Twirl and Take a Bow Tuesday....the first one {of 2014}

by Robin

Welcome to Twirl & Take a Bow Tuesday! 

I'm so happy to be choosing the features this week! I sure hope you guys had a wonderful Christmas and have something fun planned for New Year's Eve! At our house we have a long standing tradition of snuggling in and eating take out Chinese food and watching movies...I'd like to blame our very tame New Year's Eve on our age but honestly, we've been welcoming the new year like that since we were in our thirty's!

In case this is the first time we've met, may I introduce myself?
(I'd love for you to drop by my little blog-home and introduce yourself to me as well)!

I'm Robin from All Things Heart and Home

I'm passionate about my home because it's a way I can show love to my friends and family~I'd love to hang out with you on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ & Instagram~ let's encourage each other to find inspiration for what matters most...

Now, here are the features from last week!

13 Flashbacks of 2013

Have you ever wanted to go back in time to another moment of your life? 

I might consider it {my wedding day, all of college, the days when my boys were born}, but only if I could take the knowledge I've learned along the way.

However, I will say, there is one time of my life that I would never want to go back to...

                                                    middle school.

Once was enough!

So instead of remembering that, let's flashback to the best of 2013. These are our brightest projects of the year. We were making a few Miner adjustments all over the place!

How to Purge Toys with the Kids and Get Your Sanity Back

O Christmas Tree

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree,

How lovely are your branches!

In beauty green will always grow

Through summer sun and winter snow.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,

How lovely are your branches!

From our house to yours....

have a wonderful day filled with love and laughter!

Merry Christmas! 

Twirl and Take a Bow Tuesday

We have family in town and it is wonderful. The Christmas music is playing, the food is out and there are so many gifts. Every day I am reminded of how blessed I really am.

Robin from Art is Beauty picked our features this week. Kudos to her...this is the busiest week of the year!

If you have time, please feel free to link up at the party. We wish you a joyous season of love and giving! 

      

Crunch Time...
Twirl and Take a Bow Link Party

It is crunch time...8 days until Christmas. My shopping is done, a lot of my wrapping is done, I don't make cookies (sad, but true), so technically that is done. 

The only thing I am worried about is half of our gifts for others haven't arrived yet. I am hoping that they will be here in time for our family. 

So, while I go check on them I'm going to let our co-host Tammy from Deja Vue Designs fill you in on the features she picked this week.  I hope you can fit some last minute inspiration into your crunch time schedule too. Enjoy the party!

Framed T-Shirt Art in 5 Minutes

Once upon a time there was a shirt.  

It was the cutest shirt this house had ever seen. 

And there was a boy, equally as cute, who wore it till the sleeves were a little lot too short.

"Deer" Friends...Twirl and Take a Bow Tuesday

"Deer" Friends,

Have you noticed the same thing I have?

Yes, he {my oldest son} is cute up there in his Santa hat and deer t-shirt...thank you!

But no,  that's not what I was referring to.

Everywhere I look there are artificial deer heads with long horns

         

…on everything

…in picture frames, over mantels, and on t-shirts

…painted, and sewed on, and cut out.

Twirl and Take a Bow Linky Party

Another Thanksgiving holiday has come and gone...all that yummy food and board games around the dining room table. I think my family played Chinese Checkers for over an hour. At one point there was a traffic jam in the middle of the board.

And now it is time for Christmas, although I think Christmas has been trending on Pinterest since before October.

I hope that you enjoy the features that the lovely Leslie has picked for us today. 

I hope you have some holiday inspiration {or any inspiration for that matter} to share with us at the party this week.

And I hope you do not run into your own {parking lot} traffic jams while scurrying about getting ready for Christmas.

Christmas Guest Room...No Frogs Allowed

We have this room.

It is over the garage and according to our blueprints it is called the "bonus room".

We call it something different though.

Twirl and Take a Bow Tuesday

Remember that Friend's episode where Joey got his head stuck inside the turkey and then he scares the daylights out of Chandler?
That scene never gets old. I laugh so hard every time I see that...and I have seen that episode probably a dozen times.

