Inspired to Share...
January 2012
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Dawn: Posted on Sunday, January 29, 2012 8:34 PM
When we drew up our house plans 8 years ago the first dimensions to be drawn up were that of the garage and shop area. I felt like we were creating a mini storage here at No. 9257, but the hubs insisted that we need all 4 bays...2 for parking cars and 2 for "shop space". I must admit, he was smart! The extra shop space has certainly come in hand, HOWEVER it also allows for housing of unnecessary items as well.  We recently shifted some furniture around and needed to move out a dresser that no longer had a home inside the house. Where did it wind up? You guessed it...the SHOP! The same is true for many other items and...well...it was time to tidy up out there! It was causing a bit of anxiety...for the hubs (and he's pretty laid back!) My vision was to create some space for ME in the shop as we reorganized things. I talked the hubs into keeping the dresser in the shop to store my craft items...like paints and such. Can I tell you that I was thrilled when he agreed to share the space with me =) Thanks dear! So, we began the dreaded chore on a chilly Saturday afternoon. Many of you have asked me if I get overwhelmed when I begin to tackle an area to reorganize. As a matter of fact, my response is YES!!! Yesterday was much the same. I opened the door to the shop and immediately wanted to run and abandon the plan, but it is my hubs that encourages me not to look at the big picture. His slogan is always... "One thing at a time, dear!" Here is where we began... Yep! I know! Just looking at the pics of the space is a bit overwhelming, huh? Can you relate to this space? I keep trying to figure out just how this happens...hmmmm...I think it's called "LIFE"! So, here we go... It ALWAYS gets uglier before it gets better! Off to Wal-Mart to purchase a few new bins... I tried to throw out anything in an opened bag. Maybe it's just me, but it drives me insane to see a scraggly, opened, half used bag of anything. Then we moved on to organizing like items... And, now we get to create labels and restock the shelves... Hubs wanted a shelf dedicated to things like... "car cleaning" and "electrical", so he got it... Not perfect, but oh so much better... I have a sneaking suspicion that this will still get a more eye pleasing makeover! But check this out...ahhhh, love to label!!! Yaye...the dresser is being reused for craft supplies... And...lets see the AFTER pics... *****Don't worry, I am certain that I will have an update on this space as it is a work in progress! ***** The bonus of the day...I learned how to use a table saw...ummmm...is that good or bad? Wish me luck! |
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Dawn: Posted on Saturday, January 21, 2012 11:31 AM
Math has never been my thing, but I have learned to create a few new formulas that have worked out for me these days =) You might try to work this one out too... $ 2 Flea Market Frame (painted with craft paint on hand) + $ 1 Wooden Football (from Hobby Lobby) = $ 3 Colorful Football Frame (for the Grandson) It doesn't help that my son's school is right across the street from a flea market, so anytime I have an extra 5 minutes you can be sure that I am popping in there to see what finds are awaiting me! =) On this particular day, I happened upon a lonely looking, and very dark and drab, wood photo frame for 8 shiny quarters. You guessed it...it found it's new home here at No. 9257. It rested on the top shelf of the scrapbooking closet until yesterday....when I dreamed up a plan for it. The Grandson was visiting...romping around in his room to keep from napping while I was getting my paint on. The Daughter-in-Love and I were chatting about his new "big boy" room, sharing ideas about what else he might be "needing" in there. The new brightly painted letters inspired me to dig out the photo frame and give it a new look as well. The flea market frame started out looking like this: And the transformation began... Why dotwocolors, putone next to theother,sing?... ~ Picasso ~ And...there is your art AND math lesson for the day. Good luck on your flea market transformation! Creating is good for the soul...enjoy! Inspire, Dawn |
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Dawn: Posted on Friday, January 20, 2012 5:21 PM
Well, there is progress being made in changing Caden's name...the letters for his bedroom wall that is! We started with the letters that were used in his nursery, but now it's time for potty training and a room that is growing with him... Painting had just begun when I left this project last. My colors were chosen based on his new bedding, which looks like this... (Sorry...not the best pic! But it was all I had.) The walls were recently painted a calming blue and were ready for some reinvented letters... Step 1 was painting each of the letters a different color... Step 2 was to tape off so I could paint stripes... Yeah, so you see that stripe doesn't have a straight edge...well, here's how I fixed it... Step 3...use a pen and ruler to create a straight edge... Looks better... Now, it's off to Hobby Lobby to grab a couple of $.69/$.99 wooden sports pieces to glue onto