DIY Banner Bash

DIY and Other How To's

Decorating for each season can be a lot of fun, but it can also turn out to be a major investment.  I always love all the festive trimmings that you see popping up in stores around this time of the year, but as someone just starting off their adult life, splurging on items that have limited uses can seem a little impractical.  That’s where a little creativity and a love of crafting comes in handy.  Instead of shelling out lots of cash for something I’ll only use for a month – if that – I prefer to find inexpensive and fun ways to create my own decorations.
There are all kinds of places where you can find inspiration for DIY decorating projects – scrolling through Pinterest and browsing home décor magazines are just a couple of my favorite ways to get ideas.  Today’s project was inspired by none other than the banner you can find embellishing the cover of our September Flyer.  Banners are great because they can be made to fit any style or season, they’re super easy to make, and can often be made from materials you already have on hand.  So if you’re ready to liven up your space with a beautiful banner, read on!


Materials:
Computer paper
Marker or printer
Light colored scrapbook paper
Dark colored cardstock
Scissors
A glue stick
Small hole punch
Something to tie things together with (ribbon, twine, yarn, hemp, etc.)
 Optional Materials:
Ruler
Small embellishments (buttons, leaves, confetti, etc.)
Glue gun

The first task in creating a banner is to decide what you want it to say.  Once you have chosen your phrase, you’ll want to map out your letters on computer paper so you can figure out how much cardstock and scrapbook paper you will need.  You can look through computer fonts to find inspiration for the design of your letters.  If you’re not so good at drawing, you can even print them out.  The size of your letters, of course, depends on how big you want your banner to be (mine were between 3 and 4 inches tall), and you’ll want at least ½  inch of space on either side of each letter. This is also the step where you will want to decide what color to make each letter block, so map out your letters on your computer paper accordingly.

Once you have that done, you’re ready to transfer to your scrapbook paper!  One way to really unify the colors in your project is to make the letters the same color as your cardstock.  If you printed out your letters in the step before, you can also do that here.  Once you have your letters drawn, cut them out, keeping that ½ inch border around them.

Next, cut pieces of card stock that are just slightly larger than your letters.  I gave each of my pieces a 1/8 inch border.

To rough up the edges of your scrapbook paper, tear a very thin strip (no more than ¼ inch most of the time, but the width will vary) from the edges of each letter square.  For the neatest edge, make sure to flip your scrapbook paper upside down and pull the scrap edge toward you when you tear.  If you don’t like this look, you can also just leave the scrapbook paper as is or trim the edges using craft scissors.

Using a glue stick, glue your scrapbook pieces to the center of the matching cardstock square.  Make sure to get your glue all the way to the edges.  It is helpful to lay some of your scrap computer paper underneath your scrapbook paper and apply the glue to the back so you can run over the edges.

Using your hole punch, make holes in the upper corners of your squares, about ¼ inch from the top and sides.  Make sure your holes are just slightly larger than the material you are using to tie the squares together.  Cut short lengths of your tying material (at least 4 inches) and join each letter together, tying a simple overhand knot at each end to keep the letters from slipping off.  It is better to overestimate the lengths here because it is much easier to shorten the pieces if they are too long than it is to replace them entirely if they are too short.  Between words and at the ends of your phrase, give yourself a lot more length than you think you’ll need – I used about 18 inches.

To really pull your banner together and make it look complete, finish it off with some decorative embellishments.  You can tie some items to the string as I did with my wheat pieces, or you can use a glue gun to attach most other items to the cardstock.

And voila, your masterpiece is complete!  Proudly display your work of art on a mantle, wall, or the edge of a table!  Make sure to share any completed projects with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter using #BigBasketBlog and post your comments and questions below.

Fun With Filters

Tech Talk 

 

From the Big Basket Blog                               

Do you take pictures on your cell phone? I bet that’s a yes. Your pictures can look even more spectacular and you can share them with your friends by using Instagram, which is a free app that you can use on your smartphone.  It’s very popular with young people because of the filters it offers.

Filters are what separate Instagram from your regular cell phone camera. Instead of editing each photo’s brightness and saturation, you can choose pre-made filters that can transform your selfie into a photograph that even James Salzano would be jealous of.

