Serenity's Christmas

Santa sure left a lot!

Okay, my Darling Stinker racked up this year - I guess I can't help spoiling her a little!!



So many fun things to play with!



Serenity has been asking for a Baby Alive for months, so she was thrilled when she saw Santa left one for her!

Santa left the cutest cloth diapers in her stocking too.
Santa is so smart, cloth diapers are so much better than disposable!
Good thing he left those too, since no way I'm buying tiny plastic disposable diapers for a doll that messes 'em up every time she gets fed!
Geez!



We had a good day - lots of fun, family, and food!

Hope y'all had a wonderful Christmas too!

Happy Holidays!

Tiny Hands Christmas Tree Tee

Merry Christmas!!


Here's a quick last minute Christmas Tree Tee I made yesterday:

I just followed the simple instructions to make the classic kid's craft Hand Christmas Tree, but used material and felt instead like the Tiny Hands Turkey and the Felt Gingerbread House applique shirts I made for Serenity.

This time I traced Serenity's BFF, Cobee Lynn's hands.
Then I used some eco-fi felt for the tree trunk, and made the hand and trunk appliques using Heat 'n Bond.
I did hand sew the biggest star button I could find on the top of the tree - but no machine sewing is needed if you use the red package of Heat 'n Bond.
The star is very small - so maybe a felt star will look better?
Oh well!
I plan to make Serenity's tee later - I want her to wear it to see Alvin and The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.
She's been asking to see it since the first time she saw the commercial with the girl chipmunks!

Here's cutie pie Cobee Lynn wearing her new Christmas Tree tee shirt!

Making tees by tracing your child's little hands is a BIG hit with them!
They LOVE 'em!


Hope y'all have a wonderful day!




Happy Holidays!!

Thursday's Treasures: Week 2

Share your crafty ideas!

I didn't get a chance to add this on Thursday - so I'm keeping it open until Monday!
So don't forget to post anything crafty you've been doing!!

Check out some really cool ideas that were linked last week:

Rudolph, What's So Puzzling?
via For What It's Worth...Or Not.


An Apron For Mia
via MiaMoo Designs


Thank y'all so much for sharing!!


Guidelines:

1. Click the "CLICK HERE" link below to add a permalink to your crafty project, idea and tutorial post - not your main blog. You can enter as many links as you'd like. However, NO links to Etsy or Ebay stores please!

2. Copy the HTML code for my feature button, and then add it to the post or on your blog to spread the fun.

<center><a href="http://treasuresfortots.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/treasuresfortots/BannerButton/Feat_TreasureTotsButton_150x150.jpg" /></a></center>

3. Don't forget to show a little love by leaving a comment too!

What a cool way to share tons of ideas and crafts across the Blogoshere and good way to promote your blog too!


All the links that get posted before the deadline will stay up indefinitely so you can always stop by to find them again!

Happy Holidays!

Spam Musubi Recipe

Spam Musubi

("pronounced moo-soo-bee, with no accent")


I know, I know - Spam!?
Well, I happen to like it (sliced thin and fried crispy with a little mustard to dip it in - yum!), but I know most people think "yew, yuck!" when Spam is mentioned.

But Spam Musubi is so good!
Really!
Trust me!

Even if you think, "ain't no way am I eating that ___", just give it a try - you might like it!

Spam Musubi is eaten in Hawaii - in fact, do you know Hawaiians eat more Spam than anyone else in the world?!
Neat little fact.
It's like a sandwich in Hawaii too, and it's sold everywhere - even convenient stores.
And it's so easy to make - ya gotta love that!


History of Spam

"Hawaiians have a love affair with Spam - they eat it as a delicacy, adding it to soups and stews, treating it as a side dish for breakfast, and enjoying it as the main event for lunch and dinner. Residents of Hawaii consume more Spam than populations anywhere else in the world: More than four million cans every year, or an average twelve cans of Spam per person per year. In fact, Hawaii is so well associated with Spam that Hormel even introduced a limited edition "Hawaii" can in 2003.

