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Miniature Fairy Garden

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Phyllis

Phyllis

I’ve always admired tiny, miniature fairy gardens, but never tried to make one myself. With our busy schedules, I didn’t want to be tied down with keeping it alive with real little plants that dry out quickly. Also, I wanted this on my covered front porch where no rain gets at it. By making a miniature fairy garden in a planter, it gives you options to move it where you like and by using artificial plantings, it makes it worry-free!

You can invest big money in these little miniature gardens. They don’t come at a “miniature price”! I already had the planter so invested in the cheapest resin house I could find. Keep the cost down even further by making a little house from a bird house.

Any container works, you just need to scale the house and accessories according to the container size. The planter I used measures 16 inches in diameter. The little cabin is 6 inches wide and about 5 1/2 inches tall.

First, I filled a planter with dirt and covered it with artificial sheet moss.

Next, I added some artificial succulents that I already had. Using small pieces of artificial greenery works, too. I even used some greenery from my Christmas bin.

Get as elaborate as you like, but don’t over do it. Keep the theme going whether it is rustic, cottage, gnome, fairy, beach or woods. Let the accessories add interest, but not clutter. Sometimes less is more! Some very inexpensive additions are moss-covered rocks and small pebbles from Dollar Tree. I placed one blue glass bead in the well to resemble water.

This is a wonderful project for kids to help design with you. The possibilities are unlimited. A miniature garden can be in a wine glass, punch bowl, compote dish, bird-cage or whatever you choose.

In my miniature fairy garden, the house is hollow so I can put an LED light in it at night! Kinda fun! Are you inspired to try one?

Thanks for stopping by,

Phyllis

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Posted in Crafts, Garden, Misc. | Tagged Artificial Miniature Garden, Fairy Garden, Fairy Garden Ideas, fairy garden pictures, Gardening in Miniature, miniature fairy garden, Miniature Garden, Miniature Garden in a Container, Miniature Garden in a planter, miniature garden with succulents, miniature gardening ideas, Miniature Woodsy Garden, succulent fairy garden | 31 Comments

The Rule of 3 in Decorating!

Posted on May 19, 2015 by Phyllis

Phyllis

Do you know about the Rule of 3 in decorating?

I am not an Interior Designer, but I do use the “Rule of 3” in decorating. When you look at a room, your eye can tell the difference it makes. What the “Rule of 3” means, is that items grouped in 3’s look better! It gives a feeling of symmetry and balance. There’s no difference whether you’re hanging pictures, decorating a table, mantle, adding pillows, or creating a vignette, the “Rule of 3” creates interest. It, also, prevents a feeling of chaotic clutter to the room.

Let’s look at some examples…..

In this tablesetting, repeating 3 vases spaced apart down the center of the table creates movement and repetition in color. If you group all 3 vases together, they should be 3 different heights, but spacing them out works.

Here’s artwork hung in three columns. Yes, there are six, but the eye sees it as 3 sets!

There are 3 elements in this wall art: the window, butterflies, and fern planter. Do you see how it gives balance?

This is another set of 3’s in wall art. The flower pots are also in groups of 3!

Often windows in a home are in sets of 3. The seating arrangement also follows the rule of 3 with two chairs and a table. Do you see more 3’s?

More balance in 3’s and 5!

!

Lanterns hung in 3’s

While these 3 vases are all the same height, there are 3 different colors.

How many 3’s do you see here?

Before you go change everything in your house to a group of three, the numbers of 1, 5, 7, also work in decorating or grouping of objects. There are exceptions, of course. I wouldn’t decline a gift of an even dozen roses, would you? Let your eye be the judge.

The Rule of 3 also applies to fabrics, color, and layout of the room. When you go to a furniture store, you see this rule as living room groupings will be a couch, loveseat, and chair, or a couch grouped with two chairs.

Recently, we rented a condo for a vacation and I could hardly relax in it due to the mix of colors, textures, and visual layout of the rooms. Nothing followed the Rule of 3! Everything seemed off balance! I wanted to totally rearrange and realized how important this rule of 3 can play in the overall relaxing feeling of the room.

