Pinspiration! Living Room Mantel Redesign

I'm an avid Pinterest fan...okay, that's an understatement. This is how I really feel about Pinterest.

....or endless hours of college football.

I digress.  Since taking down all of the Christmas decorations, I've just felt like my living room mantel looked....well, naked. Perhaps I feel that way because I'd gotten used to the grandiose of Christmas decorations sprayed all over the room, but it just felt like something was lacking. Unfortunately, I 'm terrible about taking before pictures...but picture an empty mantel with a black mirror on it. That was it! You're not missing much.

I came upon this little ditty on Pinterest, and I thought...now THERE is something I can recreate! Here is the original pin from camilleroskelly.com.

I had everything. I changed a few things here and there...but here is my finished product! What do you think?

Easy to Recreate: Leopard Print Wreath

Until earlier this week, I had a Nebraska Cornhuskers Welcome sign on my front door. I had let the madness go on long enough! (My hubby is a die-hard Cornhuskers fan. I, myself, pure Longhorn to the bone. It was a compromise to say the least.)

Anyway, I needed something new! It's not football season, so I wanted to do something a little funky and bright for Spring. I found some great leopard print ribbon in the clearance bin at Hobby Lobby, along with some bright orange flowers in the floral department. All you need for this project is a foam wreath, ribbon, flowers of your choice and a hot glue gun. I wrapped the ribbon around the wreath, using hot glue sparingly as I wrapped it. I secured the end on the backside of the wreath with a couple of pins, although more hot glue would work just fine. Then I glued the flowers to the front. Voila! Easy as pie, and a very cute front door accessory!

For those of you that aren't crafty, you can purchase one here. :-)

Customized Word Art

I have a new obsession! I know you've those great pieces of subway art and word art in the stores. They are all over the place and they are just too cute! I've gone back and forth about buying anything like that because I kept thinking, "I can do this!" Well, as it turns out I CAN. It takes a little patience, and you have to be a font extraordinaire such as myself. I've put together a few samples.

These are just examples that have been personalized for a kid's room. This is such a cute idea for an anniversary gift, or even a wedding gift. I'm having these printed on canvas, and a couple I've printed for framing.

 *****GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!********

All you have to do is comment on this post, and I will draw from the list of commentators on April 30, 2012 and that person will get an 8x8 canvas customized for them! Share with your friends!

DIY Mercury Glass Project

I'm completely in love with the Mercury glass lamps from Pottery Barn. With a hefty price tag of $199 for the small one, it's safe to say they will not be coming to live at my house.

Aren't they absolutely gorgeous? Anyway, I'm sure you've seen the DIY Mercury Glass tutorials floating around the internet. There are a ton of them, and most of them involve Krylon Looking Glass spray paint and a spray bottle filled with water. I don't even remember my exact source for my technique. This is probably because I used so many sources!

My friend and I were scouring the thrift stores the other day (my favorite thing to do!), and I stumbled across this great pair of white lamps for $7.00 each. You just can't beat that! My original plan was to have these as bedroom lamps. Unfortunately, one of them rolled right out of the back of my car and smashed to pieces! Oh well. I found a new spot for the lone survivor on top of that little table I blogged about a couple of weeks ago. Makes a perfect little reading nook in our living room.

I will say this, I couldn't find the exact Krylon Looking Glass spray paint at Lowes. I'm not exactly a patient person, or one willing to go from store to store to find the exact brand or a particular item. (This is why I do not coupon.) I settled for Valspar Brilliant Metal in Silver. Certainly it couldn't be that big of a difference, right? Well, I think it probably made all the difference to be honest. Not I didn't love the finished product. It looks nothing like mercury glass, but I'm still pleased with the funky look!

All I did to complete this project is clean the lamp very well, sprayed it heavily with water, and sprayed one good coat of the Brilliant Metal spray paint over it and let dry. I think there is more I can do to make it look like mercury glass, but at the moment I'm debating if I want to do that or if I like it just the way it is. Seventh House on the Left describes a technique with a little sanding and black and gold acrylic paint to make it look even better. I'm tempted to go there, but we'll see. I added a shade that was on the clearance rack at Lowes because a piece in the back had unraveled. That's what hot glue is for! I got a $19 shade for $6. Go me!! It's still not the burlap shade I wanted, but I just haven't found that yet. I will find another home for this awesome shade once I do.

