14 Days of Holiday LOVE Giveaway

November 28, 2014

Here we go!!!!! The big giveaway is here. For the next 14 days, I’m partnering with some of my favorite bloggers to bring you an amazing giveaway every day! Yep, big giveaways! Be sure to LIKE the Giveaway Facebook page, it’s the best place to be informed daily of the giveaways available to you.

This is our opportunity to show our faithful readers how much we love and appreciate you. Bloggers are nothing without our readers, so thank you!!

Nov. 28 Melissa Creates is giving away a Shop Melissa Creates Gift Set

Nov. 29 Make+Haus is giving away a $150 gift Blurb gift card

Nov. 30 Design Improvised is giving away $150 Home Decorators Gift Card

Dec. 1 Handmade Mood is giving away a Kate Spade New Year’s Planning Pack

Dec. 2 Oleander and Palm is giving away a pair of Sven Clogs

Dec. 3 A Girl Named PJ is giving away a Nandi Necklace from Tulsi Project ($160 value)

Dec. 4 Frock Files is giving away a $100 gift card to Schoolhouse Electric

Dec. 5 Living on Love is giving away a luxury home throw and a toddler to teen blanket ($164 value) from Saranoni

Dec. 6 Everyday Reading is giving away a Lily Jade bag

Dec. 7 Lia Griffith is giving away a $100 Michaels gift card

Dec. 8 TBD

Dec. 9 Dream Green DIY is giving away a $250 Minted gift card

Dec. 10 The Caterpillar Years is giving away an Ogosport Prize Package

Dec. 11 Oleander and Palm is giving away a Cricut Explore Machine

DIY

DIY Gold Dipped Yarn Hanging

November 25, 2014

Well, I did it again, yes another yarn hanging. They are just so much fun to make and this might be my all time favorite. I’ve hung yarn from branches and from dowels, but this large metal ring is so pretty.

This time I used natural off white wool yarn and added color with painted wooden beads. Then to give it a little sparkle, I painted the bottom few inches metallic gold for a dip dyed effect.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Design Master Spray Paint (24 KT Gold, Praire Grass and Basil)
12 large wooden beads (about 1″ in diameter)
1 ball of natural, off white yarn
18″ metal ring (found in the jewelry section at Hobby Lobby)
Scissors
Masking Tape
Drop cloth or newspaper for spray painting

I thought about hanging this piece from an embroidery hoop or making some sort of wire circle or triangle. But, then I decided to wonder the aisles of the craft store looking for a solution. And to my surprise, you can buy metal hoops in all kinds of sizes. I found this ring at Hobby Lobby for just $3.47.

Start by spray painting the metal ring gold. Make sure to paint both sides. When it is dry, you can begin attaching the yarn to the ring. Cut pieces of yarn that are 2 yards long. Loop the yarn onto the ring and pull tight.

Don’t worry about all the yarn being exactly the same lengths, you will trim the bottom once all the yarn is on.

Using masking tape as a guide. Trim the bottom of the yarn in the desired shape. I like this V shape with the the curve of the ring at the top.

Paint the wooden beads in a few colors. I chose to use 2 shades of green and the gold.

When the beads are completely dry, which will only take 5 mins with Design Master spray paints, thread the beads onto a few strands of yarn. I placed mine very randomly, sometimes threading 2 or 3 on the same piece of yarn. Secure the beads buy knotting the yarn just below the bead.

Finally, lay the yarn hanging as flat as possible and spray the bottom few inches of the yarn with metallic gold spay paint. Let it dry and then turn it over and do the same to the back.

I love the versatility of Design Master paints, they adhere to practically any surface. And it you have ever tried dip dying, you’ll know how much easier this is. Plus, with metallic paint, there is the addition of a little sparkle.

I buy my Design Master paints and my local Michaels and Joann Fabrics. Design Master paints can paint the most delicate of surfaces, such as silk and fresh flowers, fabric, ribbon, tulle, lace, paper, foam board and Stryrofoam to sturdy hard surfaces such as wood, metal, masonry, terra cotta, ceramics and plaster. Design Master is a great resource for products and ideas. Be sure to check out all the craft and project ideas on their blog.

This post is sponsored by Design Master. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible.

etc. / Food & Drink

Orange Cardamom Rolls

November 24, 2014

I’ve partnered with the Grain Foods Foundation to bring you this recipe for Orange Cardamom Rolls. Grains are a big part of our holiday traditions. This is the time of year, my oven is on every day and baked goods and treats are being made for my family and guests.

