Do you ever just have a mental block? I do and of course as usual, it comes at a time when I really need to be inventive. So I am going to openly brainstorm on here and try to figure out what my next craft move will be! 

I could go back and finish a quilt that I started a year ago.. Its adorable - black, white, gray, pink, and blue. <3 And conveniently enough for me I have it in every stage from start to finish still so I can take plenty of pictures... hmm well that's what I am gonna do... forget the brainstorm!! 

Have a great day everyone -- lesson for the day? when you get a block just start writing, taping, or talking through it -- something will inevitably come to you! 

Happy brainstorming! 

I finally tackled the craft closet here at the house (may post that amazing accomplishment later), but when everything was settled I found things I didn't even realize we had. 

I found a glue gun, ribbon, and buttons... even an old dry-erase board from who knows when. Since I already have a use for my other dry-erase boards I figured I would take a tip from an old friend of mine, and make a calendar just for my budget. When stuff is due and when the money is coming in -- and of course a nice little TO-DO list that isn't the more fun stuff, like walking the dog or taking a job. =)

What I loved most about this project is that you can't see the nail that I used to hold this sucker in place - and I easily hooked it to the wall so it won't scratch the paint as I write on it all the time! Hope you are a little more creative than I am, but I was so excited to put something up that I guess it will continue to be a work in progress. (puff paint?!)

This could be a PERFECT activity to do with the kids or grandkids to help them stay organized during the busy school year!! Let me know what y'all think!

Seriously this is so easy you can have it done in less that 10 minutes (including the time for your glue to melt/set) 

What you need: 

4 buttons of the same size and 1 smaller
Two colors of similar ribbon (same polka-dot pattern)
Scissors
Glue-gun (I used a thinner glue stick because I had thinner ribbon) 
What I believe is called a 'rotary' (I call it a dull pizza-cutter) --> not necessary 
And of course -- some sort of old cork board/dry-erase board 

Okay so this LITERALLY the only time I used this little bugger (rotary)... I found him close by and figured why not. I turned him at a slight angle and rolled over the excess ribbon after I cut it close. It becomes hidden under the frame and looks more finished! 

I am sure you could use the edge of your bank card just as well - this step took less that 5 seconds total. 

This is the final step unless you want to learn how to make the easy-peasy little bow I used to cover the nail! Which you can find RIGHT HERE!! 

Alright, flip your board over and on the back should be a plastic wall hang on the corners. Take a piece of ribbon and hot glue to each of the corners at an angle. Make sure to leave enough to hang with the amount of ribbon you want exposed on your wall. Let cool completely and hang!! 

I know they make amazing command strips now that you place on the bottom of hung objects to keep from damaging your walls, but if you already have it on hand just use masking tape rolled over on itself to make it double-sided. Works every time and is MUCH more cost-effective! 

Last fun fact... 

Fold the middle of hanging ribbon in half and then 1/4 of it back on itself... place hot glue in between the layers and successfully reinforce your ribbon! Also.. if you opt for the small bow (or another decoration) it leaves a lip of ribbon for you to work with while attaching it!! 

Happy Crafting!
Kate

For those of you who read my post about how to up-do old dry-erase/cork boards thanks! For those of you who haven't, you can check it out HERE!  

Alright so it took me a minute to get the bow because I wasn't going off of anything... But here it is broken down as best as I could do it! 

Best part - NO MORE NAILS when hanging with ribbon, twine, rope, etc! 

Obviously this ribbon is for something similar to the dry-erase board project, but I must say I am rather fond of attaching little decorations to nail heads like this from now on! 

Once you have hung your project up with ribbon, take your new little bow and load up the back with a nice healthy serving of hot glue. Press it against the ribbon AND nail head... it won't go anywhere and best of all you can pull it off the nail easily if you need to change locations! 

I would use smaller buttons on the accent bow than the rest of your project. Maybe it is just me but I still prefer to use buttons with the same number of wholes if possible! 

Happy Crafting! 
Kate

Alright so I was introduced to a variation of this recipe a while back and have fallen in love with it! I’m sure your grandma’s tuna salad is just as good as my Mamaw’s is, but this is a tasty alternative when you are wanting something new!

-          1.5 to 2 cups diced apple (your preference of apple, I prefer granny smith)

-          .5 to 1 cup of celery

-          Roughly 1tbsp of fresh basil (chopped finely)

-           Juice from roughly 1 rolled lemon 

-          One 12oz can of tuna in water (drained) 

-          .5 to 1 cup mayo

-          Salt & Pepper to taste 


**You can use low-calorie mayo to keep the calories down - if you feel it affects the flavor then add extra lemon juice & or basil! Also, if you use sea salt as opposed to table salt you will get more flavor from a smaller amount -- low sodium!**

Gather large bowl, knife, spatula or spoon, & measuring cups if preferred, & above ingredients

Peel & core apple 

Take stalk of celery and slice down the center of the stalk long-ways creating two ‘stalks’ (may need more than one stalk)

Slice apple into small, diced pieces – size affects the chunkiness of the tuna salad

Slice across the two stalks to create small diced pieces of celery

Take a few leaves of basil and chopped very finely (you do not want a big piece of basil in your tuna salad)

Roll your lemon under your palm on the counter top until it feels softened when squeezed

Cut lemon in half 

**I recommend that you use the lower side of each measurement and then continue to add up to the second measurement for your personal preference (for example, start with 1.5 cups and add up to 2 cups of apple)**

In your mixing bowl add part of the apple, celery, & basil, with the canned tuna.

Add mayo and mix together ingredients by folding them together using a spatula or spoon

Continue to add ingredients to play around with the texture and consistency of your tuna salad 

Once you have a good texture add your lime juice, salt, & pepper to taste.

Toast up your favorite bread or grab a pita pocket, or sandwich thin 

Load up your tuna salad and enjoy! 

I hope that all of you LOVE this recipe! It makes 6-8 servings (sandwiches) depending how much you like to pile on yours. Plus, it doesn't hurt that it is cheap & easy to make! 

Happy Eating!