Coordinately Yours, by Julie Blanner | Entertaining & Design Blog that Celebrates Life

Bacon Jam Recipe & Ideas for Use

2013-05-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Love bacon? Then this jam's for you! Spread on a toasted baguette, add it to a grilled cheese, toss with pasta & sauce, add it to a burger, swap it for bacon on a BLT, stuff chicken breasts with it, add it to eggs or potatoes. However you use it, you'll love it!

1 lb bacon, cooked
1 1/2 onions, diced
1 tbsp garlic
1/3 c cider vinegar
1/3 c brown sugar
1/4 c maple syrup
2/3 c coffee, brewed

Using a tablespoon of bacon grease, sauté onions and garlic on medium about 6 minutes. Add vinegar, brown sugar, syrup and coffee. Bring to a boil. Stir well and allow to boil 2 minutes. Stir in finely chopped bacon.

Transfer to a crock pot and cook uncovered on high for 4 hours. Mixture should be syrupy. Serve as is or for a true jam, transfer to a food processor. Allow to cool and refrigerate. Store in an airtight container up to 4 weeks.

And now, for the best grilled cheese recipe...

Bacon & Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

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

In continuation of bacon week, today's recipe is the totally popable bacon and cream cheese stuffed mushroom. These hors d'oeuvres are a year round favorite.

mushrooms

1/2 lb/package bacon, cooked & cut into bits

2 tsp minced garlic

1/2 c onion, minced

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 c grated parmesan

salt & pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Add chopped onion to saucepan with a Tbsp bacon grease or olive oil and cook on medium for 5 minutes while removing and chopping stems of mushrooms. Add chopped mushroom stems to saucepan with garlic and cook 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese and stir well. Add parmesan, salt and pepper. Stuff mushrooms with mixture and place in baking dish. Bake 20 minutes.

Wondering what I'm up to with all this bacon yet? {wheatphoto.com}

Bacon Cheddar Cheese Dip Recipe

2013-05-16T07:36:00.002-05:00

This week's recipes are all about bacon. This is another quick and easy appetizer that I love to make. Enjoy!

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

2 cups sour cream

1/2 package bacon, cooked and cut

1 c green onion, chopped

2 cups shredded cheddar

Combine, and bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes. Stir and serve with veggies, crackers, baguette or potato chips.

{Wheat Photography}

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

2013-05-15T10:38:00.002-05:00

I hope you like bacon. Scratch that, LOVE bacon, because I have several favorite bacon recipes coming. This recipe is a staple. It's one of those passed down from your mom simple cocktail party recipes. It's great for game day or man day. More to come on the latter.

bacon

brown sugar

cocktail weenies

toothpicks

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9x13 cake pan.

Cut bacon into thirds. Wrap each weenie with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.

Place tight in cake pan and generously coat with brown sugar. Bake for 15 minutes. Using a spoon, take the grease, brown sugar mixture from the bottom of the pan and distribute on top of weenies. Bake another 15 minutes.

Enjoy!

{Wheat Photography}

Dessert Pizza Recipe

2013-05-14T10:18:00.003-05:00

Last week I shared my pizza on the grill recipe. No dinner is complete without dessert, right? That's where this delish recipe comes in. On the grill or in the oven, it's sweet and easy. I call it Peaches and Cream Pizza.

pizza dough ball

1/2 c brown sugar

1/2 tsp cinnamon

3 Tbsp butter, melted

drained peaches or pie filling

In the oven:

Preheat to 425 degrees.

Roll out dough.

Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, drained peaches or peach pie filling and top.

Bake 12-15 minutes.

On the grill: follow my on the grill instructions, substituting butter for olive oil.

Add icing:
1 Tbsp butter, melted
1/4 c milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 c powdered sugar

Mix well and top pizza. This also works great with apple!

Enjoy!

