Life on Walnut Street is moving to...

LOW CALORIE Cheesy Smash Potatoes!

2013-05-16T11:22:00.002-04:00

An amazing dish that also happens to be super-easy and will be perfect for all of your summer get togethers and b-b-q's! I may or may not have a sneaky-little secret with this recipe! (Hopefully you will forgive me once you see how yummy and healthy they are!) And in the end you can decide if you want to keep the little secret or share it with your party guests!

Best of all it will satisfy that "comfort food" craving without all the guilt!

Come get the full recipe over at The Linley House!

Office Re-design Reveal!

2013-05-11T17:12:00.001-04:00

Come on over to The Linley House

to see all the photos of my NEW office!

75 Calorie Chocolate Muffins!

2013-05-01T11:10:00.001-04:00

Come over to The Linley House and get the recipe for these sweet-treats.

Bonus, they are also Guilt-Free!

Click HERE for the recipe!

Nice Day for a Giveaway!

2013-04-17T09:23:00.002-04:00

It's Wednesday...are you in the mood for a giveaway?

I am super-stoked to be a part of an amazing giveaway to help celebrate one of my sweetest friends, Aleks, as she opens her handmade shop! I'm so excited for her (and actually I designed her NEW logo...) so I jumped at the chance to be involved in this giveaway celebration! There a some great prizes up for grabs that you are not going to want to miss!

You DO NOT want to miss this giveaway! Not only am I donating a $40 design credit to the winner BUT there are 5 other prizes up for grabs from some fabulous ladies! Want to know what they are...

Okay, here we go!

and then of course there is me...you guys know me!

Make sure to enter...and make sure to hop on over to Aleks' shop...(and tell her how much you love her logo! Ha!) Just kidding...but really go check out her stuff it is SUPER cute!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Skinny" Grilled Cheese

2013-04-12T08:44:00.001-04:00

Did you know that today is National Grilled Cheese Day?

Come on over to The Peanuts Gang blog where I am sharing this recipe!

Enjoy all the gooey-goodness of grilled cheese minus the guilt!

Guest Post and a FREE Giveaway!

2013-04-11T20:56:00.001-04:00

Today I am guest-posting over at Amanda Lynne Designs!

(and I am giving away a custom designed Spring Invitation Pac for FREE)

Come on over and check it out!

Healthy Enchiladas!

2013-04-10T20:38:00.002-04:00

Another great HEALTHY recipe today over at The LINLEY HOUSE

I can't tell you what a HUGE hit these were! (Honestly, they turned out even better then I thought they would!) and the portions are HUGE...for the 660 calorie investment you could eat 2 1/2 of these! (I could only eat 1 1/2 at dinner tonight! (Hubbs ate two and was full!)

Click HERE to get the recipe!

Spring Slim-Down - Healthy Potato Salad!

2013-04-09T22:41:00.000-04:00

NEW series over at The LINLEY HOUSE blog!

Sarah's Spring Slim-Down Recipe collection!

Today I showcased...

CLICK HERE for the recipe!

DIY: Cutting Board into a Custom Tablet Stand!

2013-04-08T17:15:00.002-04:00

Come on over to The Linley House today and see how

I turned an old cutting board into a custom Tablet Stand!

CLICK HERE

Holy Week and Foot-washing?

2013-03-27T13:04:00.003-04:00

Today I am talking about foot-washing over at The LINLEY HOUSE!

Have no idea what this means...come on over and check it out!

http://www.linleyhouse.com/2013/03/holy-week-and-footwashing.html

Your Questions Answered - New Post at LINLEY HOUSE

2013-03-19T10:45:00.000-04:00

I am answering fan questions over the Linley House blog today about painting old brass lights!

Come check it out...

Tips for RE-PURPOSING furniture!

2013-03-15T16:00:00.001-04:00

Hello and Happy Friday!

There is a NEW post today over at The LINLEY HOUSE blog where I am sharing all of my tips and tricks for basic furniture re-purposing!

CLICK HERE to come over and check it out !

(And, just a reminder that today is the last day that you can enter to WIN

some of my favorite goodies from Amish Country! CLICK HERE to enter!

