Weekly Wonders: September 12th, 2012

Last weekend, I went to West Virginia to visit my grandparents' hometown ( and no, they aren't cousins). They have an annual Italian festival and it was a blast! Good food and times all weekend. We bought 10 dozen pepperoni rolls. We went to their childhood homes, and other memorable places. I also think I gained five pounds from all the Italian food. Totally worth it though!

Running with Duke

I have a very lovable dog, he's not the brightest star but he may be the fluffiest! Recently, I have taken up jogging with him. Well, in reality I want to walk and he wants to run so we compromise. The funny things is as we jog, I constantly get stopped by neighbors. Not because of how cute he is ( though true) but because I make him carry his own bag. I just tie it to his leash since I have no real way of carrying it.

Weekly Wonders: August 29th, 2012

This week, I have founds tons of inspiration in crafty things. I have been trying to stay away from Pinterest, because sometimes I just feel overwhelmed by all the crafty things there. Like somehow I am not crafty enough. Does anyone ever feel like that as well?

I found sequins in bright colors.

Glitter Paint. Enough said.

These little toys are screaming for me to do something to them.

Why do I keep finding more cards? I was finally using up a bunch and now find myself buying more.

Halloween is apparently allowed to be displayed now. I am thus allowed to by things. Right?

Lace. Be it scrapbook paper, handkerchiefs or actual lace.

So what’s been inspiring you?

Easy Mason Jar Margaritas

So Hurricane/ Tropical Storm Isaac is supposed to be upon us today in Florida,  the aptly Sunshine State. This past weekend, I tried to get in the most of the sunshine while I could. My friend (of the French picnic theme fame) and I had another picnic but this one was themed Mexican. She made delicious tacos, I was in charge of drinks. So Margaritas seemed like the best idea. However, I had a few constraints: I had about a 30 minute drive to the place so they needed to stay cool and not spill. My solution: Mason Jars and Popsicles! Well it worked! They were delicious!!!!!

Ingredients:
Tequila
Whole Fruit Lime and Strawberry Popsicles


Directions:
1) In a mason jar, pour 1 oz of tequila. Cut one lime and one strawberry popsicle  and place in jar.

2) Shake. Once before you pack and once when at your location!


I hope you enjoy these easy Margaritas for your next outing!

Weekly Wonders: August 22nd, 2012

Summer is almost over, my how the time flies! My summer has been filled with fun trips from New Orleans to Daytona to Shrimp Festivals. But last night, I did a very American thing. I went to a baseball game. Well almost all-American, my mother says it does not count because its inside. Silly Tropicana Field! In their defense, they would have to cancel every other game if not because it rains all the time! Last night, it rained on the way there, while in the game and a few hours later on the way home! Mimi (my grandmother) went with a  traditional hotdog, I had a slice of pizza. I did partake in some peanuts and cotton candy. In my book, everything is good with cotton candy! What have you been up to this week?

Jar Candles

While in Europe, I bought a jam jar to eat with our baguettes. We used it a ton in Paris, but after that, baguettes just weren’t as common.  I smuggled our half eaten jam back to the U.S. and then promptly forgot about it. I have to admit, I tend to forget about things quiet often, I also forgot about a candle I bought and left it in the garage. The lovely Florida summer heat kind of mushed the candle so I couldn’t light it the way it was, who want’s a parallelogram candle.

So what to do when you have a dilapidated candle and a cute jar? Remelt the candle into the jar! To preserve the memory (ha, get the jam of it?).  It was actually quite easy, and didn’t take that much time. I watched a youtube video about doing it, but it involved fancy tools and my hairdryer took forever to melt the littlest bit of wax. So I came up with my own method!

 

My candle was wider than the mouth of the jar, so I used a knife to cut off parts of wax. (The height was taller, but I just decided to let that melt down) After cutting off two sides (and saving the wax), I smashed the candle into the jar ( I tried to keep the wick in the middle, much easier than having to melt it and having to repour).

Then I placed the jar in a pot of water and turned the heat to medium. I melt the wax down while keeping the wick up by using a clip. I dropped in the chopped off wax to completely fill the jar.  Once completely filled, I removed it from heat and let it cool. TA-DA.

P.S.  Plus its now able to travel! I have my own travel candle!

Handy House Tip: Paint Spills

No matter how hard I try, I always manage to spill a bit of paint. I take pains to be careful about it but it always happens. Enter my new favorite friend: All-purpose Cleaner. Simply spray on paper towel, and wipe away paint spill! Works great on woodwork.