52 Mantels

$75 Target Giveaway!

2013-05-17T08:53:00.000-05:00

Hi friends! I have a fun giveaway today! Who'd like a $75 Target shopping trip? Today's giveaway is in honor of my friend Kelley's 2nd blogiversary. Go check her out at The Grant Life. And, enter to win below...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Also, I've over at Lil' Luna today sharing a tutorial for a sweet, monogrammed bow holder. Go stopped by and say "hi"! :)

Happy Friday!

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Thursdays are YOUR Days!

2013-05-15T18:07:00.000-05:00

Happy party day, friends! I just love getting to see your creativity week after week. Thanks for sharing your talents with us!!

Today I've been stuck inside with a quarantined little girl. The diagnosis is "probably" chicken pox. Her friend has it, too....but they were both immunized. Strange, huh? Remember when we ALL got chicken pox? Now it's so rare, our pediatrician's nurse said she hadn't seen it in ages.

But, anyway, I digress. Forgive my rambles. I've been stuck inside all day, remember?? ;).

Let's just get onto the party, shall we?

This week on 52 Mantels:

Yesterday I shared a handful of INSPIRING features, all about home decor. Gah! You guys make me want to redecorate my entire house!

On Monday, I shared a tasty Bacon Onion Cheddar Burger recipe. Hint: the bacon and onion is INSIDE the meat. Delish!

And, on Friday I shared my simple tutorial for a Fabric Charm Necklace. So fun!

To see what I've been Pinning, Tweeting and Sharing, check out my Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook pages!

If you want to follow me in Instagram, click here.

And, what about you?? What have you been doing lately? Link up your recent projects so we can admire!

Rules/guidelines/niceties:

1) If you aren't following 52 Mantels, please do so!
(But, hey, even if you don't, you can still party with us. We're cool like that.)

2) This is a party, so mix and mingle. Please check out some of your fellow party-goers!

3) Grab my button and put it in your post, on your blog or just add a text link back to 52 Mantels!

4) Feel free to link up as many posts as you'd like

Inspiring Home Decor Ideas {Features!}

2013-05-14T14:06:00.001-05:00

Oh my goodness, I am adoring the inspiring home decor ideas featured today! Each of these projects were linked up last week at our link party and I've SO enjoyed looking at all the creative ideas.

West Elm Knock-off Art- Making Home Base

How To Install a Stone Patio- Design, Dining + Diapers

Dining Room Makeover- Dixie Delights

Playroom Makeover- Love Grows Wild

Stools in Shades of Mint- Nalle's House

Ikea Stool Makeover- Now at Home Mom

Styling with Antique Books- Number Fifty-Three

Thrift Store Plate Display- Our Southern Home

Vintage Metal Cart Makeover- Posed Perfection

Evolving Gallery Wall- Real Life Notes

Paper Dahlias- Simply Dream & Create

Spring-ifying the Living Room- The Happy Housie

DIY Farmhouse Headboard- The Turquoise Home

Yellow Vintage Chair- Twelve O Eight

Botanical Painted Coasters- Uncommon Design

Big Girl Bed Makeover- Woven Home

What do you think? Are you totally inspired like I am?

If you want to link up this week, our party is every Thursday (but, pssst...I open the links on Wednesday night for the early birds). Come link up and show off your creativity!

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

(The Very Best!) Bacon Onion Cheddar Burger Recipe

2013-05-13T14:50:00.001-05:00

Did you know that May is National Burger Month? Yep, it's true! So, in honor of the occasion, I'm teaming up with Tillamook Cheese and sharing my recipe for Grilled Bacon Onion Cheddar Burgers. So good!

My burger recipe calls for Sliced Medium Cheddar Cheese from Tillamook. And, I've even got a $1/off coupon for you to print! Click here, if interested (available until May 21st and redeemable for 1 month after printing).

Grilled Bacon Onion Cheddar Burgers

(printable recipe here)

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1/3 C finely chopped onions
1 T ranch dressing powder
1/4 t salt
4 slices of thick-cut bacon, cooked and diced
1 egg, beaten
4 slices of Tillamook Medium Cheddar Cheese
4 hamburger buns

Preheat grill to medium heat. Combine ground beef with the next 5 ingredients. Divide in 4 and form each section into a patty. Grill hamburger patties until desired doneness. During the last 1 minute of grilling, top each patty with a slice of cheese. Serve on hamburger buns with desired toppings.

Honestly, what makes these burgers so good is the bacon and onion being INSIDE the patty. Mmmm...delicious flavor, I promise!

We like to eat our burgers with gauc and my favorite Easy Blender Salsa.

