My Creative Stirrings

Heart Attack- A Family Fun Activity!

2012-01-25T10:42:00.000-08:00

Heart Attack

A Family Fun Activity

Here is a fun craft that continues its fun throughout the month of February! This little Heart Attack box is a homemade match box filled with chocolate goodies and a surprise to be found. On February 1st Heart Attack someone in your household by placing this box on their pillow or in a place that a specific individual is sure to find it (as a household create a few rules to keep things running smoothly). When that individual finds the Heart Attack box they will get to eat one piece of candy from the box. Then, they get to "hide" it for another to find.

For healthier options fill your box with crackers, cereal, or dried fruit (in a plastic bag).

Place this poem at the bottom of the box. Once all the candy is gone gather all participants and read the poem out loud.

Heart Attack Activity

Now that you have had a jolt or two

It’s time to share your emotions true.

Come, let’s all gather around

And participate in a game where love abounds.

Each person will get to share

Why they love all others there.

When you have finished expressing love face to face

End the fun with a giant group embrace!

Written by MyCreativeStirrings.com

MATCH BOX INSTRUCTIONS

Ever wanted a match box without having to empty it's dangerous contents?

1. Using a thin piece of cardboard (~cereal box) cut a 4 3/4" by 8 1/2" rectangle.

2. If possible, perforate across the short side at the following measurements: 6/8", 3 1/8", 4 5/8", 7 1/8". If you do not have a perforator slide the blunt side of a butter knife against the edge of a ruler.

3. Fold along your perforations.

4. Using double sided tape or glue adhere your edges together. You may want to make your actual box before finishing this step as you will not want this to be too snug.

5. Using a thin piece of cardboard (~cereal box) cut another rectangle, 5 1/4" by 7 1/4":

6. Perforate along the short side of the box 1 3/8" in, on each end.

7. Perforate lengthwise 1 1/4" in, on each end.

8. On the 1 1/4" measurements cut a long notch 1/8" wide and 1 3/8" deep as shown above. Try to cut the notch starting on the 1 1/4" line and then going towards the outside perimeter of the box so that your notch is taken out of the square flaps not the rectangular flaps.

9. Trim the end of each "square" flap (4 total) 1/8".

10. Fold all of your perforated seams so that it forms a box.

11. Using glue or nonstick tape adhere the flaps by folding the square flaps in first and then the rectangular ones last.

Admire your box :)

Decorate your box with a piece of scrapbook paper, stickers, buttons, ribbons... I embellished mine with a single rubber stamp image of a bird.

Place your poem at the bottom of the box and then fill it with naughty goodies! You may want to sample a candy just to make sure they are still okay!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Family Valentines...

2012-01-22T10:58:00.000-08:00

Need a fresh idea? For a fun family night activity make GIANT Valentine hearts to post on each family member's bedroom door.

Throughout the month encourage your family to write each other notes on their giant hearts. Hopefully by the end of February your heart will be filled with love notes.

Don't forget to take a picture when you are done. I know I do not ever want to forget Penelope's Potato people, Tommy's fabulous writing skills, my husbands funny remarks, or Olive's backwards name that spells, "Evil- o" :).

Can of Dates Kit and Vinyl Diaper Changing Pads on Etsy

2012-01-21T10:24:00.000-08:00

Because people seem to love my Can of Dates, I just listed a Can of Dates Kit on Etsy! Its much cheaper than buying the whole thing (the kit doesn't include the can, heart background paper, pudding, candy, popcorn, or bow) since the shipping is cut way down. All you have to do is drop the 36+ included date ideas in a bag, box, Tupperware, etc. and stick on the provided label (oh and don't forget to add your own personal touches with gift cards, notes, cash, or small gifts).

Also, people have been asking about my Large Diaper Changing Pads made out of water proof vinyl, so I just put them in my shop on Etsy!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/mycreativestirrings

Go check them out!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/mycreativestirrings

MyCreativeStirrings

LOVE CHAIN

2012-01-19T10:22:00.000-08:00

Ready to go on a trip? What are the world's views on the topic of LOVE?

I am mailing off 5 letters entitiled, "LOVE CHAIN". I will select 5 of my lucky friends or family to mail these letters to. I will include the following instructions:

Write down some of your G-rated thoughts about love on the paper included in the envelope. If you feel comfortable record your first name, age, city, and state/country you are from. Then, stick the paper with all responses into an envelope and mail it to another person asking them to do the same. Over the course of a year we will gather thoughts on "love" from around the world!

If you receive this letter in February 2013 please record your thoughts and do not continue the chain. Instead, contact me through MyCreativeStirrings.com for further instructions. Thank you!

To keep tabs or send an update on this LOVE CHAIN go to MyCreativeStirrings.com and search under LOVE CHAIN. If you want to help the friend you are mailing to, include a pre-stamped envelope for their use.

Let the journey begin!

Introducing, MyCreativeStirrings Etsy Shop!

2012-01-16T11:00:00.000-08:00

Due to multiple requests, we have finally opened an Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/mycreativestirrings
We just got it started and have posted my Can of Dates, and metallic flower headbands, and will be adding lots more in the future, including diaper changing pads made from water proof vinyl, variations on my popular Can of Dates, and one of a kind specialty items that I make for my blog post. So, keep watching the shop and let me know what you think!

MyCreativeStirrings

The Ultimate...and Easy- Valentine's Dessert!

2012-01-12T07:35:00.000-08:00

Here is a quick Valentine Dessert that is sure to win you a kiss! It is a simple bundt cake covered in chocolate sprinkles and bars and topped with a rose made entirely out of fruit leather/"roll-ups".

INSTRUCTIONS

Make OR purchase fruit leather. If you are making it add food coloring or dry jello (for added flavor) to applesauce to get your desired colors. I used a combination of generic Fruit by the Foot® and homemade fruit leather. The generic product was extra sticky and helped me glue pieces together.

Using kitchen scissors cut your fruit leather into strips ~1 1/4 inches wide. It is okay if your fruit leather does not curve like mine. It will still work.

Take one piece and roll it up as shown above. Secure with sticky fruit leather. If you do not have sticky leather you could use other dried fruit, that is sticky, or carefully dampen the spot you want to adhere and press together.

Take each additional piece and roll it as you wind it around your flower. Adhere each piece so that it remains sturdy.

Make sure you manipulate creases so that it looks even. In other words...don't stack all of your folds over each other. Periodically you may need to show an edge of your fruit leather.

Make or purchase different shades of green fruit leather.

Using kitchen scissors cut varying leaf shapes and sizes.

Place your rose on a small piece of cardboard.

Tuck your leaves under the rose but on top of the cardboard.

If you are using a bundt cake you will need to fill the middle. I put spice containers in plastic bags and placed them in the middle of the cake.

Place your beautiful rose on top of your cake and snap a few pictures! Don't forget to tell your friends or sweetheart that this idea came from, MyCreativeStirrings.com. Thank you and Happy Valentine's Day!

From the Other Half,

Guys and Gals, the pictures don't do this cake justice. This was really impressive, and a show stopper. (I actually saw my wife jumping up and down in excitement after she made it, and the jumping was justified!) Plus, it tasted so yummy! I especially loved the strawberry flavored fruit leather that my wife made.

The Other Half

Snowman Dinner and Dip

2011-12-20T10:29:00.000-08:00

Snowman
Dinner and Dip

Created by MyCreativeStirrings.com

To end our Snowman Family Fun Day we had a Snowman Dinner and Dip!

Snowman Dinner Menu:

Melted Snowman Soup (Potato Soup)
Coal Eyes and Buttons (Black Olives)

Carrot Noses (Steamed Carrots)

Extra Appendages (Breadsticks)

Chocolate Fondue (with snowman parts and snowman shaped cookies)

My tablecloth is a sanitized bed sheet from a thrift center...don't tell my guests :). If you do not have fancy tablecloths you could use wrapping paper. Choose your colors based on your tablecloth selection.

This fancy centerpiece is made primarily of un-opened food cans wrapped in paper. The hat is an open food can covered in wrapping paper with candy cane ornaments coming out of the top. The scarf is made using a red napkin.

The bottom portion of my centerpiece is made out of black poster board and multi-colored construction paper.

I made one snowman to represent each child who would be attending the party. Their individual names are written on the bottom of the snowman that represents them.

These large cans are for the "Extra Appendage" soft bread sticks. You can find #10 cans at most grocery stores, just look in their bulk sections. You could also cover 1 gallon plastic ice cream buckets.

My place setting resembles a snowman. Can you guess what each item represents?

The upside down bowl and plate represent the snowman's Top Hat.

The cup and coaster represent the snowman's Carrot Nose.

The napkin represents the snowman's Scarf.

To make the scarf you will need a large red napkin and half of a red pipe cleaner. Unfold your napkin. Then, refold your napkin so that it measures 1 1/2 inches by super long :). Next, fold it in half lengthwise and trim the edges, as shown above. Fold your napkin around your silverware and tie with the pipe cleaner.

To get extra napkin fluff you may need to avoid folding your napkin exactly in half. The top portion will need to be approximately 2/3 of the total length.

Snowman Chocolate “Fondue” Dip:

Snowman Shaped Peanut Butter Cookies

Snowman Arms (Pretzel Sticks)

Snowman Body Parts (Marshmallows)

...and lots of melted CHOCOLATE!

Snowman Family Fun Day!

2011-12-17T12:16:00.000-08:00

This holiday we will be surrounded by family with lots of young children. To help pass the time, while creating lasting memories, I came up with this Snowman Family Fun Day.

