Free Space Doll Pattern and Tutorials

I had taken the links down for the Space Set I had planned on making it a pattern to buy but have decided to bring them back and leave them up as a free pattern for all of you as a thank you for following along. Thanks for all your comments and encouragement.

Just click on the links below to take you to each pattern page.

Doll Pattern

Doll Sewing Tutorial 

Space Clothes

I will try to get the space shuttle tutorial finished and up in the next few weeks.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread



When I was a little girl my parents would take us to the local ice cream shop and we were able to pick out whatever we wanted. I remember getting a frozen banana dipped in chocolate more than I ever got Ice cream.Not that they even taste quite the same but I have always loved chocolate chips in Banana Bread and maybe it just goes back to my love of chocolate covered frozen bananas.

 The other day I found a banana bread recipe that called for yogurt, so I decided to try it out, and my family loved it so I thought I would share in case any one else was looking for a good banana bread recipe. I just added chocolate chips of course.

Of course my family can never wait until it cools, so here it is with gooey chocolate chips

Here is my tip for mashing your bananas just place them in a bowl and mix with the blender. Easy peasy mashed bananas!

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Makes 1 8-inch loaf

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon table salt
3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/4 cup plain yogurt
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup chocolate chips

Adjust a rack to the lower middle position of the oven and preheat it to350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt.

In a medium bowl, stir together the bananas, yogurt, eggs, melted butter and vanilla, blending well.

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry, just to blend–do not over mix. Mix in chocolate chips. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, about 50-60 minutes. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn it out and let cool completely on a wire rack.

recipe adapted from Piece of Cake

Painting with Homemade Chalk Paint

So I decided to try my hand at Chalk Paint, however I didn't have any so I decided to make my own. I was too impatient to order and wait for some to come in, plus I guess I'm just cheap too. Besides I had everything on hand that I needed to make my own so why not right?

I used Art is Beauty's recipe for Homemade Chalk Paint I found it on pintrest and pinned it here.

All you need to make it is....

1/2 C. Plaster of Paris

1/2 C. Hot water

mix together then add:

1 1/2 Cups of paint

Mix well.

 I used an off white paint and mixed some of it with a blue I had to make a light blue as well. I love how the paint turned out!

Here is one of the pieces that I started with, an old coffee table I had already started to sand and had planned on painting. So I finished sanding a little more and added a coat of primer before using the chalk paint. It was pretty glossy so I didn't want the paint to come off. 

I ended up attacking a t.v. hutch with the paint as well. I didn't get a before shot of it but it was looking pretty gross, believe me! I didn't add primer to it and the chalk paint seems to have stuck really well to it. I did some distressing on them and it took quite a bit of muscles (which I don't really have) to get the paint sanded down.  I still need to apply a wax and get new handles or paint my old ones. But what a difference the paint has made on these two pieces. I think I am hooked on the chalk paint now. ;)

(ignore the wood blocks under the hutch, need my hubby to help get them out.)

At least now my front room is starting to look a little better. I don't have to be so embarrassed when people stop by with my clashing furniture. Next on the list is some curtains!

So what do you think?

Happy Day

Inspired by my dad, I made a printable of what he always said at the end of a conversation.

It's amazing the difference just a couple words can make in someones day. I always felt happier each time I heard him say them. So have a Happy Day and enjoy this free printable!

Getting Organized

I love Pintrest don't you? I admit I'm a little addicted to it, but sometimes it really pays off. Like the other day while browsing  I found this 2012 Declutter Calendar.



I saved the calendar and printed off January and have started on it today. I did two today trying to catch up on the week I missed. What a great way to organize your house and do those things we I tend to never get to. If I follow this plan my house will look much better this year! Now if I can just find a way to get the kids to help cooperate. Ya right!

Here is the direct link to the site with the calendar.

Make sure to come follow me on pintrest!

I Love You Printable

I have always loved the song I love you a Bushel and a Peck, or at least saying it to my kids. I think my mom even used to say it to my sisters and I when we were young. I decided to make it into a printable I could have out all the time.

I was running out of ink in my printer so mine didn't print out really great, but you got the idea right? I will have to reprint mine later but this will work till then.

Feel free to save and print these out yourself or for personal use gifts only please.

I made them in several colors  so you can pick the one or one's you like to print.

If you have any problems printing this out let me know and I will save them to pdf.

Enjoy! Happy Day!

Memories of my Loving Father

We had the privilege to spend Christmas eve with the most amazing man I have ever known. My Father Roger Lane Willis. He sang Christmas songs with us and took the time to take pictures with all of the family.

Proud grandpa with his posterity.

Loving husband and father with his wife and daughters.

He posed with each of his daughters that were there. I will treasure our picture forever.

He took time to counsel his grandson, my son.

And took a picture with my children.

A few days before a few of us were at his house telling stories, laughing and having fun together. I captured this beautiful picture of him and my daughter together.

So many memories we will forever have to cherish of this loving kind man. So many lives he touched with his service and friendship.

He went to spend Christmas in heaven free from all the pain he has been in. I am happy for him and the knowledge of where he is now. But I miss him dearly he is not only my father he is one of my best friends. I love him so much I will miss our nearly daily talks, or him bringing me by something to help him create. Things he would then take to people to brighten their day. He was a great example of what I want to be.

Here is a poem one of my aunts gave my sister that she read for the service.....

Christmas with Jesus

I see the countless Christmas trees

Around the world below,

With tiny lights like heaven's stars

Reflecting in the snow.

The sight is so spectacular

Please wipe away that tear

For I'm spending Christmas

With Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs

That people hold so dear

But earthly music can't compare

With the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you

The joy their voices bring

For it's beyond description

To hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me,

Trust God and have no fear

For I'm spending Christmas

With Jesus Christ this year.

I can't tell you of the splendor

Or the peace here in this place.

Can you imagine Christmas

With our Savior, face to face?

May God uplift your spirit

As I tell Him of your love

Then pray for one another

As you lift your eyes above.

So let your hearts be joyful

And let your spirits sing

For I'm spending Christmas in Heaven
And I'm walking with the king!

Author: Wanda Bencke. (1998)

As my dad would always say at the end of every conversation....Happy Day!