Designer Garden

Crocs Giveaway

2012-02-09T13:11:00.001-07:00

Hooray! Designer Garden on Facebook finally has 300 likes! And in return I’m giving away this adorable pair of Crocs sandals for summer! They are a girls size 10, brand new with tags.

I just bought both my girls a pair of these before our trip to Costa Rica and they wear them all the time. Super comfy and totally cute!

3 WAYS TO ENTER

You must be a follower of Designer Garden
“Like” Designer Garden on Facebook
Share this giveaway on your blog or Facebook page

Leave a comment for each entry if you want it to be counted.

winner will be drawn on valentines day!!

good luck!!

~Sommer

VIP Party 41

2012-01-27T09:31:00.001-07:00

Welcome to this weeks V.I.P. party where you can share your Visually.Inspiring.Projects and brag your little hearts out! Thanks to everyone who participated last week and continue to grace us with your projects. The party is only as successful as it’s partiers!

So sorry the party was MIA the last couple weeks. It’s back on now!

Each week I will choose one (or two) VIP's to feature at the next weeks party. So let's make this short and sweet and get to the rules...

Rule # 1... There are no rules!

I have a few un-rules (as in un-official) if you don't mind humoring me...

1. If you want to follow the blog, I wont stop you. This also makes it easier for you to find the party next week!
2. If you want to link back, you know what to do.
3. Party Like A Rock Star!

Here are some highlight photo’s from our trip to Costa Rica incase you missed the video =)

Costa Rica Family Vacation Part 1

2012-01-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

We had the most amazing trip. Well okay it could have been slightly better if we had a nanny lol. But here are some clips of the best parts. I’ll probably be on vacation posting overload in the course of the next few days so I hope you enjoy!

This video takes place in Quepos, Costa Rica, Dominical Costa Rica, Uvita, Costa Rica and San Isidro Costa Rica.

~Sommer

Coupon Basics

2012-01-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

It’s finally here! The couponing series you have all been so patiently waiting for. You can look for these posts every two weeks. One the 1st and 15th. I’m leaving you the first one just as I get ready to say Adios mi amigos, and head to Costa Rica.

In this post I will cover the very basics of couponing. Take what you learn out of this post and apply it to your shopping over the next two weeks to become comfortable with the concept. Then we’ll move onto the next topic!

Are you new to couponing? I know the first time I went shopping after diving into the world of coupons I was very nervous. There was probably loads of swear pouring off my brow and people must have thought I was up to no good. Would the coupon scan properly? Would I hear that dreaded beep you see in the TV series? Was I going to be out a bunch of money or have angry shoppers piling up in the line behind me? So to put some of your nerves at ease just read over these simple rules on couponing and you will be just fine!

Let’s start off with the types of coupons you can find.

Manufacturer Coupons: These are coupons from the manufacturer with a specific product printed on it. You can use a manufacturer coupon at most any store that carries that product. Once you give your coupon to the cashier and it is scanned, the specified amount on the coupon will be deducted from your total purchase.

Store Coupons: These are coupons just like the manufacturer coupon but you may only use these at the store specified on the coupon. Some stores will allow you “stack” a store coupon along with a manufacturer coupon to increase your savings.

Online Coupons: These coupons are typically also from the manufacturer but you can print them online. Typically you can only print off two of the same item per computer. There are ways these companies track this and I will tell you more about that later. I recommend a laser printer for printing at home. These print the bar codes on the coupons exceptionally well. If the scanner can’t scan your coupon many times the store will not accept it. So make sure you have a quality printer and take a few to the store to test them before printing off a bunch.

Now let’s move onto where you can find these coupons. I could actually write a list a mile long as to where you can find coupons but I will stick to the most common places today.

Where to find coupons:

The Sunday paper: This is the best place to find loads of coupons. Try to stick to the most popular paper as those tend to have the most inserts each week.
Online Coupons: Many online sites offer coupons. Try signing up for a few of these. Coupons.com, Redplum.com, Smartsource.com or Coolsavings.
All You Magazine
Facebook: Many company offer coupons for “liking” their page. So go like some of your favorite brands and wait for coupon offers.
Coupons stuck to products (Commonly referred to as “Peelies”) or on the store shelves.
Paper recycling bins: I am proud to say I finally found of these centers near my house and plan to make my first dive very soon!
Register Coupons: These are called Catalina's. These are the coupon machines at the checkout that print coupons off like a receipt. Some are manufacturer and some are store coupons. Some are advertised and some print based on consumer behavior.

So now I want you to familiarize yourself with the different types of coupons you can find the next couple weeks. Sign up for the online coupon sites and try printing a few. Start looking at your Catalina's when you check out. Many times they are for $ off your next purchase! I’ve gotten them as high as $10 off a future order.

Lastly stand up for yourself. As long as you are using your coupons properly you can shop with confidence. A lot of times it’s the store clerk who is misinformed. Keep calm and explain to them why you CAN use the coupon. And if that fails, politely ask to speak with a manager. It is your money after all and you should not be guilted into paying full price!

Most importantly…. HAVE FUN! I can’t wait to hear about your first shopping experience and please come back and post how much you saved. As the weeks go on and you learn more you can look back and see how much you saved this week vs three weeks ago! I’ll see you all when I get back!!

~Sommer

Shabby Apple SALE!

2012-01-04T17:06:00.001-07:00

I got some great news today. Shabby Apple is running a New Years Sale for 20% off the entire site!

(Does not include items from the Side Saddle Line)

We all know how beautiful the dresses are at Shabby Apple, and I think we all have one or two that we’ve been eye balling for a while.

I don’t know about you but my New Year resolution this year is to have a Shabby Apple dress all my own. I’m often last to try many things, owning one of these dresses will not be one them lol.

The sale is running all month long so don’t miss out! Enter the code NEWYEAR at checkout to receive your 20% off!

Once you get your dress come back to this post and enter the link to the blog post showing off your great deal!

HAPPY NEW YEAR Designer Garden friends!

~Sommer

Traveling Art Tote

2011-12-30T09:37:00.001-07:00

As many of you know from the Facebook page my family is venturing off to Costa Rica for a week on January 15th!! Exciting right? Well all but the part when the kids realize that the oh so exciting plane is really going to be 6 hours of BORING. Luckily (or maybe not, we shall see) the only direct flight out of Denver leaves at midnight on any given day. So the hope is to Benadryl the kids and they will sleep on the flight out. But the flight back especially will be long for them. And the two hours in the airport waiting to board flights as well.

So I’ve been digging up ideas on traveling with children because this is the first trip we have ever taken with them. And I came across some neat ideas on keeping their activities organized. However the frugal side of me was not willing to pay Etsy prices when I knew I could knock off this amazing tote myself. Here are the art totes I made for the girls yesterday to keep all their coloring and books in one convenient place.

I also plan to add some velcro today to the section inside the handles on either side to keep it securely shut when not in use.

These are already getting use. Though I’m trying to keep the stuff for the trip put away so it feels “new” when we get to the airport. I think it will more fun for them if they haven’t already worn it out.

These were so easy to make and I fully plan on posting a tutorial for you all but it may not be until after the trip. Even beginners can sew this, it’s all strait lines!

~Sommer

VIP Party #40!

2011-12-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

So sorry the party was MIA the last couple weeks. It’s back on now!

Each week I will choose one (or two) VIP's to feature at the next weeks party. So let's make this short and sweet and get to the rules...

Rule # 1... There are no rules!

I have a few un-rules (as in un-official) if you don't mind humoring me...

1. If you want to follow the blog, I wont stop you. This also makes it easier for you to find the party next week!
2. If you want to link back, you know what to do.
3. Party Like A Rock Star!

*!*!Last Parties Highlights!*!*

Welcome To The Jungle Baby!

2011-12-27T17:26:00.003-07:00

It’s been in the works for about a month with many changes in venue over the past few weeks but today it became final. We are headed to Costa Rica with the kids in 19 days! Prepare for photo over load and a bunch of information about this tropical haven that you probably couldn’t care less about. But it has been a dream of ours to see Costa Rica for about 8 years now and finally we get our opportunity to experience it for 8 whole days. This will be the first plane my children have ever been on and the first time they will have ever seen the ocean. It’s going to be a magical experience for all.

I am in the midst of planning a couple tours. Not too many as I do want us to be able to relax on the beach, by the pool and just enjoy the scenery in general. For now I’ll leave you some photo’s of the home we’ll be staying in. We originally planned on an all inclusive somewhere but having three children puts a damper on the room situation. Everyone wants you to get two rooms or a suite which wasn’t in the budget. So we started investigating vacation home rentals. January being the the top of peak season in all warm climates created quite a challenge finding a place that wasn’t already rented for the week. I am super pleased with the property we ended up with though.

Welcome to Villas Tranquilas… Fifteen minutes outside of the town of Puerto Quepos. The village center is a six-block square of restaurants, bars, hotels, bakeries, art galleries and gift shops along the beach and fishing is a favorite pass time here. Quepos is growing quickly but still keeps much of it’s sleepy and humble beginnings.

The pool in the evening. Looking up to the villa.

The villas during the daylight.

View of the pool.

The Lanai (patio/deck)

Since there are four properties each containing four villas there are 16 total townhome style villas at this property.

This is a common space for BBQ’s or other large events.

The living room. Ahhh I’m in love!

The kitchen

The master bedroom.

There is also a secondary bedroom for the girls to share with a queen bed

and a queen pull out sofa which our son will use.

Just so I don’t inundate you with photo’s already I will show you more this week of the surrounding areas. But this is our home for a week while were visiting Costa Rica!! I’m so excited, I’ve already ordered bathing suits and water bottles and today I raided my besties closet and borrowed some extra luggage since we’ve never travelled with the kids before, I came up short. On Thursday I’m going to sew up some of those cute little crayon and note pad activity holders for the girls to take on the plane. We had different family members get the kids portable dvd players and new dvds to take with us on the plane. Santa also got all the kids new head phones so they could watch their movies or play their DS’s without bothering the other people on the plane =) So we’ve been gearing up for a few weeks now and I’m just over the moon that it’s actually happening!

~Sommer

Twelve Days Of Christmas Day 6

2011-12-17T08:00:00.002-07:00

Please Welcome A Pinch Of Joy!

Angels, poinsettias and tradition. Red, white and gold. Themes for Christmas at Chez Charlene this year. The slightly crooked candles are from our wedding and usually make an appearance somewhere each year - tradition. I love to make wreaths! They wander around the house, showing up in different places from Christmas to Christmas.

The first thing people notice about our tree is the curlies. We've been putting (the same plus more) curlies on our tree forever. Some years they look like frosting; other years they look like Swiss cheese. This year is a Swiss cheese year. What can I say? With traditions, you have to be tolerant like that.

Our tree is a has a lot of unique ornaments. These two little boys can be found at the top of the tree every year. They were made by a very talented friend when Bytes and his brother were small -- look just like them! Christmas is a built in time to indulge in remembrances of friends and family and the ways they touched our lives.

Every little nook and cranny has lights and greenery! The stairway is no exception with its garland of green and white poinsettia and snowflakes. Snow boys and girls parade up and down the steps.

The fleet of angels in the dining room atop the buffet. This is only a few of the topper angels that come out each December!

Just to keep all that tradition shook up. . . a contemporary arrangement in the dining room!

