Thriifty Decor Chick

DIY Faux Milk Glass

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fsGj_BOO51ZaypsMbCowHHx396lA4STdMlyE7Ncu3N4naVHSFzFpIIsRzw9vpmDPjoGmb_tzrTBFRCsgV9O7vxGgeBBUuX5D_McIsdMEH8ZvyVvhIU25ShI6JhqgZQdGRxLt2vT4fbk/s1600/DIY+Milk+Glass+2+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="faux milk glass, DIY milk glass, milk glass" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fsGj_BOO51ZaypsMbCowHHx396lA4STdMlyE7Ncu3N4naVHSFzFpIIsRzw9vpmDPjoGmb_tzrTBFRCsgV9O7vxGgeBBUuX5D_McIsdMEH8ZvyVvhIU25ShI6JhqgZQdGRxLt2vT4fbk/s1600/DIY+Milk+Glass+2+.jpg" title="" width="305" /></a></div><br /><br />I love the look of milk glass so I thought I'd try making the faux version myself. Milk glass isn't too hard to find, but I wanted to swirl paint around inside of a glass, so I did!<br /><br />I found this little vase in my dining room hutch. Score! <i>I know, by the way I describe finding things, it sounds like I belong on Hoarders, Buried Alive. I've said this before - but I assure you, I don't have to climb a mountain of magazines and QVC boxes, to sleep on the corner of my living room chair.</i><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSAFupE5mIe8pk9ly8XYCy3xRoYfCH9xJvVwddcl2Ae8XyY00lTtV1-azGPEzrgKdzrr-quNf5s-xjjyjpkI-1vshCgiUx_YqRyFPccr1kDlGFBCBtAGkASpkzaTBxmCoOa4Zt1NpM9s/s1600/christmas13+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="faux milk glass, DIY milk glass, milk glass" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSAFupE5mIe8pk9ly8XYCy3xRoYfCH9xJvVwddcl2Ae8XyY00lTtV1-azGPEzrgKdzrr-quNf5s-xjjyjpkI-1vshCgiUx_YqRyFPccr1kDlGFBCBtAGkASpkzaTBxmCoOa4Zt1NpM9s/s1600/christmas13+002.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Anyway, back to the plan. I found this little vase. I took about 1/8 cup acrylic plain white paint and mixed it with 1 TBSP water in an old Tupperware thingy. I didn't find measurements anywhere - I just guessed. I wanted the paint thick enough to stick to the glass, but runny enough to swirl ! The swirling is the key!<br /><br />I poured it in the vase and swirled it around. <i>SUPER</i> fun! (No, I don't get out much).<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2vjLSHS4XAIyye8sIAJfv1aoC88JxllHtz0LXAxUm_lz0z2CpzrqaHStFQusEF9am4S0E-JvACnu9RSF5PnH7dLnJZ4PkwVILJdgINapD3FPuIMLXZ1CRnmmf30Fwx5PI610Y4MEKdQ/s1600/christmas13+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="faux milk glass, DIY milk glass, milk glass" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2vjLSHS4XAIyye8sIAJfv1aoC88JxllHtz0LXAxUm_lz0z2CpzrqaHStFQusEF9am4S0E-JvACnu9RSF5PnH7dLnJZ4PkwVILJdgINapD3FPuIMLXZ1CRnmmf30Fwx5PI610Y4MEKdQ/s1600/christmas13+001.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />I poured out the excess and let it drip on a large Ziploc bag, for about 1/2 hour.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-waRZzu6hNZIMGSXQEtSYwKwJWmvy2OaG87NuuMgJ7UKNx7-3_vhVXQR_rJ-un73uwOe6yEfyAuncLELS_dciXphnrDTul4Aq42hnVojudbUyVzYP8XnGc2POgofO1T9pLlJBFfo58s/s1600/christmas13+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="faux milk glass, DIY milk glass, milk glass" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-waRZzu6hNZIMGSXQEtSYwKwJWmvy2OaG87NuuMgJ7UKNx7-3_vhVXQR_rJ-un73uwOe6yEfyAuncLELS_dciXphnrDTul4Aq42hnVojudbUyVzYP8XnGc2POgofO1T9pLlJBFfo58s/s1600/christmas13+006.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></div><br />After that, I wiped the rim with a damp cloth, and just did a little touch-up with a small paint brush.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3ULruo74cUnwTHq1YAXyi5s_BHEfmRPym_j7Ndge9Cf4eoc6ydCqkB7WjZyF_zTEQ0AkdejX3XButkZCpOkIJPmuqvKvae-1k7Rct6-O58m2TB4yWeNlOx263msgqqPH9zXMem7axhk/s1600/feb6+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="faux milk glass, DIY milk glass, milk glass" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3ULruo74cUnwTHq1YAXyi5s_BHEfmRPym_j7Ndge9Cf4eoc6ydCqkB7WjZyF_zTEQ0AkdejX3XButkZCpOkIJPmuqvKvae-1k7Rct6-O58m2TB4yWeNlOx263msgqqPH9zXMem7axhk/s1600/feb6+007.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I tied a little twine around the top, just to cover up the jar threads. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwp5Y-oyyyERDVmFenHgQO_KepbW735PaqfCOMxLvbAUNEoug7aPDUy7Q9omfJBA7vk_VNfjs2w1HlmkgfuQ8jhu0v4LqVfxDd0kXrlZhn9sYntkMifjcBKmc_i3SKSKnWdTceZ9mvRU4/s1600/iphone+winter+2013+065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="faux milk glass, DIY milk glass, milk glass" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwp5Y-oyyyERDVmFenHgQO_KepbW735PaqfCOMxLvbAUNEoug7aPDUy7Q9omfJBA7vk_VNfjs2w1HlmkgfuQ8jhu0v4LqVfxDd0kXrlZhn9sYntkMifjcBKmc_i3SKSKnWdTceZ9mvRU4/s1600/iphone+winter+2013+065.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a></div><br />I added a tea light, and it has such a pretty glow.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIuEjAfd8q-N9LtfPOyxqM-EoQJ4D3Q31765tITzQJWbYmKqxGrRlxd3U5JOYTCX7G39B4H7Y830KauNgygkel7YNT0nEuhd8vrawr8OhiL8XltdWrdzt5gl9WuamQfv_dqdta7aP_yw/s1600/candles5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="faux milk glass, DIY milk glass, milk glass" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIuEjAfd8q-N9LtfPOyxqM-EoQJ4D3Q31765tITzQJWbYmKqxGrRlxd3U5JOYTCX7G39B4H7Y830KauNgygkel7YNT0nEuhd8vrawr8OhiL8XltdWrdzt5gl9WuamQfv_dqdta7aP_yw/s1600/candles5.jpg" title="" width="306" /></a></div><br /><i>(You'll notice the large carafe that I'm drip drying on the baggie - uh, that one didn't work out so well. Mainly because my nosey cat knocked it over... let's not talk about that.)</i><br /><br />Have you made faux milk glass? I'm definitely going to make some more. Next I'd like to try using the white paint on the inside of a colored vase. I've seen that done on other websites and it looks really pretty.<br /><br />Whether you're a blogger or not, come and get some inspiration - I party <a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/p/link-parties_11.html">HERE</a>.

