The Best Homemade Hot Cocoa Easy as Instant!

Absolutely Delicious!  Are you addicted to chocolate? 

Follow directions on back of can for "Perfectly Chocolate Hot Cocoa"

Microwave Single Serving:

2 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp Hershey's cocoa/any natural cocoa powder of your choice
Dash of salt
1 cup milk
1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Heat milk in microwave safe mug (approx. 1 min-1:30). Add in cocoa, sugar, salt, and vanilla. Stir well. Top with whipped cream, and any other garnish of your choice. A few suggestions: caramel drizzle, chocolate syrup, or candy canes/peppermint candies.

For the "true" chocolate lover!

Wreaths that Express Your Individuality

Wreaths-For hundreds of years people have been hanging rings of twined evergreen on the front of doors as a symbol of unity, abundance, and strength.  Today, the tradition of hanging wreaths continues and has evolved into a more personalized art. This includes wreaths made from collections of candy, jewelry, toys, shells, feathers, pine cones, etc...Whatever your imagination can conjure!

Most wreaths are assembled with the use of a styrofoam ring and a glue gun, or a wire wreath frame and greenhouse wire.

My mother made many of these candy wreaths for my teachers!

This will be my next project. 
I have many pieces of my Grandmother's costume jewelry!

What should I do with all the free toys from McDonald's?

Or game pieces?

Who doesn't love collecting seashells by the seashore?

Peacock feathers look so festive for the Holidays!

I can't resist this style wreath!

I love this idea to spray paint the pine cones!

A great little twist to a pine cone wreath!

How to Welcome Your Trick or Treaters

Happy Halloween!!! 

*Directions to make this witch wreath below.

1)  Candy treats are great, but you can also think outside the box with some healthier
     alternatives.  Drink box, Fruit Snacks, pretzels, or dollars store party favors are also
     big with the children!
2)  Light the path to your door.
3)  Remove tripping hazards like electrical cords and the garden hoses.
4)  Do not invite the children into your house.
5)  Have your treats in a shatter proof container near your door.
6)  Secure your pets to make sure they do not come in contact with trick or treaters.
7)  "Neighborhood Watch" groups through Facebook have been an excellent way to keep
      a neighborhood informed.  To get your group off to a quick start place notes in the
      Halloween bags with the name of your neighborhood group and invite their parents
      to join.

Do you have an old birdcage stored away?  Add a creepy crow, batty bat, or a spooky spider...

The witch is in!!!

Add lighting to any dollhouse with battery operated candles!

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

* To make the "Witch Wreath" I used mesh ribbon in three layers, each a different color that I wove on to a wire wreath, purchased at a craft store. Next, I found a witch hat and small broom at a dollar store.  Attach them with a glue gun. The feet were found at Hobby Lobby. The fishnet gloves were purchased at a costume store. The hands came with the gloves.  I painted them a flesh tone and added fingernails.  Attach them to the door first with tape then hang the wreath over the arms.

Amazing Autumn!!!

Sassafras

Hardy Mums

Autumn is my favorite time of year, it is abundant and rich with a cornucopia of our earths natural fireworks that command our attention of it's autumnal beauty! This is the time of year to prepare for the coming cold months. We change our menus to butternut squash, pumpkin and chicken soups, study some crock pot recipes, and warm our hands and souls with hot teas, and flavored coffees. Our wardrobe begins to reflect the cooler temperatures as we layer our clothing and bring out our favorite sweaters.  Isn't it fun to decorate our homes to reflect the colors and abundance around us, too?

I am intrigued by the two new color combos of the season!  I always adore working in monochromatic color schemes especially whites and creams.  I so love to play with textures, shadows, highlights and low lights, and proportions!  But, stealing the show for this year is the combination of teal, orange and golds!  I had to incorporate both this autumn season...

Teals, Golds, and Oranges

More Teals, Golds, and Oranges

Monochromatic shades of white are my favorite!

Happy Fall Y'all!

Slipcovers Before and After

When I first noticed slipcovers gaining popularity, it was about 10 years ago. At that time a nice quality sofa slipcover price was approximately $129-$159. At those prices I was not interested.  Over the years, as I would get an urge to change the look of my greatroom, I watched the prices go down. I was pretty shocked to see Target had sofa slipcovers for $39.99.  But, they did not have the color that I was looking for. Have you ever been into Fallas?  It is a chain of very very low budget items for sale. You seriously would not go there for the ambience and at first glance might turn around and walk out!  But, for seasonal decorating...to add some new placemats, a shower curtain liner, bathroom rugs, sofa slipcover, your money will go a long way!  My sofa slipcover was $19.99(regular price)!!!  I bought one, loved it so much I went back and bought 2 more, another creamy beige and a charcoal!

