Bungalow

2012-01-27T15:48:00.000-08:00

If you wear glasses like me, you know how expensive it is to be stylish and stick to your budget. For a woman it’s important to be stylish, but it’s possible to buy a great pair of eyeglasses without breaking the bank! Glasses USA.com offers high quality frames and lenses, a 110% lowest price guarantee and 100% satisfaction. Click over to my review page to see how you can save money on a great pair of glasses and have a blast trying on glasses too.

Debbie (((xx)))

Feature Friday, Emerald Cove

2012-01-27T03:18:00.000-08:00

Today’s Friday feature is Michelle’s blog, Emerald Cove, a journey to find the simple joys in life. Living near Lake Michigan, she always has the most beautiful pictures of the lake and its romantic lighthouses.

Her home has a casual and relaxed coastal style, created by the use of organic elements from the beach, like shells and driftwood.

These pictures of her dining area, with a faux fireplace, are what first attracted me to her blog. I love the airiness and light feel, and she seems to achieve this soft look effortlessly.

The hutch was painted a pretty gray to complement her white pottery.

Just beautiful! The living room mantel changes with the seasons. Using white shutters on the hearth masks the darkness of the fire box.

The cat looks so cozy curled up in a recliner that she recovered with drop cloths.

I could relax right here in this serene corner of her living room.

What a great little step ladder! Soft aqua accents remind me of the sea.

She and her husband created a lovely faux mantel in their dreamy bedroom. There’s that cat again, it knows how to pick a tranquil spot for relaxing.

She worked her magic in her daughter’s room, again using that beautiful aqua. It’s such a calming space now. You can see the before and after on her blog.

With darker colors in her son’s room, she still manages to give it a coastal cottage feel. She created the planked wall and makes many elements she uses for decorating, like the driftwood fish above the bed and the wooden buoys on the floor. I wonder if that’s the same cat?

Some people instinctively know their signature decorating style and create it easily. Michelle is one of those people! While I love her style and admire her ability to create it, achieving it, for me would be difficult, because I’d always be adding more color and accessories, destroying the understated elegance.

So, I’m content to be inspired by Michelle’s home at Emerald Cove.

Be sure to stop by and pay her a visit.

With so many great blogs all over the blog-o-sphere, Friday Feature is a way to showcase other bloggers while gaining lots of decorating inspiration. If you have a project or makeover that you think is feature worthy, please email me or leave a comment.

Debbie (((xx)))

Painting fabric on a chair Part 3

2012-01-25T17:46:00.000-08:00

Painting the fabric on this chair is finally finished, at least as far as I’m concerned. Some of the nap of the fabric didn’t take the paint as well as other areas. But it is about 25 years old, so I guess that’s as good as it gets. The back of the chair looks best because there wasn’t any wear on the fabric.

You can see the areas I’m referring to where the fabric is worn. I’m happy with how it looks though. It’s a great color in this green room which I’ll be sharing soon. Today I actually spray painted some accessories for the room outside, because it was so warm.

You can see I used lots of paint and textile medium!
Here’s how I did it;
first I sprayed the fabric with water to really wet it down. Next, I mixed together equal parts acrylic paint and textile medium, thinned it with water and painted the chair in many thin coats, letting it dry thoroughly before adding another coat. I sanded any spots that felt stiff or rough between coats and that really made the fabric soft.
The trim and upholstery tacks got painted too. I was going to take off the trim and add new, but decided not to in the end. I think it looks ok as it is. Painting the legs and wood trim white really makes the color pop.

Here are Part 1 and Part 2 in case you missed them.
This is the basic tutorial from Kristy at Hyphen Interiors, that I used and there are lots of examples of painted fabric and tips on this site.
So to sum it up I’d say, it’s ok for an accent chair in a guest room, but probably wouldn’t work on a full room of furniture or a chair that you like to curl up in. That’s just my opinion.

When this room is finished I’m going to move right along to the next project; it might be board and batten, bead board wallpaper, plank ceiling or painting the kitchen, family room and powder room. I’m an a roll!

Added to Hooking up with House of Hepworths
Debbie (((xx)))

Would you paint this antique?

2012-01-24T02:27:00.000-08:00

This antique tiger oak buffet is a piece I’m contemplating painting with Annie Sloan chalk paint. It needs some re-gluing here and there, but other than that, it’s in great shape. I think I paid about $450. for it at a public auction years ago.

Ignore the mess, this is in the guest room I just painted.