the letters to jazz them up... Step 4...get to gluing! Step 5...enjoy your jazzed up letters. Adorable, I say! =) Happy "big boy" room, Caden! Now...let's run to the potty... =) ** Update ** 3/15/12 Here is how Caden's room is looking these days... Don't throw out your outdated furniture... give it a face lift with new paint and hardware! The top drawer of this dresser holds his movie collection. It's quite impressive and he's only 2! These Wal-mart $15 shelving units are fantastic for holding toys. We placed this one in the unused closet space. Click here to see just how these shelves were created. The gutter shelves def added a bit of interest and function to the room... Thanks for checking out the new "Big Boy" room. To view the baby's new nursery, click here..we are expecting his arrival in May! Inspired, Dawn |
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Dawn: Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2012 8:58 PM
Happy 22nd Anniversary to me... My hubby rocks! I guess he has been eavesdropping and heard that my Cricut had called it quits. So he took it upon himself to visit a couple of stores in search of the best present this stay-at-home artsy, craftsy mom could want. Early this morning he busted out this...the Mack Daddy of Cricut cutters. Beyond thrilled...no words...entirely shocked...happy dance time! He even got the "anniversary" edition. (It appears that Cricut is celebrating their 5th anniversary.) The thought behind this gift truly was most meaningful :) I have to admit, I got tickled at the vision of him traipsing in and out of craft stores looking for this perfect gift. He really does care that I love to create! Thanks dear...now, let the crafting begin! So, first on my list of projects to knock out what finishing this bar stool that I bought at a flea market for just a few bucks. It was ugly and very worn, but nothing a new paint job can't fix...black paint to the rescue!  This is not the original photo. My bar stool looked FAR worse than this and was originally in a bathroom with a silver tub of towels on top...but then my young teen decided to dump it in the attic where it sat very lonely until I found it. It makes for perfect extra seating in the kitchen or even a plant stand...but def in need of a face lift! This is where my Cricut comes in. I cut out my images... Then laid the images out on the top of the stool... Now...ready for Mod Podge! Smooth down carefully...sort of like wallpaper... get the air bubbles out! This pic was taken after a couple of coats of glue. And now, the finished project... I like! Now, won't you come for a visit and try the new anniversary stool out? :) It's waiting on some company... Inspired, Dawn |
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Dawn: Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2012 4:24 PM
This morning, my young teen lazily trotted downstairs with a shirt in hand and asked if I would iron it. Sure, but I will have to shake the dust of the iron and ironing board, I thought! Then, I remembered my recent Etsy find and was a bit more eager to complete the requested task. Take a look... Doesn't that ironing board look inviting? Well...maybe not inviting, but at least more pleasing to the eye :) I don't have a before pic, but trust me...the drab green cover that I once had didn't call my name. It's the little things in life that bring a smile to my face and a skip in my step. I know...call it silly, but these are the things in life that make me giddy. In fact, my daughter-in-love gets me new kitchen towels each Christmas (at my request) because getting new ones is such a treat to me. Truly, I am not that hard to please! :) Also in my laundry room are a few signs to remind me that it is a "blessing" to serve my family by folding clothes...ha ha! See...you need to be reminded too, right?!?Here is the link to Etsy if you are interested in spicing up your laundry area...just might change your attitude about doing laundry too! Blessings... Inspired, Dawn |
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Dawn: Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 5:54 PM
It's official...the first little grandson is growing UP! Wasn't it just yesterday that I was welcoming that sweet little one (through teary eyes) into our chaotic world? He tickles us with his rendition of the English language. For example...he tends to put the sound "uh" in front of every word..."uh ball" and "uh hat"...ahhhh, the sweetest sounds! BUT...not at 6 in the morning when he's awake and ready to go!!! Good thing Nana D, Poppa T and Uncle B do not have to wake to this everyday...the occasional overnight visits are enough. =)It WAS just yesterday that my daughter-in-love and I began working on his nursery. She carefully considered the colors and... blue and brown it was! Being frugal minded, she picked up some unfinished letters at Hobby Lobby to spell his name out on the wall. We also picked up some fabric to cover canvases as a backdrop for each letter. But here we are...needing to transform the letters into a "big boy" look now that a baby brother is on the way. Do you know just how hard it is for me to paint over these sweet letters...just sinful! LOL Here are some last minute pics before the transformation began... I am trying to remember that change is indeed good! So now...the creativity begins! Stay tuned... Until then..."Thank You, Lord for this precious gift of life!" Inspired, Dawn |
