How to make an origami little princess, designed by Jo Nakashima:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4KEG_KZFnA

A freebie "May" calendar in recognition of earth's day:

    Another freebie: "May" calendar in recognition of earth's day...

Use it as a desktop background:
     Right-click over it & choose "Open Link in New Tab"...then open that new tab & right-click over it again & choose "Set As Desktop Background..."

Use it as a paper calendar:
     Print it out & hang anywhere or simply stick with a magnet on the fridge, for that warm whimsical touch...♥

N.B: It will appear without the "white" frame...
Enjoy...♥

"May calendar" a new freebie...

     A new freebie: "May calendar" for all my l♥vely fans & followers...

Use as a desktop background:
     Right-click over it & choose "Open Link in New Tab"...then open that new tab & right-click over it again & choose "Set As Desktop Background..."

Use it as a paper calendar:
     Print it out & hang anywhere or simply stick with a magnet on the fridge, for that warm whimsical touch...♥

N.B: It will appear without the "white" frame...
Enjoy...♥

Spring Cleaning Organizer:

Get your house ready for warm weather with these tasks:

- Clean Rugs, Carpets, and Floors:

     Vacuum rugs and carpets. Machine-wash or dry-clean area rugs, and shampoo wall-to-wall carpeting. Wash and wax floors.

- Clean Windows:    

     Remove dust, dirt, and cobwebs with a soft brush. Wash windows inside and out with a mild dilution of either ammonia or white vinegar in water; dry with a squeegee followed by a rag.

- Renew Mattresses and Cushions:   

     Vacuum mattresses and box springs. Rotate and flip mattresses before replacing them on the springs. Flip sofa and chair cushions.

- Clean Refrigerator and Freezer:

     Unplug refrigerator; discard any items past their prime. Store food in a cooler, then wash fridge from top to bottom with warm, sudsy water. Add baking soda to solution to deodorize surfaces.

- Clean Shades and Curtains:

     Take down window treatments. Dust slat blinds, and launder curtains and fabric shades: either hand-wash and lightly steam in place, or send to a dry cleaner.

- Sort through Wardrobes:

     Separate clothes into piles: off-season, give away, dry cleaner, tailor. Wash and mend clothing before replacing in closet or storing.

- Perform a Safety Check:

     Check smoke detector batteries frequently; replace every six months. Check batteries in carbon-monoxide detectors and flashlights; inspect pressure gauges on fire extinguishers.

- Replace Filters:

     Vacuum and clean grates, coils, and condensers on furnaces, refrigerators, stoves, and air conditioners. Remove filters in furnaces and air conditioners, and either clean or replace them.

- Replace Storm Windows with Screens:

     Remove storm windows; replace cracked panes, recaulk windows, and repaint the frames before storing. Before installing screens, repair holes with tweezers (or replace entire screen).

Roll-Up Pencil Kit :

     Our organizer safely keeps pencils together in one place and rolls up, too, making it compact enough to tote to school and back. We used an old place mat for extra sturdiness and a cheerful design, and added shoelaces instead of ribbons for the ties.

Pencil Kit How-To:

- You will need a place mat that is approximately 18 inches wide.
- Lay it facedown; fold the right edge over to be 2 inches short of the left edge.
- Pin in place (see below).
- Use a ruler and a washable marker to draw parallel lines perpendicular to the fold, about 1 inch apart.
- Fold a shoelace in half, and tuck its fold between the layers at the midpoint of one side. 

- Next, sew up the two sides of the pouch -- the shoelace will be sewn in -- and along the parallel lines. - Slide pencils into the compartments, and roll the case toward the shoelace side, then tie the laces.

    

Lovely, funny, artistic & very creative photos by Jason Lee:

I'll just leave you with these lovely, funny, artistic & very creative photos by Jason Lee...

 

Orange-Yogurt Pancakes with Blueberries:

 

Wake Up Mom With These Outrageous Pancakes:

     Okay, we all know that moms "we" rule the earth, and what do we do about it? Usually, nothing! But here's your chance -- I guarantee you'll be on her good side if you wake her up Sunday morning and lead her to the breakfast table, where what might be the world's tastiest pancakes await her!

     The Greek yogurt in them makes these orange-infused pancakes superfluffy and tangy -- does breakfast get any better? And while Mom's Day is indeed a great time to try these, one taste may create a Sunday morning ritual every week! Makes 8 smallish pancakes, enough for two healthy appetites, so double (or triple) it if necessary.

                              ~~~~

Orange-Yogurt Pancakes with Blueberries:

Topping:

Tons of blueberries -- the more, the better. My general rule of thumb for blueberries: the smaller they are, the tastier.

Pancakes:

- Zest of 1 large orange

- Juice of 1 large orange (about ½ cup)

- 1 egg

- 1 cup Greek (strained) yogurt

- 2 tablespoons brown sugar

- 2 tablespoons melted butter (unsalted)

- 1 cup flour, organic if possible

- 1 teaspoon baking soda

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- Generous pinch of kosher salt

- Additional butter for the pan

- Additional yogurt for garnish

- Heated maple syrup

How to:

1) Combine the zest, juice, egg, yogurt, brown sugar, and butter in a large mixing bowl, and whisk until well combined.

In a separate smaller bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, then add this to the liquid ingredients.

Mix until just combined; don't overmix. It should be rather thick.

2) Heat a skillet (or several, if you want to make several of them at the same time), add a little butter, let it get nice and hot, and spoon on some batter.

3) Cook for about 2 - 3 minutes on each side, or until nicely browned. Transfer to hot plates and spoon on some berries. Serve with little bowls of extra yogurt and warm maple syrup.