bles-id

Ballard Design Knock-Off Wine Barrel Plaque

2012-02-25T08:29:00.004-08:00

Did you ever have a fabulously wonderful idea and your husband who vowed to love, honor and obey you (or was that me that promised that?) told you "No, that won't work.", and you took it as a personal challenge?

That happens to me often. Sometimes I actually pull off my fabulously wonderful idea.

This may just be one of those times.

Don't ya just love Ballard Designs? I don't even drink wine (I'm a beer girl!) and I fell in love with the wine barrel plaque. $169. OUCH.

Hello there, satellite dish that is longing to be part of a wine barrel. This old thing has been sitting in our side yard ever since I cancelled Dish Network.
It got me thinking ...

I removed the mounting hardware and sprayed it with a rust colored primer. Then I used black paint and painted a few lines to make it look more wooden. Some light sprays of black semi-gloss, and ...

Fire up the Cricut, cause we've got some letters to cut out!
{Beer is so much easier to spell.}

For the numbers I did our wedding anniversary and birthdays. Occasionally I am sentimental like that. After pasting on the letters and numbers I covered the whole thing with Mod Podge to give it a matte finish.

Crack open a bottle of vino, 'cause here is the final result!

After these pictures I decided to smudge up the letters a little bit with some stamp pad ink. Nothing crazy, they were just so bright white...

The lid has found a home on the mantle.

Obviously, it's not a perfect match to the inspiration piece. Who cares?! It was FREE and I had a blast doing it. I bet no one will be able to tell it used to be our Dish Network receiver. Unless they look on the back... I didn't paint that. ;-)
xoxo Jules

_{Monday..... C.R.A.F.T. ~ The Southern Institute ~ Making the World Cuter ~ Thrify Décor Chick ~ Metamorphosis Monday ~ Sumo Sweet Stuff ~ Gunny Sack ~ Singing Three Little Birds ~DIY Homes Sweet Home ~ Dittle Dattle ~ 1929 Charmer ~ Everything Under the Moon ~ Under the Table and Dreaming}
_{Tuesday..... Get Your Craft ~ Tip Junkie ~ Blackberry Vine ~ Crafty Confessions ~ Me & my Boys ~ A Bowl Full of Lemons ~ Home Stories A-Z~ My Uncommon Slice of Suberbia ~ Sugar Bee Crafts ~ House of Grace ~}
_{Wednesday.... ~ Somedays Crafts ~ Handy Man, Crafty Woman ~ Savvy Southern Style~ {Primp} ~ Rae Gun Ramblings ~ Polkadots On Parade ~ Lollipop Cards}
_{Thursday..... Transformation Thursdays ~ Somewhat simple ~ Show off your stuff ~ House of Hepworths ~ Delightful Order ~ My Simple Home Life ~ The Frugal Girls ~ Thrifty Thursday ~ DIY Diva Thursday ~ Crafty, Scrappy, Happy ~Thrifty Decorating ~ Between U and Me ~}
_{Friday.....Faith, Trust & Pixie Dust ~ Mom 4 Real ~ The Shabby nest ~ Show and Tell Friday ~ Finding Fabulous ~ I’m Loving it ~ Simply Sweet Home ~ Whipper Berry ~ Chic on a Shoestring decorating ~ Spunky Junky ~ Delicate Construction ~ Homemaker in Heels ~ Family Ever After~ French Country Cottage ~Common Ground ~ Young And Crafty ~ At the Picket Fence ~ Fingerprints on the Fridge ~ Miss Mustard Seed ~ Addicted to Decorating~}
_{Saturday.....I heart nap time- Sundae Scoop ~ Tatertots and Jello ~ Be different Act Normal ~ Funky Junk ~ 2805 ~ Making Lemonade Blog ~I am Along for the Ride ~ Lolly Jane}

Imitation is the sincerest form...

2012-02-16T11:20:00.000-08:00

Sweet Cottage Dreams.

Even the name makes you want to sigh. And smile. So sweet and dreamy. Becky is sweet and dreamy too. Not only is she gorgeous, she is a Godly woman. He has given her sooooooooo much talent. Becky is the creative force behind Sweet Cottage Dreams.

She is the kind of person you want to sit at the feet of and L-E-A-R-N.

A while back she posted how to make a garland out of an old book. It was fabulous, and I knew I had to try it!

I made myself a sweet little one. Then I HAD TO make another one.

I made one for my sis-in-law who is a wonderful auntie to my kiddos.

Here it is about half finished.

You'll have to visit Sweet Cottage Dreams if you want the tutorial.

I had to do something MORE with this great idea... so Sweet Miss B, these were made in your honor. Mini book garlands to decorate some branches.

I'm calling them "Little Miss B's".

Thank you so much Becky, for sharing your creative talents. I do hope you know that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery...
xoxo Jules

Between Naps on the Porch

Monthly Cleaning for the Bathroom

2012-01-23T18:15:00.000-08:00

photo via A Bathroom Guide
I have to admit that I love to clean. I love the whole process, so I must be some sort of sicko, right? I know, I know. It’s a never ending task. Just when you finish mopping the floor the dog walks across it. Just for kicks, I thought I’d give you a rundown of how I deep clean a bathroom. This is a big, fat, hairy cleaning that I do once a month, and it only has 15 steps. Maybe more. I'm not sure. Anyway, I will give you green and semi-green options, just in case you want to try something new. I generally use a semi-green clean. By the way, when it isn’t time for my “all out war on the loo”, I have my kids clean their own bathrooms. I will post that kid-friendly one later on. But for now, put on your gloves... we’ve got a bathroom to clean.

Gather your supplies: You will need gloves, 4 rags, 1 scrubbing sponge, 1 squeegie, 1 toilet brush, toilet cleaner, mirror cleaner, all purpose cleaner and shower cleaner. Options for all these are at the bottom of the post.

READY, SET, GO!

This is a before shot of my smallish, impossible to photograph bathroom. The toilet is behind the door and the shower is to the right.

Clear off all counters, the floor, the back of the toilet, all items from shower... anything that isn’t bolted on or screwed down, put outside the door. Take the towels and rugs to the wash, and the trash to the um, trash.

Spray down the shower with shower cleaner. I use a Dawn/vinegar mix. It is really, really good. (Do not clean yet!)

Put toilet cleaner around the inside rim and in toilet. (Do not clean yet!)

Spray mirror(s) with window cleaner. Wipe down mirror with rag and then dust/clean frame, don’t forget the very top!

Spray sink with all purpose cleaner. Use a sponge and get every nook and cranny. Use a q-tip to clean out the little drain holes. Scrub faucet too.
Spray countertops with all purpose cleaner and with the same rag you used for the mirror, wipe them down and give sink and faucet a final wipe down.
Dust/clean outlets, light switches, light fixtures and any artwork hanging on the wall.

Time to do the toilet. With a toilet brush, go around the inside. Spray down toilet seat, cover, and outside with all purpose cleaner. With a new rag, wipe down every single part of the toilet. ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. Put the rag in the used pile, and put the brush under the seat to drain.

Here's my shower, mid-scrub

Shower time! Get nudie, or plan on getting a little wet. With a sponge or brush, scrub down the shower walls, glass door and floor. Rinse. Sometimes I get a cup and fill it up at the sink and then splash the walls to remove the cleaner. Squeegie the water off and then dry with a rag.

With the same shower rag, clean dust off door(s) to toilet or bathroom, including very top that no one will ever see, (but that still gets super dusty. Ya, I’m that crazy.)

Dust all baseboards, even the ones behind the toilet. Look at the walls, and if there is anything that needs to be scrubbed off do that now too.
Get a new rag, if necessary, and dust/clean all knicknacks, soap dispensers, everything that was out and got hairsprayed and dusty. Neatly arrange on counter top or better yet, put away in the cupboard. Bring back only the current magazines/books and recycle the rest.
Sweep and mop floors. I use the Oreck steam cleaner on the floors after sweeping.
Line trash can with recycled bag and bring back in.
Put out a new towel and check toilet paper.
Put out freshly laundered bath mat. Guess what? YOU ARE DONE!

