Ruffle Headband

So I found this tutorial the other day and thought "how adorably cute are these". I couldn't wait to give it a try and I was not disappointed the least.


I started with a 3" x 12" piece of scrap fabric. You can cut one longer if you wanted more ruffles. Then serge or zig-zag stitch each of the short ends. This will prevent fraying and will be helpful when you turn the fabric inside out. Then you fold your fabric in half lengthwise, right sides together and stitch 1/4" seam.


Pull the fabric right side out. Be patient. This takes some time and is usually when I get frustrated.


After the fabric is right side out, adjust the seam so that is lies down the center and iron the fabric flat. Next gather up as many ruffles as you would like and pin. Then sew straight down the center.


Use a piece of felt or another piece of scrap fabric and use Fabri-Tac to attach your ruffle to the felt with an elastic headband sandwiched in between. I do not glue the elastic headband, I create a tunnel that is can slide through essentially.


Here is the finished product...love, love, love it.

Spring Cleaning Tips and Solutions

Here in the Chicagoland, at the end of February, I'm beginning to go stir crazy. Likely it is our 4th and colicky addition to the family, but I know a lot of it has to do with this horribly cold, wet, dismal winter that we have had. Today is SUNNY!!! Yay!...but this cabin fever is giving way to Spring fever and I'm thinking about Spring cleaning. Luckily I began some of this in November. Little guy keeps me busy. Anyways, I started by organizing my pantry, linen closet and cleaning out the refrigerator. See some before and after pics of the organization below.

I find enjoyment in a good thorough cleaning and long to open the windows and let some fresh air in. Once I can open windows...it's time to clean the windows! I use a homemade window cleaner and have for as long as I can remember. Just mix equal parts of water and white vinegar and pour into a spray bottle. I have NEVER bought Windex. You should give this a try, it's quick, simple and economical.

During your Spring cleaning, it is smart to clean the dishwasher and washing machine as well. These appliances are often overlooked, but could certainly use some refreshing. For the dishwasher, use a soapy rag to clean the crevices where the door meets the base. Eeewww, this gets slimy. Also wash down the rubber trim around the door to maintain a good seal. Finally, sprinkle some baking soda around the bottom of the basin and set a cup of white vinegar upright on the top rack and run a normal cycle.

Cleaning the washing machine is similar to the dishwasher. You know that funky smell you can get when you accidentally leave a wet load in the machine for a day (or 2)...clean it up with this simple solution. You can find instructions here. It is the same concept with vinegar and baking soda. Fill your washer with water on largest load setting. I used warm water and add 3 -4 cups of white vinegar and 1/2 cup of baking soda. Let it begin to agitate and then let sit for 30 minutes (or more). Before heading to step 2, I dip a rag in the water and wipe down any grimy areas. Then on to step 2. Doing this every 4 months or so keeps the funk out.

Do you have any special homemade cleaning solutions or tips? I want to know about them!

Before


After


Before


After

Dinner in a Flash! (What's in the Pantry?)

Have you ever had to come up with a meal last minute? It seems that I have been doing just that all too much lately. Often, those nights produce the best meals...last night was one of those nights.

So my search began and started in the fridge. Hmmm, Green Pepper and Mozzarella Chicken Sausage from Mariano's...a good start. Off to the pantry...pasta shells...good, cream of mushroom...not bad, petite diced garlic and olive oil tomatoes...I can almost taste it. Aahh, sherry! Woot woot!



Here is the recipe below as "eye-balled" by me!

Medium Shell Pasta (I used about 2/3 of a box)
1 10.75oz can of cream of mushroom soup
1/2 of a can of Petite Diced Garlic and Olive Oil Tomatoes (about 6oz)
2 Tbl cooking sherry
salt
meat of your choosing - I used a sausage that tasted like Italian Sausage, but just about anything will do, even ground turkey or ground beef

Cook meat and set aside. Cook pasta as directed. Drain, rinse and add soup, tomatoes, sherry and salt as desired. Mix in meat and enjoy a dinner in a flash!

What great dinners have you created just by "winging it"?