My Burlap Kitchen Wreath

The Perfect Way to Start Your Day!

Hello everyone! What do you do with some over ripe bananas that no one in the house wants to look at, much less eat? You make banana nut bread, of course! Today, I'd like to share my favorite banana nut bread recipe with you.

Banana Nut Bread

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 cup chopped nuts (I like walnuts, but you can use your favorite)

2 eggs, beaten

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup mashed banana (I usually add about 3/4 cup cause we really like bananas)

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon and nuts in a a bowl. In a seperate bowl, combine eggs, vegetable oil, bananas and vanilla, mixing well. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well. Pour into a nonstick 5 x 9 inch loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 55-65 minutes or until loaf tests done. Remove to a wire rack to cool.

This is such a delicious, moist bread. You can also add a cup of chopped apples to this to make Banana Apple Bread. It's yummy, as well.

Fresh and still warm from the oven, pair it with a cup of coffee and you've got the perfect way to start your day!

Until next time...

Pinterest Inspiration

I loving decorating and accessorizing my home. But in this economy, money is tight and we are trying to live on a budget so there's not a lot of extra money to spend on home decor. I get a lot of inspiration from Pinterest. It's amazing all the wonderful ideas that are shared on that site. However, like a lot of other people, my time is very limited, what with working outside of the home at least three days a week and then having to keep up with all the household chores we all have to endure. So I'm all about projects that are simple and don't take a lot of time to complete, but do make a huge impact. Here's some of my favorites I've pinned and plan on completing this year.

This is a super cute idea using wooden utensils to create a paper towel holder.

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I've seen versions of this next idea all over blog land. I was recently gifted two old salvaged windows from a friend and I'm seriously considering transforming one of them into something like this.

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This next idea is one that I have already put my own spin on and will share with y'all in an upcoming post. It was simple, quick, easy and has really made a big impact on my bedroom wall. I'm in the middle of a small cosmetic master bedroom redo so this idea was perfect for my "new" bedroom.

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And, finally, this little chalkboard tray is so cute. I think it would be perfect on a kitchen counter or baker's rack for grocery lists or a favorite recipe. The link to this has been removed so unfortunately, I cannot share credit for where this cute project came from.

There are tons of other projects I've pinned that I would like to attempt someday. There are just a few of my favorites. How about you? Does Pinterest inspire you to create?

Until next time...

Secret Ingredient Meatloaf

Meatloaf is one of my hubby's favorite meals. And I've made it several times over the course of our marriage. I like meatloaf as well as the next guy, but after a while, I get tired of the same old, same old. So one day, while perusing Pinterest (which I do A LOT!), I found a link for a meatloaf that used a "secret ingredient". It looked good and sounded simple, so I decided to give it a try. This is my finished product:

Looks yummy, don't ya think? And it tasted just as yummy as it looked! So, what is my "secret ingredient"?

Here it is:

Yep, Stove Top stuffing mix! I bought the herb seasoned flavor. And just substituted this for my breadcrumbs/oatmeal that I usually put in my meatloaf. It was so easy AND flavorful! Hubby loved it and so did I. The seasonings included in the breadcrumbs really gave the meatloaf a wonderful flavor.

So, what's your take on meatloaf? Do you have a secret ingredient to make it taste even better than a tried and true recipe? I'd love to know!

Until next time...

A Lampshade Redo

I have had this sad little lamp sitting on my kitchen counter for quite some time. She has served me well. But, alas, she has paid the price. As you can see, she is a victim of kitchen mishaps. She's been moved around, she has stains on her and yet, she just keeps on shining.

Cute, but sad. So, to thank her for all her hard work, I decided to give her a little makeover. I searched the internet for inspiration and when I saw this photo, angels started singing! I kid you not.

