The Dining Room Plan

I finally have a plan for my dining room.  Sometimes I really just have to sit on a decision for a while and let all of my thoughts simmer, until inspiration strikes and I know what I want to do.  I'm really trying with this re-do to think everything through, and then think some more, so I am 100% happy with it when I'm finished.  I don't want to be making changes in a year (or 6 months!). Inspiration photos that mix different host chairs with side chairs and  big chunky rustic tables caught my eye. And I'm crazy about the idea of using Houndstooth Drapery!  Yes, I got design inspiration from Tori Spelling.   She actually has a really good website with lots of great ideas and design advice.                                             So, while thinking about all of that inspiration and putting it together with the pieces  ......

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I'm Just Sitting Out Here...Watching Airplanes

Anyone else heard that country song? Yesterday turned into a gloriously sunny spring day and we took advantage of a little time outside after school by hanging out at our local private airport.  You can sit right by the runway and watch the planes come and go.   We imagined who might be in those planes flying in and out.  Kevin Durant?    We like free entertainment, and it doesn't take much to impress us. Other activities helped fill our time, like a little football toss, practicing for the long jump, and our favorite hand jive from standing in line at Disneyworld. By the way, if you want an interesting read of another fun stage we're at in our lives,  hop over and read my  husband's latest post here. Have a happy weekend, friends! ...

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Presto-Chango Pillows

I've been helping a friend who built a new house with a few sewing projects.  Last month I made some draperies for her and she had a few other projects she wanted me to do.   They purchased a great new leather sectional, and you know those  always come with not-so-pretty pillows.   I brought her pillows home along with some of her fabric selections and we went from this to this using only this! {Sorry for the poor night-time photos, couldn't be helped!} The backs of the pillows were a solid tan and the fringe coordinated nicely with her new fabrics, so we decided to just replace the front.  But, that is really not an easy thing to do if you're hoping to reuse existing materials.  So, I went the quick and easy route, and hot glued new fabric on the fronts. I simply cut the fabric leaving almost an inch "seam allowance", folded it under a few inches at a time, and glued right along the edge.  It helped to glue a few inches......

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Don't Wash $$ Down the Drain

In our house, we like to use the foaming soap pumps.  They are especially helpful in the kids' bathroom, but it's amazing how quickly a bottle can get used up.  Did you know that they are mostly water and can be refilled for pennies? Open your empty pump and pour in about 1/8-1/4 of the bottle's capacity with soap.  I use the clear refill soap, I'm not sure if it would work with the creamy, thicker, moisturizing type soap. Fill the rest of your bottle gently with water, leaving a bit empty at the top so it won't overflow when you put the pump back on. Screw the pump back on and gently swirl the water and soap until they are well combined. Wash up!  Often I even buy the little $0.88 bottles of soap at Wal-Mart that are scented raspberry, melon, or whatever.  They work great too and that little bottle will make 4-5 refills. I'm sure I'm telling lots of you something you already know, but hopefully this is a helpful little tip......

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Recipes I've Pinned...And Actually Made!

Oh, how we love to click that little "Pin it!" button!  Thought I'd share with you  a few things I've actually made lately... Crock Pot Baked Potato Soup-  Mama Loves Food :  This involved just a little bit of prep and turned out really well.  I served it for lunch with friends and then my whole family enjoyed it for a meal  (it makes a lot!).  The bacon and shredded cheese on top is a must! Waffle Iron Cinnamon Rolls- A Hen's Nest   These didn't really taste different than if they were cooked in the oven, but the novelty of it was fun.  They were ready a bit quicker than they would have been if cooked in the oven and I didn't have to heat it up.   That may be a bonus this summer! Crock Pot Chicken Burritos from  A'lamode .  These could not have been easier!  This recipe also yields a lot.  We ate on it for two meals and I had  enough to freeze for at least one more meal. 30 Minute Rolls ......

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