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen us having some fun grillin' time on Saturday! A "grillabration", if you will. Isn't this the best time of year for outdoor fun?! :)

Are you a burger lover? What are your favorite burger ingredients?

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Custom Fabric Charm Necklace

2013-05-10T16:06:00.000-05:00

Anyone else lovin' charm necklaces right now? I've got several that I've been wearing a lot of lately. Know what else I have a lot of?? FABRIC! Guess what?! I've found a way to combine my favorite fabrics with my current favorite accessory. And, I'm sharing the tutorial today!

Fabric Charm Necklaces

Supplies:

Fabric scrap

Frame charm (found in the jewelry department of your local craft store)

Mod Podge "Dimensional Magic"

Glue Dots

Chain necklace (also from the craft store jewelry department)

Jump Ring (ahem, jewelry department)

1) Gather your supplies

2) Pick your favorite fabric, using the enclosed sticker as a template

(PS. I wasn't sure if the adhesive-backed stickers that came with my charm frames were sturdy enough to hold the fabric. SO...I ditched them for the reliable Mod Podge. If you use the stickers, let me know how it works!)

3) Trace around the sticker and cut your fabric to size

4) Use a glue dot to secure the fabric circle in place. Grab your Dimensional Magic.

5) Fill in the frame with the Dimensional Magic. Use a very gentle hand to avoid overflow!

Let your charm dry!

Before adding your charm to your necklace chain, you'll need to add a jump ring! Amy did a great tutorial on this several months ago when she shared her DIY Charm Necklace Tutorial. Go check it out, if you need a refresher on jump rings :).

These charms are so pretty all alone on a necklace. OR...you can add other fun charms. The jewelry aisle at your local craft store is FULL of fun charms!

I like to mix and match my charms, personally. Sometimes I wear the fabric charm with an "e" charm from Anthropologie. Sometimes I pair it with my favorite Texas-shaped charm (representing!) and sometimes I add a silver heart. I love options! :)

Happy Friday, friends! Have a great Mother's Day weekend!

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Thursdays are YOUR Days + MirrorMate Giveaway

2013-05-08T18:30:00.000-05:00

Before we party today, I wanted to share a fun giveaway with you from MirrorMate. If you haven't heard of MirrorMate, I'm excited to introduce you. It's such an neat concept and an affordable way to update a dated bathroom mirror!

MirrorMate Before & After Bathroom Update

Anyone have an bland, unframed bathroom mirror? Our house had them, but they were updated by the previous owners (whew!). There are lots of complicated and pricey solutions to updating your frameless mirrors, but luckily MirrorMate is neither complicated NOR pricey!

With MirrorMate, all you have to do is: Measure your mirror, choose a frame from their website and assemble it when it arrives! The frame comes with detailed instructions and the supplies to assemble it.

20 minutes + drying time is all it takes! Awesome, right?!

Updated Bathroom Mirror with MirrorMate

A framed mirror really adds a completed look to the bathroom, don't you think?

How'd you like to win $150 toward your own MirrorMate?? Typical frames cost $109-$198, depending on the size and molding, so this is a great prize!

To enter, use the rafflecopter below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This week on 52 Mantels:

Yesterday I shared some fun, handmade Mother's Day gift ideas (features from last week!)

And, last Friday I shared Easy Blender Salsa (two ways!).

Rules/guidelines/niceties:

1) If you aren't following 52 Mantels, please do so!
(But, hey, even if you don't, you can still party with us. We're cool like that.)

2) This is a party, so mix and mingle. Please check out some of your fellow party-goers!

3) Grab my button and put it in your post, on your blog or just add a text link back to 52 Mantels!

4) Feel free to link up as many posts as you'd like

Handmade Mother's Day Gift Ideas!

2013-05-07T11:46:00.000-05:00

Did you know that Mother's Day is LESS than a week away?! If you want to DIY a gift for your momma, here are 16 handmade gift ideas to get you started! Aren't handmade gifts the best? I think so!

PS. Each of this ideas were linked up at last week's link party!

Chicken Wire Frame- Becoming Martha

Anthro Knock-off Beaded Push Pins- Curiosita Ellya

Lavender Bath Salts- Home Hearted

Citrus Foot Soak- Homespun With Love

Lemon Sugar Scrub- Krysta Steen

Personalized Stationary- Lizzie Jane Baby

Picture Frame Pin Cushion- Love Grows Wild

DIY Brag Book- Nalle's House

DIY Bracelets- Sometimes Homemade

Heart Thumbprint Necklace- That's What Che Said

Tea Bag Wrappers- The DIY Dreamer

Vinyl Plant Labels- The Crafty Scientist

Inspirational Sign- Two Yellow Birds Decor

Mother's Day Projects @ 52 Mantels:

Mother's Day Printable

Silhouette Project

DIY Charm Necklace from One Artsy Mama

So, will this be a handmade Mother's Day for you??

