Painted Mason Jars ~

DIY | Inspiration

So have you jumped in and painted your mason jars yet? I haven't, but oh I am close. I just love the look and what a great way to reuse!

I think the hot glue gun word is super fun too!

via flowermag.com

Goodwill Candlestick ~

DIY | Inspiration

Do you remember this guy I picked up at the Goodwill?

Well I painted him, sanded him and game him new life...well, at least a nice fresh look. 

Not that there is anything wrong with dusty and boring.

I love how with just a little paint and some sandpaper, you can have a totally different look.

I am out of tall candles at the moment, so a pedestal it is!

Dundee Marmalade Pot Love ~

I recently found this beauty at Goodwill...

And I am smitten! I simply love the contrast of the cream pot and the black distressed lettering. And I am convinced these fabulous pots look great holding anything -

or simply on their own.

images: 1&2 Etsy.com, 3. velvetribbon.co.uk, 4. seenandsaid.blogspot.com, 5. flickr.jpg, 6. arosynot.blogspot.com, 7. twigdecor.blogspot.com, 8. homeshoppingspy.com,

I will be keeping an eye out for more of these lovely little pots! 

Do you happen to have a Dundee pot? How do you like to display yours?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Oui, Croque Madames ~

Food | Inspiration

My son and I were flipping through recipes on my Everyday Food App for dinner ideas, and he instantly decided on Croque Madames (but he called it a grilled cheese with an egg on top)!

It was a bit rainy yesterday, and I must say, this totally fit the bill. 

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature  (I cut this back, and used just enough for a super thin spread of butter)
• 16 slices thin white sandwich bread
• 1/4 pound Gruyere cheese, thinly sliced
• 1/2 pound thinly sliced deli ham
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 8 large eggs

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spread 1/2 teaspoon butter on each bread slice and place 8 slices, butter side down, on a rimmed baking sheet. Divide cheese and ham evenly among slices, season with salt and pepper, and top with remaining bread slices, butter side up. Bake until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted, about 10 minutes (I had to take mine out a few minutes early before they burned), flipping halfway through.
   
2. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, melt 2 teaspoons butter over medium. Cook 4 eggs until whites are set and yolks are still runny, about 4 minutes; transfer to a plate and keep warm. Repeat with remaining butter and eggs. Top each sandwich with 1 egg. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Cork Board ~

DIY Project | Inspiration

I created this cork board for my recent sale, but decided to keep it for myself. The instant love connection was just too tight to let go!

Here was my inspiration photo:

from Houzz: Three Men and a Lady.

I can't seem to locate the before photo of the frame - but think dirty and gold, yes, very dirty and very gold. After I spray painted it white, I gathered some cork board and foam core I had on hand.

I simply cut the cork and foam core to size and glued them together. 

I then wrapped it in burlap and fell in love!

For the thumbtacks I glued these magnets ($2 each from Michaels) onto thumbtacks...fun and super easy!

Yep, I am lovin' it and so glad it kept it for myself!

linked to:
Saturday Nite Special at Funky Junk Interiors
Weekend Wrap Up Party at Tatertots and Jello

Our Anniversary ~

10 years ago today, I married my best friend...

the most amazing husband, the most fabulous father, the most honest man.

All the love from my heart, all the days of my life...

I love you baby!

French Market Wrap-up ~

Here are a few shots from our booth at the French Inspired Flea Market. It was such a fun event! 

I think I have officially cleaned up all of the burlap, random jewels and stuck on glue from my house.

 Thank you Cindy from Haley's Cottage for such a wonderful event. Now that my feet and home have recovered, I can't wait for the next one!

Sneak Peek ~

We are literally up to our eyeballs in hot glue and burlap, but I thought I would give you a sneak peek on a few items we have been working on for the French Inspired Market tomorrow.

If you are in Kirkland, WA tomorrow, swing on by!

Our booth is cash/check only - thanks!

Antipasto Entertaining ~

Entertaining | Inspiration

We are huge antipasto platter/cheese platter entertainers at our house. It is truly our go-to. I love the ease and yumminess of it all. And the best part about them, anything goes! I think they are great year round, but are especially delightful in the summer months.

Here are a few ideas for you next summer meal.

I absolutely love the mix of fun bowls and glassware.

images: 1. esquire.com, 2. sunset.com, 3. goodhousekeeping.com, 
4. sptimes.com, 5. thekitchn.com