I will start by dividing the families into teams with each family being a team. Grandparents and Great Grandparents will join in smaller families so that the numbers are relatively even. Then, throughout the day each family will participate in a series of 5 festive competitions.

1. The Sneaky Snowman Contest
2. Build a Snowman Competition
3. A Snowball Fight...no snow required
4. "Chubby Snowman" Contest
5. Snowman Charades

To top things off we will have a Snowman themed dinner (posting in 3 days!) and Snowman Chocolate Dip (Chocolate Fondue). Then, we will end our fun filled day with a mini award ceremony.

May the best snowman family win!

1. The Sneaky Snowman Contest
Each family will get a bag of paper snowballs, a pen, and tape. They will need to create a snowman family name (i.e. Frosties, Meltaways, Quick Carrots) and write it on each snowball. In advance, I will tape a snowman head on the wall in a common gathering area like the living room. Throughout the day each family will attempt to add a snowball onto the growing snowman body as shown above without letting anyone see. If you are caught the snowman player will have to try again later...when no one is looking. The family who adds the most snowballs by the award ceremony wins the competition!

Rule- You can not put your own family name twice in a row. You must wait until another family has attached their snowball.

2. Build a Snowman Competition
Have each snowman family select one person from their team for this competition before giving the instructions. Then, give each snowman family a roll of toilet paper and explain that they will have 7 minutes to dress their selected team member as a snowman. To pick a winning team you could have a young impartial child vote or use the following as a guide:

1 point- to the most creative snowman
2 points- to the snowman who looks the most like Frosty

3. A Snowball Fight...no snow required.
Yes...those are socks! Gather all the white socks in the house or come prepared with socks from your own house. Then, set some boundaries. Create a large semi-enclosed area with markings. Each family will take a turn (~2 minutes) being inside this enclosed area while trying to avoid being hit with snowballs. Each family will also take a turn trying to nail snowmen in the enclosed area with snowballs. The family who hits the most snowmen wins this competition!

To avoid taking a snowman to the E.R. you may want to have adults stand further back and throw with the hand they are least likely to throw with.

4. "Chubby Snowman" Contest
Have each snowman family select one person from their team for this competition before giving the instructions. Then, give each snowman family a bowl full of marshmallows. Start a timer and see who can stuff the most snowballs in their mouth (without chewing or swallowing) before the timer goes off. Whoever has the most in their mouth when the timer goes off wins the game! Remind team members that they need to keep track as the selected person is inhaling! You may not be able to count later :).

It's Dinner Time!
Stay tuned for my snowman themed dinner. Here are some fun games to play while feasting on snowman grub:

Dinner Game #1
Candy Cane Elimination- Gather as many candy canes as you have people (at each table) to place in the center of the table. Before putting the candy canes in the center use a permanent marker to draw a black dot on the bottom of one candy cane. During the dinner pass the container of candy canes around and allow each person to take one. The player who selects the candy cane with the black dot is out. Then, continue the game until only one player is left. You will need to take one candy cane out after each round so that you always have an equal amount to the number of players.

Dinner Game #2
Getting to know your snowpals- You will need this lovely center piece (or sketch your own version) and a spoon. I made a snowman to represent each child by writing their name on their snowman. Take the spoon, flip it upside down, and spin it in the middle of the center piece until the rounded portion lands close to a snowman. Then, ask that person to answer a question like:

What is your favorite food, color, season, animal... Or ask them to tell a story or do a snowman dance...

For Dessert...it's Fondue!

Snowman Chocolate "Fondue" Dip:
Snowman Shaped Peanut Butter Cookies
Snowman Arms (Pretzel Sticks)
Snowman Body Parts (Marshmallows)
...and lots of melted CHOCOLATE!

5. Snowman Charades
Sorry, no pictures for this one :). Have each snowman family take turns allowing one of their team members to act out a phrase for their own team. Put a time limit on it. The team who guesses the most words wins the game!

Snowman Words:

Snowman

Snow fall

Snowing

Carrot nose

Black hat

Broom

Melting

Coal eyes

Cold

Winter

Christmas

Baby snowman

Chubby snowman

Tall snowman

Small small small

White

Scarf

Hot sun

Frosty the snowman

Snowballs

Buttons

Stick arms

Mini Snowman Award Ceremony

Total up the wins. Allow the winning snow family to pick their prizes first! I bagged up a variety of snowman parts (pretzels, marshmallows, raisins, and carrots). You could give a variety of prizes...so have fun!

Snowman Can Craft

2011-12-14T12:06:00.000-08:00

This fancy snowman is made primarily of un-opened food cans wrapped in paper.

The eyes are drawn on with a black marker and the nose is made out of orange construction paper.

The scarf is made out of a red napkin and tied with half of a red pipe cleaner.

The hat is an open food can covered in wrapping paper, with candy cane ornaments coming out of the top. The hat is resting on top of a circular piece of black card stock.

Stay tuned as this snowman creation will be featured in an upcoming party!

Annual Cookie Man Day

2011-12-13T12:45:00.000-08:00

Happy Cookie Man Day!

We just celebrated our 4th Annual Cookie Man Day! We all had a wonderful time reading our special book, making and eating cookies, and setting service goals.

One of these years I am going to make the whole family dress us as giant Cookie Men! The year I fulfill this dream will be the year I die...from laughing :).

Check out all of our fabulous Gift and Christmas ideas and a Very Merry Christmas to you too!

Christmas Tree Paper Craft

2011-12-11T12:03:00.000-08:00

Christmas Tree

Paper Craft

Created by MyCreativeStirrings.com

Instructions:

Cut out a variety of star shapes. Using a black ink pad dip your paper pieces in ink. Punch a small hole through the center of each star with a pin (you can always make your hole bigger). Then, gently push a pipe cleaner through each hole.

Place your finished tree inside a vase. This fancy vase is an empty 8 oz. can of tomato sauce covered in wrapping paper. I filled the can with candy to keep the tree upright.

This could make a fun neighbor gift!

Happy Holidays!

Time Capsule- Gift Idea

2011-12-04T06:40:00.000-08:00

Time Capsule

A thoughtful gift

for your sweetheart, parents, or grandparents

If you liked my Can of Dates idea, check out this one as I am sure you will love it! In addition, it will make a fabulous Christmas gift for your parents, in-laws, grandparents, or sweetheart!

I made tissue paper flowers by folding, twisting, and rolling 3 inch wide pieces of tissue paper.

One of my viewers encouraged me to create an anniversary gift idea...and here it is! The best part is that this idea is adaptable and would work for any occasion. I am really excited to share this idea because I think it is a super fun gift to make and receive! It is a box filled with fun memories, letters, gifts, date night activities, pictures and so on. Each deposit into the box will represent one year of marriage. (Example and explanation- pretend the couple had been married for 25 years. You would place 25 items in the box of which they could open one per day for 25 days or, if they chose, they could spread it over a longer period of time.) This gift is incredibly thoughtful, super fun, and is tailored to fit your budget.

Start by setting a budget. Then, gather information from appropriate sources. Ask siblings, parents, aunts and uncles, and friends to share fun memories, pictures, stories, favorite foods, and so forth. Decide if you want to include others in on the gift. Next, decide what “25” items you are going to select to put into your box. Once you have gathered your supplies make a box, number your gifts if you wish, attach a note, and give your gift.

IDEA- Give an album they can adhere appropriate gifts to as gift number one. This idea was kindly given by my sweet sister in law!

Ideas for the Time Capsule:

(Ideas can be spread over a few days (i.e. a letter per day) or lumped (i.e. all the letters on one day) depending on your time, quantity of ideas, and how many years they have been married.)

1. Letters of love and gratitude from each child, grandchild, or you (if they have been married for several years then have each letter represent a day)

2. Favorite candy or treats

3. Pictures (family photos, funny photos, or tell a story using pictures)

4. A date night idea (i.e. my penny idea)
5. Tickets to a play, the opera, or a concert

6. Inspirational quotes about love

7. New game (deck of cards, board game for two)

8. Handprints from each child in the family regardless of age (it should bring back some tender memories)

9. Hand drawn pictures from each member of the family

10. Coupons- “good for one day of lawn care, a plate of cookies from the kids…”

11. Stories

12. Music- recordings of family members performing or store bought favorites

13. Homemade gifts

14. Items to remind them of their parents or family

15. Classic love movie

16. Small bag of candy with instructions for a candy game
17. Gift Certificate to a new restaurant for dinner or just dessert

18. A fun twist- you could represent each year of marriage with something specific from that year

19. Include a gift certificate to a portrait studio. Or, if this is for your parents/grandparents offer to take a photo of the couple yourself. You could give them a frame with a “portrait coupon” inside.

20. Have participants fill out a survey in advance. Print their responses onto slips of papers and place in your Time Capsule. Ask questions like, 1. What is your favorite memory of mom and/or dad? 2. What is your funniest memory of mom and/or dad? 3. List 5 words that describe mom and 5 words that describe dad?