Please comment and let me know what you think, or if you have tried to do Mercury Glass at home! I'm dying to know what other techniques people have tried and found success with!

New Miracle...Unrefined Organic Coconut Oil

The older I get, the more I realize the importance of hydration and staying moisturized. The more water you drink, the better your entire body functions. Seriously, drink 64oz of water daily for one week and you can't tell me you don't see major differences in your appearance, cognition, energy and overall health!

I also realize that there are so many products and moisturizers that have so many byproducts and chemicals in them. Not to mention the cost! I've been dabbling with DIY lotions and moisturizers, and I was swearing on flax seed oil for a while...UNTIL....Coconut oil came into my life. :)

First of all, flax seed oil is great, and I can go on about the benefits all day long. There was one problem, though. It STINKS. I would soak my hair in it, and the towel I would use would reek for several washes. If I washed it with other clothes, forget it! I still have clothes in my closet that have that weird, earthy smell on it. 

I've found the perfect alternative. Coconut oil. Seriously folks, it smells like the yummy Girl Scout cookies. Samosas, I think? You can use it anywhere, on anything, anytime and it's almost a guarantee that whatever you use it on will be better! Keep in mind, use the unrefined, organic coconut oil. You can get a huge vat of it for about $9 at any health food store or HEB. I've been using it on my hair, both for soaking in it overnight and as a leave in conditioner for the ends. My cuticles and nails have never looked better, and my skin is starting to look radiant! I'm not kidding, it is great for your entire body, inside and out.

A friend of mine recently shared an article from Hybrid Rasta Mama about the many uses of coconut oil. Check out all of these amazing uses!

80 Uses for Coconut Oil

I HAVE UPDATED THIS POST AS OF 01/06/2012. PLEASE SEE 160 USES FOR COCONUT OIL FOR MUCH MORE INFORMATION!

So what's the deal with coconut oil?

Offering a myriad of health benefits, coconut oil is affordable, readily available and completely natural. I have completely fallen in love with coconut oil and use it for EVERYTHING. Literally. I buy it in 5 gallon increments and keep it all over my house. I even have some in the car. So here is a little information to inspire you to check out this amazing oil including 80 uses for it!

General information about Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil Is:

·       Anti-inflammatory
·       Antimicrobial
·       Antifungal
·       Antiviral
·       Improves nutrient absorption

Daily Dosage:

Here is a chart outlining the recommended daily dosage of virgin coconut oil for persons over the age of 12. Coconut oil may be consumed by children under 12 but it is advisable to check with a healthcare practitioner on the proper dosage. Any good naturopath will have the information at the ready.
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Weight in pounds/kilograms	Number of tablespoons of coconut oil daily
175+/79+	4
150+ /68+	3 1/2
125+ / 57+	3
100+/ 45+	2 1/2
75+ / 34+	2
50+ / 23+	1 1/2
25+ / 11+	1

Type to use:

·       Expeller pressed coconut oil can be used for anything. It does not have a coconutty smell of taste.
·       Virgin coconut oil tastes coconutty and is great for cooking and baking where you want that flavor.
·       Food grade should always be used.

