Belated DIY Valentine's Day Decorations

This is a belated post about last minute Valentine's Day Decor that I've been working on since being home. Apparently my goal is to keep HL in business while I'm out on leave.

I used several Pinterest inspirations to create some LOVE-ly things to put up around the house. Most of them didn't get done in time for the day, but I'll be able to add them to my Valentine's Decor box for next year. 

Inspiration: 

My Version: 

Using 4 different patterns in red and pink, I cut out heart shapes using pinking shears. I stitched them together leaving a small hole so I could stuff with batting. They are attached to the jute with hot glue 12" apart. I'll have to play around with how to hang them on the stair next year, but I think it turned out pretty cute. 

Inspiration: 

My Version: 

I pretty much copied the inspiration photo except I used jute instead of yarn(noticing a jute theme?). It fits the space better than my previous wreath, which I'll just use in a different area next year. 

Inspiration: 

My Version: 

Using leftover felt, I cut out more hearts bc I felt like my burlap was too see-thru to paint both sides. I will add the shamrocks once I get some green felt and may try a reversible painted version if I find thicker burlap or double the pennants by sewing 2 pieces together. 

Inspiration: 

My Version:

I painted these wooden letters(came 2 to a pack) with plans to hang but I am not in love with the letter font so I'm not sure I'll use this next yr. 

And lastly: 

Valentine's Day Apothecary Jar Tags:

Thinking of re-painting the wood part. Maybe white, gray, or black...thoughts? 

Nursery Sewing Projects

A few fabric projects for the nursery included a monogrammed pillow, a seat cushion for the rocking chair, a foot stool pouf, and curtains. 

I bought a premade pillow from HL and painted a monogrammed letter on it. While it's not comfortable to have on the chair while rocking, it does look nice. I free-handed the letter and used a metallic bronze acrylic paint. I may change the paint color one of these days, but I think it's good for now.

I found a duck cloth cream and gray striped fabric for the cushion of the chair. The chair by the way is the same chair that M was rocked to sleep in way, way, back in the day. I knew we had to incorporate the chair if we could even tho a certain husband really wanted to buy a glider. 

I made a paper template and double foam cushion for the seat. I then stuffed with loose batting to fill out the corners. I made it right enough that no toes were necessary. This project was much more difficult and it not quite complete in my opinion. I probably would've bought something in hindsight. The fabric I chose frayed all over the place and there is a chance it could fall apart at any moment because of the instability of the fabric(despite my 'serging the edges' and  double stitching each seam). I plan to stuff with additional battingn to give it more structure sometime soon because upon use, it's just a really big pillow with no major support which doesn't make for a good rocking chair foot stool. It also turned out about 3 times the size I envisioned. Here was my inspiration piece..

Here is the finished product...

This cornice was my second attempt. The first one I used plain gray calico but didn't get batting and tried to use loose stuffing. End result looked a little like a rain cloud. So when I found this fabric on sale at JoAnn's, I decided to give it another go. So glad I did, bc it turned out awesome. I bought quilt batting as recommended and used a staple gun working from center points out. 

For the curtains, we decided upon blackout panels even tho we have plantation shutters. I just felt like anything I can do to help with light and sound insulation to help G sleep will be a good thing for all. The only decently priced panels I found were navy. So much blue, too much in my opinion. So I bought a gray and cream ticking stripe fabric and attached it to the top of the curtain leaving a wide stripe of the original panel showing below. This was an easy refashion and in my opinion adds a little depth to the curtains. 

I had plans to sew a crib skirt, but I had trouble finding fabrics that I liked so I bought a nice striped one from Target. 

It's a PBK knockoff but looks great. Post on crib and sheets to come. 

Dresser Makeover

So now that we have news to share, be prepared for numerous posts in 'rapid fire succession'. I say that but I caution that my definition of 'rapid fire' is quickly changing as I have my hands fu

ll with a newborn these days. That's right, we have welcomed the arrival of our firstborn, baby boy G.

I've been saving up photos of his room to share when the time was right and as I sit feeding at 2:45 AM, it seems like that time is now. 

So without further ado, here is a before and after of the changing table makeover I did last year. We got the offer to have this table when we found out and announced our pregnancy this summer. The wood work and style struck me as very masculine and craftsman style so I immediately knew I wanted to use this piece if we had a boy.

Fortunately for us, that was the case. I had already dreamt up color schemes for girl or boy so I just needed to decide which direction to head in this case. With a boy, I had envisioned gray as the neutral base color. This was the pin that inspired my paint choices. 