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Easy Blender Salsa {2 ways!}

2013-05-03T07:56:00.000-05:00

Happy (almost!) Cinco de Mayo! Any big fiesta plans? I'll be celebrating my birthday (AKA Quatro de Mayo) with the hubs and I'll definitely be eating some salsa. Namely, THIS easy-peasy, made in a blender, salsa. And, because I like options, I'll be eating it 2 ways: regular and chipotle style. Delicious!

The regular version of this recipe only has 8 ingredients and it's easy to throw together. Every ingredient gets tossed in blender and, minutes later, salsa is born. The chipotle version only adds one ingredients (ahem, a chipotle pepper) and changes the flavor to a hot, smoky salsa. Equally yum.

This recipe is adapted from my father-in-law. His is a 7 ingredient salsa...but, I can't remember which ingredient he ignores. Lime? Onion? Salt? I really don't remember! His is good, but mine is better (ha! I kid).

Easy Blender Salsa- Two Ways

(printable recipe here)

1- 10 oz can of Rotel-style tomatoes

1- 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes

1 lime

1/2 medium onion

4-8 pickled jalapeños (to taste- this determines your heat level), plus 1 T. jalapeño juice

1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro

Garlic powder to taste (start with 1/2 T and add more, if needed)

Salt to taste (start with 1/2 T and add more, if needed)

**for Chipolte flavor, add two, whole chipotles from a can (see picture below)

Grab your blender and add onion, jalapeños and jalapeño juice. Blend until finely chopped. Add cilantro, the juice from one lime, salt and garlic powder. Blend. Add rotel and tomatoes. PULSE blender just enough to combine ingredients.

Mmmmm. Basic, delicious salsa. So good!

If you're happy with one variation of salsa, you can stop here. This batch makes enough to fill about 1 quart sized jar.

If you'd like CHIPOTLE salsa OR TWO types of salsa, keep reading...

For chipotle salsa, add 2 chipotle peppers (from the can below, or from a similar can) to the blender and blend until combine. Done!

If you want two types of salsa (maybe for a party!), pour half of the original salsa into a pint-sized jar. With the remaining blender salsa, add ONE chipotle pepper and blend until combine. Pour into another pint-sized jar to store.

WARNING: The chipotle pepper(s) add some significant heat. If you don't love hot salsa, decrease (or remove completely) the jalapeños and/or swap the rotel for another can of regular, diced tomatoes. The beauty of this recipe is that it's totally tailorable to your own salsa tastes.

CONFESSION: The chipotle pepper doesn't really change the color of the original salsa. But, when I serve these salsas at a party, I like for them to look different so people know they're...well, different. Solution? I add a few drops of blue food coloring to the blender at the very end. I feel like the smoky, chipotle salsa needs to be a smokier color. Makes sense, right?? :)

There you have it...Easy Blender Salsa, Two Ways: Chipotle and Regular.

Grab some chips and get to dippin'.

Happy Cinco de Mayo weekend!

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Thursdays are YOUR Days + Third Day Naturals Giveaway

2013-05-01T18:30:00.000-05:00

Before we start today's link party, I've got a special giveaway for you from Third Day Naturals!

Several weeks ago, I shared the above picture on Instagram and hinted at the wonderful happy mail I'd received from Third Day Naturals. Since then, I have thoroughly enjoyed using these products!! First of all, let me tell you that each item smells heavenly and fresh. With names like Citrus Sunshine, Triple Mint Mocha and Peppermint Tea, how can they not?!

I love that the products are made from high quality and NATURAL ingredients. Because, well, I hate putting chemicals on my daughter's skin (and, really, mine too).

The soaps are all great and it's hard to pick a favorite. But, if I had to, I'd say it's between Multi-tasking Rosemary and Lavender Oatmeal. I also love the lotion bar. It's so handy to have and works great!

Don't forget that Mother's Day is just around the corner! Right now, they've got some great deals going on where you can pair items and save. Go check out their awesome Mother's Day bundles!

How would YOU like to give Third Day Naturals a try?! Well, you're in luck because they're giving away a set of goodies worth $28.80!

