Domestic Divas Fancy

Happy Birthday to ME

2009-10-26T13:43:00.002-04:00

Today is my Birthday! The big 24! ;)

My husband knows I have been wanting to go to IKEA for some time now! So he booked a Hotel for tonight and we will be spending today and tomorrow in Ohio! It will be nice to have a small vacation! I will of course post photos of my faves!

Before and Close to After

2009-09-04T07:21:00.011-04:00

Good Morning! I have some pictures for ya of the house...We have been working, working, working. It is still not finished! But I dont want to hold out on the updates anymore!

Before

After, You get the idea! :)

Below: Henry stretching this morning!

This is still a work in progress, I have to finish painting the inside of the cabinets and we need to finish the door fronts.

This is my antique table and chairs. I bought the table for $40 at The Habitat for Humanity Homestore. And I got the chairs for a steal of $20.00 for all four at an antique shop in Middlebury!

Just got the gas line run for the stove! I cooked on it yesterday for the first time! ;) Cant wait to start baking Pumpkin stuff!!!

I LOVE this little vaccum!

Still have boxes of kitchen items! We need to finish the cabinets before I even unpack these!

Still unfinished, but looking way better!

The bathroom where we found useable space that they had drywalled off! This bathroom is actually so much bigger! I love it!

The whole house still need touch ups on the paint! But anywhoo, here is the newly subway tiled shower! I love it!

I will post more later! Thanks for stopping by!

While I was Out!

2009-07-18T14:15:00.003-04:00

My red French Doors! LOVE THEM!

Part of the living room, before the wood floor was put in!

Hey everyone! I miss you all so very much! WE ARE OFICIALLY MOVED IN! I have some photos of right before we moved in! I am still unpacking, so more photos will be coming soon! I cant wait to get back to blogging!

My life has been such a roller coaster! My husband is currently in Battle Creek, Michigan doing an in patient treatment for PTSD! For those of you who dont know what that is...it is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder! He served in Iraq, and Afghanistan a few times...and he has never been 100% the same.

Our lives have just gotten so out of whack, I didn't really realize how this PTSD has affected us in our relationship. He has gotten mean and irritable. It is really bad, it is to the point that he had to do something about it or it was going to overtake our lives. I feel like I dont even know him anymore. That husband comes out every once in a while, but everyday PTSD is taking a part of my husband away. He needs help! And I need this break, I am emotionally exhausted! He is just not himself anymore, numb to emotion...I see a coldness in his eyes. I feel as if he wants nothing to do with me or our family anymore. I am scared. I would love some advice from anyone! I am scared my marraige is going to end if he does not get better! I just want my husband back! I know deep down he does too!

I love you all! Please keep my husband and his recovery in your prayers!

Beachy Guest Room

2009-06-03T17:52:00.005-04:00

During this renovation I always need a little inspiration of what I will be able to do when it is complete.

Below are some Inspiration photos for my Guest Room!!!

The next photos below are some items I found on Etsy that are on my WISH LIST!

Above: These would look cute hung on the wall or sitting on the bedside table.

From Etsy seller Dances With Clay

They only cost $15.00

Above: This is from an Etsy seller, but I forgot to mark it as a favorite. If anyone knows where it is from please let me know.

Above: This pillow is beautiful! She has a few designs that I would love to throw on the bed, Including monogram pillows made with all 100% cotton, with a cover that you can remove to clean it easily. I love to mix up pillows that dont match! There are too many cute pillows and beautiful fabric to choose from.

From Etsy seller White Twig

This pillow only costs $28.00

Cant wait to show you the finished room!

In law or Outlaw

2009-05-31T04:07:00.004-04:00

So last week my mom called me and told me she sprained her ankle...and she asked me if I would come and help take care of the house and my little brother and sister. Of course I was more than happy to go because they live about and hour and a half away and this was a chance to spend time with them and get a break from my mother in laws house.

So I go and I figured I would stay for about a week. My husband clearly aware of my plans. So on Sunday as I was packing my things to head home, I get a text from my sister in law saying: "Hey...don't wanna get into your business, but maybe you should think about coming home. Adam could really use your help." Now tell me if I am crazy, but I was irate! She had the nerve to tell me I should come home and help my husband as if he was incapable of telling me himself. My husband and I are adults and will decide when I come home! It was none of her business when I came home!

And I called her...we had our words, and I hung up on her after I was called the "B" word! {Didn't want to type it out in case there are little ones eyes around!}

When my husband called to confront her and tell her that she had no right butting in our business, she proceeded to tell him that our marriage has problems! WHAT!?!?! News to me!

Mind you, this is the sister in law that just got married, the one I helped do the Bachelorette party, wedding stuff, paint her house, babysit her kids and dog, etc.etc... and she still has yet to offer helping us do anything to ours!

I don't know what to do! I hate confrontation, and drama! I really think people should mind their own business...I would never have done that to her or anyone for that matter. I am not that type of person! I don't know what to do. If I don't move into that house soon {which by the way is 2 houses down from hers} and out of my mother in laws house, I am going to freak out and go on a crazy rampage!!!

Wow! That feels good to vent! Oh and by the way I stepped on a nail today, it went threw my shoe into my heal, doesn't feel the greatest!

So might I say that I am so stressed out! From this house to my Etsy orders. I should have waited to start my Etsy store! I really did not think that I would be selling so much! Not that it is a bad thing but when I am working on orders and not my house, people think I am just sitting around crafting!?! I wish!

Sorry about the long post....we all know sometimes we just need it!

Please let me know if anyone else is lucky enough to have in laws like mine!?!

And the winner is...

2009-05-26T17:56:00.004-04:00

The winner of my Favorite things Giveaway is... Kim at 4 Crazy Kings, as soon as I receive shipping information for her I will get the mystery suprize box filled with $50.00 worth of goodies.

She was #31 - From Random.Org!!!

Run and tell her congratulations, dont forget to follow her blog to see what is in my Mystery Giveaway box.

100th Post Giveaway

2009-05-16T06:52:00.009-04:00

You will know what the photo above mean if you read below...

Saturdays scrapper...sorry it is such a late and short scrapper post. I have had one of those days, but without further adieu I present my 100Th Post! WOO HOO!

And now for my giveaway:

This is something that I thought about long and hard about what I wanted to have as my giveaway!

I am going to give a box filled with goodies...featuring $50.00 worth of my favorite things!

{It will include things like beauty products, Favorite Candle, gift card to my favorite store, favorite foods, maybe something handmade, and just my everyday favorite things I wouldn't want to live without!}

It could be anything, but it will be a surprise so no one will know what is in the box until the winner receives the box and posts about what is in the box!

***Here are a few ways to Enter***

{leave a comment about each per entry, ex: I am a follower}

1. The first way to enter one entry, all you have to do is leave a comment telling me

what one of your favorite things is!?! {1 Entry/comment}

2. Become a follower! {2 entries/comments}

3. Place my button on your blog. {2 entries/comments}

4. Post about this giveaway on your blog! {Receive 3 entries/comments}

I will choose the winner on: by random.org

Monday May 25Th, 2009 @ 12pm EST {thanks Sharon}

Thank you to all of my bloggers who I have been so lucky to have met. I know I have been slacking on my postings, but this house is killing me here! Thank you for all of you followers who have stayed, and for the new ones who have just joined.

GOOD LUCK!

Post # 99

2009-05-15T22:32:00.003-04:00

I just listed a few new items in my Etsy Shop.

One of them I must share with you,

because I LOVE IT!

If you want to see the others, please visit my Etsy Shop here!

*FYI: Saturdays Scrapper tomorrow, and it will be my 100th Post!

Please visit tomorrow to enter in my giveaway!

Something Pretty

2009-05-13T02:02:00.005-04:00

Okay, so I officially hate drywall! Well at least the sanding it part. I thought that I would look at some pretty stuff because I cant see anything {literally because all of the dust} So here is some of my inspiration motivation! I need it, and a shower!

Benjamin Moore Natura Paint
Your family will breathe easy with Natura

Natura premium interior waterborne paint is a zero VOC, virtually odorless formula that doesn't compromise on performance. It dries fast, has excellent adhesion and provides a durable finish with an unlimited color selection. Natura features our Green Promisedesignation, so you can breathe easy knowing that you've used the very best for your environmentally sensitive projects.
Available nationwide, Spring 2009.

{So I am thinking about going this route, it sounds great to me, have any of you used it?}

I am loving the stripes.

I cannot wait to get my bed out of storage...It has been a little over a year since we have slept in our own bed! I cannot wait till that first night to sleep in it!

This is post #98 - On post #100 I will be featuring my giveaway, for all of my blogger friends who have stayed faithful and patient through this renovation that is sucking the life out of me!

Any advice on how to get through this renovation!?! I need some uplifting, the end seems so far away!

Oh What A Day!

2009-05-07T00:50:00.004-04:00

Okay...so, this morning I wake up to a call from our renter in Virginia that a TREE fell through the roof at 1:30 in the morning!

Mind you we are in Indiana! I felt so bad... our renter is so great! We could not be luckier to have had God bless us with her as a renter. She said that she is taking photos of the HUGE tree limb that fell through the roof. AND

THANK GOD it didnt hurt anyone. It came inches from her son and actually punctured her sons bed. I am so thankful he is okay. He told his mom he is going to have such a cool story to tell all his friends at school. So at least he is not scarred for life. I could care less about the house. I am just glad everyone is alright!

So on a much lighter, less woody note:

Here below is a before photo of the window in the front of the house.

And Tada like Magic a window...with shutters. And incase you are wondering why there is such a gap at the bottom of the window! Well I am planning on putting a flower planter box!!! YAY I am so excited about that.

Here is a shot of part of the kitchen in Drywall. I am so proud because I have measured and hung some peices by myself. Woo Hoo! Hubby told me that I am getting good so now I have to help hang all the rest!

Now this is something I am so proud of. I made a planter bow for my garden to go in! I painted it, cut the wood and screwed it all together {all by myself}! I got this idea out of the Better Homes & Gardens magazine.

I am famous!

2009-05-06T04:05:00.005-04:00

Just kidding...I am not famous, but I just came across this photo on a blog 4EverPhotography with a picture of one of my unity candles that I sell in my Etsy store. It is a photo from my SIL's wedding. How great is that photo. The photographers were great!

Seriously I have the pictures of the house updates...I will post them in the morning! Goodnight all!

***PS-Since I have been SOOOOOO slacking on my blogging, I am going to be doing a GIVEAWAY for all of my faithful blogging friends! So stay tuned for that!

I am Alive!

2009-05-04T23:54:00.003-04:00

I really am still alive. I will be getting back to regular posting soon! The house is coming along! I will have photos to post tomorrow. It was too dark when I left this evening to take photos! I cannot believe how quickly it is moving now. So a few things...

My Mom now blogs! LOL ;) She may stop by your blogs and say hello. She was asking me how to find blogs and I told her to just stop by my bloggers sites, because we all know we are the coolest out there! ;) So if you feel the urge to stop by her blog and say hello...if she has not already stopped by yours, you can find her here.

Also I wanted to let you ladies know that My Sister In Law just got her Etsy store started...She makes Wedding Bouquets and such. Stop over there and check her out if you would like to...You can find her here.

Until tomorrow! I am off to snooze!

Renovation Cape Cod

2009-04-27T22:55:00.006-04:00

The Project worked on today took my Hubby and a family friend to complete, and all day! But the smaller windows are gone and there is a bigger window for above the kitchen sink!!! Woo Hoo!

Above: Here is our Shack before.

Above: Inside view of the kitchen windows.

Above: A big hole in my house...Ahhh!
Above: Ta Da! New Window! It looks a bit small but after shutters, tall lanscape and a window flower box are added it will be much better. Not to mention how much more light it gives off in the kitchen.

Above: Inside View! ;)

{So while the guys were doing that today, I pulled weeds}

Above: I started new seeds today.

