Passionately Perfect

Reveal Wednesday: Living room

2012-02-01T00:31:00.000-06:00

This post was actually suppose to be up Tuesday, I'm sorry, I ended up helping my husband all day at his shop!

But better late than never...right!?

As you know, I entered the Imagine the Impossibilities challenge! Unfortunately it turned out to be a major fail! I got nothing accomplished in my master bedroom as planned! * BIG SAD FACE*

However, today I'm going to give you a mini tour of my living room! It is still a big work in progress, but I think it's coming along! For some reason found it much easier to work on the living room than in the master! I have a clear vision of the look I'm going for!

First, here is the the bedroom again :(

Nothing special is going on in there right now!

Now here is the living room that I have been working on instead!

I still have a long list of things I need to do:

Finish shade in dining room

new drapes for living area

new rug

art work

mantel

I could go on and on...But I'm liking the ways things are turning out!!

Hope everyone enjoys their hump day!!

Blue and Yellow and Stripes!

2012-01-30T12:35:00.001-06:00

I have some bad news!

Tomorrow the Impossible Challenge is over and my bedroom looks exactly the same! :(

Good news my living room is finally getting the updated look I have been going for!! :)

Today I will show you a few things I have been working on and tomorrow I will give you a mini tour. Since, I'm suppose to show you my challenge final progress, my living room will take it's place!

Our ottoman was in need of some serious help!

A combination of milk, glue and who knows else...It was either time to get rid of it or give it an update! And since I don't throw much of anything away! Update it is!

I first unscrewed the legs off...at this point I haven't decided if I would paint them or not

I got some awesome fabric from fabric.com. I got 2 yards for like $8 a yd!

I just wrapped the fabric around the ottoman, and stapled in between the cushions

Turned it over and.....

I'm in LOVE

I decided to not paint the legs. It's hard to tell on the brown rug, but I liked them as is!

I'm so happy with the way it turned out!!

Here are a few other things I have been doing

I'm making pillows with the other fabric I ordered!

Here is a an awesome thrift store find I got for $4!!!

Have a Fabulous Monday!!

Coffee & Conversation Thursday Party #21!

2012-01-26T00:00:00.004-06:00

Hello friends!

Welcome to Coffee & Conversation Thursday Party #21!

I'm so excited to announce that last week was our biggest party so far!! I want to thank everyone for for sharing and passing along some great inspiration! I have some of the best bloggy friends!! I can't wait to see what you have been working on this week!!

Now grab your favorite cup of Joe and let's see what you got!

This week tell me all about a craft, a sewing project, a recipe, or home decor project or just about anything you have made or created yourself!

Blog Spotlight:

This week is our first blog spotlight of the year and BOY was this a tough one!!

Everyone had some awesome creations!!

Embarrassing Office/Craftroom by The Feral Turtle

There is nothing Embarrassing about this room now!! I'm a little green with envy!

Chair in gold by Brittany Makes

I now want to gold leaf everything!! Including the first chair I find!

AND....I had to do one more!!! Check this amazing do-over!!

Vintage pyramid console table by Reposhture
You have to check out the before pic!

Conversation Rules:

1) Follow Passionately Perfect

2) Link to your specific post, not your blog homepage and please no giveaways or etsy shops.

3) Grab a button and post it somewhere on your blog.

4) Please keep things appropriate! I have

the right to delete anything that would be offensive to others!

5) Have fun and show lots of {love} to your fellow bloggers!

Good Luck and Thank again!!

Special Note: By posting to my linky party, you understand and
give permission that I use any part of your post and you may be selected
and featured on a upcoming blog spotlight.

The Gold rush 2!

2012-01-25T19:04:00.004-06:00

So I was busy working on everything except my bedroom today! UGH! I don't know why I can't stay focused!!

On a better note, other rooms in my house are coming along! I ordered a bunch of fabric that should be here soon, so next week I will be busy making pillows, curtains and covering our ottoman! All of which are still not for our bedroom. I wonder if it not to late to change my challenge!

Ok, so about today!

I'm still a little obsessed with gold! I was looking for a gold and black mirror online and boy did I fall in love with a lot of them!

These are all way out of my price range....so very determined, I ran off to the dollar store to see what I could come up with!

I found black and gold little mirrors that would work perfect! I bought 13!!