I found this at Lyons Head Antiques; Tiger oak is also called quartersawn oak. The wider the grain the older the wood. For most furniture made in the late 1800s, the wood was more than 100 years old at the time it was harvested. Most of these pieces date from the Victorian era through the Arts and Crafts movement.

I’m thinking if I paint it, it’s value will lower, but that only matters if I want to sell it. What do you think? I know some purists would never paint it, I dunno…

Debbie (((xx)))

Shabby Apple review and giveaway

2012-01-22T19:54:00.001-08:00

The Giveaway is closed. Thank you all for entering!
I received this pretty dress for review and giveaway from Shabby Apple, www.shabbyapple.com, an online boutique of women's dresses.
The ballet inspired style features plum-colored folds of soft jersey fabric dipping from the shoulders into a ruched waist that runs from bust to hip.
Perfect for traveling, this dress sports a V-neck and fully lined skirt for extra coverage, so whether at work or on the road, you'll feel comfortable.

What I really like about this dress is the ruching that hides any little bit of, shall we say, belly problems. It’s an amazingly soft jersey fabric and the lined skirt is an added bonus. When I received my dress I was pleased at how well it fit.
I love the detail on the back! This dress would look so stylish with a great pair of boots! Guess you’ve figured out that I really like this dress…huh?

To enter the giveaway for this great dress it’s mandatory that you;
#1, Like Shabby Apple on facebook and come back and comment. This will get you one entry.
#2, Visit Shabby Apple and specify in your comment which Shabby Apple item is your favorite. This will get you one entry
Please comment separately for each entry.
The giveaway will end on Friday the 28th.

Debbie (((xx)))

Friday feature, Sophia’s Decor

2012-01-19T01:19:00.000-08:00

This Friday, meet Kristen, who blogs at Sophia’s, where her motto is Live beautifully without the price. As you can see her home is beautiful and anyone who uses sticks in décor is a gal after my own heart!

She used the very famous Annie Sloan chalk paint on a tired looking 10$ stool and turned it into a chic accessory.

I love the colors in her home and her relaxed style. This looks like a great spot to curl up.

Isn’t this a gorgeous rug?

Garden stools are the trend now and I might just have to get one. The colors and style are gorgeous!

Here’s her dining room with a new chandelier and just look at the jaw droppingly _{(is that a word?)}beautiful table!

The table setting, with an upholstered bench for seating on one side, invites you to come and enjoy.

She created a unique media center from an antique buffet and completed the look using corbels and shelves to hold part of her clock collection.

One of her latest projects has been putting together her daughter’s room and with this amazing bed the room is just gorgeous!

A beautiful pink stripped settee and pink chalk painted dresser are perfect in this sweet space!

I hope you enjoyed the tour of Kristen’s home, be sure to visit Sophia’s for even more inspiring pictures.

Debbie (((xx)))

Painting fabric on a chair, Part 2

2012-01-18T18:23:00.001-08:00

Part 1 is HERE if you missed it. The chair after 2 coats of paint has streaks that I’m hoping will disappear after more coats. The fabric has some spots where the nap was worn down and I’ve tried sanding, but that didn’t help, but sanding does a great job of softening the fabric.

I sand like an obsessed person after each coat of paint is dry and it’s only those few arrow marked spots that give me problems. The raised spots with rough fabric are harder to paint. I don’t know what caused the fabric to be like that.

Several coats of paint later and this is how she looks. The paint is wet, that’s why it looks blotchy. I’m going to paint the wood white.

Here’s the fabric on the back of the chair. You can see how nice the nap is, and it’s soft.

I think I’m going to like it, flaws and all, just because she’s so pretty!

This little dresser is getting a makeover too. Maybe an ombre pattern like this cute little dresser.

Source: norskeinteriorblogger.blogspot.com via Bungalow on Pinterest

While working on this room I got sidetracked working on 2 projects in the basement. More about that later, nothing décor related, mostly maintenance and housekeeping

The chair is getting there! Yeah

Linked up at

A Shaklee giveaway is going on in the previous post. Don’t miss it!

Debbie (((xx)))

Shaklee Giveaway

2012-01-16T19:24:00.000-08:00

GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.
Recently I was contacted by Army wife and new mom, Andrea, an Independent Distributor of Shaklee organic, non-toxic cleaners, supplements, and daily care products, asking if I would like to receive a sample of the H2 organic cleaner to try and Andrea is offering a sample for 5 people! Each small sample makes 2 full 16oz bottles of cleaner!
The Shaklee company has been in business for 50+ years, founded on Living in Harmony with nature, their products are safe, green and they work.

