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After I posted my Pinterest inspired doll craze, I finally got out my sewing machine and set to work!  I knew that a dress would be easy so I started there.  I wanted a pattern without sleeves because putting in sleeves is just something I did not want to tackle (I’ve done it once and my mom had to finish them for me I got so frustrated!).

I started with a pillow-case styled dress I found for free on Liberty Jane.  And then, being the expert seamstress I am, I changed the pattern.

First, instead of making my own trim for around the arm holes, I used purchased double wide bias tape.  I actually tried to make my own and even sewed it, but missed the dress completely!  Then I realized that what I made looked like bias tape so I pulled out some I had on hand and it worked really well.  Bias tape is expensive, though, so making this yourself would probably be a cheaper option. I’m just not quite there yet!

The second change I made was with the ties. I didn’t see any reason to make a tie when I could just use ribbon.  No need to reinvent the wheel, you know? I just used some orange that I had on hand it works great! I did use fray check on the ribbon ends so that they don’t fray.

The last change I made was with the hem.  I’m sure doubling it up would look nice, but by the time I got there, I just wanted to be done. So I just fold the edge up once and sewed.  I did think about sewing more bias tape on the hem, but since it is expensive, I didn’t want to waste it.

I learned a lot making this dress! The pattern seems to make some assumptions that every sewer would know, but I didn’t.  For example, I sewed the hem with the wrong side out.  It was obvious after I did it that I should have sewed it with the right side facing out!  But no big deal.  It’s a doll’s dress after all and that’s why I love sewing them — no one cares if I make a mistake.

This dress is intended for an 18″ doll but as you can see, it fits a full sized Cabbage Patch just fine.  My daughter was elated with the dress! She spent 15 minutes hugging and thanking me for making it.  Then she asked if I could make her doll a  Princess Jasmine costume for Halloween!  We’ll see about that!

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After I took this picture, Ella asked, “Did my doll smile?”

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My daughter is turning 6 in July.  She’s been eyeing the 18″ dolls at Target since January so when they went on sale a few weeks ago, I picked one up (for around $15!).  The rest of the necessities I’m planning to make myself.  As usual I headed to Pinterest for inspiration!

Doll Dress (I have this cut out and ready to sew!)

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Shelf Doll Bed

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Doll shoes pattern

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Winter Fleece Outfit (I just bought a fleece remnant for this)

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Swimsuit

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Knit Hat and Sweater

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A few years ago I started slowly weeding out “conventional” products from our bathrooms out of concern for parabens and a lot of other chemicals I’m just not sure about.  For the most part, the transition to all natural, organic or even homemade products has been pretty easy.  We found brands or recipes we liked and have been happy with.  The one lone stand out, however,  has been deodorant/antiperspirant.  I have tried so many different brands that I’ve lost count and nothing has worked for me.

I have a few  issues with natural deodorants. First, they only deodorize, they do not keep you from perspiring.  It is the antiperspirant ingredients that are harmful so when you take those out, you sweat.  This has been a huge adjustment in our 100 degree plus temperatures all summer long. We sweat a lot and I hate having sweaty armpits.  The second issue has been with fragrances.  Wow.  I can’t begin to describe how overpowering so many fragrances in natural deodorants are. It’s almost as if they are trying to hide the sweaty armpits with a fruity smell.  Finally, the cost of natural deodorants can be really outrageous. It was hard to pay twice to three times more for something I wasn’t liking.  I finally gave up and just stuck to conventional deodorant because I couldn’t find a good alternative.

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So I was happy to discover Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal.  Naturally Fresh uses raw crystal stones and water for a natural deodorant. I tried the fragrance free roll-on and not only has it kept me feeling dry, but I’m not overly fruity or flowering smelling, either. In fact, there  is no odor or fragrance at all.   I’m still working on getting used to sweating, though.  But that’s just me.  It doesn’t bother my husband at all (and I think I sweat more than he does anyway). I did try the spray, but couldn’t really get in to it.  You can also use it on feet so I’ll use it this summer when the real heat sets in and the little toes around here get STINKY!

In addition to the deodorants, we also tried the MoistStic lip balm.  My kids love the MoistStic lip balm!  I like mint in my lip balm so I know that it is working, but my kids hate that it hurts a little.  But this lip balm does the job without the tingle even though it has mint and they love that.

The best part about Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal, though, is the price and availability.  Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal  is available at most Wal-Mart stores for around $3!  Most of the other natural or organic brands I’ve tried have been double that price — and some retail for closer to $10.

Overall, I’m really pleased to have discovered a reasonably priced, all natural deodorant alternative that I don’t have to run to the health food store to purchase.

How about you? Have you thought about cleaning up your beauty routine?

