The Style Sisters

Bright and Sunny Tablescape

2012-01-25T22:45:00.000-07:00

Bright and Sunny is what I call this tablescape!

I love the color orange and when it is mixed with lime green it is even better!

I love these Orange and white polka dot plates I bought them at TJMAXX a year or so ago...4 of them for $7.99. I used them at Halloween HERE

Here is a shot showing my beautiful chandelier that we found at a thrift store here and my cute hubby installed it for me. I just love looking at it day or night...it makes the room sparkle!

I made the lime green napkin rings out of a bunch of silk flowers. They really pop off the plates and look so nice with the crisp white napkins. The small orange glasses were purchased at a store in Albuquerque New Mexico that no longer exists.

I put together this fun centerpiece using the unique shaped white bowl and filled it with lime green candles I found at Ikea on clearance for 1.00 each. At first it looked so plain so I added the orange ribbon tied around all four candles and tied in a bow. Then I added a few Cutie oranges on the ends. I love how it looks so fresh!

I just love my bamboo placemats that I bought in Texas at Garden Ridge...I use them all the time and I have them in multiple colors...Look Here and Here.

I used these little mini glass appetizer glasses to hold a blueberry scone that has a toothpick holding a bright colored place card. Fun way to direct your guests where to sit.

Below you can see strips of orange criss cross fabric on the table....I found this fabric at a thrift store...they are actually ties used on chairs for weddings. I love these fun embellishments on the table. I simply tied knots in them all the way down each tie....mostly to cover the fact that they were really wrinkly.

Hope you enjoyed my Bright and Sunny Tablescape...I had fun putting this one together.

Ta Ta For Now......Karin :)

P.S. I will be bringing back Centerpiece Wednesday soon so stay tuned!!

I am participating in

Tablescape Thursday

Fun things from Crate and Barrel

2012-01-24T21:00:00.000-07:00

Fun things from Crate and Barrel!

I love all the colors and the pattern so fun and springy.

What a fun napkin ring! Lime green and fluffy!

I just love lots of color on the table

Crepes with fried bananas

2012-01-23T21:35:00.004-07:00

I decided I wanted to make a yummy little dessert tonight.What to make? When I ask my hubby what he wants..he always says ice cream but I like something besides ice cream...I like something warm and yummy with my ice cream.

Sooo, I decided I would make some crepes with fried bananas, ice cream, whipped cream and chocolate sauce

When making the batter make sure you whisk it really good or make it in a blender.When you cook the crepe use a small frying pan and a very small amount of batter...swirl it around in the pan so it is evenly coated and let it cook until the edges are somewhat crisp. Then flip it over so it cooks slightly on the other side

This is one banana sliced into four skinny pieces, sauteed in butter, a sprinkle of brown sugar, cinnamon and some slivered almonds.

I used vanilla Tillamook ice cream inside the crepes with the fried bananas..then I topped it off with fresh whipped cream and raspberries.

Here is the recipe for the crepes

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and the eggs. Gradually add in the milk and water, stirring to combine. Add the salt and butter; beat until smooth.
2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each crepe. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly.
3. Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook the other side. Serve hot.

Enjoy!

Yellow and White Tablescape "Doris Day"

2012-01-22T09:50:00.000-07:00

I think I will call this luncheon tablescape "Doris Day Luncheon" doesn't it just have that feel of an old Doris Day movie. All yellow and sunny...can you picture Cary Grant coming in and sitting down eating some scrumptious things she cooked.

I have had these darling yellow, pink and white polka dot plates for a few years now. I picked them up at Target for cheap! I love how they look so fun and happy! I used some yellow gingham fabric from my fabric stash and smooshed it around and then set my white vase on it filled with flowers from Walmart. The whole bouquet cost $9.00!! I love fresh flowers on the table. I used some of pretty pink napkin ring holder that are still available RIGHT HERE ON MY BLOG FOR ONLY $1.00 each!! I love these gigantic white napkins that I bought at a little shop in downtown Chicago a year or so ago. They are so nice because 1. they look amazing on the table and 2. they cover your lap if really well if you spill!

The white vase and the white cups were from Neiman Marcus or as I refer to them as Needless Markup! (I did not buy them mind you) they were given to me as a gift. Love that!! They are Italian dishes called Bella Cucina and I use them all the time. They are so fresh and clean looking. It is funny because the person that gave them to me actually gave me a large ornate platter but that is so not me so I went to exchange it and got the large white vase, 6 cups in a cute silver holder, a little white pot with a lid, and one other thing for the price of one large platter. SCORE!!!

Que Serra Serra.... whatever will be will be ......the future's not ours to see.... que serra serra....
Just alittle Doris Day singing for you! Hee Hee

Hope you enjoyed this fun "Doris Day Luncheon" idea and please check out my TABLECAPE POST Orange and White Polka Dots

This is a repost from last year..but I thought it would fun to post it again!

More things to make using old book pages

2012-01-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

I have this fetish right now for things made from old book paper and I have found some amazing photos on Pinterest of things creative people have made useing the old book pages. I know some people freak out that we cut up old books but I look at it as recycling...especially if the books were already in bad shape. I find most of my books at thrift stores and pick the ones that have yellowed pages. Below you will see a wreath I made for my mom and she used it has her centerpiece on the table here on my other blog called Dress the Table (that I haven't updated in quite some time but there are some great tablescapes on there too!).

This wreath is from a fantastic tutorial you can find here on Living with Lindsay

This amazing ornament is from LoraJeans Magazine blog here

she gives a full tutorial on how to make them. Lora was inspired by Martha Stewart. .

How about this gigantic rose made from kraft paper! This is from Sunday Evening Blog and she also shows a great tutorial on how to make this and others.

Here are some amazing paper book ornaments for sale on ETSY here

Such creativity with paper...I love it!

You can see more of the old book page ideas here on my pinterest...come check it out!

Please share any fun ideas you have with old books too!
Karin

Create Pin Board with Fabric

2012-01-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

So I decided I needed a pin up board in my craft room...I had an old cork board in a frame...(ugly frame by the way) and so I decided to yank out the cork board and covered it with some cute fabric!

I cut the fabric so it was a little bit bigger than the cork board.

Here I am with my trusty staple gun....stapeling the fabric onto the cork board.

I hung the fabric cork board on the wall and then placed a large black frame around it to make it stand out. I love that fact that it holds patterns I am working on, inspiration photos....all things crafty right on the wall so I can see it and best yet....find it easily.

I am linking to Thrifty Thursday
Project Queen linky #18

Chargers made from old books

2012-01-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

During Christmas this year I was looking for a new fun way to set the table but not spend any money. My daughter uses old books that she folds for decoration as you can see in the Thanksgiving tablescape post here. So we decided to come up with a way to make chargers out of the pages!

We tore pages from an old book and folded them accordian style and stapled two or three of them together to make a fan. Then we placed the fans on top of the place mats to create a charger...a place for the plate to sit. The weight of the plate keeps the fans from moving around.

Here you can see the dinner plate and salad plates sitting atop of the book page fans.

I used these beautiful napkins from TJ Maxx that have lots of colors in the pattern.... browns, pinks, blues and yellow sitting against the tan salad plate.

You could use scrapbook paper in all the myriads of colors and patterns to change your look!

Fun don't you think?
I am participating in
Tablescape Thursday
Show and Share

Frugal Centerpiece Idea for 37 tables!

2012-01-17T12:39:00.000-07:00

What do you do when you have to come up with a centerpiece for 37 tables with no budget? First you freak out, panic a little and then you walk into your craft room and see mountains of tissue paper and wrapping paper left over from Christmas and a light bulb goes off in your head.....I think I can make some magic using this crumpled up used tissue paper and wrapping paper!! My amazing daughter Madeline whom you might remember did the Dr. Suess Baby shower here had recently made some gorgeous paper flowers for her daughter bedroom as decoration like the ones here on Martha Stewart's website. Madeline showed me how to make them in like 2 mintues and voila!! I made 37 paper flowers and they really looked fabulous on the tables. I also used some lime green wrapping paper that I bought from Tai Pan on clearance for that little added color in the center of each table.

To decorate a large gym filled with 37 round tables use bold bright color...as much as you can.

Let me know if any of you have other ideas like this....I am going to need them.

Thanks,

Karin

Holiday Tablescape Sneak Peeks

2011-11-12T22:21:00.001-07:00

My daughter and I have been creating tablescape ideas for the upcoming holidays (and a little cooking group thing we are hosting). We drug out the holiday boxes from the garage (much to the dismay of the Hubby). After ransacking through all the billions of boxes we decided to go for something wild and do a BRIGHT colored Christmas tablescape. We LOVE the idea of hanging ornaments from the chandelier and so we started there and it just continued to explode throughout the dining room. Here are a couple of sneak peeks of that with more pics to come along with a few how-to's!

Here are a few of our Thanksgiving tablescape ideas using natural elements as well as faux. We tried to focus on using things that most people would have around the house or could be purchased inexpensively. Then we added a few embelishments like sheet moss and old books! It has turned out better than expected. We will have a few how-to's to follow in the coming week with this as well.
I am hoping to get ourselves on Good Things Utah but everytime I mention it my daughter just rolls her eyes. Rude! I am funny!

Dining room in Fall Glory

2011-10-22T21:39:00.003-06:00

Here is my blue dining room all decked out in fall glory! I love this time of year with all the warm colored foliage. The oranges, reds and yellows are just abounding this time year so why not use them in your centerpieces and table decor?

Because my room is blue...a robin's egg blue it makes it hard to photograph at night. I will take pics in the morning so you can see it all bright with the sun shinning in here. I love using real pumpkins layered down the center of the table mixed with real and fake leaves.

Here is the closeup of the white, orange and multi striped pumpkins nestled on a piece of orange burlap layered with leaves, wooden black doo dads and two large glass hurricane vases filled with more leaves and large white candles.