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Dawn: Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 2:34 PM
Have you ever heard the definition of "grace"? That is the topic of the day :) and the latest source of creative inspiration for me. Written in my Bible is this definition of "grace"... 1) Getting what you don't deserve 2) Unmerited favor ...either definition is comforting to me! And sadly, I don't spend enough time with an attitude of thanksgiving for the grace that God has bestowed upon me. So, I wanted to create a reminder for my home...to remind me daily that God's Grace is indeed a gift that I certainly don't deserve! Want to create one for your home as well? Of course you do... So let's get started on this project..."Amazing Grace" =) Here is what you need to begin... Begin layering on your paint colors... I used 3 paint colors on this particular canvas... dark brown, tan and cream craft paint. Cut two strips of scrapbook paper, tearing off the ends for a distressed look. Lay one over the top of the other in the shape of a cross. Then use letter stamps and an ink pad to stamp the words. Letter stickers is also an easy way to spell out ...Amazing Grace. Using my letter stamps and ink, I stamped the words on the cross before I glued the cross onto the canvas...that's because I learned the hard way that it's easier to fix your mistakes or start over BEFORE you Mod Podge anything onto the canvas! Now, you are ready to glue the cross onto the canvas using the Mod Podge. Smooth out any wrinkles and then give the canvas another coat of glue. Don't worry, sweet friends... Yes, the canvas will look milky white, but it will dry clear. After drying, you are ready to "embellish" the canvas. Dig out your collection of buttons...if you don't have one, start one :) Most of these buttons were my Grandmothers and were passed down to my Mom and then to me. I also save all of the extra buttons that sometimes come with new clothing. It seems that at some point, that perfect extra button will be the right one for one of my many projects! Storing them in these cups inside a basket helps me to grab them quickly. I must admit that sorting them by color was a bit time consuming, but I can get what I need much quicker now. The labor paid off =) My smaller buttons are also stored by color in a plastic storage case, which of course is labeled! HA Use craft glue (or a hot glue gun) to attach your buttons to the canvas. This is the fun part...there is no rhyme or reason of button placement...just imagine...and play...and then glue them down! Here is what mine looks like after being embellished... Here it is again after the embellishments...still wet, but won't take long at all to dry. Mod Podge is fast drying so you do have to work quickly. Take a look at the finished product... Here is the same project but using stickers instead of stamped letters. I also used darker paint colors, but really like the look of both of these projects. Here is the step by step process using different colors and embellishments... Sorry for the blurry pics... =/ Black base coat... Brown paint layered on next... Quick strokes of red layered on... Then continue to dry brush the colors of paint on until you get the desired look that you are going for... With a punch of color thrown in... The color green just makes me a happy girl!!! Toned down a bit... Ok...I settled on this look :) Remember that the joy of working with paint is that there is no right or wrong...just have some fun creating!  Next, grab those scrapbooking stickers that you have intended to use on your child's scrapbook, but never got around to working on ...I used medium raised stickers because I wanted the the canvas to have a raised texture. The choices in stickers are endless...decisions, decisions! :) If you have a Cricut cutter, that certainly would do the trick as well. In fact, I normally cut my letters from my Cricut, but I am currently grieving over the fact that it has finally tuckered out. Look out...a new am improved cutter will soon be hard at work here at ~ No. 9257 ~ ...can hardly wait for that day!  Do you recognize what is wrong in this picture??? Yep, I laid out my words wrong. I kept trying to figure out just why things weren't lining up!?! So, I pulled off the letters (that's the joy of working with stickers!) and started over. I pulled the pic from Pinterest that was my original inspiration for this project...  Ahh, of course...it would help if I would pay closer attention to things! I love the idea of doing this for the home ... but I am simply running out of wall space! (Also, I don't have a blog or website to direct you to for this picture...sorry! ) So, I will be happy to live with this sweet "Amazing Grace" canvas for now. It truly does remind me that God has indeed poured out His AMAZING GRACE on me and my family...Thank you, Lord Jesus! =) May God's AMAZING GRACE inspire you too! Inspired, Dawn |
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Dawn: Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2012 11:55 PM