Even the fairies have their door all decorated and ready for Christmas. I hope you are ready too. May you and yours have a joyous Christmas!

Twelve Blogs of Christmas Day 5

2011-12-16T08:00:00.002-07:00

Please Welcome Not So Shabby – Shabby Chic!

Hello Designer Garden Fans. I’m Janae from Not So Shabby – Shabby Chic blog!

My home is all decorated for the Holidays... Oh how I love Christmas decorating. It is the one holiday where decorating in white is very normal, which I love since white is my favorite color! Yes, I know white is technically not a color, but it's still my favorite!

I love to sit here and enjoy the fire.

I call this "the forest". I just love all the different types of Christmas trees along my mantle. I have enjoyed collecting them very much.

I just adore my stockings. Still can't believe I found them at Dollar Tree!

The stairs are all decked out!

My entry table was the first thing to be decorated, it was decorated for Christmas just a few days after Halloween.

Happy Holidays!

So fun to decorate an entry. Isn't my giant acorn ornament lovely? It's one of my favorites.

Here's a few more of my favorites...

My Tree 2011

My Babies in their Christmas outfits.

Lacie, Little Bunny Fufu & Bella.

Twelve Blogs of Christmas Day 4

2011-12-15T08:00:00.002-07:00

Please Welcome Type A Decorating!

Merry Christmas Designer Garden Friends! I'm Tammy from Type A, and I'm so excited to share my Christmas Decor with you!

Last year I decided to redo everything, yes everything. I've added some 'new' stuff this year too. I would love to say I'm done, but I KNOW I will add more next year. The real truth, I already know what I want to add.

This is my entry, well as much of an entry as my little town home has.

My tree, I love this little tree. It's really the trunks fault I had to start over, my 7 1/2 ft. tree wouldn't fit on top and clear the ceiling. I don't have a basement, so no place to store the trunk. The trunk had to be integrated some how, cause let's face it, I'm not getting rid of the trunk.

I've made some and bought some of the ornaments. I love my new mercury glass ones! I love anything mercury glass.

My Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy ornaments, aren't they gorgeous? I wish I had one for every character in every Jane Austen book ever written, and some Bronte sisters too! I love the classics.

This year I made these little doves, gold clay! Love clay.

My mantel, which has less on it than normal. I just didn't have room for my Nativity without making it look cluttered. (Hubby, see why we NEED a bigger house.)

Dining area.

I made this felt tree this year too, I had planned on making two. Enough said.

My most recent edition, a shutter to hold Christmas cards!

I even added to my office this year, I kinda had too, really didn't have room down stairs anymore. Where am I gonna store this stuff after Christmas? (insert bigger house)

Headed up the stairs.

The top of the stairs. My office/loft/hallway. Do you see the trend, every room and item in my house does double duty. (really this is just for the Hubby...hint hint...)

Thanks for stopping by and touring my home! I have some tutorials planned for the ornaments and tree I made, I hope you stop back by!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!

Twelve Blogs Of Christmas Day 3

2011-12-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Please Welcome Love Of White!

Hi! My name is Sandy and my blog is For the Love of White http://loveofwhite.blogspot.com/ . As you can imagine I do not decorate in the traditional red and green colors. In years past I have decorated mostly in white and pink but for the past 3 years I have changed to a color scheme of white, silver, and blue. I have become quite attached to this color scheme. I have noticed it is becoming popular for other people too and I just tell my kids that everybody is just copying me. :) I am very honored to be part of the Twelve blogs of Christmas and look forward to showing you our holiday home!

I think the crown of most holiday decorating is the tree. Every year we cut a 8 foot Noble. Being in Oregon having a real tree only seems natural to me. I love to layer it in pearls and ornaments and then lightly flock it..going for the look of it having a light dusting of snow.

In our sunroom I do have a small fake tree. I also keep my collection of snow buddies in there.

One of my favorite places to decorate is the mantel. When we recently moved to this new house I was so happy it had a fireplace..not so much to have fires in but as a place to decorate!

In our home everything is fair game for decorating...including bedrooms and bathrooms!

Then the dining table is where we spend a lot of time so it needs to be pretty too...

Thank you so much for stopping by the Twelve blogs of Christmas and seeing my holiday home. I am a new blogger going on 4 months so I would love it if you stop by my blog and say Hi!

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas...and "to all a good night".

Twelve Blogs of Christmas Day 2

2011-12-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

Please Welcome Dixie Delights!

I'm Amanda from Dixie Delights and I'm just *delighted* to be included in the Twelve Blogs of Christmas!! Christmas is absolutely my favorite time of the year and I adore adding festive touches throughout my home. So, without further ado, y'all come on in and take a peek...

Foyer

Living Room

Dining Room

Kitchen

Den

Little's Rooms and Guest Suite

Merry everything, y'all! Amanda

Twelve Blogs Of Christmas Day 1

2011-12-12T08:00:00.002-07:00

Please welcome Fox Hollow Cottage!

It's so exciting to be guest posting

here with Sommer at Designer Garden for the 12 Blogs of Christmas!

I'm Shannon and I blog over at

Fox Hollow Cottage.

I am here to share a little Christmas cheer and a peek inside my home for the holidays.

Now, I don't do a traditional Red & Green...

but I hope you like it.

Welcome to Fox Hollow at Christmastime...

I used a lot of vintage, thrift store & estate sale finds in my holiday decor this year...

Anything under a cloche looks extra special...

Wish I had a dozen!

One of my estate sale finds was a book of vintage sheet music I got for a whopping 50 cents!

I used a few pages to make a garland.

I love to decorate using trays on my table tops.

It makes is so easy to move any display!

I love to pile ornaments in just about anything I can find.

Glitter&Sparkle just make my day!

I hope you enjoyed my little mini tour.

If you'd like to see more, stop by anytime, I would be happy to have you visit.

Wishing you the Merriest Christmas of all!

Angry Birds Gone Bad

2011-12-02T08:00:00.003-07:00

Does this ever happen to you? You’re walking through the aisles of a cute little shop and suddenly you look over, and the thing staring back at you and it makes you wonder “what the hell was the creator thinking?!”.

Here is how this went down in my head.

“Oh look at the cute little tree. Oh and those stockings and that ornaments and… WTF???!”

Bird 1: WTF are you looking at?

Bird 2: I’m looking at that stupid hat you got on mofo.

And then I was all like “Chicken down!” and then..

Bird 3 said: Well you can all kiss my ass!

And that’s exactly how it went down…

Seriously do these look like sweet little Christmas birds or when angry birds attack?

~Sommer

VIP Party 39

2011-12-01T17:30:00.002-07:00

I’m still working on the Christmas décor. Having a new home poses all sorts of issues when it comes to space. Too much, too little, too awkward. So I’m finishing it up tomorrow and promise to post photo’s soon.

Speaking of photo’s don’t forget I still need people for the 12 blogs of Christmas. Slots are filling up so please contact me soon. I just need a few photo’s of your décor and your tree. You do not need to write a blog post about it yet!! Just email me with some photo’s.

Each week I will choose one (or two) VIP's to feature at the next weeks party. So let's make this short and sweet and get to the rules...

Rule # 1... There are no rules!

I have a few un-rules (as in un-official) if you don't mind humoring me...

1. If you want to follow the blog, I wont stop you. This also makes it easier for you to find the party next week!
2. If you want to link back, you know what to do.
3. Party Like A Rock Star!

I just love the whimsy of this darling yarn snowman. He looks like a good listener doesn’t he?

This scrap garland is so easy. Easy on the eyes, the wallet, and to make!

And I can never pass up a good furniture makeover. So pretty!

Out With The Old

2011-11-29T08:00:00.002-07:00

As many of you know we currently inhabit a rental home. It’s huge at nearly 3200sf. It backs to open space. We love the floor plan. Every child has their own room. The neighbors are incredibly nice and bring me coupons and leave free furniture on the curb. *giggle*

But … there is always a but isn’t there? This house is outdated. It’s a nice home. Structurally it’s sound. But it was built in the early 90’s and the cabinets are old and all the wood trim in the house is old needs to be sanded down and re-stained or in my opinion painted white.

The homeowner is a super nice Asian man. He wants the house to be updated but for pennies on the dollar which is difficult even when you are as thrifty as I am. He also doesn’t have any vision. He doesn’t have an eye for what is in right now. He doesn’t understand the processes of home construction when we talk to him about projects. It’s a cultural barrier that is difficult to cross.

So we have both decided that I will only make changes that can be un-done when I leave if he doesn’t like them. Paint, fixtures etc..

Here is the latest change we made and let me tell you something, a single chandelier can make a home feel so much richer in style!

Our entry is two stories tall. This is from the landing on the stairs.

Obviously we will be getting some bulbs that are smaller to fit in there. This sucker takes 11 bulbs! And they only had the multi packs in 60 watt so imagine how bright this things is lol. Here is from the upstairs.

Let me tell you how fun it was to watch Mr. Garden straddling the railing and the 24ft ladder up there. While I stayed on the inside of the loft railing with a board reaching across to another ladder so we could support the 75lb chandelier!!! I think my butthole puckered a few times.

Oh and here is what we left behind.

Much improved… yes?

~Sommer

Introducing Jack

2011-11-28T08:00:00.003-07:00

Union Jack. Har har.. I am that funny. Okay so I got this ugly table from freecycle this summer. I knew it would be painted and I went in a different direction every month until I finally dove in and finished it. I just ordered a huge shipment of ASCP last week with three different colors of paint, a wax and two brushes. So I knew I needed to tackle this table and show off my new paints.

Here she is… oops I mean he *giggle*…

I really had trouble convincing the hubby with this one. First he said it was too drab and then he said he wasn’t fond of my duck egg stuff I had done recently. Well which is it, you don’t like color or you don’t like neutral? Or maybe you’re just impossible to please. I thought this piece was nice and masculine for our casual living area. Once I distressed and waxed it he warmed up to it.

Here is how it started… And ugly brown table like all the other ugly brown furniture just waiting for ASCP lol.

First I painted him all over with a couple coats of French Linen. It is more grey than I had anticipated. Also forgive the colors changes in the photo’s. Some are taken at night and some in the daytime.

Once the linen was on I used graphite for the secondary color. I love the graphite! I knew I didn’t want the traditional colors for the union jack in my living room so I branched out on this piece.

Let me just say.. Taping the pattern was not difficult. Not like say, a chevron pattern! But it sure uses a lot of tape doing this! Half my roll. So once you get the secondary color painted let it dry and tape off the design for your highlight color. In this case mine is the old white.

Now pull your tape off and admire the pattern unfinished. I almost left it this way but I knew it was too crisp feeling for me. He needed to be roughed up a bit and I had to try out my new dark wax. SCARY!

Now wax clear first. I learned this the hard way on another piece. CLEAR FIRST! Then dark wax and then clear again if you want to subdue the dark wax a bit. It was a process and some work to remove the dark wax. And it goes on really dark! So on my next piece I’m going to try mixing some dark with the clear and see how I like that. This was a big scary for me. But over all I love the finished look.

~Sommer

Shabby Apple Dress WINNER!

2011-11-27T12:16:00.005-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO RENEE SIMMONS!!

Renee Simmons you are the winner of the Da Vinci dress from Shabby Apple! I sent you an email and I just need your shipping info so you can get your prize =)

Renee Simmons said...

Following Shabby Apple on Facebook!

