The Great Pinterest Hunt!

I came across this blog post this morning. 

http://www.iheartnaptime.net/scrap-box/# 

Check out the Hunt for your chance to win some great prizes (and have fun looking at all sorts of Pinterest Boards!)

#thegreatpinteresthunt

~Anika

Give that Pin a Try #3: Repurposing a Container

I know I said I had a recipe to share next, but I changed my mind.

I've had my eye on many versions of repurposed containers on Pinterest.  I desperately need cute storage bins, but somehow diapers and new shoes for my ever growing boys end up higher on the shopping list than new storage bins and baskets.  Here are a few that I've found on Pinterest...

The Kleenex box...

Source: southernflaircrafts.wordpress.com via Anika on Pinterest

The tin cans...

Source: shabbychicinspired.blogspot.com via Anika on Pinterest

The Diaper box...

Source: positivelysplendid.com via Anika on Pinterest

Awesome! Right?

When I was cleaning out our entryway closet, which also holds all of my laundry supplies, I found this old OxyClean container (from back when they were still round - although I think the new rectangular ones will work too, they just aren't as deep) and decided to try my hand at making it into something that could sit out on a shelf without being an eyesore.

I decided to paper mache the outside and make a fabric liner that would fold over the top.

I used Elmer's White Glue and warm water - about equal parts, but I didn't measure.

Then I started ripping pieces of this Kraft colored wrapping paper, dipping them in the glue and applying them to the container.

Here it is with one layer.  It took about 2 or 3 layers to completely cover the bright blue plastic.  Then I let it dry overnight.

In the morning it looked like this.

I had some left over denim so I flipped the container over and traced the TOP rim onto the denim since it's bigger than the bottom - that way I had room for a seam allowance when I sewed it to the rectangular piece.  I didn't take pictures of the sewing process, but first I ironed some Hem Tape to the top long edge of the rectangular piece.  Stitching it up didn't take long at all, and I even got it right on the first try!  (Thought I'd have to pull out the seam ripper for sure!)

I put the liner in and tied some ribbon around it (it didn't need the ribbon, I just wanted to dress it up a bit).  I think it's adorable, and I'm going to use it to serve pretzel rods dipped in chocolate at a 4th of July party.  I'll try to remember to get a picture of that to share later too.

Have you repurposed any containers lately?  I'd love to see them!  Are you planning anything exciting for the 4th?  We are looking forward to celebrating with friends and family at a grill out complete with cold slushy drinks (it's supposed to be hot and sticky here) and lots of fireworks!

Thanks for stopping by!
~Anika

Give that Pin a Try #2: De-Funking Bath Towels

My husband is always complaining that our towels stink.  I've tried OxyClean, Color Safe Bleach, and a few different kinds of laundry detergent, but nothing seemed to take care of the stink.  When I saw this Pin...

Source: mythirtyspot.com via Anika on Pinterest

...I was so excited to try it. (And I'm not one to get excited about laundry!!)

Go here for the EASY directions...wash once with vinegar and once with baking soda.

So simple and the verdict: It worked!  Our towels don't smell anymore!  If you're like us and have stinky towels, definitely give this a try.

I've been in a baking mood lately so I'll be sharing another yummy recipe with you soon!

Thanks for stopping by!
~Anika

Give that Pin a Try: Lazy Cake Cookies

I have an obsession with Pinterest (and I know I'm not alone)!!  I've been pinning things for months, but I rarely have time to actually try things out - whether it's a recipe, craft or cleaning tip.  So while I'm on Summer Break, I'm going to try to do at least one thing that I pin each week and then I'll blog about it.

Yesterday, I came across this recipe for "Lazy Cake Cookies".  They looked delicious and sounded super simple (and I actually had the 4 ingredients in my pantry) so I whipped them up.

1 yellow cake mix, 2 beaten eggs, 5 TBSP melted butter, 2 cups chocolate chips

Source: imalazymom.com via Anika on Pinterest

The boys were really interested in my spatula so I gave them each a spatula and a mixing bowl filled with some toys they could mix up.  

They LOVED it!!

I guess I forgot to tell them to keep their batter in the bowl!

But, Back to the cookies...

They were by far the easiest cookies I have ever made and they tasted great.  Half the pan is already gone...oops!  I guess that means Andrew thought they were good, too!  Since I used a dark coated pan, the only thing I would do differently next time is bake them at 325 instead of 350, just like with brownies.

So if you need a quick treat, definitely give these a try!!  

The next pin I'm going to try out is a way to "de-funk" your bath towels.  They are actually in the wash right now, so hopefully I will have some fluffy fresh smelling towels to share about soon!

Thanks for stopping by!

~Anika