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Sunday, June 30, 2013

BlogLovin' & staying cool!

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Why do people always have to go and change things that are perfectly fine just the way they are? I am talking about you Google! I thought if I just didn't think about it, that this whole Google Reader thing wouldn't go bye-bye. Guess I was wrong...so I signed up under BlogLovin so that I can continue to follow all of you, my friends! I hope you continue to follow me as well.

We are having a heat wave in Idaho and I am already done with summer heat! Today's high was 105 and tomorrow is supposed to be 110. Thank goodness that it is a dry heat with little humidity. I don't do well in humidity! We have been trying to find cheap and easy ways to cool off. Today I made some yummy strawberry granitas using strawberries that I already had in the fridge. They were cool and delicious and really hit the spot on this hot, hot evening. They are simple to make and only 2 Weight Watchers Points Plus. (I started Weight Watchers a month ago and am already down 11 pounds!) I think next time I will add some fresh mint and make them even more delectable!

The poor dogs are hot too. They are supposed to be getting shaved soon so that will definitely help. In the meantime, we bought a plastic kiddie pool for them to play in. They don't swim in it but they do love to splash around. Cody and I even sat in it for a bit this afternoon to cool off! I think we might be doing that quite a bit this summer!

As you may know, I work for a college and in 2014, we will again have a football team after being without one for over 30 years. This weekend was a football reunion where former players and coaches got together to celebrate the return of football. I was in charge of decorations. Here is a photo of the centerpieces that I put together. I made 25 of these! The purple bucket holds 5 small footballs, 2 pom poms, a pennant and gold star garland. Three more footballs and gold star glitter are around the outside along with a menu card, program and donation card that I designed. People raved about my centerpieces and loved that they got to take a football home with them!

Thank goodness I get this next week off of work. With the heat and all the extra work that the reunion brought, I can definitely use the time off! I hope everyone has a safe and Happy 4th of July and try to stay cool!

Monday, June 17, 2013

My baby brother's wedding

My brother's wedding day has come and gone! It went off without a hitch and it was a beautiful wedding. My sister and I got there at 9:00 and started to get everyone ready. She did the hair, I did the makeup and got the bride dressed. Before we knew it, it was time for pictures. Although I was not the photographer, the bride wanted me to take lots of pictures. I got some great ones and my favorites are below. There are quite a few to look at so I will shut up and let you look!

Our mom made the cake. It was a brownie cake since neither the bride or groom like cake!

I took them to the airport bright and EARLY this morning. They are on their way to Cancun and I am so jealous. Cody and I didn't get a honeymoon. Congratulations Josh & Ashley! I love you both and wish you lots of love and happiness always!

Linking up with:
Ivy & Elephants: What's It Wednesday
Have a Daily Cup of Mrs Olson: Share Your Cup Thursday

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Wedding Hanger

Last night was my future sister-in-law's bachelorette party. One of the things that the invitation told us to bring was lingerie for the bride. We weren't supposed to include a card so she wouldn't know who gave it to her. She had to guess who brought what. I didn't just want to give her a nighty, I wanted to add something special to it. I decided to make her a hanger that she could use to hang her wedding dress from. I am loving the way it turned out!

I found a black wooden hanger that I painted white and sanded to distress it. I made roses with a soft purple cotton fabric, added pearls to the middle and under the roses, put a satin bow above the roses and wrote her new Mrs name on the hanger. When she opened up my gift, she knew it was from me, not because of the nighty, but because of the hand crafted hanger that it was hanging from.

I know that her wedding dress will look even better hanging from this hanger that was lovingly created just for her. I think I have found a new gift to make for future brides in my life!

I helped my mom set up a wedding cake this weekend and took a few pictures of the cake for her. This beautiful orange rose was begging for its picture to be taken and it turned out perfect!

I can't believe my little brother is getting married in a little over 5 days! I also can't wait to share some photos from the wedding with you soon!

Monday, June 3, 2013

Vintage Cake Dome Collection

I bake a lot. Cakes, cookies, cupcakes...if I can bake it, I will! I love to bake and share the goodies with family, friends, co-workers and whoever will enjoy my yummy creations. I also like to put my delicious treats on something nice. Presentation is everything you know! A few summers ago, I decided that I needed a cake dome and I didn't want a modern plastic one. I wanted an old fashion metal one. At a yard sale, I found one that was in pretty good shape. I also mentioned to my in-laws that I was looking for one. And then I got 3 more! Here is my little collection of vintage cake domes.

From left to right: The white one is painted and has horrible decals on it. It is in desperate need of a makeover! The brand is Westbend and is round. Next is my favorite one. It too is Westbend, is square and is a pretty pink color. It is the first one that I found. The next one is a shiny metal one with a black handle. It is Lincoln Beautyware brand. The last one is another favorite. The brand is Westbend again! It has great details as seen below.

Don't you just love the wood acorn handle? It is very solid and sturdy.

The detail around the top of the dome is adorable. Acorns and leaves go all the way around.

This is the detail on the pink square one. This image is adorable! Everyone will be able to tell what is in this cake dome!

They are all in pretty good shape for being vintage cake domes. I would love to know what kind of cakes were once held in all of them. I bet they were all delicious! I had to make a cake to go into one of these and when I found a recipe for a Chocolate Depression Cake, I knew it would be the perfect vintage recipe for one of my vintage cake domes. There are recipes all over for this cake, but this is the recipe I used, you can find the recipe here.

Summer is in full swing here in Idaho. For awhile there we had some nice, cool, stormy days. But I think those are all over and the heat is here. I hope I survive my 30 minute drive home with no air conditioner in the car when the heat reaches into the triple digits. I might just melt!