      My opinion is that it cleans as good as or better than any store bought cleaner PLUS is has a net zero input on the environment! I used it to clean my sticky and dirty front door after I took down the Christmas wreaths and it amazed me. The dirty sticky goo came off easily. I’ve been using it for cleaning in every room!

    Basic H²® is:
Ultraconcentrated –   a super powerful cleaner when mixed with water.
Versatile – removes dirt, grease, and grime from any washable surface, inside and out.
No rinse, no residue, streak-free.
Use on any washable surface

Nontoxic
Natural
Doubly concentrated
Biodegradable Surfactants

Here’s the giveaway, Andrea is offering a sample for 5 people! Each small sample makes 2 full 16oz bottles of cleaner!
For my last giveaway, I used Rafflecopter and it seemed to scare people away, so this time all you need to do is comment for 1 entry and tweet for another.
*Have you used Shaklee products? To enter, have a look at Andrea’s site and come back and tell me in your comment what products you have used. That will get you 1 entry.
*For another entry, tweet the giveaway and come back with the url of the tweet and put it in your comment. Use separate comments for each entry, please.
2 chances to win this great cleaning product!

Debbie (((xx)))

My word of the Year

2012-01-16T08:29:00.001-08:00

According to Layla at The Lettered Cottage the Word of the Year IS the new, New Years resolution. Basically, you choose one word that has the potential to inspire you all year long.

I didn’t choose an inspiring word like rise, achieve, dream, believe or even inspire, I chose STOP.

With the help of Dr. Seuss, 2012 is the year to STOP!

*STOP comparing yourself to others. No one said it better than Dr. Seuss.

*STOP being jealous.

There once was a girl-bird named Gertrude McFuzz
And she had the smallest plain tail ever was.
One droopy-droop feather. That’s all that she had.
And, oh! That one feather made Gertrude so sad”

She got very jealous. She frowned. And she pouted.
Then one day she got awfully mad and she shouted:
‘This just isn’t fair! I have one! She has two!
I MUST have a tail just like Lolla-Lee-Lou!’

Then she spread out her wings to take off from the ground,
But, with all those feathers, she weighed ninety-pound!
She yanked and she pulled and she let out a squawk,
But that bird couldn’t fly! Couldn’t run! Couldn’t walk!

And, finally, when all of the pulling was done,
Gertrude, behind her, again had just one…
That one little feather that she had as a starter.
But now that’s enough, because now she is smarter

*STOP hanging onto toxic friendships/relationships.

*STOP worrying.

“If things start happening, don’t worry, don’t stew, just go right along and you’ll start happening too.”

*STOP running from your problems.

“I’ve heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead some come from behind. But I’ve bought a big bat. I’m all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me.”

*STOP feeling sorry for yourself.

“It's a troublesome world. All the people who're in it
are troubled with troubles almost every minute.
You ought to be thankful, a whole heaping lot,
for the places and people you're lucky you're not.”

*STOP holding grudges.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

“How did it get so late so soon? It's night before it's afternoon. December is here before it's June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?” Let go, forgive before it’s too late.

And one more,

STOP and smell the roses.

“You’ll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut.”

“I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, It's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, And that enables you to laugh at life's realities.”

“From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere!”

“If you never did you should. These things are fun and fun is good.”

And for fun here’s another one.

“So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) Kid, you'll move mountains.

Hope you like this whimsical way of looking at word of the year. Thank you Dr. Seuss!

Debbie (((xx)))

Friday Feature, Evolution of Style Blog

2012-01-13T07:07:00.001-08:00

In my recent posts I’ve mentioned how picking paint colors is difficult, and while goggling the paint color, Palladian blue, I came across Jenny’s blog, Evolution of Style. She’s much better at picking paint colors and shares her color choices with magazine worthy photos. She has graciously allowed me to share some of her home here at Bungalow.

With a welcoming entry, her home is beautiful inside and out.

I had to include some Christmas pictures, she has great style and I absolutely love the greens on the ottoman.

The greens and ribbons look so festive.

On her site she shares lots of before and after pictures and as bloggers we’re all over that!

She took her cabinets from the Tuscan look to a beautiful clean white by spray painting them.

Here’s her newly painted kitchen with BM Mountain Laurel on the walls.

The island got a makeover too.

The wallpapered dining room went from dated to dreamy with BM Horizon Gray on the walls.

