Easy Decorative Pillowcase!

We are gearing up for the holidays around our house, and I decided to give the family room pillows a facelift.

This thing I love about this project is that the pillow can be covered without damaging the original, which is great for ones that were handmade - or for sentimental race-day favorites, that just don't match the room, or have gotten a little shabby. And they are removable so they can be washed!

Directions, with pictures. Ready?

Step 1: Start with a doubled piece of fabric that is about 6-8 inches longer than the pillow (you can't tell that in the picture) and about an inch wider on each side. I use about a half inch seam allowance on these so I have wiggle room if they don't match up perfectly.

 
Step 2: Open the fabric. Place it good side UP on the table. Fold the bottom up so it covers about 3/4 of the pillow and the folded edge is at the bottom of the pillow. Iron the bottom edge.

Step 3: Fold the top down so the top fold is even with the top of the pillow. Iron the top edge. Now fold the edge back a few inches to make a little pocket. Iron that little pocket. This will make a nice finished edge on the pillow when you are done.
















Step 4: Put the side with the little pocket under the other flap.















Step 5: Take your inside-out pillowcase to the sewing machine and sew the two sides. When you sew don't fold anything just sew right on down each side in a straight line. In the pic I just folded it back to show the little pocket.

Step 6: Now turn the pillow case right side out.

Step 7: Put the pillow in the case. The fabric should overlap, creating a nice, closed fold. If you want you could add buttons, ribbon, or Velcro to keep the seam shut.

Ta-da! It's amazing how much new pillows can change the look of a room. For 3 yards of sale fabric I covered 3 pillows and made a runner for the coffee table with enough left over for a few random crafty things. Can't beat that!

Almost turkey time! Maybe...

When people find out that I am a vegetarian, their first response is often, "Really! What do you eat?" It does seem that as we enter the "eating" holidays, what to do about the turkey tradition comes up. You could always try Tofurky (ok, yeah, I'm not so sure about that one either).

Or you can hang with me for the week for some great meatless holiday recipes from around the web! 

Uncharted

Today I had my annual doctor's visit, and after logging my height, weight and blood pressure, the nurse asked if I had any medical history. "Nope," I replied. She started listing conditions as little questions: Diabetes? High blood pressure? Heart disease? "No," I replied again, "nothing." "Oh," she said, "That's what it said in your chart, but I thought it was a mistake."

A few minutes into the visit the doc asked the same questions about any new medical history. Ok, so I came from work on too little sleep, too much coffee, and probably limping a little from my run the day before, but did I look that bad? "I can make something up," I offered. "No" she said, "it's just unusual."

Unusual? Unusual to be 44 years old and healthy? I guess sometimes we forget to be grateful for the things right in front of us.

Boring? Really?

The youngest was lurking over my shoulder while I was looking for holiday ideas on Pinterest. We came across this cool idea to plant jelly beans that grow into lollipops overnight.

''Wow you were boring as a mom. I wish we had Pinterest when we were little.'' She was kidding of course because I was awesome even without it.

Locks of Love

The middle daughter decided it was time to lighten up for basketball season, and donated her hair to locks of love.

Ink

My oldest and I have been planning tattoos for more than a year. We decided to wait until both of us were ready and go together.

My daughter chose an infinity symbol because even the meanings of the infinity symbol are infinite. 

I chose an inscription from a ring that I have worn for several years, that has become a life affirmation - be brave. The best parts of my life have come through times that were scary or unknown.

Those words are a reminder to me to to step outside my comfort zone and do things I did not think possible (this does not apply to karaoke nights or hot wings contests). I chose the inside of my wrist - and "upside down" in the tattoo world, so that I can see it every day.

There's a rainbow in the closet!

The shirts in my youngest daughter's closet are organized by sleeve length then by color. I. Am. So. Proud.

A Day of Giving

My son and his girlfriend arrived back home on Thursday night. The airline was able to get them a flight out of JFK, since LaGuardia was still underwater (photo by JetBlue Airways).

