Redefining Domestic

Coming Soon...

2011-07-31T15:18:00.000-06:00

I've got lots of projects in the works! I'll be back to posting more regularly! (I can't guarantee daily)

Billy Gene Ball

2011-05-24T13:30:00.000-06:00

You know how bloggers sometimes joke that it hasn't really happened if you don't blog about it and tell your readers? Oh how I wish that was the case. But since it isn't I will update you all that my grandfather on my mom's side, Billy Gene Ball, passed away yesterday May 23rd in Arkansas.

He had suffered from Alzheimer's disease for the past ten years. His memories of the wonderful life he and my grandmother shared were slowly stolen from him. In october, he moved to a nursing home in town that could better care for him as he needed around the clock care. Around the beginning of May, he was lucid for the first time in a long time, recognizing people and remembering things he hadn't in quite some time. My sister Ali and my mom were lucky enough to be there for that blessing. I will regret forever I wasn't able to make that trip to say goodbye. Last Thursday my grandma received a call that he was going downhill and that arrangements should be made to move him home under hospice care as his wish was to die at their home overlooking the river. He came home Friday. I spoke to my mom on Friday afternoon and immediately knew I needed to say goodbye, I needed to come home. While everyone was under the impression he would have a few weeks, I felt very very strongly it was close. I flew out of SLC late sunday night arriving in Atlanta on Monday morning to drive to Arkansas with my mom.

We arrived at the house at 3:00pm. He passed away at 1:15pm. I missed saying an earthly goodbye to my grandfather by less than 2 hours. As extremely sad as i am about not making it, I am glad my mother and I are here for my grandma.

I'll miss my grandfather so much. But I know part of him lives on in all of us. I can attribute my success in sales to him. He was a lifelong salesman, even once he progressed into his disease he was good at hiding when he didn't know the answer to a question (the mark of a good salesman!) I'll never forget collecting acorns in my mom's yard to turn into flour to make some kind of acorn bread. Or the tear in his eye when I told him I was accepted into BYU. Or the couple times I told him I had been married. He was as proud a grandfather as you could ever know.

Since his body is being donated to science, we won't be having a funeral. We haven't decided yet if a memorial will take place at a later date.

So if I am not online much or don't blog for a little while again, that is why.

I miss this

2011-05-18T16:28:00.000-06:00

Life has been full of changes lately. Some for the best, some for the worst. The saddest of all is how long I have stayed away from this blog. I thought it would be easier if I stepped away from this blog for a little while to figure things out. It turns out I really miss this. I've felt pressure to make this an incredible blog and felt that sometimes I couldn't post because things weren't absolutely perfect. I need to let that go. I need to remember that this is my place. My place to share, to learn, to grow, but most importantly to be me.

So I'll be back soon. Very soon. With pictures of our new apartment, craft room, and delicious recipes. I'm excited to dig out my camera, take pictures, and find my creative release! Thanks so much for sticking my be through my slump. I haven't lost a single follower and for that I am so grateful.

New post with pictures and tutorial to come tomorrow!!!

Cabbage Salsa

2011-04-19T16:10:00.000-06:00

Today, because half my life is packed away in boxes for our impending move, I'm sharing a recipe my mom made while we were in Atlanta a few months ago - Cabbage Salsa. (I think though it's really more like a Spicy Slaw)

You'll Need:

1/2 Head Cabbage

2 Jalapeno Peppers

1 Tomato

1 tablespoon Pepper

3 tablespoon Italian Dressing

2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar

1 Stock Cilantro

1 Green Onion

1/4th Red Onion

First my mom slightly wilted the cabbage. Thinly slice the cabbage and then salt it and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse.

Dice the onion

Dice Cilantro

Dice Jalapeno, tomato, and green onion. Combine all ingredients. And Enjoy!

Thanks for hanging in there while I get ready to move! More yummy recipes soon to come!

