Living | A Pinch of Joy

Pillowcase Dresses for a cause

April 18, 2013 by Charlene

In 2011, Mallory set down to write her Christmas list. Looking around her room, she realized she had what she needed. There wasn’t really anything more she wanted. She remembered the amazing kids from the Ungandan Orphan Children’s Choir who had sung at her church the year before. Those kids had almost nothing. Mallory Fundora’s Christmas list that year had just one request – to help Africa. With her parents’ help and support, Mallory founded Project Yesu with the goal of helping kids in Africa. She has partnered with three other organizations to provide goods and services to kids in Uganda. You can read her story here and here.

Today Mallory is a middle school student, planning her second trip to Uganda in June of this year. She asks our help with donations of pillow case dresses to take with her for the girls touched by Project Yesu. How many dresses can you make for girls who may have only one or two pieces of clothing to call their own? Pillowcase dresses are so easy that they are the perfect beginner project. There are other ways to help too.

I contacted Mallory to find out more information. Here is what she said in response to my questions (with a couple of notes added):

Why did you decide to do the Pillowcase Dresses? I decided to do the dresses because they are really cute, and really easy to make, so anyone can make one. I feel that receiving a dress will make the girls so happy. They don’t have a lot of clothes, some kids only have one set of clothes, so they get really dirty, worn out and sometimes don’t fit very well.

What are some other ways people can help with the Pillowcase Dress project? We are also collecting supplies to bring to the teams on the ground in Uganda. We are collecting adult diapers, baby formula, medical supplies, work gloves, and of course money. I have a challenge to raise $1,000 in 100 days! That’s just one person to donate $10 a day. (You can send Mallory gift cards or checks made out to Project Yesu in addition to the ways mentioned on her website. 100% of all donations go to Ugandan children. Project Yesu is a non-profit organization.)

When someone sponsors a kid from Uganda, what does the money pay for? The money goes to pay their school fees, and also provides meals and medical care for them. (The sponsorship is coordinated through Project Have Hope. More information is available on the Project Yesu website along with a link to the Project Have Hope website.)

What would you tell other people – not just kids – who have ideas about doing something like this? I would say “Go for it!” One thing I try to do is encourage people, especially kids, that they can make a difference. It doesn’t have to be something huge, or on the other side of the world, it can be in their community, school, neighborhood, anywhere!

What is the most fun thing for you in starting and working with Project Yesu? The best part is getting to be in Uganda and spending time with the kids! I love to be with them, play with them and love on them.

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about Mallory? A lot of people think that I am special, but I am just an ordinary teenager who has a big dream. I am goofy, silly, I act crazy with my friends, I am normal, I am an ordinary girl who serves an EXTRAORDINARY God!

Dresses can be sent to: Mallory Fundora, Project Yesu, 1178 Willow Bend Drive, Clarksville, TN 37043

Include a note to say you read about Project Yesu on A Pinch of Joy. Ask to be added to her mailing list for updates, if you wish! And pass the word!! I found out when Danielle at My Life Adventures linked her list of 14 Pinterest Challenges before 2014 to the Busy Monday link party. Her list led me to Ladybird Lane and to One Artsy Mama. And now you know too. Thanks, Danielle!

The deadline to have completed dresses in Mallory’s hands is May 28. There is plenty of time to make one or a dozen. All you need is a yard (or less) of a sturdy, washable fabric, 2.5 five yards of washable ribbon (grosgrain is good!) and twenty minutes for each dress. When you make the second, the time will be less than twenty minutes Make the dresses plain or fancy. Here is my tutorial on how to make a pillowcase dress. Also check out my Pinterest Pillowcase Dresses board for other tutorials and inspiration. If you have a tutorial or inspiration to add to the board, leave a comment or email me with the URL and I will add it.

We can make a difference in the life of one child and change the world!

Mallory

with one of her Ugandan friends.

