My Kids, Reading, Cereal, and a Little Free Library

Wait, what? Am I in the right place? Where's the DIY I'm used to? Calm down bro. It's the same old me but with a slightly different post today. Don't freak out. I'm not sailing off in a new direction forever. Just for today.  Before I get to the deliciousness above, let me fill you in with a bit of back story.

I started this DIY blog 3 years ago. My intensions were only to have a place to keep record of all the things I made, and maybe show the 3 people that read my blog how to make those things too. Since then, it's evolved and grown a bit. I still LOVE making over furniture, taking trash and turning it into treasure, and shopping thrift stores until my legs give out. (Just finished a new table this week... can't wait to show you!) Don't get me wrong. But, because of my blog's growth, I've gotten some opportunities I never knew were even possibilities; some to do with DIY, some not. The best one being last year when I got to makeover a space at a local children's foster home. (Read about that here). No really. Because I revamp furniture, take some pictures, and write about it, I was given a bunch of money to use to make 18 foster kids' lives better. If that's not validation for keeping this little blog alive, I don't know what is.

So since then, I made a conscience decision to take on as many charitable opportunities as I can. Partnering up with Post Alpha-Bits and the Little Free Library was the next such opportunity. Still with me? 

Post Alpha-bits cereal is working with Little Free Library to spread messages of literacy, learning, and educational snacktivities across America and they've asked me to install a Little Free Library in my community. The libraries are small free-standing structures similar to large birdhouses. Anyone can take a book or leave a book. So simple, so great. Since my children are budding readers and we visit our own local library often, I was completely on board to share the love of reading with whoever I could. So cool right?

So to get you in the mood for reading, I cooked up a delicious snack which not only tastes great, it can also be used as a literacy learning tool with your kids too. We made Alpha-Bits cereal bars. The kids not only measured out the ingredients themselves, they also spelled words with the Alpha-Bits while snacking away.

Honestly, before this campaign I never bought Alpha-Bits. I always assumed they were too sugary (I know, I'm making a dessert here... but in general, we're a non-sugary cereal family). But I was pleasantly surprised to find they have 6 grams of sugar per serving (very comparable to the cereals I was currently buying), 20 grams of whole grains, and no artificial flavors. I just bought two new boxes this week. :)

Alpha-Bits Cereal Bars

Ingredients

4 cups Alpha-Bits

4 cups mini marshmallows

2 tbs butter

1/4 cup M&Ms

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

1. In microwave, heat butter and marshmallows in a large bowl in 20 second increments until they begin to melt. Stir frequently. Continue microwaving in small increments and stirring until smooth.
2. Add Alpha-Bits and fold to coat completely.
3. Press Alpha-Bits mixture into a 9" x 12" greased pan (I used a greased piece of wax paper to press with).
4. Sprinkle top with M&Ms (we used dark chocolate for the added antioxidant benefit) and press into place.
5. Refrigerate for about an hour or until firmly set.
6. Turn out onto a board and cut into bars.
7. (Optional) Thread a skewer into bars and dip in melted dark chocolate for an added special treat.

Can I just tell you how great they turned out? YUM! The kids have asked daily when we can make a new batch.

So follow me in the coming weeks to see our library, and where and how we install it. I'm so excited to be able to deliver another gift to my community thanks to this little corner of blog land. Head over to LittleFreeLibrary.org if you want to find out more about the program.

I was not compensated to participate in the Post Alpha-Bits/Little Free Library project. I did receive Post Alpha-Bits cereal to complete my recipe and a Little Free Library structure to install in my community.

Let's be friends!

20 DIY Dress Tutorials for Spring

Believe it or not, the weather will heat up and the days of boots and leggings with everything will fade in lieu of something lighter. If you're feeling adventurous, why not try sewing a dress this spring? It's easier than you think (and cheap!) to make something functional you'll love. 

Now, let's be clear. I'm not talking the kind of "dress" where you take your husband's shirt, tie a few quick knots around the girls, and hope nothing flops out as you hoist children in and out of the shopping cart. No. No. I'm talking an actual dress for women who maybe have birthed a few kids, who's parts might appreciate a supportive undergarment or two (hand raised enthusiastically), and who definitely will do moves similar to yoga to get said children through a public restroom unscathed. You need something cute, quick, and functional... I get it!  So prepare to shave those pasty legs and paint those neglected toes... spring is coming.