Some Goals

2011-04-17T23:54:00.001-06:00

Feeling a little under the weather today. Can't sleep. My phone screen is cracked and keeps randomly rebooting. And now I am lost in the world of cooking blogs practically drooling at the gorgeous food pictures and delicious desserts I shouldn't eat.

Which brings me to a few goals I have been working on lately.

1. I need to lose weight. When I got married, I weighed less than I did when I graduated high school - Semi-miraculous after my freshman year. Post wedding, between lots of different factors the weight has crept on. I need to lose a solid 30-40 pounds. I don't look good super skinny, I just want to be healthy and feel good in my clothes. I've started Jillian Michael's 30 day Shred, a very high intensity workout! So far I am seeing results, I just have to make it work!

2. I need to learn how to eat veggies. I'm am not a super picky eater, I just don't enjoy vegetables. I don't really know why. The only thing I can think of is my aversion to weird food textures. The crisp of veggies/fruits turns me off to them completely. Plus no one really taught me how to cook them. I can whip up a mean creme brulee or a perfect hollandaise, but when it comes to steaming asparagus I'm completely stumped. Wait, do you even steam asparagus?! See how lost I am! I feel like I need to start at the beginning and relearn how to incorporate fruits and veggies into my cooking. Any ideas would be appreciated!

Thanks for letting me put it out there. I may start doing regular weight loss updates. I am just terrified to publish my actual weight on the internet!

Post edit: Super cute, super duper skinny food bloggers who post recipes calling for four sticks of butter, wrapped in bacon and dipped in chocolate make me angry.

Finals and Moving

2011-04-13T11:10:00.005-06:00

I'm sure you all think something terrible must have happened to keep me away for so long! Well in one sense you would be right, it's that stressful time of the year when I have to focus one hundred percent on my education. It also happens to coincide with trying to pack up my life - I had NO idea I had so so many corningware casserole dishes or tupperware! Where did it all come from?!

So in a few days once this semester is over I will be back at full force! I miss you my blog friends and I have so much fun blogging that I can't imagine just walking away from it.

On a home decor note, I finally ordered my fabric from fabric.com to make my upholstered headboard and I couldn't be more thrilled! It was on a huge sale even though it's backordered till the first of May. I also took a little trip to Ikea with some of my favorite people and bought some pillows that need casing and an awesome desk for my craft room! I can't wait to share it all with you.

On the happiest note of all, we are adopting a dog! Our new apartment will allow pets without any additional deposit, so we're adopting my husband's in-law's Dog Dash! They are moving to Washington State/Mount Pleasant (we aren't really sure yet) and couldn't take her. She's a border collie/Kelpie Mix and gorgeous. I'm excited about adopting an older dog, she's already house trained, crate trained, and doesn't chew on things!

I don't know why her ears are down in this picture. They normally stand up more.

Can't wait to show you our new place and get back to regular posting and showing you all my fun crafts! I feel like I'm missing a whole crafting season!

We're Officially Moving!!

2011-03-28T00:10:00.001-06:00

We are so excited to have found our next place! Since we're still in the student/renters phase of life, we're thrilled to have found an apartment that will suit all our needs!!

It's in Provo, super close to our school and gym. Little further away from work geographically, but closer to the freeway so the commute won't be any worse!

It's a great little 2 bedroom basement apartment. I get a craft room/office!!!! I couldn't be happier! The kitchen is about the same size as my current kitchen but I get a pantry and walk in laundry room!! I don't know if I can even describe how excited I am to have my washer/dryer in our apartment instead of in a communal laundry room two buildings away. No more scrambling for quarters!

It is also a killer deal since it includes utilities, cable, and internet for less than we are currently paying for our one bedroom. AND if we so choose we can even get a pet! Im pulling for a cat while pete really wants a welsh corgi or a border collie (i'm thinking we will have to wait till we have a yard for a dog)

Now I just get to daydream about all the decorating I get to do in the new place. I even have my very own hallway! I'm thinking of doing a huge gallery wall with pictures from everywhere I've traveled. I'm now on the blog hunt for great design ideas for craft rooms and large wall spaces.

