Guest post by Meg from Whatever

This is a guest post written by meg duerksen from whatever.

when Clorox^® asked me to write about making messes with my kids and cleaning them up
i said, "YES! we are GREAT at making messes and coincidentally . . . CloroxClean-Up^® is my favorite cleaning product!"

they directed me to the Clorox Clean-Up Recipes for Fun--Where Mess Doesn't Matter!
have you been there?
it is FULL of ideas for crafts or cooking or even science experiments to get messy with kids!

i make crafts with my kids quite often and i LOVE to see them get really into their project no matter how messy it gets!
at the Recipe for Fun site i found an idea for using collage and color together to make a color wheel!
we got busy on the mess making.

i got out our stack of old magazines and began ripping out anything that was mostly one color.
we made a big pile of magazine pictures.
i cut a large circle from a piece of poster board and drew lines diving the circle into six equal sections.
i wrote the names of the colors in rainbow order on the wheel to know where to put each scrap.
then we started gluing down our pictures.



i came across rubber cement at the grocery store and wondered if my girls had ever used it.
i knew i had never purchased it, so i got some.
my daughter was very curious!
"WHAT is this?!" she asked in a doubtful tone.
then i showed her how it had a brush INSIDE, and she was excited to use it.



we also used a paint brush dipped in the glue bottle so we could all work at the same time.
it's just like painting but you paint with glue.





layering and layering . . . picture after picture . . . overlapping until there are no white spaces at all.





we almost always make our crafts at this table.
i painted it white almost 10 years ago.
my kids use everything on it!
and it always comes back to white with Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner.



i was out of town recently, and when i came home i noticed my 10 year old had organized this coca-cola crate
with our art supplies by color!
how cute is that?! i love it! we like to do lots of things around here in rainbow order.









it was coming along quite nicely at this point.
there was glue all over our hands and the table!

they finished their color wheel collage but the mess still remained.

well...every Recipe For Fun needs a Recipe For Clean.
Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner combines a cleaner and the disinfecting power of Clorox Bleach letting you spray away messy play. It removes tough stains as well as the germs you can’t see, leaving your home sparkling clean and ready for the next recipe.

usually after craft time my kids quickly scatter leaving the mess for me to clean up.
but today my youngest surprised me by helping out!
she loves to use spray bottles and paper towels.



when she saw the marker and glue wipe right off she said, "this is going great!"



with my daughter's help, a trash bag & Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner, the room was cleaner than when we started!

find the perfect activity for you and your kids to live it up, mess it up and then clean it up at Clorox Clean-Up Recipes for Fun – Where Mess Doesn’t Matter!

do you like getting messy and creative with your kids?

tell me about it in the comments and be entered to win one of ten $100 Visa gift cards!

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post*

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post*

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

Entries from all participating blogs will be pooled for winner selection; only two entries per household. This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

*Entrant is receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for the tweet/blog post.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 5/30/2012-6/24/2012.

Clorox^® and Clean-Up^® are registered trademarks of The Clorox Company.

Link Party No.79/ Dollar Store Sock Dolls

Hi all,  it is time for our monthly link party! 

My kids are out of school now, and I keep thinking about fun crafts and cooking ideas I can do with my them.  I have an idea I can share with you today and it is so darn cheap!  I found these 3 pairs of socks at a dollar store...

Not bad at all right? I made a sock monkey before but it was with high socks.  I though for a minute about what and how I can use these to create something.

What I did was use one of each sock from the different pairs.  I was able to make two sock dolls.  Here are the steps for what I did...

1. Cut the rib knit part off.  This part becomes the head and body, set it a side.

2. To make the legs and arms, take the other two socks, cut off the rib knit part, and heel as the picture is showing.  Cut the socks in the middle, fold the fabric right sides together and sew near the edge.  Turn them inside out.

3. You can mix and match and enjoy the possibilites.

4. Start stuffing.  Even the little ones can help with this part.  Rachel really had fun stuffing them to make it look really round, or skinny.  After some adjustments by mommy, they look like this:

5. Sew legs into body, sew it shut.

6. Close the opening on the arms, and sew them on to the body.

7. For one of the dolls, I decided to add more definition to the head and body.  If you choose to do so, you can sew a couple times around the neck, and pull the thread to gather the fabric to create the neck.