Our Summer Bucket List

2013-05-14T09:54:00.000-05:00

Adalyn can't stop talking about all of the things she wants to do this summer. I find that if I have a list, we're more likely to accomplish them, as summers always seem to quickly escape us. I'm looking forward to our adventures! I considered some of the things we did last year and was inspired by some of the ideas The Happy Family Movement shared. Go ahead, sign up for their Summer Bucket List Challenge and have yourself some fun too! You'll find all sorts of family inspiration on their blog.

S'mores on patio

Zoo

Wildlife center

Sporting KC game

Williams-Grant Park {pirate ship playground}
Parade of Fountains

Leawood pool

Deanna Rose

Shatto Farms

Kaleidescope

Shawnee Mission Park

Treasure hunt
Paddle boating
PJ day

Ice cream from ice cream man

Picnic at the park

TBones game

Royals game

Walk to dinner

Walk to the donut shop

Spa day at home

Weekend in St. Louis
Library for story time

Click here for more ideas of things to do with your children this summer. What's on your summer bucket list? I'm also considering creating a bucket list for date nights!

A Popsicle Party & a Giveaway

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

Last weekend the sun was shining and we spent the majority of it outside with neighbors watching the children play. It sparked an impromptu popsicle party. I love entertaining and living at the end of a cul-de-sac offers me plenty of opportunities to do so! More often than not, my parties are thrown together in minutes, however, that doesn't mean they can't be beautiful {and the talk of the neighborhood}.

Last week Edy's provided me with some Outshine bars and I have been looking for an opportunity to share them and was anxious to try them myself. They are a quick, simple and a refreshing snack that I can serve to my kids and their friends and feel good about and indulge in myself without any guilt.

To serve popsicles with ease, just fill a bowl with ice and nestle the popsicles in. I created a little sign {and included the free printable below} and adhered it to a popsicle stick with double stick tape in just minutes.

Click the image below to save or print!

Who doesn't love strawberry?

I served an array of flavors including mango, coconut water with pineapple, strawberry and lemon. The mango and lemon are truly irresistible! They have 24 flavors to make your day a little brighter and more delicious. I can't wait until the seasonal peach arrives in stores!

Lemons brighten any day and just scream spring and summer to me. After a long winter, this favorite was so refreshing.

We had a great weekend just celebrating the simple things in life...

and this little girl's smile is what makes it all worth while.

Which Outshine flavor would you like to try? Let me know in comments below for your chance to win a $100 Visa gift card {sweepstakes ends June 12, 2013}! For more flavors and nutritional information, check out Outshine on Facebook.

I was provided with complimentary Edy's Outshine bars. All ideas, opinions and designs are my own.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: "#SweepstakesEntry"; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 5/8/13 – 6/12/13.

Be sure to visit the OUTSHINE brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

Grilled Appetizer

2013-05-06T11:46:00.003-05:00

The best thing about grilling dinner to me is that I can enjoy my guests on the patio while cooking. Unless I prepare something ahead of time, I'll usually make each course on the grill, including one of my favorite appetizers - grilled cheese with preserves. This "recipe" works well with brie or fresh mozzarella.

Soak a cedar plank {found at the grocery or hardware store} in water for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours. {This will keep it from burning}

Preheat your grill to medium high.

Place your cheese on the plank and add preserves. Honey or nuts also works well!

Don't be shy. Load them on there!

Grill 10 minutes with lid closed or until it appears to almost burst at the sides.

Serve with crackers and enjoy!

Don't miss my pizza on the grill recipe!

Pizza on the Grill

2013-05-05T23:22:00.002-05:00

As summer approaches, I cook the majority of our dinners on the grill. Not only do I enjoy spending the extra time outside watching the girls play, but sometimes, grilling is just better. An oven is no comparison to the grill when it comes to preparing restaurant quality pizza. It gives the crust an unbelievable texture. It's also quick and easy to prepare.