The winner will get to choose their favorite scents in the following items:
-2 Soaps
-1 Sugar Scrub
-1 Pocket Lotion
-2 Lip Balms

To enter, use the rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This week on 52 Mantels:

On Friday, I shared a fun tutorial for a succulent planter ~ On Monday, I told you about a fun, new way to snack ~ And, on Monday, I also talked about my front porch wish list!

And, yesterday I shared a handful of features from last week's party...all about decorating with color!

Rules/guidelines/niceties:

1) If you aren't following 52 Mantels, please do so!
(But, hey, even if you don't, you can still party with us. We're cool like that.)

2) This is a party, so mix and mingle. Please check out some of your fellow party-goers!

3) Grab my button and put it in your post, on your blog or just add a text link back to 52 Mantels!

4) Feel free to link up as many posts as you'd like

Colorful Home Ideas!

2013-04-30T12:16:00.000-05:00

Anyone else love colorful home decor?! I am a sucker for pretty hues! I can totally see why some people gravitate towards the calming nature of all white schemes, but it's just not for me. I need color...and, lots of it! That's why I am totally digging these colorful home projects!

Each of these posts were linked up last week at our weekly link party!

Corner House Blog ~ Sweet Baby Girl, Nursery Reveal

Craftiments ~ Paper Doily Decoupaged Bottles

Number Fifty-Three ~ Antique Peacock Dresser

Our Southern Home ~ Southern Screen Porch Tour

The Happy Housie ~ Colorful Bedroom on a Budget

The Turquoise House ~ How to Install Board and Batten

Chase the Star ~ Terra Cotta Pot Tower

Twigg Studios ~ Crepe Paper Anemones

Wait 'Til Your Father Gets Home ~ Picnic Style Place Mats

The Winthrop Chronicles ~ Thrift Store Chandelier Makeover

A Cultivated Nest ~ Spring Decorating Changes

And, don't forget my colorful succulent planter from last week!

52 Mantels ~ Decoupaged Succulent Planter

What's your favorite color to use in your home decor??

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Front Porch Swing {my wish list!}

2013-04-29T23:03:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Flood® Wood Care. All opinions are 100% mine.

With the delightful Spring weather we've been having in Texas, the hubs and I have been tackling a few outdoor projects. One of the next items on our to-do list is new front porch furniture. I'd really love a pretty porch swing...and, I'd love it even more if we could DIY-it. Not sure a complete bulld is in the books, but maybe we can buy something unfinished and stain it?! Or, restore an old beauty? So many routes we could take!

Isn't starting the hardest part of ANY project?! It is for me, at least. That's why I love the Staining Made Simple guide! It's helps take some of the guesswork out of staining projects. Using their simple guide, you can get all the information you need to start (and finish!) your staining project. Love that!

Wouldn't this swing be pretty in a dark stain?

And, this swing is so inviting...I'd love to hang there with a good book :)

The great thing about Flood® Wood Care is that the products are so easy to use and the Staining Made Simple guide makes it totally easy to get started.

After I found my perfect unfinished front porch swing, I used the Staining Made Simple guide to determine exactly what products (and how much!) I'd need to easily finish it with Flood® Wood Care.

By answering a series of simple questions, I was given the two products I needed for my project. It even told me where to purchase the Flood® Wood Care! Perfectly easy.

Right now you can enter to win a $1,500 gift card for your own staining and backyard projects! Plus, you could win a $10 gift card instantly. Flood® Wood Care is giving away 12 $10 gift cards every, single day!! It's all part of the Flood Better Backyard Sweepstakes.

The sweepstakes ends May 17, 2013, so you'd better hurry!

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.) 18 years and older. Ends 5/17/2013. To enter and for Official Rules, including odds, and prize descriptions, visit their Facebook page. Void where prohibited. This Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. You understand that you are providing your information to Sponsor and not to Facebook.

Calling all snackers!

2013-04-29T14:18:00.000-05:00

Are you always on the hunt for tasty, healthy snacks for your family?? I certainly am! It seems like I buy lots of snacks that don't quite pass the toddler taste test (roasted quinoa seaweed chips, I'm looking at you *cough*). That's why I LOVE LOVE LOVE the idea of Goodie's Co Taster's Box! For $7/month, you get a box full of 5-8 snacks to sample. With the sampler box, you get to sample a wide variety of treats, without the waste. Brilliant, right?!

I love that Goodies Co has figured out a way to let us "Try it before you buy (lots of) it"!

The images in this post are samples of some past Goodie Co. Taster's Boxes. Looks delish, right?

Are you interested in a monthly snack box?? Well, I've got the hook-up for you today! Typically, there's a waitlist, but if you use the code BLOGVIP, you can skip the line. Sweet! Click here to sign up for a box of your own.