November 21, 2011 12:43 AM

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 19 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

~Sommer

VIP Party 38

2011-11-24T17:30:00.004-07:00

Each week I will choose one (or two) VIP's to feature at the next weeks party. So let's make this short and sweet and get to the rules...

Rule # 1... There are no rules!

I have a few un-rules (as in un-official) if you don't mind humoring me...

1. If you want to follow the blog, I wont stop you. This also makes it easier for you to find the party next week!
2. If you want to link back, you know what to do.
3. Party Like A Rock Star!

*!*!Last Parties Highlights!*!*

Twelve Blogs Of Christmas Auditions!

2011-11-23T08:00:00.002-07:00

Hello hello everyone. It’s that time of year again. I will be hosting the

2nd annual Twelve Blogs Of Christmas

I’m so excited! Last year was a huge success and I expect this year to turn out even better. Last year I started our twelve days on December 1st but it was very hard for many of us to have our décor up by then. So this year I will be starting on December 12th and for twelve lovely days I will feature another bloggers beautiful home full of Christmas beauty!

Each home will also have their Christmas tree featured on Christmas day for the Festival of Trees!

So if you have a home full of Christmas joy that you would like for me feature on the blog please send me a pre-written blog post about you, your family and your home. If you would like share a Christmas tradition we would love to hear it!

I will be taking applications between now and December 8th. You will know if you have been selected to participate by December 10th at which time you will be given the html code for the button to post on your blog. So just a quick run down on requirements to submit an application…

Must have a blog.
Must have at least 4 photo’s of your home with Christmas décor. (One needs to be your tree)
Must be able to have a blog post written and emailed to me by December 10th.
Must be willing to post the Twelve Days Of Christmas button on your sidebar for the entire 13 days.
You must be a follower of DESIGNER GARDEN.

Thanks everyone and good luck!!

~Sommer

Meet Crystal & Co Week 7

2011-11-22T08:00:00.002-07:00

7 Easy Recipes- Perfect for Busy Moms I am a mom of five. I get it- life is busy. We need easy recipes- especially during the busy school week. But that is not the only time. What about when you're invited to a potluck? What about when you're hosting a crowd and want an easy dessert? The crockpot is a lifesaver in my house. Today I want to share with you some easy recipes that help simplify my life. Did I mention short ingredient lists are important to me when it comes to busy week night dinner ideas? I hope you find something new you can add to your recipe rotation.

Crockpot Ravioli- this is the most viewed recipe on my site. Super simple- take frozen ravioli, add your favorite spaghetti sauce and toss this in you crockpot. Cooks in just a few hours.
Apple Butter Crescent Rolls- this is a simple dessert that is made of apple butter, crescent rolls and powdered sugar. This would be a yummy dessert for a crowd or to serve with your Thanksgiving dinner.
Honey Catalina Chicken- two ingredients and your crockpot. Dinner could not be easier. Did I mention this chicken comes out incredibly tender?
Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole- crowd-pleaser indeed. Serve this with a salad and dinner is done.
Crockpot Blueberry Cobbler- yes, you can make a cobbler in the crockpot. Who knew? You can easily change out the fruit to one of your choice if blueberries are not your favorite. Next time there is a family gathering, offer to bring the dessert.
Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip- this stuff is amazing. You can substitute the mayo for cream cheese. Delicious dip that is perfect for a family game night.
Easy Pasta Casserole- This is a baked dish that comes together quickly and is perfect for a busy school/work night. The ground Italian sausage gives the casserole a gourmet flavor.

Which new recipe are you most excited to try? Crystal is the author of the site Crystal & Co., where she shares her journey of raising five boys. On her site you will find loads of easy recipes, weekly meal planning inspiration, easy craft ideas, as well as mommy solutions and resources. Join her every Wednesday where she invites you to link up and share your mommy solutions and resources!

Don’t forget to check out my giveaway for a Shabby Apple dress!! Contest ends Sunday.

~Sommer

It’s So FLUFFY!

2011-11-21T08:00:00.002-07:00

It’s so fluffy I could die! If you haven’t seen Despicable me then disregard the nonsense haha. I was going to make some of these feather tree’s this year. I have always admired them and thought how hard could be to glue some feathers onto a tree.

Well it got hard before the project even started. Apparently nobody carries the cardboard cones for Christmas projects this year. And for that matter any time I asked an associate where I could find them they looked at me like I had three heads.

So when I found these three beautifuls full of feathery awesomeness I snatched them up immediately before anyone else could get their sticky little paws on them.

Gorgeous right?

Don’t forget to get your entries in for the Shabby Apple giveaway!! Ends Sunday November 27th.

~Sommer

Shabby Apple Giveaway!

2011-11-20T09:11:00.003-07:00

* This Giveaway Is Now Closed*

I was so surprised when the wonderful representatives of Shabby Apple contacted me to GIVE AWAY one of their dresses!!! Too bad I don’t get to participate, I just love love love their women's dresses. Of course you can also find little girls dresses and maternity dresses at Shabby Apple.

While I was browsing for the perfect dress to give away to one lucky US resident I found a bunch I wanted to share with you. You really just can’t go wrong.

This darling grey dress is called the Atlantic Fog and is a favorite of mine this fall. How cute is it with leggings and boots oh my!

Here is another one I couldn’t resist. Long black cotton dress called Che Bella. The floor length flowing skirt and ruffle around the neckline is so beautiful!

Here are a few more I recommend taking a look at. The white Fresh Water Pearl is casual and fun and the grey Glacier dress is adorable to say the least. It would be a great choice for a business environment.

Now last but certainly not least the dress I chose to give away to one lucky winner… The Da Vinci!!

I chose this darling charcoal grey dress to give away because it’s a super comfy jersey knit fabric that will be forgiving for most body types. It’s simplistic design is super versatile. Perfect for dressing up with a pair of leggings and boots or keeping casual with a cute pair of sandals.

This contest will run for 1 week. The winner will be drawn Sunday, November 27th. Please make sure I have the necessary contact information for you in case you win!

Here is what you can do to ENTER TO WIN THIS AWESOME DRESS!

Be a follower Designer Garden *MANDATORY*
“LIKE” Shabby Apple On Facebook then leave a comment here saying you did.
Go check out Shabby Apple online and leave a comment here telling me which dress you would choose!

*Please Note* The winning dress may not be exchanged for another dress.

For those of you who can’t resist the wait and have found another Shabby Apple dress that you can’t resist I should let you know that Shabby Apple is offering my readers 10% any purchase between now and December 20th. Just enter the code “designergarden10off” at checkout!

~Sommer

One Of My New Friends

2011-11-18T10:41:00.003-07:00

Okay so you all know how excited I was to win the huge giveaway over at Type A right? Well one of the contributors to the giveaway, Clydia at Three Mango Seeds was giving away a sign hand painted by herself. She does the most gorgeous signs with the family name and established date on them.

Since I already have one of those hanging over my front door in the entry I asked her if she would be willing to paint me a custom sign. Well being the sweetheart she is she said yes! So I sent her a photo of one I liked and I kid you not… she finished it in less than 48 hours for me! I mean this girl is busy and has paying customers and yet she made my sign a priority!

Check out this beautiful sign! I’m over the moon you guys! I cannot wait until it arrives. I think my heart might explode right out of my chest.

Please, if you love this sign stop by her blog and give her some props. She totally deserves it! Here is the paint finished. Not distressed.

Here is the beginning of the distressing.

And here it is finished!!!

How on earth will I contain myself until it arrives???

Thanks again Clydia, I’m so incredibly blessed to have met you!

~Sommer

VIP Party 37

2011-11-17T11:36:00.000-07:00

Each week I will choose one (or two) VIP's to feature at the next weeks party. So let's make this short and sweet and get to the rules...

Rule # 1... There are no rules!

I have a few un-rules (as in un-official) if you don't mind humoring me...

1. If you want to follow the blog, I wont stop you. This also makes it easier for you to find the party next week!
2. If you want to link back, you know what to do.
3. Party Like A Rock Star!

*!*!Last Parties Highlights!*!*

Falling In Love

2011-11-16T10:33:00.003-07:00

One thing I have come to love about what I do in this business of refinishing and hunting for treasures of the past is learning to appreciate and fall in love with things I didn’t before have an appreciation for. I quickly grew to love old Ironstone dishes because honestly Miss Mustard Seed is a trend setter and who doesn’t love what she loves? Then more recently I have started falling in love with brown transfer ware. Something I once looked at as an old lady item. I must be finally growing up!

It’s taking some time but slowly I’m finding pieces of both to start my collections and thought many of the furniture pieces I do I still love, they have become a business for me and now when I go searching for dishes and find a bargain on a creamy white little plate or win a giveaway for a beautiful brown transfer ware cake plate… well my little heart does more than pitter patter, it feels like it’s going to explode right out of my chest!

So I wanted to show off a few of my newest pieces in my collection that I plan to display across my table for thanksgiving.

I bought the chargers at the dollar store. They are just plastic like the ones you find anywhere else but they look fantastic and they were only a dollar. I also got silver ones for Christmas. The 10in plate is also just a dollar store plate since I only have one ironstone one in my collection as of right now. But the salad plates are ironstone and I got eight at the goodwill for nothing!

My best girl took me to a super neat indoor flea market about 20 min from my house. How I never knew it existed is beyond me! But I found four of these darling little transfer ware salad plates for only $6. I couldn’t pass them up and they really give my setting what I was looking for.

I will take an entire table shot once I have it all set but I wanted to focus on the dishes first. So here’s the stinker. I found a set of transfer ware, all matching for only $150.00, 42 pieces. That is crazy cheap! I want it but I’m waiting on furniture to sell so I can buy it otherwise it has to come out of the Christmas fund. I also found a larger lot of matching ironstone for roughly the same price. Why can’t I just be rich?

Lastly I was on the hunt for napkin rings. I wanted some made of old vintage flatware. So it got me searching out flatware. OMG now I’ve fallen head over heals looking for a sliver plate set of flatware to service 8-12. I have found some beautiful ones for a reasonable price but now I find myself confused over what I should purchase first when I have the money? Here is one that I am swooning over at the moment.

And here is another one that is unrealistically beautiful with a scary price tag of more than $4,000.00 but it’s still pretty to look at.

I just love staring at the shiny silver with all the beautiful intricacies. There is something so soft about these pieces laying again a linen napkin.

And if I could find a set with out family letter monogrammed onto it, well I might just sell my first born for it!

I really just want a set of beautiful flatware that we can use, love, take care of and pass down to my children. It’s totally a family keepsake item.

What do you think? Ironstone, transfer ware or flatware?

~Sommer

Girly Chevron Dresser

2011-11-16T07:55:00.000-07:00

Oh boy… I should not try to be such an over achiever. lol. I get bored just painting things and distressing and waxing and painting and staining. So I got this wild hair up my derriere to paint my first chevron pattern onto this cute little dresser that belonged to my sister 23 years ago. Well that was a total cluster. It took me forever to figure out how to measure the tape and get it all zigging and zagging in the right direction. And then when I finally got it right I had to do the second row! Trying to get the second row to line up perfectly to the first row…. oh no. No no no. It was bad ju ju. But here is how it turned out and I think it’s super cute. I distressed it a tiny bit around the drawers too and used my jute once again to cover the knobs.