Oh and packing up all our stuff will be no small feat. Any of you awesome readers know any moving fairies who will take care of it all for me while I make awesome new projects to share with you?!?

Also check out an awesome camera bag giveaway at Tatertots and Jello!

Thrift Store Finds

2011-03-20T22:00:00.000-06:00

I've always wanted a cuter way to hang out keys by the front door, and this is the perfect thing! I currently have a cheapo plastic 3M key hanger that I bought out of a solution to a need. I can't wait to redo this!

My adorable mini apothecary jar! (sorry for the window pic, I don't have tons of natural light)

I found this awesome silver candlestick and styrofoam cone (I know that I can buy this at a craft store but at 25 cents I couldn't pass it up!)

I've been inspired by organizational posts all over the blog world, and I've focused on looking for jars and bins to help contain the madness!

I'm thinking about making chalkboard labels like these:

P.S. Tomorrow I'll show the makeover of the cone and candlestick into an adorable multi holiday decoration! Thanks for stopping by!

My Newest Favorite Toy

2011-03-17T15:38:00.000-06:00

I am so excited about the newest small appliance in my kitchen! With some leftover bedbathandbeyond credit, I purchased the Cuisinart Griddler. It's a great 5-in-1kitchen tool. It comes with reversible glat and griddle plates so it can be used a contact grill, a panini press, a grill, a griddle, or half grill/half griddle!

I've been looking for a high quality reversible grill and griddle that would go over two burners. Nothing I found quite fit the bill and usually came to about the same price as the griddler.

I am thrilled with my newest toy. I have already made the best pancakes I've ever made with it. As well as the juiciest homemade burgers I've ever eaten. All in a matter of minutes. It's a huge timesaver.

This is going to be huge part of my weeknight meal prep as it cooks so quickly. My burgers cooked in 3 minutes flat!

For Simple Burgers

You'll Need:

Ground Chuck (1/3 pound per person)

Granulated Garlic

Seasoned Salt

Pepper (I HATE pepper so I leave it out)

Butter

Hamburger Buns

Cheese (I prefer good old American, the hubby prefers super strong Irish Cheddar)

Condiments

1. Divide your pound of meat into roughly three equal portions. Roughly form into patties of equal thickness. Try not to work the meat too much.
2. Heat the griddler to sear.
3. Sprinkle seasoned salt and garlic on each side of burger.
4. Put on grill and close lid.
5. Cook for 3 minutes. Open lid and place cheese on top of burger. Let sit for about 30 seconds. Place on bun and enjoy!
6. Butter both sides of the bun and grill.
*I really loved my combo of american cheese and spicy mustard

Sorry I don't have after pictures. I ate them too fast! They were delish.

I can't wait to share with you all the yummy things I'll be making over the course of the next few weeks. It's a great tool for a weeknight dinner, I can throw some chicken breasts on to grill as I make a salad or pasta dish. Voila healthy dish!

Real life gets in the way of blogging!

2011-03-12T12:37:00.000-07:00

I am more in awe of "professional" bloggers than ever before. Creating and sustaining an awesome blog takes a lot of work and creativity. I love blogging and it is something I will continue. I'm just trying to figure out how to balance it all.

I have a million ideas I want to share with you all including how I fixed my sagging mattress using my old IKEA coffee table and I have a million great thrift store finds I'm dying to share.

Right now I am on my way out the door to work, who wants to pay me to be a professional crafter all day? I'm totally available!

In the next week, my goals are to:

Design ways to cook ahead more for weeknight meals

Show off some thrift store finds

Detail ways to fix a sagging mattress instead of purchasing a new one

Cook something yummy

Find a new incredible place to live

Be awesome

Thanks for reading and dealing with my brain lapse. Love ya!

My Finished Coffee Table!

2011-03-10T13:34:00.002-07:00

I finally finished painting my coffee table! I was waiting on getting my valspar paint samples before I started. As soon as I got them, I finally decided on white with an antiqued glaze to bring out the details.

