Plastic Drink Container - Bird Feeder

My hubby is an avid tea drinker. There is never a time in our house that we don't have at least 3-4 of the little plastic drink containers lying around. I've already used several for marker storage and I have been wracking my brain trying to figure out what more I can do with them. They are decently sturdy and a good size, so I figure I might as well upcycle them.

Finally, I thought of something else I can do with them. (It only took 6 months). :D

Supplies:

Plastic drink container
Long pop stick
Knife (I used a box cutter)
Decorating supplies

 

1. Cutting out the holes for the stick. I used my giant Crop-a-Dile to punch the first hole in the lid. The bottom was trickier because the Crop-a-Dile wouldn't reach. I just used a box cutter and made a little "x". This way the stick fit pretty tightly too. Next I cut the big rectangle. (It was a hack job for sure.) I'm sure there are better ways to cut it but I was in a hurry and all I had was my box cutter. 

2. Then I decided to jazz it up a bit with some Sharpies. I just drew some vines and leaves to get an idea of what I could do with it. You could do all kinds of things here. Draw a little diner, use the themed Duck tape, paint, etc. I like the Duck tape idea because you could hide any imperfections. Such as a hack job. :)

3. I used some wire I had in my scrapbooking supplies and wrapped it around the ends of the stick to make a hanger.

That's it. Super easy and full of possibilities. I have plenty more containers to work with. I might do this as a craft with the kiddos too. 

Super Easy!

I have seen so many cute ideas on Pinterest for making capes. I finally got a little spark of creativity and decided to try one. I didn't use a pattern, I just sort of eye-balled it. :D

I took about half a yard of fabric and hemmed it on the bottom and sides. I rounded the top and sewed it to finish it out. I used a round container to make the white circle and then sewed it onto the cape. The "J" is freehand and sewn on to the circle.

The ties are not very neat, but since this is for an 18 month old, I'm not too bothered by it. :) I just took two long strips of fabric and sewed them to the top of the cape. I spaced them by using my DS as reference.

I think it turned out pretty cute. I need to make two more now so the boys don't fight over one little cape. :) Considering how easy it was that shouldn't be a problem. Unless you are me. Captain Procrastination. :D

Super Soaker Party

All the kids had a blast at the Super Soaker party. The weather has been a little "iffy", but it turned out to be a great day. Check out the House Party web site for information on how you can host your own free party!

Game Night Pictures

Here are the pictures from my House Party game night. It really was a blast and I am looking forward to the next one. (It's a Super Soaker party).  :)

Birthday Game Night and a Few More Parties!

I recently discovered a company called House Party. You can sign up an apply for host spots for all kinds of different companies/parties. I was skeptical that I'd ever be selected, but lo' and behold, I was picked for one of my top choices. Game night!! This is even better given the fact that the party falls on my birthday. So fun!

I have scoured Pinterest for recipes and decorations. I settled on a menu of mini corn dogs, mozzarella meatballs, bacon cheddar dip, checkerboard sandwiches, apple berry punch, apple crisp, and apple cookies. If you haven't guessed by the drinks and desserts, I'm going with an apple theme since Apples to Apples is one of the games I was sent. (Free, by the way). I will post pictures of everything after the party.

I am so excited to be having a game night. It's been a long time since I've hosted one and I have missed it. The icing on the cake is getting to celebrate my birthday with such a fun party. Even my DH is getting into the party spirit. I am counting down the hours. I really hope it goes well. Not just for fun's sake, but in hopes of getting to host more House Parties too!

A week after game night I am throwing DH an 80's themed birthday bash. This one is a lot of work, but has the potential to be a really great event. I've got most of the decorations and a good idea of the food. Executing it all is the worrisome part. I wish there was some way to ensure that everyone you invite will RSVP. It sure would make things easier. I am starting to worry about not having enough chairs. I guess I could bust out some quilts and make it picnic style! :)

Last, but certainly not least, my sweet little man is graduating kindergarten at the end of May.  We are going to have a little graduation party for him. Just family, so much less stress. I've found all kinds of cute ideas for that. It's such a bittersweet celebration. I'm so proud of my guy, but so sad to see him growing up so fast. So goes life. For every thing there is a season.

Wish me luck. I'm going to need it. :)

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

I have always wanted to try to make Beef Stew. I don't know why I haven't. I guess I've always thought it seemed difficult. I was soooo wrong. I found a recipe for a slow cooker version on Pinterest. It was very easy and tasty. (I think I might skip the Bay leaf next time.) The link to the original post is in the recipe title.

Beef Stew

• 1 1/2 lbs stew meat, cut into 1″ cubes
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups low sodium beef broth
• 5 red potatoes, cut into 1″ cubes
• 5 carrots, peeled and cut into 1″ pieces
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 Tbs Worcestershire
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp seasoning salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 packet beef stew seasoning

1.  Put beef in crockpot.  Sprinkle the flour in and stir to coat the meat.

2.  Add all other ingredients.  Stir to combine.

3.  Cook on low for 6 hours.  Remove bay leaf and serve!

Asiago Chicken Pasta

This Asiago cream sauce is delicious! It tastes very much like Olive Garden's Alfredo sauce. It wouldn't take much to kick it up to that.

It really is fantastic the way it is, but you could tweak it some to suit your tastes. I forgot to add the pepper and Parsley in mine, but it was still yummy.

I joked on my Facebook page that this might just have to be added to our weekly menu, along w/ triple bypasses. :D

I posted the link to the blog (Carrie's Experimental Kitchen) where I found the recipe below.

Asiago Cream Sauce

1 tbsp. Butter
1 tbsp. All-Purpose Flour
3 c. Heavy Cream
3/4 c. Asiago Cheese, shredded
1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder
1 tsp. Kosher Salt
1/2 tsp. Fresh Ground Black Pepper
Parsley, garnish

 

Melt butter in a medium saucepan then add flour, forming a roux. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until the roux dissolved, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and whisk in the cheese, garlic powder, salt and pepper until the cheese has melted. Let simmer until the sauce starts to thicken, approximately 5 minutes. Add the sauce to the cooked pasta and mix well. Garnish with parsley. Serves 8.  

 Enjoy!!