An Amish Country Give-Away!

2013-03-12T11:46:00.001-04:00

To celebrate the launch of the NEW blog The LINLEY HOUSE we are running a give-away!

Today, I am excited to be able to give-away a few of my favorite products from the area!

The winner of this giveaway will receive:

A full size lotion bar (your choice of scent) from Sunnybrook Acres
(never heard of a lotion bar...I hadn't either, but trust me you are going to LOVE it!)

A "Dirty Boy" Bar from Amish Country Essentials
Ever heard of a guy named Mr. Mike Rowe...from the TV show "Dirty Jobs"?
YEP! This is what he uses!

A hand-poured candle from Lamp & Light Candle (Your choice of color and scent)
Local Amish Candle shop...and my personal favorite!
I have not bought a candle anywhere else in six years!

A set of 3 greeting cards from Abby Art
Beautiful cards with a beautiful mission! For every card sold she donates money to Haiti missions!

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Exciting NEWS and a NEW site!

2013-03-07T20:01:00.000-05:00

Hello all my lovely friends and followers!

Well, we have decided here on Walnut Street to bite-the-bullet and make the move to a new name and NEW webpage!

It's still going to be the same-old-me over at LINLEY HOUSE so I hope that you will all make the jump with with me! (and help me spread the word!)

If you are already a fan on facebook you should soon notice the change happen there, too!

Catch ya on the flip side!

CLICK HERE to visit the NEW site!

We are MOVING!

2013-03-06T14:01:00.004-05:00

Okay friends! If you are also a fan of Life on Walnut Street on facebook then you night have noticed some BIG changes that happened this morning on the FB page!

That's right...here on Walnut Street we are making a move and headed over to the LINLEY HOUSE!

(for those of you who are wondering...this is a digital/cyber "move" only...hubbs and I do still live on Walnut Street!)

I am super excited for this change and I hope that you are too!

Here is a little background! {{if you care}}

I started blogging almost 2 years ago as a way to keep connected with friends and family and I NEVER thought that I would have more than a dozen people who were interested in reading what I posted! Beacause this blog was started as a hobby I didn't put a huge amount of thought into the name/brand. I live on Walnut Street and I was posting about my life so it seemed a fitting title for a blog, right!? It was. (for awhile)

I have been thinking about a name change for some time now. As I move into the future and look to take on other projects (including growing my graphic design business) the idea of re-branding has shifted from just a simple thought to an actual necessity!

Here is what I have learned so far...there is never a "good time" to do something like this! I am well aware that I run the risk of some of you not making the move with me! (and that bums me out...but waiting any longer will, in the end, make things ever harder!)

So, Today's The Day!

And I do hope that you will all be able to join me over at The LINLEY HOUSE!

The new blog is NOW LIVE and you can come visit by

CLICKING HERE

And, as I mentioned above we have NEW FB page as well! Skip on over and "like" there, too!

Hope to see you there!

Missing in Action

2013-02-20T16:14:00.000-05:00

Wow...it feel like I have been gone from here forever...truth is that there are just some times in your life when the day-to-day catches you off guard and something's gotta give! That's what I have been experiencing her on Walnut Street for the past couple of months.

Some of you may know...but most do not that I gave my notice at my nine-to-five job in December. I agreed to sat on with the company where I am currently employed until mid-February. Well...mid-February has now turned into the end of February and officially my last day will be next Thursday the 28th.

(This week and next I am training the gal who will replace me so it's been pretty hectic!) I have been with the company for 6 years (ever since I made the move from FL to Ohio) and it's just A LOT to cover in the limited time that we have...so (I would totally appreciate your prayers!)

Other then that...things are fairly quiet here on Walnut Street! I am hopelessly waiting for spring to make its arrival here in Ohio! (My Florida bones can't take much more winter!) Seriously, all you people who live further North then I do...I have no idea how you stand it!

I'm also SUPER excited to head to Denver next week to meet up with some AMAZING girlfriends for a min-ladies retreat in the mountains! (which also might have a little something to do with how hard it seems it has been to get through this last week (and next week) at work because I am little bit like a kid right before summer vacation begins!

