Easter Wrap-Up

Hope you all had a blessed and happy holiday weekend.

I am a self-professed Holiday Mom.  The Tuesdays, the daily reading log, the scrubbing the bath tub -- those are not the moments where I shine.  Let a holiday come around (Groundhog Day, Arbor Day or Derby Day) and I have super powers.  We even appropriate holidays that have nothing to do with our own religion or culture -- I throw a mean Cinco De Mayo party.  Easter is a real favorite around here.

We started with growing Easter grass for their baskets. The tutorial was from How Does She? and our adventure was described in this post.  It was so easy and we will definitely be doing this every year from now on.  I think the bunny liked it, too.  He worked extra hard to fill those buckets up and make them look super cute.

With three little bow heads, you would think I learned to make hair bows years ago.  Nope. This site has great instructions for every kind of bow under the sun.  Sooooooo wish I had learned this 47 high priced bows ago -- definitely a stupid tax on my part.

I should have started with gros-grain ribbon first.  Satin is as slippery as it is pretty.  Hunky Husband will also tell you that at one point I even sewed one to the couch.  It was all worth it -- Big Girlie almost cried, Baby Girlie sucked all the oxygen out of the room and then Middle Girlie wrote a song about it.  Life at our house is good.

I also made matching shirts out of bandannas for each of the Girlies.  OK, so I like projects that include fabric that is already hemmed -- drop cloths, napkins, placemats, bandannas.

This was actually my second up to bat on this project.  The first set were red, white & blue for Forth of July two years ago.  My sewing skills were even less than beginner. So, as cute as they looked that day, those shirts did not make it through even one washing.

This time, the seams are holding up well and fingers crossed, we will even make it through the spin cycle.

Big Girlie is carrying the chic cake pops we made for all the neighborhood friends.   I'll make another post of all the things not to do when making & decorating cake pops. Apparently I discovered the method for doing everything the hard way. Some of the fail pictures are going on my wall, they are just too funny. Judging by the sugar hangover we all had today, I guess we did something right. All 2 1/2 batches are gone.

Now that all the festive fun is over, I can spend the long hot Summer talking about staging again. Well, except for Cinco de Mayo and Derby Day and Forth of July. Is there a 12 step program for holidays?

just bec

take a look tuesday @ sugar bee crafts  tuesday to do @ the blackberry vine  tutorials & tips @ home stories a2z

Spring Black Friday

home depot.com

Personal note first, my computer completely locked up on Monday night -- just before time to link up to all the fun parties.  First, Hunky Husband and I spent a while blaming each other.  Then, I spent a couple of days trying to fix it myself.  I ended up having to take it in to the Geek Squad and it will be with them for at least another week.  The entire week I walked around feeling like a part of me was gone, maybe not a limb, but at least an important finger.

Thanks to my Daddy, I now have a new laptop to work on.  Yes, I am a grown woman  with a checkbook and children, but I still call my father "Daddy" and he still gives me wonderful presents.  The last time he came to visit, I spent a little too much time in the office. With only one computer in the house, I also cut into my Girlies' Barbie.com time. Both offenses will be addressed with his most recent kind gift.

My Sistah is coming to town this weekend and I still have some major work to do before this place looks anywhere close to visit ready. So, no major projects to share.

This weekend Home Depot calls Spring Black Friday.  They are running some super deals.  We finally broke down and bought a new grill. Our old one didn't make the move and it has been tough going 8 months without one.  My grill pan needs a break.

As you can see, I have no advertising on my site, so I am not being paid to endorse them. However, Hunky Husband is one of those friendly experts in an orange apron.  They have been working hard all week to get ready.  So, I do hope you go visit him or your local Home Depot.  Where ever you shop, enjoy your weekend, the spring weather and making your place more visit ready.

just bec

this deal is so sick, I thought it was a typo

Girlies circled this one twice

Home buyers love the look of stainless. This is a great time to upgrade.

cheers!

If You Haven't Grown Easter Grass Yet, There's Still Time

I've seen lots of posts about how to grow grass for Easter baskets and this year, I finally got my act together.  Keep in mind, I am the girl who totally forgot about baskets all together one year and had to swing into CVS on the way to MeMe's house.  Thank Goodness, the Girlies were such babies, they have no memory of it -- I blame sleep deprivation.