Look around your home and see where you have used the rule of 3. Does this help you when trying to figure out a room arrangement, accent pieces or hanging artwork?

Hope this helps!

Phyllis

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Posted in Decor | Tagged Arrangement in Decorating, decor, Decorating Rule of Three, Rule of 3, rule of 3 in decorating, Rule of three, rule of three in decorating, Wall Art Placement | 17 Comments

Crab Pasta Salad Supreme

Posted on May 14, 2015 by Phyllis

Phyllis

Summer calls for pasta salads and this Crab Pasta Salad Supreme is a delicious one to make. It might just become a real favorite! On an earlier post I shared another Crab Pasta Salad so you may want to check that out, too! This one that I’m sharing is colorful and has lots of complimentary flavors that go with the crab. Give it a try as I know you’ll like it. Around here, we don’t have easy access to fresh crab, so imitation will have to do.

Ingredients:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2-3 hard-boiled eggs , chopped

2-3 tablespoons chopped onion

Sliced black olives – as many as you like

1/4 tsp. both salt and pepper

3-4 tablespoons chopped red peppers

1/4 cup chopped celery

3/4 – 1 1/4 cups mayo

4 cups cooked Rainbow Rotini spiral pasta ( I use one package)

1 package crab cut up

Crisp, cooked Bacon

Directions:

Combine all ingredients and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. If more mayo is needed, just add a little milk or cream and stir well. Serve with crushed bacon on top. Serves 8-10.

Enjoy!

Phyllis

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Posted in Recipes, Salads | Tagged Crab Pasta Salad, Crab Pasta Salad Supreme, Crab pasta with bacon, Crab pasta with eggs, Crab recipe, Easy pasta salad recipe, pasta salad recipe, Pasta Salad with Crab | 2 Comments

30+ Easiest Wreaths of the Season

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Phyllis

Phyllis

No matter what season it is, wreaths are a wonderful home decoration. When used on a front door, they’re a lovely visual welcome to your guests. The history of the wreath goes back to Greek and Roman times where it was associated with victory, but today, wreaths are for any season and any reason. They can be large or small and displayed anywhere outside or inside your home.

Buying wreaths can be quite spendy! For those who like to stay within a budget, making your own is more cost-effective and fun to do. It seems that wreaths can be made from just about anything such as dried materials, sweaters, jeans, burlap, ribbon, Christmas balls, paper, or fabric scraps.

I’ve gathered together “30+ Easiest Wreaths of the Season” ideas. Some of my own creations are included in this collection. Each wreath idea has a link to complete instructions.

Go to….. 30+ Easiest Wreaths of the Season! or click on the picture above.

I know you’ll find some creative ideas to make for your own home whatever the season!

Enjoy!

Phyllis

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I

Posted in 4th of July, Christmas, Crafts, Decor, Holidays | Tagged 30+easiest seasonal wreaths, 4th of July wreaths, anytime wreaths, blue wreaths, Christmas wreaths, denim wreaths, dried arrangement wreaths, Easy wreaths to make, Fall Wreaths, no-sew wreath, patriotic wreaths, rag wreaths, red, scarf wreath, seasonal wreaths to make, Spring Wreaths, white | 9 Comments

DIY Textured Vase

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Phyllis

Phyllis

This DIY Textured Vase is a ” knock-off ” of a vase that I saw in a store. Looking at it carefully, I thought it would be easy enough to do myself instead of spending big money. The white color really sets off the red geraniums, but any color paint would work depending on your own color scheme. The best thing is this project cost me nothing since I already had the geraniums, paint, jar, and burlap. Don’t you feel good about a project that costs nothing?

Here’s the inspiration……

Materials Needed:

Glass Jar ,Bottle, or Jug (height depends on where you are using it)

White Acrylic Paint (if you want a lot of texture, use a little Plaster of Paris mixed in the paint) I just used the paint..

Acrylic Spray (optional)

Burlap

Flowers and Ribbon of choice

Directions:

I used a jar left from the Sauerkraut that I used in my Colorful Sauerkraut Salad. The jar had a pattern both at the top and bottom which I thought would make the vase more interesting than a regular Ball jar. Also, it was the right height for a table centerpiece.