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Post tags: beauty, Deodarant, natural deodarant

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I have been using Tropical Traditions coconut oil for at least 3 years now and I love it! I use it in baking, frying, general cooking, for dry skin and in making homemade lotions and lip balms.  I use so much of it that I buy it in the 5 gallon bucket!  So when my friend Tina at Baby Costcutters asked me to share her giveaway for Tropical Traditions coconut oil, I said YES!  And if you don’t win, make sure to sign up for their newsletter — they often offer FREE shipping and other wonderful sales.  In fact, I buy all my “canned” (they actually come in glass jars) tomatoes through Tropical Traditions!

Win 1 quart of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil!

Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers,

and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer.

What is Virgin Coconut Oil? You can also watch the video they produced about Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil:

Tropical Traditions also carries other varieties of affordable high quality coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil plus check out all the recipes. To read about all the advantages of buying coconut oil online.

You can connect with Tropical Traditions on their Website, Twitter #1, Twitter #2, Google+, Pinterest, and on Facebook

This giveaway ends May 23rd at 11:59pm est. Must be aged 18 or older and live in the contiguous US or Canada to be eligible to win.

Just wait for the rafflcopter form to load below to enter! Good Luck!

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Disclosure: If you order by clicking on any of my links and have never ordered from Tropical Traditions in the past, you will receive a free book on Virgin Coconut Oil, and I will receive a discount coupon for referring you. Baby Costcutters did receive a free 1 quart of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil for this review but all opinions are my own. Baby Costcutter nor any blog promoting this giveaway are not responsible for the shipment of the prize to the winner, Tropical Traditions is responsible for shipment.

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Post tags: baking, coconut oil, frying, oil, Tropical Traditions

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I am a novice sewer so I’m always looking for sources to help me improve my sewing skills. Right now there are two fabulous completely free “learn to sew” classes on-line that I’m really enjoying.

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The first on-line sewing class is “Sewing School” at my friend April’s blog, Wildflowers and Whimsy.  April is covering all the facets of sewing from machines to fabrics to techniques. At the end of the “school” she’s going to be hosting a few “sew alongs” test out our new skills (using brand-new patterns she’s just publishing).  All of her posts are print friendly, too, so you can print everything out and read as you sew if you need to!

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The second on-line sewing class, Sewing Machine 911, is through Craftsy.  In Sewing Machine 911, you learn all about the typical ills most machines suffer from, and how to easily remedy those pesky problems. Gain confidence in troubleshooting your own machine issues with tips and tricks. In this class, discuss both vintage and modern machines, new and used. All of these machines can sew, and they can sew well when the user understands them correctly. Get to know the ins and outs of your sewing machine, including the basic components of each machine, spotting symptoms, knowing when to take your machine to a professional, and much more!  My sewing machine has MAJOR bobbin issues and I’m really learning a lot on how to deal with that little bugger.

Both of these classes are completely FREE!  Now you have no excuse not to dust off that sewing machine and get creating!

This post contains affiliate links.

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I love recipes with a lot of flavor and this one is full of it!   This is one of those dishes that is just down home good and filling.  Beef, gravy, pasta and a side of green beans make for an excellent family dinner.  Chop everything before you start because this is one of those dishes where once you start cooking, the dish needs your full attention.  That said, this came together very quickly.

I used a sirloin roast and just chopped it up.  The meat was a little tough, though.  If you’re feeding more than just two people, I’d double the recipe.

 

Steak Tips with Mushroom Gravy

Print

Prep time: 20 mins

Cook time: 20 mins

Total time: 40 mins

Serves: 2-3

Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
• 1 pound top sirloin steak, cut in 3/4″ cubes
• 2 Tablespoons finely chopped onions
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
• 3 Tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 cups beef stock
• Butter
• Thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions and set aside.
2. In a large pan, heat butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add beef to pan and then season with salt and pepper. Brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove beef from pan and set aside.
4. Add 1 Tablespoon butter to pan.
5. Add onions and mushrooms and saute for 4 minutes or until at desired tenderness.
6. Add garlic and cook for another minute or so.
7. Stir in soy sauce.
8. Sprinkle flour over mixture and sir to coat.
9. Slowly whisk in beef broth to avoid lumps.
10. Add desired amount of thyme.
11. Bring mixture to a boil and cook until thickened (a few minutes).
12. Add beef back to pan and season with salt and pepper.
13. Cook for another minute.
14. Serve over noodles.

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2.2.6

 

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This week is much saner than last.  I had a hard time sticking to my menu because our dinner times were just all over the place.  But I did mostly keep with it and was happy that I did.  I am changing up the menu this week because I have an abundance of chicken in the freezer that I want to use up.

