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Home Project – Wall Decor, Creating Balance

I guess it’s pretty common for homeowners to make improvements in their homes in spring and summer.  The weather is perfect for it, and we have lots of daylight in which to work.  As I mentioned last Friday, like many others, I’ve done several projects in my home, and this week I thought I’d share one with you each day.  We’ll start with a simple one – a wall hanging.

This spring I showed you a little arrangement that I was working on in my living room.  I used a very inexpensive frame found at Goodwill, and changed it to make a whole new look.  You can find that post here.  When I posted it, it wasn’t quite complete, and I promised that when I finished it I would show you what I had done.  So today I’m going to give you a peek at the completion of that project.

Here was the unfinished grouping I hung next to the fireplace –

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Because of what was on the other side of the fireplace wall, I needed another something to balance it out, but I didn’t know what!  Then I came across this wreath tucked away and knew it was perfect!

 

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It gave just the right amount to balance out the large picture on the opposite wall, plus it added a little softness to the harsh lines of the wooden frame and Scripture verse.

I must have tried a half a dozen different items before I landed on that wreath, but when I held it up there, I knew immediately that I liked it!  Sometimes you just have to keep trying different items – pictures, mirrors, shelves, clock or wreath before you find what is perfect for a space.  But you’ll know it when you find it!

Tomorrow I’ll show you the whole wall, and another bigger project that was recently completed!

Do you have a project you’re working on at home, or is there one you need to tackle?  Why not put it on your list and whittle away at it before summer is over?

Refresh your space,

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Cooking · Home decor

Favorite Things

Julie Andrew likes raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens – I like home decor and utensils that make life easier! Today I thought I’d share two things that I purchased quite some time ago, that have become some of my favorite things!

The first is my artificial Boxwood Wreath.

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I love it because it can be hung at any season.  After Christmas it seems hard to know what to hang on the front door – it’s too early for Valentine’s decor or spring-y wreaths, so what to do?  The boxwood is perfect.  I embellished mine with a chevron bow and our monogram for my winter door.

I’ve also used this wreath inside and it looks great, adding just a little touch of green and life in the house.

I found this one at Tuesday Mornings a couple years ago and I paid $20 for it, which is a great price.  Even if you have to pay more, it’s really a super investment!

Another favorite item that’s a kitchen tool is the Pampered Chef Micro Cooker.  It is obviously used in the microwave, and it’s great at warming and cooking things!  I melt butter in mine when I’m baking and the lid keeps it from splattering all over the microwave.  It’s also great for heating up soups or leftovers.

But one really great use for this cooker is browning hamburger.

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Put the hamburger in the cooker and break it up with a spoon.  Cook for a minute.  Stir and break up the meat.  Keep doing this at one minute intervals until the meat is cooked.  It only takes about 5 minutes for a pound of hamburger!  Then you simply pour the fat off through the strainer/lid!

I love to use this method to brown meat and have it in the freezer to use for future meals like tacos, pizza toppings or quesadillas.

I hope you’ve been inspired to purchase a boxwood wreath or a Pampered chef cooker!  I don’t think you’ll be sorry!

What item have you purchased that has become a favorite thing?

Stay refreshed,

Uncategorized

Freshen Up Friday

During this week of all our wintry weather, I got an email from a store in our area ~ Gracious Designs. They were inviting customers to their store so they might turn their home and thoughts from winter to spring.  My thoughts are definitely there!  How about yours?

I guess it’s no surprise that we’re all anxious for some sunshine, warm temperatures, and flowers!

Even my chalkboard and mantle have spring fever!
I drew this the day before we got six more inches of snow!

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As I suggested earlier this week, we can still think about spring, even if it will be a while before it arrives!  I went to my Pinterest board for a little inspiritation for the inside of my house.  I am hoping to make this adorable wreath for my Apricot-colored front door…

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 How cute is that?!

I’m also planning on doing this little craft from Better Homes and Gardens…

Use paint chips to create cute Easter art! See more Easter crafts that are perfect for kids: http://www.bhg.com/holidays/easter/crafts/easter-crafts-for-all-ages/?socsrc=bhgpin022313paintchipeggs=2

You use paint strips from the hardware store to make the eggs.  I’ll be shopping for paint for my dining room, so I’ll use the colors I find for it, then it will also blend into the room’s decor!  Ahhh, I can’t wait!

So along with my longing for spring, my shopping list is also growing.  But when spring arrives, I’ll have several adorable projects under my belt!

What projects are you working on while you’re waiting for spring to arrive?

Stay refreshed!  The best way to do that is to attend a Bible-preaching church on Sunday!

With prayers for a wonderful weekend,

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