Orchard View Cottage

Inspire me!!

2010-07-18T07:02:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post.. I've been scouring the internet, blogs and magazines for decorating inspiration. I may have a new decorating project on the horizon.. more details to come later. As I browse, I rip out pages and save pics on the computer for refrence.. thought I'd share some of these pics and maybe inspire some of you!! I have saved pics for so long, I can't give credit where credit is due, so if you see a pic that you recognize, i'd be glad to credit you with it!! Happy looking and hopefully decorating!!

junk is good...

2010-07-14T15:20:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to show off a few of the reasons I have been MIA... I've been working on all of my junking finds in preparation for our annual barn sale.. everything in these pictures were found in the garage and rehabbed by me. some items will be lised on Etsy, so if you are interested let me know!! Now off to work on more items.. the sale is next week, so time is a wasting!!

Feedsack Love

2010-06-12T06:07:00.000-07:00

Feeling the feedsack love for sure... I just had to post about the love of feedsack fabrics. If only when we went to the market today, our dry goods were packaged in these great sacks, my grocery bill would be even more outrageous than it already is!! Can you imagine the time spent trying to decide which bag of flour or rice to pick?? ugh, I'd love it!!

google feedsacks or browse through flickr and look at all of the wonderful things people create with their feedsack finds... it's very inspirational!!

The patterns and colors will make you swoon!!

I thought I'd share some cute feedsack craft finds on Etsy.. like these feedsack covered buttons found here

And this cute feedsack pillow found here

And these coasters aren't the only things you'll want at this etsy store!!

Enjoy the hunt!!

Almost!!

2010-06-08T06:52:00.000-07:00

Well, school is almost out here ( one day left ) and that means the beginning of summer vacation and time to work on my projects, more junking and garage sales, and lazy afternoons at the lake!

I have been very busy and my junking so far this year has been AMAZING!! I have so much to share, I'll be blogging a lot this summer!! I have a few pics of the garden and what I have added so far. I have to admit I haven't done much yet this season, but I'm working on it...

I found this cute chest by the side of the road, a TON of terracotta pots ( this is just a few of them ) and the door and wreath are also junk / garage sale finds.. not bad, eh?

I grabbed a couple of croquet mallots and balls out of the garbage, and just stuck them in the garden for now, but something creative will happen with them later..

And I love this teal birdhouse someone threw in the garbage.. perfect!! I just drove it home and stuck it in the ground.. it couldn't have been easier!!

Stay tuned this week, I will be adding more vintage finds to my etsy store as well as featuring a giveaway!!!

Tables

2010-05-17T09:59:00.000-07:00

This weekend I attended the festival of tables in Traverse City, Mi. It is a benefit luncheon for child and family services. Tables are decorated and displayed and tables and their contents are even raffled off. Two of the gals I went with each won table packages worth $3,000.00!!! Hopefully, I'll have that kind of luck next year!! Just thought I'd share some of the pic's I took while wandering around. Enjoy!!

I'm Greedy..

2010-05-11T08:13:00.001-07:00

Ok.. so I've decided I'm greedy.. On Mother's Day, my husband took the kids to the park for a couple of hours so that I could have some mommy time alone. I decided to go out in the yard and cut myself a bunch of lilacs.. it got a little out of control, but I'm happy that I got greedy!! ( I even cut some from an empty house next door.. shhhh.. don't tell! )

My hose smells like a little old lady spilled her perfume when she walked in the door, but I don't are.. they look great and I put them all over, even in the bathrooms!! Here are some pic's of some of the vases I put them in. The lilacs will be gone before you know it, so I thought why not enjoy some indoors, rather than have to be outside my house to see them!!

Lilac's are one of my favorite flowers. Here in Northern Michigan there is one place that we like to visit each year and often take out of town guests toand it is a real treat if you have the chance to go.. Mackinac Island..

They have a Lilac festival every June. It is an island with no motor vehicles allowed, only horses and carriages and bikesand you have to take a ferry to got there. It is a beautiful place and it really feels like stepping back in time! It's big claim to fame is the movie, "Somewhere in Time" with Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour.. if you haven't seen this movie, it is a MUST!! Netflix it and you won't be disappointed. The majority of that movie was filmed on the island and most Michiganders are familar with it.

So, if you're ever in Michigan, head up North and hit Mackinac Island.. it's a must see!!

I've been so inspired by my beautiful lilac's, I just may make some Lilac colored cupcakes and get greedy with them, too!!! :)

I'm going for it...finally

2010-04-28T11:27:00.001-07:00

Another fabulous find for my $25.00 fantastic garage sale haul was canning supplies!! For the last couple of years, I have been meaning to get my own canning supplies so that I can take advantage of all of the great farm markets we have here all summer in Northern Michigan. I have canned before, but never made the investment to buy my own supplies and can on my own.

So I have the momentum and now I have the supplies ( I have to get jars this weekend ) and there are no excuses. I think I may start with asparagus and some strawberry jam. I am a little late for the REALLY good asparagus, but in the winter it'll be better ( and cheaper ) than what will be available to me then. Canning is actually a very easy and rewarding process, so if you have never tried it, just Google canning and you will get all of he information you need to get started !

I thought I'd share with you a canning recipe that I have on my to-do list. Hopefully it will inspire you to jump on in and catch up on the canning trend, like I am! ( I swear I was a farmer's wife in a past life...lol )

Strawberry Lemon Marmalade

Makes 7 (8oz.) half pints

1/4 C. thinly sliced lemon peel

4 C. fresh crushed strawberries

1 T. lemon juice

1 (1.75 oz) pkg. pectin

6 C. sugar

7 half pint jars with lids and bands

Prepare water canner. Heat jars and lids and set bands aside. Combine lemon peel and water to cover in an 8 qt. saucepan. bring to a boil for 5 min, til peel is softened. drain and discard liquid. return peel to pan.

Add strawberries and lemon juice to peel and mix well. bring mix to a full boil that can not be stirred down over high heat stirring constantly. Add entire measure of sugar stirring to dissolve. Return mixture to a full rolling boil. Boil hard for 1 min. stirring consantly. Remove from heat and skim off foam.

Ladle hot jam into hot jars leaving 1/4 inch head space. Wipe rim and center lid on jar. Screw on bands til fingertip tight. Process in a water canner for 10 min. remove jars and cool. Check lids for seal after 24 hours.

What can $25.00 get ya???

2010-04-27T10:53:00.000-07:00

What can a great garage sale and $25.00 get ya?? ALL of THIS!! Garage sale season is beginning here in Northern Michigan and I started off with hitting the bargain motherload!! I almost feel a little guilt taking all of this stuff it was so cheap!! I didn't even have the energy to take pictures of it all, but here is a little peek to get you inspired to get out and start bargain shopping those garage sales!!

The TV cabinet I purchased for $10.00 at the local Habitat for Humanity ReStore, then painted it pistachio green and just re-sold it this weekend...

In this load were three vintage quilts, three quilt toppers and this yellow chenille bedspread.. I also grabbed a bag of 12 vintage aprons!!

An antique scale and red enamel pot...

2 old locker baskets and 5 old green ball mason jars

This adorable kids chair and two bundles of spindles..