After looking at lots of blogs tutorials and how to's, I headed to Home Depot and Lowe's for supplies (yes I went to both, I'm forgetful)

For this project I used:

Wood Filler

100 Grit Sanding Block

Kilz Premium Primer

Valspar Satin Paint in Absolute White

Purdy Paint brush (a seriously great brush)

Cheapo 96 cent brush

Valspar Antiquing Glaze

Plastic sheeting

Old tee Shirt

Before I could paint the table, I had to fill in a deep gouge in the table.

I used Elmer's Wood Filler. It was about 3 dollars for 16 ounces and I had plenty leftover.

1. First I lightly sanded the entire table just enough to scuff up the surface. I didn't care about trying to remove the stain since I was priming it. I used a sanding block. They're much easier to use than sandpaper. Plus they're more reuseable.

2. Then I painted the entire table with primer. The Valspar paint sample came with a small roller which I used on the flat parts and the large sections. I also used my awesome new Purdy paint brush. I didn't understand why everyone loved them so much until I had my own compared with a cheapo brush. It made a huge difference and painted so well!

3. I lightly sanded the primer to roughen it a little but not really removing any of the primer. Also one of the nice things about using a white primer when you're still deciding between black and white is that it's kinda like a test run of the color before you fully commit!

4. I busted out my free Valspar paint and painted! I won't lie, it was a lot of work. I wished I had been able to spray paint it and had a garage or driveway. I felt like I just kept painting and painting and painting. I was really happy when it was done and I decided I only needed one coat since it went on pretty thick and I was going to glaze and distress it anyways.

5. I let it dry completely before adding the glaze. I had originally planned on using a Ralph Lauren glaze but couldn't find it anywhere around so I went with a valspar antiquing glaze. I had read lots of places to use an old tee shirt that was half wet and half dry and a low quality paint brush.

6. I simply added the glaze, waited 15-30 seconds for the glaze to get into all the nooks and crannies. Then wipe off with the wet part of the tee shirt. Buff off the rest with the dry part. I ended up using two tee shirts since the first one got so dirty it wasn't removing glaze anymore.

*I found that I much preferred how the stain looked on parts that I had used the brush on as opposed to using the roller. Next time I will either spray paint it or use just the purdy brush. I also found that I didn't like using the tee shirt in circular motion, it looked much nicer when it resembled brush strokes. I'm still not sure if the table looks well glazed or just white with dirt on it. Part of me loves it and part of me isn't so sure. The pictures don't really do it justice. After I finish deep cleaning my living room today, I'll dress it all up, accessorize, and take a better picture.

7. After I glazed it all, I took to sand it a little more and distress it. I know we are hard on our furniture especially our coffee table so I made sure that wear and tear would only enhance the piece.

Notice how the glaze brought out all the awesome details and little imperfections

In the end, I'm really thrilled with how it turned out. I'm so glad I went with the white. It really brightens up the room and keeps it looking lighter. The piece is quite large and heavy and I think black would have only emphasized that. Plus I couldn't bear to lose all the awesome details.

Bloggers best friend!

2011-03-10T12:43:00.000-07:00

I have to talk about my new favorite toy! We got a eye-fi wi-fi card for my camera. It's a digital memory card that wireless transfers pictures to your computer over your network! It wirelessly adds photos from my camera as I take them to my iPhoto! It can even directly upload to flickr!

My awesome husband won it at work! The fedex guy just dropped it off and I'm smitten! One of my biggest pet peeves about blogging was having to find my darn usb cable, connect the camera to my computer, and wait for a gazillion pictures to upload. Now as long as I leave the camera on for a few seconds after I take a picture, it does all the hard work for me!

This is something I don't think I would have ever bought on my own since I didn't understand quite how it works, and it can be a bit pricey. If you're a serious blogger or photog though, I definitely think it is worth the price. The one we received was the Explore X2 8GB High Capacity Memory Card and retails for around $100 (there are much cheaper options). It can even figure out the exact coordinates of where the picture was taken! Plus something I realized is that it's basically endless memory and automatic backup since it transfers immediately to your computer!