DIY Faux Milk Glass

I love the look of milk glass so I thought I'd try making the faux version myself. Milk glass isn't too hard to find, but I wanted t...

6:07 AM

The master closet plan

<p>Hello my friends! How was your weekend? My girlfriends and I went away for a very quick trip to Chicago – we were there and back in about 36 hours but did a TON. Mostly shopping, eating and drinking margaritas but we did a little sight seeing too. :) I hadn’t been to the Sears Tower (I know, Willis Tower, whatever) since I was a kid so I wanted to check it out. </p>  <p>We all almost puked when we stepped out on the skydeck. I had to pull a couple of the girls out there with me. But we got a little more comfortable with time and then even sat down: </p>  <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cPnUhc_mUZc/Uvj5_wRxo7I/AAAAAAAAlEk/z03BJ0FQivk/s1600-h/2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Willis Tower skydeck" border="0" height="687" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CF13OV3Xz5c/Uvj6A0SBBbI/AAAAAAAAlEs/hOnTU-1fpr4/2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Willis Tower skydeck" width="500" /></a></p>  <p>Sitting was horrible because you knew you couldn’t leap for safety if something happened. You know, just in case? Whoa. </p>  <p>It was quiet up there since visibility wasn’t great (looking out – it was fine going down as you’ll see) so we goofed off for a good hour and took some interesting shots. I thought sitting was bad, laying down was even worse: </p>  <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lunBWuWcsFs/Uvj6B1ynZZI/AAAAAAAAlE0/cKYX1MajJas/s1600-h/4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="408" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-B24Ob0xQ2EU/Uvj6DtZSsSI/AAAAAAAAlE8/3NBE4WEvNEU/4_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="441" /></a></p>  <p>Oh my goodness, we had a BLAST. It was such a fun weekend. These are three of my closest friends in the world, love them: </p>  <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9cYai4u3p48/Uvj6EkqBRVI/AAAAAAAAlFE/OCVPR44EDr0/s1600-h/5%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3_2pZS0WQOc/Uvj6Fsf1QkI/AAAAAAAAlFM/tVOPZbopEDU/5_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="480" /></a></p>  <p>Alright, onto my next <strong>big</strong> project. The closet (dun dun DUUUUUUN). It is about TIME. You know how someone says, Oh my house is such a mess, or my closet or my room, whatever? And you see it and you’re like, THIS is a mess? You don’t know mess. Yeah, so when I say our closet was a disaster I truly, deeply mean disaster. I will not be sharing <em>before</em> before pictures if that tells you anything. </p>  <p>It is the only spot in our house that is always out of control. I feel like I’ve gotten a decent hold on the rest of the house -- the closet is another story. It was OK the first year or two we lived here but something happened along the way and I don’t know what it was. I know the biggest issue is we’ve never had a good system in there. Our closet is HUGE so we don’t keep our clothes in a dresser in our room, just in there. But we have a cheap Goodwill dresser that’s falling apart and wire shelving – that’s pretty much it to hold folded items and it doesn’t work. AND we’ve been really bad about purging clothes so that didn’t help at all. Too many clothes and no organization = a disaster. </p>  <p>SO…I’ve been trying to figure out a new system that wouldn’t cost thousands of dollars. I’m determined to make the back wall way more functional for us. (Again, it’s not quite ready for decent before shots just yet so bear with me.) I would love a closet system and honestly we could probably do it if we planned for it, but I really want to do this myself and try to do it spending a little less money. </p>  <p>The other night I was laying in bed and an idea came to me – finally. And you’ll never guess what it involves. Or maybe you will. :) </p>  <p>Kitchen cabinets of course!: </p>  <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIBUcD_UfiEDR-QkQWba-4OfQKaQFACNPa1N_WwWD4cKrI4Er4Cc_1QekbH44ai_e_rGLP4GTn2PG3H_895t7b7lJWIjfIl4LbLrXA8xZEzJddZDVK6S8D2BywCrY1b7gqqmKWmdIpn0/s1600-h/400001484227%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="unfinsihed base cabinets" border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiOizvgK2IHztT7OVS3fjjwESnDUQOPT2r8T8YGRYgnrGmSNel7JOMC3h_FE1vekcQLSwyWdEWdYf-YnNSC-lM9h3wcjblSLkXr1EUpzy1a68cGkadTWaaMpMIHWWzQ71DSc9HRNlln0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="unfinsihed base cabinets" width="500" /></a></p>  <p>I know, I have a problem, I own it. I use them a lot. But I kept thinking about what I wanted and I don’t want open storage like many closet systems have. (The drawers cost so much more.) I want to be able to throw things in a drawer or cabinet and shut. the. door. </p>  <p>So the cabinet idea may just work. I measured the width of the room and six pieces will fit perfectly. I’m also including a couple of these:</p>  <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYT8C_clU11k1JCwB6mvnxkQ4q1efqawzN3UkvWxZsbXK11QTpKoy6K4EuHcXQAvOUb6QoqDoDOZ1ow8KmxYebUvdALLTWE4XEwQJBMqrL3igVNEr0wAOqYJxNt9SGihVZ5ome9hugC60/s1600-h/400001484289%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="unfinished pantry cabinet" border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmaPLQjd65PZ3-2XPSv0Aqr4Pb2eDEf6bjer8mmEleyYQNaNQdr81yLZeHPmfNn9wymfKWTS38yJ9e4XUogG6natzHr6QMThFWvTJ1QkhSwhpCxdoKE2I2aZhdkJX5c7cF53lUEf7R6s/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="unfinished pantry cabinet" width="500" /></a></p>  <p>It’s a pantry but it will be awesome (closed) shelving for shoes and clothes. </p>  <p>I don’t have Photoshop but I threw something together in my photo program to show you my vision: </p>  <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJSfnBS0RpgPwFmkvYwhX7z5G_cHjjS5fDiA9Tj1jfn89SoP7GxzRNgmOx4sPdo9fpZDO9ad-PEmgKMK77NFKIHTYAL08zwkU4vF8I3UQA-2idbDuvSli8qbhm4Xwf5N5jqHfwCPFmsM/s1600-h/Closet%252520design%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Closet design" border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDXcwRMvA_EpZHx0aECnvwhUJruE_lr1l6TCtqQ_TlB07CK7lHISJimYQwovFkNl4pQ6V4JVoM74VhEdyun9_ou5Q_o89QajWLLJ0r5L2kJdQduJRLbiv5ckBZ6tB_ZGyCdlMXStpLVW8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Closet design" width="500" /></a></p>  <p>Originally I wanted the taller cabinets against the walls, but we have an access panel we need to be able to get to, so instead I moved them in a bit. It actually worked because my plan is to put some exposed shelving between those and the wall. I figure I can use it for purses or shoes or whatever. </p>  <p>The middle section will be a vanity-type area. I doubt I’ll put a chair there because of the drawers, but we’ll see. At the very least I plan to hang a mirror and display my jewelry and perfume, stuff like that. </p>  <p>I cannot even tell you how excited I am do this! Now that I have a vision I’m chomping at the bit to get going, hence all the laundry and purging. I’m about halfway done with that part and then I’ll get moving on installing these. </p>  <p>So do you see my vision? Am I the crazy cabinet lady? Maybe. I WANT ALL THE CABINETS. But I think this will work and it will be a fraction of the cost of a closet system. </p>  <p>It won’t be this: </p>  <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0mVhEWyu2Ylr1TPPO86KZ_47BP-7UNBNHlC_jadAVclcTcuHHNeDaDFd3TXZJI7hP55IS-1XpIXHRDqzLeV8KfBbmpb2Q8pJMNIoFobBeSN2Mjt7mIkW7CA-amygqgmTiNBNUvUShdk/s1600-h/549ed0117945c0330adac9251768e8a4%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Ballard Designs Sarah closet" border="0" height="509" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZNdof4_W2qgHspHi30_ueD_UnfPQda-UQNbXmO1bOgg4wT6HmgVLIaEzEF14g5_n6J3y9hEYe0DItHgs9Ya3ijVslPTn-RzDLpasvtmTXvlzK4xtLC1EkwEk6b1JkkIb5nhKa8Yv_2Y/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Ballard Designs Sarah closet" width="500" /></a></p>  <p align="center">(<a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com" target="_blank">Ballard Designs</a>)</p>  <p>But it will be great, I think so anyway. </p>  <p>Now, I’m off to fold more clothes. :) Do you have a closet system that works? Do tell. </p>