My pretty little monster broke one!

I took the mirror that was hanging above my fireplace

(My apologies for horrible picture quality and please excuse me in the picture! also there is no tutorial)
Mirrors are so hard to photograph!

and turned it into this...

I used the glue gun to glue the small mirrors onto the bigger one.

The sun burst mirror that was hanging there before is now above the fireplace!

Happy Wednesday!!

I'm partying here!

The challenge is on!!

2012-01-23T12:45:00.000-06:00

I have accepted the Imagine The Impossibilities Challenge!

I'm a little nervous, but this was the push I needed to finally try to get things started and actually finish!

Do you have one of those rooms where you start a bunch of different projects and never get back to them! That room that you keep putting off because you either don't know exactly where you want it to go, or it just somehow keeps getting pushed to the back of the list!?

My master bedroom is that room for me!

I had some pretty good ideas...but they never get finished!

The look I'm going for is electric, I want to use soft colors and a mixture of textures and touches of bold graphics...I'm just having a hard time putting them all together!!

I'm loving these rooms!! But how do I achieve this look? Let me show you a picture of what I'm working with!

(I'm so ashamed!)

Notice the too small comforter!!

I have finally decided to to go with an all white duvet! That way I can play with colors and patterns everywhere else but not be tied into something so expensive!

I need a bench for in front of the bed and a rug!

Progress on my gallery wall

Need to change the curtains!

Well I will need your prayers to complete this one! I have no idea why it seems to be more of a challenge than any other rooms in the house!

Happy Monday!

Back to work for me!

Coffee & Conversation Thursday Party #20

2012-01-19T00:30:00.003-06:00

I'm BACK...and ready for another fabulous party!! Sorry for leaving with no notice, but I'm so excited to see all the wonderful things you have been working on while I've been gone!!

Welcome to Coffee & Conversation Thursday Party #20

(We will not have blog spot light this week so we can start fresh)

Grab your favorite cup of Joe and let's see what you got!

This week tell me all about a craft, a sewing project, a recipe, or home decor project or just about anything you have made or created yourself!

Conversation Rules:

1) Follow Passionately Perfect

2) Link to your specific post, not your blog homepage and please no giveaways or etsy shops.

3) Grab a button and post it somewhere on your blog.

4) Please keep things appropriate! I have

the right to delete anything that would be offensive to others!

5) Have fun and show lots of {love} to your fellow bloggers!

Special Note: By posting to my linky party, you understand and

give permission that I use any part of your post and you may be selected

and featured on a upcoming blog spotlight.

Don't forget to link up {here}

This is where I'm partying

2nd times a charm!

2012-01-18T22:50:00.002-06:00

I bought this pair of night stands from a garage sale I found on Craigslist. They originally tried to sale them for $20, but I was able to talk them down to $10 for both, since one of the drawers is missing from one!

Sorry I don't have better pictures, my phone was stolen over the holidays and it had ALL the before and after pictures **Big Sad Face**

I wanted to paint the nightstands blue and was really excited when I found the perfect can of peacock blue in the oops section at Wal-mart! The nightstands are laminate, so I lightly sanded them and used a stain blocking primer! I used several coats since they are black! After the third coat (Yes three!) I felted a little defeated! Unfortunately, the blue was not so perfect, I now understand why it was in the oops section!

So my 2nd thought was to break out some foil and Mod Podge!!

I love the results!!

I used gold metallic spray paint for the edges and rubbed antiquing glaze after the Mod Podge dried!!

Don't forget to link up {here}

Here is where I'll be partying!!

southern lovely
Lil luna
My girlish whims
Sugar and dots
Handy man crafty woman
Primitive and proper
Ginger snap crafts
Sew much a do
Delightful order
The artsy girl connection
The 36th avenue
So fabulously flawed
Saved by love creations
The shabby creek cottage
The frugal girls
House of Hepworths
Some what simple

Happy Thursday!!

Miss me yet?

2012-01-17T12:23:00.001-06:00

I've been totally MIA from the blog world! I wish I had a better excuse other than being super lazy and enjoying a little me time! During this time I have been doing a lot of shopping *for me* not the house and it feels pretty good! Usually when I walk in a store all I could think about is what the house needs are and completely close my eyes while walking by the clothing section, unless it is for Miss Eden! I'm sure I'm not the only women who feels totally guilty when buying things for herself! I get this feeling that I could be using the money on the family, but these past few weeks I had a talk with that feeling (a simple two word convo...Shut up!) Lol!