So the lesson learned here is, in this modern world of ours, if you have a problem somebody has probably figured out and produced a solution! I'm not saying be lazy, but there are some pretty awesome things out there!

Also just so you know, I am not receiving compensation in anyway for blogging about this. It's simply something my husband won and I love!

Painting my Coffee Table

2011-03-08T11:39:00.000-07:00

Wanting to paint my furniture in an apartment without a garage or a driveway makes it nearly impossible. Am I crazy to try and paint the coffee table where it will sit, if I keep the windows open and put down plastic?

DIY Cakeplate!

2011-03-06T18:46:00.000-07:00

Not up to much today other than a small tutorial and some baking. Just making jalapeno cheesy bread that I found here http://raegunwear.blogspot.com/2011/01/recipe-cheesey-jalapeno-rolls-aka-best.html

A great blog with recipes and lots of fun stuff!

For dinner we're making Mexican Rice, Refried Beans, and Tacos! Oh and homemade Guacamole! I'll be sure to post it!

I also used Chrome spray paint for the first time to redo an awesome pedestal bowl I found at the DI for 1.50!

It was an ugly gold color. The chrome paint covered really really well and I was impressed! It would be a great way to update hardware if I ever needed to! Now I have a great jewelry holder for my beside table or the bathroom. I am always losing my earrings and necklaces when I misplace them. I love DI solutions!

AND I made my very first Cake Plates!! I found these great flower plates at the DI and bought two glass candlesticks at the dollar store!

I simply used E6000 since it dried clear

Note to self: read the directions before using glue. It's a little bit more complicated than just adding glue and putting the two pieces together. It says to apply glue to both pieces and wait 2-10 minutes before attaching. It will cure within 24 hours.

And you have a brand new cake plate! At a fraction of the price. Accounting for the purchasing the glue, I spent a total of 9 bucks on both. The only problem is a small chip in one flower plate. If I had already had the super glue I would have only had to spend like 2.50 a cake plate!

Also still trying to figure out what to do with my table. I'm leaning towards painting it black and heavily distress it. Of course I really love white furniture that I could apply a furniture glaze to. So i'm kinda confused. Ideas?

CSN Giveaway Winner!

2011-03-04T22:50:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to announce the winner! The lucky winner of $20 to CSNStores is Tim!

I've emailed you and you'll have 48 hours to respond! Congrats!

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max:

Result:

15Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Crazy Crazy Week!

2011-03-03T20:45:00.001-07:00

Life has been so busy this week! I had big plans to start some new projects and be super productive. As I am sure you can tell, that hasn't quite happened! My laundry pile has taken over my apartment. My oven/stove hasn't been used in days. I'm coming up empty trying to find a place to live. My to do list is a mile long. Thanks for bearing with me and I promise the wait will be worth it!!

In the next few days, the giveaway ends! I'm so excited to see who wins, it's just too bad I can't win! There is so much great stuff at CSNStores!

I also can't wait to show you guys my brand new (new to me) free Craigslist coffee table! As in didn't cost me a thing! I had originally emailed in response to an ad about a great coffee table for like 50 bucks. The woman emailed me saying if I could pick it up I could have it for FREE! I was so excited. I mean this happens to other bloggers and people but not me! I couldn't believe my luck!

I also have scored some great thrift store finds in the last few days as well as had lots more fun with chalkboard paint! Coming up will be some awesome organizational posts and awesome homemade cake plates!

Thanks for hanging in there as I come out of the fog. I'm so behind on following back the awesome bloggers who have visited my site and am way behind on linkyparties etc. I apologize!
Outside of the blog and the house I have some even more fun news to share that I can't quite yet, and no it has nothing to do with expanding our family!

Oh and I had girl scout cookies, salsa, and diet coke for dinner. You wish you were me.

A Little Housekeeping!

2011-02-28T12:56:00.001-07:00

Older readers of my blog may have noticed some changes to my site! Just thought I would post a quick update!