Take a good look, it will stay clean for approximately one minute.

No one would volunteer to sit on the toilet for this shot.

Do you like checklists like I do?

Sometimes I like to put one in a plastic sleeve so I can check as I go. Here is the one I use for this bathroom cleaning job.

Click Here for the checklist PDF if you'd like print it off.

Here are some cleaner options:

{Mirror Cleaner}

Green: Microfiber cloth and water

Semi-Green: Greenworks Glass Cleaner

{Toilet Cleaner}

Green: Mix 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, pour into basin and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and flush.

Semi-Green: Greenworks has a toilet bowl cleaner, but I have not tried it out.

(I freely admit to using Clorox w/ bleach as my “go to” toilet cleaner.)

{All Purpose Cleaner}

Green: In a spray bottle, combine 4 tablespoons Vinegar + 2 teaspoons Baking Soda + 14 ounces of HOT water, and about 10 drops of your choice of essential oil.

Semi-Green: Greenworks All Purpose Cleaner

{Shower Cleaner}

Green: Rub in baking soda with a damp sponge and rinse with fresh water. You can also wipe surfaces first with vinegar., then follow with the baking soda rub.

Semi-Green: 6 ounces blue Dawn + 6 ounces warm vinegar and shake in spray bottle.

I store my cleaning supplies like this, so I can grab and go.

(The tag attached is cleaning instructions for the kiddos.)

Please don't tell ACE Hardware I have their basket.

Can't wait to hear if any of you are inspired to do a monthly deep clean!

xoxo Jules

Magnet Mania

2012-01-17T14:20:00.000-08:00

Pinterest is really getting me down. I mean, I love and adore it, but I'm doing waaaaaay more pinning than doing and that just isn't like me. So I took a day off Pinterest and decided to get off my butt and DO SOMETHING. A trip to the Dollar Tree for inspiration and Voila! Here it is! An easy peasy magnet project that rids me of my guilt and gets me back to pinning. Whew!

These little cuties are actually erasers, and as cool as they are as that... how much cooler would they be as magnets for the fridge?

I've been eyeballing this baby for quite some time, wanting to do something fun with its keys. But then I remember that we actually use this keyboard to type with. Not having it would be a major inconvenience.

So these are perfect. And we are still able to type.

Club Penguin is very important around here.

I pulled them all apart.

Not as much fun as monkey bread, but close.

I already had these magnets. They came with a bottle cap pendant making kit I got from Bottle Cap Co. You should visit their website. They have some super neat projects. Visit their blog too. {After you finish reading mine, of course.} They sell these disk magnets, about $24.00 for 50 of them. And they are STRONG.

I found the glue at the Dollar Tree too. Unlike the batteries I purchased from there, the adhesive actually worked! I'm a messy crafter. Yours will look much better. I didn't add magnets to all of them. You know... in case I make a mistake and need an eraser.

Spread them out to dry, because the magnets (I did warn they were strong) may dive into each other and you may get glue all over your hands trying to separate them and may spend the rest of the day picking it off.

When they are dry and your hands are glue free, you can put them on your refrigerator and survey your handiwork. Then you can log on to Pinterest, 'cause you deserve the break, you crafty little thing.

xoxo Jules

Linking to:

Under the Table and Dreaming

Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust

Top Projects for 2011

2011-12-29T07:50:00.000-08:00

Wow, 2011 was a great year. Full of trips, renovations, crafts and family; I can't wait to see what the Lord has planned for 2012! Here is a look back on my personal favorites from bles-id this year:

Snazzy Sanitizer

Duct Tape Bows

Toilet Tissue Roll Shamrocks

Human Made Bird Nest

Dipped Bunny Peeps

Faux Paint Chip Art

Popcicle Bracelets

Bee Box Re-do

Soldered Map Necklace

Be Awesome Sign

S'more Rice Krispie Treats

Printing on Paint Chips

1955 Siesta Trailer Renovation

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012. Make it a GREAT year!
xoxo, Jules

I'm Linking this to Southern Hospitality

Twine and Crochet

2011-12-22T07:24:00.000-08:00

Grab your crochet hook and some twine, because it's time to make star ornaments that are perfect for giving or keeping!

Here's a glimpse of the finished product. I bet you are clever enough to make a bunch of your own!

{step one: gather supplies}

You'll need some twine to crochet with, a crochet hook, glue and some bling.

(We are going out on a limb here and using twine instead of yarn.)

{step two: time to crochet}

The only problem regarding crocheting is I don't crochet. So embarrassing, I know. You see, I have a bit of an attention problem. And a counting problem. But I am learning. SLOWLY. Good thing my friend Erin from Ragamuffin Blogger is a fabulous crafter. She whipped these babies out in no time. Erin learned to make them through Pinterest, of course!
Here is a wonderful link to Jellywares, where Jodie teaches you how to make a crochet star.

Once you have the know how, make an assortment of sizes to double your fun!

{step three: time to add the bling}

I used some little jewels here, but mirrors, paper, pretty much anything you have laying around would be perfect.

So sweet! I'm giving it a thumbs up!

{step four: use your ornament}
Now for the fun part! There are so many different things you can do with these beauties.

Decorate a tree! Don't these stars done in a baker's twine yarn look great on this kid's tree?

Make a garland for your mantle, using different sizes.

Embellish a wreath with a sweet burlap bow and a twine star!

They say the ornament of a house is the friends that frequent it. I say, make an ornament for a friend whose house you frequent!

I hope you {and your friends!} enjoy these!
From my house to yours, Merry, Merry Christmas!

I'm at Jame today!

2011-12-15T13:39:00.000-08:00

Come check me out on Jame today!

I'm showing off Christmas tags made from paint chips...

She has a FAB blog, with LOTS and LOTS of ideas!!!

xoxo Jules

I'm at Under the Table and Dreaming!

2011-12-12T20:23:00.000-08:00

OH MY GOODNESS!!! I'm absolutely thrilled that Stephanie Lynn from Under the Table and Dreaming picked ME as one of the 25 crafters for this series. She is my bloggy heroine.

COME SEE WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO! You will get some amazing ideas!

xoxo Jules

Christmas Peace

2011-11-30T19:02:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! I am so excited to get another post published and share a Christmas tutorial!

I love taking my house from fall to Christmas...

This year I'm adding in red, which I stayed away from last year. Gotta change it up so it's unexpected!

My favorite thing to decorate for Christmas is the mantle.

I really layered it up this year.

I like using a mix of modern and vintage. Love these vintage kids books. They are mine from when I was little... so they really are vintage. And getting vintager by the day...

I've only started my decorating, but I think I will glitz it up this year. Gold and silver mixed together, lots of glitter and shine! But to cut all that sparkle I need some nature.

I haven't gone out and gathered my greenery yet. I think that's what makes a house Christmas, ya know? I do have a little tutorial to share with you that involves greens.

If you'd like to make a sweet little "peace" out of wire and greens {like the one I put on the ladder} read on!

First you need to gather your supplies:

scissors, craft paper, pen, 16 gage wire, floral wire, staple gun, staples, wood to staple to and greenery.

You need to pick out what word you want to use and write it out in a cursive font or your own handwriting... I used peace in my own writing. I wrote it on a piece of craft paper, nice and big. The "p" is about 12 inches high.

I put the paper on an old fence board since it helps to staple the wire down while you are working. {I thought stapling into my table might be bad.}

Using the wire, I traced all the letters out in wire to make the word, stapling into the wood and wrapping the wire around where I needed to.

I also used smaller florist wire to keep everything together. This is not a pretty process. I was sweating and my hands looked like I got in a fight with a cat when I was done. Maybe we should add gloves and deodorant to the list.

Here is another look at the staple + wire + floral wire combo.

When the full word was formed I took out the staples so it was free from the wood. {Add a regular screwdriver to use as a staple remover to your supplies.}

When I had my wire "peace", I went out to the yard and scalped my Italian Cypress. I cut them into manageable pieces and started covering the wire with the greens, securing them with the green floral wire.

Seriously don't worry if it's bushy. You will give it a nice haircut at the end.