I just love this chandelier I found at a thrift store!! My hubby hung it up for me right after we moved in. It just sparkles!

Here are my favorite fall salad plates purchased at Walmart 3 or 4 years ago. The little pumpkin place cards are from Pier one imports on clearance last year!

ooh la la wouldn't you say?

Hope you are all enjoying this fall season!!

Karin :)

Halloween Banners available on Etsy again!

2011-09-17T18:30:00.001-06:00

My daughter and I have been very busy creating these fantastic Halloween banners. All the banners are made with glitter, vintage accompaniments, and many other frills like feathers, fun trims, and all sorts of ribbons and papers. They are the perfect addition to any Halloween decor or party. We had so much fun adding each detail and hope you will enjoy its beauty as it hangs in your home.

All the banners pictured are for sale on Etsy in my shop, Itty Bitty Booties.

Enjoy some Halloween eye candy!

Home tour of our new house!

2011-08-15T08:00:00.000-06:00

Here is the kitchen in our new house..pretty huh? hee hee I just wanted to show you the before picture first and then how it all came together.

All these dark cabinets...not my thing at all.

I love a white kitchen...light and bright! Sooo

Bring on the white paint!!!! We found this adorable Finnish man named Stig (through our fabulous new next door neighbors) who has been painting for 50 years!! He is in his eighties and still works hard...he loves it. He and is grandson painted all our kitchen cabinets white (akimina from Kwal paint) and we love

how it all turned out!

The pot rack hanging above the kitchen island (which is a must for me) is made from a rod iron wall hanging decorative piece that I found at Tai Pan in Salt Lake city.

We hung it from the ceiling using chain link and large hooks and then added pot rack hooks to hang the pots from.

Saves so much room in the kitchen cupboards and I love how it looks.

Here is another picture of the cabinets before they were painted and before the

appliances were installed.

Right across from the kitchen is our breakfast nook and it is quite roomy.....perfect for our new dining room table and chairs that we found at a consignment shop in Durrango, Colorado.

My amazing husband worked his buns off painting, sanding, painting and sanding! Our daughter helped us put the new seat covers on each chair.

Once the table and chairs were painted we changed out the seat covers from the yucky Naugahyde to this darling cottage looking fabric from Joann fabrics. I found the fabric in the outdoor fabric section for 50% off. It works perfectly for seat covers because it is already stain resistant and water resistant.

NO STAINS! I will post a DIY on this project later.

We love the look of distressed furniture and so my husband worked really hard to create the effect by hand sanding the furniture first, brushing on the white paint, hand sanding between each coat then using and electric sander to get it super smooth and then finally finishing it all with a coat of polyurethane to protect it.

It turned out so nice!!! It can get nicked up (by my grandkids) and it won't hurt it a bit...it just adds to the look.

Here is the kitchen nook all completed. The little black chandelier came from my mom's consignment shop ..... I think I paid $15.00 for it!! The black shelving unit is from Ikea...remember it in my red kitchen...Here

Up next the Dining Room!

Blue Napkin Rings for SALE!!

2011-08-04T14:20:00.000-06:00

BLUE NAPKIN RINGS FOR SALE!!

ONLY .75 CENTS EACH!!

These beautiful blue napkin rings are on sale right here on my blog for .75 each!! Where can you find quality napkin rings for under one dollar? These are a beautiful shade of periwinkle blue and work with any table setting. You can use them for casual dining or for elegant dinner with white linens to add that pop of color.

I love how they look against a blue and white striped napkin.

These blue napkin rings just add that something special to a plain white napkin don't you think?

Order some today for yourself or as a gift for a friend.

You will love how they look on your table.

Crazy and fun times!

2011-07-11T09:00:00.002-06:00

Gosh time flies when you are having fun!!

We moved into our new home, had a family reunion for two weeks at our house with 20 people!! Cooking, Cleaning, Playing, having a great time!,

In between that time we had this adorable old Swedish man (82 yrs old) and his grandson here at our house installing crown moulding and painting kitchen cupboards...my husband has been creating works stations for me and for him from Ikea items, he also helped install some beautiful flagstone rock in the backyard and more family came to visit..... and on top of it all we had the extreme makeover team create a home in six days for a very deserving family right across the street from us!! They did it differently this time by building a home from the ground up rath

er than destroy an old home and rebuild it. It was an amazing thing to watch and be a part of!

Sooo that is why I have been absent from the blogging world for quite some time. I really have some fun pictures to share with you from all of these fun times but I am too tired to post them tonight. I will leave you with just a couple of pics from the extreme home makeover project for now.

Me and my sister in front of the Extreme Makeover bus!

My sister and all the cousins trying to get a sneak peak of Ty Pennington across the street! Tiff thinks he is so hot! hee hee

The crowds outside our house ready to yell "Move that bus!"

Michael one of the designers

The kids welcoming home the new family!! It was so exciting to see their reactions!

This show will air sometime in Oct!

TY in his fancy copper car!

Scores of deals for my new house!

2011-06-02T14:31:00.007-06:00

Can I tell you how much work moving is? Sheesh! We moved in about a week and half ago and it is work work work! I gotta say I do enjoy it. I just wish my back would cooperate more!

My sweet mom has been here helping me and when I say helping I mean HELPING like no other. Below you can see some gorgeous pillows she whipped up for my family room.

Don't you just love the floral fabric!

We bought it at Joann's during the memorial day sale so we were able to snag it for 50% off plus another 10% off our entire order!! Hello deally weally!

This fabric was originally 19.99 a yard! So yeah I have been doing a happy dance!

We found the striped fabric at the 2$ fabric store and I think it was 5.99 a yard.

We only needed a yard so that was perfect! I will show you more pictures as I complete the room....it is cute!

For my formal dining room we found these gorgeous white tab top with matching buttons, 108" long drapes at JC Penny's over the memorial day weekend. Yes they were also on sale.

I purchased each panel for only $14.99 each! All done no sewing Hallelujua!!

Oh and the curtain rods I bought at Lowes (where most of my money seems to go these days) and yes they were 50% off too! I got them for $18.95 each!

Do you see that cute bamboo blind peaking out between the white curtains? That is my biggest score!! I went to Lowe's looking for blinds knowing I would have to pay around $30 to $50 a window (I have 25 windows mind you) and what did I find but a large bin filled with blinds 75% off! I looked at these at first and thought those might do and went and looked at others. I came back and realized that some of these blinds would be $5.00 each!!! That's right $5.00 dollars a piece I was doing a jig right in the middle of Lowes! They did not have all I needed so I went to four other Lowes to find them all. Some had them on clearance and some did not. I showed them my receipt and they honored the prices!! I could not believe my luck! I will show more photos soon of my sweet bamboo blinds in my completed dining room soon.

Until next time......

Wait till I tell you what I found our local Deseret Industries thrift store!

Be on the hunt for deals they are out there!!

Karin

Changing things up!

2011-05-12T00:15:00.000-06:00

Since I have yet to move into our new house .....

and I don't any of my projects completed enough to show you the finished product.....

I have decided to change up the look of my blog. Let me know what you think.

Soon I will be in my house and I will have lots of pictures of all the fun things I have been up to

Until then here are some photos of Ideas I love love love and I am trying to incorporate some of these ideas in my new home.

I have painted some of the rooms in my house a similar blue color like this

Dont you love love love this dining room!! Miss Mustard Seed has done an amazing job and is selling this dining room set that she refinished. The chandelier is stunning as well as the fabric she has used as curtains. I love all these ideas.

I love the pop of Orange color in this room!

Just some fun ideas to look at.

Be back soon!

Screaming Meme is having a slipcover giveaway!!

2011-04-29T11:37:00.004-06:00

Screaming Meme is one of my favorite bloggers!

She make the most amazing slipcovers!!

Screaming Meme will be giving things away that she loves and things that she thinks will make your home more beautiful. They may be big things or small. They may be new or old.

For her first giveaway she is giving away a pretty slipcover for an ottoman.

It would look great in most any space (I would love to win this myself!!)

To make it more fun and personal, she will let you choose a color...either, natural or linen.

The ottoman cover can fit any square or circular ottoman up to 116 inches around all sides.

Screaming Meme suggested an idea she saw from Kelly @ Much To Do With Nothing who stamped her slipcover!! I could totally see this Ottoman stamped cute like this!

http://thescreamingmeme.blogspot.com/

Make sure you hop on over to her blog and enter to win.

I will be back soon to show you our table and chair makeover!

Ohhhh It has turned out sooooo cute...I know you will all love it.

Karin :)

Craftsman style house.....almost ready!

2011-04-21T10:05:00.006-06:00

Here is our new home almost done!

We love the craftsman style of this home with all the architectural treatments of an older cottage home but everything about it is new. I always wanted a beach house or a lake house and guess what!! There is s a small lake in the neighborhood where you can use pedal boats or kayaks all surrounded by walking/bike paths...plus

there are a zillion parks every 1/4 mile with fun jungle gyms, basketball courts, volleyball courts and pools.... perfect for my grand kids!

These photos were taken about 3 weeks ago...but now there is a driveway poured and they are getting ready to landscape and most of the inside is completed. It has been an adventure living out of a suitcase since December 15th! and traveling around staying with oh so supportive family members as we have been waiting for our house to be finished. I haven't seen it for a couple of weeks as I am still traveling around visiting family but we should be moving in by the middle of May.
I can't wait to show you the inside! Picture this.... light bright airy colors...soft warm yellow painted walls throughout with some rooms painted turquoise blue. We didn't get to pick the cabinet colors but we are painting them out white. We did get to choose the wood floors..... hand scraped dark wood floors with white trim!
BUT some of the best things I can't wait to show you are the projects my amazing sweet talented husband has been working on! (My back has gone out...from sleeping on so many sofa beds and blow up mattresses so I have been down for the count!)
We have found furniture at thrift stores and consignment stores and he has been working like a dog re - doing them. Sanding, painting, more sanding etc.. oh my gosh they look amazing!! Picture this....large round table with six chairs...that were a wood finish are all now painted white with a weathered finish...so beach/cottage looking!!!
I can't stand it at how good they turned out.
I am so excited and can't wait to finally be in our house.

