Feature Friday

Yay! It's Friday!  I found the greatest book at the library! It's 501 Decorating Ideas Under $100 from Better Homes and Gardens.   They have some fabulous ideas!  I'll just share one of them for today's feature.  Aren't these curtains adorable?
They are super easy to make.   I have made a similar shade for my kitchen window.

See, here's my version! (The snow has melted now) :) I love the simplicity and airy feeling of the featured shade.  I think I'll be making more of these for my other windows!  They are a great way to filter the bright summer sun, and add a nice fresh splash of color!
Here's the directions from the book:
"Cut the fabric to fit the window, adding 1/2 -inch seam allowances on the bottom and sides and two inches at the top.  Hem the bottom and side edges." The rest of the directions talked about cutting a board to fit the window and stapling the top edge to the back and attaching it to the window and trimming the board with ribbon.   I have a variation which is a little bit easier.  Hem the top of the shade wide enough to fit a narrow tension rod and hang from that.  No cutting wood or nailing!
What do you think? I'd love to see what you come up with.
(BTW I'm offering 10% off your entire order at my shop through April 14th! )
Thanks for stopping by!

Tip for the Day

Ok, so you know how that really gross grimy dirt likes to settle on the soffit on top of your kitchen cabinets? I learned a neat trick a few years ago.  If you place a layer of paper towels on top when it's time to clean, just roll them up and throw away.   You could also use newspaper,  but I like paper towels better.  It just seemed cleaner not to have to mess with the inky paper.  Recently however,  I read of an ever better way!  (Cheaper too! ) After you've got everything all dusted and sparkling clean, take a damp rag and wipe the surface,  then put down a layer of saran wrap!  The wrap will stay in place after the dampness dries and will catch the gross greasy dust.   Next time cleaning above the cabinets will be a breeze!
What's a favorite cleaning/ organizing tip of yours?

Mmmm.....Monday!

Easy Meatloaf

Today I'm going to share my easy recipe for meatloaf!

1. Place one pound ground beef in kitchen aid mixer.  Mix well.

2. Toast a piece of bread, cut into small pieces,(or use bread crumbs) Add to meat.

3. Measure 1/4 cup of milk and add one egg and mix well with a fork.

4.  Into the milk mixture add 1/4 tsp. pepper,  1/2 teaspoon garlic, 1/4 cup dried onion (you can also use fresh diced onion), 1/2 teaspoon oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt (or seasoned salt).  Mix well.

5.  Add milk mixture to meat and bread crumbs. Mix well.

6.  Press mixture into loaf pan and bake at 350° for 45-55 minutes. (No pink on the inside). When done drain any fat.

7.  Pour 1/4 - 1/2 cup barbecue sauce over loaf and bake for another 5 minutes.

8.  Enjoy! Serves 4.

I usually double the recipe and bake it in a 9x9 pan for my family, so we can have leftovers. :) Always better the second day!! ;-)

Extended Giveaway!

"Cock-a-doodle! Take me home!"

Alright. ... Good news for anyone who viewed yesterday's post and realized that they missed the deadline!  I'm extending the giveaway through the weekend!   Comment on this post to enter the drawing to win this Rooster fridgie!  Contest ends Sunday night at midnight Central Standard Time.   Only open to the lower US states.
Good cluck!  :)

Feature Friday

Welcome back to Feature Friday!   Today's feature is a sweet little chicken magnet to cheer up the kitchen!   I have these classy fowl for sale at my shop.  They make a cute cheerful gift for a friend or for yourself. For today only (April 4, 2014) I am going to give one away free! To enter the giveaway, just enter a comment on this post!  (Limited to those who live in the Continental United States.)
Good luck!  Let's get the comments rolling! :)

New Listings in my Shop!

Hi all!   I'm super excited!  I just listed some new items in my shop The Bluebird's Nest over on Zibbet.  Please click here to visit!   Have fun browsing! Remember that I can do custom colors, etc.   Don't be shy about asking! I'd be so happy to work with you!
Thanks for stopping by!  Have a super great day! =)

Easy Cinnamon Bread

Happy Tuesday!  I made my favorite quick bread today.  It's super yummy, super easy, and super good looking!  I can't remember where I found the recipe.   Next time I think I'll try adding in a few nuts or chopped chocolate! I'll share the recipe with you!  Just write " recipe please" in the comment line below. :)