DIY Multiple Taper Candleholder

Monday
Oct / 21 / 2013
Comments 33

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you had a fabulous weekend! I have a fun project to share with you today.

Have you seen the new Nate Berkus collection at Target? As always, the collection is full of fabulous pieces. One accessory that immediately caught my eye was this Gold Multiple Taper Candleholder. I love it and decided to challenge myself by making one of my own.

In fact, I made two of them – one in gold and one in deep blue. I think they turned out pretty well. What do you think?

They were actually quite easy to make. Let me show you how.

Multiple Taper Candleholder

For this project you will need (for one holder):

3 wood parson legs (I found mine at Lowe’s.
spray paint (color and primer)
E6000 glue
miter saw
orbit sander
drill
7/8 inch boring bit
ruler
pencil

The first step is to cut your wood. I cut nine pieces out of the three wood legs. The tallest piece will be 12 inches. For each subsequent piece, just subtract one inch. The shortest piece will be 4 inches.

Once the pieces are cut, sand them to eliminate any rough edges. I used this Rockwell Orbit Sander which made the job super quick and easy.

Next, drill a hole in each piece of wood for the candle. Begin by finding the center on each piece. To do this I used a gift card (A ruler would work, too) and set it on the block diagonally from corner to corner. I drew a short line in the center. I repeated this step on the opposite corners.

The point where the lines cross in the “X” is the center of the wood.

Then, use a drill and bit to cut holes in the wood. When drilling, be sure to secure the wood in a vise or grip. Drill about 3/4 inch into the wood. If the holes are rough, give them another quick sanding.

Next, spray the wood with primer. Wood tends to suck up paint, so I think this is an important step. It makes the color go on a lot easier.

Once primed, spray with your color. I used gold and oxford blue.

Take your time with this process. You don’t want any paint runs in your final products. It will take a little longer, but do multiple thin coats until the wood is completely covered.

Once everything is painted and completely dry, it’s time to glue them together.

Start by organizing the blocks in a way that is appealing to the eye. Start with the tallest at the center and work your way out. It took me some time, but after playing around with them a bit, I came up with a configuration that I like. Both candleholders have a different order, so there is really no “right way” to do this. Just keep playing until you are pleased with the layout.

Next, glue the pieces today. I used E6000. This was the first time I used this glue, and I was amazed at how well it worked. I think these wood pieces are stuck together for life.

Apply a strip of glue to one piece and adhere it to another. Work around the piece until everything is glued together. I placed a few of my pieces off-center to create interest so I only put glue on a portion of the wood block. It held just as well.

I recommend leaving this set overnight for a really tight hold. After that, your Multiple Taper Candleholder is complete!

Let’s take a look at the blue one first. I paired this one with white candlesticks.

Originally I had planned to do one with various shades of pink and orange, but I didn’t like how that looked, so I opted for this deep blue color. I’m so glad I did! Plus, I think this will look better in my house.

I don’t really own a lot of things in a deep blue color, but I really like how it turned out. I’m pushing my color comfort zone a little bit.

However, as you may have guessed, the gold one is my favorite.

I had some blue candles and I think they work really well in this piece. The spray paint I used is Rust-Oleum American Accents Bright Metallic in Gold. This is probably my favorite gold spray paint. It’s almost a matte gold, but there is still a hint of reflectiveness. It’s perfection.

Can you imagine how great this will be during the holidays with red candles? Or maybe even a bright pink!

I will light this at some point and show you how it looks. I just needed these candles for another photo shoot, so I couldn’t burn them yet. I’m also so happy that both of these look pretty amazing in my office. They are currently sitting candle-less on a shelf until I can find the perfect spot for them.

While my buddy Nate gave me the inspiration, I think I could give him a run for his money with my version. What do you think?

For more information about the Rockwell Orbit Sander used in this post, click here. You can also follow Rockwell on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

This post was not compensated. However, Rockwell did provide me with this Orbit Sander at no cost. As always the opinions, thoughts, and ideas are my own.

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The Makings of a Closet

Interiors

Sunday
Oct / 20 / 2013
Comments 19

Inch by inch, I’m making progress in my office.

Since I’m painting all of the walls, I had to do some rearranging of furniture. As I mentioned in another post, this little nook in my entryway is going to become a prop closet of sorts. Instead of installing wall mounted shelves, I’m using two metal shelves that I previously used in the gift shoppe for holding merchandise. They fit perfectly! I’m actually a huge fan of these shelves. In fact, I have had the one on the right since college. I used it in my dorm room for storage. That sucker has been around for almost 10 years. The shelf on the left Is pretty much the same. I got it at Walmart a few years ago.

Anyway, the shelves fit perfectly in this area, so that’s will they shall stay. Eventually the walls in this closet will get painted, but I’m hoping to get everything else completed first. That way I can at least have some order around here.

I’ve been on the hunt for doors for this nook to keep my mess somewhat hidden. When the house was built, the opening was just big enough for one door. I’m not sure why the previous owners decided to enlarge the opening, but it’s what I’m left to work with.

My initial idea was to do a sliding barn door. But, as you can see, I don’t really have room on either side for the door to go when it’s open. Thankfully, through a bit of digging, I found a company that has a bypass door system. It’s called Rustica Hardware and they may be the solution to my problem! (The following two images are from their site.)

The system looks so cool and the quality seems great. There are lots of options for customizing it to suit your space. Plus, they sell doors. I had originally thought of hunting down some vintage doors, however this option may be preferable. As much as I love vintage, sometimes new just functions better. Plus, I wouldn’t have to deal with chipping paint or bowed doors.

I still haven’t made a final decision, but these look like a good contender. Now, it’s making the decision on what type of finishes!

At this point, I’m so happy to be making progress and seeing this space come back to life. I’ll be sharing my latest painting accomplishments soon! Stay tuned!

Do you have a sliding barn door at your house? Where did you get your system?

31 Days of Home:
Intro, Day 01, Day 02, Day 03, Day 04, Day 05, Day 06, Day 07, Day 08, Day 09, Day 10, Day 11, Day 12, Day 13, Day 14, Day 15, Day 16, Day 17, Day 18, Today is Day 18!

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The Office: Before Part 2

Interiors

Thursday
Oct / 10 / 2013
Comments 28

My blog has literally been taken over by pictures. Between today’s post and yesterday’s post there are over forty pictures! I hope you don’t mind.

Today I wanted to quickly take you back into my office so you can see how it looks now that it’s much less cluttered and taking on a new role.

As I got things cleared out, I realized that all of the walls, even the ones staying the same color, need to be painted. After five years of functioning as a gift shop, the walls are showing some wear. What better time than now to get them all repainted. I’m working on a rough design / color plan. I’m hoping to share that with you on Saturday or Sunday, so stay tuned for that.

I just took these pictures yesterday after setting up my dining room centerpiece, so this is basically how the space looks today. Let me show you around. (If you need a general idea of the layout of the space, you can read this post.)

I’ve always liked the idea of a round entryway table in this space. This is one I had on hand. I’m not sure it will stay here, or if I will find something new, but I really do like a little somethin’-somethin’ here.

The nook to the left of this table is going to become a prop closet. I’m hoping to find some vintage doors to give this a wow factor when you walk in the front door.

Inside the office, I moved a few pieces of furniture around. This vintage wood work bench is staying in roughly the area that it is now. I am hoping to make the top more substantial with a big butcher block countertop. This will extend about a foot over the front of the work bench so I can add some bar stools. It will be my go-to-work space. I hope it also functions well for entertaining as a little buffet or even a table for small get-togethers.

There will be floor-to-ceiling curtain panels. I’m thinking white or something very neutral with a subtle pattern. As I was taking pictures in this space the past week, I had trouble getting the right lighting. I think semi-sheer curtains will help solve that problem.

I may or may not get a rug for this area. I’m still deciding.

On the opposite wall, I want to create a big, pre-Pinterest, push-pin, cork-style inspiration board. I’m thinking something ultra modern. I’m also hoping to use that huge ladder in the space, I just haven’t figured out how or where. For now, the pink dresser will stay.

And did you notice that wheel on the dresser? It’s a vintage game-of-chance. I’ve been on the hunt for one of these for years and finally happened upon one on eBay. It’s in amazing condition and it still works. It was a bit pricey, but worth every penny.

The large round table in the space is currently my desk. (This table used to be my dining room table when I lived in Philadelphia. I had directors chairs around it. If you’re a Will & Grace fan, you’ll know that’s how Will’s dining room table was set up. I always love that.) Anyway, I actually like a round table for a desk, but it really doesn’t work for this area. So I’m hoping to get a new desk at some point. I’m thinking something in the shape of an “L” that would wrap around under the clip boards. I’ll also be on the hunt for a snazzy office chair. I’m thinking the calendar and clip boards will stay.

And even though I tired to stop myself, I did start doing a little accessory shopping. I picked up this Gold Snake Print Embossed Serving Tray. It’s amazeballs.

And you probably won’t be surprised to hear this, but it’s from the Threshold Collection at Target. Please don’t hold my love for this collection against me.

Okay, heading to the back area of the space. This is going to be a little lounge / living room space. The wall to the left will have open bookshelves. Something like these wall-mounted bookcases from CB2. Basically a styler’s dream!

I’m working with a contractor on a fireplace makeover. I’m hoping to make the fireplace function again. It did in a previous life, but never under my ownership. While the contract workers are doing that, the will also replace the tile which has seen better days. They will do the same thing to the fireplace in my little living room directly above this space. This probably won’t happen before the holidays, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed anyway.

There will definitely be a need for a large rug in this area. Plus a couple accent tables, including a coffee table.

Here’s a closer look at the fireplace area. While the mantel facade really isn’t my style, I’m keeping it as is because the detail work on it is gorgeous. I will most likely remove the mirror above and do something different there.

The black cabinet is one of my antique finds. I really like the piece, but it’s pretty roughed up and won’t necessarily fit the color scheme I’m planning. I will however try to make it work. I’m thinking it will hold a TV.

On the opposite wall, there will be a big sectional for lounging. I want something uber comfortable that hold lots of pillows. Curtain panels will flank this window as well.

The fate of the chalkboard wall is still up in the air, but it will most likely be going away. I’m thinking about trying something new. Something fun like I showed you the other day.

And that’s it! Things are looking good, right? Do you see my vision? I plan to patch holes in the wall ASAP and start painting this weekend.

I clearly wasn’t thinking ahead when I had this idea to blog for 31 days straight. It’s definitely going to interfere with my painting progress, but I’m going to figure out a way to make it work.

Now that you know all about my project, what fun design projects are you working on in your spaces?

31 Days of Home:
Intro, Day 01, Day 02, Day 03, Day 04, Day 05, Day 06, Day 07, Day 08, Today is Day 09!

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Tips for Styling the Perfect Fall Table Centerpieces

Interiors

Wednesday
Oct / 9 / 2013
Comments 31

Today we are styling three Fall Table Centerpieces. I’m sharing my tips and tricks for styling a fabulous fall centerpiece no matter what your style.

After whipping up my no-sew gold polka dot burlap runner, I wanted to add a little fall flare with a centerpiece. Instead of just throwing something on the table and calling it a day, I thought it would be fun to take you with me and share how I go about setting up fall table centerpieces.

Tips for Styling the Perfect Fall Table Centerpieces:

In the past, I’ve just shown you the end result. This time, I wanted to give you a step-by-step guide so you can recreate the look if you’d like. I’m including some tips and tricks about how I style something like this. I’ll also give you suggestions for other things to use in case you don’t have something at your house. That way, no matter what your budget, you should be able to achieve a similar look. Sound good?

The picture above is the final result. Pretty, right? But, before we get to that, let’s go back to the beginning.

To start things off, I like to have a runner or fabric on my table. I think it softens the look and makes a display look more intentional. It’s also a fun way to incorporate color, pattern, and texture. I’m using the burlap runner I made. You can use a new runner from the store or something you have on hand. You can also think outside of the box and try using things around your house. A scarf, a small blanket, or even a dish towel could work here.

Next, you want something to build your centerpiece on. This makes it easy to move everything off the table if the need arises. Trust me, it’s not fun setting up your table display after every meal or moving it around so that you have room to enjoy dinner. I’m using this espresso wood serving board from Pottery Barn. (It’s my new favorite thing!) This is such a great piece and gives me plenty of room for my display. As an alternative, you could use a large cutting board, a big platter, or another type of tray. Even a piece of weathered scrap wood could hold your centerpiece.

After that, I like to add a collection of similar items. For my centerpiece, I’m using these fabulous purple vases from the Target Threshold Collection. You already know how much I adore the Threshold line, so this was a natural choice. Their fall line is simply stunning – the autumn-inspired colors are so rich. The pieces are always high-quality and oh-so stylish. Anyway, I’m using the purple swirl, rimmed, and bubble vases. When setting up a collection like this, I like to work in odd numbers. I have seven vases here. Again, if you don’t have these, you can use a collection of vases you have on hand. Even different-sized Mason jars would look great. If you have nothing on hand, check your local Goodwill or thrift shop. They seem to always have a huge selection of vases at really great prices.

With the collection in place, I like to bring in another grouping of the same / similar items. These items should suit the season or theme of your display. For this centerpiece, I choice a bunch of white mini-pumpkins. These bring in a new color, a seasonal feel, and a different texture. If you didn’t want to use mini-pumpkins you might use pinecones, fresh apples, or pears. You could even gather up everyday objects like old wood clothespins or Christmas ornaments for around the holidays. Just keep it seasonally appropriate and all the same.

Next, every good display needs a little bling. I found these amazing brass and acrylic candlesticks on eBay. With a little cleaning and polishing, they are shiny and bright.! A few matching taper candles and I was in business. Lighting these in the evening for a party would add even more sparkle. I also likethe height these candles give the display. Again, you can find reasonably priced candles and candlesticks at your local thrift store or even a superstore. Bling doesn’t have to be a candle, either. Try anything that has a “sparkle” to it.

Last but not least, I like to add in an element from nature. Whether it’s a live plant, cut flowers, or some greenery, some sort of botanical element pulls it all together. For this arrangement, I found this amazing tree at my brother’s house. The leaves were just starting to turn for the season – orange, green, and purple. It couldn’t have been more perfect. Look around your yard for different leaves and branches. If you don’t have a yard, swing by the local florist or greenhouse and see what’s in stock. This final touch gives the entire display life, color, and movement. That’s the goal with a botanical addition.

And that’s it, my friends!

Be sure to walk around the entire display and adjust things until it looks good from every angle.

Some other things to remember when you are creating your display: Take your time and have patience. As they say, “you should never judge yourself before you’ve done something ten times.” Move things around until they look good to you. Shop your house for different collections and elements.

When it comes to design, I’m a firm believer that there is no right or wrong. At the end of the day, if you love it and it makes you happy, that’s all that really matters. Right? It doesn’t really matter what Joe Schmoe from down the street thinks.

However, use the guides and tools you have to help you in the process. Let them help you figure out what you love and what looks good in your space.

With all of that out of the way, I thought I’d share two more looks using basically the same set-up. Ready?

More Fall Table Centerpieces Ideas:

For this , I removed the candlesticks and the leaves.

I added in some grass (this is the natural element) from a pot in my backyard (I plant this stuff every spring, just so I can cut it in the fall and use it inside. Two for one, baby!) I really like the movement and texture this adds. The little plumes at the top are my favorite!

For some bling, I added in a gold sphere I had upstairs in my hallway.

And that’s really it. This look is a little bit more natural and simple. It may even be a tad more elegant.

Cute, right?

Okay, on to our final look. This one is for my fellow color lovers!

Color-Inspired Fall Table Centerpiece Idea:

This time I removed everything except for the purple vases. I even removed one of those to give me a little more room.

I decided that orange was going to be the theme for my similar items. I added in some mini-pumpkins, orange striped paper straws, and pumpkin spice Hershey Kisses (These are also doubling as my bling! Who doesn’t love edible bling?)

Something was missing with just the purple and orange. – I felt it needed another color, so I added a white cake stand and white cut-out vase. With my house (I think it’s the white molding.), white seems to work everywhere. That’s why I have a lot of white pieces on hand. They just have a way of working with everything.

Finally, for the natural element, I added in several sprigs of bittersweet. This really amped up the color and gave the whole display life and movement.

I hope my tips and tricks were helpful and gave you a little insight into how I do things. Be brave and have fun when decorating your space. Throw a little patience in the mix and you’ll be good to go!

A big thanks to my friends at Target and Pottery Barn for letting me use a few of their products to style my dining room table. For more information about Target’s fabulous Threshold Home line, click here. You can find the vases I used here, here, and here.

You can find the stunning espresso wood serving board from Pottery Barn here. I am obsessed with it. While you’re there, be sure to check out the rest of their fall line. They’re gorgeous!

So, I’m dying to know which of these displays you like best? Let me know in the comments below.

Target and Pottery Barn did provide me with these products in exchange for my review. The design, words, and opinions are mine own.

31 Days of Home:
Intro, Day 01, Day 02, Day 03, Day 04, Day 05, Day 06, Day 07, Today is Day 08!

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DIY Potato Painting

Interiors

Tuesday
Oct / 8 / 2013
Comments 15

I’m all about unique DIY artwork. We’re doing Potato Painting! When a few of you mentioned you wanted to see some inexpensive wall art ideas as part of 31 Days of Home, I was on it like white on rice. Don’t worry though, if you’re not into this project, I will have at least one more before this month is over.

Potato Painting:

I’m not sure about the origin of this method, but apparently at some point, someone got the idea to paint with potatoes. Yes, potatoes. So, today I’m joining the club and creating some quick artwork using potatoes. It doesn’t get any easier than this!

How To Potato Painting:

Here’s what you’ll need for this project:

potatoes (you can use any size, but I like the smaller ones)
acrylic paint
canvas
paper plates
knife
paper towel

Begin by cutting your potatoes. I created a circle and a semi-circle. Simply cut the potato in half for a circle. Cut the “half circle” in two to make the semi-circle. Then, dry your potato with a paper towel.

Add some paint to your paper plate.

Dip your potato in the paint, then press it gently onto your canvas. I recommend trying this process on a scrap piece of paper first to get a feel for how much paint you want on your potato and to help determine a pattern.

I used the semi-circle potato to create scalloped lines across the canvas. I used all black paint, except for one which I did in purple.

Allow your painting to dry.

And don’t forget to add your signature. That’s it – you are now officially an artist.

Crazy simple, right.?

I also created one canvas with just circles. Again, all black with one purple dot.

You can get crazy with color and pattern. You can cut your potato into all different shapes. You can make a huge canvas or keep it small like I did. The options are really endless. I think I need to make another one.

What I like about these small canvases is that they are perfect go-to pieces when you need some color or pattern as you decorate your house. When setting up a little vignette on a dresser or side table, these pieces would add layers and dimension.

They also work beautifully in a gallery wall. They bring a bit of modern fun and pizzazz.

And my favorite part is that these are original prints created by YOU! That alone is pretty awesome. This would also be a great activity to involve the kids, or you could have a craft night with your friends.

So what do you think? Will you be experimenting with potato painting?

31 Days of Home:
Intro, Day 01, Day 02, Day 03, Day 04, Day 05, Day 06, Today is Day 07!

I Make:
Dot Table Runner, Gold Magnetic Letters, Wood Colorblock Candle Holders, Colorblock Tray, No Sew Burlap Table Runner, Potato Painting

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DIY No Sew Burlap Table Runner

DIY, Interiors

Sunday
Oct / 6 / 2013
Comments 76

This DIY Burlap Table Runner is a quick and easy was to add rustic style and a bit of sparkle to your table!

Last week I was shopping at JoAnn’s and out of the corner of my eye I spotted burlap in array of designs ranging from chevron, to mustaches to spiders to pumpkins. I had a mini-creative-heart-attack.

So my brain immediately went into overdrive, thinking of project ideas. I finally decided on a burlap table runner.

Burlap Table Runner:

This burlap table runner would be great for fall and could possibly transition into the holiday season. (There was also a silver polka dot, for those of you not feeling the gold love as much as I am.) I quickly grabbed the bolt and bought three yards. The burlap was priced at $9.99, but I had a coupon for 40% off one item, so I ended up paying about $6 per yard.

I had never sewn burlap and didn’t want to screw up my sewing machine, so I also picked up a pack of fusible webbing.

After about an hour of work this morning. I had a brand new table runner that’s perfect for fall.

Let me show you how easy this is to make.

DIY No Sew Burlap Table Runner

Here’s what you will need:
burlap fabric (see notes below to determine how much you will need)
fusible webbing
scissors
measuring tape
seam ripper (or pointed tool)
cotton dish towel
iron

How to Make a Burlap Table Runner

First, you’ll want to determine how much fabric you need for your burlap table runner. You can make your runner any size you’d like. Personally, I like my runner lengthwise on the table with a little extra falling off each side. So, to determine the length, measure the length of your table. Then add 26 inches.

This allows for 12 each inches of overhang on each side, plus a one inch seam allowance for both sides. (My table is 76″, so the length of fabric I need is 102″) For the width, measure the width of your table and divide by two. Add two inches to that. (My table is 40″ wide, so the width of my fabric needed to be 22 inches.)

Next you want to cut your burlap. If you are awesome with cutting straight lines, you can begin cutting. If you want to insure straight lines (and I highly recommend this) I have a little trick for you. Begin by marking where you are cutting your burlap and make a tiny cut.

Then begin to pull out one of the threads. Pull slowly and carefully with even force. The burlap will start to buckle and gather, but just keep pulling. Pull until you have the entire string out. The painted gold dots may give you some trouble as the paint tends to hold the thread in place.

If the whole string doesn’t come out, use your seam ripper to pull up the string where it broke off and continue the processes. Once the string is out, you’ll be left with a perfectly straight line.

Cut along this line, being careful not to cut the lines above or below it.

Continue this step on all four sides.

At this point your runner is cut out. Next, you’ll want to prepare your fabric for the fusible webbing by ironing down your seems. Let’s start with the two shorter sides.

To do this, flip your burlap so that the patterned is facing down. Using your fingers, fold the edge of the fabric back one inch.

Place your dish towel over the fabric and iron down the seam. Using the dish towel is essential with this particular fabric. If the iron makes direct contact with the gold dots the paint will come off and be transferred to your iron. (Trust me, it’s not pretty.)

Once you have a seam, you’ll want to put your fusible webbing in between the two layers of fabric. Again, cover with your towel and, with your iron on medium-high, heat for about 5-7 seconds.

Repeat this step until the two layers are bonded. Then do this to the other short side.

After both short sides are complete, you will repeat the previous two steps with the longer sides. To reduce any fabric bulk at the corners, when completing the longer sides, trim off a section of the fabric on the corner on a diagonal.

Once all of your edges are complete, give your runner a quick iron (Don’t forget to cover with a dish towel.), and it’s finished!

Easy DIY Burlap Table Runner

For under $20, you have a beautiful, festive, and custom burlap table runner.

And seriously, the gold polka dot is almost too much for me to handle. I’m in love!

Also, as much as I love sewing, this fusible webbing is pretty fabulous stuff. Especially when it came to making this particular runner. Once you give this a try, you may never buy a runner again. You can easily use this tutorial with any type of fabric you’d like.

I did an impromptu table setting using the wood colorblock candle holders I made several weeks ago.

A few springs of bittersweet and a pumpkin completes the look for a fall-inspired feel.

Next week I’ll be doing a full centerpiece with some beautiful purple vases I picked up at Target. Stay tuned for that.

Enjoy this Burlap Table Runner Tutorial? Check out these DIY projects:

What do you think of this easy no sew burlap table runner? Will you be making one (or two, or three, or ….) for your table?

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DIY Colorblock Tray

Interiors

Wednesday
Oct / 2 / 2013
Comments 25

I was so glad to hear that lots of you are excited about 31 Days of Home. October should be an amazing month. Thanks to many of your ideas yesterday, my editorial calendar is already filling up.

I thought I’d start these 31 Days with a DIY project. As you know, I am a member of the Lowe’s Creative Bloggers Team. This month we were challenged to create a DIY serving tray. Inspired by the colors of the season and the geometric patterns that seem so trendy in the design world today. I came up with this round colorblock serving tray.

I am beyond thrilled with how it turned out. Not only am I obsessed with the orange and green combo, but the gold handles just take this piece over the top in the fabulousness department. Let me show you how easy it is to make.

DIY Colorblock Tray

Here’s what you will need:

Large round wood disk
Two drawer pulls (to use as handles)
Spray paint (Primer, three colors of your choice and gold)
Painter’s tape
Handheld drill with drill bits
Felt pads
Measuring tape
Screw driver
Pencil

Let’s get creating!

First, give the wood disc a light sanding to remove any rough patches.

Next, spray both sides of the disc with primer. You’ll also want to coat the drawer pulls with primer if you have decided to paint them.

Once everything is dry, tape off the first section of the disc. Use scrap paper to cover any areas you do not want painted.

Then, start painting. When using spray paint, I recommend several very light coats instead of one heavy coat. This will make the drying process much quicker. Plus, you won’t have any issues with running paint.

Meanwhile, paint the drawer pulls gold (or the color you’ve chosen). To do this, I inserted a screw into each handle. Then, I tied a string to the screw and hung handle from a tree branch. This made the coverage quick and easy.

Once the first section of paint is dry on the disc, tape off the next one. Again, be sure to cover all of the other areas with paper to avoid any overspray.

Repeat this process for the final section of the tray.

Once everything is completely dry, find the location on the tray where you’d like each of the handles. Use a measuring tape to space them out evenly. Mark the locations on the tray with a pencil. Then, using a drill, make holes big enough for the screws provided with the drawer pulls.

Attach the handles with a screwdriver.

Finally, add four felt pads to the bottom of the tray.

I love this project for so many reasons. First. It’s super simple – it just takes a little patience as you wait for the paint to dry. If you can, give yourself a few days to complete this to allow some of the paint to dry over night. This will prevent any paint peeling off with your tape.

Second, this project is completely customizable. You can choose any color or pattern that you like. Plus, you can have a blast playing around with different handles and finishes. You know how much I love gold these days so that was a no-brainer for me.

Lastly, this tray is extremely versatile. You can use it like I did as a beverage platter, set it on your coffee table to hold magazines, or even use it on your dinning room table as a centerpiece. The options are endless.

What do you think of my fun, new, and colorful tray?

And don’t forget, for even more ideas, visit Lowes Creative Ideas. You can also sign up to receive their free Creative Ideas Magazine, which is loaded with inspiration! There’s also a magazine app so you can have inspiration on the go! And, don’t forget to follow Lowe’s on Pinterest or on Instagram!

I am a member of the Lowe’s Creative Ideas Network (along with some other fantastic bloggers). I did receive a Lowe’s gift card to purchase supplies to complete my project. As always, all of the opinions, thoughts, and ideas in this post are my own.

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Buffalo and Blue Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

Recipes

Friday
Sep / 27 / 2013
Comments 29

Whether you’re celebrating the holidays, watching the big game, or just having friends/family over to hang, you’re going to love these Buffalo and Blue Cheese Stuffed Meatballs.

Not only are these stuffed meatballs insanely delicious, but they come together in a crockpot, which makes them really simple to make and serve. I actually made them a few weeks ago and knew I had to put the recipe for these Buffalo and Blue Cheese Stuffed Meatballs here on IBC.

How to Make Stuffed Meatballs:

I love the combination of blue cheese and buffalo sauce, so I knew that this appetizer recipes was instantly going to be a winner. Boy was I right!

I also couldn’t find ground chicken at my grocery store (Limited shopping is a disadvantage of living in a small town.), so I substituted turkey. To be honest, when it’s ground up and covered in buffalo sauce, I’m not sure I could tell the difference. You can use whatever you’d like.

