This is one of my favorite craft projects. So, easy and it looks awesome! My preferred size is 16 x 20. Depending on where you order a photo canvas from, this size could cost $100 or more. My DIY version costs me between $6 and $8.
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April 17, 2014
DIY photo canvas
April 8, 2014
Leanna’s craft board
I made one of for myself a couple of years ago. And it gets a lot of use. I’ve tried several different ways of storing the kid’s coloring supplies. I’m always picking up crayons then looking for the crayon box/cup/holder. I also replaced the desks they weren’t using with a table, I could use too.
All natural Yeast infection salve
So long vagasil, this is my natural alternative. (sorry for the TMI)
This salve arose out of necessity. While on vacation I developed the worst case of yeast overgrowth in my you know…I was in an unfamiliar city and it was the middle of the night. There was no way I was going to be able to sleep. I went to take some ibuprofen for the swelling, when I noticed my oregano oil capsules that I take for my sinus yeast overgrowth…. Well duh, Mindy! I emptied 2 of the capsuls into some coconut oil and used it twice a day on the 2 day ride home. It helped, but didn’t completely cure the issue. So when at home I mixed this up. It works (and smells) great. 6 days on this and it cleared the whole thing up. Also helped with the immediate itching. Also, works on diaper caused by yeast and soothes the rest, my kids love it.
Mindy’s Deodorant
First off. This stuff works! It is not an antiperspirant. Most of what is on the market right now is antiperspirant that also deodorizes. This is purely a deodorant, or deodorizer. Due to the natural clay and baking soda it does absorb a little moisture but it’s purpose is to neutralize the odor that comes from sweat. And, for this purpose it’s excellent.
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October 8, 2010
Semi homemade Caramelized walnut and banana pancakes
I’ve developed a deep and abiding love for walnuts, late in life. So one day when I had some bananas that needed to be eaten I decided to try for banana pancakes and then wham…it hit me walnuts…and brown sugar and crunchy and OH my I had to try it. They are SOOOO good.
Pancake mix (prepared as directed on box)
Sliced banana
chopped walnuts
Brown sugar
Pour pancake mix on hot griddle
add banana, walnuts and then sprinkle with brown sugar.
Be careful when flipping as it can fall apart.
October 7, 2010
Herb Crusted Cross Rib Roast
I’m a gadget collector. I love love LOVE kitchen gadgets, but only if they are something that does something that I couldn’t do on my own, unless it’s really cool and a multi tasker…or really functional or just plain cool. So, it will come as no surprise to you if I say I have a rotisserie machine. But, unlike most people who own one, I actually use mine. They are unbelievable and it makes the best roast beef, ever. You can also use a rotisserie attachment for your gas BBQ. Anyways this isn’t really a recipe… just a simple how to.
1. Let your meat sit at room temperature for awhile (not strictly necesary, but I’ve read it’s supposed to make your meat cook better…browning and stuff)
2. Pour your choices of seasonings and herbs onto a cutting board.
3. Rub the meat in the herb mixture
4. Stick the meat on the rotisserie skewer
5. Plug in the machine and let it cook
6. Check it a lot sooner than you’d think, the meat cooks quite quickly. enjoy.
Tonight’s roast is coated in McCormick’s garlic and herb mixture, Montreal Steak seasoning (buy both at costco for the best bang for your buck) and a little of my favorite seasoning…mustard powder (I put it on EVERYTHING)
October 4, 2010
Spinach, Garlic & Bacon Cannellini beans
Cannellini beans
Spinach
Crushed Garlic
Bacon
salt
pepper
mustard powder
Slow cook the beans until they are tender (dried will have a better flavor than canned). Then in a hot skillet make some homemade bacon bits. When the bacon bits are done remove half the fat and add a little olive oil. Sauté the beans, garlic and chopped spinach with the bacon bits then season with salt, pepper and mustard powder.
September 16, 2010
A-Z Bread
Every family has that dish that grandma is known for…this is mine. My mother’s mother always came to visit carrying two loaves. I usually lucked out and was allowed to pick which one I wanted. And I always picked her A-Z bread (usually banana nut or zucchini) over her pound cake (recipe to follow soon…promise). Both were delicious, but there was something about her banana nut bread with a smear of butter on it that was irresistible. This is one easy recipe that is a real winner, and since it makes two loaves…freeze one and it’ll be a hit twice for half the work. It really freezes well, nobody would even know. promise.
3 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
3 tsp vanilla
3 tsp cinnamon
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Deconstructed Roasted Ratatouille
I tried to make ratatouille one day, after being inspired by that ever so cute catoon by the same name…terrible. How sad, the food went in the trash. Tuesdays trip to the farmers market inspired this dish. Baby red and yukon gold potatoes meet sun dried tomatoes in olive oil meets cioppolini onions, baby squash and garlic all drenched in olive oil.
baby potatoes sliced 1/2 centimeter thick
baby squash (little little ones to be cooked & served whole)
small cioppolini onion chopped into quarters
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September 15, 2010
Beef shank braised with onion and mushroom
I love mushroom, my husband doesn’t so, I’m always trying to sneak it in. I’m allowed to use it as a favor enhancer, he just doesn’t want to take a bite of mushroom. So here’s what we’re having for dinner. Should be yummy. * just did a taste test* very tasty. I found in the past that red wine is too strong for my pallet when pared with the beef shank, and I thought that the marsala would be too sweet. The combination was nice a savory while a little mellow and didn’t overwhelm the meat. I found it to be almost perfect…it still needs to reduce a little.
3 slices of beef shank
1/2 large white onion
8 baby bella mushrooms (more…)