Linking up with:
The Dedicated House: Make it Pretty Monday
Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
A Stroll thru Life: Inspire Me Tuesday
Knick of Time Tuesday
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesdays
VMG206: Brag About It
Ivy & Elephants: What's It Wednesday
ColoradoLady: Vintage Thingies Thursday
Common Ground: Be Inspired Friday

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Memorial Day Weekend 2013

I needed this 3 day weekend more than I realized! I slept in until 10:00 this morning which is so late for me. Clearly I needed that extra bit of sleep! I spent Saturday with my mom, shopping for a dress for my brother's upcoming wedding. We shopped, had lunch and enjoyed spending time together. Today, Cody and I have been busy rearranging the living room and cleaning. I was even able to sneak in some yard sales and I made a batch of homemade strawberry jam. I grew up eating homemade jams and jellies so I can't stand the store-bought stuff! I am afraid one batch won't be enough however!

The weather has been pretty typical for Memorial Day in Idaho. Sprinkling in the morning, then warm and sunny in the afternoon, followed by a great thunderstorm and pouring down rain. It smells so fresh and clean outside so we decided to sit on the patio and enjoy it. I made homemade lemonade to sip on and now I don't think we can ever go back to commercial lemonade again. Homemade is always the best, especially when drinking out of my new 100th Anniversary Blue Ball Jars. Somehow, the jars make it even better still!

We hit an estate sale and I found this vintage BINGO game for $1. The red and aqua colors are so perfect! As much as I love playing BINGO, I think using all the wonderful cards, markers and numbers will be great to use in crafting!

I finally found the perfect little ottoman to put in my Sweet Little Reading Nook. It's really quite sweet the way it is, but it doesn't match so I will be painting the wood legs and recovering the cushion as soon as I find the perfect fabric. The size is perfect for my nook. I can't wait to get it refinished!

I have been looking for an old metal gum ball machine for awhile. When I found this one for $3, I just knew I had to have it. Before I get it painted, Cody had to try it out to make sure it worked. As you can see, the peanut M & M's we put in it are nowhere to be found! I thought having to pay for a handful would mean they would stick around longer, but clearly that deterred no one!

Today we also went to take a look at my Grandpa's headstone that was just recently placed on his grave. It is beautiful and so perfect for him. While we were there, my aunt and uncle showed up as well and it was nice to see them there, even if we were all crying! We miss you Grandpa and love you so much!

Hope everyone is enjoying this Memorial Day weekend and thank you to all those who fought for our freedom!

Linking up with:
Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Knick of Time Tuesday
A Stroll Thru Life: Inspire Me Tuesday
Cottage Sweet Cottage: Rednesday

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Purple & Yellow Wedding Shower

I just had to show you the fun shower I helped throw for my future sister in law. Her wedding colors are purple, yellow and grey. Here is a banner that I made for the shower. I found canvas covered photo books at Michael's in the $2 bins that were perfect for a banner. The roses are rolled felt. I ripped the pictures to give them a rough look and the letters are just printed on paper and glued on. I love the way this turned out. So did everyone else. I have already been asked to make one for a baby shower as well as sell some of my creations in my aunt's floral shop...yay!!

Here is the food table. My white stands came in super handy for all the yummy food!

The ceiling where we had the shower was lovely. I love the way the lights, lanterns and poms look hanging from it!

I also made some sugar cookies. I need a lot of practice when it comes to decorating them, but I am definitely getting better. Everyone said they tasted delicious too!

And here is the beautiful bride to be! She hates being the center of attention and hated that we made her put this fun bow hat on. Oh well, it is tradition and she looks pretty cute!

The wedding is June 15th, sadly I am not in it but I will be there to take some pictures, help set up and do whatever they need me to do. I can't wait!

Linking up with:

The Dedicated House: Make it Pretty Monday

Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Cozy Little House: Tweak it Tuesday
A Stroll Thru Life: Inspire Me Tuesday
The Style Sisters: Centerpiece Wednesday
Make, Bake, Create Party
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesday
Hickory Trail: Efforts & Assets
Ivy & Elephants: What's It Wednesday
Have a Daily Cup of Mrs Olson: Share Your Cup Thursday
Faith, Grace & Crafts: Pearls & Lace Thursday
Common Ground: Be Inspired
The Charm of Home: Home Sweet Home
Rooted in Thyme: Simple & Sweet Fridays
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
Jennifer Rizzo: Fabulously Creative Friday
Homespun Happenings: Rustic Restorations Weekend

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Vintage Lawn Decorations

While we were out working in the yard this weekend, I looked around at all the weeds that are never ending, and wondered what other people would really see back here. These are the things I hope would catch their eye.

This is a Schwinn bike from the early 1960's. It is a 3-wheeler with a basket on the back. It is rusty and old but I love it. The basket is the perfect place to set a big bunch of flowers. My favorite vintage gate sits behind it along the fence.

My vintage blue Ball Jars need to be cleaned out after this winter. I have shepherd hooks to hang them from. They will hold candles and light up the yard during summer festivities. Of course I have plans to get a pack or two of the 100 year Anniversary jars too!

Love my little red wagon. It has been used as a planter, a photo prop and many other things. The bottom is rusty and dirty but the outside is in wonderful shape. Cody has big plans to rhino line the inside and then use it to haul stuff when we go fishing...just as long as the outside isn't change, I am okay with that!

I have this small collection of antique bottles hanging on my fence. There are a few heavy brown bottles and lots of clear bottles. I wish I knew everything that these bottles once held.