This is the color I was interested in, BM Palladian blue. Here she uses it in the breakfast nook and family room. It really is pretty, I’d describe it as fresh and calming.

Palladian Blue is extended into the back hall above board and batten.

Beautiful stenciled walls over BM Bird’s Egg in the powder room.

SW Sea Salt in her kid’s bath. I love this soft color.

In her daughter’s room is SW Priscilla. She even shares a paneled headboard tutorial.

Go on over and say Hi and I’m sure you’ll get lost in Jenny’s blog just like I did. Evolution of Style will inspire!

Debbie (((xx)))

Painting fabric on a chair, Part 1

2012-01-09T19:28:00.001-08:00

Painting fabric is something I always wanted to do. I’ve seen gorgeous examples on Pinterest and knew I had to try. This chair from my grandmother is the perfect chair to try it on. It’s a chair that I always sat in at her house. At the time it was covered in a textured orange vinyl. After she gave it to me I had it recovered in gold velvet, in the 80’s.

Even after years in the basement, the chair is in good shape with just a few stains and nicks in the wood.

You’ll need textile medium, paint, fine sandpaper, a spray bottle of water and brushes. I’m using acrylic paint but you could use latex too.

I bought all the bottles of My Studio acrylic paint in aqua that were in the store and will be looking for more I’m sure. Mix up equal parts of paint and textile medium and thin with water to make it really thin.

First you vacuum the chair well.

Next, using the spray bottle of water, liberally spray the area you’ll be painting and then just do it. I used a foam brush.

I got the back of the chair painted today and will post the progress as I go along. For the next coat of paint I’m going to try a paint brush instead of a foam brush to see if that makes any difference. I’m not sure yet how I want to handle the tacks. Wish me luck on this one, it’s not looking so pretty at this point. Have you got any tips for painting fabric?

In case you’re wondering where this bright chair will go, in my newly painted green guest room, see post below.

Debbie (((xx)))

Painting woes, Picking the right color

2012-01-09T08:14:00.001-08:00

Have you ever had trouble picking paint colors? It’s not easy. Too many green undertones or blue undertones and “Help, I don’t know how to do this.” That describes me to a T. I always have trouble picking that perfect color.

And to add to the confusion, I have many, many more color swatches.

I taped samples that I thought would work on the wall and studied them with the blinds open and closed. I came back several times throughout the day to study them again and picked a color. Then I moved the samples to another wall and taped them in a different pattern and repeated the process. Each time I selected the same color, so that’s how I did it.

If I were painting one of the bigger areas of our home I would buy the sample paints and paint the wall to actually see how the color looks in the room.

This is a small guest rooms that I’ve been wanting to paint forever. I wanted a limey green, definitely not a minty color. The color I chose is Aloe Vera from Lowe’s Olympic paints. It’s bit brighter than I wanted but I like it, I think. The Olympic paint was great to work with, no odor and one coat was all it needed.

Today I’m working on another project for that room, painting a chair, the whole chair including the fabric. I found several tutorials so wish me luck because I’m going for it!

The winners of the Fish Foam giveaway are, Bonnie S, Cheryl B, and Sharon. I’ve sent you each an email. Thanks!

Debbie (((xx)))

Cream Cheese Braid

2012-01-05T17:51:00.001-08:00

This cream cheese braid makes a pretty presentation and is perfect for a festive breakfast, like Christmas morning. It’s delicious with sweet cream cheese oozing out. I’ve used the recipe for years and made it again this year, and as always it was a big hit.

It’s an easy recipe that starts out with hot roll mix.

1 (16 0z) hot roll mix
1 (8oz) cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 t vanilla
1 egg yolk
pinch salt
1 egg yolk beaten for brushing top before baking
1 cup softened confectioners sugar
1 Tbs milk
1 t vanilla

Prepare dough from Hot Roll Mix according to package directions, using yeast packet
turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 4 or 5 times
divide dough in half
roll each half into a 12” x 8'” rectangle
Beat cream cheese and next 4 ingredients on medium with a mixer until blended

Spread half of cream cheese mixture down the center of each rectangle

Cut slits into either side of dough.

You can see I wasn’t too neat about this process but it will still look great after it’s baked.

Fold strips over alternating sides.

Pinch ends and tuck under to seal.

Place loaves on greased baking sheets, cover and let rise in a warm, draft free place for 30 minutes. Brush tops with beaten egg yolk and bake at 375 for 15 minutes or until golden.