(SW agreeable gray on walls, pussy willow on doors)

So I had paint mixed up and using the following link for tips, http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/04/how-to-paint-furniture/ ,

I bought the necessary added accessories and supplies and began. 

A few notes, I did several thorough cleanings of this piece before even beginning to ensure a clean surface and clean drawers for G's things. I used a primer/sander paint and Floetrol(and I swear by it). The Floetrol helped the paint go on so smooth that not even my sloppy painting strokes could be seen after drying. 

I did stain the top afterwards which I would do first next time. I used the Rust-oleum Kona wood stain that we have on several pieces around the house. I loved the idea of dark wood stain in his room on various things. 

Priming piece after sanding and cleaning. Would recommend doing this in a work shop but M had already gotten help getting it to G's room. 

Look at how clean the finish came out when using Floetrol. 

Then I began staining the top. This took several applications and I had to lather certain areas more than others after noticing certain markings/patterns as the stain soaked in. 

I then had the MIL come and gloss the top. This is to help protect the top surface from wear and tear, but also gave it a beautiful finish. 

After finding hardware at Target of all places, we attached the dark finish pulls and knobs. 

I took my time with this piece so I could make sure to get it right. We were worried the paint and stain wouldn't take, but I think the end result turned out wonderfully. I mean to toot my own horn, I'd like to think it's a piece you could find at a boutique baby store that would cost you hundreds. I left the inside the original wood color for 2 reasons, one was because I wasn't about to begin the undertaking of painting the inside of the dresser cabinet or drawers and two was because I could show off my handy work. 

So all in all, I recommend taking the time to refinish a piece if you want custom design. There is nothing quite like knowing that not only do you have a one of a kind piece, but also that you lovingly worked on it yourself.

Hungarian Paprikash

(This was my 2nd helping!) 

http://www.justapinch.com/recipes/main-course/chicken/hungarian-chicken-paprikash-chicken-and-dumplings.html 

Cooking is supposed to be fun! That's what we kept saying during the hour and a half it took us to make this meal. However, once we sat down and filled our bellies, we decided it was worth it. 

I have made this recipe previously and we just ran out of the leftovers I froze.  This time I used 1/2 Greek yogurt & 1/2 sour cream bc that's what we had on hand. Other than that, we followed the recipe. And just like before there is a full pot leftover that I will freeze into portions. 

I will definitely make this again. Probably not too often because it is time consuming, but it is soooo good! 

Winter weather is perfect for warm chocolate cake(in a mug)

This was the perfect dessert to cap off a cold frigid night. We earned it after treking to the gym! 

Chocolate Mug Cake

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp. baking powder
• 2 tbsp. granulated sugar
• ⅛ tsp. salt
• ¼ cup + 1 tbsp. milk
• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp. hazelnut chocolate spread

How to:

- mix dry ingredients

- whisk in milk and oil until combined with no clumps

- pour batter into mug and drop hazelnut spread into the batter(no need to push down into batter). You want to use a mug that's big enough for the cake to rise and put paper towels underneath just in case

- microwave for about 70 seconds

Recipe from Table for Two

Reine De Saba

This cake is easily one of the best chocolate desserts I've ever had. It has a simple but decadent flavor This is without a doubt one if the best chocolate desserts I've ever made. It that has a unique almond influence and decadent yet simple flavors. It is for sure a dessert I will keep in my repertoire.(I used coffee since I had no rum on hand) 

Ingredients:  
For the cake:
4 ounces or squares semi-sweet chocolate melted with 2 tbsp rum or coffee
1/4 pound or 1 stick softened butter
2/3 cup granulated sugar
3 egg yolks
3 egg whites
Pinch of salt
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1/3 cup pulverized almonds
1/4 tspn almond extract
1/2 cup cake flour (scooped and leveled) turned into a sifter

For the icing:
2 ounces or squares semi-sweet baking chocolate
2 tbsp rum or coffee
5 to 6 tbsp unsalted butter

For the cake: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Butter and flour the cake pan.
3. Set the chocolate and rum or coffee in a small pan, cover, and place (off heat) in a larger pan of almost simmering water; let melt while you proceed with the recipe.  Measure out the rest of the ingredients.
4. Cream the butter and sugar together for several minutes until they form a pale yellow, fluffy mixture.

5. Beat in the egg yolks until well        blended. 

6. Beat the egg whites and salt in a separate bowl until soft peaks are formed; sprinkle on the sugar and beat until stiff peaks are formed.

7. With a rubber spatula, blend the melted chocolate into the butter and sugar mixture, then stir in the almonds, and almond extract.  

