Let's Talk Coffee: Starbucks Verismo 580 Brewer Review and GIVEAWAY!

My morning coffee takes me to my happy place.

So does my mid morning, afternoon, and evening cup!

With all that coffee I drink, it is hard to believe it has taken this long for the

Starbucks Verismo 580 Brewer to find its way to my house.

Yep. I was a hold out...But no longer!

Thanks to Staples, this gorgeous brewer has a permanent place in my home.

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Nautical Knot Vases

Nautical has always been on of my favorite trends.
If I was brave I would break our the fabulous vintage shots of me in my nautical attire...but I am not that brave...so instead I will show you my more modern and on-trend take on Nautical, one of the hottest looks for the season!  Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store makes spring crafting easy during National Craft Month with a $5 off $25 or more purchase coupon and a spring crafting inspiration website.

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FROZEN Inspired Waffle Sundae (with a Healthy Twist)

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser.

Every night we have a Disney FROZEN sing-a-long in this house.

My daughter is dancing and singing, I am cooking and singing...

and even my son is (quietly) singing along to FROZEN as he does his homework.

I love that this sweet movie, its characters, and its music has found a place in our home.

So, are we excited for FROZEN the Movie to be released on DVD on March 18?

Um, yeah...you could say that! Beyond excited!

In fact we already have a small party planned for after school on Tuesday!

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Tickled Pink Times Two No. 30

Welcome to the Tickled Pink Times Two Linky Party - 

a creative party to share your very best posts of the week!

I want to take a minute to TRULY SAY "THANK YOU" to everyone who links up here week after week. I know some of you have been around since the beginning of Tickled Pink.

YOU ARE APPRECIATED!

Did you know we have a Tickled Pink Features Pinterest Board - you can see all the amazing projects and ideas there too!
Stop on by and follow us!

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Rainbow Peek-a-Boo Star Bunting (Die Cut)

Almost every week, my daughter asks me too make something for her teacher or classroom. Once I dared question her about this, to which she replied "You are the crafty one, think of something?" (Yes, there was attitude, but it was also pretty darn funny). This week she wants something for St. Patrick's Day. So, I got out my Lifestyle Crafts Evolution Die Cutter and got started on a cute Rainbow Bunting.

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How to Stain Wood with Balsamic Vinegar

I have been experimenting with new and natural ways to stain or age wood.

First I tried Apple Cider Vinegar...and now Balsamic vinegar.

I an so LOVING the colors these different vinegars give the wood.

I have done many projects with these "stains,"

but for now I just want to share the technique.
Just like the apple cider stain...this one is so easy!

Supplies

• (Real) Steel Wool  (I used 0000 grade)
• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup water
• Jar
• Gloves
• Paint brush ( it does not have to be a good one)

NOTE: Different vinegars will produce different finishes and I did some research about aging with balsamic vinegar. Apparently it is supposed to give you a greenish color...but I would not color my color green at all!


DIY IT!

• In a 2 cup+ glass jar, I placed 1 steel wool pad and 1 cup of balsamic vinegar and 1 cup water. Because balsamic vinegar is more expensive and comes in smaller bottles, I mixed it with water to make it stretch further.
• Put the lid on the vinegar/steel wool mixture and let it sit...mine sat for about 1 week before I liked the intensity of the color. I tested it every 24 hours to see the color.
• I suggest trying the stain on a scrap piece (or similar) wood after 24 hours...if that is not the desired effect...48 hours...and so on
• EDIT: The less you let the mixture sit the lighter the stain. If you are looking for a particular color, I suggest testing the mixture every 24 hours until you see the color you desire.
• When my concoction was ready (to my liking), I gave it a quick stir.
• Some suggest straining out the steel wool. I did NOT...there was not much left - bits and pieces...but I really did not care they were in there.
• If necessary, transfer smaller amounts of the stain to a smaller glass jar to work with- it is easier to handle that way.
• Be warned...the smell is pretty intense...it is vinegar! I just did this all outside. The mixture smells, but I do NOT notice a lingering scent on my project.
• NOTE: Now, protect your work surface - it may stain concrete or whatever is comes into contact with.

• Wear gloves - seriously - WEAR GLOVES. My hand are even more aged right now!
• Use the paint brush and brush on the vinegar all over. 
• Let dry.
• Rinse the wood to remove any residue from the steel wool. It may lighten the stain a it. You can always reapply another coat to darken it up. 
• Below you can see the difference between what the stain looks like when wet and then when dry.

Just to refresh your memory and show you the difference between staining with Apple Cider Vinegar and Balsamic Vinegar...here is a quick comparison photo: 

It is pretty simple...gives great color...

and I cannot wait to show you the projects I have done!

This post is written and created at 504 Main by Holly Lefevre

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Tickled Pink Times Two No. 29

Welcome to the Tickled Pink Times Two Linky Party - 

a creative party to share your very best posts of the week!

I want to take a minute to TRULY SAY "THANK YOU" to everyone who links up here week after week. I know some of you have been around since the beginning of Tickled Pink.

YOU ARE APPRECIATED!

Did you know we have a Tickled Pink Features Pinterest Board - you can see all the amazing projects and ideas there too!
Stop on by and follow us!

CONTINUE READING

A Table Inspired by Painted Poppies (and a Giveaway)

Creating beautiful tables is really one of my favorite things to do and one of the things I miss most about my wedding planning days. I generally try to set a pretty table for holidays and special occasions, but admit that I have been terribly lazy about it as of late.

Recently I received some beautiful dishes and a gorgeous glass platter from Pfaltzgraff's  Painted Poppies collection. I was so inspired to invite a few girlfriends over and have a lunch and coffee on my newly refinished deck!

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Kid's Monogram Canvas Art: Making Colorful Magic with Crayola

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser.

As a child, coloring was my favorite activity. My parents knew how to make me happy - bring me a nice big box of Crayola Crayons! The first thing I did every-single-time I got new crayons was to organize them all by color. I still remember how excited that made me. 

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