Monthly Archives: July 2012

insprie me with an old chair

This is one of those chairs that might not scream style, but still has so much sweetness available.  It’s just sitting in the garage sale waiting for someone, “hello, like me” to come along and give it a little life again.  Everything has potential.  It’s what you do with it that makes the potential shine. Not sure if  you know?  I hate to sew.  I mean really, hate it!   If I could glue it or slab butter on it, I’m much happier.  However, this project called for me to pull out Mimi’s sewing machine and run a stitch or two.  I didn’t even bother to change the thread, because I didn’t want to figure out how to thread the darn thing.  As long as you don’t look at the quality of the stitch, it turned out really sweet and I love it…

{Save me, don’t let them eat me}

{I actually love the cane back, because it reminds me of the 70′s}

{Fabric, Portobello Vase, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation}

{Keep old holiday wrapping paper around, perfect for pattern making}

{Shape the paper around the corners and cut outs of the chair, sharpie and cut.}

{A little yellow ribbon to keep it whimsical}

{This chair is currently sitting next to my side of the bed.  Perfect for putting tennis shoes on}

xoxo, Julie

mondays menu quick fix crab cakes and asparagus

We all have those days when we are just too tired and too hungry at the same time to fuss about dinner.  When asparagus is in season, I always have it on hand.  A quick stop into one of my favorite specialty markets (Harvest Ranch) to pick up some cook and serve crab cakes, add a small salad and a little homemade ranch dressing…  Ta Da!  You have a delicious dinner.

To cook the asparagus, just sprinkle with olive oil, salt and pepper.  Roast for about 8 minutes at 400`.  Remove from oven, squeeze a little fresh lemon, sprinkle with fresh grated parm and cranberries.   Cook the crab cakes in a stove top skillet until brown on both sides.  So easy and so yummy!  Let me know how it goes?  xoxo

xoxo, Julie

inspire me with vintage eye glasses

I came across these glasses when Brad and I were helping Mary go through some of her boxes in the garage.  Although Mary was willing to part with these, I couldn’t help but save them after the little story behind each pair and who they belonged to.   I know, I know, keeping these defeats the whole purpose of getting rid of stuff.  However, you have got to admit, they make for a pretty cute shadow box.   Make everyday an event.  {Directions below}

What you need.  Burlap, shadow box found a Micheal’s, scissors, hot glue gun and a flat head screw driver.

Remove the back of the shadow box, lift frame holds with screw driver.  Cover the interior “front side of back plate” with burlap.  Pull tight and glue to the back side.  Cut excess fabric off.   Note, I do the corners last, so you can cut to the corner and glue down the edges.

Decide the best order to show off the items.  I used the very smallest dot of glue to secure the ear pieces of each glass closed.

Set the items even space apart from one another.  Secure with small dots of glue.  Be careful to make sure no glue will not show from the front.  One the items are secure and in place.  Put the shadow box together and enjoy your creation.

xoxo, Julie