I found that if I wrapped a few stems together it helped the process.

After it was wrapped I went all Edward Scissorhands on it. I bet you don't think I could find an Edward Scissorhands Christmas quote, do you?
Wrong, my friend!

I know it is a little early for Christmas, Edward, but; I have a present for you.
[shows Edward his soon to be human hands]

Speaking of presents, I think this would be a really nice one to give or receive.

From my house to yours, I wish you a very Merry and Peaceful Christmas!

What you talkin 'bout Wednesday

Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust

Tomorrow Visit Me at Blissful and Domestic!

2011-11-29T21:53:00.000-08:00

www.blissfulanddomestic.blogspot.com

Pop on over to Blissful and Domestic and say hello!

Printing on Paint Chips

2011-11-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

My new obsession?

Printing on Paint Chips.

Yes, you know what I am talking about ... those amazing little pieces of card stock that come in literally any color under the sun. Can I mention that my office is next to Kelly Moore Paint? Can I also mention that Home Depot is like a home away from home for us (buy stock, buy it now!) and I can't resist swinging by the paint department to see what goodness I can find?

Printing on the cards is SO EASY. You need a computer and a printer. Oh, and a paint chip. Paint Sample. Whatever you want to call them. These came from the Home Depot, showing off the Glidden Paint colors. They are 3 inches by 5 inches. Perfect! In no time at all you can print out a bunch of placecards, a gift tag...

... a banner. Really just about anything your little heart desires.
How about going to The Graphics Fairy and finding some neat graphic to print out? I like this one...

You might say I'm a fan of it.
{Ooooh, that was just horrible.}

I simply went into Pages and picked a blank template. I resized it to 3 x 5 under "page setup", made a text box and typed out the caption for my card, then added the fan graphic.

Fan Graphic and "I'm a fan of you."

Once you have set up what you want to print, just put the card into your printer. Mine feeds in upsidedown. Yours might be different.

Hit print!

Here it comes!

Fully printed paint chip!

How cool is that???

Let me know what you decide to do ... and Happy Printing!

{BTW, I love dafont.com for gorgeous free fonts. I downloaded a few more a couple days ago including the amazing "Jellyka Delicious Cake" that I used on the place cards. LOVE IT! The font under the fan graphic is "Before the Rain" also from dafont!

This week I'm linking to:

Lucky 13

2011-11-05T22:45:00.000-07:00

Happy, Happy Birthday to my amazing son Cam... LUCKY 13!

He fills our house with dings from text messages, witty banter, and the sound of rolling wheels.

Best of all ... He loves the Lord.

{Don't you love it when you are trying to take a picture and a weiner dog jumps in just to say hello? What? That doesn't happen to everyone?}

Happy Day, best boy. May the Lord bless you and keep you this coming year. Make it Awesome!

xoxo

Fix a wood floor scratch with a walnut

2011-10-20T16:49:00.000-07:00

My wood floors are a blessing and a curse. A blessing because they are beautiful. A curse because they are beautiful when they are clean. With 3 kids and a dog they really take a beating and every day it seems like I see a new mysterious scratch appear. I heard that a simple walnut could fix a scratch. It seemed too good to be true,

so I put it to the test!

Grrrrrr.... scratches under the dining room chairs.

Little piece of walnut...

Rub the walnut into the scratch and like magic...

TA DA! Pretty amazing, I must say.

Would you rather eat your walnuts than fix your floors?

Here is a link to a glorious vegan pumpkin walnut bread ... ENJOY!

Pumpkin Walnut Bread

xoxo Jules

Hopscotch

2011-10-07T18:44:00.000-07:00

What are three bored friends to do on a lazy autumn Saturday?
PLAY HOPSCOTCH!
I used to love hopscotch, and now my little ones do too. I played this all the time when I was a kid, along with Chinese Jumprope. What was your favorite thing to play at recess? If you've forgotten the hopscotch rules, here they are:

How to play: The first player tosses the marker (typically a stone, coin or bean bag) into the first square. The marker must land completely within the designated square, without touching a line or bouncing out. The player then hops through the course, skipping the square with the marker in it. Single squares must be hopped on one foot. For the first single square, either foot may be used. Side by side squares are straddled, with the left foot landing in the left square, and the right foot landing in the right square. After hopping into the "Home" square, the player must then turn around and return through the course (square 9, then squares 7 - 8, next square 6 and so forth) on one or two legs depending on the square until he or she reaches the square with their marker. They then must retrieve their marker and continue the course as stated without touching a line or stepping into a square with another player's marker.

{ALSO, if while hopping through the court the player steps on a line, misses a square, or loses balance, the turn ends. Players begin their turns where they last left off. The first player to complete one course for every numbered square on the court wins the game. Upon successfully completing the sequence, the player continues the turn by tossing the marker into square number two, and repeating the pattern.}

It's fun to make your own course. Find a patch of cement to paint. Our cement is over 50 years old and not very pretty, so we didn't mind using spray paint. You can, of course, use chalk or something washable!

I cut out numbers 1- 9 on squares of paper. I think they were about 9 inches high. I did them flush left, just to be different.

Sorry about the perspective, guess I should have flipped some of these pictures over! I started taping them off, leaving room to make a nice outline.

Time to spray! We held a piece of cardboard to protect the rest of the cement. You know, 'cause our old driveway is so pretty.

Here it is after the paper stencils were removed. Pretty darn good.

{TIME TO PLAY!}

Three stones for the three girlies.

Rissa ready to go.

Chloe ready for her turn around.

A is rocking it!

Don't forget you gotta pick up that rock!

WHEW! All that jumping around made me tired... and I didn't even get a turn! We have lots more space, I'm thinking a 4 square court should be next. Whatcha think?

xoxo Jules

FAIL

2011-10-05T16:24:00.000-07:00

I can do a lot of things.

I also can't do a lot of things.

Making homemade pretzels is on the can't list.

I decided to give it one last try.

Perhaps I was failing because of the criss cross.

Perhaps cute little pretzel bites would be easier.

Just cut in a rectangle and slice down the center.

Right?

You be the judge.

Clearly the top picture represents gorgeous bites.

After the last rise, I was amazed to see my little masterpieces.

You can see what my pretzels represent.

Pretzel. Bite. Fail.

xoxo

Jules

Bark and Wood Downloads

2011-09-30T12:06:00.000-07:00

On my recent trip to Alaska I was by myself a ton. All Alone. Which was weird, I'm almost never alone. Even in the bathroom. I know you can relate. If you can't relate, then you probably have time to go out and take your own pictures of bark and wood. For the rest of you that have a babe on the hip and a mountain of laundry; I was able to find some neat wood images to share with you. Follow the links to download them... I can't wait to see what awesome things you create!

{Barking up the wrong tree}

{Birch Alert}

{Blog Cabin}

{Weather or Knot}

{I'm your Huckleberry}

Download these bad boys and show me whatcha do! I'm thinking liners for drawers, backgrounds for deep thoughts, taped onto glass containers, framed up for some cheap art ...

Have Fun! xoxo jules

Height Marker

2011-09-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen those height markers at your local 'Gas and Sip'? They are placed by the doorway to help employees and police in the event of a robbery figure out how tall the suspect was. With crime getting so horrible around our area, I decided to come up with one of my own.

{Seriously, what is this world coming too?}

Here is what I came up with, and how I did it!

First I cut out numbers 2-6 and painted them grey. Take note of my amazing paint brush. If you save your pennies maybe someday you an afford fancy materials like I use.

Then I glued the numbers on the board, measuring them a foot apart from bottom to bottom. {So from the bottom of the 2, to the bottom of the 3 measures out 1 foot.}

Here is is, all hung up at our back door. I made sure that the bottom of the six is at six feet from the ground. I'm positive it will be a major deterrent to the vandals in the area. They will FOR SURE stay away from our house when they see I have a way to measure their height! ;-)

It seems like I have absolutely no time to blog now that the kids are back in school! You would think I would have more time to do things I love. Hopefully with the change of season coming I will find time and my crafting mojo! Until then ... xoxo Jules

Wordle

2011-09-12T17:27:00.000-07:00

Do you Wordle? What the heck IS Wordle?

