Free Online Tool to Create PNG Files with Transparent Background

Overall, I feel like I know my way around a computer fairly well. I love to dabble in photo projects, but I just don't feel paying the monthly fee for Adobe Photoshop is necessary since the only thing I used if for during the free trial was to remove white backgrounds from images I wanted to use in other projects. Now that I have the Cricut Air 2 I've been saving a lot of images, but have still refused to pay for monthly subscription for that one feature.

I was able to find able to find a free site online that turned this...

To this...

If you'd like to use this tool you can find it here.

Just an Ordinary Demi-Dad Cricut Cut File

Click here to open correct page with download links.

To modify this file make sure you unattach and un-group the items in the Design Space dashboard. Just remember to select mirror before cutting the file if you're using it as an iron on like I did.

Supplies:

1. Men's Heavy Cotton T-Shirt (Black)

2.Cricut Iron On Lite, Silver

Toothless Sticker or Decal for Cricut

Click here to open in Cricut Design Space

Supplies:

1. Cricut Vinyl, Midnight

2. Cricut Vinyl Transfer Tape

May Your Coffee Be Stronger Than Your Toddler for Cricut

Click here to make this in Cricut Design Space

I am absolutely in love with my Cricut Explore Air 2 that I got for Christmas from my husband and kids. This was my first official iron on project that I made with it. I now want to iron something on everything I see.

I've seen this slogan a bunch of times across the web and Facebook, but using the Cricut allowed me the freedom to design it the way that I wanted it to look. Not to mention the fact that most of the places I've seen it are those knock off, non American sizes websites. The last time I tried to order a shirt from one of those I could barely fit one boob in.

I've included the link above that will open in Cricut's Design Space if anyone would like to make their own.

You can customize your own colors, but here's what I used for this one 
(because I have a slight obsession with glitter):

1. Cricut Iron on Glitter, Silver

2.Cricut Iron-On Glitter, Red

3. Gildan G180 Adult Sweatshirt - Black
This is offered in a variety of colors and sizes.

I also purchased the Cricut Easy Press. While this is totally optional, it was worth the investment for me since I know I'll be using the iron-on materials a ton. It works absolutely great by the way!

If you're a first timer like me, I highly recommend visiting Cricut's Offical YouTube Channel and following the tutorial. 

Cheryl's Copy-Cat Sugar Cookies and Buttercream Frosting

Servings: 2 to 3 - Yields Approximately 36 Cookies

Ingredients

Sugar Cookies

1 cup butter softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

Buttercream Frosting

1/2 cup butter softened

3 to 4 cups confectioner's sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/3 cup milk

Directions

Sugar Cookies
Preheat oven to 375 degrees

First cream together your butter and sugar

Then add your egg and vanilla

Make sure that this is mixed well before adding dry ingredients

In a separate bowl combine flour, baking powder, and salt.

Add slowly to your wet ingredients as it mixes
The dough does not have to chill first
And should bake approximately 6 to 8 minutes - not until brown
THAT WILL OVERCOOK THEM
Cool on wire racks

The instructions I originally found recommended a cookies press, but I prefer the Wilton Sugar Cookie Shapes pans that you can buy at Michael's and Hobby Lobby.

Buttercream Frosting

Beat butter, vanilla, and 2 cups of confectioner's sugar together

Add milk and mix well

Continue adding powdered sugar until your reach the desired consistency.
The final step is to separate and add the food coloring of your choice.

Apple Stuffed Pancakes

I saw these on Facebook and while they didn't turn out as "pretty" as they were in the video, they certainly were delicious!

Step 1: You can use any apples you choose. Our household favorite is Honey Crisp, but since they're out of season at the moment the Fujis looked wonderful, so we used those.

Step 2: Prepare your pancake batter. You only need enough for about 4 to 6 pancakes since the apple is only going to be coated in the batter and not the feature of your breakfast. I added about a teaspoon on cinnamon to my batter as well. 

Step 3: Slice the apples and then cut out the core from the center.

Step 4: Dip your apple slices in the batter. I learned that I may want to thicken my batter just a tiny bit more than I normally would so that it sticks better. 

Step 5: Put your coated apple slices on the preheated griddle or pan (your choice) and cook each side for roughly 2 minutes. Not only does this brown your batter, it also softens your apple slices just a bit.

Step 6 (optional): Dip the slices in a cinnamon and sugar mix. The original instructions said to use nonstick spray in your pan, which I don't typically use, but I'm guessing that might have helped the sugar adhere a lot more evenly. 

Looks aside, it was a HUGE hit with the kids...

Birthday Treasure Hunt

Our middle child is turning 14 today and she's long passed wanting toys for her birthday. All she really wants is money. However, I have a hard time just forking over the cash. Not because I'm opposed to giving it as a present, but I'm opposed to not making her work a little bit for it. Besides, it's just more fun that way. 

Supplies:

1. Vintage Gift Tags with Twine
2. Mini Colored Wooden Clothespins
3. Hot Glue