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April 22, 2012
Moved.
April 21, 2012
On third anniversaries.
So my husband hinted that he got me something silver for our wedding anniversary this year. Knowing that jewelry really isn’t our style, I was stumped. Luckily, I didn’t have to wait in suspense for too long, because in classic form he gave me the gift two days ahead of our anniversary. (We’ve never been much for self-restraint when it comes to giving presents.) I squealed in delight when I saw the magnificent silver waffle maker, which we quickly put to good use thanks to some Bisquick, fresh berries and whipped cream.
I know that technically the third wedding anniversary is supposed to be for leather gifts, but lazy mornings eating waffles with my man just seems so much better. I’m convinced it’s time to change the tradition and make third anniversaries for gifting waffles rather than leather. Just food for thought…
April 16, 2012
DIY: Conversation Hangers
I love opening my coat closet and being greeted by these cheery little hangers. They are a simple project that can have a big impact and make thoughtful gifts for just about any occasion. I gave a few to family members for Christmas. They would also be an amazing housewarming gift.
Wanna make your own?
HERE’S THE HOW TO:
Stuff you’ll need:
Wooden hangers.
Alphabet stencil. (The letters need to be small enough to fit in the width of your hanger.)
Pencil.
Stencil paint.
Stencil brush.
Sealer.
Method:
1. Create phrases for your hangers. What could a hanger say to brighten your day as you hang up your coat? Here’s a few things I came up with:
Just a couple other ideas:
- Take Off Your Coat And Stay Awhile
- Hang Around, Will Ya?
- No Place Like Home
- Home Sweet Home
- His & Hers hangers - one for each of you!
- Personalize a hanger with someone’s name.
- A beautiful keepsake hanger for a bridal gown personalized with monogrammed initials and the couple’s wedding date.
2. Now that you’ve got your phrases, trace them onto the hangers in pencil to be sure the layout is how you like it.
3. Stencil time! Line up the stencil along your penciled in outline and dab on the paint. You only need a little bit of paint on the brush at a time and it is easiest to use a dabbing motion rather than brushstrokes to paint on the letters. Be careful not to smudge the paint before it dries.
4. Once the paint is dry, move the hangers outside and give them a good coat of the sealant. The spray sealant has an awful smell so I left the hangers outside for a while to allow the fumes to dissipate before bringing them inside.
So there you have it, your own conversation hangers, and what girl wouldn’t want to have a conversation with her closet?
Of course, if you’d like your neighbors to give you odd looks, you could hang them in a tree. Works every time.
If you do this project, please share! What clever things are your hangers saying?
April 14, 2012
Stop and eat the flowers.
Because sometimes flowers are just too pretty not to eat …
Simply lovely, no matter how you enjoy them. Of course, I prefer putting them in a vase over eating them, but to each his or her own. (Tanner, I won’t judge.)
Enjoy the weekend! Take the time to stop and eat smell some flowers. :)
April 8, 2012
DIY: Framed Corkboard
I’ve been looking for a stylish corkboard to hold all my notes, lists and reminders. In my search, I was having a difficult time finding one that didn’t remind me of an elementary school classroom. That’s when I decided to roll up my sleeves and create my own grown-up version. Best thing about the DIY version: it is completely custom and designed to match your style.
HERE’S THE HOW TO:
Stuff you’ll need:
A picture frame of your choice. (Look for deals. I got mine for 40% off at Michaels.)
A roll of cork large enough to cover the area of your frame.
Scissors.
Pen/pencil.
Glue.
Method:
1. Open the frame and remove the back and glass. Safely discard the glass. (Note: To state the obvious, the glass is very sharp and fragile so be careful. I know, you know, but being the clumsy dummy I am I managed to slice my hand pretty good in this step and have the scar to prove it. Yikes!)
2. Roll the cork out on a flat surface and place the back of the frame onto the cork as a template. Using a pen or pencil, trace the outline of the back of the frame onto the cork.
3. Cut the cork along the outline you drew, creating a piece of cork that will fit perfectly into your frame.
4. Glue the cork cutout to the back of the frame. In my experience, this step was easier said than done. The cork did not want to lie flat. I literally found myself in a wrestling match trying to keep the cork from curling. Once I finally wrangled it into position, I placed a few heavy books over it to hold it down as the glue dried for a day or so.
5. After the glue is dry, insert the back of the frame with the cork now firmly attached into the picture frame and close the frame’s prongs to hold it all in place.
Ta dah! Now you have your very own corkboard that is completely unique and suits your style. Time to push pin all your to-do lists, notes, pictures, etc. into the board. Being organized never looked so good. :)
April 6, 2012
The sincerest form of flattery.
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then The Civil Wars are paying Michael Jackson quite a tribute. I’m loving this cool, subdued version of Billie Jean.
(Found via Seychelles Blog)
April 1, 2012
Where the wildflowers are.
Right now there is a field of wildflowers in the backyard. I guess technically those blossoms are weeds, but they are far too pretty for me to see them as such. I don’t have the heart to let my husband mow them down quite yet, despite the fact that the lawn is quickly growing out of control. Sometimes I can barely see my two puppies above the towering height of the grass.
Eventually we’ll have to succumb to cutting the grass, but for now I’m enjoying my little flower garden. To some they may merely be weeds, but to me they are some kind of beautiful. And nothing beats fresh flowers for free. Thank you, Springtime, enjoy your stay.
Happy weekend!
March 16, 2012
Begin.
And here it is, my blog, a little nook to call my own in the vast web of the internet. It’s a place for me capture my inspirations, projects and life’s little adventures. Feel free to drop by as often as you’d like. I’d love the company.
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