Well, can I tell you just how excited I was to get to work on a "girlie" project. Because I don't have any girls to love on (we only have mean, stinkin' boys! LOL), I was beyond giddy to work with some pink and green paint and sweet girlie ribbon. Here is how "Project Tenleigh" was made... Step 1...Find a piece of scrap board (or cut your own...yes, I cut mine with a hand saw myself! You can do it too!) The length of the board will depend on the size of your letters and the length of the name. I cut this one 12(ish) inches. Step 2...Choose your craft paint colors. Not always, but I often use several colors of paint to get a layered look. Step 3 and 4...Begin painting your base coat on the board. My base coat for this project was green, then I layered on pink using short, quick strokes. Don't cover the base coat completely. You will want each color to show through. You do not need much paint for each layer of color, so be careful not to squeeze out more than you need. Step 5...Continue painting layers of color on until you get your desired effect. Step 6...Add final layers of paint, blending the colors as you go. Give the edges of the board an "outline" by brushing the edges softly with light strokes. Step 7...While the paint is drying, pick out coordinating scrapbook paper to cut letters to spell out name. I use my Cricut cutter and/or stencils for lettering. Step 8...I traced scrapbook letters and cut them out by hand because my Cricut has not been working properly. (Maybe for Mother's Day my kids will buy me a new cutter! *hint*hint*) Step 9...Use wire cutters to cut a wire clothes hanger to be used as the hanger for the project. You may need to bend the wire to adjust it so that it hangs evenly. Step 10...Use a staple gun to attach the hanger to the back of the board. You may need to use a hammer to make sure the staples are secure. Step 11...Then, lay the letters on the board to get an idea of placement. Step 12...Now you are ready for Mod Podge glue (or another brand of decoupage glue.) Step 13...Once you have figured out the position of the letters, glue them down with the decoupage glue. Step 14...Dig out your ribbon (or ribbon scraps) and buttons to embellish the board. Step 15...Give the board a final coat of glue after the ribbons have been added. Also, tie scrap ribbon to the hanger for a cheery look. Don't forget to add a few buttons just to make it look even more interesting. I used a strong craft glue to adhere my buttons. They tend to pop off when I hot glue them...but good luck to you. =) And...you are finished. How cute it that? Once you have made a few, you will become faster...experience is everything. Let me know if you have been inspired to make your own... =) Idea Gallery... Here are some other projects made with the same process. The possibilities are endless! I hope you found something that inspired you to be C*R*E*A*T*I*V*E! Best of luck... Inspired, Dawn |
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Dawn: Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2012 7:11 PM
Here are a few more projects from the past... Enjoy! Hmmmm...what project will I do next? :) Inspired, Dawn |
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Dawn: Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2012 1:00 AM
After going through pictures of projects that I have done in the past here at No. 9257, I decided to compile them here in this post. Many of the crafts that I create are made with scrapbook paper, wood, paint, and/or Mod Podge. Mod Podge glue is a staple in our home...just like milk, bread and eggs! LOL Enjoy looking around... Establishment Sign Prayer Board (I just painted this, but did not make it.) Step Stool Baby Shower Cake for a BOY :) Hope you found something that inspired you to be creative. Feel free to recreate anything that you see :) I share because someone shared with me along the way. Happy Creating! Inspired, Dawn |
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Dawn: Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2012 12:02 AM
Some days I feel so entirely grateful that I get to live the American dream. Today is one of those days where I find myself loving life =) Here are some more things that I love... My family... My home... Being a wife... My bed... Being a Mom to two boys... Being a Child of God... My friends... Creating... Scrapbooking... Being Nana D... Decorating... Watching my son play ball... Organizing... Vacationing... Being an American... Photography... Teaching... ...and I could go on and on. Taking some time to say "Thank You, Lord" for His many blessings! XOXOXOXOXO Inspired, Dawn |
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Dawn: Posted on Friday, January 13, 2012 2:34 PM