21. Expressions of love ideas (type these ideas onto slips of paper and place each in an envelope):

Tell each other about your favorite date

Share 3 reasons you love each other

Describe a dream date you would love to go on (different than any in the past)

Before you kiss goodnight take turns telling each other a story using your imagination

Without telling think of one way you can serve each other over the next 2 days

Think of one way that you can serve someone as a couple (phone call, visit…)

Time Capsule Box Idea

Based on the amount of items you have, choose a box that will fit them appropriately. Then, decorate your box using pictures, scrapbooking paper, wrapping paper, pom poms, feathers, ribbons, handprints, footprints, or whatever suits your fancy. Want to be extra thoughtful? Find out what their wedding colors and flowers were and then decorate your box using those elements. Include a note that explains your gift. Here is an example of a generic note:

Dear Dad and Mom,

Merry Christmas! Thank you for all of your support, service, and love over these last 32 years. We have created a Time Capsule that captures glimpses from each of those delightful years and helps you treasure the upcoming years too. Have fun opening one each day for 32 days! Enjoy, and know that you are appreciated and loved.

Love, Your Children and Grandchildren

Transformers Party Favor

2011-12-01T11:49:00.000-08:00

Transformers

Party Favor
Created by MyCreativeStirrings.com
I decided to create a "Game Can" for my Transformer Birthday Party- Party Favor. This can contained 5 interactive games that would hopefully keep the children occupied for hours after the party.

My can is a #10 can with a few embellishments. I typed up an explanation of the contents and taped them on the inside of the can:

Party favor contents include 5 interactive games:
1. The Cube- hot and cold game
2. Build your own Transformer- using crackers
3. Transformer Game board with red and purple candies
4. Transformer Scavenger Hunt
5. Transformer Can Toss- using scavenger hunt items and the can

1. The Cube
This is designed to be the hot and cold game. It is made by covering a squarish box (i.e. a tissue box) with decorated paper. I used crayons to re-create cube like designs. A few of my games transform into the next game after the children are done playing them; The Cube is one of those.

I rubberbanded the label to the cube.

2. Build Your Own Transformer

This edible game is found inside the cube! Here are the rules:

Build Your Own...TransFormer

On a flat surface, divide the crackers between hungry players. Allow each player to build their own transformer using their crackers.

For a fun challenge combine all the crackers and build a giant transformer using every cracker.
I placed the crackers in a large sealed bag inside the cube. Then, placed a copy of the rules on top of the bag of crackers where the kids could easily find them...before the crackers were eaten.

3. Transformer Game Board

Here is a fun game board that My Other Half and I created. I provided purple and red candies to represent the Autobots and Decepticons.

This is the game board and game pieces.
I pasted the game instructions on the back of the game board.

I placed all of the parts to this game into one large bag. Then, placed the bag in the #10 can.

If you would like a copy of this game board and the game pieces please email me at creativestirrings@gmail.com

4. Transformer Scavenger Hunt

This activity allows the children to get up and wiggle for a few minutes. Have them gather special, "Transformer Parts". If you want to continue the fun allow them to gather more items.

5. Transformer Can Toss

This final game uses pieces gathered from a previous activity as well as the container the party favor came in. Here are the instructions:

TransFormer Can Toss
Using your Transformer Scavenger Hunt Parts TRANSFORM them into one giant mass. All parts must stay connected.
Place your tin can in an open area and take 10 steps back. Take turns throwing your transformer into the can. Allow each player to throw 5 times. Whoever gets their transformer into the can the most wins the game!

Here is the verbiage I used on the game label:

The Cube
Hot and Cold Game

Take turns allowing one person to hide the cube while the other players close their eyes. After the cube is hidden have everyone open their eyes and begin searching for the cube.

When players approach the cube have the person who hid the cube say, “Autobot”. When players move further away from the cube have the person who hid the cube say, “Decepticon”. The player who finds the cube gets to hide it next.

When you have finished playing this game open the cube to reveal the next exciting game.

Thanksgiving Ideas

2011-11-23T14:20:00.000-08:00

Hey all! Here is a quick post of ideas I have shared with you that you can use for your Thanksgiving day meal, decorations, or celebration! Check them out!

Or try any of my yummy desert recipes!

http://www.mycreativestirrings.com/search/label/Dessert

Transformers Birthday Party

2011-11-14T10:43:00.000-08:00

Birthday Party

Created by MyCreativeStirrings.com

Here is my Transformer Birthday Party! This was a challenging theme for me. What are transformers? They are not really vehicles and they do not have a lot of extra compenents to work with. I tried to create a party that any and all could replicate without having to purchase items with transformer logos. In the end it all worked out. The birthday boy was thrilled and I got a few good snap shots. Enjoy!

The table was divided into the Autobot and Decepticon side by metal cans that had the word, "Transformer" poked out.

I used red to decorate the Autobot side. Each place setting had a funky comic 'plate", embellished cup with a silver napkin, and regular silverware.

My comic plates were cracker boxes with a little make-over.

I covered each box with (rubber stamped) white wrapping paper.

Then, I lined the inside with laminated red construction paper and laminated pages from a comic book.

The cups were super easy to make! I printed Autobot and Decpticon images from Vectorlogo and glued them onto my cups.

Then, I stuffed each cup with a silver napkin and called it good!

Decepticons use purple as their primary color. So, everything was decorated in purple.

One of my center pieces were metal can lanterns with holes poked into them spelling out the word, "Transformer."

To copy this idea simply fill empty cans with water (almost to the top) and freeze. Then, hammer holes into the can with a nail, defrost, and dry. If the bottom of your can is not flat you may have to hammer it in.

Some of my cans also contained slips of paper and crayons. We played games (questions for the game are located at the end of this post) throughout dinner and I allowed the guests to draw on the table.

We only invited artists to our party!

My lovely cake :). I placed "The Cube" on top of a world and then hung Optimus Prime and Megatron Transformers above the cube.

The Cube was created from a giant krispy rice square covered in gray icing and embellished with black icing and cocoa powder.

I created the world by covering a punch bowl with blue tissue paper and green construction paper.

My Transformer Party Favor was a can stuffed with 5 different games. Check out my next post for all the exciting details!

Dinner Game Questions

(Divide these questions into two piles. Place one pile on the Autobot side and one pile on the Decepticon side. Allow each side to take turns reading them out loud. The side with the highest points wins the game.)

+1 Point: To the side of the table with the fastest eater

-1 Point: To the side with the slowest eater

+2 Points: If one person on your side is wearing both red and blue

+2 Points: If one person on your side is wearing purple

1 Point/Name: As a team name as many Autobots as possible

1 Point/Name: As a team name as many Decepticons as possible

5 Points: Using the cans in the middle of the table spell as many words as you can in 2 minutes. Reward yourself the points if you get 20 or more.

5 Points: Using the cans in the middle of the table create a sentence using each letter of the word as the first letter of a word in the sentence. You must keep the words in order of how they appear in the word “transformer”. You have one minute if you wish to claim your points.

3 Points: You have one minute to get each member of your team to tell what vehicle they would be if they were a transformer.

3 Points: You have one minute to get each member of your team to tell what two colors they would be if they were a transformer.

My darling sister-in-law made this beautiful birthday banner! Thank you...it matched perfectly!

Fall Leaf Creations

2011-11-11T10:12:00.000-08:00

Fall Leaf Creations

Turkey Instructions:

1. Gather cardboard and cut out 5-6 different sized circles. Use your kitchen Tupperware and bowls as stencils.

2. Collect a variety of leaves and remove their stems. Keep two brown colored stems for the legs.

3. Glue your leaves onto the upper outer rim of each cardboard piece.

4. Layer your cardboard pieces on top of each other and staple together.

5. Glue a large brown leaf on the turkey's body circle and then trim off the excess leaf (repeat with the turkey head). Staple your turkey body to the rest of the circles.

6. Cut out an orange leaf triangle and find a red leaf for the wattle (dangly red thing) then glue in place. Don't forget some googly eyes!

7. Use your leaf stems for the legs and tape them to the back of your turkey.

Pumpkin Instructions:

1. Cut out 1 large square, 1 small rectangle, and 1-2 elliptic leaf shaped cardboard pieces.

2. Collect a variety of leaves and remove their stems.

3. Glue the leaves onto the cardboard and trim around the edges so that the outline of the cardboard is visible.

4. Adhere each pumpkin piece with a stapler.

This idea would be fun if applied to any holiday shape! Allow the children to create Christmas, Valentine's, St. Patrick's Day, and Easter decorations as well!

Save Some Green!

2011-11-07T10:48:00.000-08:00

As we have begun our new student journey we have had to be extra careful in our expenditures. I had a brilliant thought a few weeks ago and thought I would share it with YOU!

We have recently incorporated a weekly grocery budget. Let’s say it is $100. If you always shift your grocery shopping day by one day later each week you will save yourself a lot of money! For example, if I shop on Monday one week, Tuesday the next week, and Wednesday the following... I will eventually have skipped shopping one week saving myself $100.

I personally have tried to push shopping off by 1-2 days each week so that in a month period I have saved the amount I spend weekly. If you shoot for this goal on $100/week budget you will have saved over $1000 that year! WOW, wow, wow!

A little bit about me :)

2011-11-03T10:32:00.000-07:00

I have been asked numerous times as to How My Creativity Evolved. Well, I believe my mother would laugh right now and tell you a story. I grew up in a family with six children and I was the second oldest. I have an older sister who was very obedient. I was the opposite. Fun was my middle name (not really) and I did a pretty good job creating it.

One night I awoke my older sister to take her on an adventure. We collected all of our little dishes and brought them into the fruit room. There we had an extravagant tea party; one that would not be forgotten! The hundreds of pounds of food stored in that neat little room and unlimited water added great fun to our party. After quite some time we got sleepy and decided to leave. However, the door was shut and locked. Oops. We pounded with our sticky fists until our parents eventually discovered us. They had to brake the door down. I do not remember this experience, however, being a parent myself I can imagine that they were not smiling when they discovered the fruits of my first party. I am still alive :).

