Button-Up Window Shade

If only my windows weren't all already covered, I would whip up this fabulous window treatment in a heartbeat. From our gal Martha, a height adjustable and beginning-sewer-friendly shade. Here's the how to:

This simple shade is quickly and easily sewn and can be raised to two heights to let in varying amounts of light. All you need is French ticking, raw linen, twill tape, and buttons.

Measure inside of window frame, and use dimensions to cut one piece of ticking and one of linen. Place right sides together; pin along sides. Cut three 4-inch lengths of twill tape for loops. Fold ticking and linen outward 1/2 inch along the bottom, and press. Position loops on ticking fold, one at center and at each corner; machine-stitch back and forth to reinforce. Leaving a 1/2-inch seam allowance, sew up the shade's two sides. Turn right side out. Draw out loops; sew bottom shut. To finish top opening: Fold linen and ticking inward 1/2 inch; press, and sew closed 1/4 inch from edge.

For curtain-rod channel, make a second seam across top, 1 1/2 inches from the first. Open channel's side seams with a seam ripper. Place two rows of buttons -- three at the top and three halfway down the shade -- so they align with loops, and hand-sew them on.

Since Martha's instructions always manage to throw me for a loop, French ticking is a fancy word for striped fabric. Who's to say you can't use patterned fabric here though? Whatever suits your style would be fine. Raw linen also can be substituted. Get out your sewing machines, ladies, and turn this rainy weekend into something pretty!

Herbalicious

Just skimming through one of my fav websites today www.spoonsisters.com and came across these rustic herb markers. They are my new must have for our little container herb garden. These would make a great gift for your garden loving mother or mother-in-law for Mother's Day too. Sold as a set of nine stakes - one of each herb for $22.50. Would also be adorable placed in the windowsil herb garden featured below.

Perfect Pink Pout

I have found THE perfect lip gloss and it just shouldn't be kept a secret any longer. I recently received a free sample of TIGI Bed Head Shine Junkie lip gloss in Mocha. I was a little skeptical that a hair product company would come up with a good lip gloss, but it blew me away. It is the perfect mixture of pink with a little bit of shimmer and just looks so natural for summertime. The scent is fantastic too, sort of a chocolatey/coffee combo. The weight is also great, so you don't have to worry about the dreaded hair-stuck-in-my-lip-gloss during windy days. Pick one up today at your local beauty supply store.

Green Day

Since today is Earth Day I wanted to share this somewhat eco-friendly way to have an indoor herb garden inspired by Real Simple . Recycle your old vases and glass containers, by wrapping them in craft paper and raffia (or scrapbook paper and ribbon, if you want to go a little more colorful) and you can grow herbs right on your windowsil all year long. Fill the first few inches of the vase with some small rocks for drainage, then a little dirt and your herb of choice. The name of each herb written on the paper adds a whimsical touch.

Girls Weekend Decor

So, I have finally recovered from our fabulous girl's weekend enough to post some pics. As you can see I went with a black, white and pink theme, and pretty much just girly-girled it up from there.

Let's start with the tablescape....


I used a shower curtain as a tablecloth, great for parties since it repels water and stains. A feather boa tops the chandelier.

The centerpiece was inspired by Celebrations at Home. An apothecary jar with the lid removed serves as the vessel. Insert a strip of scrapbook paper around the bottom, suspend a string of black beads ( I used packing tape-my new best friend!) Pink silk roses with the stems removed complete this elegant look.

Inspired by Hobby Lobby, I wrapped a couple of candles in scrapbook paper, punched holes and laced them up for a sexy look. Just be careful not to catch this hot look on fire!


On our sidebar, I used a tiered stand for serving snacks and a fun shoe pic. Votive candle holders get dressed up with ribbon and a Welcome sign greeted guests.

My obsession with feathers continues, here with pink and black. Tissue paper stuffed into the vase hides the stems. I picked up these small milk jug shaped vases from Target's $1 spot around Valentine's day and they conveniently fit my theme here. I LOVE the piece of scrapbook paper this arrangement is sitting on. I wish it came in wallpaper form!


Last but not least, a favor bag sent my guests home with a special treat and a sweet note. For the recipe for this delicious bar, check out Pillsbury http://www.pillsbury.com/Recipes/ShowRecipe.aspx?rid=44945

Seldom Used Appliance Night

During our annual spring cleaning, we came across some kitchen items we just don't use very often....a popcorn popper and a smoothie maker! This re-discovery inspired our "Seldom Used Appliance" themed dinner and a movie on Sunday night. With plastic popcorn containers from the $1spot at Target, it was better than going to the actual movies! So drag out your dusty appliances, give them a scrub and have one of these nights for yourselves. I am sure there are lots of you with quesadilla makers, fondue pots, and waffle makers out there! Show them some springtime lovin'.

Candy Vase

Just in case you have some stale Peeps laying around today, a final Easter idea that you can use them up in! Use 2 similarly shaped vases, one a few inches narrower than the other. Place the small vase inside the larger and layer jelly beans in the space between the two. Arrange a row of Peeps on top of the layer of jelly beans. Then layer Easter grass on top of the Peeps. Fill the inner vase with water and fresh flowers. You could also use silk flowers if you don't have 2 vases that fit into each other. Just assemble the same way to hide the plastic stems.

Spring Place Settings

I love super simple place settings that also make your guests feel special. Who doesn't love a dinner party or luncheon where you have a gift waiting for you at the table?! In this first idea a little chocolate carrot is used to attach a placecard around a cloth napkin. You could use raffia or ribbon, whatever you have on hand will work. I picked these yummy carrots up at World Market. The second idea, features a miniature flowerpot with the attendees' name written in chalk. Fill the pot with a dyed egg and some jellybeans for an Easter twist. I also think this would make a great Mother's day favor filled with a plant that Mom can take home and enjoy throughout the summer.

Egg-cellent Centerpiece

She is one of those people who ya either love or ya hate....Well, I am on the love side. I love Rachael Ray along with Everyday, her monthly publication. When the magazine arrives, I immediately flip to the Centerpiece of the Month page. This particular one was featured last spring, and I think it is one of the magazine's best ever! Very simple to create by purchasing a flat of grass (or getting the fake stuff at Wal-Mart like I am doing) poke small holes in the ends of the eggs and drain the yokes and rinse the egg shell a little. Then fill the eggs with a little water and insert small flower bunches. If your Easter tablescape is more on the colorful side, simply dye the eggs before draining the yoke. In St. Louis, Walter Knoll Floral Shops have 1/2 off cut flowers on Saturday afternoons, so this could be a very economical centerpiece as well! Now I just have to find a Brunch recipe that calls for a whole lot of eggs....

Hostess Gift

If you are not cooking the Easter ham this year, surprise your hostess with a cute set of new dishcloths from www.distinctive-decor.com They come packaged in an adorable take out container and are available in a variety of colors to match any kitchen decor. At $5.99, this savvy gift is cheaper than a bottle of wine!