Butterfly feeder

A couple weeks ago we had a butterfly unit. While online I found a great idea to feed butterflies. I thought this would be a great way to get some butterflies to come to our house to eat. I found the idea HERE.

What you need:
colorful sponges
yarn,string,twine(your choice)
a knife or scissors
water
sugar

What to Do:
Cut 2 holes or slits on both sides of sponge and pull your string through. You want to make sure you will be able to hang them. So make sure the strings are at the length you choose. Also, when choosing the colors for your sponges, butterflies tend to like the more vibrant colors like red,green,and yellow.Boil 4 parts of water. Add 1 part sugar to the boiling water until dissolved. Let it cool a bit. Dip your sponges in the nectar to soak up as much as the sponge can and hang them outside. We hung ours in the tree in out front yard.
*left over nectar lasts up to 1 week in the fridge*

I forgot about them hanging in the tree and so I don't know if we had any visitors. 

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Recipe of the Week: Easy Italian Bake!

I love cooking and baking and I am more of a semi-homemade type of cook. However, depending on what it is and difficulty I do like to try a full homemade. My family gets bored with having the same kinds of meals all the time and I get bored making them. I really like to fill everyone's pallets as well as I can.
My new favorite website is Pinterest and I stumbled upon this recipe looking up something quick and easy to make. I new I had to try this recipe because we love our pasta!

What you need:
1 lb ground beef(I used very lean meat)
1 box penne pasta(you could use any kind of pasta, I wouldn't use spaghetti though)
1 jar spaghetti sauce(or you can make your own)
1/3cup parmesean cheese divided
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese

What to Do:
Preheat oven to 375
Boil water, add noodles and cook them until tender. I like to rinse my noodles and drain them.
Brown the meat in a skillet. DRAIN
Add meat to the noodles, sauce, and 1/2 of parmesean cheese. Mix well.
Put mix into a 9x13 dish  and top it with the rest of the parm and mozzarella cheese.
Bake 20 minutes!

HUGE hit in our house! Everyone loved it and it will definitely be making some more appearances in the house.

You can serve this with a salad and garlic bread too. Very yummy and delish!

Take time and enjoy your Rays of Sunshine!

Freezer Paper Stenciling

I have been planning on doing something fun that all of us could do together for the baby. I was planning on waiting until 30 weeks, but I decided that I couldn't wait any longer. As you can probably tell I am very impatient. After going through all the clothes we had accumulated for the baby and going through all of Colton's baby clothes, I had a decent stack of plain onesies. My idea was to paint them. Colton could paint them while the husband and I did something else...so I decided on freezer paper stencils.

What you need:
xacto knife
freezer paper
some type of clothes
fabric paint
iron
cardboard or newspaper
paintbrush/foam brush

What to Do:
First, print off a picture you want or if you want a quote or saying type it out and print them off. Make sure you keep size in mind. Also remember about copyright laws. Now, trace it onto the NON shiny side of the freezer paper. Cut out the picture or whatever was traced with an xacto knife. Now use your hot iron to iron the stencil onto the fabric. Make sure everything is stuck on well. Put a piece of cardboard or some newspaper to put inside the fabric in case of bleeding. Use your paint and brush or foam brush to paint. Nice and slow and take your time. You will need more than one coat of paint. The drying time is the longest and will take a few hours to fully dry. Once it is dry the freezer paper will peel off by pulling at it. To finish you will need to heat set the fabric you painted. To do this you need your iron on and hot and run it over the stencil that is dry and painted take your time and make sure you get everything. It may stick to the iron, but nothing will be harmed if the paint is fully dry.
*When you wash these, turn them inside out*

There you have it, all finished and ready for baby Kruz! 

Glue paint picture

A few weeks ago as I was going through the blogs I read on a daily basis I found an idea I knew I had to try! I found the idea HERE.

What you need:
watercolor paper
glue
black paint or a different color paint
an empty container or 1/2 glue bottle
pencil
paper towel
picture printed
watercolors

What to do:
First, you need to decide what picture you want to do. What I did was looked for a clip art picture the reason was I didn't want anything to be copyright. I definitely don't want those issues coming after me. After i printed the picture, I traced the picture onto the watercolor paper. To trace the picture I taped the papers on a window and started working. Once the picture was traced I started making my glue paint. I chose to do black. I wanted to add more color with the watercolor paints. My glue was brand new, but I did have a bottle almost empty that I just added some of the brand new to the other bottle. Then, I just squeezed a couple big globs of paint into the glue bottle. No measurements and you don't need much. Shake up the mixture until the glue and paint become one. You can practice on a scrap piece of paper. Here comes the hard part, take the glue and start working on the picture you traced. Either filling it in or tracing it, it is really up to you. I chose to fill in my picture. Now, you need to leave this to dry for a while. I came back after a nice long nap to finish. I got out my water colors and this step is however you want to paint it.I chose a more textured look. I bunched up some paper towel and used that as my paint brush.

Once dried, I put it in a frame and hung it up in Kruz's nursery.