This stool is now in my kitchen, I was going to paint it, but like the way it is looking now, so the paint job may wait a while..

New Listings on Etsy!!

2010-03-25T15:12:00.001-07:00

Just popping in for a quick update to let you know that I have been a busy bee and recently listed a few new items in my Etsy shop!! I'll be back soon with more updates on what I've been working on!!

Yum of the Irish!!

2010-03-15T12:43:00.000-07:00

Just popping in to share a great St. Patty's day recipe with you!! Every March 17th, I serve the usual Corned beef and cabbage dinner.. I look forward to it each year, but another great irish recipe that I love to serve is Shepherds Pie!! I vary it depending on what I have on hand, but it is a great comfort food on a cold night! This recipe is particularly good with the Guiness.. mmmmm!! Hope you get a chance to try it. You won't be disappointed!! Following the recipe I have some pictures of decorating your home with touches of green. Hope they inspire you to getin touch with your irish side!! Happy St. Patricks day!!

Guiness Shepherd's Pie

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef

1/2 c. onion

1/2 c. diced carrots

2 t. minced garlic
1/4 c. Guiness stout

1/4 c. cabernet wine

3/4 c. beef broth

1 T. worcestershire sauce

1/4 t. each.. dried Basil, oregano, sage, marjoram

1 c. peas ( fresh or frozen )

2 T. butter

2 T. Flour

1/2 t. salt 1/2 t.pepper

Potato Topping ( Mashed Potatoes )

In a dutch oven, brown beef. Add onion ,carrot, garlic, wine, broth ,Guiness, w. sauce, and all of the dried herbs. Simmer until carrots are fork tender and then add peas. In another saucepan, melt butter and add flour to make a roux. Add roux tobeef mixture slowly to thicken sauce. continue to cook for 5-10 min. Add salt and pepper. Put mixture in large casserole dish. For the potato topping, make mashed potatoes to your liking. Many shepherd pie recipes vary this topping from simple mashed potatoes to mashed potatoes with white cheddar mixed in, herbs, cream cheese.. whatever tickles your fancy. I use just a simple mashed potato. Top your meat mixture with the mashed potatoes. If you are serving this to guests, you can pipe these on with a piping bag. Bake at 350 for 20- 30 min til potatoes are golden. Serve!!

A Fling with Spring!!

2010-03-10T07:15:00.001-08:00

I am having a fling with spring!! I don't feel fully in that spring decor mode, but I am almos there, so I've decided it's a "fling"!! :) I have been going through my stored spring images as well as some I have found here and there and thought I'd share some pic's to get you inspring mode as well!! Maybe my next post will have some of my own personal spring decor to share.. Maybe.

I love this bucket of flowers in this kitchen. I know it's not truly a spring inspiration pic, but I love how just a few flowers reminds me that it is no longer winter!!

It's still cold enough for a cup of coffee or tea, but you should drink it in a spring mug for sure!!

Time to start planning those Easter eggs.. so many ideas!! And don't forget the outdoor decor!!

Feelin the love!!

2010-02-12T05:37:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post.. I just finished the cupcakes I had to make for my daughter's first grade Valentine party.. Phew!! I do like the heart candies on top of that yummy buttercream!!Today are the class parties at school and I have to say, I'm glad it's over! Just thought I'd share some of the Valentines I made for the kids.. Just some scrapbook paper and I cut out felt hearts, sewed and stuffed them with a saftey pin on the back so the kids can wear them at school.. they turned out pretty cute and like I said, I am GLAD they are done!! :)

Inspiration...

2010-01-23T10:59:00.000-08:00

Inspiration these days is ALL over the web.. one site that I always find myself finding inspiration on is Potterybarn and Pottery Barn Kids. Sometimes I wonder we get our inspiration from them or if they get it from us!! So many decorating ideas they feature can be found all over the web and on blogs and can be created at home for a fraction of the cost. I thought I'd post some pics of great ideas that can be done yourself.. and you won't even have to pay shipping!! Doing a blog search for pottery barn tutorials will have you spending the better portion of the day looking at crafty ideas on how to make some of these items, or a varitaion of them. So when you get a chance, request a Pottery Barn catalog or browse the website and get inspired!!

A Little Goodwill

2010-01-19T14:38:00.001-08:00

Everyone knows I LOVE Goodwill... When the snow is flying and there are no garage sales to be had, Goodwill quenches the need to thrift. Lately, I have been a little disappointed with them though.. the prices have gone way up and there are fewer deals to be had. I guess that's the price you pay for thrifting becoming so popular. This morning I was looking around my kitchen and thinking about how many items I have WERE good deals from Goodwill and I thought I'd share. All of these items were either .99 cents or $1.99.. Great bargins in my opinion. The above pic of the coffee tin was .99 cents!

Blue Plate: $.99

Red Apple pic: $1.99

Franciscan Ivy Pitcher ( original, but with small crack in the handle ) $1.00

Floral Bowl : $.99

French blue Towel hook: $.99

Each apron shown here.. $.99
Stop by your local Goodwill or Salvation Army and see what you can find!! ( Remember to dig,dig,dig!! )

Lovin' the Felt!!

2010-01-12T09:38:00.001-08:00

Well for the last week, I have been working with felt. Such an easy craft and so many ideas!! I like that it is something I can sit in bed at night and have my basket of felt, thread and a needle and create a ton with little mess or supplies to whip out. Today I thought I'd inspire you with some pictures of felt crafts from Martha Stewart's website.

Not everyone is a Martha fan, and I have to admit there are a TON of great ideas out there on the craft blogs, but for those of you who don't check out the Martha site, maybe after seeing these ideas, you will!! The goal is to be inspired!!

Cute Felt Bear with a pocket for the tooth fairy!! Felt Fortune cookies.. great idea for Valentines day..

There are a couple of patterns for Felt Coasters

Felt tissue covers... I am obsessed with these and give them out as little gifts a lot!!

Adorable felt heart tote.. great idea for the kiddos to carry around all of those valentines they get at school, or even as a gift bag on Valentines day!!

Tooth Fairy Takes a Break!!

2010-01-06T14:12:00.001-08:00

Well, it's been cold and snowy, and I have to admit not very motivating!! All I want to do is get caught up on the Tivo and crochet.. actually it's pretty nice!! I have a million half finished projects, not yet ready for pics, but I did finish a project last week. My 5 year old had a very loose tooth and I had a half finished tooth fairy pillow.. the idea was one I found on another blog, but can't remember which one ( if you know who I can credit with the idea let me know!! ). New Years Eve, that loose tooth finally fell out and I had to tell her that the tooth fairy did not work on holidays ( bad mom,I know, but I wanted to finish my pillow!! ) New years eve, I finished stitching and stuffing that pillow, and wouldn't you know it.. the kid decided she didn't want to use it!!! My 7 year old also had a currently loose tooth and she is VERY excited to use it, so all efort was not for nothing!! lol.. Here is a pic of the finished pillow, it would make a great gift for a little girl or boy and the options are endless with what type of picture you could sketch of your very own tooth fairy ideas!!
And I have been ..working on the granny squares :)

Happy New Year!!

