Tutorial Twosday: Quinoa

All hail the triumphant return of Tutorial Twosday!

I have just discovered quinoa.  It's a lovely little protein-packed grain with the consistency of couscous and a healthful resume. The first time we cooked quinoa (pronounced Keen-Wah), we fell in love with the texture and its ability to be a blank canvas to all kinds of flavors; the love affair has continued from there. 

This week, I have two quinoa recipes to share, both of which I have tested, both of which are tasty.

Feeling summery?  Try Quinoa with Corn and Scallions:

Via Just a Taste

This was so good.  Light, fluffy, and sweet, this was the perfect addition to a light, summery meal.  We had ours as a side for kabobs, and a glazed carrot and pea tendril salad, and it was perfect.  There are some things we cook and I think, " I am so bad ass! I am an awesome chef!" This was one of those.  Two thumbs up.

Remember how I said quinoa was good for you?  Remember when I said you could add pretty much anything to it?  Remember my love of cheese? (You see where this is going, right?) One of my lovely Pinterest pals found Quinoa Mac and Cheese, and I couldn't resist.  Grains.  Cheese.  What's not to love?

Via Around the Table RI

Was it as good as Mama Goodlaff's Mac and Cheese? No. But it was pretty awesome. And I felt very righteous eating that instead of pasta mac and cheese. I will probably add more cheese to the recipe next time I make it, which will completely negate all the good things the Quinoa brings to the table.  Oh dear--old habits die hard. 

Happy Cooking!

Tutorial Twosday: Sweets

Is a sweet tooth genetic?  Daddy Goodlaff is practically the cookie monster, and I seem to have inherited the same sugar obsession. I have a terrible sweet tooth.  Really, it's just awful. 

I see the most amazing, delicious confections on Pinterest every day, and though I want to make all of them, I think that would be massively unwise and unhelpful given my current goal of running a half marathon in August.  Still, it doesn't mean that I can't look...

You want to know one of my biggest weaknesses?  Those damn Lofthouse cookies.  So soft, so fluffy--frosting, sprinkles, tastiness.  Oh man, I could eat a whole package.

Source

Now, thanks to the Authentic Suburban Gourmet, I can make them in my own kitchen.  I'm pretty sure this could be a really, really bad idea...

Valentine's Day is barely over, St. Patrick's Day merely a blip on the radar, and the stores are full of Easter, Easter, Easter.  So, when this darling cupcake came across my feed, I had to pin it:

Source

Just look at it!  Easter.  In a cupcake.  I kind of want to head in the kitchen right now and get started....

Happy crafting!

Tutorial Twosday: Lunch Bag Revolution

I've been carrying the same lunch bag for a few years now, and though I am madly in love with the fabric, I kind of threw it together without a pattern.  As I've done more and more sewing projects, I've learned more about construction and patterning, and now I look at my lunch bag with a mix of pity and shame. 

I've been looking for a new lunch bag for a while now, and this one has been on my radar:

Via Spool

Okay, so I'm kind of cheating here.  You have to pay for the PDF pattern, but it's only $5 dollars and technically, it is a tutorial.  Plus, it's adorable. How can you resist it?  You'll be seeing the Goodlaff version soon...


Do you ever feel guilty throwing away plastic Ziploc bags?  'Cause I do.  I came across these on Pinterest the other day, and I nearly died from cleverness overload:

 Via Create Studio

Why, yes, those are fabric covered, plastic-lined, reusable lunch bags.  I'm going to do a set (maybe five?), and stop buying so many plastic bags. Major points for eco-friendliness...

Lunch is about to get a makeover!

Happy crafting!

Tutorial Twosday: Quilts

When I was trying to decide what kind of blanket I should make for my newest niece, H, I combed through dozens and dozens of prospective quilt patterns before deciding on the bunting flag quilt. Here are a few that made the short list.

First up, the McKinley Quilt:

Via Obsessive Crafting Disorder

What I loved about this quilt was the simplicity and the fun details.  Fabric, fabric, and more fabric coming together in one happy little blanket!  I also really loved the name embroidered right on the quilt, especially useful (and special) for a kid who has two older siblings and will probably be the recipient of many hand-me-downs. The fabric flowers are adorable, but maybe wouldn't be the best thing for a five month old. 

