Nha-Khanh via Real Simple Magazine March 2012, Remodelista.com, Bardot Gallery, Pinterest

I’ve been spending my evenings at the apartment handling some much needed spring cleaning.  Yes I know it is not spring yet, but the weather has been unseasonably warm and the sun is staying with us a bit longer during the day.  This has me waking up to bright rays that flood into my living room, bathroom, kitchen and bedroom.  Oh the joys of living on the southeast facing corner of my building.

I’ve been riding myself of clutter, old paper work (easy to do when you are trying to find your tax papers from last year), and even went so far as to reorganize my craft closet.  Beads are arranged by season and color. Adhesives are stuck in the same box.  Feathers are flocking together… okay that was two lame puns in a row.  I apologize.

All in all, this new found sense of clean has me feeling light and airy.  And I like it.  So I’ve collected the photos above to express just exactly how I’m feeling.  What do you do to cleanse your soul and mind?

There is a fun and easy How To Tuesday up at Libby Story!
Check it out :)

You know that fun saying ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’? Well in the crafting world it couldn’t be more true!  Things that you would generally just recycle can now become a part of your hoarding crafting collection.  Here are some things to keep and different ways to use them!

Oatmeal container: Containers of any size can be a crafters best friend.  And since these guys come with their own lids they are even more valuable.  Just wrap with colorful paper and a label for general storage.  Decorate and use it to hold all of your headbands.  Create a vase out of it. OR insert your favorite ribbon/twine/yarn, punch a hold through the lid and you have a useful string dispenser.  You could also fill it with homemade oatmeal cookies and gift it to a friend.

Parmesan container:  This is a great container for those little sequins that you want to keep together.  Just a few shakes and you have the specific amount you want to work with.  You can also store crayons/small pencils/markers/glue sticks in them!

Egg Carton: These aren’t just for easter egg coloring.  Use as a seed starter for your spring plants.  Or situate some mini muffins inside for easy transport like here

Packing Paper: Save packing paper to wrap presents, create a garment pattern or make leaves for those fall projects.  My favorite idea, and the inspiration for this post, can be seen on Design*Sponge.  A basket made of packing paper.  Brilliant!

What are some of the things you keep as a crafter??

Music is big part of my life and every Monday needs a little tune.
Welcome to Music Monday.

This song goes into my hope chest for that one special day.  Beautiful.

Enjoy the evening.

Homemade Ranch Seasoning, Cutting Board, Italian Water Bottle

I’ve always been one to keep things on hand. I learned this from my sister. Every time I would visit her in Colorado she would whip up some fabulous appetizer or table scape for visiting friends that shuffled in and out of her mountain home. And when I say “whip up” I really mean, how did you transform your space into an event space in no time at all!?

People feel entertaining needs to be elaborate and over produced.  But truthfully it can be done in little time, just as long as you have a few key items on hand….

Italian Water Bottles can be used to display mineral and sparkling water for the masses in a euro chic way.  Shake in your favorite crystal light packet and a few fresh berries for a look that is just as original as the hostess!
The mason jar is a staple in my home.  I pop in tea lights to set the room a glow or use them to hold utensils, straws or skinny veggies.  They just add a certain charm to the table.  You could also use them as drinking glasses!
Never underestimate a wood cutting board.  With a few cheeses, nuts and grapes, it can become an elaborate cheese board.  Or use it to server up an open-faced sandwich bites.  It’s much more creative than a regular pan or plate.
Speaking up plates.  Be sure to mix it up a bit.  I don’t have one plate that is the same in my collection. My large dinner plates are so shade or brown/yellow and my side plates are a pretty shade of blue. It helps to keep the table fresh and unpredictable at all times!

Of course it isn’t just about the table scape. The food is what really matters.  Here is a list of items I always have on had:

FF Sour Cream
Edamame
Phylo Dough
Garbanzo Beans
Olive Oil
Ranch Seasoning
Salsa
Sriracha

Having those ingredients readily available allows me to create hummus and ranch dip….  which means if I have a few moments before people come over, I can run to the store for brie, tortilla chips, fresh veggies, french baguette (have them slice it at the store to save you time) and apples.  This will create the following menu:

Crudites with Ranch and Hummus
Tortilla Chips with Salsa (be sure to throw the salsa into an eclectic bowl before serving)
Spicy Edamame
Baked Brie with apple slices and french bread

It’s simple, but it’s a start!  How do you like to save time and energy when throwing an impromptu gathering?

This Dress. That Coaster

There is a new How To Tuesday on Libby Story.  Get over there and check it out!!

Happy Valentines Day, my sweets!

(Image via Lovely Indeed)

This weekend was probably the most relaxed I’ve had in a little while. I tucked the to do lists aside and settled in for some quality time with friends.  Friday night, Sarah and Candice stopped over for dinner.  The menu was simple; pizza and salad.  But since carbs are out of the question still in my meal plan, I used a recipe from the doctors website to make cauliflower crust pizza.  So simple to do and seriously tasty!  We topped it with green peppers, onions, mushrooms and italian style turkey crumbles AND enjoyed every bite!

Saturday I managed to drive through a snow storm to Berea for a bead show.  I’m loving the Neon trend for Spring/Summer 2012 and was ecstatic when I found these beads.  They are perfect for simple gum drop necklaces for S&W.  But I needed to move forward with relaxation, so after the show I packed up my things and headed to dog/house sit with the puppies at the Taseff household.  We lounged, watched way too many sappy movies (including 27 Dress… whoa is that a tear jerker) and played in the snow a bit.

Later that evening, I met up with my friend Matt for Saturday adventures.  I had my first beer(s) in over 30 days which was joined by bowling, new friends and new local hangouts. And of course, plenty of Whitney Houston on the jukebox.

Sunday was a day of more puppy time as well as a few movies including Drive.  The soundtrack was featured on Music Monday earlier today.  Be sure to check it out; I’m still in awe with the cinematography and the drivers sweet scorpion jacket.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend! Do anything fun?

Music is big part of my life and every Monday needs a little tune.
Welcome to Music Monday.

Ryan Gosling
Carey Mulligan
Killer Soundtrack
Glam Jacket

The movie DRIVE is a must see.

Happy Monday xx