Nursery Make-Over Part 1

I've decided to make my nursery more exciting by adding more color! Currently it is green, yellow and brown. There's nothing I can do about the white walls (renting), so I need more color accents. I decided on the colors green, blue, and orange.. then I came across this great picture atapunchofcolor blog. I'm definitely a big fan of the color combination.

Paper Flower Craft

I learned how to make torn paper flowers at littlebirdiesecrets.com. I used them on some of my Valentine's cards, scrapbooking pages, even framed home decor - super cute. I've pretty much been putting them everywhere since I learned how. My family is now surrounded by them. They are the easiest embellishment to make!

How to:

Basically, you cut out 3-4 different sizes of paper circles.

Crumple them up into little balls (antique-ink the edges if you want)

Flatten them out again and stick a brad/eyelet through the center.

Done! I added little rhinestones onto the leaves of the stem on this one.

Helpful hint - baking with raisins

Did you know???

I just discovered something amazing. If you are planning on baking anything in the near future with raisins in it-- make sure you soak the raisins in water first! It makes them plump and juicy! Forgive me if that is already common knowledge -- I just made oatmeal raisin cookies, with pre-soaked, delicious raisins. It makes all the difference.

photo:http://www.flickr.com/photos/minebilder/99278539/in/set-693986/

Boy Nursery

I can always find greatest ideas for little girl nurseries.. not helpful when you have a boy! I think these art pieces found here would make perfect boy nursery decor.

I'm going to try my hand at it.. stay tuned for the results :)

'Owl' Love You Forever

Our good friends Amy and Toby's owl-themed wedding reception was one of the most unique I've seen. They were married last May, only a week or so before I was due. I was humongous, but luckily everyone was paying more attention to the decor than the plump guest.

It was gorgeous. In love with the turquoise, orange and yellow color combination. Amy says that she has a plethora of Owls in her home decor, now. If any of you know her, don't purchase her any more owls :) She is at maximum capacity.

Here are some of my favorite pics from their reception:

Photos by Jason McGrew

Crocheted Hand Warmers

January and February are my least favorite months of the year. I feel like they are so long and cold... especially this year, since I'm staying home with a baby with no vehicle to escape (not from the baby, with the baby). So, in order to keep my sanity, I developed some new skills. If you know how to knit or crochet (or even if you don't, You Tube is a great teacher), you have to visit the Creative Yarn blog. That's where I learned how to make these lovelies. They really do keep my hands warmer, and they dress up a mug of hot chocolate or cider really well!

Sugar Cookie Delight

Deliciousness is:

I found this great recipe here, but made a couple changes:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream (fat free was okay to use)
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Frosting, sprinkles, colored sugar, decorations

Beat together butter and sugar. Add sour cream, eggs, and vanilla; beat well. Stir in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate at least one hour.

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F

Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Dip cookie cutters in flour then cut dough into desired shapes. Place cookies 1-inch apart on un-greased cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes (cookie will be a very light tan on bottom - tops will still be pale). Remove to wire cooling rack. Frost when cooled.

Butter Cream Icing:

• 2/3 cup butter, room temperature (I used Country Crock light margarine and it worked pretty good)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
• 2 tablespoons cream or milk
• gel or paste food coloring

Beat together, adding more milk or powdered sugar to desired consistency.