DIY Watermelon Wreath

Posted on June 11, 2012 by

12 Comments

While I was trying to come up with an idea for a summer wreath I thought of the fact that nothing screams summer quite like fresh fruit (namely watermelon) on a hot summers day.  The easiest way I came up with for recreating a watermelon was using deco mesh, which offered a perfectly whimsical touch to otherwise drab front door. I bought the deco mesh and the work wreath form from here. 

 {supplies: 21\” deco mesh in hot pink, lime + apple green + 24\” work wreath form}
 {bend your work wreath form into a football shape and straighten the wire branches}
 {unroll the mesh and bunch it together a couple inches in from the end}
 {secure to a wire branch on the outer ring. twist the wire branch around the bunch to secure}
 {to form the puff: gather 11\” length of mesh, bunching the end together and bring it back to the center for a fuller look}
{use the same concept above as you continue to add colors to the wreath}
{cut black teardrops out of felt and hot glue to the pink portion for seeds}

Five Things

Posted on June 8, 2012 by

11 Comments

{current manicure}

After returning from my trip up north I definitely figured this week would go by so slow, but it was quite the opposite. At the beginning of the week I took a trip out to farm country to pick strawberries, and the rest of my week was filled with creating berry confections. I have a feeling these berries will keep me inspired for the rest of the weekend. What are you up to this weekend?

{i finally ran across the expressway for a picture of this sign}
 
{garden peonies in the morning}
 {lunch by lake superior}
{homemade strawberry jam}

Sophisticated Summer

Posted on June 7, 2012 by

15 Comments

Summer allows you to have a bright and bold color palette. While hot pink polish might be a favorite of mine for summer it is just not always appropriate. I was so excited when Jessica Cosmetics released \”Gelato Mio!\” her summer 2012 polish collection. This collection is made up of refined polishes reflecting the prettiest pastels of Italian ice cream, making it the ideal collection for sophisticated summer. 
 
{left to right:  barely blueberry, surfer boyz\’n berry and lime cooler}

{left to right:  tangerine dreamz, banana peel and strawberry shake it}
{Banana Peel}
Banana Peel is a gorgeous pale yellow creme.
{Barely Blueberry}
Barely Blueberry is a pretty pale sky blue creme polish.
{Lime Cooler}
Lime Cooler is a playful margarita green creme and a little bit brighter then the other colors in the collection.
{Strawberry Shake It}
Strawberry Shake It is a stunning pale pink creme. This polish would look fantastic at a wedding especially worn by a bride.
 {Surfer Boyz \’n Berry}

Surfer Boyz \’n Berry is the ideal Tiffany & Company blue.

 {Tangerine Dreamz}

Tangerine Dreamz is the ideal tangerine hue. Even if you are not into trendy colors this is a must have for your collection.

My overall thoughts: Summer is all about color. This collections is the perfect in between balance of brights and pastels, making it perfect for parties, lounging, travel and of course the office. This is one of those collections where every color is a must have. What do you think of these colors?

Matchstick Mason Jars with Striking Lid

Posted on June 6, 2012 by

17 Comments

Between backyard barbeques and bon fires it is clear that summer is in full swing. I know that I go through matches like crazy during the warmer months. So whenever I go to someone’s house I always bring these cute jars filled with matches. This is an inexpensive project and the recipient will love them. I have a jar in my kitchen and living room.

Supplies:
Strike Anywhere Matches (do not buy Strike on Box matches)
Black sandpaper
Small Mason Jars
Pencil
Scissors
Glue

 {Strike Anywhere Matches are the only ones that will work}
 {fill a small Mason Jar with matches in a swirled fashion}
 {trace the lid on the sandpaper}
 {glue the sandpaper to the lid – you can use hot glue or elmers as well}
{end result an expensive project}

Strawberry Shortcake

Posted on June 5, 2012 by

18 Comments

Here in Michigan strawberry season has just begun. Yesterday I promptly headed out to Romeo to pick the prettiest and most delicious berries.  Strawberry shortcake is without a doubt one of my favorite desserts, and has been since I was little. Now that I am older one of my favorite aspects of shortcake is how easy it is to whip together on a weeknight. 

Strawberry Shortcake
Ingredients
Berries
• 4 cups fresh strawberries; sliced
• 1/2 cup sugar
Shortcake
• 2  1/3 cups Bisquick mix
•  2/3 cups milk
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter; melted
Directions
1. Mix strawberries and ½ cup sugar, set aside.  Preheat oven to 425.
2. Stir Bisquick mix, milk, 3 tablespoons sugar and butter together until a soft dough forms. Drop by 6 spoonfuls onto a cooking stone (an ungreased cookie sheet works too).
3. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Split warm shortcakes; fill and top with strawberries and whipped topping.
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