Give-a-way: Hungry Girl 1-2-3 Cookbook

We've been eating some yummy food at our house lately! And it is pretty healthy too- as in low in calories and high in flavor!
Have you heard of HUNGRY GIRL? I have been following her since she was like- not even famous. Now she has several cookbooks, a great website, and I have seen her several times on Rachael Ray.
Two of her cookbooks are seen below:

These are two of my favorites: 200 recipes under 200 calories- and Hungry Girl 1-2-3 which you can win by leaving a comment. ☻ ☺ ☻

One thing I really love about her cookbooks is that with every recipe, she provides the calories and other nutritional information:

Here are just a few of the recipes I have tried.

I have made these several times- we all love them and they couldn't be easier. We have made them with flour and corn tortillas.

My kids loved this one! She provides a sauce recipe to go with it that looks equally yummy! (we just had bbq sauce).

There is a whole section on foil pack meals- a.k.a. tin foil dinners. She even tells you conversions for cooking them on the grill or in the oven.

There are lots of delicious treats using the blender!

I have made many things from this cookbook for my family and they have loved every one!

Are you hungry yet? You can win this cookbook:

Let me tell you- if you like yummy food without all the calories, you will love this book! It has two sections I REALLY am loving : Slow-cooker recipes, and foil packs. It also has a little section in the pack where it combines two foods to make one delicious dish. You can use this cookbook if you are cooking for one person or your entire family. AND if you do Weight Watchers- well all the points for the recipes can be found on her website.

LEAVE A COMMENT and you can win the HUNGRY GIRL 1-2-3- Cookbook which really does have some of the "easiest, most-delicious, guilt-free recipes on the planet."

Give-a-way is open until Sunday night, May 2nd at midnight  Pacific Standard Time.

Now I'm off to try another recipe! Good Luck!

ABC activities for pre-schoolers

For the past couple of months, I have been doing some ABC activities with my boys. I thought I'd post each one separately, but time is short these days, so you get one big ABC post for now. I love all things ABC. So I'm sure I'll have more ABC posts in the future.

Here are a few things we have done. (at the end of the post will be a few websites/blogs where I have found some of these ideas.)

We started doing one letter a day, reading a story that had to do with the letter, doing a little coloring/tracing page, a poem or song on some days, and a craft making something from the letter.

M is for MONSTER

{pipe cleaners, google eyes, construction paper, markers}

R is for ROAD

{construction paper, glue stick, transportation stickers}

T is for Telephone

{yarn, tape, dot stickers, marker, crayons}

S is for Silly Sticker Snake

{construction paper, stickers, google eyes, crayons}

Since I was a teacher for many years, I have a lot of books. I recently pulled out my ABC books. Here are a few of my favorites. There are so many good ABC books out there!

ABC egg matching

I saw this on a few blogs around Easter. What a cute idea! You write a lower case letter on one half of the egg, and an uppercase letter on the other half. The kids match the letters up. You could also hide them all over the house, have them find them and then match them up.  There is a lot you can do with these little plastic eggs.

ABC flash cards

You can find the cutest little flash cards at the dollar store! I picked up a few sets a while ago. I just gave my 4 1/2 year old a set and let him do with it whatever he wanted. He started reading the letters and putting them in order. Give your child a set of ABC flash cards and see what they do with them. :)

Leap Frog  Learning Toys/DVD's

I think just about everyone has a Word Whammer or a Letter Whammer from Leap Frog.

I love this toy. Did you know it does not spell naughty words? It spells 3-letter words, but if your child puts one that is -hummm..inappropriate- it won't spell it. Thank you Leap Frog.

We also picked up some DVD's from Costco a while ago- for 6.98 and they are the new favorites at our house. They go over and over the alphabet, and my kids just love them.

Hey- if they are going to be watching the T.V. at least it can be educational sometimes right?

There are lots of mommy blogs and websites that focus only on children's learning activities. Here are a few of my favorites:

Chasing Cheerios

No Time for Flashcards

The Crafty Crow

Filth Wizardry

Muffin Tin Mom

What are some of your favorite ABC activities or blogs/websites?

Thanks for reading!

Coming Soon

I have not forgotten you, my faithful readers. Just sick kids and  a teething baby and a lot of housework and lots other stuff going on around here lately....

Here is what I have coming up:

THIS WEEK:

YUMMY + HEALTHY COOKBOOK GIVE-A-WAY - some of you don't like give-a-ways. BUT you like being healthy and eating yummy food at the same time right? I have tried many recipes in this little surprise give-a-way, and I loved them so much, I wrote the publisher, and because they are so so nice, they gave me a copy to give to you!! How cool is that? I can't wait to share this one with you!

Tote bag Tutorial- I'm going to try to get another tote bag made with a step-by-step tute just for you. If you can sew a straight line and use an iron, you can make this. 

