See You All Next Year!

Everyone at Tangled Up With String wishes

you a very Merry Christmas and a happy

new year! We will be back to posting in 

2014!

Christmas Onesies

Do you ever have a onesie or shirt that gets a stain right on the front that you don't want to trash but don't want to use? This tutorial will show you how to reuse those stained onesies and make them super cute.
Since it is Christmas I’m doing a Christmas inspired one, you can use any shape or object you want. Just look on google and you can find a ton of inspirations. The concept is the same for the construction :)



I forgot to take pictures of the process but it is not very hard so I will explain in simple detail.
Step one: Find a shirt or onesie that needs some attention to it. and find the basic pattern you want. For Christmas you can make a tree, present, snowman, if you are crazy and really good make a manger.
Step two: Get some scrap fabric to match with your pattern, and some interfacing (if you don't have this on hand don't worry about it, it is not necessary. I of course got some green scraps, and found randomly in my scrap container these long strips of blue and red. It was meant to be :) I also used some fabric paint I had so I didn’t have to sew the little dots on.
Step three: cut out the shape of your pattern. The tree was easy, the green tree, the little truck and some red and blue for tinsel decoration. If say you were doing a snowman you would need some white, or off white color, something for a scarf, maybe a hat, the rest I would do with the fabric paint.
Step four: Sewing. (This is were you can iron your interfacing to the WRONG side of the fabric tree) First I sewed what went on the tree first. So I sewed the red and blue garland tinsel stuff first. Just one line of sewing so it will fray a little when I wash it. Then you just put the tree on the shirt, pin it in a couple of places. Then sew all the way around the tree. I used about 1/8 seam allowance (the edge of the fabric to the sew line). Then I just added a little dots here and there for small decorations. You can use glitter or sequence I just didn't have any of those things.
Step Five; Try it on your little guy or girl and admire your hard work :)

Here is some other stuff I found online….

Hello :)

Hi my name is Nicole. I’m 24 years old and I’m a working, student, loving wife and momma. Needless to say I live a crazy life which I love.
I was born in New Jersey but grew up oversees in Germany were I learned so much about the world and different cultures. Growing up in Germany was such an amazing childhood. I would love to go back and visit and show my husband and son those special places, or to even live there would be a dream. Sadly when I was eight we moved back to the states and settled in Virginia. I lived there until I went to college in 2010.
I now live in southeast Idaho, where I go to school. Gratefully I’m almost done with my bachelor’s degree which will be such a relief and a huge burden off my shoulders. Who knew school with a baby and work would be hard. I got married to my amazing husband in 2011, and welcomed our son in 2012.
But on to more important stuff, I am a crafter at heart and I’m not afraid to say it. I love pretty much every craft out there, well maybe not them ALL since I don’t think I’ve tried them all. But those that I have, I love.
My main passion is sewing and quilting. Nothing is better than sitting on the couch with a blanket you made and put all your love it. My other newest kick is sewing cloth diapers. You might say I am a “granola” type mom. I like cloth diapers and yes they save the environment, but hey they also save money. I love them and have used them on my son since he was 2 weeks old. I bought them at first but then realized I could make them for cheaper and they are way cuter, so a tutorial will come in the future.
Life is great, and I try to live it to the fullest.
Xoxo Nicole

Simple Hat for First Time Crocheters

So I really wanted to post a simple hat that would be easy for any first time crocheter to make. You can make bigger or smaller depending on the size of yarn and crochet hook you use. If you use a big yarn and a big hook you will have really fat stitches. If you use a small hook and small yarn you have tiny tight stitches.

KEY
Ch = Chain 









sl st = Slip Stitch


dc = double crochet


















Hook: I – Hook    Yarn: Worsted Yarn

Starter: Ch. 4, join with sl st to first ch. to form ring.
 
