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Spotlight on 1001 Sundials

April 3, 2011 3 Comments

 

Spring time is the time to get your yard and garden in order.  My husband’s never been real big on what kind of flowers we have in our yard, but  hedoes like yard decorations like stone statues and garden sundials.  And I have to admit, since being around my husband, I’ve developed a love for these sort of things as well.
1001Sundials.com was founded with a simple goal – to provide their customers the largest selection of sundials and armillaries at the best possible prices.
And they have a fabulous collection!  For this post, I thought it would be fun to share some photos of sundials that I and/or my husband would love for our yard.  We both love things that have an old, antique, or classic look, and we also love things that are whimsical or fantasy/mythologically themed, so there were a lot of things at 1001 Sundials that appealed to us, including the Armillary Sundial pictured above.  Here are some others:
Brass Butterfly Sundial

 

Brass Angel Sundial

 

Bronze Moon & Star Sundial
Cast Resin Time Passes Sundial
Visit 1001 Sundials for these and other Sundials and Armillaries.

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Disclosure: This is a paid post written by me for 1001Sundials.com.  The opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Home/Garden

Red Vignette and Valentine Garland

February 9, 2011 11 Comments
Today I’m sharing this cute display from my kitchen.  I’m in the process of doing a quasi-makeover in my kitchen.  For a while I’ve felt like my kitchen was having an identity crisis, and I decided that I’m going to make the predominate color in the room be red.
After Christmas I was taking down my decor, and trying to decide what to do with the top of this cabinet.  It’s very tall, and you can’t really see what’s on top of it very well, so it doesn’t need anything too showy, if you know what I mean. But it needed something.  Anyway, as I was putting my Christmas decorations away, I decided to place these red & white candles on top of this cabinet, and the vignette grew from there!

The above picture is how I had planned for it to look for most of the year. The candles are actually Christmas candles, but from the ground you can’t really tell.  Then I made the arrangement in the middle using some berry garland that I had.  And the cups were already on top of the cabinet.  I just filled them with red paper shreds so they would match.  And then I added the shiny red garland.  It’s actually Valentine garland, but again, from the ground you can’t really tell. 

And now for the finishing touch to make this vignette perfect for Valentine’s Day!  This adorable Valentine Heart garland was actually made by the super talented Liz of Hoosier Homemade.  Last year around this time, she had an assortment of giveaways. This garland was one of the prizes, and I was the lucky winner! 
Isn’t it the cutest! And you know how I said that you can’t see the top of the cabinet very well anyway, so it doesn’t really need too much stuff.  Well, now with all the red, it’s actually quite eye catching! Who knew!

So what do you think?

I’m linking up at these parties.

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Filed Under: decorating, Home/Garden, Valentine's Day

Berry Heart Wreath

January 12, 2011 10 Comments
With Valentine’s Day only a month away, (Wow, this month is going fast!) I thought it would great to share this really cute wreath I have on my door.  No, sadly, I didn’t make this.  I actually ordered it a few years back.  I was shopping around and I found a few things similar to it at Shop Wiki if you’d like to take a look.
Anyway, when we moved I packed it up, and I just got it out of our outbuilding this past fall.  So this is our first time to use it.  I really love using bright colors like red in the winter time, even after Christmas.  It really brightens things up and adds a lot of warmth.
What do you guys think?
Looking the wreath over, I see that it actually wouldn’t be hard to make one like this either.  You could easily purchase a round twig wreath at Hobby Lobby.  Then purchase a piece of berry garland, and then weave it through the wreath.  Then add just a little hot glue to hold the garland in place and fluff it out as desired.

I attempted to take some pictures of how the pieces of garland are woven through the wreath.  I’m not really sure how good you can see it though.

I also bought a piece of garland to match this wreath, and last week I actually used it on a few projects which I’m really excited to share with you in the coming weeks. So stay tuned!

I’m linking up to these fun craft and decor parties!

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Filed Under: crafts, decorating, Home/Garden

SSH’s Best in 2010: Projects

December 29, 2010 4 Comments

At the end of each year I like to revisit my posts from the year and highlight some of my favorites. I’ve never been a really crafty person, but this year I began trying my hand at Mod Podge and some other craft projects. Today we take a look at some of the things that I made throughout the year.

