Thanksgiving Wreath DIY

Lately I have been completely, totally, over the moon infatuated with Pinterest!!!!  If you haven't been on this site before, I can only tell you that it will change your life!  :) 

The only problem with Pinterest?  You tend to find things that are so amazing that you start to obsess over them.  You can't stop thinking about making your own, or finding it somewhere.  And for the past several weeks, my preoccupation has been with fall wreaths. 

I know, it sounds weird. The thing is, I have wanted a nice fall wreath for years now, yet every time I find one I love I balk at the price (those things are out of control expensive!) So naturally when I saw all the gorgeous DIY wreaths on Pinterest, I was in heaven!!  I spent several days looking through all the amazing wreaths, like these:

Found HERE

Found HERE

Found HERE

Finally, after much deliberation, I realized that the best thing to do was to take the things I love about my wreath choices and make my own,slightly unique, wreath!  Here it is:

(Sorry, not the best picture)

I have to say, I am totally pleased with the way it turned out! I got everything I needed at Hobby Lobby, and because the flowers and such were 50% off, I ended up making the whole wreath for about $13.00! Can you believe it?  I would have payed at least $60 retail for that. 

I apologize, but I didn't get the chance to take pictures of my supplies, or of how exactly I made it, mostly because I have NO patience and couldn't take the time to get my camera. 

But I basically cut all the stems apart and hot glued them into the wreath.  Then I simply painted the "S" (it took three coats), added a coat of Mod Podge, and hot glued it as well.  Not too shabby for the first time! 

Don't be intimidated.  I was for a long time, since I don't consider myself really artistic.  Just buy the things you love and go for it!  And let me know what you think of mine.  :)

Product of the Day, Revisited

Several months ago I featured Michelle V custom leather jewelry as one of my first C2O product features.  At the time a hadn't yet ordered my own, mainly because I just couldn't decide which one I wanted! Well, after many sleepless nights (ok, maybe I exaggerate a bit) I finally ordered my own, and I have to say, I am IN LOVE!

 I am so pleased with my bracelet that I wanted to share it with you all. I ordered the triple wrap leather bracelet in blue with my favorite bible verse on it (Proverbs 3: 5-6).

Please excuse my old lady hands. What is up with that???  I had no idea they looked like that!

 I pretty much only wear black and I worried a little about getting it in blue (that it wouldn't go with a lot of my stuff) but I could not be more pleased! The distressing makes it look like denim, so it actually goes with pretty much everything.  Bonus!  It fits perfectly and is only getting more comfortable the more I wear it.

 If you saw my post about this product, but hesitated to actually order it, I can assure you that it is totally worth it.  And, what a great christmas present it would make! Remember to visit my original post to retrieve the exclusive C2O coupon code!

An alternative to the usual Fourth of July fare!

It's the 4th of July weekend, which means get togethers, BBQ's and tons of food!  It is easy to get stuck in the "4th of July" rut, another year of hotdogs and hamburgers, because it satisfies even the picky eaters (kids) in the family, and it is easy.

So then why not spice up the side dishes/appetizers this year?? It is a great way to get in some fun and unique menu items without turning away the culinary novices.  :)

Most people don't necessarily think of putting nachos on the holiday menu, but they are a great, easy, inexpensive side dish that work well with the casualness of the 4th of July! You can even buy the basic ingredients and then make a couple different varieties to set out, and it is much more exciting then just the plain old chips and dip.

Here are some nacho ideas I got out of the food network magazine that  I think would be great:

Margarita shrimp:

1/2 lb shrimp marinated in margarita mix and a little cayenne then grilled
Top tortilla chips with 1 1/2 cups ea. of shredded cheddar and muenster and bake.
Add shrimp, diced onion, diced tomato and avocado


Cajun:

Top chips with 3 cups  shredded cheddar, 1lb. cooked diced andouille sausage and 1 cup each of diced pepper, celery and onion.
Bake and top with salsa and pickled jalapenos.

How about  dessert nachos??

S'more:
Top graham crackers with marshmallow fluff.  Bake and top with hot fudge.


The possibilities are really never ending, and everyone will love the unique addition to your holiday BBQ!