Spring Has Officially Arrived! March 23, 2009

The smell of freshly cut grass, budding flowers, warm breezes, chirping birds… Spring has officially arrived! It’s the season when things come alive after being taken over by the cold harsh winter.

The flowers in our backyard have started blooming, and I just love it! As you can see, I’ve been spreading some of that love to Billy. Oh, and not to mention our home as well. I think there’s a clear winner, and it’s not the one you think! Haha.

I enjoy decorating, and the pictured centerpiece is one of my creations. I just gathered different height candles, picked some fresh flowers and put them in a bowl with some fresh berries, and arranged. And WHa-La there you have an inexpensive way of brining the joy of Spring into your home.

Share some of your ideas with me!

Blue Skies March 8, 2009

 

I love the warm weather (if there just weren’t so many bugs). It was such a gorgeous day yesterday so I took my sketchbook, pencil, camera, and a blanket to the backyard. Sketching and journaling are a great way for me to reflect.

My mom always says that she can’t draw because she can’t even draw a straight line, but drawing is not about being able to draw straight lines. That’s great if you can, but most things don’t have straight lines. Sketching for me doesn’t have to be exactly perfect (although I am OCD about that), but I’ve found that the more I sketch the better I become (not sure how much better).

What is a warm weather activity that you can’t wait to do?

Cranberry Centerpieces December 20, 2008

At our Christmas party this year I decided to make some simple centerpieces for the food table. I thought I’d share how I made them. It is sooooooooo easy! First you need to buy a glass container if you don’t already have one. I found mine at Wal-mart, but any will do. Next buy fresh cranberries, which you can freeze to use later, and when you’re ready to use them just take them out and they’re ready to go. No need to thaw or anything. You will also need some small tea light candles. Once you have your glass containers, cranberries, and votives, you are now ready to start the assembly of your centerpieces. Fill your glass container with water to a little over 1/2 full, and then add cranberries to about 3/4 the way to the top. The cranberries, which add a nice base for your votives, will float in the water. After you have filled your container with water and cranberries place it in the freezer for about an hour. Next, take it back out of the freezer and place your votive/s on top of the frozen cranberries. Place the centerpiece back in the freezer until you use them. When it’s time for the party, arrange the centerpieces however you like. And there you have a simple, yet eyecatching centerpiece.

You don’t need to freeze these centerpieces to make them, but freezing them adds a nice element that complements the glow of the lit votives. Freezing also allows the cranberries to stay fresh and keep their juice from dying the water red, which will happen once it begins to melt.

Share some of your decorating ideas.

Can You Say Trouble! December 17, 2008

Are You Talking To Me?

Can I Play With These?

Want Some?

Ever since I can remember my Mom takes one night out of the year to make sweet treats. Our annual holiday candy making extravaganza took place the other night. It was a lot of fun. I deemed myself the taste tester. Not really, but I think I did more eating than baking. My two neices (one is 8 and one is 2) were there, and the youngest did not want to be left out so she got some sprinkles and decided to help decorate. As you can see, she ended up being my taste test helper!

Weekend Warriors #1 December 8, 2008

My project for this weekend was to put together a bookshelf that Billy bought for my office. I enjoy building things, especially when all the pieces are there for you and all you have to do is read the instructions and build. I see the whole process as a 3D puzzle. I love seeing how the pieces come together to make something that is not only functional, but aesthetically pleasing as well. Need a hand? I’m your girl. I think I got my enjoyment of building things from my Dad. Give him a project, and he’ll find a way to make it work.