I just hope I am still not walking like a grandma because of my dumb back!

Stay tuned for more updates and pictures!!

Believe to Prevail against Cancer

2011-04-06T20:24:00.005-06:00

As many of you know my sweet brother Tim died of colon cancer a little over a year ago at the age of 47 leaving behind a wife and eight children. His one and only daughter Sami has started a foundation to help cancer victims and their families with the huge expense of cancer treatments. Please read below and if you desire to help her with her foundation you can donate here http://www.believe2prevail.org/Donate.html

r Awareness and Prevention

Believe to Prevail Foundation Cancer Awareness and Prevention

Our Mission

In one-way or another, cancer has found a way into each of our lives. I have yet to meet

someone who doesn’t have some kind of connection to the disease. Whether it may be a friend who is fighting, a personal encounter, or a loved one whom has passed, we all share the sorrow and anguish it brings. When my father was in the hospital with stage four-colon cancer, a dear friend made us bright yellow t-shirts that said, “Believe”. Now that is something we can all cling to.

By addressing and promoting cancer prevention we can save lives.

It is making small habit changes everyday that can make a life time difference. Believing that you can change your life is the first step. While it maybe extremely important to find a cure for this disease, we need to do everything within our power to stop it before it is to late. Our lives are worth changing! My father passed away at age 47, just a year after he was diagnosed.

For colon cancer, the recommended age for screening is 50. I know and have heard many stories of men and women who get cancer in there 20's, 30’s and early 40’s. Catching cancer in an early stage makes all the difference and we need that difference! Education is the key.

Samantha Cummings
Founder of Believe to Prevail foundation
©2011

Thank you in advance Karin (The Style Sisters)

Fun things in my sisters house

2011-02-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

While staying at my sisters house I took photos of different areas in her house that inspired me. This area is up on top of some shelving in her sewing room. I love how she took some old books, a large clock, a vase filled with faux fruit and a rustic metal floral decoration. It looks awesome. Look around your house to find unusual items to create a wonderful "scape"

Another fun and cheap idea is to frame maps! Tiff bought these black frames at Ikea for $4.99 and found the White mats at an "as is" Ikea sale for only $4.00!!

She is wishing she had bought a lot more!

Tiff's Secret tip: the maps are wrapping paper!! I don't know where she got it but keep your eyes peeled for fabulous wrapping paper to frame! Brilliant!!

Wal-mart Bookcase with leg addition.

2011-02-15T08:00:00.001-07:00

My sister..Tiffany had purchased this bookshelf at Wal-Mart a few years back.

It was originally brown and plain.

With a little bit of white paint it transformed it!

Then to add even more of a transformation she added these cute legs to the bottom of it.

Tiff purchased the legs at Home Depot unfinished...so she spray painted them white to match. Are you seeing the cuteness factor here!!

While we were visiting her and her family my cute hubby attached them to the bottom of the shelving unit for her. WOW is all I can say!

What a difference it made to this simple Bookcase.

Cheap and Easy details for the WOW factor. It doesn't get any better than this!!

What a handsome handy guy :)

I am linking to Transformations and Treasures

VALENTINE TABLESCAPE

2011-02-14T17:13:00.006-07:00

This Valentine Tablescape has been set up at my mom's Flea Market! All the items are for sale! Including all the chocolates!! If you are interested in any of these items please email me at

admin@thestylesisters.net

The goblets are stunning!! The photos don't show how sparkly they really are.

The centerpiece is made up of a topiary ball placed in a glass vase.

My daughter and I made these really unique napkin rings out of scrapbook paper and old jewelry. Each one is unique.

A little angel cherub graces the table along with candles placed on top of two of the goblets turned upside down.

Here is another one of our unique napkin rings.

Sorry the picture is so foggy. The chandelier looks so festive with red hearts hanging from it.

See the pearls and gold nuggets that decorate this napkin ring.

We loved creating these unique items.

A very French poster hanging above the table.

Darling dessert plates surrounded by round topiaries.

More of moms delicious candy treats

Hope you are all enjoying your Valentine's day!

Email me for prices on any of the items you see.

admin@thestylesisters.net

I am linking to Tablescape Thursday

Make your entry way feel bigger than life with shutters

2011-02-14T08:00:00.003-07:00

My sister found these fabulous old shutters at her local Habitat for Humanity in Durango Colorado and paid $7.00 for each set. All she had to do was clean them off and hang them up in her entry!

By hanging them on either side of her large mirror it really makes a huge presentation when you walk in the door! I love how it all turned out!

The wreath hanging on the mirror is the wreath I made using an old book. Directions are on Living With Lindsay HERE

I'M BACK!!!! BUT....

2011-02-11T08:41:00.003-07:00

Yes I am back!! BUT...no home yet

we are hoping to be in it by the middle of March!!

My hubby and I have been traveling gypsies!!

Zigging and zagging all over the western united states!

After we packed up the house and the moving trucks left. I say truck(s) because the moving company did not bring a big enough truck and had to come back a

second time to finish the job!) ..

We then packed or rather stuffed the car with all our luggage (winter clothes for 2 months or more) our dog (large chocolate lab that has bad breath) and our youngest daughter (who cameand helped her old mom and dad pack up the house)

and left the great state of Texas and headed to Colorado

to stay at my sister's house (1 dog, 5 kids one of which is a brand new baby!)

right before Christmas!!

(Aren't we nice)

We always love staying with Tiff and her hubby and all our nephews and niece.

Then..... a few days before Christmas we re-packed the car and headed to our oldest daughter and son-in-laws apartment (2 bedroom, 2 kids, 4 adults and the dog!) in Salt Lake City

to be with our grandkiddies for Christmas morning! Oh and at this point and time....we had not been able to get any Christmas shopping done...so we crammed everyone into the car and trekked over to the mall (along with everyone else in Utah!) CRAZY!!

Bazillions of people, long lines, traffic beyond belief...after two days of that we finished it all.

Christmas morning with the grandkids was AWESOME!!!

The day after Christmas we re- packed the car again with the bad breath dog and our youngest daughter and headed to Southern Utah to my mom's house where there was tons of snow!

Mom had yummy food and chocolates for us everyday!!

We celebrated New Years Eve with tons of family and friends.

We played hysterical games and ate more amazing food and more chocolates!!

On New Years Day we drove (without the dog) to the Las Vegas airport and hopped on a plane and headed to San Francisco to go and visit my husband's parents and his siblings and meet our new niece Ava

and nephew Kyle

before my hubby flew to Asia for 3 weeks!

(while we were gone my bad breath dog was out by the hen house at my moms and got a hold of one of her chickens ....Poor mom was trying everything..screaming, kicking and yelling at our dog to get her to stop...she finally grabbed a bucket and hit the bad breath dog on the head to get her to let go...which she finally did.... but the chicken bit the dust..feathers were everywhere...so sad)

Poor mom yelled so much that she completely lost her voice for a few days!

Are any of you still reading this crazy travel log? There is much more....

After San Fran.....I flew back to Las Vegas... and then drove back to mom's house to stay with her while my hubby was gone. My cute mom continued to fill me with her chocolates everyday!! I have noticed for some reason my pants are a little tight around the waist.

(On a scary note: the day after I came home my husband's youngest brother had a heart attack at the age of 43. They had to shock his heart 30 times!! It was touch and go for over 2 hours! He came through it and is home now but it scared us to death!...My poor hubby was over on the other side of the world worried sick but all is well now)

A few days before my hubby returned from Asia (21 different cities)...I drove back to Salt Lake (with bad breath dog and youngest daughter) to stay at our other daughters

apartment again (2 bedroom, 2 kids, 4 adults and bad breath dog) Crazy!! My sweet

daughter and amazing son-in-law are sooo precious to let us come and stay!

It is always fun to be with them! My daughter and husband decided we needed to celebrate Chinese New Year. It is the year of the rabbit..Mike brought the kids back a Panda bear dressed as a rabbit from China.

They cooked us some delicious Chinese food and Madeline set a gorgeous table.

My tired hubby returns from Asia..only to hit the ground running... it is time to find a house!

For days and days we looked and looked and looked at houses...(drove our realtor nuts) we finally put an offer on one (short sale) but someone put in a bigger offer and bumped us out. Soooo we were back out looking again...we found another one and we are hoping it all goes well.

In between house hunting... my hubby, daughters, grandkids and I went to tons of amazing thrift stores, consignment shops, Ikea, and other great places and found some amazing things!

I can't wait to show them to you and put them in the new house!

So since we are in the wait mode we decided to go back Colorado to my sisters

(5 kids, 4 adults and 2 dogs) and mooch off of her for another week :)

We have been having a fabulous time scouring thrift stores in her area too

(can't wait to show you the deals)!

Next week we plan to go back to Southern Utah...then back to Salt Lake and then a quick trip to Arizona to visit my dad and his wife and then finally back to Salt Lake to hopefully move in to our new home!!

In the coming days and weeks I will be sharing with you some amazing transformations from my mom and sisters homes. All do it yourself ideas!

Centerpiece Wednesday will start up again later in the spring so be thinking Easter ideas!

Ta Ta For Now

Karin :)

Taking a break for awhile

2010-11-30T22:04:00.004-07:00

I have decided to take a blog break for just a little while...because of all my packing, moving, traveling etc.. it's a little crazy.

I will be back after the first of the year with lots of new and creative ideas to share with all of you.

Until then...enjoy the holidays with your loved ones!

Karin:)

Centerpiece Wednesday- CAL MAN

2010-11-24T10:45:00.006-07:00

Welcome to Centerpiece Wednesday!

