Archives for 2010

Homemade Easter Garland

March 10, 2010 10 Comments

After Christmas the kitchen cabinets looked so bare! So I added a little garland from the craft store for Valentines. Then I was fortunate to win some homemade Valentine Garland from Liz at Hoosier Homemade. It was such a cute prize that it inspired me to make my own garland for Easter. I don’t sew or anything. In fact, I’m not very crafty at all. (Although I am getting better!) So I took Liz’s design and did my own variation on it. (Sorry the pics aren’t any better. Our house doesn’t have the best light. Plus, I’ve decided that I’m in need of a new camera. I always thought I had a pretty good one until my niece got one for Christmas, and the megapixels were about 2x better than mine. I had no idea how much cameras had impoved….then again, I should have known, since I’ve had the camera now for 3 yrs…but I digress! Sorry!) Let’s just get to the tutorial…

Here’s What You’ll Need:
Scrapbook paper. (I used 4 different colors, but I only used half the sheet of paper on each.)
Ribbon
Stencils or cookie cutters
scissors
glue or tape
pen or pencil

Garland Tutorial:

-Use cookie cutters or stencils to trace shapes onto the back of scrapbook paper. You can use a single shape or multiple shapes. (I used an egg shape and two different flower shapes. And again, I used 4 different color patterns and about a half a sheet of paper of each pattern.)

-Next take your scissors and cut out the shapes. (I made 24 cut outs for a seven and a half foot string of garland)

–Cut off a line of ribbon. Make the ribbon as long as you like. I suggest cutting off at least a foot more than the intended length. (I made a 7 1/2 foot garland, but I actually cut about 8 1/2 foot of ribbon off. I used the extra length on each end to wrap it around the “edging” on the top of the cabinets.)

-Now attach the shapes to the ribbon. (I placed them about an inch apart from each other.)

-There are a few different methods you can use for this. Liz actually sewed the cutouts to the ribbon. I, however, am not a seamstress and decided to use a short cut method. I used tape to attach the shapes. I used two small pieces of tape on each shape (making a t or x with the tape on the back of each shape.) I used two pieces to make sure it was secured, and put them on there cross-ways so that the garland would be more flexible/movable. For this step you could also mod podge or a glue gun if you prefer. (I just used tape because it’s quicker, there’s no mess, and it would allow me to make adjustments if I needed to.)

-Then hang your garland and enjoy!

-Jerri

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I’m posting a link to this post at:
It’s So Very Creative & It’s So Very Thrifty hosted by It’s So Very Cheri
Make it for Monday hosted by Cottage Instincts
Made it Mondays hosted by The Persimmon Perch
Making the World Cuter Monday hosted by Making the World Cuter
Make Your Monday hosted by Twice Remembered
Metamorphosis Monday hosted by Between Naps on the Porch
DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land
Market Yourself Monday is hosted by Sumos Sweet Stuff
Marketing Mondays and Sharing Ideas Wednesday is hosted by The Trendy Treehouse
What Your Working with Wednesday is hosted by Me and My Bucket
Show & Tell Wednesday is hosted by Blue Cricket Design
Tip Me Tuesday is hosted by Tip Junkie
Week End Review is hosted by Tator Tots & Jello
Star on Saturday is hosted by Craft-Werk
Penny Pinching Party is hosted by The Thrifty Home
Show & Tell Friday is hosted by Romantic Home
Tackle it Tuesday is hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom
Strut Yourself Thursday is hosted by Somewhat Simple
Easter Link Party is hosted by Bird Crafts

Filed Under: crafts, decorating, Easter

Sugar Cookies

March 8, 2010 13 Comments

Sugar cookies are a big favorite of mine! Sweet, simple, and delicious! It’s one of those old fashioned treats that reminds me of childhood. I remember making these with my mom and my aunt. And it’s also one of the only things I can remember my grandma baking when I was a kid. She was older and didn’t do a lot of cooking anymore, but when she did, they were tasty!

Also, when we were in school, they used to serve sugar cookies on St. Patrick’s Day, except they’d add green food coloring to the dough. I’m sure you can imagine all the giggles and jokes that went around about “the green cookies in the cafeteria.” Well, I decided it would be easier to just add green sprinkles to these for a little St. Patrick’s Day flair. And of course, they were yummy!

Recipe for Sugar Cookies:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups sifted confectioners sugar

1 cup butter or margarine

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon almond flavoring

2 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Directions: Mix flour, soda, and cream of tartar together. Set aside. Cream sugar and butter. Mix in egg and flavorings. Add dry ingredients. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out with cookie cutters. Bake at 375 degrees for 7 to 8 minutes. (Makes 5 dozen 2-2 1/2 inch cookies). Eat plain or decorate with sprinkles or frosting.