To grill pizza, roll out refrigerated store bought dough or dough from your favorite pizza place. Preheat grill to medium high heat. Baste one side of dough with olive oil. Place that side down and allow to cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbling. Baste the top of the crust and flip and allow to bubble.

Add ingredients, close the lid and reduce heat to medium low. Continue to cook about 8 minutes, or until toppings are melted. For this pizza, I added 3 oz goat cheese, 1 onion, caramelized, salt and pepper.

Other grilled favorites of mine are:
marghertita-1 jar pesto, fresh mozzarella & 2 roma tomatoes sliced thin {shown above left}
sundried tomato-fresh mozzarella, sundried tomatoes and fresh basil

Click here for my easy grilled cheese appetizer recipe. You don't want to miss it!

Dining Room

2013-05-02T15:10:00.001-05:00

My love for entertaining requires a dining room that can easily change and adapt. That's why I designed a very neutral dining room. It is the perfect backdrop for any occasion. I have mixed formal elements, like this existing chandelier...

with non-traditional pieces like this antique dresser that has been passed down at least 4 generations {but I believe 5} in our family. It's a great piece for occasional storage of linens, place card holders, and games.

While I eventually plan to include my mother's {previously grandmother's} dining room table, for now, the room hosts my harvest table. The table expands to accommodate additional guests using the chairs from our living room.

Simple artwork in brass frames can be changed with each season or event that I host.

The brass bar cart is another adaptable element in the room. It is mobile and works well as a beverage or dessert bar.

Brass curtain rods keep the room traditional along with sheer belgian linen curtains that puddle for a more formal flair, but allows natural light. Also included in the room is my Great Grandmother's piano, which often doubles as a serving buffet.

Click here for a full home tour.

Our Patio Makeover

2013-04-30T08:53:00.002-05:00

Makeovers don't have to be expensive to be notable. Sometimes it's the simplest things that can improve the look of your home. When we moved into our house, we focused our time and money on the interior. I really missed spending time on our patio last summer and decided not to let this year escape me. After all, a patio is an extension of your home. I want ours to be a place where we can dine, entertain, enjoy a glass of wine and watch the girls play.

The biggest transformation can be in removal.

We removed a wood swing and patio set that didn't fit our style, the space, and were rarely used, along with a bird bath. With a fresh start {and great Craigslist earnings}, we could get a fresh start.

A little cleaning can go a long way.

We powerwashed our patio. Honestly, I didn't know what the color truly was until we did! It made a significant difference and gave us a fresh base to work with. The exterior of our home had numerous cable cords and irrigation lines that weren't in use strung everywhere. We removed those, providing a clean streamlined look. Visit my inspiration post for more before photos.

Changing lighting alone can give a fresh look.

The dated light fixtures were next to go. Post lanterns are not my favorite for a patio, but without a lot of effort, electrical work, etc, I knew we had to work with them. We removed the post lantern lights along with the top half of the pole to make them fit in a little better. Can you believe that I found new post lantern mount for just $9.99 on sale?

I found this gooseneck galvanized light for $24.99. Hundreds less than I've seen them elsewhere. It gives the patio a little laid back cottage charm.

I added a few colorful, low maintenance flowers in the previously unused window boxes and along the edge of the patio as well as some clematis to cover the railings.

Around the patio, we used ground cover. It's so effortless and I love the little blooms.

This ground cover is a relative of the strawberry plant!

And along the patio wall, a few maintenance free begonias.

I liked the shape and brass undertones of this fire pit.

Don't you love the galvanized temperature gage on the left? Another great find at Lowe's for $17!

The eucalyptus bench and chairs are a renewable resource and will only look better with time. I'm anxious for them to turn a silvery grey!

What I love about mini makeovers is that they don't require a lot of time, money or energy. This was completed in just a few hours, but it's made a significant impact!