My initial plans actually were to do a hybrid of the bunting quilt and this quilt, the Modern Monogram Quilt:

Via U-Create

Again with the simplicity. This quilt is all about the baby's name, and again, is super simple.  No piecing, very little cutting, big impact. This quilt is something you could throw together in a day, making it perfect for a last-minute (and very impressive) baby gift. 

Like I said, I thought of combining the name idea of this quilt with the bunting flags, but eventually decided that the front would be too busy.  I think I made the right choice.  

Happy crafting!

Tutorial Twosday: It's Not Easy Being Green

Onions, that is!

Green onions might be one of my favorite things to cook with.  They add so much flavor, color, and have so many uses--from garnish to star, green onions feature in so many of the dishes we cook.  I swear we buy them every week and never even use the whole bunch.  So sad.

The solution for that?  Here are two:

First, apparently green onions can be frozen. 

Via Lunch in a Box

I can't even tell you how awesome this is.  Shake and make.  Literally.  A leftover water bottle, a funnel, and the ability to use all those green onions later so they don't go to waste.  Yes. Sign me up.


Second--you can just grow your own.  Have green onions whenever you want.  Yes, really.

Via Dishin and Dishes

I saw this on Pinterest a few months ago and I can tell you it actually works.  We live in Seattle, where sun is scarce, and it still works.  Water, plus white ends, plus window, equals personal green onion farm.  We haven't eaten any of ours yet (they're still growing), but I can't wait to try them.  From what I've read, they will grow forever. 

Problem solved.

Happy crafting!

Tutorial Twosday: Light it Up

Once upon a time I was under the delusion that I would use this tutorial to craft for my wedding.  I thought homemade votives would be awesome.  Then I came to my senses and decided on semi-homemade votives (my minions helped me make them).  Still, the cool factor of this project just can't be denied.

Via Dollar Store Crafts

I bet you could add dye and make your own colors.  You could make large luminaries, small luminaries, and when the luminaries got deformed, you could toss them back in the pot, melt them down and redo the process all over again.  Awesome.


Can you think of a better use for grandma's old doilies than turning them into a chic lamp shade?  I can't.  Check it out:

Via More Design Please

I bet the holes in the lace make for really interesting shadow patterns. Maybe you could use paper doilies if you don't have any lace ones hanging around.  This could be really cute in miniature, too.  Small paper doilies could really spice up a boring set of plain old fairy lights! Tea party chic--that's how I roll.

Happy crafting!

Tutorial Twosday: Getting Organized

We all make those New Year's Resolutions:  Lose weight.  Read more.  Get organized. 

I don't know about you, but sometime around January 7th, I realize whatever it is is just not gonna happen.  Resolutions seem to be so absolute, that if you miss a few days, it seems like you've failed, and why should you really continue?

Still, I make resolutions.  After all, tomorrow is another day.

One of my resolutions is to get myself a little bit more organized. Tutorial number one will start my organization streak with my closet.

You've heard of the 20/80 rule, right? You wear 20 percent of your clothes 80 percent of the time.  I know it's true for me.  Here's one of the best ideas for practically weeding out your closet:

Via Ray and Jen

Basically you take all of your hangers in your closet and turn them backwards.  When you wear something, flip the hanger back around.  Whatever you haven't worn by July 1st, goes to the donation bin.  This way, you are getting rid of things based on what you actually wear, and not your sappy sentimental nature (can't just be me).


After my closet, the next thing that could use a little organization in my life would be my craft supplies--particularly my ribbon stash. Enter in this lovely little solution:

Via Spunky Junky

I am constantly amazed by creative storage solutions, and this one is just awesome.  This little trick will be the first of many craft storage makeovers I hope to do this year. Ribbons on a dowel, all in a row.  If only it were this easy to organize my fabric!

Happy Crafting!

Tutorial Twosday: Zip It

So, I'm a little slow catching up with this whole zipper trend that's been going around (maybe it's already over and I'm slow to learn that too?), but today's tutorials are two different takes on zippers, and I love them!

First up, zipper jewelry.  Or, to be specific, a zipper bracelet. 

Via Cut Out and Keep

This looks like a really easy bracelet to make, and it's a perfect use for the zipper in those ratty old jeans that you were going to throw away anyway!  Sporting three or more of these at once would make you look like a real bad ass.  Don't worry, if you don't have zippers laying around, they sell these at the store (maybe even in a few different colors!).