It's funny...when it comes to decorating, when you begin to redecorate one room it ALWAYS leads to some changes in another room as well. That's true for me anyway! Just a few weeks ago, my daughter-in-love requested my help with her nursery...she and my son will be welcoming baby #2 in May. Yes, excited!!! Nothing like holding a sweet baby boy in my arms once again =) The room was initially a guest room when they first built their house. Now that their family is growing, it is needed as a nursery. So, we began saying goodbye to the furniture that was in there, which included a twin size bed. The twin size bed was moved by my hubs and son to the room here at No. 9257 that is decorated for the grands. This is what the nursery here once looked like before the new bed arrived... The room also doubles as my scrapbooking room, so I had many things to consider as I made this transition. The space needed to work for me AND the grands as well. Take a peek at the closet that is designed for storing my scrapbooking supplies... I kept the baby bed like it was...it would still work for the newest little blessing arriving in the spring. Because the bedding was custom made and still in perfect condition, I wanted to keep it and reuse it again to get my money's worth out of it...purchasing it was def a splurge item for me when I was originally designing this room for Caden's arrival and visits. But I needed to coordinate the baby bed bedding and the twin size bedding. My desire was to make the room look a bit more "whimsical" and my inspiration for this new look came from some new curtains (which is actually a shower curtain that was cut in two and hemmed.) Don't panic yet! Yes, I know the curtains are a bit "loud"...but the room is about to be bursting with color! I went with a black and white polka dot on the twin bed. It worked perfectly with the baby bedding and the new curtains that I found for the room. This bedding was a $50 Wal-Mart find =) Wow...I know! You weren't expecting that were you? When I first painted it on the wall, I wasn't prepared for it either! That corner of the room was shouting loudly for some attention, and boy did it get it! After adding some fun cheap plastic plates ($1.50 for 4 @ Wal-Mart), fabric place mats (1/2 price @ Kohl's) and decorative mirrors ($20 @ Wal-mart), I decided it def had the wow factor that I was going for :) Caden's name fit perfectly on a tree branch... how fun is that? I ADORE personalizing a child's room. Luckily...these initials will work for both grands... Caden AND Colby =) Here is a shot of the room now... The teacher in me needed a basket of books in the room. =) BUT...This Nana D is anticipating this reading nook to function as time-out space here shortly! LOL Before leaving, I wanted to share one of my fave pics...it's of Poppa T holding baby Caden. It was not a posed pic, I just happened to capture a sweet moment when he thought nobody was looking. LOVE sweet moments like this! The saying is true... "A grandchild fills a hole in your heart that you never knew you had." Talk about melting my heart! And here is another ounce of truth painted on canvas... Pure RFECTION! Makes my heart leap with joy to see this on the wall. ~Thank you *my sweet Lord* for Your abundant blessings!~ Now, I guess we better get going and let the grand kiddos sleep...shhhh! Inspired, Dawn |
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Dawn: Posted on Thursday, January 12, 2012 11:58 PM
 Here at No. 9257 we are preparing to welcome our 2nd grandson into this crazy world of ours. My daughter-in-love has been hard at work over at No. 8030, already preparing the nursery for her new little one that should be arriving in May. She picked out the bedding and once it arrived we were off to the store to pick out some coordinating fabric to cover a few canvases, make a window treatment, redo a lampshade and more... Here is what the room looked like before... The bed got a new home...at Nana D's house (those pics are in another post.) Caden is a big boy now, so he has graduated to this twin size bed when he comes to visit and spend the night with Nana D, Poppa T, and Uncle B.  Once the furniture was out, it was on to painting a bright and spunky green color on the walls... Baby Colby's Daddy (my son) was not too impressed with the wall color initially. But the daughter-in-love and I were certain that it was perfect! The bedding came in and it matched beautifully =) Next on the "to do list" was to pick out a fabric to recover that large contemporary canvas that was made a couple of years ago.  We found an eye catching animal print at the fabric store and simply used a staple gun to attach it to the canvas.  We also bought some cute grosgrain ribbon and large buttons to adhere to the front of the newly covered canvas. Using a large canvas like this is a great way to use up some wall space. The fabric ran $15 a yard and unfortunately we didn't have any Joann's coupons this shopping trip. =( We purchased about 2 yards because we wanted enough to cover the canvas AND to make a window treatment. Next, we were on to the lamp shade...we simply hot glued coordinating ribbon and ball fringe to the top of the shade. Super easy and cute! (Idea borrowed from the Bestie.)  