Merry Christmas!

We hope you have a

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Pasta Salad

I'm that crazy person that will make a new recipe for parties and get- togethers!

It is always risky, but usually turns out good. 

We had a pot luck come up and I found a great recipe I had to share! 

I wanted to share a cold pasta salad recipe that is SOOOO good!

The Pioneer Woman's Sundried Tomato Pasta Salad

I didn't add the olives and I only used 2 of the 4 cloves of garlic. 

I didn't want to scare people off with too much garlic!

Oh and if you live where I do, fresh Basil is hard to find! I used the pre chopped fresh basil in a "tube". Is it just me or it is weird to have herbs come from a tube? Oh well it was my only choice this time! I will say the basil from a tube wasn't all that bad, it worked well for the pasta salad.

I don't like olives, but I did buy a can of the recommended olives. I tasted one and couldn't bare to put them in the delicious concoction I just made! 

And.....I probably won't splurge on the "Real Parmigiano Reggiano" cheese just for my Husband and I to eat! ;)

Photo from The Pioneer Woman

Hope ya'll enjoy! :)

UPDATE: Michael and I heated some up last night. It was really good heated up too! :)

Need Gift Ideas? Crafty Edition

You know someone crafty?
I've been titled crafty quite a bit,
I love making and designing things so I thought I'd make a list of helpful tools for the "Crafty One"!

#1
Tools of the Trade

For Scrapbookers: Cricut & Cartridges, Acid Free Paper, Stamps, Scrapbook Tape, Decorative Scissors!
For Big Project Crafts: Paint, Brushes, Wood, Spray Paint, Nails, Hammers....Anything! :)
For Painters: Brushes, Paints, Canvas', Brush-Washing Solutions, Sketch Paper & Pencils!
For Knitters/Crocheters: Thread, Yarn, Knitting Needles & Crocheting Hooks, Patterns!
For Sewers: Thread, Needles, Scissors, Fabric, Thimbles, Magnification Glass, Patterns!


#2
Gift Card to...
For Scrapbookers: Local scrapbooking stores, Hobby Lobby, JoAnns, Michael's
For Big Project Crafts: Home Depot, Lowes, Hobby Lobby
For Painters: Hobby Lobby, Local Art Supply Stores or Jerry's Artorama
For Knitters/Crocheters: Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's
For Sewers: JoAnn's, Hancocks, Local Fabric Stores
For the General Crafter: Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's, Michael's, Local Hobby stores

#3
Inspiration
Get a Magazine subscription that relates to their "Craft"

Books a Million, Walmart, Lowes, or Hobby Lobby has a great selection!


#4
Storage

For Scrapbookers:  They make some awesome "totes" and Paper Bins just for scrapbook paper!
For Big Project Crafts: Plastic Tarps, Large Storage Bins, and a Work Bench!
For Painters: Brush Storage, Portfolios
For Knitters/Crocheters: Yarn Holders, Hook & Needle Organizers, and Totes
For Sewers: Fabric Storage, Shelves, Thread Organizers!
For the General Crafter: Totes, Large Bins, Typical Garage Storage Carts


#5
Give her TIME to use this stuff! :)
Pick one item listed below and give her an hour or more of leisure hobby time!
Babysit, Do the Dishes or Laundry, Make a Meal, etc...........


Happy Giving! :)

Need Gift Ideas? Sister Edition

I've got listed below my top 5 favorite things I would love to give/get my Sister or Girl Friends!

Disclaimer*Sorry Sis I won't be outing your Christmas present on this list!*

#1

Brittany Fuson Paper

http://www.brittanyfuson.com/index.php

She has some of the most beautiful stationary!

I personally LOVE her yearly planner and the Holiday Collection of Note cards!

She is having a 12 days of sales in December, so check out her blog and website to steal the deals!

#2

A Sephora or Ulta Giftcard!

We girls love our beauty products!

I love Sephora's Value Sets! 

They have sets in all price ranges, starting at $9!

#3

Accessories

Scarves, Jewelry, Purses!

I don't know a girl who wouldn't love a headband, watch, or purse!
Here are some of my favorite accessory shops!

Francescas Collections, Charming Charlie, LOFT

#4
Stuff that everyone uses, but Fun(er)!
Let me explain, everyone uses mugs, coasters, soap dispensers, socks,gloves....etc.
So why not buy them but have fun with it, use their favorite colors, teams, brands.