This week we will be visiting my parents for Thanksgiving. So in between eating and playing I will be looking for new inspiration for Christmas! I cannot wait to see what everyone has up their sleeve.

I am also thrilled to have Robin from All Things Heart and Home visiting today. 

Happy Thanksgiving, Friends! May no one get their head stuck inside a turkey!

How to Make a Fleece Scarf in 5 minutes for $2.00

End the War…Just Make the Scarf

There’s this scarf...

just an ordinary green fringed fleece scarf from Old Navy.

I may have paid all of $2.00 for it about 10 years ago.

There are also these 2 boys...

cute, smart, competitive boys. 

And when that scarf comes out for the winter the arguing begins.  It is always their turn to wear it, never the other person’s. 

Twirl &Take a Bow Linky Party

Sometimes you have so many ideas swirling around in your head that it makes you feel excited and hopeful to put it into action and sometimes you have so many ideas that you don't know where to start. 

I am somewhere in the middle of that. I have a bunch of projects started, but can't quite get them finished. 

So instead, I will let Brooke from Designed by BH take over for today and enjoy all of the wonderful projects that you have finished.

Have a great week!

Twirl and Take a Bow Tuesday

Is it Tuesday already? Well, that just means we get to hang out together again...and I love that. This week I have Karin from Art is Beauty visiting!

I am so blessed to work with all of these gals. Enjoy!

From Old and Faded to Lovely and Jaded

It is no secret that I love a bargain. 

I must have gotten that gene from my grandma…the queen of finding the coolest things from the Dollar Store.

So, when I found this lamp at a garage sale down the street, my heart skipped a beat...

It literally, stopped beating for a second. 

I pulled the cord. 

It made the most perfect clicking sound.

And the shade...

The shade is made of glass!

I walked away from it though.

Twirl and Take a Bow Linky Party

Last week was a blur! I am not sure if I even sat down to take a breath once, so I never got a chance to do any other post. It's all good though, because we are back with another party.  And who doesn't love a party!?!

With us today is our leader in all things twirling and bowing, Leslie from House on the Way.

Twirl and Take A Bow Linky Party

Making lists makes me happy. Please, tell me that I am not the only one?!?

My hubby might say that I am a control freak…and I might not disagree.

I love being able to cross items off when they are finished. I have even been known to write things on the list after I've done them just so I could cross it off.

So in order to wrap my head around all 125 wonderful links we had last week and pick a few to feature…I made a list of categories.

But first, the lovely and talented co-hosts...

~Leslie from House on the Way~

~Karin from Art is Beauty~

~Brooke from Designed by BH~

~Tammy from Deja Vue Designs~

~Robin from All Things Heart and Home~

~Trina from A Few Miner Adjustments~

“Hey You Guys”… A Halloween Mantel

Who doesn’t love jewels?

Whether it be jewels to wear on your neck and ears or jewels to hide in your pocket, from the Fratelli’s, in order to save your house…jewels are amazing.

~It's a Whole New Party!~

Add Your Link ~ It Shows Up On 6 Blogs~

I'm so excited to announce that I'm a new co-host at the Twirl & Take a Bow Party! I have teamed up with five other terrific bloggers to bring you an amazing party! 

The best part is that when you add your link below, it will show up on a 6 different blogs. That means more exposure for you and a better party for everyone!

The Three Amighosts….

Growing up was a lot of fun for me. I had these 2 girl-friends. We have known each other our entire lives. 

We all only lived about 2 blocks from each other and way back then....we were inseparable.

The corner of Prichard and Cayuta Ave was right in the middle of our houses. Each of us came from a different direction so of course, that is where we would meet to walk to school together.

Guest Post from Black and White Obsession

I am so excited today! I invited Trisha, from Black and White Obsession, over for some lemonade and she said yes. Not only did she say yes, but she brought her own furniture! 