This next tutorial just blows my mind.  Seriously. Ten out of ten for creative use of zippers. 

Via Craft Passion

First you see a zipper with ribbon, then you have a coin purse.  Um, awesome.  I have this project on my to-do list , mostly because I can't quite wrap my brain around how this thing really works.  Still, it looks really cool, and depending on how easy they are to make, may make really cool gifts. These little pouches could even store jewelry when you're traveling!

Happy Crafting!

Tutorial Twosday: Easy Ornaments

It's only a few days until Christmas, and you may be jonesing for a few last minute projects.  Maybe that's just me? Ah, well...

Here are a few easy DIY ornaments to keep you crafting Christmas straight thorough the weekend.

First up: the Disco Ball Ornament.  Sequins.  Sparkles.  Styrofoam.  Simplicity.  What's not to love?

Via Oopsey Daisy

The awesome thing is, this ornament is super easy to make.  Sequin strands, glue, ribbon and Styrofoam is all you'll need for this sparkly, festive ball.  You could even make them without the ribbon and use a bunch of them in a hurricane vase as a centerpiece.

Our second tutorial proves that going in circles isn't always a bad thing!

Via Julia Crossland

How cute is this tree?  I love the multi-colors, but I think that varied green circles, with a few discs of red to mimic garland, would be adorable.  Then again, cutting the circles may prove to be a little tedious.  Looks like it would be totally worth it, though. 

Happy Crafting!

Tutorial Twosday: Christmas Cookies

Do you bake during the holidays? I do.  A lot.  There is nothing better than a house and tummy full of Christmas cookies, but at some point, you have to give them away, otherwise your New Year's Resolution will be to lose all the cookie weight.

Today's tutorials may tempt you into one too many cookies, but that's inevitable, isn't it?

One of my favorite cookies in the whole wide world has to be these Glazed Toffee Bonbons from Betty Crocker.  A few years ago Mama Goodlaff and I were standing in the supermarket check out line, flipping through those Betty Crocker cookie books that they always have right by the packs of gum and the US Weekly.  One of them had so many tasty looking recipes that I couldn't put it down.  I told Mama Goodlaff we (she) should get it and I would make copies of the recipes to take with me.  Three years later, I still have the book--ah, a Mother's love!

Anyway, these were in that book.  Fair warning--they are involved.  These aren't your Tollhouse chocolate chip drop cookies.  First you bake the cookie, then dip them in a glaze, then add the topping, sprinkle with toffee, and drizzle chocolate and vanilla on top. It's a long process.

But, it's oh-so worth it.

Via Betty Crocker

See, don't those just look divine? 

And speaking of divine, these next cookies come to us from Divine Baking.  Their Deep Dark Chocolate Cookies are, in fact, divine.  I might even go so far as to say they are heavenly. They also happen to be gluten free, and it's always good to think of our gluten-free friends during the holiday season. 

Sometimes gluten free products can taste a little bit off, but these are right on. Chocolatey, gooey, fantastic.  Try them fresh out of the oven for a truly spiritual experience.

Via Divine Baking

Happy crafting baking!

Tutorial Twosday: Little Christmas Gifts

Looking for a cute Christmas gift for your co-workers, acquaintances, and friends? Look no further! Today's tutorials are all about the little Christmas things!

If you know me, you know I'm a fan of a good (or bad) pun, so this little gift is right up my alley.

Via Today's Fabulous Finds

Look at the tag! It says: "We WHISK you you a merry KISS-mas."  I love it! While there's no tutorial for this on the linked site, this is a super easy project to do.  Grab whisks from the dollar store, a few bags of kisses, a spool of ribbon, and some clear gift wrap.  Print up the tags, shove the kisses in between the whisk spokes, wrap, ribbon, and done.  So easy, so cute, and really inexpensive!

Everyone knows a few Scrooges, and you probably have a few Grinches in your life.  Using Spearmint Tic-Tacs and a cute printable, you can make your own batch of Grinch pills!

Via Scrapcation Getaway

The box says: "Feeling kinda grouchy? Holiday spirit can't be found? Just try these little "Grinch" pills.  They're the best medicine around. Whether eating a whole handful, or munching one or two, these tasty little "pills" take the "Grinch" right out of you!"