Next week I’ll be sharing Best in 2010: Food, so please come back and check it out!
I’m linking up this week to these linky parties.

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Filed Under: Best Posts, crafts, decorating, Home/Garden

Book Page Initial Wreath

October 26, 2010 21 Comments

Looking for a personalized Christmas gift?  Or something personalized for your own home?  How about a fun book page intial wreath!
I’ve absolutely loved looking at all the book page projects out in the blogosphere.  While my husband was out of town a few weeks ago, I finally got around to making one of my own.  For this design I was inspired specifically over the summer by someone who created a wreath using an embroidery hoop, except theirs had a fleur de lis in the center.  (If this was you, please comment or email me so that I can include a link to your project!)

Anyway, this was mostly made out of materials I had on hand at home. And it turned out so great that I’m planning a trip to craft store so I can make some more! My husband wants me to make one for his mother for Christmas, and I’m also planning to make something similar for my dad. He’s in the process of moving, and I think it would make a great Christmas and housewarming gift. And while I’m at at it, I’ll make one for my mom as well.
And I’ve also added the wreath to my shop and will take custom orders for anyone who’d like one for their home. For more information on this, including size, features, and pricing, just visit my shop.

For those of you who love to craft yourself, I’ll also be posting a tutorial for this very shortly. I’ll try to post it in the next few weeks when I have more time. It’s not a very difficult project to undertake. It was just kind of long and drawn out, and involved a lot of steps.  Till then, I hope you enjoyed this sneak peek!

I’m linking up at these fun craft and decor parties.

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Filed Under: crafts, decorating, Home/Garden, Simply Sweet Creations

Mod Podge Bathroom Coordinates

September 21, 2010 8 Comments
Have you ever done a bathroom makeover? I don’t mean a makeover with a new vanity, cabinets, and floors.  I’m talking just a simple makeover: new shower curtain, rugs, towels, and coordinates.  These days even the simplest of makeovers can get a expensive.  But thanks to Mod Podge, you can now do a bathroom makeover on even the smallest of budgets!
Previously I shared my Flower Arrangement Revamp and my Easy Initial Art, and today I’m sharing some of the bathroom coordinates that I made over with just a little scrapbook paper and Mod Podge! And what’s even better about these makeovers is that I was able to use some really cheap (and I do mean cheap!) stuff that I already had on hand for the project

See what I meant by cheap?  I’ve had the jar on the left forever! This thing was in my bathroom at my dad’s house, and there’s no telling how long we’ve had it!  I used it as a cotton ball holder.  Because I can’t let go of anything it came with me when I moved out.  (It had a lid too, but that seems to have disappeared!)  And the basket on the right was something I bought at the Dollar Tree!

And next we have cocoa. Cocoa? Yes, Cocoa! I recently finished off this container of cocoa, and as I was throwing it away, something inside me screamed, “Don’t do it!” It just so happens that cocoa containers are the perfect size for storing so many things: Markers, Pens, Cosmetic Brushes, etc.

Here’s the trio together!  Quite an improvement, huh?  I should have gotten a better picture, but you’ll be able to see them a lot better when they’re actually on display in the bathroom.
As you can see, I didn’t mod podge the inside of the basket.  I thought about doing it, but it seemed kind of pointless because the basket was going to be filled with a makeup bag and supplies, so you won’t really see the inside anyway, and plus hubby and I are the only ones who will be in this bathroom.

And then I also put paper on this little set of drawers!  I actually didn’t Mod Podge this, but used tape instead.  I was very happy with the way it turned out!
In an upcoming post, I’ll show you the rest of the items, which includes a soap dish & toothbrush holder that I was actually thinking of putting in a yard sale box until I decided to do this instead! And you’ll get to see the bathroom with all the elements put together!
For a list of parties I’m linking up to, please check out the buttons in my sidebar or my Party Page. 
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Filed Under: crafts, Home/Garden

Flower Arrangement and Vase Revamp

September 8, 2010 16 Comments
I love the brightness and color that flowers add to a room.  A few months ago my mom and stepdad were cleaning out my step dad’s mom’s house. (His mother recently passed away.)  Among the possessions to be divided between the children, there were a lot of odds and ends that weren’t really worth anything and nobody really wanted.  So they either became trash or goodwill items.  The above flower arrangement was on her kitchen table.  My mom asked me if I wanted it, or if she should put it in Goodwill.
My stepdad looked up and said, “Throw that thing away.  You’ve been trying to give it away all week, and nobody wants it.”  Well, on that note, I decided I’d take it. Now here’s what it actually looked like originally:

 

The vase was actually quite cute. It just didn’t match the flowers.  Mom suggested  I take the fake flowers out and just use it as a vase or a container for something else.  But I  actually liked the flowers.  My solution? Mod Podge of course!