The master closet plan

Hello my friends! How was your weekend? My girlfriends and I went away for a very quick trip to Chicago – we were there and back in about 36...

8:11 AM

DIY Silhouette Wall Art

<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><i>Hi everyone! </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><i>Today I'm sharing my <b>DIY Silhouette Wall Art</b>. </i></span></div><i></i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxkKkZYAEDg0qtAb5cfW6qRQSvVUszMxTYvQjdhDjGZGqzAqu7ovKR3Xv6N5qtuGCFtRy4AbBWAN7LTEu2ATGu-xXnwaloNLQyyFIVELZ0d_kk8OiKgXIn_hj1xyvWb4Qs1zlC92watU/s1600/silhouette+trees3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY wall art, wall art crafts, silhouette crafts, canvas wall art" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxkKkZYAEDg0qtAb5cfW6qRQSvVUszMxTYvQjdhDjGZGqzAqu7ovKR3Xv6N5qtuGCFtRy4AbBWAN7LTEu2ATGu-xXnwaloNLQyyFIVELZ0d_kk8OiKgXIn_hj1xyvWb4Qs1zlC92watU/s1600/silhouette+trees3.jpg" title="" width="234" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As you can see from the photo below, it's still a winter wonderland! </div><div style="text-align: center;">No matter the season, I adore the view from my front porch. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsExUOz3diG50R-O0gkFMxvixb-kX3taZ0juejBzWV2xxkLVokCybO-dUWlsxr4LL_QozHpL5aXKxrCgiyndFVHzWy-n2LAUwXg5Nu9bnmufkDAliH8wn2xgImeIKeiwWTWNk0BC2DsE/s1600/yard2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsExUOz3diG50R-O0gkFMxvixb-kX3taZ0juejBzWV2xxkLVokCybO-dUWlsxr4LL_QozHpL5aXKxrCgiyndFVHzWy-n2LAUwXg5Nu9bnmufkDAliH8wn2xgImeIKeiwWTWNk0BC2DsE/s1600/yard2014.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's the view, looking south and west. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I just love all of our trees! </div><div style="text-align: center;">(Big A doesn't - he has to mow around all of those tree trunks.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPSoVS7lRVCCZySXVsXlQ4TMXzm-m75ynb6FwLL5kEYN8HxkJlk1tXiHEvZGwXnk3kPrRV_PwNH_qB0_dYaRElX7qLtuoHJnxXgEBcGZlCelj0wQHSGxtsO0Jg_TwON7vVd-UDLruBvM/s1600/yard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPSoVS7lRVCCZySXVsXlQ4TMXzm-m75ynb6FwLL5kEYN8HxkJlk1tXiHEvZGwXnk3kPrRV_PwNH_qB0_dYaRElX7qLtuoHJnxXgEBcGZlCelj0wQHSGxtsO0Jg_TwON7vVd-UDLruBvM/s1600/yard2.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As I looked at my view, </div><div style="text-align: center;">I thought, I'm going to paint my trees.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Nailed it!</div><div style="text-align: center;">(Well, okay, I used a little artistic licence.) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I started with a blank canvas and painted the edges black. (I also painted the side edge of the canvas). As you can see, I didn't do this very carefully. I knew it was going to be covered up. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioP65ts4HUcCZBYlNM6pxViLhr_Jy8re-6rQCwEbFB5Yu13UO6H9id40um0BI7EQGu9LONyDDBlKC1Sg7mR0zH6DMj7e9pcQOfiG_QWdtTbDWP3hOz87SVMdioRXQwQxbUHfJTDMzi9nk/s1600/canvas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioP65ts4HUcCZBYlNM6pxViLhr_Jy8re-6rQCwEbFB5Yu13UO6H9id40um0BI7EQGu9LONyDDBlKC1Sg7mR0zH6DMj7e9pcQOfiG_QWdtTbDWP3hOz87SVMdioRXQwQxbUHfJTDMzi9nk/s1600/canvas.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Next I mixed up 1/2 Elmer's glue and 1/2 water to make my own mod podge.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Shake, shake, shake. (Shake your groove thang).</i> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I "painted" the canvas with mod podge.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I found an old book, and lucky for me, the edges of the pages were yellowed. I like the look of the aged edges of the pages. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I roughly tore the pages, and placed them randomly on still damp canvas. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCcvczwyyjFrSfwrrhsfAxvLCkalOX_Bbwoz6lW_rmqLhwHrJR_gSjdoUUEyY96yDa_roGBGNSIKWhiUc4wiFvL8nS-2UF7l7fv3GajgmPIG14cHbTS58BY5Y8dsH1HnxI2e2pAea9Dw/s1600/mod+podge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCcvczwyyjFrSfwrrhsfAxvLCkalOX_Bbwoz6lW_rmqLhwHrJR_gSjdoUUEyY96yDa_roGBGNSIKWhiUc4wiFvL8nS-2UF7l7fv3GajgmPIG14cHbTS58BY5Y8dsH1HnxI2e2pAea9Dw/s1600/mod+podge.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After I had all the book pages down, I "painted" them with mod podge too.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I started to smooth out the wrinkles,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and then I decided the wrinkles looked kinda cool. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It took about 3 hours for the mod podge to dry completely, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and then I free handed the trees with a sharpie. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYoDKTfdBqQ1AZ_hWHEIlkT-uJfwcV_wHmkCY31F_wRkEcTTErJH853YRBChbYr8NaAJgQmR_YxB0Fqo9_57lmivIChIlEUtTuHHo2XeCCeKVV_TL0r1SDzGQR3D-b2fuKMVpK-XKdbI/s1600/free+hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYoDKTfdBqQ1AZ_hWHEIlkT-uJfwcV_wHmkCY31F_wRkEcTTErJH853YRBChbYr8NaAJgQmR_YxB0Fqo9_57lmivIChIlEUtTuHHo2XeCCeKVV_TL0r1SDzGQR3D-b2fuKMVpK-XKdbI/s1600/free+hand.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I know, I know, but in my defense - I have a degree in television production, not art!<br /><br />To fill in the trees, I used black acrylic paint (which is about $1 per bottle at AC More).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjn_huM8G3AUZZ4-t5nIwXKwNm2c5SYIPCov47VPCqdkNIUVOXZt_gOSVFnSqVWPl5DcpU92KSbAfVHbW09gvQY-HFU8dogqzTqamam7a5NCuTVC1K7blDzuxo1UIChb_NYsSndRHzSo/s1600/silhouette+trees1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY wall art, wall art crafts, silhouette crafts, canvas wall art" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjn_huM8G3AUZZ4-t5nIwXKwNm2c5SYIPCov47VPCqdkNIUVOXZt_gOSVFnSqVWPl5DcpU92KSbAfVHbW09gvQY-HFU8dogqzTqamam7a5NCuTVC1K7blDzuxo1UIChb_NYsSndRHzSo/s1600/silhouette+trees1.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once the canvas was (mostly) dry, I tried hanging it in various spots. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7C-bLLH-oIsu7kCG9deCMid77lKSY6eCTlLaS_PsuiEfFZGaHa7qNr-Zi7yEfsbpOFQHK5jkuEi7-hkEO1Z5U3Ze_O9iCQI23Rr3n4TyRqzon6a8C_sNh_5-7ha0AdIJ3aI_zbnIZeQ/s1600/silhouette+trees2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY wall art, wall art crafts, silhouette crafts, canvas wall art" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7C-bLLH-oIsu7kCG9deCMid77lKSY6eCTlLaS_PsuiEfFZGaHa7qNr-Zi7yEfsbpOFQHK5jkuEi7-hkEO1Z5U3Ze_O9iCQI23Rr3n4TyRqzon6a8C_sNh_5-7ha0AdIJ3aI_zbnIZeQ/s1600/silhouette+trees2.jpg" title="" width="230" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All in all, it's been in 7 different spots, and I'm still not quite sure where it will end up. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpub8YHt7DPhLWGs6tEFDNtdx-7Qm-ZJh9-rfg9m5g67TeXUilB64AkYnR0MDQ7uLy2CEYhIJ5lfcJS3YdwZaG6sv2muF6ZDLT0qay_sdF8864Ft_ehhGD3_1YJgpZVbWbfvA1WmQsFo/s1600/tree+silhouette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY wall art, wall art crafts, silhouette crafts, canvas wall art" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpub8YHt7DPhLWGs6tEFDNtdx-7Qm-ZJh9-rfg9m5g67TeXUilB64AkYnR0MDQ7uLy2CEYhIJ5lfcJS3YdwZaG6sv2muF6ZDLT0qay_sdF8864Ft_ehhGD3_1YJgpZVbWbfvA1WmQsFo/s1600/tree+silhouette.jpg" title="" width="254" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Either way, I'm happy with it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It has a little bit of a spooky feel doncha think? I asked Big A if I should paint a raven on one of the branches and he replied: "No paint me in there, on the lawn mower". See, he has issues. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>For a list of parties I'll be at - go <a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/p/link-parties_11.html">HERE</a>! </i></div>

DIY Silhouette Wall Art

Hi everyone! Today I'm sharing my DIY Silhouette Wall Art . As you can see from the photo below, it's still a winter wonderland! ...