Isn't that the most gorgeous lamp you've ever seen?? This was done by Jeannine over at The Concrete Cottage. Now, I know what you are thinking. My little lamp could in no way, shape or form ever look like her full sized "sister" lamp. And you'd be right. But, I knew I could take some inspiration from Jeannine and that's exactly what I did. First, I gathered my supplies. Jeannine details how she copied images and taped them to the inside of her shade and traced them with a Sharpie pen. I loved that idea, but let's face it. I ain't got time for all that! So I decided to use a script stamp I've had forever and just stamp my shade. I also wanted to bling her up a little bit so I decided to use some hairy ribbon (my husband's term, not mine) around the top and bottom of her.

In choosing to go this route, I was aware that my script would not look perfect and would be more of the faded look. And I was ok with that. So all I did was stamp her all the way around, hot glue the ribbon to her, and voila, she was done!

I was so pleased with how pretty she looked, I decided to create a vignette starring her on my kitchen counter top.

What do you think? Isn't she lovely??

I'm linking to these parties this week:

Debbiedoo's Copy Cat Party and Marty's Table Top Tuesday Party over at A Stroll Thru Life.

Until next time...

Valentine Dollar Tree Party

Hello everyone! Debbie over at Debbiedo's is hosting a Valentine Dollar Tree Party and I wanted to join in on the fun. So off to the Dollar Tree I went to see what I could find. I actually came away with two fun ideas! For this first one, I purchased an 8 X 10 silver picture frame, a package of puffy, glittery heart picks, and a spool of Valentine themed ribbon. I also used two different scrapbook papers, but I already had these at home in my stash.

I removed the glass from the frame and put it away to use at a later date. I then removed the puffy hearts from their sticks. I inserted the red piece of scrapbook paper in my frame and layered my patterned, translucent piece of scrapbook paper on top of it. Then I just used a dab of hot glue and glued three of my puffy hearts onto the paper. I used a thin tipped sharpie pen to free hand the words faith, hope, and love under the hearts. Then I took my ribbon and crafted a bow that I hot glued to the top of my frame. I topped the bow off with another one of the puffy hearts. And this is what I ended up with:

Isn't that cute?? And I only spent $3.00 on this project!! I decided to create a little table top vignette with it.

I am so pleased with how this little project turned out. For my second project, I'll have to give you a little bit of background. Before I married my awesome hubby in 2009, my son and I lived with my Mom for several years. Every Valentine's Day, my Mom and I would buy little gifts for each other and let my son present them to us. We never spent more than a couple of dollars, it was more about just having fun than trying to buy expensive gifts that neither of us needed or used. Now that I am married and no longer live with my Mom, I still carry on this little tradition of buying or making her something for Valentine's Day without spending a lot of money on it. So while I was at the Dollar Tree, I decided to pick up a few things to put something special together for her. My Mom is a diabetic, so candy is out of the question. I decided to make her a "whipped cream topped milkshake". Here's what I used:

I purchased a plastic cup that came with a lid and straw, two bottles of pink tinted bath salts (I ended up only needing one bottle and about a fourth of the second bottle), a white loofah poof, and I used one of the puffy heart picks from my picture frame project. So total spent (not counting the puffy heart) was $4.00! All I did was take the lid off of the cup, pour in the bath salts, smoosh the loofah poof down on top, and insert one of the puffy hearts through the loofah to simulate a cherry on top! I then stuck the straw back into the cup, going down beside the loofah poof. I thought it looked a little plain, so I tied a leftover piece of my Valentine's ribbon around it. And voila, a cute "milkshake" for my Mom for Valentine's Day! She will enjoy using the bath salts and the loofah to pamper herself with and she can use the cup and lid over and over again! I plan on adding a small tag that will read "You shake me up, Valentine!" Not bad for $4.00 if I do say so myself! Here's a view of the front of my "milkshake":

And from the back:

This turned out so cute and I know Mom will love it! And this little project is proof that you don't have to always give your Valentine candy or flowers. Just give them a "milkshake" with whipped cream and a heart shaped cherry on top instead!

