Mini Patio Make-Over -part 1

~Hi Everyone ~

The sun is shining and the flowers are blooming...TRANSLATION: time to spruce up the yard! So my son, the hubs and myself have taken on a few simple projects around the yard. I thought you guys might enjoy a peek...

Part One : Cushion Re-Do

UGH! My existing patio seat cushions needed some serious CPR! Faded and old just wasn't going to cut it anymore, however, have you ever PRICED new patio cushions?! Not even the discount stores had the price I wanted to pay. And further more the actual inside filling was still in good shape, so I figured, no need to add to the land fills.

SOLUTION : Make my own cushion covers! With coupon and sale flyer in hand I made dash to Joann's, and picked up outdoor fabric which by the way, can also be pricey - so the coupon was ESSENTIAL to get this project done on a budget I was comfortable with :) Have I mentioned I'm pretty cheap :) hehe...

Here's the TUT...

Ugly...

 Fold fabric in half creating a fold, place the one side of the cushion, in this case the front of the cushion edge along the fold and cut along the shape of the cushion leaving about 1 to 1/2 inches (depending on depth of cushion) Cut only on the 3 non fold sides, do not cut the folded side. I was generous with my seam allowance since I planned on tufting the cushion at the end.

 Sew about a 1/2 seam allowance on 3 sides.

 Leaving a whole on one side that you will use to insert your cushion by squishing and stuffing it in, be careful not to rip the seams you just worked so hard to sew :)

 On the folded side, you are going to fold your cover the opposite direction creating a point at the two top corners. Lay it flat and sew across it about 2 inches in. This will create a box pleat that will allow for the thickness of the cushion.

 Like this...

 Turn your cover right side out and see how cool your box pleat looks :)

 My hubby helped my stuff my old cushions into their new covers :) It's so nice to have a helper :)

 Now reach into your cover and push back or slightly fold the cushion away from the opening making it easier to slip under your machines presser foot to sew it closed. Use pins to assist you in finger pressing and tacking the opening closed before placing it under the presser foot. This helps alot :) Sew as close to the edge as possible.

 All closed up :) You may also hand sew the opening closed. But I like the sturdiness of using

the machine :)

 TADA! They look great and I love the fresh new colors :) YAY! I plan on covering some buttons and tufting the cushion later :) This will make them look more pro and finished. But they look pretty good as it too :)

 Stayed tuned for more of my

BACK YARD PATIO MINI MAKEOVER :)

Linking up to Tracy's Party...



And Tip Junkie ...

Preparing For An Emergency

~ Hi Everyone ~

 We all know the last couple of years have been hard on families with the down turn of the economy. Just getting the basics like food and gas have become increasingly expensive. The other day I spent over $3.00 on an eggplant! Hence why I decided to start my own backyard garden. 

But what if you didn't have any food ready to harvest and we just couldn't make or afford to go the supermarket? Layoff's, job loss, illness and even natural disasters are common place these days. It's a real concern. My husband and I have definitely been thinking about this for a few years now and have actively been storing away food for just that reason. 

 Check out this company eFoods Global and click on their Food Freedom Tour  for some helpful information on how to store food for a rainy day.They even have a special offer just for watching...

Viewers will receive 6 FREE MEALS, just for taking the Food Freedom Tour. 

 Yum! Au gratin Potatoes! 

 Looks delicious, can't wait to get my FREE Meals:)

Garden Box Update

 Well...there's GOOD news and BAD news...

1st:  My hubby painted the raised garden to match the fence, he's so wonderful! :)

 2nd: Everything seems to have germinated and I see seedlings coming up! YAY! I already thinned them, but they still look a bit crowded.

LOOK! I think that's a RADISH forming!

  3rd: The transplants seem to be doing good as well

4th: So far no bugs or critters...yet.

 Now the BAD news...

My Golden Retriever, Zoe is EATING MY STRAWBERRIES! LOL!

 Oops...I guess I have to replant them higher up off the ground! Well, ofcourse I hand to find a pretty container to plant them in right? :)

Joannes 40% coupon to the rescue! Isn't that so cute? Agiant mug!

I planted some other veggies in pots to see how they would do on the patio but I forgot to take pictures! They seem to be doing well though :) 

Any seasoned gardeners out there have any advice for me? I'd love to hear it :)

And don't forget! You can still link up your crafty (anything  goes) projects on my linking party HERE! You'll be entered to win some FABO My Pink Stamper Stamps.

 

Have A Great Day!

The Cougar-Eat Famous Mint Brownies

Did you know that COUGARS like to bake ?

 BYU COUGARS that is! LOL!

You all know I had an amazing time on my recent trip to 

Women's Conference held at Brigham Young University. Part of my contentment was due to the fabulous food I ate there. However, I'm afraid to admit I ate FIVE of the BEST MINT BROWNIES I ever tasted in TWO DAYS while there, as I ran in between classes and events. No, I'm afraid the running didn't offset the calories!  

