BEST DARN HAM SANDWISHES YOU'LL EVER HAVE!!!

My cousin shared these rolls on facebook today and I had to share them with you.  Also...I needed to put them on here so I could create a pin for them.  Such a quick and easy way to provide dinner for the masses without spending too much time in the kitchen.  Especially as the weather warms up.  Hope you enjoy them.

Ingredients:

2 -12 packages of sweet Hawaiian rolls (the small dinner roll looking ones)
1 1/2 lbs of Virginia ham (NOT honey ...ham)
12 slices Swiss cheese
1 stick of real butter
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
1 teaspoon poppy seeds

Directions:
You will need two 9 x 13 pans. Place the bottoms of 12 rolls in each pan. Place ham (about 2 shaved slices or so) on the rolls. Cut the cheese slices into 4 parts and place 2 small pieces on each sandwich. Put the dinner roll tops on. In a sauce pan, mix butter, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder and poppy seeds. Wait until all butter is melted and then brush the melted mixture over the ham sandwiches. Cover with foil and let sit in fridge for 1 hour or over night. (If you want to bake them right away, you can also.) Preheat oven to 375 and bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve. They are great hot and even at room temperature Enjoy!
 

Friday's Feature {Super Easy Dutch Oven Bread}

For me and my family 

summer time = camping time 

and camping time = dutch oven cooking.  

So, I decided to feature this Super Easy Dutch Oven Bread .  You can find this recipe and several others over at From Dahlias to Doxies.

Rules:

• Any creative idea will do
• No selling or promoting, so no etsy stores
• Giveaways are now permissible ONLY if they are a handmade object
• Grab a button to link back to this blog
• Start sharing!
• And don't forget to check out other link party projects.

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Friday's Feature {How To Make A Terrarium}

I'm loving this DIY terrarium that was made by Kandi from Woven Home.  Such a simple way to add just a touch of spring to a room.  Unfortunately, this would not work with my three little girls running around, but it's definitely on my "things to make once the girls are older" list. Rules:

• Any creative idea will do
• No selling or promoting, so no etsy stores
• Giveaways are now permissible ONLY if they are a handmade object
• Grab a button to link back to this blog
• Start sharing!
• And don't forget to check out other link party projects.

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Card Board Creations

Isn't it great when you come to discover that your kids love playing with a card board box more than any store bought toy.  A few weeks ago my girls and I discovered just how fun a plain card board box can be.

When I had originally made this little "house" for my girls I simply taped two boxes together, cut out some windows, then a door, and had two happy little girls on my hands.

When I pulled it out from storage to be played with again, I thought I would be fun to add a few embellishments.  So, I pulled out their kitchen, camping chairs, some books and baskets, and then let their little imaginations run wild.

While I sat watching them play my own imagination took off.  I decided that their little home needed some "homey" touches. So, I cut up an old sheet and used some ribbons and push pins to hang up some curtains.  Then, we hung up some art work thanks to some old Ensigns we had on hand.  Finally we added a bench with a vase full of flowers.

The place was really looking like something you would find on the Parade of Homes.  However, it was the idea of my oldest daughter to open the box up and create a wider space to live in.  After all who really wants to live in a box.

With my help we opened everything up.  Their little home was finished complete with a gourmet kitchen, a sitting room and reading room, and a pleasant little entryway.  Not bad for and afternoon of play which lasted a full two days.  It would have lasted much longer than that, but by the morning of the third day I was ready to have my living room back to normal.
What card board creations have you come up with lately?

Friday's Feature {Paint Chip Matching Game} and Link Party

I love, love, love this idea from Sew Fantastic!!!  It's absolutely brilliant and too cute.  In fact I loved this idea so much I ended up pinning it onto Pinterest.  And, before we headed out of town this weekend (we've been overdue for a family vacation) I decided to make these for my girls to play while we're camping.  Such a simple concept, but something that is sure to keep the kids busy and having fun for hours.  Well, maybe not hours, but long enough for me to start a load of laundry.

Rules:

• Any creative idea will do
• No selling or promoting, so no etsy stores
• Giveaways are now permissible ONLY if they are a handmade object
• Grab a button to link back to this blog
• Start sharing!
• And don't forget to check out other link party projects.

DIY Custom Framing

We recently participated in a very special wedding ceremony and reception for my daughter's birthmom.  This was such a great day for our family, and we wanted to make sure that we had the perfect gift to give to the newlyweds.  I decided that I wanted to give them a large framed picture of the Draper Temple that they could hang in their home.

After searching the internet for just the right picture I found this one at Inspirational Art Shop.

I loved the antiqued look and the large frame which measures at 47x29.  This particular piece of art sells for $318.00 which unfortunately was out of the budget.  So, I decided to recreate this look all on my own.  Easy enough right!?  Well, it was just that...EASY!!!

First, I had to locate the ideal image. Lucky for me I found the perfect picture at Lil' Luna.