80 Uses for Coconut Oil

Personal Hygiene/Body

1.       Moisturizer – simply scoop some out of the jar and apply all over your body, including neck and face.
2.       Eye cream – apply under the eyes to reduce puffiness, bags, and wrinkles. Use on the lids in the evening.
3.       Preshave – coconut oil will prep skin for the pending damage caused by shaving.
4.       Aftershave – coconut oil will help heal your skin after shaving without clogging pores.
5.       Deodorant – coconut oil alone can be used as a deodorant, but even more effective in combination with cornstarch/arrowroot powder and baking soda!
6.       Hair Conditioner/Deep Treatment - use as a leave in hair conditioner by applying a teaspoon of coconut oil to your ends and then running your fingers through your hair to distribute the rest! For a deeper treatment, rub in a tablespoon of coconut oil onto your dry scalp and gently work through to the ends. Put a shower cap on to prevent transfer onto bed linens and leave on overnight.
7.       Hair Gel/Defrizzer – rub a little between your palms and either scrunch into hair (for curly hair) or finger comb in through from scalp to ends (for wavy/straight hair).
8.       Toothpaste – there are numerous recipes out there but I just mix coconut oil and baking soda and dab a little of the mix on my toothbrush.
9.       Make up remover – use a cotton swab and a dab of coconut oil and you would be amazed at how well it works!
10.   Chapstick – just rub a little into lips and it not only acts as a softening agent but it also has an SPF of about 4 so you get a little protection!
11.   Massage Oil – pretty simple; grab some and rub!
12.   Lubricant – it is an all natural, perfectly safe personal lubricant. Not compatible with latex!
13.   Sunscreen – see my post on natural sunscreen for more detailed information.
14.   Stretch Mark Cream – coconut oil is great at nourishing damaged skin. It may not be the magic stretch mark cure but it will help.
15.   Nipple Cream – works great to nourish cracked, sore, or dry nipples. Apply to a cotton ball and leave on your nipples between feedings.
16.   Diaper salve – very comforting on a rashy bum with no harsh chemicals. Also safe for cloth diapers.
17.   Cradle cap – having issues with dry skin on your baby’s scalp? Coconut oil will not only nourish your baby’s skin, it also helps eliminate cradle cap. Just rub a teaspoon onto scalp daily.
18.   Body scrub – mix coconut oil and sugar together and rub all over! Rinse off and your skin will be super soft! You can add in essential oils if you would like a specific smell.
19.   Healing - when applied on scrapes and cuts, coconut oil forms a thin, chemical layer which protects the wound from outside dust, bacteria and virus. Coconut oil speeds up the healing process of bruises by repairing damaged tissues. Plus, it smells a heck-of-a-lot better than anything from the pharmacy.
20.   Bug Bites – when applied directly to a bug bite, coconut oil can stop the itching and burning sensation as well as hasten the healing process.
21.   Skin problems – coconut oil relieves skin problems such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema.
22.   Swimmers Ear – mix garlic oil and coconut oil and put a few drops in affected ear for about 10 minutes. Do this 2-3 times a day and it usually works within one or two days.

General Health and Wellness

23.   Stress Relief - relieve mental fatigue by applying coconut oil to the head in a circular, massaging motion. The natural aroma of coconuts is extremely soothing thus helping to lower your stress level.
24.   Digestion - the saturated fats in coconut oil have anti-bacterial properties that help control, parasites, and fungi that cause indigestion and other digestion related problems such as irritable bowel syndrome. The fat in coconut oil also aids in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, making you healthier all around.
25.   Fitness - coconut oil has been proven to stimulate your metabolism, improve thyroid function, and escalate energy levels, all of which help decrease your unwanted fat, while increasing muscle.
26.   Nose bleeds - coconut oil can prevent nose bleeding that is caused by sensitivity to weather such as extreme hotness and extreme coldness. This condition happens when the nasal passages become dry because of cold or dry air resulting to burns and cracks in the mucus membranes so bleeding happens. To prevent this just put coconut oil in you nostrils. Coat your finger with coconut oil and then lie down and coat your finger inside your nose. Doing this will strengthen and protect the capillaries in the nasal passages. A Vitamin C supplement will also help prevent nose bleeding.
27.   For breastfeeding moms, consuming 3 ½ tablespoons of coconut oil daily will enrich your milk supply.  
28.   Helps with weight loss & controlling cravings.
29.   Helps keep blood sugar levels stable and/or helps with cravings in those with diabetes.

Health Problems (that coconut oil is known for aiding, relieving, or even curing when taken internally)

30.   Eczema – in addition to taking it internally, many have success applying it externally, some don't
31.   Skin problems
32.   Toenail fungus
33.   Hot flashes
34.   Bleeding hemorrhoids (can also be applied externally twice a day)
35.   HIV
36.   Head lice
37.   Improvements in menstruation regarding pain/cramps and heavy blood flow
38.   Migraines (with regular use)
39.   Mononucleosis
40.   Parasites
41.   Thrush
42.   Relieve gallbladder pain
43.   Has helped some people improve symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland, results have shown subsequent thyroid blood tests becoming normal
44.   Energy boost
45.   Flaky, dry skin
46.   May relieve acid reflux and indigestion when taken with each meal
47.   Adrenal fatigue
48.   Alzheimers
49.   H. pylori
50.   Candida albicans
51.   Asthma, even in children
52.   Autism
53.   Cholesterol - improves HDL ('good' cholesterol) to LDL ('bad' cholesterol) ratio in people with high cholesterol
54.   Chronic fatigue
55.   Circulation/feeling cold all the time
56.   Stronger immune system
57.   Mental Clarity
58.   Depression
59.   Helps with inflammation in Crohns