I'd love to hear about what is going on with all of you! I am SO behind on reading most of the blogs that I follow...but am hoping we can all catch up soon!

Blessings!

Speaking Engagement! (Skyview Ranch) March 16th

2013-02-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends! I have been invited to speak at a local ladies event this March!

It is a spring brunch that is to be held out at Skyview Ranch just outside Millersburg!

(a very special place for me because it happens to be where Hubbs and I got married!)

The theme for the morning will be "Branded in Christ"

I'm very much looking forward to being able to share and would love it if you would remember me in your prayers as I a plan and prepare for this opportunity!

Any locals interested in attending can contact the church office at Berlin Mennonite at 330-893-2320 or visit their facebook page!

The Big 30 Love Challenge!

2013-02-01T09:57:00.000-05:00

Think about what the next 30 days could do for your relationships if you were committed and intentional about telling the people in your life you love THAT you love them...and why!

Today is the first day of February and I'm visiting my friends today over at Amanda Lynne Designs where I am teaming up with Amanda herself to launch a really fun project to celebrate Valentine's Day and the month of February!

Happy Friday!
So...here is the deal!

Using the printables that you will find over at Amanda Lynne Designs, beginning today, the challenge is to write a "love note" every day for the next 30 days! If you and your spouse both commit to do this then you will need to print out 6 copies of the "love note" printable!

By the end of the challenge you will each have 30 mini "loves notes" from your sweetie!

For more information...to get the FREE printable and button make sure to hop over to Amanda's Blog! Come see what we are up too, commit to joining us in the challenge, and share it with YOUR friends and followers!!

Think about what the next 30 days could do for your relationships if you were committed and intentional about telling the people in your life you love THAT you love them...and why!

See you there!

Spring Fever!

2013-01-28T11:30:00.004-05:00

It's safe to say that I officially have a case of spring fever here on Walnut Street. (I know it's early...but I could just not help myself) Yes, I got out my spring decor this weekend! Blame it on the grey-grey Ohio skies that seem to stretch on forever but this Florida girl can only take so much before I need some cheery color to lift my spirits! Come take a look at what I came up with! (Plus a few easy tips you can do at home, too!)

Some of you may notice that I am using the birds nest specimen art that I created this time last year above the fire-place again...(but with a slight modification!) This year I did paint the frame a nice spring-blue! I love this piece...and I love it even more now with the fresh coat of paint on the frame!

Next up, the coffee table. It's pretty simple, just some greens that I had left in my stash from last summer and of course my trusty little birch cylinders that I made awhile back. I'm a huge fan of using "natural" elements in your home and this is a great example of how the right pieces can be used over and over in your home throughout the seasons with only slight modifications!

Check out all of the places/projects where I have used these birch cylinders since I made them over a year and a half ago!

Here is another mix of thrifted and recycled objects that I re-assembled to create a totally new look!

I picked up the bucket last fall because I wanted to use it on my winter porch and pile it full of my "Magic Snowballs" - Now that I am onto spring it is a perfect twist on an Easter basket!

The numbered eggs are just paper-mache, a little paint and some burlap! (And again some recycled greenery from last year.)

These little white birds (I have three total) are another great example of objects that I use season after season...obviously they are great for spring and summer but since they are white (and glittery) I always set them out through-out the winter, too!)

This might be my favorite NEW part of the living room this spring! (and it is so EASY) - I found this little ladder at our local antique store for only 12 bucks! Using it as a magazine stand adds an extra pop of color in the room and keeps my magazines out in the open (where I might actually remember to grab one and flip through it!)

The tulip display on the mantle is nothing more then tulip stems (that I have had for YEARS) and an old drawer that I picked up (again at the local antique store)

BUT - this Spring Topiary is where I want to spend the most time with you today!

Most of you who are long-time readers know that there is little that I love more when it come to a craft projects then when it's a FREE craft project! (And that is just what this was...)

All of the elements that I needed to create these cute little topiaries I already had in my craft supplies (leftover from other projects) or reclaimed from last year's decor.

