A Resolution Reminder

Let's talk New Years Resolutions.  Ok, ok, I know it's practically February, but it's getting to be that time to remind myself of my committment to new goals.  I think it's safe to say that most of us are at least beginning to bend our resolutions a little bit.  Ok, just me?  I dare not place blame!

Here are my goals for 2012

1.  Blog consistently.  I have a tendency to get distracted.  My new goal, one post a week.  If there are more, awesome, if there are less, well, then you all know I've broken my resolution and I feel really really guilty about it.

{Picture found here}

2.  Be Healthy.  One word.  Exercise.  I really want to teach myself to enjoy it even though this is a mostly accurate depiction of how I feel.

{Picture via Pinterest}

3.  Share my creations.  With real people.  I love them and I want to give others the opportunity to love them too.  There are so many boutique-esque shops that sell products made by local artists. My plan is to get brave, put my foot in the door and hope that they like what I have to offer. 

{In college, I stocked some of my creations here.  If you're ever near Yellow Springs, Ohio, pop in.  It's a wonderful place.}

4.  Organize - and keep it that way.  Since we're moving soon, I've been working on getting my life organized.  I've only been in this apartment for a little over a year and it is amazing how many things don't have a place.



{I got my fridge under control and looking spectacular via Goodbye House, Hello Home's helpful tips}

5.  Ignore fear.  That voice in my head that tells me I shouldn't want to try something, enjoy doing it or will be really bad at it and inadvertently cause the world to end.   I'm taking baby steps.

Photography is one of those things that fits under all three categories.

I'm starting to dabble in it.  It's something I've always wanted to do, but it's always been someone elses "thing" that I didn't want to "copy."  Sometimes I'm silly like that.  Mandie was lovely enough to volunteer for my first "photoshoot."  We had loads of fun!  I'll share more pictures from our winter day out in an upcoming post.

{This is Mandie and she's not just pretty.}

There you have it.  Now I'm accountable (Eeek!) to these goals I've placed for myself.  All in all, it's not just about the resolutions, it's about trying to better and push myself.  The last thing I want to do is sit back and watch life pass by while I think about the things that bring me joy or how I could have challenged myself. What are some of your resolutions and how are you doing with them? 

Here we go!  Time to press on through 2012!

Feature Friday

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.  Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens.  Brown paper packages, tied up with string, these are a few of my favorite things!

I may or may not have been in a Children's choir growing up that frequently performed a Sound of Music Medley.  I also may or may not have the overwhelming urge to turn everyday topics into song.  Really, if you say a word that makes me think of a song, it's hard for me to hold back said song.  I also do this with movie quotes.  I apologize in advance for any uncomfortable moments this may cause in the future as sometimes this phenomenon occurs at innappropriate times.

Memories and awkward quirks aside, it's time for Friday Features!  I started this concept way back when I started this blog, it just never came to fruition.  Now, with pinterest as an everyday source of  inspiration, I am adding to the original plan by featuring some of my favorite things on Friday.  You know.  All consistent like. 

Why Friday you ask?  Well, I'll tell you.  I like alliteration, and Friday, feature and favorite all start with the letter "F."

Simple pleasures.

In preparation for the big move, I have been doing some cleaning and organizing.  My latest project, getting all my craft supplies in order.  During this process, I realized how many feathers I have.  I have been wanting some feather earrings for a while, but have been hesitant to buy them thinking that I can just make some for myself.  Feeling inspired, I googled "how to make feather earrings" and came up with this awesome tutorial by the domestic diva.  She has written instructions as well as a video.  Check it out!