Mugs from Anthropologie
A Design Lovers Coasters
Soap Dispenser

Mud Pie Tech Savvy Gloves

#5

Even if your "sister" doesn't cook, who wouldn't love a cute personalized apron?!
That's my theory anyway!

(My Mom made this one for Susan!)

Need Gift Ideas? Cooks Edition

I've rounded up some of my favorite all time Cooking gifts.....whether I was the giver or recipient!

#1

Anything Treen

Karen Davis - Spoon Maker

http://spoonmakerkds.com/

My Mom and I usually go to a couple of craft fairs and the 127 Yard Sale just to see Karen and her spoons!

I have four of her pieces and LOVE them all!

I seriously don't know what I cooked with before them!

Her pieces are all hand made with wood she hand picks! 

I also love her different designs for right and left handed people.

I have 1 of  the "deep small wooden spoon". I need about 3 more! :) You can't go wrong with this one!

I purchased my Husband the "coffee scoop" and he loves it as well! I chose a manly dark wood!

MY FAVORITE purchase was the "tongs". They are by-far my favorite cooking utensil! Perfect for Bacon!

I noticed they are not on her website- but I got them at her booth at the 127!

I also have a "little ladle" that my Mother gave me! It is great for Chili and Soups!

And my Mother has a lot of her pieces as well and adores each one!

She loves the slotted spoon and the "005 Stir wooden spoon". Its slanted shape is great for stirring and scraping!

#2

The Cake Pan Lady

http://thecakepanlady.com/

I saw a post on The Pioneer Woman's website about these pans!

Here is the post where I talked about the them!

Previous Post

They are great because you can personalize them!

#3
Emile Henry Artisan Ruffled Pie Dish
I have to give all the credit to my Sister for this one!
She gave this pie dish to me!
Pie Dish!


Mine is the caramel color and I love it!
No more "crimping" the crust to make it beautiful......
JUST press it in the dish and it makes a ruffled crust for you!


#4
Salt Pig


If you are looking for a small gift or stocking stuffer, this is it!
My Mom gave me this Salt Pig that she picked up in Charleston, SC.
Mine is blue and I use it every time I cook!
It is meant for easy access to your Kosher salt!
Here is a place to purchase online.Salt Pig


#5
Butter Bells, Butter Crocks
Once again, I've got my Mom to thank!
These are the neatest things EVER!


This diagram is from Pleasant Hill Grain.

It really works! It is really nice to have access to soft butter anytime out on the counter!
Oh and this would be really nice gift if given with a Anything Treen's butter spreader! ;)



And if anybody needs a "Big Item" gift idea (ex: bread machine, stand mixer,etc), just ask me!
I'll tell you my personal favorites!

Happy Shopping!

November?

Where did November go?

I feel like it was just Fall and now we are heading straight into Winter! 

Here's my November 2011:

I was a vendor at the Middle School's career fair for Architecture and Construction! 

It was fun talking to the students about what I do!

Fall Fun Night at Church with a hayride and Chili Cook off; I got second place!

I went to the Christmas Village in Nashville with my cousin, Susan!

We had a BLAST! :)

I went to our local craft fair with my Mom, as usual they had a lot of great stuff!

My Husband and I attended 4 Thanksgivings! 

And SHOPPING was involved this past month! 

Although I didn't brave Black Friday, I have been getting some GREAT DEALS!

I'm happy to say I only have a couple of presents left to purchase before Christmas rolls around! :)

I'm in the process of making a couple of lists for those of you who need help shopping for Christmas!
I'll be posting them soon!

Watertown Mile Long Yardsale

I got some goodies at the Watertown Mile Long Yardsale. My Dad and Mom went with me and we had a great time, even though it was a little chilly!

I didn't take pictures while I was there, but I do have a grainy cell phone picture for you! haha

My first find, an Industrial waste can. I was thinking years down the road that kids couldn't even destroy this thing!

A fun thanksgiving vase, turkey and pilgrims.

My favorite find, a 1910 North America Map and a 1870 Hearth and Home print!

Western Cookie cutters: A boot, cactus and longhorn head! (not pictured)



This was a fun and very laid back yard sale. They had some great shops on the square to visit, too!