And, Goodies Co. does care about your opinion! So, after you try your snacks, be sure to go back to the Goodies website and give a review of your box. By doing this you will earn points to redeem for rewards and free Taster's Boxes. Woohoo to free stuff!

And, just for fun, I had to (re)share this Instagram picture of my daughter from last year. Why? Because she's the cutest little snacker I ever did see! :)

**This post is sponsored by Goodies Co and I was financially compensated for my participation in the above campaign. The opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Decoupaged Fabric Box {and Succulent Planter!}

2013-04-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Have you ever decoupaged with fabric? It's awesome because we all know fabric comes in ENDLESSLY cute options! Anyone else a fabric hoarder? Listen, there's no shame here. This is our safe place.

I picked up an unfinished wooden box at the Target dollar spot (ahem, it was $3...what the heck, Targ??) and knew it had potential. Enter this fabric-covered succulent planter box! (that's a mouth-full, I know).

Decoupaged Fabric Box

Supplies:

Unfinished Box

Fabric

Scissors

Mod podge (I like matte finish)

Pen

Paint brush

1) Gather supplies

2) Use box as a template to cut fabric to size (overlapping end by 1/2") and mark with a pen.

**tip: use the selvage side for the top of your box to eliminate fraying!

3) Cut along line

4) Generously paint Mod Podge on one side

5) Place fabric on top of Mod Podge (using the top and bottom as a guide). Repeat with all 4 sides

6) Generously paint Mod Podge on top of all four sides of the fabric box

As you can see in the photos, I did not pre-paint my wooden box. If you don't love unfinished edges, paint them (and let them dry!) prior to attaching your fabric!

Did you notice I didn't drill a drain hole in my planter box? Why? Well...because, I'm lazy.

And, I may want to fill my box with something else later on down the road.

And, I never put my succulents in draining containers, anyway (as you may remember from my Easter table).

And, it always works out fine for me.

BUT...if you're a plant guru and this is freaking you out, by all means, drill a drain hole or two.

(But, whatever you do, don't send me hate mail. Hate mail makes me cry. Let me state for the record, I have nothing against drain holes) ;)

So, there you have it. My undraining, succulent planter! Pretty, don't you think?

What are you going to decoupage this weekend? I'm dying to know! :)

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Thursdays are YOUR Days!

2013-04-24T18:49:00.000-05:00

I had a fun time at SNAP! Conference this past weekend! If you follow me in Instagram, you may have seen some of pictures from our festivities. It was awesome to learn some bloggy things and some crafty things...but, it was even MORE fun to hang out with my fellow creative bloggers!

Top Row: 1) I love the new line of patterned tape by Scotch!! I can't wait to do some crafting with it 2) Slumber Party picture with (clockwise): me, Crystal, Holly, Nat, Jaime, Kelly, Jamie and Rachel

Middle Row: 1) Rachel, Sarah and me 2) Me and Holly at the Lowe's one hour challenge 3) My groups' Lowe's challenge prize (most surprising design for our chicken coop!)

Third row (center picture): Me and Kelly Rowe

Bottom row: 1) Meredith and me 2) Kelli and me 3) The Red Barn at Thanksgiving Point

Those are only a FEW fun friends I got to hang with at SNAP! It really was a great time :)

This week on 52 Mantels:

On Monday, I shared 15 Sweet Treats (perfect for Mother's Day),

which were all linked up last week at our link party!

And, on Friday, I shared a fun giveaway opportunity with you!

And, hey, there's still a few days left to enter.

Rules/guidelines/niceties:

1) If you aren't following 52 Mantels, please do so!
(But, hey, even if you don't, you can still party with us. We're cool like that.)

2) This is a party, so mix and mingle. Please check out some of your fellow party-goers!

3) Grab my button and put it in your post, on your blog or just add a text link back to 52 Mantels!

4) Feel free to link up as many posts as you'd like

15 Dessert Ideas for Mother's Days

2013-04-22T09:09:00.000-05:00

Did you know that Mother's Day is coming up? Yep, it's true! Today I've gathered 15 sweet treats because, let's face it, moms deserve to be baked FOR every once in awhile. Right?

Each of these ideas were linked up last week at our weekly link party.