But I'm back and have a long list of things I need to get done around the house! Next month will our year anniversary in our home and I'm a little embarrassed that the master bedroom has been so neglected! I start things and move on to other rooms! I'm even still sleeping on a queen comforter in a king bed! So I'm ready to get busy!

Can't wait to see what everyone has been working on and to reconnect with my bloggy friends! Hope everyone had an awesome new year!

Coffee and Conversation link party will be back up and running this Thursday! Stop by and visit me...I Miss you! ;)

Tweet from TweetCaster

2012-01-09T18:37:00.001-06:00

@SoPassionately: Thrift shop chic!! Top $2 Pants $1 Belt .25 http://t.co/AIAei9Ik
Shared via TweetCaster

Sherika alston
Passionatelyperfect.com

Coffee and Conversation #19

2011-12-29T03:03:00.002-06:00

Welcome to Coffee & Conversation Thursday Party #19!

It's time to say goodbye to 2011, can you believe it! As we say hello to a new year let's remember all the wonderful projects 2011 bought us!! Please share any of your favorite projects of 2011!

Thank you to everyone who linked up last week and
shared your creative and crafty projects with us.
Now grab your favorite cup of Joe and let's see what you got!

Blog Spotlight

Drab to Fab: A Dresser Makeover by Honey Sweet Home

From Yellow to Hello by Urbane Jane

Conversation Rules:

1) Follow Passionately Perfect and With a shot of Brandy

2) Link to your specific post, not your blog homepage and please no giveaways or etsy shops.

3) Grab a button and post it somewhere on your blog.

4) Please keep things appropriate! I have

the right to delete anything that would be offensive to others!

5) Have fun and show lots of {love} to your fellow bloggers!

Good Luck!!

<div align="center"><a
href="http://www.withashotofbrandy.com" title="With A Shot Of
Brandy"><img
src="http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x470/B_TasteTouchSee/WithAShot%20Of%20Brandy/ShotLinkyPartyTile.jpg"
alt="With A Shot Of Brandy" style="border:none;"
/></a></div>

Special Note: By posting to my linky party, you understand and
give permission that I use any part of your post and you may be selected

and featured on a upcoming blog spotlight.

NIfty Thrifty: 5 tips for sucessful thrifting!

2011-12-27T20:32:00.001-06:00

Today I'm going to share with you a few tips to help ensure successful trips to thrift stores!

No matter what you may be looking for, I think there are some key things you can do to help you spot awesome finds!

I enlisted the help of my uncle who is the guru of all things thrift!

His wardrobe and garage is filled...literally, with some of the most amazing finds! He can spot a deal miles away, and never takes more than $5 each trip! If you are looking for something, he is your go to guy!!

So we sat down and together wrote down some tips we think are the most important!!

Tip #1 Constancy

You have to be willing to stalk your local thrift stores. Know what days they get the most donations and find out when their discount days are. Find a few of your favorite stores and visit often, this way you will be able to know which stores are best for what you are looking for. Some may have great deals on clothing, while others will be great for home finds! Don't be scared to talk to the employees, and never be scared to ask if your item's price can be reduced!!

Tip # 2 If you see something you like, grab it!

I have done this many times, when I pick up something, like it, but put it down because I'm either not exactly sure what I would do with it, or I just think maybe I don't need it! Only to dream about it and the next day it's gone! So if you keep eyeing something, get it! Most thrift stores have a return policy just in case you get home and realize you really don't need it!!

Tip # 3 Know what you need

As awesome as thrifting can be, you can quickly become addicted, which can result into an overload of things!! So before each trip take in inventory of things you want and need. If you have an idea of what you are looking for your trips will go by a lot faster!

Tip # 4 Keep up with the latest trends

I'm a believer that style comes before trend. As wonderful as trends are they fade fast and may not be suitable for everyone. But when it comes to thrift shopping you can inexpensively keep up with the latest trend report! Look in magazines, or on TV to see what colors are in, what styles are popular and what are some designer faves! Remember trends don't just apply to clothing, Furniture and home accessories can also be on the current trend report!

