Thursday, May 31, 2012

Side Table Transformation

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Several months ago I was asked by a co-worker to refinish a side table for her...which was super exciting!!  The table she wanted refinished was in great condition and had great lines to it.  It just needed a fresh coat of paint (the red was done with spray paint).  


The first thing I did was sand the entire piece and fill in any holes/dents.


Then I primed the piece - I wanted to make sure the red wouldn't show through.


I chose a goldish yellow paint for the table based on inspiration photos the client sent me.


 I got the paint for free from ACE Hardware 


After painting the piece yellow I sanded the edges to add a distressed look.


I then covered the table in a brown glaze to give it a more distressed look.


The last step to this project was a polycrylic - it gives the piece a professional look.


I love how the table turned out!!! 


 I would have never chosen yellow on my own but I think it looks great and I'm already using the remainder of the paint for some other projects I'm working on.


~Julia



HookingupwithHoH
shabby creek cottage
Somewhat Simple

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Sippin on Sangria

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Happy Humpday! I'm so happy we are already half way through the week! 

This winter I got on a huge red wine kick and now I have a bunch of bottles sitting around.  When it's hot outside, I don't crave red wine.  But a good way to use it is by making sangria!  It's sweet, cold & refreshing - perfect for the summer!

Homemade Sangria:


1 bottle of red wine (I used Cupcake, Pinot Noir)
simple syrup
fruit: 1 orange, 1 lemon, 1 lime, 1/2 green apple


Step 1: make the simple syrup


I used Splenda, but you can use whatever type of sugar you prefer.  A simple syrup is basically, 1 part sugar to 2 parts water.  For this recipe, 1/2 cup of sugar to 1 cup water.  Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cool.  I added in some orange, lime, and lemon peel for extra flavor.

Step 2: chop up fruit


Step 3: combine simple syrup, fruit and wine in a pitcher


Step 4: serve in a pretty glass with ice!



This recipe is really easy & quick to make, which I love!  Keep in mind you can use just about any type of wine (white or red) and any type of fruit (berries or citrus). 


What is your favorite easy/homemade cocktail?

~Elizabeth


Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Awesome Weekend & Neon Colors!

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I hope everyone had a nice Memorial Weekend!  I was so happy to be home for a weekend with no plans!  The weekend consisted of lots of pool time, good company and a little entertainment.  We had some great meals at El Taco, Agave, and Tin Lizzys - can you guess what my favorite type of food is?!

On Saturday, while at the pool, I started 50 Shades of Grey - it is A-MAH-ZNG!  I only made it half way through the book, my Nook battery died on me, ugh!  The book is well written and is a quick read.  So far, I have not gotten into any terribly graphic scenes, but I think that is saved for the 2nd half of the book.  Have you jumped on the Grey bandwagon?!

I decided to treat myself to a new outfit this weekend.  The BF had a surprise date night planned for Saturday, so it was the perfect excuse.  Francesca's is my go to place for fun/trendy outfits.  Some people might argue that the quality isn't great, but I've never had an issue. 


Sorry the pics turned out a little blurry - it's tough to take a good pic on your iPhone with no lighting!


Top: $34
Skirt: $34


I just love the neon pink skirt!  I know I'll be able to wear it with several different tops! 

Are you a fan of neon colors? 
Do you think the trend will last long?

~Elizabeth

Friday, May 25, 2012

Friday Faves: Memorial Day Edition

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Happy Memorial Day Weekend Everyone!!!

Do you have any big plans this weekend? This is one of the first weekends I have been home in a month so I am looking forward to relaxing and working on some projects I've been wanting to tackle.  Also, the MIL is coming in town and is taking us to see Rascal Flatts on Saturday night at the Grand Ole Opry.  We haven't had a chance to go to the Grand Ole Opry in the two years we've lived in Nashville - can't wait to see it and take tons of pictures!

Here are some of my favorite patriotic crafts and recipes.  The best thing about these projects - you can use them all year long for Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July, and Presidents Day.

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Red, White and Blue Popsicles

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Tin Can Windsocks



Thank you to all of the men and women who have served our country!!