I simply took a little scrapbook paper, brushed on a little Mod Podge, wrapped it around the vase, and voila!  Flowers with a color coordinated vase!  I actually made it to match this Initial Art that I shared a few weeks ago. (But I didn’t stop there! Wait till you see the other items in my new colection!)

 

By the way, if you want to start on this project from scratch, simply find an old vase. (If you don’t have one around your house, you can always buy one at the thrift store or buy it new at the dollar store).  Then get some “florist foam.” (I’m using quotes because I don’t know if that’s what it’s called; that’s just what I call it!)  Alternatively you could use styrofoam. If you want to use the vase for real flowers you can order flowers online to switch up the look every once in a while.  Then just place it inside your vase, and then poke a bunch of flower stems in to it. Very easy!  Then decorate your vase as desired!

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Filed Under: crafts, decorating, Home/Garden

Easy Initial Art

August 19, 2010 4 Comments
I know this project has been going around the blogosphere for a while, but I made this a couple of weeks ago and just had to share, as it goes right along with some upcoming decor posts I’m doing.
And who knows? New ladies are discovering the blogosphere every day, and there may very well be someone here who hasn’t seen this.
I love this initial art idea because it’s easy and quick. (For someone who doesn’t have a lot of patience for a longterm project, this is a real plus!)  And I also love it because this is a great personalized item that you could make for anyone, to match any decor.

What You Need:
a picture frame
scrapbook paper
letter stencil
scissors
pen
Mod Podge
paint brush
(The cat is optional.)

Directions:
Use a stencil and pencil to trace your letter onto the back of a sheet of scrapbook paper. By drawing on the back side of the paper, you can avoid having lines on your letter.  (Just don’t forget to draw the letter backwards, or else when you cut it out, it will come out wrong.)
Next, if necessary, cut your scrapbook paper to size so that it fits in the frame.  Now take your paint brush and brush a little Mod Podge on the make of your letter. (I used the matte kind.) Allow to dry a few minutes.  Then take your paint brush and add a light coat of Mod Podge over the entire piece of scrapbook paper.  (Be careful not to use too much, or your paper will wrinkle.)
After your paper is completely dry, place it in your frame, and you’re done!

I’m linking up at these fabulous linky parties.

-Jerri

Filed Under: crafts, decorating, Home/Garden

Szechuan Sweet & Sour BBQ Chicken (& Lawry’s Giveaway)

