Painted Animal Jars, Garlands, Boho and More........A Few of My Favorite Finds

Hello Lovelies!

Ever have those days where you stumble on a bunch of FABULOUS things?

I had one of those days........

and now I'm sharing my favorite finds with you!

First up, the talented and beautiful Heather from Bells in the Woods

 posted this last Thursday.

Painted Animal Jars!

Source: Woods of Bell Trees

Love, Love, Love! 

Can't you see them in a child's room, kitchen, bathroom

or anywhere?

Bunnies on top for Easter.  

Deer on top for a Rustic Christmas.

Roosters for a Kitchen........

So many uses:)

Thank you Heather!!!

Visit Bells in the Woods for directions.

Next, I stumbled on this doily garland.

Not sure where but it is pretty cool!

Holy Heck.......

Don't you just LOVE these 

OMBRE painted pine cones?    

Source: Whimzeecal

 They look complicated but after viewing the tutorial, not so bad. 

 I think:)

 

Okay, my daughter is a fan of a surf lifestyle blog called SWELL.

They have bunches of cool ideas, like this one!

A Scarf that is knotted in two places to form a Kimono shape wrap.

Check out swell for the instructions, but be warned.........

it's SUPER EASY!

                Source: DIY Scarf Kimono Wrap

Cute, Cute, CUTE!!!

This would totally make a baby's room perfect:)

Source: Bella Gray

You know those infinity scarves you see everywhere?

This one becomes a cowl scarf too!

Full instructions and pattern at Gleeful Things!

                       

 Source: Gleeful Things

What'd I tell you?  

Seriously cool stuff!!!!

Linking up with 

Katherine's Corner Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop!

Katherine's Corner

XOXOXO

Suzanne

Made With Love....Simple Ideas for Valentine's Day Gifts and Decorating

When my girls were younger,

we had barely put Christmas decorations away

before we started decorating for Valentine's Day.  

Hearts were everywhere, and we were already thinking of

what Valentines to make and what would be on our 

Pink and Red Menu for Valentine's Day.

The past few years we've kinda let it go.

Life just got more busy, you know?

Until a few days ago, when my 12 year old niece Macy

wrote to show us pictures of how she had decorated her room.

I think she did an AMAZING job!

She finished by asking how we were decorating this year.

Ummmmm..........well,  I wasn't sure if we were.

UNTIL that email from her.

Until I was inspired by a young girl's festive spirit.

So I went online and I walked around the house,

 looking for ideas.

I found a few things I had made and tweaked them a bit

to make them work for Valentine's Day, either as a

decoration or as a small gift.

See what you think........

1.  Candy hearts look adorable in a Mason Jar pedestal.  At least I think so.......
but then, I love these candies so I would think they look great in ANYTHING!
And these are really easy to make, using a mason jar, candlestick and E6000 glue.

2.  Painted Mason Jars and Milk Bottles hold anything you can think of,

and would be a beautiful way to hold flowers, candy or special messages.

3.  Bejeweled Mini Mason Jars.......Strips of lace or burlap glued around a jar, embellished with a jewel and/or flower.  These look cute gathered on a table top and make

AWESOME gift containers!  No wrapping necessary:)

4.  Heart Garland.......dollar store craft!  

5.  Heart Pencil Toppers........Again, the wire and pencils were bought at the dollar store.

Simply twist a piece of the wire into a heart shape and wrap on the pencil tops.

 

These heart toppers are also fabulous on a longer stick and used as bubble blowers!  

Thank you Macy!

Without the inspiration from you, we might've been lazy and let this Holiday slip by:)

A few other decorations I found were these:

A heart wreath.......paper hearts glued on a wreath or any round form.

 Pom Pom Monsters!

How cute are these?  Pretty dang cute if you ask me:)

Heart Rag Wreath!  Super cute and EASY!

Yarn wrapped letters or hearts.  This is such a simple project that

will be a real eye catcher!

Well, why NOT a heart tree?  

You could write little messages on them or leave as is.........

cute either way!

  Remember the heart garland I mentioned above?

You could tie them on branches outside.  Awesome!

Alrighty then, I think that's about it.

Check back soon.......I have other ideas to pass on but didn't want

 to bombard anyone:)

XOXO

Suzanne

BLT Mac n Cheese, Chocolate Chip Raspberries and MORE Good Stuff!

Well hello there!

I stumbled on a recipe today that has me curious.

BLT Macaroni and Cheese!

I mean, talk about a double whammy of comfort food.....

Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwich and Macaroni and Cheese.

Love 'em both!

I haven't made it yet but I think maybe one of these days soon I will:)

YUMMY!!!

BLT Macaroni-n-Cheese   

 Ingredients:

1 loaf (32 oz) prepared cheese product, cut into large cubes

1/4 cup butter

4 cups whole milk

* 1/8-1/4 tsp ground mustard (optional)

1 package (16 oz) elbow macaroni

2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (8 oz)

2 cups small cherry tomatoes

1 bag (9 oz) fresh spinach (or lettuce of choice)

1 lb bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled

1 cup plain or Italian-style panko crispy bread crumbs

* * Personally, I will saute chopped onions in a bit of butter to add to this dish.

Directions:

1.  In microwavable bowl, place cheese cubes, butter and milk. Microwave uncovered on High 8 to 10 minutes, stirring with whisk at the 4 minute interval.   Stir again after 8-10 minutes; repeat microwaving until all cheese is melted and mixture can be stirred smooth, 

a total of about 15 minutes.  Stir in ground mustard if desired.

 * If you prefer, melt cheese on the stove top.  

2.  Heat oven to 350°F. Cook macaroni in boiling salted water 3 minutes less than directed on box (macaroni should be firm). Drain; place in 15x10-inch (4-quart) glass baking dish. Pour melted cheese sauce over macaroni; mix well. Stir in shredded cheese, tomatoes and spinach.

3Cover dish with foil; bake 30 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle bacon and bread crumbs evenly over top. Bake 5 minutes longer or until top is lightly browned. Cool at least 10 minutes before serving.

source: adapted from a recipe found on Betty Crocker

don't stop here!

after this munchkin you'll find one of our favorite treats.......

Chocolate Chip Raspberries!

Pretty self-explanatory.......

We used white chocolate chips but have used dark and milk chocolate also.

All three are Goooood!

Just clean the strawberries, place a chip in each and pop 'em in!

(I've probably shared this on here but it's worth repeating:)

Hmmmmm....what else can I pass on.......

Got it!

If y'all are like me, you get MAJOR cravings!!!!!

What to do, what to do!

How about this?

Cure cravings and get water down.....works for me.

At least, I hope it does!!

I leave you with this little gem from the beloved Dr. Seuss.

(i think he's genius:)

XOXOXO

Suzanne