I believe my growing up years continued as such. I was not a very bright child. However, I was a hard worker and thrived on creativity. When I got to college I decided that an individuals creativity could increase. So, while eating my lunch in bathroom lounges I remember trying to come up with the most creative stories my small brain could muster. I felt that these exercises would help increase my creativity. Did it work? Who knows...I think if anything it made me a little more strange, helped me smile, and kept me out of trouble.

A few years ago I had a dear friend named Joanna. We encouraged each other to create some recipes for a national bake off. Neither of us made it to the bake-off. However, we both had a blast, created some tasty food, and continue to treasure our friendship. Not long after the bake-off experience my family and friends encouraged me to start a blog, so my husband suprized me by setting one up. So, here we are.

HONEST TRUTH- Why do I keep posting?
It brings me great joy
I want to help others feel joy everyday as they create
It keeps my brain ticking and is a fun challenge
I want to empower others to be creative in all aspects of life
I want to improve my relationships and help others do the same
Some day this may lead into something else

I have been blessed as have you. Share what you do best with those around you and you too will feel joy! I saw this video a few weeks ago and decided to share it. I firmly believe in the truth of it. Enjoy!

About ME:

I am in my early 30's

I have four children under the age of 7 (Tommy, Olive, Penelope, and Genavieve)

I use to have bazillions of jobs. Having just moved I lost most of them and am now re-figuring out my priorities.

I graduated with a bachelor's in Botany and Zoology

I am not a photographer as is evident by my pictures

I do not have a fancy camera, just a point and shoot

I am not a computer whiz and did not really look at a blog before my husband started this one

I worked as an Entomologist (bugs) for a few years

I am very girly and yet super outdoorsy

I love to RUN

I am obsessed with sugar...especially chocolate!

I sell insurance

I have the sweetest husband in the world, who loves this blog (he will be embarrassed when he reads this)

My children are incredibly creative. Their creative ideas keep me smiling and a little tired too!

I truly like EVERYONE, even those that dislike me :)

I love to laugh

My favorite season is fall

I use to sing a lot! I had lofty singing dreams.

I love exploring

I live far from family

I have cooked many awful things in my life!

I have burned carrots in the microwave so bad that they turned black and I broke the bowl...twice.

My mother taught me to laugh about everything. While I do not do this perfectly I can say I do laugh often.

I do not get embarrassed easily, only when I unintentionally hurt someone.

I wear headbands almost every day.

My husband, My Other Half, is the most amazing person I have ever met!

I cringe at the thought of painting my finger or toe nails

I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
I like to feed people!

We are very poor college students and love every minute of it :)

I am the most blessed person in the world!

I sing to my children daily

A Recent Snap Shot of Me

(Photographed by my 4 year old daughter, Olive)

Gratitude Challenge!

2011-10-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

Are you up for a challenge that will change your life?

Beginning November 1^st, say "thanks" to either the same person or a different person each and every day.

If you choose the same person try something new every day. There are many ways to express gratitude (i.e. letters, phone calls, gifts, art work, treats, music...). Be creative and have a blast.

If you want something a little less strenuous then pick one person each week or simply tell one person a day thank you for something specific.

I hope this challenge helps you smile, improve relationships, and gain greater insight on YOU.

Fall Skirt Tutorial

2011-10-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

2T Little Girl Skirt

5T Little Girl Skirt

Up close look at my Pumpkin Buttons!

2T and 5T Little Girl
Skirt Tutorial
(Side Note- Once again I used a bed sheet for my fabric. You can decrease your work if you use a bed sheet's finished edges. Nonetheless, my instructions do not include pre-finished edges.)

2T SKIRT INSTRUCTIONS

(pictures are located under the steps they are associated with)

1. Cut out your fabric:

Skirt (25 ½ inches x 10 ½ inches)

Ruffle (62 inches x 3 ½ inches)

Top Fringe (62 inches x 3 inches)
Elastic: 1 centimeter wide- 16 ½ inches long
2. On the long side of your ruffle piece fold over your hem ¼ inch and iron in place. Then, fold again ¼ inch and iron. Then, using a straight stitch sew in place.

3. Gather the unfinished edge of your ruffle piece (to 25 ½ inches in length) with a basting stitch.

4. Sew the long side of your skirt piece to the gathered side of your ruffle piece with right sides together. Finish the raw edge with a serger or zigzag stitch.

Then, open up and iron flat.

5. Fold the top fringe piece in half lengthwise with right sides together. Sew the raw edges closed with ¼ inch seam. Use a safety pin to turn your fringe piece right side out and iron flat.

6. Gather the middle of your top fringe piece (to 25 ½ inches in length) using a basting stitch (with thread that matches your fabric).

7. Sew the top fringe piece onto the skirt 1 ¾ inches higher than where the skirt and ruffle meet.

8. On the waistband side of your skirt piece fold over the fabric ¼ inch and iron in place. Then, fold again ¼ inch and iron. Then, using a straight stitch sew in place.

9. Fold the entire skirt in half lengthwise with right sides together. Then, pin while you match up the waistband, hems, ruffles, and top fringe ends. Sew ¼ inch seam allowance. Finish the raw edge with a serger or zigzag stitch.

10. Keep the skirt inside out. Fold the waistband over 1 ¼ inches and pin in place. Sew a 1 inch seam allowance around the entire waistband leaving a two inch opening on the back side of the skirt.

11. Using a safety pin thread your elastic through the waistband. Then, sew (using a zigzag stitch) the elastic pieces together overlapping the elastic ends by ¾ inch. Top stitch the waistband opening closed.

12. Turn your skirt right side out and embellish! I sewed brown and orange ribbons onto buttons and created pumpkins.

After autumn you could clip the pumpkin buttons off.

5T SKIRT INSTRUCTIONS

(pictures are located under the steps they are associated with)

1. Cut out your fabric:

Skirt (30 inches x 12 ¾ inches)

Ruffle (68 inches x 5 ¼ inches)

Top Fringe (68 inches x 3 inches)

Elastic: ½ inch wide- 22 inches long
2. On the long side of your ruffle piece fold over your hem ¼ inch and iron in place. Then, fold again ¼ inch and iron. Then, using a straight stitch sew in place.

3. Gather the unfinished edge of your ruffle piece (to 25 ½ inches in length) with a basting stitch.

4. Sew the long side of your skirt piece to the gathered side of your ruffle piece with right sides together. Finish the raw edge with a serger or zigzag stitch.

Then, open up and iron flat.

5. Fold the top fringe piece in half lengthwise with right sides together. Sew the raw edges closed with ¼ inch seam. Use a safety pin to turn your fringe piece right side out and iron flat.

6. Gather the middle of your top fringe piece (to 30 inches in length) using a basting stitch (with thread that matches your fabric).

7. Sew the top fringe piece onto the skirt where the skirt and ruffle meet.

8. On the waistband side of your skirt piece fold over the fabric ¼ inch and iron in place. Then, fold again ¼ inch and iron. Then, using a straight stitch sew in place.

10. Keep the skirt inside out. Fold the waistband over 1 ¾ inches and pin in place. Sew a 1 ½ inch seam allowance around the entire waistband leaving a two inch opening on the back side of the skirt.

12. Turn your skirt right side out and embellish! I sewed ribbons onto buttons and created pumpkins.

After autumn you could clip the pumpkin buttons off.

These skirts paired well with white collar shirts tied with orange and green ribbons.

Witch Cup and Straw

2011-10-23T10:29:00.000-07:00

Here is a fun Witch themed cup. Wrap a cup with purple fabric and tie with colored ribbons. Then, follow my instructions to make my Witch Straw.

Witch Straw Instructions

1. Cut out the shape pictured above. Using the top of the triangle and the bottom two corners as your reference points fold the two end corners into the center as shown.

2. Glue the folded edges around the straw.

3. Cut out an oval and punch a small hole in the center.

4. Push your straw through the hole and slide up to the top of the hat. If you do not want the back side of your hat exposed cut out a triangle and glue over the exposed area.

5. Glue a piece of fringe around the hat rim.

6. Cut out buckle parts and adhere.

Add your fun cup to other fun Halloween ideas and enjoy your witchy meal.

The Witch's Broom silverware idea was also created by MyCreativeStirrings.com

Witch's Broom- Napkin and Silverware Setting

2011-10-20T11:20:00.000-07:00

Need a fun idea for your Halloween table setting? Wrap yellow silverware with brown napkins for some festive fun. If you really want to spruce things up tie some brown fringe to the broom handle.

Candy Corn Popsicles

2011-10-17T10:51:00.000-07:00

Candy Corn Popsicles

This was a super fun treat to make and the kids loved it! Your layers could be made with any orange, yellow, and white drink flavors you could think up. I used apple cider with added orange food coloring (orange layer), orange juice (yellow layer), and milk* combined with sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla (white layer).

You will need to allow each layer to freeze a bit before putting the next color on top. Make sure your Popsicle is not frozen solid before inserting your Popsicle stick. If you do not have Popsicle forms use cups.

Helpful Points:

1. A pudding combination could also be tasty and easier to layer without having to freeze each layer. Check out my Frozen Fall Dessert for more detail.

2. *Milk layer recipe- 1 cup milk, 1 ½ tablespoons sugar, ¼ teaspoon vanilla, 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon. Yields: >1 cup
3. To keep your Popsicle stick standing upright, try cutting small slits into a piece of paper directly over each Popsicle holder. Then, insert the sticks through the slits as shown below.