***When I went away for a week my husband had been spraying STARCH on them. How a starch bottle looks like my clear water bottle...Who Knows! Anyways...Restarted my seeds today, If I go out of town again I will get a plant sitter! LOL ;)

Above: More! I stole a piece of wood from my hubby to make a table top in the garage.

Above: Also something I had been working on is this massive mound of weeds in the front yard! Still am not done but I dont have much to go!

Above: Looks much better. Cant wait to plant stuff! Woo Hoo!

Above: I know you are not supposed to cover these things up but it is so hideous...Any ideas?

Thanks for looking! I am getting too ancy! I cant wait until all the fun stuff comes! Like paint colors, lighting, and picking out flooring! ;) Until then I think I will keep working outside, and on my tan too!

Have a great night all!

Saturdays Scrapper

2009-04-25T01:47:00.003-04:00

This week I thought that I would just show a few random photos of Scrapbooking & Crafting Room items I have come across and love.

Someone asked me how I pull off finding things for this post. . . Well,

I search all all the time for new inspiration and I save photos in a folder on my desktop, that way when I can always turn to my Inspiration folders for new fresh ideas. I am always finding pretty ideas and inspiration, especially because I love home decorating and scrapbooking so why not tie the two in together!?!

My Handy Mans Work

2009-04-24T22:33:00.003-04:00

I bought this on ebay for only 2 dollars!
Here is the handy man hubby of mine!

Here is the new staircase...being mudded!

Another view!

Here is the Master Bedroom ahead from the hallway.

Here is the other bedroom upstairs. We now have two rooms upstairs from moving the staircase.

The bathroom...New cement board to put up my white subway tiles ;)

We are moving along slowly but surely!

Just a quick one?

2009-04-23T17:20:00.002-04:00

Yahoo Messenger...does anyone still use this? I just reinstalled it.

If you still use it please feel free to add me: Ashleycornewell@yahoo.com or leave a comment telling me what messenger service you use?

Also leave a comment with your username on yahoo so I can add you!

Thanks

Front Porch Wisdom

2009-04-23T02:41:00.003-04:00

FRONT PORCH WISDOM

Easy Deviled Eggs Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, then mash until they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up, mixing thoroughly. Cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done for easy clean up Expanding

Frosting When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar/calories per serving.

Reheat Pizza Heat up leftover pizza in a non-stick skillet on top of the stove. Set heat to med-low and heat until warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza.

Reheating refrigerated bread To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.

Newspaper weeds away Start putting in your plants. Work the nutrients in your soil. Wet some newspapers, put layers of the papers around the plants overlapping as you go. Cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic but they will not get through wet newspapers.

Broken Glass Use a dry cotton ball to pick up little broken glass pieces ofglass. The fibers catch ones you can't see!

No More Mosquitoes Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.

Squirrel Away! To keep squirrels from eating your plants, sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.

Bikes If you purchase a new bike for your child, place their picture inside the handle bar before placing the grips on. If the bike is stolen and later recovered, remove the grip and there is your proof who owns the bike.

Flexible vacuum To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge, add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.

Reducing Static Cling Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and - voila - static is gone.

Measuring Cups Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup…fill it with hot water. Dump out the hot water but don't dry the cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter and watch how easily it comes right out.

Foggy Windshield? Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car. When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!

Reopening envelope If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside, just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Voila! It unseals easily.

Conditioner Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's a lot cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair...

Goodbye Fruit Flies To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass, fill it one-half with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dishwashing liquid, mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!

Get Rid of Ants Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it "home," and can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works and you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed! Take baby powder to the beach Keep a small bottle of baby powder in your beach bag. When you’re ready to leave the beach, sprinkle yourself and kids with the powder and the sand will slide right off your skin.

Use a dryer sheet for cleaning Use a dryer sheet to clean electronic items like TV, Computer Screen etc. it takes the dust off and helps repel dust.
Peppermint water helps upset bellies Peppermint water is great for upset bellies!! Especially for babies... 1/2 to 1 peppermint in an 8oz bottle. Babies love it and it calms them down!

Got stinky pits? Got underarm B.O. that even the deodorants won't get rid of? Try this: put a slice of raw, white potato under each armpit, keep it there for a few minutes, then toss the tater slices in the trash, rinse your underarms, apply deodorant, and the B.O. will disappear! Laugh if you want, but, IT WORKS!!

Want that "Windex" shine for less? Use an unused coffee filter to clean glass. It doesn't leave lint or streaks.

Have a serious pet hair problem? To rid your vehicle of pet hair, use the rubber side of a "squeegee" (a windshield cleaner). It will scrape all the hair up in a ball and allow you to pick it up. This helps b/c I can never just vacuum all the pet hair up. You can use this method on your seats and carpet.

The Heinz 57 trick When attempting to get ketchup out of a glass bottle in a restaurant, you simply need to aim the bottle at your plate and hit the number 57 with the palm of your hand. The "57" should be where the bottle widens up. It is just a raised up number. Trust me; it works.
Boil Cure Cover the boil with Hunt’s Tomato Paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.

Flu Achy Muscles Mix 1 tablespoon of horseradish in 1 cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as massage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.

Splinter Remover Pour a drop of Elmer’s Glue-All over the splinter, let dry and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter will stick to the dried glue.

Bug Killer If menacing bees, wasps, hornets or yellow jackets get in your home and you can’t find the insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground instantly.Shower Cleaner for Pennies 3 parts water to 1 part bleach for tile cleaner PLUS 1TB of vinegar for soap scum. Just spray after shower and walk away. Cheaper than buying already made at the store.

Easy Ice Pack If you need an ice pack for a bruise or swelling, here's one that's cheap, easy, and mess-free... use a package of frozen veggies. Then, just throw them back in the freezer when you're done.
Want to Look Like a Spring Chicken? Use egg whites on your skin! They harden pimples to get rid of them faster, and they're also cheap and convenient!

Tired of Buying Glass Cleaner? Try air freshener! Just spray it on mirrors or windows. It does a great job and leaves behind a beautiful fragrance!

Got a Headache? Cut a lime in half and rub it on your forehead. Throbbing goes away instantly!

Dirty Dishwater Works Miracles on Your Houseplants This is an old-time Florida trick! Use your dirty dish water to water your plants! Not only are you conserving water, the soap acts as a pH balancer and the little bits of food left behind act like fertilizer for the plant! Happy gardening!

Hate Drippy Ice Cream Cones? Keep ice cream from dripping out of the bottom of your ice cream cone by putting 2 miniature marshmallows in the bottom of the cone before scooping in the ice cream!

Find Out If Your Power's Gone Out While You Were... If you're going out of town for any length of time, put a small bowl of ice cubes in your freezer. When you come home, if the cubes are melted in the bowl, you'll know the power was out for a long time and you need to check on your food.

Dull Pins and Needles? If you are using a needle or safety pin and it becomes dull, run it through your hair. It sharpens it right up! Another nice trick (and a wonderful keepsake) is to make a pun cushion from your children's hair clippings.

Pet Hair Stuck in a Brush? Run the brush under cold water, turn over, and tap. Fur comes out in one hunk to be thrown away.

Want Streak-Free Windows? Clean with water-soaked newspaper. Dry with dry newspaper. Streak-free!

Stinky Car Carpet? Place a bar of Irish Spring soap underneath the seat! The bar of soap absorbs moisture and odor.

Want Sparkling Silver? Even if you think it's beyond repair, scrub it with some toothpaste! It will shine right up! And on pieces with a lot of detail, use a toothbrush.

Get Rid of Ant Piles! Sprinkle some Gains laundry powder on them and they won't come back!

How About An Easier-To-Clean Kitchen? When you're baking, spray "no-stick" spray (like Pam) over the door or rack of your dishwasher for easier clean-up. Spraying the sink helps, too! You won't have to scrub the areas you've sprayed.

Look No Further Than Your Medicine Chest for Cheap Carpet Cleaner... Use cheap, generic shaving cream. Spray it on the areas you need to clean, then wipe with a brush or cloth. Works at home and in the car!
Out of Bleach and Need to Disinfect? Peroxide works to clean and disinfect better and more safely than bleach. A capful of peroxide to a spray bottle of water works wonders!

Get Rid of Aches and Pains on the Cheap... Make a rice bag! Take a clean sock and full it with rice (not instant). Tie it off and microwave for 10 seconds. Great for your neck or back and works wonders for cramps, ladies!

Love bugs Be Gone!!! Take a new - not used - dryer sheet. Wet it. It will wash those love bugs off your car with little effort!

Want to Cool Your Car More Quickly? When you get into your hot car, always lower your back windows or open the rear van windows. This will allow cool air conditioning to push the hot air out!

Get Those Sneakers Dry Fast! The quickest way to dry your sneakers out is to stuff newspaper in them. The newspaper absorbs the moisture. Do it before you go to bed and they'll be dry by morning.

Got Red Ant Bites? Use Skin-So-Soft from Avon or WD40 to get the itch out.

Wasp Stings HURT... Get the sting out of a bee or wasp sting by taping a penny to it and leaving it there for 10 minutes. It will stop the sting and you won't even be able to tell where you got stung by the next day!

Got Stains? Skip the bleach. Soak spots on clothing in a mixture of detergent-water and baking soda, then put the clothes outside on a sunny day. Let Mother Nature do the rest!

Simple, Natural Cleaners... Coffee filters make great eyeglass cleaners. Just rub it over the lenses. Vinegar and water makes great mirror and window cleaner. Put alcohol in a spray bottle and spray on your kitchen counters. Keeps ants away.

Natural Swimmers' Ear Remedy... Use 1 part vinegar and 3 parts alcohol. Put a few drops in each ear to dry up the water inside of them.

Breathe Away Stress... keep lavender near your bed or wherever you relax.

Tummy Pains? Place one peppermint candy in a glass of water. As the peppermint melts, stir and sip the peppermint water.

Need an Earring Back in a Pinch? Cut off a pencil eraser and work the earring post into it. It will hold the earring snug against your earlobe.

Overbake Your Cookies? Soften them up by placing a slice of bread in the sealed cookie container and your cookies will soften right up.

Positive Reinforcement Mantra... When you are afraid, remember this: Courage is not the absence of feat, but the realization and acceptance that something is more important than fear.

Put an End to Ingrown Toenails... Notch out a "V" shape right in the center of the big toenail each time you trim, and you'll never be bothered with ingrown toenails or the throbbing pain/infection associated with them ever again.

Earache? Hit the Potty... If you have an earache, put a couple of drops of your urine in your ear. Works like magic! Instant relief.

Tasty Meat Made Easy... Always marinate your meat for at least three days, and parboil your meat a little before you BBQ it.

Bubblegum in Your Child's Hair? Use peanut butter to get it out! The oil in the peanut butter loosens the gum and won't leave behind the grease that cooking oils will.

Want Tender, Juicy Meat? Fill a clean spray bottle with half vinegar and half water. Spray both sides of the meat, season, and cook in the oven or grill.

Whiter Teeth Made Less Expensive... Brush your teeth with baking soda. It does just as good a job as expensive whiteners.

Dull Stainless Steel? Use Pledge to bring back that shine!

Easy Lint Pick-Up... Use a used dryer sheet to clean out the lint catcher in your dryer.

Save Money and Soften Your Clothes... Cut your dryer sheets in half! They work just as well!

Windex Cleans Upholstery and Carpets... Spray the spot with Windex and it disappears!

Quick Clean-Up for Incontinence... Use a non-mentholated shave cream for a quick clean-up on skin.

Clean Your Microwave More Quickly... Take a microwave-safe glass and fill with water. Heat to a boil and let boil for a few minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the microwave and wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. The hot moisture helps loosen those stubborn spills!

Here's an Awesome Ice Pack... When you go to the dentist or have surgery and need a quick ice pack. use a bag of small frozen peas.

I was looking for a remedy to keep ants away and I found this awesome list, so I thought I would share!