As with all trips I take, I like to bring home a little souvenir.  Well...I couldn't exactly pack a brownie in my carry-on bags BUT... I could swiftly Google the recipe for these 3x3 squares of bakery goodness as soon as I got home and plugged in my lap top! 

My version didn't come out as pretty as what they sell EVERYWHERE on campus...seriously, can you say 

"the freshman 15".... but pretty darn close :) 

the ingredients...

 yummy chocolate batter...

minty filling...

Top with chocolate frosting.... TADA !!!

 The real deal...

 

  
RECIPE COURTESY of  BYU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

MAKES ONE 9-BY-13 PAN OF BROWNIES.
PREP AND COOK: 90 min. COOL: 1 hr.

1 c. margarine
1/2 c. cocoa
2 Tbsp. honey
4 eggs
2 c. sugar
1 3/4 c. flour
1/2 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. chopped walnuts
12 oz. chocolate icing (Use your own icing recipe or purchase some chocolate frosting. You can also search the Internet for chocolate icing recipes.)

MINT ICING
5 Tbsp. margarine
dash of salt
3 Tbsp. milk
1 Tbsp. light corn syrup
2 1/3 c. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. mint extract
1-2 drops green food coloring

1. Melt margarine and mix in cocoa. Allow to cool. Add honey, eggs, sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well. Add nuts. Pour batter into a greased 9-by-13 baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Cool.

2. Prepare mint icing: Soften margarine. Add salt, corn syrup, and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Add mint extract and food coloring. Mix. Add milk gradually until the consistency is a little thinner than cake frosting.

3. Spread mint icing over brownies. Place brownies in the freezer for a short time to stiffen the icing. Remove from the freezer and carefully add a layer of chocolate icing.






Entering this project at ...

Mondays Just Got Better

~ Hi Everyone ~

Most of you know, there's a good reason my blog name is 

"You Had Me Craft", right? 
If it's crafty...sewing, paper crafts, home decor, jewelry making, baking...WHATEVER!  I LOVE IT! 

So, of course one of my FAVORITE past times is to browse the net for new IDEAS and INSPIRATION! 
I just LOVE LINKING PARTIES for exactly that purpose! They are the BEST WAY to browse MANY MANY CREATIVE IDEAS all at once and SHARE some of your own too ?! Soooo....

I am SUPER EXCITED to announce the launch of my NEW

WEEKLY LINKING PARTY EVENT

"MADE IT MYSELF MONDAYS"

So HERE'S what I have in mind ...

1. Every Monday, I'll post a LINKING widget for you to add your latest crafty project with picture and a link back to your blog.

2. Post ANYTHING CREATIVE that you made yourself.  Did you sew? garden? paint? create home decor? make jewelry, use vinyl? color? quilt? papercraft? knit? crochet? bake? cook? WHATEVER ! 

 GO AHEAD and SHOW IT OFF! 

3. Include this "button" somewhere on your post and invite others to join the fun and SHOW OFF their crafty stuff TOO! 

<center><a href="http://www.youhadmeatcraft.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac358/youhadmeatcraft/MADEITMYSELFBUTTON-2.jpg"/></a></center>

4. Promise to visit and comment on at least two other blogs. Scouts honor, ok :) This way everyone gets some cud-dos for their crafty genius. You may even discover a new blog you've never see before!


5. Each time you post a new project (limit 3 per Monday) you'll be entered to WIN my bi-weekly GIVEAWAY! That's up to 6 chances to WIN every other week! 

6. Lastly, don't forget to leave a comment to say HELLO!


As a bonus, I'll be choosing one entry periodically for a 
SPECIAL FEATURE POST here on my blog ! 


Doesn't that SOUND SO FUN ?! I'm excited! Are you?!

The FIRST "Made It Myself" Monday is coming up in just a few short days... 
MAY 16TH! ...Let's Party!

Monday Monday

~ Hi Everyone ~

Hope ALL you wonderful MOMS out there had a FABULOUS DAY! You truly deserve it! 

I have a quick and easy project to share today :) One of my favorite little GO TO treat containers are these cute little glass candy jars you can find HERE at IKEA

They are the perfect size for filling with goodies and whipping up quick party favors, a small gift etc.  I also use them to store many of my embellishments, so when the recipient finishes eating their goodies, they can recycle the jar and use it for something else...and you get 4 for $3.99

Here's one I made inspired by one of the new stamps just release by  MY PINK STAMPER!

FREEDOM ROCKS

Super simple to make...A little ribbon and string, a couple of punches, some doodling, some ink and a stamp! 

What could be easier?!

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!

National Scrapbook Day Extravaganza!

~ Hi Everyone ~

Today I am part of the annual
My Pink Stamper NSD ALL DAY CELEBRATION! 
WHOO HOO!

Have you been enjoying the FUN so far? If you were just visiting my blog today, make sure you go to My Pink Stamper so you don't miss a thing! This really is the BIGGEST ONLINE PAPER CRAFTING EVENT of the year... CHALLENGES, GIVEAWAYS, and VIDEOS every HOUR! What could be better ?!

