Vision Journal

Have you ever read The Secret by Rhonda Byrne?  It was all the rage a few years back, and I am still actively trying to live by it.  I highly recommend it if you haven't already read it, or if you haven't already tried it after reading it!

Basically, it is all about envisioning what you want, imagining that you already have it so that the universe eventually gives it to you.  It encourages having a "vision board" where you write or post pictures of what you want.  I started a vision board a year or two ago, and I have already pulled several of the items off of the board because they came to me!

Well, in a spring cleaning frenzy, I donated my vision board and transferred it to a vision journal.  I write my desires as if I already have them, i.e. "I have smooth, shiny hair" rather than "I want smooth, shiny hair" because this summer humidity is making quite a frizzball out of me!  I also cut and paste images or phrases from magazines that I find empowering, or that bring to live my own hopes for the future.  

This is all about positivity, something everyone needs in their life.  Besides being a motivator, the vision journal has been a great way to unwind at the end of the day, too.  Write in it or read it, it clears the mind!

xo Allison

Sweet Summer Salad

When its 100+ degrees outside, my body craves salads. My usual is a Grilled Chicken & Ranch Salad, because my husband has mad grill skills and its basically a complete meal.... right?  Anyway, I have recently (like yesterday) rediscovered my love of a sweeter salad.... The Poppy Seed & Mandarin Salad.

I first tasted this amazing salad in 2009, when I attended the wedding reception of one of my friend's friends. I didn't know anyone but the friend that I went with, so I spent most of my time hovering over the buffet area like a vulture. This salad was filled with goodness, like a sweet and sour explosion in my mouth. I probably went back for it at least 3x because of the sweet cranberries, juicy mandarins, tangy poppy seed dressing, crunchy cashews, and refreshing lettuce. That was for sure the highlight of my evening and I promised myself that I would try to recreate it at home... I never did.

I was on Facebook the other day and someone shared the exact recipe that I had had at the wedding and I was so excited to have remembered it again! That is why I'm sharing it with you! I actually just finished eating this salad and it was just as good as I had remembered and It was perfect way to end my long, hot day! The picture above is actually a picture of my salad as I was half way through because I forgot to take a pretty pic for the blog when I had first made it, I was just so darn excited to just eat it again. Mmm-Mm-Mmmm!

If you would like the recipe, I found it >>>HERE!<<< I hope you are tempted to try it and enjoy! 

-Ashley-

DIY Tank Top

Hey hey hey everyone!!!! I have a fun and very SUMMERY DIY tank top tutorial. Super easy and doesn't involve any sewing.

What you will need:

• Old T-Shirt
• Scissors
• Flat cutting surface

Here are step by step  picture instructions.

Alrighty there you have it. SO now I have finally decided that I just have to have that tye dye kit I saw at Michaels the other day. I didn't have a purpose for it then BUT I do now and am so excited!!!!

Well off to do fun things (errands lol) have a wonderful day everyone!!!

xoxo
Danni

Canvas Project Finished

Hi Friends -  You may remember the poem I posted for a canvas project I began working on. click here.

Well, I got around to finishing it and wanted to share the end product with you!  I took a few more pictures than I usually do, just to show you more of the details on this one.  I brought the stick back with me from Washington DC (yes, really) and that was the finishing touch!

First I Mod Podged a sheet of the 12x12 paper to a canvas.  Then I fussy cut out of  a second sheet the three bird houses, the roses in the corner, and the hexagon shapes on the paper.  I pop-dotted them onto the sheet on the canvas and added some pearl accents and some Prima flowers.  I then printed off the poem on velum and adhered it to the sheet.  I used Tim Holtz's bird cage die and bird, hung some crystals from the bird house, and glued my stick down. 

I die cut the birds out of an old hymnal book and colored them with a Tim Holtz broken china colored ink pad.  A small black pearl gives the bird an eye.

I had a lot of fun making this canvas, and because it is for me, I didn't stress like I usually do when giving it for a gift.  I really love this poem and am glad I will have this for myself.

I am pretty happy with it - and am glad it is finally completed.  Hope you feel it was worth the wait.  (I'm sure many of you forgot about it...come on...you can be honest!)

Thanks for letting me share my canvas and taking an interest in my creations - it really means a lot to me. 

I hope you had a great 4th of July and celebrated in a way that made you happy :)

Until next Tuesday -

Fondly,

Sharon



 

Sneak Peaks and Updates

Well, Im back to work today! And I have to say that these last few weeks off have been some of the busiest times of my life! Here’s just a quick recap as to what’s been going on in my life. And also, just a little preview of something I’m working on.

I’m making a banner for the wedding. And I’ve already put about 12 hours into it, and I’m feeling like it’s going to need another 48!! I’m making the whole thing out of fabric and vintage lace that was my great-grandmothers. So it has a lot of sentimental value to me. It’s taken me so long because for the most part, I’ve sewn everything. I’m only using minimal adhesive, and I am not using any paper. That way it will last a lifetime. I plan on using lots of pearls too. So, we shall see how it turns out. Give me a couple more weeks for the official unveiling!

Also on this summer break I went to sea world for the first time in years! It is such a great place to have in San Diego, and I often take it for granted. I saw the baby Shamu while I was there. He was so adorable and I was so tempted to take him home with me. If only I had a whale sized pool in my backyard, I could re-enact Free Willie!!