Pre-school Craft and ABC Ideas-In the archives of My Little Gems, you will find lots of kid craft ideas, story time ideas, etc.  But lately, you may not have found many on here. We are still doing them here at home- just haven't posted much lately. So, I plan to return to sharing a few ideas- since this is one of those categories I just love! Some of them may be oldies but goodies, but hopefully you'll find something new and fun to do with your own kids.

And I hope to fix all the kinks in my new blog design so that you can find things a little easier. I just need to tweek a few things. Love my new look- thanks to Maggie!

AND IN THE NEAR FUTURE:

I have a few FURNITURE RE-DO's that are in the works, to share and show you, yummy recipes, sewing and craft projects, great links and projects that are out there....and the regular little old gems.

If there is something you would like more of, recipes, tutorials, kids crafts, etc. Please leave a comment or send me an email .....as I would love to hear from you!

AND if you have a great craft project or blog, or a business from home, I'd love to feature you! Please contact me :)
Thanks for reading ! Have a great week and stay tuned....

Blog Swap with Crystal's Craft Spot

Hi Everyone! I am so excited to blog swap with My Little Gems today. I just love her blog and great craft ideas.

I am Crystal from Crystal's Craft Spot. Its my little spot to share my current craft projects, tutorials, recipes, and ideas I want to use in the future. I started my blog because I didn't want to overload our family blog with my new creations. I try to post something new almost everyday and I enjoy a variety of crafts. It is my way to relax and take a break from a busy day. Here's a little more about me: I've been married for 5 1/2 years to the greatest guy ever.

I am a stay at home mom of two adorable little girls (4 and almost 2). They keep me very busy. When they are awake we spend our time playing, learning, making messes, and occasionally cleaning.

I teach my daughter preschool at home and we post our fun activities and crafts on our preschool blog.

I love to read, watch Lost, and movies

I love Blogs! I love looking at others for crafty inspiration, I love staying in touch with old friends and making new friends (I show up as the Harris family if I comment or follow your blog-sorry for any confusion)

Here are some of my favorite projects you will find on my blog:

Family Motto

Easy Wall Art

fabric high chair

My bedroom furniture

Placemat Pillow

Ribbon Mobile

Come by Crystal's Craft Spot anytime for more crafts and tutorial. Thanks again for letting me stop by. Its been a lot of fun!

Thanks Crystal. Crystal has been a long time reader of My Little Gems, so it has been fun to get to know her through blogging. Make sure to stop by her blog and have a look at her fun projects.

AND if you would like to do a blog swap, and have a craft type blog, please send me an email

littlegemscrafts {at} gmail {dot} com

Thanks for reading!

A Spring Tote Bag from some scraps

Sometimes I've just gotta sew. It is my stress-release- well that and exercise. (But exercise these days is also a chore-in that I am trying to lose some major weight.)  But there is something about sewing or crafting that does me a lot of good. I'm sure it would be similar to most people's "girls night out" or for some reading a good book, or going to the spa. But I don't really have any girl's night outs, I read until I fall asleep, and  I can't afford to go to any spa. So I have dates with my sewing machine. And we had one until midnight last night.

I wanted to post a tute for ya' all, but I was too tired. sorry. Those things take lots of thought and work.  But if you really want the 411 on this, let me know, because I have plans to make another one soon. -- and it really is easy to make! Plus isn't a big printed tote the thing this season? If it isn't maybe I need to get out more :)

Basically I just cut squares and sewed-measuring of course. I purchased these scraps from my friend's store for about $3. She had a great sale in March, and I got some beautiful scraps. :) I love fabric scraps. 

 I bought a piece of gray fabric for a few dollars for the lining. Total cost: $6- not counting the interfacing and thread that I already had on hand. It took me about 4 hours from start to finish to make.

So let me know if you want more details, and I'll be happy to share a little tute action with you.

On the home-front, the baby is still sick, and I need to get my kids out for some fresh air!

Have a great day!  Project Runway finale is on tomorrow night-as in Thursday! That show...makes me really want to sew. :)

Thanks for reading!

Mr. Roboto quilt-finally finished!

My Mr. Roboto quilt is finally finished! I bought this quilt stuff a year ago, had plans to get it done before the baby was born, and he is almost 10 months old. oops. It is always something right?

(We are sick over here this weekend-and the baby just threw up a few hours ago-mostly on me...so it has been one of those weeks. :)) But the quilt that took me a year to finish is done- so at least I have that to be happy about -hee hee. And I'm "improving" in my quilting skills so that is good. This one has no puckers on the back at all- oh how I hate when I get a pucker in my quilts ;) thank you to my nice husband who helped me use my spray adhesive to get this really smooth-that is how I got it pucker-free. :)

And I haven't washed this yet-so I can't wait to wash is- so it will get all soft and get that broken-in look.

The fabric for this quilt is from David Walker/FreeSpirit and I think it is out of print. I think the collection is called Mr.Roboto or something like that. I have enough left over to make another quilt-probably one with 5 inch squares-unless someone wants to buy my scraps- since it will probably take me more than a year to get to it, and the fabric is out of print.

