Udder Covers

Dear Mommies,
Here's another deal that I thought was too good to pass up. I wasn't sure I wanted to endorse it but I just got mine in the mail today and I LOVE IT! I won't go into how awkward I am when I try to nurse one of my babies or how much I detest doing it in front of people but now that the third baby is on the way I don't know if I'll get as much privacy as I did with the last two...between scooting to school or other activities. So I am hoping this will help. I have friends who swear by this product as well. And if you aren't a nursing mom I think this makes a great (and affordable) shower gift for someone else. Udder Covers retail for $32 but use a promotional code and it's FREE (but you do have to pay $8.95 in shipping.) Use the promotional code: backorder1 and find one you love HERE.

Hope you love yours as much as I love mine!

I LOVE FREE STUFF

So a freind of mine blogged about this so I thought I would pass it on. I just got done ordering 50 FREE Christmas cards from seehere.com 100% FREE even the shipping was FREE and I didn't have to enter any credit card information. I guess its backed by fuji film. Use the code freebies4mom-1109
It good through November 30.
I'm pretty excited since I wasn't going to send Christmas cards because of the price, now all I have to pay for are the stamps.
Here is the link if you want to check it out
-OR-
Here is the link if you want to go straight to seehere.com to get started

New Carseat Cover Tutorial

I'm so excited that I actually made this carseat cover that I'm nearly blissful and to think that I can actually share it with everyone makes me even happier. I have looked online for tutorials on this and can't seem to find any. So I decided to make one myself.

Disclaimer: This is my first 'real' tutorial. If I missed something or something was a bit confusing just tell me and I'll try to explain it.

Hope you all enjoy. :)

Choose your fabric. It's fine to buy something a little cheaper for the back, since no one is going to see it. In fact I got both of these fabric pieces in the clearance section at Wal-Mart. You will also need, matching thread, batting for the middle, and binding for the edges. And alot of pins.


Take your old car seat cover and lay it flat on the paper you've chosen to use. You will have several sections you need to trace: A top, a bottom, and any sides or overhanging areas.


Now draw around the first section of the layed out car seat.. Generally speaking you can assume that the binding is hiding your seam so you don't need to make an allowance for it, but be aware that the issue might arise.


Be sure to mark any parts that lie on the inside of the pattern, like strap holes and any extra stitching.


Your patterns will start looking something like this.


When you cut out your pattern sections, remember to write what each line is for, and cut any holes so you can mark your fabric.


This bit of the pattern is a tad  trickier. This is the overlay that is found on the top and bottom of the carseat


As you can see, you can't just draw around it. So you're going to have to eyeball it. Don't get panicky! It's still just paper.


First I traced around any parts that I could.


Then I measured the center most point and marked the top on my paper (where I couldn't trace) I also measured a spot on either end where it was about an inch wide. In essence creating a connect the dots.


Then I followed that path around.


To make sure I had actually done what I wanted, I cut out the pattern piece and layed in on top of the section of fabric.


It was a bit off so I cut my pattern paper to match.


After you have cut them out. Lay them into your carseat to make sure everything fits. This is a moment when you can see any glaring mistakes you may have made (before you cut fabric).


Now pin the pattern to your fabric, being sure to avoid any bulging or folding fabric underneath.


There are two ways you can cut your pattern. You can trace around it with a pencil or other fabric friendly instrument. Or you can leave the pattern attached and cut around it. I generally like the former, since the paper can be annoying to work around.


Once you have all the pieces cut out, you should lay them on the carseat like you did the pattern paper earlier. I didn't get a picture of this. But it's worth doing, so you can catch any bad mistakes. Then repeat all the previous steps with batting and bottom fabric.


Because you have the batting in the middle and you are essentially quilting it is important to pull tight when pinning and sewing. If you don't you're going to get bunching and bubbling. Notice how I used my foot to hold one side while I pinned... yeah, I'm lazy. Just remember to let your sewing foot move on it's own as you are holding things tight (during the sewing).


Now is where we begin sewing. Use about a quarter of an inch straight stitch and if you need to, go slowly. You're going to want to stitch any inner parts as well (strap holes, corner stitches) right now as well.

When you are done going around the first time it's probably a good idea to go over it again with a zig zag stitch to secure everything and prevent fraying.


See....Also remember that the zig zag should not go OVER the straight stitch. The zigzag is like a dirty little secret we want to keep hidden. No one needs to know you did this part because it's not pretty.


Also check your back to see if you missed any of the solid fabric. I did at one point and needed to stitch over that section again, a little closer in.


  You should have your top and bottom parts all sewn together (both fabrics with the batting in the middle). Now you need to sew these two sections together. Lay the pieces right sides together and pin. You probably want to check your old cover to make sure you pin to the right points (and not to high up).


Like so....I've already stitched the buckled opening(that circular part in the center) so all I need to do with that is put on the binding.


Sew the top and bottom together. Go slowly if you need to. Remember to align any extra stitching you've done... probably a little better than I did.