It seems like there are 31 different filter flavors, but Instagram actually only has 19 filters to choose from. It’s easy to slide through and preview what your photo will look like with different filters.

I wanted to illuminate my favorite filters and how they can be used in your epic cell phone photography adventures.

I shot the photo above on my phone in our lobby. Let’s see how it can be transformed by using Instagram filters. Each picture below the text shows what that filter looks like on this image.

Rise: This filter gives your pictures a golden glow like a rising sun (the names of the filters aren’t just coincidental). Its soft light can be great for improving the appearance of skin in close-ups (aka selfies). Goodbye makeup, hello filter!

Valencia: To give images a nice faded quality, this is what you want to use. It washes out some but not all the color by increasing the exposure. It’s great for making photos look more antique-y, bringing out delicate colors, especially for beach pics.

Sierra: If you were daydreaming with your camera, this is what it would look like. It has a cloudy quality that makes it gorgeous for landscapes. You can skip the trip to the spa and just shoot a calming pic with Sierra. Way to go, you!

Earlybird: The earlybird catches the filter. Picture a western cowboy standing in a ghost town and that’s what Earlybird gives you. It has an old-fashioned quality with its red and golden colors. It’s one of the most flattering Instagram filters, according to The Huffington Post. No need to get a tan because it gives your skin an instant bronzer.

Sutro: This one can add a spooky gothic quality to your pictures, making it good for Halloween. It adds smokiness to your images by making the highlights and shadows more dramatic. Purple is my favorite color in the universe, so I love that Sutro increases the purples in a picture.

Inkwell: One of only two black and white filters, Inkwell plays with lights and shadows very artistically. This is my favorite black and white filter (sorry Willow— nothing personal) because of how it brings the attention back to the subject of the photo. That’s what good black and white photography ought to always do.

Walden: No longer will you wonder what Henry David Thoreau’s favorite filter was. This filter gives photos a pleasant light, making it ideal for photographing young children. It increases the pic’s exposure and adds a subtle sense of being washed out. The mellowing effect of this filter can also be used to achieve a romantic glow in outdoor photos.

Hefe: Hefe gives you high saturation and high contrast, which makes for vibrant yet warm photos. It’s great for photos with lots of colors and can be used both indoors and outdoors. If you’re lucky enough to live near mountains, Hefe is your go-to filter (think of it as your new little black dress, but on Instagram.)

Hopefully, you have learned a thing or two about Instagram’s various filters. I leave you with one final potentially mind-blowing challenge: Take a picture of a coffee filter using an Instagram filter.

Drink to End the Summer With

Drinks to End the Summer With

Entertainment 

 

From the Big Basket Blog                               

It’s almost that time of year again – the weather cools off, the colors start to change, and the summer winds down to a bittersweet close. To send off the summer and celebrate all the new memories made, what could be more fitting than having an ice cold cocktail with loved ones? I know what you’re thinking – mixed drinks can be intimidating for those of us who don’t have a fully stocked bar or have never dabbled in the art of mixed drinks. But have no fear – I’ve prepared some refreshing mixed drink recipes for you to end the summer with that are so easy to make, even a caveman could do it!

MargaritaA classic favorite, margaritas are one of the most common and loved drinks of summer. Check out our recipe video below for step-by-step instructions!

Margarita

¼ cup kosher salt (optional)

1 lime wedge (optional)

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

2 heaping teaspoons superfine sugar

1 tablespoon triple sec orange liqueur

¼ cup reposado tequila (try Patron Reposado)

Approximately 2 cups ice cubes

Serves 1

Directions:Start by preparing your glass if want a salted rim. Personally, I prefer my margaritas without the salt, but that’s completely up to your preference! To line the rim with salt, you’ll first want to spread the salt out on a small plate. Rub the lime wedge around the rim, and then dip the rim into the salt. Set the glass aside for now.
Next, stir the lime juice and sugar together in a cocktail shaker, until the sugar partially dissolves. Add the triple sec orange liqueur, tequila, and 1 cup of ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 25-30 seconds, and then strain into your glass. Fill the glass with the remaining ice cubes.

Tequila SunriseTequila Sunrises are a quick and easy cocktail to cool off with.