{So cute!  If time permits, this is definitely on my list of weekend projects.}

With Valentines Day on the horizon, I've had my eyes on sweets that are sweet.  These definitely fit the bill:

{Conversation Heart Cookies to spur a special exchange}

{Valentine's Petits Fours as an intricate way to show someone you care}

{Pink Ombre Cake: to add an extra touch of special}

Finally, you know I've been daydreaming about decorating my new home.  I decided a while back that my living room is going to be pre-dominantly a culmination of gold and white based on a wallpaper I fell in love with and can't have.  Don't worry, I have other plans to re-create said wallpaper, but I want to make these beautiful candles to tie in my living room motif to the surrounding rooms since the living room is such a large space.

{DIY Gold-leaf Candles that don't really look "DIY"}

There you have it.  Five Featured Favorites on Friday, the Fifth day.  Gosh, that makes my heart smile. 

A Foundation for Success

As of last Thursday, ground has officially been broken for our house.  It's actually becoming real now!  I drove by earlier this week and was surprised at what I saw. Before driving by, I was just expecting to see a big hole and mushed up dirt piles (which would have been just as exciting).  Instead, there were mushed up dirt piles and the makings of a form.  If it wasn't so mucky, and if I wouldn't have been getting in the way of the people trying to make my house pretty, stable, and all those important little things, I could have walked through our house for the first time!  Crazy town!

Take a look for yourself!

Also, in case you were wondering, in order for the construction workers to do a good job, you have to smile and wave when you go by.  My mom says so.  It will totally work.  Maybe not as well as cookies work, but I'm not saying that I won't stoop to that level.

Winter Caprese Salad

My in-laws were in town this weekend looking for houses because they will be moving out to good ol' Ohio soon!  Hooray!  One big happy family! 

Until then, we are limited to short visits packed to the brim with fun convesation and good food.  I have mentioned the Winter Caprese Salad before here, and decided to make it again since it was such a hit. 

This salad has some of my favorite flavor combinations, and even better, it's pretty.  You know I like things to be pretty.  The base starts with beautifully slow roasted tomatoes surrounding a block of fresh mozzarella cheese and topped with a delightful basil pesto and pine nuts.  Is your  mouth watering yet?

Even better, it's easy to make.  It takes a bit of time to roast the tomatoes, but it is beautfiul and yummy and so worth it.

{Tomatoes are halved and doused in olive oil, salt, and pepper before being slow roasted to magnificence}

{Since the tomatoes take so long to roast, I needed Ben to put them in the oven before I got home}

Once the tomatoes are roasted, make the pesto, toast the pine nuts, and cut the mozzarella (if you bought the big roll like I did) while they cool.  Once cooled, assemble your salad.  Start by placing the round of mozzarella in the center of your salad plate.  Add your tomatoes by pointing the ends toward the center on top of the cheese as shown below.  Spoon the pesto in the middle allowing it to drizzle down onto the plate.  Finally, sprinkle with the toasted pine nuts.

Beautiful and delicious.

Winter Caprese Salad

Adapted From Mario Batali's Molto Italiano

Serves 4

Ingredients:

For the Tomatoes

• 6 plum tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Freshly ground salt and pepper

For the Pesto

• 1 clove of garlic
• 3 TBL grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 3 cups fresh basil leaves, plus a few leaves for garnish if you wish
• 3/4 cups exptra-virgin olive oil

You'll also need

• 4 large bocconcini (from buffalo mozzarella) or 1 lb buffalo mozzarelly, cut into quarters
• 2 TBL pine nuts

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees fahrenheit.

Cut the tomatoes in half lengthwise.  In a large bowl, toss the tomatoes with olive oil, salt and pepper.  Arrange cut side down on a baking sheet and pour remaining olive oil over tomatoes.  Cook for about 2 hours.

Remove the tomatoes from the oven and allow to cool.  Once cooled, transfer to a colander and allow to drain.  I skipped this step because I wanted the olive oily juices to overfloweth on my plate later.  Do what you would like.

While your tomatoes are cooling, make the pesto.  Combine your garlic and parmigian in a food processor and pulse until the garlic is roughly chopped.  Add the basil and pulse about 7-8 times until the basil leaves are shredded.  With the food processor running, add the olive oil slowly and blend until smooth.