I doubled this recipe and I’m so glad I did. These are incredibly delicious meat balls They have a nice spicy-kick to them as well, so be warned.

This recipe may also be somewhat healthier due to the lean meat and egg white instead of a whole egg. (To cut even more calories and fat, you could use less butter in the final steps.)

Let me tell you these are amazing.

If you are a blue cheese lover like I am, that little pocket of cheese goodness is kind of magical.

If you like buffalo seasoned treats, you’ll love these too:

I hope you’ll give these flavor packed meatballs a try. Let me know what you think!

Buffalo and Blue Cheese Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

Buffalo and Blue Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: blue cheese, buffalo, buffalo chicken, meatballs

Servings: people

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 35 mins

Total Time 45 mins

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Whether you’re celebrating the holidays, watching the big game, or just having friends/family over to hang, you’re going to love these Buffalo and Blue Cheese Stuffed Meatballs.

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Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
1/4 small red onion grated
2 cloves garlic minced
1 egg white
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1 tablespoons powdered Ranch Dip mix
1 piece (4 ounces) blue cheese cut into 1/2 cubes
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup buffalo wing sauce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. With a fork, stir together turkey, onion, garlic, egg white, bread crumbs, and ranch dip mix in a large bowl. Mix until just combined. This recipe will make 16 meatballs. Divide mixture into quarters, then make each quarter into 4 balls.
Press a cube of blue cheese into the center of each ball then form the mixture around cheese to seal. Roll into a ball.
Place meatballs on a non-stick sprayed cooling rack set on top of a baking sheet and then bake for 16-18 minutes or until cooked through.
Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Then add buffalo wing sauce and stir to combine. Add cooked meatballs to skillet using a spoon to coat them with sauce. Place a lid on the skillet and turn heat to low to keep the meatballs warm.
Alternatively, you can finish the meatballs in a slow cooker like I did. Simply put the butter, buffalo wing sauce, and meatballs into a slow cooker and set on high for about 20 minutes or until warm.

Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!

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Candy Corn Cream Wafers

Recipes

Saturday
Sep / 21 / 2013
Comments 6

If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, you may have noticed that I was out of town the past couple days. I was actually in New York City again, hanging out with my friends from Better Homes & Gardens and dozens of fabulous bloggers. I will put together a recap for you on Monday.

Anywho, back to Fall Cookie Week. It’s hard to believe it’s already Saturday and there are only two cookies left. Have no fear though, I saved a couple extra-special cookies to close out the week. To be honest, today’s cookie is pretty much my favorite cookie in the whole wide world. I kid you not. I make them every Christmas and eat them for breakfast for weeks. It’s like a little piece of heaven.

This year I decided to make them early and give them a fall twist. While the flavor is the same, I jazzed up the dough and frosting with a little food coloring to make them resemble candy corn.

Now, before anyone says anything, I realize I messed up the color order. Traditional candy corn has orange in the center. I guess over the past year I’ve had ombre so deeply ingrained in my brain that I wasn’t thinking correctly. I’m just going to say that this color order is my creative expression of candy corn. Hope that’s okay with everyone.

You’ll notice that these cookies are primarily flour, butter, and sugar … but mostly butter and sugar. I think this explains why they are so amazingly delicious. My BFF and older brother will also attest to their awesomeness.

I’ve seen various ways to make these. My recipe is from my mom and I think it’s perfection. Usually the dough is kept its natural color and the filling is dyed green and red for the holidays, but as I said above, I’ve changed things up a bit for fall.

Anyway, on to the recipe (which, by the way, I usually double.)

Candy Corn Cream Wafers

Here’s what you will need:
Wafers:
1 cup butter, unsalted and softened
1/3 cup heavy cream
2 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar for dusting
Optional: food coloring

Filling
1/2 cup butter, unsalted and softened
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 – 4 teaspoons heavy cream
Optional: food coloring

In a bowl of a stand mixer (can also be done with a hand mixer), beat the butter until pale yellow. With the mixer on low, slowly add the flour, then the cream. Mix until just combined. At this point, you can divide the dough in half and add yellow and red food to half of the dough to make it orange in color. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut with a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass. I recommend something about 1 1/2- to 2- inches in diameter.

Add sugar to a small bowl. Lightly coat cut dough pieces with sugar. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheet. Prick twice with a fork.

Bake at 375 degree F for 7-9 minutes or until just barely starting to brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.

For the filling, in a bowl of a stand mixer (can also be done with a hand mixer), cream the butter until pale. On low, add the powdered sugar, salt, vanilla, and 2 teaspoons of heavy cream. At this point, you can also add the food coloring. In this case, I used yellow.

Once the wafers are cool, carefully spread filling on one wafer and then top with another.

I seriously can’t explain how much I adore these cookies.

While they are a little bit time consuming, they are completely worth the effort. The resulting wafers are flaky discs that literally fall apart and melt in your mouth. The filling just brings it all together with sweet and buttery goodness.

So what do you think of my Candy Corn Cream Wafers? Will you be giving them a try?

Have a fabulous weekend, my friends!

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the sweet treats in IBC’s Second Annual Fall Cookie Week:

Sunday – Caramel Gingersnaps
Monday – Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Tuesday – Butter Pecan Maple Crisps
Wednesday – Frosted Pumpkin Cookies // KitchenAid Stand Mixer Giveaway
Thursday – Autumn Apple Cookie Bar
Friday – Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Saturday – Candy Corn Cream Wafers
Sunday – ???

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Frosted Pumpkin Cookies

Recipes

Wednesday
Sep / 18 / 2013
Comments 51

In my opinion, these Frosted Pumpkin Cookies, just might the best fall cookie recipe! This cookie recipe starts with a soft pumpkin cookie and topped with creamy frosting that guaranteed to be a winner!

Okay, so these are officially one of my favorite cookies. They are so amazingly soft they practically melt in your mouth, plus they are pumpkin so that clearly makes them a 10 out of 10. I kid you not.

And don’t even get me started on the frosting. It’s basically butter and sugar whipped up to creamy decadence. How can you go wrong!?

I also love this recipe because it’s simple. There is no need to wait for the dough to cool or spend time rolling out the dough. You just scoop it on to the cookie sheet and pop it into the oven. Love that!

How to Make Frosted Pumpkin Cookies:

Easy, pumpkin, melt-in-your mouth delicious – the recipe for a perfect cookie. And that’s why they are one of my new favorites!

All righty, onto the recipe!

Want more? The best fall cookie recipes:

Frosted Pumpkin Cookie Recipe:

Frosted Pumpkin Cookies

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cookies, frosted pumpkin cookies, pumpkin cookies

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 50 mins

Total Time 1 hr 5 mins

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Ingredients

Cookies:

2 cups butter - softened
2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 15- ounce can pumpkin
4 cups all-purpose flour

Frosting:

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 to 4 cups powdered sugar - add until desired consistency / firmness
extra ground cinnamon sprinkled on top - optional

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In the bowl of a stand mixer beat butter on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, cloves and nutmeg. Beat until combined.
Beat in the eggs and vanilla until combined. Then, add the pumpkin. Beat in as much of the flour as you can using the mixer. Stir in remaining flour with a wooden spoon.
Drop dough by heaping teaspoons 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until tops are set. Transfer to wire racks to cool.
For frosting, in a small saucepan heat butter and brown sugar until melted and smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl. Stir in milk and vanilla. Beat in powdered sugar until smooth. (I made a double batch of the frosting and ended up using all of it. I recommend doing the same.)
Spread frosting on the cooled cookies. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon, if desired.

Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!

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Butter Pecan Maple Crisps

Recipes

Tuesday
Sep / 17 / 2013
Comments 24

In case you are wondering, I’m not sitting at home surrounded by cookies and holding a big glass of milk. I wish. I estimate that during the past five days I have made about 27 dozen cookies. That’s a lot of freakin’ cookies.

I actually ended up giving almost all of them away. Most went to my BFF and her family; the rest are being enjoyed by my mom, dad and grandparents. I did keep a handful of personal favorites for myself. There’s nothing wrong with that, right?.

Today’s cookie is what I consider an adult cookie. That simply means that as a kid I would have turned my nose up at it because it’s basically a nut-based cookie, As an adult I think it’s pretty darn fabulous, but unfortunately that also makes me feel old.

Anyway, this cookie has some of the quintessential flavors of fall. The pecan, almond, and maple work together so nicely to create a little flavor party in your mouth.

This cookies are finished off with a glaze of pure maple syrup right when they come out of the oven. The syrup is such a genius and delicious idea. It adds a great depth of flavor.

Are you salivating yet? Good. Let me show you how to make these.

Butter Pecan Maple Crisps

Here’s what you will need:
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
1/2 cup toasted chopped pecans
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup pure maple syrup

Let’s get baking:

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and nutmeg. Set aside.

In another bowl, using the paddle attachment on your mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until pale. (A hand mixer and a bowl would work just fine.)

Into the mixer bowl, add the vanilla and almond extract and beat until smooth. Add the pecans and beat until blended.

With the mixer going at low speed, gradually add the flour mixture until a stiff dough is formed.

Using a cookie scoop, shape dough into 1” balls. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Remove from the oven, and while hot, brush them with the pure maple syrup.

Remove cookies from the baking sheet and place on a wire rack to cool completely.

And that’s a wrap for Butter Pecan Maple Crisps!

I absolutely love any baked goods that use almond extract. There is something about that flavor that is just so comforting.

