Prudent Project Round-Up

Top: So Simply Stephanie made a DIY Drawstring Backpack | Natalie from Leopard or Polkadots made two pairs of adorable Pants

Middle: Rochelle made a DIY Tissue Number Sign for Marli's first birthday | Andrea made an adorable Nap Mat / Bed Roll & that baby took a nap on it! | Jacinda's sister Sunshine made a super cute Portable Tea Party!

Bottom: Lisa made a Recycled Ruffle Sleeve Bubble T | and Runa in Bombay made two awesome Pretty Pleated Purses!

Let these ladies know what you think of their projects in the comments and give them a facebook "like." Share pictures on Flickr, hang with us on the Prudent Baby Facebook Page, or send them to us via the Prudent Baby Contact Form. Your "As Seen On Prudent Baby" Button is down there on the left. XO

FRIDAY {SURPRISE} PRIZE!

Sooo this week's winner gets a bit of fantastic mystery trim from Jacinda's stash. There were so many hilarious comments from people desperate to win a Bias Tape Maker (girl, i get it) but you'll just have to subscribe to our newsletter for that. So I picked this week's winner because it was the fastest turnaround on doing one of our projects ever... I mean, before I had even turned on my computer she had already read the tute and baked the Butternut Squash Muffins! Jen from Queen of Schemes said:

Ah! I can't tell you how timely this is! I have a fridge full of roasted squash (abundant CSA boxes lately) and after improvising a squash lasagna, I knew it was time to move on to baked goods.
and less then two hours later she said:
....And they came out great! 5 stars! I ended up making 10 slightly larger muffins, and baking them for FOREVER (my oven is, shall we say, tempermental?). Totally delicious. I sense a lot of people getting surprise visits from the Muffin Fairy this weekend. I still have 5 cups of squash puree and 4 more squash sitting in my kitchen.

I'm so glad you enjoyed them Jen! Use the contact form to send us your address and Jacinda will send off your trim. Winners have five days to contact us before forfeiting their prize to another lucky reader. So, for next week, I've got a fun decoupage DIY that I made using this awesome Alexander Henry fabric, so I thought I'd give our favorite commenter a trial size mod podge, foam brush, and 1/4 yard of Alexander Henry Birdsong fabric to give it a shot themselves. Isn't it pretty? It's leftover from my Duvet Cover Tute.

Do you want to win it? Just leave comments on our posts this week. Be clever, cute, creative, funny, mean (but not too mean), fast, silly, weird, or just be. We'll pick a favorite next Friday and send off your decoupage kit! Now go enjoy your Halloween!

Link Love

Throw pillows made from painted canvas? Wary Meyers always amazes me with their creativity. This one would look perfect in my yellow and gray family room.

We've seen quite a few of our own Reversible Bonnet from you lately but I also love this Reversible Bonnet DIY from Sew Mama Sew. It's the giant bow. It gets me every time.

Ohhhh, I want! This modern take on embroidery is so unique and beautiful! This would make a fantastic gift for a new mama featuring baby's name.

Jenn Ozkan Designs shares a crochet tutorial for small rosettes. Her sweet shop is filled with pretty headbands and booties and such.

Also...

Crunchtime 9: The 9 essential seasonings for real food. Do you have them all on hand? I do, plus like 10 packs of El Paso Taco Mix. Which is why I don't write a real food blog. Room for growth here.

With or without Nap had me at "Chill-Out Craft". Are all three year olds CRAZY? We need some meditation... or medication (i kid, maybe) around here.

My Mama sent me this link from Grandparents.com for free downloadable alphabet pages. Turn these into a DIY coloring book and you have a great low-budget gift!

A time and budget friendly custom crib bumper idea.

So funny.

Hot Mess Mommy DIY: Elastic waist skirt (with pockets!) Will I ever wear something fitted around my waist again? I hope so.

Free Cupcake Liner Template to customize your treats for any holiday with a little festive scrapbook paper!

Did we miss anything cool this week? I feel like there should be more Halloween links but honestly, all I can think about is the fact that I'm off to Quilt Market in Houston for 30 hours of child-free fabric caressing in less than 24 hours. It could only be better if Jaime were coming with me. But she will be here next Tuesday! Can't wait!

And remember that any comment that you leave on a post this week could win you a treasure of mystery trim from my very own stash. It's good! Ah, I can't hold out any more. Here it is. You want it right? So leave a good comment. We will pick a winner this afternoon!

GIVEAWAY: Simplicity Deluxe Rotary Cutting & Embossing Machine!

Ladies, ladies, ladies, have we got a giveaway for you! Could our friends at Simplicity be any more generous? They want to give one of you this awesome tool - a Simplicity Deluxe Rotary Cutting & Embossing Machine!