Round 1: Ch. 2 (Counts as first dc.), 9 dc. in ring. Join with sl st to top of beginning dc (10 dc)

Round 2: Ch. 2 dc in same st (2 dc in next st) around. Join (20 dc).
Round 3: Ch 2, 2 dc in next st (dc in next st, 2 dc in next st.) around. Join (30 dc).
Round 4: Ch 2, dc in next st 2 dc in next st (dc in next 2 st, 2 dc in next st) around. Join (40 dc).
Round 5: Ch 2, dc in next 2 st 2 dc in next st (dc in next 3 st, 2 dc in next st) around. Join (50 dc).
Round 6: Ch 2, dc in next 3 st, 2dc in the next st. (dc in next 4 st, 2 dc in the next st.) around, joing (60 dc).
Round 7: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join (60 dc)
Round 8 –14: Repeat round 7 (or until you reach the desired length)

If you get lost you can use this YouTube video to help you crochet. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9atH-E9PL84&list=PL9F2FD8C4B478C8BA Her pattern is really close to the one I am using here. So feel free to reference her video for more help you if you need it.

Here are two that I am working on for Christmas.Yeah, I have some Minecraft fans in my family.



I would love to see what you make!! Feel free to show me.
-- Kenna

(Thank you Google Images for the pictures.)

(And thank you Maggie for posting such a great video to help get people started on an easy crochet pattern.)

10 Date Night Ideas For The Holidays

When it comes around this time of year it can often be hard to keep the love and magic alive in your marriage or relationship. We are all busy trying to find the perfect gift for family members and loved ones. Plus, on top of that, we are working hard to make sure we have the money to buy these gifts.

Here are some easy date night ideas that you can use. If you only have a limited time to do a couple that is okay. Just make sure you are not forgetting the most important aspect of your life as this Christmas season approaches.

1. Scavenger Hunt - This would be fun with you and your spouse or as a double date. Make up your own list of things to find. You can make this list as long or short as you want. Depending on how much time you want to spend trying to find the items and also the size of area you will be looking around in.

 
   Here are some of my suggestions:

•                 Elf
•          Christmas Tree
•              Nativity
•      Outrageous decoration
•             Snowman
•          Santa Clause
•             Rudolph
•              Icicles

2. Caroling - This is huge tradition in my own family and something I have always loved about Christmas. Gather a list of favorite songs. They can consist of Christmas Hymns or even just the fun “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” songs. If you have little ones they can join in as well. Most children love to sing so make sure you pick songs they know. If you want you could even make a little book with all the song lyrics in it.

 
3. Gingerbread House Contest - Pair people up to do this fun activity together so that you are not singling anyone out. Making a gingerbread house isn’t nearly as fun if you do it by yourself. If it is just two of you, invite over a few other couples to join in the fun. You can make this activity really cheap or expensive depending on your budget. Instead of buying a kit, use graham crackers and a “gluey” frosting like powder sugar frosting. It’s easy and sticks nicely if you make it thick.

 
4. Pictures in Snow - Like to go on walks? Grab your camera on the way out and capture some great family moments in the snow. This could entail anything that your heart desires as you have fun with that fluffy, wet, white stuff.

5. Light Gazing - This is personally my favorite thing to do around Christmas time. Get in your car and drive around looking at the amazing Christmas lights that people have put up on their houses. You will be astonished each year by the amount of time and preparation it took to make some of those houses look amazing! At the end discuss your favorite one and why it was your favorite.

 
6. Snowman/Snowball Fight - Now I realize that these are two different ideas. But have you ever noticed when you build a snowman it always turns into a snowball fight? That is why they are together. When you are finished grab some hot cocoa or apple cider and cuddle under a blanket to get warmed up. 

7. Night Walk in the Snow - Sometimes it is just nice to get away from the world and go on a nice walk at night. I personally think the best time would be while it was snowing those HUGE snowflakes. Just walk around your neighborhood and talk. You can talk about anything you want, but still have fun while you do so.

 
8. Service - Okay so I know that you hear this one every year. And it may seem annoying, but I honestly believe that we have the most fun when we are serving those in need. Whether you go to a retirement center to talk or a hospital to hand out balloons. It could be as simple as making cookies together and then taking them to a neighbor. Do something that will fill your heart with love for those that you may not know as well. Better  yet so something kind to someone who you may not necessarily like. Don’t be afraid to reach out because we all have our own trials and need that one friend in our lives. This date night will come harder for some and easier for others.