Witch Hat Brownies

2011-10-14T10:56:00.000-07:00

Witch Hat Brownies

1 prepared pan of brownies, cut into 12 servings

½ container of vanilla frosting

¼ teaspoon of mint extract

Food coloring

Mini chocolate chips

12 Hershey® Kisses

12 Fudge dipped mint cookies or Peppermint Patties®
Purple sprinkles- for hat embellishments

In a small bowl combine the frosting with green food coloring. Frost each individual brownie. Place a fudge cookie in the center of each brownie. Frost around the rim of each kiss and dip into a bowl of purple sprinkles. Then, dab frosting onto the bottom of each kiss and place in the middle of each fudge cookie. Using frosting to adhere; place a square sprinkle* buckle onto each kiss. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips around the green frosted area (pointed side down).

Yields: 12 servings

*If you do not have square sprinkles you could pipe a frosted buckle onto the witches hat.

Made with a Peppermint Patties®

Frozen Fall Dessert

2011-10-11T11:18:00.000-07:00

Frozen Fall Dessert

20 Oreo® cookies, crushed

2 tablespoons butter, melted

2- 3.4 oz. pkgs. of vanilla pudding

3 ½ cups milk, divided

16 oz. container whipped topping, divided

1 large ripe mango, finely chopped

1 large banana (not overly ripe), chopped and lightly

coated with a small amount of lemon juice water

Red and yellow food coloring

Shell® Hot Fudge ice cream topping

In a 10-inch spring-form pan combine the cookies and butter and then press evenly on the bottom; set aside.

In medium bowl; whisk one package of pudding with 1 ¾ cups milk. Stir in 1 cup whipped topping, banana, and food coloring to create an orange layer. Spread on top of the cookie layer and place in the freezer.

In medium bowl; whisk one package of pudding with 1 ¾ cups milk. Stir in 1 cup whipped topping, mango, and food coloring to create a yellow layer. Carefully spread on top of the orange layer and place in the freezer for approximately 30 minutes or until slightly set. Spread remaining whipped topping on top, tightly cover and freeze.

Before serving allow the dessert to sit at room temperature for approximately 10 minutes. Then, slice and drizzle individual slices with Shell® Hot Fudge ice cream topping.

Yields: 16 servings

The spider is made with Shell® Hot Fudge ice cream topping and mini chocolate chips. Pour a dot of the ice cream topping onto the plate. Then, using a toothpick draw lines out from the dot creating eight legs.

Frozen PB Cookie Sandwich

2011-10-07T10:45:00.000-07:00

Frozen P.B. Cookie Sandwich

28- 3 inch peanut butter cookies, pre-made

1 package (4 serving size) instant chocolate pudding

1 1/2 cups milk

1 cup whipped topping

1 1/2 cup of assorted peanut butter and chocolate candies, divided

In a medium bowl, whisk the dry pudding and milk until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping and a 1/2 cup of the candies . Place in the fridge for 5 minutes or until set. Place 14 cookies on the counter with their top sides facing down. Divide the pudding mixture between the 14 cookies and top each with a remaining cookie. By hand, gently stick candies to the exposed pudding on each cookie. Then, place on a cookie sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours or until firm. Once firm, store stacked in a freezer safe container. Created by mycreativestirrings.com.

Yields: 14 cookies

Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Maple Topping

2011-10-04T10:48:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Cake

with Cinnamon Maple Topping

Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Maple Topping

2 cups flour

3 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon soda

1 teaspoon salt

4 eggs

15 oz. can of pumpkin puree or ~2 cups homemade pumpkin/peach/pear puree

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup canola oil

1/2 cup apple sauce or plain yogurt

1/2 cup Hershey's® Cinnamon Chips

1 cup chopped pecans

Topping

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/2 cup Hershey's® Cinnamon Chips

Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease a 9*13 inch pan; set aside. In a medium bowl combine the eggs, puree, sugar, oil, and apple sauce or yogurt; set aside. In a large bowl combine the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, soda, and salt. Combine both bowls and pour batter into the prepared pan. Add 1/2 cup cinnamon chips and gently swirl throughout batter. Sprinkle the top of the cake with pecans. Bake for 30 minutes or until done. Allow the cake to cool for at least one hour and then cut.

In a microwave safe bowl add the maple syrup and cinnamon chips. Heat in the microwave until melted. Stir every 30 seconds to avoid burning. It should only take approximately 1 minute to melt. Pour the topping over the pre-cut cake. Enjoy!

Created by mycreativestirrings.com

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-01T10:29:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Halloween! I love the spicy smells in the air, the multi colored leaves, the warm autumn flavors, the crisp cool weather, and the blossoming creativity. There is a party around every corner and goodies galore!

Click HERE to glance through over 20 of my original creative Halloween crafts, costumes, treats, dates, activities and more!

Stay tuned for more spooky original ideas throughout the month of October.

Ginger Pork and Zucchini Stir Fry

2011-09-29T10:11:00.000-07:00

2 cups cooked and cubed pork, chicken, or beef
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3/4 cups chopped walnuts
1 cup carrots, julienned
2 cups shredded zucchini

6 tablespoons soy sauce
4 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 pound pasta, cooked

In a large skillet add the sesame oil and walnuts. Cook until browned; set aside. In the same skillet add the carrots and cook until almost tender. Add the zucchini and finish cooking until both are tender. Add the meat to the skillet and turn the burner to low.

In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, bouillon, and garlic. Add to the meat mixture then turn the heat to medium high. Cook until thickened. If the mixture is too thick add water until it reaches a desired consistency. Serve over hot noodles. Created by mycreativestirrings.com.

Yields: 6-8 servings

Ginger Pork and Zucchini Stir Fry

Vanilla Peach Stuffed Wafflewich

2011-09-26T10:12:00.000-07:00

Vanilla Peach Stuffed French Wafflewich

8 slices of white bread

1 small peach, sliced

Non-stick cooking spray for the waffle iron
Butter for the skillet

Vanilla Peach Sauce

1 small peach (~2 ¾ inches in diameter)

3 tablespoons maple syrup

½ teaspoon vanilla

½ teaspoon lemon juice

½ cup whipped topping

Nut Filling

½ cup chopped nuts

2 tablespoons butter

¼ cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Egg Mixture

1 egg

½ cup milk

In a blender combine the small peach, maple syrup, vanilla, and lemon juice and process until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping and place in the fridge.

Preheat your waffle maker and a large skillet. In a small bowl, combine the nuts, butter, sugar, and cinnamon with a fork; set aside. Grease your waffle maker with non-stick cooking spray. Press each piece of bread in your waffle maker until toasted; set aside and repeat with remaining bread.

In a small bowl combine the egg and milk with a wire whisk; set aside. Lay four waffle pressed slices of bread on the counter and evenly cover with the nut filling. Top with remaining pressed bread. Carefully dip both sides of each sandwich in the egg mixture and place in a butter greased skillet. Cook sandwich on each side until lightly browned. Serve immediately with Vanilla Peach Sauce and fresh peaches. Created by mycreativestirrings.com.

Yields: 4 sandwiches

Easy Fall/Halloween Casserole or Side Dish Idea

2011-09-23T09:07:00.000-07:00

Here is a really quick idea if you want to spruce things up for dinner tonight. These festive pumpkins can top any casserole or side dish.

Pumpkin Making Instructions: I simply cut carrots, sliced black olives, and using kitchen scissors created pumpkin leaves out of fresh spinach. Then, after the casserole was finished baking I immediately placed my pumpkin parts, in a pumpkin like fashion, on top of the casserole and served. I served mash potatoes :).

Happy Fall!

Egg, Meat, and Cheese French Wafflewich

2011-09-20T10:13:00.000-07:00

Waffles, Eggs, Meat, and French Toast all in ONE!

Egg, Meat, and Cheese French Wafflewich

8 slices of white bread

8 thin slices of ham

4 eggs, fried, pepperd and lightly salted, with yokes popped at the end of the cooking time

4 slices of cheddar cheese

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

Preheat your waffle maker. Lay four slices of bread on the counter. Top each with an egg, two slices of meat, and one slice of cheese. Then, place a slice of bread on top of each sandwich; set aside. In a small bowl combine the egg and milk with a wire whisk. Generously grease your waffle maker with non-stick cooking spray. Carefully dip each side of your sandwich in the egg mixture and place in the waffle maker. Press the waffle maker down gently. Cook until lightly browned. If you press too hard you will have a harder time removing your sandwich. If it sticks use a fork to help you remove your sandwich. Serve immediately. Created by mycreativestirrings.com.

Yields: 4 sandwiches

Homemade Salsa from a Can of Tomatoes!

2011-09-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

Make Salsa from ingredients in YOUR cupboard...

Recipe using a 14.5 oz. Can of Tomatoes
1- 14.5 oz. can tomatoes, drained
2 teaspoons dehydrated onion or 1 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoons lime juice
1 1/2 teaspoons diced jalapenos
1 teaspoon minced garlic
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teapsoon pepper

Place all ingredients in the blender and puree. Serve immediately or store covered in the fridge for 1 1/2 weeks. Created by mycreativestirrings.com.

Recipe using an 8 oz. Can of Tomato Sauce
1- 8 oz. can tomato sauce
3/4 teaspoon hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon lime juice
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Using a spoon combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Serve immediately or store covered in the fridge for 1 1/2 weeks. Created by mycreativestirrings.com.

