I’m happy today to be part of the Campbell’s Soup “What’s for lunch?” discussion. Because if you’re a mom, that’s a question you hear just about everyday. Do you ever wonder how much food goes into the garbage at your kid’s school? I shudder to think about it.  You can send broccoli or blueberries in […]

I’ve never shown the finished quilt that my 10-year-old daughter Emma made for her doll Ruthie. She machine pieced the Dresden Plate and borders and appliqued the plate by hand. The other thing she did by hand was the quilting.  Yes, I did think about having her restitch this section.  I have concerns about its […]

Yesterday afternoon my girls each invited over a friend to make crayon hearts using this tutorial from Martha Stewart. They were so easy and fun to make.  And once we hung them in the windows, they prettily catch the light. As an after school snack for the kids I made a plate of Valentine Peanut […]

Since my good intentions went by the wayside, and I didn’t have a chance to post photos before… or even on Halloween, I thought I’d share some of what has been keeping me busy for the past week. Ben was Robin Hood this year.  I was so happy that at least we were able to […]

The past few days my kids have been out of school for Fall Break.  Last Thursday, on the first day of their break, we took a trip to the zoo. While we were there my son began complaining about a sore throat and headache.  By the time we got home, he headed straight for his […]

My kids started school yesterday.  I watched them climb the steps of the school bus with a great twist of my heart.  I am not ready for them to go.  They are growing way too fast. But like it or not our summer is over and my kiddos are another grade older. Since my girl’s […]

Our summer has almost come to an end.  My kids start school in one week.  After a few weeks of us all staying up WAY too late to watch the Olympics, it’s time to get back a semblance of order.  Even if I do have some withdrawal from watching Rhythmic Gymnastics (have you ever seen […]

We’re pleased as punch about the start of the London Olympics around here. With opening ceremony tonight I’m planning a fun little English meal of Fish and Chips.  Since my husband lived in England for a few years I hope my version is up to snuff.  At least I’m armed with Sarson’s Malt Vinegar, so […]

We spent a long weekend camping near beautiful Capital Reef National Park. Oh, how I love my home state of Utah. We stayed in one of our favorite cool, high-mountain, pine-shaded campgrounds.  It was out of the heat and perfect for relaxing. My sweet husband got to try out a nap in the hammock we […]

My kids will be out of school tomorrow.   “Holy Cow!  School just started, like, yesterday…” I’m actually looking forward to having my kids home this summer and the time we get to spend together. But I know from the past that I need some structure or summer will be hard. I’ve been working on a […]

This lovely bouquet of peonies came from a friend.  Peonies usually are blooming for Memorial Day here and lots of the older homes in our area have them in their gardens.  They were often the flower of choice to cut and take to the graves. When I was a kid, Memorial Day was for visiting […]

My girls went on a sleepover to their Nan’s house over the Spring Break last week.  While they were there they had a little quilting lesson… and took full advantage of her wonderful 30’s fabric collection. One Dresden Plate quilt and one hexagon for their 1930’s dolls- very time period appropriate I’d say. The hexagon […]

This week has been our Spring Break and we had planned a wonderful camping trip to Goblin Valley in Southern Utah. The weather had other plans.  A large storm, spanning the whole state showed up in the weather forecast on the day we were supposed to leave and showed rain/snow through the weekend. Being in […]

A few months back I went out to lunch with a friend and she brought a lovely pillow to share that she had just finished putting together. Sometime after the lunch I was talking on the phone with my mom and mentioned Amy’s wonderful pillow and that it made me want to start sewing hexagons […]

Last December I walked in the door after a looooong day of working with my mom to see my husband and kiddos sitting in a circle looking like the photo above. I had been up and out the door at 5:00 am and it was now 6:30 pm.  I took one look at my family […]

It’s one of my favorite days of the year. We pulled off costumes with MUCH less effort than in years past.  Yeah!  No sewing until 1:00 AM on Halloween’s Eve.  Lots of hot glue and lots done by my kids. But the costumes still turned out wonderfully… and cheaply thanks to recycled dance clothes, used […]