Awesome, right?  So much fun, and so easy, too!

Happy Crafting!

Tutorial Twosday: Christmas Inspiration

Every year Mama Goodlaff, Sister Goodlaff, and I would go to a local craft fair on the day after Thanksgiving to get "inspiration."  This means that if we saw something we liked, we'd examine it closely, decide if we could make it ourselves, and if so, we'd head to the craft store to buy all the required parts to make it at home for less than half the cost and twice the fun.

I didn't make it to the craft show this year, but luckily for me, Pinterest is my online, year-round craft fair. Here's what inspires me to head to the craft store in preparation for the Christmas season.

First up, Noel wall art:

Via Home Stories A 2 Z

Take ordinary MDF letters and make them extraordinary with a little bit of paint and hot glue.  I really love the placement of the "O," because it adds this great sense of whimsy to the whole piece


I am madly in love with this next project.  I'm certain I have everything but the frame I need to make it, so I may take a stab at it soon!

Via Better Homes and Gardens

I love it.  I really do.  Wire, ornaments, a frame, and done.  Come to think of it, you don't necessarily need a frame to pull this off.  I think if you were in a really small apartment, this could be a great substitute for a Christmas tree.

Happy Crafting!

Tutorial Twosday: Nesting

This weekend, Mr. Goodlaff and I solved the long-standing problem of having no dining room table, and just in time for Thanksgiving. Last night we sat down to dinner at our new table and as we set our plates down on the table top, we realized we are in need of place mats.  It's fun moving to a new place and figuring out what you need and how to make it your own. 

In that spirit, I offer two tutorials for those of us that need or want to feather our nests:

First up, this Measuring Spoon and Cup Organizer tutorial.  I don't know about you, but I hate having to dig around in a drawer to find the measuring tool I'm looking for.  This clever girl took paint sticks and made them amazing:

Via Infarrantly Creative

If I could put screws in our cabinets without it coming out of our security deposit, I totally would. 

I know it's a little late for this second one, but I'm gonna share it anyway. 

 Looking for some last minute Thanksgiving decor?  Look no further:

Via Choose to Thrive

How smart is this?  She took amber glass bottles, made vinyl letters, added wheat and came up with awesome Thanksgiving decor.  Instead of the vinyl, you could easily trace letters and paint them instead.

Happy Crafting!

Tutorial Twosday: Inspiring Initials

I've actually had a chance to test both of today's projects, and I have to tell you that although I was initially doubtful of how they'd turn out, both of these tutorials were really easy to follow and had fantastic results.

First up, these DIY Monogram Mugs:

Via Design Mom

I just loved the way these looked when I first stumbled across them.  The mugs were so cute and really seemed to be forgiving to those of us who can't manage to color inside the lines.  The best part is that this project can be really, really inexpensive. 

I found a few plain white mugs at Goodwill for about .99 cents a piece.  The hardest part of the whole project was that I had to go to a few different stores to find the proper paint pen, and the tutorial calls for transfer paper, which I couldn't find.  The cheaper alternative is to rub graphite pencil all over the back of what you're tracing and let the pencil do all the work when you trace over it.  While I liked the block lettering, the English Major in me decided on something a little bit fancier, and I ended up with this:

You could easily make a few of these for holiday or hostess gifts, or completely overhaul your mug collection by mixing and matching mug styles, colors, or designs.

The next tutorial is something I stumbled across before my wedding, and I completely fell in love with it.  In fact, I ended up making some of these bags for my bridesmaids to hold all their goodies!

Via Ashley Ann Photography

Canvas bag, plus paint, plus doily equals magic.  The project was really easy, and I ended up customizing it further by using different paint colors to suit each bridesmaid's personality.  Also, if you want the exact doily used in the original tutorial, get Wilton brand doilies (I found mine at Joann's).

Here's how mine turned out:

I loved these so much that I eventually made one for myself and one for Mama Goodlaff. I use mine all the time at our local farmer's market, and I've heard tell that Sister Goodlaff loves hers too!

Happy crafting!

Tutorial Twosday: Just Treats

Fall is the best season.  The world turns my favorite colors of orange, red, and yellow. Skittering leaves--brittle and dry--scoot across the pavement.  Cheerful orange pumpkins, spiced apple cider, cloyingly sweet candy corn.  After the brutal heat of Summer, the first chill of Fall is a breath of fresh, cool air. 

