Apricots and Spring

When we moved to our house last Spring, we had no idea what fruit our trees would produce, or which ones had survived being abandoned for over a year. One morning, and I swear it happened over night, one of our trees was COVERED in apricots.  Apricots bring back so many great childhood memories of my Grandma Murillo, so I really felt her blessing on our new home.

We had more fruit than we knew what to do with, so I thought it would be a great time to learn how to make preserves. I made a few mistakes, and I am hoping this years batch will go a bit smoother, but it was quite yummy for our first attempt.

This beautiful tree...

...gave us this incredible creation!

Here's to a bountiful Spring!

Baby Love

This was a fresh and colorful Baby Shower I threw for one of my favorite people in the world and her baby who is now the newest love of my life.  I loved the mix of colors, inspired by the baby's room, and the simplicity of the non-typical Baby Shower decor. 

 

Poms by etsy.com/shop/SweetandSavvyDesigns

Lanterns from justartifacts.com

Subway Art by etsy.com/shop/pickledoodledesigns

Repurposing and Cocktails

This summer, Rob and I were shopping around in the local thrift stores when a vintage television console caught our eyes.  Being  a huge fan of the 50's era, Rob immediately saw our new liquor cabinet.  So, $50 bucks and a trip to our incredible refinisher, Jerry Carr, later, we turned an abandoned TV to one of our favorite pieces of furniture.  A total of $175 for a one of a kind treasure.

BEFORE

AFTER

Repurposing and Monogramming

I found this over sized frame at a thrift store for $10.  I had it for a while knowing I could find something great for it to become. 

While strolling through Joann's one day I saw the large paper mache letters ($10) and the idea came to me.  Mainly because I am a huge fan of anything monogrammed.  I found this great fabric in muted robin's egg blue, green, red and ivory and created this lovely piece that now sits above my couch in the center of my living room.

I found a piece of cardboard large enough to fit the back side of the frame and tightly wrapped the fabric around and secured it with duct tape.  I am sure there is a more elegant way to secure it, but this worked just fine!  I will say that I think a piece of foam board may have worked better to ensure a bit more stability.

The fabric was the most expensive item on the board ($20), but I think it is was well worth it.  It ties all of the colors of my living room and kitchen together and provides a very personalized focal point.

This has quickly become one of my favorite items in our living room.

Christmas Bliss

Christmas 2011 was the first holiday in our new home!  There is something special about decorating a new space, even if it is with the decorations you have had for years.  This year, thanks to inspiration from Pinterest, I added a few new items to our Winter Wonderland! 

A simple burlap background to add some texture contrast to crisp white glittery decor. 

 Glass ornaments hot glued to small round mirrors.  You can leave them as is or fill them with water and a flower or sprig of your choice.

These were my favorite of the year!  Mason Jar snowglobe!

Burlap and Lace

I had the honor to co-host a beautifully feminine and rustic Bridal Shower for one of my dearest friends at a winery on California's Central Coast. The mix of dainty pink and sturdy burlap made for a wonderful crafting experience.  All of the items were handmade with love!

A white frame, linen, burlap and a few accent flowers created this framed keepsake.

Another great use for Mason jars.  Jute and felt flowers were an easy, inexpensive and adorable way to add a touch of glamor to the drink ware.  These can be used as a shower favor as well.

These pink beauties were turned into a flower ball.but there are so many other things these could create.

Burlap, linen, lace and homemade flowers were used to create this beautiful sign.  (Yes, I know lemonade is one word, but the obvious size constraints won that fight.)