504 Main by Holly Lefevre: June 2011

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Tickled Pink No. 54

Happy 4th of July!
(a little early)

I am Tickled Pink to celebrate the U.S.A.!
I know I have said I do not like holidays...but this one is an exception.
July 4th has always been a favorite!
How are you celebrating?

Here is the link to the banner
****************
We are off to the annual chili cook off at Rook No. 17's place for the 4th.
Anyone have a good chili recipe?
(You know what I am saying...one I can win with...I am not competitive at all!)
*******************
...NOW...
I am NOT Tickled Pink about Cars 2...anyone see it?
I am interested in hearing what other thought?
For me - too James Bond-ish.
Too much blowing things up.
Too much stupid bathroom humor.
Too much Mater.
I was expecting more...
For the record I LOVE (the original) Cars!

***************
I know I am not the only busy lady or man out there..
I know I have been awful at returning emails and comments.
I am working on it, but when the choice is go to the park with the kids
or return emails, right now the park has to win...they grow too quickly.
...so THANK YOU all for coming by! I appreciate it!

I LOVE the ease of sharing links on Facebook, so this is how I will make my way through Tickled Pink links. I will now get more active with that!

So, go on over and LIKE 504 Main on Facebook!
Don't miss a thing. If you have a Blog Page, just let me know
by leaving a comment on the 504 Main Wall!

I am also inviting you to share your

link on my FaceBook wall this week.

Please no giveaways or etsy shops,
but whatever you link up here, feel free to share the link on my Facebook Wall.
Hope I have not made a mess with that invitation!
(be sensible peeps...I reserve the right to DELETE!)

If I feature you on Facebook or twitter, be sure to grab a button HERE!

NOW FOR TICKLED PINK!

A craft...a recipe...a tip...a party...a short story...a poem...
a fashion find...a favorite product...your favorite post...
whatever makes your blog fabulous!
That is what Tickled Pink is all about!
{and it does NOT have to be PINK}
Click right HERE to Grab a button!

PRACTICE PINK KINDNESS
1. Link up...whatever makes your blog fabulous. Family Friendly please. Guess what? Your post does not have to be PINK!!
2. PLEASE LINK TO A POST URL, ****NOT YOUR MAIN URL****
3. Pretty please...add the Tickled Pink button to the post* {people need to know what the heck they are doing!}.
4. I reserve the right to remove posts that are offensive or do not adhere to the rules, without any discussion, at my discretion.
5. Please visit at least the 3 links in front of you!

TICKLED PINK Now Has Categories
I won't banish you if you mess up, but try to link appropriately, pretty please!

Craft, DIY, Decorate
crafting, diy, decor type links

Cook, Bake, Eat
stuff to eat, cook, drink, and bake

DIY! Clever Chalkboard Napkin and Utensil Caddy

I have a little thing for weird objects that I can turn into amazing (at least I think so) projects. I adore those faux Bundt pans (I think) technically I have to call these beauties ring shaped fluted cake pans...because Bundt is a trademarked name!) you see all the time at the thrift store...If they have a cool shape or color I pick them up and use them as "vases" for centerpiece displays and planters....but recently I had another idea...which never quite got finished in time...but it morphed into this idea...
a napkin and or utensil caddy.
(or an art caddy...or anything you want!)

SUPPLIES

Faux Bundt pan or ring shape fluted cake pan
Krylon Indoor/Outdoor Primer
Krylon Chalkboard Paint
Rockler Sanding Bug
Drill and drill bit
Multi-Purpose Wire, Dand-o-line green (I used a heavy duty wire so I could form a nice handle...there are other options. I bought this at the hardware store).
Wire Cutters
Twine/ribbon/strips of fabric
Chalk

DIY IT!

Go check out the full tutorial at The DIY Club!

And see who won June's Project Party!

Are you ready to join July's Project Party???

This is a super easy project!

You just need to clean it.

Drill a couple of holes, and sand it.

Prime it!

Paint it.

Attache a handle!

Decorate it!

I decide to use this as a napkin caddy because I like to use cloth napkins as much as possible, and it makes a cute presentation! And it is so easy to pack up and move around!

You could use this for so many other thing too - condiments, silverware (with some mason jars tucked inside)...and of course my still all time favorite as a centerpiece.

Do you have a favorite hint or tip for entertaining?

Some products have been provided to me through my affiliation with The DIY Club.

View my disclosure policy.

Paint My Walls, Purdy Please!

As I have mentioned I am in a state of change (and denial) when it comes to life and my house. I have decided the house needs a boost - I color my hair when I need a boost, so I will paint my walls when the house needs a boost! Such an easy way to transform a space.

(these curtains need to be retired!)

I had hoped that when I showed you my dining room paint, I would also have some gorgeous NEW Roman Shades as well...but alas that did not happen. I ordered the shades - got a GREAT deal...both were on clearance!!! Opened package number one - perfection. Package number two was on back order...just received it...a different color than package one (it says it is the right color but NOT!)...so I have mismatched shades that cannot be mismatched because they are right next to each other. UGH...OK that is my rant.