Now if it would only sell. I always worry about doing something that I consider a niche type feel because it will take the right person looking for pink, white and grey and chevron etc… But for now it looks fabulous sitting in my living room with my brown tobacco leather sofa’s lol.

~Sommer

I’m A Winner!!

2011-11-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

Yep you heard me right. I won my first ever giveaway! Tammy over at Type A was hosting the “Mother of All Giveaways” for her blog reaching over 650 followers. I had 9 chances to enter and since I had never won a giveaway before and I somehow knew she wouldn’t rig this for me to win lol, I tried to strategically place my votes. I wondered if I should post them all in a row. Should I get them in at the start or toward the end? Ultimately I decided to spread them out. And today she called me to tell me the good news!

You guys I was totally squealing like those people you hear on the radio who won front row tickets to a rock concert. It’s the real deal folks. I entered the Mother Of All Giveaways and won the MOTHER LOAD! Wooohooo! I’m a Weeeeeeeener!

If your curious here is what I won:

Lesley from Fabulously Flawed is donating this beautiful piece of jewelry from her Etsy shop Fabulously Flawed. Gorgeous isn’t it?!!

Shaunna from Perfectly Imperfect is donating her EBook, Creating Your Masterpiece. I’m ecstatic to be getting a look at this book!

Robyn from Robyn Story Designs is giving the winner an option, you get to choose which one of a kind beauty you would like. This stunning candle or picture frame. If you choose the candle you also get to select the letter that will be placed on it. Which would you choose? I can’t decide!

Kim from Maiden D'Shade is donating of of my favorite things, a custom silhouette! These are so neat! I would love to have one done of my three children together!

Clydia from Three Mango Seeds is donating a custom painted sign from her shop Mango Seed Market, it will have your last name and the year you were married on it. I made one of these for myself this past year so I’m hoping she’ll customize a different one for me. If not, look for a giveaway! lol

Andie from Crayons and Freckles is donating one of her inspirational prints from her shop AndieJaye, you get to choose which one. I think one of these will be nothing less than perfect for my 10 yr old sons room.

Gertie from The Old Blockhouse is donating three mason jars from her shop, in three great sizes. 1/2 gallon, quart, and pint, all with zinc lids and the most beautiful shade of teal. Ahhh I can never get enough of these blue mason jars and check out that 1/2 gallon one!!

My Dad is also donating to the give away, now if he'd just open an Etsy shop, I keep bugging him.

He's donating his newest barn photo. Color 8x12. I don’t know of another person who takes photo’s as beautifully as Steven. I’m truly blessed to have his work in my home.

Lastly, I'm also donating to my give away, a piece of brown transferware! It's from Mason's Watteau Brown collection, Handled Square Cake Plate, 11 inches.

Close up.

My little heart goes pitter patter for this gorgeous platter! Seriously I think I’m having an eyegasm! Ahhhh!

Thank you thank you thank you to everyone single person who donated to Tammy’s giveaway. My heart is going to burst with joy!

In other news… Tammy and I have decided to open a new blog together, Primal Design. Another big part of our lives outside of decorating has always been our health and wellness. The blog will consist primarily of the Paleo lifestyle choices along with all gluten-free eating. Also we will be incorporating all kinds of fitness including Crossfit. There isn’t a single post over there yet as we are still working out the kinks to personalize it and make it ours. But I invite all of you to join us over there. We appriciate your support =) Muah!

~Sommer

Meet Love Sweet Love Week 6

2011-11-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

HeLlO hElLo Designer Garden readers!!! I am Angela, the voice behind Love Sweet Love, and I am super-duper EcStAtIc to be doing a guest post for my new bloggy friend Sommer today!

I use my little corner of the blogging universe to share my creative ideas that involve easy DIY projects for the home, craft ideas for kids, thrift store makeovers like this and this, organization ideas, and holiday decorating (the reason I started blogging!). My life is over-flowing with Sweet Love and I needed a place to share it!!

When Sommer asked if I wouldn't mind sharing a tutorial for a fall felt wreath on her blog I was SO excited because my two favorite things (crafty wise :) ) are holiday decorating and wreaths! I made a Halloween felt wreath (that you can see here), and I loved it so much I couldn't help but make a fall one to change out in place of my Halloween one above my mantel. When Sommer asked if I would share a tutorial on how to make this felt wreath, I had actually already finished making this one so I apologize that a few of these 'how-to' pictures are actually from my Halloween one because I didn't take very many step-by-step pictures of this fall one. BUTTT don't worry, the only thing that's different between the two are the colors of felt! Ready to make your own?!?! You'll need: -Styrofoam wreath (mine was 15") -approx. 3/4 yard of felt -straight pins -scissors I first started by cutting out a 3" circle onto cardstock to use as a pattern to cut out all my felt circles. ***TIP: double, or even triple, up your felt when cutting to save time!*** You will cut A. LOT. of circles. Half way through you will want to give up, your finger will be slightly bruised from the scissors pressing on it over and over, and you will swear you will never use felt for anything ever again. BUT you'll keep going because you know how fabulous it will turn out (this is my 3rd one!!), because you'll stick in a chick flick to keep your mind off it and because you're slightly crazy and think it's cool to make something ALL on your own for cheap! Just a heads up. You're welcome. :) Once you've cut your circles out, slapped on band-aid, and eaten ~~a gallon~~ a bowl of ice-cream, now it's time to make your wreath! 1. Fold your circle in half 2. Fold it in half again (it should now be in the shape of a triangle) 3. Place a straight pin through the tip of the triangle 4. Fluff it up so you get maximum usage out of your circle and therefore can use less :) Then insert pin into the styrofoam. No right or wrong way to do this, just repeat all the steps until your wreath is FUUUULLL of little, felt, flowery looking circles! Awww, so pretty right?! Worth the time to cut out all those circles, fold, and pin them on? I think so ;) And it really wasn't thaaat bad. I cut all the circles in one night (watching a few episodes of Biggest Loser-SOOO motivating; yet I find I usually watch it while a)eating ice-cream b)sitting on my booty crafting or c)talking on the phone) and then I pinned them all on the next night. That's do-able right?! Totally. I'm very traditional when it comes to holidays and seasons, so I kept the colors for this wreath nice and warm and fallish :). Brown, red and gold. The one picture I found of the kind of felt flowers I wanted to use for this wreath led to an etsy shop so I had to figure out a way to make something similar... This is how I made mine... 1. Cut out petal shapes from felt 2.Hot glue the bottom ends together to create the petal form 3. Snip off any excess felt so that all the petals fit *snuggly* together in the center of the flower 4.I cut out a circle of felt and glued each petal around the circle to create the flower 5. Make sure that all the petals match up together in the center and add a couple extra dabs of hot glue in the middle to secure 6.Repeat the step for a top layer of the flower (cutting smaller petal shapes) and add an embellishment to the center if you want-which you probably will because it will hide the hot mess of your glue. Make as many as you want, and then I just used a little bit of hot glue to attach them to the wreath. I really LOVE texture and dimension and height when creating projects so I love that the flowers give the wreath something just a little bit extra :). ALSO...when your pinning your felt circles all around the styrofoam form, you'll want to make sure you fill up the inside, outside, underneath and top of the wreath with felt so that no matter what angle you're looking at it from you see felt! (the only place you don't have to worry about is the back) It added just the touch I was looking for to complete my fall mantel! What do you think?!?! I hope you like it!! Thank you so much to Sommer for being so kind to allow me to share a little bit of me here today! Hop on over to my blog anytime and say hello, I'd love to *meet* ya!

VIP Party 36

2011-11-10T17:30:00.000-07:00

This week I am posting a project of my own along with the highlights. I was so excited I didn’t want to wait to share it. I am a color phobe for those of you who don’t know me. And I’ve been wanting to play with these new colors together for my daughters room. So finally I got up the nerve and went for it.

Now… To be totally honest. I found some amazing transferware, ironstone dishes and vintage silverware over the past week that I am desperate to purchase. So in painting this piece my hope is to earn the money to buy them. There I said it. It was a selfish act.

Each week I will choose one (or two) VIP's to feature at the next weeks party. So let's make this short and sweet and get to the rules...

Rule # 1... There are no rules!

I have a few un-rules (as in un-official) if you don't mind humoring me...

1. If you want to follow the blog, I wont stop you. This also makes it easier for you to find the party next week!
2. If you want to link back, you know what to do.
3. Party Like A Rock Star!

*!*!Last Parties Highlights!*!*

I found this incredible set of stairs at last weeks party that I had to show off this week. What an amazing transformation!

And this craft room makeover got my wheels turning big time. What a fabulous space and I love all the rusty junk pieces that create this artful space!

A Rooster

2011-11-09T08:38:00.000-07:00

It’s amazing the things I’ve learned out blogging. It’s not just the technical stuff like how to add buttons and signatures. But how to express myself to an audience that I can’t see. And then once you get comfortable with writing it’s about learning to take photo’s that draw people in and tell your story. And then adding guests and developing relationships with other bloggers. And today it’s about what to share when I have so many unfinished projects so that I don’t keep loosing followers lol.

I often have lot’s to say but not enough photo’s to express it. And I so then I post nothing at all because I don’t want to disappoint my readers with a bunch of my ramblings. But then I find that people loose interest because I don’t post enough. So I find myself at a loss sometimes.

I’m finding myself in the middle of seasons right now. Trying to prepare myself for a house full of guests for Thanksgiving and getting ready for my daughters birthday this weekend which we’ve hired a magician for. We have seen him before and he’s excellent. So that will be tons of fun. I’m also out scouting for Christmas décor since I have all this new space to decorate for our first Christmas in this house. And then in between I’m doing the normal cleaning and running children to and fro and couponing and my weekly babysitting for my fun money etc.

I’ve been working on moving all my paints from the garage to the basement since it’s freezing at night now. Getting the basement organized so I can work down there during the winter. Painting a new dresser, a couple actually. I also met our newest neighbors across the street last weekend. They are so nice. Younger grandparents but her and I like were like peas and carrots. She also has tons of really neat pieces she is getting rid of! And while showing me around the basement I spotted a framed print I really liked and she sent me home with it. Like I said, super nice people.

So without further delay and boring you senseless with my banter here is my rooster =)

I wish I had more for you but alas… this is my crazy life where some days are nothing but a rooster. I think I should name him. But what?

~Sommer

Meet A Fabulous Home Week 5

2011-11-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much to Sommer for letting me guest post over here today! I've been a huge fan of Sommer's blog for a while now. Her ability to take traditional decorations and make them look new and fresh is always so inspiring to me.

My husband and I just moved into our new-to-us house in early summer. Since then we've been updating the house room-by-room on a very limited budget. I could see the potential in each room, but during that first walk-through, the house just felt GLOOMY. The interior was so dark! The kitchen and family rooms boast two windows… COMBINED! So today, I’m sharing with you the 6 tips I’ve learned about bringing light into otherwise gloomy spaces (without adding natural light).

TIP 1: TAKE OUT UNNECESSARY LIGHT-BLOCKING PIECES.

These cabinets offered good storage, but that was about their only redeeming factor. They were dark and closed off the room, so down they came. Simply freeing up visual space can make a room feel bigger and brighter (even if its still ugly).

TIP 2: LIGHTEN UP MAJOR FOCAL POINTS

Make a point to choose the focal points in the room. It's the first thing you notice when you walk into a room. In this case, it was the cabinets and the fireplace... both of which were DARK and HEAVY.