8. Create ears. I used the heel part to creat ears.   Sew them on to the head.

9. Now it is the most fun part of all; accessorizing them!  I went through my buttons and DMC floss to see what I have, and came up with two different characters.

Meet Miss kitty

and her beloved friend Mr. Stripe Pants (if you have a better name for him, don't be shy, leave a comment :) )

They are very fun to make, and didn't take much time start to finish.  I think older kids are totally capable of making this with some help, but even the little ones can help with stuffing, picking out buttons and the colors of the threads.

It is now your turn to share whatever you have been creating.  Do you have any craft ideas we can do with our kids?  Very tasty summer recipes?   Well, lets start the party! 

Ok everyone, I bet you have some projects you would love to share.  I am excited to see what you have been working on!

1. Please post something YOU made. It doesn't matter if it is crochet, quilt, clothing, anything would be fine. I want to see it! If you use someone's idea or patterns please give them the rightful credit.

2. Link to your specific post, that way it is easier for everybody to find and read it.

3. Please grab the "Tea Rose Home" grab button, and link back from your post. If you can mention the party in your post or place the button on your side bar, that would be great! I want more people to have a chance to come and show off their creation.



<center><a href="http://tearosehome.blogspot.com"><img border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462799092490427250" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 126px; height: 160px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoA01dPDcxCv9Ku09VYtszSXA0_T7FXqIzGCrwEgkVFc0iH6Odrctb37Xnb2X1S-la8wBXHBzIAuYLRqt-QdLdVoVbXgOK8JmMJuJJddy66mk2pygB_tIigOtSDA50N0l7LEbzg3Ii-M/s200/GrabButtonLinkParty.jpg" /></a></center>

Regular Season Game 49: Yankees @ Angels

REGULAR SEASON GAME 49
YANKEES @ ANGELS
First Pitch: 10:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS
Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (26-22)
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Alex Rodriguez DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Mark Teixeira 1B
Raul Ibanez LF
Nick Swisher RF
Eric Chavez 3B
Russell Martin C

Pitching: Andy Pettitte LHP (2-1, 2.53 ERA)

ANGELS (25-25)
Mike Trout LF
Maicer Izturis 3B
Albert Pujols DH
Mark Trumbo 1B
Howie Kendrick 2B
Torii Hunter RF
Erick Aybar SS
Peter Bourjos CF
Bobby Wilson C

Pitching: Dan Haren RHP (2-5, 3.76 ERA)

Yanks Claim Igararshi Off Waivers

In 81 Major League games, Igarashi is 5-2, with a 6.17 ERA. In 70 innings pitched he's allowed 48 ER on 77 hits, walked 48 and struck out 69.

Encouraging Workouts For Gardner & Robertson

From Bryan Hoch:

Brett Gardner and David Robertson inched one step closer to coming off the disabled list on Monday, working out at the Yankees' Minor League complex in Tampa, Fla.

Gardner took dry swings to test his strained right elbow and Robertson played catch without feeling any discomfort from a strained left oblique, which is encouraging news for a Yankees club that is looking forward to their respective returns.

"Everything went well, so they'll move on to whatever they have to do tomorrow," manager Joe Girardi said.

The Yankees have ruled out the idea of Robertson rejoining them on this road trip, making his earliest possible return date June 5 at Yankee Stadium against the Rays. Robertson hasn't pitched since May 11.

Girardi said that Gardner, who hasn't appeared in a big league game since April 17, will need to play in a few Minor League rehab games before the Yankees can seriously consider activating him.

Gardner's best-case scenario would be 10 days away, but the Yankees figure to be cautious because any further setback could mean they would be without the speedster until the All-Star break.

Good news for the Yanks. Unfortunately for them, they don't play the A's everyday so they're going to need these guys if they plan on continuing their move up in the standings.

Snowball Blossoms

The viburnum bushes are gorgeous this year. What would the garden do without them? They sashay in after the lilac blossoms fade, but before the peonies burst. This viburnum bouquet is from our snowball bush. We have several on our property, one was here originally and the others I planted last year. 

It's really quite hard to not get giddy about all the flowers that will show in the upcoming weeks and months. The peonies are full of plump buds, as are the rose bushes and clematis. 

The hydrangeas are just starting to show little tiny green flowers. 

It's all very exciting. After putting so much work into the garden, it's such a wonderful feeling to see everything growing and looking more and more mature and vibrant. 

