Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Old Cabinet Door to Fabulous Earring Holder

Remember back in July when I visited Habitat Re-Store and found a couple of old cabinet doors ($1 each)?  Well I have been wanting to create jewelry holders that I've seen allover bloggy-land.  I actually started dreaming about these well over a year ago when I spotted these Jewelry Display Frames from Pottery Barn, but frankly those were too expensive.  I knew it wouldn't be long and someone would recreate them.  When I finally purchased my own old cabinet doors, I knew just what to do with them!! 

I actually made this earring holder awhile back, but just now getting around to blogging about it...bad me, I know!  Picture overload...

I will show you step-by-step pictures with explanation on how I re-purposed these cabinet doors into a Fabulous Earring Holder.  It might seem like a lot of work, but it wasn't!  I actually had some fails which I will be sharing those too, which will help me when I go to create a matching Necklace holder next!


 You'll need: Old Cabinet Door Frame, MDF Wood to fit inside frame, spray paint, wood filler, sanding block/sandpaper, chicken wire, favorite fabric, hot glue gun/sticks, thick ribbon (atleast 1.5"), thumb tacks, saw tooth hanger.
First: measure the inside part of your cabinet door where the MDF will set.  Next measure out the MDF (FREE, random piece we had laying around) and have your handsome man cut it for you (unless you're brave enough to do it yourself, but I don't know how to run those things!).

Second: grab your cabinet door frame and sanding block with sand paper, and sand away.  My door was kind of shiney, so I just sanded lighted until it wasn't shiney anymore.
Next...If your door has holes in it from where the hardware went, you'll want to grab your wood filler (make sure it's the paintable/stainable kind), and squeeze some in each hole.  Don't worry if you put too much in it.  Let it dry for a few minutes (maybe 10-15, I was in the sun), and lightly sand off the excess.
After sanding, filling holes, and sanding holes, it's time to spray paint!  I did it outside in the yard, so I grabbed a trash bag and layed it on the ground.  Be sure to do light strokes back and fourth, and don't forget to shake the can every once in awhile.  I did a couple of coats, drying it in between each one, until it was completely covered and the color I wanted.  I used Krylon Raspberry Gloss spray paint, love it!  I have plenty left over for the next project, score!
Grab your fabric and measure out how much you'll need.  I didn't care if it was covered all the way, measured to have about 2 inches or so left for each edge.  I got this fabric at Walmart for around $3.50 (give or take) for 1 yard, and have plenty leftover for my Necklace Holder.  Isn't it fun?



This is where I did a little trial and error.  No project is complete without a little error, right?!  I wanted to use a staple gun to attach the fabric to the MDF, however that didn't work.  For some reason the staples just crinkled up, I even had D give it a try.  Not sure what the deal was!  So instead I used my handy dandy glue gun to attach the fabric.  That worked wonders!! 


Yes, another "fail"...after I glued the fabric down I wanted to attach the Chicken Wire (FREE, we have a bunch in our backyard from when we bought the house) which will hold my earrings.  Except the chicken wire had a mind of it's own and wouldn't lay flat.  So I thought I would nail the edges down...wrong!  The nail heads weren't wide enough, and if I wouldn't went with something bigger (that we had on hand) the nail wouldn't been too long.  So I decided to use thumb tacks, which worked!  So I used those on the edges to hold them in place.


The thumb tacks worked great holding the Chicken Wire down, but when I placed the frame over you can see the thumb tacks.  So this wasn't really a fail, I call it a minor fail or hiccup.  So I grabbed some sparkly silver ribbon (purchased from Walmart, for around $4 a roll and have a bunch left), glued it down on the edges and made the corners pretty, which I loved when I was finished with it!!  It dresses it up, makes it even more girly than before!



And last I added a saw tooth hanger (purchased from Walmart).  This was the last step before I attached the frame to the board with glue.  It sounds like it was a lot of work, but it really wasn't, mainly trying to figure out what would work!  The necklace holder will be easier next time around.  Here is the finished product, which I think turned out fabulousco for only costing around $8 compared to how much the Pottery Barn ones costed (I think they ranged between $35-50, something like that).