You can find additional inspiration on the Lowe's Creative Ideas Blog and the complimentary Lowe's Creative Ideas Magazine! I'm honored to be a part of Lowe's Creative Ideas Creators and Influencers Network and have been compensated for my work. All ideas, opinions and designs are my own. Thank you to Lowe's for challenging me to do a mini-makeover. It was just the motivation I needed!

Tour of Our Home

2013-04-29T11:38:00.000-05:00

In the Fall of 2011, we purchased an East Coast Colonial home in a suburb of Kansas City. Since then, we have had two more beautiful girls, shared numerous DIY projects and done a lot of renovations. It's a work in progress, but I love to call it home. Follow the links for more details and DIY instructions and details for each space.

Foyer & Stairs

Kitchen {in progress}

Hearth Room {coming soon}

Office {coming soon}

Laundry Room

Mudroom

Adalyn's Toddler Girl Room

Aniston's Nursery

The Girls' Bathroom

Our Master Bedroom

Linen Closet

The Guest Bedroom

The Guest Bathroom

The Patio

I hope you enjoyed a glimpse into our home!

Adalyn's Pink and Cream Bedroom

2013-04-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

One of the first rooms we did when we moved into our home was Adalyn's, because we wanted to make her feel at home. We also wanted her to have a room she was excited about after moving from the nursery. This room included a lot of easy DIY projects, so be sure to follow the links for more details!

We started by removing the wallpaper, painting the walls in Zurich White {Sherwin Williams}, painting the trim bright white, new carpet and replacing the vents. Then it was time to furnish it! Here's the before of the bed as well as the original bedroom:

I transformed this old green bed that the homeowners so graciously left us, by removing the dated canopy and painting it a soft cream. To match the scallop design of the bed, I found this dresser on Craigslist, also painted in a soft cream, retaining the original hardware.

I loved that these two pieces, along with a jewelry box gifted to her at birth, had the same design.

This room was originally intended for Ani to join her. At this time, I decided they would have entirely too much fun and with a baby on the way, I'm just not ready yet! Someday... For now, a crib with coordinating bedding awaits.

For decor, I added heirloom frames from my grandmother's. Originally olive green, they were painted white and hung over the crib.

I pinned Adalyn's cashmere sweater that was worn from 9-16 months into a shadowbox. It's just so precious, I wanted to savor it.

In liu of a mirror above her dresser, I created a pin board to hang momentos. It has also been spotted at their birthday party and in a New Year's Eve photo shoot. I love pieces that serve multiple functions! Adalyn's hand and footprint and photos of my mom are included on the board.

In effort to keep everything organized, I found this collapsable basket, also in osnaburg, to store stuffed animals. Click here for more tips on organizing.

For the windows, I used a basic white wooden rod and added blackout drapes in petal pink. I love how heavy they are, and that they allow Adalyn to rest well during daylight hours. I also created a window seat for her to read in. She loves looking out to see if any friends are outside playing.

The adorable table and chair set was a must! The girls spend a lot of time there together playing or doing artwork. Below, in the images captured by Alea Lovely, they are enjoying Easter!

The bedding, also in petal pink, was a great Target find from Rachel Ashwell's Simply Shabby Chic line. It is almost identical to Restoration Hardware Baby&Child's, but at a fraction of the price. I plan to add a ruffled sham along with a pillow made of osnaburg for the rocking chair.

This next photo is very special to me. One of my mom's friends gave her this pink teddy bear when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, a battle she lost. Including heirlooms and sentimentals make a room feel warm and so much more special.

The room is complete with a dress up closet - every little girl's dream.

Sources:

jewelry box - Pottery Barn Kids

Finley table & farmhouse chairs - Pottery Barn Kids

bedding - Target

blackout curtains - RH Baby and Child

Birth Announcement and Gender Reveal

2013-04-24T14:59:00.000-05:00

It's a

girl!

Introducing Isla June

Please pardon the tired eyes and pajamas as I give you a peek into a very intimate moment in our lives. Above, big sisters Adalyn and Aniston coming in to meet Isla.