Monday: Salmon on the grill, green beans, rice

Tuesday: Chinese chicken salad

Wednesday: Pasta with bolognese, salad or green beans

Thursday: Barbecue chicken sliders (I WILL get to this recipe!), veggie

Friday: Band banquet (pot luck! I better decide what to make)

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TriLight Health is a new company to me and when I heard about this giveaway coordinated by Full Price? Never, CuzinLogic and MyCraftyLife, I knew I wanted to join in to introduce you and me to TriLight Health.   There is a lot of information here, but I’ve included it in this very long post so that we can learn about TriLight together!  I’m really trying to swap out a lot of conventional medicines for herbal remedies instead and winning a $200 gift card to TriLight would help me meet that goal!

About TriLight Health: For over 20 years now, TriLight Health (formerly TriLight Herbs) has provided a high quality line of liquid herbal products. They were the first company to specialize in great tasting, non-alcoholic herbal formulas for pregnancy, children, and the family. Their exclusive 3 Stage Liquid Light Process is what makes their products Fast Acting and Effective for Adults, but Taste so good that Children will Love them!

Why Do They Offer Liquid Herbs? Consider Six Superior Reasons:

1. Time Honored: For centuries herbs have been utilized in liquid form, from teas and tonics to extracts and tinctures. Wherever you find herbal medicine more highly evolved, liquids continue to be extremely popular and utilized frequently.

2. Taste: According to traditional medicine, tasting the herb plays an important role in effectiveness and assimilation. In Germany, for example, studies suggest that the immune stimulating properties of Echinacea begins when the active ingredient comes in contact with sensors in the mouth. Bitter flavors are particularly valued by herbalists who know that these stimulate and benefit the digestive tract.

3. Bioavailable: By extracting the active constituents of herbs from both indigestible cell wall components and inactive constituents such as starch, herbs in a concentrated liquid form enter the body in a more pre-digested state.This is especially useful for more efficient absorption by those with weak digestion, for children, the elderly, pregnant women and for active people who don’t want energy loss through longer digestion periods.

4. Quick Assimilation: There is some question as to whether dry or pressed herb tablets break down well in the body, if at all. At best, dry herbs may take more than an hour to digest, where liquids begin assimilation in about 15 to 20 minutes, even less if held under the tongue. Absorption through the tissue under the tongue allows the active ingredients to enter the bloodstream directly.

5. Fast Acting: Because the active components are concentrated and more “bioavailable,” absorption is more thorough and results are quicker. Noticeable effects on the body will be much greater than with encapsulated dry herbs or tablets.

6. Superior Extraction Method: We use a unique and trademarked TincTract PlusTM extraction process. Compared to one stage, high heat extraction methods used for most glycerites on the market, our lengthy, painstaking process preserves and extracts more active constituents and naturally occurring vitamins, enzymes, minerals and volatile oils. These are concentrated and preserved into liquid electrolyte form.

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What is the Liquid Light Process?

1. One of the first steps in this painstaking process is the 14 day minimum cold stage. In this stage, we utilize light, which not only “marries” the herbs, but also purifies with UV rays without extreme or artificial heat. This slow, yet important stage allows for the preservation of the essential natural enzymes which are extremely beneficial, aiding assimilation and giving added potency to the formulas. In fact, according to enzyme researchers, enzymes are involved in all chemical reactions that occur within the body. Vitamins, minerals and hormones are unable to even work within the body without enzymes. Unlike the one step, high heat methods of most herbal extracts, our cold stage ensures that we preserve nature’s enzyme “labor force” for optimum nutritional value.

2. In the second stage, the herbs that remain after the cold extract has been set aside, are further processed using extremely low heat, low pressure to capture intact, within the glycerine, the natural volatile oils, vitamins and minerals.

3. In the third stage, we use a custom-built, stainless-steel press to cold-press even more nutrients with 6 tons of pressure. Cold pressing is the method used to yield a product of superior nutritional quality, creating the least amount of oxidation with the best extraction. Though labor intensive, the entire Liquid Light process has been created to reduce oxidation, preserve enzymes and amino acids, and to keep intact a full nutritional profile. Added to reverse osmosis water, they become instant Liquid Colloidals, which again dramatically increases the body assimilation rate up to 98%!

By preserving the plant’s natural colloidal delivery system, the bioavailability of these full spectrum nutrients and therapeutic substances are retained and enhanced, giving our formulas the strong potency our customers depend on.

Another important distinction is that they use Glycerine instead of Alcohol?

Learn more about TrilLight Health on Facebook, Twitter and their website.

Disclaimer- Note: TriLight Health employees are not licensed practitioners and cannot prescribe which products you should use. Our comments are educational. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, please see our pregnancy safe section. As with all our formulas, especially if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, please consult your health care practitioner before using products with any other medications. Our statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease

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The Giveaway: One lucky reader will win a $200 credit to TriLight Health. This giveaway starts at 12:01am May 14th and ends at 11:59pm May 21st {est}! Must be aged 18 or older and live in the contiguous US to be eligible to win. Enter to win on the Rafflecopter below:

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Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this giveaway. No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received.** This promotion is no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.** To qualify to win, you must fill out the Entry. Winners will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond. This giveaway is compliant with Facebook Rules! You must be 18 years old to enter! Continental US only! Please understand that Full Price? Never! is not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. However, I am responsible for contacting my sponsors regarding the winner’s prize at the close of the giveaway. I expect that my sponsors will fulfill their prize agreement and ship them to the winners in a timely manner. Please allow 4-6 weeks for shipping. Open to those with a shipping address in the US. 18 or older.