Click HERE to pop over and check out all the other creative Dollar Tree ideas for your Valentine at Debbie's party.

I'm also linking up for Marty's Tabletop Tuesday weekly party over at A Stroll Thru Life. Please be sure to visit these sweet ladies' blogs. I promise you will leave very inspired!! Until next time...

My Newest Endeavor....

Hello everyone! I have always loved to crochet from the time I learned how way back when I was knee high to a grasshopper! Lately, I've discovered a new kind of yarn that looks like fishnet. A friend of mine posted some pics on Facebook of some scarves she made with it and I just fell in love! So, upon inquiring about it, she led me to a YouTube video that shows you how to make these beautiful ruffled scarves. I had to run out and buy a few skeins to try it out. Here's what I've made so far:

Four scarves in just one day! They work up quickly and I think they are just beautiful! This one is called "Salsa":

I've already sold three of the four scarves! How awesome is that? I guess you could say I'm hooked! ;) Until next time...

My Word for 2013

I've seen several bloggers who chose a "word" for the upcoming year instead of making a lot of resolutions that, let's face it, usually get broken before the first day of the new year comes to a close! So I'm jumping on the band wagon and choosing a word for myself for the new year.

2012 was a good year for my husband and I in a lot of ways. It was also a not so good year for us in a lot of ways. It's so easy to be upbeat and positive when things are going well. But when we hit a rough patch, sometimes it's very easy to sink down to a level of self despair that is very difficult to pull yourself out of. In light of these reflections, I've chosen the word "calm" as my word for 2013. You see, I tend to veer to the side of negativity and hand wringing despair when things aren't going so well in my life. Even though I always make it through the rough patches, I dwell on the bad things that are happening instead of focusing on all the good things that I still have in my life. So for that reason, in 2013 I'm going to learn to:

Because no matter what I'm facing in life, this, too, shall pass!

Have you chosen a word for 2013? If so, I'd love for you to share your word with me.

Until next time....

A New Year....

Hello everyone! Yes, I've been gone for quite some time. Seems like I just got in a blogging funk and had nothing inspirational, creative, or just plain "read worthy" to post. So I took a much needed, long blogging break. And I've decided I will not commit to making myself blog if I don't want to. I will blog when and if I feel like it and I think that will work out just fine for me. :)

Hard to believe that in a few hours, a new year will be upon us. I've not set any unattainable New Year's resolutions for myself. I'm just going to take one day at a time and be the best person I can be each and every day. We'll see how that goes! Ha! I hope to be more consistent with getting and keeping my home better organized, craft a little more (I miss that!), and honing my cooking skills. Which means I'll be sharing more good recipes with y'all as I come across them. I still have a crappy point and shoot camera so my pics will probably not be the best, but I'll try!

So, if I have anyone left that still actually reads my little blog, my wish for you in 2013 is love, peace, and happiness. Be yourself in everything you do and never miss an opportunity to make someone else feel special. Happy New Year!

Until next time...

My Next Project.....

Just Hanging Around in the Living Room. . .

Hello friends! Woke up to 40 something degree temps in the mountains here in Virginia this morning. That can only mean one thing ~ fall is quickly approaching! It's my favorite time of the year. As long as I don't dwell on what comes next, which would be snow and cold, cold temps. Oh well, we won't think about that today! Instead, why don't we focus on walls today. I thought it'd be fun to share some of the wall vignettes around our living room. Come join me for a tour!

I love changing out my wall vignettes and I get lots of inspiration from some great blogs! Here's what you see when you walk in the door to our simple little (and I do mean little!) cottage:

This is hanging above my couch which is currently flanking the far wall which faces the door in the living room. A simple print depicting a covered bridge and horse drawn buggy flanked by simple candle sconces and a vinyl "Welcome" greeting. Our living room colors are currently burgundy and tan. But, I am excited to announce that we have FINALLY agreed on a new sofa and recliner set in a sage green color so I will be incorporating some of that color in my future wall vignettes, I'm sure. I will post pictures of that at a later date.