The girls just love her and we're feeling really blessed!

Thank you to Rachael Ruffin for capturing these precious moments!

Decorating with Tulips

2013-04-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Tulips tend to be plentiful this time of year and I love incorporating them with our home - inside and out. They're beautiful, delicate and tend to last nearly a week in a vase. Fresh flowers are the easiest decor for end tables. Below, I chose soft lilac colored tulips and removed about 50% of the leaves and displayed them in a bud vase.

Vases don't have to be traditional. I have an array of containers I like to use, including glass milk bottles, drink bottles {as shown below} and jars.

The elegance of a simple stem enhances any place setting. This tulip stem softened the beverage bar for a girls' night I hosted.

Again, anything is a vase! A vintage gold chalice created a beautiful display for the dining room.

The potted tulips below have graced my dining room table for weeks. I'll take my chances and plant them in the garden this weekend. If you have any bulbs around, go ahead and plant them. You never know what will happen!

Signature Cocktail | Champagne & Popsicles

2013-04-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Spring is upon us, which means so is the season of showers and celebrations. What better way to do it than with a little bubbly?

Champagne and popsicles are a beautiful and delicious way to celebrate. It's simple, unique and the popsicles keep the champagne chilled even in the heat.

Just place popsicles in wine glasses {stemless are great for outdoor entertaining as well} and pour chilled champagne!

As a non-alcoholic alternative, serve with sparkling lemonade or add some popsicles in an iced bowl to enjoy ala carte.

and my cup runneth over

White Wine Sauce

2013-04-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

I can't resist lightening up our meals once it warms up outside. While pasta is a staple in our house, my sauces change seasonally. This simple sauce is a favorite base for shrimp, scallops, chicken, mushrooms, veggies and other summer favorites. It's also fast and easy to prepare, making it a great weeknight dinner.

1 lb pasta {I make mine fresh, but refrigerated noodles are the next best option}

2 tsp minced garlic

1/4 c olive oil

5 Tbsp butter

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper {fresh ground}

1/2 c white wine

1/2 c parsley for garnishing

1/2 c fresh grated parmesan

In large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium. Add garlic, red pepper and sauté until golden {about a minute}. Add salt, pepper, wine and butter. Stir 2 minutes, remove from heat and toss with pasta. Garnish with parsley and generously add fresh parmesan.

Easy Bread Pudding

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

For years I've been making variations of my husband's favorite dessert, bread pudding. All good, but none stand up to this recipe - and it's easy! No water baths, no fuss.

1 loaf challah bread
2 Tbsp butter, melted
4 eggs
1 c milk
1 c heavy cream
3/4 c sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove the crust from your bread and cut into fingers. Place in dish {I used 8x12}. Drizzle butter over bread. Beat eggs. Add milk, heavy cream, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla and beat well. Cover bread in mixture, using a large spoon to push bread down so that it is well absorbed. Bake 45 minutes.

Sauce:
1 c brown sugar
1 stick butter
1/2 c heavy cream
2 Tbsp spiced rum
1 tsp cinnamon

In a small saucepan on medium, melt butter and brown sugar and stir until smooth. Reduce to low and add cream, rum, and cinnamon. Allow to simmer 5 minutes. Top bread pudding with the warm sauce or refrigerate for later use.

Serve warm and cover it in sauce!

Serves 10

Vodka Thyme Lemonade

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

This is not your traditional vodka thyme lemonade. In fact, it's far more simple in both how you make it and taste. I always try to make things that are beautiful, simple and delectable and this Spring | Summer cocktail is no exception.

sparkling lemonade
fresh thyme
1 shot vodka

Mix sparkling lemonade and a shot of vodka well and add 2 sprigs fresh thyme. Allow to set so thyme is infused. Add ice.

Served on my "new" bar cart

Spring has sprung! Enjoy!