Saturdays Scrapper

2009-04-18T16:54:00.005-04:00

This weeks scraproom is Fleur-de-Lisa from Twopeasinabucket.com! LOVE LOVE LOVE her room.

This next person I have been wanting to feature for a long time...one of our fellow bloggers {who by the way loves scrapbooksetc magazine as much as I do} Jackie4U2C She not only does amazing scrapbooking but she makes these adorable altered notebooks and clipboards...

Check out her blog and also she sells these fabulous notebooks in her Ebay store!

It feels like forever since I have been posting, the house is going well and I will update with photos later. I am getting super excited for the fun part!!! I will be back in full action posting everyday as soon as we are finishing up and moved into the house! Cant wait, thanks in advance for all of you who stick around! ! ! Love you girls!

Crazy Eights! {Eight is Enough}

2009-04-14T01:52:00.002-04:00

{8 Things I am Looking Forward to:}
-Wearing capris and flipflops *agreed
-Unpacking our house
-Having a scraproom/craftroom again
-Camping & Fishing
-Having a laundry room
-Shipshewana
-Finally being able to have a real size christmas tree
-Planning my sisters Wedding

{8 Things I did Yesterday:}
-Went to Church breakfast
-Drove to Middlebury super Early in the morning
-Watched my little sister and brother hunt for eggs and open their Easter baskets
-My sister and I cooked Easter Dinner for the first time
-Helped my sister start her veggie seeds
-Went to Menards and bought a light for the house
-Ate too much ham and pie!!! Mmmm!
-Helped my sister look online for wedding inspiration (which I will be posting soon]

8 Things I Wish I Could Do:
-Travel to other countries
-Have more money
-Live closer to MY family
-Finish my degree
-*Unspoken request
-Go to a Sugarland Concert and meet them!!!
-Have more patience
-Eat chocolate and never gain weight ;)

{8 Shows I Watch:}
-Greys Anatomy
-The Office
-American Idol
-Martha Stewart
-Any show on HGTV
-DIY network
-TCT
-CNN HLN (every morning} w/ Robin Meade

I now tag anyone that would like to join

Other Uses for Aluminum Foil

2009-04-08T02:55:00.000-04:00

{How cute is this dog}

*Make cute hats for your dog! ;)

*Keep birds out of your fruit trees. Hang twisted strips of aluminum all over your fruit trees using fishing line. The light reflections and the sound will keep birds away from your fruit.

*Re-soften hard brown sugar. Many people put hard brown sugar in the microwave to soften it up, but this can actually backfire and make the sugar harden even more. Instead, wrap the block of hardened sugar in some aluminum foil and bake in a 300° (Fahrenheit) oven for 5 minutes.

*Put a wadded-up ball of aluminum foil in your dryer with a load of clothes to reduce static cling.

*When ironing, put a piece of aluminum foil under the ironing board cover. The foil will reflect the heat from the iron so you can essentially iron both sides at once.

*To keep your silver jewelry from turning, put a small piece of tinfoil in each jewelry box.

*A cake decorating tube - shape heavy-duty aluminum foil into a cone or tube with a small opening at one end and a larger opening at the other. Pour frosting into larger end and squeeze out the smaller end.

*When your scissors get dull, I layer about 7 pieces of foil and cut through them, and the scissors are sharp once again.

*Ball up some foil and use it to clean the gunk off your grill . It cleans just as well as a wire scrub brush.

*Use foil to start your seedlings.

*Place a piece of foil under the napkin in the serving basket and hot rolls will stay warm longer.

**To stave off hunger in a hotel room when traveling, buy bread, cheese and aluminum foil. Make a cheese sandwich, wrap it in foil, then press it with a travel iron. In minutes you’ll have a toasted, melted cheese sandwich. {How Clever}

*Protect hardware from paint

*Scrub glass or metal bakeware clean

If you have any more tips...add them in your comments! I would love to hear them!!!

Random Home Decor Inspiration

2009-04-06T23:30:00.004-04:00

I really like this furniture...It is light but with the pillows it is just the right color amount. I too love the floors.

The element I like about this photo is the built in storage...Even if it is not built in, it looks like it and I love it.

K I pretty much like everything about this space...the rug, the wall color and the wall word art, the book shelf, the dog pillow, you get it! I like everything in here.

I posted this picture because I like the hutch in the back {I am looking for one like it} I also am curious of your opinion on the Drum Shade light?

I want one but my hubby said "the 70's called and they want there light back" :) He is going to freak when I put one up!

This is just cheerful!

This would fix the problem in my house in Virginia...In the master bedroom we have only a window on the right side and not the left. This would balance it out.

I like the shabby feel. I can only enjoy photos because hubby wont let me decorate in Shabby! He is old! ;)

K so I ordered lighting like the above picture on Ebay for a steal of only $24.00 for 5 of them {beats $200.00} But then I get an email from the seller saying that she refunded my money today because her husband ran over the box in the driveway backing his trailor in!?! Grrr! I am so mad! I was looking so forward to them, I am going to have to just look for another deal. I'm Bummed though!

I love these shades... I also love how the cabinet doors are like shutters. I also like the medicine cabinets dual doors!

Enjoy! Happy Monday Ladies!

Saturdays Scrapper

2009-04-04T21:55:00.005-04:00

Okay so I have always loved her work...but now I have to showcase it. She has fabulous work coming out of her ears! I love her work. Check out her Blog here at PixelTrashMania and her other here at My Paper Crafting Obsession. Here is some of her work!

This card above is just one of my favorites...Check her out to see how she did it!

Some Inspiration

Above: I found this lovely room on Desiretoinspire.com

Above: I love this ribbon storage. I want it. If only I could remember where I found this photo!?!

Have a Happy Saturday!

And Remember I just got my button for the bloggers that I feature in my Saturdays Scrapper.If you would like to submit a photo of your scrapbook work, altered art, organization ideas or photos, tips and techniques, your scrapbooking/craft space, or your favorite crafting/scrapbooking spaces, or anything scrapbooking... I would love to post photos linking to you! Just email them to me at Ashleycornewell@yahoo.com, make sure you tell me which blog or website you would like me to link it back to.

Day 4 Progress of Our Cape Cod

2009-04-04T13:40:00.008-04:00

So...It is day 4 of our renovation. Our goal is to move in on May 1st!

Here is our soon to be kitchen, the hubby had to make it a bit smaller because of the support beams for moving the stairs. We will be replacing the two smaller windows with one larger window.

I am almost finished gutting the bathroom. I decided to tile the surround. When removing the wall behind the toilet we found an extra closet that the previous owners had blocked off!?! How stupid, the toilet will be moved back into the closet space and the vanity will be sitting in a closet that was in the hallway which is now blocked off and open to the bathroom.

Here is another view of the newly moved stairs.

Again. LOVE IT!

Where the stairs used to be.

These are our kitchen cabinet door fronts Before

Again...
Now with trim...They will be painted a creamy white and will have new SHINY {Bling Bling :)} knobs.

SEED STARTING UPDATES

Now Remeber back in my post about gardening...Well now I have a yard to garden in, so I started some of my seeds. Today is the first day they sprouted. YAY! I have never had a garden so lets see how it works out!

*Tip: I used Large Popsicle Sticks to label my seeds {tounge depressers}

Home Decor Easter Style

2009-04-03T12:48:00.003-04:00

I like to keep it simple...Pretty soon I will be able to show what my ACTUAL decorations look like when our house is finished.

Sources: Michaels.com, Marthastewart.com

I am going to be going over in a bit to take some pictures!

Moist Blueberry Muffins

2009-04-02T03:05:00.003-04:00

Latley I have been wanting to make some blueberry muffins from scratch...Here is a great recipe I found on Cooks.com

MOIST BLUEBERRY MUFFINS

2 eggs
3/4 c sugar
1/2 c applesauce
1/2 c milk
6 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour (can use half cake flour)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen

Set the oven to 375 degrees.
Wash the blueberries and set aside to dry. When the blueberries are dry, roll them in sugar(confectioners sugar works best).

Grease a large 12 muffin tray or line it with foil liners.

Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs until frothy.

Gradually add the sugar and maple syrup and continue to beat for one minute.

Stir in the applesauce, milk and vanilla.

Mix together the dry ingredients.
Add the flour, baking powder, salt and stir batter only until the ingredients are incorporated.

Do not overmix. Batter should remain slightly lumpy.
Divide the batter in half.

Gently fold the blueberries into one half of the batter. Spoon the batter without the blueberries into the bottom third of each muffin cup.

Top off with one third of batter containing blueberries. (One third off the cup remains empty for rising).

Continue until all batter is used.

Bake in a preheated oven for 20 - 25 minutes or until golden and the center springs back when gently pressed.

Brush tops of each muffin with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse granulated sugar.

*You can make coarse granulated sugar if you don't have any. Just put some cubes of sugar into a ziploc bag and rollover them gently with a rolling pin.

Remove the muffins from the oven and set on a wire cooling rack for 10 - 20 minutes.

Makes 12 muffins.

Some More Inspiration and Your Opinions Needed

2009-03-27T13:02:00.006-04:00

We are really focusing on trying to get the kitchen done first. But I need some advice. These pictures have something that I like in each of them, I just need some advice!

Question #1? Do you think a creamy off-white would last style wise?

Question #2? Do you like underneath the base of the cooktop how it looks like furniture?

Above: I really like the pull knobs.

Question # 3? Do you think it is wise to encase the vent above the stove like this picture below?

Question # 4? Do you think this cabinet style will last style wise?

Above: I love the spindle holding the breakfast bar. And the bar stools too.

Above: No you are not seeing double...the one thing I really like about this kitchen is the window, the shade on the window, and the small chandelier?

Above: I absolutley do not like these colors but my idea for a cost effective backspack was doing beadboard matching the cabinet color.

If you had to choose a backsplash which one would you choose?

1. Painted Beadboard
2. Painted faux brick

I thought that I would through in a few pictures that I came across for bathrooms and laundry room.

Thanks for looking and thanks in advance if you leave me some of your opinions! Have a wonderful weekend.

Just a Few of the Wedding Photos

2009-03-25T00:12:00.004-04:00

After the Rehearsal we all went to the Komets Hockey Game...this is the Groom in my Coach sun glasses {styling}, and one of the groomsman. They gave us all matching shirts to wear to the game with our nicknames on them, such a cute idea. I was #6 - Smashley!

This is my sister in law...Ronda {the bride} ! She looked absolutley beautiful.This is the bride and her amazing 3 kids
Here is adorable Kennedy the flower girl

And her two boys, Kyle & Konner...they brought tears to my eyes when they walked her down the aisle.

Here is the Limo for the bridal...You could not ask for more of a perfect day! The sun was out and it was perfect.
We opened a bottle of champagne for a toast to the new Mr & Mrs Jeff Clark! Congrats to them.
I took this photo while we were waiting to enter into the reception hall. They look so happy! They are adorable together.

This is my Hubby and I getting some fresh air.

This is my husband and his little sister! She looks so happy!

There are LOTS more wedding pictures {of the decorations and flowers my other talented sister in law arranged, they are her camera and my mother in laws camera too! I will be posting them soon. The wedding was absolutley beautiful!

Congrats to the Bride & Groom! Best Wishes!

***By the way we close on our house on Tuesday the First!!! YAY I am super excited! Tomorrow morning we get to go pick up the kitchen cabinets, we have to leave at 7am sharp! So off to bed I am! I promise I will be catching up with my comments soon. XOXO

Easter Tags Winner

2009-03-23T18:03:00.002-04:00

The winner of my Easter Tags Giveaway is Shay from Everyday Moments! Stop over at her site and congratulate her.

I used Random.Org for picking the winner!

Saturdays Scrapper

2009-03-23T17:21:00.007-04:00

For some reason this was set up to post on Saturday but did not...so here it is. Sorry it is Monday! But better late than never!!!