I have it hanging on the inside of my closet door, which is where I also plan to hang the necklace holder once I finish it.  I just love it, because I can see very clearly what earrings I have to choose from, instead of fumbling through a little clutch that I had them in before.  What do you guys think?!


Linking up too...

Thursday, November 24, 2011

I'm Thankful...

Today is Thanksgiving, and I'm really excited to spend it with my family and eat all of the wonderful food!  However before I do so, Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we are Thankful for, so I thought I would share a few my "list"...


I'm Thankful for...
  • My amazing, supportive family that has been there for me through the good & the bad!
  • My soon-to-be in-laws for welcoming me into their family with open arms, and loving me for being me!
  • My soon-to-be hubby, who loves and supports me. He's also been there for me through the good & the bad, and loves me for me.  He makes me smile and laugh constantly!! :)
  • Our warm cozy little home.  We have lived there almost 1.5 years, and already have created many of memories there.
  • Our fur baby, Bernie!  He is so dang cute, makes me laugh all the time, and fills our hearts with joy!
  • My job...times are tough, so thankful I have the opportunity to work for family.
  • Best Friends...they are there for me no matter what.  Great for laughs, a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, and all around awesome!  You know who you are ;)  HUGS!
  • Stress-free wedding planning, so far. Enough said.
  • A blog to write/type out my thoughts, share my recipes, and create projects!  And of course my lovely followers/readers who take the time to read!  This has turned into a wonderful thing for me!
  • Our Military, especially my family and friends who have/are fighting for our country.  I can't express the love and respect I have for each and everyone of you, as well as your families.  May God Bless each and everyone of you! :)
  • My health. Yes I've been "sick" a few times this year, and currently am fighting a cold, but nothing life threatening. For that I am thankful.
  • The yummy food that I'm about to gorge myself in, and the family that I am able to spend this Thanksgiving with. 
...And saving the best for last...
  • I'm so very thankful for the Lord! He listens to my every prayer; though He might not answer right away, I know He hears me.  Thankful for every "curve ball" He's ever thrown at me, thankful that He gave me Dustin, and thankful that he has brought me to where I am today. Everything I listed above is because of Him.  THANK YOU LORD!
I am praying for each and everyone of you to have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!!!  Be sure to tell those that you love and care about that you are Thankful for them. :)  HAPPY THANKSGIVING, Y'ALL!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

{Ruffled-Bling} Give Thanks tile

I can't believe it...I can't believe how fast this year has flown by!  Seriously, Thanksgiving is in 2 days and I couldn't be more excited!  I love family time, I love the food, and I love the coziness that follows the gorging of all of that yummy food!  Thanksgiving is all about being Thankful, which I'm in the process of getting a post lined up for Thanksgiving that will share what I'm thankful for this year.  But in the meantime, I'm sharing with you my newest tile creation, one of which I wish I would've done awhile back so I could appreciate it longer.  That's ok, I still love it!  Sorry for the phone pictures!

Swoon.
I got out my Cricut and accessories, Inspired Heart cartridge, brown vinyl from Expressions Vinyl that I ordered a couple of weeks ago, a ceramic tile, and a really fun embellishment.  I cut out the "Give Thanks" quote at 4" using my Inspired Heart Cricut Lite cartridge that I got last year for Christmas on brown vinyl.  It was so pretty just as is, but then I added a rich brown ruffle blingy embellishment I found at Hobby Lobby on Saturday.  It was $4.99, plus I had a 40% off coupon, making it $2.99.  I used some hot glue to apply it under the "Give Thanks" quote on the tile. 

Love the shape of the word "thanks" and the richness of the vinyl!
 
Love this ruffle bling!! :)

Totally in Love!! :)

This project was very simple, and I love how it turned out.  Isn't it funny how the simple projects you create turn out to be some of your favorites?!
Linking up too...