2009-12-31T10:48:00.000-08:00

Well, It is New Year's Eve, and I am catching up on blog reading and doing some crafting.. This week I have accomplished a goal of mine.. Learning the granny square!! I can knit, but I have always struggled with learning to crochet, but in the days after Christmas, I decided to buckle down and just learn the craft!! I have always wanted an old fashioned granny square afghan and now I am on my way to making one!! So far I made a few squares, and sewed three together to make a cozy for my ball jar that holds my pens in the kitchen.. I had to see something actually completed. :)

I have a way to go to perfect it, but I figure that what better way to practice, than to make enough squares for a blanket!! Last night I was browsing blogs for hours that have a lot of crochet posts and tutorials. I found one I thought I'd share, Attic 24 She has WONDERFUL pictures and a lot of inspiration!! Here is a sneak at what she has.. when you get a few HOURS stop by and drool for a while!!

Post Christmas thoughts..

2009-12-28T06:34:00.001-08:00

After the Christmas frenzy, I am ready for my post Christmas "Spring Clean"

and thinking of my New Years resolutions... getting all of those unfinished projects from the year before finished!! One thing I have been thinking of this week is working on my kitchen. I have yet to make a color commitment, and once I do, the decorating can begin!! I thought I'd share some inspiration pics with you I have been saving, hoping to get me inspired.. I just hope this prohect isn't on my NEXT years resolution list..

It's almost here!!

2009-12-23T06:33:00.001-08:00

Like everyone, I have been a busy elf, getting ready for Christmas.. I can't believe it's almost here!! Snow is on the ground and it will definately be a white Christmas for us!! I have so many unfinished projects, I am sure I will be working on christmas items, well past the holidays!! Just popping in to share some images from around the house.. getting ready to deliver Christmas cookies to the neighbors ..Yesterday I made a recipe for some great sugar cookies, I thought I'd share the recipe with you!!

Soft Sugar Cookies

1 1/2 C. sugar

1 1/2 C. Butter

1 C.Flake Coconut

1 t. vanilla

1 egg

3 c. Flour

1 t. baking powder

1/2 t. salt

Mix sugar, butter, coconut, vanilla and egg together. Stir in remaining ingredients. shape into rounded 1 inch balls on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten cookies to 2 inches with the bottom of a drinking glass dipped in sugar. Bake at 350 til cookies are set, about 7-9 min. cookies will be very light in color. Store tightly covered. Makes 6 dozen.

Cookies are ready to be delivered... Now off to make more Christmas gifts and get ready for Santa!!

A quickie!!

2009-11-18T07:55:00.000-08:00

Just popping in to share a quick Christmas project I finished last night.. Grabbed one of my old windows and some scrap paper and along with my Cricut machine, I put a simple design in each pane and viola!! Quick christmas decor!! I just adhered the paper with glue dots, so I can take them off if I want to use the window for something else later!!

Getting Crafty..

2009-11-11T10:58:00.000-08:00

Working on some Christmas craft items for my Etsy Store... Last night during the Dancing with the stars elimination show, I cuddled up on my bed and made these altered composition books. I still may add a few button and ribbon embellishments before listing them but, I think they turned out kinda cute!! A great item to keep all of those Christmas lists and recipes in!! :)

I used the new Martha Stewart scrapbooking paper from Michaels and I also used the Jingle Bell paper pack from Close to My Heart! See that cute white chair? Today I stopped by my mom's house and she gave me two of them for my kitchen... she has one more in her barn, but I didn't have room for it and it needs to be painted.. LOVE when I get a cute freebie!! I also grabbed an old tin tray from her house and I also found the cute vintage Christmas apron at Goodwill for .99 cents!!

I just skipped over October!!

2009-11-10T13:37:00.000-08:00

Well, I have completely skipped over blogging in October, now we are into November and I am over fall and on to Christmas!! I have been busy cleaning and organizing and slowing working on putting out Christmas and making Christmas crafts!!

For some reason this year, I am ready to celebrate Christmas and figure I spend so much time putting everything out, I may as well start it early and at least enjoy it before it gets taken down!! I am ready for Christmas music and a chilly night bundled up in front of the TV watching old Christmas movies.. so for a little inspiration, I chose a few pics from Country living and thought I'd give you a sneak peek of what I have been working on around the house... many more posts to read in the following days!!

And now for a sneak peek at what I've been working on!!!

Chalkboards!!

2009-09-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been busy using up all of my chalkboard paint and everywhere I look there is an item that would be MUCH better used as a chalkboard!!! i thought I'd share with you some inspiration pics and Martha's recipe for making your own chalkboard paint in ANY color!! I'd print off this recipe if I were you!!

Thrifty Decor Chick loves Chalkboards, too!!

The Shabby Chic Cottage painted on a window!!

And the classic Chalkboard wall!!

I have used the spray paint type of Chalkboard paint and I have to admit that I enjoy the type you brush on is my favorite. The brand I use is FolkArt.. I have a link on my sidebar where you can get some through Amazon!!

Here is Martha's recipe for custom color Chalkboard paint from her website!!

Custom Colors Chalkboard paint How-To

Start with flat-finish latex paint in any shade. For small areas, such as a door panel, mix 1 cup at a time.
1. Pour 1 cup of paint into a container. Add 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout. Mix with a paint stirrer, carefully breaking up clumps.
2. Apply paint with a roller or a sponge paintbrush to a primed or painted surface. Work in small sections, going over the same spot several times to ensure full, even coverage. Let dry.
3. Smooth area with 150-grit sandpaper, and wipe off dust.
4. To condition: Rub the side of a piece of chalk over entire surface. Wipe away residue with a barely damp sponge.

Halloween Decorating!!

2009-09-12T06:48:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I was on top of my blogging, but I am now back up and running!! I had ANOTHER computer issue, and was out of service for a month, and I had my big Barn Sale ( Pic's to follow later!!) School has started and now I am in the midst of finishing the final touches for my Weekend Scrapbooking Retreat at the end of the month!! I am now ready to get back to blogging.. I've missed you all!!! This weekend I am determined to get out my fall decor ( if this cold I caught doesn't keep me down :( ) so I was perusing Country Living online and thought I'd share some inspirational pics with you!! Halloween will be here before you know it!!

Just a little something..

2009-07-23T13:13:00.001-07:00

Well, I have a pot of chili on the stove and it seems that summer will never arrive in Northern Michigan sochili seemed appropriate for dinner!! I am busy crafting and preparing for a couple of big weekends I have coming up, but all work is a work in progress, so I thought I'd share some other bloggers handiwork to keep you inspired!!

A spoon full of sugar blog is a wonderful read and I fell in love with this tutorial for a little handmade wallet. I think it would be perfect for Christmas or even teacher gifts next year!! You can find the tutorial here!!

Craft Apple blog has this tutorial for altered tin cans, here. I love the paper scraps she used. These fall themes would be great Thanksgiving dinner guest favors!! I'd fill mine with homemade maple leaf cookies!! Yummy!!!