11:00 AM

DIY White and Gold Painted Bowl

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlC3uAu8WEJVvTr4kcdea2izWDCFDliDp8e9tUMkIndWHmnbkumln1RKpYszKNF9za6bBnhdF0xwFmCOwgumQdmAkAAsyqVIIh_xOjWi7Fj3z7Rey9MJmipESqutgxFhS3If3TDDbvpA/s1600/wooden+serving+bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="painted bowl, white and gold painted bowl, wooden serving dish diy" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlC3uAu8WEJVvTr4kcdea2izWDCFDliDp8e9tUMkIndWHmnbkumln1RKpYszKNF9za6bBnhdF0xwFmCOwgumQdmAkAAsyqVIIh_xOjWi7Fj3z7Rey9MJmipESqutgxFhS3If3TDDbvpA/s1600/wooden+serving+bowl.jpg" title="" width="284" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had a natural wood serving dish that, at one point, I used for it's original purpose - </div><div style="text-align: center;">to serve bread, crackers and cheese, or olives.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.swahiliwholesale.com/shop/images/jkwb34l.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="http://www.swahiliwholesale.com/home/si2/page_3661_221/kenyan_olive_wood_baguette_tray.html" rel="nofollow">source</a>) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">I get bored. So, I painted it dark brown, and used it as a centerpiece with tea lights.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9udxXWuubmhPUR8lCU0ftfzuc1WG2f53tQ6Lg2Vfe1tuqoz03mwQK1aa56PHWCWg-AMTd2TPgH20piMmMoQFktzu_HWP2CeFyiMzjpwKtc-tu8n-2Q4RUof8x5Oc0Pn1gx41MbFSZ1p0/s1600/DIY+Sign+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9udxXWuubmhPUR8lCU0ftfzuc1WG2f53tQ6Lg2Vfe1tuqoz03mwQK1aa56PHWCWg-AMTd2TPgH20piMmMoQFktzu_HWP2CeFyiMzjpwKtc-tu8n-2Q4RUof8x5Oc0Pn1gx41MbFSZ1p0/s1600/DIY+Sign+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And then I added some pine cones.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHAErncNXPPuOTY8wGRyk7n7g6BZMpMFPwZLQlVJ0t_AFShu6dzTFvBhuEBQ8p1B8IVKzz7V7YXCVvDhvJ14n7vQbw3y3PpQm37Q0K0kOs7p_-7aoSU3McorNL9pW8k2Oyy3RVWmesTg/s1600/centerpiece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHAErncNXPPuOTY8wGRyk7n7g6BZMpMFPwZLQlVJ0t_AFShu6dzTFvBhuEBQ8p1B8IVKzz7V7YXCVvDhvJ14n7vQbw3y3PpQm37Q0K0kOs7p_-7aoSU3McorNL9pW8k2Oyy3RVWmesTg/s1600/centerpiece.jpg" width="175" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Today I needed a little something to do, so I painted it white,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmvoixnJqC48j9LlfXShEAngrnjQDXoCmsZuUTP81TxEmwK9BfQqrUax0yyGziS7DTRtSYYHyY4pK0_hJKe93u9PHFN3rDnu6Qi_2q9T0S396FWHZDz_iHkrz8tAFZd8vpU1sltof6LM/s1600/painting+wood+bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmvoixnJqC48j9LlfXShEAngrnjQDXoCmsZuUTP81TxEmwK9BfQqrUax0yyGziS7DTRtSYYHyY4pK0_hJKe93u9PHFN3rDnu6Qi_2q9T0S396FWHZDz_iHkrz8tAFZd8vpU1sltof6LM/s1600/painting+wood+bowl.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">and gold, and added a flower. </span></div><div><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlC3uAu8WEJVvTr4kcdea2izWDCFDliDp8e9tUMkIndWHmnbkumln1RKpYszKNF9za6bBnhdF0xwFmCOwgumQdmAkAAsyqVIIh_xOjWi7Fj3z7Rey9MJmipESqutgxFhS3If3TDDbvpA/s1600/wooden+serving+bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="painted bowl, white and gold painted bowl, wooden serving dish diy" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlC3uAu8WEJVvTr4kcdea2izWDCFDliDp8e9tUMkIndWHmnbkumln1RKpYszKNF9za6bBnhdF0xwFmCOwgumQdmAkAAsyqVIIh_xOjWi7Fj3z7Rey9MJmipESqutgxFhS3If3TDDbvpA/s1600/wooden+serving+bowl.jpg" title="" width="284" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Now I'm going to use it to hold my jewelry at night. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQac1xMqm9EkiftNU3fojMEK2bX9LW88kQQYPNSaRUhhDW7mwBy2AI3Nb8TdWlsBVHCvkO8p8j_GMT7VqO_DLd3Oxexr6b61BJfvlEKy1XHRWsLnN2nmqnxZq0nV0GVqApca_-49k_bM/s1600/jewelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQac1xMqm9EkiftNU3fojMEK2bX9LW88kQQYPNSaRUhhDW7mwBy2AI3Nb8TdWlsBVHCvkO8p8j_GMT7VqO_DLd3Oxexr6b61BJfvlEKy1XHRWsLnN2nmqnxZq0nV0GVqApca_-49k_bM/s1600/jewelry.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>So tell me! Do you get bored and change things over and over again? </i></div><br /><br />

DIY White and Gold Painted Bowl

I had a natural wood serving dish that, at one point, I used for it's original purpose - to serve bread, crackers and cheese, or olives...