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Engagement Pictures!!

Finally I can share our pictures with you!  We had Crossroads Photography out of Hays KS take our pictures, they did an amazing job!  The day was very cloudy, a little chilly out, and humid.  However, the weather worked to our advantage, so we aren't complaining.  Here are a some of our favorites (they all turned out amazing, hard to pick!)...


 












This isn't all of our favorites, but quite a few!  They actually made us up a collage of the train picture, like a series of shots, while the train was going by we held the "dip" pose.  It turned out really good, excited to order that print!  You can see how I created the Save The Date tile here.  And of course at the end I had to sneak a picture of my future hubby all by himself...so handsome!! :)  

This last weekend D's Aunt Hatty and I designed our Save The Dates, and I will tell you the picture we used isn't on this post!  You'll just have to wait!!! :)

And pardon my absence lately...I have projects to blog about, just haven't gotten around to editing the pics and putting together a post. We all have those days, don't we?  I've gotten back into the wedding planning mode, as well as getting myself prepared to drag out the Christmas decorations.  I'm thinking next week or as soon as we return from our small Thanksgiving break.  We'll see!! :)

Friday, November 11, 2011

Expressions Vinyl promo codes

Expressions Vinyl just released 3 new promo codes that are good until December 31st 2011!!  I just ordered a whole bunch of vinyl for some fun projects, so I just had to share!  So if you have some holiday projects that you want to complete, be sure to stock up now!

XMAS2011 - 10% off your entire order (excludes machines and software)
FROSTY - 15% off Cricut and Silhouette accessories (excludes machines and software)
CHESTNUT - free shipping on orders over $50 (U.S. only, $7 credit for other shipping methods)

I just ordered some Deep Red, Dark Green, Gold & Silver Metallic (really pretty), Dusted Crystal (so pretty for Christmas!), Brown & Light Brown, and some Fuchsia Pink to use for our wedding.  They now have patterned vinyl, so I got me a sheet of Zebra to try out...how fun is that?! 

They have  Cricut Vinyl, Silhouette Vinyl, and even Printable Vinyl.  They have a lot of colors in each type also, be sure to take advantage of these promo codes!!


**UPDATE** I received my vinyl, and apparently I misunderstood what Dusted Crystal was...it's actually supposed to be used to look like Etched Glass.  I was expecting something else, but this could be fun to use!!




I was not compensated for this post, all opinions are my own.  However, I am an Affiliate.

Save The Dates and Invites...

Tomorrow I'm headed to Dustin's Aunts house to start thinking/working on Save The Dates, Invites, and such.  I am super excited about it too!!!  She is so talented and creative, that I know whatever she comes up with from our inspiration will be fabulous!!  I want our wedding theme to be a little vintage, but elegant.  Here are some fun Save The Dates and Invites that I found on Pinterst for inspiration...


We've talked about knocking out 2 birds with 1 stone
and sending the Save The Dates out at Christmas time.
Source



Free Postcard from Wedding Chicks, super cute!
Source



Lace Letterpress Invites, gorg!
Source



Free & thought the flowers were cute!
Source



Also free...love the design, really pretty!
Source


I might give ya'll a sneak peak on what we decide, but I can't show you it until after we send them out.  We haven't received our CD with our engagement pictures on it yet, but as soon as I do, I'll show you some of our favorites!!  Hope you all have a fabulous weekend?!

PS - any of you have PHEASANT HUNTERS in your family?  D loves to hunt, so that's what he'll be doing with his family and friends while we work on the fun stuff!!  Have a safe weekend!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Just Ask Bucket List

I've been a little slow at posting here lately, I blaming the time change and weather!  So today is a little random blog post, which I saw over at Today's Creative Blog and thought I would join in.  I will share some things with you that are on my bucket list...