We decided to do a centerpiece highlighting my darling grandson....We are calling this centerpiece

CAL MAN...for Calvin.

I am visiting my family for Thanksgiving! This was right before breakfast this morning...he was ready for some pumpkin!

We will be posting pictures of our Thanksgiving table next week! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

Link up to Centerpiece Wed and show us your fabulous and creative ideas!

How to Recover a Settee Sofa

2010-11-18T08:30:00.001-07:00

Remember a few posts back my daughter told you that we had a big surprise to show you...well here it is...we took this lovely old settee and.....

decided to reupholster it!!

Neither of us had ever reupholstered anything of this magnitude before.

My sister Tiffany has reupholstered a couple of chairs...HERE and HERE

Madeline, her sweet husband Peter, my other daughter Emily, my sweet little granddaughter and I all worked like dogs!! Pulling out hundreds and hundreds of staples....Yanking off all the fabric....taking the entire settee apart and then......

We painted it and began the reupholstering by stapling the new fabric on the sofa and stapling and stapling even more!

Then we had to put the entire sofa back together again. Since this is the Style Sisters we did it in style! Check out the outfits we were wearing while reupholstering...see my cheetah scarf and those shoes!! (the shoes were Madeline's of course)

At one point we couldn't see where to staple in a few sections so Madeline strapped on her head light! But notice her gorgeous drop earrings!! and her beautiful draped green top! Style all the way!

You can see all the photos of the complete transformation over on Madeline's blog HERE Oh and check out the beautiful trim she made too..there are many closeups over there.

Me and my sweet little grandbabies sitting on the sofa! and Yes we did all of this with two little kids in tow in a little apartment...even the painting!!....

Yes we are crazy! :)

Hop on over and check out all the photos and say Hi to my sweet daughter.

It was so much work but also so much fun to work together on a big project like this with her.

I am participating in

Show off your stuff party

Welcome to Centerpiece Wednesday

2010-11-17T08:17:00.004-07:00

WELCOME TO CENTERPIECE WEDNESDAY!!

Did I tell you that we sold our house and are moving back to Salt Lake City? Yep....in December! I am currently up to my ears in boxes so no tablescaping for me for awhile :( I am up to my ears in packing up everything.

This week I am highlighting some of your amazing ideas from last week. I hope to be able to post some new tablescape ideas from my sisters house, my daughters house and my moms as I won't be moving into a house until February!

Without further ado....here are some highlights from last week.

Dining Delight's centerpiece idea just glows! I love the colors and how it bounces all the yummy gold-pumpkin color all over the room.

Focal Point did a spectacular job using thrift store items to create this elegant thanksgiving centerpiece! She even spray painted the twiggy tablerunner and the leaves gold! I love using what you have and making do!

I loved this idea from Boogieboard cottage ...she used a family heirloom bowl and filled it with gorgeous pomegranent's and also incorporated little white pumpkins and voitive candles.

Entertaining women posted this lovely idea for a bridal shower and I love using 3 items in a row and these floral arrangements are just gorgeous!

Link up all your ideas below!

I am participating in Tablescape Thursday.

In memory of our sweet Brother

2010-11-14T07:57:00.004-07:00

Our sweet brother passed away one year ago today from colon cancer.

We really miss him.

Tim was the kind of guy that was larger than life....he had that magnetic kind of personality that attracted people from all walks of life. Tim's smile alone could light up a room!

He had an amazing sense of humor that would make everyone laugh right out loud! Even during his funeral when friends and family shared stories about him all 800 people in attendance were laughing out loud. He was adored by so many people!

Tim had a heart as big as all outdoors and he not only cared about people..but he put his feelings into action and always helped people in any way he could whether it was to give them money when they were down on their luck and/or invite them to live in his home.

He loved music and we could sit around for hours in his office listening to the zillions of songs he had downloaded. Tim owned a kareokee system and would love to love to sing "Mac the knife" to any all who would listen. He did have a great voice and perfomed in a local community theatre group. He even landed the leading role.... scrooge.... in the musical production of "A Christmas story" His ability to express scrooges feelings were powerful!!

Tim lived and loved life to fullest.

Tim is the father of 8 beautiful children...7 boys and 1 girl and husband to Liz an absolute angel and truly amazing woman. One of his favorite places on earth to go was Disneyland and he and his family would frequently pack up their car and drive 6 to 7 hours to get there. Tim and Liz's relationship was heaven on earth...always there for one another and always showing affection.

As much fun as Tim always had in life he always had his priorities straight. He love the Lord and served his fellow man. Tim had a testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and he was an example of the savior...showing compassion and love to those around.

We feel so blessed to have had him in our lives for those 47 years.

Love and miss you Tim-Bob!

Karin and Tiff

Centerpiece Wednesday

2010-11-09T21:04:00.002-07:00

WELCOME TO CENTERPIECE WEDNESDAY!
I am highlighting these fabulous ideas from Better Homes and Gardens.
I love how they used fruit, nuts, and branches to create beautiful centerpieces.
One of my favorites is the one in the right bottom corner where they stacked 3 plates on top of small glasses filled with fruit.

Please link up to Centerpiece Wednesday and share your ideas with us.

Centerpiece Wednesdays - Fall/Thanksgiving Scape

2010-11-03T13:06:00.003-06:00

Hello everyone, I am hijacking my mom's blog today. I am her oldest daughter, Madeline. I am the author of the blog Newly Nesting.Unfortunately I am so busy that I hardly have time to blog anymore but my mom and do an exciting post coming up soon so stay tuned (it's a secret...it involved a LOT of work!)

Today we are going to take you step by beautiful step through the process of creating this inspiring fall centerpiece. We both have a LOVE for the fall season and all things surrounding it. We were also trying to come up with some fun ideas regarding our Thanksgiving table (this year we will be celebrating with my side of the family with my mom's sister - the other Style Sister). Tiff just had her 5th baby and so my mom and I will be the ones pulling that holiday together!

Hopefully this inspires you as much as it did for us!

My little Ella is the cutest girl around, I think!

We just used a felt tipped calligraphy pen to write the names.

If you are interested in purchasing one of those folded books you can e-mail me at eyesofmad [at] gmail [dot] com. The basic cone shaped one is $15 and the other more intricate versions are $18.

Have a wonderful holiday season! Thanks for stopping by! And don't forget to link up!

Welcome to Centerpiece Wednesday! Fall Centerpieces

2010-10-27T06:00:00.000-06:00

WELCOME TO CENTERPIECE WEDNESDAY -

FALL CENTERPIECE IDEAS

ALL PHOTOS ARE FROM BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS WEBSITE. THEY SHOW HOW TO MAKE THESE BEAUTIFUL CENTERPIECES ON THEIR SITE.

Corn husk Centerpiece

I love this idea of using corn husks to form a wreath and then placing a beautiful

bowl filled with fruit in the middle for a stunning centerpiece.

Pedestal pumpkin centerpiece

This is such a great idea! Using a pedestal dish and silk leaves and flowers...hot glue them to the glass dish to make it lovely. Add a small pumpkin to the center

Flower pumpkin centerpiece

This beauty is made from marigolds but you could use carnations or button mums. Click on the name of the centerpiece to go to the directions.

Hope you enjoy these fun ideas from Better Homes and Gardens.

My inlinkz thing is not working :( I will try later..their website is down or something.

Introducing Baby Max

2010-10-25T21:24:00.005-06:00

Here are a couple of pics of Tiffany's new baby boy!

Here he is only a few days old...Baby Maxwell Timmothy...my sister's new baby boy! He weighed in at 8lbs 9 oz and is 20 inches long. Would you just look at those cheeks! Tiff says the just smoosh in when you kiss them. :)

This is Tiff and her hubby with their new baby boy. This makes 5 children for them 4 boys and 1 girl. They are so thrilled to have this new little one finally here.

That's it from the Style Sisters...tune in tomorrow evening for Centerpiece Wed.

Centerpiece Wednesday -"Witchy Woman"

2010-10-20T11:36:00.002-06:00

WE INTERRUPT THIS CENTERPIECE WED TO BRING YOU EXCITING NEWS

MY SISTER TIFFANY THE OTHER HALF OF THE STYLESISTERS JUST HAD HER BABY BOY A FEW HOURS AGO!!! I WILL POST PICS TOMORROW.

MAXWELL TIMMOTHY 8LBS 9 OZ

Welcome To Centerpiece Wednesday

"Witchy Woman"

I was inspired by many of you Tablescape Thursday gals that used a witches hat for your centepiece and decided to use one too! I added some fall berries and fall leaves around the base of the hat.

I used my gold tablecloth that I bought from Garden Ridge a few years ago...I have used it before on another fall table HERE

I stuffed the witches hat with some dish towels to make it stand up and placed it on a glass cake plate to elevate it on the table.

APOTHECARY JAR-I also brought out my tall glass apothecary jar filled with white porcelain balls that have black letters on them for an added punch .

I needed some black on the table so I added the black wooden decor items...

Of course you can't have a Halloween tablescape without some candles...so I brought out this fun Christmas aged glass candle holder and plopped a white candle on it..plus the little black voitive candle holders from the dollar store. The more the merrier!

Isn't this a fun little touch...a small terrarium with one of the porcelain balls and fall leaves all around. I tried to use unique shapes and items to make it "witchy"

RIBBON COVERED PITCHER- My favorite white pitcher with the black grossgrain ribbon added. Does it get any easier? Or any cheaper? USE WHAT YOU HAVE AND EMBELLISH THINGS TO MAKE THEM SEEM NEW.

WITCHY PLATES- Okay...now for the "Witchy Woman" plates! Aren't they sooo cute. My mom gave them to me a few years ago and I love them. They are not typical Halloween colors but they are very fun to work with. There are four different witches.

NAPKIN RINGS: Using my pretty white napkin rings .75 cents if you buy 12 slid on over my new black napkins from World Market. 6 for $9.99

UPSIDE DOWN CHARGERS: I used my gold chargers turned upside down showing the black side up with my white lettered plates and the witch plates.