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Filed Under: Living Tagged With: inspiration, Living, Pillowcase Dress, Project Yesu, Sewing, Sewing for a cause

Change

February 2, 2013 by Charlene

Change always comes bearings gifts.

In the last three weeks, change has pelted down at our house. Everything we do requires checking the operator’s manual, it seems. The learning curve is steep and time consuming.

three first ever Smart phones that are just full of surprises — some delightful, and others just plain work
a coffee maker that hisses fiercely as it brews one cup at a time
new microwave with the start button on the opposite side from the old one
new washer – that was hooked up with the hot and cold water reversed and has mysteriously random habits and operations
new dryer that believes cool dry means half damp and leaves us trying to figure out which combination of a dozen possible will actually dry!
a fireplace makeover that involves a remote
new windows that lock and latch differently
new hair dryer with instructions in Portuguese
The printer has decided it is not “compatible” with the new computer and is demanding a divorce by ignoring all requests to print
The “new” computer full of strange defaults even when I KNOW I set them to something else and now have to figure it out from scratch again
new year – new insurance, new providers, new schedules, new routines, new gym,
and much more! aaaaack!

If you fly through a cloud, you might experience turbulence and will certainly have limited vision. If you were under the cloud as it dumped water on your outdoor wedding, that would definitely be an unhappy time. However, the larger picture shows vegetation that is thriving because of the rain. Thriving vegetation provides abundant food crops, beautiful flowers, recreation and play, forests which provide wood and habitat for all sorts of creatures. The cloud is a change from the gorgeous sunshine we all crave, but it brings gifts.

One complaint about rain — and change — is that it doesn’t give us any choice. And that is stressful. Even if it is something that you chose on your own time — like the computer — the change brings stress and a learning curve over which you have no choice once the commitment is made. If it’s the washer or dryer that died unexpectedly, there is not only the stress of choosing and using a new one, but you have to figure out how to fit it in the budget. Some change brings surprises — like the microwave with the start button on the opposite side. Who would think that would become a big deal?? It isn’t a big deal, but when you have numerous changes at once, the stress multiplies and even little things, such buttons on the “wrong” side, can become overwhelming. Or the hissing coffeemaker. I don’t even drink coffee, but already this thing is demanding more of MY limited cupboard space and a light under the cupboard so the coffee drinker can read the labels. Overall we’ve had a lot of household change in three weeks. But if we stick to it, it will become a part of the landscape of our lives. We’ll feel on top of technology, master of our domain and everything will hum along nicely. Including that little hair dryer that only hums Portuguese.

That doesn’t mean that we will always like the gifts we receive from change. Because not all change is welcome. Losing a job, illness, death are some unwelcome changes. I would be the last to say that those kind of changes are easy. I would be hard pressed to even come up with some positive results of some. But those, too, will eventually come into perspective and become a part of the landscape of our lives. Just knowing that gives us strength to persevere.

All change is rough going through it. It is only when you gain some distance and pull away from it, that you can see the gifts.

Photo credit: Roger Vance 1012 titled: Cloud from Maui mountainside

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Filed Under: Living, Personal best Tagged With: change, Living, Reflections

Tablescape for Brunch and Tea

January 31, 2013 by Charlene

Technically, this should be titled “Brunch with a Tea Party theme and a nod to Valentine’s Day”.

Because tea is served mid afternoon. It didn’t even qualify for Elevenses. The invitation read 10 am. This affair was an American hybrid. Tea and nibbles served when it fit the schedule of those attending. But no matter, because the reason for getting together was to have fun and good food no matter the time of day. Or the weather; because it snowed — and snowed — and snowed!

I love using this beautiful white and gold china that belonged to Wheel’s mother.

The graceful shape of the pieces makes my heart sing. And so do the raised swirls and curls of the design, elegant white on white.

White damask napkins clasped with a ring topped with a silk gardenia.