I don't know about you but I get a little tired of having the same decor up year after year (even if I do change it out for the seasons) but who has the moo-lah to up and change everything each year? Not me, I know that! That's why I love to "shop" in my own pile of supplies and try to think of ways to re-make things with out having to buy new!

Here is a rundown of all that I used

and where I "stole" it from!

2 styrofoam balls - left over from the above mentioned "Magic Snowball" project this past winter

5 lime-green hydrangea stems - Used last year in a centerpiece for my summer dining table

A handful of succulent stems and pieces that were left from a Summer Floral project last year

A wooden dowel, cut in half (found in the garage...not sure what this was left from)

Brown craft paint - I already had on hand

6 pieces of long greenery (to wrap around the dowel - stolen from the recently assembled "Easter Basket on the hearth)

Bits and pieces of floral foam (I always save my scraps)

Burlap scraps

My thrift store white chalices that I use for EVERYTHING (Seriously, other than the birch cylinders these get just about the most re-used of anything I own!)

You will also need

Hot-glue gun

Floral Stem Snips

Craft Knife

Scissors

I hope that you enjoyed this little sneak-peak of spring here at my house!

I also have a super-cute Valentines Day project that I will share on Wednesday so I hope to see you back here in few days!

AND...before you go!

CLICK HERE

Hey, yo! Irish Girls!

2013-01-23T22:00:00.002-05:00

Just a little humor to get you through this Wednesday!

(Hehehe)

Custom Valentines Day Printable just $10.00

2013-01-17T11:02:00.001-05:00

Hello Lovelies!

I am super excited to share with you a super-cute Valentines Day Printable!

I know that it it seems early, BUT Valentines Day is only a few weeks away at this point...wouldn't this cute print be a perfect framed on your mantle or as an addition to your gallery wall!

You can have this print customized with your own names for just $10.00.

I will add the name of you and your love and send you the PDF or JPEG for you to have printed!

I'll invoice you through paypal. You can just an e-mail with your paypal email address and the names that you would like...sarahlyoder(at)gmail.com (or leave a comment on this post with your info!)

Easy Re-purposed DIY Cansters!

2013-01-07T16:40:00.002-05:00

If you have been reading my blog for any length of time then you know that one of my passions happens to be the art of re-purposing! Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not a huge environmentalist, but I do love the idea of saving something from going into the garbage can! There is something beautiful about taking something that is trash and making it beautiful. Today I have an easy project that I know ALL of you will be able to tackle no matter what your level of craftiness! And, I can almost guarantee that you already have most of the supplies at home! (And the ones that you don't are really cheap to pick up!)

Check out these adorable DIY canisters made from glass jars!

Okay, here is what you will need:

Jars - nice big ones...I used a 3 sizes...even 3 styles!

I love the "mix and match" style

Knobs

Spray paint to match your knob choice

Drill and screws

Are you ready for this? I'm telling you, you'll be surprised how easy this is!

Wash your jars and soak the labels off. Let them dry really well.

In the mean time you are going to want to drill a hole smack in the middle of each of the lids. (The metal is really thin...it won't take much, just make sure that the size of the whole that you drill is large enough to fit your screws through.

This next part is the most "difficult" part of the project. You'll need to track down shorter screws then the ones that come with the knobs because they allow extra length to be used in cabinets but your jar lids are super thin so you won't need the extra length. If this seems confusing just ask for help at the hardware store they will be able to help you find shorter ones to use.

After you drill your holes you will want to paint your lids!

I did mine in silver (But I am going to admit that I will most likely end up making more and using some oil-rubbed bronze spray paint that I have on the shelf...

Once everything is good and dry just screw the knows on to the lids and Tah-Dah! You're Done!

See...I told you it was easy!

Until next time...

