~carnation cottage~

If you follow me on instagram, you know the story.

If not, I'll fill you in in a nutshell.

My recently single sister just bought her first home on her own.

I am so proud of her.

It's tiny, around 1000 square feet, but perfect for her and her 2 young kids. 

It's a 1920's farmhouse with a huge yard and amazing view. 

2 days after she got the keys she left for a vacation for Mexico. The day after she returned she would be starting back up to work.

{she teaches 2nd grade}

So, as a housewarming gift, and surprise, my mom and I got the keys and went in while she was on vacation, painted the whole place, and decorated it.

There is still more to do, but here is what we got done in the week she was away.

{before pictures coming soon!}

The kids share a room for now. 

We bought the bedding at Ikea.

Everything else was gifted to her.

For her sons night table I covered a thrift store bench in cream grain sack and painted the legs white. 

I filled a old crate with toys.

I like that the bedding matches in pattern, but not in color.

The dining room features this great canvas that I found at a local craft store marked down from $174 to $30!!! It's huge and I couldn't leave without it. It may be my favorite thing.

A old milk crate holds glasses and bottles of water.

A friend gave me this giant frame and all it needed was a little spray paint.

I left it blank so she can decorate it however she likes.

The dresser came from my house and will serve as much needed storage.

My mom and I searched everywhere for a round table and I happen to stumble across this one at the last minute. I had to re-read the price tag several times before I realized that yes, it said $14.99!

I got a bunch of mix matched vintage {but sturdy} chairs at M and M antiques in Monroe Wa, a must see store if you live in the area.

I painted the dining room Fieldstone by Ben Moore.

I set the table with white ironstone and flowers from the farmers market.

The ironstone was a thrift shop find as well.

I still can't get over that the whole set up only cost a little over $125.00!

Her backyard has fruit trees galore, so as a nod to her being a teacher, I picked some branches off one of the apple trees and decorated with books.

The living room was painted the custom grey green I used in my kitchen on the island and pantry doors.

I made the life is good sign and the frames.

My mom scored the giant bench at a thrift store and it holds the kids toys.

My dad even got involved.

He came over and mowed her lawn and brought his old picnic table and umbrella for her.

Her backyard is the best.

It's like a football field and at the end there is flower fields for miles and behind that a walking trail.

I saw deer grazing and the neighbors chickens would come visit me everyday.

So peaceful and beautiful.

As more progress is made I will be updating you.

We were able to be there when she came home from vacation to see her reaction. 

She loved it and we were so happy to be able to do this for her.

xoxo

~DIY bullseye bookends~{thrifty thursday}

I have to admit that I cheated on this project. 

I did not make these, however I would like too.

I actually purchased these bookends just like this, wanting to recreate them, but am having the hardest time finding a product to use to make them stand up.

I am not sure what type of thin metal was used here. 

Maybe you can tell me?

Do I have you thinking? 

xoxo

~a tiny succulent garden~

I just bought this little basket at a garage sale and thought it would be perfect planted with succulents for fall.

Yep, I am slowly starting to break out the fall decor.

xoxo

~make a sign from a memorable kids letter~

My kids are getting older.

They are almost 12 and 16.

But over the years I have saved thousands of pieces of artwork, little letters, and I've written down funny little things they have said.

I went through Savannah's box up in the attic with her the other day and we were laughing at all the funny little things she said when she was little. 

I decided I would like to showcase one of her little letters to me by painting it on a sign.

You can do this with not only kids letters, but love letters, or letters that loved ones who have passed on had written to you.

It's a great way to showcase these special mementos.

I cannot wait to find one of Cody's sweet pieces and create art with it too.

Start with your letter.

Enlarge it to fit the size of wood you are painting on.

{I used a 16" x 16" piece of  MDF}

I enlarged it on my home printer so I had to piece it together.

Flip it over and scribble pencil all over the back side of the lettering.

Position it on your painted piece of MDF and tape down in place.

{I used Annie Sloan Old White}

I got Savannah to trace over the outline of the letters.