Using a bit of cheap burlap ribbon, I dabbed it into the white paint. I wanted to control the amount of paint so I also dabbed the burlap on newspaper until it had less paint. With minimal paint, the holes on the burlap show and make the texture. Do as little dabbing or a lot. When you get your desired look, let dry. Apply acrylic spray, if desired.

I added the red geraniums to make a centerpiece for my table.

It’s just the right size for my red and white tablesetting.

This is the same textured vase with a Patriotic look. Great idea for Memorial Day or 4th of July centerpieces!

This DIY Textured Vase project doesn’t take long to do. The drying time is quick, too! Now, start looking for interesting jars and make one for yourself. Did I inspire you to try?

Enjoy!

Phyllis

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Posted in 4th of July, Crafts, Holidays | Tagged DIY 4th of July centerpiece, diy textured vase, DIY textured Vase Centerpiece, diy vase, easy diy vase, memorial day centerpiece, red and white centerpiece, textured vase, white vase from a jar | 14 Comments

Spring Idea House Tour 2015 (Part 3)

Posted on April 30, 2015 by Phyllis

Phyllis

This is the third and last post in the series of the Spring Idea House Tour-2015. Several designers completely overhaul this house three times a year to showcase decorating trends, new products, re-purposing vintage finds, while giving loads of inspiration for your own home.

The first room is called a “Backroads USA Lounge” highlighting the famous Route 66 . The theme is carried out in so many unique ways. First, look at the valance of old rusty license plates. Is that cute or what? Also, the USA flag has highway numbers stenciled on it.

Here’s a closer look at the license plates. Sorry for the glaring sun! I hate when I’m taking pictures and there’s nothing that can be done about the sun shining in the windows so brightly. I like cloudy days for picture taking, but this should give you an idea of how they are attached to the rod.

US highway maps decorate one wall and the closet door.

This barn door attached to the wall, holds Americana wall art.

Salvaged wood and wire make a postcard display against a stenciled wall.

Several vintage accessory finds such as an old odometer, small suitcases, and hubcap, create more travel-themed interest on the shelving unit.

The lampshade is stenciled with Route 66!

Old suitcases, used as a coffee table, serve as storage. The candles on the suitcases are wrapped with maps and twine.

Don’t you think this is a fun theme for a boy’s room or recreation room?

Next, is the main bedroom done in black and white. Garden stakes are grouped together on the wall to form an unusual, 0ne-of-a-kind headboard. The bed has lots of black and white pattern with a splash of orange.

Vases grouped in “3’s” give an additional punch of orange color.

Black floral wire adds dimension and design to plain wood frames.

On the inside of a vintage cabinet, metal radiator paneling makes a great place to hang jewelry. It is simply painted a glossy black and attached to the inside of the door.

The same radiator paneling is cut and used as a backing for wall art.

Now, onto the living room and sunroom decorated in green and pink.

Above the fireplace, strips of sheet moss is woven together to make the background. A Manzanita tree branch is mounted with artificial pink cherry blossoms. Small hanging lantern candles complete the look.

Salvaged doors, turned into wall art, really accent this grouping.

A closer look at the salvaged doors…..

Additional seating in the living room area…..

A beautiful arrangement on the coffee table uses colored wire as an accent.

In the sunroom, various terrariums fill this table.

In the corner, decorative glass creates hanging art.

Anyone know what this is? Note the arrow pointing inside!

This is a watering bowl for pigs! What an unusual piece for a side table! The inside is filled with a miniature garden scene. Please excuse the sun glare again, but I wanted you to see the inside setting. So cute and what a conversation piece!

Hope you enjoyed this tour of the Spring Idea House. If you missed a part, here they are….