Here are 20 DIY dress tutorials perfect warmer weather that will keep your bits covered while being comfortable and maybe even look cute too. 

1. Simple Tank Top Dress - While They Snooze
2. Favorite Tee Dress - iCandy Handmade
3. Color Block Tank Dress - Sweet Verbena
4. Scooped Hem Beach Dress - Merricks Art
5. 30 Minute Jersey Sheath - I Still Love You by Melissa Esplin
6. Boho Maxie Dress - Sweet Verbena
7. Shift Dress - Elle Apparel
8. Tank Dress - A Small Snippet
9. Chevron Dress - Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop
10. 10 Minute Boxy Dress - Dream Catcher Baby
11. Go Anywhere Knit Dress - Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom
12. Wrap Dress - I Heart Jenny's Art
13. Casually Cute Knit Dress - Made It On Monday
14. Jersey Summer Dress - Zaaberry
15. Chevron Dress - One Little Minute
16. Maternity Maxi Dress - Sew Woodsy
17. 2 Yard Dress - Family Ever After
18. Nautical Dress - Elle Apparel
19. Sun Dress - Amelie and Atticus
20. Museum Tunic - Anna Maria Horner

Let's be friends!

St. Patrick's Day Printables

Happy March.  Just a quick post to let you know I made a few free St. Patrick's Day printables.  Hang them up while you drink some green beer and eat... Lucky Charms? Hey, whatever floats your boat. Click on the images below to download the printable 8" x 10" PDFs.

Let's be friends!

DIY Whale Art

Surprise! It's a virtual baby shower in honor of my friend Katie over at SewWoodsy.com and KatiesCucina.com. As some of you know, Katie and I are friends in real life and she's about to "pop" with her first bundle of joy. So, myself and several of Katie's blog buddies got together and are posting a virtual baby shower for Mr. and Mrs. Woodsy today. While Katie and Jon (Katie's husband) work wonders in the DIY world, Katie is also an accomplished cook and most of the blogs participating are from her food blog side. I hope you'll click around (links at the bottom) and enjoy the party. There's lots cooked up for you and a couple crafty projects thrown in.

Speaking of, since food isn't really my specialty, I went the crafty route and created a DIY version of Whale Art I saw on Katie's Nursery Inspirations Pinterest Board. While normally I wouldn't completely copy someone else's work, I knew Katie liked this print a lot and I didn't want to paint her something she wasn't so crazy about and then feel obligated to use it in her nursery. Know what I mean? Awkward.... So I stayed as close as I could to the original. The original is from Senn & Sons and is gorgeous. I just love how crisp, bright, and clean everything looks. They have several archival quality prints available in their shop here. You should go check them out.

For my version, I just bought 3 canvases at my local Michael's.

And painted one navy, one teal, and one light blue.

Remember to paint the sides for a finished look.

Then I free handed the whale (sorry, no short cuts this time) with a pencil and filled it in with white craft paint using a tiny brush.

The white didn't cover as well as I'd hoped so it took a couple coats.

And that's it. DIY whale art simple and sweet.

Can't wait to deliver the goods and meet the newest member of the Woodsy/Cucina household.

Now, have a stroll around and enjoy what everyone else has got cooked up. Lots of great ideas with busy families in mind.

Easy Broccoli & Cheddar Soup from The Little Kitchen 

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers from Cook the Story 

Individual Tortilla Caprese Pizzas from a farmgirl's dabbles

Easy Cheesy Potato Corn Chowder from A Little Claireification 

Slow Cooker Jambalaya from A Spicy Perspective 

Italian Style Stir Fry from Aggie's Kitchen 

Apricot Chicken from Bombshell Bling 

Easy Baked Spaghetti from Chocolate & Carrots 

Cuban Casserole with Whole Grain Mustard Butter Biscuits from Climbing Grier Mountain 

Freezer-Friendly Quinoa Meatballs from Cooking with Books 

Baby Boy Subway Art Printable from H2OBungalow 

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Cake from Inside BruCrew Life 