Health Problems (that coconut oil is known for aiding, relieving, or even curing when applied topically)

60.   Athletes foot
61.   Back pain/sore muscles
62.   Canker sores
63.   Acne
64.   Cellulite
65.   Herpes (applied topically and taken internally)
66.   Genital warts (through topical application over 6 weeks, and coconut oil enemas twice a day depending on the location of the warts)
67.   Circumcision healing – although I am personally against circumcision, I have read that coconut oil is a really great healer for this.

Cooking

68.   Use 1 cup to 1 cup ratio when replacing other oils/butter in recipes with coconut oil.
69.   Replacement for butter/lard/Crisco/PAM in it’s solid form – greasing pans, pie crusts, etc.
70.   Replacement for various oils in liquid form – baking, cooking, sautéing, etc.
71.   Nutritional supplement – melt and add to smoothies.

Other Uses

72.   Insect repellent – mix coconut oil with peppermint oil extract and rub it all over exposed skin. Keeps insects off better than anything with Deet! Tons safer too.
73.   Great for dogs and cats for general wellness. Just add a teaspoon to their water bowl daily.
74.   Goo Gone - just mix equal parts coconut oil and baking soda into a paste. Apply to the “sticky” area and let it set for a minute. Then scrub off with an old toothbrush or the scrubby side of a sponge.
75.   Chewing Gum in Hair Remover – just rub some coconut oil over the stuck chewing gum, leave in for about 30 minutes, then roll the gum between your fingertip. Voila! It’s out!
76.   Polish Furniture - coconut oil with a little bit of lemon juice to polish wood furniture. However, I recommend you test it first on a very small, unobtrusive part of your furniture to make sure it works the way you’d like.
77.   Polishing Bronze - all you have to do is rub a little oil into a cotton towel and then wipe down the statue. It cleans and helps deepen the color of your bronze.
78.   Seasoning animal hide drums
79.   Seasoning cookware
80.   Moisturizing and cleaning leather products

Crazy, isn't it?? Do you know any other uses for coconut oil that aren't listed on here? If so, please leave it in the comments. 

DIY: Distressed Accent Table

I'm truly, madly, and ever so deeply in love with my accent table. It was a table I really didn't like before. I felt that no matter where I put it, it was constantly out of place. It was some sort of very red cherry finish that didn't really match a thing we own.  I really researched how to distress furniture before taking on this project....and let me tell you  IT WAS SO SIMPLE. I'm absolutely thrilled with the way this table turned out! I didn't even have to sand it prior to painting it!

1) Make sure your furniture is completely clean. Don't use anything like Pledge or Old English that will leave a residue. If anything, use Murphy's Oil Soap.

2) You could really use any colors, but for this piece I used black with a turquoise on top. I spray painted the table first. Yes, I used cheap $.96 spray paint from Walmart. It REALLY doesn't matter for the bottom layer. It just needs to be coated well.

3) Take a soft brush and paint your top color once the under layer has dried. I only did one thick coat, because I really liked being able to see some brush strokes. Let dry at least overnight.

4) I took 150 fine grit sandpaper and went to work. It really didn't take much elbow grease at all. I focused on the corners, and the edges of the wood. It's absolutely mind-blowing how simple this is!

5) Then I replaced the drawer pull with something that would go a little better with the new look of the table.

I'm so proud of this one!! :)

Parties: Moms Group Valentines Day Party

Since moving to the Austin area late last year, I have met the most wonderful group of women. These ladies are also stay at home Mommies, and have kids around the same age as my little squirt. Earlier this week, I had a few over for a casual Valentine's Day party for the kiddos. We had such a great time! I so glad to have some adult interaction, and the kids LOVED playing together.

Anyway, I proved that you can throw together a casual get together within literally minutes without cooking a thing!