Spring Idea House Tour 2015 Part 1 and Spring Idea House Tour 2015 Part 2

Thanks for stopping by and hope this tour gave you inspiration for your own home. I’ve been looking for a pig watering bowl, but haven’t found it 🙁

If you missed the first two parts of the Idea House Tour 2015, here they are……. Spring Idea House Tour 2015-Part 1

and Spring Idea House Tour 2015- Part 2

Phyllis

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Posted in Decor | Tagged backroads lounge, Black and White Bedroom, decor ideas, license plate valance, living room ideas, Miniature Garden, pig watering bowl, Pink and Green decor, re-purposed doors, re-purposed pig watering bowl, Route 66 room, spring idea house, suitcases used as coffee table, travel themed room | 10 Comments

Bruschetta Chicken

Posted on April 28, 2015 by Phyllis

Phyllis

If you like Bruschetta as an appetizer, you’ll like the flavor of Bruschetta Chicken. It has all the same ingredients of Parmesan cheese, tomatoes, garlic, basil and bread crumbs combined with a tender chicken breast. It is quick cooking and ready in about 30 minutes. Serve with pasta or rice, add a vegetable, and you have an easy dinner for family or friends. Be sure to use only boneless chicken breasts as adding bone-in thighs or drumsticks changes the cooking times.

Ingredients:

Servings 6

1⁄2 cup flour
3 eggs, slightly beaten
6 boneless ,skinless chicken breasts
1⁄2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1⁄2 cup dry breadcrumbs
2 tablespoon butter, melted
4 large tomatoes, chopped & seeded
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
5 tablespoons minced fresh basil, set aside a few whole leaves as garnish
1 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

Combine chopped tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and basil, salt and pepper in a bowl and set aside.

Place flour and lightly beaten eggs in separate containers that are large enough for the chicken breasts.
Dip chicken in flour, then in egg, and place in greased 9×13 pan.
Combine the cheese, breadcrumbs, & butter, and sprinkle over chicken.
Loosely cover dish with foil & bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.
.
Uncover the chicken and bake an additional 5-10 minutes longer until top is browned.
Spoon tomato mixture over chicken, return to oven for 3-5 minutes or until tomato topping is just heated through.

Serve Bruschetta Chicken with rice or pasta.

Enjoy!

Phyllis

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Posted in Main Dishes | Tagged baked chicken with bruschetta, Bruschetta Chickcen, chicken recipe, chicken with tomatoes, Easy Bruschetta Chicken, quick chicken recipe | 24 Comments

Spring Idea House Tour 2015 (Part 2)

Posted on April 23, 2015 by Phyllis

Phyllis

This is another look at the Spring Idea House Tour 2015 (Part 2). Remember, designers decorate this house three times a year to highlight re-purposed items, decorating trends, new items for sale, along with loads of inspiration for spring! I’ll take you into the kitchen, small bathroom, hallway and one of the bedrooms. Are you ready for more inspiration?

In the kitchen, there is a garden theme. Above the kitchen sink, they draped a textured fabric runner with burlap-wrapped floral accents in the corners. This is the same runner as on the dining room table in Part 1!

A closer look……

Part of a white picket fence makes a backdrop for floral plates hanging above the stove. Pots attached at the base of the fence contain flowers and kitchen tools.

Another window in the kitchen has a metal tray filled with herbs and other plants. Small moss balls, and other display items give interest and color.

In the downstairs bathroom, this mirror was such a great piece. They took a frame, inserted corrugated metal, and added a mirror in the center.

In the stairwell, leading to the bedrooms, this salvaged window looks great used as wall art.

As you move up the stairs, a garden trellis with decorative tins and frames is also used as wall art. Behind the trellis, the painted green wall makes the trellis stand out.

The window at the top of the stairs uses a coat rack for a valance.

For those of you who have families that never put the toilet paper on the TP holder, this is for you! Use a basket hung on a hook and there’s no problem, right? Great idea for the bathroom, don’t you think?

This bedroom is very well done with a bicycle theme. A rusty bicycle is hung over the bed with a green plant in the basket. I don’t know where you might find one like it! It is a unique find!

Twisted floral wire makes this inspirational saying on the wall.

This salvaged bike wheel is now a message center.

Shower curtains, with a bicycle theme, become window treatments. Next time you’re looking for curtains, check out the bath department!

Salvaged shelf brackets hold up shelving with several glass vases used as window decor.

Wall art coordinates with the theme!