See this sweet little white picture frame? We added some colorful coordinating ribbon and buttons to it. Now it grabs your attention and says "look at me" when you take a look around at the room.This little picture frame also screams out..."cuteness"! Will def be more adorable with a baby's pic in it! (Thanks for the idea, Lisa R!) And...here is the picture frame in the shelving unit, along with some new canvas bins that coordinate so nicely with the room. Along the side, we added some hooks for storing the little man's many hats. (Notice the circle scrapbook "patches" on the side...yep, they are covering up some boogered up spots!) Some more fun and inexpensive wall decor We tried to reuse as much as possible and these letters and frames were borrowed from older brother, Caden's room. The letters got a fresh coat of paint along with the giraffe, which was originally black. We also added some patterned ribbon to each letter...just the right look now. The giraffe once had hooks on the feet, but those were removed and buttons added, along with a ribbon and button around the neck. The frames got coordinating mats to match the room's decor as well. (No pics yet of baby Colby...coming soon!) This next pic was posted on my "Oh Baby" board on Pinterest where it has been repinned almost 8000 times...crazy! I wish that I had pics of the step by step process to show how these were made, but unfortunatly...I wasn't blogging yet and only saw the need to take a "finished project" pic. :/ Sorry! These letters were created with scrapbook paper Mod Podged over 3 canvas boards and minky fabric stapled on to the remaining 2 canvas boards. The letters are wooden letters purchased from Hobby Lobby for less than $2 each and adhered to the covered canvases with E6000 glue. We used coordinating ribbon to hang the letters from a curtain rod that we already had, but wasn't being used. The cost of this project was minimal (under $100) since we reused canvas boards that were passed down from big brother's room. Aside from the fabric to recover the canvas boards and for the valance, the letters and ribbon were the biggest purchase for this room makeover. Hope you enjoyed a sneak peek into baby Colby's nursery. It won't be long before we'll be enjoying a sweet bundle of joy in there! Inspired, Dawn |
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Dawn: Posted on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 4:03 PM
Good afternoon friends! I wanted to pop in and post a little tip about my journey to make "all things pretty" in my home. Thought you might enjoy my find... Recently, I was chatting with a friend about my obsession to get organized. We laughed as I shared with her my new passion to label EVERYTHING! Including the fridge...maybe I HAVE gone overboard?!? Take a look...see what she's talking out?  Yep, maybe someone should take the labeler away from me... We began to swap stories about our desire to be organized...or not! She and I giggled at her comment about having the IDC syndrome...(I Don't Care)...and that her bathroom had personal grooming supplies cluttering the whole counter. I, on the other hand, have OCD issues and a cluttered counter sends me over the edge!!! We would certainly balance each other out if I could contract a little of her IDC syndrome and she could be stricken with OCD issues. LOL  From that discussion I began to look at my bathroom counter and found that I had a little irritating container setting out that just didn't fit in with my motif...I really enjoy being surrounded by "all things pretty" and that bland and boring container wasn't doing it for me.   The container holds my jewelry cleaner and is clear with a boring white lid. Because I use this cleaner (usually daily) to clean my wedding ring, I want it out and handy for me to get to easily. But, darn it...it's just so ugly!  So, I had a thought...As I was taking dishes out of the dishwasher I realized that I had washed a couple of empty candle jars. Thinking outside the box, I decided that instead of placing another candle in the jar, I could use it as my new jewelry cleaner container. Ahhhh! I love when I have those smart little light bulb moments..teehee! Why yes, yes indeed...the candle jar would work perfectly for cleaning my jewelry. It was a proud moment for me...I love that I shopped in my own home for a reusable item so that my bathroom counter top would have "all things pretty" on it. =)   Now, I eagerly reach for the pretty glass container with a sparkling silver lid. Just makes me smile when I clean my rings each day! Truly...it's the little things in life that make the heart so completely happy! I am surrounded by "all things pretty." =) Inspired, Dawn |
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Dawn: Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 9:28 PM
Dinner is always a chore around here at No. 9257. When you have a picky teen it makes life a bit more difficult. I am always trying to come up with dinners that my son will like...(me and the hubby will eat anything!) Throw in the fact that the hubs has signed up for another 10K and is trying to lose weight...ugh, too many variables for me to consider. Tonight I came up with the brilliant idea to have "fried" chicken on the George Foreman grill. It was surprisingly yummy ... so, I thought I would pass it along :) Here is what you will need: Combine crushed saltine crackers, bread crumbs and flour in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine eggs and milk. Heat up the grill and spray a generous amount of cooking spray on the grill. Dip each piece of chicken in the egg and milk mixture, then roll it in the breading mixture. I repeated steps 4 and 5 several times to give the chicken a good coating... Turn the chicken strips once so that each side is fully cooked. I served mashed potatoes, beans, salad and bread. Mmmm...delightfully yummy! Enjoy... Inspired, Dawn |