We painted both (and the trim). I know, I know… it’s practically sacrilegious to encourage people to paint brick and wood in the same sentence. Painting the brick was up for debate, but my decision was made when I dripped white paint down the front of the fireplace while painting the trim.

Turns out, painting those dark surfaces was the biggest change in the space. They were by far the biggest light voids in these rooms. Now, when you walk into the room your eyes are drawn to the lightest and brightest items, not the darkest. This is the same shot as above taken around the same time of day:

TIP 3: PAINT

There are a myriad of “neutral” colors that still hold color… you don’t have to go with white, ivory or yellow. In fact, the kitchen was painted mustard yellow and it didn’t help to bright it at all. It only succeeded in highlighting the darkness of the cabinets and the hideousness of the counter tops.

Yep, that’s the same picture as above, but I was including it so that you don’t have to scroll up and down. Isn’t that just the kind of thoughtfulness that makes you want to visit my blog?

I painted every single surface in both rooms, except for the floors and the counter tops. Since I couldn’t get rid of the counter tops (YET!), I choose a color the complimented the counter tops and helped make them disappear into the background.

TIP 4: DON’T BLOCK THE LIGHT!

It drives me crazy when I see a room that has tons of windows and beautiful natural light and the curtains and blinds are blocking it all.

Use curtains to enhance the windows and draw your eye to them. My curtain rods are hung so that I can push the curtains to either side of the window without blocking any light.

The area in front of the window desperately needed some interest, but I didn’t want to block the window itself. I chose a short chair and a tall floor lamp.
TIP 5: MIRRORS!

If you have a room with few windows, a mirror on the wall opposing the windows can be a huge help. It reflects the natural light back into the room. Please excuse the balled up blanket on the couch. I’m going for the “lived in” look.

TIP 6: LIGHTS, DUH!

I know it sounds painfully obvious, but proper lighting is key. A single large light will brighten a room but in an unflattering-we-live-in-a-sterile-hospital way (no offense if that's what you're going for). Multiple small lights bring warmth to a room without drowning it in harsh light. I don’t have this one complete yet. We added the pendants a softer ceiling light, and two lamps. We also removed the AWFUL florescent light that dominated the kitchen.

We’ve got a ways to go yet, but at least the kitchen and the family room feel like home. As far as feelings go, the house has probably moved from sad and dreary to content. We’re working on the happy home we dreamed of! I hope you’ll join us for the ride!

VIP Party 35

2011-11-03T18:30:00.000-06:00

Each week I will choose one (or two) VIP's to feature at the next weeks party. So let's make this short and sweet and get to the rules...

Rule # 1... There are no rules!

I have a few un-rules (as in un-official) if you don't mind humoring me...

1. If you want to follow the blog, I wont stop you. This also makes it easier for you to find the party next week!
2. If you want to link back, you know what to do.
3. Party Like A Rock Star!

*!*!Last Parties Highlights!*!*

What a beautiful way to use some scrap fabrics. I could see making these leaves in a variety of colors and textures.

And this blogger has an amazing talent for food art. Go see all the wonderful masterpieces she makes!

I love fall vignettes. This one is no exception.

My Best Yet

2011-11-02T08:00:00.000-06:00

Thus far I’m so enjoying this house. Many of you know we moved here in February. So this is my first fall to decorate here and I’m loving it. I’ve acquired many new pieces to add to my fall décor. I’ve thrown in a few of my mantel from Halloween but I’m changing it this weekend for Thanksgiving.

I love this little wooden tool box I got at a garage sale. It’s perfect to fill up with seasonals all year round! I also just scored these lamps at TJ Maxx last week for a pretty good price. I thought they were candle holders until I saw the cords and then they spoke to me. No really they may as well have just yelled at me to take them home because all the other little tchotchke's in my cart were immediately hurled out onto some random shelf and in these went!

Here is the mantel and some fall topiaries I made up. I got a steal on the pumpkins at sunflower market. All four for $10. Then I just grabbed some of my raffia and some cheap leafy strands at the dollar store. I love it.

~Sommer

Meet Type A Decorating Week 4

2011-11-01T10:35:00.001-06:00

Hi Designer Garden fans! I'm Tammy from Type A, and Sommer's Bestie! Thanks girl for having me as a guest, I love hanging out with her, so it just seems right that our blogs would be best friends too. My blog is still pretty new, I just had my one year in August, and just hit 650 FRIENDS last week. It's been the most fun, and I get to call it all mine! I never knew I was a crafter, decorator, furniture refinisher, painter, collector, sewing crazy woman until I started my blog, I really just thought I was crazy! The blog really helps keep me sane(r), the Hubby works overseas so I'm a stay at home to crazy kids and one dog. I'm not sure what I would do without my projects. I'm also addicted to Craigslist and Freecycle, I can't pass up a deal. Shhh don't tell my Hubby!

I love doing projects, this was my very first.

When I can I paint furniture, sometimes I paint it twice!

On occasion I even get creative.

Christmas

Sewing

Clay

Of course I love my kids and my family!

My Daughter Lauren.

My Son Connor.

Our Dog Stanley.

My hubby Beefcake. This pic says it all....one big happy family.

I also have a weekly party every Tuesday and I do give aways all the time. I have a Give Away that I'm announcing tomorrow (a big one!) and a party going on right now. Hope to see there!

So that's a little about me and what I do to keep busy. So happy to meet all of you!

French Jute Dresser

2011-10-28T14:44:00.001-06:00

Well with Halloween parties and costume shopping and decorating oh my, I’ve been running crazy. But I picked up this dresser at a garage sale across the street from the kids school a few weeks back. I used some of my homemade chalk paint it in a color as close to the ASCP Paris Grey as I could manage. You can read all about that experience over at Type A Decorating. It turned out so cute.

However when I first finished painting it seems very flat. Like primer. It just had absolutely no depth. So I used another color I tried mixing to match the duck egg. A little bluer and lighter but still very pretty. The grey and the blue/green went so well together!

Something in the room was throwing off the colors in my photo’s so excuse that some look grey and some look taupe! They are grey. I wish I had taken some even closer up so you could really see the words but it sold faster than I could get a good quality photo shoot with it.

I wrapped the ugly brown knobs in jute. I wasn’t sure after the first one if I was going to like it but it really added the texture that it needed since it was such a flat piece. Apparently I’m not the only who thought so! It was gone in four days.

Hope everyone has a great Halloween weekend and don’t forget to go link up to the VIP party!

~Sommer

VIP Party 34

2011-10-27T18:30:00.000-06:00

Each week I will choose one (or two) VIP's to feature at the next weeks party. So let's make this short and sweet and get to the rules...

Rule # 1... There are no rules!

I have a few un-rules (as in un-official) if you don't mind humoring me...

1. If you want to follow the blog, I wont stop you. This also makes it easier for you to find the party next week!
2. If you want to link back, you know what to do.
3. Party Like A Rock Star!

*!*!Last Parties Highlights!*!*

I’ve seen this adorable pic at several parties last week and just had to highlight it. What an AWESOME Cinderella dress!

All I can say about this one is NEAT NEAT NEAT!! Oh and… Why didn’t I think of that?!

I’m great at art. But not food art. These always amaze me. Too cute to eat!

Meet the Turquoise Piano Week 3

2011-10-25T09:24:00.001-06:00

First of all I want to thank Sommer for having me! Isn't she great?!

Hello everyone! I'm Kelli and my blog is The Turquoise Piano. I am primarily a stay-at-home-mommy to Morgan and wife to Tom but in my spare time I love DIY projects, home staging/decorating, exercising, and eating. I try to post at least one tutorial every week on my blog so come visit and I'll do my best to make you happy. Today I'm going to share one of my favorite upholstery projects with you. Meet Settee.

One day my friend and I were garage sale-ing at the beginning of the season (like when it was still cold) and she spotted this for me. It was one of those moments where the stars align and you know you have the best luck and the best friends in the world

I'll be honest. I was overwhelmed. I had never reupholstered anything and this looked like quite a big project so it sat in my garage for months (with hubby asking if I'm ever going to do anything with it). I got a few other chairs under my belt and decided to go for it.

I stripped the old upholstery off. I actually really like this look (assuming that the batting was covered with white or cream upholstery) but it wasn't what I had in mind so it all changed.

I labeled each piece so I would have a pattern for the new material. If you ever reupholster, DO THIS. It is very helpful when it is time to put everything back together.

Next I spray painted the wood Heirloom White by Rustoleum.

Then I used antiquing glaze to bring out the wood work, cut out the new fabric (I wanted neutral and stripes), stapled it into place, sewed what I needed to (unfortunately I have zero pictures of these steps). When it comes to sewing, every chair is different so you just have to try.

I made a new cover for the big cushion but I am not there yet with my sewing skills and the cover looks pretty bad so I took it off and used the extra material to just wrap the cushion like a Christmas present using hot glue instead of tape. It works for me until I'm ready to try again on the cushion. Then I made some pillows and strategically placed them.

Cost Summary:

Chair - $20

Upholstery - $35

Paint - $4

Glaze - already had = free

Pillows - around $10 for material

Total - $69

What do you think? Not bad for under $70, right?

Another big thanks to Sommer for having me and to you all for reading! Come on over to The Turquoise Piano!

DIY Magic Bullet

2011-10-24T10:17:00.001-06:00

Have you ever had or wanted one of those Magic Bullet blender systems? They are around $50 so not too expensive but not cheap either. Especially if you already have a blender. Well we had a generic one that I loved. Made protein shakes every morning, made salsa in it, pesto sauces etc… It really was handy and fast. But it broke after about 3 years. Not bad for the money really. So I’ve been wanting a new one but haven’t wanted to spend the money since I already have a regular blender.

Well this weekend we were checking them out at Costco when another shopper gave me a pretty neat tip! Check this out. You can turn your regular home blender into a magic bullet!

Now turn the glass pitcher upside down and unscrew the blade from it. Apparently as my bestie pointed out not all people know you can remove this piece!

Now get a ball mason jar. You will need one with a normal sized mouth. The wide mouth wont work.

Take off the lid and replace it with the screw on blade from your blender. It fits!

Now you have all the capabilities of the magic bullet with your home blender =)

As you can see we did buy a new magic bullet. Not because we needed it but because firstly I didn’t want to drive back to Costco if this little trick didn’t work. And secondly we decided it would be nice for Mr Garden to have it at work.

So now if you try this and make some tasty concoction you will have to come back and tell me the recipe!!

~Sommer

VIP Party 33

2011-10-20T11:09:00.000-06:00

Each week I will choose one (or two) VIP's to feature at the next weeks party. So let's make this short and sweet and get to the rules...

Rule # 1... There are no rules!

I have a few un-rules (as in un-official) if you don't mind humoring me...

1. If you want to follow the blog, I wont stop you. This also makes it easier for you to find the party next week!
2. If you want to link back, you know what to do.
3. Party Like A Rock Star!

*!*!Last Parties Highlights!*!*

I love Halloween. It’s one of my favorite holidays. I have always wanted a super spooky house all decked out but the décor is so darned expensive. So each year I find myself making a few little things but it’s never the look I’m trying to achieve. This blogger made a wickedly cool display but it spelled out disaster. The store is as entertaining as the décor!

Lovely… I don’t know what else to say about this table scape. It’s simply perfect.