She offers a wide variety of FREE temple images. I simply saved the image I wanted onto my computer and went into Sam's Club photo shop to enlarge, edit, and have it printed.  The total cost for all of that was $6.35.
Then, I headed over to Home Depot to pick up some base board and mdf handy panel hardboard.  The base board is what I used to create the actual frame and the handy panel is what I mounted the picture onto using some Tacky Spray that I already had on hand.
Total cost for those supplies was $18.25.  (FYI-The base board is sold by the foot and the handy panel was $6.42 for a 2x4 sheet.  I had the handy panel cut to the size I needed and will use the extra for future projects.)

Once my picture was glued to the handy panel I then sought the help of my friend Becky from the Crafting Chicks.  She has some amazing cream from Poppy Seed Creations that gives your photos a protective and textured coating that dries clear.  It also eliminates that photos finish/shine.

With the picture now ready to go I simply had to cut my base board.  For this project I needed the edges of the base board to be cut at a 45 degree angle in order to create the shape of the frame.  It's not necessary, but I would recommend that you use a miter saw for this step.  Once the wood was all cut I went ahead and painted each piece (front and back) a flat black.  You could use a nice paint, but I opted for spray paint.  It's quicker and easier to deal with.  The total cost for this process was $0.00.  I had a neighbor cut the word with their miter saw and Becky let me use a can of spray paint that she had on hand even though I was willing to get it on my own.

After my wood was done drying I simply used a staple gun to connect the frame pieces.  Then I mounted the picture onto the back of those pieces with a staple gun as well.  This is definitely a two man process.  You want to make sure all of the edges are nice and tight.  Again Becky offered her services.  (I have such great friends!!)

At this point all I had to was attach a hanger onto the back. I also covered the back side with some butcher paper to give it a nice clean finished look.  And that's my easy way of creating a custom looking frame on a budget.  Not too shabby for less than $30.00.

Indexing Volunteers Needed

On April 2, 2012, NARA released the digital images of the 1940 Unites States Federal Census after a 72 year embargo. These census images will be uploaded and made available on Archives.com, FindMyPast.com, National Archives, and FamilySearch.org.

Additionally, the entire 1940 census will be indexed by a community of volunteers and made available for free. The free index of the 1940 US census records and corresponding images will be available to the public for perpetuity.

I've actually been indexing for a few years now, but have recently been focusing those efforts on the newly released 1940 census since the need for volunteers to complete this project is in high demand.  Indexing is very easy to accomplish and something anyone can do.  It doesn't require a ton of time and is something that the entire family can participate in.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with indexing and census records let me give you a brief run down.  

When you begin indexing you are given a single census record image to index.  The image below is an example of what a census record from 1940 would look like.

Then you simply enter the information found on that image.  It's really as easy as that.  There is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to distinguishing the penmanship from back in the day so some mistakes are obviously made, however each census batch is indexed by two people which helps eliminate those simple errors.

If family history is something you would like to get involved with then indexing is really the place to start.  Becoming familiar with census records and learning how to read them is essential in searching out family ancestors.  To get started simply visit one of these two sites.  Family Search.org or The 1940 Census.

Friday's Feature {Frosted Grapes}

Once again, I found myself torn between two of your fabulous links.  I actually came really close to featuring both of them this week, but because I didn't have a spare dresser in my house in which I could convert into a gardening box, I decided to feature these Frosted Grapes from One Sweet Appetite.
I love this idea (something I never would have thought of) and I know my girls are going to love it too.  I especially love the versatility of this recipe.  Two ingredients that can be changed multiple times.

Strawberries with Strawberry Jell-O
Raspberries with Rasberry Jell-O
Red Grapes with Grape Jell-O
Kiwi with Strawberry Jell-O
or what about trying this with an instant pudding mix...
Bananas with Cheesecake or White Chocolate Instant Pudding
mmm..the possibilities are almost limitless.

Rules:

• Any creative idea will do
• No selling or promoting, so no etsy stores
• Giveaways are now permissible ONLY if they are a handmade object
• Grab a button to link back to this blog
• Start sharing!
• And don't forget to check out other link party projects.

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Easter Skirts

I just wanted to show off the skirts that I made for my three little girls for Easter.  I bought the paisley material last spring when it was on sale and ended up using some leftover fabrics from their quilts to create these three creations.  I didn't want them to be identical, however I did want them to compliment each other.  I love what I ended up with.  Although I will say that I did a ton of unpicking...more than I would like to admit.

I was going to give you a few step by step instructions on these skirts, but it's really self explanatory.  I simply sewed the separate fabrics together, added some ribbon, and put the elastic in the waste.  Easy Peasy!  I also made each of their hair clips (which I am in love with) and will be showing you how I did those next week.

