Jul 27, 2011

DIY Rope Necklace

I'm on a roll this week with blog posts!!
So, I covered the DIY Rope Necklace in my Christmas in July post and decided to try it out for myself!
I even did my own version of it :)

All you need....
1. 2 rope curtain tie backs
2. Ribbon
That's it!!

You can find these rope ties at your local Hobby Lobby in the upholstery section and guess what, they're only $2.99 each!! This tutorial is based on the original found at Love Maegan's Blog and was inspired by Lizzie Fortunato Jewels which by the way sells for $300!
Inspiration - Lizzie Fortunato
Venus of the Rags Necklace

DIY Rope Necklace - My Version!
1. Tie a knot in the first rope around the second rope
2. Do the same with the second rope
3. Twist the rope on both sides of your knot
4. Feed ribbon through the loops on the end of your rope & tie behind your neck into a bow

DIY Rope Necklace - Original Version


1. Loop your ropes together
2. Once looped tie your ropes in a knot
3. Tighten your ropes
4. Feed ribbon through the loops on the end of your rope & tie behind your neck into a bow

How easy is that?! Happy crafting ya'll!!


Linking up HERE 

Jul 26, 2011

Spicy Chicken Roll-Ups

I recently became a member of Pinterest...oh my gosh...I'm addicted, thanks to 
{Ms. Cameron Clay}! There are so many awesome recipes and crafts that I want to try!

I decided to start with some easy Spicy Chicken Roll-Ups from Home Is Where The Holmans Are.
Justin loved these! He was sneaking spoon fulls of the spread from the bowl before I could even get it on the tortillas! This recipe is awesome for appetizers or even a meal. They can be prepared in advance which means no hostess in the kitchen, yay!

Spicy Chicken Roll-Ups

What you will need:
.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can Ro-tel diced tomatoes, drained
12 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar or monterrey jack cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tsp ancho chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
6 scallions, white and green parts, chopped
6-8 large flour tortillas

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, half of the cumin, and 1 tsp of the chili powder. Add chicken to a skillet and add about 1 cup of water. Cover and cook on med-high heat until cooked through. Add more water if necessary. Once the chicken is cooked, cool slightly and shred with 2 forks.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, drained tomatoes, cheese, remaining spices, garlic, cilantro and scallions. Add cooled chicken and stir together. 
3. Lay out tortillas and spread into a thin layer leaving the edges clean. Roll each tortilla tightly. (Do not fold in the ends like you would with a burrito but leave them free) Wrap each roll in cling wrap and place in the fridge for at least 20 minutes.
4. Use a sharp knife to cut into 1" thick slices and transfer to a serving platter. (The end pieces will likely unroll a little so just eat the extras). Refrigerate and left over rolls or spread.

I made four rolls with the spread and had plenty left over which could be used as a spread for burritos or used to top and salad!

Happy cooking ya'll!



Jul 23, 2011

Makeup Magnet Board

If you're like most women in America you have a lot a TON of makeup!
We all store it in different places.
Makeup bags, drawers, cabinets....
We've all experienced spills and our makeup/bushes getting dirty with loose makeup

If you're like me I hate getting makeup all over my hands and digging
around in my makeup bags.

I wish I could take credit for this because it is just so dang neat!! Sadly, I can't
but this is seriously one of the coolest, most useful craft
I've ever made! HERE is where I found my inspiration.

The Makeup Magnet Board
Pin It
What you'll need:
1. Picture frame
2. Metal sheet (get it at Lowes)
3. Hot glue
4. Scissors
5. Fabric
6. Magnets
7. Makeup brush cup
8. Metal cutting shears 

Start by removing the backing and the glass from your picture frame. You'll want to use the backing to measure and cut your metal sheet to fit into the back of your frame. You will need metal cutting shears for this part.
After you have measured and cut your metal sheets wrap it with the fabric of your choice. Make sure it is taut and secure it with hot glue.
Secure it with plenty of hot glue around all of the edges
Make sure your fabric is secure and now place it inside of your frame and replace the backing
Your frame is now done! Next, start gluing magnets to the back of your makeup. Once the makeup is all used up simply pull the magnet off and peel off the hot glue from the magnet and reuse them.
Use your additional fabric to wrap your cup. You will use this for all of your brushes, mascara, eyeliner and tweezers. Make sure you use a light cup (I used a baking powder can) and then line the back with 3 to 4 magnets. Arrange all of your makeup on your new makeup board and you're ready to hang it in your bathroom!
The finished product!! Isn't it awesome!?
 Happy crafting ya'll!
Linking up HERE 

Jul 22, 2011

Christmas in July

Ho Ho Ho! Only 5 months till Christmas!
I go back and forth between loving summer and loving winter. I love summer road trips with friends, swimming, cold drinks & laying out by the pool...Then again, I don't like summer's 103+ heat in Texas. I love winter's crisp air, spending time with family, snow (when we actually get snow), Thanksgiving, Christmas, pumpkin pie, hot coco...the list goes on and on. Looks like I'm leaning more towards Fall/Winter as my favorite season! It could be this outrageous Texas heat talkin'...