Toast the pine nuts in a pan over medium heat, tossing frequently, until golden brown.  This will take about 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.  Don't be like me and pick them out of the pan with your fingers to sprinkle on your salad.  Impatience is unwise.

To serve, place the round of mozzarella in the center of your salad plate.  Add your tomatoes by pointing the ends toward the center, cut side down, on top of the cheese.  Spoon the pesto in the middle allowing it to drizzle down onto the plate.  Sprinkle with the toasted pine nuts and garnish with basil leaves (which I would have done if I had enough basil).

Enjoy!

Pallet Entertainment Center Tutorial

As promised, here is a tutorial for how I made the Pallet Entertainment Center.   With a little help from my Dad, it took us about 6 hours to complete the entire project.

First things first,  gather your supplies.  Here's what you'll need:

• 3 Large Pallets -  I work for a business that sells copiers, so I was able to get my pallets for free.  If you don't have access to any, click here for advice on where you can find them for free or for cheap.
• 8 L Shaped Brackets
• 4 Caster Wheels - I used these swivel casters because not only does it add to the look, but makes it easy to move.
• 48 Screws
• Sandpaper Block
• Stain or Paint of your Choice - I used this stain because I wanted it to be stark and masculine.
• Polyurethane - I used this one with a satin finish because I didn't want it to be high gloss.

You will also need the following tools:

• Circular Saw
• Drill
• Screw Driver
• Goggles

Before you get started, make sure you take the right safety precautions and use your goggles.  Maybe you still have some from 7th grade science class like I did.  It's totally safety-chic.  Ok, maybe that's not a real thing, but it's way better than getting a piece of wood lodged in your eye-ball.

Step 1:  Cut your pallets

Cut all 3 pallets in half lengthwise (like a hot dog in elementary school language) using your circular saw.  On each pallet, there should be 3 long pieces of wood going across the back.  When cutting,  cut behind one side of long pieces of wood so you have a solid, rectangular form.

Step 2:  Cut one pallet in half

Cut one of  your rectangular pieces in half width-wise (like a hamburger) using your circular saw.  These 2 pieces will act as the "legs" of your entertainment center.

Step 3:  Sand the pallets

Pallets tend to be a little rough around the edges, including the edges you just cut.  Use an electric sander if you're lucky enough to have one, to smooth out those nasty little splinters.  A sanding block will work fine as well, it just takes a little longer and you can totally count it as your exercise for the day.  I did.

Step 4:  Assemble

Start assembly by setting out the plank you designated to be the bottom and setting the 2 sides on either side of it, slat side out.  You will be using your L Brackets to hold these pieces together.  Start by tracing through the holes of the brackets with a sharpie (or other writing utensil that you will be able to see).  Use your drill to prep the area for your screws by drilling small holes in the spots you marked.  I put the emphasis on small because if the holes are too big, your screws won't hold strong.  Place Brackets over the prepped holes and use a screw driver to screw them into place.

Once you finished with the bottom, flip it over and repeat the same process with the top.  Just make sure that all your pieces are facing the right direction.

Step 5:  Add a 2 planks on the ends to eliminate the big holes left by attaching the sides.  You don't HAVE to do this step, but I think it looks more finished this way.  Use nails to keep these in place.

Step 6:  Add Casters

Once the form is finished and all the brackets are secure, flip it (carefully) onto it's top.  Use the casters to determine where the screws will be going and mark them with your sharpie.  Drill holes for the screws in the spots you have marked.  Place casters over the holes and screw in your screws.  Once you have all 4 wheels on, flip the unit back over being careful not to put too much weight on the sides of the wheels.

You now have a rolley polley ollie entertainment center!

Step 7:  Stain or Paint

To polish off your unit, use a stain or paint of your choice that fits your decor.  Follow the instructions on the can to achieve the perfect finish.  Once your stain or paint has dried, coat it with polyurethane to seal it.

