My Crafty Christmas

via elledecor

Did everyone have an amazing Thanksgiving? I hope so!! Still have some Tofurkey, cranberry sauce and potatoes left. Oh yes, the Vegan chocolate cake. Yep, still there. Although, now that I've said it, I might have to make a wee trip to the fridge.

OK, I'm back!!

Are we ready for Christmas?? I know I am. Started sorting through "The Christmas Closet". I think we all have one. Well, because of my over abundance of everything Christmas, I actually have a closet that holds just that. Everything Christmas! And, it sounds very magical to my daughter when I tell her it's time to go peek in . . . The Christmas Closet! Didn't you just get a waft of happy??

I believe we are a crafty family. I am a diehard DIYer. If I can make something with my own hands and save some money, that makes my heart just a flutter! What a perfect holiday to make some festive adornments! 

The cranberry ball at the top was my inspiration for this post. So many things you can do with a dollar store version! You can glue just about anything on it! Pom poms, moss, beads, feathers . . . go crazy!!!

via ohmyhandmade

I definitely like the idea of a garland strewn around the living room in various places. Over a picture frame or intertwined along a bookcase. Some home made ornaments hanging from a few tall twigs that you acquired on a stroll outside. Hmmmmm I'm thinking dollar store figurines, spray paint, craft glitter and ornament hooks. The sky's the limit!!

via favecrafts

I love the idea of transforming these clear balls into art. You could also stencil a design on the ball and then paint it. Glue some felt "Christmas" themed designs on them and add sequins or rhinestones. I was thinking a felt dove or a Christmas Wreath with rhinestones. Ever modpodge??  Cut out some old newspaper or Christmas paper and brush on the modpodge! 

via homedecoratingtrends

This spray painted wreath is a clever idea. It has an oldy worldy feel to me. Imagine a different hue. A deep cranberry would be beautiful. How about as a centerpiece for your dining table with a tall taper in the center? 

via seesuestitch

I must make some garland this year. I love the idea of pom poms! They're so . . . HAPPY!!! Also some yarn and felt cut into small triangles would be nice. Maybe both!!

So many crafts to conquer!!

Are you going to do anything crafty this season?? Theres still time, right??

 Time to settle down with some hot cocoa, some Bing Crosby and a needle and thread. Oh yeah, don't forget the spray paint!!

Christmas Door Treats!

Haven't even reached Thanksgiving and I believe "it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas"!
I am definitely getting into the holiday spirit. First things first. Must create a gorgeous wreath for the front door. What to do, what to do . . .

I need some creative inspiration.

Maybe a little more. We're getting there!

Thank you BHG (Better Homes and Gardens) that was the shot I needed!


Oh yeah, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!! :-)

Oops!

Yep! I tempted you with the knowledge that I had another muffin recipe up my sleeve but didn't leave a link or picture! Okay, there is a wee bit of margarine but only a small amount. Mostly applesauce!

via cdkitchen.com

This is an awesome recipe! Applesauce Bran Muffins! So yummy and almost (?) healthy!!  :-) I have made these a few times as well and they turn out so moist!!

Enjoy!!

Recipe Roundup

I have taken a few days off to unwind with the family. Had a nice day at Disneyland with my daughter! Love that it's just down the street and they offer a sweet deal to OC residents!

Well, I wanted to share a few recipes that we have tried over the last few weeks.

via allrecipes.com

This one is Tofu and Veggies in Peanut Sauce. It was easy to prepare and the flavor was amazing! I did add more veggies as other reviewers recommended. Click the link under the above picture.

via allrecipes.com

This yummy dish is Cod with Italian Crumb Topping. It turned out so juicy! Add veggies and your ready to go. Click under the above picture for the recipe.

via eatingwell.com

This has been our favorite so far! We have made this a few times now. It didn't need any tweaking either. Highly recommend this one!! Go to the link under the above picture.

via allrecipes.com

This is a favorite! I make these every week. They are a healthy snack for my family and are gone pretty quickly! Click the link under the picture for the recipe.

Well, I hope I have made your mouths water! I love to share recipes! I hope you give them a try and let me know how they turned out!

Oh yeah, I have another great muffin recipe that uses applesauce instead of butter. Amazing!!

Happy healthy eating!!

How does your herb garden grow

via Seattle Times

So, I was cooking tonight - actually a recipe from a few posts ago, Curried Fish. 5 stars, by the way! So amazing, we have made it twice! Anyway, the recipe called for fresh Thyme or the dried variety. I had the latter but wished I had the real deal.

Ah, that fragrant smell of Thyme, Oregano, Lavender, Basil, you name it, makes me want to go collect my wee basket and skip off to my lovely garden to gather my bounty. Then, reality sinks in. While we do have two balconies, they are barren of plant life. Oh yes, I used to grow them. In New Jersey. A repressed memory of giving my prized Basil plant to my neighbor as we pulled stakes from Jersey to make our home here in California comes to mind. You know the scene. We were both clutching the plant and neither would let go, ummmm, I mean I wouldn't let go. Now that I think about it . . . it was an awkward moment. But I digress.

I really want an herb garden. Not just one plant. Many.

I was Googling (as you do!) for a creative way to display them and I found my dreamy little garden. Balcony friendly.

via Apartment Therapy

via life on the balcony

A pallet? Really? How clever!

This is so creative and look how much you can grow! Just go to this site: life on the balcony
for full instructions on how to accomplish this.


Of course, I would like to add my own little spin and paint the pallet or cover the slats in a fun outdoor fabric. That's just me. Actually the Dollar Tree has some resin carved garden gates that would look nice painted and then stapled cleverly on each row. Hmmmmm, the possibilities are endless. See, I immediately go to the design aspect of the project. Believe me, I am thinking of the herbs though.

Now, I just need to refresh my memory on which herbs can be placed together and which ones need their own pot. Yes, Mint, you are on your own!


Here is another clever idea.

via far out flora

This was made out of three pallets. Amazing!

via Re-nest

Just another way to up-cycle plastic bottles!

Very excited to get started on my garden. Now, off to Ralph's or Fresh and Easy . . . after dark . . . when no one else is watching . . . to go dumpster diving for a pallet. Who am I kidding, I'll just ask for one tomorrow!

Will let you know the progress as it goes. Ok, It won't happen today, but, soon!!!

Happy herbing all!!!

A Touch of Orange

via HGTV

There must be one color your drawn to more than any other.

If your like me, there's a few.

Your perusing a catalogue, magazine or the web and you come across this gorgeous room featuring your favorite color(s). Your heart stops for a brief moment. OK, maybe not! But I kinda get that feeling when I see the color Orange. Seriously. It just puts a smile on my face. A refreshing, happy color.

For me, a little goes a long way. Too much and it can be a little overwhelming.

via Lonny 

I like little nuances. The green could completely overtake this room if it weren't for the touches of orange and cream that take your eyes away from the walls. Keeping the bed the focal point.

via Lonny

Love everything about this room, really. The mirrored wall, the taxidermy peacock and that gorgeous orange credenza/buffet.

images via Traditional Home

Even a focal wall can be amazing with a few pops of the same color family throughout to tie it all together.

via CB2

The pouf! Always a favorite. At least to me. Still think it has some trendy life left.

via Target

This Missoni vase from Target is amazing. I love the structure and the striations of those amber tones throughout. Placed on a mantle or the centerpiece of your dining table. Lovely!

via Etsy

Think I might have to place dibs on this chevron pillow. Would look nice and comfy on my couch. 

Little accents like a pillow, a vase, a book or going big like a credenza or a wall. Either way, I'm a fan of orange and it's many shades. 

Ever thought of experimenting big with your fave color or just flirting a bit?

 I think I'm the flirting type :-)

What to eat?

Tofu and Veggies in Peanut Sauce
photo and recipe courtesy of: all recipes.com

Do you have a pantry full of food and don't know what to make?

I was looking for meal planning blogs and ran across this site: supercook.com

Hmmmmm, "Save money by using what you all ready have in your pantry". 

All meal planning aside, I'm intrigued. Yes, we would all like to save a bit of money. And yes, I do feel like I am constantly at the grocery store, going down every aisle, trotting home with a car full of groceries. And then, the question, "What should we have for dinner?" You open the refrigerator, which is busting out at the seams, lean over, squinting your eyes, waiting for inspiration to strike. Go to the pantry, gleaming with tasty treats waiting to get baked and still your mind is drawing a blank. Then you get angry cause you just spent a gazillion (is that a word?) bucks on food and you have no idea how to put it together. Or the other scenario. You feel that you've eaten everything in the kitchen and can't conjure up one more meal. Yep, this happens to me, sometimes. Wouldn't it be nice to have a little elf in the kitchen, guiding you along every meal? 

Well, I think this site is the answer.

Curried Fish
photo courtesy of: eatingwell.com

In their overview they state "solving the practical problems of modern home cooks: how to waste less food,

how to use up perishable or seasonal ingredients, how to keep track of everything in the kitchen, how to save time and money." Music to my ears.

By signing up, (its free!) you can start entering your ingredients, EVERYTHING IN YOUR KITCHEN! It starts tallying up recipes it finds from its database as you go. Using ingredients you all ready have. If you run out of an item, just delete it from the list. You can even save recipes you like. There's a really cool section called " Do you have . . .", it will tell you which flavors go well together.

Apple Pie with cheddar crust
photo courtesy of: marthastewart.com

OK I'm sold! I am up to over 2,000 recipes now! Who knew my kitchen had all that. I looked through a few of the recipes and yes, my kitchen is NOT lacking like I thought. Let's see, Apple Pie with Cheddar Crust, Jamaican Carrots, Banana Flax Pancakes and Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese, to name a few.

I am still adding ingredients as there is a lot in our pantry.

That's just it. We have a lot and sometimes I throw my hands in the air cause I don't know what to make.

Thanks to this site (can you tell I love it?) I have some help and inspiration!

Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche
photo courtesy of: marthastewart.com

Maybe I'll try the Maple Squash Puree or the Orange Glazed Carrots. All I know is this, I am not going to the grocery store for a few days. Ohhhhh maybe there's a recipe for homemade wine! Do I have grapes? Nope. Oh well, one small little trip won't hurt and not for the grapes!!

 P.S. Under entrees I have a recipe for Tuna Fudge Training Dog Treats. Boy, won't my family be surprised!!

Happy Eating!!!

DIY Dreamy Canopy!

It is a rainy day in Orange. Really wanted to go thrifting but, too yucky! So, I thought while I have a wee moment I would add another DIY project that I am very proud of. 

I feel like my daughters room is the guinea pig for experimentation when it comes to all things crafty.

My husband says it's the room I always wanted as a child. Hmmm, I think he might be right :-)

I started with B's mahogany crib that I wanted to expand upon. Of course, I am thinking ultra girly. A canopy would be amazing but,  how do I do it? I started pouring over catalogs that I have laying around and happened upon my Posh Tots catalog. Ok, I've never bought anything from there . . . yet . . . but you can get creatively inspired just looking at the pictures!

Anyway, after a little studying I came up with a plan. I had, all ready, 4 burgundy curtains in storage. Now I needed a box to attach them to. Off to the thrift and I scored a perfect size box for just under 4 bucks. So, I have my box, curtains and now just a little burgundy paint. After painting I grabbed my staple gun and started to staple the curtain to the inside back of the box, pleating as I went. I actually started on one side and stapled it down and then went to the other to meet in the middle.

This is the back inside of the box.

I then grabbed curtain #2 and started stapling and pleating, right side facing out, making sure to staple on the inside of the box, starting where I designated the front left side of the box as it would be facing out into the room. Does that make sense?? Hard to explain, but when you see the finished product you will understand. Then I started stapling curtain #3 on the right inside of the box. When your pleating, the material starts to get thick because your overlapping and the staples don't want to go all the way through. The hammer was used to make sure some of those staples were lying flat and gripping into the wood.

 I added a little brown satin ribbon as a trim using double side tape.

 I had a large wooden bow that I had gotten on a thrift venture and painted it the same burgundy color as the box. I hammered a nail to the middle front of the box for it to hang.

Next, I attached a picture hangy thingy to the back of the box. What are those things called?? Will have to google that one.

Now it will go flat against the wall.

This beauty I got at a thrift store in Jersey. It is a vintage resin art piece. Beautiful! And was actually the inspiration behind the colors I chose for her room. I wanted to include this in the canopy so it was prominently featured. There is actually a nail on the wall and I had to poke the nail through the curtain for the art to attach!.

Arrange the animals and pillows.  :-) Okay, I just added this pic cause I was proud of the arrangement!!

I then attached a safety pin to each side of the curtain to lift it up and hooked that onto a nail on either side of the back part of the bow. It gives it a more grand appearance rather than just letting them hang down to the sides. Now we get the drapey effect. The 4th curtain I used as a bed skirt to tie it all together. I took off the front rail and the mattress, folded the curtain in half and laid it down, adjusting the "skirt" to get the desired length. Put the mattress on top of the curtain and attach the rail. Voila! 

The top of the box is now a shelf so I added a little rocking horse to top it all off. 

Well, what do you think?? 

 It honestly didn't take that long to do and the results are amazing! Ummmm if I do say so myself!! Think of the possibilities! Maybe some light linen curtains and a creme and baby blue damask covered box. Adding a trim to the curtains would be a nice touch, too. 

What would you do??

 So much fun creating and not having to break the bank to do it!

Happy crafting all!!

Sania Pell Liberty Garland!

Before I headed off to la la land, I wanted to leave you with this. I was on one of my favorite blogs, Decor8 and ran across this beautiful, delicate garland. 

I think I might have to give it a try! There are a myriad of materials you could use but the Liberty fabrics, I have to say are just extraordinary!

Well, happy crafting and goodnight!!

Dresser Makeover

 I was really looking for a cute dresser for B's room and stumbled upon this dresser off of Craigslist. Solid wood. Great bones. Just needed a little TLC. 

I knew I was going to go with an almond for the main color but what was I going to do about the knobs and pulls? Being the vintage thrifty girl that I am, I scoured eBay for some inspiration. I'm just saying there were too many to choose from but I knew I wanted either glass or brass and decided on the latter.

I saw these and knew that they would be perfect for this dresser. $30 and a week later, they were mine!

I just had to show you the detail! Just the most gorgeous pulls I have ever laid eyes on!! So dainty and feminine.

You can gasp now but yes, I primed and painted them. I know!! My husband was in disbelief! " They're solid brass and your painting them?" Yeppers!
I had a vision and leaving them in there original state was NOT in my plans. For the knobs I actually went back to eBay and scored some vintage pink bakelight ones with a brass fitting.

                                                     
After a little sanding and two coats of Kilz primer she was ready to be painted. I went with RustOleum Painters Touch in Almond for the main color. For the drawers I went with Pink Ginger from Behr and Kona Brown from RustOleum Painters Touch. The drawer pulls, after they were primed with Kilz, were painted with the same almond color as the main dresser.

I have to say that it was a lot of work but I am pleased as punch at the final result!
See, paint CAN be your friend!