This next vignette is what is hanging over my television and is the wall to your right as you enter our home. A floral print flanked by small iron candle sconces with burgundy candles and some wall iron art above.

And this is what is hanging over our fireplace, which is the wall opposite of the television:

I found the large mirror at Lowes of all places, and the prints flanking the mirror were gifted to me by a family member. Another iron art piece above the mirror and I found the "B" at Hobby Lobby a while back and adhered it with a command hook. I tied a bow out of some burlap and burgundy ribbon for enhancement.

And finally, this is what I have hanging to the left of the front door, and is what you would see when you are leaving our home. My wonderful "Amazing Grace" sign I bought on line several years ago, a small mirror, and a shelf with hooks for our keys. I am a huge lover of the Willow Tree figurines so I plopped one down on this small shelf.

Thank you for joining me on this small tour of my living room wall vignettes. I'm joining Marty over at A Stroll Thru Life for her Table Top Tuesday Party. Click here to pop over and see lots of inspiration!

Until next time. . .

Pinned It, Made It Monday

Hello all! Yes, I've been away for quite some time. Let's just say it was time for a much needed bloggy break for me. I will explain more in a later post.

Tammy over at Country Girl at Home, hosts a Pinned It, Made It party every Monday and since I get so much inspiration from Pinterest (don't we all!), I thought it'd be fun to join this week.

As most of you who read my blog probably know, the hubby and I did a makeover on our laundry room a while back. Well, of course, I've been doing some tweaking to it since then, which I will share in more detail in a future post, but this little project is one thing that I have wanted to do since I saw it over on Pinterest a long time ago.

I don't know about y'all, but it seems like my dryer eats socks! And I always seem to have a pile of unmatched, lonely, sole mateless socks after every load. So I pinned this picture as my inspiration and I got to work:

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I just loved the play on words on this little sign. I have decided to try the "use what I already have on hand" approach for a while as far as my craft projects go, so I shopped the house and came across a piece of wood that I had put back for making a sign "someday". I painted it a creamy color (again, using craft paint from my stash)and had hubby attached a length of black chain that we had laying around from a previous project. I then painted some ordinary clothes pins black and glued some scrapbook paper to the fronts of them. Then I attached them randomly across the bottom of my board with some hot glue. Then I just took a Sharpie marker and free handed the words "Sole Mates Wanted!" across the top of my sign. Now, it is definitely not perfect, but I don't mind because none of us are perfect and when we are searching for our "sole mate" in life, they have to understand that! :) I am pleased with how this turned out:

Sorry I couldn't get a better picture for you. My laundry room is tiny and I wanted to take the picture with it hanging up so you could tell how it is supposed to look. I may do another one in the future using some stencils, but for now, this will suffice just fine. And it's a lot easier to match these socks up with their true "sole mates" this way than it is to go through a pile of mismatched socks on top of the dryer.

Please click on the button below to hop over to Tammy's party and check out all the other Pinterest inspirations.

As always, thank you for visiting me and until next time. . .

What Am I Up To Now???

What does this:

And this:

Have in common? You'll have to wait and see!! :)

Until next time. . .

Homemade Laundry Detergent

Hello everyone! I've been seeing several bloggers blogging about making homemade laundry detergent. It piqued my curiosity, but I must admit, I was very skeptical. So I did what any responsible blogger would do. . .research, research, research!! I read every blog post I could find on it and it seemed like the overwhelming census was that it got the laundry clean and cost only pennies to make. So I decided to jump in and give it a try!

Most of the "recipes" for this concoction are basically the same, but I decided to go with one I found over at the blog StoneGable.