And Finally... one thing I am determined to learn by years end is to crochet. Specifically granny squares. I have tried many times and I have decided I am crochet challenged. Knitting is more my forte!! I LOVE Rose Hips pattern for these flower crochet squares and I may just have to learn and master them so I can one day have that crochet quilt I have always wanted!! Check out the pattern here!!

Hmmm... What to do...

2009-07-21T07:08:00.001-07:00

What to do??? Cook, Clean??? I think I'll browse the internet for more crafty projects I will never catch up with!! Here are a few projects and links I found that I thought I'd share with you, then off to the lake with my kiddos to take advantage of this nice day before it RAINS tomorrow!!

Check out this cute button bracelet tutorial here. great idea for Christmas ( I am already making my list if you can believe it )

V and Co has done it again!! Another great tutorial on Moda Bake Shop for these delicious fabric Strawberries!!

These would be SOOO cute in some vinatge strawberry baskets!!

This is a quick and easy one, a tutorial for a canning jar pin cushion found here. I am planning on doing some canning this summer ( soon ) and I just may have to save one or two of the jars for this project!! I will post soon about my canning endeavors!!

And you just have to love Martha... Here is a tutorial to make these great Pom Poms. I am planning on making a bunch out of old sewing patterns for the big Barn Creek Salvage summer sale in August

2009-07-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

Ah...well,I have been diligently working on some recipies for our town's annual festival, Harbor Days. Each year there is a cherry bake off and this year I am going to enterthe contest and finding new and original recipies proves to be quite the task!! I thought I'd share a cherry recipe with ya and some pics so you can be inspired to get those fresh cherries that are everywhere now and get to baking!! I will post later about the bake off and what recipe I ended up deciding on!!

Check out these adorable cherry pie cupcakes!! Too Cute!!

Here is a recipe for ya!!

CHERRY BROWN BUTTER BARS

Cherry Brown Butter Bars

Crust:7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted1/3 cup sugar, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract,1 cup plus 1 tablespoon all purpose flour, Pinch of salt

Filling:1/2 cup sugar,2 large eggs,Pinch of salt, 1/4 cup all purpose flour, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract,1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, diced1 pound sweet cherries, which will yield 12 ounces of pitted cherries, which yielded some leftovers, perfect for snacking (alternately, you can use 12 ounces of the berry of your choice)

Make crust: Preheat over to 375°F. Cut two 12-inch lengths of parchment paper and trim each to fit the 8-inch width of an 8×8-inch square baking pan. Press it into the bottom and sides of your pan in one direction, then use the second sheet to line the rest of the pan, perpendicular to the first sheet. Congratulations! You’ve just faked a square tart pan.

Using rubber spatula or fork, mix melted butter, sugar, and vanilla in medium bowl, in the bottom of the small saucepan you used to melt the butter. Add flour and salt and stir until incorporated. Transfer dough to your prepared pan, and use your fingertips to press the dough evenly across the bottom of the pan. Bake the crust until golden, about 18 minutes (it will puff slightly while baking). Transfer crust to rack and cool in pan. Maintain oven temperature.

Make the filling: Cook butter in heavy small saucepan (a lighter-colored one will make it easier to see the color changing, which happens quickly) over medium heat until deep nutty brown (do not burn), stirring often and watching carefully, about six minutes. Immediately pour browned butter into glass measuring cup to cool slightly.

Whisk sugar, eggs, and salt in medium bowl to blend. Add flour and vanilla and whisk until smooth. Gradually whisk browned butter into sugar-egg mixture; whisk until well blended.
Arrange pitted cherries, or the berries of your choice, in bottom of cooled crust. Carefully pour browned butter mixture evenly over the fruit. Bake bars until filling is puffed and golden and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Cool bars completely in pan on rack.

Crafty Inspiration

2009-07-07T11:52:00.000-07:00

Summer is here and even though you'd think it's a time for lounging around in the sun... I have been very busy!! Getting ready for the Barn Creek Salvage sale in august.. ( more details to follow ) and my annual scrapbook weekend retreat in October has so far filled my summer days!! I love to look to other bloggers to get those creative juices flowing, so I thought I'd share with you some links to great ideas and inspiration!!

For all of you quilters and sewers out there, if you haven't checked out Moda Fabrics blog, http://www.modabakeshop.com/ it is worth the visit!! ALL tutorials for many quilts, home decor items, and cute whimsy pieces!! Here is a cute tutorial for this adorable apron!!

One of the designers that often contributes to moda bakeshop is V and Co. if you haven't checked out this blog, grab a cuppa coffee and plan on staying a while. This is one great blog FILLED with eye candy and great projects!! Here is a sample..

If you still have more time ( possibly hours ) check out one of my favorite blogs, Cynthias Cottage Design. She has great decor ideas and even has some great links for her favorite blogs!! Check it out here!! Here's a sneak peek at what she has to offer..

If you are looking for some tutorials and great projects for both mom and kids, visit the fiskars website.. http://www.fiskars.com/ they have great tutorials and many categories, so you are sure to find a project to suit your needs!! Here's one I am going to do for my kids!!

I love this tutorial for a very clever way to recycle that trash you may just be inclined to through away!! Check out this great tutorial here!

Phew.... Finally!!!

2009-06-10T08:53:00.001-07:00

Phew!! Finally school is finished today and teacher gifts are finished!!! Next weekend is my girls dance recital and then I can finally take a breath and summer can begin!!! I have been so busy with end of school events and gift crafting, I have not been the best blogger or homemaker.. now I am excited to have some time to tackle my "to do" list!! Last night I made some banana cupcakes for the teacher and bus drivers in these cute cupcake holder boxes. It took some time, but I am pleased with how they turned out. The pictures aren't the best quality, but I was rushing to take pics this morning and the light was not very good!!

I also made some altered notebooks for the teachers... here is a sample!!

I will be posting on a more regular basis now that my teacher gifts are done and school is out!!

I Love Mail!!!

2009-05-23T06:55:00.000-07:00

I just love when a treat arrives in the mail!! Yesterday my treat was the Cath Kidston catalog. I've already looked through it numerous times!! It is beautifully photographed and full of wonderful ideas for vintage decor and style!! If you aren't familiar with Cath Kidston products you can order her catalog here!!

Lilacs!!!

2009-05-18T13:54:00.001-07:00

I am so excited my lilacs are finally growing!! It has been a long, cold spring here in Northern Michigan and I thought they'd never bloom!! I has inspired me for sure... I have been a busy bee this morning and thought I'd share some pics!

I worked on a corner of my kitchen this morning.. adding some of my "junk" I found in the trash last week!! I still need to paint the kitchen walls, but haven't yet commited to a color. It is creeping up on the one year anniversary of moving in and I am a little gun shy about the kitchen color. I am thinking of a very pale green, tan, or even yellow. I can't decide since the pine in the kitchen has a yellow undertone, I don't want it to clash too much and I DEFINATELY haven't commited to painting the wainscoating yet...

This shelf I found junking. I love the color, even though it is really chipped up, I think I like it just how it is. The birds nest was on the ground in my yard, so that was free, the enamelware bowl was my dad's cereal bowl when he was a little boy and the milk jar I bought at the grocery store... it's the brand of buttermilk that I buy and I love the bottles, so I never return them for the deposit. They make great vases!!