Combine powered sugar, milk and vanilla and drizzle over while warm.

I sprinkled some powdered sugar on top too after it was completely cool.

A good cup of coffee and a slice (or 2) of this is so good!

It’s probably not a great time to share a sweet recipe like this, because of all the diet resolutions, but save it for company.

Debbie (((xx)))

Fish Foam Premium Glass Cleaner Giveaway

2012-01-02T18:53:00.000-08:00

When I was asked if I would like to review Fish Foam Premium glass cleaner, I quickly said yes. My husband is a glass cleaning nut. He’s always cleaning bathroom mirrors and car windshields and is extremely fussy about streaks. OCD

Fish Foam was created by Fish Window Cleaning which has been in business since 1978 and is America’s largest window cleaning company. There are locations all across the USA.

I tried Fish Foam on the bathroom mirrors and was pleased to see that it is completely drip free, that would be really helpful when cleaning a sunroof.
It’s not wax based like the blue cleaners, so it doesn’t streak. A few swipes with a paper towel and the mirrors were sparkling.
It’s alcohol based so it dries very quickly.
It’s ammonia free.

Photographing mirrors isn’t easy, so you’ll just have to take my word that this is a great product.
I’m pleased with this cleaner and am happy to be offering it to you!
Three readers will receive a 3 pack of Fish Foam. That’s three 19 oz bottles for 3 readers! With the holidays over, most people are cleaning and organizing and it’s a great time to try a new product, especially when a great product like this is free! On the first sunny and warmer day I will be cleaning my windows!

Please log in to rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. You can use your e mail address, you don't need to have a facebook page. Then just follow the directions. There are 2 chances to win. It's easy! Any Problems, here's a tutorial on how to use rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Debbie (((xx)))
Disclosure

Rafflecopter Tutorial

2012-01-01T14:40:00.000-08:00

Rafflecopter is an efficient way for bloggers to run giveaways on their blogs and you’ll probably be seeing it more often, but can be confusing the first time you attempt to use it. I know I was confused, so I’m going to try to demystify it for you. It’s easy.
Here we go! Vimeo has a short video demo, my explanation is longer.
To demonstrate rafflecopter, I’m using screen shots from different giveaways.

Step 1, log in. Why? Here’s the answer. The short answer is so the giveaway host can get in touch with you if you win.

You can use your email address OR Facebook.

Log in, then click the green box.

____________________________________

After you log in, your name will be in the circled area. You are now able to enter the giveaway.

Step 2 will get you 1 entry, as shown in the green +1 box, Click on that box.

_________________________________________

Follow the directions. Leave your comment in the comment section of the blog then come back and click Enter, in the green box again.

____________________________________________

I’ve circled the completed step. You now have 1 entry.

You can stop there if you want.

Step 3, for another entry click on the green box beside Tweet About the Giveaway.

To Tweet, just click on Tweet beside the red arrow.

This is what pops up, click Tweet.

To find the URL of your Tweet, click on the time in the bottom of your Tweet.

This pops up, here is your Tweet URL, copy and paste it as per the directions on the entry.

After you paste in the Tweet URL click Enter _________________________________________________

You now have completed all ways to enter and have 2 entries.

It may seem like a lot of steps but once you get the hang of it, it’s goes fast!

I hope that helps. I’ve left giveaways because I was confused by Rafflecopter, that’s why I’m trying to explain it.
Here’s my first rafflecopter giveaway. I hope you enter!
Added to Tutorial and tips at Home Stories A 2 Z
Debbie (((xx)))

New Year’s resolutions

2012-01-01T12:58:00.001-08:00

Every year do you make the same resolutions to lose weight, eat a healthier diet or stick to an exercise regime? yeah yeah yeah….We all know that doesn’t work. I stopped doing that and instead resolved to learn something new every year. That worked well for a few years but I still haven’t mastered last years resolution of learning how to roll my r’s. So I’ll never master the Spanish language or French or German, but I’m not giving up.

This year I decided to go in a whole new direction.

2012 is the year to STOP!

*Stop comparing yourself to others. You are who you are, either accept it or do something about it.

*Stop being jealous of others’ achievements. You’re only hurting yourself. Did you ever think that others may be jealous of you? Do you really want that?

*Stop hanging onto toxic friendships/relationships. You hate yourself after spending time with these “friends” because they brag, nag or whine and bring you down. Maybe it’s time to say adieu, cya-nara, au revoir. This one has been especially difficult for me.

