Olympic Party Time : Tutorials & Printables

Are you excited about the 2012 Olympics? I am. Woot! I thought an Olympic party would be way fun. Here are some fun ideas....

Make your own Olympic T-shirt, Olympic banner, flags for straws or cupcakes, mustache and Olympic googles for fun photos.

Full tutorial.

Dishtowel Pillow: Tutorial

A while back I spotted this cute, bright, fun dishtowel from IKEA. I thought it would make a fun pillow. I quickly found and purchased a happy coordinating print from my local fabric store along with a fabulous button. I included the tutorial below.

Here is the outcome...


                                                                      the front

                                                                    the back

 Tutorial

Vintage Aprons: Tutorial

Remember my trip to the antique store? Recall those super cute vintage pillowcases and dishtowels??? I do. I decided to turn them into vintage inspired aprons, giving them new life! Adorable.

Laminated Tablecloth: Tutorial

I love laminated fabric. It has come so far since the days of red a white checkered pattern. You can find a ton of new fun, cute prints, from talented designers like Amy Butler. I found my fabric at Fabrics on Mill Street, they have a variety of fabrics to choose from.

A laminated tablecloth screams summertime parties, backyard gatherings and picnics in the park. Bring on the juicy watermelon! The fun new patterns dresses up any get together while providing easy cleanup. It can easily be folded up and stored in your beach bag or the trunk of your car, great for those impromptu summer picnics. :)

Click "Read more" for the full tutorial.

Button Bracelets

I came across this super cute bracelet tutorial on Sweet Verbena (stop by and check out all the other cute stuff!)

Sweet Verbena used really cute charms on her bracelets. I didn't have any on hand and didn't have time for a Michaels run, so I swapped the charms for buttons.  I think they still turned out pretty cute.The tutorial is great and easy to follow. Thanks Sweet Verbena for the fun tutorial!

What do you think????

Remember...

Make Your Own Bubbles - Free Recipe

What's more fun on a summer day than bubbles? Umm, nothing! Here is a quick and easy way to make homemade bubbles. Perfect for a day with the kiddos, birthday parties, or even a wedding reception.


Bubble Mix



Enjoy!

Best Banana Bread, EVER! - Free Recipe

I love banana bread. This recipe is by far the BEST! The recipe has been in the family for years, so I guess you could say...it's pretty much famous!!! Anywho. It is so delicious (not to mention a perfect way to use those ripe bananas that are sitting on your counter).

Free recipe...just in case you want to try a slice.

Banana Nut Bread

Extra Prayers for Don.

Today is the big day. Transplant day. New stem cells. New life.

Please say an extra prayer for Don. 

i pray that Don's body is receptive. that the doctors make the correct decisions. that this is the answer. that this marks the first day of recovery. i pray for the family, that they will have strength, power, comfort, and insight. 

i love you all.

What is he doing?

About a month ago I was driving home via my normal route when I noticed a man standing on his balcony. I thought he looked a little creepy, but just drove on past, not giving him another thought. Then a couple of nights later I drove past the same balcony, to my surprise, the same creepy guy was up there, just staring back at me. Creepy. By my third encounter with Mr. Creepy Creepster, I realized he's not a HE, he's a dummy, not a dumb-y but a mannequin. Wow! A whole new level of strange. Again, I was creep-ed out! I wondered why do you have a mannequin on your balcony? Is he one of those security camera mannequins? Do you think he's real? I was just so perplexed, not to mention, creep-ed out. I thought there would be no way anyone would believe me.

Luckily, a couple of nights later my friend was with me as we drove past, I quickly (and legally) did a U-turn, and said, "Look up! Do you notice anything?" Her reply, "Euh, why did you show me that? Now I won't be able to sleep tonight". Just plain, creepy, I tell ya, creepy. I felt so much better have a second witness.


Shortly after I gained my second witness testimony, Mr. Creepy Creepster disappeared. He was gone. It's funny,  every time I drove by I would look up to see if he was watching. He wasn't.....that is until yesterday! He is back! I parked and took his photo this time. Maybe he went a summer vacation???













It's okay if you had to look away...I 'm still a little afraid to make direct eye contact.

Antique Lover

I love the eclectic-vintage look. There is just something about mixing the old with the new. My bestie Kelli loves, loves, loves antiquing and being the kind, loving, and supportive friend that I am, I venture out with her from time to time.

On my most recent treasure hunting trip I came across these fun beauties....

 

How precious are the vintage towel sets? So cute. And not to mention the Raggedy Ann & Andy cookie tin. Love! I loved the bright red color of the bracelet, it will look great with that Martha Stewart turquoise-Robbins egg blue.



