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Zucchini Bread - fresh out of the garden!

So I guess that once you have a garden, you kinda become domesticated and figure out what to use all your vegetables that your gathering for other fun things to eat other then just straight out of the garden.  Last night I canned some pickles, post to follow this one, and then today I made Zucchini bread.  My Grandma Wagner gave me this recipe and I've had it before and it's just wonderful! 

Zucchini Bread

3 eggs, 2 cups sugar, 1 cup oil, 2 cups grated Zucchini (with peels), 3 teaspoons vanilla, 3 cups flour, 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. soda, 1/4 tsp. baking powder, 2 tsp. cinnamon, 1 cup chopped nuts.

Beat eggs until foamy.

 Fresh Eggs from our chicken

Add sugar, oil, Zucchini & vanilla. Mix lightly, but mix well. 

In other pan, mix flour, salt, soda, baking powder, cinnamon. 

Stir gently into first mixture and add nuts.

Grease and flour pans. Makes 2 loaves.

Bake at 350 degrees , 1 hr. I find it usually takes longer then that. Put a knife into it to check if its done.

I did omit the nuts because I am not a big fan of them in my food, so I'm sure if you like them, that added goodness will taste great!  

I'll have to report to you what the finished picture looks like later on.  It's in the oven cooking right now and smells wonderful! I'll be taking a loaf to our annual family camping trip this weekend so everyone can have some!  I still have about 4 big zucchinis left, can't wait to see what else I can make! Someone mentioned Chocolate Chip Muffins made with Zucchini too!

EDIT:  This is what the final product looks like!

 

Chili's- KIDS EAT FREE July 22-24

Don't forget to visit your local Chili's restaurant where kids eat free with an adult entree July 22-24!  I will for sure be taking my kids! Cheap meal for us!  :)

Follow this link to print off the coupon! Coupon!

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It was ranked #10 in the category a few weeks ago!!

UpCycled Scarves ** Your Favorite Sports Team Shirts Turned Scarf **

This is the summer of thrift shopping!!  We LOVE going to Goodwill and other thrift stores to see what we can find!  My mom is/has always been a bargain shopper, sorting through racks of clothes, we always had great things at the stores on clearance and sale!  Saving money is key since I was laid off in December, so just finding cool things at the store is a great thing!! As Macklemore & Ryan Lewis are singing in "Thrift Shop", it quickly became a favorite song of my oldest son.  But now it's our theme song for the summer.  We are making UpCycled/Recycled Shirts Scarves! :)  What a better way to give a shirt a new life!! With the help of my mom we are selling them on my Etsy Shop.   

 We can use any knit shirts to make them! If you have some old shirts from your college days, or your local high school and you'd love another way to show them off, perfect way to do so!!  You can send us your old shirts and we can turn them into a scarf!

 I can't wait to go to a Detroit Tiger's game and ROCK my new scarf!! Too bad it's mid-summer and I'd be dying of heat right now! :)  But come fall, I'm ready!

Don't forget to check out my Facebook and Etsy Site!

JoAnn Fabric and Craft Stores "Cape Discovery" Summer Crafting Challenge

I was asked by JoAnn Fabrics if I'd like to participate in a summer crafting project with my kids and add it to by blog.  My response "YES!", I frequent JoAnn Fabrics at least once a week lately so with my kids home and in tow all the time, it was easy to get them to pick out something to do crafty!  Although a lot of the crafts are more on the girly side and I have 2 boys, we managed to find something to do!  Tie Dye Shirts! :) If you'd like to sign up for a 20% off coupon, go to the link to do so!  www.joann.com/discover-­‐connect 

 So we started the project with 2 shirts and the package of tie-dye.

 The package had 5 colors of dye (Red, Orange, Blue, Green and Yellow) and 10 pairs of gloves and instruction guide.

 We looked up patterns in the booklet and we tried to do one of them.  I'm not so sure how well it looks like the pattern, but hey, it worked!

 Ready, Set, TIE-DYE!

 We didn't read the directions as good as we should of because the shirts were supposed to be wet to start, so we had trouble getting the color to stick but it worked out in the end! Lesson learned for next time!

 

 You have to let the shirts sit til they dry, so we left them outside on the table to soak up the sun!

Time to see what they look like!

