Sunday, March 3, 2013

HELLO MARCH AND A DIY PROJECT

I feel like I've been away forever!  I had computer and blog problems, thanks to those of you that emailed me about my blog looking all wonky.  Thankfully it fixed itself, I love when that happens.  My laptop is in the shop as we speak and I am using Abby's when it's available.  So, what have I been up to?  Well, I had a very quiet, cozy and relaxing week.  I did a lot of cooking and baking and fluffing and reading.  I wanted to share some awesome recipes I've been making for dinner, I am in love with one of my old cookbooks and have been making something new every night.  I also made some incredible triple chocolate brownie cookies that are to die for.  I will include all of this is my next post.
 
Friday I had had enough of the great indoors and Emily and I were off on the run.  First stop, Michael's.  With the upcoming shower and wedding, and she and her fiance moving into their new house soon, we had all sorts of projects in mind as we stocked up.  As much as I love monograms when I see them, I only have them on towels and I have been coveting the boxwood covered letters at Ballards.  I'm fresh out of boxwood (except for the tons of it we have at the lakehouse...that's a project for this summer), so I bought some moss and this letter. 
Very simple.  I used spray adhesive and just smashed the moss on it and then trimmed it with nail scissors.  And no, the B is not for Blondie!  It's for my last name.  When I do my spring mantle, I'll show you how it looks.  And that's going to be soon, Charlie the painter is coming on Thursday.  Yay!!
So, Friday night turned into craft night with Emily, my SIL Megan and Emily's bestie, Ashley, who are both in the wedding.  We worked on table numbers and favors for the shower.  As you know, I'm in charge of tables.  We are having Ball jars filled with spring flowers, votive candles, and these little acrylic thingies that look like ice cubes scattered around.  The favors will be homemade cookies in embellished Kraft bags, that's all I can say on that, but I will share pictures after the shower is over.  Emily and I threw together some appetizers;  fresh baked beer bread with an artichoke spread, a Caprese salad with avocado and these little crescent roll sandwiches.  These were very simple, just roast beef, Swiss and provolone cheese, a dab of horseradish if you like and then just roll and bake.  They were absolutely delish!  You can ask your deli for au jus for dipping.  We were up until 1:00 a.m. doing this, dancing to 90's music and trying not to wake up The Husband!  The next morning I felt like I had moss up my nose and in my lungs!
I planned on having a low key Saturday, just chill and read the Sunday newspaper, and then someone came up with the idea to go to the Offtrack Betting Parlor.  Whoo Hoo!  We had a big group and everyone won a little something.  Actually, 3 of the guys split a $10.00 bet on a horse and shared the $300.00 win.  But, typical guys, they bet it all on another race and lost it!  I definitely would have left while I was up.  I'm looking forward to the weather getting warmer and going to the "real" horse races.  The Husband and I try to go a few times every summer but the lakehouse sometimes gets in the way. 
 
Well, that's all I have for today.  I have a busy week ahead, a dermatologist appointment (my rash is getting better, hurray!), a bridal gown fitting for Em and a vet appointment for Layla, who is doing really well!  She chewed her stitches off!  I guess once the swelling went down she had at it.  She still follows me around all day and whimpers a bit but I think she just wants me to pick her up.  Big baby~
 
I have 2 more chapters of that never ending mystery series and then I am moving on to The Silver Linings Playbook, (yes, that was a book before it was a movie) The Good House by Ann Leary, and The Last Letter From Your Lover by Jojo Moyes.  These are all ready and waiting in my Nook library.  I haven't even peeked at the pile on my nightstand from the used bookstore.  As Charlie the painter will be coming later in the week, I have to clear out my living room and kitchen.  I know I mentioned this but I'm procrastinating big time.  I can see the dust blowing around and a lot of convulsive sneezing! 
 
Have a good week! :)

42 comments:

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

I love your project!!! I think I'm going to steal it!

Gee, I hoping you were going to say you won 10K LOL!!! Wouldn't that be nice!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Love the moss covered letter! It sounds like your week was a lovely one.

Sonny G said...

love the sound of those cresent sandwiches..

cant wait to see your spring mantle.

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

Sounds like you have a busy week coming up! I can't wait to see your monogram craft! Those sandwiches sound wonderful too!

Hope you enjoy your week.

Barbara F. said...

Sounds like a fun time, a group of fam/friends, snacks and crafts! You had a productive week. xo

Lynn said...

