Small Servings

I love collecting small cute bowls for single serving size snacks

Shrinky Dinks Butterfly Necklace

Back in the Aleene's days I was known as the Shrink-It Queen.  I saw a post on Mark Montano's page recently where he made a beautiful butterfly necklace using Shrinky Dinks and clip art.  I made his version now I need to make one using photos from my recent trip to Butterfly Wonderland.

Indoor Blueberries

I turned my back...I've had my blueberry bush indoors the last couple of weeks so that I could maybe get to eat a few berries.  I had my sliding door open, went into the kitchen to do something and came back into the living room to a bluejay stealing the goodies then flapping around the room trying to get out.  Hope it didn't leave me any little gifts!

Green Breakfast

Yummy zucchini pancakes made with zukes from my garden topped with amazing avocados from my neighbors yard!!!  

Smoothie Medley

A friend gave me some nectarines, plums and peaches.  I put a little of each in a freezer

bag for a delicious smoothie once summer is gone.

Celebrate everyday

It's been a sad week with the loss of two family members.  So, when I received a message from a friend from one of my former lives that she and her husband were going to be in town I looked forward to their visit.  She mentioned they were celebrating her birthday early so I went into The Party Girl mode.  I knew I had zucchini in my garden so I whipped up some yummy zucchini cupcakes.  I can't do ordinary so I got out a tiered server, added paper crinkles and some flowers from my yard to make the little celebration special.  Don't wait for a special day do a little something out of the ordinary everyday!

Day of Bounty

I finished my day off with fresh green beans from my garden and a ramekin filled with a juicy peach cobbler.  From a zucchini scramble for breakfast to a peach smoothie for lunch it was a scrumptious day!!!  

California Bounty Day!

I got this idea to make all my meals today from local fruits and vegetables.

Breakfast was a scramble made with zucchini from my garden, tomatoes from my friends ranch and peaches a friend got

in Fresno.

Can't wait to see what's for lunch!

California Bounty Day

What's for lunch?  Peach smoothie with some leftover plum juice from my canning jam.  See that lonely blueberry?  The birds obviously get up earlier than me so my potted blueberry plant now sits in my living room.  Enjoy the summer bounty wherever you live!

Fruits of My Labor

Have you ever made sugar free applesauce?  It's super simple.  Are you ready for the recipe?  Apples and water - that's it!

I use eating apples because they are naturally sweeter.  Peel  and core the apples.  If you have a wedge corer/slicer it speeds up the process.  Place inpot and add a little water.  Cook until desired consistency, adding water as necessary.  You're done!  At this point, you can eat it, freeze it or can it following instructions with the jars.  This way you know what you're eating!!!

Healthy BBQ Pizza for Kids!

Thanks Sheknows.com for sharing our healthy bbq pizza idea on your site!

www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/1007689/its-pizza-party-time

Kids' Cooking Contest

Cook-off Contest

It's that time of year - fruits and vegetables are amazing and they kids might be getting a little antsy as summer winds down.  Have fun making a healthy dinner and keeping the kiddos having fun!

What You'll Need

• Two sets of ingredients
• Timer

 How to Play!

Set the timer and let the fun begin!  When the preparing is all over, it's time for a taste test.

Look up, look down, look all around

Get out, explore and see what you find!

I Don't Want To or I Can't Do It!

Jack LaLanne Website

How many times have you heard that little negative voice in your head ?  It happened to me this morning but I powered through it. 

My resistance started last week when I received an email from Elaine LaLanne's assistant.  You remember Jack LaLanne, the famous health guru?  I had made arrangements for Elaine LaLanne, Jack's wife, to do a presentation at a club I belong to.  It was a wonderful experience going to their home to pick up gifts she had for the attendees, hearing her speak (AMAZING!) and then last week, I was asked to write a quote that would appear on the new Jack LaLanne website (me?  really?)  I was really honored but with that came pressure to say just the right thing.  You know what I did?  Instead of sitting here paralyzed, I just jumped in and did it!  The more we think about the things we don't want to do, the more time we waste and who knows where taking that little step will lead.  Like they say, one bite at a time, one baby step, one word at a time.  Make whatever you're resisting happen today!

Shoes

My stairs are drying, so now it's on to my next projects and that means I need special supplies...

Paint Your Stairs

I've just finished putting the second (and hopefully last) coat of paint on my stairs. It was two years ago that I fell down them and broke my ankle. I had to set aside my fears a couple of times as I was leaning over the edge. Going to let them dry and see if I want to add an antiquing wash. Pictures to follow. With paint in my hair, I wish you a creative day!

Paint Your Stairs

I've just finished putting the second (and hopefully last) coat of paint on my stairs. It was two years ago that I fell down them and broke my ankle. I had to set aside my fears a couple of times as I was leaning over the edge. Going to let them dry and see if I want to add an antiquing wash. Pictures to follow. With paint in my hair, I wish you a creative day!

Yum!

Have you been to farmer's market lately?

National Park Week

Free!  Free!  Free!

