Let Me Meal Plan for You

November 12, 2012 By Jenna 12 Comments

No, seriously. I will. I already made a meal plan for you actually, so you can’t refuse.

Here’s how I meal plan in our home:

We use the same meal plan each month. I keep a rotating list of 20 meals in an Excel doc, and I created two shopping lists (one for every two weeks) that contain all of the ingredients to make those meals. The chart lasts for about a month (room for leftovers, eating out, dinner parties, etc), it feeds about four people per meal, and then we start it over the next month. It’s so easy.

I tried to make sure most of the meals were pretty healthy (ahem, room for splurging); they all contain at least two fruits/veggies. I also made sure they were easy enough to cook with a whiny toddler at my feet, and that they didn’t require any bizarre trips to weird markets in shady neighborhoods.

I also added a section for our food budget, go-to toddler foods, breakfast and lunch staples to have on hand, pantry staples we use frequently, and a snack budget (whatever we don’t spend out of our bi-weekly budget on dinner ingredients we use to buy snacks).

A Free Meal Plan from Call Her Happy

Because I love you:

You can just have my meal plan. It’s an Excel document, and you can edit it to fit your own family: add more ingredients or less for your family size, change the budget to fit your income, delete recipes, add them in (just don’t forget to change the shopping list!).

It has saved us so much time, frustration and money, and I hope it does the same for you too.

How to get it:

If you subscribe to my RSS feed or my email list, check the bottom of each post. The link to the meal plan is down there. It is a Google Drive document, and you can either view it in Google Drive (it shows up as two pages), or you can download it and use it in Excel (it will be one page long here).

If you don’t want to subscribe to get it, you can always make your own. I ain’t even mad about it. But, if you do download it and want to share it with others, send them over here to get it, ok? That would be super kind of you.

Did you use it?

Leave a comment and let me know. I would love to hear your thoughts.

Linking up with Thrive @ Home Thursday, WLW

4 Fun and Safe Crafts for 1-Year-Olds

August 29, 2012 By Jenna 13 Comments

If you don’t know that I like to craft, then we haven’t met. Hi. I’m Jenna. I like to craft. Imagine my deeeelight when I found out that I was having a girl. Craft buddy! I have been pushing the limits with crafting and Ellen. She might not be ready for all I am throwing at her, but I think she is still having fun in the process. I have an awesome guest post for you today from Miho, author of mihosuzuki. She is sharing 4 fun and safe crafts for your 1-year-old! Thanks, Miho!

4 fun and safe crafts for young kids: these diy crafts are perfect for your baby boy or baby girl. The best part? The recipe for non-toxic stamp ink!

Children love to craft because it allows them to learn and get creative with different fun items. The majority of craft projects available today are made for children aged 3 and up, however, babies as young as 1 can also benefit from simple crafts as well. As long as the babies are closely supervised with safe, non-toxic crafting materials, they can get in tune with their gross and fine motor skills, while also learning all about the new objects that are placed before them. To get a better idea of some safe crafts that 1-year-olds can take part in, consider the following:

4 Fun and Safe Crafts for 1-Year-Olds

Crayon Art

The only things needed for this craft is a couple of jumbo non-toxic crayons and a very large sheet of paper. Babies do not understand crafts at this point in life; however, they can get creative with a few simple movements.

Give the baby one jumbo crayon while you hold the other. Direct the baby’s hand to the page and apply some pressure to draw a line. Show them large sweeping motions and even stippling on the paper to see if they can mimic it as well. If they manage to scribble a few things on a piece of paper, this “baby’s first” can then be framed as a lovely memory.

Homemade Play Dough

Play dough is fun for all ages and babies are certainly no exception. Since babies tend to put everything in their mouths, it’s easy to make non-toxic dough, simply by using a few simple ingredients.

Non-toxic Play Dough Recipe:

2 cups flour

1/2 cup salt

1 sachet Kool-Aid (sugar free version)

1 cup boiling water

2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

Mix all of the ingredients and knead for a couple of minutes.

This dough will cost a few cents to make and it ends up soft and smooth like the store bought kind. The different colors will give the children visual interest and the softness of the dough will make it easy to grip and squeeze.

