Chalkboard Wine Glasses {Great for Bridal Party}

I found these amazing chalkboard glasses and posted right away to Pinterest.  So easy and are to cute not to make!

Check out the original blog here :)

Drying Hydrangeas {It’s so easy}

I love fresh flowers. I love Hydrangeas. I will even tolerate dried flowers…. as long as they’re Hydrangeas.  Here’s an easy way to dry them.

Drying Hydrangeas. It’s so easy.  Check out the original BLOG here!



Popsicles!! (Beat the Summer Heat}

What a wonderful wat to beat the heat!!  Popsicles as a way to cool myself down. I am planning on trying out a few of these yummy treats this weekend to see if I could spend some time outdoors getting a little sun while remaining cool.

1. Rainbow Popsicles // via Babble

2. Lemonade Cucumber Spa Popsicle // via Family Fresh Cooking

3. Mojito Popsicles // via Blue Jean Gourmet

4. Capri Sun Fruit Punch Pops // via Kitchen Daily

5. Blackberry Prosecco Popsicle // via Baker’s Royale

6. Mimosa Pops // via Zoku Blog

7. Double Rainbow Pops // via Zoku Blog

Have any special cool popsicles recipes? I would love to hear about them!

Remember to stay cool!

Clean your Grates {Great Tip}



Who doesn't hate the greasing, grimy buildup on your burners?  Here is a great way to clean those grates!

Happy And You Know It Box Sign {Gift from Blone Birdie}

If you’re happy and you know it slap your friends. If you get it, you get it!  If you have the kind of friends that make you laugh until no sounds come out, then this is probably for you!

The box sign is 1.75" deep and can free stand or hang for wall display.  (Measures 5" x 3", Painted wood, Imported)

Price: $8.00

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Masha - Silver {Pull Tab Purse}

Designed for women who like to keep their hands free, the Masha slings across the chest and hangs comfortably on your hip. Supple and lightweight, it's hand crocheted with over 1,600 recycled aluminum pull-tabs. Comes with nylon fabric liner, YKK zipper closure, one inside zipped pocket, shoulder strap with hand crocheted padding.

• Slings across the chest and hangs comfortably on your hip
• Made from recycled pull-tabs
• Nylon fabric liner and zipper closure.
• An external flap covers the zipper
• Handmade in Brazil by Women's Cooperatives
• Size: 9.5H x 12L x 2W (inches)
• Lightweight: 1.5 lb

Price: $180

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{Wine Wipes} Wine? What Wine?

New from Borracha LLC, Wine Wipes remove red wine stains from mouth and teeth. Each compact of Wine Wipes comes with 20 orange blossom flavored wipes and a mirror inside the lid for discreet, anywhere usage. They do not interfere with the taste of wine. Free shipping in the US!
Price: $6.95
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{Hip Rugs for Kids Rooms} by Fresh Nest

A friend gave me some great blogs to read this week.  I have been in heaven and spending way to much time on them.  I found this great article featuring great children's rugs at Fresh Nest and had to share it.  These are adorable and Fresh Nest bloggers Deb and Erin, really did their homework.  Enjoy!

{notNeutral $260}

 

{Betty/Honey by angela adams $349}

{ikea $25}

{Buttons by Oliver Yaphe $980} –  so cute I had to include it!

{Urban Outfitters $68}

{Overstock $470}

{bellacor $64}

{Overstock $403}

{Dash & Albert $238}

{ikea $20}

{Avalisa $310}

 {west elm $99}

{Momeni $129}

To see the complete article visit Children’s Rugs.

{Great Food} Great Friends via Facebook

I went to visit a dear friend this week.  It had been close to 10 years since I saw her last (i missed her).  I had no idea how much until seeing her again.  We talked at the same time and we talked a lot!  We just couldn't catch up fast enough.  It was a great time.

We actually connected again via Facebook.  It's a wonderful tool for keeping in touch and finding lost friends.  Turns out she had re-married and I did not know her current name.  If you haven't tried Facebook.com, you might be surprised how easy it is to get in touch with a long lost friend!