Last year my family and I travelled to Sweden over the Thanksgiving break to meet my Grandpa’s extended family. I already was a huge fun or Cardamom, but after tasting all the amazing breads and cookies that featured cardamom in Sweden, I’m always looking for ways to add this unique spice into my baking. Orange and Cardamom are a perfect pair (I made Cardamom Orange Shortbread Cookies to prove it). My husband LOVES bread, especially sweet rolls. So I came up with this recipe using my mom’s trusty dinner roll recipe as my starting part.

These are light fluffy rolls with the bright flavor of oranges and warm spice of cardamom. I recently served these to some friends that weren’t familiar with the spice, cardamom, they were instant fans. It’s a nice departure from the classic, cinnamon, it’s something a little exotic and special for the holidays.

Orange Cardamom Rolls
7 1/2 cups of flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp. salt
4 packages dry instant yeast
Zest of 2 oranges (set one tsp. aside)
4 tsp. freshly ground cardamom

2 cups milk
1 cup water
1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup butter (softened)
2/3 cup sugar

Orange Glaze
Juice of an orange (about 1/2 cup)
1 tsp. orange zest
2 cups of powdered sugar

In a large box, mix 3 cups of flour with the sugar, yeast, salt, zest and cardamom. Place the milk, water and butter in a pan over low heat. Heat until the butter is melted, and the liquid is just quick warm, do not boil. Add the warm liquid to the flour and yeast mixture. I use my kitchen aid with the dough hook attachment, but you can also just mix this with a wooden spoon. Begin adding one cup of flour at a time, kneading it in either with the mixer or by hand. Knead until the dough is smooth (about 5 minutes).

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover and rise until it is double in size. Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out the dough to a large rectangle about 12″ by 18″. Mix the softened butter and sugar. Spread half the butter and sugar mixture over the rolled out dough. Roll the dough up width ways and cut into 12 equal parts. Repeat with the remaining dough. Place rolls on buttered cookie sheets (12 per sheet). Cover with a towel and let rise again till double in size. Bake in a 425 F preheated oven for just 12 minutes.

Mix the orange juice, zest and powdered sugar to make the Orange Glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls.

For more holiday baking and cooking inspiration, be sure to check out the Grain Foods Foundation website. It’s a great resource.

This post is sponsored by The Grain Foods Foundation. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible.

Design / etc.

Floor Poufs

November 21, 2014

I’m a huge fan of floor poufs. They are an inexpensive way to add color, pattern and texture to any space. Not only are they a great place to rest your feet, they also can serve as an additional seat when your home is full for holiday get togethers and parties.

As I’m decorating my home for Christmas, I find myself adding more and more metallics. There’s something about the holidays that makes me want glitter and shine on every surface. This gold leather pouf is just the sparkle I was looking for.

I’ve found 5 Great Floor Poufs that you might want to consider for your space.

Gold Leather // Grey Tribal Pattern

White Leather

Black and White Stripes // Chunky Grey Weave

If you are in the market for a floor pouf, nows the time to shop for one, from now until November 24th, Wayfair is offering 15% off ANY Pillow, Pouf or Throw! They have an amazing selection of poufs, these are just 5 of my favorites. At checkout, enter the code: WFPTP15

DIY / etc.

DIY Glittered Deer Napkin Rings

As a kid, it was usually my job to set the table when we had parties and guests over. I loved taking my mom’s china and silver out and folding the napkins in fancy ways. It’s still one of my favorite parts of hosting and the holidays. With the help of my trusty Cricut Explore machine, I made these glittered deer napkin rings in short order. (And fear not my non Cricut owners, I’m working on a printable PDF for you, so you can make these with some card stock and a pair of scissors.)

Using the Tablescapes Fall and Winter cartridge, I cut out these deer napkin rings in charcoal grey, white and mint card stock. Then I simply applied some white glue to just the antlers of the deer with a small paint brush and sprinkled some fine gold glitter on them. Let them dry completely and then wrapped them around napkins (I’m saving some laundry this year and using these IKEA wood grain paper ones).

I am a member of the Cricut Blogger Network. I may receive prizes in exchange for my winning projects. Even though I am not being directly compensated for these posts, I am under consideration for a prize with Cricut Design Space Star. All opinions are 100% my own.

DIY / etc.

DIY Metallic Dipped Taper Candles

November 20, 2014

Can I just coat, dip and cover everything in metallics? Is that acceptable? I’m thinking with the holidays, I can make everything just a little shiny and metallic.

These DIY Metallic Dipped Candles take just five minutes to make. As the holidays approach I’m looking for unique hostess, teacher and neighbor gifts that I can make and give. So, if you invite me over for a party or meal, I’ll bring your a pair of this tapers.

I bought inexpensive white taper candles at the dollar store. The using my favorite Design Master (Metallic Taupe, Brilliant Gold and Rose Gold) spray paints, I simply held the wick end of the candle and applied a very light coat of paint to the bottom 3-4 inches of the candle. Then I placed the candle in a glass upside down to dry. I like how the spray paint gives a nice ombre-ish effect, with no harsh lines or stripes.