Sounds like you had a great couple days Jane! Enjoy the wedding planning and I'm glad Layla is doing so well:@)

Terra said...

You are a busy bee, with all the shower and wedding preparations. Those crescent roll sandwiches caught my attention; I want to try those. The horseradish is a good addition.

Beth said...

The crescent sandwiches look so good. I will be looking forward to your recipes.

Brenda Pruitt said...

You sound really busy. I start a book and unless it's really compelling, I may not finish it. Or take forever finishing it. I haven't found a book in a long time that I just didn't want to put down'
Brenda

Debby said...

You are so busy. That's what weddings do. LOts of planning but oh so much fun.
I missed something.....what was wrong with your doggie.
I can't wait to see your room when it is all painted.
Good luck on all the projects.
(((((HUGS))))

Lynne said...

Jane! Your post is just loaded with yumminess and fun! We love roast beef and horseradish!

I LOVE your new handcrafted "B" for your beautiful last name. It will look perfectly lovely on the mantle in your NEWLY PAINTED living room!
How exciting!

You mentioned your rash once again. I think that you also mentioned that it is on your lower legs. I had been battling a rash on my lower legs for three years, only to find that it is a food allergy.

The minute I cheat and eat one of the two allergy culprits, the rash re-appears...and only on my legs! I hope this isn't TMI for you and all that visit you...but it doesn't hurt to share. (I work in an allergy clinic.) The culprits?...pork and rice...don't think that this revelation hasn't been difficult for this bacon loving, pork fried rice loving, barbecue pork loving girl!

It's a good thing that you like to read because I'm written a short story today!

Have a great week!
~Lynne
w/L.

Primitive Stars said...

Afternoon Jane, great idea on the B, looks wonderful.......so do the cares ants, yum yum........You are a busy gal......Take care,Francine.

Theresa said...

Well Girlie, it sounds like you are doing great with the wedding plans! I love weddings and have so much fun at the reception:) Can't wait to see that mossy covered B and your gorgeous mantel! Have a blessed week dear friend, HUGS!

Linda said...

Your 'B' sounds like a good project and I may try it! I have a gift card to Michaels! MAYBE there will be enough left after I buy some oils for craft supplies. I miss crafting!

I love your friendly chat posts! They are my favorite!

Olive said...

The crescent rolls look yummy Jane. I hope you enjoy Silver Linings as much as I did. I bought an enormous stack of books from the Junior League sale yesterday and am already into a couple of them. xoxo, olive

Sonia said...

Love your moss covered "B"...will look great over your mantel. Glad your painter is coming...I'm waiting for mine to get through with a job and then I'm next! My bathroom has been a work in progress! Can't wait to see your room all done! Have a great week...and hugs to little Layla!
Miss Bloomers

Sarah said...

Wish I had one of those rolls right now. I'm hungry! Sounds like your life is busy and full of fun times.

Lori said...

I pinned a monogram craft last night and cannot wait to try it!! You have lots on the go ~ woohoo for Charlie ~ can you send him here when he is done there?? Happy Sunday Janie. xo

Beth said...

Glad Layla is recovering. I will need to be scheduling the spay surg for little Josey in the next few weeks.
I like your monogram project and can't wait to see your mantel decor. The crescent sandwiches look good and the cookies sound decadent! I made Lynn's (Happier than a pig in mud) single serving hot chocolate chip cookies today and they were a hit. They would have been even yummier if I'd had some vanilla ice cream to put on top! Have a good week, Jane!
Hugs and blessings, Beth

Low Tide High Style said...

You have been a busy girl I see. I love the moss letter and I can't wait to see what you have planned for the shower and your newly painted walls too!

Have a wonderful week!

xo Kat

Unknown said...

You've been one busy lady! We came to the lake on Thursday, and I've done nothing since. We've gone out to eat to two really nice places, and are just relaxing big time!! It's cold here for the area and time of year, so we haven't been able to work in the yards. Oh well, rest is good! Excited that you're getting your painting started. Have fun, and a great week!
Kathy

Melanie said...

You have been so busy! It's not fun clearing out rooms for the painter and then putting it all back together, but it's worth it, I promise! It'll look so great when it's done. Can't wait to see pics. And then of your mantle, too. Love how you embellished the "B". I did think the "B" was for Blondie until I read that it was for your last name. :-)

Evi said...

it looks like are having lots of fun getting ready for the big event. Thinking about what you said about the old cookbook. I have one that is older, and my absolute favorite. I prefer them over many high fandangled newer ones.
Looking forward to your spring mantle.
And you are lucky to have the painter coming. I am painting the bathroom today, that is being remodeled. Hate doing the ceiling....
Have a wonderful week,
hugs,
Evi

Daniella said...