My first Scrapper from TwoPeasinaBucket.com is MrsTW from Georgia. She has been a member since 2001. This is her updated Scrapbook space. They added on in Nov 2007 she got the studio of my dreams!

She is super lucky to also have a tv room and 1/2 bath that are attached to my studio. This space serves for her as 3 purposes. A sewing area, a scrapbooking area, and her desk for both home and her small home based business! Which she makes competition suits for Female Figure and Fitness competitors and Female Bodybuilders.

I love the black cabinetry which seems to be really in right now. Also she has a lot of counter space...which makes all the difference when you are creating.

I love to see paper color coordinated. It makes scrapping easy.

Having plenty of drawer space makes a huge difference too, and to only be this organized would be wonderful. I am jealous!!!

My next room is a new room posted on TwoPeas. It is KPSmom. She has been a member of TwoPeasinabucket since 2003!

This is the Adams Craft Table Collection at Target. So many of you have asked about this particular item. The prices for this collection range from $79.99 - $229.99! Which by the way they are offering Free Shipping and they are on sale online right now.

Below is Pottery Barns Bedford Project Table Set, which is also lovely. This is sold as a set but the price tag is pretty hefty...@ $1099.00, They also charge you a surcharge of $120.00 for Delivery.

Thanks for looking, and again I am sorry it is just now posted.

I will be posting the wedding pictures soon on my personal blog...It was great!

I am back!!!

2009-03-20T14:13:00.002-04:00

I am finally back from Washington DC! I posted the pictures on my personal blog. Stop over and check out our highlights from the trip. There are 3 different entries of pictures so be sure to see them all.

Glad to be back, but now I am super busy with My sister In Laws Wedding. We have the rehearsal dinner tonight in a few hours and the wedding tomorrow.

The only thing I will be posting until then is my Saturdays Scrapper. Then on Monday I will be back to posting my regular Domestic Divas Stuff! Cant wait to get back to normal stuff...I will have photos of the wedding though!

I miss you all! I will be back in comission soon, I will comment back to all comments Monday! So dont think I have forgotten about you all!

I am participating in Scrapbook Sunday

2009-03-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

This is my first post on Scrapbook Sunday, featured by Holly and Noelle. They started such a fun event to post a few of your scrapbook layouts every Sunday. This weeks theme calls for Something Sunny!!! So here are mine.

This is a small 6 x 6 altered scrapbook that I am in the process of making for my little sister Haley. It is when she visited me last summer at our house in Virginia. This is the front of the book.

Here is one of the pages...I am still working on it.

Next...

This is When Adam and I were in Alaska...We went down to Seward, Alaska to go on a whale watching cruise. The day started out really rainy and by the end of the day it was so sunny. We got to see Killer Whales, sea otters, the alaskan penguin, a puffin, and some seals. It was amazing. The views were breathtaking. We even spotted bald eagles everywhere.

This page is one out of Adam {hubby's} scrapbook. It is of him on graduation day from Basic Training in The US Air Force. It was really sunny and nice that day he said. For March in Texas it was about 60 which he said They consider that cold in Texas. LOL, I would kill for it to be 60 here in Indiana!

Anyways check out the girls Noelle and Holly to see who else has joined to show their Layouts! And also check out theirs!

By the way today is the last day to enter in my Easter Giveaway, It will end at 12 midnight and tomorrow morning I will announce the winner.

We Made It!

2009-03-14T21:51:00.003-04:00

We made it into Washington DC around 5 this evening. Most all of the museums were closed so we decided to go to IKEA!!! Holy crap why did I not know how great this place was. It was like a museum and their prices are incredible. I cannot wait to buy stuff for the new house. It was amazing. I am off to go to bed for now. I will keep you updated! Tomorrow we will be visiting the Washington Monument and The Smithsonian Museum...Have you ever been to DC? Where should we go? There is so much to do I only want to visit the neat/cool stuff.

Saturdays Scrapper

2009-03-14T04:51:00.002-04:00

Taryn from The Colorado Desert has such a great ribbon storage post. Check out her post on how she did it, also with a great closet organization BEFORE and AFTER shot.

I am super excited, I just got my button for the bloggers that I feature in my Saturdays Scrapper.
If you would like to submit a photo of your scrapbook work, altered art, organization ideas or photos, tips and techniques, your scrapbooking/craft space, or your favorite crafting/scrapbooking spaces, or anything scrapbooking... I would love to post photos for you!
Just email them to me at Ashleycornewell@yahoo.com, make sure you tell me which blog or website you would like me to link it back to.

This is a photo that I have been waiting to show...it is from Scrapbooksetc.com and it was in one of their issues last year. I love this because they used a entertainment center. I have seen so many of these at thrift stores for super cheap and the amount of things you could fit in it are endless. Plus painting it to match your rooms colors would be ideal. I am probably going to do this in the new house. I cannot wait to get our house finished and get into our house.

This photo is from Scrapbookobsession.com, I love those clear drawers...I have a few of them and the are so wonderful because they are see thru!

This photo is also from Scrapbookobsession.com, I love that purse style storage...so pretty yet it functions. I always put my current projects in baskets because it keeps all of my tools in the basket. So when I want to take that certain project out and work on it I have everything I need right there.

I just had to share this because I just love this style of shelving. I would really like the hubby to build this for my scrapbooking room. We will see if it ever happens. I may just have to buy one!

Happy Saturday!

Wanna be in the Spotlight? Saturdays Scrapper!!!

2009-03-13T15:23:00.006-04:00

Hey All! ! ! I am super excited, I just got my button for the ones that I feature in my Saturdays Scrapper.

If you would like to submit a photo of your scrapbook work, altered art, organization ideas or photos, tips and techniques, your scrapbooking/craft space, or your favorite crafting/scrapbooking spaces, or anything scrapbooking... I would love to post photos for you!

Just email them to me at Ashleycornewell@yahoo.com, make sure you tell me which blog or website you would like me to link it back to.

By the way if any of you are wanting a link button that links back to your blog for people to add to their blogs...I got a super deal. Only $3.00 for the design and code. Visit Box of Hearts Etsy site!!! She did both of my new link button code thingys! She is really fast, I had my buttons done within the same day, exactly what I wanted and she was fast and she is a sweetheart! She is just starting out on Etsy, so check her out!

My First Kitchen Inspirations

2009-03-11T01:15:00.006-04:00

I spent some time on HGTV's Rate My Space and found some photos for inspiration when we start working on the house.

I love the wicker breakfast bar chairs...and how the breakfast bar dips down. I also love pendant lights, just not to sure about the red ones. I think I am going to go all neutral.

I like the lighting and the wall color.

This picture below is actually my kitchen in our house in Virginia. I think I am going to stray from the red, but I love our cabinets, and our backsplash.

Here are some dining areas that I like...

We will have an extra space next to the living room, I would love to see it like this. It has french doors, I think I am going for a study area.

This picture, I love the kitchen, but I mainly wanted to show the stairs...we plan to leave the end of the moved staircase open like this one, all wood, white, airy and open! I love these floors.

My hubby does not agree with all of my inspiration photos, so we will have to meet in the middle or I will just do it the way I want it. He is the carpenter and I am the designer. After two houses already you would think he would get that. ;)

Anyways, hope you have enjoyed my inspiration photos. There are many more to come.

Crappy!

2009-03-09T21:36:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to stop in and say hello to you ladies...this is the first time I can keep my eyes open today because I have a double eye {both eyes are blood red} infection. The light hurts my eyes so bad. So I have been sleeping pretty much most of the day because for once I have dredded the sunlight. Hope you all have a great night.

Saturdays Scrapper

2009-03-07T17:11:00.004-05:00

First I want to start off with our very own Katie from Katies Nesting Spot. I just love her and her craftiness. If you havent already been to her blog you must. She features anything from crafts, cooking, and her daily life to fun and educational ways to help your little ones learn. Do stop by and tell her I sent you! Not only is her blog wonderful but she has become one of my Dear Blogging Friends! She just this week had a post on her blog about re-organizing her space! Check it out! It looks wonderful. I am jealous of her Ikea shelving! Once we get into our last and final house I WILL get one! ;)

LOVE IT...I WANT THIS SHELF! If it comes up missing Katie I didnt steal it! :)

This next picture is of a great organization idea with a cube shelf organizer.

This is an organization center for all you stampers!

Pottery Barn

This is also one of my favorite rooms too. I know, I know I have too many favorites. Source: HGTV's Rate my Space!!!

This is next one is of Scrapbooksetc's {the scrapbook mag} editors scrapbooking/crafting rooms! She went from a nursery to this. What great ideas. There are many more ideas on Scrapbooksetc.coms site.

By the way this shelf above is from Target.

I love those little buckets!

To see more check out ScrapbooksEtc.com.

If you are a Scrapbooker at all they have lots of great inspiration and freebies too!

Wedding Invitations

2009-03-06T21:28:00.004-05:00

Okay this is something I am attempting, because I love to design. Here are my first two Wedding Invitation Sets that I am going to try to start selling in my Etsy shop! Let me know what you think of them.

This is a set that I just finished to list in my Etsy shop!

Live, Laugh, Love - Set of 6 Cards with Envelopes

Before Photos of Our Fixer Upper!

2009-03-05T20:17:00.009-05:00

Here is the front of our Fixer Upper. You dont get very much for 29,000! ;)

So here are all of the before pictures.
Big huge rock in the front yard!?!

The lopsided Garage, this will be torn down and a two car attatched garage will be added.

Here is my handy man husband trying to unlock the door. By the way these stairs are so off centered. They wont be there for long.

Here is the hubby {Adam} measuring for moving the staircase.

Here is the before of the staircase which will be moved so the kitchen will be huge and the eat in dining area will be open to the kitchen.

The only thing I have to say about this bathroom is YUCK! Everything will be ripped out of here except for the bathtub and the vanity top.

The faucet is brand new looking.

I know, I know I said that we are keeping the bathtub, it looks gross but we will be having it repainted...it is porcelin, it is VERY durable and very easy to clean. The surround is really gross, that will be coming out, and we will be tiling the shower wall.

I am not a huge fan of Cape Cod style roofing but we will be making the up stairs into 2 bedrooms and a full bath by raising the back half of the roof. We talked about eventually putting dormers in the front with window seats.

This is the other side of the upstairs.

This is the scary view where there is no floor looking down into the what will be the formal dining room.

Here is a view from the second story looking down at where the stairs are now. NOT FOR LONG!!!

We were so bummed to look inside of this closet to see that whoever had lived here before must have ripped it out. This is original hardwood flooring. My sister in law bought the cape cod next door and underneath the carpet revealed LOVELY hardwood. It was in such great shape that they did not even have to refinish it.

This is the Laundry Room. It looks so gross, but I am so excited that I will finally have an actual laundry room. It will be very spacious. Enough for the washer and dryer, cabinets and a countertop for folding clothes.

This is part of the basement, We probably will use this side for a storage area.

Here is what was left of the kitchen, but it will be so much bigger because the stairs will be moved.

One thing I love about the property is the land is huge. We will be putting the dogs invisible fence up for now and then eventually a privacy fence, patio, and deck!

Looking at this makes me so excited because the Demolition is already done for us. We are going to have endless possibilities. I am going to be able to pick out absolutley everything for this house. My next post will be some inspiration photos of what I want the house to look like.

We have some work to do. We have done this with our first two homes so we know what we are up for! We are so excited.

Check out my Personal Blog for a poem for all of you, I dont know what I would do without all of you!!!

Also only 10 more days to enter my Easter Tag Giveaway!

YAY! They accepted our offer

2009-03-04T16:13:00.003-05:00

We have just gotten word that they accepted our offer on the FIXER upper we want to buy! We should be closing in about a week. The house is completely gutted! This should be fun! I will post TONS of before and after photos!

Come and Get your Award

2009-03-04T06:15:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Jacque @ Jacque4U2C gave all of her followers this award. ***By the way if you dont follow her and you love scrapbooking, you should! I love her inspiration!