This is my entry in the Just Ask Bucket List Getaway Giveaway. Just Ask offers a breast and ovarian cancer screening and is encouraging people to share 15 things that I want to enjoy in my lifetime as a reminder to be aware of my health. Want to enter? Head over to TodaysMama.com to get the details. 

1. Visit all 50 states - So far I've been to: Kansas (duh), Missouri (also lived there), Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Washington.

2. Go back to Europe - My senior year in HS we went to: Germany, Poland, Austria, and Czech Republic. I.want.to.go.back.

3. Live in a humongous house out in the country.

4. Have a cabin in the mountains.

5. Meet George Strait (omg!)

6. Own my own little business - would love to have a coffee/bakery shop, or even a fun little boutique!

7. Open an Etsy shop - to sell my fun tiles, coasters, etc.  Maybe after the wedding?!

8. Ride in a Hot Air Balloon.

9. Swim with the dolphins.

10. Go diving and see the Coral Reef.

11. Learn how to ski - totally know the basics, but I'm a huge scared-y cat/clumsy when it comes down to it. I want to go on the blues and blacks with my babe and not freak out!

12. Travel all over the world...heck see 1 & 2, plus other countries and islands!

13. Like Salad and eat it often - anyone that knows me knows I hate salad. It always looks so good, just can't get passed the "dirt" flavor!

14. Have my own crafty space/room.

15. Own an old Chevy Pickup - a late 70's early 80's model...makes my heart flutter a little bit!


Some of mine might cost a lot of money, some are most definitely do able, and a few might be a stretch.  But hey, it's my bucket list so I can dream...right?!  I thought it was something fun and different to blog about, plus I get a chance to win a trip or a $500 gift card.  If you want to participate, head on over to TodaysMama and link up your Bucket List, but hurry it ends November 12th.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Cheddar Jalapeno Mashed Potatoes - Crazy Cooking Challenge #3

Who knew there were so many different ways and variations to prepare Mashed Potatoes?  It's crazy!  I was excited when Tina over at Mom's Crazy Cooking asked all of us CCC participants what we should do for November: Mashed Potatoes or Stuffing?  I immediately voted for Mashed Potatoes...love everything about them!  I like them loaded with cheese and bacon, covered in chicken gravy, sometimes brown gravy, and even plain.  Mmmm...Mashed Potatoes are awesome!!  I will say that I'm not a huge fan of instant (nasty) mashed potatoes or real with peeling left in them.  Just not my style.

Photobucket


This time around I didn't even hit up Google, I just did a search on Pinterest and found exactly what I was looking for: Cheesy Jalapeno Mashed Potatoes from Salad-In-A-Jar.  The name alone had me at hello!  I love Cheesy Potatoes and Jalapeno's, it's definately the ULTIMATE pair!! ;)

I made some changes to their recipe, but only because I wanted to use what I had on hand.  Instead of Red Potatoes I used Russet.  Instead of Green Onions I used Yellow Onion.  Instead of Whole Milk I used 2% and some Heavy Cream.  And right before serving them, I topped them with a little extra cheese and some bacon bits, popped in in the oven for a few minutes, and viola!  Below is the way I made these yummy mashed tators!!

Cheddar Jalapeno Mashed Potatoes topped with Cheese and Baon!
So how were they you ask?!  Amazzzing!!  They had just the right amount of spice to them, creamy, and cheesy!!  The sauteed veggies gave them a little crunch, which was really good!  I made some of my Homestyle Meatloaf to go with it...seriously was one of the best meals I've had in a long time!!  For reals.  After we were done eating, I was in a food coma!!

