weekend recap

My sis and I refinished a couple tables. It was our first attempt, and they didn't turn out too shabby! We followed this tutorial on refreshing vintage wood from The Brick House.

I had lotsa cuddle time with the bestest.

I indulged a bit. My sister brought donuts over on Sunday morning, and I devoured some deep fried Oreos at a church festival on Friday. One of my favorites. Love 'em. P.S. I'm so awkward when I take photos by myself. Poor Chris had to take 4 pics just to get this one.

We went to visit and snap some pics of our reception venue. More to come on Wednesday! And we've begun a Sunday dinner tradition. This week we made Roasted Vegetable Baked Penne and Chicken Meatballs. I'm stuffed and ready for Monday!

Be my bridesmaid? DIY

There's a good chance you've seen this ADORABLE diy making its way around the web, but it was too cute not to share. Bethany of Rinse, Repeat made these "be my maid?" boxes to send her prospective bridesmaids. Being an attendant in a wedding can be quite a big deal (emotionally, monetarily, physically), so it's fitting to make the asking a big deal to!

Totes adorbs, no? (p.s. Am I allowed to say that without you wanting to punch me?)

images and genius idea: Rinse, Repeat

chandelier obsession

I have been completely OBSESSED with chandeliers lately. You might remember this post, from which I am certain I will attempt to diy the first paper chandelier:

...and it doesn't stop there. Of course it doesn't! There are two more in particular that I am dying to make.

Don't you just LOVE? Ahhh. I do! I have an old chandelier in the basement, to which I will give a shiny new life as soon as I muster up the courage, which takes the final tally to FOUR! Four chandeliers that I want to make. I don't necessarily have a spot in mind for each one, but what room doesn't look better with a chandelier? If you still aren't convinced, check out these beauties.

Nice, don't you think? Not to mention the artwork in the final image. Wow.

images (in order): paper crave, house beautiful, style me pretty (2), coastal living (2), home sweet home (2), mary ruffle

homemade holiday

Hello everyone! I am finally going to show you the projects that I have been working on! I am definitely pleased with the final outcome, but I'm not sure if I will do a homemade Christmas project again without trying it out first. Here is my first really failed attempt at making these bath fizzies. I obviously do not recommend you ever try this. Seriously, never try this. I can tell you are considering trying this. Don't.

Then I decided to put my ingredients to good use by making bath salts (I added food coloring) and sugar scrub. I didn't lose hope in Martha completely. I am quite pleased with the turnout and there were no production problems compared to the dreaded bath fizzies!

I also made this wine bar nut mix, which I have made in the past and love, as well as sugared almonds. Delicious and super easy!

I got the sugared almond recipe from a friend a year or two ago, and they are super easy, as well!

• Bring 1 1/2 c. water and 1 1/2 c. sugar to boil

• Add 1/2 tsp. cinnamon and 1 tsp. vanilla

• Turn off stove and mix in 1 lb. whole almonds until coated

• Spread evenly on baking sheet, bake for 20 min. at 350

• Continue to baste with syrup every 5 min.

• Sugary coating will harden once out of oven

Enjoy!