So, You are suppose to pass this along to your 10 favorites...but I am going to do what Jacque did. It is always so hard to pick only 10 people so...This award goes to everyone's blog I follow and whomever follows my blog!!!! Hooray - Congrats Chicas! Post this baby up, it is super cute.

17 Days until the Big Wedding Day!Wedding Stuff I am working on!

2009-03-04T00:43:00.005-05:00

17 Days until my Sister In Law {Ronda's} Wedding...I just finished these today!

Bling Bling!

Dont Forget my Easter Tag Giveaway ends on March 15th, dont forget to enter here!

Grrrr!

2009-03-03T23:39:00.003-05:00

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I CANNOT change; Courage to to change the things I CAN; and the wisdom to KNOW the difference.

I feel like I have been neglecting my blog! I have not wanted to get on the computer because it was running so slow and everytime I would open up a blog that I was following it would pop up 300 bazillion windows. I fixed it so I am back!!!

Bachelorette Party!

2009-03-02T00:30:00.005-05:00

My Sister In Laws Bachelorette Party was a blast. Mission Accomplished! I want to give a special thanks to all you who helped give me such quick ideas to pull it together so quickly, I dont know what I would have done without you. Thanks to Crystal @ Olive Rue for the Bubble Gum game idea...It was SO FUNNY! Megan @ Live.Love.Laugh for great, quick decorating ideas and the buttons being handed out by the bride was a great idea too, it made for some great laughs, the soon to be MIL wore the Party Girl pin, which she is hardly the party girl, but it was funny! Jen @ Tatertots & Jello for your second on the game, I didnt have a bachelorette party either ;(. Shay @ Everyday Moments for her game idea! They loved it. And I too used your strangest place to get it on question! Also Ashley @ DomesticFashionista for the spa idea, didnt have time to use it this time, the scrapbook idea was great too...I made sure to get enough pictures to put into her scrapbook I am making her for the wedding. I would have never thought to have put pictures of the Bachelorette party in it. But we did put up some lights, you can see them on top of the cabinets. And we did a spin off of Truth or Dare, We did Never Have I ever...the girl with the most stickers and the girl with the least amount of stickers got a prize. Taryn @ The Colorado Desert had great ideas although Skinny Dipping was out of the question because was like -20 degrees here! And last but not least Julie @ Tattered Threads & Willing hands had me go to these {posts} and see her baby shower decor for inspiration. Loved it! Thank all of you so much. So now here are the photos to those of you that have been waiting. Sorry it took me so long to get them up, but it is 19 Days and counting until the big day. We have been busy little bees!

This is all of us girls at Agaves Mexican Restaurant in Fort Wayne.

This is the Bride to be in the middle, Mother of the bride on the left and Soon to be MIL on the right (the party girl).
We didnt have much time to decorate but here is a banner I found at JoAnn Fabrics. They have a section in the Wedding aisle that has bachelorette stuff, and balloons in the wedding colors spread around the house.
This photo is me asking the bride the bubble gum game questions. She was laughing so hard because she had a HUGE wad of gum in her mouth.

The Wad of Gum! HA!

Here is the Bride and (sister) Maid of Honor

Here is the Brides reaction after opening a card from some girls at work that displayed a naked, WELL endowed man on it. LOL!

It was a great party...cant wait to see all the girls again this Sunday for the Bridal Shower!

Saturdays Scrapper

2009-02-28T17:44:00.004-05:00

Tiffany over @ Shabby Scraps

Look at this room! I love it, not only is it a craft room, but its SHABBY!

Not only does she have a fabulous craft room but check out her blog! I love her home. It is wonderful and if you love Shabby Decor, check her blog out! I fell in love with it.

Dont forget to enter in my Easter Giveaway here!

Also Check out my new button, Steal it for your blog if you desire...I would appreciate it! I had it made BoxofHearts Etsy store, Check her out, she is great to work with and her pricing is GREAT...Glad I found her!

PS-I will be posting Pictures from the Bachelorette Party last night, which went really well. We all had a BLAST! Thank you all for your ideas, they all saved me!

I need your help!

2009-02-26T17:44:00.005-05:00

Okay so my sister in laws bachelorette party is TOMORROW and our plan was to go to dinner and then go out dancing...so no need for decorations or entertaining ideas, well now (as of 5 minutes ago) we are not going out but coming back to her girlfriends house, and since the party festivities were planned by me I have got to come up with quick ways to entertain like 25 gals at one of their houses and have NOTHING to work with. HELP PLEASE.....I cannot even go and set up any type of decorations until 5 pm tomorrow and dinner is at 7.

I know you are all some amazing women so please help me come up with the RAD party they think "martha stewart (me)" can come up with to put together fast.

Thank you all in advance! I have gotta run to do some shopping, but I will be posting pictures of how tomorrow evening goes!!!

I Love Blogging

2009-02-25T04:50:00.005-05:00

Katie over at Katie's Nesting Spot gave me this award today. She is such a creative crafty supermom, not to mention a great blogging friend! I swear with all of the crafting she does, I wonder when she has time to sleep! All of her work is brilliant and just FABULOUS!The rules of this award are:
1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

So...I wish I could give all of you this award, but linking it would take me a zillion years!

{So here it goes}

Jen @ Tatertots & Jello
Wendy @ Some of my Favorite Things
Taryn @ Colorado Dessert
Shay @ Everyday Moments
Rachel @ Our Crazy Beautiful Life
Crystal @ Olive Rue
Sweet Carolyn @ PitterPacker
Sarah @ Mrs D.Lightful
Julie @ Tattered Threads & Willing Hands
Erin @ Rare & Beautiful Tresures

Easter Giveaway

2009-02-24T15:53:00.007-05:00

I have finally gotten some things in my Etsy store, with much more to come, that I am working on...So I wanted to do a blog giveaway. This giveaway is for a set of 6 handmade "Happy Easter" Gift Tags. These tags are made from cardstock & designer paper. The backside is ready for To and From.

To Enter:

*Post One Comment for one Entry

*Become a Follower or if you already are: Post Two Comments for two entries.

{Thats a total of 3 EASY Entries!}

This Giveaway will end on Sunday March 15th at midnight. I will announce and contact the winner via email or blog comment.

Thanks for stopping by and Good Luck!

By the way this is my 60th Post with lots more to come!

I love you all! Cheers to my blogging friends! ;)

Mondays Mix of Tips

2009-02-24T00:53:00.004-05:00

My Idea Book - I came up with this "Idea Book" to get rid of my mountain of magazines. I have my 3 ring binder with all of my ideas neatly placed into plastic sheet protectors. I have it separated into categories:

*Decorating Inspiration

*Holidays

*Scrapbooking

*Recipes

*Organization Ideas

*Misc

Tip Jar - I have this jar sitting by the washer & dryer to put spare change in...I usually only find pennies ;) I used stickers to spell "Tip Jar" it makes me smile everytime I find change while doing laundry.

Saturdays Scrapper

2009-02-21T06:00:00.001-05:00

I am in the mood for Spring...And that means Easter is coming! I thought that this Saturdays Scrapper I would show some Easter Cards and Decor from the TwoPeas Site that are some of my favorite inspirations.

Ebethneu also at http://www.blogger.com/www.ebethonline.com

Luv_My_Boyz

Aprincesspea

And of course I couldnt leave you hanging without a Scraproom Photo or three...From GimmeCaffeine

Moments In Time

2009-02-20T21:38:00.004-05:00

Candy from Moments In Time asked me to design her blog header. Besides my own this is the first I have done. It was so much fun to do.

How to Grow Herbs Indoors

2009-02-19T17:42:00.003-05:00

Photo: Garden.org

Growing Herbs Indoors

Growing herbs is easy and fun to do, but it can be a challenge to do indoors. Basil & Dill are usually harder to grow indoors in the wintertime. Some of the most successful herbs to grow indoors will be Parsley, Chives, Thyme, Tarragon, Mints, Marjoram, and Sage.

I am going to ATTEMPT to grow:

*Basil

*Mint

*Oregano

*Chives

*Parsley

*Lavender (flowering herb)

*To begin, make sure you allow enough pot space for each plant and don't overcrowd them. Use containers which will be able to dry frequently, good drainage holes are very important.

*Choose a location which is very bright and away from heater vents and fireplaces. Most kitchens have enough light! If your kitchen does not have enough light you can buy special bulbs. The lights are not enough on their own but with a window as well, it should be bright enough.

* You will need to keep them warm as well as sunny.

*Use good potting soil and include a little bit of compost such as worm castings or black cow which will help the potting soil consistency. Make sure you let the soil become dry in-between watering, not enough to wilt the plant, just don't ever water a plant with wet soil.

*Large pots are crucial, 8-10" pots seem to do best for long term growth. Those cute little pots marked with the name of the herbs are very short term.

* Make sure you have good drainage, so watch for trays that catch water and keep the roots wet all the time.

*Rosemary, Thyme, Sage and Oregano must have a period of dry soil before they are watered again so make sure the soil gets dry most of the way down by only watering when the soil is very dry to the touch. Overwatering is the number 1 killer of indoor herbs. You can add gravel to trays or saucers and fill them with water for humidity, or mist the leaves of the plant once a week with a spray bottle.

*Pick your herbs frequently as it stimulates new growth but limit your cuttings to very small amounts, you don't want to cut too much of the plant away at one time...only clip away about 1/3 of the herb.

*To keep indoor pests that bother herbs in wintertime, mostly fungus gnats and whiteflies use soapy water to spray the leaves. Fungus gnats can be a problem since they live in the soil. The best thing to do is to try to remove the top 1/2 inch of the soil and replace it with fresh. If you still have a problem, drench the pot with soapy dishwater. Whiteflies should be sprayed with Neem II or sprayed with soapy water making sure to get the soap actually on the flies to kill them.

Wedding Cakes

2009-02-16T21:49:00.007-05:00

My sister in law is getting married next month as are quite a few people I know. So I am in the mood to post about Wedding cakes. I just recently went with her to a cake (bakery) store! My oh my are there some gorgeous cakes and ideas to choose from. Here are some of my favorites!

Cake Toppers

Mini Wedding Cakes

Cupcake Wedding Cakes

Wedding Cakes

Sources:

pinkcakebox.com

rachelskitchen.net

greatweddingcakes.blogspot.com

dotcombride.com

Saturdays Scrapper

2009-02-14T15:15:00.005-05:00

This weeks Saturday Scrapper from Two Peas is Scraplink.
Her room is full of storage and beauty.

I love how she has implemented all of the storage ideas. It looks very neat and organized.
I love this wall mounting storage idea. especially for ribbon. It makes it so everything is out where the eye can see.

I love these tags. It makes everything look so neat and organized.

Same with these photo boxes. I love photo boxes.

I have been tagged...Whats in my bag!?!

2009-02-13T12:33:00.004-05:00

Jennifer over at Tatertots & Jello has just tagged me to show whats in my bag. I am thrilled that she chose me! If you ever get a chance to just go over and check out her blog...do because it is great. Too you can see what is in her CUTE bag that only cost her $6.88...LOVE IT!

So here is my bag that I am currently using...My mom bought it for me this past summer. So I have no idea what it cost her. But I love it because there is enough room for the a small child to fit in here. ;) I thought that I would share this photo of my baby brother Mitchell and his love for my purses. It is too cute. It is like a bag of toys and fun to him.

And here are the contents...

- Car Keys

-My Wallet

-Tissues

-Neclace

-Batteries (the good digital camera kind)

-Pens, Post its

-Gloves

-Bridal Registry, for my Sister In Law

-There was also crumbled up receipts, change, and movie ticket stubs but I didnt think it was picture worthy! ;)

Here are the rules for the tag:
____________________________________________________________________ 1. Post a picture of whatever bag you are today - not last weekend when you and your hubby went out to that fabulous restaurant. No cheating!!!
____________________________________________________________________
2. Tell us how much it cost. This is a no-judgment zone -- there will be no ridiculing or eye rolling here. And, if there is a story to go along with how you obtained it, I'd love to hear it.
____________________________________________________________________
3. Now tag some fellow bloggers and link back to this post so people know why you are posting pictures of your bag.