This really was so fun and I really love how it looks hung up in his room. 

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Blocks

For Colton's birthday way back when in March I made him a puzzle from blocks that the husband so kindly cut for me. I had some left over and as I was cleaning out all my bins, I stumbled upon them and started spelling words and names out. The perfect word for this project was rock star. So, I set off and started crafting!

What you need:
blocks
paint
scrapbook paper
xacto knife or scissors
letter stickers
modge podge

What to Do:
First, paint the blocks, you don't have to, but I think it looks better when you do for a project like this. I painted mine brown to match the baby bedding. I used more than one coat of paint too. Once the blocks were all covered and dried with paint I traced them on scrapbook paper of my choice and cut out the little squares with my xacto knife. I chose to do one side, but depending on how you want to do this, you can always do more than one side. Once I had them all cut out I added a thin layer of modge podge and stuck the paper on. Once it was all dried I stuck the letter stickers on and added a layer of modge podge to seal it all.

There you have it! Finished and so cute! I am in the process of looking for a shelf to set these blocks on because the one wall looks so bare and the blocks will live a better life on the shelf that way.

Happy crafting for your Rays of Sunshine as I did for mine!

Repurposed Diaper boxes

I have so many diaper boxes it is unreal! I used them for moving because they are nice boxes with handles. My intention was to get rid of them. I did get rid of a lot of them, but once I found out I was pregnant I wanted to make a few of them into organization for the nursery.

The crib we bought has a changing table attached. The table has a few shelves and I thought it would be a perfect home for those boxes. Once I figured that out, my next job was to decide how I was going to cover them. With the bundle of paper I bought at Hobby Lobby I had already finished a couple projects with it and so decided to continue using it.

What you need:
xacto knife or knife
scrapbook paper
modge podge
pen/pencil
diaper boxes or regular moving boxes
foam brush
scissors(optional)

What to do:
First, cut off the folding pieces or the flaps of the boxes. Then, lay the boxes down and trace around each side and don't forget to trace where the handle is too! You will need many sheets of paper so plan ahead. Use your xacto knife or scissors and cut them out with the paper. using your foam brush put a layer of modge podge one side at a time and add the paper. I did one side at a time and then leaving it to dry. Continue with each side until the box(es) are covered. This will take time, but is worth it. The longer sides of the box are more difficult to cover because you need a couple sheets of paper to cover them. Once all the boxes are done, add a layer to the top with modge podge on each side; one side at a time. now, you are finished and can put whatever you want inside them!

I did two so far. I need to do one more for the shelf. I may be doing more for other areas of the home, but haven't thought much about it yet.

Happy crafting!

Name letters!

When I was pregnant with Colton, the letters to make a name were very popular. I of course wanted them to add some flare to his room and found some I just loved at Hobby Lobby. They were also on sale at the time which was also very nice. With Colton's I painted them a blue color.

Here I am, two years later with another baby on the way. I had to have some more letters. Walmart was pricey and the letters were small. We went to Hobby Lobby and I found some that could be possible, but I still wanted to see if by some miracle they still carried those letters. The husband and I walked through the whole store and were having no luck. I was upset, but realizing that was two short years ago. Walking through the home decor section of the store scoping it out for something nice for the house or baby boys room. Well, I heard the husbands voice say, "Hey, I found them!" I almost shrieked in excitement! Yes, I did :) Plus, they were half off!! Of course I was ecstatic and knew just what I wanted to do!

What you need:
scrapbook paper
modge podge
xacto knife
foam brush
pencil or pen

What to do:
Put the letter face down on the BACK of the paper and trace it out on the chosen paper. Do this with all your letters! This way, when you modge podge the paper to the letter it won't be backwards. Then, once they are all traced used your xacto or even scissors to cut them out. Then, take your foam brush and put a small layer of modge podge to the front of the letter and stick your paper on top. Once the letters dry, add a thin layer of modge podge to the top of the paper. When that dries you can hang them!

Happy crafting with your Rays of Sunshine!

Clothes dividers

For the closet, I have seen dividers by size all over bloggy land. I never got around to making them for Colton and so with having everything to make them, I decided I had to make them.

What you need:
scrapbook paper
modge podge
xacto knife
number stickers
cardboard(I used cereal boxes)
foam brush(easier to spread modge podge)

I cut out the shape I wanted for the hangers. I then cut out the scrapbook paper to match the shape using an xacto knife. I added a layer of modge podge on the cardboard stuck the scrapbook paper on and waited for each side to dry before adding the other paper. of course to seal it, I added a layer for the top. I then cut a circle a bit bigger than the closet rod using the xacto knife. I also cut a slit on the side to put it on the rod too. By the time I was done I knew I need to put the sizes on there. Well, I really didn't want to write the sizes on. I was digging through all my stickers and found some numbers, but they were months. I thought well, I could still use them and they would be cute too!

I just love how they look and to know I didn't pay a dime makes it even better!

A Baby Journal

My 1st ever project for Kruz was a journal. I have to say though I have not wrote in it yet :( I am such a procrastinator and a slacker. But I do know what I want to write and all that. Not just a journal but a book full of advice,poems,quotes,and love will fill it.