Importance of Engagement Photos

2013-04-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

As a wedding coordinator, I've noticed that couples consider engagement photos as only something for fun, for save the dates or for a newspaper announcement. To me, they are so much more. They are a chance for your photographer to get to know you, how you photograph, and how you interact with one another. That's why I asked Josh Solar of Solar Photographers to share his thoughts on engagement photos and how they enhance wedding photos. I love their philosophy of "getting to know you."

People have to laugh with you before they'll cry with you. It's true. And, on a wedding day, as a bride you know you will be going through a whole range of emotions. You're going to be so over the top happy. You'll feel joy. You'll feel nervousness. You'll be belly laughing so hard with your family and friends you just might snort! You're also going to want pictures of that crazy range of emotions, which means you're going to want to be comfortable with your photographer…

And that brings me to engagement sessions. To me, they are one of the most important things I can do for a couple leading up to their wedding day. My job as a photographer is to tell a story. An honest story. There's so much more to your love story than what happens on your wedding day. Hanging out with you before your wedding day, getting to know you on a deeper level, laughing with you, catching all the little glimpses you send to each other, the way you two hold hands. All of it is unique and makes up your love language. Being able to capture all of THAT for you, forever, is important. You'll always treasure the love you shared before real life kicks in and you have kiddos, responsibilities and get old (not that getting old is bad, but love changes as you get older)…

Engagement sessions are a celebration of what's amazing in your life, a space for you two to connect and let your inner beauty shine. All of that happens before your wedding day so that ON your wedding day, the nervousness of having a camera in your face just isn't present. You'll be able to focus on what really matters…being present with your family and closest friends on (up to this point) the biggest day of your life...

Meet Ashley and Paul. Aren't they two of the cutest little lovebirds you ever did see? They love love LOVE to be outdoors exploring the world, so we chose an area full of wildflowers for their engagement session. Location is important. If you are a city couple, you don't want your pictures taken at a park, and vice versa, if you're an outdoors-y couple, the last thing you want is a brick wall of graffiti behind you. Your location should reflect your style, mean something to you, and be just as natural as the love you two share. You'll see that Ashley and Paul like to laugh and they love to snuggle. And Ashley is a creative, so she even made her own heart prop! All of the pictures you see of Ashley and Paul are natural, and fit nicely as an honest representation of their relationship…fun, playful, adventurous.

Next you'll see Ashley and Paul on their wedding day. Right away, they were relaxed, and let us in so we could do our job. I was so close to Paul I could literally touch his back in the image of Ashley crying during their first sight. Without an engagement session, we would still have to work through those comfortability barriers that exist naturally. You want to be able to cry with your husband and not worry about anything else except BEING YOU, you want to ENJOY your big day, and that only happens when you're 100% comfortable with your photographer. And that starts with the engagement session...

Did you have an engagement session?

Growing a Cutting Garden

2013-04-09T11:45:00.003-05:00

Have you ever dreamed of having fresh flowers at your fingertips? Flowers that can be cut from your backyard on a whim versus purchased at the florist or grocery store. I always have and while I've had some blooms, it's really been hit and miss depending on the season. This year I am creating a cutting garden that Spring, Summer and Fall I can enjoy daily blooms.
I've enlisted the help of local florist, Amy Cason, to see what she is planting in her garden. Because we live in the Midwest and our weather is ever changing, she recommended some easy to grow flowers including zinnias and cosmos. Zinnias are great in full sun. They are one of the easiest annuals to grow, they grow quickly, and best of all, they bloom heavily {Summer to Fall}, meaning plenty to cut from! They only require moderate soil moisture, which makes them a great choice for me! I'm horrible at watering on a daily basis! Cosmos also bloom Summer to Fall and are tolerant to heat and dry conditions.
Peonies, hydrangea and hostas are all great staples to include in your cutting garden that are best suited for shady areas. I love using the tiny blooms from hostas as accents in arrangements.

colorful zinnias

I also plan to include daylilies in my garden because they require little to no care at all and last for years, even multiplying. While daylilies will never be used by florists because of their short bloom time, they are great for personal arrangements at home and can last 2 days when cut and arranged immediately.