Tip # 5 BUDGET

Thrifting is fun and rewarding, but if you're not careful you can easily find yourself spending just as much money as you could in a regular store! Always set budgets for yourself!!

Here are some of my awesome finds!!

All this week I will be showing you some of my other amazing finds!!

Happy Tuesday!!

Merry Christmas!!!

2011-12-25T18:25:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

This week will start Nifty Thrifty!

A week deciated to fashion on a serious budget!

Also I will be sharing 5 tips to sucessful Thrifting!

Stay tuned!!

Top: Thrift find ($2.38)

Vest: Wet seal

Pants: Forever 21

Necklace: Frockcandy.com

Hope you all are having a Great Christmas!!

Coffee & Conversation Thursday Party #18!

2011-12-21T23:00:00.093-06:00

Welcome to Coffee & Conversation Thursday Party #17!

Only a few more days until Christmas!!

Is it just me or did this month go by way super fast?! I haven't even finished all my shopping yet, but I'm so excited to get to spend this time with family!
I can't wait to see all the wonderful projects you have been working on and your last minute gift ideas! Thank you to everyone who linked up last week and
shared your creative and crafty projects with us.
Now grab your favorite cup of Joe and let's see what you got!

Blog Spotlight

Check out are two awesome mini Christmas tree link-ups from last week!

Dryer sheets tree by Petites Passion

Driftwood Christmas tree by The space between

Conversation Rules:

1) Follow Passionately Perfect and With a shot of Brandy

2) Link to your specific post, not your blog homepage and please no giveaways or etsy shops.

3) Grab a button and post it somewhere on your blog.

4) Please keep things appropriate! I have

the right to delete anything that would be offensive to others!

5) Have fun and show lots of {love} to your fellow bloggers!

Good Luck!!

<div align="center"><a
href="http://www.withashotofbrandy.com" title="With A Shot Of
Brandy"><img
src="http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x470/B_TasteTouchSee/WithAShot%20Of%20Brandy/ShotLinkyPartyTile.jpg"
alt="With A Shot Of Brandy" style="border:none;"
/></a></div>

Special Note: By posting to my linky party, you understand and
give permission that I use any part of your post and you may be selected
and featured on a upcoming blog spotlight.

Guest Post: Christmas decorations!

2011-12-21T06:00:00.001-06:00

We have a guest today!! Olga over at Stardust, I'm so happy to have her here posting today! When I first seen her blog I fell in love with her hallway transformation {here},

Be sure to go check her out, she has some great stuff and I know you are gonna love her too!!

Christmas is all around us....la la la ...

To get into the spirit, my lovely stardusted readers, I give you some snippets of my Christmas decorated house.

During the day

At night

(this one is from last year's decoration)

Happy holidays everyone!

xoxo

{F.T.H.B} Holiday house tour

2011-12-16T06:00:00.002-06:00

Only a few days away from Christmas and I'm suppose to be in the holiday cheer!

Instead my daughter and I have been sick in bed the past two days, but the show must go on!

Decorating the house for the holidays has always been special to me because it was the something me and my dad did together every year before I got married! My dad is the biggest kid when it comes to the Christmas! He loves baking, is the BEST gift giver and decorates the house no matter what every year and I was always his go to girl! Even when I moved out the house he would call and ask when I was coming over to help hang the lights or put up the tree! Some of my best memories are decorating with my dad during Christmas time, it was a time when I think I always felt the closest to him! We would talk, listen to Christmas music and just enjoy each others company! It was our thing!

I'm looking forward to creating some of those special moments with my children!

My goal this year was to make Christmas beautiful on a budget! I think I did a pretty good job, using things I already had, the amazing Dollar tree and the Goodwill! I spent under $50 on all our decor!

Here is a little tour of our holiday home!

Entry way

Living room

Dinning room

Eden's Room

Hope everyone has an awesome Friday...definitely hoping this sickness comes to an end soon!

Coffee & Conversation Thursday Party #17!

2011-12-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

Ready! Set! Decorate!

It's December folks! Only 10 days left to get those gifts and get
them wrapped for under the tree. Don't forget this week, we have been
sharing lots of great holiday decor ideas that you can use to make your
home beautiful and lovely this holiday season. Check out all of the great
articles when you get a chance!

