Roasted Strawberries

ROASTED STRAWBERRIES

Roasted Strawberries

by Angela Gaines
Makes 1 cup

1 lb. strawberries, stems removed
1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. sugar
½ tsp. kosher salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Place all ingredients in a large bowl and gently toss. Spread onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Roast for 9-11 minutes or until soft and starting to break down.

Spoon mixture onto vanilla ice cream, roast chicken, or a hearty kale salad.  Also great on Angel Food Cake, Pound Cake - whatever you like.

Stuffed Jalapenos!

STUFFED JALAPENOS!
from:  Kari Stoddart Cameron

Stuffed Jalapeños! I had a few people ask for this post again, remember if you share this, it will be saved on your timeline and you can always find it that way

Only 4 ingredients, LOW CARB, and delicious!!! These are gone in 10 minutes at any get together I take them to... they are seriously that good.

Ingredients:
1 lb ground sausage (HOT if ya like! )
22 jalapeños
1- 8 oz block cream cheese, softened
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
Preheat over 425. Cook sausage until browned. Set aside. Mix cream cheese with Parmesan cheese. Add cooked sausage and mix well. Rinse jalapeños. Cut each jalapeño lengthwise and remove seeds. Stuff jalapeños with sausage mixture. Cook for 20 minutes until tops are golden brown (cook on a large baking pan).

Tinkertoy Tree

Tinkertoy Tree

http://www.bhg.com/christmas/trees/tinkertoy-tree/

This Tinkertoy tree is fun and can easily be assembled by adults andchildren alike.

What You Need:

Tinkertoy Tree with glassornaments

• One container of Tinkertoys
• Foil
• Small pot, crock, or mug

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Instructions

1. Create the tree by placing eight equal-size rods in a wheel.

2. Assemble the rows of branches in graduating sizes; then put the tree together by placing a center rod between each horizontal layer of branches.

3. Build the tree from bottom to top, starting with the larger rods and working to the top small rods.

4. Place the base of the tree in a small pot, crock, or mug.

5. Add a foil star at the top and slide a few small baubles onto the branches.

Kumihomo Tips and Tricks

Kumihomo Tips and Tricks

Basic Kumihimo Tips and Tricks

from:  http://www.dreamalittlebigger.com/post/basic-kumihimo-tips-tricks.html

Today I’m sharing a handful of basic Kumihimo tips and tricks. These are pretty simple things that I’ve encountered while braiding my heart out. I hope at least one or two prove useful you on your exploration of this fun and incredibly addictive craft!

1. The foam discs used for Kumihimo are really convenient, but after time the slots will begin to stretch out. For example, if you braid a lot of 2mm cord and then try to use the same disc with embroidery floss, the floss will not stay well because the foam has conformed to fit the much larger cord.

To keep this from being a problem, I have several discs and only use them for one size or type of cord. I have a wheel for 2 mm, a wheel for 1 mm and a wheel for very fine cords. I mark them on the back to keep from getting confused.

2. Different sized cords will require different finished lengths because of theadded bulk. As a example,  a bracelet out of 2mm cord, the length of 8.5 inches fits me well but when using the much smaller craft floss I only need a length of 7 inches for a good fit.

3. A finished Kumihimo braid will stretch out, but not back. Before preparing a braid for a bracelet, it is best to give the cord a good pull to stretch out fully. If you don’t, the cord will stretch over time and become way too large to wear.

The cord in the picture above measured about 5 inches when taken directly off of the disk, but after stretching to its full length became about 6 3/4 inches long. The cord can be stretched while on the disc, just hold the cord in the center on the top of the disc to keep from pulling your cords from your slots.

4. Remember that adding end caps adds length to a finished piece. Keep this in mind when creating a beaded braid since you can’t just trim as needed once complete.

5. When placing tight cord ends onto a braid, have a wooden skewer or toothpick on hand to shove stray strands into the end cap.

6. Sometimes I’ll cut a single cord shorter than the others by accident. I only notice when I get down to the end of my braid and one piece won’t fit in the slot anymore. To remedy this, I’ll take a small piece of tape and place the cord in line with the slot that it would be sitting in if it wasn’t so darn short.