I spotted the aluminum bowl set and thought of my Grandma Lamb, she always had the tall aluminum drinking cups. It brings back a memory of hot summer, cold water, and a wheel of warm cheddar cheese. My grandparents always(or at least it seems in my child memory bank) had a round wheel of cheddar cheese  sitting on their kitchen table. Memories.
As for Lady Ketchup, she just cute and fun...ahem...like moi!


Meet Rhett the Rooster.
I. am. in. LOVE. I want to hug him, and kiss him, and marry him....or maybe just put him on my front porch. According, to the above mentioned Bestie, it's my "Tennessee coming out". I simply don't care where it comes from, I just LOVE him. Please wait for me

Dear Rhett, 
 Please don't let someone buy you, you belong with me.


Patiently Waiting,
-S

I found Rhett and my other fabulous finds at Merchant Square Antiques in Chandler, AZ. I recommended a visit in you are ever in Chandler.

Phoenix's 7th Avenue has a couple of different shops within walking distance of each other...a sort of vintage shop hop experience. Rust & Roses and Melrose Vintage are two of the cute shops. 

Now get out and find some treasure!

A Girl Can Dream, right?

I thought I'd share a fun little conversation I had with my friend Kelli. Sometimes I question my thought process :)

Me: On my wish list- Adobe Illustrator, a Canon digital camera,  and a Mac Book.
Me: I don't think that's too much to ask for, I mean, honestly!
Me: Oh! And maybe a husband too!
Kelli: In that order?
Me: Sure.

I love my wish list. It's not too high maintenance. I really don't care what order it comes in ;) . I am currently using the free AI software from work/school...only problem is there is some connection issue between my account and the citrix server, blah, blah, blah...whatever all that means. I just wish some little computer genius would fix it. Not just for my sake, but for yours too. My post are far more interesting with the help of AI. I would love a new Canon camera. I just want to take fancy pictures. The Mac Book I would love for its compatibility with design software. As for the husband, he'd just be nice to have around, sometimes I really need help taking pictures for this blog!




My Wish List - 2012




What's on your wish list for 2012?

Curly vs. Straight - Giveaway

I have naturally nappy hair. No, really. I have learned a true appreciation for hair products. Her are my favs for curly and straight hair. You can usually find the products at your local beauty product retailer.


For super straight hair I use the following, with my flat iron.

 Bio silk - Silk Therapy,  Sexy Hair - Darn Straight, Bed Head - Smart Talk. 

For big, curly hair I use the following, with my diffuser.

BedHead - Smart Talk & Sexy Hair - Curly Sexy Hair

What is your favorite hair styling product?

Leave a comment to enter to win a free - Bed Head - Smart Talk.
Enter by July 14, 2012. 
***be sure to leave your contact email address.

Closet Organization

This week I was able to organize my closet shelf with the help of two very sweet helpers. I picked up a LACK wall shelf unit from Ikea. I thought it would make a great divider for my folded t-shirts.

Shelf before....

Enlist helpers to help build shelf...

Add shelf unit....

Place t-shirts in new bins! 

Enjoy the sight of organization, deep sigh. 

4th of July Banner

I love this 4th of July banner created by Holly Lefevre @ 504 Main. It is just darling. 

image source

I was so excited to recreate my own. What do you think???? I love it!

For Holly's complete tutorial click here. For more fun ideas stop over and visit Holly at www.504Main.com 

Happy 4th of July!!!

Travel Tips - Free Download

 I do a fair amount of traveling to visit family and friends out-of-state.  I thought I would share some of my collection of favorite travel tips. I remember growing up my mom had a master packing checklist (I know, she's a genius, that one!). It was great for making sure you had everything in your bag. Want one for your own travels???? See the free download at the bottom of this post.

TIPS 

-snap a quick photo of your car in its spot in the airport parking 

(you’ll probably misplace the parking stub, but not your phone).

-group travel- drop everyone (but the driver, he needs to park the car &snap a photo:)) 

and the luggage off at the passeneger drop-off, illiminating the hassel of lugging 

6 people and their luggage on and off the airport shuttle.

-use a backpack for your carry-on, all of the pockets are great for

making your items easy to access and organized.

-family travel - have each child(if they are of walking age) wear and carry their 

own backpack - fill with their favorite snacks, puzzle, doll, blanket, 

empty water bottle (fill once you pass security)etc.

-pack headphones in your carry-on.

-pre buy a book or magzines and snacks (saving bookoo bucks!)

-pack a clean garbage bag in your luggage for dirty clothes.

- pack a foldable nylon duffle bag inside your luggage...for all those new travel treasures.

-if staying at a place with laundry - do a load before you leave, 

taking home a suitcase of clean clothes. 

Free Download

Travel Check List

Happy Summer Travels!