I just got mine and can't wait to share more crafty tutorials with you, which I will be able to do more of, because I am saving so much time in the pesky fabric cutting department. It quickly cuts beautiful fabric edges & strips using pressure (so it's not sharp), and with different attachments you can create different types of finishes - like a scallop or a wave.


And using the straight blade will make it even easier to piece quilts or to make your own Bias Tape!


It also has attachments that roll embossed shapes onto paper. How fun for scrapbooking and party decorations.


Doesn't it seem rather fabulous? Aren't you already fantasizing about sleepless nights, just you and your Deluxe Rotary Cutting & Embossing Machine, Sufjan Stevens on the radio, a glass of wine in your hand...


So to enter this giveaway, leave us a comment telling us what you'd like to go "deluxe" on. For example, I would like a "deluxe" vacation complete with first class flight, cocktails that never go dry, and sweet babysitter who adores my child and thinks changing diapers is the best thing since sliced bread. Oh, I would also like a Deluxe Cheeseburger that will not make me fat.

So leave your comment anytime between now and Wednesday November 3rd. Come back every day for a new entry. Tweet, Stumble, and/or share the giveaway on facebook by clicking "like" below and leave us another comment each time letting us know for an additional entry. We will select one winner at random and send off this amazing machine (we can only ship to US addresses).

Go ladies, go ladies!

Last Minute Costume - Easy Poodle Skirt

Wendy from Gurgle Turtle sent me this picture of her super cute poodle skirts she made her girls and I just HAD to beg her to share her tute with y'all.  It's crazy simple but with such polished results, you can totally whip one up before the friday school halloween parade!  Take it away Wendy from Gurgle Turtle...

So I wanted to make my little girls some poodle skirts without spending hours dealing with patterns or elastic waistbands. The girls would only be wearing these for a couple of hours, so why spend too much time making them? That's when I decided to make the poodle skirts in a wrap style. Super easy, super fast, and totally cute!

Get the full Easy Peasy Poodle Skirt Tutorial after the jump...

And remember, any comment you leave this week could win you some special secret mystery trim from Jacinda's stash, so show Wendy some love!

Read more »

Prudent Advice Gift Bag Winners!

We asked for your most Prudent Advice and in exchange we are sending five random winners gift bags from the book launch party, including these awesome treats...

A full size Smashbox Lip Gloss...


A Kimmel Kids stencil set...


A Cooking With My Kid popcorn kit...


One of these snazzy Incase iPhone Cases...


A discount on Kartell furniture...


And a full size California Baby Spritzer...


And the randomly selected winners are...

Jen Doll who said: My best advice I can give was from my mother! Be an engine not a caboose!
Sam who said: My advice is what my sisters-in-law always told my husband (the chatty baby of the family) - "More than three times is annoying". Fits for so many situations! :)
That One Girl who said: Whoever smelt it dealt it.
Natalie who said: Never wear heels in wet grass. Never wear v-neck shirts around babies. Always tell the hairdresser to cut less off than you actually want.
and Amber who (very wisely) said: Don't cut your own bangs.

And I'm giving out one extra because I just really liked this piece of advice from christa0580: intentions minus action = squat. Amen.

If you are one of the above ladies, please use the contact form to send us your address, and we'll get your gift bag off to you! Caveat: It will not be in gift bag form. I have to unpack it because it won't fit in the box that way, but all the stuff will be in there, you're okay with that right? Now stay tuned because we have more giveaways coming your way shortly! And don't forget to enter the Fat Quarter Apron Contest where we are giving away the entire Anna Maria Horner Innocent Crush Fat Quarter Collection from Fabricworm!

Sweet Cotton Onesie Tutorial

How adorable is this little cotton onesie? Emily from Savvy Stitch made it and I just had to share it with you! I know we have lots of Australian readers basking in the sunshine right now who would love to make this as a little sunsuit. Enjoy and make sure to visit Emily's blog Savvy Stitch for more great tutes and inspiration. Take it away Emily from Savvy Stitch!

I made this sun suit for my niece, Elliott.  She was born last week and we can't wait to meet her in person!  I wanted to make her a little romper that she can wear when she strolls around Greenlake this summer.  If you would like to make one of your own, follow my tutorial!  I recommend reading all of the directions before you begin.

Get the full Sweet Cotton Onesie Tutorial after the jump...

And remember leave a comment on this or any post this week and you could win some sweet mystery trim!
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Want to win a Simplicity Bias Tape Maker?

With this magical machine you can quickly and easily make your own bias tape like this...

or like this...

I know you want it! Well you're in luck, because we are going to be giving away an awesome Bias Tape Making Set from Simplicity in our November contest! The awesome package from the lovely ladies at Simplicity includes a Bias Tape Maker, a super handy bias ruler, and a pair of 8" Simplicity dressmaker shears! What a fantastic prize, right?!