~Julia

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Shrimp with Orzo

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This is a Craig family favorite!  My husband is constantly requesting this meal...it's that good!  This is definitely a fancier meal than normal in our household but keep an eye out for a sale on shrimp and this dish can be affordable.


Shrimp with Orzo

4 servings

 

Ingredients:
1 28oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup diced onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine
3 T chopped fresh parsley, divided
1T capers
1/2 t dried oregano
1/2 t dried basil
1/4 t black pepper
Dash crushed red pepper flakes
1 lb medium shrimp, peeked and deveined
2 cups hot cooked orzo (about 1 cup uncooked)
Cooking spray for pan
1/2 cup (2 oz) crumbled feta cheese



Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.  Add onion and garlic and sautee for 3 minutes

Step 2: Add white wine and cook for 1 minute

Step 3: Add tomatoes, 1 1/2 t parsely, capers, oregano, basil, black pepper and crushed red pepper to pan - cook for 5 minutes

Step 4: Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes

Step 5: Stir in pasta

Step 6: Spoon shrimp mixture into an 11in x 7in baking dish coated with cooking spray

Step 7: Top with feta cheese and remaining parsely

Step 8: Back at 450 degrees for 10 minutes


Hope you enjoy!

~Julia


HookingupwithHoH

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Top 5 Things I've Got to Try

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Submerge wet nails in cold water for 3 minutes. The polish will dry completely, and it gets rid of any that got onto your skin!
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I will be AMAZED if this actually works!


Chalk will remove grease stains from clothes. Simply rub the stain with chalk, then toss in the wash as normal.
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Wish I had known this trick several months ago!


Soak old paintbrush in hot vinegar for 30 minutes and good as new!
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I'm always buying new paint brushes so I hope this trick works!


Blow dry water stain on high for 20 minutes and the stain slowly disappears.
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I've got to try this out our coffee table!


DIY ice pack. Put Dawn in a little ziplock baggie, and store in the freezer.
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Wish I had known this trick after the half marathon!


Have you tried any of these tips and tricks?

~Julia

Monday, May 21, 2012

Pinterest success!

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My "Pinning" has gotten out of control!  I Pin everything from recipes, nail polish colors, craft ideas, sewing projects, cute puppies and more!  I wonder if I'll ever complete even half of the craft ideas I have Pinned.  At least I can mark one off the list, breaking glass with nail polish remover!


This project ended up on Pinterest from the Crafty Scrappy Happy blog.   Her tutorial is great and it actually works! 

Step 1: pick out a wine bottle
Step 2: wrap yarn around the bottle 5 times
Step 3: slide off the yarn, dip in nail polish remover and slide back on
Step 4: light the yarn on fire
Step 5: once the flame burns out, dip the bottle in cold water
Step 6: SNAP!


As you can see, my broken edge didn't turn out perfectly straight, but I'm okay with that.  It gives it a rustic feel.  Use sandpaper to smoothe out the sharp edges.

The next step for me is turning this into a candle, kind of like this.  I'll show you that in a different tutorial.

Were you crafty this weekend?

Happy Monday!
~Elizabeth

Friday, May 18, 2012

Another one bites the dust!

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Happy Wedding Weekend Lindsay! 

I am so excited to be a part of Lindsay & Perry's wedding this weekend.  Julia and I have known Linz for over 20 years (whoa ~ I sound old!).  We grew up in school together and through church.  I am so happy we are still in each other's lives.  Here's some pics of the wolf pack:




Now let's get this party started!!

~Elizabeth

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Chicago Wedding Reception

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This past weekend we celebrated our brother's wedding reception.  The party took place at Peck Farm Park in Geneva, IL, about 45 mins. from Chicago.  The setting was gorgeous!  There was a 3-sided barn where we had dinner, the Wagu Wagon food truck, a gazebo area for dancing and lawn games. 

My favorite part was probably the cupcakes!  And guess what, they were homemade by the Groom!! He's so talented!  I had the chocolate stout cupcake with peanut butter frosting- YUM! 


Family pics

Food pics

Cake & decoration pics

More family pics

Dancing pics


The party was so much fun!  It flew by way too fast!
Congrats Ben & Trish!

We love you!
~Julia & Elizabeth
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