504 Main by Holly Lefevre: July 2011

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Tickled Pink No. 58 and a Chance to Win Passes to The Creative Connection

Happy Weekend!

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Can you believe we are getting ready to enter our last full week of summer.
School starts in 10 days.
To me that is CRAZY!
We are trying to enjoy every moment!
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I would be beyond Tickled Pink if this happened...
I so want to head off to Minnesota to attend The Creative Connection (TCC) in September. I have been trying to figure out how to get there...Hubby keeps looking at me like I am crazy. I have not figured out the trick to getting sponsors for these blog conferences so it has all been on my dime...and last night I saw this!

So, I was giddy. Imagine being surrounded by crafters, artists and creatives of all types. INSPIRATION,
EDUCATION,
and
just PLAIN AWESOMENESS!
Well, even though I really want to win, I am passing this contest along to let you all you you could win too! Go check it out on the TCC blog and ENTER!
(if you win and I don't, I am available for travel...I am a good roommate!)
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I know I am not the only busy lady or man out there..
I know I have been awful at returning emails and comments.
...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

What Would You Do?

A couple of months ago I was invited to an event that honored a person I found to be less than honorable. I did not go. I was given some grief about this.

When I choose how to spend my time, money, and resources, I have a pretty strict set of standards. Not outrageous standards, in fact I think they are more about common courtesy, respect, and being a role model. I have a (mental) list of things I won't buy, shows I won't watch, actors and actress whose movies I will not view, musicians whose albums I will not purchase, clothing I will not wear, even ice cream I will not eat....all for different reasons. (Just a few of my quirks.)

Now here is the conflict...the event was a charity event. Generally when I am presented with a good cause I am perfectly willing to help in some way.

However, in this instance the charity and the event is set up to celebrate a person who lived their life in a less than honorable fashion - drugs, alcohol, hard partying ways that continue (this person did not ever change). It was hard for me to watch as so many I know were excited about this event, just for the sake of the event and because they thought this person was "the life of the party." To me it sent a wrong message - let's celebrate someone who broke laws, abused their body, and was generally not someone I would want to set on a pedestal as an example for my children.

Sometimes I get caught up in my own head and see only black and white with these issues. Sometimes my opinion changes when I think it through more...but I have now thought about this for awhile and I my opinion has not changed.

There are many charities who can benefit from what I have to offer and I chose to support those causes.

Am I being unreasonable? I realize in a situation like this there may not be one simple answer to cover everyone's feelings/beliefs...everyone has their opinions and decides what matters to them. I am not mad or annoyed with my friends who attended the event, it is their choice, just as it was mine not to go.

So, I ask what would you do...do you go to the event because it is a charity event or do you stand by your beliefs?

Party with Tampico

A couple of weeks ago, I threw my daughter a birthday party (or two).

of course there was food...and beverage.

AND I wanted to do something really fun for the kids...and adults,

so I whipped up a couple of festive punches using Tampico!

Have you heard of Tampico?

I had heard of it, but never tried it before...

and then we were at the store and the kiddos saw
a bottle and really wanted to try it.

Well, then, "Let's try it!"
Um yeah, they loved it.

So, when it was time to create the FUN for the party,

Tampico was the obvious choice!

We headed back out to pick up some of the

new single serving 20oz. bottles and even a few gallons!
The kids had lots of ideas too!

Tampico has a ton of flavors!

All unique and fun and tasty!
To celebrate all that is unique, Tampico has a FAB contest
happening right now (through 8/21/11)...
Here's the scoop on the Unique Like You contest:
upload a photo, "trick it out," and have a chance to win a Digital Rockstar Kit: a laptop computer, digital music player, headphones, and a $100 music card!
Sounds fun! Go check it out all the details and contest rules.

For our unique party we chose to use the kids favorite flavors:

Strawberry Banana, Island Punch, and Citrus Punch.

It was seriously hard to keep their hands off the Tampico until party time.

HOW TO CREATE A SWEET TAMPICO PARTY TREAT!

The punches were simple - all made in about 5 minutes.
Quantities can easily be increased - I did most of mine double
Also the sparkling water can be increased or decreased based on your liking..Many of the adults added some more - more fizz, more fun!

The party was for 4 year olds...

but the big kids were easier to contain for the photo!

And they loved it...Not a drop of punch left!

Strawberry Banana Punch

4 cups of Tampico Strawberry Banana Punch
2 cups Sparkling Water of Club Soda (the kids always feel fancy with bubbles!) You could easily do ginger ale.
Mix together
Chop up some bananas and throw in some fresh strawberries (minus the stems)
For fun I added the juice of 2 limes too.

