Chalk Board Paint

Okay we all know about this fabulous paint, but you have to see how I used it!

Use Chalk Board Paint on Glass. These snowmen are adorable, my Nieces will love these filled with cookies and candy.

Once I had the paint out, I could not resist painting a new decoration for my kitchen. I took an old decorative board that said "Welcome" and painted over it. Now with the chalk board paint over top, I can change it up and draw pictures or write any phrase. Really it is endless what you can paint. 

This is so easy to use. Do at least 2-3 coats of paint to get good coverage.

ICE COFFEE

Iced Coffee is so delicious!

Sometimes in the middle of the day when I need a pick me up, I go for a home made iced coffee.

I found this Organic Sweetened Condensed Milk in a squeeze bottle at Trader Joe's. Just a little squeeze in my iced coffee makes a nice creamy and sweet taste.

I put a little cold coffee in a glass with about a teaspoon of this condensed milk, stir it up then add more cold coffee, ice and a little cream or almond milk.

Mmmmmm refreshing & and so delicious!!!

YUMMY LATTE

I LOVE ESPRESSO!

I make my own Latte every morning. Yes, I admit I am addicted to Coffee & Espresso. Shopping at Trader Joes today I found this amazing yummy Grinder, for me a Latte Topper. I will use this to top Cookies, Truffels, Hot Chocolate, Granola, Toffee, Popcorn etc. You have to get yourself some!

Block Decorations

Yard Sale Find - Made into Year Round Decorations

I found a set of Christmas decoration blocks at a yard sale and thought I could make 6 different special occasion sayings out of these blocks. I didn't want to do Christmas or Halloween because I have plenty of decorations for those holidays. Anniversary and a saying like "Celebrate Life " are nice to have in the house. 

Using craft paint, I painted each side of the blocks a different color, then used alphabet stamps in different colored inks for the wording. On the extra blocks that did not have a letter, I made decorations like hearts, stars, flowers, and Easter eggs.

I bought these blocks for $4.00 and now have transformed them into 6 decorations!

CANDLE MAKOVER

I am ready to give my mantle a new look.                        


BEFORE

 I was sitting in my living room looking at my fireplace mantle and decided it was time for a quick make-over. So, I thought of a fun way to change the look. I decorated my candles with paper and ribbon and changed the color of my candle holders with craft paint. This was an easy way to transform my fireplace mantle decor.

 Grab double sided tape, a paper cutter, decorative papers and ribbon. Cut the papers to different widths and layer them to create a design you like. Now tape the paper layers together at the back of the candle. Tie a fun ribbon for extra embellishment if you want. Since my candles are the plastic flame less, I can just take this design off and change up the look whenever I want.

For re-decorating the candle sticks, I just used craft paint and lightly brushed the paint over them for a new look. EASY!

                                                                     AFTER

Mini & Adult Bowden

Mini Bowden My Way.

My sister told me she loves Mini Bowden clothes for her girls but can't afford the price tag. Well, that got me thinking, I can make my own Mini Bowden clothes for kids and adults. I took a look at their web site for a couple ideas, but my Nieces know what they like so I decided to make my own versions of these clothes.

I went to Wal-Mart and bought 3 shirts a little dress and 2 Adult Tee shirts. Every item of clothing was under $6.00 that is a deal!

 

I went home and pulled out all the old scraps of fabric I had and started to draw simple designs on paper as a template. I put the fabric face to face, traced around the template design, then using my sewing machine I straight stitched following the design. Make sure to leave an opening to   turn the pattern right side out. From here I ironed and pinned the design onto the garment. Sew and it's done!   Really simple!

My Nieces are going to love these one of a kind clothes! 

I am so excited to wear my Butterflies!

These instructions are pretty easy.

Slivered Almonds Salad Topper

These Almonds are a GO TO recipe for me. I have to have crunch on my salad creations and these almonds are a special topper for any salad.  You can make these up a head of time because they keep in an air tight container for weeks. 

When I take a salad to a party or have guests over for dinner I always use these because they add a nice toasted  sweet crunch. These are home made and you can taste the difference.

When my sister and her family come to my house to visit they somehow find my stash of Almond Salad Toppers even when I hide them and eat them up as a snack.  As much as my family likes these as a snack in reality you could put these out as a snack. These Almonds could also be used like any nut in baking, inside cookies, crushed on top of toffee, in breads etc. I would even use these to for an almond encrusted fish dish. Endless possibilities!

RECIPE

1/2 CUP SLIVERED ALMONDS
3 TBSP GRANULATED SUGAR
SAUTE PAN - MED HEAT
WOODEN SPOON
WAX PAPER
AIR TIGHT CONTAINER


The sugar is starting to warm up - keep stirring

 For every 1/2 cup of silvered almonds 3 Tbsp of sugar. Of course you could cut back on the sugar. When the almonds are finished a good bit of the cooked sugar does stay in the pan so you really are not getting all the sugar on the almonds. I usually double or triple the recipe to keep on hand.



Golden brown almonds cooling on wax paper.

Put the almonds and the sugar into saute pan on medium heat. It may take a couple minutes before the sugar gets heated. I stir after one minute and continue stirring until they are done. You will notice as you stir the sugar loosens up and starts to coat the almonds. Keep stirring until light tan or golden brown. I prefer mine golden brown because I like the roasted nuttiness the almonds give off. Pour them onto wax paper to cool.  Please as tempting as it is.....do not grab one to eat! I do it every time and burn my mouth! Once they are completely cooled put in air tight container and store until you need them. Enjoy!

I made this for dinner tonight. I love salad and try to have one every night. My approach is like the Food Network Show "Chopped" I use up anything and everything  I have on hand and make it.  All my salads need a crunch element or they are just not exciting enough for me! I've never made a bad salad! 
Enjoy these Salad Almond Toppers.