Store bought cupcakes, to which I added heart shaped candies.

Party favors that cost less than $2!

The Spread...you can buy that frame at www.etsy.com/shop/amourcrudesigns

Cupcakes always look prettier on a stand!

This took all of two seconds to put together!

2 packages of Hostess shortcakes=$1.00, topped with whipped cream =$1.95, Garnished with sliced strawberries= $2.98. Total: $5.93 for a very cute dessert!

Red chips for Valentine's Day!

We all know these came from the freezer!

More fruit...

Little princess setting up her tea party for her little friends!

DIY: Valentine's Day Card Ideas

I've found a few adorable Valentine's Day cards on Pinterest that I MUST share. I made some this year, just wish I had thought to take a picture before I put them in the mail! Oh well, here are some ideas for next year.

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you all have chocolate-filled days with lots of flowers and fun!

DIY Chalkboard Frame

I love football...I really do. That being said, I'm a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan, and there's really no changing that. The New York Giants and the New England Patriots are probably two of my least favorite teams. If it weren't for the commercials, I'm pretty sure I'd be watching E!

Anyway, during the "football breaks" from the commercials, I decided to work on some craft projects I've been meaning to start. I have a new obsession...chalkboard paint. This stuff ROCKS. I took an old black picture frame, and painted the glass part with chalkboard paint. While letting it dry, I thought to myself, "Self...this needs something else." I went to my craft drawer and found a silver ink pad. I used it to rub along the edges of the frame for a shiny, yet distressed look. Then, I thought to myself again, "Self...this needs some bling." Back to the craft drawer, I searched and I searched, and found nothing suitable. THEN, I peered from the corner of my eye a strand of a broken necklace I'd decided to save for just such an occasion. I wasn't really sure how to incorporate it, so I just glued it into a little circle. Turned out pretty cute if you ask me!

I added this little frame to a cute little iron scroll stand, and now I have the perfect What's For Dinner Tonight board!

DIY Magic for Dry Hair

Pinterest....if you haven't joined you, let me tell you my friend, you are missing out!! It is like an addiction, that is simply out of control. I just don't remember what life was like before I had all of these fantastic ideas!

You may remember me mentioning at different times that I frequently dye my hair. Frequently is an understatement. For the last seven or so years, I've been nothing short of a chameleon. My hair is naturally a dirty blonde/brownish color (I think...), and I started highlighting it to an almost platinum blonde. Well, I would go dark brown for a few weeks, love it until it started to fade, and then think "I'm just meant to be blonde", go spend hundreds of dollars to get back to that color. (It is NOT cheap OR easy going from dark brown to blonde the right way) and by the time my roots grew out, I'd be back to brown again. This horrendous cycle has left my hair in a condition that a scarecrow would not envy. I've been searching Pinterest for a cheap, somewhat easy way to bring life back to your hair. Well, I've found it. OIL.

Now I know why countries fight over this stuff. Oh wait, that's a different kind of oil. I read that jojoba is the best, but that is expensive! So, I settled for flaxseed. My cousin the hairdresser told me not to get any kind that has protein in it! Flaxseed does not. So, I took about half the bottle and completely soaked my hair (completely dry), concentrating on the tips. I wrapped saran wrap around my head and wrapped a towel around that. I let it sit on there for about two hours.  When I took the towel off, my hair was like silk. Seriously, even before I washed it out. I used a fragrance free, dye free shampoo to get it out and didn't even need conditioner. It's been a few days since I did this because I wanted to wait to see if my hair would go back to normal after a couple of washes. It's been four days and three washes, and I still have Kardashian hair. I plan to do this once a week now!

Not one of my finest pictures, but you get the point.

Redesign without spending a dime!

Every once in a while, I get the itch to completely turn my house upside down and make it look different. The same concept applies to my hair, which is why my husband gets to come home to a new woman every three months or so. I just can't keep anything the same too long. That would just be boring!

There is this little nook in our kitchen that is dark, and I'm sure was meant for a china cabinet. That being said, I don't have a china cabinet or any china to put in it even if I did! What I do have is a ton of unused picture frames and a little buffet table (it's way too short to be functional, but it holds DVDs.)

Thanks to a few lovely ideas from Pinterest, I just played around with the idea of a picture wall until I liked it!

Before:

After: