A Fix for the Fixtures

I'm always singing the praises of paint and what it can do, how it can change things.  I love the magic of paint!  I've learned that when I see something, and perhaps if I'm not totally liking or loving the way it looks, I find I can change it by using paint.

I wanted to share another example of that.  I loved these light fixtures and they were a huge improvement from the original fixtures we had in our master bathroom.  They were perfect ...well, almost.  The silver color on them wasn't going to go so well with all the gold hardware and faucets in our master bath.

Gold paint to the rescue!

I had some acrylic paint in the color metallic pure gold on hand in my paint stash, which I had picked up at the craft store for another project.  I figured it was the fix to my problem.

I dabbed a very small amount of paint onto a thin dry paint brush and gently wiped gold paint over the silver.  I tested a small spot, and then another, and another, and kept going from there.  I repeated that until I got the desired look I wanted.  Now I do have the perfect light fixtures!

I am truly loving the look of the light fixtures, now.  There are actually two of them, they look the same except the other fixture only has three lights on it.  I am so pleased with the results, that I took a chance and I did it!  Now I can even say I have a unique pair of light fixtures, too!

I really love the magic of paint!...

Caprese Salad

Ever since the first time I had a Caprese Salad while dining out at a restaurant, I have loved them and find it hard to pass up ordering one if it's on the menu.  Delicious fresh ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil, lightly dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  Once I discovered that I could find the fresh mozzarella cheese in the local grocery, I knew I could make this at home, too!

My favorite way to prepare this salad is using slices of fresh Roma tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and the star of the caprese, the fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into slices.   I like to prepare a Caprese Salad using similar sized slices of the tomato and mozzarella cheese, and layer them slightly overlapping on a plate with a fresh basil leaf tucked in between the tomato and cheese.  A drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of white balsamic vinegar gives it a little tang, and adding a bit of salt & pepper, these all give a nice finish to complete this beautiful and tasty salad, mmm mmm!  I garnished this one with some Calamata olives in the center.   

If you love tomatoes you're gonna love this Caprese Salad!  Grab up some of those fresh tomatoes that are perfect and plentiful right now and a few other ingredients to make this salad, it's a refreshing treat!  The mild flavor of the mozzarella cheese is perfect with the flavorful basil and tomatoes.  And, it's such an appealing and appetizing looking salad.  Lookin' good, and delicious!

*Caprese salad (Italian: Insalata Caprese [insaˈlaːta kaˈpreːze], meaning "Salad of Capri") is a simple Italian salad, made of sliced fresh mozzarella (ideally Buffalo mozzarella), tomatoes, and green basil, seasoned with salt and olive oil. [source]

  

Caprese Salad

Two serving-

Ingredients:

2 or 3 medium fresh ripe roma tomatoes, sliced-8 to 10 slices

1 ball or log of fresh mozzarella cheese- cut into slices

1 bunch of fresh basil leaves, washed, dried, leaves separated 

olive oil - amount desired

white balsamic vinegar - amount desired

salt & pepper 

Directions:
Slice up tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.  Layer alternating slices of tomato and cheese on a plate with fresh basil leaves between slices of tomato and cheese.  Drizzle on olive oil and a sprinkle of white balsamic vinegar. Salt & pepper to taste.

   Enjoy!...

Tray Chic - Thifted Tray Transformation

I love a good makeover.  This one happens to be one that I am especially fond and quite proud of.  This is my latest project, and what a beauty it is!  It is one of my favorite transformations.

This beautiful tray was a discarded item.  I took one glance at it and had to grab it up quickly to bring home and give it a new look.

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I'm sure it was once a beautiful silver tray, but, when I found it it had rust and damage that had it looking disgusting, ugly, and ruined.  It was easy to see why someone might have considered it trash and had given it away.  A major score for me at a mere six dollars!

Some of the finish had rusted away, leaving it in such a state that simply polishing it wouldn't even have brought it back to looking great again.  But, I had a vision for it, and couldn't wait to make it happen.  

A before and after close-up, what a difference a little time and effort made for this.

I cleaned the tray as best I could by giving it a wipe down with damp paper towels, and then a little scrubbing using a small piece of steel wool to remove some of the rust.  

I applied two thin coats of Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan in White, allowing dry time between coats.  This photo is after one coat that had dried.

After the second coat of paint was completely dry I applied Annie Sloan Clear Wax, buffing it in as I went along in small areas at a time.  Next I applied Annie Sloan Dark Wax in the same manner, applying first with a paint brush and then wiping some of it away with a soft cloth, leaving what I wanted in the areas that had more detail and to add depth to them.  

To finish, a final buffing with a soft clean cloth all over the entire tray to set and bring up the sheen of the wax.

So pleased with the results!  A beautiful trash-to-treasure makeover.  It truly is a beautiful piece now, and is one that I'll treasure.

I have it in the center of our breakfast table for now to show it off.  I smile every time I look at it.  It's a beautiful addition to my home decor.  I'm so glad I found it and was able to give it a makeover, and some much needed love!

Hello August! ~My Hall Table Decor - Summer~

Hello August!  Hello Monday!  A new month, a new day!