Sister, Sister!

Because we have the same since of humor! ;)

Happy Birthday to my Lovely Sister Laura! :)

Hope you have a great day!

23 Flavors

This cold weather is making me think fall/winter thoughts....

I need a 

Hot Dr. Pepper

Have y'all ever had some Dr. Pepper Hot?

It is GREAT! 

 

I asked several friends that live in Tennessee, but who are not from my hometown about Hot Dr. Pepper.

They always say, "What!?"!

Hot Dr. Pepper was and probably still is a staple at Warren County's Soccer and Fall Football Games.

I always managed to get a cup every time I watched my sister play high school soccer at the Home games!

I find it odd that is used to be so popular it had its own ads!

Now some people think I'm crazy, when I say, "A hot Dr. Pepper would be good right now!".

I'm not sure that this is how the Concession Stands used to make it, but here is the recipe!

Heat Dr Pepper in a saucepan to 180 degrees, place a thin slice of lemon in the bottom of a coffee mug or insulated cup and pour the heated Dr Pepper over the lemon.

Enjoy this classic to some, new to most!

Painting Party

Sorry guys, I'm slightly behind on blogging.
So this was technically painted while it was still warm out!

My friends and I went to a "painting party" at the Art Mills in Cookeville. 

It was a blast! 

There are a lot of different places you can do this type of painting, 

but I will tell you the Art Mill is like a mini party! 

They played music for us and we had great instructors!

http://www.theartmills.com/

It didn't feel like 2 hours had passed when we were finished!

Here are our paintings:
All Different, but All GREAT!

I can't wait to go again!
If you happen to know my Mom you can see this painting in her office! :)

127 * 3

This was my third excursion to the 127 yard sale. I had some good luck this year!
I ended up mostly shopping and buying for others but that is just as much fun to me!
Some of my finds will not be listed (they might be gifts)!

Find #1 at the 1st stop of the day: Dunlap TN
A fellow from Northern Georgia had a tent full of cast iron, fishing rods, and odds and ends.
I've been looking for a good priced cast iron skillet (mind you not the "pre-seasoned" ones at the stores now days). I wanted a #10 SLICK cast iron skillet. I found a cadillac of all cast iron skillets in his tent - a Griswald :)! And I also purchased a #8 griddle from him too. I got a great deal at both for $50.

Cast Iron Trivia:We found out later from another gentleman in Pikeville that all of the Griswald cast iron pieces are from 1952 and earlier. Wagner bought out Griswald that year and also changed the bottom of their skillets a few years later.

Find #2: Downtown Dunlap, TN
 A neat vintage cookie jar. It is a Stewart's cookie jar for my sister in law.

Find #3 : Downtown Dunlap TN
Gracie's Princess cutouts. My niece Gracie is a Princess, and loves Disney Princess'.
So when I saw these.....

I knew Princess Gracie and Queen Sister would love them!
They are the cutouts that you would see in the Movie Theater or Movie Rental Stores promoting the movies, or in this case, The Disney Store.
I'm still kicking myself because when we went back to pick them up, I forgot two woodland creatures that obviously went with a missing Snow White. Oh well, maybe the rabbit and squirrel got a good home too.
I got some awesome stares as I was carrying them to the car, including a woman that stated, "Hey that girl bought those princess'". Yes. yes I did.

Find#4: In between Dunlap and Pikeville TN: There is a spot that love to pick at, I'm not sure where to say it is exactly located, but it has some great finds.
Here we found my sister some old Coke crates for dirt cheap and some Christmas presents....hehe.

Find#5: The fifth find was the nut chopper below, it is just like my Granny's. I love that it is metal with a glass jar. It really works too. In this booth, like one of many during our trip, I was asked if I was 16. I had on a cap during the trip, I'm attributing my age misjudgment to the hat! Although, I do like the misjudging to be younger!

Find#6: In Crossville right across from the Dollar General off S Main St, is another favorite stop of mine.
I "picked" a chocolate covered cheesecake there! My Mom bought a vintage watering can and some beautiful hand embroidered vintage handkerchiefs and linens.