I framed this pic of my 6 year old. Walgreens had a free 8x10 print for mother's day, so I had this pic printed. During the summer we head over to the beach on Lake Michigan and search for Petoskey stones. This pic was taken with my cell phone at sundown and I just love how it turned out!!

I hung a couple of my vintage aprons from this old piece of picket fencing I found on Junk day... I have to dig out more of my aprons, as well as finished some I have half sewn... but when this is finished I think it will be cute. The girls love to wear an apron when helping in the kitchen.. I have a stack of the old picket fencing and I will be using it in many more areas of my house, so I am sure you will be seeing a lot more of it!!

Above my picket fence, I hung a pic that I bought when I lived in Las Vegas.. I was drawn in by the frame and the $11.00 price tag, but I also liked the picture. It was painted by a local artist and he had a stack of them in one of my favorite antique stores. I bought it because of the farm. Growing up in southern California, then living in Las Vegas, I always wanted to live in the country and this pic was a little taste of country that I loved. Now I have these barns and fields right in my own backyard!!

Another day..

2009-05-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

Well, today is another day to try and get some needed projects done. Sure these inspiration pics are supposed to get me motivated, so stay tuned to see if this helps!!

I'm going to put on my apron and get some work done..

I'm going to work on my junk bench and try to get it to resemble something like this one..

I am going to the hardware to get some chalkboard paint to finish up some projects on my list

I am going to try and get some laundry done, although not in a laundry room as nice as this one..

and if I'm VERY lucky, I can paint a stool I have waiting for a re-do... I want it something like this!! We'll see what today brings!!

Junk Inspiration!!

2009-05-14T05:55:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh... gettink ready for another day of junking. The fun will be over early Saturday morning when those big garbage trucks come to pick up all of that beautiful junk and then we will have to wait for other local towns to have their own junk day... Since I haven't made it out yet today, I thought I'd give you some inspiration for your junk and if you haven't perfected the art of junking, here are some resources on where to start!! The pic above as well as some of these wonderful ideas are from Junk Camp Ki Nassauer's wonderful junking blog. There is a wonderful interview ( 2 of them , actually ) on the blog, Restyled Home so check it out here.
Love this cookie cutter turned night light!!

And who wouldn't want to eat pickles out of this cute Junk????

I HIGHLY recommend this book and often refer to it for inspiration!! It is available on Amazon. Ki along with Sue Whitney have elevated the art of turning junk into one of a kind items!! The magazine Junk market style also highlights these ladies works. Check out the blog here. Here is some pics from Junkmarket style..

I'm a sucker for a picket fence!!

Junk in a bathroom is ALWAYS good...

And finally... this is my next piece of junk I picked this week... It's a rusty old planter, used at our local cemetary for plantings, but now it is old and rusted and I think it may be a great toilet paper holder for all of those extra rolls... or I just may find some other use for it... we'll see!!

Gotta Love Junkin!!

2009-05-12T15:00:00.000-07:00

Gotta love Spring clean up!!! Once a year our town has spring clean up day where everyone can put all of their "junk" by the road that the garbage man usually won't pick up, and lemme tell ya... it's a junkers dream!!! I just drove through town and found this bench in a LARGE pile of junk and it sent my heart a pitter patter!!! I can see this painted with new cushions, maybe vintage fabrics and viola!!! A new piece of junk for my.... I don't know where I'll put it, but I NEEDED it!! lol... Thought I'd share some past junk I've accumulated, too.

Last year I got these ols Wheelbarrows and thought they'd look good in the garden planted with flowers on them...

I have a PILE of old doors windows and screens waiting for projects..

This is a porch swing I picked up last year that has no home in my new house, and I never repainted it.. so this year it may go back into the junk pile!!

More junk updates to follow.... I ALWAYS need junk to refurbish and my to do list is never too long!!

The Amish Cook

2009-05-11T14:49:00.001-07:00

Today I thought I'd share one of my favorite cookbooks with you, The Amish Cook At Home By: Lovina Eicher ( you can order it through Amazon, here ). I love this cookbook because it is simple recipes that I tend to cook for my Family as well as it is neatly organized into seasons, so I find I tend to take out this cook book and browse through it as the seasons change.

It is sitting beside me right now on my kitchen table as I look at the spring section and see all of the beautiful pictures and recipes utilizing my favorite spring vegtables! Lovina Eicher writes a coloumn that our local paper carries in the food section and I can't wait to read it each week. It contains a small snippet of amish life as well as a recipe. I sometimes think I could live like the amish, then I get real and realize I would be miserable with out my internet, TiVo, and telephone.... so I cook the recipes and look at pictures and admire the Amish lifestyle from afar!! Here are some pics and a recent article from the Amish cook, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Amish Cook: Spring goodies are everywhere

BY LOVINA EICHER Special to the Record-Eagle

This column will wrap up my writing for April already. Time seems to slip away too fast. There are only five more weeks of school for the children before the term ends. Right now they are outside waiting for the bus. It is a nice, breezy Monday morning and everyone wants to be outside. It sure is easier when I don't have to pack their coats along.
We have been having 80-degree weather the last few days. My husband Joe put our porch swing back up again for the summer. He also put up some swings on some of our big trees for the children. They have had their share of use this weekend. It is surprising how a few boards and a few ropes have made hours of entertainment for them. The children say they like these swings better because they can swing so much higher.
Joe is leaving for work at 3 a.m. this week, 45 minutes earlier than usual. Because one of the drivers is on vacation, Joe is one of the first men picked up on the vanload of Amish men that go to the factory. Being 45 minutes early sure makes a big difference in the morning hours.
I have so many things on my to-do list today that I am not sure where to start. I'll probably start with doing the laundry and then it will be onto the garden. We were ready to plant corn on Saturday but it started raining. I think I'll try to get some corn planted today. Silver queen, Bodacious, Seneca and Candy Corn are a few of the varieties that we will have in our garden this summer.
I want to make quite a few batches of rhubarb jam. We are out of rhubarb jam and this is one of our favorite jams. We like to spread butter and rhubarb jam on our toast or homemade bread in the morning. My rhubarb is really spreading out and growing this year so I will try to put it to good use. Besides rhubarb jam, we'll also be making rhubarb juice, shortcakes, pies, cakes and other desserts. Also Joe came in last night and told me our asparagus is ready to use. I got the hint, so I will try to fix his favorite asparagus recipe tonight, which is asparagus-potato soup.
Our radishes, peas and green onions are up in the garden. We have had a few winter onions already but it looks like it will be another week before they really start.
We have had our share of dandelion greens. The yellow flowers are really popping up so it will not be long before they are over with for another year. Once the blossom is on the greens they taste too bitter to eat. The young tender ones are the best although my daughters don't really like washing them because they are so tiny.

Here is the recipe for my husband's favorite asparagus dish:

Asparagus-Potato Soup

1&3/4 c. chicken broth
3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 lb. asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/3 c. chopped onion
1 t. salt
1&1/2 c. milk
2 T. all-purpose flour
1 c. Velveeta or Colby cheese (cubed or sliced)
Combine the broth, potatoes, asparagus, onion and salt in a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. Whisk the milk and flour together well in a small bowl and whisk into the broth mixture. Stir in the cheese until melted. Pour into warmed soup bowls and serve immediately.