Magnetic Chalkboard Project

2013-01-06T21:05:00.001-05:00

Okay, now that the Holidays are officially over I can honestly say that I am ready for spring! (Yeah, yeah...O know it's only the first week of January, but this Florida girl can dream, right?) So, how about a quick re-cap? I feel like I have been MIA the last couple of weeks! Christmas was great! Lot's of friends and family! Hubbs and I were lazy the last couple of weeks since we both had a couple of four-day weekends (which NEVER happens) - New Year's in the Yoder house was not particularly exciting...and now we seem to be flying through January! I was hit with some kind of disgusting, evil, no-good stomach bug last week and was down for the count Thursday, Friday and Saturday so the project that I want to show you today is actually one that I did last week! And...wait for it! (YES, it happens to be a chalk-board craft)

Most of the Christmas presents that we gave this year were handmade and I had some supplies left over one of which was about half a can of chalk-board spray paint! Now I know that there are a lot of chalk board projects out there that involve painting right onto your interior walls...although it might look like it, THAT IS NOT WHAT I DID HERE...and I'll tell you why!

1. let's face it... you can really beat the ease of use on a can of spray paint! It dries quick and you don't get any crazy brush strokes!

2. I had weird feelings about painting right onto the sheet rock/drywall mostly because it is pretty soft (ie: it can be dented and damaged without too much impact) I just couldn't reconcile the idea that the impact of writing on the wall would really be great idea long term!

3. In the back of my mind I also kind of wanted something that was magnetic. We have stainless appliances (not magnetic!)

Now, I know what you are thinking! There are "magnetic" paints and primers! Why not just use that...? Who knows, maybe I am wrong and they work great BUT from what I read you need A LOT of coats in order for it to really be magnetic. (And this brings us back to the half a can of pain that I already had and wanted to use up!)

This is what I settled on: Sheet metal from the hardware store!

Yep! You can buy pre-cut sizes of sheet metal at your local hardware store! (And I happened to already have one in the garage that I bought for another project and never used!

You'll pay roughly $10.00 for a 24 by 36 piece which is what I used!

Here is a run-down of the supplies that you will need!

A piece of sheet-metal

1 can chalk board spray paint ( you won't use it all)

White trim - I've got some tricks for this as well!

Newspapers (to paint on)

Drill with a bit that will drill through the sheet metal

Chop Saw (of you are going to cut your own trim)

Wood Screws

Finish Nails and Hammer or a Nail Gun (that shoots brad nails)

Paint color of your choice (for your trim)

Chalk

Okay...here we go!

1. Step one - spray paint your piece of sheet metal. (I did 3 coats with about 3-4 hours of dry time between each) After you are done painting the metal give it a full 24 hours to cure before working with it.

2. Mark and measure where you want to hang your chalk board. (This will be a two person job!) - If at all possible you will want to try to hit a stud with at least 2 of the screws that you use. (One on top and one on bottom) - you will use 4 screws total but in the end they will be covered by the trim so the spacing doesn't have to be too pretty!

3. Pre-drill pilot holes through your sheet metal with your drill

4. Hang your piece of sheet metal using the wood screws.

5. Season your chalk board (Do this before you put your time on...it's much easier) Seasoning a chalk board isn't rocket science...but you DO NOT want to skip this step. Take a piece of chalk and using the side of the piece rub with consistent pressure all over the board in a random pattern until the whole board is covered with "chalk dust" - wipe clean (do not use a wet rag!) and repeat! This will keep your chalk board from "ghosting" when you write words on it later.

So... now onto the trim! I know, I know this is the scarry part for many of you all but it doesn't have to be. I happened to have some scrap pieces of trim from another project that I cut down to size using my chop saw. (Or you can ask you hubby to help/show you! - Don't just ask him to do it for you...why not let him teach you!?

BUT - if cutting your own trim is totally out of the question take the dimensions that you need with you to the hardware store and ask if they can make the cuts for you! You are going to run about a 50/50 shot at most places as to whether or not they will want to make 45 angle cuts for you BUT here is my other idea/tip for you!

Find some of these!

They are called rosette blocks and they come in all kinds of designs. If you use these as your "corners" then you won't have to make any angle cuts. Pick up 4 of these when you are at the hardware store and then just ask the lumber department to cut your other pieces for you...they shouldn't squabble about making a few straight cuts for you!