-Jerri

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I’m posting a link to this post on the following sites:
Tempt My Tummy Tuesday is hosted by Blessed With Grace.
Homemaker Mondays is hosted by 11th Heaven’s Homemade Haven.
Tasty Tuesday is hosted by Balancing Beauty & Bedlam.
Works for Me Wednesday is hosted by We Are THAT Family
Tip Me Tuesday is hosted by Tip Junkie
Tackle it Tuesday is hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom
Sharing Ideas Wednesday is hosted by The Trendy Treehouse
Friday Food is hosted by Mom Trends
Friday Foodie is hosted by Designs by Gollum
Finer Things Friday is hosted by Amy’s Finer Things

Filed Under: cookies and candy, Recipe of the Week

Dick’s Sporting Goods Starting Lineup & $50 Giveaway

March 7, 2010 228 Comments

Hey Sports Fans! Dick’s Sporting Good is THE place to pick up your sports equipment and apparel. I don’t know about you guys, but my husband is a sports fanatic. He could spend hours in Dick’s Sporting Goods. In fact, he could probably spend an hour just checking out all the running shoes! Today I have the pleasure of telling you about two contest opportunities going on at Dick’s Sporting Goods. One is the Starting Lineup Contest on twitter, and the other is a $50 Giftcard giveaway for my readers.

Starting Lineup Twitter Contest:

This March, Dick’s is having a Twitter contest where you can compete to be a member of their starting lineup.

What does it mean to be on the “Starting Lineup”?

• A chance to try out and preview new products

• A spot on an online panel of experts for one season (for approximately 3 months)

• Access to exclusive online surveys

• A chance to sound off on all things sports

How does someone try for a chance to be on the “Starting Lineup”?

• Follow http://twitter.com/dickssportcmo, if you’re not doing so already.

• Recruit people to follow @dickssportcmo on Twitter and have them vote for you by Tweeting @dickssportcmo your Twitter ID and stating why you should be nominated.

• Vote for yourself by Tweeting @dickssportcmo with your Twitter ID and stating why you should be on the “Starting Lineup.”

• You can only vote for the same person once per day, but you can vote for multiple people in the same day.

Sample Tweet: “@dickssportcmo I nominate @TwitterID for the #startinglineup because…”

One Simply Sweet Home reader a $50 Gift Card. To win, just follow Dick’s Sporting Goods on Twitter @dickssportcmo. Then leave a comment on this post with your twitter id and let me know that you are following. Deadline to Enter: March 25

Giveaway closed. Winner has been notified. Thanks for entering!

-Jerri

Disclosure: I am not receiving monetary compensation for this post. The $50 giftcard is being awarded to one Simply Sweet Home reader in exchange for my help in promoting the Dick’s Starting Lineup Contest.

Filed Under: Giveaways, Sponsors

My Newest Sponsor: Ahmelie

March 6, 2010 1 Comment

I’m happy to introduce my newest sponsor. Ahmelie is a fantastic etsy shop stocked with high quality baby and toddler items. The tagline is “Unique Mix with a Common Thread.” And this completely sums up Ahmelie’s shop. Her items are so unique, as she uses rich, bold, and bright colors and patterns in her work.

As a highly skilled and life-long seamstress, Ahmelie makes a variety of items for your nursery including quilts and blankets swaddlers, snugglers, bibs and burp cloths, aprons, cute little squish toys, and more!

One thing you should check out is her line of Organic Amy Butler Hooded Towels. These are totally cute and cozy, and they’re perfect for use at home, the pool, or the beach!

Ahmelie also caters to mothers of older children and non-mothers alike, offering cute designer fabrics for all you crafters, as well as tote bags and key chains, snack bags, and coffee cozies. All are uniquely designed with quality in mind. And they’re made up of beautiful bold colors to help you make an impression this spring!

I hope you’ll all go by and check out Ahmelie’s etsy shop and website. You’re sure to find something special for you and your little one!

-Jerri

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Sharing this post at:
Making the World Cuter Monday hosted by Making the World Cuter
I’m Lovin It Fridays is hosted by Tidy Mom
Show & Tell Wednesday is hosted by Blue Cricket Design
Finer Things Friday is hosted by Amy’s Finer Things
I’m Lovin It Fridays is hosted by Tidy Mom
It’s So Very Creative & It’s So Very Thrifty hosted by It’s So Very Cheri
Market Yourself Monday is hosted by Sumos Sweet Stuff
Marketing Mondays and Sharing Ideas Wednesday is hosted by The Trendy Treehouse
Works for Me Wednesday is hosted by We Are That Family
Tip Me Tuesday at Tip Junkie

Filed Under: Sponsors

Friday Favorites – Week 2

March 4, 2010 7 Comments

Happy Friday! Time to highlight some of the items posted last week in our first Friday Favorites event! If you are featured, feel free to grab my “Featured at Simply Sweet Home” badge. This week I chose some craft projects to feature, but keep in mind that you can post a link to ANY of your posts. It can be recipes, decor, housekeeping/organizing, projects, tips, product reviews, a post about your kids, your dog/cat, your thoughts….basically anything you want to share with us!