Gold charger, chunky cut glass tumblers and stemmed juice glass and vintage flatware

A simple centerpiece with an elegant pearl angel candle under a cloche and surrounded with a hint-of-turquoise strands of pearl

It glows so beautifully at night — a sweet gift from one of the party people!

Just waiting for the guests to arrive.

And, while we wait, if you want to know how those napkin rings were made, here’s a look at the back —

A ring with a flat insignia (these featured sailboats), a silk flower and a glue gun. So easy. So pretty.

Tea Party invitations Tea Party Menu

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Today I am checking off a bloggy bucket list item and linking this tablescape to Tablescape Thursday, and these awesome parties: Seasonal Sundays Masterpiece Monday, A Stroll Through Life, Tweak It Tuesday, Centerpiece Wednesday, Wow Us Wednesday Home and Garden Thursday, , Share Your Cup Thursday, , Open House Thursday, Let’s Dish, Friends Sharing Tea, Simple and Sweet Fridays, Thrifty Things Friday, Show and Tell Friday, Be Inspired Friday, Feathered Nest Friday

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Filed Under: Have Fun!, Living, Party Time Tagged With: brunch, Living, Party, tea party, tea time

Planning a Tea Party Menu

January 30, 2013 by Charlene

When planning your tea party, take into consideration the time of day. If between meals, you can serve a lighter menu. The focus is on the tea with perhaps a small sandwich or “biscuits” – aka cookies, non-computer version. That was the origin of tea time – a tide-me-over between lunch and a dinner that was served late in the evening. It serves the same purpose today, and is also very useful for entertaining. It’s not the commitment of a meal, but is still a special event. No fussing required. Guests pass the dishes or help themselves from a small table or tea cart. The hostess pours, but guests also can help themselves after the first cup. Food is served in small portions and most often can be eaten using only the fingers. High tea was an early adaptation to include heavier fare and replaced a meal, more like a supper than a snack.

In our case, we were having a meal alongside our tea party– a brunch, to be exact. We needed something savory and something sweet according to a loose tradition for tea. But we also needed something healthy and something filling, because our meal was doing double duty for breakfast and for lunch. Here’s what I served:

Healthy Beginnings

Itty Bitty Yogurt Parfaits

Melon and Berry Fruit Cup

Breads and Spreads

French Cinnamon Puffs

Pear Honey Strawberry Jam

Brunch

Ham and Parmesan Mini Quiche

Potato Nests

Savory

French Onion in Phyllo Cups

Cucumber Sandwiches

Havarti Turkey Pannini Squares

Sweet

Cheatin’ Heart Turtle Brownies*

Raspberry Meringue Clouds**

Chocolate Kiss Meringue Minis

Lemon Blossoms

Tea

Totally Random

Valentine Pretzel Rods

Ginger Snap Pops

*Cheatin’ Heart = purchased and it was close to Valentine’s Day

**Or would have been, if I hadn’t misplaced the raspberry filling

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Check out the tablescape here! My Pinterest Tea Party – Brunch Board, found here, is where I’ve collected ideas for future events.

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Busy Monday – week of January 20, 2012

January 20, 2013 by Charlene

Featured from last week:

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This week’s party: [Read more...]

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The best of 2012

January 3, 2013 by Charlene

I’m not sure if this is a year end post or a new year post. . . . but it would say the same thing either way, I think! I set some blog goals last year – and didn’t meet them all. But that’s okay because what happened instead was way better. Wheels gifted me with the blog framework and theme you see today; Bytes gifted me the set up and I was just starting to feel like I knew my way around a bit. Then came a new computer with all sorts of improvements, but I realllly like it for what it doesn’t have – wires! Everything is built into one unit with a big touch screen. Looooove it! Took a lot of time to switch files over and master the learning curve of new programs (still working on both of them!). Then a new desk – which meant the whole office got a makeover – and everything lives in new places and order. All that reorganization and learning (and a major unexpected vacation!) kept the writing time short! But things will work better from now on! A Pinch of Joy also had a visit from the reorganization fairy (aka Charlene!) over the past couple of weeks. You’ll find most indices at the top now actually have links and pictures from early posts have been enlarged and titled. And other background things that will help you find your way around here easier! There will be some other changes rolled out over the year – just picking up the blog goals from last year and moving on! And as we toast the new year – here’s a look at

2012 most pinned, searched, popular posts

Wicked Good and Easy Pork Chops –Since it was first posted, this is the most viewed and most pinned every day!