Here's a look at my ingredients:

Click on the StoneGable link above to get the exact measurements and recipe. I would list them all here for you, but I've already thrown away all the boxes! The total cost to make a batch of this detergent is around $30. And it makes a huge tub of the stuff, let me tell ya! All you do is grate your Fels-Naptha soap (it looks like cheese!) and then pour all the other ingredients in and mix, mix, mix!

Here's what mine looked like after I mixed it all together:

Since you only use about 2 tablespoons per load, this batch should last me about a year! Thirty dollars for a year's worth of laundry detergent ain't too shabby, if you ask me! I used it for the first time today, and I really like it. My clothes came out fresh and clean without smelling perfumey. I don't have a HE front load washer, but all the info I read on this product states that it is safe to use in these types of machines. Also, it doesn't make hardly any suds so if you try it, don't think you aren't using enough. I used 2 tablespoons in the load I did today and it didn't suds up hardly any at all. But my clothes came out wonderfully clean! I did use my regular fabric softener but think I may now be on the hunt for a homemade version of that, too!

Have any of you tried anything like this? If so, I'd love to hear about your experiences.

Until next time. . .

A Simple Project

Hi everyone! I have been seeing rope wrapped vase projects all over blogland and on Pinterest. Since simple is what I do best, I decided to give it a try. I gathered my supplies, which consist of a dollar store glass vase, rope I purchased from Lowes, some faux hydrangeas, and my trusty well used glue gun and got to work.

All you do is wrap your rope or twine around the jar, gluing as you go.

And this is what it looks like when you are finished:

So Pottery Barnish looking, don't you think? I plopped my faux hydrangeas in it and, viola, a cute, summer look for just pennies! The most expensive part of this project was the rope. I think I paid around five dollars for it and the best part is, I have plenty left over for future projects. So for less than ten dollars, I have a stylish piece that is going to go into my "new" master bedroom. I'll share more on that with y'all in a later post.

I apologize for the quality of these photos. I did this project at night, while watching some mindless television. I think the whole project took me about an hour from start to finish.

I'm linking up with these parties this week:

Sizzle Into Summer over at DIY by Design

Wow Us Wednesday over at Savvy Southern Style

Share Your Creations Party over at Kristen's Creations

Until next time. . .

Having Fun at a Wax Museum

A couple of weeks ago, my sweetie and I took an overnight trip to Pigeon Forge, TN. Which is really not news in and of itself, as we tend to go there a lot for overnight weekend getaways. It's only about a three hour drive from where we live so it makes for a nice little weekend drive.

The last time we ventured down that way, we noticed they were building a new attraction but we couldn't really tell what it was going to be. Well, this time they had it finished and we decided to check it out. It's called The Hollywood Wax Museum. The hubs and I both decided that it was probably meant more for families with children, but it was very hot when we were down there and we figured we'd check it out since it was probably air conditioned! Much to our surprise, it was an awesome attraction where visitors are encouraged to interact with the wax displays. A couple of shots of the outside of the building:

Once inside, we had our photo taken with King Kong and then we were ushered into the museum for a self guided tour.

Lucy made me try some Vitameatavegamin.

Meet Agent J, Agent K, and my favorite man, Agent S.

Jeannie took me on a tour of her bottle.

Then I received a crash course on how to become one of Charlie's Angels.

Meanwhile, hubby tried to block Michael Jordan's shot and shared in a victory with race car driver, Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Leonardo made my heart go on and Forrest was kind enough to share his box of chocolates with me.

By this point, we were getting pretty tired, so hubby tried to get Spock's crew to "beam us up".

What a fun way to spend a couple of hours on a hot afternoon! There was lots more that we saw, but I won't bore y'all with pictures of everything. And there was also a couple of other additional attractions, like a haunted castle thing, and a King Kong experience, neither of which we did.

Sometimes it's fun to just let everything go and be a kid again! If you ever get a chance to visit the Pigeon Forge area, this is an attraction that I highly recommend.

Until next time. . .