Wordle is a toy for generating “word clouds” from text that you provide. You can tweak your clouds with different fonts, layouts, and color schemes. The images you create with Wordle are yours to use however you like. You can print them out, or save them to the Wordle gallery to share with your friends. The above is the Wordle Chloe made listing her favorite things. Its really fun to just put in a URL and see what wordle comes up with! I first saw this when Kassi from Truly Lovely did a guest post on AliLilly. She suggested we go visit Wordle. I did and I wasn't disappointed! Here is what you do:

Go to www.wordle.net

Type in a bunch of words or put in an URL.

Press Submit.

Check out your word cloud and tweak it to your liking!

I put in a URL from this blog and came up with this:

Sorry the pictures aren't bigger ... they get a little blurry when I enlarge them. Wouldn't this be fun for students to use on projects?

Now you can tell people you Wordle!

xoxo, jules

Santa Cruz

2011-08-29T09:31:00.000-07:00

Every year before school starts we take a family vacation to the Pacific. This year we went to Santa Cruz and stayed at the Dream Inn. What a treat. Seriously, we were treated like royalty. We walked down to the Boardwalk every night, did some amazing shopping, ate like little piggies and enjoyed each other and our ocean view.

Couldn't you just stare for hours at the sea? Thank you Lord for your glorious creation!

Should we warn Chlo she has a stalker?

Cam wanted to pose with the Pelican. The Pelican clearly had other ideas.

Talking a little break on the wharf.

Don't know why this sign tickled me.

Pizza My Heart

A fishtail braid is so appropriate for the beach, don't you think?

Want to know how to do it? Click HERE.

Posing under the pier

Bikini bottoms and a sweatshirt... perfect!

My boy. He makes me happy.

Jump for JOY!

Kev enjoying the sand.

Proof that I was actually on our family vacation...

Gonna try for the brass ring!

Rissa on the Sky Tour

Double Shot!

Whew! What a fabulous vacation!
I hope you hold on to summer memories throughout this school year!
xoxo Jules

Fishbone Braid

2011-08-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

Here's Chloe showing off her fishbone braid!

I am NOT a good french braider. Good thing the fishbone braid isn't a french braid! This is SUCH an easy plait to do ... and looks so fabulously cool. This is also called the herringbone or fishtail braid, btw.

I only have two hands. {Gasp, I know.} So I have no pictures to prove that I actually know how to do this. Taking a picture while you braid is hard. I don't do hard!

Anywho, here's whatcha do:

1. Divide hair into two sections.

2. Pull a skinny section of hair from the outside of the right section, over the remaining right section, and add it to the left hand section.

3. Then do the same to the other side! Take a skinny section of hair from the outside of the left, take it over the section you are taking from and add it to the right hand section.

4. Keep going! Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you get to the end of the hair, and then secure with an elastic band.

If you don't understand {and I really don't blame you!} Here is a link with illustrations to make things clearer.
CLICK HERE

Enjoy your new do!!!

xoxo jules

Happy Homeowners

2011-08-03T21:57:00.000-07:00

If you have someone celebrating something special, a soldered necklace is a great way to commemorate the event. I have friends who have tried for a long, long time to buy a house. Two times it just wasn't in God's plan for them. And it was PAINFUL and HEARTBREAKING. But the third time He said YES! They are in the process of moving into their new home and getting a sweet taste of what it is like to be a homeowner. I had to do something special for my sweet friend Cori... so I made her a soldered necklace using a map of her street!

Want to give it a go? Gather your supplies: microscope slides, copper tape, flux, soldering iron and paper. I will not make this a tutorial, mostly because I don't think I'm good enough at soldering to claim to be any sort of teacher. I suggest going to You Tube and finding a video of someone that actually knows what they are doing! There are also some very cool kits around that don't use soldering at all.
Once I finished the necklace I needed to wrap it!

I used the left over map page to make little paper curls to cushion the necklace.
Who doesn't love to get a little blue box?

Here is little darling now!

All wrapped up, with more leftover map as the tag.

The rest of the family needed a reminder of how to find their new place! {Can't have them getting lost!} This is the plot map that came with the title report. I just printed it off, and added a heart on their lot.

A frame and a mini bunting and it was done!

Angelino family, I love you. You have overcome, kept the faith, and I am so very proud of you. XOXO jules

S'more Rice Krispies

2011-07-26T16:23:00.000-07:00

I am about to blow your ever-loving mind.

S'mores + Rice Krispie Treats.

SEE? Don't say I didn't warn you. When I saw them on Pinterest I freaked out! Then I followed the link and they were FOR SALE. $3.75 for one. So I googled s'more rice krispies and it turns out quite a few of you have made these. Here is my version for you to enjoy!

You will need to make 2 batches of treats, so I will include my super secret Rice Krispie Treat Recipe. This is only known by a few chosen people. In a largish bowl zap 40 large marshmallows and 2 tablespoons of butter for 2 minutes on high in the microwave. Stir and add 6 cups of Rice Krispies. Stir to combine, then press into a 13 x 9 pan. Repeat as necessary.

Now let's get back to the post... Here is what you need to make the yummy goodness:

4 T Butter, 80 big marshmallows and 12 cups rice cereal for the treats. 7 Graham crackers, 1 jar of marshmallow cream, couple shakes of sea salt and 6 chocolate bars for the filling.

Two batches made.

Break apart the chocolate and melt in microwave for about 2 minutes.

Pour melted chocolate on one batch. You don't have to go all the way to the edge. Leave about half an inch.

Sprinkle with just a bit of sea salt. (I went through a few different recipes and a couple added the salt. I think it is a good idea, it just sounded nice to me.) Press the graham crackers into the chocolate. I broke them apart, but you don't have to.

At this point you will want the chocolate to firm up to really grab on to those crackers. (Soon you will need to flip them on to the other treats and you don't want the graham crackers falling off. Listen closely to the voice of experience.)

Side note: I make my treats in a pan lined with wax paper. So much easier to get out. I put this one on a cookie sheet.

When the chocolate is hardened, (about 5 minutes depending on how hot your house is) spread the marshmallow cream.

The last step is kinda sketchy. You will need to flip the graham cracker side to the marshmallow side, making a nice little s'more sandwich. You may mess up, it's OK just reposition and do your best. You're just making s'mores and they will forgive you. {Your thighs, not so much.}

You will need to let them sit for a while before you slice 'em up.

Three little slices of heaven.

There you have it! S'more Rice Krispie Treats. I know you are gonna love 'em! At this point I need to tell you that 90% of the time I am extremely careful about what I eat. And 10% of the time I bake. So 10% of the time I give myself free reign to indulge. Life is hard enough, why make it harder by resisting yummy goodness?

These will be a hit at your next party, I just feel it!

XOXO Jules

DIY Liquid Laundry Soap

2011-07-22T06:42:00.000-07:00

Ah, laundry. The scourge of my existence.

Today I will show you a way to make it a lot more fun.

I apologize, that was a total lie. Slap my hand! How about today I will show you a way to make laundry a lot cheaper?
There are awesome recipes out there for liquid laundry soap. I read a ton of them, reviewed the comments after them, then cut and pasted ideas for something I think you are gonna love!
It works, I guarantee it!

Gather your supplies, because it is time to make
DIY LAUNDRY SOAP.

Here is what you need:

1 cup of Washing Soda

1/2 - 1 cup of Borax

2 teaspoons essential oil

1 bar of soap

2 gallons water

{Note: If you don't like to use Borax due to toxicity issues, you can use 1 cup of regular baking soda instead.}

This is the grated soap, I poured it out,
heated the water, then added it back in.

Start by grating the bar of soap. Simmer a gallon of water in a big pot and add the soap gradually as you stir to dissolve the shavings.

When things are dissolved, add the washing soda and borax (I used a full cup) and bring to a boil. Boil for few minutes, it may or may not thicken depending on the soap you used. Take the pot off the heat and add a gallon of water and the essential oil. I used lavender. Give it a good stir and...