HowDoesShe has an egg-cellent tutorial with supply list and step by step instructions.  She also has cute pictures of baby posing with Easter grass -- that's why we do all this anyway-- for the cute pictures.

 Egg-cellent tutorial via How Does She.com

Last Sunday, we went to Home Depot and got all the supplies we needed.   We also got flowers for 2 other Spring projects. We also got 2 awesome orange chairs for the front porch.  As you can tell, we love Home Depot!

Our little project turned into an all-neighborhood attraction.

Middle Girlie was the garden helper.

This is her "bunny rabbit" face

For the first 2 days, it really just looked like dirt.  Then on Wednesday night, there was one single blade of grass...out of all four trays...still not too exciting.  But on Thursday morning, BOOM.

Now, we are ready for Easter!

I was feeling bad because some people had their grass growing for St. Patrick's Day tablescapes.  Now, I'm telling you, there is still time.  This bag of seed was under $7. The trays were under a dollar each.

via Home Depot.com

My girls were excited about planting. Now they are excited about watering.  They are busy deciding what they are going to use their colorful pails for in their colorful bedrooms.  They haven't mentioned candy one time so far!  I can't wait to take pictures with them and their colored eggs!  Hope you're having this much fun getting visit ready this Spring.

just bec


let everyone know that there is still time:


thrifty thursday @ tales from bloggeritaville mad skills party @ mad in crafts  just something i whipped up @ the girl creative  make it yourself monday @ an original belle  craft link party @ polly want a crafter pink hippo party @ pinkapotamus  everything goes at eye heart mondays @ eye heart  simply klassic sunday @ simply klassic home  its party time @ its so very cheri  the more the merrier @ diy home sweet home  mop it up mondays @ i should be mopping the floor  a round tuit @ creating my way to success  savvy home made monday @ home savvy a to z  sunday showcase @ under the table and dreaming  show me what you got @ our delightful home  nifty thrifty tuesday @ coastal charm  manic monday @ serendipity and spice  catch a glimpse @ a glimpse inside  pinworthy projects @ just us four  friday free-for-all @ 5 days, 5 ways  anything goes @ bacon time  pity party @ 30 handmade days  free style friday @ happy hour projects  flaunt it friday @ chic on a shoestring

Spring Transition 3 of 3

My January mantle was a study in minimalism (and hanging a frame too high).

Don't be afraid of multiples.  If you are staging your home, a series of modern candle holders can bring interest to a space without looking busy. I'm just ready for something a little more homey.

So, I planted some snapdragons in tall glass vases. Then covered the dirt layer with a bit of leftover white on white damask wrapping paper.

I covered some random hardback books in plain white butcher paper. Back in the day, my mom used to help me cover all my school books with Piggly Wiggly grocery bags.  It will prolly be a lost art now that kids can Kindle all their textbooks.  This gives a clean look and adds height.  I wrote out John 3:16 on the spines using a metallic marker -- just a little bling.  The cross was 50% off last week in the Spring Shop at Hobby Lobby.

The rabbits I got last year after Easter for 75% off because they were covered in fat flakes of iridescent glitter.  It took an hour on the back deck with a toothbrush & Brillo pad (and two showers after), but they turned out so pretty.  [I do wish I had a before picture of those "what were they thinking" lovelies.]

The white frame was a gift and I added a cream flower.  Earlier this year, Baby Girlie chopped off her hair.  I was distraught, and could only find solace in making fancy headbands for her to wear.  This flower was one that I got from Michael's to attach to a plain white head band.  On the back it had a hair clip and pin. So, I was able to stick the pin into the edge of the wooden frame

The plain black frame needed to be greened up a bit.  HL had all their garlands on 50% off.  I really thought about getting this $12.99 pack, but it looked awfully "half off of $12.99".   I'm really glad I sprang for the nicer garland.  I was able to cut off the longest tendrils and still have a pretty decent looking garland to use later on another project.  This color of green really does look richer.