It was strange seeing her 15 year old hands tracing over her 7 year old handwriting. 

Once you have traced everything, remove and recycle the paper.

You will be left with the outline where the pencil has transferred.

Fill in the lettering with black craft paint and a small skinny artist brush.

When dry, distress the whole piece with sandpaper, and then go over it with clear wax.

{I use Annie Sloan wax, but you can use any clear minwax from the home improvement store}

Now you need to make a frame.

My MDF was 16" x 16" so I cut 4 pieces of 1x2's at 16" 

{inside measurement}

on 45 degree angles, and nailed together with a nail gun 

supported by pieces of 1x2's in each corner.

If you don't have a nail gun you can use wood glue and clamp it together until it is dry.

Use a few finish nails to ensure stability.

I wiped on a little gray stain and let that dry.

Now all you have to do is pop in the wood to the frame and display!

I hope I have inspired you to dig through those boxes and create some memorable art for your home!

xoxo

~the best chocolate chip zucchini bread recipe~

It's that time of year when zucchini is in abundance.

I am always making zucchini bread and looking for new ways to cook with it.

Ingredients

Dry ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 T. cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet ingredients:

• 2 eggs, room temp.
• 1/3 cups vegetable oil
• 3/4 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 1/3 cup buttermilk 
• 1 cup organic turbinado sugar 
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 1/2 cups finely grated zucchini
• 4 oz dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Oil a 9x4 inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.

1. In a bowl, sift together dry ingredients and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat eggs until foamy; beat in applesauce, buttermilk, oil, sugar, and vanilla. Combine well. Stir in grated zucchini and chocolate chips.
3. Fold flour mixture into the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
4. Spoon batter into pan. Bake for approximately 50 minutes.
5. Remove from oven and cool 10 minutes in the pan. Loosen the sides and remove from pan. Cool loaf completely before cutting.

xoxo

~winnners announced~

Thanks to all who participated in the Luvsome dog food giveaway.

For a recap, these winners will win a Luvsome switch kit, coupons for free dog food, and a $50.00 Kroger gift card to spend anyway they like!

The first winner is Pam Ballard.

You can visit her on her blog here.

The second winner is Patricia Goins, and you can visit her on her blog here!

Thanks again, and happy Friday!

xoxo

~I've got fall on my mind~{hot apple cider recipe}

I am laid up with a sprained ankle so forgive me for not posting

 a thrifty Thursday project today!

I have fall on my mind though and thought I'd share with you again my favorite hot apple cider recipe.

This is truly the best!

Come back tomorrow to find out the 2 winners of the Kroger gift cards brought to you by Luvsome!

If you haven't entered, you can do so here!

xoxo

~good reads~

3 new books I just got and love:

Style and Simplicity, found here.

Mason Jar Salads, found here:

And, The Nesting Place, found here

The best news is that they are all under $15.00!

xoxo

~caprese quinoa salad~

This is a light salad that is perfect for any sunny day!

Recipe adapted from here.

Mix all together and serve chilled!

~enjoy~

xoxo

~giveaway day!~

My 2 fur babies, Harley and Oakley.

I was contacted recently by LUVSOME to try out their new dog food.

I was hesitant at first because it's never a good idea to switch over your pets food suddenly.

However, they have a "switch kit" which teaches you how to safely switch your pets food over. 

Both my dogs loved the new food, especially the wet kind. 

If you would like to try Luvsome, please read below.

Comment on this post to be entered to win:

~A luvsome switch kit

~A coupon for FREE luvsome dog food

~and a $50 gift card for Kroger

Friday I will be picking 2 winners.

Make sure you leave your email address so I can contact you if you are the winner!

xoxo

~the difference a year can make~{our kitchen}

I was going through some old photos of our house this time last year.

I came across these ones of our kitchen and I am cringing.

The funny thing is, I thought it looked so good!

The photos on the left are from September 2013 and the ones on the right are current.

I have had a lot of questions about how the marble is holding up and if I still like it.

Yes!

I have not had any issues with it~love, love, love it.

Makes me want to go re-do another room.

xoxo