Stamping

It may seem like stamping is far too advanced for a 1-year-old to do, but there are ways to introduce this fun craft with non-toxic (and even edible) ink. Whether they are store bought stamps or homemade ones, the most important things to remember are a large stamping surface and a large easy-to-grip handle.

Homemade Non-toxic Stamping Ink:

1 – Boil 2 cups water.

2 – Add I chopped red beet or 1 cup berries.

3 – Boil for several minutes until liquid reduces by half.

4 – Add 1 teaspoon cornstarch to thicken and allow to completely cool.

Once the homemade ink is made, place it on a paper plate. Thoroughly wash the stamp before giving it to the baby and supervise closely. Place a large blank sheet of paper on a flat surface with a few pieces of tape to hold it in place. Help the baby along by holding the stamp with them, dipping it in the ink and stamping around on the paper.

Hand and Foot Prints

Finger painting is another very fun craft activity that children absolutely love. This is also one that babies can take part in as well. As long as they are helped by an adult, they will be able to create adorable prints using their hands and feet. Not only will the babies learn about different textures and sensations with these prints, but they will also be able to work their gross motor skills (with a little help).

You will need:

A large sheet of blank paper.

2-3 colors non-toxic play paint.

2-3 paper plates.

A wet towel (for clean up)

Begin by placing a small amount of non-toxic play paint on a plate (use a different plate for each color). Place a large sheet of blank paper on a flat surface. Remove the baby’s socks and gently press their foot into the paint. Quickly place their foot on the paper and then wipe it clean. Do the same with handprints.

The hand and foot prints can be arranged randomly on the page or as different patterns. If the baby is patient enough, it’s even possible to create an arc pattern to resemble a rainbow.

Crafting with 1-year-olds is educational and a fun bonding experience for families. Although there are many people who believe they are incapable of crafting, there are a few wonderful crafts that can be done with loved ones.

***

Miho loves to create fun and educational children’s activities. She has worked as an early childhood educator for several years and enjoys posting creative craft ideas through her blog, mihosuzuki.

Bubble Skirt Tutorial

August 20, 2012 By Jenna 1 Comment

Ok, so the other day I made this bubble skirt for my cousin, Mady. I am a direction follower, and there were lots of directions, so I thought it would be a really easy project for me. Foreshadowwwwwwing….If you got even a D- in your English class in high school, you can probably guess that it was not easy. No. Not at all. I was Googling, YouTubing, asking Mike, FaceTiming with my mom. We finally figured out that the directions were a) worded poorly and b) wrong.

Eventually, the skirt turned out really well. So, I thought I would walk you through the process I came up with so that you can save some time…like 10 hours to be exact. Ok? Ok!

Materials Needed:

2 yards 45″ wide fabric

3″ elastic (2 pieces); measurements tbd

thread

chalk marker

soft tape measure

Use 1/2″ seam allowance when sewing.

1. Measure around your natural waist and add 1″. Cut a piece of elastic to that length.

2. Measure above the fullest part of your hips and add 1″. Cut another piece of elastic to that length.

3. Cut the 2 yard piece into two 1 yard rectangular pieces.

4. For an adult mid-thigh length skirt, cut each 1 yard piece into a 29″x45″ piece. For a child, cut them into 21″x45″ pieces.

5. Place fabric rectangles right-sides together, pin and sew up the short sides using a zig-zag stitch. You now have a big fabric tube.

6. Place short ends together for the waist elastic. Pin and zig-zag stitch. Repeat for the hip elastic piece. Now you should have 2 elastic circles.

7. Quarter mark both elastic pieces with chalk.

8. Quarter mark both raw edges of your fabric tube.

9. With right sides together, match an elastic piece to each raw edge (these will be the skirt waistline) of the fabric tube using the quarter marks as a guide. As you attach the elastic to each raw edge, gather it evenly so that your skirt will have a…well…gathered effect.

10. Attach the elastic to each side using a zig-zag stitch. Now you will have a fabric tube with a piece of elastic on each end.

The first time I tried to make a bubble skirt, it was a disaster, but it wasn’t my fault. Nope. The directions can be confusing! So, I demystified the bubble skirt tutorial for you. I even included helpful images like a roadmap. | bubble skirt outfit | bubble skirt diy | sewing patterns free | sewing patterns for beginners

11. Your skirt is still inside out here. So, step into it, and pull the hip elastic (the larger piece probably) over your hips. Fold the skirt up and place the wait elastic over your waist.