Your soap is done! Simply pour into a bucket or container that is easy to scoop out of. Using a funnel, I poured the mixture into two gallon milk jugs.

HOWEVER, I really have to squeeze the jug to get it out! Due to the gelatin nature, in MY washer it won't work where I usually add the liquid soap. I have to glug it in on the clothes. Glug is a technical term, and you will have to GLUG in about 1/2 a cup...

I'm not sure how much it cost to make 2 gallons. I do not like math. I can be certain that it's waaaaaay cheaper than buying 2 gallons of Tide! If you want a cost breakdown of a similar recipe from someone that likes math, check out this site: The Simple Dollar The fact is, the soap works and smells great, saves me money and made my house smell really good while I was making it! You can always give half to a friend ... that's what I did!

Remember: Laundry today or naked tomorrow!
XOXO, Jules

PS. I shared this post yesterday over at Blissful and Domestic... be sure to head over there to see some of her great projects!
Linking to:

Guest Post: The Amazing Danielle from Blissful & Domestic!

2011-07-21T07:28:00.000-07:00

Hello Bles-id readers! I am so excited to be here today. I have a fun recipe to share today, but thought I would introduce myself first.

I am Danielle and my home is over at Blissful and Domestic. I love to blog about sewing, crafts, recipes,home-school, etc. Basically anything that allows me to use my creative gene.Today I am excited to be sharing an Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Bread Recipe...

This is seriously the yummiest bread ever! This is our go-to bread during the week. Last Thursday I was particularly in a baking bread kind of mood. I baked 2 loaves, which was good thing. We had company over and we all gobbled up one of the loaves. Since my family loves this recipe so much, I thought I would share with all you. This is a bread machine recipe, which of course is always the easiest and yummiest.

Here Is What You Need:

1/3 cup Water

1 cup buttermilk

2 tbl of butter or vegetable oil

1 1/2 tsp salt

4 tbl brown sugar

3 cups flour

2 1/4 tsp yeast

4 tbl gluten (optional)

Here Is What You Do:

Put all ingredients in your bread machine, according to your manufacturers settings. Mine go in the exact order listed above.

Select dough setting. Mine takes about 1 hr 30mins

Once your dough cycle is finished, punch down the dough and place it in a greased loaf pan. I like to use Pam. I spray it all over the loaf pan, place in my bread dough and then spray the top with more Pam. I then put plastic wrap over the top and wait for it to rise. It should rise up and above the edges of the pan.

Once doubled in size, bake at 350' for 15 minutes or until lightly brown on top.

Take out of the oven and immediately rub a cold stick of butter over the top.

I do enough, so that my bread has a light coating of butter on top.

Let cool a few minutes and then remove from pan and onto a plate,

where it will completely cool.

This bread is so yummy, especially warm with butter and jelly, or for sandwiches, etc. You will not be sorry when you make this. It is Divine!

Just seeing the picture above makes me want to go get a slice.

Hey maybe I will...now that's a good thought...

Thanks again Jules for having me and please come

and say hi over at Blissful and Domestic!

YUMMMMMMM! Thanks, Danielle! Great recipe that is healthy and completely do-able! I adore fresh baked bread. ADORE IT! I'd love it if you would head over to Blissful and Domestic for a look and give my gorgeous friend some fabulous comments here .... or there! XOXO Jules

Be Awesome Today

2011-07-14T22:40:00.000-07:00

I finished my fence board project from my list of ten things and had to share it with you because it was super easy and I think turned out pretty snazzy.

After cutting apart the boards, I used three pieces horizontally for the front and nailed 2 of them vertically to the back to keep everything together. It will not withstand hurricane force winds, but since we live in Cali that shouldn't be a problem.

I cut out the letters on my cricut and taped them on the boards. (Well, to be fair I just punched in the letters and the cricut did the cutting.) After placing the stencils on, I had a lovely assistant just pounce paint on to the wood. Yes, that is a technical term we painters use.

Pounce the paint, people!

When we peeled off the stencil we had a wonderful reminder to ourselves {and now to you} to

BE AWESOME TODAY.

I don't think you will find it all that difficult.

{The tutorial or the being awesome.}

XOXO Jules
Linking up To:

Pinkalicious Thursday

Also linking to Not So Simple Housewife ...

10 Tasks in 10 Days - RESULTS

2011-07-05T22:52:00.000-07:00

Here are my TEN THINGS for the Ten Tasks in Ten Days Challenge, and how I did. I tried not to spend any money for this, but I ended up spending a bit for the flowers ... and GASP, I didn't finish all my projects. I got distracted, OK?

1. Finish eating pickles, then finish latest pickle jar post.

Yep, pickles are EATEN! Yippee! Pickle jar post is set to publish... no sneak peeks!

2. Organize craft armoire.

I did it! Here is the after.

The before is too disturbing to show.

This is sitting on the wall in the living room. I had planned to use it as a pantry since my kitchen was designed for people who don't need to store food. Or dishes.

Crafting won out over food, here is the somewhat

organized version.

3. PATIO curtains, pillows, scrub down, etc.

I did not make the patio curtains for the 3rd year in a row. With all those arches it is a daunting task. I did clean it up, here is the after:

See those arches? Daunting, right?

Seating Area

Eating Area 1

Eating Area 2

4. Make art from curly willows and frame.

Yep, this was a really fun one inspired by a photo I saw on Pinterest.

Click here to see her awesome version.

I will be adding more willow to make it fuller, but the heat got to me!

5. Coat closet clean-out.

This is one of my favorite. The lighting in my house is horrible, so please excuse most of the pictures on this post.

I obviously was using the closet to start my life as a hoarder.

After: IKEA panel covers water heater

I keep my vacuum in my closet, so it was not a big deal to put the mop and broom in there too. I moved in a book shelf and was able to fit all of my extra kitchen stuff in here no problem! It's almost a little butler's pantry now. {Almost.} I'd love to find some shelves for here too.

6. Fence Board Art.

Didn't get to this, darn it! I still need to cut the boards. They are measured, so it should be easy. I just can't nail down what saying I want to put on it~ I'm leaning toward a Toby Mac song lyric....

7. Under kitchen sink. {gross}

Love this before and after. So much easier to find what I need!

I decided to keep my toolbox and extra cloth napkins under here as well. I added a thrift store silk scarf to cover the nastiness of the cabinet.

To cover the floor of the cabinet I just used 4 bamboo place mats. I'm lazy like that.

8. Recipe Box

Cleaned out and file system set up! I used to just stuff them all randomly in a single file folder. Now I have them neatly filed in categories. Sorry I'm not getting out of bed to snap a pic. See above comment.

9. Plant annuals for summer

My yard is mostly perennial, but I did spend about 4 bucks to buy some salvia.

Salvia

More freshly planted salvia. I love reading outside, and this magazine holder that is supposed to be in the bathroom works perfectly on a planter.

This has no place in this post, but I love these mirrors outside. They make a really boring area shine.

10. Get up in the attic. Find silver coffee pot and 4th of July stuff.

I hauled myself up in the attic and my 4th of July stuff was no where to be found. I probably threw it away. {Sometimes I do that.} I couldn't find my coffee pot either. I think it is in an unmarked box that I was probably standing on.

There are my ten things! I think I should show you the distraction which kept me from completing my tasks.

{DRUMROLL, please}

A 1950's Siesta Trailer! We are going to have the cutest little playhouse!

You will see a page soon on our trailer renovation. Right now it is a bit gutted. We've redone the ceiling with new wood stained a delicious chocolately walnut. Not so delicious are the stain drops on my arms that will force me to wear long sleeves the rest of the summer.

I hope you had great success on your ten things! What a great way to motivate yourself to get projects done.

XOXO jules

I'm linking back to:

10 Tasks in 10 Days

2011-06-25T16:58:00.000-07:00

Cha Cha at Sit, Relax and Read is overseeing this delightful challenge... 10 Tasks in 10 Days. Maybe my definition is different than yours, but I think crossing things off my "to do" list is FUN! To get in on all this hilarity {or to see more details} click here.

Here is my Top Ten list...