5:10 AM

Metabolism Boosting Mocha Smoothie

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufboSGMsfuJeQKgBCLnpDxs_or9w2LDWPQfSWFkxsWin0OSvjeg-suQnwYZGLJiPHo2HACchyphenhyphenRMncfk30sc8bKn0vqa7RgzmtQn7p2566zKD09IGrIvYgcwIk5KzPSF5IFrEZV17p2V0/s1600/mocha+shake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="breakfast smoothie, diet breakfast smoothie, diet smoothie" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufboSGMsfuJeQKgBCLnpDxs_or9w2LDWPQfSWFkxsWin0OSvjeg-suQnwYZGLJiPHo2HACchyphenhyphenRMncfk30sc8bKn0vqa7RgzmtQn7p2566zKD09IGrIvYgcwIk5KzPSF5IFrEZV17p2V0/s1600/mocha+shake.jpg" title="" width="224" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />I'm not a breakfast person. I drink coffee, and truly consider the creamer in my coffee, my breakfast.<br /><br />That's bad.<br /><br />I know they say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and sometimes I feel guilty for skipping it. (Plus nutritionists lead people think they're going to turn into a gibbering mess if they don't eat a healthy breakfast every day.) This week when I stumbled upon two little recipes I thought I'd give them a try.<br /><br />Guess what? Both are delicious! Neither feels like breakfast - they feel like treats.<br /><br />I found the first recipe in Redbook Magazine.  It is called <i><b>"Magic Slim Down Banana Mocha Smoothie"</b></i>. I didn't make the recipe because it claims to be a slim-down, but that would be a bonus! I was drawn to the recipe because it had coffee in it, and so I read it through. I decided to make it for my daughter and me. (She also loves coffee and isn't too fond of breakfast!)<br /><br />Your have to try this Smoothie! Here's the recipe:<br /><br /><b>BANANA-MOCHA SMOOTHIE</b><br /><br />1 large frozen banana<br />(The day before, cut the banana into chunks, put in a zip lock bag, and pop in the freezer)<br />1/2 cup cold coffee (leftover is fine)<br />1/2 cup fat free milk<br />1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (I used Nestle)<br />1 tbsp almond butter (I used peanut butter)<br /><br />Add all ingredients to a blender and <i>BLEND </i>until smooth. This takes about 1 minute. The result is just like a milkshake.<br /><br />According to the Redbook researchers, this shake will rev your metabolism, burn fat, and is full of antioxidants. Okay, that works. Plus, I figure, your getting fruit, dairy, protein <i>AND </i>coffee all in about 250 calories. Not too shabby. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>My verdict: </b>Delicious. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Honestly, I was suspicious that the smoothie wouldn't be very sweet, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and that my daughter wouldn't like it, </div><div style="text-align: center;">however, it <i>DOESN'T</i> need sugar - it's sweet and creamy.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Plus it's filling! In the immortal words of Charlie Sheen, <i>WINNING</i>! </div><br />OKAY, so then I ran across the following "cookie" recipe. I have two teenagers, and I'm lucky if the kids have time to grab an apple on their way out. If they do, I call that a good morning. But these little cookies are great to have on hand! I LOVE that I can cook these up, pop them in baggies, and hand them to the kids as we head out for school in the morning. Oats and banana? That's a pretty good breakfast.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="2 ingredient cookie, breakfast cookies" src="http://www.theburlapbag.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/DSC_3825-1024x678.jpg" title="" /></div><br />For the full tutorial go to <a href="http://www.theburlapbag.com/2012/07/2-ingredient-cookies-plus-the-mix-ins-of-your-choice/" rel="nofollow">The Burlap Bag</a>! The basic recipe is oats and bananas, mixed together and baked. You can add whatever you like, such as chocolate chips, Cinnamon, nuts, etc.  If you choose to eat them plain, they're sweet and delicious! Plus, no added sugar makes them a perfectly healthy breakfast.<br /><br />Okay, so there it is. Breakfast. Could be my new thing.<br /><br /><i>What about you? What do you eat for breakfast, and what do you give your kids in the morning? </i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqmGWLb4NVRH_aTLXC9FPeoiVOZ7FvvKSwVaOs8hWOJF8uIeSiF5s5Kp3yDKIfBUePntWyNYf5mYse22EkyII6LOoRlOyPCYz0oUXTbjILPKAfFFKDQ9UZ9TgMhy-yYs-3LRs67Sxvwc/s1600/mocha+shake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqmGWLb4NVRH_aTLXC9FPeoiVOZ7FvvKSwVaOs8hWOJF8uIeSiF5s5Kp3yDKIfBUePntWyNYf5mYse22EkyII6LOoRlOyPCYz0oUXTbjILPKAfFFKDQ9UZ9TgMhy-yYs-3LRs67Sxvwc/s1600/mocha+shake2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div>Come and party <a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/p/link-parties_11.html">HERE </a>!!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=fymoho-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B004P2OLB8&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>

Metabolism Boosting Mocha Smoothie

I'm not a breakfast person. I drink coffee, and truly consider the creamer in my coffee, my breakfast. That's bad. I know they say b...

4:08 AM

February Before and After!