A trip to Target during the school shopping I picked up a composition notebook for .99! I found the PERFECT scrapbook paper from Hobby Lobby. Now, that was pricey. I did have a 40% coupon, so that was a plus! Modge Podge is such a wonderful invention and has been a good friend the past couple months.

I set to work one afternoon while Colton was napping. I measured both sides of the notebook and cut out the scrapbook paper. I put a thin layer of modge podge on the notebook and put the paper in place. One side at a time. letting it dry. Once dry, I put a thin layer on top. Once both sides were dry I thought the journal needed something. I looked through all my stickers and came across some cork board style letter stickers I have had but never used.

I am very happy with how it turned out!

Recipe of the Week: Mexican Cheesecake!

My mom attended a party a couple months ago and called me the next day to tell me all about this awesome Mexican cheesecake she had. She was told that it was not only easy but yummy. Well, she tried it and fell in love. My mom told me that I need to make it.
So, my opportunity came when the husband became a year older! His birthday was a couple weeks ago. He enjoys staying home and so hey, that is what we did. Plus, his birthday was during the week. But they let him out of work a little early so that was nice.
I found the recipe HERE.
What you need:
2 cans of crescent rolls
2cups sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
cinnamon
2 blocks cream cheese
2tsp vanilla
9x13 casserole dish
pam/cooking spray to grease down the pan
mixer
rubber spatulas

To Make:
Spray the 9x13 dish down with cooking spray. Press 1 roll of crescent rolls in the bottom of dish.
Mix 2 blocks cream chesse, 1cup sugar,and 1ts of vanilla until fluffy.
Spread the mix onto the crescent roll bottom. Roll out the other can of crescent rolls on top of the 2 layers and pinch the crescent rolls together creating a seal.
Melt the butter and remaining 1 cup sugar until sugar dissolves. Add the remaining 1tsp vanilla to mixture and pour over the cheesecake. sprinkle with cinnamon.
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes and enjoy!

When I made this, it was right around dinner time so I set it out to cool, we ate dinner, then ate some. it was still warm and OH MY LORD! It was heaven!!!! I then put the rest into the fridge and enjoyed a piece later that night OH MY LORD!! Still so good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ENJOY like I did with My Rays of Sunshine!

Nursery Reveal!

Yesterday Kruz's bedding came! I was so EXCITED! When I already had Colton and had his room like I liked, this bedding is what I saw and fell in love with. Well, I never once thought I would have two boys. I was definitely wrong because here I am 26 weeks along with a boy!

I knew right from the start what I wanted his room to look like, what I wanted to make and create...so here it is!

I will be posting each project also. I made all the decorations myself. The records obviously were bought but we hung those. This room was how I envisioned it. Although I think the window needs a valance, a shelf needs to be hung, and I am currently working on the lamp; which will be made by me. Thanks for looking!

Pregnancy, Week 24-25

Well the past two weeks have been pretty crazy! Between growing and shopping for the baby it sure has been a monumental two weeks!
Week 24 we all went and registered at Target and Babies R Us! I am a member of the rewards program for babies r us and they sent me a coupon that if I registered I would get a $10 gift card. So of course we decided to! We loaded up and went early. I am an early bird and get so excited! we all had so much fun scanning and we left with a bag of goodies too! target was the same way! More goodies! The end of week 24 we had an ultrasound to look at some of the things the tech couldn't see at the gender ultrasund weeks ago because baby boy wasn't having it at all! It sure was fun having the husband and Colton in the room to really see how baby boy has grown and him moving and such.
Week 25 I had an appointment with my OB. Nothing much happened just a routine visit. I have to take the glucose test before my next appointment and will need the Rhogam shot by the next visit as well. I have O- blood. O the joys! This week, we bought baby boys bedding, bought the car seat,and also painted some onesies as a family for baby.
Everything is coming together and I CAN'T WAIT to reveal the nursery! Plus, I will be having how-to's on all the projects I have done to make the nursery special.
 No pictures for these two weeks because every time I remembered to take a picture of myself looking nice I forgot to ask the husband...my brain has gotten the best of me lol.

Puffy Paint

Many months ago I found the idea to make puffy paint HERE. I forgot about it. I then found it again on pinterest. That my friends is another new favorite place I am at.
Anyways, I have had the ingredients to make the paint for a while now. I ceased the opportunity last week when we were both very bored.

What you need:

1tbs self rising flour

1tbs salt

food coloring

enough water to make a paste

cardboard or cereal box 

muffin tin(optional)

paint brushes or q-tips(I used q-tips)

You give each child some cardboard. Cardboard is much sturdier for this project. Now let the child paint and make sure to put it on THICK. Once your child is done painting, pop it into the microwave for 5-10 seconds until the paint puffs up. All done! It is easy, fun, and lets your childs imagination soar. I used a muffin tin to put the paint in because the tin was big nough for all the paint colors and also held just the right amount of paint.

Enjoy with your Rays of Sunshine!