These recipes were designed to be basic medium heat salsa recipes. Don't hesitate to add fresh ingredients for texture (i.e. cilantro, green chilies...). I tried to keep these as simple as possible so more people could make them.

Refreshingly Creamy LOW Calorie Drink!

2011-09-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

Great late night snack idea!

Almost all calories come from the skim milk.

1- 3.2g sugar free singles dry drink packet
1 1/2 cups skim milk

1 trey of ice cubes

Combine all ingredients in the blender and process until smooth. Serve immediately. Created by mycreativestirrings.com.

Yields: 2 large glasses and contains approximately 65 calories per serving

A picture of the sugar free singles dry drink packet.

I found these at the dollar store.

Refreshingly Creamy LOW Calorie Drink

Homemade Pumpkin Decoration

2011-09-09T10:03:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I made homemade fabric balls for a gift. Every time I looked at the fabric ball I kept seeing a pumpkin. So, I decided to use the pattern from Craft Ideas and turn my ball into a pumpkin.

Pumpkin Embellishment Instructions

Create a pumpkin ball using orange fabric. DO NOT stuff or close your pumpkin until the embellishments are sewed on.

1. Cut a piece of brown ribbon proportional to your pumpkin ball and tack it together using thread and a needle. Frey check the edges of the ribbon.

2. Open the flaps of the brown ribbon and pin to your pumpkin ball as shown above.

3. Sew the brown stemmed ribbon to the pumpkin ball. Don't forget to tack the edges of the ribbon.

4. Tie off your thread on the inside of the pumpkin.

5. Loosely tie some green fringe around your brown stem. Stuff your pumpkin and seal it up.

Have fun with this fall craft by using a wide assortment of colors and patterns. This could also be made into an apple and given to your child's school teacher. Happy upcoming fall!

Looking for more unique Halloween Ideas?

If so, check out my halloween section!

Another bed sheet turned into a Dress

2011-09-05T19:21:00.000-07:00

Where have I gone...?

I am still here :). My Other Half found out he was graduating with his PhD 9 weeks ago. He had 7 weeks to get two papers published, finish up multiple projects, and write and defend his thesis (118 pages). At the end of these taxing weeks, unfortunately, he was not heading off on a cruise to celebrate but instead starting down a new path...law school. Because of his schedule this left all moving details to me and the four children...who were not much help. We moved across the country to the DC area without ever having visited the east coast. It has been quite the journey. We survived the earthquake, hurricane, and move.

I am exhausted. However, the only thing that keeps me smiling is a super exciting Family Fun day that popped into my brain a few days ago. Please be patient and stay tuned as our journey is not yet over.

I did create this dress but did not have time to post the instructions. One of these days I will get around to it :).

Family Alien Adventure

2011-08-03T21:53:00.000-07:00

Alien Adventure

A few weeks ago we treated our kids to a Family Fun Night. They have been oddly obsessed with space creatures recently and so we decided to plan a night centered on aliens.

Ideas for your Alien Adventure:

1. Have a treat! We ate s'mores- marshmallows with chocolate frosted alien faces sandwiched between chocolate cookie UFOs.

2. Pitch a tent outside and pretended it is your astronaut base.

3. Allow your kids to create an alien attraction device using paper towel rolls, foil, and other random items.

4. Ask your kids to come up with a plan in case you encounter an alien. One of my kids concluded that a red button on their hand would create a force field un-penetrable to aliens. I drew red dots on each child's hand. Later that night as we were being attacked one child shrieked in terror because their dot had washed off. I quickly reassured them that pressing another dot would also work. Good thing the other children were not as thorough with hand washing :).

5. When it gets dark create UFOs using glow sticks and see who can throw theirs the farthest.

6. Take turns telling Alien themed stories.

7. Scare your children! You only live once. You may as well enjoy the night yourself. We asked a neighbor to scare our children. I have to say it was quite comical. We did have to make up to our kids by telling happy stories before bed. It was worth it.

8. Try to create alien sightings (i.e. crop circles or unknown foot prints). Then, convince someone they are real.

The ideas are endless. Have fun and please feel free to share additional ideas.

Hobby Nobby: Hobby Cartridges Closeout Sale!

2011-07-16T11:35:00.000-07:00

Hello all,
I have a friend that owns a store called Hobby Nobby (you may recognize the name from previous posts, giveaways, and helping sponsor this site), and she is closing out her cartridge rental and sales inventory at her Salt Lake City, Utah location. She is offering some fantastic deals on the items below and said it was okay if I post the prices even though she has not yet started publicly advertising the items. So! If you are interested in any of the items below, drop her a line before they are offered to the public and cleaned out! Here is the information:

Hi Friends and Customers,

As you may know, Hobby Nobby is no longer renting cartridges. We are closing out all of our inventory. The following is a list of Cricut Cartridges for sale from our Salt Lake Location.

Please contact Tori if you are interested in any of these items 214 771-1675 or email hobbynobby@yahoo.com. We will honor our friends and customers before selling publicly. Cash only please.

In addition to the Cartridges, I have the following items available:

50 ea. 12 x 24 and 12 x 36 sheets of vinyl (various colors) $2.00 a sheet. *$1.50 for 10 or more

2 ea. Cricut Expression Cutting Machines (12 x 12 size) $200.00 *come with two cartridges and six free sheets of vinyl

30 ea. 12 x 24 transfer tape sheets $2.00 a sheet

1 Gypsy with adaptor cable, slip cover, stylus, 2 exclusive cartridges (52 cartridges are linked to this gypsy) $700.00 *price is for Gypsy and linked cartridges only. (Separate price for Gypsy and individual cartridges, templates and books)

Assorted precut vinyl Images starting at 50 cents up to $5.00.

NEW in Package:

Animal Kingdom $25

Beyond Birthdays $25

Camp Out $25

Car Decals $25

Christmas Village $25

Destinations $25

Disney-Mickey and Friends $35

Disney-Dreams Come True $35

Gingerbread $25

Graphically Speaking $25

H2O $25

Hannah Montana x 2 $30

Happy Hauntings $25

Just Because Cards $25

Disney-Mickey, Font $35

Mini Monsters x 2 $25

My World $25

Nursery Rhymes $25

October 31st x 2 $25

Pumpking Carving x 2 $25

Robotz $25

Songbird $25

Stand and Salute $25

Summer in Paris $20

Tie the Knot $25

Toy Story $35

Trim the Tree $25

Wall Decor and More $25

Winnie the Pooh and Friends $35

USED/ NOT linked to a Gypsy:

Batman $25

Dinasour Tracks $20

Paisley $20

Sponge Bob $25

Stretch Your Imagination $20

Wall Décor and More $20

George and Basic Shapes $20

Office Help $15

Used/ Linked to a Gypsy:

All Cartridges are $20 or best offer

A Child’s Year

All Mixed Up

Alphalicious

Animal Kingdom

Ashlyn’s Alphabet

Disney-Cars

Celebrations

Christmas Cheer

Christmas Cards

Cuttin Up

Designer’s Calendar

Dinasour Tracks

Elmo’s Party

Everyday Paper Dolls

From My Kitchen

Graphically Speaking

Disney-Happily Ever After

Heritage

Home Accents

Indie Art

Joys of the Season

Just Because Cards

Life is a Beach

My Community

New Arrival

Opposites Attract

Paper doll dress up

Winnie the Pooh-Font

Rock Princess

Sesame Street Friends

Sports Mania

Stone Script

Storybook

Street Signs

Stretch Your Imagination

Sweet Treats

Thanksgiving

Tinker Bell

Walk in My Garden

Hello Kitty Greetings

Boys will be Boys

Winter Frolic

Please contact Tori if you are interested in any of these items 214 771-1675 or email hobbynobby@yahoo.com. We will honor our friends and customers before selling publicly. Cash only please.

Coconut "Ice Cream" Cookie Sandwich with Caramel Dipping Sauce

2011-07-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

Coconut Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich

with Caramel Dipping Sauce

Coconut Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich with Caramel Dipping Sauce

28- 3 inch chocolate chip cookies, pre-made

1 package (4 serving size) instant vanilla pudding

1 1/2 cups milk

1 cup whipped topping

1 1/4 cups toasted coconut

Caramel Sauce (find a recipe on-line, use store bought, or melt caramels)

In a medium bowl, whisk the dry pudding and milk until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping and coconut. Place in the fridge for 5 minutes or until set. Place 14 cookies on the counter with their top sides facing down. Divide the pudding mixture between the 14 cookies and top each with a remaining cookie. Place on a cookie sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours or until firm. Once firm, store stacked in a freezer safe container. Serve with a side of caramel sauce or drizzle each cookie before serving.

Yields: 14 cookies

*Have fun creating new combinations. You could make peanut butter cookies with chocolate filling, and cover the exposed sides with fun candies before freezing. Yum!

Family Picture Board

2011-07-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

Do you live in the same town as your relatives? I do not, and have a hard time remembering what they all look like. Years ago I made this lovely hanging board at a church function and decided to convert it into a "Family Picture Board". When relatives send us photos of themselves or their children I clip them up. My kids have loved getting to know grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins this way. If your family lives close this is also a fun way to remember fun family get-togethers and promote quality family relations.

My pictures are attached by a series of clothespins. You could use any variety of board to display your photos (i.e. magnet board, ribbon board...).

Congratulations to our Mixbook giveaway winner! Plus, an email updater for MyCreativeStirrings' posts

2011-06-21T11:00:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Connie! She won our Mixbook giveaway! She said that she is going to use it for her brand new grand baby. Connie, I hope that you and your grand baby enjoy it together for a long time!