Fizzy Island Punch

4 Cups Tampico Island Punch
2 Cups Pineapple juice
2 cups club soda or sparkling water
Limes - a little juice but just because they looked pretty too!
Mix is all together! Ta-da

Tampico Citrus Sherbet

I also made some sherbet (my first time for sherbet) with the Citrus Punch. I felt these fruity flavors screamed for a sherbet. The kiddos loved it!

Especially in these cute little cones!

Notice she is licking her fingers already...YIKES!

We had fun with our Tampico Creations.
I really cannot wait to try cooking something up...
yep there are recipes on the Tampico website too! YUM!

Go visit the Tampico Facebook Page and
click here to enter the Unique Like You Contest

And, wait...this week there is a Twitter Contest running.
Between 07/26 – 08/01. All users have to do is answer a simple question posted on Tampico's Twitter Page at random times throughout, tag their answer with #Tampico20oz. The 20th person to answer (no worries, questions are open-ended), will win 20 bottles of Tampico in the 20oz bottles.

Do you have a go-to party punch?
I think these are mine now!

Disclosure: Tampico product samples were provided to me free of charge, courtesy of Tampico Beverages, Inc.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

DIY! Trash to Treasure Party Cart Makeover

I saw this beauty and it was love at first sight.

It was still in the back room of the thrift store when I saw it.
I asked my "friend" at the store if I could go look
- she said yes...I said "I'll take it!"

Trash to Treasure Serving Cart from 504 Main

I had to have it...
even if it was $25.00 - not a bargain for sure.
This was the perfect piece for a fabulous #makeover!

Monday, July 25, 2011

Delta Faucet 2011 Blogger Event

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of visiting Delta Faucet Company headquarters as their guest. I have attended other blog events before, but never as an invited guest,
what an experience it was.

When I first received the invitation, I was like "Are you sure you are contacting the right person?" but apparently they were. I put plans into motion asap - first up secure a nanny (aka grandma)...then possibly go shopping - new clothes are always a must.

Anyway, I made it there, and from the moment I stepped off the plane in Indiana it was a sheer delight to be a part of this event. There were 9 bloggers there covering all different areas of DIY with their own unique spin.

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting them all.

Here is a quick list of who was there:

504 Main

The DIY Showoff

Holyoke Home

Condo Blues
The DIY Geek and Handy Guys Podcast

Joey and Lane Make A House a Home

Merrypad

SavingsGrid and Daily Home Renovation Tips

After arriving at the hotel, I made contact with Roeshel from The DIY Show Off (she is awesome!) and then we all headed into a reception hosted by Delta - food, drink, new friends from the blog world, new friends from Delta, and new friends from the PR firm. Everyone was warm and welcoming and knowledgeable. I knew right away this was going to be a great experience.

At this reception we were presented with our first challenge...

Take a Backward Shower.

Huh?

That is what we said, but we all did it. Oh you want to know what that means - if you wash your face first, do it last...if you wash your hair first do it last. It is all about our routines and our relationship with water and ourselves...and a fun little experiment to see how different (or not) it made us feel. My verdict - at the end of the shower, I had to start over because I was not sure I did everything I normally do.

The next am we headed to headquarters where we were greeted by the employees in the lobby clapping for us - superstar moment! Quite the welcome. Oh and the lobby...gorgeous - I was like a kid in a candy store.
A true showplace of Delta and Brizo Products.

We went into a beautiful room filled with the must gorgeous faucets from the Brizo line - a fashion forward brand. From the illustrations to the presentation to their collaboration with fashion designer Jason Wu, Brizo has stunning designs - I want one of each...just to put on display (can you imagine!).

Brizo also has gorgeous ads...look at those illustrations!

(this image from The DIY Showoff)

I personally have a thing for this beauty. I mean really if your faucet can sparkle like that what else do you need? I could not bring her home with me - my suitcase was already too heavy (sigh!)

(this image from The DIY Showoff)

This faucet also caught my eye - do you see that elegant and refined twist...to-die-for!

Then we were introduced to the Charlotte - look at this new finish!
Cocoa Bronze...it is true LOVE!

I seriously had no idea faucets could be this glamorous.

We were treated to an amazing lunch and headed into the room to learn more about the Delta line. I have to be honest I had never been so excited or interested in faucets and shower heads and the like. I was like a kid in a candy store - beautiful faucets and of course Delta has Touch2O technology. Oh to just tap the faucet on! A dream no more!

Along with getting to ogle the beauty of the designs, we were also introduced to the environmental impact you can make with your water and how Delta is doing all they can to help and stay on top of emerging green technology and practices. I am fascinated with this, as I live in an area without its own water source and we are restricted as to even how many faucets we can have in a home without approval and being on a waiting list (crazy, eh?).