These are another great cookie for tea or coffee dunking. A few of these and a big cup of coffee could be my breakfast any fall day!

Be sure to stop back tomorrow for an extra special Fall Cookie Week treat!

And don’t forget to check out the rest of the cookies in IBC’s Second Annual Fall Cookie Week:

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Caramel Gingersnaps

Recipes

Sunday
Sep / 15 / 2013
Comments 13

Surprise! You’re in luck. Fall Cookie Week is starting a day early. I actually began baking all of the cookies this weekend and it looks like I’m going to have one extra variety. That means there will be eight recipes instead of seven. Beginning with this post, I’ll be sharing one recipe every day this week.

I’m also trying to coordinate some sort of giveaway into this week, but I haven’t finalized those details yet. Stay tuned. If there is a giveaway, I’m pushing to have it on Hump Day.

For our first cookie of the week, I made Caramel Gingersnaps.This recipe combines the spices of fall with sweet gooey caramel for a winning combination.

To pull this off, I took a recipe I had for gingersnap cookies and just added caramel bits.

The resulting cookie is super soft and bursting with flavor. I’ve actually always been a fan of gingersnaps. My mom made them, so I guess I find some sort of comfortin them. As crazy as it sounds, their flavor reminds me of home and family.

These are also one of my favorite cookies for dunking in tea. The heat warms and softens both the cookie and the caramel. It’s magic!

Okay, it’s time to get Fall Cookie Week officially started by telling you how these are made.

Caramel Gingersnaps

Here’s what you will need:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup (1.5 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/3 cup dark molasses
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/3 cup granulated sugar, for rolling
1 11-ounce bag caramel bits

Let’s get baking:

In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

Then, in the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the softened butter. Add the brown sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides, if needed. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla. Beat well, scraping down the sides as needed again.

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet on low speed. Mix until just combined. Then gently fold in the caramel bits. Cover mixed dough with foil and chill for 3-4 hours .

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with asilicone mat or parchment paper as some of the caramel may run.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls and roll in granulated sugar. Place balls one inch apart. Flatten slightly with your hand or the bottom of a glass. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are just turning brown. Be careful not to overcook these, which would result in a harder cookies.

Remove cookie from the baking sheet and place on a wire rack to cool completely.

Delicious, soft, and caramel-filled gingersnaps. You really can’t go wrong with these. Not only are they great for the fall, they are perfect for the holidays, too.

So what do you think? Will you be giving these cookies a try!

And don’t forget to check out the rest of the cookies in IBC’s Second Annual Fall Cookie Week:

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Braided Nutella Bread

Recipes

Wednesday
Sep / 11 / 2013
Comments 100

This Braided Nutella Bread is a delicious and beautiful way to enjoy a sweet treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. It’s beautiful braid of Nutella and bread makes it’s a gorgeous addition to any meal.

Does is get any better than freshly baked bread swirled and braided with sweet rich Nutella? I don’t think so. That’s why I’m certain you’re going to love this Braided Nutella Bread recipe.

Now, if you intimidated with make bread from yeast at home. Don’t be. It’s not as scary as you might think. Plus, if I can do it, so can you!

This year I’ve been teach myself how to make bread and it’s been such a rewarding process. Like many others I had a fear of working with yeast-based recipes.

However, after many successes (and a few failures) I’m feeling more comfortable and excited to get a bit more brave with the recipes I’m tracking. That’s what led me to try this Braided Nutella Bread.

So, how do you make it?

How to Make Braided Nutella Bread:

The recipe starts with a pretty standard dough recipe. Once that’s ready, a good helping of nutty, chocolate Nutella gets slathered on and roll up inside.

I was excited to try this recipe because of the braiding technique. It’s actually more of a twist, but the effect is still pretty cool.

It looks a bit more changeling that it actually is to do. The roll dough just gets sliced down the middle and then twisted together. The layers of roll-up dough is what creates all the unique marbling and swirling in the bread.

To be honest, I was a little bit nervous about attempting the braiding at first, but it was a lot easier than it looked. Clearly I haven’t mastered the technique, but I think it still looks pretty.

Think you have what it takes? I believe in you!

Let me show you how this delicious loaf comes together.

The Best Nutella Bread Recipe:

Braided Nutella Bread

Here’s what you will need:
½ teaspoon yeast
1 cup warm water
2 ½ cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
½ cup Nutella
Cornmeal for dusting
1 egg, beaten with a tablespoon of water to use as an egg wash

Let’s get baking.

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in ¼ cup of the water. Let sit for 10 minutes to activate.

Meanwhile, combine flour, salt, and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer. After add yeast and the remaining water, mix on low with a dough hook attachment. Turn speed up to medium, and knead dough for about 7 minutes.

Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover bowl loosely with plastic wrap, and then set in a warm place. The dough is ready when doubled in size - about an hour.

On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to form a rectangle, roughly 12 x 15”. Spread Nutella in an even layer on the surface, leaving a ½ inch border of dough. (I found it helpful to heat the Nutella in a microwave-safe bowl for about 30 seconds. This makes spreading it much easier.) Roll tightly and place on a parchment-lined / silicon-lined baking sheet that’s been sprinkled with cornmeal. Cut the dough down the middle with a knife, leaving one end intact. Twist ends overtop each other, making sure to turn cut side toward the top. Cover dough loosely with plastic wrap and let sit 20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush surface of the bread with the egg wash. Bake bread for 20 minutes. Raise temperature to 425°F and bake until lightly browned on top, about 5-7 minutes more.* Remove from oven, and let cool before serving.

*My bread got a little bit darker then I would have liked. Keep a close eye on your bread when you increase the temperature.

Love Nutella? Check out these recipes too:

Even though it’s a little dark, it looks pretty sensational, doesn’t it? Let me tell you, it tastes even better than it looks.

I’m pretty certain that Nutella can make almost anything taste great.

Look at all those wonderful swirls of chocolate-hazelnut goodness. Yum!

All right, it’s time to enjoy a slice of this with a big glass of cold milk. What do you think of this Braided Nutella Bread? Do you think you’ll give it a try?

Have a wonderful day! Happy Baking!

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Apple Cider Sangria

Recipes

Tuesday
Sep / 10 / 2013
Comments 17

Blended with white wine, apples, pears, and cinnamon this Apple Cider Sangria makes the perfect fall cocktail.

It’s no secret that sangria is one of my go-to cocktails. I’ve created a variety of sangria recipes here on Inspired by Charm (You can find all of them here.). However, this Apple Cider Sangria I whipped up especially for fall has moved to the top with my favorites.

How to Make a Fall Apple Cider Sangria:

Coincidentally, I was at the liquor store last week and discovered a bottle of Apple Pie Vodka. I picked it up, thinking I could find a use for it down the road. It added an extra-special touch to this sangria. So after a little recipe research and testing, I came up with a delicious Apple Cider Sangria!

To really bring out the fall flavors and make this drink look special I added in apples, pears, grapes, and seasonal spices. This recipe makes a pretty big batch, but you can easily adjust the recipe for smaller gatherings.

However, if you can’t find apple pie vodka specifically, and apple flavored vodka will work just as nicely.

It’s an exquisite blend of crisp apple, spice, and everything nice! Okay, let me show you how to put this together.

Want more tasty sangria ideas? Try these:

Blackberry Basil Sangria – for summer
Sangria Rosé
Pineapple Mango Basil Sangria
Sangria Popsicles – so fun!
Slow Cooker Holiday Sangria

Sounds pretty delicious, right? Trust me. It is! And it’s just the thing for your fall celebrations. I also love snacking on the fruit after it has had a chance to soak up all of that fall flavor. This is the kind of healthy snacking I could get used to! Haha.

I hope you enjoyed this recipe for Apple Cider Sangria! Give it a try and let me know what you think. Cheers!

Apple Cider Sangria Recipe:

Apple Cider Sangria

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: apple cider, fall sangria, sangria

Servings:

Prep Time 20 mins

Chilling Time: 2 hrs

Total Time 2 hrs 20 mins

Apple Cider Sangria #fall #cocktail #recipe #applecider #sangria

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Blended with white wine, apples, pears, and cinnamon this Apple Cider Sangria makes the perfect fall cocktail.

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Ingredients

1 1/2 cups cinnamon simple syrup - *recipe in NOTES below
4 bottles (750ml each) Sauvignon Blanc - (or dry white wine)
2 cups Apple Pie Vodka
2 cups ginger brandy
4 cups apple cider
1 cup grapes - sliced in half
4 apples - cubed
4 pears - cubed
8 - 10 cinnamon sticks

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher. Stir to combine.
Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Serve in a glass with ice.

Notes

Cinnamon Simple Syrup Recipe:

Bring 1 cup sugar, 2 cups water, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to a simmer over medium-high heat until sugar is completely dissolved. I usually let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to create a thicker syrup. Allow syrup to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 227kcal • Carbohydrates: 31g • Protein: 1g • Fat: 1g • Saturated Fat: 1g • Sodium: 16mg • Potassium: 159mg • Fiber: 3g • Sugar: 26g • Vitamin A: 35IU • Vitamin C: 3mg • Calcium: 39mg • Iron: 1mg

Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!

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Welcome Guests with Indoor Plants

Interiors

Monday
Sep / 9 / 2013
Comments 19

First things first. Many apologies for my absence on the blog and social media last week. My mind and heart were somewhere else. I won’t get into details here, but if you are the praying type, a very close friend of mine could greatly use your positive thoughts and prayers at this time. Thank you so very much.