Also, thanks to a great tip from a new reader, Kelly from couponscraftsandcauses.com and indianainker.blogspot.com, I have added an email updater for MyCreativeStirrings' posts. You can find it on the right hand column just under the "About Your Creative Stirrings Hostess" section. When you enter your email address you will receive an update by email every time my better half (and I, occasionally) put up a new post. You won't miss a give away, a new recipe, a new guest blogger, or a new fun activity or craft. So, sign on up!

The Other Half

Ham and Cheese Wafflewich

2011-06-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

I am sure this idea has already been discovered. However, I have not yet seen it :). I was thinking about a sandwich press the other day when I decided that my waffle maker would do the trick. My kids LOVED the sandwiches and have begged for them everyday since.

Instructions:

Make a sandwich (peanut butter without the jam, cheese, meat and cheese...), butter the outer bread slices as you would a grilled cheese sandwich, and...

press it in your ungreased preheated waffle maker until lightly browned. This is super fast and tastes delicious!

Last Day to Enter my Give Away from Mixbooks!

2011-06-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

Everyone! This is the last day to enter my give away from Mixbooks! Don't forget to leave a comment on the give away post! Click HERE to go to my give away!

Guest Blogger, Perhaps A Project

2011-06-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

Featured Guest Blogger:

Perhaps A Project

A while back I put out a call for you, my creative followers, to let me know about your own creative blogs so that I could share them with the rest of my readers. Well, Perhaps A Project didn’t ask to be featured, but I thought her blog was fun so I asked her permission to feature her blog!

Perhaps A Project started like many of our creative blogs, a way to document and share original ideas that can help and inspire others. And, WOW!, Perhaps A Project is inspirational! The creator shares fun decorating ideas (Decorating with Antiques),

great gift ideas (Miniature Rooms),

and practical but inspirational projects that helped her manage a family with teenagers (Family Command Center).

I love so many of her great original ideas that it is difficult to highlight a few. Check out www.perhapsaproject.blogspot.com for more ideas.

I love her Family Tree idea, using pictures and Scrabble tiles (as you can see, she has an affinity for Scrabble tiles!). This is a fun way to keep up with a rapidly growing family tree.

Check out her fun and trendy Prom Dress Makeover! She claims she is no seamstress, but she could have fooled me! The back is so much fun, and the flowers on the front are a great added touch! All of this for around $10! Wow!

I can't say enough about the fun things Perhaps A Project is doing, check it out, drop her a comment... or two, and become her newest follower to let her know what a great job she is doing!

And Don't Forget to Comment on my Mixbook giveaway before Friday to win a free Mixbook and free shipping!

Homemade Yogurt in a Crockpot

2011-06-10T11:32:00.000-07:00

Finally...I am posting this long awaited recipe. A few years ago, in an effort to de-junk, I threw out a yogurt maker; the only object I have ever regretted throwing out. Over time I forgot about it, until a few months ago when a friend told me of her weird fetish to buy a yogurt maker which of course rekindled my yogurt making desires. I got on-line and looked up various models, prices, and methods. Around midnight my Other Half asked if people ever make it in a crockpot. Genius! Sure enough, I found a few recipes. After reading through many of them and hundreds of comments I decided to come up with my own version.

Making yogurt in your crock-pot should be pretty simple. I am including extra information for those who like to be thorough.

Helpful Hints:

1. You may want to discover what your crockpots temperatures read. To do this, fill your crockpot with water and move the dial to the lowest setting. Take the temperature using a thermometer every 30-60 minutes for 2-4 hours and record each reading. Repeat for all settings (warm, low, high...).

2. When making yogurt you will need to bring the temperature of the milk to 120 degrees F. After you mix in the starter the yogurt will then need to stay as close to 115 degrees F as possible for the remaining 8 hours.

3. You can change the recipe. Keep in mind that as you alter the recipe you may also change the consistency of the yogurt.

4. DO NOT EVER STIR THE YOGURT unless I have so indicated.

RECIPE

8 cups (1/2 gallon) of whole or 2% milk (1% or Skim may also work...I have not tried them yet)

1/2 cup powdered milk (This helps thicken the yogurt. I add additional ingredients to mask the flavor.)

1/2 cup french vanilla powdered coffee creamer (Optional- this adds creaminess, sugar, and may help thicken it?)

2 tablespoons honey

*Optional flavor ideas- 2 teaspoons lemon extract (really good), 2 teaspoons vanilla extract...

1/2 cup plain yogurt, room temperature (this is the starter)

Set your half cup of plain yogurt on the counter so that it will reach room temperature. Using a blender puree all ingredients except the plain yogurt (You only need to put 2-3 cups of milk in the blender. The rest can be stirred in.). Pour into the crockpot (Use a 4-6 quart crockpot) and set on low for 1 hour and 20 minutes.

In a small bowl; gradually stir a 1/2 cup of the crockpot mixture with the plain yogurt and add back into the crockpot mixture. Turn the crockpot off for 3 1/2 hours.

Turn the crockpot to warm for 45 minutes(If you do not have a warm setting use your low setting and try cutting the cooking time in half). Turn off for 45 minutes. Repeat this step two more times. Allow the crockpot to sit (turned off) for 1-2 hours. Place in the fridge overnight or until chilled.

More Helpful Hints:

1. After your yogurt has chilled you will want to transfer it to a smaller container.

2. My yogurt comes out super thick and very creamy. If you have a lot of whey (liquid) or your yogurt is grainy you may be overcooking; consider reducing the cooking time.

3. You can experiment with different percentages of milk but your yogurt may come out less thick.

4. If your yogurt is runny do not throw it away. You can use it in smoothies and try again!

5. Reserve a 1/2 a cup to use as the starter of your next batch...even if it is runny.

6. My yogurt is not overly sweet as I prefer it a little tart. You can add many forms of additional sugar like granola, fruit, berries, and jam!

7. If you would like help figuring out how to make yogurt in your crockpot and are having trouble please email me. I would be happy to try and help you figure it out.

REMINDER! Comment under my last post to enter to win a free Mixbook customizable photo album! Click HERE to go to my giveaway!

Free Giveaway Announcement from Mixbook!

2011-06-07T17:13:00.000-07:00

Fellow Followers...I have great news! Mixbook is giving a complimentary 20-page, 11x8.5 inch landscape, hardcover photo books with free US Ground shipping (or international shipping if needed) to ONE of our followers AND a one-time use 25% discount code to all of our readers (just use the code - CRTVST25)! The discount code has no expiration date, but can only be used once. You can check their products out at www.mixbook.com. So, as with the other giveaways I have hosted, here are the rules:

1) You have to be a follower.

2) Comment below this post with your follower name on or before June 17 to enter.

3) If you refer a new follower to the blog for this contest, you and your new follower friend will each receive an additional entry.

4) I will use a random number generator to pick the winner and will notify you on my blog on June 18!

5) Good luck!

The Other Half

One of My Ultimate Creations!

2011-05-13T20:07:00.000-07:00

I have been busy these last few weeks with our newest addition…

Welcome Sweet Genavieve or "Baby Ava"

Last night my Other Half and I laughed as we noticed that she finds great comfort in tightly gripping our fingers. Is she frightened? Should she be? I think a child’s world becomes predominantly that which you paint for them.

Genavieve is one of my greatest creations and yet my work has just begun. Every day I will choose what this innocent child sees, hears, and feels. Will she see beauty everywhere? Will she have love for all people? Will she find gratitude in her heart for everything…even trials? Will she find it easier to smile than frown? Will she find joy each and every day?

What am I willing to sacrifice to help her reach her potential? May our loving Heavenly Father give me insight and strength to paint an exquisite world filled with charity, forgiveness, hope, faith, joy, and love. May I also be humble enough to learn the many things that she has to teach me and find joy in her every step.

Baby Gift

As I thought about a gift to give my new child I had to laugh. Years ago I decided to crochet beautiful afghans for each child born in our home. Well, I am currently two behind with little desire to continue that lovely dream. I also made first year photo albums for my two oldest children and thus am two behind on that project too. There is one gift I have not fallen behind on…journals.

I have kept a journal for each child and even started one for Ava before she was born! They lay in a stack next to my bed. Although I am far from perfect in recording their happenings I have managed to record about five pages each year. Five pages may not seem grand. However, those are five more pages a year than the majority of us have recorded on our childhood. If I can keep this up I am pretty sure that it will be an incredible gift to give my children someday as they enter into parenthood. Haven’t you ever wondered what your spouse was like at age two? Wouldn’t it help you while you struggle to raise your children? If anything, I think it would make you smile and maybe shed a sweet tear or two as you dive into the heart of a mother. I try and record all things…good days, bad days, struggles, accomplishments, funny moments, growth, and occasionally advice for the future. If my children never appreciate the work I can say that I found joy in keeping record of something I truly love with all my heart and soul, my family.

What I include in my children's journals:

Growth Chart (Date, Age, Height with percentile, Weight with percentile, Head circumference with percentile)

Drawings from each of their siblings. I trace each child's hand on their page and have recently included a questionnaire regarding their new sibling.

Origins of their first and middle name (how and why we picked them and what their name actually means)

Generally I hand write each entry. However, occasionally I type, cut, and paste. Make sure you write in pen, date your entries, and don't feel that you have to fill a whole page. One line is better than none.

Turn a bed sheet into a- Little Girls Skirt!