All of our friends in the area have checked in and came through the storm unscathed, but there are so many who still need help. Check out what WABC-TV in New York is doing all day Monday.

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The Disney/ABC Television Group has designated Monday as a "Day of Giving" across network and syndicated programming spanning News, Daytime, Primetime and Late-Night, encouraging the tens of millions of viewers engaged throughout the day to help those impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Starting with "Good Morning America" all the way through to "Jimmy Kimmel Live" the network will be raising money for relief efforts.

Donations to the Humane Society and the American Humane Association are also needed to help rescue stranded pets and aid animals currently in shelters.

Warriors, we are not.

The middle daughter and I did P90X yoga tonight. Is it wrong that as the video was starting she walked in eating out of the bag of chips as I was chugging the last of my glass of wine?

Sounds like Texas to me....

Today I had a phone meeting with one of the vendors I have been working with for a few months. He has a southern drawl and conversation always comes before business.

He was so excited that his office was dressing up for Halloween - and he could wear his normal clothes. Today he left the house in his black boots, baby blue cowboy shirt, and back hat - even had his holster and gun.

When his coworker asked if the gun was real he replied, "Well, it don't make much sense to carry one that's not."

Ye-haw. 

They do everything big!

My stepson and his girlfriend are on vacation in New York City. Of course they are. If our family didn't have bad luck, we'd have no luck at all.

Last night I called the airline to see what their options were, and got put into a callback que - with a 4 hour wait. Hearing this, they called right away to get in the cue too. Good thing, because when I answered the callback I got disconnected without even talking to anyone. They did reach a representative, who told them that all flights out were full.

The hotel was very helpful and extended their stay. They were still able to find flashlights, water, and snacks. They spent the rest of the day sightseeing until the wind forced them inside.

Now they are settled in awaiting the the storm in their hotel - which has become an evacuation zone for people in the financial district. What was a nice, normal vacation has become an epic story, thanks to Hurricane Sandy.

Still, they are relatively safe. I hope the same for all of our friends on the east coast.

NASA image courtesy LANCE MODIS 
Rapid Response Team at NASA GSFC.

Frankenstein, a Mummy, and Spiders!

Just in time to mail!

We are the 30%

Back in February of 2010, our $3000 free puppy had surgery to repair his torn ACL. Did you know that 30% of dogs who tear one wind up tearing the other? Yep. This week, our dog was became the $4500 puppy.

His first day home he slept almost the entire time, thanks to a hefty round of pain medication. A week later he is moving around and beginning to put weight on it. Now the hard part begins. Rehab is incredibly important, and dogs are ready to run, jump, and climb long before the repair is healed. At least we aren't dealing with snow too.

Some people think $4500 is too much to spend on a pet, and I know others would spend their life savings if it would make a difference. For me, it will be worth every cent to see him blasting across the dog park again!

now I run

Last summer, after years of telling myself and others that I don't run, I started running so that I could be part of my middle daughter's sport. I have come so far from where I started a year ago.

This weekend I ran the 5K while my oldest completed her first half marathon. Not only did she finish, she was within her goal for time and placed in her age group.

 I am so lucky to have kids who inspire and encourage me to be better!

all the things you missed as a kid

Last night the oldest and I were hanging out.

I was watching tv when I heard from over her laptop, "Bath tub crayons? No way!"
"Are you on Pinterest?"
"Um, no?"

Yeah, right.

like singing the alphabet

The youngest and I were watching the WNBA game together, and she noticed the song in the background during one of the time outs.

Her: Aw remember that song? That's um...
Me: Usher?
Her: Yeah. Oh, what's the name of that song?
(waiting while she sings along to the song)
Me: Did you get to the title of the song yet?
(more singing)
Her: Oh, ha, yeah. 

time flies

This morning I woke up really tired - because I started watching youtube videos in bed to fall asleep and 10:30pm became 1:30am.

When I told the youngest, she said, "Yep. I know what you mean. One minute you're watching Jimmy Kimmel and the next you're searching for soccer tricks."