Dairy Free Chocolate Cake- Amy's Confectionery Adventures

Chewy Nut Squares- Crafting in the Rain

Gluten Free Oatmeal Celebration Cookies- Homespun with Love

Chocolate Coconut Milk Mousse- Made From Pinterest

Banana Nut Oatmeal Cookies- Made to be Momma

Glazed Lemon Pecan Bread- Posed Perfection

Sandwich Cake Cookies- SimpleJoys

Orange Creamsicle Smoothie- Sweet Pea Pod

Lemon Rice Krispie Treats- Twelve O Eight

Homemade Ice Cream Cones

Homemade Coconut Syrup- Will Cook for Smiles

Toffee Brownie Bark- Your Homebased Mom

Apple Crumb Pie- The Wilderness Wife

And a couple Sweet Treats from 52 Mantels...

Baked Hershey Kisses

Banana Cookie Bars & Nutella Buttercream Icing

Happy Baking!

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

$300 Target Gift Card Giveaway!

2013-04-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

Step 1: Pin the above image.

Step 2: Follow all the bloggers below on Pinterest.

Step 3: Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter form below. Follow these awesome blogs on Facebook or Twitter also for additional entries!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursdays are YOUR Days!

2013-04-17T18:00:00.000-05:00

Before we get this party started, I have to say I'm SO sorry to abandon you last week! I was sick and totally forgot about our party. The day just slipped right past me!! But, I'm with it this week, and it's good thing because I leave in the morning for SNAP! Conference in lovely Utah. Who's with me??

This week on 52 Mantels (and last week, too):

Clockwise, from left: a free Springy printable ~ My new, Sunny Spring Mantel ~ Spring Decor Ideas (party features!) ~ Details from my trip to Italy!

And, PSSST...don't forget to enter to win one of TWO awesome prizes, including a $100 Anthropologie gift card!

Rules/guidelines/niceties:

1) If you aren't following 52 Mantels, please do so!
(But, hey, even if you don't, you can still party with us. We're cool like that.)

2) This is a party, so mix and mingle. Please check out some of your fellow party-goers!

3) Grab my button and put it in your post, on your blog or just add a text link back to 52 Mantels!

4) Feel free to link up as many posts as you'd like

12 Fresh Spring Decor Ideas!

2013-04-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

I've got a handful of delightfully cheerful Spring decor ideas for you today! Why? Because, Spring is in the air! It was 90 degrees in my neck of the woods yesterday. Ahhhh...I love the sunshine!

Each of these lovely things were linked up at our weekly link party, Thursdays are YOUR Days. Join us this week for loads of inspiring ideas!

**To pin a picture, click the accompanying link and pin from it's original destination!! :)

Alderberry Hill: A Touch of Spring

Be Made Designs: Flowers in a Tool Box

Decorated Chaos: Spring Mantel

Meeha Meeha: Spring Storage

Little Brags: Guest Room with Old Door

The Winthrop Chronicles: Spring Touches

Zu Haus at Home: Paper Doilies and Tulips

The Thinking Closet: Fabric Spring Wreath

The Winthrop Chronicles: Yellow Spring Wreath

This Girl's Life: Free {Hope} Printable

And, here are a couple Spring ideas from 52 Mantels....

52 Mantels: Free {New Day} Printable

52 Mantels: Spring Mantel

I sure hope you're enjoying Springtime in your neck of the woods!

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Sunny Spring Mantel!

2013-04-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday, friends! How about a little Mantel Monday today, for old times' sake?? I've got my Spring mantel up (buh-bye Easter mantel!) and it's awfully sunny because I'm in a sunny-kinda mood this week.

The major inspiration for this mantel came from a pretty Anthropologie tea towel, which was a gift from a sweet friend! Aren't the flowers fun and fresh?!

Other deets: the demijohn is the same one I revealed last week (for those who asked last week, a demijohn is used for wine-- I got this one in Italy).

The "you are my sunshine" art is part of series hanging on my wall (the other two frames say "you make me happy" and "when skies are gray", of course).

I filled in with white vases and accessories. You can't go wrong with white milk glass (you can quote me on that). ;-)

That just about sums things up. Happy Mantel Monday!

PS. You may have noticed my absence in the latter part of last week. I was dealing with some yucky health issues and I 1) totally forgot about our weekly link party and so I 2) just gave up on my other blogging plans for the week. Friends, sometimes you just gotta know when to fold 'em. Am I right?!

Happy week!

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

HUGE Giveaway Package! {Anthropologie, Jo Totes....and, more!}

2013-04-10T00:02:00.002-05:00

So, I happen to think that Texas is a pretty darn special place to live, breathe, and blog. And it just so happens that some other fantastically awesome Texas bloggers agree. The other thing we agree on is that we have the best readers anywhere, which is why we’ve all teamed up to say a big ‘ol Texas-sized THANKS, Y’ALL, with the ultimate Spring Giveaway!

Check it out!