Welcome to

Coffee & Conversation Thursday Party #17!

Thank you to everyone who linked up last week and
shared your creative and crafty projects with us.

Grab your favorite cup of joe and let's see
what you got! This week -- Tell us all about a craft, a sewing project, a
recipe, a home decor project or just about anything that you have given as
a gift to someone! We want to continue to share even more great gift
ideas!

Blog Spotlight:

Faux Fireplace by Fearfully & Wonderfully Made

Simple Elegance Wreath by Somewhere In The Middle

Conversation Rules:

1) Follow me and my co-host (Sherika)!

2) Link to your specific post, not just to your blog. Also, be sure to

link up your own work! Please do not link up giveaways or etsy shops.

3) Grab a button and post it somewhere on your blog or a text link back is

fine too! (I always return the {love}!)

<div align="center"><a
href="http://www.withashotofbrandy.com" title="With A Shot Of
Brandy"><img
src="http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x470/B_TasteTouchSee/WithAShot%20Of%20Brandy/ShotLinkyPartyTile.jpg"
alt="With A Shot Of Brandy" style="border:none;"
/></a></div>

<div align="center"><a href="http://passionatelyperfect.blogspot.com/" title="Passionatey Perfect"><img src="

** Be sure to place code in a html widget if placing in right rail.**

4) Please keep things appropriate! I have

the right to delete anything that would be offensive to others!

5) Have fun and show lots of {love} to your fellow bloggers!

Special Note: By posting to my linky party, you understand and

give permission that I use any part of your post and you may be selected

and featured on a upcoming blog spotlight.

Good Luck!!

{F.T.H.B} Holiday Decor by Embellishments by SLR

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone! My name is Shenita of Embellishments by SLR. I absolutely love everything about decorating and entertaining; and doing it all on a budget. I am so excited to do a guest post here, with Brandy and Sherika, for their "Favorite Things Holiday Bash"! I hope that you will be inspired by what I have to share with you.

When we open our homes to our guests, during the holiday season, we like to make them feel special; and we want to create an atmosphere that says, "We're glad you came!" Today, I'd like to give you some tips for creating a great party setting with style, without breaking the bank.

First, you really don't have to settle for paper goods. Decorative or plain glass plates can be bought for as little as 99¢ each. They are readily available at the dollar stores and Wal-Mart. I have even seen them in thrift stores recently for as little as 79¢. This small initial investment will pay off for years to come. You will be able to reuse these plates for many different events, going forward. And, you can always add to your collection. I have collected enough for about 50 guests!

Also, pull out that crystal you've been saving. Many of us received crystal as wedding gifts; and we never use it. A holiday party is a great opportunity to show it off! It doesn't have to match. It's ok to mix items of the same medium. It's all about the sparkle!!

Showcase your crystal stemware, bowls, votive holders, candlesticks, trays, and punch bowls. The more, the better!

Secondly, you can use floral arrangements that you already have. It makes holiday decorating easy, when you coordinate your decorations, with your existing decor. Simply add inexpensive holiday floral picks and stems. The glitter and shimmery colors add just enough 'bling' to say, "It's A Party"!

You can also use tall glittery stems. I purchased this bag of shimmery gold stems from Hobby Lobby at 50% off, for about $7. The height takes the centerpiece, right up into the chandelier, and adds, yet, another layer of drama.

Finally, an easy way to make your guests say, "Wow!", is the use of votives and candles. You can purchase an entire bag of votive candles for around $5! Just layer them around the table, for that last bit of magic!

Finally, turn on your holiday music and welcome your guests, in style!!

I wish you all a happy and blessed holiday season!

{F.T.H.B} Lewis Family Holiday decor

2011-12-13T09:57:00.000-06:00

Let's go over to Brandy's house and see how her family decorates for the holiday's!!

During this season, there are so many things that I enjoy that have become

traditions for my family during the holiday season.

Decorating the family home is one of the most important aspects of the

holiday season that really makes it all feel complete. This year, both my

sister and I have separate homes from my parents so it was just as

important to us to decorate our homes too! So this year, once we

completed my parents decorations, we then moved from home to home leaving

each beautifully decorated as we went.