Yeah, kinda. 

Can I have a minute to debate that?

Against our better judgement we watched the pre-election debates tonight. It was everything I thought it would be, and I felt I wasted the whole evening. On the way up to bed the middle daughter says, "Well at least SNL will be good this week!"

Ok, maybe not a total waste.

we know everyone

My husband and I have lived and worked in the same area for so many years, that whenever we go anywhere we always seem to know people. It happens so often that the kids are surprised when we go the mall or dinner and don't run into a co-worker, neighbor, or former student. A few months ago the oldest told me that as a kid she stayed out of trouble because she believed that we knew people everywhere.

Given this, I know I should not find it odd that we have bought things off Craig's list twice... and both times, we knew the seller.

Water anyone?

What? We have athletes.

Today I opened the cabinet and one bottle fell over, then, like the single bowling pin that teeters in slow-mo while everyone stands waiting, sent 15 years of water bottles crashing onto the kitchen floor. I guess this is a sign.

Suit Up!

Since the kids were little, they have wanted a swimming pool. This year the timing, budget, and the stars in the sky aligned... and we bought a pool. I worried that it was too small to actually be much fun, but we spent ALL summer in the pool. And I'm sure it didn't hurt that it was the hottest summer on record.

How small is it?

This weekend we went to visit my dad who lives in a small town in the middle of Iowa. How small is it, you ask?

On a local radio commercial, the announcer said, "We're located a mile past the stop light." A mile. Past the stop light. The light - THE ONLY ONE.

During dinner I asked the server if we could make it to the local race track in ten minutes. She replied, "Ten minutes? Oh, Lord honey, how big do you think town is?"

And you know the blue signs on the highway that tell you what attractions and amenities are coming up at the next exit? I know, you can't tell in the picture, but trust me... it's BLANK.

Small town

This weekend we are visiting my dad, spending some much needed time relaxing. The small town pace is so different and welcome.

When the kids were little they loved that we let them go all over town alone. They had no idea that in a town of 400 people, everybody knows when the grand kids are visiting, and we got updates all day long.

My favorite part of visiting has always been how the kids adapt and find things to do. I love that that hasn't changed as they've grown up.

Lost in a good book

One of the cats

Climbing trees

When I was a kid...

When I was a kid, summer got so hot you could cook an egg on the driveway. Oh wait, that's now.

Hot? Pfft.

This is July 4. This is 104 degrees. This is the electric company trying to restore our power. Good thing our city's celebration has a festival with a beer tent.

Best Parade Plan. Ever.

Our community has a big Independence Day parade, and our family is usually connected with at least one group that's marching. I took this picture from the route with my phone:

a soundtrack for life

The youngest and I were in the car talking, and she said, "Wouldn't it be cool if there could be a soundtrack for epic moments. Like as the player starts driving to the hoop with the ball, the theme song comes on."

I gotta admit - that would be awesome.

Time for a little trim

and your little dog too

Tonight I came home from the grocery store to find middle and youngest daughter watching The Wizard of Oz on tv, dubbed the "Wizzer da Boz" by the youngest when she was little. The kids used to watch that movie all the time. The middle one said, "This movie is messed up. I don't remember it being this dark. I just remember her shoes. I loved those shoes."

So I had to share this picture of the three of them from one Halloween.... 

Wow, what a bucket list!

Our middle daughter's summer bucket list showed up on the laundry room door this morning. I hope some of these include me!

That's a wrap.

My husband is retiring from teaching after 30 years and tomorrow is his last day. This is what his students had made as a retirement gift.

Let me just set this here....

Middle daughter cleaned her room today. Can you tell?

Today on my drive into work

About the only thing we agree on in Wisconsin right now is the need to vote.

Now that's flocked...

I'd like to thank the high school kids who helped with our yard last night.

Now for the moment you've all been waiting for....

While my daughter was waiting for her travel arrangements to be finalized she had lots of time. So she found herself a Barnes and Noble and picked this up, because we want to see the movie... and everyone knows you have to read the book first because the book is always better than the movie.