I count myself blessed to be included among these lovely hostesses who hail from all over the great state of Texas

Your hostesses are:

Emily from 52 Mantels

Aimee from It's Overflowing

Kristen from Capturing Joy

Abbie from Five days…5 ways

Samantha from Crafty Texas Girls

Holly from Holly Mathis Interiors

Lisa from The Pennington Point

Kelley from The Grant Life

Lindsay from Makely School for Girls

Jamie from C.R.A.F.T.

……………………………………………………

And, boy howdy, have we got some incredible prizes for you!

They come in two packages:

GRAND PRIZE

A $100 gift card to Anthropologie:

{WHY, oh why, can’t I enter this giveaway???}

$100 to Lisa Leonard Designs

$100 shop credit to Jo Totes

$80 shop credit to Evy’s Tree

$75 shop credit to The Pleated Poppy

3 beautiful headbands from Samantha Conner Designs (Samantha just so happens to be one of our lovely hostesses as well!)

Y’ALL (we like to say that in Texas), that’s over $500 of amazing-sauce handmade jewelry and accessories, bags, clothes, AND 100 smackeroos to spend on whatever you please at Anthro.

(Why, OH WHYYYYYYY, can’t I enter this giveaway??? Oh, did I already say that?)

RUNNER-UP PRIZE

Our “runner-up” prize is equally as tantalizing and includes:

This adorbs “Nest” pillow cover from Dear Lillie

This fantastic custom-monogrammed burlap table runner from Shop 24 (Lisa is also a hostess!).

These two great books on photography from Kristen Duke (yet another wonderful hostess!)

And, last, but certainly not least, a mini-consult with Holly Mathis Interiors (also a hostess), which provides you with her decorating expertise via 3 emails and 3 pictures of one space.

So, there you have it, folks—a rock-your-socks-off AWESOME giveaway that will allow two lucky winners to spruce their wardrobes and their homes.

Enter Below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY RULES:

No purchase necessary. To enter, participants must use the Rafflecopter form above. This giveaway is in no way affiliated, administered or endorsed by Facebook. The giveaway closes on April 19th, 11 PM CST. The winners will be chosen via Random.org and will be notified by email on 4/21/13 and will need to respond within 48 hours to claim their prizes or other winners will be chosen. Winner must be 18 years of age or older and a US resident in order to win. Prizes are valued at approximately $700. Winners are responsible for paying any necessary taxes on winnings.

Feel free to grab a button and spread the love!

A New Day, A New Free Printable {hello, Spring!}

2013-04-08T07:30:00.000-05:00

Ahhhh, Spring. Don't you love it?? I sure do! In the Fall, I say ahhh, Fall, my favorite time of year. And, then Spring comes along and I say ahhh, Spring, my favorite time of year. I'm very fickle, as it were.

Today, to celebrate Spring, I've got a very Spring-feeling free printable for you. Have you heard the song 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman? It's a beautiful song and I love the lyric I chose for this printable. It's a great reminder to sing God's praises with every new day, isn't it?

To print, right click and save to your computer. OR, open it in this google doc and print.

HANDY TIP: Did you know that you can send documents to FedEx/Kinkos through the cloud and print them from their self-serve printers?? True statement! Simply open this google doc, hit "print" and when given the option, choose "Print to FedEx Office". After which you'll be given an 8 digit number to enter into the printer at FedEx/Kinkos. SO SO simple! It cost $0.59 at my Kinkos. And, if you're out of white cardstock, you can purchase a sheet from them for around $0.25. Easy, peasy!

I added this printable to a Springy vignette in my entryway. Don't you love my green demijohn?? It's an Italy souvenir from my sister-in-law. She got it at an antique store in Vicenza and then gifted it to me :). Yay!!

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Italy! {Recap and Slideshow}

2013-04-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

Well, friends, after promising you a peek at my Italy photos for weeks and weeks, I'm finally following through. Seriously, vacation photos are such a task. Every time I'd open my picasa album and see the 3000 pictures, I'd quickly close the laptop and walk away. Such a daunting endeavor!! But, I got motivated this week when a friend sent me a vimeo clip from her friend's Italy vacation (thanks, Jen!). Looking at those clips was just the push I needed to get my booty in gear! Man, Italy sure is a beautiful place and I've enjoyed revisiting those memories this week!

Did I mention the 3000 photos?? How could I narrow that down to a manageable blog post? Well, the answer is, I couldn't. Instead, I made a slideshow of my favorites. You'll find the video at the end of this post.