What are you going to be for Halloween? My daughter took one look at this wonderful Mummy costume and knew ancient Egypt was calling her name.  Emmahotep. This costume fit exactly what I was looking for too… a costume that used materials I had on hand and was light on sewing. The Mummy costume was […]

This week has been a whirlwind of cooking, canning, and costumes. Yesterday was spent with my friend Kate for our annual day of canning applesauce.  We’ve both looked forward to this day for months, despite a mishap riddled canning day last year. Yesterday was our best applesauce day ever.  The apples were so tartly sweet […]

Maybe I had one too many bad dental experiences as a kid. Even if it’s just cleaning and checkup (as an adult, mind you)  I lay back in that dental chair and tense right up.  Before I know it my hands are in fists and the poor dental hygienist soothingly asking me to relax. Yes, […]

As part of the Arm & Hammer Switch & Save Challenge, I’m reviewing the Spinbrush ProClean Toothbrush today. My husband and I have used an expensive sonic electric toothbrush for quite a few years now and I am a big believer in how well my sonic toothbrush cleans my teeth. A good toothbrush is an […]

I was thinking about how (in the good old days) we used to scavenge our Halloween costumes from the attic or from the thrift store.  Sure, my mom would sew costumes here and there, but often we used our ingenuity, safety pins and a hot glue gun. I’ve always sewn fun costumes for my kids, […]

Did you know Fall is the perfect time of year for planting hollyhock seeds? If you have a friend who grows hollyhocks, it’s easy to gather seeds from their stocks.  Hollyhocks are one of those old fashioned flowers that are as generous as they are sweet and lovely.  Simply pick the spent flowers from the […]

It’s the same every year.  My girls can hardly wait for school to start.  They get a bit nervous, yes, but mostly the start of school is a fun time.  They love new clothes.  They love shiny new pencils and notebooks.  They love the productive routine of school and more time with their friends. My […]

Ha

This post was originally created for Skip to My Lou’s Craft Camp.  I am running it today so the tutorial is here on Make it Do too. Today I’m sharing a project that most of us have made or tried at least once in our life. It’s the original, “Can you hear me now?” No, […]

This past week we got together with our cousins for a little tie dye activity. We invited Jen, a tie dye expert, to come teach us how to tie dye. Jen has been tie dying for a long time… she estimated she has dyed well over a thousand items.  She was so organized and knowledgeable […]

Here is something fun in anticipation of the warm summer days to come, and the kids who will be out of school soon.  Lemon Coolers are a quick and easy treat. They are so easy, you can make them on a hot and drowsy summer afternoon. They are so fun and pretty, make them for […]

Summer vacation is just around the corner.  If I am totally honest with myself, I feel an equal amount of excitement and trepidation at the idea of having my kids at home full time. Yes.  I love spending lazy summer days with my kids…  but I also dread the lack of formal routine.  I know […]

Do you like April Fool’s Day?  Or hate it? It’s always a dangerous holiday around my mother-in-law.  She is famous for her pranks… both big and small. Here’s a few of her classics over the years: One year she replaced our license plate cover with a very, VERY corny cover.  My husband and I drove […]

I said on Monday that I am really trying to focus on the little things.  One of the things I know I will remember in years to come is teaching my kids to sew, garden and cook, of course.  While I haven’t had much luck getting my son interested in sewing- yes, I’ve tried.  Cooking […]

A day to fly kites might just be the perfect sort of spring day.  This week I am focusing on the little moments.  The ones that happen when you stop and smell the flowers.  Flying kites is just that kind of activity. On any given day, there are any number of more important things to […]

Every year on St. Patrick’s Day, my dear friend gives each of my children a card with a $2 bill. The tradition began when she was a child, when her own neighbor gave her a $2 bill each year on St. Patrick’s day. He told her a $2 bill was lucky. My kids sure think […]

It’s so easy to make these sweet little doll party hats.  All you need is a handy template, patterned scrapbook paper, scissors, glue, a pompom and round elastic cord. These hats are just the right size for a favorite doll… and are even perfect party hats for a tiny party. Click here to download my […]