Asparagus And Leek Quiche from Kokocooks 

Roasted Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Red Potatoes from Life After Empty Nest 

Yogurt Blueberry and Honey Smoothie from My Sweet Zepol 

Pesto Parmesan Chicken Salad from Shaken Together 

Printable Baby Whale Themed Cards and Project Life Mini Album from Simply Kelly Designs 

Coconut Cookie Butter Sandwich Cookies from Simply Southern Baking 

Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Garden Vegetables from Sweet Remedy 

Easy Kofta Kebabs from Tasty Chomps 

Crock Pot Fajitas with Chicken and Quinoa from The Dinner-Mom 

Overnight Oatmeal from The Hungry Housewife 

Honey-Dijon Chicken, Apple & Quinoa Wraps from The Kitchen Prep 

Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Soup from The Lemon Bowl 

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos from The Nifty Foodie 

DIY Whale Art from While They Snooze 

One Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice from Yellow Bliss Road

Let's be friends!

Oscar Party Printables

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of World Market, a brand I love. All opinions are my own.

If you are looking for 2015's Oscar Printables, 

CLICK HERE!

Are you watching the Oscars this year (March 2nd)? Weather a movie lover or a red-carpet-who-are-you-wearing lover, the Academy Awards is a great excuse for a fun party with the gals. I've seen people even have their friends dress up Oscars-style too. Can you imagine having your BFFs show up in their best bridesmaid dress or leftover prom attire? Ha! Awesome! It doesn't have to cost a lot either. Since the Oscars are in the evening, you can totally swing a dessert and champagne soiree. No sweating in the kitchen.  I'll show you...

Let me start you off with some free printables. Pictured above are the invitations. Click here for the PDF. (or here if you want to save paper and get two on a sheet) Just print these suckers out and you're on your way.

I also came up with a quick ballot for 2014's awards. I thought it would be fun to have guests vote for their picks on a few select categories, then see who wins at the end of the night. Maybe offer a small prize? Click here for the ballot PDF.

Last but not least, a few tags. I glued them to a piece of ribbon and made my napkins look fancy, but they could also be used as drink tags or to decorate your table. Making things look fancy doesn't have to cost a lot. Click here for the tags. 

Next, I hit up World Market to stock up with fancy desserts without actually making anything. That's how I roll. It's so easy with their HUGE entertainment section. Not only do they have tons of fancy-looking treats for us to much on, they have great, inexpensive dishes and linens too so my table looks just as fabulous as the stars on TV.

Then I found a few fancy napkins from the clearance section (woo hoo) and a pack of gold buffet napkins to keep with the Oscars theme. Not a lot of money and I can use them forever.

I also got 2 8-packs of tasting spoons. These were really inexpensive and make any appetizer look special; homemade or not. When in doubt, add berries to chocolate and people get excited. :) I absolutely love these and am going back for more. Watch out family! Tasting spoons at every event from now on. The kind of look like little high heal shoes to me.

 Look how fancy pants. How could you not love them?

Then I found a few small appetizer plates and arranged my World Market biscotti neatly. Again, add berries and suddenly you're the hostess with the mostess. The plates cost just slightly more than themed paper products would have and I can use them forever. I'm seeing a theme here.

I thought these cone dishes were awesome too. Think about everything you can display in here and really get some height on your table. Pretzel sticks, chocolate, bread, etc.

Last but not least, open up the bubbly. World Market has a large selection of champagnes in a variety of prices and the staff was extremely knowledgeable and helpful when I described what I was looking for. "Something good with chocolate". I'm never disappointed in what they recommend. 

So print out your invitations and have a fancy night in with the girls. A few desserts and champagne and you're on your way. Being fabulous can be affordable.

For the ultimate Movie Lovers experience, head over to World Market and enter their Movie Lovers Sweepstakes. One grand prize winner will receive FREE Movies for a Year ($1600 Fandango gift card) and a $1,000 World Market gift card. What!? That's awesome. Also, 3 runner ups will receive a $500 Fandango gift card and a $500 World Market gift card. What are you waiting for?

Let's be friends!