My assignment was to make a SUMMER THEMED PROJECT! 

I am a warm blooded Cuban Gal living in Southern California, so this was right up my alley...you like? 

I love virgin Pina Coladas, or anything with pineapple! 

 

  Deets:
5.5" Card Base
5.25" Striped Layer
5" Scalloped Layer Frame "Elegant Edges"
3.5" Pineapple Drink and all Layers  "Life's A Beach" Cart
Used Real A Straw and Toothpick to embellish
Both Sentiments "My Pink Stamper Birthday Crazy Stamp Set"

NOW HURRY! Get your CRAFT ON, and get on over to My Pink Stamper to submit a project of your own HERE! 

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

~ Good Morning Everyone ~

Such EXCITING NEWS to share today! 

First ...ROBYN @ MY PINK STAMPER has released 9 New Stamp Sets!!! WEEEE! Twirling around the room! You already know, that I love all her stamps, but she has OUT DONE herself this time! I am so excited I got to play with some already...

Deets: 

3.75 Bug and all Layers Simply Charmed

5 Card Base Elegant Edges

4.5 Layer Elegant Edges

Heart Punch Stampin Up

Sentiment : My Pink Stamper Fancy Phrases Set

 

I fell in love with this little "bug" cut from the Simply Charmed Cart!  It worked perfectly with my idea to do a Good Luck card featuring a lady bug with a twist on the color scheme!

Secondly, I have a winner to announce ! 

Vickie said...

Wow i am really loving it!! May not be Kate's colors but i would definitely wear it. Such talent thanks for sharing!!! I am now a follower and would love to win some My Pink Stamper candy!!

CONGRATS! You've Got Mail! 

Thirdly...Are You Ready for National Scrapbook Day?! 

It's the BIGGEST ONLINE PAPER CRAFTER'S  

EVENT OF THE YEAR!

Join Robyn and her Pink Designers for this EXTRAVAGANZA!
CHALLENGES, GIVEAWAYS, and VIDEOS every HOUR!!!

Now Go Check Out those NEW RELEASES ! 

You know you want to! LOL ! You can purchase them HERE !

So Much To Share

Hello Everyone! 
It seems like an eternity since I've been on my laptop preparing a post! Some of you know that I was away on an amazing "Girls' Get A Way" with my dear friends Christy and Jane. We had the incredible opportunity to attend our church's annual Women's Conference in Provo Utah held at Brigham Young University! It was OUT of this WORLD AMAZING! Every year about twenty thousand women from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and their friends attend to hear inspirational, spiritual, temporal, and just everyday counsel based on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Also, to join in on humanitarian efforts to benefit the less fortunate around the world, learn new life skills and just to have fun!  For those who geographically cannot attend, they can view some of the key note addresses, classes and events on TV 
I was blown away by the HUGENESS of this event and how smoothly everything ran especially since there are very few paid employees of the church. Everyone volunteers their time and talents to put this event together, AMAZING! 
Here are a few snippets from my time there...

awaiting the opening presentation~20K women in the Marriot Stadium, woohoo girl power!

 

Checking out one many of the " Sharing Booths" ~ Creative Gardening

 

Checking out the Family History Library ~ 4 floors of Genealogical Records! WOW! Time to find my ancestors in Cuba, Spain, France, Germany and who knows were else!

 

 Walking around Historical Temple Square

 

The view from the Garden Roof Top Restaurant and delicious eats!

 Doing one of the many service projects ~ Making Newborn Hats for babies in Africa

 

It BLEW my MIND to see what 20 thousand women could do, all united in causes for good!

I met my favorite Christian Paint Artist Greg Olson, he signed my new painting!

 

I have a few of his paintings hanging in my home. Below is my favorite! 

Too bad he couldn't sign it, wouldn't fit in luggage lol!

 But I purchased this one below entitled "Let Him In"
 
Can't wait to frame and hang mine :)

The second day it SNOWED! Have you ever seen Tulips in the Snow ?!

My last day there I was able to spend it with my daughter and favorite little grandpeeps! What an AWESOME ending to a FABULOUS WEEK!

There was SO MUCH MORE that I didn't get pictures of, but if you would like info about next years event CLICK HERE

I'm home now unpacking and getting organized for the week, so much to do!  But GUESS WHAT! My friend Robyn The Pink Stamper called while I was away to ask if I would be join her Design Team! Robyn and I have become friends over the past few months and I'm so excited to work with her and join her team!


She has some FUN and EXCITING events coming up
that you won't want to to miss...

FIRST... My Pink Stamper NEW RELEASE this FRIDAY! You're gonna love the new stamp sets she's created!

SECOND...This Saturday is National Scrapbook Day! 
Join Robyn and her Design Team for this EXTRAVAGANZA!
CHALLENGES, GIVEAWAYS, and VIDEOS every HOUR!!!

Whew! That was a BIG POST! Hope you enjoyed and are having a WONDERFUL DAY!