<p>Wow wow WOW, you all linked up so many AWESOME projects at the Before and After Party <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/01/january-before-and-after.html">last month</a>. I was seriously so inspired. It’s time for another party today, but first we need to look back at a few of those projects! </p>  <p>Roeshel knocked this out. of. the. park. – her wood and pipe industrial pantry is just so GOOD: </p>  <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYmlXKLn5HrBk6X3DN4LoxJLOvfL6zpFJgKbsIazGiozJ77ElJ7LUCoGlePZ8_DICd4FedWx8M1qNpGnx4tunEkcy9oyZ9e4nRYQ3dLXAxeIafSHRB7K8gs9pfrJ2WEk3IpByTufdfpg/s1600-h/DIYShowOff-Pantry-Makeover.jpg"><img alt="wood and pipe shelving" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TZto_FEU1JXlWThRPZnFdzUGs-fi6BMVTMQzPzTJM8tMvO6GtsC9rTOZDWX1iY-FrN7Wm4oXcu3LERdzJ_0pAGsc8ivOOmoCmgt_xog7XHhnvIgZvYtE5bQeNGu6DLr4Zl77b3RbrOQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="wood and pipe shelving" width="500" /></a></p>  <p>I love the walls, the rug, the lights (!) and of course the shelving. Just fantastic. See more of the transformation <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/2014/01/03/pantry-organization/">here</a>. </p>  <p>I always have to share a kitchen redo, right? <a href="http://graceleecottage.blogspot.com/2014/01/our-newest-kitchen-addition.html">Leah’s kitchen</a> turned out so beautifully: </p>  <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A6uokRNRzKI/Uu-0uV6D1bI/AAAAAAAAk3o/LE2m-eVXwD0/s1600-h/new%252520range%252520hood%2525202.jpg"><img alt="painted cabinets" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l7KFy3wvx-Q/Uu-0vBy2rrI/AAAAAAAAk3w/OwrRzflLXSI/new%252520range%252520hood%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="painted cabinets" width="500" /></a> </p>  <p>And the changes were really fairly simple ones – paint and a backsplash are the biggies. Both of those made a <strong>big</strong> difference! </p>  <p>I’m pretty sure <a href="http://worthwhiledomicile.blogspot.com/2013/12/guest-room-reveal-omg-before.html">Tiffany’s guest room</a> is now the prettiest I’ve ever seen: </p>  <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3q0v5mzBqM8/Uu-0vyEbruI/AAAAAAAAk34/W_i_IU9WNug/s1600-h/DSC02365%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="light green bedroom" border="0" height="667" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uEFUXojBKiA/Uu-0wl7CayI/AAAAAAAAk4A/07n1SrfNUWo/DSC02365_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="light green bedroom" width="500" /></a></p>  <p>I love that she went bold with the graphic wall – it works so well with the other green touches throughout the room. Just lovely. I’d stay over any night! :) </p>  <p>I know this fireplace has been a <a href="http://evolutionofstyleblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/diy-stone-fireplace-reveal-for-real.html">thorn in Jenny’s side</a> and I’m so excited that she’s done and it turned out <em>so</em> well: </p>  <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lSVAzHSwIhA/Uu-0xp3OvhI/AAAAAAAAk4I/w0sJq9Hk1kc/s1600-h/DSC_3268%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="stacked stone fireplace" border="0" height="753" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5TlvjAGyrgE/Uu-0ytR88aI/AAAAAAAAk4Q/acn7gYsipeM/DSC_3268_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="stacked stone fireplace" width="500" /></a></p>  <p>She installed that stone by herself, I’m so impressed! It looks like it should have always been there, love it. </p>  <p>Talk about impressed – Michelle shares their DIY farmhouse table plans <a href="http://decorandthedog.net/decorandthedog/2013/11/12/how-to-build-a-farmhouse-table-diy-tutorial">here</a>: </p>  <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LQIgkmIx0rM/Uu-0zuOq8MI/AAAAAAAAk4Y/oosBbLyi54Y/s1600-h/Farmhouse%252520Table%252520Reveal.%252520Farmhouse%252520table%252520with%252520colorful%252520chairs%252521%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Farmhouse Table plans" border="0" height="365" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--mQdK7Jo9oM/Uu-00db0vAI/AAAAAAAAk4g/VF1aVVEA7Vg/Farmhouse%252520Table%252520Reveal.%252520Farmhouse%252520table%252520with%252520colorful%252520chairs%252521_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Farmhouse Table plans" width="550" /></a></p>  <p>Love the white (chunky!) legs and that tabletop. So well done. </p>  <p>Here’s another gorgeous table – Jacqui <a href="http://brookeeva.com/table-diy/">sanded down the top</a> of her old one to work with her new chairs and it all came together so beautifully: </p>  <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3Haa0VWQrd0/Uu-01GfGtnI/AAAAAAAAk4o/pprKi_RS9JA/s1600-h/BLOG-TABLE-DIY-FINAL2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="sanding down a table" border="0" height="736" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LwShRwYyvOk/Uu-014PkvhI/AAAAAAAAk4w/oMlHayNSeMY/BLOG-TABLE-DIY-FINAL2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="sanding down a table" width="500" /></a> </p>  <p>Love that natural wood, it’s hot right now and I don’t see it going anywhere soon. </p>  <p>Hayley made some simple changes in her bathroom that made a HUGE difference: </p>  <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-phE7QLGLa2U/Uu-02qAwt9I/AAAAAAAAk44/7xEuRcs5PMs/s1600-h/img_0124%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="simple bathroom updates" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GJ_2u8PHzS8/Uu-03dSvf-I/AAAAAAAAk5A/PIzggSly_gM/img_0124_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="simple bathroom updates" width="500" /></a></p>  <p>You have to check out <a href="http://allthingsnewinteriors.com/2013/12/30/makeover-monday-one-day-bathroom-reno-part-2-and-the-reveal/">the before</a> to see how far it’s come. </p>  <p>And finally, but certainly not least, Cheryl shared an absolutely gorgeous <a href="http://www.dwellbycheryl.com/2014/01/a-new-year-anniversary-and-reveal.html">room makeover</a>: </p>  <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GpWDgc7AbG4/Uu-04FGbKMI/AAAAAAAAk5I/aGWVw-NzhAs/s1600-h/20131221_14_37_46a%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="stone fireplace to ceiling" border="0" height="367" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O1Yuf5RditE/Uu-05DP8aGI/AAAAAAAAk5Q/NK3ge_D9Beo/20131221_14_37_46a_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="stone fireplace to ceiling" width="550" /></a></p>  <p>So many beautiful details, you have to go over to see it all. My favorites are the fireplace and the gorgeous dresser under the television. Love. </p>  <p>OK, beautiful, right? I’m in awe, as always! Now it’s time to see what you’ve been up to! If you’d like to be considered for next month’s round up, please link back or you can add this code to your post: </p>  <div style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px" align="center"><a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/beforeAndAfterButton_thumb1.gif"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7326" height="225" src="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/beforeAndAfterButton_thumb1.gif" title="beforeAndAfterButton_thumb[1]" width="146" /></a></div>  <pre style="border-bottom: #cccccc 1px solid; text-align: left; border-left: #cccccc 1px solid; padding-bottom: 10px; margin: auto; padding-left: 10px; width: 90%; padding-right: 10px; display: block; white-space: pre-wrap; background: #f0f0f0; height: 45px; color: #777777; font-size: 90%; overflow: auto; border-top: #cccccc 1px solid; border-right: #cccccc 1px solid; padding-top: 10px"><div align="center"><a href="http://www.thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/" title="TDC Before and After" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/beforeAndAfterButton_thumb1.gif" alt="TDC Before and After" style="border:none;" /></a></div></pre><br /><br /><p>Have fun! </p><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=368708"></script>

February Before and After!

Wow wow WOW, you all linked up so many AWESOME projects at the Before and After Party last month . I was seriously so inspired. It’s time fo...