When we decided to plan a day together, I knew she would cook something fantastic.  In the past, my friend was known for wonderful fresh meals.  I actually looked as forward to the meal as the companionship.  Let's face it..... great food made from scratch is hard to come by with all the hectic lifestyles today!  Needless to say, I was not disappointed.

I arrived and instantly smelled the wonderful aromas that reminded me of my Grandma's kitchen.  I miss Grandma and her home-cooking.  My friends know that I am not one to turn down the flavors of life.  Maybe that's why I have such a hard time loosing weight!?  That's a whole different blog for a later time :(

I took some snap shots of the wonderful meal.  It was fresh, simple, home-made, and delicious.  I hope to get the recipes from Deb, and once I do I will post them here also.  I hope you enjoy.  For lunch we had Spinach Quiche, fresh Bread, and a colorful Salad.

 

  

 

 

 

{Healthy Recipe} Layered Cornbread and Turkey Salad

Served in glass Mason jars, this all-in-one salad is perfect picnic fare. Look for Mason jars in the canning section of supermarkets and discount stores, or order online from www.canningpantry.com.

Prep: 45 min., Chill: 3 hrs.

Yield: Makes 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

* 1 (6-ounce) package buttermilk cornbread mix
* 1 (12-ounce) bottle Parmesan-peppercorn dressing
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup buttermilk
* 1 (9-ounce) package romaine lettuce, shredded
* 2 1/2 cups chopped smoked turkey (about 3/4 pound)
* 2 large yellow bell peppers, chopped
* 2 large tomatoes, seeded and chopped
* 1 red onion, chopped
* 1 cup diced celery (about 3 celery ribs)
* 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
* 10 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
* 2 green onions, sliced

PREPARATION
Prepare cornbread according to package directions; cool and crumble. Set aside.

Stir together dressing, mayonnaise, and buttermilk until blended.

Layer crumbled cornbread, shredded lettuce, and next 7 ingredients evenly into 6 (3- to 4-cup) glass containers; spoon half of dressing mixture evenly over tops. Cover and chill at least 3 hours or up to 24 hours. Sprinkle with green onions just before serving. Serve with remaining half of dressing mixture on the side.

Note: For testing purposes only, we used Martha White Buttermilk Cornbread Mix and Girard's Parmesan-Peppercorn Dressing. We used 3-cup marquis-shaped canning jars with lid and screw ring. To find a retailer, visit www.leifheitusa.com, or call toll-free 1-866-695-3434.

To make 1 large salad: Layer half each of crumbled cornbread, shredded lettuce, and next 7 ingredients in a large glass bowl; spoon half of dressing mixture evenly over top. Repeat layers ending with dressing mixture. Cover and chill at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours. Sprinkle top with green onions just before serving. Prep: 45 min., Chill: 8 hrs.

Layered Southwest Cornbread-and-Turkey Salad: Substitute 1 (6-ounce) package Mexican cornbread mix for 1 (6-ounce) package buttermilk cornbread mix; 1 (16-ounce) bottle buttermilk-Ranch dressing for Parmesan-peppercorn dressing; 1 (8-ounce) package finely shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses with jalapeño peppers for shredded Swiss cheese; and 1 (11-ounce) can sweet whole kernel corn, drained, and 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained, for yellow bell peppers. Prepare recipe as directed, omitting mayonnaise.

Note: For testing purposes only, we used Gladiola Mexican style cornbread mix and Ken's Steak House Buttermilk Ranch dressing.

Joanna L. Hay, Arcadia, Florida, Southern Living

{Eco Valentine Cards} Crazy Love in a Funky way

I found these creative valentine cards on etsy!  Inspired by life and loved ones, this card is a great way to send an eco-funky card for valentine. 

Outside reads, "I love you so much that sometimes I ignore your farts. Of course, that doesn’t mean I want you to start farting more. It just means sometimes I’m willing to let one or two go unnoticed. Because of love." (blank inside)

f e a t u r e s

:: Single folded card

:: Red envelope

:: Neatly packaged in a cellophane sleeve

:: Size A2 (5 1/2" x 4 1/4")

:: One in a series of 8 sap-free love cards

e c o - f r i e n d l y  f e a t u r e s

:: paper is FSC-certified & carbon-neutral, made with 100% renewable energy

:: paper is 100% and envelopes are 30% post-consumer waste

:: paper is acid-free, elemental chlorine free, and archival

Price:  $3.00

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{Wool Felt} Funky Coasters

Fun, funky, stylish, practical, and really cool! These coasters are nherently heat and moisture resistant, these die-cut industrial felt coasters will protect your table and countertops with style. Spot clean with water and pat dry or dry clean. Combine with donut set for a unique collection or small runner for a coffee table.