Lovina Eicher is Old Order Amish. She hand-writes this column from her home in southern Michigan. Anyone with cultural or cooking questions can send them to: Lovina Eicher, The Amish Cook, P.O. Box 2144, Middletown, OH 45042. Read all of her columns online at www.record-eagle.com/amishcook.

Fesitval of Tables!!

2009-05-10T09:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all of you!! I had a wonderful Mother's day weekend and I thought I'd share! Saturday I attended the Festival of Tables in Traverse City, Mi to benefit Child and Family services of NW Michigan . Tables are decorated by sponsors of the Luncheon and judged as well as there are tables that are actually raffled off!! Unfortunatley I didn't win any of the raffles I entered, but I had a great time meandering through the tables and taking some great inspiration pics!! Here is a snippet of what I saw..

One of my fave's was this vintage childrens table. It was a raffle table and unfortunately I didn't win :(

LOVED this french inspired black and white table!!! Ohhhh La La!!

Love the vintage Michigan postcard lampshade on this "Up North" Table!!

Many tables had great Spring ideas, too!

Even though it was a cloudy day on Lake Michigan, the day was beautiful!!

Summer Scrappin!!

2009-05-01T09:41:00.001-07:00

I am so excited!! Today is the first day that the summer idea book from Close To My Heart is available!! As you may know, I am a Close To My Heart consultant and this idea book as well as any Close To My Heart scrapbooking and stamping supplies can be purchased through me here.

Here is a sample of the great new products and ideas featured in the new idea book!!

This is the new animal ccokies line of papers and stamps. I just got mine in the mail and can't wait to scrap my baby's first birthday with these cute papers!! I even got the cute memory cube to alter!! I'll share what I came up with when the project is completed!!

This is a sample of the new line, Moondoggie!!

And the baby boy line, Tinkerin!!

I also ordered the new alterable board books as pictured above and can't wait to try them out!! If you have never heard of or are interested in Close To My Heart products.. visit my website at www.rachelmiller.myctmh.com or you can email me at : rachelmiller@myctmh.com

Farm Chicks Giveaway!!!

2009-04-16T19:00:00.001-07:00

If you haven't been on the Farm Chicks Blog, or seen their AWESOME new cookbook... head on over to their blog and check it out!! They are hosting a wonderful spring giveaway from Pixie Dust Decor. Stop by and check it out!!!

On the Hunt...

2009-04-10T09:18:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and the sun is shining!! I can't wait until garage sale and junk picking season here and I am getting a little anxious!! I am making a trip to Goodwill today to get my fix. I have plenty of projects to finish here, but what crafter finishes a project without having a ton more waiting in the wings?? Here are a few projects / items on my list to find and finish!!

I love these message boards and already have some things that would work.. but HELLO... I can always hunt for more!!

I love these ideas with the old rake heads, but can't decide which project to do, so I will be on the hunt for THREE old rake heads this year...

I may have time (LOL ) to whip up some of these cute egg cozies by Sunday...

And my kids are going to be eating a lot of soup so I can have these cute vases on my picnic table this spring....

I SHOULD use all of my scraps and make some of these cuties..

And I am always on the hunt for vintage dish towels....

So until I can go garage sale hopping and hang my laundry on the line with out my delicates being frozen overnight.....

I'll have to settle for a Goodwill run...

We have a winner!!

2009-04-06T13:48:00.000-07:00

We have a winner in my mom's blog party travel mug giveaway!! The winner is Melanie of Whimisical Creations!! Check out her blog it is adorable and she has a wonderful Etsy Shop!! Melanie.. and email will be going out to you to get your mailing info!!

I have had a busy weekend and haven't been able to post. I cleaned up my basement scraproom a bit as well as worked on some scrap projects. I got this cute Orange frame for $1.00 at Michaels last week and spruced it up a little with scraps in my scraproom.
I have started painting my guest bathroom downstairs and it is taking me a bit more time than painting used to with three kids in the house. Thank Goodness spring break is over and school is back in session. Now during the day I only have one little one at home during the day and maybe I can finish that bathroom!! Before and after pics are soon to come, I promise!! I DID repaint and distress a dresser I have in my upstairs hallway. Once the hallway is painted I think it will pop. It wasn't painted before and I bought it last year at a garage sale for $2.00 to hold all of my towels since this house doesn't have a linen closet. It works well. I painted it and distressed it and I think it turned out well.

Last week I was on a mission and completely scrubbed and cleaned the girls room and the toy room. Needless to say, one week later both rooms look like I never even touched them!! I did manage to sew some curtains for the toy room and I scrapped some ABC wall decorations to give the room a little style. Maybe one day it will be picked up enough to actually post pics of the WHOLE room!!! A girl can dream, can't she??
I did also hang some curtains in the baby's room. I had been looking for SOMETHING for his room ( we have terrible windows.. the more coverings over them the better! ) I found this curtain for $ 4.99 at Goodwill. Not my first choice for a window covering, but it works and it was cheap. believe it or not I chose the colors of red and blue for his room and it is getting hard to find stuff for little boys rooms in those colors!! Huh... Anyway, I also got these cute camping lanterns for Jayson's room at Goodwill for $1.99 each. I grabbed both, one was red and one was green. For now they are on a shelf in his room, but they may move. Once I get Jayson's dresser painted, his room wil basically be done for now... but nothing is EVER finished, really, is it???

I'm in the Zone..

2009-04-03T09:30:00.000-07:00

the crafting zone, that is!! I have been a busy bee finishing some long overdue projects and sprucing up some items I've had around the house. I did this cute little recipe box / organizer last night and I will be listing it on Etsy soon..

I was also very annoyed at all of the magnet clutter on my refrigerator, so I dug out this old wall basket, painted it a light blue and spruced it up to corral all of my magnets on the fridge. I think it looks kinda cute, and much cleaner!!

I had leftover scrap paper from my recipe box and decided to cover an old red Matted pic that was in my closet. I still may paint the frame, but it already looks better. Sorry about the pics, I left the glass in the pic because I was too lazy to take it out to take the pics!!

I just love this paper... it's glittered.. I know you can't see it in the pics. Yesterday I made a trip to town and hit Joann's and Michaels and I struck out at JoAnn's, but hit the jackpot at Michaels!! I was looking for plastic Easter eggs for a craft project and JoAnn's was completely out!! So the kids and I hit the burger King drive through and drove on to Michaels. They had some GREAT deals and their dollar section was loaded with things I needed. I got these cute magnets in the dollar section and later I will post some pics of the other clearance items I got.. UNBELIEVABLE!!! I am going to head back there this weekend to get some gifts for upcoming birthday gifts.

Now I am anxiously awaiting my UPS man for a large Close to My Heart scrapbooking delivery!! Ya HOOOOO!!!! Remember.. tonight I will be drawing a name in the travel mug giveaway, so leave a comment to be entered to win a cute travel mug!!

Found my Memory..

