Blogging in Bulk

If you read my family blog you know that when I post I usually post multiple posts in one day. I have a strong desire to keep things in chronological order. Luckily I don't suffer from the same problem with this blog. I usually get way behind and catch up in about a day or two. Here is my secret: I blog in bulk (on my family blog not on this blog, maybe I should start). I find that when I blog in bulk I get it done a lot faster. The only problem is I wish that I blogged more regurlarly about the day to day which doesn't happen when I do it in bulk. I will share with you my secrets.

How to Blog in Bulk

1. Download all pictures on your computer.
2. Sit down and in one sitting write down the pictures you want to use for all of your posts.
3. While you are doing other things, like cleaning, playing with kids, or other projects download 5 pictures at a time. I just check back every couple of minutes. That way I am not sitting around waiting for pictures to download.
4. When you are done downloading one post's pictures hit "save now" and then hit "create" to start working on the next post.
5. Then I sit down whenever I have a couple of minutes and jot down my commentary on all the pictures I downloaded.
6. Publish posts.

Super Easy.

Did you know that under post options you can schedule your postings? I love that feature. I hope that helps all who "get behind" on their blog like I do.

Totes Bags

I am still playing catch up for all the projects that I have finished in the past 6 months that I wanted to post on the blog. I made these bags for the kiddies. They are used for everything, library bags, church bags, vacation bags and Tanner takes his to preschool. I knew that I wanted to do a dinosaur on Tanner's bag and his name. I was looking around Etsy for ideas on what the dinosaur should look like. I found one on etsy and pretty much copied her dinosaur.

Lily's bird design was copied off of one of her t-shirts. I purchased these already made totes in a pack of 3 at Joannes. Then I used fusible webbing to iron on the fabric. I then hand-stiched around the edges. I love how they turned out and we really do use them for everything. I think I need to make one for myself.

Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day

You might remember from this post that I saw this book on Stardust Shoes blog and had to get it. I checked it out from the library and loved it. The whole idea of "Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day" is to make a big batch and save it in the fridge, taking some out every day to make a loaf of bread. At first I was skeptical about it only taking 5 minutes because I had to make the big batch. It really was super easy to make the large batch. Minimal Effort. Then I would take a chunk of dough out, work with it for 30 seconds, let is rise for 40 minutes, bake for 30 minutes and ta da...

This was my first loaf. It was kind of doughy in the middle because I didn't let it cook long enough. The other loaves turned out perfect. The only problem is that the bread seriously disappears in a couple of hours. It is just too delicious to resist.

The book recommends that you become accustomed to the "Master Recipe" before trying out the different kinds of bread. I only got to try the "Master Recipe" before I had to return my book to the library. But I am asking for it for my upcoming birthday, because I can't wait to try out more recipes.

I also wanted to note that the book recommends using a baking stone for the ultimate flavor and texture. I don't have one and just used a cookie sheet, it still turned out great. It has lots of great tips to making bread and troubleshooting techniques. You should go and check it out from your library and try it out. Or just go ahead and buy it. I loved it and I am recommending this book, because who doesn't like bread?

Flag Day

Did you know that Flag day is on Sunday? I like to dress my kids for the occasion. I figure they can wear the same flag shirt for Flag Day, the 4th of July and Pioneer Day (if you are a Utahn, which we are not). Last year I made this onesie for my daughter, Lily. I cut red fabric into strips. Then I ironed them on with fusible webbing. I then secured them down with a zig zag stitch and added 3 star buttons, purchased at Joannes.

I have not made the kids' shirts for this year yet. I don't think they will be done by Flag Day, but at least by the 4th. I figured this year I will make it simple by using red ribbon or ric rack for the stripes. As for the star I am planning on appliqueing a big blue one.

My Hubby and Lily, Flag Day 2008

Hilary's Chalkboard Placemats

Wow, I start a blog and then I ignore it for a month. Sorry. I hope I still have a couple of readers. Forgive me, please.

When I saw this tutorial for chalkboard placemats on Little Birdie Secrets I almost died. I wanted them right away. I have a secret love for writing on chalkboards. But I was having a hard time finding cute oilcloth. I finally went to Beverly's and found the same cute oilcloth they used on the tutorial. So I bought enough to make six. FYI: I got my chalkboard fabric from fabric.com.

(Side note: Beverly's is a fabric/craft store that melts my heart. I love it. They carry my favorite lines of fabric like Amy Bulter and Michael Miller. They have everything cute and crafty. But it is all so expensive that I can't bring myself to buy anything. I am just too cheap. But oh how I love that store.)

I have only made two so far. I sent them off to be with Hilary. Justin's awesome cousin that also won my gift giveaway. A lot of people have asked me how it was working with oilcloth. This was the first time I have used it and I didn't have any problems. Remember I am totally new at sewing so if I can do it you can too. I had some problems with finishing the corners, I think I finally figured out the right way to do it after I was done. Sorry Hilary you got the ones I was learning on.

I am not a Reader

Have you missed me? I went out of town for two weeks so the kiddies could soak up some Grandparent love. I have been home for a couple of days now but can't get back into the swing of things. And I will tell you why, but I am going to start at the beginning.

I am not a reader. That does not mean that I don't know how to read it just means I am not one to always be reading a book. But I will confess to be an avid blog reader. There are many reason as to why I am not a reader and the list could go on and on but I will share with you the main reason.

I get ADDICTED!

When I pick up a book and like it, it immediately becomes impossible for me to put it down. I stay up late, I ignore my husband, children, the house. I put everything off until the book is finished. It becomes quite the inconvenience. I try to lead a normal life while reading a book but I think it is impossible for me. So once I finish a book I usually take a couple of months off to give the family, house, etc the love and attention they need.

Right now I am reading Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe. It is the second book in a series about Josephine Bonaparte. It is fiction, written in diary format by Sandra Gulland, very interesting. I read the first book The Many lives and Sorrows of Josephine B while on vacation. I loved it, so as soon as I got home I rushed to the library to get the sequel. There is one more book in the series so my family should not expect me to come out of my reading stupor until the end of the week. I do have to say that I hate recommending books because everyone has different taste. So I am not officially recommending this book, I am just saying that this is what I am reading and I am enjoying it.

So there you have it. Now you know why I am not a reader. I get addicted.