Set of 6
Dimensions: 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 3 mm thick
Material: 100% wool felt made in the USA
Colors: light gray, orange, red, olive green

Price:  $22
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{Custom Hors d' oeuvres} OlivatorTM Plunger

Create delicious custom cocktails and hors d’oeuvres by plunging flavor into pitted olives using the OlivatorTM. This unique gadget cores the perfect size and shape of pimento, onion, jalapeño, garlic or semi-firm cheese and then delivers it into the pitted olive with a simple press of the button. Take the OlivatorTM beyond the bar and plunge chocolate or mascarpone cheese into cherries or strawberries, or add tangy goat cheese or chipotle into pitted figs for tasty dessert or appetizer creations. Be creative with your culinary combinations! The OlivatorTM is durably constructed of stainless steel with a soft, padded grip and is dishwasher safe. Care and use instructions included. Please Note:  the OlivatorTM is not designed for pitting olives.
Price:  $20
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{Wall-Art Fireplace} Small Space Fireplace

A delightful fireplace experience for small spaces!  Perfect for apartments, condos, offices...any room in the house. The Milan Wall Art Sunjel Fireplace will add that industrial flair to any space. No chimney, no electricity, no gas needed.  Heats a room 4 to 6 degrees.

This ventless gel fireplace is a breeze to install; simply and safely hangs on any wall from 2 studs. No wood is needed...uses convenient and clean burning Sunjel Fuel. Flame is 7" to 10" and crackles like a real fireplace.

Durable powder coated steel available in either Levi Grey or Copper finish. The fireplace comes with 2 complementary cans of Sunjel Fuel, and replacement fuel is available in 12 and 24 packs.  Please note: This item does not have a blower.  Dimensions:  24 1/4" H x 27 1/4" W x 6" D
Price: $369
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{Silk Screened} Burnt Mango Orange Deco Pillows

Texture Pillow Prints. This is a Burnt Mango Orange, 20" x 20" bold, and graphic slip cover inspired by a collection of found vintage art deco elements from many flea market excursions...all rough edges are hand crafted creating a worn look and feel.

Designed to make a statement in any room of your house that needs a POP of COLOR!!! This design is hand silk screened on vintage reproduction barkcloth fabric only manufactured from Full Swing Textiles in the US with Eco-Friendly water based ink.

Pillow prints have a soft hand and a natural canvas matching back with a envelope back enclosure for easy access and washing. Barkcloth only gets softer with age and wears like iron! A super comfy and well made pillow with great attention to craftsmanship and detail. This pillow will last long as you want it and most likely a lot longer!

SPECIFICATIONS: 20" x 20" Envelope Closure with Natural Canvas / Pre-washed
Barkcloth Is Prewashed 100% Natural Cotton Serged EdgesVintage Reproduction Bark Cloth Made in the USA

This item does not come with insert. Please order Separately. Available inserts are all hypo-allergenic down alternative. DRY CLEAN

Dry clean for best results or machine was gently on cold, dry flat. Machine wash insert separately.

Price: $68
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{Rubber Rain Boots} Kate Spade RANDI

Kate Spade never fails to inspire me with something bold that I just can't live without! These pink RANDI rain boots are made of shiny rubber and are topped off with a clever puddle-ready rubber ribbon. These will look good on any foot! 2" heels! (style # S011108)
Price: $125
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{Eco Lunch Box} Personalized

This darling lunch box is a personalized creation from FreckleBox. They have tons to choose from! Early Bird Personalized Lunch Boxes are a lunch box bonanza! These personalized lunch boxes are not only perfect for mealtimes, they’re also ideal for holding all of your kid’s little treasures. (Dimensions: 7−5/8" w x 6" h x 4" d)