Then there's the vegetable garden! We visited our local nursery this past weekend and picked up all of our starts...lots of tomato varieties, basil, green beans, pickling cucumbers and some carrot seeds. And two pumpkin varieties for pies, breads, soups, cakes and who knows what else. We love our pumpkin! 

We are getting a late start with the garden this year. But as of this afternoon, everything is planted and making themselves at home for the summer. 

Photos to follow...

Smiling at the babies who were watching us from their stroller...xo

Regular Season Game 48: Yankees @ Angels

REGULAR SEASON GAME 48
YANKEES @ ANGELS
First Pitch: 9:05 PM | TV: YES/MLBN | Radio: WCBS
Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (26-21)
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Mark Teixeira 1B
Raul Ibanez LF
Nick Swisher RF
Eric Chavez DH
Russell Martin C

Starting Pitcher: RHP Phil Hughes (4-5, 4.94 ERA)

ANGELS (24-25)
Mike Trout CF
Maicer Izturis 3B
Albert Pujols 1B
Kendry Morales DH
Mark Trumbo 3B
Howie Kendrick 2B
Erick Aybar SS
Peter Bourjos CF
Bobby Wilson C

Starting Pitcher: RHP Jered Weaver (6-1, 2.61 ERA)

Pitching Matchups For Yankees @ Angels

Game 1: Tonight @ 9:05 PM - TV: YES/MLBN - Radio: WCBS
RHP Phil Hughes (4-5, 4.94) vs. RHP Jered Weaver (6-1, 2.61)

Game 2: Tuesday @ 10:05 PM - TV: YES - Radio: WCBS
LHP Andy Pettitte (2-1, 2.53) vs. RHP Dan Haren (2-5, 3.76)

Game 3: Wednesday @ 10:05 PM - TV: YES/ESPN2 - Radio: WCBS
RHP Ivan Nova (4-2, 5.69) vs. RHP Ervin Santana (2-6, 4.22)

Robertson's Return Put on Hold

From George A. King III:

There was a time last week when it appeared David Robertson had a chance to come off the disabled list next weekend against the Tigers.

However, with the right-handed reliever reporting to the Yankees’ minor league complex in Tampa on Thursday to start a throwing program that will be followed by minor league rehab games, Detroit isn’t a destination for Robertson.

“Not at all,’’ general manager Brian Cashman said.

Robertson hasn’t pitched since May 11 due to a left rib cage problem.

Not the best news, and yes I know it's two days old (sorry), but at least they're on a little winning streak now thanks to the A's horrible hitting. Also, Soriano has begun to settle into the closer's role, which is obviously a huge boost for this team and makes this delayed return much easier to deal with.

Red Quilt

Remember this shady red block? I finished piecing the quilt...

I really had a hard time deciding on the design of this quilt, but I am glad I went with something simple.

My mom is not really into bold patterns, and busy designs, so I know she will love this.

I am enjoying the time with my family during the Memorial Day weekend, but every now and then, my thoughts wander to how to finish this quilt. Since I am starting to get used to machine quilting, there are a couple ideas I am curious to try, but I know my mom LOVES looking at hand quilted stitches. Hmmm... What to do, what to do.

Because the quilting can change the whole look of the quilt, I am stuck (again) and trying to make up my mind. Hopefully I can finish this quilt before her birthday.

Yanks Sign Former Met, John Maine

From Andrew Marchand:

Looking to add depth to the organization's pitching, the Yankees have signed former Mets right-hander John Maine to a minor league contract, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman confirmed.

Maine, who hasn't pitched in the major leagues since 2010, is expected to be insurance if he can come close to the form that saw him win as many as 15 games with the Mets five years ago.

Since 2008, Maine has struggled with shoulder injuries. Last year, after posting a 7.43 ERA in 45 innings with the Colorado Rockies' Triple-A team, he left the organization in June. This spring, Maine was in camp with the Boston Red Sox.

"He's interested in trying to get back to the big leagues, so we will see," Cashman said Friday.

Maine, 31, will go to work for the Yankees in Tampa, Fla., at extended spring training. The Yankees have been a haven for such reclamation projects. Some pitchers have made it all the way back, like Bartolo Colon last year, and some have not, like former Cubs phenom Mark Prior.