7:25 AM

Glass Beads and Contact Paper

<div style="text-align: center;">Want something to do on a cold and blustery winter day?<br /><br />I mean, something <i>other </i>than cleaning. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I did too. Anything other than cleaning. Anything. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uWwBMPcWBjmAJ5fB1yMU0TOql6K3Yq4BGaRj-wUR5V35BuuwCqp6CykR4Zgs9fHqwD_thvtvdi0PWuey530AAaEN3I0dujps4IeEjuv01FtUrhpn4gt0go01jv5DNJYmJxz2PL19Fgk/s1600/pepple+vase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="upcycle vases, decorate glass vase, embellish vase" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uWwBMPcWBjmAJ5fB1yMU0TOql6K3Yq4BGaRj-wUR5V35BuuwCqp6CykR4Zgs9fHqwD_thvtvdi0PWuey530AAaEN3I0dujps4IeEjuv01FtUrhpn4gt0go01jv5DNJYmJxz2PL19Fgk/s1600/pepple+vase.jpg" title="" width="213" /></a></div><br /><br />1. Find a couple hurricane vases in dining room hutch (Or buy them at the Dollar Store)<br /><br />2. Discover some glass pebbles in hutch drawer (again, Dollar Store)<br /><br />3. Plug in the glue gun (from WalMart)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KrRt7CHIeBvOH6aai0RZh-2xKsQ7CZSZegiQNnCiDfIajUYxaEpDKSVcU2ogGxXBJ9dfjBEtp8zn3313tckXEu_SLIPax5Ly3QhZs0UiSTZOLcY4uiM8GCfaPyqy9u5Vr_6-XfiXfl4/s1600/supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KrRt7CHIeBvOH6aai0RZh-2xKsQ7CZSZegiQNnCiDfIajUYxaEpDKSVcU2ogGxXBJ9dfjBEtp8zn3313tckXEu_SLIPax5Ly3QhZs0UiSTZOLcY4uiM8GCfaPyqy9u5Vr_6-XfiXfl4/s1600/supplies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>4. Search Craft "wardrobe" and find Wood Grain Contact Paper (or buy at Walmart/Amazon)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9km4wfP3Rpfta9yidLLjA1JRw3Gtuc8Uc_0Gcq_QqVSs5u6uufRy0O2ROujBO0-Dwv9OxepE0eL-dBabReva3DExbWNywhr-hhEgrSIauOA19V4YoYnJQDnrXyp0dl1N9ei8DQRgkSM/s1600/vases+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9km4wfP3Rpfta9yidLLjA1JRw3Gtuc8Uc_0Gcq_QqVSs5u6uufRy0O2ROujBO0-Dwv9OxepE0eL-dBabReva3DExbWNywhr-hhEgrSIauOA19V4YoYnJQDnrXyp0dl1N9ei8DQRgkSM/s1600/vases+007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />5. Search house for ball of twine, you <i>KNOW </i>you saw somewhere... (Or buy at Home Depot)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibU07g6-OwLBoxvXOD_CVT5JXVdzuDjRcinXRp85gb1KQ2BQCD8SOguaOiMI9ixr6ZtXuclvYU-vUymj2HBee6KhTtZU4O4EkHpNf9rR1f9LJ2No-FzeeBHvmhc6EQtKfFsbHUSYtjZpI/s1600/contact+paper+vase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="embellish vase, contact paper DIY, DIY with contact paper" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibU07g6-OwLBoxvXOD_CVT5JXVdzuDjRcinXRp85gb1KQ2BQCD8SOguaOiMI9ixr6ZtXuclvYU-vUymj2HBee6KhTtZU4O4EkHpNf9rR1f9LJ2No-FzeeBHvmhc6EQtKfFsbHUSYtjZpI/s1600/contact+paper+vase.jpg" title="" width="172" /></a></div><br />6. Find twine one hour later in kids play room. Retrieve it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uWwBMPcWBjmAJ5fB1yMU0TOql6K3Yq4BGaRj-wUR5V35BuuwCqp6CykR4Zgs9fHqwD_thvtvdi0PWuey530AAaEN3I0dujps4IeEjuv01FtUrhpn4gt0go01jv5DNJYmJxz2PL19Fgk/s1600/pepple+vase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY with glass beads, glass bead ideas, glass beads" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uWwBMPcWBjmAJ5fB1yMU0TOql6K3Yq4BGaRj-wUR5V35BuuwCqp6CykR4Zgs9fHqwD_thvtvdi0PWuey530AAaEN3I0dujps4IeEjuv01FtUrhpn4gt0go01jv5DNJYmJxz2PL19Fgk/s1600/pepple+vase.jpg" title="" width="213" /></a></div><br />7. Use Contact Paper and twine to cover one vase.<br /><br />8. Use pebbles and twine to cover the other.<br /><br />9. Fill one vase with wooden spoons.<br /><br />10. Put a tea light in the other vase.<br /><br />11. Eat large piece of rhubarb pie as a reward for your efforts. (Pie from Wegman's)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ676UfOFwXriXZRTcq_Nvj6orylRFUOnTV_2SjazX5_uRRcxRD7Ywxl1ksbQE8W_Vs0ZVfAbrUfl6JGX6L_ruDGy20X8VtwTaS17WrO915mlg0k33OF8JC_OzeQXVvrEFK9V6I_bRiF0/s1600/vase+n+pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ676UfOFwXriXZRTcq_Nvj6orylRFUOnTV_2SjazX5_uRRcxRD7Ywxl1ksbQE8W_Vs0ZVfAbrUfl6JGX6L_ruDGy20X8VtwTaS17WrO915mlg0k33OF8JC_OzeQXVvrEFK9V6I_bRiF0/s1600/vase+n+pie.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">A perfect afternoon. That was much more fun than cleaning! </div><div style="text-align: center;">:-)<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>If you would like wood grain contact paper, check it out: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KKIR0A/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000KKIR0A&linkCode=as2&tag=fymoho-20">Ultra Honey Oak Adhesive Contact Paper</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=fymoho-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000KKIR0A" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>There are so many contact paper options available - like brick, wood, chalk, stained glass... I think it's my new obsession! </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">I am partying and linking up <a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/p/link-parties_11.html">HERE</a>! See you there! </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div></div>

Glass Beads and Contact Paper

Want something to do on a cold and blustery winter day? I mean, something other than cleaning. I did too. Anything other than cleaning. Any...

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