Scott and Mark are the 'Founding FreckleHeads' behind the Frecklebox company! That's right... this company was founded by DADS! Check out their About Us page. Both guys dove into the baby making business over a decade ago. You see, as parents, these guys take the job of expanding their children’s minds very seriously. And as business people, they’ve been on a relentless mission to explore the possibilities of web-based digital printing. Presto. Frecklebox was born. Hopefully, a great big Frecklehead family will follow.
Price: $26.95
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{A Utensil for Flinging Food} Zing! Spoon

Don't Look Mom! What kid wouldn't have fun eating with these spoons. Your husband might even like them :)

My friend (Paula) discovered the Zing! Spoon on The Spoon Sisters website. I thought it was just too cute to pass up. Let’s face it, sometimes there is a need to launch your lunch or defend your dinner, and this is the perfect utensil to do it with.

It’s easy to use; simply load up a particularly mushy pea or corn niblet, aim, pull back the spring-loaded handle and watch your food take flight. CAUTION: Food Fights can leave stains on your walls! Comes packaged in a clear plastic box.
Price: $9.95
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{Take Back the Tap} Tap Water better than Bottled!

I saw this great article about a campaign to tell the truth about bottled water and get Americans back to drinking from the tap! I was intrigued and decided to write about it here on my blog.

The campaign gurus say; "The next time you have thirst, don't unscrew that cap, think about the Earth first, and drink water from the tap!"

College campuses, cities, and restaurants across the nation have pledged to kick their bottled water habits by joining the Take Back the Tap campaign. The truth, they have found, is that bottled water is not generally safer, cleaner, or healthier than water from the tap.

Why have I believed that bottled water was better. Why have I been paying $1 plus for a bottle of water instead of filling up my eco friendly (and cute) water container from my tap. After reading the Take Back the Tap campaign, I am ready to save my money and drink the healthy water. Though, I'm not really sure where my water is coming from (I see the water tower from my country home) but I plan to find out, and that's a story for a later time. Right now, I'm jumping on this bandwagon and saving me some cash. Come on America, the time has come to take back the tap!

LETS GET INFORMED!

The EPA, as well as state and local governments regulate tap water. Unfortunately, bottled water is only subjected to the FDA's guidelines, which are years behind the EPA standards.

Environmentally, bottled water creates a huge amount of waste. Furthermore, it wastes fossil fuels and water in production, releases green house gases, and its components can leach into water supplies and cause health problems. And not to mention what the bottles do to our land fills! ...can you believe this? (wth)

Tap water costs roughly $0.002 per gallon while bottled water can cost anywhere from $0.89 to $8.26 per gallon. The reality is that 40% of bottled water is nothing more than tap water with added minerals.

Every year we fall more than $20 billion short of what is needed to maintain our public water and sewage systems. Congress needs to establish a clean water trust fund to ensure that current and future drinking water supplies are safe and healthy.

{Recycled Glass Jewelry} Pink Depression Glass Pendant

I found this website and instantly fell in love with their journey! Bottled Up Designs makes beautiful custom-jewelry out of depression (and thrown-away) glass! Their recycled glass jewelry is handmade in Pennsylvania from antique glass and bottles reclaimed from the natural wooded habitats and rural farmlands. Another really cool part of this company is with every piece of recycled jewelry, you get the history of the beautiful broken treasures. Each piece comes with "The Story of the Glass" detailing what the glass was originally and the approximate age. Each piece is a unique way to "Preserve History, While Helping the Future".

From delicate and lovely antique pink depression glass. The broken pieces of various dishware have been reclaimed and hand cut to 5/8" in width, x 1 1/2" in length, wrapped in sterling and hangs on your choice sterling chain.

The company moto is "Sustainability, in a broad sense, is the ability to endure."

Price: $67
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{Carbon Footprints} Try to Calculate Yours!

Ever wonder what the term 'carbon footprint' really is? Actually it's a measurement of the impact your day to day activities have on the environment and climate change. We saw this Carbon Footprint calculator on another blog recently.