Tequila Sunrise

4 cups orange juice

2 cups tequila

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons pomegranate juice

Serves 6

Directions:Start by combining orange juice and tequila in a large pitcher. Next, get 6 glasses and place 3 tablespoons of pomegranate juice in each glass. Top with ice, then tequila mixture. Stir just before drinking.

Blushing MimosaA colorful – and flavorful – twist on the classic brunch favorite, mimosas.

Blushing Mimosa

2 cups orange juice (not from concentrate)

1 cup pineapple juice, chilled

2 tablespoons grenadine

1 (750 milliliter) bottle Champagne or sparkling wine, chilled

Serves 6

Directions:
First, stir together the orange juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine. Next, fill champagne flutes half-way with champagne. Top with orange juice mixture and serve.

These drinks will cool you down when you just can’t bear the end-of-summer heat anymore. Invite your friends over and try one of these yummy drink mixes this weekend! And remember, always drink responsibly

Stay on Budget for your Next Party

How to: Stay on Budget for your Next Party

-From Longaberger.com

     So you’re in the midst of party preparations – the invitations are sent, the theme is set – but you’re perilously over your budget. Panicking does no good and notably cuts the fun of throwing a  party in the first place. Instead, sit down and re-examine your priorities.

Substitute

Don’t sacrifice style to save money. Instead, re-work your creative ideas to make them suit your budget. Trade out a shrimp cocktail appetizer for a Caesar salad garnished with shrimp.

Let friends be friends

If they volunteer to bring dessert or a veggie tray, let them! That’s what friends are for!

Be your own florist

Floral arrangements can make a significant dent in your overall party budget, so do it yourself! Arrange your favorite grocery store flowers, or mingle daisies with greens from your own yard. Not only will you save money, but you will also create a one-of-a kind arrangement.

Borrow what you don’t have

Plan your menu early on to give yourself plenty of time to round up baskets, platters, tablecloths, extra silverware, chairs, and whatever else your party requires.

Buy in bulk

Whether you’re planning a large-scale shindig or a casual get-together, it’s worth your while to purchase items such as paper products, ice, beverages, and other food items at discount warehouse stores. The cost per unit is often much lower; just make sure to only buy items you’ll be able to use without waste.

There’s no party like a Longaberger Party!

15 Minute Appetizer Frenzy

- From www.longaberger.com

Between work, family, and friends, it’s hard to find the time to cook extravagant meals, but here at the Basket we found some delicious solutions to your time problem. Using some international inspiration, we found some spectacular appetizers that you can make in just 15 minutes or less! Whether you’re throwing a party for friends or making a dish for your family dinner, these dishes will have everyone thinking you should have your own cooking show!

Inspired by Italy:
Here’s a twist on the classic Italian bruschetta; one bite and you’ll be daydreaming of gelato and gondolas!Directions: Combine the strawberries and sugar in a small bowl and toss to combine. Let the berries sit while you work on the rest of your dish so that they start to release their juices. Spread a thin layer of goat cheese on top of each baguette slice. Top each slice with spoonfuls of the strawberry mixture. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Top each slice with the basil leaves and cracked pepper, to taste. Makes 4-6 servings.
 
Inspired by the U.S.A.:
What could be better than taking a great sandwich and making it into a bite-sized appetizer?  These snacks look sophisticated and taste even better than the traditional BLT sandwich you love.Directions: Slice about 1/4 of the tomato from the stem end and discard the top. Then remove the pulp from inside the tomato. Thinly slice the bottom of each tomato so that they will stand upright. Next place the cut side down on a paper towel to dry and set aside. Cook the bacon until crispy, and then crumble it up. Combine the mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, parsley, green onion and bacon in a medium bowl. Spoon the mixture into each of the tomatoes. Chill until ready to serve. Makes about 25-30 servings.

