Ambience on a Budget: July 2016

Beachy Birds

"Beachy Birds" This idea has been on my mind since I saw a post on facebook of people made out of pebbles! You can create this art work in 30 minutes!

All you need are flat pebbles one oval and two triangle shaped, twigs, black paint, tiny liner brush or paint pen, a glue gun, and small pruners.

Trim the twig to fit the frame.

I painted the back of the frame white. I left it mottled to give it the beachy "look." To construct the nest, cut several small pieces of twig shorter to longer and glue above the branch.

Place and glue the triangle pebbles to resemble birds protecting their nest.

Paint in the beaks and eyes.

Take time to enjoy nature!

Nancy

I bought these candlesticks at an antique shop. Each were hand turned on a wood lathe. Very retro '70's! I paid 3 for $15. The flameless candles I purchased at Dollar General all 3 for $15. They are so cool! There are 12 colors to choose from and an option to fade into each color slowly! I did have to purchase the batteries each candle takes 3 triple A's.

The colors are so bright.

This is the remote control.

Anything to brighten your day!

Nancy

Saving Cut Flower Buds

The terrible storm a few days ago broke off a stem of my lilies! The buds looked like the greenish bud on the left! I thought the buds may have been too premature to save. However, I put them in a vase to see what they would do. To my great surprise they are growing and opening! They are in tap (well) water. I change the water every couple days. (No floral additives)

May all our life's unexpected downfalls, turn into positive results!

Nancy

Mexican Macaroni Salad

While driving home from work yesterday, I was thinking about making macaroni salad. I wanted to give it a little bit more flavor, something with a twist. What about Mexican Macaroni Salad? So, here is the outcome and it is delicious!
Ingredients:
8 oz. Elbow macaroni (follow box instructions)
1/2 cup Hellmann's mayonnaise
1/2 cup Sour cream
1 T. spoon Lawry's taco seasoning
2 Hard boiled eggs (large)
4 Green onions
3/4 cup Black olives (unsliced)
3/4 cup Cherry or grape tomatoes
1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 Jalapeno pepper sliced(optional)

Cook macaroni as per box instructions. Cool in cold water and drain. Place in large bowl.
Add to large bowl both diced hard boiled eggs, three of the chopped greens onions, (set one green onion aside for garnish.) 1/2 cup black olives, (the remaining black olives to garnish.) 1/2 cup of tomatoes, (remaining tomatoes to garnish)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, (the remaining cheese to garnish)
In medium size bowl combine mayo, sour cream, and taco seasoning. Stir completely and pour over the macaroni mixture . Gently stir....
Layer the remaining cheddar cheese over the macaroni salad, next garnish with the remaining green onions, black olives, and cherry tomatoes.

May we all find the "spice of life" we are searching for!

Nancy

Herb Garden Rock Labels

This is another fun project you can make with rocks! I use these in my herb garden in place of stakes. Supplies needed are acrylic paint, very fine liner brush, you may also choose to used a paint pen, and outdoor clear spray sealer.

The rocks I use are 3 to 4 inches in diameter.

Happy rock scavenging!

Nancy

Laurel Burch Inspired Cat Family

BEFORE

AFTER

This cat family was inspired by a Laurel Burch design. I used Rust-oleum as the basecoat, acrylics for the colorful details, and 3 coats of outdoor high gloss spray polyurethane to protect it.