So now I am tagging...

Taryn @ The Colorado Desert - I love her, I am going to hire her to come and be my personal chef...I swear when I read her blog I get hungry. She is always cooking up something yummy or crafty.

Katie @ Katies Nesting Spot - She is such a sweet woman, I call her the SuperCrafterMomma- She is super crafty and such a great momma. She is my crafty momma! ;)

Tierra @ Building an Empire for my Family - She is a Sweet young newlywed who is new to blogging, and is soon graduating to be a Nail Technician.

Wendy @ Some of my Favorite Things - I just love Wendy...she is one of the first bloggers that found my blog and she is soooo sweet. Not to mention she is so down to earth and her I cannot wait for her posts.

Shay @ Everyday Moments - All I can say is that I love her...She cracks me up. She is thrifty and creative all in one, now thats my kind of girl. Not to mention she is soo sweet.

Sarah @ Mrs D.Lightful - She is so nice. I love her blog. She is one of those bloggers that you feel like she has been your friend forever. Her blog rocks, it is always filled with new and exciting things.

Sweet Caroline @ PitterPacker - I love her...she is so hip! You can tell that she is very proud of her family and friends. She shares my passion for beautiful things...her posts always feature all things beautiful. I love her taste.

Layla @ The Lettered Cottage - She is so talented...I wish I lived closer to her. Not only is she super sweet but she is SOOOOO Designer talented. I wish I had her talent. I would not doubt if she has a few color swatches in her bag...(which I would lie if I ever said that I didnt before, because I love a good color swatch, thats for sure!!!)

Ashley @ Domestic Fashionista - I swear she is my twin! Not only are we both Ashleys with Domestic love, but we have love for a lot of the same things. She is so sweet, I would not be suprised if she has a lot of the same things in her bag that I do. Love her!

Olive Rue - She is the sweetest! I love her blog. She definatley shares my design love. Plus I love visiting her blog because her header is just the cutest. It shows her personality. Her comments are just always so heartfelt and special. I am glad that I blogged into her. ;)

Just because I didnt put you on this list does not mean that you cannot participate in this fun post...I would LOVE to see what all of you have in your bags...I just dont have too much time to write about all of you...My laundry is calling my name!!! So please post a comment on here if you wanna join in on the fun! It is a great way to get to meet other bloggers.

My OWOH Giveaway Winner is...

2009-02-12T00:32:00.003-05:00

The winner of my first giveaway is......This Girl Remembers! Congratulations!

LAST DAY TO ENTER! Enter My First Giveaway...One World - One Heart 2009 Participant

2009-02-11T10:53:00.004-05:00

Today is the last day to enter in my OWOH Giveaway...It will end at 11:59pm! If you have not entered yet...please do! Just post a comment on this post. The winner will be announced tomorrow morning! ;)
Well, I decided to go ahead and try this out...I am aboard the Gypsy Caravan! It is my first giveaway EVER! So... if you want to participate as well click the blue circle to go to One World One Hearts Blog.

You don't have to participate to check out the ones who's blogs feature giveaway...but I encourage you to enter because it is a way to get to know other bloggers and find new blogs as well.

This is my giveaway.

Set of 5 Cutie Pie Cards - Blank inside, with envelopes.

And a heart pen.

To enter all you have to do is post a comment on this post. I will announce a winner on Thursday, February 12th, so please make sure you comment by 11:59PM on Wednesday February 11th.

Shopping in Shipshewana, Indiana - Amish Country

2009-02-10T15:16:00.012-05:00

Im back after a long 4 day weekend!!! I went out of town this past weekend for my sisters birthday. I stayed at my Parents in Middlebury, Indiana which is 10 minutes to Shipshewana, Indiana...which both are Amish Country (no my parents are not Amish). Today we went into town to go to all the little shops and I thought that I would share these photos with you. The shops are so unique and one of a kind.

This is one of the roads that has all shops on it.

This is a close up of one of the stores.

And another

This is the Mercantile Building which has AMAZING STORES in it. From home decor, scrapbooking, and fabric stores to candy shops and cafes. They even have a 1906 fully restored Carosel on the third floor.

Oil of Gladness was one of my favorite stores. They sold handmade oil candles, potpourri, wax candles, candle warmers, warmer melts, engraved signs, and a variety of country primitive home decor. I bought some candles and they smell good enough to eat.

Here is a quilt that was hanging in the entryway of the building.

This store I have been in before but it was closed, they are only open on Friday and Saturday! :(
They have ADORABLE vintage items. I took a picture through the window...they had a display of Vintage Valentine items.

And this apron outsite on a Vintage looking stand.

This is a 357 Year old tree that stands 4 floors high through the middle of the stairs. It is the neatest thing I have ever seen.

Here is a parked Amish buggy. This is their way of transportation!

That sign says "Horse drawn vehicles only"

Buggy Rides

My sister and I relaxing in Amish made rocking chairs. We were exhausted, a whole day of shopping in heels...what was I thinking!?!

Today was beautiful. 60 Degrees...for Northern Indiana that is extremely warm.

Saturdays Scrapper

2009-02-07T09:59:00.003-05:00

This weeks Scrapper is Stepmom3 at TwoPeas. I love this scraproom.
The color on the walls make the room look cozy.

Look at all the storage cabinets. I would love a countertop space.

I love the brown with this light turqoise color. I also love that board with the fabric to hang pictures and tuck things in. They are super easy to make.

How clever. It is a spice jar lazy susan. Perfect for brads and small embellishments, or even buttons. You could glue a button on the top of each spice jar that color coordinates with the buttons inside.

Its our Anniversary

2009-02-06T19:36:00.001-05:00

Im getting ready because My Hubby is taking me somewhere for our 4 year Anniversary. Yay! Well see what he has planned!?! ;)

Thanks Mrs D.Lightful

2009-02-05T11:38:00.002-05:00

Hooray! I got an award today from the lovely Mrs D.Lightful. Thanks Sarah. Thank you too for such a lovely post about it! ;) I love blogging. I love my blogging circle. I just love the fact that so many of you share my passions! That makes me smile!

Shabby Chic Inspiration

2009-02-02T04:57:00.002-05:00

I found a fabulous site with Design Inspiration at Layla Grace

What is your style of decorating?

Saturdays Scrapper

2009-01-30T23:22:00.005-05:00

This weeks featured Scrapper is NAKscrap . She is a FABULOUS scrapper. And this has always been one of my favorite Scraprooms on TwoPeas.It is so colorful and organized. I love the lighting in the shelving.

Those are such cute tin storage containers!

This is a storage cabinet I would love to have. So neat and organized.

Here is some of her wonderful work!

You must enter this Giveaway!

2009-01-30T22:14:00.004-05:00

Holy Cow!!! Yummy Mummy is at it again. Check out her post and enter for these fabulous things. You can actually have 21 entries. I did it! These are a few of my favorite things! Love it. Go enter!

Post its - you can never have too many of these! Organizer...Hmm that I may use!
$40 Gift Card to Target!

A Wopping $75 gift Card to the Container Store

3 pack container system from the container store!!! LOVE THESE

I Heart Buttons

2009-01-29T22:24:00.004-05:00

I was on Katies Nesting Spot (who's blog I LOVE - check her out for such great ideas) last night and I just had to make that pillow! Besides I have more red buttons than I know what to do with. I made a smaller version of hers with a ribbon at the top to hang it from the door handle.

Inspiration Room - On a budget

2009-01-29T00:48:00.010-05:00

Inspiration Room - Pottery Barn

Pearce Sofa
$1,649.00 - $2,249.00...Depending on fabric!

Expedition Trunk -I do however like this idea for a Coffee Table
$1,299.00

Textured Solid Pillow Cover
$25.00 - $39.00

Fruitwood Pillar Holders
$29.00 - $44.00 Each - Depending on size!

Cut Pile Jute Rug
$599.00

Cheaper Finds

$579.00 - Furnitureontheweb.com

Antiqued Victorian Steamer Trunk
$109.99 - Overstock.com

Silk Pillow Button Cover - West Elm - Sale $6.99

Set of three - JCPenny
Found on Kaboodle.com - $34.99

Jute Rug - Rugs.com - $389.00

Yummy Mummys First Blog Swap - Join in on the Fun

2009-01-28T16:16:00.004-05:00

Yummy Mummy is one of the blogs I follow. She is doing a neat thing..."Bag Swap" Check out her post to see if you want to join in on the fun. I did!
Even if you dont want to join...her blog is great. Check it out!

25 Uses for Olive Oil

2009-01-27T02:24:00.002-05:00

1. Shave. Olive oil can provide a safe and natural lubricant for a close shave. Rub in an extra teaspoon after washing your body or face once finished.

2. Wood Furniture Polish. Wipe with a teaspoon of olive oil and a soft rag. Add a bit of vinegar of citrus juice to bulk up the cleaning power, and add a fresh scent.

3. Fingernails. Use a bit of olive oil to moisturize cuticles, or mix oil and water and soak your hands before a manicure.

4. Lubricate Measuring Cups and Spoons. Rub or spray olive oil on your measuring tools for easy clean-up of sticky substances like honey, grain mustards, and sugar syrups,

5. Control hair frizz. Comb a bit of olive oil through dry hair to tame the frizz and flyaways on humid days or in the winter.

6. Free a stuck zipper. Use a cotton swab to apply olive oil to the teeth of a zipper, then gently ease the tab down.
7. Care for your kitty. Add a teaspoon of olive oil to your cat’s food to help prevent hairballs, and provide a shiny coat.

8. DIY Lip balm. Mix olive oil and melted beeswax in a 1:1 ratio, with an essential oil for fragrance, and say goodbye to dry and chapped lips.

9. Stop Snoring. Take a sip of olive oil before heading to bed. It might lubricate your throat muscles, and stop yourself, or your partner, from snoring.

10. Shine stainless steel and brass. Rub a bit of olive oil on a clean rag to prevent streaks, corrosion, and tarnish.

11. Exfoliate your face and hands. Rub your skin with olive oil, then scrub with sugar or coarse salt, and rinse.

12. As you bathe. Add a few tablespoons of olive oil to your running bath water. You’ll be amazed when you towel off.

13. Remove makeup. Dab a bit under your eyes, on your cheeks and forehead, then wipe with a damp cloth.

14. Cure an earache. Very carefully, use a cotton swab to apply olive oil to the outside ear cavity to help with earaches and excess wax.

15. Remove paint from your skin. Rub on olive oil onto messy hand and arms (or faces) and allow the oil to soak into the skin for five minutes, then rinse with soap and water.

16. Treat lice. Apply olive oil to your youngster’s hair, and leave on for at least 40 minutes. Shampoo twice, then apply a preventative.

17. Stop a throat tickle. Take a sip of olive oil to stop the itchy flicker that is making you cough.

18. Fix a squeaky door. Use a rag or cotton swab to apply olive oil to the top of a problematic hinge in your home or automobile.

19. Shoe polish. Rub down your shoes with just a spray of olive oil to maintain their shine.

20. Personal Lubricant. It works…

21. Soften your skin. Rub olive oil daily on notoriously dry areas, such as your feet or elbows, especially after a shower, shaving, or waxing.

22. Easy clean up of garden tools. Spritz some olive oil on your tools to cut down on dirt buildup.

23. Condition leather. Rub olive oil into worn leather, such as a baseball glove, and let set for 30 minutes, then wipe away any excess.

24. As a hair tonic. Comb some olive oil through your hair for the vintage look of pomade without the build-up, or add a bit to wet hair for grungy, but clean, look.