8. Immediately stir in one fourth of the beaten egg whites to lighten the batter.  9. Delicately fold in a third of the remaining whites and when partially blended, sift on one third of the flour and continue folding.  Alternate rapidly with more egg whites and more flour until all egg whites and flour are incorporated.

10. Turn the batter into the cake pan, pushing the batter up to its rim with a rubber spatula.  

11. Bake in middle level of preheated oven for about 25 minutes.  Cake is done when it has puffed, and 2 1/2 to 3 inches around the circumference are set so that a needle plunged into that area comes out clean; the center should move slightly if the pan is shaken, and a needle comes out oily.

12. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.  Run a knife around the edge of the pan, and reverse cake on the rack.  Allow it to cool for an hour or two; it must be thoroughly cold if it is to be iced.

For the icing:

1. Place the chocolate and rum or coffee in a small pan, cover, and set in a larger pan of almost simmering water.
2. Remove pans from heat and let chocolate melt for 5 minutes or so, until perfectly smooth.  Lift chocolate pan out of the hot water, and beat in the butter a tablespoon at a time.
3. Then beat over a bowl with a tray of ice cubes and water until chocolate mixture has cooled to spreading consistency.  At once spread it over your cake with spatula or knife.

To serve, use the butter icing and press a design of almonds over the icing.

Recipe courtesy of Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child 

Copyright 1961 by Alfred A. Knopf.  Reprinted with permission from the publisher Alfred A. Knopf, a division of Random House, Inc. 

Kolby's Baby Shower

Another successful shower for my dear friend Kolby. Hoping that the photographer gets me some better photos, but I managed to snag a few....

I was in charge of invitations, decorations, favors and location. Once she found out she was having a girl, Kolby made a comment about tutus and I just went from there. 

I created a onesie shaped invitation with a tutu attached and a bottle cutout with registry info. 

I used a modified version of the following template.

http://houseofstirfry.com/chia/templates/onesie01.html

I then basted and gathered tulle and attached to each invite using glue and covered with a glittery ribbon. 

The inside had the shower information on it printed on cardstock and the backside had my Daulton McDaniel Designs label on it. 

Then I googled baby bottle for the registry template. I then used labels with her info on them and attached to the bottle cutout. 

Here's a few diy stuff I did as well. 

Food labels in giant clothespins(from the dollar section at Michaels. 

I bought boxes from Michaels and cut out the letters of baby Dodson's name. It just happened that each name(first, middle, last has 6 letters). Kolby took this for a room decoration. 

I decorated the fans and chandelier in the  kitchen, dining room, front room and living room with various pink, purple, and white paper lanterns. Adds such a fun touch! 

I used a leftover tissue pom from Mel's shower and added a dollar letter from Michaels. I lucked out that the K was already purple, so I didn't have to spray paint and it just gave them to the mom-to-be after for knick knack decor at her house. 

And of course you can't have a shower with out some beautiful floral arrangements. I found a steal of a deal at michaels where the flower bundles were .79 each! Using the two flower boxes I made this spring, I created a fall inspired arrangement with some purple in it. The extras went in a vase and I tied a ribbon to hide the stems. 

How gorgeous did they turn out? And I wrapped them so I can reuse next fall. 

The flower boxes went on the outside tables. The table cloths were made for Mel's shower and I just love them. 

Kolby's gift was a canvas print off her registry from PBK and diapers from Target(some of which were used for the diaper cake below), but the main gift was a hand crocheted blanket to match her nursery. 

Pattern: http://peoplewebs.blogspot.com/2011/01/weekend.html?m=1

I Love This Yarn: purple, orchid, iced violet, mulberry, turquoise, light gray, white

Cookie pop favors. I used plain frosting and then added purple sugar sprinkles. 

http://www.food.com/recipe/copycat-cheryl-co-buttery-sugar-cookies-395864

Close up of the diaper cake. The feathers and flower top were all from Hobby Lobby and can be used as hair(or headband) clips for baby. 

Here is the finished mantle. Flower balls reused from Easter mantle. Purple tissue poms made by me. The hat & tutu were also part of her gift and made by me. 

Love This Yarn; purple, iced violet, & orchid.  http://www.allicrafts.blogspot.com/2012/02/free-pattern-lacy-shells-hat-newborn.html?m=1 (With open flower pattern)

All in all, it was a great party and I can't wait to see the professional photos that were taken. The best part about customizing the decorations is that they were all meant to be used as decor for Kolby(if she chooses) in Kelsey's nursery. 

Can't wait to meet this sweet baby due this Dec! 

These two tried to invite themselves....