Whatever it is, just link it up below! And don’t forget to include a link to my blog on your post so that other people can come participate!

Now take a look at this week’s featured posts:

Burlap Silhouette Throw Pillows from Jessica at Me and My Bucket

St. Patrick’s Day Banner from Kimberly at Attempting Creative

Mod Podge Magnet Board from Summer at Sumo’s Sweet Stuff

Easter Buckets from Tiffany at La*T*Da

Spring Letters from Punkin Seed Productions

I can’t wait to see your posts for this week! You have until Tuesday to link up!

-Jerri

Filed Under: crafts, Friday Favorites

Friday Follow

March 4, 2010 13 Comments

Hi Friday Followers! Welcome to Simply Sweet Home!

While you’re here, please link up at my Friday Favorites party! (Your post might get featured here next week if you do!)

My blog is dedicated to sharing tips and ideas to help you make your home a Simply Sweet Home! Here you’ll find delicious recipes, craft projects, organizing & housekeeping tips, product reviews, giveaways, and more! We also have a monthly dessert carnival called Sweet Thursday. And there’s always other surprises just around the corner!

I hope you’ll take a look around and decide to become a follower! And please leave me a comment, so I can come over and follow you! I look forward to “meeting” you and seeing all your blogs!

Want to participate in Friday Follow? Here’s how it works: Friday Follow is a celebration of Followers. The event is hosted by One2Try, Hearts Make Families, and Midday Escapades.

To participate: Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky below. You only need to add your link on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops. Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots. Then follow as many blogs as you’d like. Take a moment to comment on the blogs telling them you’re from Friday Follow. And follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow. Sounds simple enough, huh? Then let the party begin!

-Jerri

Filed Under: Friday Follow

Spring Earrings at Simply Sweet Creations

March 3, 2010 11 Comments

Today I’m showing off some of the latest earrings I’ve made. I spend of lot of time doing Simply Sweet Home and doing all my husband’s bookkeeping and other office stuff for his business, leaving me very little time to craft, let alone try to run a “successful” craft/jewelry shop, but I’m trying. It’s definitely a work in progress and a crazy balancing act which I’m still trying to figure out. Anyway, these are some of my latest earrings which will be on sale in my shop. Some of them are already listed and others will be listed this week or next. They’re all perfect for spring and I hope you’ll come by and take a look: http://jhrivers.etsy.com/

The first pair (above) are the Peachy Pearl Earrings.

These are the Creamy Dangle Earrings.

These are My Lucky Day Dangle Earrings.

These are the Pretty Princess Earrings.

These are the Spring Butterfly Earrings.

These are the Petite Blue Earrings.

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I’m posting a link to this post at:
It’s So Very Creative hosted by It’s So Very Cheri
Make it for Monday hosted by Cottage Instincts
Made it Mondays hosted by The Persimmon Perch
Making the World Cuter Monday hosted by Making the World Cuter
Make Your Monday hosted by Twice Remembered
Metamorphosis Monday hosted by Between Naps on the Porch
DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land
Market Yourself Monday is hosted by Sumos Sweet Stuff
Marketing Mondays is hosted by The Trendy Treehouse
What Your Working with Wednesday is hosted by Me and My Bucket
Tip Me Tuesday is hosted by Tip Junkie
Week End Review is hosted by Tator Tots & Jello
Star on Saturday is hosted by Craft-Werk

Filed Under: crafts, jewelry, Simply Sweet Creations, Work from Home

Red Beans & Rice

March 2, 2010 5 Comments

No recipe this week. Instead I’m sharing a short-cut (quick) meal. About once a month or once every two months we like to have red beans & rice. I’ve seen some recipes online for it, but I’m perfectly happy buying it in a box. I don’t know about you guys, but my husband makes his own hours, and I never know when he may come in at 3:30 or 4 and say, “I’m ready to eat. What can we have that’s quick?”

This is one of my answers! I do most of my grocery shopping at Aldi and usually buy their store brand. Otherwise I shop at Wal-mart and get Zatarain’s.