I've added some pages to my blog to make it a little more user friendly. The tabs at the top right of the sidebar will now take you information that had been cluttering up my sidebar and my blog. Specifically how to contact me and the blog hops/linky parties I participate in. It will constantly be under construction.

I have also started a facebook page! I'm going to use it as a way to share giveaways from other blogs, share great ideas, and as another way to update you! So "like" my blog on facebook pretty please!

My main goal is to keep my blog easy to navigate as well as easy to read. I'm always so distracted by blinky buttons and lots of big flashy ads, so even as I grow I'm trying to avoid that.

Thanks so much for reading, I appreciate all the comments and the followers! It really does mean the world to me. My husband can attest I get practically giddy everytime I get a new comment or follow!

German Pancakes!

2011-02-27T13:28:00.001-07:00

Nothing fits a lazy sunday morning quite like german pancakes! They're so much easy to make then normal pancakes on a griddle, which I never seem to make right! Plus topped with the kneaders caramel syrup they're too die for!

You'll Need:

1 cup Milk

1 cup Flour

6 eggs

2 tablespoons Melted Butter

1/2 teaspoon Salt

Preheat oven to 400.

Put all ingredients into a blender. Blend till combined.

Pour melted butter into a 9x13 inch pan. Pour pancake mixture into pan. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes.
Make sure there is enough room in the oven for the pancakes to rise. They will rise quite a bit!

This is a great recipe to make for a crowd. I would simply double it and use two 9x13 inch pans. Sure beats sweating over a hot griddle making lots of pancakes.

Kneaders Caramel Syrup
The perfect topping for german pancakes and french toast alike!

You'll Need:

1 cup Heavy Cream
1 cup Brown Sugar
1 cup Light Corn Syrup

Place in a saucepan with a thick bottom over medium heat

Mix well and bring to a low boil. The goal is to let it slightly caramelize but not to get too brown.
It should look like this:

Chalkboard Lovenotes!

2011-02-26T01:16:00.001-07:00

My loving, wonderful husband wakes up at 5:45 am everyday for work. Those of you with children are laughing at this knowing what is in our future sleepwise. But at this point in our life, it's quite the accomplishment. Needless to say, I do not get up at the crack of dawn with him and prefer to sleep in until AT LEAST 7. Sadly we don't get to see each other until we both get done with work and school in the late afternoon or evening. So we leave each other love notes. After numerous missed love notes (apparently I don't pay much attention), I decided to make a designated spot to say hi to each other in the mornings!

What better than a chalkboard frame! Chalkboard paint is everywhere these days and I've been itching for a project where I could use it!

You'll Need:

Frame with a wide border (this is a dollar bin at Michael's frame)

Chalkboard paint - I used Americolor

Chalk

Decor of choice

(As an afterthought, I would definitely recommend using a relatively smooth surface to make it easier to write on with chalk. If you are using a rougher wood frame with a grain, I would highly suggest thoroughly sanding it before adding the chalkboard paint.)

First you simply paint the frame with the chalkboard paint. It suggests doing two coats, one horizontal and one vertical. Leaving an hour to dry between coats. With an additional 24 hours to cure.

Then you need to prime the chalkboard by simply running the side of a piece of chalk all over the surface.

(I actually love the way this looks! I may try dry brushing white over black sometime)

Erase and you have a chalkboard frame!

At this point, I decided it needed just a little something extra so i added some of the leftover flowers from my Spring Wreath project! Found the nearest picture which happened to be our engagement picture and left a little love note for my hubby and placed it in my kitchen!

Now all i need is to either learn how to write with chalk or buy chalkboard markers!

This has so many applications! You could keep it simple and use it year round for different holidays/themes or even let the kids go to town on it and showcase their art!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway below!

A CSN Giveaway!

2011-02-25T16:13:00.001-07:00

Friends, I'm thrilled to announce my very first sponsored giveaway!!

CSN stores is giving one of my lucky readers a 20 dollar gift code to their site!!

If you aren't familiar with CSN stores, they're a group of 250+ stores. They offer everything from great pendant lighting to high quality cookware and adorable home decor pieces!