Wasn’t that a cute bedroom? So many unique ideas!

Which idea was your favorite inspiration?

Hope you’ll be back for the Spring Idea House Tour Part 3. We’ll tour through two more bedrooms and living room.

Did you miss Part 1? Here it is… Spring Idea House Tour 2015 Part 1

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Phyllis

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Posted in Decor | Tagged Bathroom mirror with corrugated metal, bicycle bedroom, bicycle curtains, Garden Ideas for Kitchen, Kitchen Ideas, Picket fence ideas, Repurposed items, spring idea house, vintage bicycle, vintage finds, vintage window ideas, Window garden, wire sayings on the wall | 44 Comments

Best Guacamole (+secret ingredient)

Posted on April 21, 2015 by Phyllis

Phyllis

This is the Best Guacamole! I know, you’ve heard that before, but there is a secret ingredient that I put in my guacamole that just makes it the best! People always ask me for the recipe. The ingredients are simple, but one secret ingredient just makes a huge difference.

Main ingredients….. using 3-4 nice, ripe avocados

3-4 tablespoons onions, chopped fine

1-2 Roma tomatoes, chopped

Lime (use key limes if they are available at your grocery store) juice of 1 large lime or two small

Cilantro (optional)

Salt and Pepper to taste

Secret Ingredient…….. Add to taste! (revealed below)

All these ingredients are variable in amounts to your liking.

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together and add…… the secret ingredient! Here it is….Ta DA!

Tajin (pronounced Ta-HEEN) This is available in the Mexican food section of your grocery store or from a Mexican Food Market. Sprinkle and mix into the guacamole. Tajin gives it that extra flavor and makes it the best guacamole. If you like it spicy, add a lot, but if you like it quite mild, just add and taste until you reach the amount you like. It is that secret ingredient that really makes the guacamole special!

That’s it! Now, you know my secret! Try it for an appetizer on Cinco de Mayo. Actually, I don’t wait for the holiday as I enjoy the Best Guacamole anytime. It’s always a hit at a party, too!

Pin It
Ole’!

Phyllis

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Posted in Appetizers, Recipes | Tagged avocados in guacamole, Best Guacamole, easy guacamole, Guacamole, Guacamole appetizer, Guacamole recipe, Guacamole with Secret ingredients, Guacamole with Tajin, healthy guacamole, Tajin | 43 Comments

Colorful Sauerkraut Salad

Posted on April 16, 2015 by Phyllis

Phyllis

Don’t like sauerkraut? Neither do I, but when I reluctantly tried this Sauerkraut Salad, I couldn’t believe how good it tasted! So, don’t dismiss this recipe because of the main ingredient. It is colorful and delicious! It makes a great salad to take to a picnic gathering as there is no mayo in it. Use it on sandwiches, too.

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Make this salad at least two days ahead so the flavors come together. Keep covered in the refrigerator. You’ll be surprised at how delicious it is. As I said, I don’t like sauerkraut, but I do like this salad. You’ll have to give it a try.

Sauerkraut Salad

Ingredients:

32 oz. sauerkraut ( drain and rinse )

1 cup carrots – grated or shredded

1 green pepper finely diced (add more or less if you prefer)

1 red pepper- finely diced or use pimento

2 stalks celery- finely diced

1 cup finely cut green onions

(All the above ingredients can be varied in amounts to your liking.)

1/2 cup vinegar

1/2 cup – 2/3 cup sugar or more if you like it sweeter

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 tsp celery seed

Directions:

Combine sauerkraut and other vegetables

Heat oil, sugar and vinegar until sugar dissolves and pour over salad.

Mix salad with the dressing mixture. Stir and mix salad each day to coat with dressing.

Salt and pepper to taste

Refrigerate for two days and serve. This keeps a long time!

Serves 12

Enjoy!

Phyllis

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Posted in Recipes, Salads | Tagged colorful salad, Colorful Sauerkraut Salad, German Sauerkraut Salad, picnic salad, Salad made with sauerkraut, salad with no mayo, Sauerkraut and veggie salad, Sauerkraut Salad, summer sauerkraut salad | 31 Comments