The Graphics Fairy, Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and a Shabby Apple Winner

March 31, 2013


I have a long-awaited project to share with you.  But first, it's time to announce the winner of my Shabby Apple Giveaway!  I'm very excited for the winner since I know she's bound to pick out something really spring-y with her $50 Shabby Apple gift certificate!

Easter Cocoa Puff Muffins

March 29, 2013

$50 SHABBY APPLE GIVEAWAY ends March 30th at midnight. 
Surprisingly LOW entries!
Enter  HERE!

One of our family's Easter traditions is hosting a huge Easter Egg Hunt. 

We're talking 100 people and 2,000-eggs-huge.

Sadly, this year we won't be doing it.  And it's crazy, but as much as I complained about all the work it entailed each year, I think deep down I actually liked all the preparation.  And in the spirit of the Hunt, I baked some Easter Cocoa Puff Muffins with Chickadee number two this morning.


I can't say that they're the most healthy things in the world, but I can say that if you're a chocolate-lover you will love these.  And if you promise not to tell I will give you the secret recipe.

  

Okay, I'm busted.  But hey, they're a hit with the kiddos and they were sinfully easy.  They turned out moist, with a nice, crunchy topping.


I didn't have any Easter-themed  baking cups, so I used some silver ones instead.  And once the muffins were a bit cool, I inserted the bunny cupcake toppers, 12 for $1.00 at Target.  In all honesty they can't compete with my usual baking extravaganza this time of year, but under the circumstances they'll do just fine.




I displayed 8 of them on a yellow Williams-Sonoma cake stand.  Then I added a smaller silver cake stand (love it!) on top to hold the other 4.  The top one is actually the bottom half of a small dessert dome, without the glass dome.  It's a Target steal that I use all the time.  Love it.


I hear that they're really quite chocolate-y. Easy plus chocolate.  That's a no-brainer in my book!
You really should give it a try.
 
Also, DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY $50 SHABBY APPLE  GIVEAWAY  here
GIVEAWAY ENDS MARCH 31ST AT MIDNIGHT.   
 
Happy Easter! 
 
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NOTE: I was not paid by Betty Crocker in any way to write this post.  All opinions are my own.

I'll be linking up here:

Classic Easter Carrot Cutlery Tutorial

March 24, 2013

****If you haven't already entered, be sure to enter my $50.00 Shabby Apple Giveaway HEREIt's a great way to jump start your Spring wardrobe!****

Now on to today's post. 

I call this a "classic" Easter decor craft since it remains one of my most popular (and most pinned!) posts of all time, especially around Easter.  And I wanted to be sure to share it again in time for the big day.  I can't believe it's only a week away!

 


It's a really easy and festive way to dress up your Easter brunch or dinner table.  And yes, those are paper plates.  Do. Not. Judge.

Spring Shabby Apple Giveaway! ***CLOSED***

March 23, 2013


 
Hello, ladies! Now that spring has finally sprung I'm very excited to be able to offer you a chance to win a $50.00 Shabby Apple gift certificate! Their vintage clothing line is to die for, and they really do have something for every taste.  From dresses to skirts to swimsuits -- they offer so many fabulous styles, I guarantee you'll have a hard time choosing!                                            

For one entry {MANDATORY} just visit the Shabby Apple website and then come back here and leave a comment telling me about your favorite Shabby Apple item!

For a SECOND entry, follow Charm Bracelet Diva {at Home} via the Google Friends Connect widget in my sidebar, leaving a comment after doing so. {If you're already a follower just leave a comment letting me know.}

For a THIRD entry, "Like" Shabby Apple on Facebook, leaving a separate comment below for that as well. 

Finally, for a FOURTH entry, "Like" Charm Bracelet Diva on Facebook and don't forget to leave a comment below!

A winner will be chosen at random and announced here on March 30th.

NOTE:  Giveaway open to U.S. residents only.

xoxo

DIY Painted Vintage Suitcase

March 18, 2013

I recently saw a fabulous vintage suitcase do-over.  It had bold stripes painted across it and I loved it! 



 
It got me thinking and googling.... googling and thinking. 
 
And here's another one I drooled over from The Concrete Cottage.
 


Dontcha just love those colors?

And here's another one.



Wow.

So, my wheels started turning and my thoughts went to a small vintage suitcase I had just picked up at Goodwill for $1.99.  It's not even a suitcase, really. I think it was actually an album case.  I found a sticker inside it that looks like it might have come from a music store.  I guess I'll never know for sure.  All I do know is that it's definitely old.


I figured it could stand a bit of work.  So I literally scrubbed it clean and decided on a color and pattern for the paint.

My original idea was to recreate a grainsack pattern, but that idea went downhill pretty fast when I realized that the width of the stripes would have to be fairly substantial in order for it to be proportioned correctly on the case. But fat stripes wouldn't really look like a grainsack, now would it?  So I compromised.  I used the paint color I had originally planned to use, but I made the stripes fatter than you would find on a grainsack.  I left that paint job for another day (and a textile of some sort, like a pillow).

Out came the acrylic paint (49 cents at Hobby Lobby), masking tape ($1.00 a roll at Dollar Tree), painter's tape (already had) and a small paint roller (two for $1.00) that I got from Dollar Tree.