*Stop putting your needs last. You absolutely must take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else….you’ve heard that one before, I’m sure. It’s true.

*Stop worrying Matthew 6:27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

*Stop running from your problems. Face it and get it over with and you’ll feel so much better. Phew….

*Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Wallowing in self pity will eat you up. Be grateful and smile.

*Stop holding grudges. If someone hurt you, forgive them. It doesn't mean that it’s okay for another to hurt you, it means you’re letting go of those negative feelings. As long as you hold that grudge you let them have power over you!

*Stop blaming everyone else. Take responsibility for your own actions.

And one more,

*Stop and smell the roses. Slow down and make time to enjoy all the loveliness around you.

Here’s to a New Year! Can’t wait to get started .

Debbie (((xx)))

Top Projects 2011

2011-12-28T05:20:00.000-08:00

Today I’m featuring some of my favorite projects from 2011. I have plenty of decorating plans for 2012, but then I always have decorating plans for something! We’ll just have to wait and see what this new year brings. I’m hoping it brings board and batten and a new color in the kitchen.

In early July, I painted my front door an unexpected color. I was so tired of the burgundy and the punch of color on the door was the answer.

An unexpected color on the front door.

The light fixtures got a make over too. Here’s the door decorated for Christmas

Later in July, I made over this old table with a pop of color too.

Table Make Over X 2

In August I posted Curbside Treasure Revisited. This old vanity table was out for the trash and I snagged it.

It got cleaned up and decoupaged with old sheet music.

Now, it’s part of this vignette in our basement family room.

I couldn’t do a review without including A Pile of Twigs becomes a Wreath.

or, 5 Minutes to Craft a Pumpkin with Burlap and Plastic bags.

These 2 easy projects were popular on Pinterest and took so little time to create.

The first project in the new year will be painting a guest bedroom. It’s a small room, so it will go fast and then I’ll have some fun decorating.

I’m linking up to Rhoda’s Top projects 2011.

Hope you had a blessed Christmas!

Debbie (((xx)))

Mary did you know?

2011-12-23T01:32:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas my friends! Blessings to you and your family in the new year. I’m sharing this beautiful Christmas song, it’s one of my favorites.

Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?

Did you know,
that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered,
will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know,
that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby,
you've kissed the face of God.

The blind will see
The deaf will hear
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know,
that your baby boy is heaven's perfect lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding,

is the great I AM

Christ is the ultimate gift.

Rejoice in His birth!

Debbie (((xx)))

The making of The Princess and the Pea, doll, bed and pea, Part 2

2011-12-22T03:32:00.000-08:00

This princess and the pea creation is a gift for my granddaughter. I hope she likes it as much as I do! You can see how I created the bed in Part 1.
My first attempt at making the princess doll was not so great. One arm was so much longer than the other and I just didn’t like the way it was turning out, so I started all over again. The second attempt was better, but only slightly.

This time I made the arms, legs and head separately. Ignore the head in these pictures because I ended up cutting it off.

After I had it sewn together, I cut off her head and attached a bigger head with a few hand stitches. That’s how I do most projects…..making it up as I go along.
I drew on her face with fine tipped markers. For her hair I basically followed a tutorial like THIS. I twisted some pipe cleaners into her head and body so her head wouldn’t fall over due to the weight of her hair.

Here’s how she turned out. I’m glad I was going for cuteness and not perfection!

I used an elastic hair band as the base for her tutu, then tied on strips of tulle and ribbon.

Here she’s wearing her cape, princess hat and even furry boots. The base for her hat is made from pipe cleaners and her boots are pieces of furry trim glued together.

Her bed was sprayed purple and I added some black accents and a princess plaque.

She only has 7 mattresses. In the story she has 20 mattresses and 20 feather beds!

My friend used her fancy Baby Lock sewing machine to embroider the blanket for me. Would I ever love to have a machine like that! It’s awesome!

The pea is oversized to prevent little ones from putting it in their mouths! A round wooden ball encased in fiber filling with a piece of green felt hand sewn around it, is how I made the pea.

Do you think she looks like a blonde Shannen Doherty!

I wrapped it like this, so the box can be lifted off on Christmas morning.

This series was supposed to be in 3 parts, but I wanted to get it posted before Christmas so I squeezed it into 2 parts. She knows the story of the Princess and the Pea so it’s going to be awesome watching her open this. I’ll try to get some good pictures to share.

Merry Christmas!

