Category Archives: under da sea
Last Minute NO-SEW D.I.Y. Costume: Mini Hula Girl
- a green plastic tablecloth
- scissors
- glue gun/glue sticks
- string/rope/twine
- fringe (optional)
- hawaiian flower for hair clip (optional)
- shirt or onesie
- felt for shells
- blue marker
3. Once the fringe is cut grab your rope and fringe if you have some laying around. I had this awesome piece of white fringe/tassles leftover from an old project.
3. Hot glue the shells onto the shirt.
Day 2: Recycled Crafts for Kids
Teaching kids at a young age what it means to reduce-reuse-and-recycle is always something taught in school but to really drive the point home, it’s important to incorporate those things into real life. Here are a couple of great crafts to do with kids to show them ways to recycle bottles into something fun and useful.
Ages 9+: Ashley over at Make-It-&-Love-It made this awesome cell phone caddy out of a lotion bottle. This craft would be great for older kids, especially those just getting their first cell phones or iPods.
Ages 5+: This awesome bowling set made by CreativeDish would be perfect for kids old enough to wield a glue gun and is a great way to keep 10 bottles out of a landfill!
Ages2+: And finally, check out this “lava lamp” made by Rainbows & Unicorns (great name by the way!) made with a plastic bottle, oil, water, food coloring and complete with sea creatures! This is a wonderful project for little ones- also consider throwing in some glitter or sequins!
Happy Friday!!!
Day 8: If it’s yellow…
Following in the footsteps of Day 9…it’s all about conserving resources and not being wasteful. So, in your house, when you use the bathroom, it it’s yellow why not save a flush and wait ’til next time.
Another solution is to fill a couple of 20 oz. plastic bottles with water and sink them into your tank. The bottle takes up area that would normally be refilled with water meaning that less water is used each time you flush.
Or do both and be a real hero!
For more information on conserving water go here.
Before & After: the Painting Process
Makeover shows, be them human or residential, are a major weakness of mine. Mostly because I love a good before-and-after picture. I love seeing a neglected little kitchen in Iowa that hasn’t been updated since Reagan was in office be turned into a gormet cookery fit for the White House. It’s so satisfying to see the design come to life and the before-and-after shot at the end is what makes it all come together.
![](https://mandeemade.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/f066d-monkey.jpg?w=400&h=227)
![](https://mandeemade.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/b5ab6-monkey3.jpg?w=400&h=197)
From an idea in a notebook to a wall-sized triptych that is now the highlight of Lil’ Dillon’s room.
From a basic scribble to a full-blown stadium.
And feel free to email me if you have an idea for a painting…or if you just want to talk about muffins.
Think Snow!!
The USS Harlan Richardson Moore
National Seafood Bisque Day
October 19th is National Seafood Bisque Day and today is October 19th!!
Happy National Seafood Bisque Day!!
Here is a recipe for Seafood Bisque:
- Recipe
- Ratings & Reviews(134)
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, shells reserved
- 4 cups seafood stock
- 3 tablespoons good olive oil
- 2 cups chopped leeks, white and light green parts (3 leeks)
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic (3 cloves)
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup Cognac or brandy
- 1/4 cup dry sherry
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions
* Shellfish
Being a Good Hostess: Hurricane Edition
As anyone who’s ever been to a gathering knows, refreshments are key! Here I’ve made our guest a margarita to enjoy while on her rampage, a girl does get thirsty! And I’ve laid out guest towels and an umbrella to hurl across our great state.
With any social gathering it is important to keep in mind who you’re inviting to ensure an easy going atmosphere and great conversation. My guest list for this party will include the Crab Brothers, for their shared interested in rolling around in treasure,
and some mermaids from down the shore who are reminding me of another tip: if you are an invited guest it is always a good idea to bring a gift to your host. Sandra has decided to bring a giant clam, always a hit!, and Kendra brought a Starfish. What’s nice about these gifts is that they’re local, unassuming and they fit the theme. Great job ladies!
Welcome Irene, may your trip be short and sweet and I really hope you don’t throw a pail through my window. Happy Hurricane-ing, stay safe!