So, in spite of this crazy hot weather I've put together a list of some fun and inexpensive DIY Christmas gifts you can make for anyone! You've got 5 months, so start crafting!

{DIY Bath Fizzies + Tutorial = HERE!}

{DIY Tile Coasters + Tutorial = HERE!}

{DIY Crockpot Apple Butter + Tutorial = HERE!}

{DIY Chalkboard Plates + Tutorial = HERE!}

{DIY Fabric Button Earrings + Tutorial = HERE!}

{DIY Doily Painted Photo Frame + Tutorial = HERE!}

{DIY Herbal Soap + Tutorial = HERE!}

{DIY Rope Necklace + Tutorial = HERE!}

I will definitely be trying some of all of these! Happy crafting ya'll!


Jul 21, 2011

I need my momma

Well I've been sick for almost two weeks now & I need my momma.
Moms...always there for you & the best nurse you could ask for.
Sadly my mom is three hours away, boo.
I could really go for some of these things to make me feel better.


Ginger Ale & Strawberries
Source: None via ChicGrl on Pinterest

Broccoli & Cheese Soup in a Bread Bowl!
  
Icecream Sandwiches

Cuddling with my Hubby
What makes you feel better when you're sick?

Jul 18, 2011

Nail Art - Starting a New Trend!


Okay so a lot of you have been asking how I did my nails so here is a tutorial!
I'm not gonna lie this is pretty tricky for some and it may take you a few several tries

What you'll need
1. A cup or a bowl
2. Filtered room temperature water
3. Toothpicks
4. Tape
5. Nail polish
6. Nail polish remover
7. Q-tips
8. Scissors
9. News paper or paper towels
Lets get started!!

Start by laying out some newspaper or paper towels, this will get messy! Paint all of your fingernails one color. White is a good "canvas" to work with because the colors will come out as their true color. I used black here because I wanted a darker effect....plus I just love black!
Let your nails dry completely! Don't rush it. After your nails have dried pick the colors for your design. Next you'll want to tape off you finger. Place tape around your cuticles as closely as possible without covering your nail. This will help keep the color off of your skin and make for an easy clean up.
After you colors are selected unscrew all of the caps and get ready to work fast! Quickly drop your colors one by one forming a "bulls-eye" in your water. Remember to work quickly because the polish will dry in the water.
Take your toothpick now and drag it through the color to form your designs.
Pick the area of the design you want to use on your finger and slowly lower your taped finger into the water.
Keep your finger under the water for a few seconds and then, with your finger still under the water, use a toothpick to clean up the polish around your finger. Just twist the toothpick around till there is no polish left in the water and then lift your finger out of the water.
Your finger will look something like this. Leave the tape on for a few minutes so the polish can dry. After a few minutes use your scissors to cut off the tape. Carefully peel off the tape. Now take your q-tip, dip it in polish remover, and clean up the nail polish around your cuticles or any polish on your skin.

Let you nail art dry and apply a clear coat of polish.

Voila! You very own nail art!

This might will require patience! Lots of it! It's not a quick craft by any means you just have to keep practicing!! Have fun ya'll and leave me a comment, let me know how yours turn out!!

Jul 17, 2011

What's Cookin' Sunday {No.2}

Happy Sunday Ya'll!!
Today I'm gonna show ya'll how to make pinwheels!
These are super simple! I eat them for a snack or a meal and people love them at parties or showers!

What you'll need
1. Large Tortillas
2. Cream Cheese (I use garlic & herd)
3. Spinach Leaves
4. Roasted Red Peppers
5. Roast Beef (or any other deli meat)
6. Plastic Wrap
7. Toothpicks
8. Sharp Knife

First, layout your tortilla
Second, spread your cream cheese all over the tortilla. Use as much or as little as you like! I prefer to pile it on, I'm a cream cheese addict.....probably not a good thing hehe so I use the fat free or 1/3 less fat kind
Next, layer on you spinach, meat & diced roasted red peppers. (I didn't use the red peppers this time because I ran out!) If you use roasted red peppers make sure you drain and dry them otherwise they will make the tortillas soggy! Also, make sure you keep a inch around the edge free.
Now its time to start rolling! Start from any side and roll the tortilla as tight as possible without breaking it!
Once you're all rolled up its time to wrap it in plastic wrap.
Place you pinwheel wrapped in plastic wrap in the freezer for at least 10 minutes. This will help keep you pinwheels together when you start cutting it.

When you're ready take your pinwheel out of the fridge and remove the plastic wrap. Start placing toothpicks in a line evenly down one side of your pinwheel.
 Take sharp knife and start cutting between the toothpicks
Keep cutting and pushing the toothpicks all the way through each pinwheel. You should be able to get 8 to 10 pinwheels out of your tortilla.
Voila! Enjoy.