I taped the stripes off at 2, 1 and 1/2 inch respectively, with 3/4 of an inch between each stripe.


       I marked the stripes off with masking tape and then added some painter's tape to the sides of that so there would be some extra room on each side of the stripe for the roller.


I just placed the tape in one continuous line all the way around the case.


Here it is after I painted the first stripe but before I peeled off the tape.


And here it is finished.


I wasn't thrilled with the lack of crispness (there was some bleeding) but hey, I think it all adds to the vintage charm!  And I think it was a nice trial of sorts for me.  In other words, vintage suitcases, look out!  I think it would be fun to paint the stripes in two complimentary colors.  And there's always that good old standby - white!

I also wrapped the handle in jute since it was looking a bit too new (once I scrubbed it clean!) if you know what I mean.  I think it added just the right touch.  And I can always take it off if I change my mind.

 
 

And now I get to sit back and admire my handiwork.  And decide how to take advantage of it's other benefit -- hidden storage!

I'm an official vintage suitcase addict now. 
You can see my madness on my
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My Chicago Irish Dancers

March 14, 2013

 
Chickadees Number 1 and 2
 
{NOTE: Pay no attention to the annoying date in the bottom right hand corner of the picture ~ it's wrong.  My old camera was wonky that way!  And I obviously don't know how to photoshop it out, sorry:)}

Every year, when St. Patrick's Day rolls around, my oldest daughter {Chickadee Number 1} gets busy with her Irish dance performances.  You see, she's been dancing since she was seven and a half years old.  She and her little sister, Chickadee Number 2, started dancing in 2007.  It's been six years. 

Six years of fun. 
 
And hard work.
 
And dedication. 
 
And disappointment. 
 
And elation.
 
And camaraderie. 

Her little sister dropped out along the way, as children often do.  Yet Number 1 has stayed with it out of pure love.  Love of the dance.


And my, how she's grown.

Being mostly Irish, it's nice to see one of my children embrace a Celtic tradition.  But it's a real job.  And anyone who has ever been a part of the Irish dance world will tell you so.  There are hard shoes and soft shoes and dresses and wigs and make-up and poodle socks and sock glue {yes, I said sock glue} and feiseanna {competitions} and lessons and the list goes on and on.  Oh, and there's money.  Yes, there's that.  The money we parents spend to support our children's passion. 
 
But she doesn't really ask for much, this one.  So we've been an Irish dance family for what seems like forever now.  And at this time of year, especially, we get to be proud of our daughter and all of her dance schoolmates who work so hard all year long.  Now is their time to shine.
 
 {Chickadee is 5th from left}
Chicago, IL
Des Moines, IA
 
 




This one's my absolute favorite. 

{The preceding 4 photos courtesy of my friend, Nancy.}
 
So for the next few days the celebrations and special holiday performances will continue.  And us lucky ones, well, we'll be swept along for the ride with our very special daughters.    
 
And you know what they say:
You don't have to be Irish to be Irish on St. Patrick's Day.  So if you see some Irish dancers this St. Patrick's Day, well, just sit back, clap your hands, stomp your feet and enjoy the ride.  It only happens once a year.

In honor of the special day I created another one of my Irish dance charm bracelets.








As always, available in my Etsy store.
 
Happy St. Patrick's Day, friends!
 
xoxo
 
Kathleen

My Own Little Corner: Book Bundle Decor Revisited

March 7, 2013

 
Book bundle decor is one way you can add a French, chippy shabby touch to your home decor. It's easy to recreate and easier to display. I've found a unique way to display mine and I hope you'll stick around to find out what I did. 

Ranunculus are the New Tulips: Six Days of Spring Linky Party

March 5, 2013

 
 
 



What a perfect time to be joining in the Six Days of Spring Linky Party as all of us here in the Midwest are in the midst of a huge winter snowstorm. I could really use a breath of fresh spring air right about now! In my world, Easter brings with it tulips and daffodils. Usually tulips. Don't get me wrong, tulips have always been my Easter favorite. But this year I've noticed a trend of moving away
from tulips and towards.....{drum roll please}......ranunculus. Ranunculus? Yes, it's genius and I don't why I hadn't thought of it sooner myself. Magazines are touting them as the new tulips, and I personally can't wait to get me some! I've become so smitten with these flowers that I've even created a Ranunculus Pinterest board.




Okay, aren't these absolutely gorgeous?  {And I would kill for that teacup!}

Now I know the next one says "Mom" but it could just as easily say "Happy Easter!"


Source: bhg.com via Kathleen on Pinterest


Source: bollea.com via Kathleen on Pinterest

I can see them now, adorning the table at Easter brunch.  Or any brunch for that matter.  I think I'm in love.  How about you?



I would love to see this mix in a line of vases going down the center of the Easter table.  Who doesn't love ranunculus and grape hyacinth?

Well, I hope I've at least given you some inspiration before you head out to buy your fresh Easter flower table decorations.  Have I convinced you?  If not, what are you planning for that day?

Hope everyone's staying cozy and warm, wherever you are.

xoxo

Kathleen

I'll be linking up here:


 
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