Debbie (((xx)))

White Trash, A sweet treat for gift giving.

2011-12-19T22:37:00.000-08:00

A sweet and salty concoction, this treat is commonly known as white trash. Personally, I don’t like that name much, but I do like to snacking on this delicious mix.

Here’s the basic recipe;
In a large bowl mix together,
3 ½ cups honey nut cheerios
3 cups rice chex
3 cups wheat chex
1 lb. m & m’s, Christmas colors
2 ½ cups salted nuts
2 ½ cups mini pretzels
Then stir in in melted white chocolate. I used 4- 12oz. bags of white morsels.

You can alter this recipe to use ingredients you like, any kind of cheerios or chex and whatever type of nuts you prefer. After it’s mixed together, lay it out on cookie sheets to dry.

I found some clear bags and white boxes to package up the mix for gift giving.

I wanted to line the box with parchment but used wax paper because I was out of parchment paper.

I folded it up neatly, added a Christmas sticker and tied it up in a pretty ribbon.

The bags look so festive tied up with ribbon and are all ready to give to neighbors and friends.

This recipe gave me 6, 8 ounce bags and 1, 24 ounce box of candy.
Do you make sweet treats to give as gifts? I know I sure like anything home made!
Merry Christmas!

Linking up to Tutes and Tips at Home Stories A 2 Z.

Debbie (((xx)))

How to create a trio of wreaths on your front door.

2011-12-19T06:34:00.001-08:00

This beautiful trio of wreaths from Martha Stewart inspired me to try and recreate the look on my front door. Because we have a metal door, it wasn’t all that easy to put together and took several attempts to get it right.

source
If you are considering this look and have a metal door like me, here’s how I did it.

Start with the long ribbon, about 7’. Easy right? But how do you get it to lay flat and stay that way? After trial and error, I ended up using little dabs of white glue. There’s probably a much better glue for this purpose, but I wanted to use what I had on hand. The ribbons that are wrapped around the top of the wreaths are added later.
I have a permanent wreath hanger ( a screw) on the door, but it was too low to hang the top wreath, so I attached a wire to the top of the wreath and secured it over the top of the door with heavy packing tape.

A wire holds the bottom of the top wreath to the top of the middle wreath and the bottom of the middle wreath to the top of the bottom wreath. Another wire is attached to the bottom of the bottom wreath and is taped under the door.

Silver florist’s wire is almost invisible with silver ribbon.

Next take a length of ribbon and wrap it around the top of the middle and bottom wreaths. I just used a safety pin to hold it on.

Some fresh greens were tucked in to plump up the fake wreaths and there it is! Merry Christmas!

Linked up to these parties,
Making the World Cuter Monday, Skip to my Lou, Life made Lovely
Between Naps on the Porch
Ivy and Elephants

Debbie (((xx)))

Red and green Christmas poke cake

2011-12-15T17:01:00.001-08:00

Have you ever made a poke cake? Basically, you poke holes in a cake and pour jello over it. And it’s a cake mix, easy peasy, got to love that! This is a Christmas version in red and green.

Here’s the recipe from the jello web site. Their recipe uses Cool Whip for icing, but I like to frost this cake with 7 minute icing. It’s a cooked meringue-like icing that is so delicious!

Seven minute icing

1 1/2 cups sugar
1/3 cup cold water
2 egg whites at room temperature
2 teaspoons light corn syrup, 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine in a double boiler, sugar, water, egg whites, and corn syrup. Beat with an electric mixer for 30 seconds. Place over boiling water. Do not let the top pan touch the boiling water. Cook and beat, for 7 minutes, on high. Frosting should start forming peaks. Remove from heat and add the vanilla. Beat 2 more minutes.

Look at those luscious peaks! So good!

It’s so festive looking, tastes great and would be a great addition to a dessert table.

Are you baking any goodies this year? Cookies?

Only 10 days til Christmas, Happy Holidays!

Debbie (((xx)))

Front porch Christmas decorating 2011

2011-12-14T22:45:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our home!

This year the porch is decorated with a trio of wreaths on the door and greenery filled urns flanking each side.

Using sparkly silver ribbon on the wreaths and touches of spray snow on the greenery in the urns makes it feel like a winter wonderland.

The greenery in the urns was clipped from shrubs and trees in our yard, and a few sprigs of greenery are tucked into each faux wreath.

For height in the urns, I added a few longer twigs and sprayed on a little fake snow.

I added a few pinecones, snowflakes and silver ornaments.