I really wish that it was still warm out, so I could make a few Miner adjustments to some of my outdoor furniture now. Instead though, please pull up a "bench" and get ready to be inspired.  Oh, and if you would like a spooky idea for a Halloween costume check out her Lego Man.

Thanks, Trisha for hanging out today!

Breathing New Life into a Dingy and Faded Patio Bench

Hi! I’m Trisha D. from Black and White Obsession where I blog about remodeling our smelly 100+ year home, random DIY projects and the occasional life story here and there. 

Trina graciously invited me to trade blogs since she showed off her ahead of the curve Christmas Planning. And today I’m here to talk about salvaging a bench which was previously destined for garbage day.





Enter exhibit A:

If you could peel your eyes away from its disgusting presence you may have noticed some tile saw residue, lots of scratches and dents, and some good ‘ol garden dirt. Nothing a little spray paint and power washing soapy and water couldn't fix.

After cleaning every square inch, it was time to let it catch a few rays (aka sundry) while I gathered a few supplies: spray paint and an old cardboard box.

Since our outdoor color scheme is Peacock Teal what I like to call the color and Lime Green, I chose Rust-Oleum’s Ultra Cover 2x’s in the gorgeous Satin Lagoon. Since the bench lives outside, I also picked up a can of Clear Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover 2X Satin Clear (the same finish as the colored spray paint) to protect it from fading.  I cannot rave enough about this paint, it really covers 2x’s he surface area, dries quickly and can be used on a wide variety of surfaces and I’m not even paid to say that (Rustoleum call me, I love you)!!

Box Photo Source

I’m sure if you’ve ever read anything about spray painting anything, everyone will tell you thin and even coats. I’m not here to tell you any different. Just hang in there with each coat because it will look gorgeous in no time.

Check your can for time between applications which is usually very short. With this piece, by the time I was done lightly misting, I barely had time to go inside and fetch a glass of lemonade (it was a warm summer day). Just don’t wait too long- like my wandering tendencies, because then you may have to wait a full 24 hours for the next application.

When you’re all done with the top and allow the paint to fully dry, I could only stand a couple hours, flip it over and finish the underside.

When you’re finished, it should look like a whole new bench:

For more photos and a lot more blabbering, feel free to stop by and check out the original bench transformation.

I hope you enjoyed this quick update. 

Thank you, Trina, for having me!

An Experiment in Silence

Yesterday when I woke up I decided to do a little experiment. 

All of my boys were awake and downstairs, so I got ready for the day. Then I wrote a note for my family that said…

“Today I am doing an experiment in silence.

I will answer any questions that are asked.

That’s it.”

I have been doing a lot of soul searching lately. 

I've been working on minimizing the clutter in my life…not just the physical clutter, but the psychological clutter too.

This post from becomingminimalist.com sang to me the other day and it was just the push I needed to try this.

Peeling Potatoes

I have a little confession….

I have been cooking dinner lately and I am kind of enjoying it.

Now I am no gourmet, but I can make garlic mash potatoes and really scrumptious homemade Mac n Cheese.

So today while I was peeling the beautiful organic potatoes and almost peeled the skin off my finger {true story} I thought, “There has to be a better way to do this.”

Then I remembered…

Mary Ann from Gillgan’s Island.

Stay with me.

My dad sent me a you tube video a few months back on how to peel a potato the easy way.

So my friends…here it is. I wish I had remembered it earlier when I was cursing our peeler and wishing I was finished!

But it’s all good. I can make a few Miner adjustments next time. 

www.youtube.com

"Fall" into Christmas Planning

{5 Easy Tips to Start Now}

It's still summer until September 22nd, even though we are back to school and fall decor is trending all over Pinterest.

All to soon we will be going apple picking and to pick out the perfect pumpkin.

For right now though, it is a good time to "fall" into Christmas planning.

And in past years, I have been known to start shopping for Christmas in January.

In past years, I have been the first on Facebook to announce that I have started my shopping.

That was not the case last year.

The kids were busy, playing sports and going to birthday parties and I had little energy time to think about stockings and gifts.