Prudent Mamas will find out all about it in the November Edition of our Prudent Mama Newsletter, so go ahead and sign up here so you get all the details: Prudent Mama Newsletter:

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Then go ahead and check out our video of the Simplicity Bias Tape Maker in action here, and get our tutorial on how to make Bias Tape here! And don't forget, our October Contest is still running. Learn all about the Fat Quarter Apron Challenge here, and get your pics to us before November 10th - you could win the entire Anna Maria Horner Innocent Crush Fat Quarter Collection from Fabricworm!



And remember, any comment you leave this week could win you some fancy schmancy mystery trim...

Butternut Squash Muffins... MMMmmm, Squashy

I picked up some super-yum butternut squash and roasted it this weekend. We used the delicious veggie in some Butternut Squash pancakes for breakfast, then whipped up these hearty muffins later in the day. They are rich wintery treats that my two-year-old devoured (something non-candy that she loved, who knew it was possible?), so I thought I'd share the recipe.

If you aren't a squash lover, try Prudent Baby favorites Rick's Rich Jam Muffins, Apple Cream Cheese Muffins, or for a little Halloween fun Brain Muffins.

Get the Butternut Squash Muffin Recipe after the jump..
Read more »

Halloween Throwback: Edibles

As promised, here is the edible version of Halloween Throwback.

Savory Stuffed Pumpkin

Simple Iced Ginger Spice Cookies

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

Jello Halloween Treats (including a mommy juice version)

Brain Muffins (Jaime, I still have nightmares about these)

Shortbread Cookies: Recipe and Display

And don't forget, any comment you leave this week could win you a little stash of pretty ribbon and trim. Mmmmmm ribbon and trim. Think you will try any of these tasty treats? The stuffed pumpkin comes highly recommended. And the Jello shots, they are good too.

Halloween Throwback: Decor

Last year when Prudent Baby was just a wee lad we did a bunch of cool DIYs for Halloween. Since we had like 11 readers back then it's quite possible that you missed them. And that's just a shame! So here is a little round-up of some of our favorites projects in the Halloween decor category.
Baby Food Jar Fabric Wrapped Tealights {pictured above}

Cameo Plaque

Spooky Yarn Bowl

Embroidered Doorbell Cover

Bat-Mobile

Halloween Specimen Jar
Stay tuned for the edible version of this post this afternoon! And don't forget, any comment you leave this week could win you a little stash of pretty ribbon and trim. Mmmmmm ribbon and trim. Do you decorate for Halloween? My husband sucked all the fun out of it this year by telling me I couldn't hide the giant hairy spiders for him to find when he least expects it. Should I respect his request? Bah ha ha!

Prudent Project Round-Up

Top: Ashley at Baby Culby Grows made the Rolled Fabric Flower Headband |Flier Judit made the Pillowcase Dress | Amanda made the adorable 40's Inspired Sun Cap (it's sunny down in Australia right now)

Middle: Jess used our Bonnet Tutorial & Pattern and added ears to make this cute costume | Amanda at Timpanda Baby made the Recycled Ruffle Sleeve Bubble T | Margie at The ReRe Project made the Reversible Bias Tape Bag

Bottom: Stacy at She's Kinda Crafty made some DIY Burp Cloths | Jolene at The Cheeky Wife Blog made our DIY Drawstring Backpack | and Erin at The Story of Us Five made a Quick & Pretty Makeup Bag!

Let these ladies know what you think of their projects in the comments and give them a facebook "like." Everyone loves seeing your project pictures. Join us on Flickr, hang with us on the Prudent Baby Facebook Page (we have so much fun over there), or send them to us via the Prudent Baby Contact Form. Your "As Seen On Prudent Baby" Button is down there on the left. XO

Surprise{Surprise}Prize. What?

The winner of the 1/2 yard of Nicey Jane oilcloth is Ashley from Harmon...Table for Three! who commented on our oilcloth tote post...
Awesome!!!
BTW: I made the pocket bib last week and it turned out beautiful! That's a rockin' tut!!!After I was done, my dear husband said..."very nice hon, but are you going to laminate it, you know, so it's wipeable?" It took me a bit to realize that he was talking about oilcloth! That he thought that I laminated fabric somehow, in our home, rather than having bought "laminated" fabric!!! What!?
After straightening him out, I started thinking that the pocket bib would be awesome made out of this!!! I hope I win so I can give that a try!!!

Ashley, give us your mailing address using the contact us form and be sure to send us a pic of whatever you make, you sewing mama!

Now for this week... I have pretty trim on the brain. Must be the adorable aprons we have seen so far for the Fat-Quarter Apron Contest.  So I'm going to surprise you with something fancy... might be some ribbon... or trim... or bias tape. It could have ruffles... or pom-poms... or zig zags. I just don't know yet. Isn't this exciting? It's like a grab bag! So leave a comment on any post this week and you could win this mysterious fancy prize.