12. Your skirt will be right side out now. And it will be done. And really cute. And you won’t be stressed out…like I was not either.

Too bad the skirt wasn’t for meeeee.

Book Cover Fail

June 27, 2012 By Jenna 6 Comments

I used to go to a Bible study on Thursday afternoons. It was called the Brown Bag Bible Bunch. It’s pretty self explanatory, but we ate lunch and studied the Bible.

Anyway, bringing my Bible back and forth to class each week was been a bit nerve-wracking for this Catholic gal. Mike bought it for me for one of my birthdays while we were just dating. I am always afraid of spilling my lunch on it or dropping it in the mud or ripping the pages in travel.

So, to take care of the problem, I decided to make a cover for it. I used some of the scrap material that I have been buying at Joann’s. I love their remnants bin! It is perfect for a beginning sewer (?) seamstress (?) sewist (?) Anyone have the correct wording for that? Sewer doesn’t seem like an endearing homograph…

Alright. Now that you know the back story (which is obviously so important…), let’s take a look at some of the pictures of the process.

Be sure to choose hideous felt for the lining:

Pay no attention to fabric weight and make sure it is bulky and lumpy:

Forget to measure in seam allowance so the flap is too small:

Be sure that your sewing machine’s (I was working on my old one) bobbin falls out at least six times:

Pause for a moment and take a proud picture of your finished product/hot mess that is too small to fit your Bible:

Let’s also be clear about something: I found these pictures while browsing my computer. They are from a while ago. I like to think I am slightly more talented now. I just am curious why I liked this so much that I had to document it in photos…

Maybe you read this post and think to yourself, “We can all improve and better our skills.” Or, “Practice makes perfect.” Or, “It’s always good to laugh at yourself.”

I hope you did think one of those things because that wasn’t what I was going for at all. Honestly, I just wanted to say hello…and give these photos an ego boost by giving them meaning and purpose. You’re welcome to all!

What is your biggest craft fail? Tell me in the comment section below!

*
*
*
You have just read a post by Call Her Happy. Consider leaving a comment…I love ’em!

Ok. You’ve Been Warned.

June 25, 2012 By Jenna Leave a Comment

I told you yesterday that I am totally getting into digital scrapbooking. Not just scrapping my own photos, but I am also creating pages, elements, papers, etc. So, I thought I would give you a gift for letting me ramble on about my newest obsession that let’s me sit on my behind all day while still feeling productive.

Now, I am still learning all kinds of tricks, but I did come up with a simple 4th of July template for the upcoming holiday. Feel free to download it and use it. Upload your pages to the Internet or print them out. Whatever you’d like. Attached String: If you know someone who wants a copy, instead of emailing it to them, direct ’em here. Thanks!

Click Here to Download

*
*
*
You have just read a post by Call Her Happy. Consider leaving a comment…I love ’em!

Ruffled Table-Runner Tutorial

April 6, 2012 By Jenna 1 Comment

I made the cutest ruffled table runner the other day. I thought it would look nice with my Easter centerpiece. It was super easy, and if you don’t have a tired, crying baby who loves to breastfeed, it might only take you an hour or two! Here’s what you need:

-3 strips of coordinating fabric, 72″ x 4″ each (I sewed together two 36″ x 4″ pieces to make each strip)

– 4 yards of coordinating ribbons

(I used 1.75″ grosgrain)

– coordinating thread for decorative stitching

– Use 1/4″ seam allowance on everything except the decorative stitch

Gather that stuff up, and here we go!

Step One: Use a basting stitch to stitch up the long sides of each fabric strip. Be sure to do both sides. When you’re done, gently tug the bobbin thread. As you tug more, the fabric will start to ruffle. Keep pulling until it is as ruffled as you want it.

Step Two: Once you have basted and ruffled each strip, make sure they are the same length. Adjust your ruffles if necessary. Then, place two pieces right sides together, and stitch them together. Repeat for the third piece. Now you will have a long, ruffled runner made of your three fabric strips.

Step Three: Fold your ribbon in half length-wise and pin it around the ruffled pieces. Use the ribbon as you would bias tape. I ironed my ribbon in half first; it helped keep its shape while I was pinning.

