put one together for you.

Here's what you will need:

Felted wool sweater scraps

Large felted wool sweater piece

Lining fabric

Embroidery Floss
Pattern Pieces

Create a pattern using an existing stocking or print out the pattern pieces above.

Cut out 1 piece from the large sweater piece.

Cut 2 pieces from the lining fabric. I used a lightweight cotton from my stash.

Take your pattern and cut it into sections. If you use my pattern cut along the dashed lines as well as the lines that you used to attach the pattern pieces together. Your pieces should look like the photo below.

Cut out your pieces from your scraps.

Make sure to include a 1/4 inch seam allowance along the top edge of the bottom piece.

You will need to allow an extra seam allowance on the top and bottom of the rest of the pieces.

Sew the pieces together.

Hand sew the heel piece in place.

Embroider the stocking along the seams.

Take your front and back stocking pieces and place them right sides facing. Trim if they are not the same size.

Pin in place and then sew all the way around the stocking. Leave the top open. Also sew the two lining pieces together the same way.

Turn right side out. Leave the lining pieces inside out.

Use a small scrap to make a loop so that you can hang your stocking. Pin it to the top outer edge of the stocking. The loop will be facing down. Sorry I didn't get a photo.

Place the main stocking pieces inside the lining pieces. Right sides will be facing. Sew around the top of the lining leaving a gap for turning.

Turn right side out and topstitch around the top of the stocking to close the gap.

You are finished.

Wool Week- Patchwork Stocking

2011-12-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

I have been wanting to make stockings for Mitch and I for several years now. The ones that we have been using have absolutely no sentimental value to us. Plus I really never liked them. So I decided to use some of my wool to piece together stockings for us.

I did a little hand stitching on the front to add some character.

Mitch's stocking is on the right. Mine is on the left.

If anyone is interested in a tutorial and pattern pieces, let me know. I took photos so I can put a tutorial together if there is interest.

I have a couple more projects swirling around in my mind, but have not had time to work on them. I will have to see if I have time this weekend or next week. I have really enjoyed working my way through my stash of wool and there is still lots to use up.

Kitchen, Laundry Room and Fireplace Update

2011-12-07T06:00:00.000-06:00

I know you guys are chomping at the bit to see what's going on in the kitchen, right? I was hoping that by skipping last week's update I might have more to show you.

We decided on a color for the kitchen, which I like sometimes and sometimes it takes on this lovely purplish hue. So there is still a possibility that it will get repainted. Mitch painted a good portion of the kitchen along with the recess for the fridge. Then he moved the fridge into it's new home. It is strange how different the kitchen feels with this small change. Of course, this means that we have once again changed our mind on the layout of the kitchen. Now we are thinking about putting in a wall oven next the fridge and having cabinets above and underneath. Then putting cabinets and countertop on the other side of the fridge. That way we don't have to move the pantry and the oven would be easier to access. What do you think?

We would use the space under the range for more cabinets. As you can see I have been taking advantage of the free space.

If we did this, there is no way that there will be room for a table and chairs, but we would have room for a small island with a couple of bar stools. This is what I have in mind. I like that paint color too.

{Source}

Then we would need to figure out where we would eat our meals. We have a couple of different options.

Mitch talked to our contractor and he isn't available until the end of January. Mitch has been working on the laundry room and with the holidays we have not been too worried about it. We have an electrician coming on Friday to do all of the electrical work. So once Mitch finishes the laundry room, we will need to decide how we are going to proceed. Do we wait for our contractor, pick a new one, or just try to do it ourselves? Our kitchen may look a little crazy right now, but at least right it is operational (minus an oven).

Mitch made some awesome progress on the laundry room. He drywalled, mudded, sanded, and mudded some more over Thanksgiving weekend. Then last weekend he sanded, primed, and painted everything. The next step will be to put the flooring down, put up trim, and shelves.

Here's the other side of the wall.

In case you forgot what our garage use to look like. It's pretty crazy.

Here's a photo of our finished fireplace. Woohoo. We finished a project. Now we just need to get a chimney guy out to find out why it is leaking so that we can actually use it. I still find myself just sitting on the couch and staring at the fireplace. It makes the room look SO much better. It makes me happy to have at least one room that doesn't look like a construction zone. I am still trying to figure out how I want to decorate my mantel. Decorating is definitely not my strong suit.

In case you forgot what it looked like before. Yikes.

If the electrician actually shows up on Friday, I will have some new outlets to show next week. I will have another wool project up tomorrow.

Wool Week- Pocket Warmers

2011-12-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

I spotted these cute pocket warmers on Etsy last week and knew I had to make some. This project is perfect for using up scraps.

I made my pocket warmers 3"x3".

To make a pair, cut out 4 pieces that are 3"x3" or whatever size you want them to be.

Place pieces together with wrong sides facing each other.

Then sew around 3 of the edges, leaving 1 edge open for filling.

Fill with rice.

Then sew the open end closed.

Trim around the edges to make it all even.

Microwave for 30 seconds and place in your pocket.

It doesn't get much easier than that.