9. Sleeping Under the Tree - The day you put up your Christmas tree gather everyone together and sleep under it that night. What a great way to bond and have fun with everyone.You could even pull out a game to play or watch a Christmas movie before bed time.

10. Cook Christmas Tasties - This can be so much fun if you both like to cook. Find some new recipes. (i.e., cookies, fudge, caramel, pies. etc) You could use the same recipe every year, or find a new one. Either way you can have fun cooking up these sweet treats. Take them to friends and family if you have time. Or you could just do what I do and eat them all. ;)

I hope that some of these ideas are new for you to share with that special someone. Feel free to mix and mingle the ideas to fit your families needs. The Christmas Spirit is such a wonderful feeling and something that we should have all year round.

   -- Kenna

(Thank you Google Images for the pictures.)

Cupcake liner decor

I am on a mission to find inexpensive yet adorable décor for this lovely holiday season. I happen to have this gorgeous apothecary jar just sitting vacant in my house, all lonely and empty. I am going for a really home-y feeling this Christmas.

I didn’t have these scrumptious little cupcake liners. But they were VERY affordable. The dollar stores are chuck full of cute cupcake liners!

INGREDIENTS:
A Jar – You can even use mason jars! Anything see through!
Cupcake liners – I didn’t even use two packs. I went for a traditional Christmas color scheme. And I wanted different sizes
Twine or ribbon – Just to add a little something to it!
Seriously, so simple! I just dropped the liners in randomly. Then I wrapped the twine around the top of the jar. And done!

I would love to hear what you think! If you do something like this, I would love to see photos!
Happy Christmas!
Cheers and love, Mindy!

Contact Mindy and the other crafty ladies as tangledupwithstringblog@gmail.com

Dollar store wreath!

This time of year can get pretty pricy, am I right? But we all want some Christmas cheer surrounding us in our homes! I came up with this traditional wreath idea from our local dollar store. It was easy, fun, and I think it turned out fabulous!

Right? So cute! This little baby was a TOTAL of $5! Here is what you will need. And like I said, I found ALL of these “ingredients” at my local dollar store!
2 – Pine wreaths (one alone was a little too skimpy!)
1 – Bunch of berries
1 – Roll of Ribbon
1 – Roll of floral wire
That’s It! I mean it!
The first thing I did flatten out the greenery on one of the wreaths. Then I laid the other on top and wired them together in four spots.
Fluff, fluff, fluff!
Make sure it’s as full and fluffy as you want. Remember, to have a traditional wreath look, you don’t want it to be perfect.
After pulling off the individual berry bunches, I attached them randomly with the floral wire. It’s green, so it’s hidden really well!
Then I attached a ribbon for the top.
That’s really all there is to this little darling! I definitely went for a traditional look here. Change it up if you want! They have cute little packs of mini round ornaments that would be adorable! I am thinking about getting a battery powered candle stick and wiring it to the bottom middle. There will be one of these on each of my from windows. I used to live in Connecticut and that is a big thing out there. (A wreath on each window). So I think I want to start that tradition.

Tell me if you do your own and I would even LOVE to see yours!
Happy Christmas all!
Cheers and Love, Mindy!

You can contact Mindy and the other crafty ladies by email! We would love to hear what you think about our ideas and yours!                                                                                                                    tangledupwithstringblog@gmail.com

Aloha!