I’ve gone to the beach a few times to escape the heat, but sadly, nothing will ever compare to the clear blue waters in the Bahamas.

Lastly, I just got home last night from a bachelorette weekend in Palm Springs for my friend Amaya! I have never been to one of those before and let’s just say I experienced some things that I never want to experience again. Haha! It was a great weekend and we all got really tan lounging out by the pool.

I gotta get going, but I hope everyone has a fabulous week!

Xoxo mandy

I Love Using My Bathroom!

I know it sounds weird, but I now love using my bathroom!!

When we first moved into our house this past January, I hated using the restrooms. I would compare it to a port-a-potty or a public bathroom, I just loathed being in there. The walls were an unflattering shade of blue, the cabinets were OK but nothing fancy, the guest bath had sliding doors on the tub, and don't even get me started on the wall paper in the master bath... BLEH! It was not very welcoming and needed a huge improvement! 

So here is what we all have been waiting for. (Unfortunately I didn't take a lot of before pictures of the bathrooms... but I'm sure you won't mind!)

THE GUEST BATH  

Before: (I took off the glass door and removed the shelf above the toilet before we moved in. It just had to G.O.)

To revamp the Guest bath I... 

• Removed tub doors and shelf.
• Painted the walls and ceiling. - Valspar, Red Dakota Sandstone (25% lightened)
• Stained the cabinet. - General Finishes Gel Stain in Java
• Spray Painted the fixtures from silver to oil rubbed bronze. - Krylon, Oil Rubbed Bronze
• Added Knobs. -Thank you Hobby Lobby for having an amazing selection.
• Shopped. -Target, Home Goods & Hobby Lobby
• Staged and added a flower.

After: 

I didn't plan on having a theme to my bathroom... the Paris stuff was a little bit last minute, that may change in the future. But Overall, the bathroom feels somewhat romantic and I love love love it!



 THE MASTER BATHROOM
Before:

To revamp my master bathroom I....

• Removed the wall paper.
• Painted the walls and ceiling. - Valspar, Sparkling Sage
• Gel Stained the Cabinets. - General Finishes Gel Stain Java
• Added knobs. - Again, Hobby Lobby, because they are amazing!
• Spray painted the toilet paper holder. - Krylon, Oil Rubbed Bronze
• Changed out the lighting fixtures. 
• Updated the Switch plates. 
• Built and Installed Rope Shelving. - I plan on doing a future, more informative, blog post about this learning experience.
•  Went shopping!! -Mostly Hobby Lobby and Home Goods.
• Installed hooks. -(That seahorse is actually a hook)
• Staged and added a plant.

After: (I was shooting for a light beachy feeling, because the hubs and I miss CA so sooooo much.)

TADA!!!

 So there it is! I have grown so much from this experience. I have learned to use many tools and I know my way around the hardware store. I have learned how to do novice electrical work and how to find a stud in the wall. I learned that I can do many things I wasn't aware that I could do because I gave it my all. I have challenged myself to complete these bathrooms in less than 3 weeks and I did it! I have given myself many pats on the back because I made my bathroom a comfortable place that I love to be. I am so motivated to keep going, keep DIYing, keep learning, and keeping improving the place around into a space that I and others can enjoy.

-Ashley-

 (P.S. In the next few weeks will feature some of the DIY projects that I have completed during this experience... including my favorite project, the rope shelves!)

Pick Me Ups

Hey guys,

Happy Wednesday :) Boy time sure does fly by but I am back with a little pick me up. You know that little something that just helps you get thru the last part of your day, or that little something that curbs your craving??? Well, I decided to make up whole batch of frozen chocolate dipped banana chunks.

It has been so hot here lately that it was also a way to have a cool and refreshing treat. I have such a big sweet tooth but sometimes I really only want a little nibble of something just to give my craving a break from, well, craving lol. Do you ever get that??? They are super easy to make and you might have even done it before. BUT, what I love to use is the Ghirardelli Cacao Chips. Not only is it amazingly delicious but it is also a little "healthier" for you than regular chocolate, and not that we are trying to be healthy about our treats, that's kinda taking the fun away! Want to know all about cacao vs cocoa, check it out HERE on Recipe Rehab. They have a great post on the difference of chocolate.

Frozen Chocolate Dipped Banana Chunks

 

 

 

 

 

 

(it's been so warm my treats started sweating like crazy)

Ingredients:

1 Bag of Ghirardelli Cacao Chips 

1 Bunch of Bananas


Directions:
Using a cookie sheet cover with wax paper.
Slice desired amount of bananas into chunks. In a small bowl melt chocolate according to directions on the back of the package. (HINT: it is easier to melt small portions at a time and work in batches so the chocolate doesn't harden and become difficult to work with) Using tooth picks, stick a banana and then dip in chocolate. Place on cookie sheet. Repeat until you have achieved your desired amount. Place in freezer until slightly frozen. You can then take it out of the freezer and pop them into zip lock freezer bags for enjoyment whenever you feel like it.

They are the perfect treats for after dinner, especially if you have children. Plus there is no guilt in these treats since it is fruit and "healthy" chocolate, right?!?!!? :)

Well have a wonderful Wednesday and will see you all back next week!

xoxo
Danni