DIY Chalkboard

Hi there!  We're so glad you stopped by!   I wanted to share something I made, and possibly give you a gift idea for any upcoming bridal showers, engagement parties, or any other miscellaneous events that people may be counting down to (babies, birthdays, vacations, Holidays, Etc...)  Kelly is usually the creative genius when it comes to crafts, but I had to create a gift on a budget that I wanted to share for anyone else who may need some inspiration for something quick and affordable.   A countdown chalkboard!  

I took step-by-step photos as I was making it, but the photos have since become inaccessible.  I'm sorry!    I bought the chalkboard at a local craft store, as well as the large burlap flower.  I used my cricut machine to cut out the letters.  If you do not own a cricut, you can buy precut letters in the scrapbook section of any craft store.  Instead of buying the expensive cricut vinyl, I buy contact paper at the dollar store.  After the recipients are married, they can easily peel the "I DO" off of the chalkboard and use it for other events.  The pink frame is actually a small chalkboard that I glued to the larger chalkboard.   The supplies cost approximately $10, and it took less than 20 minutes to make. Perfect for busy moms!

New Look For Old Lawn Chairs

Hi there!  We are so glad you stopped by. Today I wanted to share what I did with some old, beat up, ready for the garbage, lawn chairs. I've had these chairs for years.  They have served their purpose quite nicely in our backyard.  When I bought new chairs, I put these 2 chairs away knowing that they could be used at our cabin. A few weeks ago, I packed up some supplies to re-do them and off I went. Here is what they look like now.........

Here is the horrible before picture

I believe they were green when I first bought them.   I painted them brown and when I grew tired of that, I painted them tan.

Here is all you need for this project. Rust-Oleum spray paint, 4 cans. 2 for each chair (I used the color Lagoon) Plaid white enamel craft paint A round sponge (I used a Martha Stewart sponge I already had) A through away pie pan (which I use and re-use, so it's not really a throw away pan)

I gave the chairs 2 coats of spray paint, letting them dry in between coats. Next, I sponged on white circles. I didn't want to have your typical chairs. I wanted them to have a little bling, shall we say. That's it.  Super easy and super cheap!

Lastly, sit down and enjoy the view. Don't throw away those old chairs, dress them up and give them a new life.  Thank you so much for stopping by. It means the world to us! Happy painting!

Taco Salad

Hi there!  We're so glad you stopped by!  Here in Minnesota we have had a very long, very frigid winter!  We had to endure over 50 days of negative temps.  I think I am speaking for all of my fellow Minnesotans when I say we're ready for spring!    I started college full-time for Paralegal Studies, so I apologize for my lack of posts!  School has been taking up a lot of my time.  I have not been able to spend as much time planning and preparing large meals for my family.  We've been eating a lot of slow cooker meals, and dinners that takes less than 20 minutes to prepare.  The recipe I am going to share with you tonight is one that is quick, easy, and you probably have all of the ingredients in your pantry!  My siblings are probably so sick of this recipe because I requested to have it for dinner every week while growing up.    TACO SALAD  

  What you'll need:  1 lb. ground beef 1 package taco seasoning 1 14.5oz can of diced tomatoes with green chilies 1 4oz can sliced or crushed black olives 1 bag of Doritos 1 8oz package Mexican blend cheese, shredded Head of lettuce, chopped 1/3 C. water While browning the ground beef (with the taco seasoning), I gently hit the bag of Doritos on the kitchen counter a few times to break the chips into smaller pieces.  Don't overdo it, you don't want the chips to be tiny.     Empty the bag into a large pot with the black olives, cheese, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and pour the water over the ingredients.  Cook on low, stirring occasionally.    

  Once the ground beef is cooked through, add it to the pot, increase the heat to medium, and stir, stir, stir.   

  You only need to cook it on medium for a few minutes.  You want the chips to be soft, but not soggy.   You can also try it with corn and black beans.  Top it with sour cream, taco sauce, salsa, or any other taco fixings you prefer.   Enjoy!