Hey Everyone!
My name is Mindy. I am so excited for this blog to be taking off! I have been wanting to share my thoughts and ideas with the world in this way for a long time now. I am ecstatic to be sharing this space with a few other awesome women!
How about  a little about me?
I am 27 years old.
I am married to the Man of my dreams! We have been happily married for over five years now. We hope to be adding little ones to the mix very soon. My dear husband and I are currently students and loving it. But honestly, I can’t wait to move on to the next chapter.
I have been studying music for almost six years now. How do I plan on using this degree? I am hoping to teach privately out of my home. Right now, I have the six cutest piano students. We just had our first piano recital and it rocked!
We have a fur baby named Bingley and he cracks us up. He is a Schnauzer mix. He keeps us on our toes and laughing every single day.
I am a photographer. I decided that it is a really strange, stressful, yet fulfilling job. I take pictures of complete strangers. And by the end of the session, I really feel like I know them!
I haven’t loved cooking lately. But I am hoping this blog helps me get back into the swing of it!
We just purchased our first home and are LOVING IT! I can’t tell you how great it is for me to go into a room, want to hang a picture, and do it without calling someone for permission! Booya!
I like reading (if I can find time), music, the outdoors, and flying kites. Sometimes, I will stay in my jammies all day just because I can. I used to think I was oober lazy for doing so. Now I NEED those days where I do……….well, nothing! And I am okay with it!
I can’t wait to share my ideas with you here at Tangled Up With String! I hope to get feedback about ideas and maybe some of your own.
CHEERS!

Slower Cooker Mexican Chicken

Recipe by: Kenna Adams
Are you anything like me, where you have a hard time finding the time to cook dinner because you work a late night shift? Here is a great recipe that my sister gave me about a year ago that has saved me time and frustration. It’s simple and extremely delicious! When i made this for the first time my husband was in heaven! He loves his food and kept eating more and more and more. HAHA! He was happy there were leftovers for the next day and secretly so was I.
Ingredients:
4-6 Boneless chicken breasts
16 oz can of your favorite Salsa
1 Package of Taco Seasoning
A bag of tortillas
And some shredded cheese to add at the end.
Instructions:
First you are going to need some boneless chicken breasts. I usually buy the big bags at Winco or Walmart. But you can use any kind you wish.

Then I get some salsa. Now how much you use will definitely depend on how many people you are feeding. I can do about 3 or 4 chicken breasts and a 16 oz can of salsa for about 6 people.
My husband and I like Pace brand, but you can really use any kind of your favorite salsa. Just make sure you have enough to cover the chicken. 16 ounces is plenty for what i usually do because the chicken makes it’s own juices when it cooks. So it should help thin out the salsa, so no water is needed either. Add the taco seasoning as well. You might need to stir it up a little so that the spices aren't all pilled on top of the chicken.
And the last ingredient is some tortillas. If you want to add Mexican rice to your chicken tortillas to make it more substantial you can. That is what I do if I have the rice and it makes it so yummy! I usually buy the Mexican rice packets and then just follow the instructions on the back. If you feel that the rice and chicken is not enough you can always add a can of beans as well. I like black beans or refried beans. But again it is really personal preference.
All you have to do is put the chicken, taco seasoning, and salsa in a Crockpot and let it cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours.
When the chicken is done, you just shred it there in the Crockpot and stir.
The very last step after everything is cooked is to put the chicken (rice and beans  if you wanted to add them) in the tortillas and add some cheese.

Eat and enjoy!

(Thank you Google for the images!)

Hello Crazy World

My name is Kenna. So now that I have introduced myself let me share with you a little about me.
I have three brothers and three sisters. At the moment I have twelve nieces and nephews, but who knows when that’s going to change. I love those kids with my whole heart and love hearing them call me on the phone to talk to their “Aunt Tenna” and tell her that they “Wuv you”.  I have grown up all over, but mostly in Oklahoma where I lived for about 10 years of my life.
After I graduated from High School, I moved to Idaho to go to college and that is were I met my sweet husband. In good ‘ole English foundations. The rest is history and now I am three short semesters away from graduating with my AS in instrumental performance and my BS in Marriage and Family. What can I do with that, you say? Well, I would like to be a counselor, but who knows what the future will hold for me.
My husband and I got married April 9th, 2011 for time and all eternity. We do not have any children and are just enjoying the time that we have together right now. Life is good and we are both just working and going to school while we figure things out together.
I work for a Counseling Center here in Idaho filing and doing secretarial work while I am in school. It’s definitely an interesting every day and there is plenty to keep you up on your toes.
Some of my hobbies include: scrapbooking, wood crafts, walks, cooking, crocheting, and hanging with friends. I love to try new things and GOOD surprises are the best thing! (I say good because bad surprises are just not welcome in my life. HAHA!)