WITCHY WOMAN...SHE'S GOT THE MOON IN HER EYYYYEESSSS. SING WITH ME NOW...

HOPE YOU ENJOYED MY WITCHY WOMAN TABLESCAPE AND CENTERPIECE IDEAS.

Please link up with your centerpiece ideas below and link back to The Style Sisters.

Participating in Tablescape Thursday

Winner of the Orange/Peach Napkin Rings is...

2010-10-18T20:58:00.004-06:00

I am happy to announce the winner of the

ORANGE PEACH boo-tiful napkin rings is...

THE TABLESCAPER!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Please email me with your address so I can ship them off to you for Halloween!

A big thanks to all of you who entered and left such great comments.

I love to read all your thoughts and ideas and funny Halloween comments.

Tomorrow morning I will post Centerpiece Wednesday so make sure y'all come back in the morning.

Karin

Eating Crow- Halloween Tablescape and Napkin Ring Giveaway!!

2010-10-13T20:49:00.000-06:00

Eating Crow Halloween Tablescape

And Napkin Ring Giveaway!

One lucky person will be picked to win these orange/peach colored set of 12 napkin rings to use on their Halloween Table!! Just leave a fun Halloween comment about my "crow under glass".

The winner will be chosen Monday evening Oct. 18th

My cute friend Penny just came back from Spain and brought me this beautiful Orange table cloth and so I knew it would be perfect to use for an Elegant Halloween Dinner..including roasted crow under glass! (Insert Wicked laugh here)

I brought out my grandma's elegant colorful crystal stemware from Germany that I inherited from her. They are amazingly gorgeous. Remember when I used them for Easter Here I love that they are so versatile!

Here are the "boot"- iful orange colored napkin rings that I am giving away to one lucky winner! The little black stones I had...and just used a paint pen to write little spooky messages on them for my guests.

Notice I used my little white porcelain balls with black lettering on them for placecards. I also used them in a black and white tablescape with a touch of Pink HERE

I love this big white pitcher...this time I added some black ribbon to make it look like big stripes going around it. I did this for the fourth of July with Red ribbon..you can see it HERE

On top of the black and white toile plates I placed another larger amber colored goblet to use for the dessert..."Death by chocolate Mousse"!

Hope this inspired you to use what you may already own in new and different ways without spending a dime!

Don't forget to leave me a fun Halloween comment to be entered in to win the set of 12 of orange/peach colored Napkin Rings!

I am participating in

Tablescape Thursday!

CENTERPIECE WEDNESDAY -10 STEPS TO DRESSING YOUR TABLE

2010-10-12T20:33:00.000-06:00

10 Steps to dressing your table. (repost)

Step 1. Here I have a plain white table with no chairs around it in my kitchen nook. Plain and simple let's dress it up a bit with some chairs.Step 2. Add Chairs. These are the chairs that I normally have around my table. Not my favorite because they are kind of small. See how the backs of the chairs barely peek over the top of the table. Step 3. Change out chairs and add a simple centerpiece! I brought in my black dining room chairs to show you the difference. I really like the size of the chairs and the color contrast....Plus they have a coordinating fabric on the seats.These chairs seem to ground the room better don't you think?

I will have to get some new dining room chairs! he heStep 4. Add some more interest to the centerpiece. I added a little bird house and some appetizer plates. Step 5. Elevate! I brought out my Christmas footed cake plate to add some height to the table and stacked some dinner plates and some green salad plates plus the cute appetizer plates (you will see that in a second) all under a glass dome. I also added some black candle holders.

Step 6. Floral! Add some colorful silk flowers to the edges just to give it a spring look!

See those cute appetizer plates! So precious under the glass dome!

They have prominence now. Step 7. Texture!...I added a piece of burlap for texture and color...plus I added the white dinner plates and silverware.

Step 8. Layer! Add lime green salad plate and appetizer plate.

Step 9. Napkins and Napkin Rings! Add white napkins and my cute white napkin rings! You can still get them for $1.00 each and if you buy a set of 12 I will give another set of four for free any color (Pink, white, blue or red)

Step 10. Serveware! Add platters, water pitchers and glasses (which I forgot to add to this picture) and you are Ready to sit down to your beautiful table and eat!

How often do you set your table?

Please link up to Centerpiece Wed below and share your creative ideas with us.

Making French Pillows

2010-10-08T12:40:00.000-06:00

I don't know how to speak French or any other language for that matter but I do love French looking things! I have been in a sewing mood lately and made this darling French pillow out of White canvas.

I added some black satin ribbon to the sides and transfered the

French label onto the front

I left the back of the pillow just plain white canvas...so actually I guess you get two looks for the price of one! :)

Here is the close-up of the French label transfer.

I love all the scrolls and French wording!

I am selling this pillow in my Etsy store for $28.00 HERE and many more.....if I can carve out some more sewing time and get my creative juices flowing.

Let me know what you think of the black ribbon on the sides...I think it adds a certain flaire to the pillow :)

Merci Beaucoup

( I looked it up...thank you very much)

Sopapilla Cheesecake Pie- Delicious and Easy!

2010-10-08T06:30:00.003-06:00

I had the most amazing dessert the other day and thought all of you would like the recipe. My new friend Amie from church shared this recipe with me. It is has a crunchy cinamony top and creamy cheesecake filling and a bottom crust.

Try this you will love it.

http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/sopapilla-cheesecake-pie/Detail.aspx

You can go to Allrecipes and read the rave reviews on this recipe as well.

Sopapilla Cheesecake Pie

Ingredients

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon Mexican vanilla extract
2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent rolls
3/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/4 cup honey

Directions

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Beat the cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar and the vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
Unroll the cans of crescent roll dough, and use a rolling pin to shape each piece into 9x13 inch rectangles. Press one piece into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture into the baking dish, then cover with the remaining piece of crescent dough. Stir together 3/4 cup of sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Dot the mixture over the top of the cheesecake.
Bake in the preheated oven until the crescent dough has puffed and turned golden brown, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and drizzle with honey. Cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 squares.

Enjoy your weekend!

Karin

Halloween Tablescape 2010

2010-10-06T18:24:00.003-06:00

Halloween Tablescape 2010

Oooh I am loving working with my orange and white polka dot plates and my white plates with black words....can you say cuteness! The place card is actually a piece from my Halloween banner that I make. I thought it would work so well as a placecard using the initial of the persons name. Fun huh!

Here is the whole table with the black and white table runner from Ikea, the centerpiece that I blogged about yesterday HERE, gold colored goblets (JC Penny). gold silverware, and odds and ends.

All the plates were purchased from TJMAXX/HOMEGOODS I bought the lettered plates there a long time ago and the orange white polka dot plates over the summer. The black chargers are actually my gold ones flipped upside down!

My .75 cent white napkin rings are still available over there on right side of my blog....

It's a great time to have a fall dinner outside...before it gets too cold. I think these colors work anytime for fall and not just for Halloween.

I love all the things going on for this table....words, letters, color, sparkle and black and white.

Hope this has given you some fun ideas on how to dress up your table for a fall harvest dinner or for Halloween!

Linking up to Tablescape Thursday!

Outdoor Wednesday

Not Baaad Sundays

Welcome to Centerpiece Wednesday!- Halloween Time

2010-10-05T18:00:00.003-06:00

WELCOME TO CENTERPIECE WEDNESDAY - HALLOWEEN TIME!

Here is a fun Halloween Centerpiece idea for you.

I used this cute metal pie tin with a wire cagey thing attached together with an old antique door knob Junk Revolution (I don't think they are available any more) on top of a glass cake plate that has a black plastic doilie on it from Ikea

I filled the bottom of the metal pie tin with fall leaves and an orange candle.

I stacked 2 glass cake plates on top of each other but this time I placed the small cake plate on the bottom and added smooth black rocks for texture

Then I "accessorized" the center of the table with a small black clock, black votive candle holders, sprigs of orange and gold berries and black wooden accent pieces.

I also added some orange bottle brush trees to complete the Halloween look.

The black and white striped table runner is from Ikea.

Tomorrow I will post the table settings! I used my favorite orange and white polka dots plates and upside down black charger plates!! It really turned out cute.

Linked to Thrifty Thursday

Can't wait to see all your Centerpiece Ideas!

Pumpkin Spice Creme Brulee

2010-10-04T16:19:00.002-06:00

Pumpkin Spice Creme Brulee from BHG

Does this not sound amazing!

I want to make some soon and how cute to serve it up in the mini pumpkins.

2 cups whipping cream (no substitutes)
3 egg yolks, lightly beaten
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
10 baby pumpkins*
1/4 cup sugar
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a small saucepan, heat whipping cream over medium heat just until bubbly. Remove from heat; set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine egg yolks, eggs, the 1/2 cup sugar, pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and cloves. Beat with a whisk or rotary beater just until combined. Slowly whisk the hot whipping cream into the egg mixture.
3. Use a small serrated knife to cut off the top 1/2-inch of the baby pumpkins. Discard the tops. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds.
4. Place the pumpkins in a roasting pan. Divide custard mixture evenly among the pumpkins. Place roasting pan on oven rack. Pour enough boiling water into the roasting pan to reach halfway up the sides of the pumpkins.
5. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until centers appear nearly set when gently shaken. Carefully remove pan from oven. Remove pumpkins from water; cool on a wire rack. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
6. Before serving, let custards stand at room temperature for 20 minutes. **Meanwhile, for caramelized sugar: in a heavy 8-inch skillet, heat the 1/4 cup sugar over medium-high heat until sugar begins to melt, shaking skillet occasionally to heat sugar evenly. Do not stir. Once sugar starts to melt, reduce heat to low; cook 3 to 5 minutes more or until all of the sugar is melted and golden brown, stirring as needed with a wooden spoon.
7. Quickly drizzle caramelized sugar over the custards. (If sugar starts to harden in the skillet, return to heat, stirring until melted.) Serve immediately. Makes 10 filled pumpkins or 6 custard cups.
* Instead of the pumpkins, you can use six 3/4-cup souffle dishes or 6-ounce custard cups. Place the souffle dishes or custard cups in a 13x9x2-inch baking pan.
**Culinary Torch Method: Instead of caramelizing the sugar in the skillet as directed in steps 6 and 7, sprinkle sugar evenly over custards. Use a culinary torch to caramelize the sugar.