1. Finish eating pickles, then finish latest pickle jar post.

2. Organize craft armoire.

3. PATIO curtains, pillows, scrub down, etc.

4. Make art from curly willows and frame.

5. Coat closet clean-out.

6. Fence Board Art.

7. Under kitchen sink. {gross}

8. Recipe Box

9. Plant annuals for summer

10. Get up in the attic. Find silver coffee pot and 4th of July stuff.

Here is a little of what I have in mind. I think by looking at these pictures you can see why they made my top ten!

Pickle Jar: (Half Done)

Curly willows art: (Inspiration)

Coat closet: (Before)

Fence Board Art (Before)

Under kitchen sink: (Before)

I'M READY! Let's the fun begin!

Fourth of July Hostess Gift

2011-06-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

This is a great hostess gift you can adapt to any holiday. It's super cheap, really easy and will be a hit with your hostess!

I love these prayer candles. You can easily burn them outside, since the wick is far down it's hard for the wind to blow out. The 99 cent store has them with no labels, so all you need to do is add your own. Given that the Fourth is coming up, I just cut USA out of decorative paper and modged it on.

{To add a bit of fun, I also covered a box of matches with matching paper.}

You can use whatever you'd like to wrap it up, but I've been saving a Pringles can for a project ... and the candle fit inside perfectly! I simply cut a piece of paper the size of the can and glued it on. Then I made a little corset out of scrap paper from the rest of the project and tied it on with twine.

I used some yellow shred to cushion the candle.

Perfect fit!

Matches on top

More shred and the lid!

All ready to give away!

A little handwritten note of thanks.

Happy Friday Everybody! XOXO Jules

Guest Blogger from JUST BONKERS

2011-06-08T20:52:00.000-07:00

Today I'd like to introduce a gorgeous and crafty gal who is here to do a guest post. She's Bianca from Just Bonkers!

{See what I mean? Gorgeousness! Take it away Bianca...}

Howdy to all you wonderful Bles-id followers. I wanted to start out by saying thank you to the awesome Julia for giving me this opportunity to have a guest post on her blog. She has such creative, beautiful ideas I am totally honored !

OK y'all it's June! It is supposed to be hot and muggy and sweaty and yucky! I am getting ready to go camping and not quite sure what to pack with this crazy weather going on. I recently visited my favorite outdoorsy store (REI) to stock up and I fell in love.....wait for it...OK....summer scarves! Here is an example of what I am talking about. I have a really hard time putting my favorite fall/winter accessories away every summer, and I always try to pull them out sooner than I should and end up hot and miserable. {I tried on every different one that they had of course!} Instead of trying to keep you warm these summer beauties will help keep you cool by pulling the heat and sweat away from your body...Yippee! I bought one, and on the ride home had that Ahh Haa! moment we all have. I can make these. The awesome thing about this is most of the scarves I tried on (and the one I ended up buying) were made from Jersey, and it just so happened that "The Man" and I had just cleaned out our t-shirt drawers. Instant supplies on hand. Well part of the supplies. I really like the tie dyed version so I all I needed was some

Dye

( I use Rit dye)

WARNING.. I found some at Wal-Mart in the cleaning section for $1.66, they had mostly primaries so I went to Beverly's where it was $3.99..ouch. Luckily I only needed 2!

Rubber bands ( $1 store!)

Plastic baggies (can also probably be found at the $1 store! I just used what I already had!)

{Here is a tutorial if you need better instructions then what I give here!}

I started by cutting my t-shirts into two big scarves. I wear women's XL shirts and" The Man" wears men's mediums. The difference between the two only means a bit of a more snug fitting scarf.

Next you twist, fold, and scrunch your scarves and tie them up with rubber bands. The rubber bands will resist the dye, so where ever you put them the scarf will remain white.

Next the fun begins! Instructions for mixing the dye are on the box, but basically you just mix 2 cups of boiling water with the dye. I like using these ketchup bottles for easy squirting action.

I chose Purple, Pink, Orange, Yellow, Kelly Green, and Turquoise for my colors. I also used some plastic bowls for catching the dye so that we wouldn't run out so quickly. I just refilled from the bowl...

I did my dyeing outside, thankfully, here is what was left behind!

I bagged up each shirt individually and waited patiently for 3 days before I rinsed them.

Then you unfold and remove the rubber bands then rinse them out until the water runs clear. After that, run them through a cold washing cycle. Dry on low or air dry and VOILA...

No joking, every time I opened up a new one I thought "This is my favorite!"..." No wait, THIS is my favorite!"

OK, one example of what it looks like on...

I had to add this next one in, My family makes fun of me because I take my taking pictures of myself very seriously. It just seems I always end up in places, on vacations, by myself so I am very practiced at taking photos of me!

{Thanks Bianca! So which scarf is YOUR FAVORITE? Head on over to Just Bonkers and leave Bianca a comment and a follow! Your comment will enter you in a chance to win a scarf next Thursday!}

And don't miss Bonkers at Etsy!

If you are feeling lazy, leave me a comment and I will try to get it Bianca!

XOXO Jules

Because these are awesome, I'm going to link 'em up!

My Sweet Tool Box

2011-06-02T18:00:00.000-07:00

There is this gal who has a blog you may have heard of. Funky Junk Interiors. Ring a rusty 'ole bell? In addition to an amazing home that I saw on Apartment Therapy, she has an amazing blog. On that amazing blog she has these Workshop Series, and the idea of "Let's Build A Toolbox" had me really intrigued, so I figured why not?

Now for the rest of the story:

Here are the unsuspecting pieces now. They have no idea that today is the day I get to learn how to use power tools. On them.

Along with the fence boards, this is a bee box. You can see another bee box project I did. Kev's dad is an apiarist {bee keeper} and he has lots of these laying around for people with sticky fingers to fly away with.

{All puns totally intended.}

Totally legit, right?

Step One was to measure out how big I wanted my tool tote.

That is, after I scraped off the bee wax that kept attracting nosy bees.

Then I got a lesson in using a saw.

He is a brave, brave man.

Cam even got in on the action.

I've got hunky men around here, don't I?

Here it is with no bottom. Assuming that a tote needs a bottom, we have a few more steps...

Three Things Regarding This Picture:

1. Using power tools will give me massive forehead wrinkles.

2. I need to wear a bra when being photographed. And when I'm not being photographed.

3. I used a piece of fence board for the bottom.

Some Scraping and Painting and ...

It was done!

See the number stamped in front? Each bee keeper has their own number and that one belongs to Opa.

Only it wasn't done, because I didn't like the handle. No, I don't know why. I just didn't, OK?

AND, even though I measured, it didn't fit under my kitchen cabinet where I wanted to put it.

So I had an idea:

I had these from the thrift store. I whacked off that handle I had so painstakingly {and at great risk to my body} nail gunned on.

For the second time: It was done!

Psalms 119:103 How sweet are your words to my taste,

sweeter than honey to my mouth!

I lined it with this beautiful paper that reminded me of bees.

Bees that look like this!

Thanks to Funky Junk Interiors for the sweet inspiration!

Click 'cause I'm linking to these great parties

CRAFTOMANIAC

Met Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Boogie Board Cottage

Click here for our favorite honey mustard grilled chicken

XOXO jules

Popsicle Stick Bracelets

2011-05-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

These little darlings are so easy and so cheap, you are going to love making them with your favorite gals. Find some wide popsicle sticks to get started. First you need to boil them {yes, boil!} in water for about 15 minutes to make them nice and soft so they can bend. FYI, you will break about 1 out of 5 so plan accordingly.

Dry the sticks around something the size of a wrist... I let them dry a long time, like a week! When they are ready it's time to decorate. Gather together paper, yarn, ribbon, twine ... whatever you want!

To make the process easier on the paper bracelets, use one of the unbent sticks as a template, cut out the paper, and mod podge onto the bent stick. You can paint them before you add paper ... can you imagine how fun a chalkboard paint bracelet would be???

My favorite is the twine. Just hot glue and start wrapping, then hot glue the end into place.

The vase we used to dry the sticks has a diameter of 2 inches. That seems to be a great size, fitting little miss and me just fine.