The Hormel Company, in Austin, Minnesota, developed America's first canned ham in 1926. After the ham's were cut, the company was left with thousands of pounds of nearly worthless pork shoulder. Jay C. Hormel, son of Hormel founder George A. Hormel, developed the ideas of using the pork shoulder in a new product called "Hormel Spiced Ham." Since the name was rather uninspiring, a contest was hehld at a new year's Eve party for a new name with a $100 prize to the winner. The winning name was the name it goes by today - Spam. Kenneth Daigneau, an actor and the brother of a Hormel vice president Ralph Daigeau, won the contest.

During World War II, sales of Spam soared. In part because it requires no refrigeration, Spam was perfect for the military and became a standard K-ration for U.S. soldiers. Military personnel introduced it in Hawaii and elsewhere."



Below is my favorite way of cooking Spam Musubi, but people cook it so many different ways.
Just Google "Spam Musubi recipe" and around 12,300 hits will pop up!

Well - 12,301 now!

Ingredients:
Spam (smaller can)
1 cup (dry) Jasmine rice
Nori
Rice wine
Soy sauce
Sugar (I like organic cane sugar) or honey
1 tbsp (or more!) minced Garlic

{Optional: grated ginger, sesame seed oil, onions, Chinese 5 spice, teriyaki sauce, or whatever else you'd like to toss in the brew! For something different, sprinkle furikake on the rice before adding the cooked Spam!}

Start the rice.

Here it is in all it's freaky pinkish glory!
Slice it up - for a small can of Spam, I get five slices. But this really depends on how thick you like it.
Did you notice I didn't give amounts for anything other than the rice and garlic?
It's because I do it all by taste.
Start with about 1/2 cup of the rice wine, soy sauce and sugar.
Mix it together, add the garlic and any extra optional ingredients.
Then taste test and add more of each ingredient as needed.

Put the Spam slices in the mixture and marinate until the rice is cooked (or around 30 minutes).
Before browning the Spam slices, get as much of the mixture to drip off before adding them to the pan.
Then just put the mixture aside for now.
Brown on medium-high heat according to your tastes - I like 'em dark!
Add the mixture to the pan - and immediately turn the heat down to low, 'cause it's going to boil like crazy!
Let it cook for a few minutes before taking the pan off the heat.
Leave the Spam in the pan.


Using a pair of scissors, cut the Nori into strips - the width depends on you, I use the lines on the Nori as my guide.

{Some people don't like the taste of Nori, and in that case you could use soy wraps instead. You can find them at your local Asian Market.}

You'll need to position the mold in the center and near the end of the Nori strip. I do it like this, but do it whatever way works bests for you.

{I have a neat little acrylic Musubi mold for my rice. But if you can't find one at your local Asian Market, try cutting off the ends on both sides of the Spam can and use it as your mold. Or just mold the rice with your hands. Using a Spam can or your hands will be kinda messy - so be prepared!}

Dump a bit of rice in your mold, and press down firmly.
Remove the mold and add a slice of yummy Spam.
Fold over the Nori, put a tiny bit of water on your finger then run it across the Nori to seal it.


All done!

Delicious!!

Wrap your leftovers in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Pop in the microwave for a few seconds to warm up and soften the rice since it'll get a little hard sitting in the ice box.


Happy Holidays!

Thursday's Treasures

Share your crafty ideas!

I'm starting something new this week.
Lately, I've been finding some amazing blog owners (you'll find their links all over my blog!) who will, once a week, allow you to link to something crafty you've made or a cool idea you want to share.

How fun! I love that idea!

So how does it work? It's so easy!

Guidelines:

1. Click the "CLICK HERE" link below to add a permalink to your crafty project, idea and tutorial post - not your main blog. You can enter as many links as you'd like. However, NO links to Etsy or Ebay stores please!

2. Copy the HTML code for my feature button, and then add it to the post or on your blog to spread the fun.

<center><a href="http://treasuresfortots.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/treasuresfortots/BannerButton/Feat_TreasureTotsButton_150x150.jpg" /></a></center>

3. Don't forget to show a little love by leaving a comment too!

What a cool way to share tons of ideas and crafts across the Blogoshere and good way to promote your blog too!

The link will close first thing Saturday, so get your link posted soon!
All the links that get posted before the deadline will stay up indefinitely so you can always stop by to find them again!

Tell me truthfully, is it a lame name or what? Thursday's Treasures? Catchy - or not?
Hmm...
I think I want to do this every Thursday!
If you link back to this Thursday's Treasures on your post, I may feature it on the next Thursday's Treasures!