July 12, 2010 83 Comments
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love summer grilling season!  Where I live, every weekend there’s some grilling going on in our neighborhood.  I know because we can smell it from our front porch!  Now Lawry’s is making the summer grilling season even more exciting with their new marinades.  Flavors include:
-Applewood & Plum – Juicy plums accent smoky applewood and add flair to all-American barbecue.
-Cilantro & Lime – Cutting across the diverse cuisines, this bright and zingy pair is a refreshing taste of summertime.
-Rosemary & Fig – Figs are an unexpected and regionally inspired match for aromatic rosemary.
-Chipotle & Maple – This culinary comingling deliver a fresh take on smoky, spicy and sweet.
-Brown Sugar & Bourbon – This duo brings a delicious dose of Southern charm to the patio.
-Cinnamon & Coffee – Bold and confident – with just the right edge of bitterness.
-Red Chili Sauce & Mango – The flavor of mango takes hot or sweet red chili sauce far beyond mere “condiment status.”
-Tuscan Sun Dried Tomato – Featuring extra virgin olive oil, sun dried tomatoes, sweet red bell peppers, and a blend of herbs and spices.
-Szechuan Sweet & Sour BBQ – features Chinese five spice blend with a touch of Szechuan heat.
Recently I got to try two of Lawry’s newest flavors: Szechuan Sweet & Sour BBQ and Tuscan Sun Dried Tomato. Not only are these marinades delicious, but they have a very unique taste.
I was very excited to serve the Szechuan Sweet & Sour BBQ Chicken to my husband last week. I’ve never made any chicken quite like this, and it was very well received. The marinade features a Chinese five spice blend, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper. Just imagine the best sweet and sour chicken from your favorite local Chinese joint and then add a spicy kick and your back yard grill! The result is yummy!
As you can see from the photos, I served our chicken over a bed of Asian style rice and vegetables. This was perfect for a quick and inexpensive gourmet meal.  And I love that these are 30 minute marinades, so I don’t have to worry about doing the marinading the day before.  (Perfect if you sometimes have to throw something together at the last minute!)
I’m very excited to be trying the Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato next and will be posting the food as soon I’ve made it. For this purpses of this post, I’ve gotten a taste of the marinade already. It’s an oil and vinegar based marinade, infused with sun-dried tomatoes, sweet red peppers, and a blend of herbs and spices, including rosemary and oregano. Yum! I’ll let you know how it turns out on food, but I can already tell you, if the taste of the marinade alone is any indication of how it will be on cooked meat, we are in for another super-delicious meal!

Win it!  One Simply Sweet Home reader will win a Lawry´s Get Grilling Kit. The kit includes: 
  •  Both of the new Lawry´s marinades: Tuscan  Sun-Dried Tomato and Szechuan Sweet & Sour BBQ
  • Lawry’s Seasoning Salt
  • A set of skewers.
  • Pyrex marinating dish.
Giveaway closed. Congrats to Rene at Three Boys and an Old Lady!

I’m happy to link up each week to some fabulous blog parties.
-Jerri
Disclosure:  The opinions in this post are my own.  For hosting this give away I received a Lawry’s prize pack like the one being given away.  I was not paid to post.  Lawry´s products, information and additional prize pack to give away are provided by Lawry´s through MyBlogSpark.
Filed Under: casseroles and quick meals, Giveaways, Home/Garden, Recipe of the Week, Sponsors

Summer Star Garland

July 6, 2010 3 Comments
You may remember the Easter Garland I posted on back in March.  I actually kept it up through spring, and then finally I decided I needed something new for summer.  So the other day I used the same concept behind the Easter Garland and made some star garland for the summer. 
I would have liked to have done this in red, white, and blue, but I didn’t have any  coordinating papers that I liked together, and I’ve decided I need to use some of the supplies I already have rather than going out and buying new stuff all the time, so I went with a red, green, and blue color scheme.

What You’ll Need:
Scrapbook paper
Ribbon
Scissors
Tape
Cookie Cutters
Pencil/Pen
Garland Tutorial:
-Use cookie cutters or stencils to trace shapes onto the back of scrapbook paper. You can use a single shape or multiple shapes. (I used 3 different size stars, and I used 4 different paper designs.)
-Next take your scissors and cut out the shapes. (I made 24 cut outs for a seven and a half foot string of garland last time and this time.)
-Cut off a line of ribbon. Make the ribbon as long as you like. I suggest cutting off at least a foot more than the intended length. (I made a 7 1/2 foot garland, but I actually cut about 8 1/2 foot of ribbon off. I used the extra length on each end to wrap it around the “edging” on the top of the cabinets.)
-Now attach the shapes to the ribbon. (I placed them about an inch to an inch and a half apart from each other.)
-There are a few different methods you can use for this. Liz from Hoosier Homemade  actually sewed the cutouts to the ribbon. I, however, am not a seamstress and decided to use a short cut method. I used tape to attach the shapes. I used two small pieces of tape on each shape (making a t or x with the tape on the back of each shape.) I used two pieces to make sure it was secured, and put them on there cross-ways so that the garland would be more flexible/movable. For this step you could also mod podge or a glue gun if you prefer. (I just used tape because it’s quicker, there’s no mess, and it would allow me to make adjustments if I needed to.)
-Then hang your garland and enjoy!

-Jerri
I am happy to link up my posts each week to some awesome Linky Parties.
Filed Under: crafts, decorating, Home/Garden, summer
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