25. Cure diaper rash. Gently wipe on olive oil to your baby’s bottom to help with the irritation of diaper rash.

Source: Curbly.com

April Showers - 100th Post Giveaway!

2009-01-26T00:30:00.004-05:00

Please check out this

wonderful website at April Showers Blog Design,

and enter in her giveaway!

Blueberry Coffee Cake

2009-01-25T00:19:00.005-05:00

This is a recipe from my MIL.

*Tip - On all of my recipe cards I always write the temperature that

the oven needs to be preheated to, in the top right corner of the recipe card.

Saturdays Scrapper

2009-01-24T03:45:00.000-05:00

Barista Chicks Crafts

Lysiedoug

Tami Sanders

The Lettered Cottage - Good Jars

2009-01-23T16:24:00.002-05:00

I absolutley love this Blogger Layla at The Lettered Cottage.

She is selling them again...I missed out on the last time she was selling them But visit her blog on the details of purchasing them! This would be a great valentine gift for a friend or family member, or even yourself!

The Good Jars

Scrapbook Storage Ideas

2009-01-22T23:15:00.003-05:00

Store your memorabilia in a accordion file. Like movie or concert tickets. Invitations or anything you may want to either save or scrapbook with.

This is nice with the labels too. I always tell my hubby "Everything has a home" This is perfect for that.

This is sort of like the one above but for paint. How clever!

I use magazine holders for my color coordinated papers which I bough at Office Depot in a 6 pack for super cheap and I also have a ton of these inexpensive photo boxes on my shelves, they are wonderful and if you find them on sale they will run you about $1.50 each.

I have a ton of jars all sizes. This adds a nice decorative colorful touch to your craft room.

I got all of these photos and ideas from the Womans Day website.

Sorry this post is so short...but it is Thursday and Greys Anatomy is on!

Inspiration Room on a Budget - Craft Room/Office

2009-01-21T22:24:00.006-05:00

Inspiration Room - Pottery Barn

Bedford Rectangular Desk Set
$649.00 add hutch $199.00
Swivel Desk Chairs & Cushions
$399.00
Bold Floral Rug
$429.99

Cheaper Finds
Coastline Desk From Target $449.00

Swivel Armless Chair from Target $119.00

Rug from CNSrugs $222.50

I also found these from Target for only $49.99

I also found this great idea of Chalkboard walls for decor. Cheap, yet cute!

I also LOVE this Pottery Barn Table...but is is a whopping $1099.00!

This one below is from Target...for only $159.99...That is a savings of $939.01. Imagine how many craft supplies you can buy with the savings!

I am ALWAYS looking for a bargain!

Valentines Day - Top 10 Lists

2009-01-21T07:19:00.003-05:00

MOST ROMANTIC...

Top 5 Romantic Movies

5. A Walk To Remember

4. Pretty Woman

3. Ghost

2. Titanic

1. The Notebook

Top 10 Places To Be Kissed

1: The Beach
2: Anywhere
3: In Bed
4: At Home
5: Under The Stars
6: In The Shower
7: In The Rain
8: At The Movies
9: At The Park
10: In A Public Place

Top 10 Romantic Flowers

10. Iris Meaning: Faith & Hope

9. Sunflower Meaning: Adoration

8. Wild Flowers Meaning: Whimsical

7. Lilac Meaning: Do you still love me? (Mauve lilacs)

6. Carnation Meaning: Fascination

5. Orchid Meaning: Love, Beauty, Seduction & Refinement

4. Lily Meaning: Beauty

3. Tulip Perfect Love 2.

Daisy Meaning: Innocence, Loyal Love, Purity

1. Rose Meaning: I love you.

Top 10 Romantic Cities

1. Paris, France
2. Any city your love is in!
3. Venice, Italy
4. San Francisco
5. Boston
6. New York
7. Vienna, Austria
8. New Orleans
9. Monte-Carlo, Monaco
10. London, England

Top 10 Romantic Books

10. The Mastery of Love by Don Miguel Ruiz

9. Song of Solomon Source: Bible

8. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

7. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

6. Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner

5. Love Poetry Collections no author specifically mentioned

4. The Kama Sutra by Alain Daniélou The Complete Illustrated Kama Sutra by Lance Dane

3. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

2. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

1. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Top 10 Romantic Edibles

1. PastaFavorite Way Prepared:Spaghetti, because of Lady and the Tramp!
2. StrawberriesFavorite Ways Prepared:-With Whipped Cream-Dipped or Covered in Chocolate-Above Combined-With Champagne
3. Chocolate
4. FishFavorites: Oysters, Crab, ShrimpAny kind you can eat with your fingers!
5. FruitFavorite Ways Prepared:Fruit Cocktail or Fruit Salad
6. Ice Cream
7. Pizza
8. Chinese Take-Out
9. Indian FoodBecause it's Hot & Spicy :)
10. Chocolate Mousse

Top 15 Romantic Gifts

1. A Single Red RoseIdeal if accompanied with a love poem or kiss.
2. Romantic Getaway.Whether it is just for the night or a whole week!
3. Something from the heart and required extra special thought to give to your love.
4. Anything as long as it is a surprise!
5. Something handmade.
6. Flowers.
7. Yourself!
8. Jewelry.Preferably diamonds and the jewelry should have a personal engraving.
9. Love poem.
10. Candlelight dinner.
11. A kiss.
12. Teddy bear.
13. Card.
14. Love letter.
15. Do something new.

Top 10 Romantic Love Songs

1: Amazed by Lonestar

2: I Knew I Loved You by Savage Garden

3: Don't Want To Miss A Thing by Aerosmith

4: Unchained Melody by Righteous Brothers

5: From This Moment On by Shania Twain

6: Back At One by Brian McKnight

7: Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton

8: Everything I Do (I Do For You) by Bryan Adams

9: My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion

10: To Make You Feel My Love by Garth Brooks

Top 10 Romantic Scents

1: Vanilla
2: Roses
3: Scent of partner
4: Scent of partner after shower
5: Strawberries
6: Musk
7: Fresh flowers
8: Lavendar
9: Obsession cologne for men
10: Peaches

Top ten lists from Lovingyou.com

Valentine Gift Ideas

2009-01-21T06:21:00.006-05:00

Valentine Treats with Toppers

From TwoPeas Website: RNjetta

All of these below are from MarthaStewart.com

Sweetheart Pops

Sweet Sachets

Seed Starters

Red Hot

Raspberry-Almond Financiers

Knot Bracelets

Knitted Catnip Delight

"Dont forget the furry Valentines"

Heart Stamped Wax Paper

Creamy Fudge Hearts

Martha Stewart Living - Bouquet

Bath Fizzies

Valentines Day Decor

2009-01-21T05:28:00.010-05:00

With less than a month to go until Valentines Day here are some ideas:

Romantic Candles
Set the mood this Valentine's Day with these romantic heart candles.

Tools and Materials:
Chopsticks
Blow-dryer
Heart-shaped craft punches in various sizes
Sheet wax
Pillar candleCandle

How-To:

1. Punch hearts from a sheet of wax using heart-shaped craft punches.

2. While holding a single wax heart with chopsticks, heat the pillar candle and wax heart using a blow-dryer (this will soften the wax heart, causing it to adhere to the candle).

3. Repeat Heart-
this process until you have attached the desired number of hearts to the candle.

From Martha Stewarts Website... Watch the video on how to!

Shaped Soap
Stamped soaps, inspired by candy conversation hearts, are great gifts for friends. Put in cellophane bags tied with tags; adorn with glitter.

Tools and Materials:

Nonstick 9-inch square pan

Heart-shape cookie cutter

Glass measuring cup

Glycerin soapBench scraper

Soap colorant or food coloring

Spray bottle filled with rubbing alcohol

Cutting board

Needlenose pliers

1/8-inch metal letter stamps

Masking tape

How-To

We used a 2-inch cookie cutter (1 inch high) and 2 1/2 pounds of glycerin soap-sold at crafts stores-to make 16 hearts.

1. Depending on your equipment, yields may vary. To determine how much glycerin you'll need, fill pan with water to 1/4 inch below height of cookie cutter; pour water into measuring cup. Record amount; discard water.

2. Cut soap into small pieces with bench scraper; fill measuring cup. Microwave on medium heat until melted; stir. Add soap and heat until you've reached the water amount. Add colorant; stir. Pour liquid into pan. Spray with alcohol to eliminate bubbles.

3. Let harden at room temperature, 2 hours. Freeze 10 minutes.

4. Turn upside down onto cutting board. Create soaps with cookie cutter; pull cutter out with pliers if it sticks. Tape stamps together to form words, and imprint on soap, applying light, even pressure.

Also From Martha Stewart...and here is the How to video!

Heart Wreath with Scrapbooking Paper

From the Home & Family Network website... The How To!

Ice Cube Trays - Not only for Ice Cubes

2009-01-20T00:02:00.005-05:00

Clever Ideas for Ice Cube Trays...

Food & Drink
1. Sauce's or Tomato Paste
2. Soup Stock, Soups, Stews, Broths
3. Left over Coffee
4. Left over Gravy
5. Fresh Herbs
6. Baby Food
7. Eggs (whites or scrambled)
8. Leftover Wine or cocktails
9. Fresh Juice
10. Batter (pancake, muffin)
11. Diced veggies - for cooking, or sautee's
12. Applesauce

*Store frozen cubes in plastic Ziploc bags to save on money and space.

Crafting/Hobbies/Misc.
1. Scrapbooking embellishments (brads, tacks, grommets, ect.)
2. Soap Mold
3. Wax Mold (small votives, leftover wax, melting in your wax melting candles - tart burner)
4. Candy Mold
5. Drawer divider (thumb tacks, paperclips, rubberbands, ect.)
6. Nuts and Bolts
7. Painters Pallette
8. Sewing items (buttons, needles, pins)
9. Plant Seedlings
10. Beads (jewelery making)

If you have any clever organization ideas for ice trays...please post them!

Saturday's Scrapper

2009-01-15T21:02:00.007-05:00

This weeks Featured Scrapper is Bluestardesign. This weeks feature is a Wedding Layout.

She has had alot of her work featured in Simple Scrapbooks, Scrapbook Trends and Scrapbook Trends. Her work is remarkable.

The products she used on this fabulous page are strips of Amy Butler papers which were stitched together to make the background. And her vows were printed on the MM journal sheet. She wrapped the entire page with tulle (how clever and cute...could also use this idea for a ballet page ;) ) The accents used are chipboard.

You must check out this scrappers fab work. See all her work at TwoPeas site. Not only does she have wedding layouts but she has much much more. She also has a great blog.

What is your favorite scrapbooking element?

Tidy, Clean, & Spotless

2009-01-15T18:34:00.011-05:00

There is a difference!

Tidying is when everything is picked up and put in its place. Cleaning is when the countertops are wiped down, and the sink is not full of dishes and all the floors are swept and the carpets are vaccumed. Spotless is covering every corner and crevice in your home.

If you absolutley hate cleaning, but know you need to try this.

Set an egg timer for 15 minutes and tackle one room at a time. It helps me and i also continue cleaning a bit longer and get more done because I become more motivated and keep rockin on.

Also try these 3 tips before leaving the house to do anything...

1. Make your bed
2. Do dishes in the sink
3. Pick up anything thrown on the floor

Try to only tidy one time each day. If you always spend time to make everything spotless you will end up becoming overwhelmed and then you may just get frustrated and take a nap. It is all about discipline...Like brushing your teeth it will become habit.

Going Green cleaning supplies

I have been reading more and more about how many cleansers used to clean your home are very harsh and TOXIC...Everyone is going green !!!

*Check out this website for great information about green cleaning in your casa.

My Favorite Cleaning Products:

All Purpose Cleaner: Mrs Meyer Clean Day - I buy it at Target or World Market.

Window Cleaner: Windex...I like the scent of Crystal Rain

Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Lysol - Love anything Lysol, especially the disinfecting wipes...I clean everything with them.