Friday's Feature {Turquoise Love/Giveaway}

I love that we are now featuring your links on our Friday's Feature.  I love reading all of your posts and seeing all of the fun projects and creations that you are putting together.  However, I don't enjoy picking only one of the links to feature.  This week was no exception.  I finally decided to feature the link

Turquoise Love from My Champagne Taste. 

I decided to feature this link because it simply inspired me.  Right now I have secret wish to redo my entire bedroom in just these colors: dark grey and turquoise.  This revamp of her entire living room/dining room was just the inspiration I've been looking for.  I love some of the ideas and interior design that went into this makeover and just had to feature it.

I hope you find it as inspiring and refreshing as I did.  Also, right now on My Champagne taste she's having a great GIVEAWAY.  Click here for a chance to enter and win some fabulous stuff.

Sorry I got the link party up later.  Between General Conference and Easter...things get busy.

Rules:

• Any creative idea will do
• No selling or promoting, so no etsy stores
• Giveaways are now permissible ONLY if they are a handmade object
• Grab a button to link back to this blog
• Start sharing!
• And don't forget to check out other link party projects.

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Friday's Feature {Berry, Berry Good} and Link Party

Because strawberries are finding their way back into the grocery store, and my kitchen, I decided to feature these lovely (super easy to make) chocolate covered strawberries from acasarella.  I love the idea and am a huge fan of not spending all my time hand dipping each strawberry.  I can't wait to try this out with my girls.  They will love them.  Click here to get started on making your own chocolate covered strawberries.

Rules:

• Any creative idea will do
• No selling or promoting, so no etsy stores
• Giveaways are now permissible ONLY if they are a handmade object
• Grab a button to link back to this blog
• Start sharing!
• And don't forget to check out other link party projects.

<br /><center><a href="http://cookienut.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww91/pleasantsunday/Cookie%20Nut%20Creations/LinkParty.jpg" /></a><center><br /><br /></center></center>

Remodeled Doll House

I know I should have posted this forever ago, but I've been a little busy as of late.  So, as promised the doll house that was handed down to me and then makeover for my girls for Christmas.

BEFORE

AFTER

I actually decided to keep this very simple and gave the doll house more of a face lift than anything.  Yet, in spite of the simplicity of the doll house and the look I went with this project ended up being a bit more time consuming than I thought it would.  Here are some of the things I did.

First I ripped out all of the wall coverings and flooring and gave the entire thing a new coat of spray paint.  I wanted the "house" to look as "real" as possible, so I went with a nice basic khaki/tan color.  The drawers were missing their door knobs, so I bought some plain wood ones from Walmart and spray painted those the same neutral tan color.  Then, I used some Tacky Spray and Mod Podge to attach the brick scrapbook paper to the sides of the house and the two front drawers.  I used that same process for the interior walls.  I ended up using contact paper for the flooring on the two lower levels and the interior of the drawers and a piece of carpet remnant for the top floor. 
I knew that the top level of the house would be the "playroom" for the girls dolls, so I made a little banner from leftover scrapbook paper and hung that on the walls using Tacky Spray too.  I love the whimsical looks that creates and the pop of color that it adds.

My favorite part of the entire thing is the roof.  I know that sounds silly, but like I said I wanted this thing to look as real as possible.  At first I was going to use real shingles, but a friend quickly reminded me how messy shingles can be.  I didn't like the idea of vacuuming my girls room every evening, so that idea was thrown out the window.  While I was searching for the right color of spray paint I happened to stumble upon Stone spray paint.  This type of spray paint gives any surfaces a stone texture.  It was perfect.  The roof actually looks and feels like a real roof would.  Love it!!

My girls were in heaven when they saw this Christmas morning.  There are still some things that I would like to and need to do before this is 100% complete, but it's good enough for now and my girls absolutely love it.

The Girl's Quilts

I suppose it's time I come back from my "maternity leave" and start posting some of my projects again.  Although I must admit that the break has been really nice.  It's been a little more difficult to find time to myself with three kids all under the age of three.
These quilts below were a project that was truly a labor of love.  They may look mighty simple, but the flowers in the center gave me a run for my money.  I made these two twin (yes twin size) quilts for each of my girls beds.  Once I new we were expecting another baby I set to work to move our girls into another room and into their own beds.  That, of course, required new bedding and for some unknown reason I decided that I wanted their bedding to be homemade.  Never again :)

 I found the pattern for this quilt in the book

Fresh Impressions by Allison Jane Smith. 

You can see the pictures and follow the instructions here if you want to make one for yourself. 

The original dimensions for this quilt are 41" X 63", so I had to make my own adjustments to get the full twin size that I wanted. You'll notice that the original pattern has the flower off center, but that really wouldn't work on a bed, so I centered mine. I also wanted these quilts to be something that my girls could grow into and not out of too fast, so I went with more bold and bright colors and steered clear of the pastels.

All in all I'm very happy with how they turned out and how much my girls love them. I guess that's all that matters right!?