Step Four: When you get to the corners, pinch your fabric inwards, and fold over the corner like so:

Step Five: Use a decorative stitch to attach your ribbon to the ruffled piece. I used a thicker zig-zag in contrasting thread. If you’re like me, and you accidentally miss stitches here and there, use tacky glue to keep the ribbon on ;)

And there you go: a ruffled Spring/Easter table runner! Think of what cute fabrics you could use for other holidays and seasons!

*
*
*
You have just read a post by Call Her Happy. Consider leaving a comment…I love ’em!

An Eas(y)ter Centerpiece

March 29, 2012 By Jenna Leave a Comment

I know what you’re all thinking: “O my! Easter is coming up soon, and I don’t even have a centerpiece made yet!” I’m right, aren’t I? I knew it! Well, I have good news for you in that case. I went on a walk with Ellen to Michael’s today, and we came home with a quick and easy table topper in mind.

Need:

Mason Jar (free)

Felt Flowers ($1 section, $3)

Ribbon (free)

Sparkly Mini Eggs ($5)…you could use candy from your baskets and make it even cheaper!

Total ($8)

I’m going to scatter Easter eggs and candy around it on Easter Sunday to jazz it up a little bit more. After all, this is the first time we are hosting a holiday meal at our place…yikes! Did I not mention that? Well, I’ll fill you in on our menu soon. Happy Easter!

*
*
*
You have just read a post by Call Her Happy. Consider leaving a comment…I love ’em!

Fabric Storage Cube

March 20, 2012 By Jenna 2 Comments

I found this fabric in the bargain bin at Joann’s. I fell in love with it and scooped it up. It is one of those fabrics that you don’t want to cut up because you love it so much. But then, I decided to not be a hoarder and use it in a project that I could look at all the time.

I made a cute little storage cube to hold all of my patterns and sewing magazines. It’s sitting next to my machine so I can smile whenever I look at it!

You can find patterns for this project all over the web, but here are a few of my favorites here, here and here!

What do you do with fabric that is too pretty to cut up? Tell me in the comment section below.

*
*
*
You have just read a post by Call Her Happy. Consider leaving a comment…I love ’em!

Before There Was Pinterest

February 1, 2012 By Jenna 2 Comments

Some people might say I came up with the idea of Pinterest. Those some people might only be me. Anyway, a few years back, I realized that I was finding a ton of good ideas, recipes, gifts and whatnot in magazines, but could never remember to use them. I would either hang on to the magazines, and they would clutter my coffee table, or I would clip out a snippet only to lose it the next day. So, I decided to make my own little book to keep track of them. Now you can too! Besides, sometimes you can’t find everything on the Internet!

Supplies:

Sectioned Notebook

Marker

Magazine clippings

Glue Stick

Directions:

1. Use your marker to label the sections of your notebook. I have three sections in mine (Tips & Ideas, Gifts & Products, and Food), but you can do as many or as few as you want.

2. Take all of those magazine clippings and articles you have cluttering up your home and organize them to fit into the sections you created in Step 1.

3. Glue your clippings in the appropriate sections.

4. Make a habit of doing this whenever you read a magazine to keep you organized.

5. Reference your pretty book whenever you need some inspiration.

And, there you go. You have your own hand held version of Pinterest! Enjoy :) If you have any questions, please let me know in the comment section below.

*
*
*
You have just read a post by Call Her Happy. Consider leaving a comment…I love ’em!

Lucy Babushka Doll

January 27, 2012 By Jenna 2 Comments

During Ellen’s nap time, I made her the cutest doll using a Winterpeach pattern. Take a look:

It’s a Lucy Babushka doll! Time to surprise Ellen!

*
*
*
You have just read a post by Call Her Happy. Consider leaving a comment…I love ’em!

Here’s how I meal plan in our home:

Because I love you:

How to get it:

Did you use it?

4 Fun and Safe Crafts for 1-Year-Olds

Crayon Art

Homemade Play Dough

Non-toxic Play Dough Recipe:

Stamping

Homemade Non-toxic Stamping Ink:

Hand and Foot Prints

You will need:

Materials Needed:

sign up for my free weekly digest