There were so many good ones last week! I couldn’t resist this adorable little mummy. You will definitely find me at the dollar store this weekend stocking up on these little glasses.

And because I have tufting envy I had to post this incredible transformation! Ahhh, swoon.

Opinions are like A-holes

2011-10-19T08:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome back to another I wonder Wednesday where I will likely offend someone, lose a follower, make you laugh until you pee yourself or teach you some corrupt new word you didn’t know existed before today. All things aside just know that my I wonder Wednesday posts are honestly light hearted and in good fun.

Opinions are like assholes… Everyone's got one and everyone thinks everyone else's stinks. We all know the saying. Yesterday I came face to face with a real stinker!

I’ve been couponing lately. Saving loads of money. Stocking up on foods and brands we love. It’s been real fun. Until yesterday. See I went to a store that had a great sale going on for some of my kids favorite juices. They are normally $3.99 and with the sale and my coupons I could get them for $1.50 each. So I bought 16 of them since I had coupons for that many and I was sure they would expire before I found another deal this great on this juice. Here is the awesomeness I came home with today.

Since I am still fairly new to this no matter how prepared I think I am I always still seem to fall short of totally awesome when I get to the register. I am either forgetting coupons or got the item that doesn’t go on sale until tomorrow etc… Today I got to the register and forgot that I had not activated my new debit card yet and had to go all the way home to do it from my home phone! Ugh!

So now here I am back at the store with the stuff on the belt… A couple boxes of cereal, some pop tarts and my juice when I hear a grouchy voice from behind me… “Do you really think your family is gonna drink all that juice?”

I turn to look and confront the ill intentioned shopper to find this staring back at me…

It was like a sweet old lady without the sweet. In fact she was quite sour. Many many things immediately ran through my head as I searched for an appropriate response. Like this one that I am putting into my memory banks for next time “Not that it’s any of your business but these are being donated to a batter women's shelter to help women children of domestic violence”. Or another one that came to mind and may very well have slipped out had I not taken my meds today was “Do you really think you’ll be needing those lips to talk with? Because I just might remove them from your face”. And the last one was “I bet you wished you had some of this juice during the great depression didn’t you?”

In the end I replied ever so ~~you picked the wrong day to piss me off~~ sweetly… I’m sure my children will have no problem polishing these off in no time. Not to mention I wont have to buy juice for a while.

But I really wanted to say something like “I bet if I had 16 boxes of tampons sitting here wouldn’t be asking if I thought I would actually use them all now would you?!!”

I wonder… why do people feel it’s their business to express their opinions about other peoples daily on goings? I wonder why this woman cared at all what I was purchasing and why she felt the need to vocalize it to me. I wonder why god didn’t make me deaf so I didn’t have to listen to stupid people.

What did you wonder about this week?

~Sommer

Meet My Covered Bridge Week 2

2011-10-18T08:00:00.000-06:00

Hi! I'm Kristen from My Covered Bridge. I'm SO excited to be a guest blogger today at Designer Garden! Since I'm still pretty new to this blogging world, let me introduce myself. I'm a happily married stay-at-home mom with four ~~not so little~~ kids. My husband, Craig, and I are completely remodeling and decorating a home we bought six years ago. I love diving into these projects - and now I love sharing them with everyone through my blog!

Here are some of my favorites - A fun and easy Halloween idea - I spray painted pine cones and placed them in a big glass bowl (in the traditional candy corn order). You can get all of the details here -

I painted an old $8 table for my daughters' room (see the before here) -

And I shared one of my favorite recipes (check it out here) - Rosemary Red Potatoes -

I hope you stop by My Covered Bridge - you can see how I turned an old $10 door into my headboard, how I made a dance floor for my daughter's sweet sixteen party, or what my new kitchen looks like (after we completely gutted the old 1980's version). And, of course, I'd like to thank Sommer for having me here today! I've had so much fun!

VIP Party 32

2011-10-13T18:30:00.000-06:00

Each week I will choose one (or two) VIP's to feature at the next weeks party. So let's make this short and sweet and get to the rules...

Rule # 1... There are no rules!

I have a few un-rules (as in un-official) if you don't mind humoring me...

1. If you want to follow the blog, I wont stop you. This also makes it easier for you to find the party next week!
2. If you want to link back, you know what to do.
3. Party Like A Rock Star!

*!*!Last Parties Highlights!*!*

I am crazy in love with all the spooky décor over at Dixie Delights. Halloween is my favorite holiday but I have yet to increase my stash of décor. So Miss Dixie delights… I have Halloween envy on you!

Now this is a centerpiece I can appreciate! Check out Alderberry Hill for instructions on making your own.

Meet The Vintage Farmhouse Week #1

2011-10-11T08:00:00.000-06:00

Hello Designer Garden readers! I’m Nicki from The Vintage Farmhouse.

These are fun little bags made from vintage book pages and can be customized for any holiday.

I've made mine for Halloween.

You will need:

A book {vintage or new, it doesn't really matter though I prefer the vintage books that are in need of rescue}

A bottle of Elmer's Glue

A stamp of your choice {I purchased this cute little stamp from Michael's craft store for only $1.00}

Ink Pad

Glitter is optional but FUN!

Each bags takes two pages, so go ahead and rip those bad boys out! You won't feel as guilty about destroying a book if you use an old one that has seen better days.

Fold the bottom and sides of each page inwards, where the margin meets the writing.

Now add your glue around the folded edges. Not a whole bunch just a thin line.

Set one page on top of the other and place between a couple of heavy books until they dry.

Once they are dry here comes the fun part.....

Use your stamp on the front, and if you decide to glitter, add a little more glue around whatever part you like and glitter away till your heart is content! {I ♥ Glitter}

These can be made in different sizes. If you would like to make a smaller one just use one page and in half.

Thank you Nicki for such a fun and simple tutorial! These would be great for handing out goodies at school =)

~Sommer

VIP Party 31

2011-10-06T18:30:00.000-06:00

Each week I will choose one (or two) VIP's to feature at the next weeks party. So let's make this short and sweet and get to the rules...

Rule # 1... There are no rules!

I have a few un-rules (as in un-official) if you don't mind humoring me...

1. If you want to follow the blog, I wont stop you. This also makes it easier for you to find the party next week!
2. If you want to link back, you know what to do.
3. Party Like A Rock Star!

*!*!Last Parties Highlights!*!*

I know I’ve been a total slacker on the party highlights so I picked some awesome ones for you this week. First off is this super simple Un-Welcome mat that Lesley at Freaking Craft made. Lesley this mat made me freaking laugh so hard! I have got to make one!

Next up was this too awesome witches hat. I love all the little details that went into it. I have wanted to be a witch every year to hand out candy and this hat would be perfect! Thanks to Alderberry Hill for the tutorial!

Calling Guest Bloggers

2011-10-05T11:15:00.001-06:00

Hello my lovelies! It’s been a little while since I’ve just sat down and thumbed through link parties or gone blog hopping. I’ve been kind of the post and run blogger for a while now. Last night I had some free time to run around blogland and oh my there are so many new and exciting blogs popping up all over!

So it got me thinking. If you are a new blogger (or an old blogger) and would like to guest post here on my blog, I will be setting up guest posts to post every Tuesday.

Since there are so many wonderful tutorials and projects this time of year I would really love an introduction and a tutorial or “how to” on a fall or Christmas type project. If you have another great tutorial that is not related to the season, say about a building technique or new paint technique that you want to share I’m totally open to that too!

If you think this is something you would be interested in participating in please email me so I can get you set up! I will also be looking for blogs to participate in the second annual Twelve Blogs of Christmas so be on the look out for that post and show me what you got!

~Sommer

I Can Paint

2011-10-03T10:48:00.001-06:00

I’ve spent the better part of the past year convincing myself that I don’t have the skills necessary to hand paint my pieces. Well this past week that all changed. I picked up this cute little piece for $30 at a garage sale and when I finished painting it I knew it needed something extra. So as a normal person do I dug out all my extra cardboard boxes from the basement and practiced on them =) Here is how it all turned out.

It’s just a simple bird on a branch but I felt like that’s all it really needed. And it was a perfect design to start with.

It’s so cute. I wish I had a place for it, I would keep it!

~Sommer

You can find me linking up at these great blogs parties... Here is where I'll be this week...

Mondays:Skip To My LouSumo's Sweet StuffDIY Show Off Project ParadeC.R.A.F.T.Making The World CuterKeeping It Simple Homemaker On A DimeThe Girl Creative Tuesdays:Not Just A HousewifeTip JunkieHope StudiosCraft Edition Wednesdays:Blue Cricket DesignGinger Snap Crafts Domestically SpeakingTea Rose HomeSomeday CraftsSew Much AdoPrimitive And ProperType ALil Luna
Thursdays:Shabby Chic CottageSomewhat SimpleYesterday On TuesdayHouse Of HepworthsBeyond The Picket FenceFireflies And JellybeansThe Brambleberry Cottage Fridays:Miss Mustard SeedShabby NestRemodelaholicRomantic HomeFinding FabulousVintage RevivalsJust A GirlFingerprints On The FridgeChic On A Shoestring Saturdays:Funky Junk InteriorsPerfectly ImperfectTatertots And JelloBe Different Act Normal

VIP Party #30

2011-09-29T18:00:00.000-06:00

Each week I will choose one (or two) VIP's to feature at the next weeks party. So let's make this short and sweet and get to the rules...

Rule # 1... There are no rules!

I have a few un-rules (as in un-official) if you don't mind humoring me...

1. If you want to follow the blog, I wont stop you. This also makes it easier for you to find the party next week!
2. If you want to link back, you know what to do.
3. Party Like A Rock Star!

*!*!Last Parties Highlights!*!*

VIP Party #29

2011-09-22T18:00:00.000-06:00

Each week I will choose one (or two) VIP's to feature at the next weeks party. So let's make this short and sweet and get to the rules...

Rule # 1... There are no rules!

I have a few un-rules (as in un-official) if you don't mind humoring me...

1. If you want to follow the blog, I wont stop you. This also makes it easier for you to find the party next week!
2. If you want to link back, you know what to do.
3. Party Like A Rock Star!

*!*!Last Parties Highlights!*!*

Just Peachy!

2011-09-21T10:21:00.001-06:00

I love love love this time of year! I am nothing more than happy to throw on my jeans and a sweat shirt or long sleeve and bake! I can enjoy my kids at the park without melting. It’s not unbearably cold or snowy which I hate driving in. It’s perfect!

My mother in law has a friend who get’s peaches from the western slope here in Colorado this time of year for dirt cheap. So this year she brought me an 18lb box of big fat deliciously juicy peaches for only $30! I had about one week to figure out what to do with them.

Since canning them was the obvious choice we did do some of that. But today I’m going to show you how we made peach jam! And how little miss K had to learn that a watched pot never boils lol.

First we have to get the skins off. Here we have a pot of boiling water right next to a pot of ice water. We will throw our peaches in the boiling water for just under a minute and then strait into the ice cold water. This is blanching.

Once they come out of the ice water the skins kind of just slide right off! Now if your skins aren’t peeling off with ease this means your peaches aren’t ripe enough.

Here is what you will have once finished with the peeling.

Wait! Don’t throw those skins out. Save them in a bag in the fridge. I’ll show you how to make peach honey!

This is where we are going cut everything up. First off you want to get the seeds out. At this time I cut the peaches for canning and for the jam all together.