As you may have gathered from my instagram photos, I traveled to Italy with my hubby. But, part of our vacation was also spent with my sweet sister-in-law. She and my brother are stationed in Vicenza, Italy. Unfortunately, my brother didn't return from Afghanistan in time...but, he's back in Italy now! He returned about 5 days after we left for home. Barely missing him was a total bummer, but we're all so relieved that he's home safely from Afghanistan!

If you want to see a whole lot more Italy photos, check out my YouTube slideshow below. You can expect to see copious pictures of: bicycles, doors, windows, silly faces, Rick Steve's books, my hubby carrying all my ~~crap~~ stuff. And, alleyways. Lots of alleyways.

(yep, that pretty much sums it up.)

Happy Friday!

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Thursdays are YOUR Days!

2013-04-03T17:47:00.000-05:00

Happy link party day, friends! I'm SO excited to see what you've been up to this week. I just love Spring and can't wait to get inspired by your Springy creativity :)

Speaking of creativity...anyone going to SNAP! Conference this month? Let me know, if so...I'd LOVE to meet you!

This week on 52 Mantels:

On Friday, I shared my easy tutorial for turning Kid's Art into Place Cards

And, on Monday I shared a recipe for Breakfast Sausage Pie (hint: super easy!)

Rules/guidelines/niceties:

1) If you aren't following 52 Mantels, please do so!
(But, hey, even if you don't, you can still party with us. We're cool like that.)

2) This is a party, so mix and mingle. Please check out some of your fellow party-goers!

3) Grab my button and put it in your post, on your blog or just add a text link back to 52 Mantels!

4) Feel free to link up as many posts as you'd like

Breakfast Sausage Pie

2013-04-01T17:02:00.000-05:00

Anyone else love a good, hot breakfast? I go to my local MOPS (moms of preschoolers) group and everyone is asked to bring a breakfast dish once each semester. With 100-ish moms, it works out to a hot breakfast buffet at every meeting. Yum! This semester, I took Breakfast Sausage Pie, a recipe from a friend, and it was delish. So simple, too. Want the recipe??

Breakfast Sausage Pie

(printable recipe here)
1 lb breakfast sausage
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 small can of chopped green chilies, drained
1 box of refrigerated, roll-out pie crust (two crusts total)
1 egg white

Brown breakfast sausage in a skillet and drain excess fat. Mix cream cheese and chilies into warm sausage until it's completely incorporated. On a round pizza pan (I used my pizza stone from Pampered Chef), roll out one pie crust. Brush the top with egg white. Place meat mixture on the bottom crust. Unroll the second pie crust and place it on the meat mixture. Pinch the edges to seal the pie. Brush egg white on the surface of the top crust. Bake in a 400 degree, preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until pie is golden brown. Cut into 12 pieces and serve warm.

Need a visual? It goes: pie crust, filling, pie crust, pinch edges and bake. Super easy!

Do YOU have a favorite, go-to breakfast dish for special occasions? I'd love to see it! I'll need ideas for next semester's MOPS meetings :)

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Kid's Art = Easter Place Cards

2013-03-29T05:30:00.000-05:00

Have you planned your Easter tablescape yet? This year, I decided to incorporate some of my daughter's sweet artwork on the table. She loves finger painting (and I love Crayola's mess free color wonder system!) and has filled countless papers with her designs! I think she has a knack, don't you? :)

To add a special, personalized touch to our Easter table, I turned her masterpieces into egg-shaped place cards...and, I love how they turned out!

Kid's Art Into Easter Place Cards

Supplies:

kid's artwork
scissors
glue stick
heavy cardstock in two coordinating colors
small alphabet stamps and ink pad (I've got several stamp sets, all purchased at Target dollar spot, Michaels or Walmart)

Wanna do this with your kiddos artwork? It's super simple!

1) Let your little artist do their stuff 2) Cut an egg shape template from a section of the artwork. I just freehanded the first one and then used it as a template for the remaining eggs. 3) Using a glue-stick, glue each egg to a piece of heavy cardstock in a coordinating color. 4) Take a strip of an alternate colored cardstock and glue it to the middle of your egg (let it overlap the sides a bit) 5) Personalize the centers of each egg with tiny alphabet stamps 6) Finally, cut around the egg, removing the excess card stock.

That's it! Now you can display each egg in your favorite place card holder or simply place the egg on each plate. So simple and such a sweet touch!

I like how each egg is different!

To complete my tablescape, I placed some pretty succulents (which I can still use after Easter!) in a pretty bowl and then added kraft paper "grass" and faux speckled eggs around my succulent bowl. Seriously, how easy is that?!

Anyone else loving succulents right now? Best part...my not-so-green thumb might have a shot at keeping these pretties alive :)

Happy Friday!!