5 Easy Steps to Organize Your Financial Life – Prepare for Tax Time has been pinned and viewed tens of thousands of times along with the other four parts of the series that deal with how to back up your financial life, set goals, make a budget and prepare for emergency.

9 Checklists to help you Prepare for Evacuation – written as I thought about the thousands of people who had to evacuate their homes in 2012, apparently touched a nerve as it has been pinned, viewed and downloaded over 21,000 times in six months.

18″ doll clothes made from two dollar store scarves and knit hat see lots of downloads and views at giftable times.

Superhero Cheeseburger Soup

Parmesan Panko Crusted Chicken -

Hot or Cold Pack Rice Bag and it’s sister post, Heated Rice Bags, have thousands of viewers during cold weather!

Florentine Quiche

Grandma’s Peanut Butter Double Chocolate Bars — just like the peanut butter cups in the bright orange wrapper.

Honey Banana Bread

A huge thank you for your part in making A Pinch of Joy such a pleasure to produce. I appreciate each and every reader and treasure all your comments, “likes”, pins and other ways we connect. Every time I sit down to write I feel a connection to each one — those friends I know in real life and friends I have only met through these words and those who silently come and go every day. You are so special and I wish you much joy in 2013!

Don’t miss a thing! Click like to follow on facebook, subscribe to receive new posts by email, follow on twitter or RSS feed. It would be great if you would to click on one of those cute little share buttons below and give us a stumble or a tweet!

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Filed Under: Doing, Eating, Holidays, Living Tagged With: Best of the year, Doing, Eating, Holidays, Living

101 Stocking Stuffers that won’t break the bank

December 11, 2012 by Charlene

Food
1. Trail mix
2. Popcorn with seasoning or add ins
3. Already popped flavored popcorn
4. Fresh Fruits
5. Dried fruits
6. Hot chocolate mix or packets
7. Hot Cider mixes or packets
8. Tea infuser and loose teas
9. Flavored or herbal tea bags
10. Special coffees or creamers
11. Special cup or mug
12. Chewing gum – one or assortment
13. Favorite candy bars
14. Glazed or special flavored nuts
15. Coupon for favorite homemade treat
16. Small boxes of chocolate

For Kids

17. Temporary tattoos
18. Fun toothbrush and/or toothpaste
19. Hair accessories for girls
20. Small kits of legos or other toys
21. Play dough – make your own
22. Silly putty
23. Fun bandaids or owie ice pack
24. Card games like Old Maid, Uno
25. Stickers
26. Puzzles
27. Colored pencils and drawing paper
28. Special t-shirt
29. Action figures or vehicles for boys
30. Yo-yo
31. Silly straws
32. Kite
33. Sidewalk chalk
34. Travel games
35. Novelty shoe laces
36. Ball – softball, novelty
37. Bubble bath