Happy Holidays!

MORE Great Amazon Toy Deals!

Awesome Deals UNDER $20!


VTech V. Motion Pink Learning System - $19.99

Scavenger Hunt for Kids game - $9.99

Flippin' Frogs game - $9.99

Video Journal - $9.99

Learning Resources Funny Phone game - $9.99

Trivia Pursuit Team - $9.99

Clue Secrets and Spies - $7.99

Monopoly Family Championship - $7.99

Leapfrog Tag Activity Storybook T. Rex's Mighty Roar - $7.99

Leapfrog Fridge Words Magnetic Word Builder - $11.99

Toddlerz Corn Popper Push Toy - $5.99

Hi Ho Cherry-O and Chutes and Ladders - $4.99

Leapfrog Leapster - Scholastic Get Puzzled - $9.99

Leapfrog Leapster - Wolverine - $9.99

Fisher-Price Ocean Wonders Aquarium - $19.99

Leapfrog Tag Storybook The Cat in the Hat - $7.99

Pink Jive Pod - $7.49

MGS Little Tikes Cozy Swing - $19.00

Sesame Street Cuddle and Care Elmo - $9.99

Quiddler game - $9.49

Caron BugLoupe Magnifier - $8.21

ThinkFun Chocolate Fix - $9.99

Monopoly Deal Card game - $4.99

Classic Sorry game - $9.99

Classic Game of Life - $7.99

Mickey's Mouse-ke-TAG - $7.99

Leapfrog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Alphabet Set - $9.99

Pretend and Play Work Belt Tool Set - $14.99

Lil' Movers Vehicles Tow 'n Pull Tractor - $5.99

Spinmaster Bugville Butterfly Habitat Panorama - $4.98

Baby Alive Story Time Rocker - $7.99

18" Fancy Nancy by Madame Alexander - $19.99

So Many Surprises Baby Dora Bathtime - $7.99

Leapfrog Didj Super Chicks game - $9.99

6-Deck Automatic Card Shuffler - $9.99

Deluxe Wood Chess Set - $9.99

Jr. Firefighter Suit - $19.99

Smart Snacks Counting Cookies - $7.99

Bye Bye Baby Chou Chou - $19.99

Crayola Color Explosion 3-D - $4.98

Jakks Pacific Ultimotion Swing Zone Sports Motion Controller Video Game - $19.99

M&D 4 Puzzle Pack w/Storage Case - $12.99

Little Superstar Jammin' Band Musical Microphone - $19.99

Giraffalaff Limbo game - $9.90

Color Wonder Magic Light Brush - $9.98

Style Six Silk Screener - $9.98

Eyeclops Bionic Eye - $14.98

ChixOs Design-A-Luxury Loft - $7.98

String World Activity Set - $9.98

There are tons more toys you can buy at amazing prices on Amazon!

All these toys are shipped FREE with Amazon Prime!

Hurry and get them soon - prices might change quick!


Happy Holidays!

GROSGRAIN Muff Tutorial and Storybook Reversable Cape Pattern!!!!

How pretty!

Go download your FREE pattern at Grosgrain: GROSGRAIN Muff Tutorial and Storybook Reversable Cape Pattern!!!!

Scroll down for the Muff Tutorial.

Happy Holidays!

SALE! Sweet Baby Nursery Stroller

Go take a look at this beautiful doll stroller from Madame Alexander! Get it for your Darling Stinker, Granddaughter, Niece, friend's little girl, or even to donate!

I bought one for Serenity's BFF, Cobee Lynn. I would've gotten it for Serenity, but I already bought the pretty pink Joovy doll stroller for her weeks ago. Oh well!

But for only $24.99 and FREE shipping with Amazon Prime, it's such an awesome deal that I just couldn't pass it up! Regular price is almost $70!

WOW!

It's nicer than some REAL strollers too! It has a metal frame, the handles adjust - so does the seat, it has durable treaded wheels, and it'll fold down very compact. This won't fall apart after a hour of play!

I don't know how much longer it'll be on sale, so HURRY and get one NOW!

Baby Cuddles Feeding Baby is on sale too for only $14.99 and FREE shipping with Amazon Prime! What a beautiful dolly to go with the stroller!