Let me know if any of you try this.

Green Apple Salad Recipe (Amazing!!)

2010-10-04T12:30:00.001-06:00

Just thought I would share this salad recipe with all of you. My cute friend Jessica brought it to a church function recently and everyone was dying over it. It is soooo good.

Green Apple Salad:

One head red leaf lettuce (sometimes I throw in a head of butter lettuce as well)

6-8 green onions, chopped

2 green apples, thinly sliced into bite sized pieces

feta cheese, to taste

craisins, to taste

toasted almonds, to taste (place almonds on cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 6-8 minutes)

Combine all salad ingredients in large bowl and toss thoroughly. Drizzle dressing (recipe below) over the salad just before serving. Mix until all greens are coated. Enjoy!

Dressing:

2 Tablespoons white wine vinegar

1/4 cup salad oil

2 Tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

I usually double the dressing recipe, to have on hand just in case. If doubled, be careful not to over saturate the greens prior to serving. I usually pour half the doubled recipe over the salad and add more if needed

How to Make a Pumpkin Topiary

2010-09-30T19:30:00.001-06:00

How to make a Pumpkin Topiary-

Last year I made my own pumpkin topiary for my front door entrance.

I stacked three pumpkins with some fall leaves hot glued in between each layer and then added a few leaves around the base of the largest pumpkin.

These are real pumpkins..but you could use fake ones too. Simple cut off the stems of the bottom and middle pumpkins to make them flat and easier to stack one on top of each other. Add a little hot glue to keep them from rocking and rolling.
I used this plastic urn that I bought from Lowes to hold the topiary.

I used another urn for this one lone pumpkin with leaves hot glued to the base.

The urn was originally a cream color but I spray painted it black.

BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS have these adorable pumpkin topiary ideas below.

I love this idea of using a pole to separate the layers.

Here are some funny carved pumpkins stacked on top of each other to make a fun topiary.
I would imagine you would have to put a pole down through all of these pumpkins to make it sturdy enough not to fall down. I love love this idea!

Welcome to Centerpiece Wednesday

2010-09-28T19:42:00.010-06:00

Thank you to Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for highlighting my napkin rings in her Tablescape today!!

Welcome to Centerpiece Wednesday!

Dinning in the backyard is my all time favorite..especially in the early fall when it is the perfect temperature outside.

I started with a sisal rug on the table followed by brown silky lining fabric on the edges that flows to the ground. I like the contrast in textures. For the centerpiece I brought out one of my white lanterns from Ikea and filled it with fall leaves and an orange candle. I also put a large grapevine wreath around the lantern to add a harvest look to the table.

On either side of the lantern I placed to small sized pots with a tall faux plant in each..to add some greenery. The little pots are cement colored with dark colored rings on the front.

I love the amber colored goblets...I bought the bubble glass goblets at JC Pennys. They add the perfect color of autumn to the table and some sparkle.

For the napkins I have used three different kinds. I didn't have enough of the red, green, gold plaid so I took 1 red and 1 gold napkin and put them together and placed one of my white napkin rings (.75 each if you buy a set of 12) around both for a fun new look..just using what I have.... and laid them across my leaf plates from Walmart!

Here are the plaid napkins with my white napkin rings.

Here you can see our pergula with white lights hanging from it as the dusk turns to night.

At night everything just glows.

Use what you have to create a centerpiece...gather things from around the house. Try using out of the ordinary things like rugs for a tablecloth and using all different kinds of textures to make your table really come alive.

Share your centerpiece ideas with us below by linking up to Centerpiece Wednesday!

I am participating in Tablescape Thursday with Susan at between naps on the porch.

Rednesday

Love affair.....with Burlap

2010-09-27T21:47:00.004-06:00

I love burlap!

(I don't remember where I found these pics..sorry about that)

I wish I had time right now to whip up some cute pillows or recover some chair seats with some cute burlap that has that "Frenchy" feel
These chairs are just so unique! I love how they look.

Hello pleats!!
How long do you think this bed skirt took to make?
I absolutely love dress making details used on furniture...it makes each piece really stand out. I don't like buying furniture all perfect from the store. I would rather take flea market items and make them my own by painting and or slipcovering them into something that says me....not...oh you bought this from "so and so" store.

Tomorrow I am helping with a sewing class at church so maybe in the afternoon I can carve out some time to sew for fun :)
All I need is more time to let my creativity soar!
Anyone else have a love affair with burlap and or linen?

Halloween Banner Orange and Black

2010-09-24T15:10:00.005-06:00

I have been creating Halloween Banners like I did last year.

Orange and Black traditional colors for a Halloween Banner!
I have used pages from old books, scrapbook paper, fluffy orange trim, wooden letters that have been hand glittered...

And the unique touch to my banners is pieces of old broken jewelry that my grandmother had...see those little golden nuggets on there?

It would look good hanging anywhere in your home but I have mine hanging from my mantle.

This banner measures 9ft end to end and each triangle is 8" long.

You can purchase one of my banners from my ETSY store HERE

Kind of fun huh?

Have a great weekend!

Karin

Time for Fall Tablescape

2010-09-23T20:06:00.005-06:00

"Time for Fall" Tablescape

I love this time of year..when the leaves start to change and a cool breeze can be felt...although I haven't really felt that cool breeze yet! It is still hot and humid here in Texas..but I decided to do a fall tablescape to celebrate the autumn season. I have used all the fall colors...red, orange, green, brown and even white.

Here you can see my while tablescape in my golden yellow painted dining room. I recently recovered my dinning chair seat covers in a gorgeous red Tuscan fabric you can read about it...here

I love pairing the white napkin rings that I sell right here on my blog for only .75 cents each if you buy 12....with a dark colored napkin so that they pop right off the table with the high contrast.

I used a combination of silver and gold items...just using what I have. Silver candlesticks of which I forgot to put candles in them...silly me :) Gold silverware and golden hued goblets.

I decided to add a little extra fallish look by adding fall garlands around my chandelier.

So cute don't you think?

Tried to take the picture so you could see the chandelier and the table together in one shot.

For the centerpiece I used this very large glass cylinder vase (thrift store $7.00) and filled it with fall leaves and large tall white candle. The ring of acorns was made by my mom years ago and I thought it was a perfect fit as a candle ring! I put the cylinder on top of this really cool silver blackened candle holder to give it even more prominence.

I just love all the fall colors mixed up together to make a nice tablescape.

Oh and I can't forge to share my new fun idea for a place card!!..I took old pages from a book and folded it in half and also folded the bottoms in about 1/2" to make it sit securely on the table for a place card! I love the old look of the yellowed pages. Pretty Cool and totally cheap!!

I hope you enjoyed my "Time for Fall" Tablescape....in keeping with the "time"...I even put a little clock on the table you can see it in the picture above.

I hope you will all take advantage of the .75 cent napkin rings. Make sure you check out all the other things you can do with my napkin rings here.

Oh and tell me what you think of my new blog header...we are playing around with some new ideas that my daughter...Madeline has come up with.

I am participating in Tablescape Thursday

Centerpiece Wednesday

2010-09-22T12:58:00.008-06:00

It has a been a crazy day and I am slow at getting the party going today. I found this on the blog called the "Red Barn" at least I think that is where I found it. I love the use of the cloche holding baseballs sitting next to some old books for fall.I am putting together a fun tablescape and hope I have enough light to photograph it for tomorrow.

Until then...link up to Centepiece Wednesday and show off your ideas!
Linking to Tablescape Thursday

Karin:)

Cowboy Baby Quilt...Happy Trails to you...

2010-09-16T21:29:00.006-06:00

I love old cowboy prints and when I saw this darling Michael Miller cowboy fabric I knew I could turn into a darling quilt for a baby boy!

My sister is having a boy and I have two friends who are both having boys and my daughter recently had my first grandson...CALVIN! It's a boys world around here.

I used four prints on the front...Red and cream striped ticking, next the old fashioned cowboy print, then a creamy beige fabric with red stars and finally the blue bandanna fabric.

On the back I used a creamy beige soft flannel.

I am currently selling this quilt in my Etsty store http://www.etsy.com/shop/ittybittybooties

Giddy up Cowboy :)

Napkin Rings..more ideas of how to use them creatively

2010-09-16T12:00:00.001-06:00

What can you do with a napkin ring?....

Let me give you some more ideas.....

(Order in mixed sets if you order 12)

I have tied a beautiful white one on here with a pretty lavander bow to make this present look amazing! Here is another package tied with a blue napkin ring.
Need a quick gift for a friend or teacher? Gather some cooking utensils and tied them together with a napkin ring and a bow and voila you have a darling gift using no paper!
How about using them as an ornament on the tree this Christmas? Tied with a little bow they make the perfect little ornament. You can give them away to friends too!

These versatile little ornaments are now only .75 each if you buy 12.

You can now order in mixed sets...just specify your colors at check out.

Grab some for your table, gift wrapping, ornament for the tree and gifts for friends.

Linking to Tablescape Thursday

Karin :)

Buy 12 Napkin Rings and pay only .75 each!

2010-09-14T19:00:00.001-06:00

Welcome to Centerpiece Wednesday....

Oh what can you do with a napkin ring....
You can tie it on a candlestick with a darling black and white checked bow...

You can hang a few from a chandelier to make it look really special....

Use can use some to decorate a present for a friend....