It's National Park Week and that means through Friday, April 26, the national parks waive all entrance fees - yes, that means FREE!  So, whether it is your first trip, or the latest of many memorable park experiences, there couldn’t be a better time to get out and explore!  Find out more about this free offer at www.nationalparks.org/national-park-week

 Did you know…America’s national parks include more than:

• 84 million acres of spectacular scenery, historic landmarks and cultural treasures
• 17,000 miles of trails
• 43,000 miles of shoreline
• 27,000 historic and prehistoric structures
• 100 million museum items
• 12,000 campsites

Hike, learn, share, and explore the nation’s 401 national parks!

Elaine LaLanne

Elaine LaLanne, the wife of the late Jack LaLanne, was an AWESOME speaker at our Newcomers luncheon!!!  Such a tribute to health, nutrition, exercise and life. 

Jack LaLanne

I just had an unexpected and amazing experience!  I arranged for Elaine LaLanne, wife of the late Jack LaLanne, to speak at a meeting tomorrow.  I received a phone call today that Elaine wants to provide gifts for the attendees so I went to the home office this afternoon and picked them up.  Each person will get a Jack LaLanne DVD, a flashlight and moisture tone!!!  Such great gifts!  Elaine told me she'll be showing Jack bloopers in addition to some behind-the-scenes stories - can't wait!!! 

Jack LaLanne

Putting the final touches on Elaine LaLanne's (Jack LaLanne's wife) appearance for a club I belong to next week.  It's going to be AMAZING!  Who out there used to workout in front of their TV screens with your cans???

 

Happy California Poppy Day

Basketball Ideas for Kids

College basketball fans it's March Madness time!  Here are a couple of basketball ideas for the wee-ones.  This is especially fun on a wet or snowy day!

This version is great for indoors or out.  The child wears the basket on a belt and the other children try to sink the basketball - use a soft foam one, please.  On the plastic bowl, carefully cut two vertical slits slightly longer than the width of the belt and about 1" apart.  Thread the belt through the slits in the bowl and have fun!

Give it Your Best Shot

If desired, write a saying on a plastic container with a permanent marker and clip it to a piece of furniture indoors or on something sturdy outdoors with a large paperclip or clothespin.

Eggscellent Recipe

Egg Flower 

Use hard boiled Easter eggs to create fun, edible creations!

What You'll Need

• Eggs, Boiled
• Stick Pretzels
• Green Food Color
• Knife and Fork
• Paprika - Optional
• Mayonnaise, Reduced Fat
• Paper Towel
• Bowl

How To Make It!

1.      Cut egg in half.

2.      On bottom part, cut a tiny bit off so it sits even.

3.      Remove yolk from top part of egg and place in bowl. Set aside.

4.      On top part of egg, cut upside down V shapes to look like petals.

5.      Cut a piece from another egg for leaves about 1” x ½”. Dab on green food coloring with paper towel. Let dry.

6.      Press pretzel in pot, thread on leaves, and press on flower. Add yolk mixture to flower cup. If desired, sprinkle with Paprika.

7.      Place excess pieces of eggs in bowl and mix with a little mayonnaise to fill other flowers. 

Make a whole garden of eggs. Place fake grass or even broccoli on a plate and place your flowers among the ‘grass’. You can even ‘paint’ your flowers with food color – brush it on or dip a paper towel in the food coloring and dab it on the egg.

What other ideas can you come up with to make using eggs? A basket, an owl, a truck…

Butterfly Mobile

by Joan Martin Fee

What You'll Need
Two photographs or find a coloring page on line (print one regular and print one flipped horizontally)
Fishing line or sturdy string
Glue stick
Scissors
Coloring crayons - optional


How to Make It
If using coloring pages, color both butterflies.  For photos or coloring pages, cut out around edges.  Cut four even lengths of fishing line or string, approximately 36" long each. Apply glue all over back of one butterfly.  Immediately place string on tips of wings with about 1" excess toward center. Immediately, place other butterfly over first butterfly and smooth with your hands. Let dry. Gather fishing line / strings together and tie in a knot several times.

Make a Birdfeeder from Old Records

It's a rainy day in my neck of the woods so I'm going to get out some old, scratched records, dream of a warm Spring day and the chirping of birds.  

Learn how to use those old, scratched records to make a birdfeeder and tons of other crafty projects including a room divider, placemats, cupcake stand and on and on designed by Cheryl Ball and Joan Martin Fee
http://www.lulu.com/shop/joan-martin-fee-and-cheryl-ball/get-those-old-records-off-the-shelf/ebook/product-4670569.html

