DIY delay / sneak peek at tomorrow's Tutorial

Here's sneak peek at this week's DIY project. Tomorrow the Dude turns a blank book and some Kraft Tex paper into a faux leather sorcerer's tome for his school book report.

I had great intentions when announcing Tutorial Tuesday's but life keeps getting in the way of my plans. So, be sure to pop back Wednesday for the Dude's latest DIY project.

Printing on The Prism

Trying out something new (well, new to me) - "glass" block photo printing.

The Prism is a 6" square clear acrylic block, with a black backside, measuring 1" thick. 

This depth allows it to stand on it's own, no hanging hardware required.

 It is always fun to get a new perspective on things

To visit his piece, Dahlia at Dusk, on Twenty20 - just click here. For more info on The Prism and Twenty20 follow this link. You can also join Twenty20 (it is free) and use them print your own pictures too. 

The winners of nature print and photo magnet are.....

First .... the random winner of one 8" square print of their choosing is.....

Almost Precious

And the person who picks their favorite 2" photo magnet goes to....

Sharmon Davidson

Congratulations to the winners! I will contact you today for your favorite photo and shipping address. Please choose from  #1  Dahlia At Dusk , #2  Morning, Hodgdon Pond or #3  Buzz Buzz.

Many thanks to all who played along. Pop back soon for a new spook-tacular prize announcement!

Last Chance to Enter Print & Magnet Giveaway! Ends 9/18

Dahlia At Dusk

If you are reading this before 1 a.m. (EST) on 9/18/14, hurry to the bottom of this post and leave a comment. Done? Phew. Now you are entered in my latest random drawing.

Morning, Hodgedon Pond

All who commented on my blog over the last 3 weeks will be entered in a drawing which will have TWO lucky winners! 

Buzz Buzz

The 1st name drawn will get an 8" x 8" art print of their favorite image in this post. Winner #2 receives a cool fridge magnet, also selected from these images. Prizes ship free worldwide.  

Good Luck!!

Tutorial Tuesday - soft and tasty post hospital diet

Roasted Acorn Squash with Sage Brown Butter

I've been a bit overwhelmed since last week, so this is going to be a speedy (and recipe heavy) DIY day. My husband was in the hospital but is back home and recovering smoothly. His awesome docs have ordered a soft-ish diet for a while. If it were for me, I'd just make a lot of puree'd soups (I do love soup and am a lazy cook when it is just for me.) But hubby is a foodie, so I've been trying to keep it interesting. Here are a few of the past week's successes. Click the captions to see full recipes. Warning, they are not the healthiest fat-wise, but that isn't our priority at the moment.

Baked Tilapia with Fresh Herbs

I did make some changes to the fish recipe. I lined the pan with foil drizzled with olive oil for easy clean up. This works with any white fish. We've also had success with flounder and cod. Do not use mayo. Simply drizzle the fish with olive oil (or softened butter if you prefer). This recipe is foolproof and also works with a variety of herbs. However I use 2-3 times the amount of herbs called for.

Spinach Bouillabaisse

Like I said earlier, I love soup. This is one of my go-to faves anyway. Loaded with iron and protein too, so that has to be good, right?

Mango Icecream

And you've got to have something sweet when feeling poorly! With temps in the high 80s here in Tampa, ice cream can soothe just about everything.

Do you have any favorite soft and mild recipes? Or a go-to when your tummy is feeling low? Please share. I am always looking for new ideas.

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By the way, there is a tiny bit of time left to enter my 9/18 random drawing and almost no entries, so that makes great odds for you! 2 lucky winners will take home some nature art. Click Here to See Prizes and details. To enter, leave a comment on the blog before 1 a.m. (EST) on 9/18.

Tutorial Tuesday: Child's Play - Stuff to make with kids

Tea Rocket from AllForTheBoys

I recruited The Dude to find some cool projects for us to do together this month.

Bat Chocolate Bars from CandyAbout,com

He found a ton of fun ideas on my Pinterest page.

Cereal Box Monster Jaws from ItsAlwaysAutums 

Why am I not surprised they involve fire, snacks and monsters?

Tabasco Chocolate Magic Shell from Country Cleaver

To try any of these yourself, click the link below each image for instructions.

Microwave Potato Chips from FoodGal

Actually, we've made these chips before. (I think someone was just hungry- I did ask for his help with this list right before dinner.)The same night we made the microwave chips, we also tried a baked chip recipe. My son loved these microwave ones and his dad preferred the oven ones. I thought both were passable & liked being able to customize with whatever herbs/spices we wanted.

So we'll give all of these a whirl and I will let you know how it plays out. Do you have any favorite kid friendly projects to share?

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By the way, I'm giving away some art to 2 random winners on 9/18. To enter simply leave a comment on the blog before then. To check out the prizes click here.

Musical Monday - Trains

Robert Johnson Love In vain Blues (1937)

It has been a while since I've played along with Xmas Dolly's Monday Music Blog Hop. This week's 'Train' theme is just loaded with options. Starting us off with some classic 1937 Robert Johnson, Love In Vain Blues ...it is always fun to go back in time a spell. Since we're chatting about the past, here's Johnny Cash's take on the 1924 tale of woe, Wreck of the Old 97:

And just because I can never get enough Warren Zevon:

Did you ever catch the folk music parody, "A Mighty Wind"? My husband loves folk music and I'm not a fan, but we both enjoyed this movie. I also love this intro from a live performance this tune: "Songs are written about coal mining disasters and many others about train wrecks. This is the only one we came across that takes care of both."

That is it for me today... but there are soooo many locomotive themed songs out there that there is no need for you to put on the brakes. Clicking here is your ticket to Xmas Dolly's station; you'll find a mix of musical paths to take from there.

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A Final Note - Leave a comment on the blog before 1 a.m. (EST) on 9/18 to enter my latest random drawing. Two winners will be selected to take home their favorite nature art print or magnet. Click here to view the prizes. (By the way, I haven't been blogging or promoting this giveaway like I should so entries are super low, making your odds pretty good.)

DIY delay

Life is getting in the way of Tutorial Tuesday plans. The only DIY that I've tackled tonight is failing to repair a leaking hose under the kitchen sink (while shooing a sick kid back to bed). Blech. I don't know about you, but I am calling it a day.

Pop back here next Tuesday. I'll have something new by then, even if it is just a mess-o-linkies to someone else's fascinating tutorials. 

And if you haven't checked out my art print and magnet giveaway, please do! On 9/18 two lucky winners, randomly picked from folks who have commented on the blog recently, will select their fave nature image to take home. Click here for details and to check out the prizes.

Night, All. Here's wishing you a wonderful week.

Illustration Friday / Music Monday Mashup

Doodling along to Kishi Bashi (of course, right?) 

for the latest Illustration Friday challenge, Metamorphosis. 

Sorry about the poor quality photo. My ancient scanner has finally given up and my new phone camera is rubbish. Materials are Derwent watercolor pencils on petal-inclusive paper.

Click here to check out more takes on the prompt. Feel free to add your own. Let me know if you do and I'll be sure to check it out.

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By the way, I'm giving away some art on 9/18. To enter simply leave a comment on the blog before then. To check out the prizes click here.