To figure your Carbon Footprint you simply need to answer a few simple questions that take only a few minutes. If you don't like the estimate you get and want to reduce your 'carbon footprint' try some of the following suggestions:
1) Avoid using the dryer. If possible, air dry your clothes
2) Set your washing maching to clean on the cold water cycle
3) Replace light bulbs around your home (and/or office) with Compact Fluourescent or LED bulbs
4) Turn off lights when you leave any room.
5) Regulate the temperature in your house ( 2 degrees can make a huge difference!)
6) Clean and/or replace your air filters on a regular basis. This helps them work more efficiently
7) Turn off the faucet while you're brushing your teeth (will save 25 gallons of water per month!)
8) Carpool!
9) Unplug and turn off all electronics when you're not using them

Hope this helps and good luck reducing your CARBON FOOT PRINT!

{Eco Purse} Small Messenger Seatbelt Bags

Small Messenger Bags. Maggie bags give new life to unwanted seatbelts by creating a sophisticated line of messenger bags and purses! The perfect size for your recycled wallet, organic lipstick, and a half eaten bag of chips. The eclectic brown and pink are like candy…with a beautiful lining in silky lavender, lots of pockets, and light weight. These recycled seatbelt bags will stop traffic…pun intended.

The world wide demand for cars and trucks has left behind an abundance of surplus man-made materials. Each year tens of thousands of yards of seat belt webbing are rejected for the slightest color variation, making the strap useless to the car makers. Designed to be used as a life saving seatbelt in the car, this high quality material is made to last (Remember the crash dummies?!). Great purse to brighten up your winter.

Dimensions: H 9.5” x W 11.5” x W 4.5”

Price: $77
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{ECO Lighting} Mushroom Lamp

This light is perfect for the eco trendy home! The mushroom lamp is a unique twist on a familiar shape. The cocoa leaf shade tops a sustainably grown santol fruit tree wood base. The dimensions are 13x13x24 inches.

Price: $90

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{Hem Tape} for denim

No time to hit the tailor? Double stick Hem Tape for denim is an easy no-iron, no-cut way to temporarily hem jeans.

Wear new too-long jeans instantly and test run a new length before tailoring.

Switch between lengths on the same jeans to wear with heels and flats.

Change with the trends and use to roll, cuff or crop jeans, pants or shorts.

Works great on most fabrics and won't leave behind sticky residue.

18 pieces in 1 durable width per pack. Perfect for travel and on the go fixes.

Price: $12
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A CUP--Hand Stamped Oxidized Sterling Silver Disc Necklace

I guarantee you that no one else will give the same gift as you. Give to a friend for her birthday or as a bridal shower gift. This is sure to get lots of laughs!

This necklace is part of a collection celebrating boobs. Plain and simple. If you don't see your cup size, it's only because it hasn't been added added yet, but it's coming!

So you're a A Cup? Ok so your cup doesn't runneth over. Nothing wrong with the perfect pour. Famous A Cups--Kate Hudson, Natalie Portman, Paris Hilton, Keira Knightley, Kate Moss.

Sterling disc measure 1/2". Sterling necklace measures 16" long, but is available 18" as well. Necklace will be shipped 16" unless noted otherwise during checkout. The chains I use are very durable so they will not break easily from rough play!

All items are cleaned in tumbler in special solution to ensure maximum shine. Pieces are sent in our black poesie/leather pendant or ring box. Then it is enclosed in white gift box with Metal Taboo logo and finished with red organza ribbon. Packaging is just as amazing as the item in it!

Shipping prices include delivery confirmation.
Price: $42
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Squiggle Monthiversary Onesies

Babies grow at an astounding pace... soon their adorable newborn wrinkles give way to squirrelly cheeks and unbearably cute leg chub. There are 12 onsies in this package. (for the 12 months - dah!)

Make sure not to miss the chance to document their transition from newborn to infant to toddler. Believe me, you will be so happy you did.
Celebrate your baby's "monthiversary" by photographing them in this set of 5 onesies. Each onesie is made with love using 100% cotton Carter's brand bodysuits using high quality transfer paper. Each onesie has a month indicated on the front.

The sizing is based off of the manufacturer's specifications for age/weight. These make wonderful baby shower gifts!

Washing instructions: Machine wash inside out with warm water. Dry immediately, low heat. Never, ever iron.
Price: $70
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