 I just laid out the the pieces of greenery over the frame so that the ends overlapped.  I used green floral wire to attach it.  Then, I just fluffed it out a bit all around. I wanted it to look like teenage boy hair -- really messed up in a very specific way.

It turned out with a nice balance of light and dark.  There are touches of green and by next week, there should be more pink & white when the snapdragons bloom.  I hope you are enjoying the springing of Spring at your house, too.

just bec


linking up a little:


hookin up with hoh @ house of hepworths  tutorials & tips @ home stories a2z  homemade projects @ tip junkie  tuesday to do @ the blackberry vine  show me what you got @ our delightful home

Spring Transition - 2 of 3

These before pictures may be a little shocking. Those with heart conditions may want to look away.  Please lead small children out of the room.  OK, they're not that bad.

My January decorating style in these areas went way more minimalist than I had realized.  When I took these pictures, the nicest word I could come up with -- stark.  I really over do at Christmas.  This apparently was the sorbet, the palette cleanser, I needed to recover from the invasion of nutcrackers and greenery.

This vase is from a Southern Living house party

I have used it every day for 4 years

I love this table in our entryway.  My great-grandfather made it and painted it a long time ago. I love the patina -- it ain't the age boys, its the miles!  My mother had a tablecloth over it, because it looked "too shabby." Well, after she uttered that silly phrase, she lost custody and this has been my baby ever since.  I filled my favorite glass vase with hazelnut coffee and a candle.  It made me want to start a fresh pot every time I walked down the hallway.

You'll also notice my nemesis, the ceiling fan remote attached to the wall (as if one ugly light switch is not ugly enough.)

via Pinterest

• If you're getting ready to list your home, you should have some sort of a welcome statement at your main entrance. Even if you don't have a real foyer, a skinny table like this or even a floating shelf would work.

• You would want a piece of neautral art or framed mirror instead of the family picture I'm using here.

• This pin shows a great way to use an old table, yard sale find or goodwill treasure if you have a small entry space.

• Make sure you leave several Realtors' business cards on your entry table -- it makes people think lots of people are looking at your property.

You'll want to limit your accessories while you are staging.  I get to go a little Easter Bunny crazy because we are renting instead of staging.

I love the way that cut tulips droop in the most elegantly lazy way.  The problem is that cut flowers do not last as long as my enthusiasm for Spring.  Since Hobby Lobby had all their flowers on 50% off this week, I decided to try getting that lazy fresh look with the fakies that will make it all the way though Lent.

First, I clipped them off that spikey stem deally thing.  Then twisted and bent and shuffled them around till they look rather pretty -- I think.

They cover the switch plate that we don't use -- yay!  The obnoxiously huge, droopy silk bow also covers the wiry, fake stems.  My Charleston sweet grass basket holds all the necessities and reminds me of SC just as I am heading out the door (usually 15 minutes late and hollering at Girlies).

I wanted real flowers on our kitchen table, though.  I had this rustic, wooden trough that I'm pretty sure came with a set of bath products.  It was not anywhere near water tight. So, I used a huge garbage can liner. I planted these hot pink cyclamen from Home Depot -- this time of year they should just pay us in garden supplies.  Then we filled in with extra potting soil and trimmed the plastic back from around the edges.

Middle Girlie was my garden helper and then decided just how many eggs we needed to place around the edges. She was very particular about the placement of the colors.  Now she is very particular about watering them. That's good, because, I still hold the Target record for the most live plants damaged out in one month -- they were not so live after I got done with them.

taking a picture of my cell didn't turn out
perfect, but you get the idea

If you need extra help with your planting, make sure to scan this crazy symbol with your blackberry or smart phone (ScanLife is the ap I use).  It gives you way more advice than they could fit on the pick tag.

 I know I need as much help as I can get for these brown thumbs.