{Pre-Holiday Magic}

{Post
Holiday Magic}

As you can ... a little imagination and few items here and there can leave

your home feeling dress in its holiday best. I incorporated a few

hand-made items including the painting that I did myself. And over the

years, I have collected houses and wonderful town stores to help make my

Christmas village different and unique. My tree is dressed in its finest

and truly looks beyond compare!

Be sure to take time this season to create new traditions of your own. It

really will bring new meaning to the holiday season for you and your

family & friends.

We have a WINNER!!!

2011-12-12T18:17:00.001-06:00

We are so happy to announce the winner of the

{Holiday Fab Bag Giveaway}:

Loretta McPeters

The winner has 48 hours* from the time of
this post to contact us at with the following information:

Name, Entry Email Address, Mailing Address
(US Only)

Thank you so all who entered and supported
this giveaway! This giveaway had such great support that I will do it
again very soon! Just in time for the holidays! My gift to you!

So stay tuned!

*If I do not received any contact within
the alotted contact window, I reserve the right to announce another
winner.*

Your host, Sherika and Brandy!

{F.T.H.B) Theme of the week: Holiday parties and decor

2011-12-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to our "Favorite Things Holiday Bash"!

This is the last week of our Favorite things bash and we want to end it off with everyone's Favorite.

Holiday decorations!!

Whether you are throwing a party, inviting close friends over or just spending the day with your family, what is Christmas without decorations!!

My wonderful co-host Brandy and I (Sherika) invite you to Come on in, take a seat, and enjoy all wonderful holiday decor and party essentials! We hope that you will get some great

ideas from our posts and the posts of our featured guest bloggers. We

can't wait for you to participate at our themed link party --- Coffee

& Conversation Thursday Holiday Edition!

F.T.H.B. Theme of the week: Holiday Decor

This week all of the featured posts will be on Holiday decor and party decorating!

Don't forget Thursday, we invite each of you to link up your holiday crafts, decor and your

favorite holiday foods to share with others.

Upcoming This Week:

Tuesday - Brandy @ With a Shot of Brandy

Wednesday -Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR

Thursday - Coffee and Conversation link party

Friday - Sherika @ Passionately Perfect

Also stay tuned for the Fab Bag giveaway winner that will be announced today!!

Have an awesome Monday!!

Pink Christmas

2011-12-11T15:07:00.004-06:00

Eden's Room is now ready for Christmas!!

(I'm REALLY happy that I still have an excuse to use pink for Christmas decorations)

Have a happy pink Christmas and a great Sunday!!!

"I am sharing my holiday home decor and cleaning tips for the chance to win prizes from The SITS Girls and Great Cleaners."

I'm be partying {here} this week!!

and

{F.T.H.B} Peppermint White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

2011-12-09T12:29:00.001-06:00

As I love to share this time of year, my
favorite things to share are holiday recipes. I love to try new foods and
share some of my favorites with others. This year I am going to re-share
one of my favorite holiday cookies with you but with a little twist.

Earlier this year, I created a post with
White Chocolate PB Cookies!

These are my favorite holiday cookies
because they are so simple and easy and make a elegant gift for friends
and family. Your friends and family will think that you slaved away in
the kitchen to create these rich and tasty treats.

To make the Peppermint White Chocolate PB Cookies, simply follow
the recipe for the WC PB Cookies and before the chocolate has time to
set, sprinkle crushed pepperming bits on top of each cookie. Here is a
quick picture to show the finished cookie.

Also, with any left over white chocolate
you can easily create Peppermint Bark.

{Directions}

Melt remaining white chocolate and combine
with crush pepperment pieces {some pieces can be chunky as this will creat
a little texture in the bark}. Line a baking sheet with wax paper and
spread the bark mixture in the pan. Chill until set {about 45 mins}.
Break pieces off of the larger candy sheet to create uneven chunks of
candy {like peanut brittle}.

Viola!
Peppermint Bark!

Christmas mantel!

2011-12-08T12:54:00.002-06:00

Our mantel is finally finished!!

I'm so happy with the way it all turned out and my husband is very more happy with the money I spent!!

So here it is...Christmas at the Alston's!

Here are some other areas in the house

Nope, still haven't painted the other curtain!

The entry way

See more details about the entryway and our other Christmas decor here

All the decor is from things I already had, the Goodwill or Dollar store!!

So far I'm only about $40 bucks in!!

It was simple like using ugly stocking from the dollar store and buying an old sweater from goodwill

and making it into this

Currently working on the kitchen and Eden's room!!

Hope everyone has an awesome weekend!

Check out where I like to party

{Here}

and

Coffee & Conversation Thursday Party #16!

2011-12-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

~Ohhhh... Sweet 16! You only turn 16 once!~

It's December folks! Only 17 days left to get those gifts and get
them wrapped for under the tree. Don't forget this week, we have been
sharing lots of great holiday recipes that you can use to make your
gift-giving a little easier this year. Check out all of the great articles
when you get a chance!

Welcome to Coffee & ConversationThursday Party #16!

We had such a great turn out last week!!!
Thank you to everyone who linked up last week and shared
your creative and crafty projects with us.

Blog Spotlight:

Peppermint Chocolate Bark by The ArtsyGirl Connection

Whipped Chocolate Ganache by Just A Girl In The World

Conversation Rules:

1) Follow me and my co-host (Sherika)!

2) Link to your specific post, not just to your blog. Also, be sure to

link up your own work! Please do not link up giveaways or etsy shops.

3) Grab a button and post it somewhere on your blog or a text link back is

fine too! (I always return the {love}!)

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{F.T.H.B} Apricot Squares

2011-12-07T09:12:00.000-06:00

Today, I’m posting one of my favorite Christmas cookies. I’m happy and flattered to have been invited to share this cookie at the Favorite Things Holiday Bash hosted by Brandy and Sherika.

I’ve been trying for a very long time to perfect this cookie. The recipe in itself has already been perfected, as everyone in my family seems to have success with it. However, I have little to no luck every time I try to work with yeast (I think I get that from my mother because she’s been working on this one for awhile too). Regardless, if you’re not scared of yeast doughs, and they can be very frightening at times, give this one a shot.

Apricot Squares are my grandmother’s recipe. She made these every Christmas, in addition to Polish favorites such as nut horns. Apricot Squares are a light-tasting and welcome addition to any cookie platter. Next to the chocolate, peanut butter, and mint cookies, they offer a contrast in shape and color. People will be bound to ask how you made them!

It may seem like a bit of a process; with the yeast, the rolling, the cutting, the filling, and the folding. However, if you’re going through the process of baking several batches of Christmas cookies anyway…just give it a try! If I can do it, so can you! For the first time..ummm ever…these turned out perfectly!

Apricot Squares
makes approximately 4 dozen

2 cups Crisco shortening
5 cups flour
1/2 t. salt

5 egg yolks

1/2 packet of dry yeast OR 1/2 of a refrigerated three-fourths yeast cake
1/2 t. sugar
3/4 cup warm milk (I used skim and heated it in the microwave for 45 seconds before adding it to the yeast.)

sugar for rolling
1 cup apricot preserves

To begin the dough:
Heat a small pot of water on the stove. Let it come to a boil, then turn it off. Place a bowl over the pot to create a double boiler. Leave the burner off. The residual heat coming from the water is all you need to snap the yeast into action. Into the double boiler goes the warm milk, yeast, and sugar.

Stir it once and let it sit for about 10 minutes. The yeast should be frothy as it grows.

In a large mixing bowl, cut together the shortening, flour, and salt. I just used two forks, but a pastry blender works well.. Make a “well” in the center of the flour mixture. Into the well, add the 5 egg yolks. After the yeast has sat in the double boiler for 10 minutes (possibly 15, if needed), add it to the egg yolks and stir together.

Finally, combine the well mixture with the rest of the flour/shortening. Using your hands here usually works best. And your dough is done! It will be a lot like pie dough.

Rolling the dough:
Taking a chunk of dough, roll it out on a board (or solid surface countertop) to about 1/8 of an inch thick. Cut into 2″x2″ squares (I use a pizza cutter). Place each square on a greased cookie sheet. Spoon 1 teaspoon of apricot preserves onto the center of the square of dough and then fold over two corners to make a diamond-like shape. It will work best if you “wet” the two corners together so they won’t come apart during baking.

Bake at 350* for 10-12 minutes. They are done when just golden-brown.

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{F.T.H.B} Apricot Squares

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