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As I mentioned yesterday, I am spending some time trying to plan activities for the kids over the summer.   I think we have everyone signed up for camps already and now I’m on to things to do at home hunkered down in the air conditioning when it’s 110 degrees outside.  All of my kids (ages 3-12) love to do crafts and I really like craft kits that are self-contained.  I have a couple of kits that we’re testing out to share with you, but I also ran across this Creative Girls Craft Club.  Their introductory offer is $3.98 for two kits ($1.99 each) plus $4.95 shipping. That makes each kit just under $5/each.  Not too bad for a half-hour of peace.

You can continue with the club and they’ll send you two kits every 6 weeks at regular club price or cancel at anytime.  I’ve done these introductory offers before (with a horse fan club) and had no problems cancelling when we were ready.

There is also a beading club for making jewelry and a card maker club, in case you need more to do!

This post contains affiliate links.

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Post tags: craft clubs, crafting, Kids crafts, summer crafts

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Our oldest daughter is just finishing up 6th grade this year.  She has been playing basketball for years already and really enjoys the sport.  So she asked to go to basketball camp this summer.   Because she splits the summers between two states, we had to put our heads together to figure out how to make this work.  There is a plethora of summer camps for every sport and hobby under the sun available and trying to find something reasonably priced was a bit of challenge but we did manage to find a few options!

1. Local Schools:  many of our local high school teams offer a one week camp or clinic. These are very reasonably priced options!  Depending on the school, you can get some really great instruction.  The girls basketball coach at my husband’s high school routinels sends players to Division I colleges and even has a player in the WNBA. Unfortunately, she’s not doing a camp this summer so we had to look elsewhere.

2. City Recreation Department/YMCA:   We used this option last year.  Our local community center offered a summer basketball league and cheer leading for kids 12 and under.  For a very small fee the kids got one practice and one game a week for 10 weeks. They also got to keep their team jerseys.  The instruction was decent and our daughter really enjoyed playing in the league.   We are disappointed that our schedule won’t allow us to join the league again this summer.

3. Local college or university: This is one of the options we’re using this summer.  Most colleges and universities offer some kind of sports camps over the summer. The students are under the instruction of team coaches and players.  We are really looking forward to this! These do cost more so I’d suggest enrolling in them once your child is older and you know they are truly interested in the sport.

4. Sport/Hobby Academies:  We have a local basketball academy offering camps and weekly drop in skills clinics.  The drop ins are inexpensive and you can just show up when your schedule allows.  Aside from sports, our daughter also enjoys art.  We have a couple of art academies that are offering summer classes, camps and drop-in clinics that I’m hoping to use if time and budget allow.  Dance schools, gymnastics gyms, tae kwon do schools will have some type of summer activities planned.

5. Local Gyms: You may want to check with your local gym to see if they are offering any other kid-friendly activities this summer. My sister is a CrossFit Kids coach and she is planning summer clinics at her gym.  If you are in the right city, the Harlem Globetrotters are offering basketball skills clinics at select 24 Hour Fitness Gyms this summer.  Lucky for us, they are coming to Vegas!  Even better, there is a discount code for $10 off the clinic through US Family Guide, which is another great resource for finding family and kid friendly events in your area!

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About the clinic:

For the first time, the Harlem Globetrotters are conducting summer skills clinics to bring boys and girls ages 6-14 behind the curtain to see the Globetrotters’ electrifying skills and tricks, while also having fun staying active.

Each participant receives:

• A free ticket voucher (valued up to $40) to see the Globetrotters during their 2013 World Tour
• Autographs and photos with the stars!
• 3-day trial pass to 24 Hour Fitness

Clinic Locations: Phoenix, Houston, San Francisco , New Jersey, Denver, Dallas, Los Angeles, Seattle, St Louis,  Miami, and Las Vegas

You can save $10 on registration! Enter the Coupon Code USFAMILY on the cart page after completing your registration or mention when calling 1-800-641-HOOP (4667) Click Here: http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/basketball-skills-clinics/summer-2012

Our daughter had no idea who the Harlem Globetrotters are but I signed her up anyway.  We’ll have to check them out with her on YouTube.

Between our local university, academies and the Harlem Globetrotters clinic, our daughter is going to have a summer full of hoops!

I’m sure I’ve missed some ideas for finding a camp for your kids! Where do you find camps?

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