Inspired by Thailand:If you’re looking for peanuts, pineapples, and a dish with a kick, then this Thai-style recipe is just the thing!Directions: whisk the lime juice, sugar, chile paste, and fish sauce in a bowl until the sugar dissolves. Then add the peanuts and cilantro and stir until evenly dressed with the sauce. When you are ready to serve, arrange the lettuce leaves on a large platter. Put about ¼ cup of pineapple in each leaf and season with salt to taste. Next, top the pineapple with the nut mixture and serve. Let your guests wrap each lettuce leaf to enclose the filling.
*Note: the nuts should be hand chopped. Machine-chopped nuts will turn out pasty and the nuts will lost their distinct texture.

Inspired by Mexico:
Chips and guacamole are always a crowd pleaser, so try out this variation and watch your friends and family say olè!
Directions: Place the tomatoes, yellow pepper, black beans, red onion, jalapeño peppers, and lime zest in a large bowl. Whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic, and cayenne pepper and pour over the vegetables. Toss well. Just before you’re ready to serve, fold the avocados into the salad and serve at room temperature. Yields 6 servings.

When you’re faced with a time crunch or just want something new and delectable, these appetizing appetizers are sure to please! Be sure to comment below and let us know what you love to make in 15 minutes or less!

 

To order any of the Longaberger products seen here, visit my website... www.longaberger.com/jeanninezito

Father’s Day Decisions

— No Comments ↓ 

-(From Longaberger.com)  

Dave Longaberger always used to say that “every day should be 25% fun.”  So with another Father’s Day almost upon us, we’d love to hear about the fun activities you’ve planned to do with your dad this year, in place of gifts. Whether you decide to try a new pursuit together or participate in something you know he already loves, spending that time together will create memories you’ll both be sure to treasure.
In order to pick just the right endeavor for you and your father to do, the first thing you need to ask yourself is:
Is my dad….
A Chef
If you can find him out by the grill or slaving over a skillet, then try diving into cooking! Find some new recipes or stick with his favorites and make dinner for the whole family – just make sure you do the dishes – it is his day, after all!

 Check out this recipe for Pretzel-Stuffed Pork Chops:

Season the pork with salt and pepper. Combine the pretzels, chopped apples, onion, rosemary, basil, 1 cup apple juice and ½ cup cola in a bowl and mix well. Divide into 4 equal portions. Stuff 1 portion into each pork chop, letting the stuffing overflow for effect. Pour 3 cups apple juice and 2 cups cola into a baking dish. Add the garlic, apple pieces, brown sugar and cinnamon. Add the stuffed pork chops. Bake, covered, at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until a meat thermometer registers 260 degrees, checking for doneness at 10- to 15- minute intervals. Remove the pork chops to a heated platter. Purée the pan drippings with a hand tool or in a blender. Pour into a saucepan. Cook until reduced and thickened. Ladle over the pork chops. Serves 4.
Outdoorsy
Going outside and hiking or fishing are always great classic options for Father’s Day, but if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can take on a German Father’s Day tradition. In Germany, groups of males go on a hiking tour in which they bring wagons filled with wine or beer, as well as their regional food. So grab your wagon and your favorite treats, and celebrate Dad the German way!

A Coffee Lover

Does your dad need a cup of Joe before he can even say hello in the morning? Do the people at the coffee shop know him and his order by heart? If you said yes to either of these, then try taking your Father’s passion for coffee to a whole new level. Go shopping together and find some new coffee beans or blends. If you get a few different samples, you can do your own coffee tasting. Or go channel your creative side and go paint mugs. He’ll have a new coffee holder and a great memory every time he takes a sip!

Sporty
Calling all sports dads!! If you’re looking for something to do with your sporty father, try gathering the family together and playing his favorite sport. Athletics not your thing? Grab all of his favorite snacks and drinks, flip on his favorite sports team, and let him enjoy Father’s Day the sporty way.

An Office Guy
If your dad is attached to his work phone or just can’t seem to leave his home office, try spending the day organizing or updating his workplace. Add some family photos or a splash of color to his home office, or go out together to find new ways to organize his desk at work.

A Builder
Got a father who’s always crafting things with his hands? Then get together and try a DIY (Do It Yourself) project such as building a bird house – or if you’re with the kids, try some simpler crafts like personalized picture frames. If you’re feeling especially charitable, help him out with some of his own house projects, like that step that never seemed to get fixed.

Whether you’re looking for something to do for just the two of you, or you want something for the whole family to do, the key is to remember to show Dad just how much you appreciate him.