Now I have a really neat bread maker my grandmother gave me that has a jam setting. So this part was fairly easy for us. Just mash about 8 cups of peaches, toss in 5 cups of sugar and the pectin. About an hour later we had this!

It was thick and goopy just like jam. It will solidify further upon cooling. The only thing I might do differently next time is blend the peaches to make a finer jam, this turned out extra junky. Still yummy though.

Now to can it. Wash your jars. You will need a few things. A pressure/water canner/ These tong looking things to put your jars in and out of the canner with. This wide mouth funnel for getting the jam into the small jars without a huge mess.

Now you need to put the seals in hot water. You will use this cool magnet wand to get them out. Place the hot seal on your jar and place screw on the ring. Tighten but don’t over tighten!

Place all your jars in the canner for the time recommended in your manual. Mine was about 10 minutes. Then let the jars cool before tightening the lids any further. This may take over night. Here you see our peaches back there waiting to go in the canner as well. This is what you get when you’re finished and your neighbors will love you!

~Sommer

VIP Party # 28

2011-09-15T18:00:00.000-06:00

Each week I will choose one (or two) VIP's to feature at the next weeks party. So let's make this short and sweet and get to the rules...

Rule # 1... There are no rules!

I have a few un-rules (as in un-official) if you don't mind humoring me...

1. If you want to follow the blog, I wont stop you. This also makes it easier for you to find the party next week!
2. If you want to link back, you know what to do.
3. Party Like A Rock Star!

*!*!Last Parties Highlights!*!*

We’re Going To Hell

2011-09-14T10:11:00.001-06:00

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve done an I wonder Wednesday post. This week is going to be more like a wordless Wednesday post, trust me on this.

I know we’ve all had our moments when we’re cruising down the road and a cute little fuzzy animal darts out in front of the car and we hit the brakes right?

Not this time.

Me and the bestie Tammy over at Type A Decorating were out doing what we do best. Shopping. As we made our way back to my house I could see up ahead a little squirrel on the side of the road. I could totally hear what it was thinking.

Squirrel: After this car I’m gonna go for it.

Me: Watch that squirrel up there, it’s gonna go for it!

Tammy: Nah. *Accelerating*

Me: Get him! *Laughing*

Tammy: *Laughing and accelerating briefly*

Squirrel: Ready… now! Oh shit, no. Go back!

(THUMP, THUMP)

Me: *Gasp* Oh no you didn’t!

Tammy: No, I didn’t! Mean to…

Me and Tammy: Oh shit! *start laughing*

Tammy: It was only supposed to be a joke, ROFL!

Me: I guess the jokes on him, bahaha!

Tammy: *Laughing hysterically* We’re going to hell.

Me: As long as we’re together my friend… as long as we’re together.

Now… The moral of the story is you never know what kind of squirrel you are up against. I’m pretty sure this one was severely depressed.

VIP Party # 27

2011-09-08T18:00:00.000-06:00

Each week I will choose one (or two) VIP's to feature at the next weeks party. So let's make this short and sweet and get to the rules...

Rule # 1... There are no rules!

I have a few un-rules (as in un-official) if you don't mind humoring me...

1. If you want to follow the blog, I wont stop you. This also makes it easier for you to find the party next week!
2. If you want to link back, you know what to do.
3. Party Like A Rock Star!

*!*!Last Parties Highlights!*!*

I Candy

2011-09-04T11:58:00.001-06:00

I GOT NUTHIN. Seriously, since I’m running out of ACSP and money at the moment… yeah I can’t buy steam off a hot lunch right now. I’m taking drastic measures to keep you all entertained. So what better than a little I Candy? For realz… So for all my sweet sweet readers, this is for you.

While I was off looking at retail space recently I came upon the most incredible candy shop. You just don’t find them like this anymore.

The entire room was filled wall to wall with jars of candy. And tables were set in the middle of the aisles with apothecary jars filled to the brim.

Halloween was already starting to show it’s face.

There was even this charming little ladder with shirts and aprons for sale. I could live here.

Have a wonderful rest of your holiday weekend!

~Sommer

VIP Party #26

2011-09-01T18:00:00.000-06:00

Each week I will choose one (or two) VIP's to feature at the next weeks party. So let's make this short and sweet and get to the rules...

Rule # 1... There are no rules!

I have a few un-rules (as in un-official) if you don't mind humoring me...

1. If you want to follow the blog, I wont stop you. This also makes it easier for you to find the party next week!
2. If you want to link back, you know what to do.
3. Party Like A Rock Star!

*!*!Last Parties Highlights!*!*

This vintage char re-do over at Moonbeams & Fireflies was so cute. Way to make a statement!

And who can resist a nice misty blue dresser? I’m in love with these soft blues. They are so calming, like waking up by the ocean. Head over to Designed to Dwell to find out the color she used!

Time To Wash

2011-08-29T12:51:00.001-06:00

I thought it was going to take me some time to get used to the ASCP before I started trying new techniques. I also thought I was going to love the Louis Blue on my antique buffet. I even played it safe and mixed in some grey. But alas after a few days of looking at it I knew it was too colorful for my neutral tastes. Beautiful, just not me. So I did my first wash. I think I’m happy now.

I have a tea cart in this room that I also used the old white on and it has grey paint. So instead of washing the buffet with white (which honestly I was afraid would make it lighter blue) I decided I wanted to wash it in the Paris Grey to tone it down and hide it a bit more. Then it would play off the grey tea cart as well.

I left the top natural and just waxed it. I started feeling like there was a lot of paint in this room and I needed to break it up some. The table top is also wood but stained, I kind of like when the woods don’t totally match.

I sold all my chairs this weekend because they didn’t go. I had originally wanted this room to be high end elegant looking but then once playing with the chalk paint I went French country all the way! So for the mean time my chippy yellow porch chairs were brought in and paired up with another set I recently finished.

Here are my AWESOME chickens! I cringed anytime I saw people buying chickens and roosters. They remind me of my grandma. Well, her décor anyway. So when I found these I about fell over. Love at first sight. And my first set of chickens were born.

I also picked up this old wooden tool box from a garage sale for $2.

There is much much more I’m doing to this room before I can call it finished. Drapes, painting the bamboo rug, new chairs, a plate rack for the wall etc.… But for now I’m thrilled with how it’s coming along.

~Sommer

You can find me linking up at these great blogs parties... Here is where I'll be this week...

Mondays:Sew Can DoDiy HSHPSkip To My LouThe House In The RosesSumo's Sweet StuffDIY Show Off Project ParadeC.R.A.F.T.Making The World CuterKeeping It SimpleMad In CraftsIt's So Very Cheri Homemaker On A Dime Sew Many Ways Tuesdays:Not Just A HousewifeHouse of GraceAll Things RelatedTip JunkieHope StudiosTopsy TurvyCreative ItchCraft EditionGiggles Glitz and Glam Wednesdays:Blue Cricket DesignGinger Snap Crafts Domestically SpeakingTea Rose HomeSomeday CraftsSew Much AdoPrimitive And ProperSeven Thirty ThreeType ALil LunaWe Are That FamilyElements And InteriorsHandy Man Crafty Woman
Thursdays:Shabby Chic CottageSomewhat SimpleYesterday On TuesdayHouse Of HepworthsBeyond The Picket FenceBeneath My HeartFireflies And JellybeansTales From BloggeritavilleThe Brambleberry CottageCommon Ground Rhinestone BeagleIt's A Keeper Fridays:Shanty 2 ChicMiss Mustard SeedShabby NestRemodelaholicRomantic HomeFinding FabulousVintage RevivalsJust A GirlTidy MomFingerprints On The FridgeChic On A ShoestringA Little Knick KnackThe Girl Creative Saturdays:Funky Junk InteriorsPerfectly ImperfectTatertots And JelloCrafy EnvyBe Different Act NormalAlong For The RideA Vision To Remember Kims Kandy Kreations

Dog Days of Summer

2011-08-27T09:00:00.000-06:00

While planning to set up shop and take advantage of all the garage sale goers during the neighborhood sale I came across a darling lemonade stand on another blog. I have always wanted to build one for my kids. I got the general concept but I was limited to working with what I had on hand.

So I’m not giving any tips on building this sucker because honestly after building the first 85% of it I still wasn’t sure that it wasn’t going to collapse and crush my children to smithereens.

I started with a frame for the top and bottom. Then I had to put braces in each corner front and back to hold the top to the bottom.

Then I cut all my slats to the same size.

Screw them all along the top and bottom frames.

Then I used a large piece of particle board for the counter top and screwed it in along the top frame. I toped that with some wainscoting to give it the look of more slats on the top since I had run out of wood at this point.

And the kids made $25.00 on $.50 cups of lemonade that day! They were thrilled!

~Sommer

You can find me linking up at these great blogs parties... Here is where I'll be this week...

Mondays:Sew Can DoDiy HSHPSkip To My LouThe House In The RosesSumo's Sweet StuffDIY Show Off Project ParadeC.R.A.F.T.Making The World CuterKeeping It SimpleMad In CraftsIt's So Very Cheri Homemaker On A Dime Sew Many Ways Tuesdays:Not Just A HousewifeHouse of GraceAll Things RelatedTip JunkieHope StudiosTopsy TurvyCreative ItchCraft EditionGiggles Glitz and Glam Wednesdays:My Backyard Eden
Blue Cricket DesignGinger Snap Crafts Domestically SpeakingTea Rose HomeSomeday CraftsSew Much AdoPrimitive And ProperSeven Thirty ThreeType ALil LunaWe Are That FamilyElements And InteriorsHandy Man Crafty Woman
Thursdays:Shabby Chic CottageSomewhat SimpleYesterday On TuesdayHouse Of HepworthsBeyond The Picket FenceBeneath My HeartFireflies And JellybeansTales From BloggeritavilleThe Brambleberry CottageCommon Ground Rhinestone BeagleIt's A Keeper Fridays:Shanty 2 ChicMiss Mustard SeedShabby NestRemodelaholicRomantic HomeFinding FabulousVintage RevivalsJust A GirlTidy MomFingerprints On The FridgeChic On A ShoestringA Little Knick KnackThe Girl Creative Saturdays:Funky Junk InteriorsPerfectly ImperfectTatertots And JelloCrafy EnvyBe Different Act NormalAlong For The RideA Vision To Remember Kims Kandy Kreations

VIP Party #25

2011-08-25T18:00:00.000-06:00

Each week I will choose one (or two) VIP's to feature at the next weeks party. So let's make this short and sweet and get to the rules...

Rule # 1... There are no rules!

I have a few un-rules (as in un-official) if you don't mind humoring me...

1. If you want to follow the blog, I wont stop you. This also makes it easier for you to find the party next week!
2. If you want to link back, you know what to do.
3. Party Like A Rock Star!

*!*!Last Parties Highlights!*!*

This was the highlight of my week last week. I saw these cabinets refaced with chicken wire and went coo coo bananas! Go visit Ashley at Domestic Imperfections to see the entire room makeover.

Another INCREDIBLE project that came in last week was this DIY Doormat from Suzie at The Accent Piece. I fully intend on stealing this idea! LOVE!

Last one this week was this desk by Sharon at Elizabeth and Company. Absolutely stunning. I just used both of these colors myself this week for the first time. This desk really shows off the amazing finish of the ASCP’s.