2011-04-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

I went on a sewing kick lately and decided to make clothes for my little people without patterns and using bed sheets, men's pajama pants, and women's shirts. Let me tell you...patterns are the way to go if you have the money :). Here are a few photograph's of one of my funny creations using an old white bed sheet. I need to make a few adjustments before I create a tutorial.

My Homemade Granola

2011-04-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

I have been experimenting with granola for years and have finally created recipe's I think are worthy of sharing. I hope you enjoy. The best part is that it only cost me $0.52/pound to make! That is amazing when you consider the cost of cereal. I purchase all of my ingredients in bulk. Winco Foods can be especially helpful if you want cheap bulk food.

Maple Granola
4 cups oats
1 cup wheat germ (I use wheat bran which is higher in fiber and costs the same)
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup millet (optional)
2 tablespoons milled flax seed (optional)
2/3 cup water
1/3 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon maple extract*
1/4 teaspoon salt
You could add oodles of additional ingredients to this recipe, liked chopped nuts, coconut, or fruit. If you add chopped nuts stir them in before you cook the granola. If you want to add dried fruit add it after the granola has cooked.

Preheat oven to 300° F. Grease a 17.25"x 12.25" baking sheet. If your pan is smaller or larger you will need to adjust the cooking time. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. Spread granola evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes, stirring every ten minutes. When done, stir once and allow to sit in the pan for at least one hour. Store in an airtight container on your shelf for as long as you like...or until critters find it :).

This granola comes out perfectly hardened for me. Not too soft and not so hard your jaw goes on strike. DO NOT OVER BAKE. The granola will harden as it sits. If you are not satisfied with the hardness (which could vary with elevation differences) then adjust your cooking time the next time you make it. Also, if you want chunkier granola add more liquid (water is sufficient and cheap).

*If you do not want to purchase maple extract you can change your recipe as follows (I have not actually tried this but it should work just fine):
Omit the maple extract
Omit the water and replace with 2/3 cup of maple syrup
Omit the brown sugar completely (you could add 1/4 cup if you like sweeter granola)
If your granola appears too dry add small amounts of water at a time until you reach desired consistency.

Coffee Creamer Granola (f.y.i.- coffee creamers do not contain coffee)
4 cups oats
1 cup wheat germ or wheat bran
1 cup chopped nuts
3/4 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup water
1/3 cup canola oil
1/4 cup powdered hazelnut coffee creamer or coffee creamer of choice
1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 300° F. Grease a 17.25"x 12.25" baking sheet. If your pan is smaller or larger you will need to adjust the cooking time. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. Spread granola evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes, stirring every ten minutes. When done, stir once and allow to sit in the pan for at least one hour. Store in an airtight container on your shelf for as long as you like.

I am not a coffee drinker. However, years ago I decided to make my own instant oatmeal packets and came across someone who used coffee creamers in their packets. It is FABULOUS in oatmeal! You can also use them in hot chocolate and another recipe I will be posting soon.

Mother's Day or Spring Cleaning Treat Container

2011-04-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

Recently I had someone ask me what I do with all of my creations. Well...it depends. Most of them are gifts, some I keep, and a few get thrown out. When I create table decorations for parties I will often give them away with goodies inside and sometimes I demolish them and re-use parts. For my Alice in Wonderland Birthday Party I created a lot of vases. After the party I filled the vases with goodies and gave them to friends.

Here is my Alice vase. I decided this would make a great Mother's Day or Spring Cleaning Treat container and so I took off the white bow and replaced it with scraps of multi colored fabric.

To make this vase I covered a spaghetti can with blue paper. Then, I cut a semi circle into a small doily and pasted it to the can.

I finished it by tying scraps of fabric around the would be waist line. You could also use ribbon. This can would be fun stuffed with all kinds of girly goods like kitchen utensils, fun cleaning supplies, beauty products, or a just a yummy treat.

Cheap Homemade Toys

2011-04-04T10:01:00.000-07:00

I am due with child number four in a few days and have two sisters who just had their second and third. As sisters we decided to keep things simple and not spend money. For the sister who lives close I was able to make her a meal and give of my time in watching her oldest over a weekend. For the sister who lives far I decided to use my brain and pre-purchased supplies. I found this fabric ball idea at Craft Ideas and tweaked it a little.

My alterations: I sewed colorful ribbons into my ball

If you sew ribbons into your ball it may help to pin them in place to ensure that you do not sew over the loops.

I also took a plunge and sewed several small buttons onto another ball. This could be considered a foolish choking hazard. It may be better suited for an older child or as decoration only. Regardless, it looks fun!

Have fun creating!

Introducing another blog by MyCreativeStirrings!

2011-04-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

Hello all you wonderful MyCreativeStirrings followers! I wanted to post and tell you about another blog I am starting that you may be interested in following. My Other Half actually suggested the idea and got me started by making tons of videos and taking tons of photos. What a sweet-heart! The blog's name has not yet been decided yet, but I thought I could get a shot out for it before I pick the web address. So here is the idea, are you ready??? I am going to do a creative crafts and recipes instructional blog using videos for ideas that I have come up with but with a twist. Here is the twist. I will be doing all the videos and pictures as characters from Star Wars or Star Trek!

At first I was opposed, but since my husband is okay with it, I am sure to get lots more hits and followers, and it will add a little humor to something that can be quite dry, I thought...what the heck! He has taken tons of videos and picture of me cooking as Queen Amidala. So, if you are interested, check back soon and I will post the website when I get the perfect one. I am sure to post the link today since it is...April Fools! Ha Ha! Did it work? No, I will not be starting such a blog as described above, but couldn't resist the urge for a prank!

If you have a great prank idea for April Fools please comment below! This should be fun!

PLEASE READ THIS!!!!!!! Have you figured out our writing styles yet? My Other Half occasionally writes blurbs pretending he is me. He only does this to help me out...which I appreciate. Although, it always makes me a bit nervous considering that he is not a woman and plays up the girlishness a bit more than I would at times :). With that said, I did not write this lovely post. In fact he called me this morning as I was up to my ears with six needy children and working over the phone to inform me that he posted something alarming under my name. He told me to read my emails first so I would better understand the situation. When I found a spare moment later in the day I read the emails with my jaw against the floor. Then, I checked the post and realized that it was a trick on me. There were no alarming ideas posted...just odd. He is one funny boy. I should come up with something clever for him, although I am not sure if my creative juices are flowing today. I hope yours are. Have a fabulous April Fool's Day one and all!

Alice in Wonderland Party Favors

2011-03-28T08:36:00.000-07:00

These party favors I designed for my Alice in Wonderland Birthday Party were cheap and unique. I covered cracker boxes with white paper and then embellished the outside using playing cards and construction paper. The handle is made out of black tulle. Before I secured the handle I strung on three paper hearts.

Each favor included:

Flower seed packet ($.25 at the Dollar Store)

One flower note pad with attached googly eyes ($1 at the Dollar Store)

A deck of cards ($.50 at the Dollar Store)

A red rose hair clip. This pattern can be found on Design Sponge's website. (I used scrap fabric and buttons)

Tea party sugar cookies. Here are some up close cookie photo's:

I had to throw a Caterpillar into the mix.

My Creative Stirrings

Heart Attack- A Family Fun Activity!

Family Valentines...

Can of Dates Kit and Vinyl Diaper Changing Pads on Etsy

LOVE CHAIN

Introducing, MyCreativeStirrings Etsy Shop!

The Ultimate...and Easy- Valentine's Dessert!

Snowman Dinner and Dip

Snowman Family Fun Day!

Snowman Can Craft

Annual Cookie Man Day

Christmas Tree Paper Craft

Time Capsule- Gift Idea

Transformers Party Favor

Thanksgiving Ideas

Thanksgiving Turkey Cheese Balls

Turkey Pancakes

Fall Leaf Creations

Easy Fall/Halloween Casserole or Side Dish Idea

Homemade Pumpkin Decoration

Grilled Garden Soup

Transformers Birthday Party

Fall Leaf Creations

Save Some Green!

A little bit about me :)

Gratitude Challenge!

Fall Skirt Tutorial

Witch Cup and Straw

Witch's Broom- Napkin and Silverware Setting

Candy Corn Popsicles

Witch Hat Brownies

Frozen Fall Dessert

Frozen PB Cookie Sandwich

Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Maple Topping

Happy Halloween!

Ginger Pork and Zucchini Stir Fry

Vanilla Peach Stuffed Wafflewich

Easy Fall/Halloween Casserole or Side Dish Idea

Egg, Meat, and Cheese French Wafflewich

Homemade Salsa from a Can of Tomatoes!

Refreshingly Creamy LOW Calorie Drink!

Homemade Pumpkin Decoration

Another bed sheet turned into a Dress

Family Alien Adventure

Hobby Nobby: Hobby Cartridges Closeout Sale!

Coconut "Ice Cream" Cookie Sandwich with Caramel Dipping Sauce

Family Picture Board

Congratulations to our Mixbook giveaway winner! Plus, an email updater for MyCreativeStirrings' posts

Ham and Cheese Wafflewich

Last Day to Enter my Give Away from Mixbooks!

Guest Blogger, Perhaps A Project

Homemade Yogurt in a Crockpot

Free Giveaway Announcement from Mixbook!

One of My Ultimate Creations!

Turn a bed sheet into a- Little Girls Skirt!

My Homemade Granola

Mother's Day or Spring Cleaning Treat Container

Cheap Homemade Toys

Introducing another blog by MyCreativeStirrings!

Alice in Wonderland Party Favors