We painted this one bubblegum pink before adding a little surprise inside. {We do love our weiner dogs around here!}

Now what are YOU gonna do? Please make some and show me your handiwork! XOXO Jules
Please click here, I'm linking to these fabulous parties. And...

Another Pickle Jar Cover-up

2011-05-14T10:07:00.000-07:00

At the risk of sounding like the crazy pickle lady, I have another pickle jar project to share. Eat those pickles and gather your supplies ... it’s time to cover a jar in finger weaving!
Click here for the other project!

If you are unfamiliar with finger weaving, let me tell you it is a true lifeskill. Super fun for kids to make their own skinny little scarves, belts or bracelets. I’m not sure what else you would use it for, but I assure you it is something everyone should know how to do!!! {HA!}

Here is a link so you can learn the fine art of finger weaving, finger knitting, whatever you want to call it...

WIKIHOW-Finger Weave

Once you’ve knit a mile long piece, you can just use hot glue to attach it to the jar.

For this project I used Country Loom Yarn in Rich Granite. It is a gorgeous gray color that I managed to make look blue in most of my pictures.

Left over tulips from Momma's Day

Happy Finger Weaving!XOXO

THIS IS A NEW PARTY at Faith, Trust & Pixie Dust. Be sure to add your links and come back weekly!!!

Also Linking to these great parties: Finding Fabulous!

Mother's Day (or any Special Day) Art

2011-05-04T16:20:00.000-07:00

It is amazing how creative God has made people. I celebrate the fact that so many talented gals blog so the rest of us can get inspired, copy or just plain drool. When I saw some Mother's Day Text Art at Keep it Simple, Sister I KNEW I had to do this for my mother-in-law.

And maybe even for myself!

Just look at this gorgeous thing from K.I.S.S. Wowza! See why I was inspired? Check out the other Momma's Day stuff she has going on.

Poke around her blog for some great inspiration!

Here is what I was inspired to do:

'Cause I have mad love for paint samples, I modeled mine after one of those. (It looks blue-ish, but Cameron's card is actually a light green.)

To make the name cards in Pages, I made a 5 X 7 rectangle and filled it in with a shade of green. Then I added the name and birthday using the font Silom and repeated. {Not that Silom is an amazing font, just thought you'd like to know!}

Off I went to Office Max and had them printed on heavy paper. All that was fairly simple. The hard part was finding a frame that had four 5 X 7 openings.

Very bad planning on my part.

{FIVE STORES AND A QUARTER TANK OF GAS LATER}

I ended up at Michaels and found a frame that had four 3 X 5 openings.

I ripped the matting apart to make them bigger.

I know one grandma who is going to love this!

I'm dropping by Kelley Moore to pick up a paint chip for a card. Wouldn't that just be sooooooo cute? Thanks to Keep it Simple, Sister for the fab idea!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you hot mama's out there. You inspire me and make me a better mom! XOXO jules

Linking to: Finding Fabulous!

Osama Bin Laden

2011-05-01T20:35:00.000-07:00

The Star Spangled Banner
Francis Scott Key said it best in 1814

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Love Dare #1

2011-04-26T14:02:00.000-07:00

Come on over and visit me at Penelope Blue where I'm guest posting for the first Love Dare. Link up and share what it's done for you!

The Love Dare... buy the book, join the party!

2011-04-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

The beautiful and fun Lori over at Penelope Blue has put together a wonderful bloggy event based on The Love Dare. Run out and get the book and join the fun! I was asked to do the first dare post ... (pretty scary being the first, and I'm sure that the posters that follow me will be amazing!) We are starting tomorrow, Tuesday, April 26th on Penelope Blue... and be sure to stop by Precious Grains of Sand as well, that's where Teresa (Lori's parter in this event) has her blog and it is indeed precious! I just started following today and you should too!

The linky will go back and forth between Lori's blog and Teresa's blog every Tuesday and Friday. (This is so the dare doesn't last FORTY weeks!)

Here is a little something to get you into the sprit of things ... I dare ya!

Here we are! (At least from the waist down!) Picture by Groverstyle.

TELL ME ABOUT YOU AND YOUR HUBBY..Your names: Jules and Kev
How old are you? Both 39
When did you start dating? June 1996
When were you married? January 4, 1997
Where were you married? On a boat in the Stockton Delta
What was your first dance song? Some country song that wasn't as special as we thought since I don't remember it!
Did you take a honeymoon? if so, to where? yes, to Carmel, CA
Any kids? (Names, ages) : Cameron, 12 Chloe, 10 and Carissa 6
Any pets? 1 miniature dachshund, 1 guinea pig, 1 leopard gecko
How many kids do you want? I guess 3. Somedays I only want 1 or 2.
What do you and your husband do for a living? Realtor (me) Firefighter (Kev)
Where did you meet: blind date
Favorite vacation you've been on with your hubby: Maui
Favorite things to do? Together? Daydream. As a family? Movie Night
Where do you live (state)? California
What are your spouse's favorite things to do if they had ANY choice and unlimited funds: Drive, buy, oogle, ebay, work on old cars.
What are your favorite things to do if you had ANY choice and unlimited funds: redecorate, thrift store shop, walk on the beach, read. Looks like I don't need much money.
Favorite foods? BBQ'd Burgers for me, Ribs for Kev. We are carnivores.
Last but not least, if you could offer one piece of marital advice, what would it be? Swallow your pride, it's just gonna get in the way.

Pottery Barn Inspired Eggs

2011-04-24T17:50:00.000-07:00

Pottery Barn. Sigh. I love their subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) nods to the seasons. Just gorgeous, these eggs hanging in the branches...

Speaking of Pottery Barn, here is a link where I found this great egg idea by Elizabeth & Co . They were inspired by Pottery Barn. I saw them and couldn't resist doing my own quick version. They used paper mache eggs from Michaels. Way more classy, because I used the regular ole plastic Easter eggs from the Dollar Store. I spray painted them a creamy color and then cut out letters on the Cricut and glued them on with plain Elmer's Glue. Super easy, although I should have used spray paint for plastic because it bubbled and doesn't look very nice on close inspection. Nevertheless, here is how they turned out. And be sure to visit Elizabeth & Co ... theirs are much more chic! (Is that close to a pun because "chic" is the start of chicken?)

He is risen!

He is risen, indeed! Happy, happy Easter!

Marshmallow Bunny Peeps

2011-04-22T07:10:00.000-07:00

How cute are Marshmallow Peeps just on their own? Pretty darn cute. But what if you had leftover chocolate from making cake balls and dipped some peeps into it? Cutest. Thing. Ever.
I was on the Peeps website and saw that this year they are dipping the chicks into chocolate and selling them in a pack of 3. Adorable! They have some super ideas, like 24 Carrot Cupcakes... carrot cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and a bunny peep standing on top! Or make a wreath out of peeps! Check out their site for some inspiration.

Mr. Bunny agrees that the bunnies are adorable. I'm going to have to run to the store for some chicks to dip! The funny thing is I don't even eat peeps... but I love to look at them.

If you want to make these bunny pops they are so easy. Just gently put the stick up the bottom. Poor bunny. It really is for a good cause. Then dip it into melted chocolate or vanilla. I used vanilla. You can dip half or the whole thing. I did both and liked the look of the half better. Lay on a piece of waxed paper to harden. {Add some sprinkles to make them extra fun!} Then wrap 'em up and give to the kiddos on Easter! If you don't want to make bunny pops, just grab an end or front and dip.

These are wrapped and ready. Only two more days to get your Easter on! We are taking cake balls, peeps pops and Grandma's potato salad to our Easter celebration after church. What are you taking to yours?

Costanoa

2011-04-20T16:46:00.000-07:00

Trips like this make me so happy we live in California.

We are close to glorious camping and resorts, set in such beautiful places.

We can go on treks along the coast to explore tide pools and hidden beaches...

Finding hermit crabs and sea creatures.

Examining them and then letting them go free.

Sharing God's creations with our little ones,

Getting reflective on what He has done.