7. Experiment with different cords and fibers for different looks. I tend to prefer satin rattail for my braids but it can be expensive. You can also braid craft cord, embroidery floss, jewelry wire, leather cord (as suggested by a reader – thanks!), baker’s twine, yarn, fancy yarns (like the furry stuff), plastic cord… the list could go on and on I’m sure.

8. To keep costs to a minimum while I’m trying to work out a pattern, I use cheap acrylic yarn.

9. The best way that I have found to save my place when working with my disc is to make the first move and bring the cord up and then leave it. When I have one extra cord on one section of my wheel, I know that is where I need to pick back up at.

10. When working with patterns, color choice can make all of the difference. When attempting to make a braid I use colors that always go well together and are different enough from one another. My scheme of choice is black, white and red. I toss in orange or blue when I need more colors.

Jewelry Spotlight featuring PSY Designs by Jeepbut

Tuesday's Jewelry Spotlight
Tuesdays "JEWELRY SPOTLIGHT" featuring Patricia Young of PSY Designs by Jeepbut  https://www.etsy.com/shop/jeepbut?ref=pr_shop_more

BIG TEXAS WELCOME. 
I believe we are all talented in some form of creativity and uniqueness, 
Some people find that talent early in life and some of "us" wait till we retire to express our individuality.
I have been blessed with some amazing caring and sharing friends/mentors that have shown me how to fine tune my creations
I thank each and everyone of them for their time and knowledge.

PINTEREST http://pinterest.com/psy1/
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/jeepbutt?ref=tn_tnmn

Please check out my Jewelry Supply shop & wide assortment of "Craft How To" books 
http://www.etsy.com/people/jeepbutbeads?ref=si_pr

11 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

from:  http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1zezGK/18w+K@DQr:Q-+nP++S/www.naturallivingideas.com/11-plants-that-repel-mosquitoes/

March 13, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

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Like Natural Living Ideas on Facebook for daily updates sharing the best tips, tricks and ideas for living the healthiest, happiest life possible... NATURALLY!

The days are finally getting longer, the snow is (slowly!) beginning to melt, and spring officially arrives in just a few days! While the prospect of warmer weather has us all a bit giddy, we can’t forget the unwelcome intruders that tag along with the sunny summer weather.

Yes, we are talking about mosquitoes, and everybody knows that they can be a huge nuisance. However, using chemical products to keep them away is not on the top of everyone’s wish list.

Read on for some ideas of plants that repel mosquitoes – naturally!

Citronella

Chances are, you’ve heard of this one before- it’s one of the most common ingredients in most mosquito repellents. Strange enough though, many people don’t even know that citronella is actually a plant! Citronella is a beautiful perennial clumping grass that emits a strong aroma. That aroma masks other scents, and keeps mosquitoes from being attracted to things located around it. The citronella plant has a much stronger aroma than other mosquito repellents that contain citronella, so it is a great choice. Citronella is very easy to grow, and can get to be a very tall 5 or 6 feet high! You can grow citronella in pots and place it around a porch or patio, or you can plant it directly in a yard or garden bed. It’s a great choice for repelling mosquitoes naturally.

Lemon Balm

Another great choice for a mosquito repelling plant is lemon balm. A member of the mint family, the plant also known as horsemint and beebalm is a very easy plant for beginning gardeners to grow- even if you don’t have a green thumb! Lemon Balm is a very hardy plant, it resists drought, and it grows well even in shade. It is a very fast growing and sometimes aggressive plant, so you might want to contain it to a pot, where you can move it to wherever you like to ensure that it doesn’t take over your garden! An added bonus? You can dry the leaves and use them to make a delicious herbal tea!

Catnip

Your feline friends will be happy to know that catnip is a great mosquito deterrent! In fact, in a 2010 study, researchers found that catnip is 10 times more effective than DEET, the ingredient commonly found in bug repellents. It is a very easy plant to grow, and if you have cats in the house, they will surely be happy to have it around. However, be careful not to plant catnip in with other flowers, veggies, or herbs if you have cats around your garden. They will surely roll around in the catnip and smash everything nearby!

Marigolds

A bright, hardy annual plant, marigolds are a great choice for repelling mosquitoes. Marigolds contain Pyrethrum, an ingredient found in many insect repellents, and they have a unique aroma which bugs find repulsive. The flowers themselves are beautiful and can make a great border or addition to any flower bed! Try placing them around borders of your home, and mosquitoes might not want to cross over!