Tie a ribbon around a napkin with a napkin ring attached for a festive new look....

Finally use them as a napkin ring or gather a bunch and ring them around a large candle....

What uses have you found for your napkin rings lately?......
Link up to Centerpiece Wednesday below

Iron Gate Flea Market Veyo, Utah

2010-09-09T21:55:00.004-06:00

Iron Gate Flea Market!!

My cute mom is trying her hand at starting a Flea Market!

We are so excited!! Many great things will be there!

Furniture, Recycled Decor, Home Decor Items, Handmade pillows, Burlap Items, Musicians, Fine Chocolates, Fresh Eggs, Fresh Baked Goods, Crafters,

Locally Grown Produce!

33 Spanish Trail Drive Veyo, Utah

St. George Marathon Weekend!! Thurs. Sept. 30 - Sat. Oct 2nd 8am -5pm

If you know anyone that is going to the Marathon pass on the word!

Centerpiece Wednesday

2010-09-08T13:11:00.005-06:00

Found this cute idea of flowers in a box on the website called Ideas in Blume! Perfect for a luncheon, bridal shower or wedding reception.
Or anytime of year on your table at home.

Stop by their website and take a peek at all their amazing ideas and get inspired!

Link up to Centerpiece Wednesday and show off your ideas.

Matthew Mead Holiday Magazine is coming soon!

2010-09-03T09:16:00.008-06:00

Matthew Mead and his staff come up with the most amazing Christmas ideas! His magazines are always filled to the brim with creative decorating ideas, amazing recipes and all kinds of treats and treasures for the eyes!
Order your copy today on his website.
It comes out in a month!

Plus..... Matthew is having this sweet giveaway of some beautiful stationery from Vintage Paper Parade

Debra, the shop's owner and designer, has generously offered HOLIDAY readers a chance to win 20 holiday gift cards with envelopes and 24 gift tags (from the fawn collection) and a $40 voucher to use in her shop! All of Debra's card designs can be personalized with text to suit your needs at no extra cost.

Head on over to Matthew Mead's Holiday site and view the sneak peaks of his magazine and order yours today!

Welcome to Centerpiece Wednesday!

2010-09-01T08:27:00.002-06:00

WELCOME TO CENTERPIECE WEDNESDAY!!

Today I am posting some interesting centerpiece ideas from the wedding website "The Knot"

I loved this black and white striped vase with white carnations for a fun new look. How about this rustic idea of using what you have...old books, tin can with a candle and there is even a little bird cut out of a sheet of music sitting on top of one of the books. Very creative and very "Green" don't you think?
Here is another fun idea using old tins and filling them with fresh flowers.

I really love this beachy look! All white with neutral colors. Using a glass terrarium and filling it with pebbles and white candles.

Hope these inspire you....

Link up to centerpiece Wednesday and link back to The Style Sisters and show off your ideas!

Last day of .90 cent Napkin Ring Sale!!

2010-08-31T09:55:00.002-06:00

Last Day of my .90 cent Napkin Ring Sale!Load up and use them for Christmas gifts!

Paired with some beautiful cloth napkins.
They really are so beautiful!
Use them around a candle, hang them from chandeliers with ribbon, Tie them on packages, Make a garland out of them..the possibilities are endless!

Order today!

Karin :)

Cell phone headbands all the rage! (REPOST)

2010-08-29T09:59:00.000-06:00

I came across this hysterical post that my sister and I did almost

2 1/2 years ago and thought it would give you all a good laugh.

CELL PHONE HEADBANDS are hottest things on the market! Designed for those of us that are on the phone way too much! My sister and I don't live by one another and we are always on the phone. Today after being on the phone for hours and hours discussing the complexities of HTML, teaching each other how to edit photographs, and making a multitude of decisions regarding our new dynamic website and blog we noticed our necks and arms were starting to going numb! We needed something to hold our phones to our ears so we could have both hands free so we came up with a new invention! It is a headband phone holder!! We have decided to sell these on EBAY for a real steall! Don't you think we'll make a million?!! Ha Ha Ha

My sister Tiffany and I started this blog 2 1/2 years ago to share our home decorating, cooking and family experiences with you. Since Tiffany has young children she decided to start her own blog called www.thechildrensnest.blogspot.com that she puts most of her effort into. I have continued to develop The Style Sisters blog over these last two years on my own and have loved working on it and I hope it has inspired some of you. Tiffany is pregnant with her 5th child and is due in October and has just finished building a new addition onto her house as well! I hope to have photos to post of the before and after soon! I am so excited to meet Maxwell Timothy in October! All her kids are so adorable, precious and funny just like their mom!

HOPE YOU ARE ALL ENJOYING YOUR SUNDAY.

Blue Napkin Rings White Napkin Rings Now only .90 cents each!

2010-08-28T16:33:00.005-06:00

Blue or White Napkin Rings .90 cents each until

August 31st!!

Get some while they last!

Perfect for any occasion...Weddings, Luncheons, Birthdays, Anniversaries!

They also make great Hostess gifts, Bridal gifts, Birthday gifts, any time gifts!

The fall season is almost upon us and would look

beautiful on your table!

These napkin rings are normally $5.00 each in most stores.

This is my last summer time sale on these napkin rings...the prices will go up September 1st.

Weekend Porch and Garden Party Link up!

2010-08-27T14:37:00.002-06:00

Here is a fun new link up party!!

Weekend Porch and Garden Party Denise over at Firstadream.blogspot.com is hosting this fun new party. Go on over and link up and share some ideas.

Karin :)

Welcome to Centerpiece Wednesday- Sunshine Of My Life

2010-08-24T16:53:00.002-06:00

Welcome to Centerpiece Wednesday!!

Today I am dedicating this Tablescape to my 2 daughters who happen to be the

Sunshine of my Life!I got my inspiration from Pottery Barn. This vase or candle holder looks like a fishbowl only they have a little pedestal under it and are charging $79.00So I happened to have a lovely fishbowl that I bought from Walmart. I wanted my centerpiece to look like the pottery barn one but I did not have any nuts around so I filled the bottom of it with smooth black rocks. Then I added water about 3/4 full. Then I added the surprise texture of raffia!! I wound it around and let it soak in the water...then I removed the water and added a funky necklace that had brown beads and white pearls on it and tucked it in and around the raffia so you could see it when you are seated. Then since I didn't have any fresh Sunflowers I used silk and stuck them in down into the rocks to hold them in place.Then I decided to use burlap as a tablecloth and I also wrapped up my chairs with a "ribbon" of burlap for an added touch. All I did was wrap the "Ribbon" of burlap around the back of the chair and tied it in a knot.
I think it just adds to the look.

I used my yummy gold goblets and my green tall glasses, my dollar store black votive candle holders and white shabby frames with photos of my daughters in them.They are the "Sunshine of my Life" and I miss living by them sooo much!
(My youngest just moved back to Utah so we are once again empty nesters)

I think this is a perfect End of Summer tablescape...you could put photos from some of the fun things you did over the summer and talk about it as you enjoy the meal.

The dinner plates are from Tai Pan (Utah), the gold and green salad plates are from Tuesday Morning, the Sunflower appetizer plates are from TJMAxx, the Napkins are from Jackalop (New Mexico) the goblets are from JC Penny's!

Here is a close up of the beautiful napkins with my

BLUE NAPKIN RINGS!

IF YOU BUY 8 I WILL GIVE YOU ANOTHER SET OF 4 FOR FREE!

(UNTIL AUGUST 31ST!)

Link up to Centerpiece Wednesdays with all your creative and fun ideas!!

Then remember to link back to the Style Sisters!

I am participating in

Tabletop Tuesdays

Tablescape Thursdays

1.00 each Napkin Ring Sale Ends August 31st

2010-08-20T12:06:00.005-06:00

Now is the time to order up some napkin rings while they are still only $1.00 each!

The sale ends August 31st or while supplies last. These Napkin Rings are so versatile and work with any color tablescape!
The fall season is just around the corner...think how fabulous these napkin rings would look on your
Thanksgiving table!

Limited quantities of pink are still available!

We have a good supply of the blue napkin rings available.

White is still available but they are going fast.

These Napkin Rings make great gifts for Weddings, Bridal Showers, Birthdays!

Use them in many different ways...on candle sticks, tie with ribbon and hangfrom chandeliers,

Use on Packages with ribbon for Christmas!

Get them now before the price goes back up to $1.25 each.

Centerpiece Wednesday! Red Green White

2010-08-18T08:23:00.004-06:00

Welcome to Centerpiece Wednesday!!

Grocery Store bought flowers make a great centepiece! I just plopped them into my favorite white vase and they look perfect!I love using bold colors as you may know...so I paired the dark red flowers with lime green placemats and napkin rings.
I have a dark red floral runner that matches the flowers in the white vase down the center of the table with the lime green placemats placed over it.

Of course watermelon had to be served....it matched! ha ha

I love using square plates.

It was a delicious brunch. German pancakes topped with fresh fruit, sour cream, syrup and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Have I mentioned how much I love lime green!

Here it is all together...I should have put some of red and green pillows on the chairs for fun.

OH well next time

You don't have to spend a lot of money to make a centerpiece pop!

Using store bought flowers really make it nice and easy.
Okay now...let's see what you have all been up to in creating your centerpieces!!

Link up and link back

I am participating in

Tablescape Thursday

Centerpiece Wednesday!! Add a Pop of Color!

2010-08-11T08:07:00.004-06:00

Last week I told you I would show you how I would use the same centerpiece but change it up a bit...I just added a pop of color.

ORANGE!! I simply changed the placemats and added a different salad plate on top of the white dishes
Orange and white polka dot salad plates...TJmaxx

I used the same hydrangeas from my garden placed in a large clear glass goblet.

I love how the orange changes things up and makes it bright and colorful.

Remember I didn't have any tall skinny candlesticks so I used some chunky ones with fresh leaves placed underneath them to bring the color up. Use what you have...it will work.