Now is when things start heating up. The overlays (the parts that really secure the cover to the carseat). These fit a little differently and aren't as easy to pin. And if I were to do it over I would have sewn the binding on these parts BEFORE I sewed them onto the rest of the cover.


See how the pins area little bunchy. That's because I had to mold the fabric sections together. So when you begin stitching you'll need to hold these parts to their right spots... they won't like it, but it's important.


Now you get to start on the binding. It's a bit awkward to work with and requires a lot of pins. You'll want to make sure your fabric fits snuggly into the fold without being doubled over. Pin the binding to every place that the old cover had binding. Most especially the visible parts. This is what will give it the 'finished' look (and cover the seams).


Straight stitch close to the inside edge, but remember that you want to catch the fabric that is now inside the binding.

The binding around the buckle opening was the hardest. I used a lot of pins and it still didn't turn out very cute. (sorry bad picture)

But...once your binding is on you should have the finished product! If it didn't work out I'll allow you to cry.
If it did...
Voila! The baby loves it.

cannwin.blogspot.com

How to transition from a crib to a Big-kid bed

We are about to embark on lots of changes for our daughter, beginning with moving into a big bed. For the past several months we have had 2 beds set up in her room, making her room look ridiculous. My husband was a little anxious to have her in a big bed, so we tried it during the summer. After 2 nights of her screaming (she learned how to open doors the first night) we decided to try later. Well I think now may be later.

I would like to know any tips or tricks you use when putting them to a big bed. We've got those white plastic things to go over the door knob so she won't be able to open the door, but other than that I am planning on taking down her crib, so that's not a temptation for her (or me...) and just bearing through it.

How did you make it a good experience? Or was it not a good experience? Would it help to get rid of the binky before or after the big move?

November's Crafts

Hello again! Our craft person Kara is still very distracted and busy with her brand new adorable baby! So for the craft of the month I thought it would be fun to do a post about this fun website: So You Think You're Crafty!! They started with 10 crafters and every week they have to do a craft that fits a specific theme and the one that gets the most votes gets to post a tutorial and the one with the least votes is "eliminated". Last week's winning craft was SO cute! So go check it out for lots of Fall craft ideas! Just click on the button!

Most Embarrassing Moments

Happy November everyone! We hope you all had a wonderful Halloween!
We've learned some fun things about our mommies in the past months and now we want to hear some funny stories! So this month's About Us Q (for authors and readers!!) is what is your most embarrassing moment? Come on, don't be shy! Share it with us! :)

Soup and Bread

Oh no, I've missed the soup week! Sorry. I just have to share this recipe with you. It is one of our favorites:
Cream of Broccoli Soup
1 c chopped broccoli (fresh or frozen)
1 c water
1 T chicken base
3 T margarine
1/4 c chopped onion
3 T flour
1 c milk
1 c cream
Combine water and chicken base in med saucepan. Add broccoli. Cover and cook over med heat until tender (about 5 minutes).
Meanwhile melt butter in a deep frying pan. Add onions and cook over med heat until onions are soft. Add flour and stir well. Cook over low heat about 3 min until the roux is well formed and light tan.
Keep the burner hot, remove roux from heat and add milk and cream, stirring constantly. Return to heat and cook until thick (this could take up to 10 minutes), stirring well.
Add milk mixture to cooked broccoli-broth mixture and heat through.
Yield: 4 c.

Now, that is a great soup recipe. But what makes a great soup recipe even better? BREAD BOWLS! I can never find them around here, so I decided to make my own. I found this recipe on allrecipes.com (great place to find great recipes!).
Italian Bread Bowls
1/2 oz active dry yeast (the little packs are .25 oz so you'd need 2)
2 1/2 c warm water (110 degrees f)
2 t salt
2 T vegetable oil
7 c flour
1 T cornmeal
1 egg white
1 T water
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand til creamy, 10 min.
Add salt, oil and 4 c flour to yeast mixture; beat well. Stir in remaining flour, 1/2 c at a time, beating well with an electric mixer
When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead about 6 minutes.
Lightly oil a large bowl and place dough in bowl, turning once to coat in the oil. Cover with damp cloth in a warm place til doubled in volume (about 40 min)
Punch dough down, divide into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a 4 in round loaf. Place loaves on lightly greased baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 35 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a small bowl beat together egg white and 1 T water; (I also added some garlic powder to add a hint of flavor) lightly brush loaves with 1/2 the mixture.
Bake 15 minutes. Brush with remaining mixture and bake 10-15 min more til golden. Cool on wire racks.

To make bowls: Cut a circle in the top as big as you like, pull it off, then pull out some of the inside bread. Not all of it! Use what you pulled out to dip in the soup. Pour some soup in your bread bowl. Enjoy!

Yummy!!!!

Doctor Visits

Sorry to be a slacker with the tricks of the trade question! It's been busy around here! My question isn't so much asking for tricks but more just curious.