Happy Father’s Day to all those amazing dads out there!!

 

For More Ideas, visit:

www.longberger.com/jeanninezito

Top 10 things to do on a Budget in Dubuque

Courtesy of Midwest Living Magazine

1) Fenelon Place Elevator For just $3, you'll get a round-trip ride on wooden cable cars to a panoramic view of three states, the Mississippi River and Dubuque’s historical business district. Billed as the world’s shortest, steepest scenic railway, the elevator rises and descends 189 feet along its 300-foot journey. The railway dates to the 1880s. Open April through November. (563) 582-6496; dbq.com/fenplco/

2) Dubuque Museum of Art Founded in 1874, this museum is Iowa’s oldest cultural institution. The 2,200-plus-item permanent collection focuses on American regional artists, with pieces by Grant Wood and a complete grouping of The North American Indian photogravures by Edward Curtis. Adult admission: $6. (563) 557-1851; dbqart.com

3) Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens The only all-volunteer arboretum in the country deserves a visit, not just because it's free, but because its displays include roses, herbs, veggies and one of the largest public hosta gardens in the United States. The English Garden wows with formal plantings, and the Japanese Garden is a Zen-like spot to commune with nature. More than 300 volunteers keep this flora lush and healthy with lots of TLC. Bring a lawn chair on summer Sunday nights for free concerts. (563) 556-2100; dubuquearboretum.net

4) Stone Cliff Winery One of Iowa’s first wineries, Stone Cliff repurposes part of the Star Brewery Complex as a tasting room-wine bar with fabulous river views. Riesling and Moscato are the sips of choice; $5 scores five samples to taste and a souvenir wine glass. Domestic and craft beers on tap cater to customers who prefer suds to grapes. Stop in during happy hour (4 to 6 p.m.) on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday for $1 off your glass of beer or wine. (563) 583-6100; stonecliffwinery.com

5) Crust Italian Kitchen and Bar In the Cooper Wagon Works Building, floor-to-ceiling windows and polished wood floors set a classy stage for brick oven-fired pizzas and build-your-own pastas. All meals kick off with tasty bites of fried dough and marinara dip. On Sundays and Mondays after 4 p.m., take advantage of the family night special: a large two-topping pizza and four drinks for $20. (563) 582-6889; crustdubuque.com

6) Lock and Dam #11 Watch boats and barges navigate this 600-foot-long chamber on their journeys up or down the river. The dam, constructed in the 1930s, is part of a 29 lock-and-dam system along the Upper Mississippi. Walking tours are Sundays at 2 p.m. in the summer; look for bald eagles from the wildlife observation deck. (309) 794-4200; mvr.usace.army.mil/

7) Art on the River Each summer, the City of Dubuque selects 10 new pieces of public art to temporarily display along the Riverwalk that winds along the Port of Dubuque. The river makes for a beautiful backdrop. (563) 690-6064; cityofdubuque.org

8) St. Luke’s Tiffany Windows Established in 1833, the oldest church in Iowa contains a breathtaking collection of Tiffany stained-glass windows; the Good Shepherd and theGood Samaritan pieces are especially eye-catching, with exquisite detail and vibrant shades of blue and purple. The Farand and Votey pipe organ is worth a look, too; it dates to 1897 and is composed of 1,000 pipes. If you ask, you might find a kindly administrator who’ll be happy to give you a church tour. (563) 582-4543; stlukesumcdbq.org

9) Naughty Dog Cafe This pet-friendly cafe serves a gourmet selection of paninis, soups, salads, hot breakfast fare and baked goods, with all items ringing up under $10. You can order beer and wine as well as lattes, cappuccinos and smoothies. The place even sells treats for Fido. (563) 556-7154; naughtydogcoffeebar.com

10) The Hancock House This turreted Victorian bed-and-breakfast makes a charming spot to spend the night. Each of the nine bedrooms—like the Dollroom, the Library and the Train Room—has themed decor and a private bathroom (some with claw-foot tubs and old-fashioned pull-chain toilets). Weekday rates start at $80 ($105 on weekends) and include a full breakfast. (563) 557-8989; thehancockhouse.com