With a little natural twine tied around a pair of these candles, I think they make a lovely gift.

DIY / etc.

DIY Holiday Floral Arrangement

November 17, 2014

I am so excited to be a part of the amazing Merry Magazine, a handmade holiday guide! If you are in need of inspiration and ideas to give your home, parties, and self some handmade holiday touches, look no further. Every page is truly captivating and beautifully put together. So, grab a cup of coffee and soak up all these lovely ideas. Melissa of The Sweet Escape is the master mind behind this amazing online holiday magazine. I was flattered to be included with all these top notch bloggers. You are in for a treat friends.

Fresh florals for the holidays can be easy and inexpensive. I filled my new favorite head vase with grocery store florals to create a festive and playful centerpiece. Freesia is probably the best smelling flower out there, it’s perfume fills the room. Freesia, evergreen branches, red berries, a pinecone and pom pom flowers painted metallic gold make up this simple DIY arrangement.

Start with the evergreen branches. These were gathered from my yard. Place the majority of them on one side of the vase and just one branch on the opposite side.

Next, wire a pinecone or two to the branches.

Add the freesia, cutting them at different heights and arranging them somewhat sporadically throughout the vase.

Finally, add the red berries to fill in all the wholes and empty spots.

I sprayed 3 of the yellow pom pom flowers with Design Master metallic gold paint. My local florist told me that this would also preserve these and I would be able to use them forever. They look pretty great painted gold. Place two on one side of the arrangement and the third on the other side.

etc. / Food & Drink

White Cheddar Dill Scones

This recipe is featured in Merry, a handmade holiday guide. Be sure to check out this amazing online magazine for page after page of fabulous holiday inspiration.

As company is arriving for the Holidays, I’m looking for easy, crowd pleasing recipes to put on my table. These savory scones are a nice twist on traditional bread rolls. These buttery, tender savory scones take a fraction of the time it takes to make yeast rolls, and no one will be disappointed with this alternative on your table. I love the bright, fresh flavor of dill paired with rich, sharp cheese.

White Cheddar Dill Scones

2 cups flour

1 tbsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. cream of tartar

2 tsp. sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

1 cup of grated sharp white cheddar (I like Kerrygold)

1 tbsp. dried dill

1/2 cup butter

2/3 cup half and half

Mix all dry ingredients together. Add the grated cheese and dill, mix well. Using a pastry knife, cut the COLD butter into the flour until it looks like course meal. Add the half and half and just barely combine the ingredients by tossing it gently with a fork. The less you handle the dough the more tender it will be. Gather the dough into a lose ball.

Pat out the dough into a 1/2 inch thick round (about 8inches across) on a well floured surface. Cut the dough into 8 evenly sized wedges. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Brush the tops of the scones with little more half and half and sprinkle with a little more grated cheese. Bake at 400 F for about 12-15 minutes.

Serve while they are warm.

etc.

$175 Minted Giveaway!

November 15, 2014

You guys, I’ve got the hook up for you. Only the best friends. I’m giving you the opportunity to win $175 to spend at Minted. They have the most gorgeous holiday cards this year. I love sending photo card to friends and family. In this digital age, it’s nice to have an actual picture you can hold in your hand and hang on your fridge.

I had to have something with gold foil. These Spirited Holiday cards were a perfect match for our colorful chair pictures that NY Fotography shot for us.

And with all the great options for the backs of the cards, you can leave a personalized message, a colorful patterned back or add pictures in a whole bunch of different combinations.

Minted has the cutest little booklette cards this year. I ordered a few of the Peace of Pine ones for grandparents and aunts and uncles. They have nice rounded corners and 8 pages to fill with pictures and Christmas messages.

Enter the rafflecopter below for a chance to win $175 to spend at Minted.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

etc.

DIY Metal Bead Necklace

November 14, 2014

I walk through Anthropologie and drool over their amazing necklaces. They are big, bold and unique, but their price tags are beyond my budget. So, DIYing it is one way I can get one of a kind pieces. I recently came across these fun metal mesh beads at Joann Fabrics and I knew they would make a great statement piece.

This is the simplest necklace to make. You’ll need one package of the metal beads and about 2 yards of wide sturdy ribbon. The supplies cost me under $8, that’s a reasonably priced necklace.

Start by tying a not in the middle of the ribbon and then string one bead on either side of that knot.

Then tie knots on either side of those beads and then add two more beads.

And repeat the steps from above until all six beads are secured with knots. Finally, decide on the length of you necklace and tie a simple knot to close the necklace. Pretty dang easy, right?