Link Love

Be still my heart, look at this little guy and his dragon wings. Louise from Feelin Crafty sent us a pic of the dragon wings that she made (in bulk) for her son's dragon-themed birthday party. And then we said... you should tell us all how to make them... and then she did... because she is AWESOME! And it's her first DIY! Be sure to leave her a comment because we want her to tell us how to do more awesome things. And if you are into adorable dragon wings, you might also be looking for a quick knight costume, so check out this simple DIY Knight's Tabbard (I just learned that word).

I find this tiara that D. Sharp made for a friend's 40th birthday to be absolutely stunning! She suggests it for a flower girl as well but really, what occasion DOESN'T it work for. I want one!

Did everyone know about One Charming Party but me? I found this gem through Sara's Party Perfect and can not get over this site. The character-themed-parties-done-right are perfection. Like the American Girl Pioneer Party or this Diego Jungle Party or this Raggedy Ann Party. When faced with a character-themed party, One Charming Party owner, Brittany, suggests thinking about what the character does rather than his image and focusing on the color palette. SO smart! Oh and don't miss Art Gallery Party. I want this for my birthday.

I've just added Custom Fabric Bundle creator to my list of dream jobs. I could look at fabric all day! As I embrace boy-dom, this Bundle called Walk in the Woods from beloved Fabricworm caught my eye. It's 20% off this weekend as part of their Holiday Fabric Sale.

ALSO...

I'd love to get my hands on a copy of The Spirit of Food: 34 Writers on Feasting and Fasting toward God. "Their essays take us to a Canadian wheat farm, a backyard tomato garden in Cincinnati, an organic farm in Maine; into a kosher kitchen, a line of Hurricane Katrina survivors as they wait to be fed, a church basement for a thirty-hour fast; inside the translucent layers of an onion that transport us to a meditation on heaven, to a church potluck, and to many other places and ways we can experience sacramental eating." 
I'm fascinated by "the many unexpected ways that food draws us closer to God, to community, and to creation." Has anyone read this yet?



Speaking of eating, I think these Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts with Maple Glaze from Joy the Baker could bring me closer to God. Or at least I'm willing to try. Maybe Jaime will make me some of her version when she comes to visit in 2 WEEKS!

A Halloween Collage DIY from Moomah in NYC featured on Pint Size Social.

Love Oliver's Cardboard Box Train Party. If I've learned one thing from being a parent, it's that kids love a cardboard box.

Happened upon this interesting article on How to Avoid a Devastating Case of Sidebar-Blindness (GASP!) for all you bloggy types

Here are TWO adorable owl costumes inspired this sold out PBK version from Phubie and Lillian Grace. Nicely done ladies!


Make It and Love It blew us all out of the water with these amazing Cinderella and Prince Charming Costumes. Holy Moly.

Just a quick reminder that Jaime is in Chicago for a book signing this weekend. Tell her I said "hey."

Oh, and after seeing ads here on Prudent Baby for my local grocery store, reminding me to get my flu shot, I stopped by their pharmacy today, they checked my insurance and it was accepted and then they gave me my shot and 10% off my grocery bill. Didn't even have to step into the germy doctor's office. Highly recommended.

Have a nice weekend ladies, good luck with the last minute costume making. Send us pics! And don't forget that any comment you leave this week could win you that Nicey Jane Oilcloth. Last chance!

You're the Meaning in My Life...

...You're the Inspiration ... dadada da da da...

I'm off to Chicago today for a book signing and a ridiculous night of debauchery with a bunch of MILFy woman I'm online-acquainted with (oh, now i've said too much). I hope you can make it to the Sulzer Library to grab a copy of Prudent Advice with a dorky autograph by nerdy me.  While I'm there I'll be taking in the sights (it's only my second visit to the windy city), drinking some champagne, hanging with my amazing sister-in-law who is flying up from Nashville, finally hooking up with the fabulous and amazing Nicole of Making it Lovely, and of course hoping to bump into Oprah, while she's sitting in a cafe reading a copy of my book, contemplating including it in her favorite things show (ha, a girl can dream, right?). Here's the deets on the book signing (it was even mentioned in DailyCandy Kids Chicago this week!):

I'd love to get some tips on what to check out while I'm in town from any Prudent Mamas native to the city.  When you shared your San Francisco tips I ended up having a blast so i really, seriously, from the bottom-of-my-heart, mean it when I say that I need your comments and suggestions.  So lay it on me ladies, what's the deal with fabulous, fun, and crafty Chicago for a mom-about-town and her friends?

And keep in mind, your useful travel tip could win you that half yard of luscious Nicey Jane oilcloth!

P.S. you know that song is stuck in your head right now.. YOU BRING FEELING TO MY LIFE...
Image of Navy Pier Lighthouse above from the awesome Chicago Photo Blog.