Caden wasn't very happy with his, he wanted his to look like Brody's and it had too much white he said.  I told him, it's really hard to make 2 shirts look exactly the same, so we can try another time.  :)

After they were dry, we washed them in the machine and they tried them on, they loved them!!  I think we are going to do more shirts this year at family camping!! Along with a few other patterns with our cousins :)

To view more projects to do with your kids this summer, visit the Summer of Fun Catalog at JoAnn's website!  http://joann.shoplocal.com/Joann/BrowseByPage?StoreID=2412048&PromotionCode=JoAnnStores-130331CC&PromotionViewMode=2

Wedding Season is Here!

This the season for getting married!  Do you need a gift that no one else will have? How about the brides that want to get their bridesmaids something to remember their wedding with?  I just got some awesome new products in that I can't wait to show off!!

1) Can Koozies

 Sew Wonderfully Jamie now has personalized can Koozies! These are NOT embroidered; they are actually the print of the Koozie, that means... NO RUNNING THREAD! Also these can be washed. :)

Our personalized can koozies can be done in any of my shop prints and are completely customizeable. The list goes on and on... Here are a few ideas: teacher's gift, bridal party, secret santa, just to name a few. Or you can just get one for you! :)

2)  Personalized Casserole Dish/Cake Pan

 Here is our newest personalized kitchen accessory our stunning personalized casserole dish and/or cake pan. You will never mistake your serving dish again and you will surely be the talk of the night. These make wonderful hostess gift, or a "Just Because" gift for any woman in your like that loves to bake:)) Best of all you can personalized this dish in any of our patterns, frames, color & monogram combos so the possibilities are truely endless!!
{ Product Details }
• Measures 13" x 9"
• Stainless Steel Pan
• Snap-on lid

3) Cutting Board

Our 12" x 8" cutting boards are made of thick, tempered glass and can easily dress up any counter top. A great gift for home chefs, hostess.  Why not add a little style to your kitchen while you cook?  These personalized tempered glass cutting boards will make you want to get in the kitchen. :) Great for anyone on your list, our personalized cutting boards are great for hostess gifts, wedding gifts, graduation gifts for the college student leaving home, teacher gifts, "just because" girlfriend gifts and housewarmings. Easily impress your guests with this lovely accent piece for your kitchen.

Details:

• Measures 11.3" x 8" x 5/32" (medium size)
• Measures 16" x 12" (large size)
• Dishwasher safe
• Completely customizable

Memorial Day Weekend

Summer is officially here and we started it off by heading to the lake house.  The weather could of been warmer but the boy's done seem to care!

 Caden had fun fishing, he's been talking about it since last year!

Brody played baseball with the kids next door.

Bring on SUMMER!!!  We can't wait to go on our annual family camping trips, this year to Lake Charlevoix (Boyne City) and Ludington, MI.  

What kind of fun summer trips do you take as a family?

House Party NERF Super Soaker Block Party

So I'm not sure if you've heard about the website

 But it's pretty awesome.  We've won a few of these parties in the past and they are ALWAYS a good time.  You sign up to win on their website and if your selected, they give you the things you need to have a party.  Well I signed up for the Nerf Super Soaker Block Party and I WON! :)

I got all these amazing products to have our party this weekend.  My boys are going to be so excited and to be able to play with friends is gonna be even better!  What a perfect end of the school year party to have!  Go Apply and see what you can win! I know I'm gonna keep applying, we love to HOUSE PARTY!

Made in Michigan Onesie

Do you  have a baby shower coming up? How about a onesie that is not sold in stores and would be a perfect and unique gift?  If your from Michigan, you LOVE Michigan...so why not have your little one show it too!  Michigan is a beautiful state with is it's lush green fields, beautiful sand dunes and of course The Great Lakes! 

This onesie can be customized to other colors of vinyl too.  This is more of a Spartan Green color but I could do red, purple, blue, pink and other colors are avaliable to order!

Get yours today!

$18 plus shipping

Spring has SPRUNG!

Spring is finally here! The warm weather, the birds chirping and the mosquito's biting.  Yup, it's here.  Time to get out those shorts from the closet and realize that "maybe" they are a little too tight.  Time to watch what your eating a little more and not shove your face full of food you'll regret later on!