My girls have done lots of handwork when it comes to sewing.  They’ve made pillows, dolls, stuffed animals and embroideries.  But up until recently we haven’t ventured onto the sewing machine. It’s not for lack of interest.  They’ve probably asked to learn every time they’ve seen me sewing for the last 3 years.  That’s more […]

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and we’ve been busy as bees creating Valentine gifts for friends and family. What sweeter gift to give than a little bit of honey? It makes a perfect gift for a teacher or a dear friend. If you would like to download the printable template I created click […]

We’ve been invited to a Monster Party. The invitation came with this darling Little Monsters Cookbook and a request that we choose a ghoulie dish to bring to the party.  All the recipes are designed for “Little Monsters” to make. We are still deciding what to bring…My kids are partial to these little Frankencakes…. I […]

To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter; to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird’s nest or a wildflower in spring – these are some of the rewards of the simple […]

I just saw the kids off at the bus this morning.  It’s the first day of school. As the bus drove away I felt the mixed feelings that I’m sure many other mothers feel… I am excited to be back to the wonderful routine that school brings.  I can’t wait to have kid free hours […]

Several years ago when my son entered 2nd grade, his teacher, Mrs. Smith helped each child in the class make a small time capsule.  They cut a piece of yarn to measure their height, and traced their hands and feet.  At the end of the year it was amazing to bring out the time capsules […]

The last few days of summer are getting the better of me…  And since I am on the run getting ready for school, and get kids shuffled to multiple birthday parties and activities… I thought I would post the tutorial for Marshmallow Shooter that I did for Skip to My Lou earlier this summer. Split, […]

My kids (particularly my son) love school lunch. They like the daily variety.  They love chocolate milk.  They like a warm meal… especially in winter.  They love dessert almost everyday.  They love Pizza Fridays. They don’t want to take home lunch. “Home lunches are boring!” Oh boy, what a dilemma!  Chocolate milk and dessert everyday […]

Queen of Hearts: Curtsy while you’re thinking. It saves time. Alice: [curtsying] Yes, Your Majesty, but I just wanted to ask you… Queen of Hearts: I’ll ask the questions! Do you play croquet? Alice: Why, yes, Your Majesty. Queen of Hearts: Then let the game begin! * * * * * * * * * […]

Since summer vacation started over a week ago, I have been trying to update the kid’s job charts. My husband and I have discussed long hours whether or not to give an allowance.  How many jobs should the kids have?  What is the best way to structure their responsibilities?  How can I take the pressure […]

Yep, I’m off to Craft Camp at Skip to My Lou today… and I’m sharing how to make easy Marshmallow Shooters with the kids. They are the most fun you can have with PVC pipe, guaranteed. Come on over for the tutorial and join in the fun.

The summer holiday is right around the corner.  Friday is the last day of school.  This year I’m meeting it with excitement and not just a little trepidation.  Summer means camping trips, picnics, and swimming at the pool. But it also means kids who no longer have a schedule built in.  If I don’t get […]

Part of the reason we had such a great trip to Disneyland was all the great advice I received from friends and family.  For anyone planning a trip in the near future, I thought it might be helpful to share some of the great tips. My friend Erin suggested that we find a hotel that […]

We got home late last night from a wonderful trip to Disneyland.  It know it’s a cliche… but it truly was a magical trip.  The crowds were relatively light, the weather was unseasonably cool (perfect in our book) and the kids were so much fun to be with.  Both my husband and I felt like […]

10 to 12 hours in the car is going to be a long trip for my kids.  It’s the longest drive we’ve ever made in one day.  To help pass the time,  I am putting together a travel car kit for each of them. Luckily for me, Martha Stewart created a very stylish and free […]

One of our butterflies emerged from it’s cocoon yesterday.  The excitement at our house was palpable. Then Ben spotted what he thought was blood dripping from the butterfly’s back…. and the joy turned to despair.  “What if it’s going to die?  How sad, it just became a butterfly and it didn’t even get to fly.” […]

I don’t normally consider myself a prude.  But even still, there’s not much worse than being in a crowded movie theater with your little kids… and having something really inappropriate pop up on the screen. Last year, I took my kids to see Coraline… a movie I was just as excited to see as the […]