Sharing my latest hall table decor for summer.  The table was a great find purchased last month.  It's so fun to create new looks for this area, to display items old and new.  Even just a few little changes can make it fresh and new, giving it a different look!

For "Summer" I wanted it to feel light and bright, using cool whites.  And, as always I try to do decorating in a cost friendly way.  I had all the items on hand already, so with shopping my home for the items this didn't cost a thing!

I enjoy finding new ways to decorate this area.  Although, it has always been a challenge due to the placement of the light and attic fan switch plates on the wall. I call these things "architectural uglies!"  I'm hoping you hadn't noticed them until I pointed them out! ;)  I have some new ideas in mind, for future decor here.  I'll be working on those [in my mind] as I enjoy this current vignette for now.

I'm hoping that August will go by slowly, very slowly!

Happy Decorating!...

In the Living room

Our living room, also described as the "formal living room," is one of my favorite rooms in our home.  I love most everything about it.  Sometimes I like to chuckle when I say "living room" in describing this room, since we really don't do much living in it, to be totally honest.  The holidays, and a handful of other occasions, but certainly not everyday!

The look and decor in here has not changed much over the years.  Oh, I've changed out pillows and curtains a couple times, and edited the room with a few different accessories.  But, for the most part this room has remained unchanged.  This has me thinking "if it aint' broke, don't fix it?!" or "time for a change?!

Maybe it's that we have always been quite happy with it "as is," comfortable with the choices made for the furniture, and the decor.  And, it is one room in our home that always stays clean.  Love that!

Glass & Metal Pedestal Dish - Makeover

I've been at the Antique Mall a time or two in recent weeks and grabbed up some treasures.  I was fortunate to find more cut-glass goodness to add to my collection.  And, while most items found are in perfect condition, I found an item a while back that I figured I could give a little TLC and a makeover, and it would then be perfect for me.  I had to rescue it and give it a new look!  

This lovely Glass & Metal Pedestal Dish.  I gave it some much needed attention, and it is my one-of-kind, goes-so-well-with-my-style addition to my other pieces.  It's a makeover item of mine I am fond of that I enjoy using, and like to display in my home.     

As I often do, I get so excited to put my plan into action that I forget about taking "before" photos of the process.(oops!)  The metal on the base of the pedestal had some rust and corrosion spots on it.  I felt sure that I could fix it by using paint, with having been successful at doing so before to a similar item.  A bit of cleaning, and a couple coats of paint, transformed it into what I had envisioned for it.

The underside/inside had only a few minor rust and corrosion spots, and since I didn't paint the inside, this is basically what the metal pedestal looked like originally on the outside, as well.  However, as I mentioned, the outside had rust and corrosion.  It truly took away from the beauty of the cut glass dish, and overall appearance of the whole piece.

I removed the base completely to give all of its outer area a coat of white chalk paint.  The chalk paint would help to cover the damage from the rust and corrosion.[I love chalk paint!]  The top of the base showed through the glass so I painted that, too. 

The metal screw-head had a bit of an aged and patina look to it, so I left it unpainted since I liked the way it looked.  [Notice the white painted pedestal under the screw in this photo, as it can be seen through the glass.]

  

After letting the chalk paint dry over night, I then gave the metal base a coat of bronze metallic paint using a sponge and then let it dry well.  All that was left was to reconnect the base to the glass dish with the screw.  I was very pleased with the new look of my thrifty treasure!

Here it is hanging out with another thrifty treasure on my dining room table, this is the one I spoke of above which was given a similar makeover using the same paints and technique.  The post I shared for that can be seen here.  These pieces were both once discarded and are now my unique set.

I like to encourage others to realize how easy it really is to change or makeover something using paint.  I enjoy these little projects that make something that has been discarded into something more, something treasured.  Something loved.

I do love it!...

   

DIY Sconces - from Bookends

I love a good multi-purpose item.  And, I love getting it at a bargain price.  I also love an easy DIY project.  Getting all three of those together, well, I really love that too!

A while back [late last summer], I was shopping at a local antique market along with my oldest daughter when she pointed out a beautiful set of magnolia bookends, saying to me "those look like you Mom!"

I took one look at them and knew I had to have 'em.  All gold and glittery, they were perfect and perfectly priced!  And, I knew I'd find a way to incorporate them into the magnolia theme I had planned for my fireplace mantel at the time.

I bought them for just a few dollars each, then brought them home and it wasn't long before I came up with the great idea of making the bookends into sconces.  I had forgotten all about the project until I came upon the photos of the bookends, so I wanted to share how we transformed them into sconces.

I sold the idea to the hubby, since I asked for his help with the transformation.  He the brawn and I the brain, together we had this little DIY mastered in short order and in just minutes they were up hanging on the wall!

 
A set of picture/mirror hangers were chosen as the hardware for hanging the sconces.  After some precise measuring, a hole was predrilled for the screw that would attach the hanger.  This process was duplicated for the other bookend/sconce also.

We decided on one hanger placed in the center, because 1) these bookend/sconces weren't very heavy and I only intended to sit small candle holders on top of them as sconces.

2) the added hanger would not be in the way if I later chose to use the sconces as bookends once again, or the added hangers could easily be removed. 