Anyway...my paint is still beautiful! So, I'll just share that with ya.

I used Mythic Paint, in Melted Truffle - gorgeous! This paint has no VOC's and guess what hubby did not notice I had painted when he got home from work, yes, that is right no paint stink...YEAH! Um, it took two months for him to notice that I painted...go figure!

Besides the great color, what really made this an easy paint job is the Purdy tools. it is true a good (or great) paintbrush makes all the difference! You can read more about the Purdy tools at The DIY CLUB! While you are there be sure to check out who won June's Project Party and get ready to enter July's Party!

My dining room is small, but right in the front of my house....
it has some more fancy-ing up to be done to it,
but great well painted walls is a start!
And it makes my ugly door makeover look even better too!

How do you spruce up your house?

Some products have been provided to me through my affiliation with The DIY Club.

View my disclosure policy.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

I'm at Craft Camp!

Skip to My Lou has Craft Camp happening throughout June.

There are a ton of great ideas from so many talented bloggers.
There is something for everyone!

Today I am happy to be one of her campers!

Yippeee!
(better yet...no bugs at Craft Camp)

Want to see my super cute Angels and Monsters in the Garden...go check them out!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

How to Make a Patriotic Star Banner

I am not a big door decor lady, or a big holiday decorator either.
I do love wreaths, but that is about it
(and heck I only have my screen wreath out anyway)...
but after making my birdie welcome banner...
I am sold. I love looking at that sweet banner.
So, for the 4th I decided to make a U.S.A. banner!

Monday, June 27, 2011

The Buffet...an Entertaining Essential

We entertain a lot....it is not always formal, in fact I am more than happy to make a sweep of the house, throw everything in the laundry room and have good friends over for a game night or a crafting afternoon (sometimes I do freak about cleaning the bathroom).

One thing is for sure there is always a lot of scrumptious food!

I am really tired of it always on the kitchen counter. I would love a place, a buffet or sideboard for my home where I could stash all of those entertaining essentials, that would also function as a dedicated serving space. I almost think this is a necessity in my quest for totally home organization (which is going quite slowly by the way!).

In my current home, I do not have a lot of room for a big piece of furniture, nor do I want anything too fussy. Function is key if I am adding any furniture into my home right now.

This simple sideboard in distressed brown has storage, it is not too big-not too small, fits in perfectly with my decor, and also has surface area for hors d'oeuvres and other goodies.

On the other hand a sideboard with wine storage, bigger cabinets, and a little more surface for displaying and serving. I was also drawn to the lighter color. The style is a little different than some of my other pieces, but I am in a design transition now (that is a fancy way of saying - I am tired of some of the stuff!), so it could work.

Oh and then I saw this gorgeous Jessica McClintock Buffet

(I may have had a dress or two designed by Ms. McClintock in my day!)

I fell in L-O-V-E!

It is not simple, but it is glamorous and gorgeous!

So, tell me how do you entertain?

Are you formal, casual, afraid to invite people over at the spur of the moment?

To read my FULL disclosure statement, click HERE

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Tickled Pink No. 53

Happy Almost-Weekend!

Time for Tickled Pink!
Sorry about missing Tickled Pink last week. I was off in Indiana at Delta Faucet and truly forgot what day it was...and maybe, just maybe was having too much fun!

That post is coming very soon!

What's happening for you this weekend?

We are celebrating a big 1-0 Birthday for my son! How did 10 years fly by like that?

I know I am not the only busy lady or man out there..
I know I have been awful at returning emails and comments. That will change, but I have also gained some much needed perspective during this crazy deadline time...I am trying to figure out how to manage it all and not have my kids think the only thing I do is sit on the computer (not good!).
...so THANK YOU all for coming by! I appreciate it!

I am also inviting you to share your

link on my FaceBook wall this week.

NOW FOR TICKLED PINK!

TICKLED PINK Now Has Categories
I won't banish you if you mess up, but try to link appropriately, pretty please!

Craft, DIY, Decorate
crafting, diy, decor type links

Cook, Bake, Eat
stuff to eat, cook, drink, and bake

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

A Note That Goes Well With S'mores

I have crashed and burned.
Whenever I finish a MAJOR project,
I always crash and burn for about one week.
It is almost like all the things that I could not concentrate
on before are all swirling in my head - AT ONE TIME!

I have a gained some much needed perspective in the last couple of months,
but I still have a bajillion projects to finish,
some super FAB giveaways to get to,
and
an A-M-A-Z-I-N-G (beyond belief) trip to
Delta Faucets to tell you about.
Seriously I had no idea how much fun faucets and plumbing could be! Of course all the people at Delta, the company who brought us bloggers there, and the bloggers who were on the trip were also A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

In the meantime, a friend of mine (like a real life one who I have know since I was 7 or so) made the s'mores bark I posted about during the holidays for a teacher gift...
and it was a DUH moment for me.
She is brilliant!
I think I got stuck in the fact that it had bark in the title and bark is for Christmas, right?

So, here is my s'mores bark recipe (again)...
perfect for taking on a picnic or to a party when you cannot make the real thing!

If you have read my blog before, you know I am a sucker for anything s'mores related.

If you have never read my blog before, well, now you know too!

{and I am not the only one in the family with this issue.}

I love this idea for the holidays, but seriously how perfect is this for summer.
S'mores and summer go together right?
So, when you cannot have the real thing,
make up some s'mores bark to take along.
YUM!

(please excuse the photo - quite possibly my worst food photos ever!)

INGREDIENTS/SUPPLIES

(adapted from a recipe found at about.com)

16-17 full graham crackers (about 1 and 1/2 sleeves)
1/2 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
Rimmed baking sheet
OPTIONAL: nuts, bacon, candies

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350F.
Cover baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Spray foil with non-stick cooking spray.
Arrange graham crackers in a single layer on the cookie sheet. Place them right up next to one another. You may have to cut or break apart some of the graham crackers.
Melt/Stir butter and brown sugar together in a saucepan over a medium flame.
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, being sure to stir constantly to avoid separating or scorching.
Once at a constant boil, pour the mixture over the graham crackers. Use a spatula to spread it over the crackers in an even layer.
Place toffee in the oven for 5 minutes. It should be bubbling all over.
Remover from the oven and cool for one minute.
Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of the hot toffee and let rest for about 1 minute, then spread with a spatula or knife.
Once evenly spread, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top (I press them down just a little).
FOR FUN! I put the entire cookie sheet in the broiler for 2 minutes to toast the marshmallows and then popped them in the refrigerator to firm up. The toasty taste is the best!

ADDITIONAL TOPPINGS:

You can also add other favorite items like toasted pecans...or what about joining the bacon craze and crumbling some crispy bacon on top for bacon s'mores bark!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Thanks Dad...Lessons Learned

Happy Father's Day!
(this is a repost from,last year..some of you may recognize it!)

Anyway, this is about my Dad! He and I are a lot alike - good and bad. I am pretty sure that is where I get my impatience, my eagerness, and my competitive spirit.

My Dad was a police officer for 20+ years. I am proud of that and always was. He worked funky hours, but it was a good life. He was often able to come home with his partner and have dinner with us. And then other times, we wouldn't see him for days due to his schedule. Sometimes I would get up at 1 am {or later} when my Dad got home from work. We would eat PBandJ on Saltine crackers and watch Planet of the Apes or a weird caveman movie.

When I was younger, I was fascinated with Wrigley's Spearmint Gum. All the police officers chewed it {they all had mustaches too}. I thought it was special...and I thought {or was told} that you had to get it from a policeman. Every night {or day} when my dad came home from work, if I was "good" he would give me his special Police Gum and I was in heaven. I am not sure when I realized everyone could buy Wrigley's Spearmint Gum...not just police officers!

Of course, Police Gum was the invention of the man who, while we were vacationing at Lake Powell, had me convinced that the holes about 50 feet above water were fish houses, and that the yucca plant was named that because it tastes awful {yuck-a!}.

Now, life at my house was not all fun and games, my Dad takes some things very seriously....like his lawn and his baseball hats!

Oh you think I am joking...NOT! He is obsessed with his lawn. He cannot go on vacation for too long because his lawn will grow too tall. We joke that he measures it daily to see if it needs to be cut...and cutting is an all day event...and, remember we live in coastal California...we are not talking acres!

Baseball hats are my Dad's signature item, placing just ahead of shorts - no matter what the weather. As for baseball hats, they must be worn correctly {bill to the front, unless you are in a boat, then it is acceptable to wear it backwards}. The bill must also be bent - just so. I am sure my Dad has a special tool for doing this somewhere. You know what is scary...I find myself repeating this to my son when he screws around with his baseball hat!

Both of my parents were supportive and gave it their all for their kids. They were always coaching our teams, or sitting in the stands cheering us on as we got older. They taught us a lot and let us grow into who we are.

So to end this, I want to say a big thanks to my Dad for teaching me...

...how to take care of myself - but that did not mean he didn't ask the police to drive by my apartment when I moved out and lived on my own.

...how to NOT throw like a girl. And with that, I played Little League with the boys until I was 12. I even once pitched a no-hitter shut out - who says a girl can't throw?

...how to drive a stick shift, which I still prefer.

...how to drive a boat and how to water ski.

...how to ride a dirt bike.

...how to ride a regular bike!

...how to wash a car properly {I do not always do it, but I know how to!}

...that you can never have enough bungee cords or zip ties.

...that Peppermint Schnapps does not taste like a candy cane.

...how to be the last person to leave a party.

Happy Father's day Dad!

And Happy Father's Day

to all the dad's out there!