This month all of us on Lowe’s Creative Idea Bloggers team were challenged to prepare our homes for guests. As September rolls in, we are quickly reminded that the fall and winter holidays are fast approaching. Whether it’s just for a meal or an overnight stay, it won’t be long before friends and family will be filling our homes.

As you have probably surmised, lately I’ve been obsessed with indoor plants. While houseplants have been around forever, it seems they are becoming more of a staple in today’s decorating world. I’ve noticed that a lot of folks on the blogs I follow are also passionate about plants. Whether it be the uber-popular fiddle leaf fig, succulents, air plants, or tabletop gardens, gorgeous greenery is definitely on trend.

Using plants in your decor can be a quick and easy way to make your house feelmore inviting. As the weather grows crisper and the days get shorter, I get a little desperate to see some healthy green foliage. Thankfully, Lowes has an amazing selection of plants to add the life and verdancy my decor needs.

You may have spotted these on IBC before, but I found a few plants that were already potted and ready to go. Clustered with a cake stand and candle on my table, I have an instant centerpiece.

I love entertaining, and one of my favorite preparation tasks is setting the table. Even though I adore fresh flowers, I tend to shy away from them because of their short lifespan and expense. As you may remember, I enlivened one of my summer tablescapes with a couple clippings from the backyard and that same potted aloe vera plant.

I also added some life to my bedroom with this huge cactus. It works perfectly with the tabletop garden I created last month.

I’ve even brought in some bigger plants, including this palm tree, which you may remember seeing in my temporary office.

I hope these ideas give you inspiration and encouragement to use greenery in your space. Let me know in the comments below, what your favorite interior plants are. I’m always looking for an excuse to buy a few more plants for my home.

For even more ideas, visit Lowes Creative Ideas. You can also sign up to receive their free Creative Ideas Magazine, which is loaded with inspiration! There’s also a magazine app so you can have inspiration on the go! And, don’t forget to follow Lowe’s on Pinterest or on Instagram!

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Pumpkin Brownies

Recipes

Thursday
Sep / 5 / 2013
Comments 9

As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, September marks the beginning of fall for me. Because pumpkin is among my favorite flavors, I am always more than excited to have an excuse to start some fall baking. I found this recipe from Better Home and Gardens for Pumpkin Brownies. I made it even easier by using a box of brownie mix rather than making the brownies from scratch. My box mix of choice right now is Chewy Fudge Brownies from Duncan Hines.

You can hop on over to BHG’s Delish Dish to read all about these brownies and to get the recipe.

For more fall-inspired sweet treats, check out last year’s Fall Cookie Week where I made Chocolate Cherry Cookies, Pumpkin Blondies, White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies, Pumpkin Krispies, Caramel Stuffed Apple Cider Cookies, and Pumpkin Blossoms!

What are you most excited about making in the kitchen this fall?

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Homemade Nutella Magic Shell Recipe

Recipes

Thursday
Aug / 29 / 2013
Comments 25

Did you know you can make Magic Shell at home? This Homemade Nutella Magic Shell is the perfectly delicious way to top your ice cream!

Homemade Nutella Magic Shell:

Ever since I had that Mint Moose Tracks ice cream last weekend, I keep thinking about it. I know, that’s kind of sad. I don’t know what it is about the combination of chocolate, mint, and ice cream that is so delicious. Given the fact that I’m trying to drop a few pounds, I should steer clear of cold, creamydesserts, but sometimes I just can’t help myself.

I’m sure many of you have heard of Magic Shell, right? For anyone who hasn’t, it’s basically chocolate sauce that hardens when you pour it over cold ice cream. It gives the ice cream a little shell. It’s pretty amazing stuff. Plus, once it’s hardened, you can hit it with a spoon and it cracks into wonderful pieces of chocolate goodness.

While I wish I could say I came up with the homemade version, I didn’t. I’ve seen a lot of bloggers making it and just had to give it a try. When I saw the Nutella version, I couldn’t resist. I was happy to discover that it’s insanely simple and only requires two ingredients.

Let me show you.

How to Make Nutella Magic Shell:

Here’s what you’ll need:

1/3 cup Nutella
2 tablespoons coconut oil

Let’s get cooking:

Combine the Nutella and coconut oil in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir until combined. If needed, microwave at 10 second intervals, stirring in between. The resulting sauce will be very smooth. Allow to cool slightly.

Then, simply pour over cold ice cream.

Yep, it’s truly that simple. I really don’t like to mess around with overly complicated recipes.

I personally love this with mint chocolate chip, but your options are endless.

You can store this magic shell in an airtight container at room temperature. Should it harden based on the temperature in your house, just microwave the sauce for a few seconds until smooth.

And doesn’t it look totally adorable in these stoneware ice cream cones? I got them from Pottery Barn and they may just be the coolest (no pun intended) pieces of serveware I own. They even havethe little diamond pattern in the cone. Perfection. (PS. They are totally on sale right now!)

I mean, they don’t even need anything in them and they look great! Wouldn’t it be fun to have a little ice cream bar and fill them with toppings? So cute.

I also got this vintage-inspired Ice Cream Soda sign. (Also from Pottery Barn and also on sale!) I think it will look perfect on my side porch.

Okay, enough talk about ice cream. I need to get back to work.

Have you made magic shell at home? If not, have I convinced you to try it?

Homemade Nutella Magic Shell Recipe:

Homemade Nutella Magic Shell Recipe

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: ice cream, magic shell, nutella

Servings:

Prep Time 5 mins

Total Time 5 mins

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Did you know you can make Magic Shell at home? This Homemade Nutella Magic Shell is the perfectly delicious way to top your ice cream!

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Ingredients

1/3 cup Nutella
2 tablespoons coconut oil

Instructions

Combine the Nutella and coconut oil in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir until combined.

If needed, microwave at 10 second intervals, stirring in between. The resulting sauce will be very smooth. Allow to cool slightly.

Then, simply pour over cold ice cream.
You can store this magic shell in an airtight container at room temperature. Should it harden based on the temperature in your house, just microwave the sauce for a few seconds until smooth.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 196kcal • Carbohydrates: 16g • Protein: 1g • Fat: 14g • Saturated Fat: 13g • Sodium: 10mg • Potassium: 102mg • Fiber: 1g • Sugar: 14g • Vitamin A: 1IU • Calcium: 27mg • Iron: 1mg

Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!

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Spiral Apple Bread with Caramel Apple Glaze

Recipes

Wednesday
Aug / 28 / 2013
Comments 99

If you’re looking for a delicious Apple Bread, look no further. This Spiral Apple Bread with Caramel Apple Glaze is both delicious and beautiful!

I can’t believe it’s been over a month since the last Year of Yeast post. Clearly, I’m getting more comfortable with my yeast-bread skills and I don’t need to practice as much anymore. (Or it could be that it was too hot to do much baking in August.)

Over the past couple weeks I’ve been craving something with apples and cinnamon. I instantly thought of making apple bread!

I blame it on the fact that fall is just around the corner. I hate to admit it, but I’m totally crazy excited for fall to come. Like many folks, fall is my favorite season and I plan to live it up this year.

As a bed and breakfast owner, fall was always my busiest time so I was never able to fully enjoy it. I blinked and it was over. This year I’m taking full advantage of the season and planning lots of cooking, baking, and crafting. You’re in for a treat – and maybe a trick or two!

Anyway, back to this craving for something apple-y and my overwhelming need to do a little baking, after a bit of research, planning, and recipe testing – this Spiral Apple Bread with Caramel Apple Glaze became a winner!

How do you Make Apple Bread?

Oh, and you’ll be happy to know that this Spiral Apple Bread recipe comes together very quickly. As with most yeast recipes, you need to factor in some rising time, but other than that, it’s a piece of cake.

I’ve actually learned to enjoy the rising process. The world moves too quickly these days. Today, I took the time to really enjoy every step of the process.

How the dough felt in my hands, how it smelled when it was rising, the flavor of the apples. It was like a bit of baking therapy.

And honestly, with very little effort, the resulting loaf looks pretty gorgeous. It’s like a mini-work of art.

Believe me, if I can do this, so can you. Let me show you how.

Spiral Apple Bread with Caramel Apple Glaze

Here’s what you'll need:

Bread
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup warm milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cinnamon, ground
3 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (I used Granny Smith.)

Topping
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar

Glaze
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider
1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted

Let’s get baking!

Place flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and yeast in a stand mixer with the dough hook attached. Stir to combine.

In a small bowl add your melted butter into your warm milk. Then, with the mixer on low, add this mixture to the flour mixture until it forms a soft dough ball.

Knead with the mixer for about 4 minutes. Then transfer dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm area for 1.1/2 hours or until doubled in size.

Punch dough down then divide into 2 balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each ball into an approximately 8 x 11-inch rectangle. Cut into 9 strips.

Lightly grease an 8- or 9-inch round pan. Starting at the center of pan, coil apple slices with dough strips into a spiral, pinching ends securely as strips are added.

Repeat the same steps for the other half of the dough. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for 45 minutes. Toward the end of rising time, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

For the topping, mix cinnamon and sugar together in a small bowl. Once the bread is removed from the oven, brush each loaf with melted butter and then sprinkle with the cinnamon and sugar mixture.