Maybe I'm biased.  I hate hot weather, so pulling a sweater out of the closet is a reason to rejoice.  My Birthday is in October.  Halloween is an opportunity to overload on sugar and don a costume (I may be in my twenties, but I still love to play dress-up).  And who doesn't love mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and Thanksgiving leftovers?

With Halloween just around the corner, today's Tutorials are treats, not tricks.  Here are a few recipes sure to please the sugar-craving hoards.

First up, Caramel Apple Cupcakes.

Source

Alright, take a look at that and tell me your mouth isn't watering. This cupcake gets seriously high marks for presentation because it really does look like a caramel apple. But wait, it gets better. The cupcake has a cream cheese filling. 

This recipe looks absolutely fantastic, albeit involved.  You make the cupcake, the filling, and the caramel.  I can tell you, this is not one of those things I would make for just anyone;  if I ever make these for you, it means that I like you enough to completely trash my kitchen in the baking process.

Presentation is key for our next Treat as well. It requires special equipment, but it's so worth it. Candy Corn Cheesecake.

Source



I love candy corn so much that I usually end up making myself sick because I've eaten too many of those little triangle goodies. Imagine my surprise on stumbling across this lovely little creation. Candy Corn Cheesecake.  Hot damn.

You need a special Wilton cake pan and some food coloring, but the recipe itself is quite easy: a few batches of no-bake cheesecake mix and you are a potluck rock star.  Depending on how the cake pan functions, I would probably go with a real cheesecake recipe, but to each their own. 

The Goodlaffs will be moving on Halloween, so these lovely treats aren't in the cards for us this year.  You can bet they'll be making an appearance in the future, though.  Maybe a Christmas Candy Corn Cheesecake is in order?

Tutorial Twos: Rockin' the Ruffles

Why do we love ruffles so much? Is it the inherent girlyness? The breezy movement? The love of fluffy?

In any case, where ruffles are concerned, I count myself a fan. I think it goes back to the pink polka dot ruffle-butt bathing suit that I rocked as a child. Polka dots made the suit cool, but with the ruffles, I was unstoppable. So, in homage to my ruffle-butt bathing suit, here are a few tutorials for those of us with more--ahem--grownup tastes.

This ruffle skirt could be considered cheating, but it's so darn cute I just don't care.
The tutorial appears on V and Co., and it seems pretty easy to do. The key is to buy pre-ruffled material, some elastic and thread, and bam! Skirt.

Source: V and Co.

I love how this skirt looks so dressy and professional with so little effort. I have every intention of making one, but because I don't have the option of pink polka dots, I can't decide between red ruffles or gray ruffles....decisions, decisions.

To "top" it off, here's another fantastic tutorial for this great ruffled top. There seems to be this trend in the blogosphere where you buy two basic, cheap tops and cut one to ribbons to make something new. I love it! Every time I find myself in Target or Walmart, I have to squelch the urge to rifle through the sale racks for shirts I don't have time to upcycle. Sigh.

Source: Tea Rose Home

This shirt tutorial by Tea Rose Home would look fantastic under a cardigan with some work slacks, which is just what I intend to do with it!

I can't wait to try both of these great projects! Now I just need the materials and the time to make them...

Tell Me: ruffles yea or nay?

Two Tutorials for a Tuesday

As I was pondering how to transition from the Goodlaff Bride to the Goodlaff Girl, I decided a weekly series was in order. I know it's been done and that I'm hardly the first to tread over this tutorial territory, but I stumble across so many awesome projects in my Internet wanderings that I thought I'd share the love and show you all the projects I keep adding to my ever-growing to-do list of crafty adventures.

From here on out, every Tuesday I will share with you two projects that I am madly in love with; hence, Tutorial Twosday. Everything is fair game on Tutorial Twosday! Hopefully you'll leave feeling inspired...

To kick off this series, I'll tell you that I'm feeling a little nostalgic during this back-to-school season. I wish I could go on a shopping spree for a new backpack, lunchbox, and my favorite office supply: new writing implements (old-school Ticonderoga #2 pencils and gel pens). I have fond memories of my Lisa Frank Trapper Keeper and the fresh hope that carrying cool accessories brings to the school year, so in that vein, I present a couple of Back-to-School inspired tutorials: