Thursday, June 30, 2011

lamp makeover

This plain Ikea lamp was in desperate need of a little oomph.


I'm thinking a little feminine touch with burlap.  Burlap is an addiction of mine. I just love the color and slightly rough texture.  This process is so simple. Just cut strips of burlap and tie it around the shade. This is my favorite kind of craft project. High impact with little effort



All tied off in bows adds just enough flair.








Here is halfway and I just love the look so far.








The way the light shines through the burlap is lovely.




Isn't she a beauty?



Ok just check out the before and after:


Quite a difference huh? The best part is it can just be untied and restyled using the same shade.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Web Wonderlust

Aren't we all on a quest for organization?  Here are some great ideas that don't require a trip to The Container Store.  I love the idea of repurposing anything you can.


Who knew a floor grate could be so pretty and useful?


http://thestir.cafemom.com/home_garden/3506/creative_reuse_old_grates_make

A rusty old rake could actually look pretty debonair.




http://abodelove.blogspot.com/#uds-search-results

Wooden skewers in the right container is a terrific way to store knives.




http://storageandglee.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-08-03T12%3A39%3A00-04%3A00&max-results=25

Drawer pulls are no longer just for furniture.





http://www.bhg.com/decorating/budget-decorating/flea-market-finds/from-flea-market-finds-to-savvy-storage/?page=2


This one is so simple. Why didn't I think of that?


http://coisasdaorlas.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2010-08-07T17%3A50%3A00-03%3A00&max-results=7

A visit to the "package store" could possibly get you some free wine crates for this super cute idea.




http://theverden.blogspot.com/search/label/Rom%20for%20rom

Here's one I used for myself.  Pant hanger = ribbon holder

Monday, June 27, 2011

Bumps in the blogging road

Lately, I have had a lot of bumps in the road trying to blog.  I managed to drop an entire cup of joe all over the keyboard last week. A big whoopsey for Momma! We headed to Wally World and got a new one only for it to go crazy on us too. r = k, enter =  L, o just doesn't work, etc... Last night, I headed back to the store and bought another one and so far so good. To top it all off,  I left my camera at my in-laws house and I am going crazy without it! Seems like there are moments galore I have been wanting to capture. I will pull it all back together for some catch up posts. I have been working on my next project and can't wait to show you the completed transformation. More to come...

Saturday, June 18, 2011

The new entrance reveal

I started with this ughhhh...


then I freshened up with Sailcloth


 and added my organizational decor



Now I have a place for my purse and it is off the floor.  The keys have a hook. I loose keys ALOT so this was very much needed!  Hooks for coats, scarves, bags, etc. and a mirror to give a quick check as you head out the door.

Some ceiling paint to chase away all grey skies tops it all off. Feels good to have a space that is functional and reflects my style! On to the next...

Thursday, June 16, 2011

dress your nest freebie

I created something new for the laundry room entry.  It was hard to decide what to do with the blank wall, but this should make for a good start. The best part is it didn't cost a dime.






All it took was a printable on regular paper





I cut some burlap I already had one hand using a frame I stashed in the closet. Easy enough when you use the paper it is packaged with as your template.


I trimmed the edges of the bird print with my paper cutter and used double stick tape to hold it and the burlap.
Here is the your own dress your nest freebie link:
http://printable.tipjunkie.com/nest-poster-free-printable/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TipJunkieAllSites+%28Tip+Junkie+%7E+Creative+Inspiration%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Web Wonderlust



Lots of you already have entered the world of campers, but I have dreams (big ones) of these.
Fun times to be had no matter where you go


Is that not the ultimate set up?

However, this is my ultimate dream! I want one in the backyard to be my De-Luxe craft room.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/rvs/2430012345.html
Here is one to make the dream come true today! If only...

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

A special dinner for a random night of the week

For the starter course we are serving spinach and strawberry salad with poppyseed dressing

on to the main course of spice rubbed grilled chicken

with roasted cauliflower


 and for dessert (aka the best part) nutella brownies for a house full of nutella addicts


also with strawberries
 
Another super easy meal with 2 new recipes.

Roasted Cauliflower:
1/4 oil or less
minced garlic (to taste)
salt
pepper
Cauliflower
Preheat oven to 325 degrees
combine all ingredients until well coated and bake on a cookie sheet for approx 30 mins
Weight Watchers 3pts per serving

Nutella Cupcakes:
1/2 cup Nutella (Kroger brand is what we use)
1 egg
5 TBSP of flour
preheat oven 350 degrees
mix nutella and egg until well combined and add flour
spoon into muffin pan and bake 11-12 min

Here is the link to the brownie recipe for some variations
http://savorysweetlife.com/2010/08/4-ingredients-nutella-brownies/

These are both super easy and delicious. Give it a try!

Monday, June 13, 2011

blossoming color

A few beauties popping up around the yard






















Gardening is about enjoying the smell of things growing in the soil, getting dirty without feeling guilty, and generally taking the time to soak up a little peace and serenity. ~Lindley Karstens




Sunday, June 12, 2011

Morning Out

Sometimes the best times involve very little planning. A middle of the week breakfast at Cracker Barrel was just that type of fun!
a game of checkers always entertains the girls
and Ella's kitty cat
Shepherd looks like such a big boy sitting at the table with everyone
Ginny was able to join us for Paw Paw's belated "birthday breakfast" and that made it extra special
Granny got lots of love from the girls
Shepherd had a great time with Paw Paw while all the girls shopped.
rock candy was an awesome treat from Aunt Ginny
Shepherd got a little Granny love that was the best treat
Three generations of Quarles men

LOVE IT!

It was a wonderful morning out with the family!