The sun and warmth also bring you in a better mood mentally.  After sitting home all winter without a job, you do get bored, you do get depressed and you do wish you had something fun to do.  Now that it's warm out we can go for bike rides, play baseball and just enjoy being outside!  My oldest is playing baseball right now so he has his games this week.  It's fun to see him doing something he enjoys.  My youngest wants to go on a bike ride everyday down the road.  But really I think he just wants to visit the older gentleman that gives him candy when he visits.

I am feeling very blessed with my Etsy Shop lately.  I'm 3 away from 250 sales and not that very long ago I was begging to pass 50.  It amazes me how I've done so well lately and that people enjoy my products!  Don't forget to "like" me on Facebook either! You won't regret it!

Large Polka Dot Beach Tote

Winter? It's April in Michigan.

So yesterday was almost 70 degrees, the heat was off in the house, windows cracked to get some fresh air flowing and all was good.  Throw in some storms and then there is today, cold, heat back on, windows shut and SNOW! Yup I said it, SNOW!  It is April 19th, and we are having snow!  BBBRRR

I am really ready for spring.  I'm ready to see the sunshine, enjoy the outdoors, and even more let the boys play outside. 

We got rid of cable tv this week, in an effort to save money and get the kids from not watching as much tv also.  We won't really miss it.  With Netflix, movies and local channels off the Antenna, not much you can miss.  You can watch almost any show the next day after it's aired online too. 

Chris and Brody also built a little computer called a Raspberry Pi, it's pretty awesome.  You just hook it up to your tv, load the software and it's good to go! Cheap too!!  Brody built a Lego case for it, since it's only about 3" x 4" long.

Hopefully we can do some yard work this weekend, we need to get our new mailbox up!

Monogram Last Name Frame

Hello everyone!! Hope you had a great weekend! I spent the weekend at Crop for a Cause, trying to raise money for hearing loss.  My cousin's daughter was born with mild hearing loss and they are having a walk to raise money for the the foundation so I took part in it! We had fun crafting, some sewing, some scrapbooking and even some crocheting!!

She also did a raffle and I won an Origami Owl necklace! I'm so excited to get it! :)

I made this new style frame for a gift last week. 

I think it turned out so cute!! If your interested, click on the picture and you can contact me via my Facebook page!!

Catching up on orders this week, had a lot for these frames, it's wedding season you know!

Spring is almost here in Michigan, I can feel the warmth coming!

Beach Tote

Who isn't ready for the beach?? I AM!!  I also just got an awesome new vendor that I can get these {SUPER CUTE} beach bags from!!!  Polka dots are so fun and these bags are perfect for the beach or the pool!!!

You can get them personalized if you'd like with either your name, last name or initials!!

Hot Pink and Polka Dots {HOT}!!!!

Have any questions? Email me! 

Click for E-mail

Summer...........

Who isn't ready for summer?  Toes in the sand, blue waters in front of your view and a cold beverage to drink?  Maybe hanging out on a boat all day?? I'm READY!!!

I've been given the opportunity to get great products from a terrific vendor and I'd love to share them with you!!

Aren't these floppy hats adorable!! They even come in kids sizes!!!  Email me at jamieolger@yahoo.com if your interested in purchasing one!!  Kid sizes are $19.99 and Adult sizes are $23.99.

Spring Break

My son has an extra long spring break this year.  11 days off!  We are headed up north this weekend but for most of the week we'll just be hanging around the house, enjoying not having to run places.  Hopefully here in Michigan, the weather will warm up!  It's still chilly!!

It's been a year since we've been back in Michigan.  For those who are new followers, we lived in Arizona for a year, but came back.  So it's nice to be home again, back in our old house, with family, friends and everything!  We are thankful to be able to come back to our house after renting it out for a year and not have "too" much damage by the tenants.  

What kind of fun adventures do you have planned for your Spring Break?

Can't wait to sit on the beach and see these sunsets and water again!

Slime? Flubber? Let's make it!

My oldest son made this before at summer camp and when he saw I had the Borax out the other day making my homemade laundry soap, he's like "Mom, can we make slime?" Sure!  We had to find some glue in the house but we found a bottle I had got super cheap with coupons when school started so we made green slime!