While the bread cools, melt butter in a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 1/4 cup brown sugar. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly; reduce heat to low. Boil and stir 2 minutes. Stir in cider. Heat to boiling; remove from heat. Cool to lukewarm, about 30 minutes.

Gradually stir powdered sugar into glaze mixture. If the glaze becomes too stiff, stir in additional cider, 1/2 teaspoon at a time. If the glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar. Drizzle glaze over the bread.

If you liked this apple bread recipe, you’ll love these too:

Cut into wedges to serve.

Totally scrumptious looking, right? Let me tell you … it is! That caramel apple glaze is what dreams are made of! You won’t even know what hit you.

So whether you are ready to embrace fall or not, take a few minutes for some baking therapy and give this Spiral Apple Bread recipe a try. Be sure to stop back and let me know what you think!

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Wood Colorblock Candle Holders

Interiors

Tuesday
Aug / 27 / 2013
Comments 19

I have a fun project to share with you today. I decided to create some DIY candle holders for my dining room table. In true Inspired-by-Charm style, I wanted something a little rustic and a little modern. After searching for some inspiration online, I came up with these white and gold wood colorblock candle holders.

Thanks to their simple design, you can easily customize them to suit your space and style. In just a few hours, with little money spent, you’ll have a new centerpiece for your table or a bright addition to your sideboard. Let me show you how they came together.

Wood Colorblock Candle Holders

Here’s what you’ll need:
1 – 4×4 piece of lumber (The length will depend on how many holders you want to make.)
ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape
Sandpaper
Hand Sander (Optional, but it will make the process so much easier)
Drill
Wood Boring Bit (I found that the 7/8 works perfectly for a standard taper candle)
Paint (I used spray paint, but you could use acrylic craft paint.)
Pencil
Tape Measure

Let’s start creating!

First, measure the wood to the size you’d like for your candle holders. I made a total of seven holders. The largest measures 11 inches high; the smallest is 5 inches.

Once the wood is cut, sand all of the surfaces. A hand sander makes this process quick and easy. Sand until all surfaces are smooth to the touch.

Next, you’ll want to cut the hole for the candle. To find the center of your wood block, draw two lines joining the corners of the square. The point where those lines intersect is the center.

Once all of your centers are marked, use your drill with the wood boring bit to create a hole. For my particular candles, the 7/8 bit gave me a perfect fit. Drill down about 3/4 inch.

If the drilling created any rough surfaces, quickly sand them for a smooth finish.

Next comes the fun part! Grab your ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape and start covering all of the areas that you do not want painted. For a unique look, vary the areas that will be painted. Create horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines with the tape to give each piece a different look. Completely tape over any area you do not want painted. Press the tape down to ensure clean lines.

Once all of your blocks are taped off, it’s time to paint!

As I mentioned above, I used white and gold paint. Feel free to use one color or a variety of colors to get the right look for your space. Since my lumber was treated, I started off with two coats of white primer, then two coats of my final color. Take your time and spray multiple light coats to avoid any runs in the paint. Allow the paint to dry between coats.

Once your blocks are completely dry, it’s time to remove all of the tape. Am I the only one who finds this part immensely satisfying?

Look at those crisp, clean lines! It’s a beautiful thing.

Once all of the tape is removed, your candle holders are complete!

Just set them on your table or console and add some candles!

Pretty simple, right? I’m absolutely loving the finished holders. You could certainly take this a step further and seal the exposed wood, although I prefer to keep mine raw and natural looking to contrast with the gold and white.

The final look is rustic, contemporary, and super stylish. I can’t wait to light all of these for an evening get together. It’s going to look gorgeous. (Since these holders are wood, be sure to never leave your burning candle unattended.)

As I was making these, I kept thinking of so many fun variations. Chalkboard paint would be amazing. This would allow you to add fun patterns and text. Neon would also be an awesome color scheme. The options are endless.

So what do you think? Are you digging these wood colorblock candle holders? How would you customize them for your space?

Thanks to Scotch Blue Painter’s Tape for their help on this project. Stay informed of all their fabulous products and ideas by following along with them on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

This post is a collaboration with ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape. To join the creative community, visit www.facebook.com/ScotchBlue.

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Homemade Cheddar and Jalapeño Cheese Crackers

Recipes

Thursday
Aug / 22 / 2013
Comments 253

Learn how to make your own Cheese Crackers at home with this easy recipe. You can even add jalapeños to this recipe for spicy cheese crackers.

Most of you clearly know this by now – I am pretty much obsessed with cheese. That’s why today I’m so excited to share my recipe for these Homemade Cheddar and Jalapeño Cheese Crackers.

Way back in first grade I brought cheese and crackers for snack time at school. My favorite was that sharp cheddar cheese that came in a small plastic tub and was sandwiched between two crackers. It was heaven. I don’t recall many specifics from first grade and kindergarten, but I do remember that. I think it was because one time I forgot my snack and was very upset about it. And by upset I mean totally devastated. Thankfully, being the angel that she is, my mom brought in my snack at some point during the day. It was cheese and crackers.

Cheddar and Jalaepño Cheese Crackers:

This obsession with cheese, unlike many other things, has stayed with me into adulthood. In fact, I love just about anything with cheese.

Armed with two of my favorite cheeses from Cracker Barrel, I knew I couldn’t go wrong. I decided to make two varieties of these crackers. The first would be with Sharp Cheddar Cheese and the second would be with Jalapeño Cheese (I didn’t mean to double up on the heat, but that’s how these things go sometimes.)

Clearly the cheese is the superstar in this recipe. The full, rich, and authentic flavor of Cracker Barrel‘s cheese shines through and packs these little bites with so much flavor you wouldn’t believe it. Plus, one package of cheese is exactly how much you’ll need to make one batch of these delights.

I was actually surprised by how easily they come together. You start with butter and lots of delicious cheese. Mix in some spices, flour, and a little water and the dough just comes together beautifully. I was amazed.

How to make Homemade Cheese Crackers:

As I mentioned above, I made two variations of this recipe. You could use any combination of cheese that you like. You could also add in different spices and ingredients to create a really unique flavor.

Split the dough into two equal discs and chill for thirty minutes. Once chilled, roll out thin.

At this point, I used a pizza slicer to cut out squares. You could also use a cookie or biscuit cutter if you prefer a different shape.

Prick each cracker with a wooden skewer or something similar in shape, pop into the oven, and prepare for your house to smell like cheddar cheese heaven.

If you liked these cheese cracker, then you’ll enjoy these recipes:

Let’s check out the full recipe.

Cheddar and Jalapeño Cheese Crackers Recipe:

Homemade Cheddar and Jalapeño Cheese Crackers

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cheese, crackers

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Learn how to make your own Cheese Crackers at home with this easy recipe. You can even add jalapeños to this recipe for spicy cheese crackers.

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Ingredients

8 ounces Extra Sharp Cracker Barrel Cheddar Cheese - shredded
4 tablespoons unsalted butter - room temperature
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons water
10 slices of jarred jalapeños - finely chopped

Instructions

In a bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together butter, cheese, salt, and pepper until blended. With the mixer on low, slowly add flour. At this point, your mixture will become dry and crumbly.
Mix in chopped jalapeños. Add water, one tablespoon at a time. Beat until the mixture just comes together into a ball. At this point, the mixture should be moist. If it feels wet, simply add a touch more flour. Divide the mixture into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 25 - 30 minutes.
Once chilled, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough very thin, about an eighth of an inch thick.
Then, using a pizza slicer, cut horizontal and vertical lines into your dough to create about 1-inch square crackers. Poke each cracker with a wood skewer or fork. Place crackers on prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Cool before serving. Chill in an airtight container for up to three days.
*To make the Jalapeño Cheese Crackers, simply omit the jalapeños and replace the Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese with Jalapeño cheese.

Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!

I can’t begin to tell you how delicious these little suckers are. The taste is similar to those oh-so-familiar crackers you can buy in the store, but nothing compares to the freshness, flakiness, and super cheese-filled flavor of homemade goodies. You’ll be so glad you made them. And trust me on this one, you can do it! Now go give them a try and report back on your success!

Happy cooking!

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A New Light for the Hallway

Interiors

Wednesday
Aug / 21 / 2013
Comments 37

I can’t believe it. I finally got a light fixture in my upstairs hallway. Remember back in March when I showed you the exposed wires sticking out of my ceiling? Well, they are gone and finally there is a light.

I really have no good explanation for why it took months to complete this project. Part of the problem may have been what I found under the old canopy cover attached to the ceiling. This required patching, and I thought I would have to repaint the entire ceiling. Also, since my house is close to 100 years old, it used to have gas ceiling fixtures. Which, to be honest, is totally amazing, but it makes hanging a new fixture a nightmare. There is a capped off gas pipe sticking out of the ceiling where most of the light fixtures hang. That means everything needs to be retrofitted to fit properly and safely.

At any rate, the light fixture is hung and I’m totally loving it. It’s the Clarrisa Glass Drop Chandelier from Pottery Barn. I’ve loved this fixture since it first came out. A few weeks ago my BFF hung a similar one in her house and that sealed the deal for me. Plus, I had a gift card, some store credit, and a coupon – so it was quite the steal. I’m actually a huge fan of Pottery Barn’s lighting. I have five fixtures from them. Crazy.

I thought this would be a good time to also show you some other changes around this area. Other than getting new carpet in December, I haven’t really done much in this space since closing my B & B. I figured it was time to make it feel a bit more like my home. So I pulled some random accessories from around my house to give it a little something-something.