WOW Jane! You sure have been busy!! I love where your "B" is going and can't wait to see the spring mantle!! How exciting!! A wedding! Sounds like you had a great time getting things together. I can't wait to see it after the shower!!
xxDaniella

April said...

I'm going to have to try making one of those letters...what a clever idea! So glad to hear that things in your world have been plugging right along. Happy Monday, Janie!

Shabby Brocante, Karen said...

I love how you are taking in the wedding and really enjoying all the preparations!! The crescent sandwiches look and sound delicious! I am sure your moss letter will turn out really well! I make and sell them in my Etsy shop!! My garage is covered in moss.
Karen

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

I love your B project Janie!
Cute, cute, cute!
I love hearing about the upcoming wedding and all the plans.
And I am trying to mentally taste those brownies in my head.
Hugs girlfriend!
Hey we got more snow coming and I think you do too.
Cindy

SmilingSally said...

Hi Jane,

You are the busiest lady I know! My daughter-in-law made letters with moss for the tables of my granddaughter's wedding. They went over well.

Have a good week. Eat a cookie for me, and stay warm!

Sally

Mary said...

What a busy weekend Jane - and so many pretty and delicious things going on at your house!

Glad Layla is doing better.

I like that your text is no longer underlined, that made it hard to read when one's eyes are old, like mine! I thought it was something you perhaps wanted, but now I'm thinking it was something wrong! Right?

Love you - Mary

P.S. My painter Bruce arrived this morning, cheerful and ready to work. What a mess in that bathroom - thank goodness he's doing it and not me! I left and went shopping for faucets, towel bars, lighting etc. When I returned Bob had made Bruce Progresso soup for lunch - what a laugh. Now I'm making real from scratch soup for tomorrow.

Unknown said...

I love this project! Lovely blog :)

Susan Shull said...

Sounds like you had a great week and are in the midst of having another! Good for you! Let us know what you think about the books. I am reading one by Jen Lancaster now, but it isn't really very good. So, why am I finishing it? Good question!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane! Oh, I sure do sympathize with you about the puter problems. My laptop bit the dust! But hubby bought me another one! Yay!
Sounds like you've had a great week and I wish I lived close because I would be your new recipe taster! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Maria Elena said...

Jane, I am glad you were able to enjoy a couple of quite days. Good to hear Layla is feeling better. Enjoy the rest of your week!

An Oasis in the Desert said...

Can't wait to see the moss-covered letter! I adore that look, but gosh that moss stuff is messy. I end up with moss-covered hands -- well, that would be gloved hands. I go through those disposable gloves like no body's business -- I glove up for everything....lol!

Sue said...

Triple Chocolate Brownie Cookies...I can almost smell them from here! I love the idea of your project...I can't wait to see how you place it in the house. I think I mentioned that we were only supposed to get rain today...well, so much for the weather guy...it is snowing hard, no visibility and the ground is covered. I know it is much worse up there, but I keep thinking about the 80 degree days we had last March!

Ricki Treleaven said...

Something happened to my comment.....(I think)
Looking forward to seeing your moss letter and your mantel! And the crescent roll sandwiches sound so yummy. Dancing to nineties music makes me smile, and I want to know if you liked reading Silver Linings Playbook! :D

xo,
RJ

vindiebaby said...

Sounds like a very good project, seems like you are going to have a busy week ahead :) entertaining blog


www.vindiebaby.com
Vintage Inspired Fashion by Independent Designers for Your Little darling

Karen said...

You are busy, creating a wedding is a lot of work, but it seems you still find time for fun. Moss covered letters always look so nice, but working with moss is messy and the moss has a very earthy scent LOL.

Sherry @ Thrift My House said...

We don't have a Ballards. I love that moss covered letter. Looking forward to seeing your mantel. I'll check back to get those recipes! They sound wonderful :)

Ramblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda G said...

Oh how craft you are Jane. I love it. It's a messy job but so cute when finished. HappY sPring!~

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Jane I love your moss cover letter! Those crescent rolls look scrumptious!!

Designing Domesticity said...

I love the look of those moss covered letters. I'll be interested to see how it holds up. Thanks for sharing, liz