It'll be so easy to spend 20 dollars on their site. Just in five minutes, I found tons I am dying to have! Plus with free shipping, your dollar stretches even further!

Prize: 20 dollars to spend at any of the CSN Stores

How to enter: Leave a comment on this post

Ends: Giveaway closes March 4th, 2011 at 8pm MST

Winner will be chosen with random.org. My opinion of CSN Stores is in no way influenced by their sponsorship of a giveaway. My views are mine and mine alone.

Make sure to leave a comment! And tell all your friends!

Kettle Corn

2011-02-24T20:19:00.003-07:00

Did you know you can make delicious carnival style Kettle Corn at home?! My mom had always made buttered homemade popcorn and I was curious if it would transfer to making kettle corn. After a little online research it did!

You'll Need

1/4 cup Vegetable Oil

1/4 cup Sugar

1/2 cup unpopped Popcorn

1. Find a pan that is heavy bottomed enough that sugar won't burn but that will heat up fast. I used a wok with a lid. You definitely need a lid or you will get burned with popping oil. Heat up the vegetable oil over medium heat. Stir in the sugar, dissolve.

2. Add the popcorn and shake to coat.

3. Continue to shake every 3 seconds so that the sugar and kernels don't burn. Pop until the popping slows to 3 second intervals. Dump into a bowl and dig in!

This stuff is great! Just sweet enough to be a yummy treat without too much sugar that it's completely glazed! Plus it's super cheap and makes a ton! If you wanted to make this traditional butter, just leave out the sugar. After dumping in the bowl, melt the butter in the pan and drizzle over. Add salt and shake.

Also Blog hopping here:

My First Blogger Awards!

2011-02-24T17:54:00.003-07:00

Thanks to The Junk House I've been awarded my first blogger awards!!! Apparently I'm A Stylish Blogger and A Versatile Blogger!!

Thanks again Sam @ The Junk House! You should check out her adorable blog as she decorates her new house with old refurbed things!

The Rules:

1. Thank and link back to the people who awarded you these awards.

2. Tell everyone 7 random facts about yourself

3. Pass the award to 7 lovely bloggers

4. Contact each blogger and let them know you have passed this award onto them

7 Random Facts about me:

1. Following Sam's lead, I'll be honest about how terrified I am of Monkeys/Chimps/Apes etc. I saw an Oprah one night super late about a woman whose face was literally ripped off by a crazed chimp. Like doesn't have eyes, doesn't have a jaw bone, and doesn't have a mouth! The phone call of the money attack was bone chilling. I slept with the light on that night! I happened to see one on my Honeymoon and lost my mind.

2. I do a penguin dance. It's hard to describe but basically I just waddle like a penguin. My husband thinks it's adorable, I don't know if that's so true. But if you notice an obsession with penguins in our home, that's why.

3. I will eat jalapenos on anything! Seriously every pizza I order I add Jalapenos. I have even been intrigued by the idea of candied jalapenos! I can't get enough of them. Not only do I love spicy food, but I just love the pickled jalapenos. Don't even get me started on my love of jalapeno poppers! If my hips could handle it, I would eat them daily. I would even pick jalapenos over chocolate. Crazy I know!

4. My favorite colors are red and green. But not like Christmas colors. I love a light "lemongrass" green, the color of the candles and ribbon on my Goodwill candlesticks is my favorite! My heart skips a beat everytime I see something red in home decor. For some reason I don't wear a lot of red, except for a great coat from Nordstroms. I love love love red! I would even buy a red car, crazy I know!

5. My favorite TV show is Community on NBC starring Joel McHale. We even went down to Vegas to see him and Donald Glover another character perform stand-up. As in drove down on a friday afternoon with our friend Nate just to see the show at 7 pm and drove back to Provo after the show, a 5 hour drive each way. We even ran into the entire community cast at Mandalay Bay playing Black jack and got to meet everyone but Donald Glover and Joel Mchale! They were seriously the nicest people ever!

I forgot how short my hair was!!!!