Today in the garden...

I've got mail... and good mail, not the bill kind!

My oldest is doing a study abroad trip this month, but before she left she sent me this. I already know what it is, and I was hoping it would get here soon! Ah the suspense.

This week in the garden

This week in the garden we have Maltese with my new teal bistro table in the background.

I missed a whole season...

Just like that track season is over. Maybe because the weather was so nice, it seemed to go so fast. Welcome to softball season.

Put that in the win column!

To you that might sound like a dryer running, but it's really the sweet sound of victory.

Mom vs the dryer

God loves pole vault, I guess.

on guard

The thing about Border Collies is they like their herd all together where they are supposed to be, and get anxious when one is missing, like still not back from the track meet. :)

Both, I think.

I stopped for coffee in the afternoon during a pouring rain, and as I got to the counter I got a text from my daughter.

"Oh sorry," I said to the barista, "my daughter was supposed to have a track meet in this rain but it's canceled."

Without looking up she wishfully said, "The meet or the rain?"

Maybe proofreading is a 400 level class....

My daughter sent this to me today. They are posted all over her dorms at school.

Just pick a station... Haha!

Earlier this week I used my husband's car for an errand. When I got in the car all the radio presets were set to the same country station. In our family, there could be a perfectly logical explanation. I figured that our middle daughter, who often uses that car, got tired of the top 40 stations playing the same three songs and set them all to country. Or that she was getting revenge on a sibling for something.

Not so.

Last night the oldest and I had his car again, and she commented on the limited listening options. "Yeah, I know, I think your sisters were messing with it." "No, it's Dad doing that."

Turns out when the kids ask him to change the station, Mr. Technology holds the button down too long it it resets to the station they are already on. "Doesn't he notice it's the same station? Or don't you say something?" "Yeah, we tried to tell him and then he did it again so another one was set the the same station."

Ok, country it is...

Floppy sock

This morning I woke up early and was trying to be so quiet so everyone else could sleep in for the first Sunday in ages. I made coffee and didn't even disturb the dogs. As I turned to get the cream I stepped in a giant puddle of cold water leaking from the fridge - my sister's family calls this floppy sock, and I hate floppy sock.

The fridge had been leaking for a while, like for-a-year while. A friend said it was probably a clogged drain tube, so we just wiped up the water in the bottom of the fridge once a week until we had time to deal with it, which was today because I HATE FLOPPY SOCK!

So I got on google. That brings the list of things fixed through the magic of google to: the dryer belt, the dryer blower wheel, the car stereo, and the fridge.

And because that wasn't enough fun for one day, later in the afternoon the washer overflowed the wash sink in the laundry room, to the point that we were using quilts to mop it up and the basement is scattered with plastic bins while the storage area dries out. Floppy sock again, for the second time in one day.

So glad we don't have a dishwasher....

and in this corner....

Two of the kids had friends sleep over last night. I'm not sure how they decided who would get which room, but this is what I found when I woke up this morning:

In the living room

In the family room

Brrrr.

Today the oldest participated in a polar plunge for charity. 42 degrees. Couldn't pay me enough.

All sugared up!

Today one of my coworkers organized a cupcake extravaganza, and I ate cupcakes ALL day, and I mean ALL day. Before I fall over into a cupcake coma, here are the recipes for my two contributions:

Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes from Joylicious

1 package graham cracker crumbs
1 1/2 sticks of butter
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
12 Tbs unsalted butter
1 cup + 2 Tbs sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
4 large egg whites
2 cups chopped fresh strawberries

Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix graham cracker crumbs with butter using a food processor. The mixture should hold together when pressed with fingers, add more butter if needed. Press about 1 tablespoon of the crushed graham cracker into the bottom of each prepared muffin tin and bake for 3-5 minutes or until slightly browned.

In a medium bowl beat the egg whites until stiff, glossy peaks appear, about 3-4 minutes, be careful not to overbeat. Set aside. In a small bowl, mix the flour, baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy, then add the vanilla and beat on a low-speed. Add half the flour mixture, then mix in the sour cream or yogurt. Add remaining flour and mix until just blended.