I'm really looking forward to planting dahlias this year. They can be a little fussier than the other flowers I mentioned, but I think they'll be worth the effort! Planted in late May, they will start blooming in mid-July and cease at first frost. They require regular fertilizing and deadheading {pinching/snipping dead blooms to encourage growth}.

Other flowers I'm considering are poppies and lily of the valley, just as Amy. What do you plan to include in your garden this year?

Brass Bar Cart

2013-04-05T14:58:00.000-05:00

Since last Spring, I have been obsessed with adding a brass bar cart to our home. I don't think my husband will ever understand it, but I feel bar carts are a classic and versatile piece. I envisioned using it as a "console table" and end table in our living room, and wheeling it into the dining room when hosting dinner. So, I began my search...

beautiful brass Beckett Bar Cart from Williams Sonoma

Cosmopolitan Bar Cart from Williams Sonoma {over $1,500 with tax and shipping}

Arteriors Brass Bar Cart

$600 "bargain" Bar Cart from Crate & Barrel

Best Buy Bar Cart from Ballard Designs for just $430

For a piece of furniture that my husband just doesn't comprehend, they were all too expensive. I began a Craigslist hunt, created a wanted post on Facebook, asked around if anyone had one, and visited antique shops. A year later, I received a text from friend and florist Erin Volante. She had discovered one on Craigslist and I was first in line to purchase it at just $200. I knew I could update it into the cart I had been dreaming of! Here's a before photo:

I knew the frame was something I could work with. So the DIY refinish began!

First, I spray painted the frame. I wanted a classic brass look.

I was going to change the casters, but after they proved to be difficult to get off, I spray painted them as well {which I would have to do to new casters to match the finish anyways} and saved myself $20!

Next, I replaced the antiqued mirror with traditional glass that I had custom cut. It was cut to be a better fit that the existing piece.

I'm so happy with the end result and at a total of just $220, so was my husband!

I love the handles!

I also love how the glass exposes our hardwood floors versus the original mirror. It balances the heavy frame.

I'm sure you'll be seeing this piece a lot in my future entertaining as it makes a great bar, dessert bar and more!

Nursery Decor {and we don't know if it's a girl or a boy!}

2013-04-04T12:03:00.001-05:00

We're just a few weeks away from Baby #3 and since we didn't find out the sex this time, and I don't want a gender neutral nursery, I'm planning and designing for both genders and will be ready to place my orders from the hospital bed!

This was inspiration for Aniston's nursery, that I clearly didn't use. It's the only inspiration that I still gravitate to. This is very gender neutral, but I envision bunting for a girl and framed maps and a globe for a boy.

I like how this bunting is used over the window {from Restoration Hardware Baby & Child}

I'm much more realistic when it comes to bedding the third time around. In lieu of the bedskirt {that only works when the crib is at a certain height}, bumper {which is used intermittently} and quilt {which isn't used until the age of 1}, I'm opting for an inexpensive, but beautiful cable knit stroller blanket that will be monogrammed. I'll pair it with Pottery Barn Kid's chamois fitted crib sheet - my favorite!

A braided basket will make a great accent and be a convenient place to keep stuffed animals or spare blankets.

If it's a boy, I may create a series of maps to frame. I used these frames from Pottery Barn Kids, in Aniston's room.

I've also been eying this rope mirror for a couple of years. I almost bought it for our guest bedroom, but it exceeded the total that we spent in the room!

If it's a girl, I can't resist this ruffled pillow accent from RH Baby and Child. Although nothing will compare to the pillow my friend Lori made Aniston!

Fortunately, I have great elements to start with - neutral carpet, cream walls, a white crib {from Adalyn} and a shabby chic white rocking chair. Until his/her arrival...