UPDATE: The price for the doll stroller has gone up to $29.99 - but that's still a really good deal!

Also, you might like Fisher-Price Fun-2-Learn Desk for only $14.99 (& FREE shipping w/Amazon Prime)! That's more than half off the original price!


Madame Alexander's beautiful cloth Strawberry Shortcake Doll is on sale for $9.99 too! This doll is normally around $40!



UPDATE 2: The stroller and the Strawberry Shortcake doll arrived and they are well-built toys! The stroller is sturdy and very pretty - any little girl would love getting it, especially since it's a lot like Mommy's! The Strawberry Shortcake doll is beautiful too, and I can't wait to see Serenity's reaction when she sees her Christmas morning!

Happy Holidays!!

Felt Cell Phone Case

I made this felt case for my Blackberry (and iPhone would fit too), using Juicy Bits' free Owl ornament pattern. I just used it as an applique for the front of my felt case.

1. First I cut out 2 pieces of tan felt 4" w x 5" l, then folded one piece in half lengthwise and cut a small curve along the top.

2. Next, I attached the applique (using felt, buttons and fabric), to the piece of felt with the curvy top. Use whatever stitch you'd like - I'm still learning so I just did something simple, but it would be interesting with a few fancy stitches.

3. Then I cut two pieces of matching cotton material for the lining - the same size as the tan felt. I ironed a "hem" at the top to give it a more finished look, but I think it would look good pinked too.

4. Finally, I pinned the whole thing together, and then hand sewed a blanket stitch around the edges.

All done!

I purchased the felt from American Felt & Craft. It's an excellent online store and shipping was very fast!

I used bamboo felt for the owl. Bamboo felt is so soft! It's also expensive - so I used a sample pack I ordered for $5. It's wonderful to work with and the colors are beautiful and bright.

The case is a wool/rayon felt blend (75¢/piece). American Felt & Craft has tons of beautiful colors to choose from too! It's not as soft as bamboo felt (of course), but it's still great to work with - much better than the craft felt I've been using!

The case doesn't fit my Blackberry as snug as I'd like it to, so next time I'll make it a little smaller, maybe 3 1/2"w x 4 3/4"l instead.

Even using the nicer wool/rayon felt blend and bamboo felt, this project is cheap. And simple. It would be a cute present for Christmas and Birthdays. I think older kids would enjoying making these for their parents and friends - or themselves!

Happy Holidays!

Sweater Softie Giveaway!

Sweater Softie Giveaway!

How cuddly!

To win a Sweater Softie from 5 orange potatoes just leave a comment HERE, telling her which sofie is your favorite!

There are pictures of 5 different adorable sofies to choose from!

If you're a follower, you can enter twice!

Spread the news about the Giveaway and earn another entry!

I like Gretchen Gremlin the best!

Hurry and enter

NOW!

The Giveaway ends on the 16th!


Happy Holidays!

Serenity's Personalized Santa Video Message

I saw this fun link to a free personalized Santa video message over at Design Dazzle.

Just answer a few questions about your child {family member or friend}, such as: name, age, location, what gift they've been hinting around about, and upload a picture of them.

The site puts it all together for a really neat video that your child will totally get a kick out of watching!
Serenity loved it and was so tickled when she saw her picture in Santa's book:

Santa even told Serenity he'll bring that special doll she's been asking for {over and over and over}:

Go have a look at Serenity's video here!

POST-IT-NOTE: I found this site where you can download free letters from Santa. Or you can have them sent by email. Really cute. Answer a few questions, pick the letter you want Santa to write, and the design you'd like on the letter. You have the choice of five different letters and designs. If you'd like an envelope download along with your letter, they'll charge you $2.99. Not too bad since you can use it year after year.

Here's Serenity reading her letter from Santa!


POST-IT-NOTE 2: I just found out from 30 Days about Amazon's 25 Days of FREE Christmas music downloads. Every day until Christmas, they'll offer a new mp3 to download. You might not like some of them. This Christmas Santa, Slower Than Christmas, and Lady GaGa's Christmas Tree are just awful. I happen to like Lady GaGa, but I'd never buy a Christmas album from her! Casting Crowns' Joy To The World is excellent and so are a couple of other ones. Maybe Amazon will have better downloads available in the days to come?


Happy Holidays!