If you go this route you could end up with something similar to this lovely piece from Positively Splendid

No matter how you decide to trim your piece painting the trim comes next. Once that dries you are in business! Ready to enjoy your new Magnetic Chalk Board!

Here is how mine turned out!

The last little thing that I did was to hot glue magnets onto some household items. (Gotta love a practical solution) I have a ruler, a mini tape-measure, a nail file, some wooden clips, a lighter and some half dollars (from hubbs' coin collection)

I'm excited to hear and see what you all have been working on this winter...or what you have planned!

Thanks for coming over to visit. Make sure to keep in touch by connecting with me on FACEBOOK!

NEW Rustic Walnut Mantle!

2012-12-27T12:10:00.003-05:00

Okay friends! I know that it has been a long time coming but better late then never, right? Finally a post about out new rustic mantle that I made for our fireplace!
It all began when I found an old piece of walnut up in the attic of my father in laws shop! When I asked him about it he told me that it was probably 40 years old...(of course, my next question was...Can I have it?) Ha...I am so thankful for such a great father-in-law!

One of the perks of having a family that owns a lumber business are projects like this. I send the piece down to the mill to have put through the wood planer and have it cut to size. When we got it back it looked great (but) it was just a little too "perfect" for my liking!

Nice straight edges...which (of course) is what I asked for after all! (But then I decided that I wanted it slightly more rustic!)

I gathered my tools of choice (Hammer, and couple of awls in various sizes, a utility knife, a couple of large wide threaded screws, and a paint scraper!) Nothing too facny!

I know that a lot of people really like to beat up the wood with chains and such when they distress it, but for this look I didn't want to to look beat up as much as I wanted it to look old/worn)

Below are a couple of close up photos of my finished distruction!

Using a utility knife I carefully "carved" out the faux cracks in the wood. And with a combination of the awl and the nails a made the "worm holes"

The crack in this photo and the one below as the only real one in the piece.

Using the paint scraper like a chisel I gently took off the hard edges of the whole piece.

Then a quick coat of clear sealer and it's all done! Got to love the beauty of Walnut...nice rich color without the hastle of having to stain it!

And now for the finished product!

(Here is a "before" picture)

and the "after"...what do you think?

We just love the added warmth that the dark wood gives to the room!

Winter is such a great time to get some of your inside projects accomplished! What are you planning to tackle this winter?

A Christmas Present for my Dad

2012-12-26T23:02:00.005-05:00

Christmas is over but the season carries on, at least here in Northeast Ohio (we experienced a bit of a blizzard today...well I don't really know what qualifies as a blizzard but we had about 6 or 7 inches in about 8 hours) - Okay back to Christmas. I don't know about you but my parents are hard to buy for. (Especially, my dad.)

This year I wanted to do something different so I scanned a few pictures from my childhood...cleaned them up in photoshop and had them printed for him. See, my parents are divorced and my mom ended up with most of the old family photos. Here are the ones that I chose...


Okay...so this is me at about a year old and no that isn't chocolate around my mouth! (Yes, folks...that's right...It's DIRT!)

Me at about 17 months with my baby brother as a newborn.

Me, when I was brand new!

Say cheese!

Okay...yes here I am in all my baby glory!

Paul James and I at 3 and 4

Truth be told, Dad and I have had our ups and downs over the years (I guess that all dads and daughters do!) At this point in my life, at almost 30 I feel really encouraged about my realtionship with my dad. (And I am really hoping that although it wasn't expensive...or fancy that he will love these pictures as much as I loved looking back at the old photos while working on the project for him! (I did realize a few things...)

1. Apparently 25-30 years ago parents didn't try as hard to "pose" their kids in pictures as we do today but there are countless pictures (albums full, even) of really, really bad photos of my childhood! Ha!

2. My parents must have had a pretty crummy camera when we were kids! (Which isn't super surprising...we didn't have a lot of extra cash when I was growing up) - but seriously, at least half of the pictures that we have a BLURRY and there aint no amount of photoshop-ing going to fix them!

3. My brother and I were totally rotten!

4. I have always stuck my tongue out (or made silly faces) in pictures! :)

Did you make or create any of your presents this year...? I'd love to see what you all have been up to!