However, the countdown has begun.  So let's make a few Miner adjustments this year and get goin'! Whose with me?

Things to Do... 

                 

Have you ever hiked up a mountain? 

I’ll admit, it isn't my favorite activity, but when I get to the summit there is a sense of accomplishment like no other.

At the beginning of summer vacation I looked around my laundry room and I noticed something.

It was like the Mount Everest of dirty laundry in there.

The end of the school year had gotten too busy even for me…the gal who doesn't schedule much of anything.

So I hiked up this mountain and finished all of the laundry before we packed for Disney. That was not fun and after that hike I was definitely in need of a vacation.

How to Make Hanging Book Shelves

(Made by my dad)

{A rerun with new images}

My dad is a master wood worker. It's true.  He would probably say otherwise, but he's just being modest.

He converted his garage into a wood shop years ago 

and when he isn't at the golf course you can usually find him in there.

He has made breathtaking pieces of furniture and we are lucky enough to own some ourselves.

Kinda feels like we won the lottery...

yay, free furniture!

Anyway, a few months ago dad was cutting some wood on the table saw.

After 22 years of doing this, it was just another ordinary day of woodworking.

But that day ended differently. very. differently.

Although the blade of the saw is only just visible above the table, for some reason, 

as he pushed the wood through his thumb got in the way.

What?!? His thumb?!? NO!!!

The blade cut his thumb, but don't worry...

it is fully functioning and still attached to his hand.

This is a blessed moment of luck, I believe. A warning to us all...power tools do not discriminate.

So what does this have to do with these book shelves, you might be asking?

Nothing. Nothing at all.

But let's face it...having hanging book shelves are way better than a hanging thumb.

Now hold onto your fingers!

Here's how to make the book shelves...

Thanks for making these, Dad!

We give this project....two thumbs up!

I'm hanging out over at:

homestoriesatoz.com

Love that Boy…

Love that boy

like a rabbit loves to run

I said I love that boy

like a rabbit loves to run

Love to call him in the morning

love to call him,

“Hey there, son!”

          -Walter Dean Myers

                   *First stanza

We're just trying to enjoy the last bit of summer vacation around here.

These days are fleeting. 

And although the kids {and I} can be cranky at times….I know these days are numbered.

Soak up the sun, friends!

{Day 5} Getting Creative at Home Blog Tour

Have you been noticing a change in Mother Nature in the past couple of years?

It is very unsettling. I mean, it's August 9th and usually we are sweltering in humidity and sun....escaping to the beach to swim and play.

But lately, it has been chilly and today as I was looking out the window I noticed something.

Something that I shouldn't be seeing for at least another 6 weeks.

Can you see it?  Red leaves! I shudder at the thought of Fall coming NOW.

So instead of thinking about that, let's pretend those red leaves aren't there and look at the last 4 blogs on our blog tour for this week, shall we?

Meet Fisher.

Nope, it's not Tammy's puppy, but a dresser that she rescued from a dirty old barn. And I love it.

What a great job she did with this makeover at Circa-1929.

Amy over at A Nest For All Seasons invited us into her home for a house tour.

What a lovely place to live...from the open floor plan, to the pool, to the very fun shed that I would want to go hide-away in!

I really need to get going on my house tour and I think this is the motivation I needed.

Remember how I said that I love a good chalkboard? I am a teacher after all. I think chalk runs through my veins.

So when I saw the chalkboard from Elegant Nest that Laura made from a frame, I started to swoon.

It is fantastic, especially her hand chalking...I give that a gold star!

Saratoga, NY is near here, so August is track season around these parts. Horses, horses, horses.

And while we don't make it to the track very often, I would love to go to this Polo Picnic that Christina from PennyWise created.

Doesn't it look so inviting? I can hear Julia Roberts now, with her fist in the air!

So there you have it...the end of our blog tour.

And like every summer turns to fall and the leaves start to change, I have been changed by the lovely ladies that I have worked with this week.

A special thanks to Julie {Lilacs and Longhorns} for putting this tour together. She had short notice and pulled it off flawlessly.