2009-03-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been MIA the last couple of days because my 4 year old decided to hide my memory card in her red vinyl spiderman wallet.... I have been searching high and low so that I could take some pics and post on my blog!! Thank Goodness she remembered ( finally) where the wallet was!! The girls and I painted some wood easter eggs this weekend and had a blast, so now I have to hit the stores this weekend to get more for them to paint. I did the chick and ladybug egg, and I have to admit it was a lot of fun! I did get some work done this weekend, some scrapbooking and sewing and now today I will be working on cleaning the toy room... heaven help me!! I did finish this good will find for my scrapbook room. I haven't put anything in it, but I got this mail holder for .99 and her is the before and after..
Before...

And after....

I love how it turned out... helps me feel so creative!! I made some tuna noodle casserole this morning for dinner tonight and for thoae of you who enjoy tuna noodle casserole, I thought I'd share my recipe for it. The recipe was one my mom always made, so the exact measurements are long gone, so I am going to give you an approximation and you can change it to suit your taste!! I have tried many recipes ( this has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid ) and so far I believe nothing beats this simple recipe!!

Mom's Tuna Noodle Casserole

1 bag egg noodles, 1/4 c. Mayo, 2 C. Cheddar Cheese, 1 can cream of celery soup, Milk, Celery, onion, 1 can or envelope of tuna

Cook noodles until al dente.. in a large casserole mix the cooked noodles, 1 can of tuna, and your veggies with a large scoop or about 1/4 c. Mayo. I use celery and onion, but you can also add peas, chopped pimento.. whatever suits your taste. In a small saucepan, combine your can of soup and 1 can of milk. heat this up until combined and then add your cheese to make a cheese sauce. once the cheese has melted, pour over your noodles and mix well. Heat on a 350 degree oven for about 30 min or until heated through. Casserole can be topped with crushed potato chips, bread crumbs, french fried can onions... I leave mine plain but it turnes out well with topping as well!! Enjoy!!

It's a Spring Thing!!

2009-03-25T12:46:00.001-07:00

Today I have been trying to get some spring cleaning started... I've only tackled behind the refrigerator...lol. I did find some large dust bunnies back there, but they weren't the kind of bunnies I think of when I think of spring. Definitely not for cuddling with!! Last night I was working on my craft room in the basement, that may take a month to organize in itself!! I found this cute spring dress of my daughter's, she wore it the easter that she was two, and I've never been able to part with it, so I hung it from this shelf. I think it looks ok for now! I also put up this old shelf that has lost it's pegs and was destined for the garbage pile, but I figured I'd give it one more chance in my craft room. I need to fill in all of the holes, or get new pegs, but we'll worry about that later. I hung a baby quilt from my daughter, Natalia that I also have never been able to part with and I think all of these colors add such a girly touch to my girly room!
It's nowhere near finished, but I thought I'd share my progress!! I did get started on a spring banner I may or may not keep for myself. I need to string some ribbon and add a few embellishments, but for now it sits on my piano waiting for my inspiration!! I may add it to my etsy store... but I just love banners, so we'll see!

I would've taken pics of the spring dust bunnies, but I may just save that for later... stay tuned!!

Busy, Busy...

2009-03-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

Haven't posted in a couple of days. I have caught a sinus infection and have been trying to get some spring cleaning done around the house!! I did have time to make some of Paula Deen's
Banana pudding recipe!! As you can see, the family has dug into it before I could take a pretty pic!! It is similar to the old banana pudding recipe with the vanilla wafers, but if you look at the ingredients, this one is better and I am sure will add more weight to these already sad looking hips!! Let me know if you try it out, I am sure you will not be disappointed!!

Not Yo Mamma's Banana Pudding Recipe
Ingredients:
1 12-ounce container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whip
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
2 cup milk
1 5-ounce box instant French vanilla pudding
6-8 bananas, sliced
2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies

Directions
Line the bottom of a 13x9x2-inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top.
In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer. Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth. Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended. Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Yield: 12 servings
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Ease of preparation: easy

Recipe courtesy Paula Deen

Mom's Blog Party!!

2009-03-21T07:28:00.000-07:00

What a fun time!! Check out the five minutes for mom blog party!! There are a lot of wonderful links to great blogs and websites as well as prizes!! I have spent hours just surfing through.. In honor of this blog party, I will be hosting a giveaway as well!! I will be hosting a giveaway for a personalized Travel Coffee mug such as this..

There are a couple of designs in my Etsy store, or I can customize a mug for you in any color combo or design you would like!! The giveaway will end at 10:00 EST on April 3. Here is how to enter..

1. Post a comment on my blog ( 1 entry )

2. Subscribe to my blog ( 2 entries )

3. Link to my blog in your favorites ( 2 entries )

2 . Blog about this giveaway on your own blog ( 4 entries )

The blog party has MANY prizes and giveaway's so remember to check them all out here !!

Here are some of the prizes I am interested in.. Check them out!!

#58 Artisan Stand Mixer!!!

#19~ a $50.00 gift card to target from http://www.shoot-me-now.com/

#16~ a $ 20.00 Gift certificate to http://www.ladybuglimited.etsy.com/

#1ntl 28~ a blog design by http://www.sassychicdesigns.blogspot.com/

Goodies..

2009-03-19T07:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday after the two oldest were off to school, the baby and I hit a local antique store on a whim and I thought I'd share some of the goodies I picked up. I got these cute little juice glasses with yellow daisies. They put me in the spring mood and I think I'll put them in my glass kitchen cupboards.

This fruitcake tin was a bargain at $3.50, and I am a sucker for the color red. Thank goodness it didn't have that old fruitcake in it, those are heavy when they are fresh, let alone a 40 year old fruitcake!! I also got this cute 1940's apple spoon rest. I just love the color.

After about two hours wandering around the antique store, I went home and made buttercream cupcakes for a friends birthday. They were so tasty I had one for breakfast this morning with my coffee!! Cupcakes, the breakfast of champions!!!

Happy St. Patty's Day!!!

2009-03-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

Wishing all of you in blogland a wonderfully GREEN St. Patricks day!!!!

Well, I have been working on some items to list in my Etsy store the last few days and I finally got them listed!! I will share a few of them items I've been working on...

This is a floral travel mug and is a sample of many more I have listed on Etsy. I also have this great spring shelf sitter waiting to be snatched up..

Last night I also made some goodies for myself, a reciept keeper for my grocery reciepts that go back to the school for a fubdraiser ( I am always shoving them and losing them..) and I made a cute Birthday card for a friend who will be 40 this week.. thought I'd keep the card simple and sweet..

Welcome Spring!!

2009-03-16T07:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I feel that now spring has (maybe??) arrived in Northern Michigan!! The weather reached a scorching 50 degrees yesterday and the snow is finally melting. I debated starting up the grill and cleaning my windows, but that is too much spring cleaning for our first warmer day in what seems like YEARS!! I definately got a lot done around the house and thought I'd share some pics. I pulled out some springtime decor, brighter colors and more vintage items. Away with the darker heavy winter colors. We need some cheer around here!! A long list of items to be finished around the house before summer and the garage sale season hits!! yeah, I can't wait!!