Whether you are staging your home for sale or just trying to live a little more visit ready, I hope you "bloom where you are planted."

just bec

linking up:

hookin up with hoh @ house of hepworths thrifty thursday @ tales from bloggeritaville thrifty thursday @ thrify decorating  show off your stuff @ fireflies and jellybeans  sugar & spice @ 733 - a creative blog crafty, scrappy, happy me @ crafty, scrappy, happy   show your stuff @ somewhat simple  100 ideas under $100 @ beyond the picket fence show me extraordinary @ the 36th avenue  pinspirational thursday @ the artsy girl connection get your brag on @ gluesticks  mad skills party @ mad in crafts  just something i whipped up @ the girl creative  make it yourself monday @ an original belle  craft link party @ polly want a crafter  pink hippo party @ pinkapotamus  anything goes at eye heart mondays @ eye heart  simply klassic sunday @ simply klassic home  its party time @ its so very cheri  the more the merrier @ diy home sweet home  mop it up mondays @ i should be mopping the floor  a round tuit @ creating my way to success  sunday showcase @ under the table and dreaming  show me what you got @ our delightful home  nifty thrifty tuesday @ coastal charm  manic monday @ serendipity and spice catch a glimpse @ a glimpse inside  pinworthy projects @ just us four friday free-for-all @ 5 days, 5 ways  anything goes @ bacon time  the pity party @ 30 handmade days  freestyle friday @ happy hour projects  flaunt it friday @ chic on a shoestring

Spring Transition - 1 of 3

Those of you who live along the Gulf Coast know that we really don't have seasons. Correction, we have two seasons: Summer and New Year's Day.  No snow shoveling for me.

I'm a Carolina girl and I like it that way.  However, when decorating, I like to pretend  that we need to snuggle up for the winter time.  I fill the living room with warm colors and nubby textures.  I put almost all the sea shells away.  It is by no means a mountain cabin, but it ties me over between Christmas and Easter.

Today I have the doors wide open and I could start working on my sun tan. So, it is time to transition to spring/summer.  This large ledge on top of my TV cabinet goes first, because it greets you coming in the door and  it is the high point of the living room.  Truth be told, we watch a little too much television. Damn you, SyFy channel and your Powerful Monday nights.  So, I look at this spot a lot.  I'm returning the deer horns to Hunky Husband and bringing back the seashells.

The wicker chair comes back out of the guest room. The green vintage chair will really make that room feel more pulled together.  I'm thinking about making some green trellis curtain panels for this window.  I saw some fabric I liked at Hobby Lobby, but I have the worst luck with things being gone when I go back for them.  Till then, I do love the light that streams in through this white sail cloth.

not much happens around here without a little cheesy grin, or twirling,  or both.

I have loved having my new & pillows, but they will trade out with the new ones I told y'all about in this post.

The pineapple pillows will be emerging from their winter slip covers.

Even our little coffee table tray gets a summery touch.

Since I was in such a springy mood today, I went to Target to start my spring mantle.  When what to my wandering eyes should appear, but 6 dark chocolate, sure fit, soft suede, short dining chair slip covers on the clearance end cap. Some cute girl ordered these online for $14.99 a piece, but returned them to the store (only one had even been opened).  Lucky for me, when Target doesn't have a space for online only items, they mark them down stupid low -- %75 off, $3.76 each!

These will look great next year when I  pretend it is winter again.  More importantly, I can use them for a pattern to make the summer version out of bleachable, oxy cleanable, white cotton duck fabric.  Double score.

If your home is on the market, make sure you update for the seasons.  You don't need easter bunnies or spring grass growing on the mantle -- even though that is my next post.  You should make sure that your art and accessories lighten and brighten the space.  Put away throw blankets and plan to bring in green plants or fresh flowers for weekends & open house.  Every little thing helps when you are getting visit ready.



remember, this is 1 of 3-- that bunny is hippity hopping this way,
just bec


linking up :


before & after @ thrifty decor chick hookin up with hoh @ house of hepworths thrifty thursday @ tales from bloggeritaville thrifty thursday @ thrify decorating  show off your stuff @ fireflies and jellybeans  sugar & spice @ 733 - a creative blog crafty, scrappy, happy me @ crafty, scrappy, happy   show your stuff @ somewhat simple  100 ideas under $100 @ beyond the picket fence show me extraordinary @ the 36th avenue  pinspirational thursday @ the artsy girl connection get your brag on @ gluesticks