Monday, January 30, 2012

DIY Sports Themed Chair

For a while I have been wanting to buy my son a chair.  I always feel bad when I see him watching Sesame Street while sitting on the floor.  I was very close to spending the $100+ on an over-sized chair from Pottery Barn then one day last week I was in Michael's and came across this unfinished wood chair on clearance!  The chair was originally $45 but I got it for $9!  I was really excited and now I just wish I had bought the other one that was there.

Here is a picture of the before.  There is a little bit of wood filler on the front and back of the chair to cover the nail marks.   



I found really cute sports themed scrapbook paper at Michael's.  I cut out the individual squares and using Mod Podge I adhered squares to the front and back of the chair.  After a couple of Mod Podge coats, I applied a sealer over the entire chair.  I can't wait til I see my little guy enjoying his new big boy chair!

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Monday, January 23, 2012

Button Earrings

A few days ago I came across a cute idea for button earrings on Pinterest.  The tutorial was through the blog rebekahgough.blogspot.com. They are simple and cute and would look great in the summer with a tank top and shorts.  My sister has already asked me to make her a bunch of pairs.  

Here are a few that I have made so far.  




All three sets took about a half hour total to do.  Cutting the fabric for the button is the most time consuming part of this project.

I also think this project would be great for young girls.  It would be a fun Saturday project and Jo Ann's Fabric had a bunch of different fabrics to chose from.  Also, a great way to use up some of your fabric scraps.  

Monday, January 16, 2012

Reality Junkie

I don't know about any of you but I am a total Reality TV junkie.  Bravo is my all time favorite channel.  Real Housewives of everywhere, Top Chef, The Millionaire Matchmaker and almost any other show they come up with is set to record on my DVR.  While I love Bravo, I don't find myself watching many of the reality shows on network TV except for The Bachelor.  I was not a Bachelor fan from the beginning but over the last few seasons I have become hooked!

Recently, I came across a podcast about anything Bachelor related.  Every Tuesday, Matt and Nicole do a recap of the show the night before and give their opinions on what went down.  They are really fun to listen to and I find myself talking back to the podcast as if I am involved in a conversation with two friends.  I am also home alone with a 1 year old all day which may be the reason I am talking to the computer.  

If you are like me and like to rehash your Reality TV but rarely have someone to talk to about it check out Matt and Nicole at: http://thebachelorpodcast.blogspot.com/.  Now I am going to go pour a glass of wine and sit down to see what Ben is up to...and who the mystery girl is!  Can't wait to hear what Matt and Nicole have to say about it tomorrow!

Monday, January 9, 2012

Favorite Holiday Treat!

One of my favorite things about the holidays are the cookies!  I love to bake them and it gives me a reason to make an obscene amount.  Seriously, I make way to many cookies and give them to family and friends.  This year I made:

Rugelach
Cranbery/Pistachio Biscotti (dipped in white chocolate)
Peanut Butter Blossoms 
Chocolate Covered Pretzels.  

Some of these I have made in the past and others are recipes I found on Pinterest.  This is just one of the many plates I made from all of the cookies.




One of my favorite things to make for the holidays though are Peppermint Patties.  I come from a long line of Peppermint Patties lovers and a few years ago started making my own. They are by far the items that people look forward to most.  I have started giving them as little gifts to my family members.


They are really simple to make and are really yummy!  All you need is:

3 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons softened butter
3 teaspoons peppermint extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup evaporated milk
2 cups chocolate chips (I use Ghiradelli's brand of chocolate because I think it melts and tastes the best)
2 tablespoons shortening

In a large bowl combine the sugar, butter, peppermint extract and vanilla extract.  Add milk and mix well.  Roll into 1 in balls and place on waxed paper-line baking sheet.  Cover with another piece of wax paper and flatten to 1/4in  with a glass.  Freeze 1 hour.

In a heavy saucepan or microwave melt the chocolate and shortening; stir until smooth. (If microwaving check every 30 seconds)  Dip patties in chocolate and shake off any excess.  This does have to be done fairly quickly.  As soon as the frozen patties hit the hot chocolate they start to thaw and can get a little messy.  Don't worry if you mess up, it just means you get to eat the practice ones!

Monday, January 2, 2012

Influenster Holiday VoxBox

Happy New Year!  I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday season!  I know I did, but I need about a week to recover from all the craziness.  In between shopping, wrapping and baking there was traveling and actually celebrating the holidays but unlike most people, on December 26th I was not able to rest.  I had to start planning my son's 1st birthday party which was New Year's Eve.  Since there was so much going on I had to sacrifice something which is why I have not been able to blog in 2 weeks.  

A few months before the holidays I came across a great site called Influenster.  Influenster sends its members products for review based on the "badges" you unlock.  These badges are based on your interests and how influential you are.  I recently qualified for my first VoxBox.  It was the Holiday VoxBox and here is what I received.


imPRESS Press-on Manicure by Broadway Nails (Ex on the Beach)
Softsoap Coconut Scrub Bar Soap
New York Color Liquid Lip Shine ((Nude York City) 
Mentos Pure Fresh Gum
Larabar in Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip
Montagne Jeunesse Face Mask (Passion Peel Off)

I was so excited to receive this VoxBox.  Especially because there were so many great products.  So far I have tried the Mentos Gum, Softsoap Bar Soap, the Larabar and the New York Color Liquid Lip Shine.  

I used to be an avid gum chewer but for some reason I stopped chewing gum when I was pregnant.  Trident was my brand of choice but I think the Mentos Gum has converted me.  

I am also enjoying the Softsoap Coconut Scrub Bar Soap. It has a nice clean scent and it is not drying like most bar soaps.

I have seen many reviews on the Larabar and it looks like many people enjoy their bars.  It was not my favorite but then again I have never been a fan of any of the bars that have come out in the last few years.  

The item I am using the most is the New York Color Liquid Lip Shine.  The nude color is such a great nuetral color and I am finding myself using it as my new "go to."  

I will be trying the imPress Press-on Manicure and the Montagne Jeunesse Face Mask very soon.  Just needed to find the time to treat myself to a little spa time.  

Disclosure – I received these complimentary  products through Influenster’s VoxBox program.