Shower Cleaner: Scrubbing Bubbles - All I can say is that if you have ever cleaned with them YOU KNOW! This is a FAB product.

Dishsoap: Mrs. Meyers Clean Day - Love this stuff...Plus it smells like wonderful Lavender. I buy it at Target or World Market.

Check to see if your cleaners make the GREEN list.

What are your favorite cleaning supplies?

Doggie Treats

2009-01-15T13:42:00.005-05:00

My neice Kennedy and I made dog biscuits for the doggies...

Here is the recipe...Very puppy approved.The recipe is easy enough for the kiddos. She had a blast and the recipe was very simple. I found the recipe from this Two Dogs Press at this site.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons dry yeast

1/2 cup lukewarm water

2 tablespoons dry parsley
1 1/2 cups chicken broth

3 tablespoons honey

1 egg5

6 cups whole wheat flour

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 ° F

2. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Stir in the parsley, broth, honey, and egg. Gradually blend in flour, adding enough to form a stiff dough.

3. Transfer to a floured surface and knead until smooth (about 3-5 minutes). Shape the dough into a ball, and roll to 1/4-inch (6 mm) thick. Using small bone-shaped cookie cutters, make biscuits! Transfer to ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 1/4 inch (6 mm) apart. Gather up the scraps, roll out again, and cut additional biscuits.

4. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and turn over. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until lightly browned on both sides. Let cool overnight. (After we finish baking all batches of biscuits, we turn off the oven, then spread all the biscuits out on one baking sheet and set them in the oven to cool overnight. The extra time in the oven as it cools off helps make the treats crispier and crunchier.)

Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Ham

2009-01-14T00:28:00.006-05:00

On a cold wintery evening this is a great dinner to whip up.

Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Ham

6 tbsp butter
4 tbsps. flour
1 3/4 cups of half and half
1 1/4 cups shredded Swiss cheese
1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (you can use less cheese if desired)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
3 cups of diced ham
5 cups cooked macaroni
1 cup bread crumbs - half for the inside crunch and half for a topping
1/4 cup scallions, diced
pepper to taste

Combine Macaroni and Cheese Ingredients. Using a large saucepan melt the butter and add the flour – stir and gradually stir in your half and half making sure to keep stirring as the entire mixture thickens. Pour in your cooked macaroni. Add your shredded cheese and your Parmesan to the mixture - now you can add half the bread crumbs and scallions, and add the cubes of ham. Stir well and pour into a well greased casserole or baking dish.

Put the last of the bread crumbs on the top for a nice crunchy top layer.

Bake at 350 degrees about 20 minutes or until the top is crisp.

Before & After - Scrapbooking Storage

2009-01-14T00:09:00.004-05:00

I was on the Better Homes & Gardens website and I picked a few before and after pictures for scrapbooking storage.

Before: A coffee mug tree

After: Pen, Marker, or Tool Storage

Before: A paper towel rack

After: Ribbon & Embellishment Storage

Before: A fruit basket

After: Stamp storage

Saturdays Scrapper

2009-01-13T18:28:00.002-05:00

I have just started a blog about a whole bunch of things - including scrapbooking tips. I am starting a blog post every Saturday titled SATURDAYS FEATURED SCRAPPER.
I am doing this to give people the recognition they deserve for beautiful creations, and also to give ideas for scrappers.

Come support women and their creations and much more here on my blog.

Last week I featured: SATURDAY'S SCRAPROOM. Congrats to Peamember: Wookiemouse. Which was submitted by quite a few of you on Two Peas

This week I am going to be featuring a Wedding Layout. You can enter your layout or if you have a favorite saved layout you can submit theirs. If your interested in submitting a Wedding Layout to me peamail or email me at Ashleycornewell@yahoo.com or visit my blog at http://domesticdivasfancy.blogspot.com/ and submit it there! Thanks so much! Happy New Year!

Kitchen Organization

2009-01-12T12:40:00.003-05:00

Since this is the start of a new year it is a good idea to start in the kitchen. I know that is where I spend the bulk of my day is in the kitchen.

Going through the kitchen to get rid of the old (including food) is a good idea. Here are a few steps to get your kitchen ready for a new year of cooking, baking, and whatever else you do in the kitchen.

1. First go through your refrigerator. Taking everything out to clean the inside is great because you are able to check the expiration dates. Throw out all old food and food that you know that will be in there until next year. Also with all of the food out of the fridge and freezer you are able to clean the interior.

* Make an inventory of the contents of your fridge. It makes grocery lists amazingly easier to know what you have in there.

2. Go through your spice cabinet. You can get an idea of spice expirations from Spice Advice. Making an inventory list of your spices and putting the expiration date on your list helps for grocery list making as well.

3. Start with one cabinet at a time and take everything out. Wipe down the inside of the cabinets with Clorox of Lysol antibacterial wipes, or just warm soapy water.

Go through the cabinets and purge all of the items that have collected dust for a few years. Also throw out all of those expired items, or items that may have gone stale. Also making an inventory for all of your cabinet items makes list making easier. Plus you wont over buy something creating less room and extra clutter in your kitchen cabinets or pantry.

4. To make kitchen cleanup and meal preparation easier find cabinet space for items on your countertop. Having less on your countertop not only makes your kitchen appear cleaner but it actually is cleaner. By not having too much on your countertop eliminates places that germs or crumbs could hide. Wiping down the countertop is a lot easier when you dont have to move everything around...plus it saves time.

Cluttered Kitchen Before

Cluttered Kitchen After

Saturdays Scrapper

2009-01-10T00:02:00.006-05:00

This is the first week of my blog featuring a Saturday Scrapper! This week I chose to feature a Scraproom!

Wookiemouse. She has been a peamember of the website Twopeasinabucket.com since 2006. She was nominated by a fellow peamember JTwirler.

This is just a super organized room! The layout and planning is definatley well thought out. Very simplistic and organized.

This scraproom is fabulous! It has just as much storage as a kitchen. I actually think that it is more storage than a kitchen.

I love how all the colors match. This seat looks very comfortable.

This is a brilliant idea for ribbon storage. Not only functional, but georgeous as well.

All of the photo boxes match and are labeled too! Great Idea. Easy to find what you are looking for.

This is a look more into some of the cabinet storage. Everything looks extremely organized and color coordinated. This would be a place that I could scrap for hours. I would never want to leave this room.

Great idea for brad, bead, or embellishment storage.
This would help to be able to color coordinate with the colors of your pages or projects.

Another functional but beautiful storage system.

Great pullout drawers, neatly organized and labeled.

This idea is great as well. Everything in this room seems VERY well organized and easy to find. I would love to work on any project in this room. Great job fellow peanut!!! I give it 5 of 5 Stars!

Please check out more great photos of Wookiemouses posts on Twopeasinabucket.com.

Stop by next Saturday for the next featured SCRAPPER. Next week's feature will be on a Wedding layout/page. If you would like to submit your Wedding layouts or one of your favorites, please post a link or

email me one.

Thanks for coming in and checking out my blog, Visit again soon!

Subscribe to my blog for not only scrapbooking tips but lots more! ! !

Saturdays Scrapper

2009-01-09T14:11:00.004-05:00

I am starting this Saturday my first blog post about a FEATURED SATURDAY SCRAPPER.

What I am going to feature this saturday is: SATURDAY'S SCRAPPER SCRAPROOM.

I am going to pick one of the Peas from a website I am a member on called Two Peas in a Bucket to be my feature.

The blog will be posted tomorrow at 9AM right here.

If your interested in submitting your scraproom to me email me @ Ashleycornewell@yahoo.com or post here on my blog, where the Saturdays Scrapper will be featured tomorrow!

I am going to be featuring a special scrapbooking gift for my features. Please come and check it out!

HGTV's Dream Home 2009 Giveaway

2009-01-08T23:05:00.000-05:00

Dont forget to enter everyday until February 19th, 2009 on HGTV.com . You can enter once everyday!

Love this front door. I have always been in love with dark natural wood. Could you imagine if you were the winner of this home and you walked in the front door for the first time? What would you do?

This kitchen is very nice. I love how the kitchen cabinets look like furniture. The cabinets are Melrose Maple in Honey butter. Sounds yummy. I love the color on the wall. It is like a dark olivy sage Green.

This is a cozy nook. I would love to have breakfast or morning coffee in this space. I love those wicker chairs. It is a Woven side host chair from Ethan Allen.

I really love this color. I am not really agreeing with the rug. But I love the blues with the toupe color. Also the addition of the silver accents add a punch of sparkle.I Love this pillow. The addition of the animal print is fab. I wish I knew where it was from.
I like this room...I dont love it. It seems a bit dark. I do love those lamps and the rug.

I think the only thing I like about this room is the hutch. Other than that I really dont like this color. I dont like the chairs, they look like something from the 90's.

I love how this Laundry room looks unlike a laundry room. Very simple and clean. I would actually enjoy doing laundry room.

I would love to be a guest in this room. I love the bed head and foot board. I also love the pictures the the left above the dresser. I may have to do that somewhere. The rows of three up and three down.

I love this room. I just do not like this color at all. I would like to see any other color besides this one! What color would you like to see in this master bedroom.

Would love to soak in this tub! I love these cabinets.

This is the kids room. I like it as a boys room...But I wish they would have had a girly room as well.

I love this set on the patio. I dont think they did much with this

This is the pet house that comes with the house. I dont think that my dogs would fit in there but the cats would love it.

Domestic Divas Fancy

Happy Birthday to ME

Before and Close to After

While I was Out!

Beachy Guest Room

In law or Outlaw

And the winner is...

100th Post Giveaway

Post # 99

Something Pretty

Oh What A Day!

I am famous!

I am Alive!

Renovation Cape Cod

Saturdays Scrapper

My Handy Mans Work

Just a quick one?

Front Porch Wisdom

Saturdays Scrapper

Crazy Eights! {Eight is Enough}

Other Uses for Aluminum Foil

Random Home Decor Inspiration

Saturdays Scrapper

Day 4 Progress of Our Cape Cod

Home Decor Easter Style

Moist Blueberry Muffins

Some More Inspiration and Your Opinions Needed

Just a Few of the Wedding Photos

Easter Tags Winner

Saturdays Scrapper

I am back!!!

I am participating in Scrapbook Sunday

We Made It!

Saturdays Scrapper

Wanna be in the Spotlight? Saturdays Scrapper!!!

My First Kitchen Inspirations

Crappy!

Saturdays Scrapper

Wedding Invitations

Before Photos of Our Fixer Upper!

YAY! They accepted our offer

Come and Get your Award

17 Days until the Big Wedding Day!Wedding Stuff I am working on!

Grrrr!

Bachelorette Party!

Saturdays Scrapper

I need your help!

I Love Blogging

Easter Giveaway

Mondays Mix of Tips

Saturdays Scrapper

Moments In Time

How to Grow Herbs Indoors

Wedding Cakes

Saturdays Scrapper

I have been tagged...Whats in my bag!?!

My OWOH Giveaway Winner is...

LAST DAY TO ENTER! Enter My First Giveaway...One World - One Heart 2009 Participant

Shopping in Shipshewana, Indiana - Amish Country

Saturdays Scrapper

Its our Anniversary

Thanks Mrs D.Lightful

Shabby Chic Inspiration

Saturdays Scrapper

You must enter this Giveaway!

I Heart Buttons

Inspiration Room - On a budget

Yummy Mummys First Blog Swap - Join in on the Fun

25 Uses for Olive Oil

April Showers - 100th Post Giveaway!

Blueberry Coffee Cake

Saturdays Scrapper

The Lettered Cottage - Good Jars

Scrapbook Storage Ideas

Inspiration Room on a Budget - Craft Room/Office

Valentines Day - Top 10 Lists

Valentine Gift Ideas

Valentines Day Decor

Ice Cube Trays - Not only for Ice Cubes

*Saturday's Scrapper*

Saturday's Scrapper