Grandma's dishes and some cute bunny napkin rings look very "spring-ish" in my kitchen china cabinet. Love all of the pink in the springtime!! The pic of the birds nest is an abandoned birdie home I found in my yard a couple of years ago and I think it may be one of my favorite spring decor items, along with my painted wooden eggs!!

I made a trip to Goodwill this weekend and got this cute teal vase for $1.99 and then headed over to the dollar store for some fake pink peonies to fill it with... not bad for 3 bucks, don't ya think??

Feeling crafty this weekend, I got to go into town ALONE and without kids!! I found this cute green canister at Goodwill for a sweet $1.99, these melamine pink bowls at target for .98 a piece!! ( I bought six of them ) and the fabrics I got at Joanne's to make some pillows for my girls bedrooms.. still working on that. This warm weather sure has me motivated and I wish the same for you!!

Back in Action!!

2009-03-04T12:42:00.001-08:00

Well, after a long absence from blog land I am ready and back in action!! My computer finally broke down for good and many paychecks later, I have a new computer and am back in action! It feels like finally I am recovering from the holiday bustle and even though the weather is still cold and there is snow on the ground, the sun is shinning and I am ready for spring!! I started pulling out some decorations with brighter colors to lighten my mood and have even been crafting a little! I am getting ready for a large scrapbook weekend this weekend and have been busy working on some cute giveaways!! I will post more pics as they are finished and ready to go!! Most items are dollar store items altered with Close To My Heart paper and stamps. In addition to getting a new computer, I have signed up to sell Close To My Heart products and am sooo excited to get going with it!!

These coasters were a dollar store deal and after a few cute details and a ton of ModPodge, they are better than ever!!

Busy Weekend and fun freebie!!

2008-12-09T05:42:00.000-08:00

Had a busy weekend with the kids at a school holiday workshop. The kids spend hours making gifts for family and friends and had a blast!! Glitter is everywhere!!

They made a ton of gittered ornaments, soup mixes, zipper pulls, flower pens and even catnip toys for their cats!

Today I have to get to crafting some of those many Christmas gifts.. but I thought I'd share a link to a great blog and wonderful FREE pattern for an advent calendar. Maybe I'll have time to complete this project for next Christmas!! Check it out!!http://www.oliverands.com/blog/2008/12/free-holiday-mitten-ornament-pattern.html

Getting Started..

2008-12-05T11:16:00.001-08:00

Well, I am feeling a little better and am starting to tackle that mound of Christmas boxes. I have a buffet of sorts built in the kitchen, so I decided to re-arrange so that my reds and greens are all put together. Who says it all has to be Christmas themed, right? Color is everything. I really need to get to crafting because I have so many ideas and half completed projects that these vignettes will change many times before Christmas, I am sure! I just need to purge all of those Christmas items that I really don't have a use for anymore. I always feel like everything I have should be put out or it won't be complete.

This is a antique childs snow shovel that I have and I love it. It was propped up outside, then kept getting knocked over so now it has been moved inside and is propped against the fireplace, but I am thinking of now hanging it on a wall somewhere..Hmmmmmmm....

Etsy Christmas Contest

2008-12-04T08:38:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd tell you about some of the ETSY sellers featured on my last post about the contest busy moms blog is hosting. After scouring the wonderful shops featured, I found a few I'd like to share with you. You should definately check them out!!

Articulations http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5969587 has these wonderful lunch box notes for your little ones and there are many to choose from. What a cute way to send your child some extra love with their lunch!! She also has many other papercraft items and some wonderful Christmas cards and tags.

Cookie art by Sarah http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5560052 Has WONDERFUL hand decorated sugar cookies. Makes me want a tall glass of milk just looking at them!

Another great shop with beautiful sugar cookies is Cakebox Cookies
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5661893 I loved all of her designs, but I thought I'd share these adorable baby cookies.

And if these cookies inspire you to get in the kitchen and do some baking, Boojiboo
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=59241 Has some wonderful vintage style aprons for you to wear. They are all awesome, you should check them all out, but here is a cute Christmas one I was partial to!

Still Trying!!

2008-11-26T18:11:00.001-08:00

I am still trying to get some things done around the house. My four year old has the stomach flu and a fever of 104.. so I've spent the day sanitizing the house, washing sheets, and cleaning up various bodily fluids...lol. I did manage to whip up these tablecloth curtains for my kitchen window.. the window needs more sprucing up though. I made breakfast burritos for dinner and now I am going to attempt to finish up a scarf for my daughter while I watch a little TV and drink a hot cup of Joe.

Starting Christmas

2008-11-25T12:35:00.000-08:00

Well, today I thought I’d get a jump on the Christmas Decorating.

My husband brought in all of the boxes this weekend and I’ve got to get them organized and out of my living room…. I’ve got crafting to do!!

I Got this vintage tablecloth from my mom last week and the stains are too big to use on the table for it’s actual purpose, but I am thinking of making it into a curtain for above my kitchen window. We moved to a new home in September, and the house is a big white blank canvas. I haven’t done much except for painting the playroom and the baby’s room. I need to figure out exactly what colors I would like to run with before I get paint crazy. The kitchen is not only painted white, but there are white cupboards and white tile countertops.. A lot of white!! There are some glass display cabinets I need to set out to decorate as well.. Haven’t commited to a color scheme yet, so it has all been seasonal stuff so far. I used to live on the west coast and had a lot of vintage cottage décor.. Reds, yellows, greens and pinks. When I moved to Michigan, I decided to go a little more country cozy and even incorporated a lot of prims to my décor. I stopped painting items white and distressing them and started painting furniture black and distressing it. It seemed to go with my first country house. I am now debating going back to my old color scheme and chucking the prim accessories. The nice thing about cottage décor is that it is eclectic and I can still incorporate and keep my favorite pieces. Once I get this blog going and have more readers, I will post pics of my rooms I will be working on and try to get suggestions from you all.. But that will have to wait until after the holiday’s.. and after I have a plate of yesterday’s cookies!!

It's snowing!!

2008-11-24T12:41:00.000-08:00

Remnants of Summer....

Well, today it is snowing like crazy.. my kinder is home sick from school and my pre-kinder is gone at school..

Thought I'd make some Toll House cookies..seems like a cookies and milk kinda day. My 4 year old will squeal with delight when she gets off of the bus and my 6 year old daughter sick on the couch may drool as well...

As I prepare the ingredients.. I can view my very fit neighbor cross-country skiing ( what is she thinking?!?) and I have a view of a sink full of dishes.

Forgot to add the eggs one at a time...ooops!

"Mom, are those cookies done yet?"

I think I just may eat the dough.. that's the best part anyway, right? Now I am off to wait for a bus, eat some dough, and maybe get some dishes done:)

I'm Jumping in...

2008-11-23T22:38:00.000-08:00

Christmas / Winter 12x12 pages...

Baby Boy Album using Cosmo Cricket Happy Days Paper and embellishments!!

Turned out very cute, I must admit!!

Well.. here goes nothing!! My first blog entry..so bear with me!! Just thought I'd share what Iworked on all day. I have to raise money for Christmas for the three kids and so I've jumped back into selling on Ebay. Tonight I worked on scrapbooking items and basically ignored the rest of my home!! Hope to get more done tomorrow. Hope you like!!