The oranges are different from one another but I still think it works!

Doesn't this just say summertime!

Use your centerpiece over and over just change out a few pieces to make it look new and different! You could even use different colored flowers in the goblets. Or fill them with sugar, sand, small rocks or glass beads and place a voitive in the middle.

Ok...now let's see what you have all come up with for your centerpieces!!

Link up and link back and let's have a Centerpiece Wednesday Party!

OH I am linking up to

Tablescape Thursday

Tabletop Tuesdays

My Master Bath Re-do was highlighted on the DIY show-off!

2010-08-11T07:37:00.004-06:00

My masterbath that we recently re-did is being highlighted over on the DIY Show-off!!

Thank you Roeshel...I feel very honored! BeforeAfter I spray painted the faucets, trim around the mirrors, knobs and even the door knobs of the bathroom. Plus I painted the gold trim around the shower with an oil based paint and it looks amazing.

You can read more about it either on The DIY Show off or here on my blog
The spray paint I used is Rustoleum Black texture paint from Lowes.

Just wishin I was here

2010-08-09T18:24:00.002-06:00

I don't know where this is but it looks awesome!

I wish I was there...I can feel a cool breeze gently blowing in...and maybe even needing to put a sweatshirt on after a fun day at the beach...Instead I am here in hot Texas with humidity.

It could be worse my precious husband just returned from a 3 week jaunt all over Asia where it was in the mid 90's with 90 to 95% humidity!!!

Can you even imagine!

Red Couch Recipes Giveaway of Girard's dressing..I won!!

2010-08-05T18:33:00.002-06:00

I won the giveaway from Joni over at Red Couch Recipes!! These amazing Girard dressings!

I love their dressings and I am so excited that I won them. Joni is an amazing cook and shares all her recipes on her blog..oh and her young daughter has a blog ..she too is an amazing cook.

Go check out all their yumminess!

Here is a picture of Joni's red white and blue salad with Girard's apple poppyseed dressing! I can't wait to try this!

Are you seeing those sugared cashews!!

Joni tells you how to make them on her blog.

Thanks Joni I am so thrilled to have won. :)

Welcome to Centerpiece Wednesday!! Simple Hydrangea Centerpiece Idea

2010-08-04T07:08:00.005-06:00

Welcome to Centerpiece Wednesday!
I have re-opened the linky party today 12/26/12 to this post.
Please link up your centerpiece photos.

Remember to link up to the party and link back to us and show off your centerpiece ideas for everyone to see.

I started this centerpiece with a black and white striped runner from Ikea

I added these large clear compote glass goblets filled with water and some green hydrangeas from the yard including a few leaves. I love using fresh leaves from flower bushes in the yard. I did not have any skinny candle sticks so placed a fat candle on top of my silver candles sticks but underneath I added a few hydrangea leaves to bring more green color up.Here you can see the little black votive candle holders I got at the dollar store!!

I just created a little pattern all down the striped runner...... black votive candle holders, glass goblet with hydrangeas, silver candlesticks...all the way down.

I love how it turned out.I gotta say these little $1.00 votive candle holders are fabulous!

Here you can see I used my black and white "frenchy" looking salad plates mixed with the tan dessert plates (thrift store!!Brand new set of 4 for $5.00) and my regular white dinner plates from Ikea. The tan and brown striped napkins were from Crate and Barrel outlet 3 yrs ago and of course my WHITE NAPKIN RINGS!! $1.00 each!! I didn't know if I would like the brown mixed with black but it really turned out nice.
The black chargers are my gold ones flipped upside down!!

Now you start to see the glowing effect from the candles as the sun went down.

We also have hanging above...some white bulb lights to illuminate things even more.

Dining alfresco in the backyard!

Who knew tan, white, black, brown and green could look so elegant? I just love how the centerpiece turned out...so simple and yet so elegant. I am thrilled to have used what I had around the house and in the yard to create a pretty table and Centerpiece!

Next time I will show you how I changed out just a couple of things to make the table totally different but I kept the same centerpiece.

I am linking up to these parties

Tabletop Tuesday
Tablescape Thursdays
Toot your Horn Tuesdays
Thrify Thursdays
Transformation Thursday
Look What I made
show and Tell Friday
Second Time around Tuesdays
DIY

Tabletop August

Tuesdays All Things Domestic

Vignette Fridays

Now join in and show us all what you have come up with.

eShakti clothing custom sizes and styles

2010-08-02T21:30:00.004-06:00

Hey everyone if you haven't checked out this great clothing line from eShakti you really should. They offer clothing sizes from 0-26 and best of all you get to customize the style and sizes too!

If you want a certain length of dress or skirt, change the style of the dress by adding sleeves...maybe you don't want a zipper in your skirt you would rather have elastic waist band..etc.. They let you customize almost everything and their prices are fabulous!!

eShakti is offering the readers of The Style Sisters a 10% discount...just use the promo code stylesisters123 during check out! Offer good till August 31st.

Go check them out today..www.eshakti.com

LIme Green Tablescape - Centerpiece Wednesday

2010-07-28T09:39:00.009-06:00

WELCOME TO CENTERPIECE WEDNESDAY!

I love lime green mixed with black and white! I know so many of you have commented on these dishes before...I got them from TJMaxx a few years ago...on the back it says

Quadrifoglio MADE IN ITALY

I made the lime green floral napkin rings myself! The tablecloth is made from fabric I bought at Hobby Lobby. So refreshing don't you think?

For the centerpiece I used my white lantern from IKEA and filled the bottom of it with some black smooth rocks and a white tall candle and placed a large hydrangea leaf on the top. I was going to do more but I had to hurry.I just can't tell you how much I love Lime Green! Even as a kid I have always loved Lime Green and Fuchsia together. See the black underneath the plates that is my fun secret....it is a gold charger turned up side down! Ya gotta love that!
If only it were cooler outside! It looks amazing but it is hot and humid out here overlooking the pool!
I grilled some yummy chicken for dinner! So easy...olive oil, Costco's all natural seasoning (oh my gosh we put this on everything!!), kosher salt and fresh herbs from the garden. It was moist and deeelish!

Of course some locally grown watermelon! It is sooo sweet and full of juicy goodness!
I placed the watermelon on this cute little white platter that I bought a while ago from Tai Pan trading in Utah. I have also used those little white porcelain balls with letters on them for placecards...You find your initial for where you are seated.

The strong bold colors just pop off the table...and you all know how much I love that!
I layered the plates as you can see....the white dinner plates with the black lettered words all around the edge followed by the lime green salad plate and then the dessert plate is the smallest sized plate..... white plates with black lettered words.

I played around with this photo in my adobe photoshop and made it look really cool for fun. If anyone is interested in purchasing my napkin rings please leave me a comment about them.

Hope you are all enjoying your summer.

Please link up with your centerpiece ideas below! I love to see all your creativity!

I am participating in

Tablescape Thursday

Foodie Fridays

How to recover dining room chair seat using staple gun

2010-07-27T15:23:00.006-06:00

Just a simple little chair seat recover...I thought I would share with you.

It doesn't get any easier than this!

This is the after photo with the Tuscan French fabric now on the seat.This is the before....I have used this fabric for years and decided it was time for a change.

Items you will need:

Staple gun,

Staples,

Screw driver or electric drill,

Fabric large enough to cover each seat.

I simply flipped the chair over...unscrewed any screws that were holding the seat to the chair (there were only 6 on these chairs)

Then I laid the seat face down on top of the new fabric and cut the fabric large enough to cover the chair plus some extra. (Oh and make sure you have the fabric going the correct way or the way you want it to look before you start to staple it on) yeah...speaking from experience of doing it wrong and having to pull out the staples :) Stapling: Start on one side by pulling the fabric up and onto the bottom of chair about 2- 3 inches. Make sure you pull it up enough that the raw edges won't hang out underneath the chair once the seat is put back on the chair .....Staple about 3 staples an inch or two apart. Then...... go directly across to the other side and do the same thing (this helps to keep the fabric straight and taut.

Now.... Go back to the first side you started on and continue to pull and staple until the one side is finished. Now go back and finish the other side that you started. You should have 2 sides done that face each other. Yeah!

Now go and do the same thing on the other 2 sides.

When you come to funky edges or round corners just take it slow....pull it up and make little pleats so the fabric will lie down smoothly. Use staples to hold the pleats down.

Your seat is now covered....trim away any excess fabric so it won't hang down once the seat is is back on the chair.

Attach seat to the chair with the screws and voila!! You have a new chair!

Hopefully this all makes sense...the best part is...if you make a mistake all you have to do is pull out the staples and realign the fabric and staple it back in place.

Hope you are inspired to try this in your own home.

It is fun and fast!

Pink Flamingo Summer Tablescape

2010-07-22T14:00:00.007-06:00

Pink Flamingo Summer Tablescape

I found these Flamingo yard sticks at the dollar store along with these bright colored flower spinners and decided to stick them in this metal bucket that had been planted with flowers.

Lime Green tablecloth - purchased at Ikea a few years ago. I have used bright Pink and Yellow cloth napkins with some of my white napkin rings slipped around them to make them pop right off the plate!
All the plastic dishes were from Wal-Mart years ago...my girls felt like it was always party when we used them. Wouldn't this make a fun birthday party for a little girl?

I used one plastic goblet sandwiched inbetween two plastic plates to make a tiered plate stand and I perched a lime green present on top.

You could fill your plate stand with bright colored candy, fruit or cupcakes.

I wrapped this lime green box with some colorful ribbon and attached a bright yellow silk flower to the center to make it special.

I also used this bright yellow box and tied some pink tulle around it to make a bow and then added some fun paper umberellas for a unique accent.

Don't forget I am running a summer sale on my white napkin rings...

buy 8 get another set of 4 for free!

Hope you are all enjoying your summer and making it colorful!

I am participating in

Tablescape Thursday 100 posts!