Somethings a little askew with Emma today. She is definitely out of sorts. Could it be that her front tooth is hanging by a thread? I have a snaggle-tooth daughter.  I’m sort of getting a Nanny McPhee vibe. Her sister Lily tried to show her how easy it is to pull out your top front […]

Yesterday Ben and I went to the bank and to open his very own savings account.  In went the money he has earned by taking care of our neighbor’s cats while they are on vacation, lemonade stand earnings, and birthday money. The savings account was his idea.  Up until now he has kept his money […]

No frozen, canned, or even fresh pea from a grocery store ever tasted as good as one picked right from your garden. This morning I was able to get out into my garden and plant peas.  The traditional day for planting peas is St. Patrick’s day.  But I figure I’m still in the right neighborhood. […]

My kids love Honey Nut Cheerios. I don’t. Have you ever read the label?  Honey Nut Cheerios is chuck full of of sugar.  It only has slightly less sugar than Honeycombs, Lucky Charms or Golden Grahams- all cereals I would put in the dessert rather than healthy breakfast category.  Cheerios only has 1 gram of […]

Yesterday was my first sewing lesson for our after school clubs at our local elementary school.  Since my class is mostly 1st and 2nd grade students, my thought was to keep it simple.  I decided to teach one type stitch and sew a project to accompany it each week. I made these little sewing cards […]

Looking for a bit of St. Paddy’s day fun with the kids?  We’re going to be watching this old classic. Do you remember it?  It’s Darby O’Gill and the Little People.  And it was one of my favorites as a kid.  I loved the leprechauns, the trickery, and the music… “Oh she’s my dear, my […]

Top of the Mornin’ to ya.  First off I wanted to thank you all for your encouraging words in response to yesterday’s post.  Even though I had determined myself not to let criticism bother me… your support really lifted my spirits.  Thank you. Now to a bit of St. Paddy’s Day fun. After I finish […]

I haven’t been feeling well, and I really wanted some comfort food for dinner last night. Homemade bread sticks and easy tomato soup were just what the doctor ordered. These bread sticks are so quick and easy, you only need a fork to mix them.  And Lily, who is 7, loved to help me roll […]

Here’s a bit of what we’ve been up to around our house.   A little Bird House for Emma’s Valentines.  We made it out of an old box.  Emma painted and punched and glued to her heart’s content. And a tree for Lily to “squirrel” her Valentines away.  Do you recognize the container for oatmeal?  How […]

Since I lived off of chocolate over the holidays, I am turning over a new leaf with some healthy snacks around the house. The kids need them too… after school snacks.   Here’s a few we’ve all enjoyed lately: Edamame:  I love edamame when they serve it in a restaurant.  But I’d never thought about buying […]

Memories of my childhood Christmases are filled with wonder.  I think of big snow, a new doll, and a warmth in our hearts that had nothing to do with our wood burning stove. We never had big Christmases.  My parents didn’t allow us to ask Santa for a long list of gifts.  My mother’s rule […]

Last week Janean, a dear friend of my mother’s, dropped by my mom’s while we were baking together.  She had read on my Holiday Calender that our family would be making gingerbread houses this weekend. She brought us a delightful surprise.  Her husband, who owns a cabinet making company, had made Candy Cottage Kits to […]

Yesterday my friend Cherie’ invited my children to her home for an activity.  Cherie’ is one of the most thoughtful and generous people I know.  This year she had a great idea to get the kids into the true Holiday spirit. The local food bank is really struggling this year because so many people are […]

This past weekend our family visited A Step Back in Time Nativity in Alpine, Utah.  Amid the hustle and bustle of the season, we always look forward to this tradition.  We had to bundle up and brave the bitter cold of the evening.  But, despite frigid temperatures, we were all touched by the loveliness of […]

Last Christmas our family received a wonderful gift from a friend. It was called The Elf on the Shelf.  And it was an instant sensation at our home.  After a short debate, the little red elf who came in the box was named Ralphie.  (With a nod to A Christmas Story.)  And he was placed […]