Eating amazing food with amazing friends,

Playing around,

Reconnecting,

Finding treasures,

Seeing what the wind and sea can do.

Reminding ourselves that He is the light of the world.

Happy Easter McGuffey Family! XOXO the Terpstras

Things to do with a frame

2011-04-07T06:50:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love the endless possibilities found in an empty frame? Here are a few ways I've found to fill up a frame... both my own and around blogland. A very special thank you to my amazing friend Amy who gave me these frames out of the goodness of her beautiful heart. {She is a giver and I cherish her bunches and bunches!}

First you need two really cute daughters.

One to spray paint the frame.

And one to show off her new braces in it.

This frame we spray painted black and stapled wire inside for a neat-o bulletin board for our front entry. It was very easy and cost nothing since we got the frame from Miss Amy, and had the spray paint and wire laying around the shop.

Stop Growing Up!

Here is another beautiful way to use a frame ... make it a chalkboard! For the how to you will want to click here to see how Susan at Homeroad upcycled an old frame. She is amazing, so be sure to click around her blog for a while!

And don't get me started how much I love the gorgeous woman who blogs over at Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust ... Michelle has done some great things with frames:

Like these that she put on a chalkboard painted wall. Awesome!

And how about this great way to display keys or little collectables?

The masterminds over at Apartment Therapy have come up some things to do with frames...

Frame a piece of cork
A mirror
Slip a piece of wallpaper behind a piece of glass, remove the hanging mechanism and use your frame as a tray. Works especially well with an ornate or deep frame (a framed mirror can do double duty as a tray or leaning against a wall as a looking glass)
Hang a piece of art on the wall, then hang a frame separately, deliberately letting the wall space between frame and art peek through. Works best on a brightly coloured wall.
Boring medicine chest? Find a frame to match the size of your mirror and glue it on.
Spray paint a collection of frames the same color, then hang them on your wall empty, letting the frames be the art.
Make a French ribbon board or a mat board with pockets to organize your receipts and small papers.
A large frame can double as a headboard -- empty or framing a piece of fabric.

Whatever you choose, make it your own! Fabric, paint, wire ... let your creativity flow! So, what are YOU going to do with your frames?

Making a nest!

2011-03-24T20:52:00.000-07:00

How lovely is your dwelling place,

   LORD Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints,
   for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out
   for the living God.
Even the sparrow has found a home,
   and the swallow a nest for herself,
   where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
   LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
   they are ever praising you.

Today {as I attempted to make a bird nest} I was in absolute awe of birds. How do they do that with just beaks? Amazing! I was struggling with two hands!

We are in the midst of quite a storm around here ... a perfect time to venture out (well, after the storm of course!) and find some twigs to make a nest of your own!

These are the fruits of my hunt and gather. I found most of them in the gutter and on the lawn. I wasn't above going through my neighbor's green waste can either.

I wanted a big rectangle nest, so I laid out a foundation of sticks and wrapped them up with florist's tape and/or twine. One I had my shape I added some crisscrossed too.

About this time I was seriously wondering how those sweet birds do it! But I just kept ~~sticking~~ sorry, bad pun that was totally unintentional, I just kept weaving and tying and wrapping and poking those branches and twigs into shape.

More sticks and a lunchbreak later my nest was ready for some moss. If I could have found something outside that was more natural I would have used that, but I did have a bag of moss. I laid a piece of burlap in the bottom to make sure it wouldn't make a total mess. It helped. A bit. Moss is messy!

I set up a bunch of different looks. This one didn't make the cut.

Love the white of the runniculus with the greens and browns. They are left over from Kev's beautiful bouquet from his apendectomy. {Thanks April!}

Such beautiful flowers from a beautiful friend.

I love these little glass balls from the Crow Trading Co. I dropped in there the other day and was salivating over a metal step stool...

See the bunny? He came from the Hospice thrift store. As of Tuesday they had a ton donated from Target. $6.00 is the asking price. Do you pay full price at thrift stores? I always do. But most every time I'm there I hear someone getting a discount. I'm too chicken to ask.

So cute, right? And the awesome tag? Erin from Raggamuffin Blogger made it and many more using Graphic's Fairy art for BVG Women's Conference.

This made the final cut. Sorry, but Mr. Bunny had to go sit on some other books. I brought in leftover branches to fill the urns along with the mossy rocks. I think they are from Marshalls a few years back but they have them at the Dollar Tree now.

I'm getting a lot of mileage out of these little fabric rosettes. I made 'em for Christmas and they've traveled around my house for every holiday. Perhaps it is time to put them to rest?

So there you have it, my nest! I'm sure I wouldn't make any birds proud, but it was fairly easy and pretty fun. The best part? It was FREE and my table is ready for Spring! XOXO Jules

OK, I had to link this to The Shabby Nest!

and these...

My New Bag

2011-03-21T21:31:00.000-07:00

I'm just getting around to posting this, but I am still loving my new bag. It's roomy, so all my junk plus my MacBook fit inside perfectly. Let's get serious, anything fits in this baby perfectly. I could probably fit my car inside if I buttered up the sides.

Maybe not.

Anyway, my new bag came with a pair of shoes! And a ball!

Yep, it's a vintage bowling bag that I was able to snatch from the thrift store for $4.00. $4.00... what a steal! Wanna see it?

Soooooooo cute!

All I had to do was dust it off, remove the shoes and ball and add some decorative paper for the address label.

Wanna see me with it?

See how happy I am lugging it around?

I was going for "casual" in this pic, but I ended up with "please recycle".

Does it strike your fancy? Wanna get your own? I saw a few on etsy!

XOXO jules

Oreo Truffles

2011-03-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

Photo by Christina from AllRecipes.com

I'm surrounded by cake balls! It seems as if everywhere I go, blogland included, I see cake balls. At Terry's Party we had AMAZING ones and for St. Patrick's Day Amy made some that were just as good, even better, maybe. Even Starbucks has little Cake Ball Pops! I was ready to try my hand, so I googled the recipe and came across OREO truffles. I know I've seen these around for a while, but oh goodness I had never tried them. This post is to urge you to make them (so easy!) and try them (so good!) I'm ready to make cake balls for Easter ... so stay tuned for that post! But until then here is how you make some amazing OREO truffles...

What You Need:

1 (16 ounce) package OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, divided
1 (8 ounce) package PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
2 (8 ounce) packages BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted

The How To:

Crush 9 or so of the cookies to fine crumbs in food processor; reserve for later to use as topping. (Cookies can also be finely crushed in a plastic bag using a rolling pin, but that is going to take a TON of time and energy.) Crush remaining cookies to fine crumbs; place in medium bowl. Add the softened cream cheese; mix until well blended. Stick in the freezer to cool for a bit, then roll cookie mixture into balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
Dip balls in chocolate; place on wax paper-covered baking sheet and sprinkle with cookie crumbs quickly before the chocolate hardens.
Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Store leftover truffles {If you have any!} in refrigerator.

Rissa had plans to make these after school with a pal, but the pal was home sick ... so another little lady that was having a bad day (Yes, bad days even happen in Kindergarten!) came in to help us out. I think they had a BLAST, and the bad day was forgotten!

Speaking of blasts, the noise from the food processor was LOUD.

But you really need one to make these fine crumbs. Not at all what I expected it to look like, the yummy white filling disappears!

Here are the crumbs, ready for the cream cheese to be mixed in. I'm not sure why I put the crumbs in a 13X9 pan, that was totally unnecessary!

Here are the balls, ready for dipping. I put them in the freezer for a few minutes, it makes them much easier to dip in the melted chocolate. About this time I had two "helpers", one bowl of melted chocolate and a time crunch. Sooooooo, no more pictures. We put the finished product in the fridge to harden and packaged them up to give to sick pal and little lady's family. And left the rest on the counter to photograph later. ONLY WHEN I CAME HOME THE BIG KIDS HAD EATEN THEM ALL! So this is pretty much what they looked like... only we just used the crumbs for decoration.

photo courtesy of Jo loves to cook, AllRecipes.com

Make up a batch for your next event and let me know how they turned out!

Lots of OREO love from me to you... Jules