Creating the trio of wreaths was a bit trickier than I imagined and I’ll explain in another post.

I get asked a lot about the iron piece on the stone wall; it’s actually supposed to be a door mat, but because it’s iron, it’s hard to stand on. So, it hangs on the wall instead.

I’ve been doing some baking and will post a few recipes soon.

Hope you’re enjoying this holiday season!

My Christmas 11 posts are here.

Linked up at a la Mode, Holiday Home Highlights

Debbie (((xx)))

How I created this year’s mantle/Christmas crafts

2011-12-12T17:13:00.001-08:00

Let’s start with the focal point, the center frame of the mantle.
A piece of plywood I found in the basement fit perfectly in the frame, I didn’t even need to cut it. I used Mod Podge to glue on hymnal pages, then put a thin coat of Mod Podge on top and allowed it dry to over night.

The letters came from Michael's and were spray painted white, then outlined with a little dark brown paint. I added some Martha Stewart glue and glitter. Next I glued the letters onto the center of the hymnal pages.

Next project, the white rose tree. I will not roll a felt flower again for a long, long time. I’m estimating I rolled about 200 for this project!
Beth from Home Stories A 2 Z has about the best tutorial for creating rolled felt flowers HERE.

I created a cone from an old yardsale sign I found in the garage. The cone got covered with a piece of scrap white fabric, because I didn’t want any brown cone to show. Then I started creating roses from felt squares, gluing larger roses on the bottom and gradually becoming smaller toward the top. When I was finally finished I rejoiced!

The twig tree was a quick project. Again, I created a cone, this time from a cereal box, and glued on twigs of different lengths, adding pieces to fill in empty spots. Spray paint and that’s it’s!
I think these twig trees would look great left natural too, on a piece of a wide branch for a base.

And last, the glittered pinecones I dried and created HERE.
Holiday craft link party at Centsational Girl.
Today’s creative blog, get your craft on.
Coastal Charm, Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Seeing the Christmas décor at linky parties all over blogland is fun. It’s like peeking into other peoples homes and it helps get you in the Christmas mood. Well, it does me anyhow.
I received so many wonderful comments about the mantle this year. Thank You all so much! Big hug and kiss!
Next, I’ll be sharing the front porch.
Debbie (((xx)))

Christmas mantle 2011

2011-12-11T10:35:00.001-08:00

The carol O Holy Night, inspired snow covered greens, white, silver and sparkle, for the mantle this year. It’s always been one of my favorite Christmas songs. On this mantle, the stars are brightly shining.

Decoupaged sheet music from an old hymnal and sparkly letters create the focal point.

The white rose tree was a craft project that made me crazy. It took forever! I was rolling flowers for days!

All the greens are freshly cut from our yard and sprayed with snow.

The twig tree was another project, but it was was quick and easy.

The right side of the mantle with the twig tree perched on an urn turned upside down.

The left side, with the rose tree sitting on an old wooden pedestal that I never got around to painting white.

My glittered pinecones looks so pretty nestled in the greens.

Last year the mantle was done in red, and while I liked it, this one I love! It’s definitely a bit over the top but that’s ok, it’s Christmas!
I’ll be sharing more of how I created the mantle in another post.

Happy Holidays!

Debbie (((xx)))

Bungalow

Feature Friday, Emerald Cove

Painting fabric on a chair Part 3

Would you paint this antique?

Shabby Apple review and giveaway

Friday feature, Sophia’s Decor

Painting fabric on a chair, Part 2

Shaklee Giveaway

My word of the Year

“It's a troublesome world. All the people who're in it are troubled with troubles almost every minute. You ought to be thankful, a whole heaping lot,for the places and people you're lucky you're not.”

Friday Feature, Evolution of Style Blog

Painting fabric on a chair, Part 1

Painting woes, Picking the right color

Cream Cheese Braid

Fish Foam Premium Glass Cleaner Giveaway

Rafflecopter Tutorial

New Year’s resolutions

Top Projects 2011

Mary did you know?

The making of The Princess and the Pea, doll, bed and pea, Part 2

White Trash, A sweet treat for gift giving.

How to create a trio of wreaths on your front door.

Red and green Christmas poke cake

Front porch Christmas decorating 2011

How I created this year’s mantle/Christmas crafts

Christmas mantle 2011

“It's a troublesome world. All the people who're in it
are troubled with troubles almost every minute.
You ought to be thankful, a whole heaping lot,
for the places and people you're lucky you're not.”