For anyone

38. DVD – movie, tv show, exercise, etc
39. Cooking gadget –tongs, whisk
40. Handtool – screwdriver, pliers
41. Car accessories – air freshener, wax kit
42. Pedometer
43. Drink cozy
44. Sunglasses
45. Flashlight
46. Whistle
47. Gift cards
48. Water bottle
49. Travel coffee mug
50. CD with favorite music
51. Hat, gloves, scarf
52. Playing cards
53. Sudoku puzzles
54. Crossword puzzles or dictionary
55. Lip balm
56. Lotion or body wash
57. Speciality soap
58. Ornament — event or team
59. Travel packs of toiletries
60. Sports – golf balls, fishing lures
61. Garden markers
62. Garden hand tools
63. Bulbs for forced bloom
64. Tickets to special event
65. Eco friendly reusable shopping bag
66. Wallet
67. USB drive
68. Fun socks
69. Art and craft supplies
70. Postage stamps
71. Note pad and pen
72. Note cards
73. Personalized stationary
74. Journal or diary
75. Book about recipient’s special interest
76. Tire gauge
77. Batteries
78. Favorite Magazine
79. Calendar
80. Lottery ticket or scratch off
81. Magnifying glass
82. Key Chain
83. Mouse pad
84. Kaleidoscope
85. Thermal lunchbag
86. Calculator
87. Exercise bands or hand weights
88. Coasters
89. Unusual pen or pencil
90. Novelty wooden puzzles
91. Manicure kit
92. Nail file or emery boards
93. Nail clippers
94. Sewing kit for quick repairs
95. Fast food or coffee gift cards
96. Compass
97. Gloves – work, garden, kitchen
98. Hand sanitizer
99. Letter listing good qualities of recipient
100. Ear buds or headphones
101. Office supplies – plain or fancied up

For a printable list — Click Stocking stuffers

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Twenty- three things to do with kids before Christmas

December 6, 2012 by Charlene

Sledding

Luminaria

Make Cookies

Hang a Wreath

Go Ice Skating

Build a Snowman

Make Hot Chocolate

Make Popcorn Garland

Listen to Christmas Songs

Go See a Christmas Movie

Go see Neighborhood Lights

Read a new Christmas Story

Go To a Christmas Concert

Take a Family Christmas Photo

Make Christmas Cards for special people

Watch a tv Christmas special with popcorn

Make Christmas Ornaments

Wrap Gifts

Read a Story About the Birth of Jesus

Read “The Night Before Christmas”

Drop money in the Christmas Kettle

Buy a Gift For a Needy Child

Host a Christmas Party

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Halloween Party Table Decorations

October 20, 2012 by Charlene

I needed table decorations for a quick little do planned for guests who are grade school age. You could also use these decorations for any age group from grade schoolers to adult. My main criteria was inexpensive (aka CHEAP!). I already had the large vase on hand and plan to put the candy corn to another use so they were the starters for my table. I added the candy corn to the vase, using an empty pint jar in the center and pouring the candy corn around it. That’s still five cups of candy corn!

A trip to the dollar store and seven dollars later . . . . I added the white bats to the side of the vase by wiggling them in with a table knife. It would have been easier to have put them in as I poured in the candy corn! The foam sign needed a mounting stick so I scoured the garage and found paint sticks would not go into the foam, but the pointed end of two skewers slid right in. Add that to the vase. Still needs something more –

and my eye fell on these innocents – remnants of another crafty project that hadn’t made it back to the basement storeroom, yet. Hmmmmm . . .I reached into the garage cupboard.

. . . and came up with a can of black spray paint. Apply to the flowers lightly in a couple of coats, shaking the petals by holding the stem end so they don’t stick together. Don’t try to completely coat the flower — just blacken it.

While rooting around in the spray paint cupboard, I spotted some matte nickel paint (left over from my venture in painting switchplates). The skull charger from the dollar store was originally a see through smoky glass cheap looking plastic. Don’t you think it is classier now??? The black plate is also from the dollar store — it remains unpainted. Check back next time to see what snacks go on it!

Also courtesy of the dollar store . . an ugly haunted figurine, the spider web and glow in the dark huge spider and the black tablecloth. Don’t have a dollar store available?? Check out grocery stores, drug stores and other stores for inexpensive tableclothes and dishes. Choose items that can be spraypainted — including faux flowers! Make your own spooky sign from cardboard, an old piece of wood or cardstock. Use what you have around the house . . . an old jar filled with wads of black paper or old newspaper can hold your sign. Get inspired and have fun!

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