Voila!  Step back and admire your hard work.  You done did good.

Do you already have an entertainment center?  This piece could have many personalities.   It could also be extra kitchen storage, a bar, a display area, a bookshelf (if you fill in the gaps or lay a plank across the cracks) or perhaps an entryway table.  The sky is the limit, so don't limit yourself!

Do you love look but don't like the idea of making it yourself?  I'll make one for you!  Contact me about pricing.

How's that for entertainment?

Remember when I said I had fun things to share with you?  Well, I do.  I've been working really hard.  Blood, sweat and tears hard.  OK, maybe I'm exaggerating a little bit, but it was close a few times.

Anyway, did I ever mention that I decided to make all of my Christmas presents?  I started out really ambitious and came up with all my ideas one fine morning over coffee and breakfast at Tasi's with Ben in early October.  Emphasis on October.  We even got started that day by moseying over to The Candle Lab and customizing a few scented candles.  I was pretty proud of my new found non-procrastinating self.

I'll be honest with you.  My non-procrastinating self didn't last long.  As it often does, life happened and all of my ingenius gift ideas fell by the wayside only to be scooped back up in a panic after Ben's birthday when I realized only days remained before Christmas.

It was a busy busy busy couple of weeks trying to make up for lost time, but the results and the smiles on my loved ones faces were well worth the self-induced stress. 

I am going to share my gifts in a series of posts, beginning with one of the projects I was most excited about.  I promise I wasn't just excited because I got to use power tools.  OK, so it was partly because of the power tools, but also because it was my very own brain child and it turned out exactly as I had imagined.

Gift #1: Pallet Entertainment Center for my brother.

My brother just moved into his own apartment (complete with his very own flea circus - but that's another story) and has been taking all the hand me downs he can get to furnish it.  However, if there's one thing he doesn't lack, it's his entertainment accessories, and he's made some upgrades for his new place.  He braved the black friday rush and got the very last 46 inch flat screen TV for $300.  He is very proud.

I had planned from the beginning to make him something out of pallets.  First it was a wall display for his records which turned into a coffee table which ended up as an entertainment center.  I'll admit it.  Along with being a procrastinator, I am also not the best decision maker.  Just ask my college roommate how often she had to decide what I was having for dinner.  I'm not proud of it.  However, an entertainment center was the perfect fit for my brothers personality and interests. 

There it was, it was set.  I sketched out a basic design and my dad and I spent a day bonding in the garage over wood, paint, and power tools.

It was a huge success.  My brother loved his new toy holder.  You should have seen his face when he realized the biggest present in the room was for him.  It was like he was 5 again running down the stairs in his footy pajamas into a room full of perfectly wrapped boxes just waiting to be ripped open to expose their magical contents.

Want to know how I made it?  Stay tuned for a tutorial.

It's official

It is officially official.   Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday to us.   We are on the road to building our first home!  After lots of waiting and paperwork, and additional paperwork, and answering questions, and then some more paperwork, Christmas Eve we finally received a happy little package in the mail with our building permits.

Here we are standing in the lot that is to become our home!

I have already begun decorating our house in my mind.  Ben and I both have a love for vintage, but his strays more towards stark industrial design and mine more towards shabby chic with a very neutral color palette.  My goal is to combine our styles (Emily Henderson style) in a way pleasing to both of us, but also to our (hopefully frequent) visitors. I have a long list of projects and inspiration I have been holding onto in my head.  Now that Christmas is over, I can start tackling said projects as I await a place to display all of them.  This means I will (hopefully) have some fun things to share with you

Speaking of Emily Henderson, if you haven't checked out her blog or her show, Secrets from a Stylist, you must.  She may be my new design hero.

I hope everyone had a great holiday season with friends and family!  I'll be in touch soon with lots of fun stuff I've been holding onto for you.