Sign Language I Love You Pin

I Love You Pin

Use your child's hand as the pattern to make this pin extra special

What You Need

Shrink plastic 

Glue gun and glue sticks

Acrylic paint, red

Krylon® Spray Paint, Sterling Silver

Permanent marker, black

1/8” diameter hole punch

Wax paper

Paintbrush, ½” wide

2 jump rings, silver

Pliers

Pin back

2 earring backs

E6000® Craft Glue

What To Do

1. Place hand flat on shrink plastic, spreading fingers slightly apart. Trace hand, using marker.
2. Cut out on inside of lines.
3. Punch hole in center of hand, 1/8” from lower edge.
4. Place heart patterns under plastic. Trace three large hearts and three small hearts. Cut out.
5. Preheat oven to 275-300 degrees. Lightly sprinkle baking sheet with baby powder and place plastic pieces on baking sheet. Place in oven. When flat, remove from oven with hot pad and let cool.
6. While hand shape is still warm, bend middle two fingers down. Refer to photo.
7. Spray hand and large hearts with paint, spraying in a well-ventilated area and following manufacturer’s instructions. Let dry.
8. Place small hearts on wax paper. Paint, using acrylic paint. Let dry.
9. Glue red hearts on silver hearts.
10. For pin, open one jump ring, using pliers. Insert jump ring through punched hole. Glue another jump ring on back upper center of heart, so a small amount is above the large heart. Let glue cool. Place jump ring on hearts through jump ring in hand. Close using pliers. Glue pin back on back of hand.
11. For earrings, glue red hearts on silver hearts. Glue earring backs to back of large hearts.

Rainy Day Exercise

It's a windy, rainy day in my neck of the woods so I'm going to exercise the old Jack LaLanne way with cans of food. Speaking of Jack, I'm super excited that I have arranged for his wife, Elaine LaLanne to speak at an upcoming luncheon. I hear her stories are a hoot!

Make Every Day Special

I made empanadas for a party last Friday and since I can't just do ordinary, I cut hearts from the extra dough and added them for a special touch.

Make today and every day special...

Strawberry Topiary Centerpiece

Valentine's Strawberry Centerpiece

The topiary is super easy - just place toothpicks in the cabbage and then stick on the strawberrys. I added a little flag that I made by gluing a fun foam piece to a wood skewer.

Place a cabbage in a pot (you could use a styrofoam ball but this way you can use the cabbage for a dish later).  Place a toothpick in the center and place a washed strawberry on the toothpick, sliding all the way to the cabbage.

Keep adding strawberries

Check out more recipes and fun ideas in the Make Healthy Fun! book, ebook and video in our Shopping area.

Valentine's Day Lunch

Whatever age your sweetie is, they'll love this special lunch you make for them.  It's super easy and is sure to bring a smile to their face.  You probably have all the ingredients in your kitchen right now.

Valentine's Lunch

What You'll Need 
Bread, Oroweat Sandwich Thins
Eggs or sandwich meat
Hummus, purchased
Carrots
Cookie cutter, heart shaped or use knife
Mayonnaise, light
Tomato soup
 
 How to Make It
Sandwiches and Croutons - For egg salad sandwiches, hard boil eggs and let cool. Remove peel. Chop and add a little mayonnaise. Season to taste. Place sandwich thins on cutting board and cut into heart shapes using knife or cookie cutter. Spread egg salad or use sandwich meat on bread. Croutons - Cut small heart shapes from excess sandwich thins. Toast in oven or pan until brown and crispy.
Hummus - Take a large spoonful of hummus and place on plate. Take another spoonful and place next to first scoop.  Form into heart shape with spoon.  Add carrots.
 

 

Avocado Heart

Here's a way to add a healthy special touch to Valentine's Day or any day!

Slice the avocado in half.  Remove the skin and pit. Place avocado opening side down on a cutting board. Cut into heart shape with a knife.

Add the avocado heart to a salad, on top of an omelet, anywhere you want to add a little something from your heart.

New Year's Resolution Piggy Bank

Want to save money yourself or teach your children to save?  Do it in a cute way with a piggy bank decorated with napkins - yes, napkins!  So simple and so adorable!

What You'll Need

Piggy bank

Napkin, one with a fun print

White glue

Brush, wide

Paint for detail, optional

Scissors

 How to Make It
1.  Remove the non-printed plys of the napkin and discard.
2.  Cut out designs from napkin.
3.  Brush glue in the area where you'll place one piece of napkin.  Place napkin piece over glue. Brush with glue.  Continue with all pieces. Let dry.
4.  If desired, add details like eyes and nose with paint.

Target Plastic Bag Flowers

What do you do with all those holiday shopping bags?  Make flowers with them, of course!

Plastic Bag Flowers

Materials needed

Plastic bags, color for flowers and green

Straw

Cotton swab

Scissors

Directions

Cut cotton swab and straw in half. Cut green bag into ½” x 6” pieces. For each flowers, cut a 6” square of plastic bag. Fold in half. Fold in half, again forming a square.  Place cotton swab in center of square with swab end up and twist plastic bag around it. Place in straw. Cut around plastic bag to form circle. Tie leaf strip around straw.

Make Your Own Time Capsule

What a sweet way to remember a special year (or occasion) with this adorable time capsule you make yourself!

FYI - this project is from the Aleene's Creative Living archives so some products may not be available. Substitute good quality products and you'll create a great project.

Wood Burned Projects

Was your New Year's resolution to organize recipes, control your kid's treasures or frame your favorite photos?  Do it in a unique and very personal way with wood burned words.