Want to know how to make squares like these? They are called wonky squares or "off-set" squares. Amy has a great tutorial here.

She is using the same quilt in her tutorial- I bought this quilt stuff at the store she works at, American Quilting. They have really cute quilts and fabrics- **sigh**  .... wish I lived closer.  Of course then I would just have more projects to do and less money.

Does he look  sick to you? Yeah what a good fake -healthy baby.  Silly guy.  Tonight he got really really pale and I knew something was wrong,  and then just like that- throw-up all over the place. In fact, it will probably be a long night over here-....
Just had to share my quilt that took like year to finally finish....only about 300 more of those type of projects left. :)
Thanks for reading!
Happy Sewing and Crafting!

Lost and Found in "da hood"

Sometimes I get really lost in "da hood-the motherhood-the one I live in.
I've lost my skinny bod because of motherhood.
I've lost my clean house because of motherhood.
I can't find the couch because it is covered with the laundry of 5 people not just one.
And the kitchen counters are deeply buried in dishes because of motherhood.
Half of the day I have no idea where the phone is, but it doesn't ring much in this hood.

And then I have moments like the one pictured above.

And I find everything.

 I lost my skinny bod because I found out what true joy was, as I gave birth to my children.
My house is a mess is because toys are scattered all over the floor, but you will find creative children with big imaginations that live here.
The couch is covered with laundry because you will find children who have clean clothes, and a mommy who {sigh} does the laundry for them because she loves them.
The kitchen counters are covered in dishes, but you will find full tummies and happy faces.
The phone doesn't ring much- so I have no need to find that. {ha ha}

But I have found so much more in "da hood."
More than I could ever list in a blog post.
Love, Happiness, Family. The things that really really matter.

All found because of living life as a mother.
That's the life I live and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Even if those skinny jeans are calling me....
if they are using the phone, I wouldn't find them anyway, so it's ok :)


What makes you love life as a mother?

How to Make your Own French Fries {the healthy way}

Do your kids like fast food? Do you? But you hate it at the same time?

Well I have a confession: My kids have never been to McDonald's. Mostly because I hate the place. But they know what it is. My 2 1/2 year old sees it and says, "I'm hungry. I need nuggets and french fries..." HA! Where did he get that? {t.v., media I think}

While I don't like McD's we do like an occasional In-n-Out, Jack-in-the-Box, Wendy's, but mostly Subway- maybe once a month.

WE make our own french fries at home and have been doing this for years. (personally I have been doing this for about 15 years....) So this is not a new thing by any means- but I thought it would be fun to share in case you have never made your own french fries ;)

All you need is potatoes, you can use any kind you like, and some Pam spray, salt, or seasoning salt.
Wash and cut your potatoes as shown above. I used to just slice them, but you can cut them anyway you like. If you want them to look like real french fries, cut as shown above. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

Lay them out on a sprayed cookie sheet. Spray the tops of them too. If you want to use a little canola oil, you can do that but I just use the cooking spray. Sprinkle the salt- I like seasoning salt - on top and bake in an oven for about 10 minutes, maybe longer. I just watch them and when they get a little golden brown, they are done.

And they look just like real (or fake -depending on how you look at it) french fries...and they taste really good! And all it is, is a potato. Now if I could just get my kids to eat potatoes prepared other ways....{they are a little picky sometimes. :) }

We have this as a "carpet picnic" which is just a blanket spread on the tile, (not the carpet) and we eat on the floor- a little indoor picnic as we call it. ☻

Hoppy Easter to All my Peeps

Instead of the traditional bunny cake I make every year, I made a peeps cake instead. I am not a fancy cake maker by any means, but for about 10 years now, I have made a bunny cake every year for Easter- and was feelin' the Peeps vibe, so we made a peep version. (and it is not your regular cake mix under all that frosting...I'll share the recipe w/ you later.)

But the real meaning of Easter, for me, is all about the Savior.

Hear testimonies of Jesus Christ by clicking below.

He Lives

Hope all my Peeps out there, had a great Easter, or a Happy Sunday with family!

Last Minute Easy Easter Cupcakes for Kids

EASTER CHICKS cupcakes- w/ yellow frosting (I used orange juice to make it yellow), colored coconut (food coloring and coconut in a baggie-mix), and candy corn for beak, chocolate chips for eyes

Easter basket w/ frosting, colored coconut for Easter grass, jelly beans and pipecleaner handle (you could use licorice instead)

Happy Easter!

Winner! Winner! See's Chocolates for Dinner....

FINALLY I picked a winner for the one pound of See's Chocolates! The winner according to Random.org was #3 Carol who said:

Yum! Love See's chocolates! What a fun giveaway! I'm a follower! Stop by and visit me, I have a giveaway going on!

Carol - contact me- as soon as possible -so I can get you your chocolate! And THANKS to everyone who played along! Happy Easter!