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Dawn: Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 2:57 PM
Remember my attic project? Well, I found a caddy that was used to store some of my teaching supplies from my days as a Kindergarten teacher. I took a quick look at it and instantly realized that I had a plan for reusing it! I love when I am able to "shop" around in my own house for freebies =) Here is what it looked like originally...I certainly didn't think it was "display ready" and felt it needed a face lift. Don't you agree?... It didn't take long at all for me to realize that I had a plan...I wanted to bring this poor caddy back to life as a Ribbon Organizer :) So...I was on the hunt for some scrapbook paper that would coordinate nicely with my newly reorganized scrapbook closet. Luckily, I picked out some paper that I had already used to cover a soup can that now holds some scrapbooking tags. This black and white print was the perfect find... Next, I measured and cut 2 strips of paper to be Mod Podged on the sides of the caddy to cover up the printed words. Because the 12 inch strip of paper didn't cover the caddy from side to side, I had to cut 4 squares out of the same paper to glue to the sides. Once Mod Podged on, you can't even tell that it wasn't 1 solid piece of paper. After drying, I was ready to stock the caddy with my spools of ribbon. I knew the handle would need a little something spunky...so I added several pieces of ribbon to create a fun look for this new friend. Just makes me a little happier to see ribbon added to anything...maybe because we only have boys to love on in our family and I am constantly looking for ways to get my "girl fix"! LOL  Doesn't that have a touch of cuteness now? =) Now, the caddy just screams out, "Pull me out of the closet and look through my treasures!" I am in love! XOXOXO  I have used a similar caddy before...just added clear plastic cups inside and it stores markers, pens, glue, medical supplies, etc. They are useful in so many ways... Because I have been trying to get my ribbons organized, I recently bought a classy looking organizer from Hobby Lobby ($7.99, but had a 40% off coupon ~ actually, just pulled the coupon up on my iphone and gave them the code...ahhh, the ease of technology!) It matched my scrapbook closet decor and I just KNEW that it would be perfect.  But...can I tell you that it's NOT my fave product?!? The ribbon tends to roll back into the box instead of hanging out and I wind up opening the box to chase down the end of the ribbon time and again, urg! BUT..it IS adorably pretty! (Sometimes that matters more than function, huh?) I also found a cute but simple little basket at the Dollar Store. Just add a dowel rod and you have another way to store your ribbon. Fun, easy, and cheap... =) So...get to shopping around your house and see what you can find that can be transformed into something pretty AND useful. Happy shopping! Inspired, Dawn |
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Dawn: Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2012 11:04 PM
Oh my! What a cold and rainy day it was today. Perfect day for relaxing...and...making "Sticky Buns" :) This was a Pinterest find, and it was oh so yummy! So, I thought I would pass it on. I mean...I don't want to be the only one to indulge in this tasty treat and balloon up like a beached whale. Come join the fun! LOL Here is the blog for you to take a peek at too... This is a super easy recipe...I don't do anything with more than 6 ingredients! ha =) Here is what you will need: 2 small tubes refrigerator buttermilk biscuits OR 1 tube Pillsbury Grands buttermilk biscuits 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted 1/2 C. pancake syrup 1/3 C. packed brown sugar 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 C. chopped pecans, opt. 1/4 C. chopped almonds, opt. Spray a fluted pan with non-stick spray. Combine the melted butter and place half of the syrup mixture in the bottom of the pan. Then sprinkle half of the brown sugar mixture on top of the syrup mixture in a small bowl and set aside. In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts (if desired). Place about half of the syrup mixture in the bottom of the pan. Then sprinkle half of the brown sugar and pecan mixture on top. Lay the biscuits on the bottom of the pan, overlapping edges (closely together) to form a ring. Top with remaining syrup and sugar mixtures. (I had to hurry with this step because my son LOVES to snag raw biscuits up before I can get them in the oven...eeeewwwww!) Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 1 minute in the pan, then invert onto a serving platter. I sprinkled powdered sugar on mine. Powdered sugar on most desserts make them look more inviting...Mmmmmm! Enjoy... This is so incredibly delicious and way beyond easy. It was just what I wanted on this chilly Sunday night! (I am also going to keep this in mind to bake for a bridal or baby shower!) Sticky Buns = Big Buns...if you catch my drift! Here in the south we believe "the bigger the better"...right?!? Right =) Enjoy! Inspired, Dawn |