I particularly like what Delta's position is on being GREEN:

"As a company that delivers water every day through more than 150 million faucets worldwide, Delta Faucet Company provides products that address today’s water conservation concerns as well as water purity and accessibility. These smart water delivery solutions maximize water efficiency and the life span of the products, without sacrificing the comfort and convenience of the user experience. We routinely evaluate our manufacturing, packaging and shipping processes to find ways to conserve resources and energy, and to reduce the impact of our enterprise on the environment."

(this image from The DIY Showoff)

I have installed a faucet before, but The DIY Showoff, Holyyoke Home and I got to install a faucet together, while giving feedback on the instructions. Of course we did it...and it worked and did not leak...woo-whoo! AND this was even one of their faucets with Touch2O.xt technology - yes we mixed water and electricity! It was so easy to install.

There is so much to tell...
but I will just hit a couple more of my favorite moments.

I LOVE my showers!
We learned all about how water hits you and what makes a good shower head - it is not just about size and the number of holes but how that shower head works and expels the water.
Delta has H2O Kinetic Technology - "...an innovative shower technology that uniquely shapes and affects the water it delivers, thereby enhancing the user’s shower experience. The technology provides a sensational shower experience while conserving water."

(this image from The DIY Showoff)

Some more fab facts about Delta's Line include:

Magnetic Docking Technology: Keeps pull down spray faucets firmly in place when not in use.
H2O Kinetic Technology - "Is an innovative shower technology that uniquely shapes and affects the water it delivers, thereby enhancing the user’s shower experience. The technology provides a sensational shower experience while conserving water."
Touch2O and Touch 2Oxt Technology - "Touch it on and touch it off, or have an entirely hands-free experience. The Touch₂O Technology functionality is ideal for tasks that require a constant flow of water, such as washing one's face. start and stop the flow of water with a touch to the faucet - use wrist, elbow, forearm. Messy hands, clean faucets (need this!).
Diamond Seal Technology - "The valve requires no lubrication, eliminates wear on seals, and ensures “like new” operation for the life of the faucet, lasting up to 10 times longer than the industry standard. Once inside the faucet, water does not come in contact with potential metal contaminants."
MagnaTite Docking - Powerful magnet on the pull down/spray hose to keep it in place when not in use.

We were treated to a tour of the design room!

Sorry no photos - they are top secret.

But let me just tell you, it was a magical space

filled with creativity and innovation...

and just wait until you see some of the beauty coming your way from Delta.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the fantastic dinner

we were treated to at Recess in Indianapolis.

Food, wine, new friends.

I would fly back just to go to dinner there - it was delicious!

That's all folks. I have a master bathroom to overhaul and my mind is spinning -

which Delta faucet to design it all around (ha!)?!?

This was truly a unique and amazing experience and

I want to say a BIG thanks to Delta and the PR firm for such a wonderful event!

Now...go take a backwards shower

and tell me what you think!

Disclosure: I was an invited guest of Delta Faucet for this event. These opinions are my own. No other compensation was provided.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Tickled Pink No. 57

Happy Weekend!

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I am beyond Tickled Pink this week...

I survived Carmageddon in Los Angeles;

I spent a girls weekend with 3 of the BEST girls EVER;
ate at great restaurants;
attended the Renegade Craft Fair;
attended the Eat Real Food Festival;
got to see many of my L.A. peeps;
Rode bikes with my son at sunset all around the elementary school I attended.

!!!!Happy Dance!!!!

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I know I am not the only busy lady or man out there..
I know I have been awful at returning emails and comments.
...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

The Living Room Makeover Continues with Comfort Works

My living room must be confused...
every time I settle on one thing I change my mind.
Which tells me I have not quite found the right combination.

I was loving my living room.
I revamped it a little with some paint,
but something was still not-quite-me.
I loved the funky vintage vibe that was happening,
but I also have a slightly modern bold side to me.
(I have never really shown you those art pieces and murals)

Then, Country Living published their "What's Country Now?" Issue and it feature this living room on the cover...and I fell in love. I already had the wall color happening. I love red, and this was a great inspiration for meshing country and modern as least to me.

You can read more about this room here

I was inspired by the look of this room - I felt the need to make changes to get closer to this look, but wanted to make it mine, not simply copy this room. I have started the process, but still have details to finish up - bit-by-bit - but I feel it - this is it!

I began to make plans, and about that time, an Australian Company called Comfort Works contacted me through The DIY Club, offering me the opportunity to review one of their products. Comfort Works has "over 100 different fabrics designs and blends." They specialize in customizing IKEA Sofa Covers, Curtains, Pillows, Coverlets and Cushion Slipcovers. Currently their slipcovers only are for IKEA sofas,
BUT not their other products and I was SOLD on their curtains.