Patio Update

2013-04-03T12:30:00.000-05:00

As it starts warming up, I'm dreaming about spending a lot of time outside on our patio and entertaining. Our current patio is in really sad shape. It's very dated and just looks worn. Unfortunately, I don't have a huge budget to redo it and furnish it. I'll have to get creative! I start a lot of my projects with a little bit of inspiration and a layout. This one is no different! Doing this today has me anxious to get started.

Our concrete patio is a little unusual in shape, but I know with the right layout, this will work to our advantage.

We can be honest...this just isn't pretty.

So, where to start? Clean up! I removed the swing and sold it on Craigslist for $25. I also plan to sell our current patio set and the bird bath that the previous owners left behind. These funds will go toward the renovation. The storm door on the basement door will be removed as well as the miscellaneous exposed wires. Not a dime to be spent here!

Then I'm going to power wash the patio and give it a blank slate. If I'm not happy with the look, I plan to stain the concrete, which is a minimal investment of $50-100 and a little sweat.

Then it's time to furnish and style! I fell in love with this galvanized clock from Pottery Barn {left} that was no longer available and would have blown my budget. Then I found a galvanized thermometer {right} from Lowe's for just $18. Sold! I'll also be adding some flowers to the existing window planters.

This gooseneck galvanized light fixture fits in with my East Coast cottage theme and was only $25 from Lowe's! It will replace the light to the side of the door and add a lot of charm.

The old post lanterns are awkwardly placed, but are built into a railing that is almost impossible to replace. Fortunately, I found these post lantern replacements on sale for just $9.99 each! I didn't even realize that was a possibility!

With just $85 spent on cleanup and lighting and decor, I'll be ready to furnish it! Here is a little of my inspiration:

Simple and casual, just how I like our home to feel via House Beautiful

I envision large chairs with cushions for the fire pit {via Southern Living}

I love these DIY wine barrel end tables for the patio. It would connect our love for wine and the outdoors. {via Centsational Girl}. Now that our window planters are done, it's time to get started!

Click here to see the nearly complete mini patio makeover.

An Organized and Inspired Office

2013-04-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

Last month I challenged myself to organize every room of our home. My favorite so far has been my office! I spend a lot of time in my office running our family, my event planning business, blog and rental property, all from the same desk. That's why I like to keep it uncluttered and as relaxing as it can be. Often it's my mind that I need to organize here, so I wanted to create a space where I can become focused and inspired. To achieve this, I incorporated Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery Wall Manager {available exclusively at Staples, in both black and white}.

I was apprehensive at first about the installation, but it couldn't have been easier. In just 10 minutes I was organizing! The back of the boards are interchangeable, so you can easily switch boards as your needs change. The mounts have built in levels so it's not overwhelming for detailed people like me to get perfect, and adhesive holds the mounts while you nail them in!

Here's a during photo... mounts hung, with one board snapped in. Yes, it's that easy. All interchangeable pieces snap off and on!

I eliminated the stack of mail, papers and receipts on my desk with an inbox - you can only imagine how good that feels! Doing so gives me more workspace for all of my projects.

I always have a stack of stationary at my fingertips to write a quick note. The caddy was a perfect fit for my stationary and stamps and a coordinating pen is held on the shelf below for convenience.

I need my office to be a place of inspiration. I often have so many ideas floating around in my head that I wanted to include a few items that center me - like photos of my girls...

and favorite quotes...

They remind me to be thankful for every opportunity and to always be gracious.

In lieu of tacks, I used pushpins and washi tape, kept conveniently in a shelf cup.

I considered using the dry erase calendar, but as my busy season approaches, I prefer to take it one week at a time. I love that I can always change or add boards at any point with ease!

The best news? I finally found a safe place to keep the keys for our rental property! I just snapped in a hook below the shelf.

I'm already more excited to get back to work on Monday!

Isn't it pretty? It's a great fit for my office.

How and where would you use the Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery Wall Manager products?

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