I'm wondering how often you go to the doctor? Do you go in to the Gynecologist every year like you're supposed to (not including when you're pregnant)? And in addition to that do you go in to a Family Dr. for a general check up too? Or do you only go in if you have a concern? And how often do you go to the Dentist?

It's easy to keep our kids on a schedule but I'm curious what the norm is for adults.

Saving Memories

So my girl had her baptism today. And with the help of Jill and her wonderful Bayberry Announcements I was able to send out some dang cute cards for all that family who couldn't make it out for the event.

But I had a few left over and I wanted to do something to help my little one remember her great day.

*light bulb turns on above head*

You know how you go to weddings and people have you sign the matting around their photo instead of a guest book? Well, I took that idea and twisted it just a bit.

Instead of having people just sign their names, I asked if they would please leave some words of advice or encouragement for her on this important day in her life.


We live in a small branch so there wasn't very many people to sign it, but I think it turned out nicely don't you?

Now she will have a beautiful momento to keep for years to come and perhaps when things get a little tough she can look on her wall and see that others love her and understand.

Feel free to use my little idea. *wink* I told my husband it was such a good idea that by next year everyone in the church would be doing it (which would please me immensely) :).

Adorable Pumpkin Decorations!

So the other day we decided to make these super cute pumpkins:) They were so stinking easy to make and we love decorating so it was sooo fun to make our own cute decorations!!! Here is the link.... http://bloggingwithholly.blogspot.com/2009/08/more-requests-for-pumpkins.html

We love the fall days!!! Happy Halloween to everyone :)

Taco Soup in Ones

Ingredients:

1-medium onion- chopped
1 lb ground beef
1-can beans (kidney or black or other dark bean)- rinsed and drained
1-can stewed tomatoes
1-can whole kernel corn
1-cup beef broth
1-bag taco seasoning
1-bag tortilla chips (we like the scoop kind)

In the pan you'll cook the whole soup in cook onion and beef together (this is how I make things faster and add some flavor to the meat).

Add beef broth and taco soup.

Add beans, stewed tomatoes, corn.

Cook till heated through (boiling-ish) and serve with tortilla chips.


Notes: I use beef granules, that way I can add just a smidge more than one tsp to give the soup a little added flavor.

All cans are your typical 14.5 oz size.



That's it.

It is a family favorite, my brother even likes it and he hates taco soup. It's because I use the beef broth instead of tomato paste *gag.*

Butternut Squash soup

http://www.momsradar.com/2008/10/recipe-butternut-squash-soup/

This is the best soup!!!!

The Winner Is...

STEPHANIE!!

Thanks to all who entered the giveaway!

Random.org has selected Stephanie as our lucky winner!!!

she said:

We go trick or treating. The kids look forward to it all year. Halloween is probably their second favorite holiday (after Christmas).

Congrats Stephanie!! Email MommyDiariesAdmin@gmail.com and tell us where to send your prizes!!

Halloween Giveaway!!!

It's definitely time for another giveaway! I've decided you can never have enough fun decorations! And since Halloween is just around the corner here are some fun things to jazz up your home!

Here is what the lucky winner will get!

Cute wooden Halloween wreath decoration

Candy Corn Candle, Ghost Decoration, and Lighted Pumpkin!
All together in a cute Halloween candy bowl!

**each prize is brand new and never used

Here are the rules:

• Anyone can enter! Just leave a comment telling us what your family does on Halloween!
• Only ONE comment per person.
• Giveaway will end Monday Oct. 19th at 11:59pm (mountain time).
• Winner will be chosen using random.org and posted Tuesday morning.
• If you are a winner email MommyDiariesAdmin@gmail.com within 24 hours and tell us where you want your prize sent!
  

Want some extra entries? Here are some things you can do:

• 1 extra entry for becoming a follower (over there on the left!). If you already are then you automatically have an extra entry!
• 1 extra entry for adding our button to your blog. If you already have one just remind us in your comment.
  
• And 1 more extra entry for blogging about the giveaway.
• If you do any of these things let us know in your 1st comment and we'll figure in all the extra entries at the end.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

PUMPKIN WAFFLES

Pumpkin Waffles
(Click the title to go to the blog where i found this delicious recipe!!)

Adapted from several sources

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
4 large eggs, separated
2 cups well-shaken buttermilk
1 cup canned solid-pack pumpkin
3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
Vegetable oil for brushing waffle iron or cooking spray

Preheat oven to 250°F and preheat waffle iron. Sift together flour, brown sugar, baking powder and soda, salt, and spices. Whisk egg yolks in a large bowl with buttermilk, pumpkin, and butter until smooth. Whisk in dry ingredients just until combined.

In a mixing bowl with a whisk attachment, whisk the egg whites until they hold soft peaks (as in, far softer than the over-beaten whites you’ll see in my picture above). Folk them gently into the waffle batter, until just combined.

Brush waffle iron lightly with oil and spoon batter (about 2 cups for four 4-inch Belgian waffles) into waffle iron, spreading quickly. Cook according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Transfer waffles to rack in oven to keep warm and crisp. Make more waffles in same manner.