Find#7: In Crossville there is an area that always sells metal things, like plant stands and lawn ornaments. In past years I've bought a plant stand and metal chicks. We were trying to beat the rain that was coming so we scanned quickly (and I refrained from buying all 30 metal pumpkins they had)! In a sheltered area right beside them housed a lady who was selling vintage linens. I found one for my cousin, Susan, it had her birth date on it! It was meant to be, I had to get it for her!

By then we were exhausted and HOT! So we saved the last leg that we normally travel (north of Crossville) for other pickers! See you again next year 127!

Taking out the Old

Brass....Bringing in the New White!

Our renovated bathroom looks great except for the brass light fixtures. The brass didn't match the beautiful white and khaki bathroom.

So I turned them into white light fixtures. 

First I taped and wrapped up any wires or insulation. 

Second I used extra fine sand paper to scuff up the shiny brass.

Third I washed the fixtures off with soapy water and rinsed.

Fourth, Primer time!

Fifth, Paint! 

I love our finished product and it only took a couple hours to complete the process!

Special thanks to my Husband for taking the fixtures down and putting them back up for me! 

Orzo Salad

This is my FAVORITE snack, lunch, side....everything!

It is a ridiculously simple and easy dish to make.
My friend Megan at ROOST & ROAM has a great recipe for Orzo on her blog also, check it out!

Orzo + Feta Cheese + Bell Peppers + Olive Oil + Olives (Optional) + Salt/Pepper

I mostly eat this as a lunch. It goes great with grilled chicken!
Also I mostly use green peppers, because that's what is in my garden right now!
But red, orange and yellow bell peppers would be great also.
I'm not a big fan of olives (but I like olive oil?) so I leave them out and it is still delicious!

You can eat it right after assembling the dish, but I like it best cold.

Recipe: Orzo Salad
1/2 Box of Orzo (Cooked according to package: I like it a little more cooked than the box says!)
2-3 Diced Bell Peppers
A couple of tablespoons of Olive Oil
1 small container of Feta Cheese
1 small can of sliced black olives (drain from liquid)
Salt
Pepper

Cook Orzo, Strain and let cool. Pour Olive Oil over pasta, stir in well. Chop peppers and olives. Add bell peppers, olives, and feta stir together. Season to taste with salt and pepper (I use a pinch of salt and a couple pinches of pepper).Can serve immediately, but it is best cold.

Italian Vogue

Hi everyone! 

I wanted to share with everyone my amazingly talented cousin,

Brett Warren:

He is featured on the Italian Vogue "PhotoVogue"
 website for up and coming photographers!

A few of his photos made it through the submission process
and now they are featured on the website.

The best photos will be published in Italian Vogue magazine!

So if you would, please click:

Vogue It

and VOTE, for Brett's amazing photographs
(by clicking on the pictures then the heart)! 

Here is his website:

http://www.brettwarrenphotography.com/

My new personal favorite is his 'Robbery' series!

I know from experience that Brett is very
 involved with every shoot he creates.

It is his concept, from the smallest of details to the
final product, that makes his work unique.

I love his designs as well as his talent in photography,
I know you will too.

Just for fun and to show his greatness,
here is a picture of me from his 'Wooden Heart' Series. : ) 

Check out his website for the rest ^.

I'm thankful for my Granny.

My Granny's birthday was not too long ago, and it seems like I have always made her gifts.

She has always saved my creations, and it is always fun to look back at my early artwork! 

My favorite "item" is a Thanksgiving preschool tidbit. 

We were asked what we were thankful for, and our teacher wrote it on a Turkey. 

My turkey says, "I'm thankful for My Granny"! 

And the fact that it is one of the few things still displayed on her fridge makes me more thankful! :)

(that turkey is vintage now)

My Granny loves yellow, and my art work, so I made her a canvas for her kitchen.

I'm still thankful for my Granny!

Coming to a Mailbox near you....

Is it strange that I am slightly obsessed Pottery Barn's Fall Catalogue?haha

Here are a few clippings of some of my favorite pottery barn Fall scenes!

Maybe it's my favorite season, colors, and pumpkins that make me love it! haha

I'm not rushing Summer away, but

I can't wait to open my mailbox to Pottery Barn's Fall & Holiday Catalogues! 

Tips for a Bride to Be:

I meant to do this post a LONG time ago, but never got around to it, til NOW! :)

From experience from my own, my sister's, and cousin's I really feel like I can share some helpful Wedding tips!