Gently fold 1/3 of the egg into the batter until combined. Do not over-mix the egg whites or the cake will fall flat. Add remaining egg and fold in the chopped strawberries. Fill each muffin tin about 3/4 of the way and bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Top with cream cheese frosting and fresh strawberries.


Chocolate Hazelnutella

Make chocolate cupcakes using a box mix or your own recipe and let them cool completely.

Filling:
4 tablespoons softened butter
1/2 cup of chopped hazelnuts
1/2 cup of Nutella
1 cup of rice krispies crushed in food processor
2 to 3 tablespoon of heavy cream
1 cup of powdered sugar

Use a spoon to scoop out the inside of the cupcakes (save the pieces for later).Mix butter and Nutella together until well blended. Add powdered sugar, rice krispies, and nuts. And heavy cream  a little at a time until the filling is spoon-able, but thick. Use a spoon to fill the cupcakes. Replace the little pieces you cut out (like a jack-o-lantern).

Frosting (white butter cream):
1 stick butter
2-3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
up to 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Soften the butter, but don't melt it. Add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth. It should be really thick still. SLOWLY, as in a teaspoon at a time, add cream until the frosting is the texture you want. I replaced the vanilla and most of the cream with Hazelnut flavored Torani syrup (like the Starbucks coffee syrups). Frost the cupcakes and sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts.

Yum, yum, yum.

 A preview of things to come....Tomorrow more pics and recipes!

Strawberry Cheesecake with Cream Cheese Butter Cream

Overheard at Starbucks today...

Dad: (to teenage son dancing around) What's up buddy? Have to go the bathroom?

Teenage son: Daaad (roll eyes).

Dad: Are you nervous? Got a crush on a girl here? Having a baby?

Teenage daughter: (look at Dad with raised eyebrows and OMG expression).

Teenage son: Dad, seriously?

Dad: (with dude, I'm a cool dad face) Whoa, good thing you're not having a baby because when your mom and I---

Teenage daughter: DAD. STOP. TALKING.

sleep-shopping

This morning I went in to wake up middle girl and after the third time she snoozed me I said, "Honey, you have get up right now."
"But everything's on sale."
"Huh?"
"Oh, haha. I was dreaming that I was shopping and everything in the store was on sale."

headed North

This guest post, from my youngest daughter....


Welllllllll.................... so here's the story! My mother, being the crazy adventurous child at heart she still is, decides, HEY. Let's go see the Northern lights! So we all packed up and got ready to head out with a box of cereal and iced tea in hand. We headed North, picking up my sister on the way, and set out to find the Northern lights. However, me just being done with my softball practice, and my sister just finishing her exams, dropped off fairly early. We both woke up, briefly, to look when we had gotten as far North as our time would allow us to go in order to get back in time. We didn't end up seeing any more than a red haze out in the sky; the northern lights were actually, as we would find out later, best visible on the other side of the planet! So we turned around and headed home, stopping only at a little truck stop with bakery treats, some of which were larger than myself! We got home around 4 in the morning and didn't make it far into the house before we dropped off fell into a practical hibernation. Although we did not get to see the Northern lights as expected, I realized that it isn't the destination that is the most important, but rather the events that occur on the trip there. yep, i run deep. :)

Just a little?

Seeing the Northern lights is on my bucket list. I added it last fall, and it's the only concrete thing on there so far. So when the news started forecasting one of the best displays yet, I jumped on the chance to see them. The kids had off school the next day, and I had just cleared my work schedule earlier in the day - it seemed as though the stars, or at least the super-charged electrons hurtling toward Earth, were lining up for me.

We hopped in the car at 10pm and drove North, as far as we could. No sign of the Northern lights, this time. This was still one of the better all-nighters I've spent.

Maybe next time....

at least it's something...

Snow. Finally. It's just an inch or two, but it's still snow.