Basil

Calling all cooks! Want a double whammy when it comes to mosquito protection? Plant some basil! Not only will you have a quick and easy mosquito repellent, you will also have a delicious fresh herb on hand to add to all of your favorite recipes! There are many different varieties of basil around, so feel free to experiment and find the ones that you like best. Many expert gardeners recommend trying lemon basil or cinnamon basil to deter insects.

Lavender

You probably know that lavender is a gorgeous purple flowering plant with a soothing, calming scent. But, did you know that it is also a natural mosquito repellent? Grow it indoors near a sunny window, or outside in your garden or flower bed to keep the bugs away. While you’re at it, make a delicious herbal tea, or use lavender to fill your home with a wonderful calming aroma.

Peppermint

Most bugs despise the smell and taste of peppermint, so planting it around your home is a great way to keep them from dropping by uninvited! Plus, if you do happen to get bitten, peppermint leaves rubbed directly onto the skin make a great itch relief treatment! Added bonus for the wonderful minty smell that makes a delicious addition to food and beverages!

Garlic

Unfortunately for all of us who love Italian food, studies have shown that EATING garlic does not repel mosquitoes. (Unless, however, you were to eat a HUGE amount!) However, having garlic around DOES! Make sure to add some garlic to your flower bed or vegetable garden for added protection!

Pennyroyal

The adorable pennyroyal flower is a natural deterrent for mosquitoes! Make sure to plant some around your flowerbeds! Pennyroyal plants also make great groundcovers, and they attract a plethora of beautiful butterflies. Some people even use pennyroyal to flavor certain fish dishes. As you can see, this plant has plenty of benefits!

Rosemary

Rosemary is a beautiful flowering plant that is often used to flavor lamb or fish dishes, but did you know that it is also a natural mosquito repellent? It’s perfect to add to your herb garden or flowerbed to keep bugs away, and it even attracts butterflies!

Plus you can simply snip a few springs off every time you need to add extra flavor to your lamb or steak!

Geranium

This beautiful flowering plant is a great choice for mosquito repellent. When planted in a hanging container, the colorful blooms will cascade over the side of the pot, providing a beautiful visual piece as well as a very useful bug repellent!

As you can see, there are many different plants out there that can help to keep bugs away! Next time you reach for the chemical bug spray, take a minute and think again, and choose something more natural!

Jewels of the Ocean Earrings Tutorial

Jewels of the Ocean Earrings

By: Olivia from Hopeful Honey

      These beautiful Jewels of the Ocean Earrings sparkle with the beauty of the sea.  Made with a variety of blue beads and pearls, these earrings are perfect for summer accessorizing and beach beauties.  Does blue make you...blue?  Change up the colors to create earrings in whatever color you'd like!  This is a great tutorial to have in your collection since you can easily alter and change it to suit your needs.  Make earrings for all your friends and family and completely change up your accessory collection with this fun DIY earring pattern!

Materials:

• 2x Ear Hooks
• 2x Earring Hoops
• 2x 20cm - 24 Gauge Silver Wire
• 2x Assortment of  Blue Glass Beads and Pearls
• Wire Cutters
• Chain Nose Pliers
• Beading Mat (optional)

Instructions:

1. Slowly start tightly wrapping the 24 gauge wire 3 times around the start of the earring hoop to form a small coil.
    
2. Once secure thread on a bead or pearl, then go back onto the earring hoop with the wire and do 1-2 tightly wrapped coils with your pliers to secure. Keep doing this process till you reach the end of the earring hoop.
    
3. Wrap the coil 3 times tightly around the end of the earring hoop, then turn back around and start working your way back towards the start of the earring hoop. Thread a bead or pearl again, and coil every second gap between the first layer of beads and wire.
   
   
    
4. End it of with a few tight coils at the end, then cut away excess wire.
   
   
    
5. Attach earring hook to beaded earring hook.

Read more at http://www.favecrafts.com/Earrings/Jewels-of-the-Ocean-Earrings/ml/1/?utm_source=ppl-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=allfreejewelrymaking20140603#ahSC5VIoVopl3JSh.99