Thursday, March 28, 2013

Online Fabric Store and Pillow Winner


True Random Number Generator  12




**Congratulations, Karen F.!

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Tree Stump Table

When we had a few dead trees cut down in our yard last year, I saved some of the stumps to decorate with.  I used a couple stumps to spruce up our fall porch, then decided to turn one of the stumps into a side table. 

The process was pretty simple!  Using my Dremel, I sanded the top and bottom of the stump smooth.


Next, using my paint roller I gave the stump multiple coats of stain.  Allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.  I left the bottom of the stump untouched, since it would be on the floor.

I left the stump in the garage for a few days to dry.


Once the stump was dry I gave it a couple coats of clear enamel to protect it from scratches and spills. 

I love the rustic-natural look of the stump table!

It's perfect for a small plant,

or a spot to set a drink and a snack while we're watching TV.



Best of all, it was rather inexpensive to pull the whole thing together and my kids think I'm pretty cool for bringing the outside in!

*ETA- In order for this project to work you need to allow your stump to dry completely.  Our stump sat outside to dry for many months on a covered porch, to protect it from the elements.  Be sure to elevate your stump off the ground while drying to prevent mold. 





Thursday, March 21, 2013

Carrot Muffin Recipe

It's hard for me to maintain a healthy diet when all I do is crave carbs all day.  Muffins are my weakness!

So I started searching for a healthier muffin and came across a great recipe from Joy of Baking.  I really enjoyed these muffins.  I was amazed how great they tasted.  They were really moist and flavorful, in fact my family had them for breakfast.

Such a healthier way to start the day!

Ingredients 
1/4 cup walnuts coarsely chopped 
1 1/3 cups grated raw carrot (about 2-3 peeled carrots)
1 small apple, peeled and grated 
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 
3/4 cup granulated white sugar 
1/2 teaspoon baking soda 
1 teaspoon baking powder 
1/4 teaspoon salt 
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
2 large eggs 
1/2 cup canola oil 
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract  

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Place paper liners in 12 muffin cups.  In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.  Stir in the nuts.  In a separate bowl whisk together the eggs, oil, and vanilla extract.  Fold the wet ingredients, along with the grated carrot and apple, into the flour mixture, stirring just until moistened.  Evenly divide the batter between the prepared muffin cups and bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.  Makes 12 standard-sized muffins.

recipe adapted from: Joy of Baking




I am linking this post to:
UndertheTableandDreaming

Monday, March 18, 2013

Online Fabric Store Giveaway

Premier Prints Fabric
I was recently contacted by Online Fabric Store and asked if I would be interested in hosting a giveaway.  Why of course!  Take a look at all the beautiful fabric they sell!

I received a gift card to purchase burlap, felt and trim to make a pillow for one of you to win!  In addition to winning this pillow, you will also receive a $25 gift card to spend as you choose.  I am so excited to offer this chance to win!

To enter, take a look at Online Fabric Store's website and leave a comment telling me which fabric you like best.  For additional entries "like" OFS on Facebook and be sure to leave a separate comment for each one.  Please include your email address so I may contact you, should you win.  This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada residents only.  This giveaway will close Friday, March 22nd.



**No financial compensation was received to host this giveaway.

Friday, March 15, 2013

Book Giveaway Winner

True Random Number Generator  5




**Congratulations, Brigitte!

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

2013 Buick Discovery Tour and Book Giveaway






A few weeks ago, I received an invitation to attend the Buick Discovery Tour held at the St. Regis Hotel in Atlanta.  It's a private event complete with wine and food prepared by celebrity chefs. I was allowed to bring up to three guests, so my husband and my aunt came along. 






Once we arrived we had just enough time to register and grab a plate of appetizers before splitting up into groups organized by color.


My group, Team Gray, was the first to be taken outside.

We had no idea what was to come! Each attendee had the opportunity to test drive a luxury Buick vehicle!


My aunt test drove the Lacrosse while my husband and I sat comfortably in the back seat.


We were all really impressed by Buick's IntelliLink feature.

Our first demo was provided by chef Ben Roche.


We enjoyed yuzu chiboust with caraway ice cream.  It may sound unappealing, but it was delicious.

Next, we were treated to a cooking demonstration by chef Andrea Curto-Randazzo. She has a bubbly personality and it's easy to tell she enjoys her job.  She prepared a spice-rubbed pork with collard greens and roasted sweet potatoes.  It was really tasty.

Wine Consultant Michael Green, Michael taught us the “six S’s of wine tasting”. 


1. see
2. swirl 
3. smell
4. sip 
5. swish 
6. spit

He was a great speaker, very engaging and funny.  A great storyteller!

Last, but certainly not least we were introduced to celebrity chef Michael Psilakis.


We ate delicious gyro spiced sliders while he shared stories of his childhood and growing up Greek.

Food brings people together...



This was a such fun event and definitely interesting to experience different foods.

As a surprise, the announcer stated that everyone in the audience would receive a signed copy of chef Michael's book, How to Roast a Lamb.
  
Since my household doesn't need two copies, I decided to give one away.  Would you like to win a signed copy of the book?!  If so, leave a comment on this post and I will randomly draw one winner. Open to U.S. residents only.  This giveaway will close Friday, March 15th.  *Please make sure you have your email attached to your blogger profile so I can contact you, should you win. 



**No financial compensation was received to host this giveaway.  All opinions are my own.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Anthropologie Inspired: You Are My Sunshine Pillow

When my daughter was a baby my mom would sing "You Are My Sunshine" to her as she rocked her to sleep.  Such a sweet lullaby. So imagine my delight as I came across this pillow from Anthropologie on Pinterest.  Unfortunately, it was way more than what my budget could afford. 

After taking a closer look at the pillow, I thought to myself,  "Hey I could do that!"  With the exception of the stamps, I was able to make the pillow using supplies I already owned.  

Each letter had to be meticulously spaced so that it appeared perfect.  I casually stamped each letter on the pillow and decided that it didn't need to be perfect to be beautiful!

I added a sweet yellow flower to represent sunshine.




Once I finished up with the pillow and showed it to my daughter she had to look away to stop herself from crying.  My mom has since passed on...  My daughter was just a baby when she died and too young to remember her.  I was more than happy to put these lyrics on a pillow as sweet reminder of how much her grandmother adored her.

You can view my previous stamped pillow here, if you like. 

**ETA- I purchased the stamp set at Michael's and used inexpensive muslin for the pillow cover. 


I am linking this post to:
Sew Many Ways
View from the Fridge