Wedding Tips Part I:

Tip1: Start with a Wedding Binder
-You'll have everything in one place.
-Less likely to loose something.
-Holds inspirational photos, clippings, or websites.
-Has a place for information for vendors/bridesmaids/groomsman and phone numbers!

Tip 2: Inspiration
- Look through magazines (Tear out or make copies of things you like)
- Go to The Knot.com, a great place for ideas (print out images you like)
The inspiration goes for Everything! Cut or print out dresses, flowers, tuxes, tables, cake, chairs, food, anything and everything you would like to see at your wedding!....And put Inspirational clippings in your BINDER!

I showed just about EVERY vendor pictures of what I wanted, with a few tweaks.
It helps get your point across, which is important because you want to make sure you are on the same page as your vendor is and vice versa.

Tip 3: Information
-Get all vendors information - Name, Address, Email, Telephone (and 2nd Telephone#)
-Compile a list of vendors to give to your maid or matron of honor, your wedding coordinator, and someone you trust but that is not in the wedding party .
Giving this list of information out a couple of days/weeks before the wedding will help insure - you the bride will not be rustling through your binder on your wedding day. Also your Maid of Honor or Wedding Coordinator can take care of things with out YOU actually having to know what is happening. (Ex: The caterer hasn't shown up and is 30 mins late......one of the chosen people with your list, can call or drive to their business and see if they need help or locate them!)

Tip 4: Reserve
- As soon as you narrow down your venues and vendors...BOOK IT! The sooner the better, photographers and venues book up quickly!
- Go over contracts and information. Make sure the venues don't have any rules you can't abide by, EX: must be catered by the venue facility, or no DJ/ Alcohol allowed. If you can't avoid or work something out, find another venue!
- Also reserve your rentals. Ex: Tents, tables, chairs, linens, silverware, plates, glasses, dance floor etc.

Tip 5: Coordinator
- Hire a Wedding Coordinator, if not for the planning process, just for the Wedding Rehearsal and Wedding Day.
- Things will go over more smoothly for your Coordinator to give directions to your family and friends rather than yourself, especially if you hire a professional.
- I had a great one and would highly recommend booking a coordinator for the wedding and rehearsal.

Tip 6: Quadruple Check
- Absolutely quadruple check your Marriage Certificate!
- True Story: My Husband (then fiance) go to our local civic office to obtain our Marriage Licence. We proceed to fill out the forms, then we return them to the counter. The lady types in the information, prints a sample off and tells us to look over and verify our information. Our names, address', birth dates, and socials were correct. It wasn't until after our wedding, our Preacher who was signing his name on the certificate points out that my Husband's ethnicity was wrong on the form. I thought, what? we looked over that entire form. Also, not to mention the lady typed it in with my Husband standing there. So just make sure you double check every inch of that form AFTER they print it out! Some information is in fine print.
-Also quadruple check your new information on your new Social Security card and Driver's License. My maiden name consists of names that can all be First, Middle, and Last names. During my experience changing my name on my Driver's License, I had to correct the lady three times in effort to get the correct name on my new driver's license. Quadruple Check! :)


That's all of Wedding Tips Part I !

Hammered Aluminum

I'm not sure if you know this about me, but I'm into just about everything vintage!

I love vintage things including:

Hammered Aluminum

While Aluminum is not very expensive (and you can usually find it at garage sales), I love it.

To me it is something that has history to it, but still very useful.

There are several antique pieces I have that don't get used everyday - 

because I would be scared something would happen to them! 

These pieces are usually inexpensive but still very functional. 

Maybe it is the highly practical side in me that loves hammered aluminum!

 

I already have a mini collection started.

Thanks to: my Mom, Michael, Aunts, and family friends!

These great people will pick me up a piece at a garage sale if it has the tulip pattern on it.

Which I love the tulip pattern!

I do have a mini collection - but I'm NOT a crazy collector! 

Being that I am practical, I usually only pick up pieces I intend on using.

Although, when a dealer throws in another piece for and extra 50 cents how can you say, No? haha

I just thought I'd share my love for Rodney Kent - Tulips and all things Hammered Aluminum! :)

*4th*

Happy Fourth of July Weekend Ya'll!

Where to find Bargains....