First, I found this amazing set of letters on Etsy a couple months ago. Yes, that’s A,N and E. Hung on it’s side it just looks like a fun squiggle or symbol. If you remember, there used to be a giant mirror on this wall. It was there to block a door into this bathroom. I always hated having the mirror there, but it was essential to block off the space when my house was functioning as an inn. Blocking the door kept the bathroom private and secure for those in the room. This was actually the only bathroom in the house when it was first built. As you may or may not be able to tell, it needs a major update.

The room to the left of the bathroom is currently being used as a (very cluttered) storage space. (That’s where my cowhide chairs have been hiding out.) Before I decided to close my shoppe, the room was going to be my office. Now I have plans for turning it into a spare bedroom.

Last week I showed you the temporary office portion of my bedroom; this is the actual bedroom. Not much has changed in here. I did find this art at a local antique shop. I’m not sure I love it here, but it works for now. Also, I just noticed that one of the frames is a tiny bit smaller than the other. So that will surely drive me crazy. I think the ikat pillows are also new. I found them at HomeGoods. The pattern is gorgeous, and I figure they are neutral enough to work anywhere.

My wonderful mom bought me these amazing gold sculptural spheres from West Elm for my birthday. I freaking love them!

I also got this mini-frog (at least that’s what the folks at Buick called it). It was a gift from the designers I worked with when I created my dream Encore. This was actually the color I choose for my winning design. Isn’t it beautiful?

That’s it, folks. My new light and a couple other small updates. I still have lots of plans and ideas so it feels good to be making some baby steps. What spaces are you working on in your home?

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30 Empowering Songs

Life

Tuesday
Aug / 20 / 2013
Comments 44

Here’s my playlist for 30 Empowering Songs! These are my favorites tunes to inspire, empower, and motivate. Let the music play!

Today is the first post of another new series on IBC. As you know, I turned the big 3-0 a few weeks ago, plus I love to make lists. Put those two together and the idea of 30 lists of 30 things over the course of the next year was born.

Empowering Songs Playlist:

I’ve actually been wanting to start making some videos, too. I thought a cool first video would be “30 Things About Me.” What do you think? Hopefully, this new plan will give me the courage and motivation to create it. (Check out more of my favorite tunes HERE.)

For my first list of 30, I’ve decided to share some motivational, feel-good, empowering songs. You know those songs that you turn up as loud as you can in your car and feel unstoppable when you listen to them.

Yes, those songs. I wanted to put together this list after the release of Katy Perry’s latest, “Roar.” (I may or may not have been listening to it nonstop since last Tuesday.) For as long as I can remember, music has had a profound way of speaking to my heart.

I often find myself turning to music when I’m sad or when I need a quick pick-me-up. A song can instantly change my mood. For the past few months, I’ve been in a really weird rut and completely off my game. I’m doing everything in my power to dig my way out of it.

I’m thinking some sort of change is in order, but I haven’t figured out what. Anyway, even though it’s technically a break-up song, “Roar” has been an awesome source of encouragement for me. So, before I get completely sick of it, I thought I would create a go-to list of all the songs that make me feel awesome.

As I’ve mentioned here before, my taste in music can sometimes be confused with that of a teenager girl, but I’m totally okay with that. Whatever makes you feel good, right?

30+ Empowering Songs Playlist:

You can listen to my 30 Empowering Songs playlist above via Spotify or directly on Spotify by clicking here.

Don’t miss a beat. Subscribe to my Spotify profile to stay in the loop with all of my playlists. Know a song or artist I’d enjoy? Please let me know in the comments below. I’ve also linked up all the songs below to their coordinating videos on YouTube.

Also, be sure to visit my NEWEST motivational song list HERE!!

You’re welcome! Enjoy!

1. Bulletproof – La Roux
2. We Can – LeAnn Rimes
3. Who Says – Selena Gome
4. Fighter – Christina Aguilera
5. Roar – Katy Perry

6. Defying Gravity – Wicked
7. Titanium – David Guetta
8. Born This Way – Lady Gaga
9. Stronger – Kelly Clarkson
10. Strip Me – Natasha Bedingfield

11. Play On – Carrie Underwood
12. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
13. Champion – RuPaul
14. Bitch – Meredith Brooks
15. Good Life – OneRepublic

16. The Climb – Miley Cyrus
17. I Got A Feeling – Black Eyed Peas
18. We R Who We R – Ke$ha
19. Don’t Stop Believing – Journey
20. Settlin’ – Sugarland

21. Proud – Heather Small
22. Raise Your Glass – Pink
23. Stand – Rascal Flatts
24. Firework – Katy Perry
25. Brave – Sara Bareilles

26. Rolling in the Deep – Adele
27. So What – Pink
28. I Love it – Icona Pop
29. Wide Open Spaces – Dixie Chicks
30. Shake it Out – Florence + The Machine

I hope you enjoyed this playlist of empowering songs? Did I miss any of your favorites? Let me know in the comments below.

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Weekend Wanderlust: No. 26

Travel

Tuesday
Aug / 20 / 2013
Comments 14

Wow. I can’t believe how fast the month of August is going. I guess it seems especially quick since the local schools start back up this week. It’s just pure craziness. I had grand plans for what I would accomplish this summer. I’m now feeling like a missed that mark in a pretty major way. Anyone else? Oh well. I will say that I did make some wonderful memories with my friends and family these past few months. And that’s most important, right?

Read – Have you had a chance to flip through the September issue of Better Homes and Gardens? It’s pretty fabulous – possibly one of their best. It’s the annual Stylemaker Issue so it’s packed with beautiful things, including Joy Cho’s house, Eddie Ross’s NYC apartment, and delicious recipes from Stephanie Izard. Get your hands on a copy ASAP.

Inspired – Speaking of magazines. I was going through some other ones this past week and found this gem of a quote in Country Living. Not only is it perfect advice for decorating, but it can be applied to so many other areas of life.

Fling – Wings (as in chicken wings) are kind of a big deal in my town and surrounding area. This past Friday was the 14th Annual Wing Fling. Local restaurants fry and sauce up their best recipes in order to win the coveted prize of Best Wings! There were hundreds of people, delicious wings, and an all-around good time. The theme was 80’s. I even dressed up, but failed to take a head-to-toe picture to share with you. Oops!

Thrift – I stopped at Goodwill to purchase some 80’s-inspired clothes, but didn’t end up wearing what I bought. While I was there, I found these adorable little ceramic containers. I love the pattern, and the colors are perfect for my bedroom. They came home with me for a whopping $3. They also seem very Nate Berkus in style, right?

Work – I’m happy to report that the sale in my shoppe is going well. Last week was pretty busy. The sale continues this week and the discount is moving from 40% to 70%. It’s time to get more stuff sold!

Celebrate – In some exciting personal news, my face and kitchen were part of a Glidden paint ad in the September issue of House Beautiful. Plus, I had the honor to curate a “20 Tips for Throwing One Last Summer Bash” collection for Martha Stewart! Yes, you read that right. Martha-freakin-Stewart. I can’t even. You can check it out here.

Hang – As I mentioned above, this summer will always be a wonderful collection of memories. On Sunday night my friends and I had a little campfire. There was corn dip, mountain pies, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup s’mores. (They are as amazing as they sound.) But most importantly, the evening was filled with lots of laughter, reminiscing, and the creation of new memories. It was a perfect ending to the weekend.

So that’s my story. What did you do this weekend? Are you excited or disappointed about these final days of summer?

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DIY Gold Magnetic Letters

DIY

Friday
Aug / 16 / 2013
Comments 103

Okay, so I have a super easy and totally fabulous “I Create” for you today! You know how much I’m loving gold these days. Well, I’m taking it to a whole new level with this project. As much as I wish I could take credit for the awesomeness, I actually saw the idea on Pinterest. Go figure. As soon as I did however, I knew I had to recreate it. I believe it was Jan of Poppytalk who pinned the idea. So thank you, Jan!

As you may have guessed from the title and pictures, I made gold magnetic letters. Tell me they are not fun! I loved these letters as a kid and I may love them even more as an adult.

To make the letters, you will need magnetic letters, plastic primer spray paint, and gold spray paint. I found these particular letters on Amazon because that’s pretty much where I find a lot of things these days. Both paints are from Walmart. I am crazy about this gold paint. Remember I used it to paint my plant stands? Despite how it looks on the cap, the color and sheen are perfect.

In a well-ventilated area, on a piece of paper or cardboard, start by spraying the back of your letters with the primer. I sprayed right over the magnets. They hold just as well with the paint. (Though, be aware that these letters aren’t really designed to post notes and pictures since the magnet is very small.) Cover both sides of the letters with two coats of the primer; then follow with two coats of the gold or until the letters are completely painted. Allow time for drying in between each coat.

That’s it! I told you this project would be super easy.

Aren’t they beautiful, too?

I immediately covered my refrigerator with them. I think they would look amazing on a black magnetic surface, but I don’t have one. Taking pictures on a white glossy refrigerator is a challenge. I considered making a magnetic chalkboard, but I ran out of time and didn’t have the necessary supplies.

I know I’m going to have some fun with these!

So what do you think of the gold letters? Are you going to make some “bling” for your fridge?

I Create: 1. Tabletop Cactus Garden 2. DIY Gold Magnetic Letters

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