6. I sat eight rows back center to see Les Miserables when I lived in London. It completely changed my life. I fell in love with the story, the book, and the musical. I've always been obsessed with history and this was one of those stories that captured my heart. (and yes I totally lived in London, it was incredible)

7. I want to be Christiane Amanpour/Anderson Cooper when I grow up. I want to be a war correspondent behind enemy lines, in a flak jacket as bombs fly over head giving the people at home the real story. Or interviewing high profile leaders of countries that America isn't friendly with. I know it's a crazy ambition, but it's what I want to do! Clearly it isn't very family friendly, but we'll just make Pete the cameraman for the time being!

I'm following The Junk House and only picking two blogs to award because 1. 7 things was a lot to come up with and 2. My hubby is about to take me out to a pre-Community night out (NBC Thursdays at 7pm)

A Photo A Day

Modern Wivelyhood

Make sure to give these blogs a shout out and make sure to visit the Junk House who gave it to me! Thanks!

Goodwill Candlesticks

2011-02-23T18:25:00.006-07:00

I found these little beauties at a thrift store in Atlanta. I picked them up and wandered around with them for a couple minutes before second guessing if I was willing to take the plunge. I set them back on the shelf and walked away. I looked back a few minutes later curious if they were still there. I saw some woman picking them up, and instantly I knew I had to have them. I raced back and put them in my buggy for safety!

(I had already started sanding one when I remembered to take a picture)

As much as I loved the candlesticks, I didn't love the color/stain. I decided I was going to paint them a light color and then distress. The good news was they were originally dark so it wouldn't be too hard to make them look aged.

I used a sanding block 180 grit. I'm a convert. I'll never buy sandpaper again! I love the sanding block. The corners worked perfectly to get into the edges of the candles.

Then I painted them with Krylon Semi Gloss in White. I did two coats. With a little sanding in between.

I think they came out great. I still think I might distress more and add glaze. For now, I'm glad with how they worked out even if the white stands out a lot against our cream walls.

The candles came from Ikea a while back.

I love being able to buy cheap candlesticks from a thrift store and update them to fit my decor. I paid less than four dollars total for this project!

Follow Me Back Tuesday

2011-02-22T01:32:00.003-07:00

I just discovered a great source for new blogs!

Go join in! It's fun!

If you're visiting from Follow Me Back, Welcome to my little old blog! And by old I really mean pretty brand new! I promise if you follow me I'll follow you, I'm pretty awesome like that.

Ruffled Camera Strap

2011-02-21T11:50:00.005-07:00

I started it on a whim having seen bloggers with adorable camera straps. It was my first real use of my FreeCycled fabric I got last month! I went with the most adorable black and white polkadot and leftover white fabric I had leftover from my shower curtain. Best part was it was free! (Plus I couldn't go too girly since Pete sometimes uses the camera)

You'll Need:

Enough fabric to Cover camera strap

Fabric for ruffle/pleat

Fabric Shears

Camera Strap

1. First I measured my camera strap. The measurements were about 24 inches long by 1.5 inches wide. I cut my polka dot fabric about 25 inches long by 4 inches wide so I would have plenty of room.

2. I "hemmed" both ends of the black polka dot fabric so there would be no unfinished edges.

3. I cut the white fabric for the ruffle/pleat measuring 48 inches long by 3.25 inches wide so I could finish the edges as well. I folded the white fabric in half lengthwise and pinned it.

Then I sewed the two sides together

4. Turn the white fabric inside out.

5. Pleat the white fabric with pins down the very center of the black fabric. (I luckily realized that once the black fabric was sewed into the strap shape it would be impossible to attach the pleating without sewing all the way through)

6. Sew down the center of the pleating.

7. Fold the black fabric in half, folding at the center of the white pleating and pin.

8. Measure the width of the strap against the width of the black fabric and sew it shut accordingly. I found it easy to use the polkadot fabric because it was easy to sew a straight line.

9. Turn inside out and pull onto camera strap!

Linking up here, here, and...