Getting Crafty with Whitney

My friend Whitney has a great blog, Elm Street Life, where I like to go often just to drool over the photographs she takes. Of course, it is a great way to keep up with what is going on in her life since she no longer lives nearby. I also enjoy watching her crafty things come to life with her helpful "how to" instructions.

I recently read this post and decided to try it out for myself during Jelly Bean and String Bean's naps. Here are the results!

String Bean shows off my very first attempt. This took me about 5 minutes total to do.

Since String Bean has a lot of hair, I tried this out with a larger barrette.
Worked GREAT!
She will likely be wearing both of these barrettes at the same time.

Yes, Jelly Bean's hair is long enough and thick enough that it needs a barrette, too!
I used the smallest bud I could find for her tiny head.

I did not have a glue gun like Whitney suggested, but I did have tacky glue. I'm hoping that does the trick. If not, I will probably be investing in a glue gun, soon. These little barrettes make great gifts and I know 3 little girls (all sisters) who probably need some barrettes for back-to-school!

And here are some bonus pictures of my girls which don't show off the barrettes very well; however, personalities are on display!

Jelly Bean cooing. 12 weeks old.
(And a great photo of the underside of the barrette.)

String Bean "smiling" for the camera while eating M&Ms,
her reward for peeing on the potty!
Age: 2 years 8 months

Cheesy Potatoes

My friend Denise gave me this recipe. I keep losing it and having her rewrite it for me, so I'm posting it here for my reference. You're lucky that you get it, too! I am enjoying what little was left over from last night's dinner as I type this:

Cheesy Potatoes

16 oz of sour cream
1 stick of butter, softened
1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup
2 cups of cheese
32 oz of frozen hash browns, thawed

Combine sour cream, butter and soup in large bowl. When thoroughly mixed, stir in cheese. Add hash browns. Spread mixture in 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Bake at 350 for an hour or until cheese is bubbly.

(Can be made from frozen hash browns, just allow a longer cooking time.)

My family, and every potato-lovin' family I know, loves this!