Homestyle Meatloaf


Ingredients:
2 pounds potatoes - peeled and quartered
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 onion - diced fine

1/2 red bell pepper - diced
1/2 green bell pepper - diced
1 can chopped green chilies
2 tablespoons pickled jalapenos, finely chopped (I used about 10-12, you can adjust according to your liking)
1 clove garlic, minced

2 ounces cream cheese (I used Whipped Cream Cheese, and used a tad bit more than 2oz)
1/2 cup whole milk (I used 1/4 cup 2% + 1/4 cup heavy cream)

1/2 cup shredded American cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Boil  potatoes in large pot with enough water to cover. Reduce heat and simmer until fork tender.
2. Meanwhile saute onions, all peppers, and garlic in butter.
3. Add cream cheese and stir till melted.
4. Whisk in milk till smooth.
5. Add cheese and stir gently until melted, remove from heat.
6. Drain potatoes in collander and put back into large pot.
7. Use a masher to mash up potatoes, or use a hand mixer (that is what I use, I don't have a masher)
8. Gently fold in cheese and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.
9. If you want to really "fancy" them up, put them in little custard dishes, top with cheedar cheese and bacon bits, and pop them into the over for a few minutes.
We had them both ways, but I honestly liked them with the bacon bits on top.  Either way, they were delish!!

Mmm...so good!


If you agree that these might possibly be THE ULTIMATE MASHED POTATOES, be sure to vote below by clicking "like" under the picture.  Also be sure to check out the other bloggers who are participating in the challenge...don't forget to stop in and say HI!! ;) 



Here are the past challenges that I've participated in: Traditional Mac 'N' Cheese, and Hot Chocolate Chip Cookies



Also linking up too...

Friday, November 4, 2011

Baby Boom

There has been a little bit of a baby boom here in our {small} town!! 

Ashley (she's one of my bridesmaids) and Andrew (one of our groomsman) S had their baby 4 weeks ago.  She ended up having a healthy handsome little BOY!  They named him Preston Michael!  Dustin got to see Preston the same day he was born, but I had to wait a couple weeks.  He's so cute!  Let me just tell you, he is one of the best babies I have been around at that age!  He never once cried or fussed, he just hung out with us and took a little nap.  His {big} brother Hunter loves him!!  Although, I think he thought he would be a lot more fun right away, but they had to explain to him that it would be awhile before he could "play".  Poor Hunt! 

D and Preston! Such a big yawn for a little guy!

Our other friends Ashley & Ross R had their TWINS Wednesday!!  They had a healthy beautiful little GIRL, and a healthy precious little BOY!!  Yes, one of each...isn't that exciting!!!  They named them Addison Leigh and Bryson Ross.  Addison was 6lbs, and Bryson was 5lbs.  Mom and babies are healthy, and should be coming home this weekend.  We were in town yesterday, so went up to the hospital to see them.  O.M.G. They were perfect!!  Addison has a head full of dark hair, and Bryson's is lighter.  They both were sleeping while we were there, and we got to hold them for awhile.

Addison


Bryson

It's so funny that both Ashley's were preggers at the same time, and they also live right down the street from one another.  So that neighborhood is growing!  We are so happy for them!! 

This week has been a little crazy (yet, once again!): Halloween was Monday, Tuesday was D's grandma's bday, Wednesday I cleaned the house since we have friends coming this afternoon for the weekend (hi Trevor & Nicole!), yesterday we both had a dentist appointment and got to see babies, and today is FRIDAY!!  Tomorrow I'm working a fun shopping event until mid afternoon.  So we have a busy and fun weekend lined up with our friends!!  Stay tuned, Sunday I have a killer recipe for Mashed Potatoes...yeah not just any ol' Mashed Taters!! ;)

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Liebster Blog Award!

This weekend I was awarded the Liebster Blog Award from Little Mommy, Big Appetite!!  Thank you so much, you're too sweet!!! 

An award like this is meant to be passed on....so, here's how it works:

In case you are not aware, this award spotlights the up and coming blogs that have less than 200 followers. 





By accepting this award, I get to:

1. Copy and paste the award on my blog.
2. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to me. 

3. Reveal my top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog. I only chose 3, oops sorry!!

4. Hope that followers will spread the love to other bloggers.

Here are some of my favorite blogs that you really should check out:

The Hicks Girls

Like The Rain

K&K Test Kitchen