Memorial Day Cookout

I love holidays, all of them. Any excuse to decorate really! So for Memorial Day we did a small little cookout and I got to try out some new recipes. They were delicious so I thought I'd share!

 Out table spread, just waiting for the burgers off the grill and the fried pickles...

Which were delicious and so easy. I used a slight variation of this Fried Dill Pickles recipe. Definitely best when they are fresh from the fryer! The sauce really tops them off!

 

This was AMAZING - Paula Deen's Strawberry Shortcake recipe. After stuffing our faces, this was the perfect dessert. It is very light and has fruit in it so it's healthy, right?

I will definitely be making both of these again! Hope everyone enjoyed Memorial Day! Thanks to those that serve our country!

Baby Blanket

A friend and former co-worker of mine is expecting! The office threw her a baby shower recently. There is so much precious baby stuff out there but I knew I wanted to make something for her, too. So I opted for a baby blanket. So easy, affordable and adorable if I do say so myself.

 I simply picked a yard of two coordinating fabrics - one flannel print and one flannel and fuzzy patched fabric, which I bet baby Ava is going to LOVE! Then sew them together just like the pillow from the last post, just without the pillow to insert.

 

Her's a picture with momma after she opened the blanket. Jackson was her helper and isn't he just precious! Made with love!

My favorite "room" in the house!

Ok so it's not technically a room! BUT, it is home to some of my favorite things. I'm enjoying spending time out on our porch with the weather lately. I've had a green thumb and planted these beauties!

 Not sure which I love more, the planter (from Home Goods) or the petunias?

 My hanging basket!

 Sweet Mother's Day gift from Knox (and Seth)

 

Rosemary, Cilantro & Basil. Any recipe suggestions?

 

AND, our red adirandack chairs with new pillows I made!

 

I bought 14" pillows and a yard of outdoor canvas fabric. See Martha Stewart's how-to if you've never made a pillow before! Don't be intimidated, this is such an easy and affordable project!

 

 I love this fabric so much I considered putting in our living room. But it's just too perfect for outside! What do you think?

Bedside Bench

I snagged this bench at a garage sale recently for just $15! It was exactly what I'd been looking for to go at the end of our bed, with a few minor changes. Once I purchased the fabric (for just $4 might I add), I realized it would need a little paint job too! Check out my transformation below!

 

Good design and great height! Knox has already started using it as a step to get on the bed :)

 Simple recover of the padding first. White wash paint job next...

 Ta-da, all done! And I just love it!

Closeup!

 

 Some of my favorite finds and projects, that may look familiar, are now at rest in our bedroom. Such a peaceful and relaxing space and this bench was the final touch!

I'm linking this up to one of my absolute favorite bloggers and DIYer, Miss Mustard Seed, for her Furniture Feature Friday party! AND Tatertots and Jello, home to thousands of great craft inspirations!

Let's paint!

First, a quick apology for my several week long hiatus. I have been crafting but I've been neglecting my adoring fans, as Seth calls you!

This project fulfills a need we've had in our household for a while. We don't have a great place to keep bills, envelopes, scissors, the things we use everyday but either misplace or have laying around. I discovered this mail sorter at a garage sale recently for 75 cents. I've been wanting to test out (hint, hint) a painting technique and this was the perfect transformation.

 Before! This is actually plastic but you can't even tell!

After, close up.

So easy and very happy with the result. Now if you come over, you hopefully won't find all this lying around.

Happy Mother's Day Momma!

I am so blessed to have such a loving and supportive momma! Happy Mother's Day Lillian! Love you so much!