I was sent some swatches to look over and was really impressed with their quality.
I selected Pinch Pleat Curtains

in Antoinette Desert Rose

When my curtains arrived, I did a happy dance!

The fabric is a great quality,
the lining excellent and the way they hang makes me smile!
I even received two pillow cushion covers - just what I needed!
I am seriosuly impressed and quite happy with the colors,
and quality from Comfort Works.
I just wished they made slipcovers for non-IKEA couches - boy do I need those!

I am so happy with the difference these curtains
from Comfort Works made in my living room.
I hope to paint my (very large) brick fireplace in a shade of white,
and I have some new pillows and art I am working on -
all with pops of red!
And, there is a great ottoman in the works too!

I wish I was a better photographer...or had a better camera...
it looks awesome in person,
but I have had some trouble capturing the right color/exposure in the image.

Do you redecorate or revamp as much as me? UGH!
If so, why? Or care to share your tricks?

Disclosure: I received two panels of pinch pleat curtains and two cushion covers from Comfort Works. No other compensation was provided. The opinions are my own. Disclosure Policy

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

A Side of {Pretzel} Fries!

My little doll had a birthday party recently (OK, 2 birthday parties) and it was inspired by the Lalaloopsy Dolls. If you are not familiar, Lalaloopsy Dolls are fun, funky, and whimsical dolls (although I wish they were not so plastic - their heads are huge and could be a weapon). I love the crazy colors of their outfits and the two dolls my daughter has just really inspired me to go forth with this theme (I talked her out of a Tangled theme. I do love that movie though).

When I do a party or event I like the details to be more subtle, with maybe one or two literal translations, that is why I always say "inspired-by."

I used the colors and fun spirit of the dolls to create the party.

Now, Jules LOVES rod pretzels,

and I have made pretzel wands for years,

but I wanted something different...

then I remembered Jenn had purchased the Fry Box Die

from Lifestyle Crafts (and I have the Epic 6),

and so it was a match made in heaven -

PRETZEL FRIES!

This is so fun...and better yet...super easy!

SUPPLIES

(Disclaimer - I am not technical or fancy...I like to work with what I have, so this is what I did and used).

Pretzel Rods or Thick Pretzel Sticks (I had purchased the long rods already, so I used those and broke them in pieces)
Melting chocolate - your choice of color. I used white (available at craft and most party supply stores)
Sprinkles

TOOLS

Glass measuring cup
Microwave
Spoon
Wax Paper
Aluminum foil
Cookie sheet

OPTIONAL - for presentation

Epic 6 Letterpress
Fry Box Die
Nesting Bloom die
Ric-Rac or ribbon
glue dots or double stick tape

(use the code 504MAIN to get 20% off at Lifestyle Crafts)

DIY IT!

Prepare your pretzels. There is not much prep required other than opening the bag if you buy the shorter pretzels. In my case I had to break the pretzels in two.
Line the counter with wax paper/cutting boards/something to protect the counters. I had a piece of wax paper for dipping the pretzels; a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil for rolling the pretzels in sprinkles; and more wax paper (laid out on the counter) for laying the pretzels on to harden/dry.
Place melting chocolate wafers in microwave safe glass measuring cup and heat according to package directions (typically, microwave on low for 30 seconds to one minute, stir, and repeat and short time intervals, stirring until smooth and melted.).
When melted, remove from microwave.
Dip end of each pretzel into the chocolate (I only covered 1/2 to 2/3 of the pretzel and in the case where I broke the pretzels in half, I covered the broken end).
Give the pretzel a slight tap on the edge of the measuring cup to shake off excess chocolate.
Dip or roll in sprinkles.
Place on wax paper to dry.

PRESENTATION

As mentioned I used my Epic 6 and the Fry Box Die Cut to "fancy-up" my presentation the fries. The majority of the fry boxes were not decorated at the party, just a few. (I simply ran out of time). Read more about the Lifestyle Crafts NEW Dies.

I am sure you could find paper fry bags at a restaurant supply store or a store like Smart and Final (but I LOVE my die cutter, just sayin'). Then decorate them using purchased die cuts or embellishments from the craft store.

Cut die out of black cardstock and assemble fry box using perforations and directions.
Cut a medium size nesting bloom out of a corresponding cardstock (I used a piece of letterpress paper I had made previously).
Wrap ric-rac or ribbon around fry box and secure in back with glue dot or double stick tape.
Attach bloom die cut on front of box using glue dot or tape.
I do think I should have added a sweet button to the middle of that die (buttons were a reoccurring element in the party details too).