Ya'll know I talk about Essex all the time but there are other stores I like to go to as well to find Bargains!

Here are some of my favorites:

• Habitat for Humanity Restore: great for building items (old doors, windows, new faucets, sinks..etc)

         Restore Locations

• Goodwill: (I've gotten some pretty great 80s costumes there before) 

         They have everything and are located everywhere.

         Find a Location

• Duncan's Clothing: (Pigeon Forge, Cookeville, Jamestown, and Crossville, TN)

They sell the following Brands: Levi, Dockers, Wrangler, Carhartt, Farmall and FarmBoy/FarmGirl Brand.

They sell items that are irregular or discontinued from the manufacturer, most items that I find don't have any flaws. I have to say that I was going there at first for my Husband's jeans! Then I started into Carhartt for both of us, which we love! Good quality (warm) gear! 

And recently they've added Farm Boy and Farm Girl Brand Clothing.

Farm Boy Brand Website

I stumbled upon this new brand and Michael and I laughed all night looking online at their t-shirt sayings. We've got several items on our wish lists! 

Great Farm Humor, for example:

 "We stand behind all our equipment, except for our Manure Spreaders"

"My cow is dead so I don't need your bull"

"Farm Girls have nice Calves"

• Marti & Liz Shoes: (Franklin, Tullahoma, Cookeville, Murfreesboro- just to name a few)

Article on Marti and Liz Stores

Great prices on Shoes and Handbags! I've been going to Marti and Liz since I was in 6th grade, at least! This is a great, Christian place to shop. Of all of the stores I've been to in Middle TN, they all play Christian Music while you shop. That always made me feel like I was doing business with the right people! Prepare to spend awhile in the stores! They have shoes divided by size and gender. The prices are all marked on the bottom of the shoes. 

It would be slightly embarrassing for me to count how many pairs of shoes in my closet has the price written on the bottoms (I've shopped there a lot)! 

• Big Lots

        Find your nearest Big Lots
I never leave Big Lots empty handed! They have just about every isle Walmart has, except for the fish isle! :)
I recently purchased my porch umbrella, patio cushions, and Paula Deen Spices at Big Lots!
Also it is my go to place for (cheapish) scrapbook paper packs, ribbon and canvases. The canvases there aren't the best quality but also aren't the worst I've seen. I'm not an expert on painting so the $5 to $12 canvases work well for me! Also, look into getting their card! When you have so many qualifying purchases (over $20) they will send you a 20% off your entire purchase coupon. That is how I purchased my Patio Umbrella for Cheap! :)

Visit 06.28.11

- By the way Essex has lots of New Outdoor/ Patio stuff in, along with lawnmowers, coolers, and bicycles!

(Bargain Hunt still going on at Essex Stores)

For Suz

Suzanne is my best friend's sister!

Since I roomed with her sister for so long in college, I feel like she is my own sister!

Suzanne is getting married at the end of August, so I monogrammed her a little something. :)

Mrs. Noble

My wonderful best friend Whitney got married this past weekend!

The wedding was beautiful - as was the bride! :)

The new Mr. & Mrs. Noble had a FUN and Delicious reception!

We all danced the night away!

I forgot to post about her Nashville Bachelorette Party, so here's a peek at the fun we had!

I monogrammed her a little something for her present.

A bag to put her little belongings in! 

Instead of monogramming her a Wedding gift my friends and I decided to chip in and get her something big off her registry! We found the last Arthur's Court UT chip and dip tray in Tennessee! So if any of you have one of these hang on to it....it's discontinued! We loved it as much as Whitney did, we all love our Alma Mater! :)

It was a great weekend filled with fun and friends!

Congratulations to the New Mr.& Mrs. Noble!

Emaly Mae

My cousin Emaly graduated from High School!

We are so proud of her! :)

She is beautiful, smart, and has the Best Personality! 

I could just go on and on about my Emaly.

I remember when she was born, so her graduating is making me feel old!

I found her a Laundry Bag(what everybody needs when they are heading off to college)!

Of course, her name had to be monogrammed on it!

 Towels with lavender initials. (And some laundry essentials!)

I love you Emaly and wish you Best as you go to College.

(I think I'll go sob in a corner for a minute, because I remember her like this!)

Emaly, Beth and Me in the Iris patch.

Circa 1994