Here’s why I like it:

1. Very flavorful.

2. Cheap. (just .99 at Aldi)

3. Vertsatile (serve plain or with your choice of meats)

4. Quick (cooks up in 20-25 minutes)

Usually we eat ours with smoked sausages cooked in it. I recently found a pack of these at Aldi for just $3.95 that included 16 sausage dogs. I cut up 4 of them to put in the red beans & rice and put the rest in the freezer for later. What a deal!

But occasionally we eat it plain and a few times (as in these pictures) I’ve put chicken in it. If you haven’t tried it with chicken, I totally recommend it!

I also recommend the low sodium variety. A lot of times I’m uncertain if I want to try out the low fat or low sodium stuff, because you never know what you’re going to get, but I have tried the Reduced Sodium Red Beans and Rice as well as the Jambalya from Zatarain’s, and it was a delicious. I couldn’t taste a difference at all!

Do you have any convenience foods or quick meals that you like to make? I’d love to hear your recommendations!

-Jerri

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I’m posting a link to this post on the following sites:
Tempt My Tummy Tuesday is hosted by Blessed With Grace.
Homemaker Mondays is hosted by 11th Heaven’s Homemade Haven.
Tasty Tuesday is hosted by Balancing Beauty & Bedlam.
Works for Me Wednesday is hosted by We Are THAT Family
Tip Me Tuesday is hosted by Tip Junkie
Tackle it Tuesday is hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom

Filed Under: casseroles and quick meals, recipes

Quilted Cabinet Cover

March 1, 2010 9 Comments

Hey Guys! Thanks to everyone who’s linked up at my first Friday Favorites! I will be visiting all of you this week, and as promised a few of you will be featured in the next Friday Favorites post. And if you didn’t link up yet, you have until Wednesday to do so. And of course, this Friday we’ll be having a new event for you to link up your favorite post from this week.

Today I’m sharing a little decor idea. Above is a picture of a little baby-sized quilt. Actually it’s not a quilt….it’s the front of a quilt, but it was never finished; that is, it has no “backing.” (Sorry I’m not familiar with sewing terms…if you are a sewing person, feel free to correct me.) Anyway this little quilt was always folded and placed at the end of my bed for decorative purposes when I was little. I’m not sure who made it, but I always liked it because of all the colors. Recently I found it as I was going through boxes, and I decided to bring it inside.

Here’s what I decided to do with it:

I’m using the quilt as a cover for my curio cabinet. The top of the cabinet was looking a little dull, and the quilt really added a lot of color and made the pictures and stuff up top look better. And as an added bonus, this keeps dust from settling on the cabinet.

Other Ways to Use Quilts in Your Decor:
-Place it on your bed.
-Hang it on the wall.
-Purchase a quilt stand and hang two or three quilts at a time.
-Fold the quilt and place it on top of a chest (cedar, antique, etc).

-Jerri
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I’m posting a link to this post at:
It’s So Very Creative & It’s So Very Thrifty hosted by It’s So Very Cheri
Make it for Monday hosted by Cottage Instincts
Made it Mondays hosted by The Persimmon Perch
Making the World Cuter Monday hosted by Making the World Cuter
Make Your Monday hosted by Twice Remembered
Metamorphosis Monday hosted by Between Naps on the Porch
DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land
Market Yourself Monday is hosted by Sumos Sweet Stuff
Marketing Mondays is hosted by The Trendy Treehouse
Week End Review is hosted by Tator Tots & Jello
Penny Pinching Party is hosted by The Thrifty Home

Filed Under: decorating

Friday Follow

February 26, 2010 24 Comments

Hi Friday Followers! Welcome to Simply Sweet Home! While you’re here, please consider linking up at my very first Friday Favorites event! My blog is dedicated to sharing tips and ideas to help you make your home a Simply Sweet Home! Here you’ll find delicious recipes, craft projects, organizing & housekeeping tips, product reviews, giveaways, and more! I also have a monthly dessert event called Sweet Thursday. I hope you’ll take a look around and decide to become a follower! And please leave me a comment, so I can come over and follow you! I look forward to “meeting” you and seeing all your blogs!

Want to participate in Friday Follow? Here’s how it works: Friday Follow is a celebration of Followers. The event is hosted by One2Try, Hearts Make Families, and Midday Escapades.

-Jerri

Filed Under: Friday Follow

Archives for 2010

Homemade Easter Garland

Sugar Cookies

Dick’s Sporting Goods Starting Lineup & $50 Giveaway

My Newest Sponsor: Ahmelie

Friday Favorites – Week 2

Friday Follow

Spring Earrings at Simply Sweet Creations

Red Beans & Rice

Quilted Cabinet Cover

Friday Follow

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