Materials

• Elmer's white glue or Elmer's school glue gel
• Borax (find in the laundry detergent aisle of the store)
• Water
• Two bowls
• Food coloring (optional)

What to do:

1. In one bowl mix 1/2 cup (4 oz) glue and 1/2 cup water. 
2. In the other bowl, mix 1 teaspoon borax with 1 cup water until the borax is dissolved.
3. Add the glue mixture to the borax solution, stirring slowly.
4. The slime will begin to form immediately; stir as much as you can, then dig in and knead it with your hands until it gets less sticky. (No one makes slime without getting a little messy!) Don't worry about any leftover water in the bowl; just pour it out. 
5. Put the slime in a plastic bag and add a few drops of food coloring.  Squish it around in the bag and it will magically turn colors! (Brody chose green) 

What's happening?
The glue has an ingredient called polyvinyl acetate, which is a liquid polymer. The borax links the polyvinyl acetate molecules to each other, creating one large, flexible polymer. This kind of slime will get stiffer and more like putty the more you play with it.
Store it in a plastic bag in the fridge, to keep it from growing mold.

Custom Name Pillows- $30

I've been so busy with orders lately, I haven't had time to blog!!!

Everyone was getting ready for babies being born and Easter coming that I have a backlog of things to make!  Pushing it to get done by Easter weekend so we can go up north for the weekend!

Check out these cute pillows!

 

Interested in anything on my Etsy shop? Don't forget to check out my Facebook Page too!

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I'm trying to get more exposure on my blog so if you could please click on this graphic once a day, I'd appreciate it!

Where you right, Mr. Groundhog?

So if Spring is on it's way earlier this year, where is it?  Most of us northern folks are getting anxious to step outside and enjoy the warmer weather, and as spring approaches, we all wish we could be on the beach somewhere, or enjoying a great baseball game with family and friends!  Detroit Tiger's are a favorite baseball team in our family and we enjoy going to the games and just baseball in general.  There is nothing quite like a night game when the weather is amazing and your favorite team is winning!  Maybe a couple cold beers in your hand to help with the heat will do also! :) 

I made these cute keychains that go perfect for the Detroit Tiger's lover in your life!! Check them out on my Etsy Site.  https://www.etsy.com/listing/125389588/detroit-tigers-acrylic-keychain?

And if your just wanting a cute little gift for yourself or maybe even your bridal party?  How about monogrammed keychains? Message me for discounts on large orders.  

Now here in our area of Michigan, it's supposed to be 50's this weekend.  That's like a hot spell for us! I hope the snow melts and we can semi-enjoy the outdoors this weekend!  Enjoy your week!

DIY Powder Laundry Soap

Since I'm staying home right now, I'm all about saving money!  I keep hearing about people that make their own laundry soap and how good it works.  Well we are a Tide family, and always have been.  My mom used some other kind of soap when I was little and I broke out in hives, so we have just always used Tide.  But I thought I'd give this a try!  It was super easy to make and cheap on the budget!

The Parts

1 Cup Borax

1 1/2 Cups Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (not to be confused with baking soda)

1 Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar Soap

Cheese grater (Food Processor)

 

I also added 1 bar of Ivory Soap, we had a bar lying around and thought it'd help with the smell.

 

Price List:

Borax Detergent Booster- $3.39

Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda- $3.24

Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar- $0.97

When it all boils down to it, your spending about $0.02 to $0.05 per load of laundry.  And since you only use a little bit of the boxes, you have more then enough for more laundry soap, just have to get another bar of Fels-Naptha (CHEAP)!!!

First you take the cheese grater, or a food processor if you have one, and shred the soap into fine bits.  This took awhile.  I also did the Ivory bar soap too so those were mixed together.  

Then I added the 1 cup of Borax and the 1 1/2 cup of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda and mixed it together.  I just used a big spoon to mix it up in a plastic container I had around the house.  

You only need to use 2 tablespoon per load (3 tablespoons if your load is heavy duty) but since I didn't have an extra spoon I just got an extra medicine cup we had.  3 teaspoons equal 1 tablespoon so just two scoops per load and I'm all set!!  

I washed one load already and it smells great and seems to be clean!  

You could also add some of the Purex or Downy Crystals to it, but since we don't use any softener when I was, I figured that was just an added expense we didn't need to add.  

Can't wait to save on the jugs of Tide! :)