Every year,  since my husband and I were married we have bought a new Christmas book. We’ve bought some wonderful books over the years, but Red Ranger Came Calling by Berkeley Breathed is one of our most beloved books. My husband won’t be happy that I’m writing about this, but he gets choked up every […]

Since our kids were little, we’ve bought a game each year for Thanksgiving.  It was a tradition that came from my husband’s family.  His grandparents gave them a new game every year when they came for Thanksgiving dinner. Since everyone is on a holiday from school and work, a new game is always a hit […]

Last year we received a snowman kit from one of my dear friends as a Christmas gift.  A few days after the gift arrived, we had an epic storm and the kids spent hours playing in the snow and building their wonderful snowman. It was such a fun idea, and I was sure I could […]

During the Holidays, I love gifts that either make my life easier or are a fun activity for my family.  Today’s Make it Do gift idea does both. Several months ago the fabulously talented Bakerella had a post about cookies in a jar- Cowgirl Cookies.  And my first thought was what a perfect gift for […]

I’ve done it again.  I’ve somehow managed to leave costume-making to the last minute, despite best intentions.  I’ve finished my girls Hogwarts school uniforms- a little Ginny and Hermione. But my son’s Quidditch costume, which I have had to completely design is still in the early phases.  If I am up until 2:00 am tonight […]

Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble. – William Shakespeare It’s getting spooky around here… and the little witches love it.  Even though she can hardly see above the rim of the cauldron. I always look forward to decorating for Halloween… and I love that many Halloween decorations don’t have to cost […]

Are you looking for ways to entertain the family this Halloween?  Why not scare the daylights out of the kiddies? The other night we made caramel apples with the kids.  We used Honeycrisp apples and rolled them in melted caramel and then into crushed Butterfinger bars.  They were so good! Then we popped a big […]

I love Halloween books to read aloud.  OK… so my favorites aren’t a bit scary… just funny and even inspirational. Take the poetry book Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich by Adam Rex for instance.  Turns out, Frankenstein is a “Make it Do” kind of guy.  When he goes to his cupboard to make lunch he discovers […]

I am writing about costume ideas for boys with the hope that it may spark some wonderful idea for a costume for my son.  At age 9, he is so worried about having an older kids costume.  The other day he said he wanted to be a Vampire Bat… but when we went to Simplicity […]

Yesterday I tried to finish a few sewing projects.  But my sewing machine was acting up on me.  I really hope it’s alright and that it is something simple!  I think I need to run it into the sewing shop and have it checked out. I also had a long to-do list yesterday, and I […]

I had my first chokecherry pie while visiting friends at their ranch in Swan Valley, Idaho several years ago.  I have to admit, I am not a big fan of cherry pie, so I was a bit skeptical.  But to my delight and surprise, it was an absolutely delicious pie… tart and flavorful. The next […]

At Lily’s request I made Peanut Butter Cup cookies for the first day of school.  This meant an extra trip to the grocery store for Peanut Butter Cups… but these cookies are a favorite of all three of my kids and I wanted to make something special for the first day of school. I was […]

It’s an old joke that children have more fun with the box their gift came in, than with the gift itself. I can vouch for that!  My children have always had a thing for cardboard boxes.  Apple boxes became cars when they were smaller… shoe boxes have been made into leprechaun traps… and they love […]

Are your kids getting bored this Summer? Here’s a few ideas that are so old they might just seem fresh and new. Old fashioned games are usually inexpensive… perfect for “Make it Do.”  And they take me back to my childhood (does that make me old?)  But best of all they are really fun. Jump […]

When I was in college at the University of Utah, I worked at the most delightful bookstore, The Children’s Hour in Salt Lake City.  One of my favorite authors/ illustrators was the husband and wife team, Don and Audrey Wood.  I loved (and still love) their clever, funny stories and bright, cheerful illustrations. Then I […]

My kids affectionately call homemade pajama bottoms “Cozies”  and they prefer them to anything from the store by a mile. I just finished these sweet little owl fabric pajama bottoms for Emma yesterday and after sleeping in them last night, Emma asked if she could wear them during the day today.  I asked if they […]

What are you doing for the 4th of July?  How about some retro fun?  I’ve noticed that most old fashioned activities don’t cost much… and they are lots of fun.  I guess I can have my pie and eat it too. Here are a few ideas that might take you back a few years… Three […]

