Recovering Kids Table and chairs

I have been getting things ready for my preschool class that starts very soon.  I have a small table and chairs that  I have had for 6 years and some of them have been ripped for about 4.  And every year it just gets worse so I decided to recover the table and any chairs that were ripped.  I think it turned out pretty good.

 

Before

 

After

I went with a cream colored vinyl from Joann's.  I figured that it would go with whatever color the frames were.   

Organizing my sewing area

Okay I have a confession I really have not got much sewing done this summer.  I had big plans and bought great material.  The next thing I know my summer break is almost over and my sewing area is totally out of control.  Last year I moved my sewing machine into a little sewing area in my closet.  With my husbands crazy work schedule I began sewing at the kitchen table.  So I was a mess in two rooms.  I made a trip to Ikea this week and bought a rolling cart with baskets to organize all my material.  I will have to post pictures soon.  Here is a picture of my sewing area from last year when it was new and clean.  Then just imagine piles of stuff everywhere.  I was going to take a picture but I am without a camera and on the hunt for a new one. 

Homemade Bread

I love making homemade bread.  Last year I made bread once a week and my kids and hubby loved it.  Then my wheat grinder was having some serious issues and I stopped making it.  Last week I was asked to make 18 mini loaves of bread for a church meeting.  Doing this brought back to me why I love making bread.  I love the smell from beginning to end.  So I thought I would share the recipe I use with all of you.  (If anyone is still there :)

Light Wheat Bread
4 Cups white flour
2 Tablespoons dry yeast
1/2 cup sugar
4 cups very warm water (125 degrees)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 tablespoons salt
6-7 cups whole wheat flour
In a bowl combine 4 cups flour, dry yeast and sugar.  Add water and oil; mix well.  Cover and let mixture sponge, or rise for 15 to 20 minutes.  Mix in salt and remaining whole wheat flour, 1 cup at a time until dough forms a ball and cleans sides of the bowl.  Knead 5 to 7 minutes by machine or about 10 minutes by hand.  Divide dough into equal portions.  Shape into loaves.  Place in greased bread pans.  Let rise until double in bulk.
Bake: 350   for 25-35 minutes
Yields: 4 4x8 1/2 “ loaves

The Best Playdough Recipe Ever

I use this recipe for preschool and love it.  I have been using it for years.  I love that it lasts along time.  I save my old playdough containers to store my homemade playdough in.  I have also used icing containers and that works pretty good too.



The Best Playdough Recipe Ever

1 cup water


1 tablespoon veg oil

1/2 cup salt

1 tablespoon cream of tartar

food coloring

Saucepan

1 cup flour



Combine water, oil, salt, cream of tarter and food coloring in a saucepan and heat until warm. Remove from heat and add flour. Stir, then knead until smooth. Keep in mind that the cream of tarter makes this dough long-lasting --- up to six months or longer --- so resist the temptation to leave it out if you don't have it on hand. This dough should be stored in a airtight container or Ziploc bag. Do not refrigerate

Bored yet?

My kids are starting in with the bored theme lately and it is driving me crazy.  We live in a very hot desert where playing outside during the day is next to impossible unless it includes a pool.  Don't get me wrong we swim a lot like everyday for hours.  We have been doing swim lessons and a summer movie thing at a local theater.  But lately I have been wanting so really fun things for them to do that I don't totally have to help them with.  I want them to occasionally entertain themselves.  So I am going to be looking for some great ideas like that.  If you have any suggestions please fill free to leave me a comment.  Just remember 105 + degree outside.

Here is an idea that I saw and I think it would be really fun.  I may even have to use things they can find in the house since it is so hot.  Maybe even hide some of their toys and they have to find them :)  Check this scavenger hunt out. 

Summer time

No I have not fallen off the face of the earth or been kidnapped by aliens.  In all honesty I have just been a little lazy and a bit of a slacker the past few weeks.  I think that once school got out I just needed to veg for a little while.  I did go on a great camping trip with my family and I have almost recovered from that (it has taken a week).  About two weeks in to my summer vacation I told my sister that I was already starting to feel panicked that summer was almost over and I have so much I want to do.  So I am feeling much more motivated this week and plan to jump in feet first and get busy. 

I did finish reading "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins.  All I can say is the third book is coming out in August and that is not soon enough.  I am loving these books.  If you haven't had a chance to read them get a copy and then let your house fall apart as you are absorbed in reading it. :) 

The Hunger Games

Wow I really enjoyed reading "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins and I am looking forward to getting started with the sequels "Catching Fire" and "MockingJay".  This book is written for young adults but I often find that those are some of the best books.  Very well written and keeps you interested. 

This book is about North American Nation that is not like we know it today.  There has been rebellion and war.  Now the countryside is divided into 12 districts and the Capital has all control.  The Capitol is harsh and every year they pick one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 -18 from each district to come and fight to the death.  There can only be one survivor and that survivor will provide food and other necessities to their district by winning.  Sixteen year old Katniss Everdeen steps forward to take her sisters place.  And she must now fight for survival.

I loved the theme of this book and the whole what would you do if it was you.  Can good overcome evil?  Very good read.  So take some time to relax with a nice cold glass of lemonade and read away.