The Yankees also recently looked at Armando Galarraga, formerly of the Detroit Tigers. Galarraga, who came up one out short of a perfect game two years ago with Detroit, ended up signing with the Houston Astros.

As the Yankees have already proven this year, you can't have enough pitching. That said, I wouldn't expect much from Maine.

Game 46: Yankees @ Athletics

REGULAR SEASON GAME 46
YANKEES @ ATHLETICS
First Pitch: 4:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS
Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (24-21)
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Alex Rodriguez DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Mark Teixeira 1B
Raul Ibanez LF
Nick Swisher RF
Eric Chavez 3B
Chris Stewart C

Starting Pitcher: LHP CC Sabathia (5-2, 3.78 ERA)

ATHLETICS (22-24)
Jemile Weeks 2B
Coco Crisp CF
Josh Reddick RF
Jonny Gomes DH
Josh Donaldson 3B
Kurt Suzuki C
Cliff Pennington SS
Adam Rosales 1B
Collin Cowgill LF

Starting Pitcher: RHP Bartolo Colon (4-4, 4.09 ERA)

Beadboard Flag

I have been neck-deep in home projects again the last few days, but in honor of Memorial Day, I wanted to show off a beadboard flag I made!

When my last Pottery Barn catalog came, I had actually turned down the corner of the page with their huge $129 flag on it (click on the picture for a link to their website):

So it was funny that a few days later, a lovely woman (for whom I have made other signs) asked if I could copy it for her!

My version is 48” long x 27” tall, and made out of beadboard.

Wishing a Happy Memorial Day to you all, gentle readers! 

Thank you for those who have served our country, or who have supported family members who have!

Linking up to these great parties:

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This project has been featured at Better After, Sisters of the Wild West,  Domestically Speaking and

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Linking up here:

Domestically Speaking	Elizabeth & Co.
Sisters of the Wild West	The CSI Project
Friday Remodelaholic	2805
My Simple Home Life’s Simple Creations Friday	Miss Mustard Seed’s Furniture Feature Friday
Funky Junk’s Saturday Night Special	The DIY Show Off
Beyond the Picket Fence	Someday Crafts
Knick of Time	My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Perfectly Imperfect	{Primp}
Simply Klassic Sundays	My Repurposed Life
From My Front Porch to Yours	Itsy Bitsy Paper Scraps
Cowgirl Up!	{aka} design

Color Made Easy - A Cottage Kitchen Makeover and A Sea Glass and Driftwood Color Palette

Today I wanted to share two stories which I recently came across in Better Homes and Gardens Color Made Easy - both of which include a Red Door Home curtain project.

The first is a fabulous Cottage Kitchen Makeover produced and designed by Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications.

Color Made Easy    -    Photography by John Bessler

Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

This story shows the transformation of an outdated kitchen when it was given a total renovation from both a layout and design standpoint. 

Before

To create a vintage look in keeping with the architecture of the 1935 Cape-style cottage, the homeowners choose a mix of open shelving and recessed panel cabinets as well as a chalkboard message center and a vintage style faucet. 

Color Made Easy    -    Photography by John Bessler

Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

To address the seating space and storage issues of the eating area, a custom made bench was added to create a beautiful banquette.

Eating Area Before

The dining area was kept light and bright with the addition of the sheer Roman shades I created.

Color Made Easy    -    Photography by John Bessler

Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

Color Made Easy    -    Photography by John Bessler

Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

The complete story of this makeover including additional pictures, and budget saving ideas can be found HERE.

Color Made Easy    -    Photography by John Bessler

Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

The second story, which appeared in the same issue of Color Made Easy, featured a soothing and wonderful sea glass and driftwood color palette.  This story was also designed and produced by Donna Talley.

Color Made Easy    -    Photography by John Bessler

Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

Color Made Easy    -    Photography by John Bessler

Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

Blue – in all its many shades – has always been a staple in the decorating world.  Here, Donna combined a pretty shade of aqua and beige to create a simple and calming atmosphere.

Color Made Easy    -    Photography by John Bessler

Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

My contribution to the photo below was the simple aqua shade mounted inside the window frame.

Color Made Easy    -    Photography by John Bessler

Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

To create this look, a sheer aqua panel was cut to length, hemmed on all sides and then stapled to a board.  The board was then installed inside the window.  Although this is a non-functioning shade, in the sense that it does not go up and down, it is a great option for anyone looking to add a bit of color to their windows while still allowing light into the room.