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Dawn: Posted on Saturday, January 07, 2012 4:10 AM
Well, the Razorbacks made it to the Cotton Bowl this January, 2012. The excitement put me in the mood to tackle a wreath that a friend of mine requested help with. She bought everything needed for an Arkansas "Hogs" wreath, but needed someone to assemble it. I was up for the task! Here is how I got started...with a plain wire wreath form. I, then, attached pipe cleaners to the wire form so that I could pinch and attach the mesh as I worked my way around the wreath. I have found wire forms that already have this attached, so I suggest you purchase one of those for this creation...just lessens a step for you. Next, I attached the first layer of mesh... Looks a bit boring and thin, huh? I added the second colored mesh and then tied raffia in several places... My friend bought these wooden letters at Hobby Lobby...they just needed a paint job and something cutesy added. I punched circles out of white paper with my circle puncher. Then I Mod Podged (this is sorta like milk and bread in my house...a MUST at all times!) those on and gave the letters an overall protective coat. Next I painted a 1 foot wooden board with a paint color that matched the raffia. I added a bit of black paint (dry brushed on) to the edges of the painted wooden board. Then, I added the stitching lines to the edge using puff paint. Lastly, I glued the letters to the board using a craft glue (like E600). After drying, I added the wire hanger to the back of the board using a staple gun. The wire is actually a white clothes hanger...we have MANY since we have quite a bit of clothes dry cleaned. NOTE: I have found that the white hangers are thinner and work better for this than a brown colored hanger, which is thicker and not as bendable. I, then, attached the wooden board to the wreath... Hobby Lobby was running their ribbon on for half price, so I picked up a few coordinating colors and tied them in the same places where I had attached raffia. The white wire that is used to hang the wooden "Hogs" board also got an added touch of ribbon... I thought I was finished after I trimmed the raffia pieces, but once I hung it up to look at it I just wasn't quite pleased. So...I busted out my curling iron!!! Yes, sounds crazy...I know! But it worked like a charm. I curled the raffia ends (making sure that I was cautious and didn't leave the raffia curling too long!) Curled raffia is available at the craft stores...I just didn't have any on hand. So...I had to get creative! :) And finally...it's finished! If I had to do it over again, I would add twice as many mesh loops to make it look fuller. BUT...this was my first wreath using a wire form and mesh like this. Experience is everything! =) BTW...the Hogs WON the Cotton Bowl! Although I must admit that I fell asleep before I saw the end of the game. I just logged onto fb to check out everyone's status' to find out how the game ended. Woooooo Pig Sooooieee! Inspired, Dawn |
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Dawn: Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2012 9:58 PM
Happy New Year! As everyone is making (and trying to keep) their new year's resolution, I have put some thought into mine. This year, I actually have two resolutions... (1) To learn to say NO to activities to cause my plate to overflow and (2) To be (and STAY) organized. Wish me luck! Last year, I stumbled upon a new fave blog...iheartorganizing.blogspot.com WOW, Jen (from iheartorganizing) has totally inspired me to get my hiney in gear and get organized! She has shown me how to be functional and practical with my home decor. Now, things in my home are beginning to have a purpose...or that's my goal anyway. As the hubs and I began to discuss the much dreaded "Christmas decor journey back to the attic", panic began to set it. Just saying the word "attic" made me suffer an anxiety attack! Do you see why...?!? So, we vowed to get that area organized if it's all we did this year. We rolled up our sleeves, or in my case I put on my thickest fleece pj's (brrr...it's cold up there!) and began tackling the challenge. Golly...the memories came flooding back like some of them had happened yesterday. It was fun to watch my hubby reminisce about the handmade tool chest that he and his dad made for his junior high shop class... And we laughed out loud when we found this old picture of our dating years...when I was skinny and he had hair =) We were both shocked to see that I had kept my wedding gift list...handwritten in my bestie's handwriting. Found! My very first cross stitch book...circa 1975 =) For the most part, he was the organizer and I was the labeler. Each container got a label and each shelf as well... Yes, after being married for 22 years, it was a huge undertaking! But, a few tears (and a snappy word or two) later, we were delighted with our invested labor. Ahh...feels good to be organized! The cost of this project was $6 per Wal-Mart container (we bought 15). Now, if only we can make a pact that we do not store another thing in the attic! Inspired, Dawn |
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