Turned Creative

Not too long ago I got my hands on a new Ellie Inspired Pattern. This is probably the most comprehensive and inclusive pattern I have. The pattern includes pieces for a tunic (sleeveless, short sleeve, or long sleeve options), a skirt, capris, or pants. This pattern was part of the designer's challenge that took place over at Pattern Revolution. The Mini Butterfly Dreams can be found HERE , and the girls version HERE . I made the sleeveless top and the skirt for Brinley's Bitty Twin. I'll definitely be making another outfit with this pattern for one of the 18" AG dolls, but I haven't decided which option to choose yet. I got out some small Christmas Gear and started shooting. The girls insisted that I leave the setup up for them to play with when the pics were done. I didn't argue.  I also got to make one for Paige. My version really doesn't do the pattern justice. Check out the Pattern Revolution link above to see Laura's version. S...

So many critters outside my window most days. Here's a look at today's: This guy gets scared when he hears my camera focusing. He's hard to shoot (even through the window). There's always a squirrel here. Always. And here

The girls did the bulk of the holiday decorating this year and they did a really great job on the tree. I came across some ornaments that made me smile: Brinley's thumbprint reindeer ornament from last year (her first Christmas). A clay star ornament Cady made last year. And one that Paige made this year. Then there's the snow globes. I've been scared of snow globes most of my life. Every time someone touches one I'm SURE it's going to fall to the ground and shatter. Despite that, I really do like them. Paige collects them, and they all get grouped together and proudly displayed this time of year. Next year I'm pretty sure we'll need a new table for them. Here are three of her favorites. There's a wreath on the door, a small village of houses that Jason prides himself in playing with setting up, and some lights outside the house. That's about the extend of our decorating... But then there's the elf. If she ever doe...

Yep - I cooked. There's not much I can cook that doesn't come in a box or plastic wrap. That, and the fact that we don't have a lot of time to cook during the week should result in a certain level of shock around the inter webs. I little over ten years ago I made my first lasagna. I never really liked lasagna (most lasagnas have too much sauce or ricotta). Common sense hit me. Make it yourself and control the amount of pasta sauce. Duh. Here goes nothing... I grabbed my ingredients: Ground Beef  Lasagna Noodles Small container Cottage cheese (mix with one egg)/ OR ricotta Cheddar cheese (1 pack finely shredded) Swiss Cheese (2 packs sliced)  Mozzarella cheese (3 packs shredded) Spaghetti sauce  Parmesan cheese (optional) Now...before we start, you can layer your lasagna however you want, but this is how I do it: Add an egg to your mixer. I do this first because it's easier to find any rogue egg shells. Then I add in my pasta sauce. Any sauce ...