Lantern Center Pieces

2011-08-24T08:00:00.000-06:00

A couple weeks ago I was sitting in our office with Mr Garden. My desk is right next to the window and I saw the new neighbors out front weeding and stuff. It was trash day and he kept hauling stuff to the curb. I noticed a box of what looked like exterior house lamps. Since I rent and my landlord is a cheap ass I love to find stuff like this that I can modernize the place with that doesn’t cost him anything out of pocket. I have learned if it costs him money the answer is always no.

Then I saw the guy walking down to the box on the curb and I threw an old McDonalds wrapper at hubby’s head. “Hey babe I bet he’s writing FREE on that box!”

Since Mr Garden had already introduced himself to them he agreed to walk me over and introduce me as the wife who stalks their trash from the windows. Perfect!

And sure enough he did write FREE on the box *grin*.

They didn’t end up being the kinds you can mount on your house. They are for pillars around a courtyard or at the end of the driveway. So they needed to be repurposed into something free standing. And why not a centerpiece?

They were all crusty and faded when I got them. So I tore them apart into a bunch of pieces and threw all the parts in the dishwasher. It got all steamy and stunk to high heaven like burning plastic in the house but I pressed on. I made hubby gut the electrical out of them since they were all cobbwebby and that’s not how I roll.

I always save my styrofoam from when we buy electrical components or furniture etc.. because it always comes in handy when I need to spray paint something that wont stand on it’s own. I made a couple lanterns in oil rubbed bronze and a couple in white. I sold two and have the other two in my house now until we open shop. I love both! However I don’t have pics of the white so you’ll have to wait for that later on.

I put a bunch of sea shells in the white one. Gave a great summery fresh look. You can get bags of shells at the dollar store.

I put a bunch of lavender petals in the ORB one for a more rich and elegant look.

~Sommer

You can find me linking up at these great blogs parties... Here is where I'll be this week...

Mondays:Sew Can DoDiy HSHPSkip To My LouThe House In The RosesSumo's Sweet StuffDIY Show Off Project ParadeC.R.A.F.T.Making The World CuterKeeping It SimpleMad In CraftsIt's So Very Cheri Homemaker On A Dime Sew Many Ways Tuesdays:Not Just A HousewifeHouse of GraceAll Things RelatedTip JunkieHope StudiosTopsy TurvyCreative ItchCraft EditionGiggles Glitz and Glam Wednesdays:My Backyard Eden
Blue Cricket DesignGinger Snap Crafts Domestically SpeakingTea Rose HomeSomeday CraftsSew Much AdoPrimitive And ProperSeven Thirty ThreeType ALil LunaWe Are That FamilyElements And InteriorsHandy Man Crafty Woman
Thursdays:Shabby Chic CottageSomewhat SimpleYesterday On TuesdayHouse Of HepworthsBeyond The Picket FenceBeneath My HeartFireflies And JellybeansTales From BloggeritavilleThe Brambleberry CottageCommon Ground Rhinestone BeagleIt's A Keeper Fridays:Shanty 2 ChicMiss Mustard SeedShabby NestRemodelaholicRomantic HomeFinding FabulousVintage RevivalsJust A GirlTidy MomFingerprints On The FridgeChic On A ShoestringA Little Knick KnackThe Girl Creative Saturdays:Funky Junk InteriorsPerfectly ImperfectTatertots And JelloCrafy EnvyBe Different Act NormalAlong For The RideA Vision To Remember Kims Kandy Kreations

The Whole New World Of ASCP

2011-08-22T13:09:00.001-06:00

I told many of you that I was going to get some Annie Sloan Chalk Paint last weekend. I was about ready to hit the floor break dancing I was so excited. When I got home I wasted no time. I went to town.

If you don’t know this about me already I’ll say it again. I’m color phobic. I like neutrals like fish like water. When someone shows me a red couch or purple paint I swear my throat starts to swell shut and my corn hole puckers.

So you’ll be happy to see that I bought a quart of the old white. AND… I bought two 4oz samples of the Louis Blue and Paris Grey! Okay so grey is a neutral, whatever I say! And I’m still scared of the blue so I’m going to mix it with the grey. Baby steps. I hope they cover what I have planned for them. I’m not even sure I could paint my nails with 4oz.

Here was my test subject. A Lane cedar chest given to us by the neighbors who said it’s been the garage for years. Luckily cedar repels most insects and rodents so there were no shrunken heads breeding inside. But it was gross and it did need lots of love. Or gasoline.

(Eeeew, scary, gross, old, fake, torn, stinky leather cushion)

On the back of the can it says that generally one coat will be enough. Imagine my left eye twitching when I saw this out of my $37 can of paint!

I know they said brush strokes but uh… this isn’t what I was bargaining for. I continued on paining the rest and by the time the whole chest was covered I started slipping into a pretty dark place.

While it was drying I started looking through blogs to make sure I wasn’t missing anything and then went back for round two. I have decided I was being a bit stingy with the paint. Worried I would run right out of this liquid gold I had really not put enough on the first time around.

I think I really did think this paint was going to be magical in the sense that I would open the can and it would go all Fantasia like and presto chango a beautiful piece is born. Buy you do have to actually work at it a little. Much less than with other paints.

When I was ready to distress I had to give it a little rub and it almost just wiped right off. Just like chalk. The sanding went smoothly with some 150 grit. It just sloughed right off. Then I got to the wax which I’m still playing with. I have not used wax in the past so this is a new concept for me. I tried it with a rag and my Purdy brush. Neither of which I really liked. It left some dark spots on the paint where I didn’t rub it in right away and it sat for a moment. I’m getting the wax brush Friday since my supplier was out of stock on them. I hope it goes more smoothly with it.

All said and done I really like the paint. I wouldn’t say I’m at the love stage yet. Still getting used to it. But definitely a strong like!

The last thing is some vinyl lettering across the front that I will get to soon. It will say “Make Believe” since it’s in the girls play room.

~Sommer

You can find me linking up at these great blogs parties... Here is where I'll be this week...

Mondays:Sew Can DoDiy HSHPSkip To My LouThe House In The RosesSumo's Sweet StuffDIY Show Off Project ParadeC.R.A.F.T.Making The World CuterKeeping It SimpleMad In CraftsIt's So Very Cheri Homemaker On A Dime Sew Many Ways Tuesdays:Not Just A HousewifeHouse of GraceAll Things RelatedTip JunkieHope StudiosTopsy TurvyCreative ItchCraft EditionGiggles Glitz and Glam Wednesdays:My Backyard Eden
Blue Cricket DesignGinger Snap Crafts Domestically SpeakingTea Rose HomeSomeday CraftsSew Much AdoPrimitive And ProperSeven Thirty ThreeType ALil LunaWe Are That FamilyElements And InteriorsHandy Man Crafty Woman
Thursdays:Shabby Chic CottageSomewhat SimpleYesterday On TuesdayHouse Of HepworthsBeyond The Picket FenceBeneath My HeartFireflies And JellybeansTales From BloggeritavilleThe Brambleberry CottageCommon Ground Rhinestone BeagleIt's A Keeper Fridays:Shanty 2 ChicMiss Mustard SeedShabby NestRemodelaholicRomantic HomeFinding FabulousVintage RevivalsJust A GirlTidy MomFingerprints On The FridgeChic On A ShoestringA Little Knick KnackThe Girl Creative Saturdays:Funky Junk InteriorsPerfectly ImperfectTatertots And JelloCrafy EnvyBe Different Act NormalAlong For The RideA Vision To Remember Kims Kandy Kreations

VIP Party # 24

2011-08-18T18:00:00.000-06:00

Each week I will choose one (or two) VIP's to feature at the next weeks party. So let's make this short and sweet and get to the rules...

Rule # 1... There are no rules!

I have a few un-rules (as in un-official) if you don't mind humoring me...

1. If you want to follow the blog, I wont stop you. This also makes it easier for you to find the party next week!
2. If you want to link back, you know what to do.
3. Party Like A Rock Star!

*!*!Last Parties Highlights!*!*

I’m feeling partial to the lemonade stands this week since we just had ours set up last weekend. This one from Dixie Delights turned out so so so cute! Love the green and yellow combo and all the super yummy treats!

How about this dainty little drawer? Who knew such a little piece could make such a big statement? I just love randomly placed pieces of odd furniture parts.

Introducing Mr DIY

2011-08-18T11:07:00.001-06:00

Designer Gardens newest member and mascot!! I got a nice little surprise in my happy meal the other day. They made a DIY smurf!

~Sommer

Heebie Jeebies

2011-08-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome back to I wonder Wednesday! Some peculiar thoughts and events surrounding my thoughts this week. I’ll start with why in the heck spiders have to be a part of our echo system. I’m sure I’m not alone when I say I can’t stand them eight legged freaks!

Two nights ago I was on the porch with a friend chatting as she came to pick up her baby. Suddenly she says “don’t back up!”. And the tone of her voice was right in sync with some horror movie. Low and behold a giant wolf spider was perched on the screen door behind me.

Just a few days earlier his buddy had met his match with my girlfriends flip flop in the basement while we were painting. I cannot express how strongly I loath spiders. It’s really like a hate hate relationship. I hate them because they creep me out and they hate me because I shrill and start throwing and swinging things around.

*Opening the screen door oh so carefully*

Me: Honey get out here and bring a shoe!

Hubby: Really?

Me: There’s an eight legged mammal on the porch! Hurry!

Hubby: Yeah that’s a big one.

Hubby swats at it with his shoe and the spider drops and runs under the lip of the front door stoop. I’m breathing heavy with nostrils flaring.

Me: Don’t you dare leave it there! It will get into the basement and if it see’s Jared it might try to retaliate!

Hubby: Who is Jared?

Me: Oh he’s the spider Tammy beat to death with her flip flop.

Hubby: You named it.

Me: Well no, technically Tammy named him.

Hubby: I’ll be right back.

Me: How in the hell do those things get so big?

My friend: They eat small children.

Me: Run for your life Vincent! (He’s the baby)

Hubby comes back with some butane and a lighter.

Hubby: This will get him.

Hubby sets the torch a blaze and the spider takes off across the porch like a bat outta hell…

Me: Get him, get him!

Hubby: I’m trying, he’s a fast little effer!

Me: Don’t let him get away!

As the spider nears the edge of the porch and ultimately jumps to his freedom in the bushes…

Spider: Geronimo!

Me: You let him escape!

Hubby: That’s right. Tell your friends mofo!

After some research on these nasty little buggers I found this… The highlighted section cracked brought a smile to my face.

Wolf Spiders ...venomous - non-aggressive

Venom toxicity - the bite of the Wolf Spider is poisonous but not lethal. Although non-aggressive, they bite freely if provoked and should be considered dangerous to humans. The bite may be very painful. First aid and medical attention should be sought as soon as possible, particularly as to children or the elderly.

Spider Identification - an adult is 1/2 inch to more than 1 inch in body length - mottled gray to brown in color, with a distinct Union Jack impression on its back. The female carries it's young on its back.

Habitat - this spider is a ground dweller, with a burrow retreat. It has a roving nocturnal lifestyle to hunt their prey and can move very rapidly when disturbed. Commonly found around the home, in garden areas with a silk lined burrow, sometimes with a lid or covered by leaf litter or grass woven with silk as a little fence around the rim of the burrow.

~Sommer