This weekend the kids and I made Salt Water Taffy.  It was a practice run for the 4th of July, when pulling taffy will be one of the activities for all of the kids.  I figured I better work out the kinks before I make it for a crowd.  It was so much fun we […]

Nothing cools you off better than a Popsicles.  And with today’s temperatures getting into the 90’s for the first time this year… we all could use a little ice cold refreshment. Popsicles are not expensive… unless you want to feed the kids something healthy.  For a while I bought Dreyer’s Fruit Pops.  But they are […]

With Father’s Day coming up, I asked the kids what they loved best about their Dad.  Without hesitation Ben said, “I love when Daddy reads to me.” Every night since Ben was a baby, Drew has read him a story.  In Kindergarten, they started reading “chapter books.” It’s something both of them look forward to […]

Are you ready for summer?  My kids are out of school at the end of next week.  Yikes!  There goes my “free” time. With finances tight… we aren’t going on any big vacations and expensive summer day camps are out.  So, I guess it’s up to me to keep the kiddies busy and happy.  I […]

We went to the park this past weekend to take some Spring pictures of the kids.  Instead of hiring a professional photographer, my husband Drew took the pictures.  It was a great way for us to “Make it Do” and have a fun outing at the same time. We got some sweet smiles… And a […]

There is something so happy about bubbles and kids.  My kids can sit out on the lawn and blow bubbles forever.  And I must admit, I love to join them. Is it the challenge of blowing the biggest bubble?  Or the most?  Or is it the fascination of watching them float lightly away on the […]

I love berries of all kinds.  A bowl of berries tastes better than chocolate… almost.  Now I’m thinking of berries covered in chocolate…. mmmm. Strawberries are the easiest berries to grow in your garden.  They aren’t mean and invasive like raspberries or blackberries.  And strawberries are my kid’s favorite.  Most of the berries I grow […]

The weather is still not cooperating with our Spring Break Plans.  With all the snow, we are feeling sorry for the “poor little birds who are out in the cold!”  So today we made pine cone bird feeders and Summer Suet, just perfect for our feathered friends. Making pine cone bird feeders is a great […]

“Making it Do” means looking at everything differently.  Instead of just throwing something into the recycling bin or the garbage, I ask myself… Could this be used for something else?  I am amazed how often the answer is YES when I get creative. It’s Spring Break and today we were going to make kites and […]

After a day at the zoo, what’s better than going out for pizza and a movie?  It might be making really delicious pizza at home, renting a great movie for a $1 at Redbox… and popping popcorn topped with fresh-grated parmesan cheese. Spending $15 dollars for a fun night in instead of $75 going out […]

It’s Spring Break this week and my kids wish we were going to Disneyland.  But, with the scary Economy, we just couldn’t splurge on a vacation. My goal: Make it Do and create a memorable vacation at home.  It’s just going to take a little planning, and a big attitude adjustment.  After brainstorming,   here’s my […]

When I was a kid, my Easter basket was filled with Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs, Peeps, and plastic eggs filled with jelly beans that we found on our Easter Egg Hunt.  There might have been a small toy or two, but I really don’t remember those.  I mostly remember getting a new dress and often […]

Lily and Emma have been talking about Brookie’s ugly doll for weeks…  “Brookie shared her ugly doll with me on the bus.  Will you help me make an ugly doll like Brookie?” Brooke is our darling 8 year old neighbor.  Santa brought her a sewing machine for Christmas.  And she has been putting it to […]

I admit it, I am in love American Girl Dolls.  If they had been around when I was a kid, I would have been in seventh heaven.  Luckily for me, Lily and Emma love them too.  Kit Kittredge and Ruthie Smithens are American Girls from the 1930’s.  Their stories teach resourcefulness, determination, and hard work.  […]

I woke up this morning to about 3 inches of snow (big sigh.)  But Saturday was almost 70 degrees and my whole day was spent in the garden.  The sun was shining and the soil is warming up.  The first signs of Spring are so welcome.  My forsythia just started blooming.   My crocus, pansies, and […]