My mother always says, "When you need to do some deep cleaning buy something new for the room!  It will motivate you to get the cleaning done!"  This sure works for me!  It even inspired me to paint a couple of walls, too!

BEFORE

AFTER

What Every Entry Needs...

When planning your entry imagine yourself as a guest approaching your front door.  What type of feeling are you trying to evoke?   Friendly, welcoming perceptions can begin before your front door is opened!  A couple chairs with some cushions and potted plants are traditional statements that have endured over the generations.  I like to place a handy table to rest a package while ringing the doorbell and waiting to be greeted.  Add ambience by engaging the senses with fragrant outdoor plants like chocolate mint, heliotrope, and evergreen.  Also, dripping water fountains, and soft chimes, can literally set the tone of the visit when strategically placed near the door. Finishing touches that bring visual interest like harmonizing your colors, textures and lighting are inviting elements that are sure to be enjoyed.
Keep your entry well lit for your evening guests.  A welcome mat gives a finished look. Be sure to wash the outside of your front door or give it a fresh coat of paint!

What is Your Shadow Box Story: Is it a Fairyland, a Monochromatic Display, Items from Nature?

This is my shadow box collection. 

My father made these for me out of trim board. When using trim board make sure they do not taper. This trim is 4 inches wide and he made the boxes square for me and painted them white.  You can  choose the finish of your choice.

Back View

  

Side View

Shadow Boxes can be found at most "big box" stores. Use your imagination and fashion personality to find a unique arrangement for your style. Whether you are into crystals, fairylands, air plants, or have an existing collection to display, you can have a fun creative experience!  Change it up for the seasons or holidays!

I can never thank my dad, John C. Sawa enough  for all he does for me!  Love you Dad!

I do not have a shadow of a doubt that you will enjoy this project!

Nancy

Repurposed Glass

This glass table was made by Sue Sawa Lemon she used an inverited punch bowl, 

2 candlesticks and a large glass serving dish.  All items are thrift store or garage sale finds.  All pieces are glued with waterproof silicone.  I like Dap Auto/Marine, available at Walmart, or your local hardware store.

It all depends on how you look at it.

Nancy

So, You Think You Could Kill an Air Plant?

Decorating with air plants is unique. They are very hardy. The plants can be placed and or hung in an array of arangements you choose, natural settings on rocks or wood, in glass tear drops, or just sit it on a shelf!
Air plants require no planting soil! They thrive in our indoor conditions, prefer indirect lighting, and love to be soaked 10-20 minutes once or twice a week in a basin of water then air dried. Do not soak when in bloom, select to sprits with water instead, to reduce the risk of rotting. You may fertilize with orchid fertilizer according to directions on container.
Air plants can be purchased at most stores that carry houseplants and online. They cost approximately $4 on up depending on size and rarity.
Comonly known as "Air Plants," this genus Tillandsia have 650 species of evergreen in the Bromeliad family.
They usually bloom a fan shaped flower once a year. Most of these varieties are sold without being labeled. However, there are resources to be found google air plants.

Air plants can be displayed so uniquely! When you are working on an arrangement and you need a touch of greenery an air plant is a good solution!

An air plant can be wired and hung like an ornament!

This is my favorite! It is soft and blows in a gentle breeze...

I love the way this variety looks like a spiny sphere!  I enjoy putting  it on a shelf.  It adds an element of live earthiness to my arrangements! 

This squiggly character adds texture and an element of humor to it's surroundings.

Searching for a nest? I balance tiny eggs in this one for the Easter holiday.

The long flowing tendrils of this type feel airy and enhance my bird and floral pieces.

Delicate and whimsy I protect this little one in a bubble, tear drop, or bowl.

A small pot with some moss also looks attractive.

Keeping it natural!

Nancy

Remember the Pet Rock of the Seventies?

Remember the pet rock of the seventies?  Well, here at Ambience on a Budget we have come a long way since then.  Are you looking for an inexpensive garden prop, knick knack, or paperweight? Try one of these craft projects!

Here are some I have made so far. The smallest gray striped kitten to the right was my first attempt.  I included it so you can see there is a learning curve. It helps to visualize the animal in the rock as you paint.

Missy Mouse

Missy Mouse Profile

Becky Bunny

Becky Bunny Profile

Katie Kitten

Pet Rock of the Seventies

Paperweight
This intricate design is made by using the handle tip of your paint brush or an instrument called a stylus.  Each dot you make without redipping in the paint will get consecutively smaller until you redip the tip. To make each dot the same size you redip after each dot.

We've come along way, baby!

Nancy