And, 3) there was already a single nail/hole in the wall at the spot where I wanted to hang the sconces, where I had previously hung a picture or small mirror, so we didn't want to add more nails/holes to the wall.  If they were heavier in weight two hangers for each would have been more necessary.

The rubber feet that were on the bottom of the bookends, would now be on top, but were not noticeable once up on the wall so I left them on.

If I do use the sconces as bookends again, the feet would still be there.  So, I didn't bother with removing them. 

I was very pleased with the new purpose for my bookends, and they were much more visible on display as sconces up on the wall!  A great re-purpose.  I just loved the results of my great idea and was happy the hubby helped in the project, and also that he went along with it.  Of course it's always good when you get the nod of approval like that! ;)

Now when ever I see a set of bookends, I imagine them in a whole new way!

Happy decorating!...

French Toast - My way

I had a few requests for how I prepare French Toast after sharing a photo recently.  I figured most folks already know how to make French Toast, but, for those who wanted to know how I prepare it, I'm happy to share with them my recipe and how I go about it!  

I enjoy french toast, and often forget how good it is when I haven't had or made it in a while.  I find it's best when I use thick-cut texas toast style bread.  It makes all the difference if you ask me! 

While living in England I learned through friends we met there that they call French toast - "Gypsy toast," and they don't put syrup on it.   What?  I couldn't image not having syrup!  They thought it was yucky that we put syrup on ours.

I must have maple syrup and of course some butter, and a little sprinkle of powdered sugar.   If you've got a hungry-man make him three slices.  Although, one to two are more than enough, especially if there is going to be some bacon, ham, or sausage to go along with your french toast!

I make an egg mixture to dip the bread slices into one at a time, letting them soak up some of the mixture while turning the slices over a couple of times.  I then place each dipped bread slice aside until all slices have been dipped in the egg mixture.

I tend to use more eggs when preparing my french toast as to have plenty of mixture to dip the bread slices into, and because I use thick slices of bread.  I like for the bread slices to get ample amounts of the 'egg mixture' because this is where a lot of the flavor comes from via the added flavors in it. 

I have the perfect non-stick griddle for cooking my french toast.  This covers two of the burners on my stove and works well.  I use a little spray oil on the griddle first, then cook the dipped bread slices over medium heat, turning occasionally until nice and golden brown.  If you want, butter can be used instead of the spray oil, because "what's not to love about that?"...just be sure not to turn the heat up too high!

When ready, I cut each slice on the diagonal, then top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving.  That's optional of course, I just like adding it for looks and a touch of added sweetness.  Everyone gets to add the amount of butter-or not and syrup that they want, then all are happy.  Mmmm ...French Toast for breakfast!

French Toast 

Ingredients:

6 slices of thick-cut texas toast style bread
5 Eggs
1/2 cup milk, half & half or heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

cooking spray/oil for pan or griddle, or 2 tablespoons of butter

Directions:

In a medium sized bowl add eggs, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla, whisk together until well blended.  Heat large skillet or griddle over medium heat.  Pour egg mixture into a shallow bowl or pie pan wide enough to place in a slice of bread.  Dip each slice into the egg mixture, turn over allowing the bread to soak in some of the mixture.  Place the slice aside on a plate or sheet pan then continue until all slices have been dipped and set aside.  Use spray oil or melt butter on heated skillet/griddle then place dipped slices on to cook until golden brown, then flip and cook other side until golden brown.  Cut each piece on the diagonal, sprinkle with powdered sugar(optional), serve with butter and syrup. 

Enjoy!...

Hurray, for the Red, White, and Blue!!

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Summer is in full swing now, and a big HELLO to July!!

In celebration of the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, I added a touch of patriotic flair to my home.  I recently purchased this lovely table at HomeGoods, and I just love it!  It's perfect for this space and for decorating.  While I have no plans to decorate my whole house in the colors of the flag, I do like adding a few touches in honor of ol' glory and in salute to America.

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I used my chippy-paint shutters [a thrifty-find] as a backdrop for my simple wreath form, which for now is home to my little flag-star hanging from it.  The 'bows' on the lampshades are from Hobby Lobby.  I had to have them, they're so cute!!...[pssst, the lamps are actually just candle sticks with mini-lampshades on them, it's a little decorating trick of mine! ;)].  And, while there I grabbed a bag of several painted grapevine stars, and decided to keep it simple by using only three of them, one each in red, white, and blue.

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A red ribbon & bow, and a pair of flags that I simply tucked into my basket, completes the look.  Little touches that didn't cost me a thing and add to the ease of quick decorating since I had them already!!

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This sweet canvas banner was also from Hobby Lobby, I picked it up just before Memorial Day weekend for my front door.  I brought it back out as a "Welcome to July", also of course for the Fourth of July holiday in celebration of America's Independence and 240th Birthday!!  I may want to leave it up for a while longer than just over the holiday weekend.

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I achieved this look with some items I had on hand, along with a couple of new discounted-purchase items, and only a few moments of my time putting it all together.  That's my kind of decorating, quick, inexpensive, and easy!

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!

God Bless the USA!!

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I wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July!...