Sometimes when you move into a new house and you’re just renting, you can’t paint the walls, or put up shelves, or even put nails in the walls. Even if you aren’t renting you might not have the same amount of space or you might have plenty of space but it’s just not laid out the same way. You might realize you only have a 4″ space in the bathroom for all your jewelry. Do you get discouraged? No, I’m going to share some creative ways to store jewelry. Luckily I already had everything I needed for the job, I just had to find a place to put it.
Can you tell what the jewelry frames are hanging on? It’s one of the sliding doors to the walk-in closet. One of the things I was happy about in this house was the generous master closet. I was also very thankful that it had a sliding door I could keep closed and pretend it was a wall.
We decided to keep the right side of the door stationary at all times to give me a perfect space for a little table and area for my jewelry. Since the door never moves it’s basically a 2 1/2 foot wall now. It worked out great for the inside of the closet too because we now have that much more wall space in the closet as well.
The necklaces are all hanging on the jewelry organizer I made about a year ago. You can see how to make it by clicking on the link.
The earring holder was made in a similar way. They are both attached to the door with Command Strips.
The antique table holds the rest of my treasures. I like a lot of it to be out in the open.
I love using ceramic egg crates to keep my little things separated and easy to see.
Here’s what the whole closet wall looks like in the bathroom. I love this little area. Sometimes you don’t get the ideal organizing or decorating situation. Think outside the box, you might like the results even better.
Here’s another post you might like. It’s even more creative. I love how we decided to store Emilee’s jewelry. Using a tray keeps everything contained and ties the tree, giraffe, and birdcage together. It’s also a quirky decorative piece for her dresser and giraffes just happen to be her favorite animal.
If you follow me on Instagram you saw that I have decided to quit procrastinating and finally start decorating our rental. I’m starting with the laundry room because it’s small and I’m hoping it will give me the motivation I need to finish the rest of the house. I came up with a simple Clothespin Art using the colors in the room. The best part of the wall art is that I already had everything so it was a free project.
I worked on how to arrange the clothespins on the scrapbook paper. I originally painted all the clothespins red and placed them on the paper. I loved the layout but hated the clothespins being all one color.
Painting half of the clothespins Rustoleum Apple Red and the other half Valspar Tropical Oasis was the answer.
I placed the scrapbook paper inside the frame, under the glass. Do you recognize this paper? I use it often for a prop background. I think it will look perfect in the laundry room.
Then I adhered the clothespins to the outside of the glass in the arrangement I had decided on. I used hot glue to adhere them, which means if I change my mind in a few years I can just pull the clothespins off and use the frame for something else. For something permanent, use E6000 glue. Hmm, do you think I should pull off the glue strings?
I didn’t measure the pins, I just eyeballed it. I’m so happy with this little project. I can’t wait to show you the rest of the room.
I recently moved to Las Vegas and can you believe most people here have no idea what a Dirty Diet Coke is? They are so missing out! I’ve also had many of you on Instagram and here ask me about how to make one, so I’m sharing today. We don’t have soda in the house often so my favorite place to pick up a Dirty Diet Coke was at my local Warren’s. Since I can’t stop by once a week anymore, I make mine the same way at home.
Here’s my recipe (Warren’s knock-off):
Crushed ice
Diet Coke
Coconut syrup (I use Torani)
Lime
Fill glass 1/3-1/2 full of crushed ice. Add 2 tablespoon of coconut syrup. Then add 12 oz. diet coke. End with a squeeze of a quarter of a lime. Add a straw and stir.
Enjoy! Some days just call for a Dirty Diet Coke and relaxing on the patio. Bonus: this smells so good! Like Summer and a vacation!
I’ve also been asked about this tray table. It’s in a lot of my food pictures because it’s on my back patio and I sometimes have to go out there for good pictures. Here’s the link to the Polka Dot Tray Table Transformation. It’s pretty awesome!
I am loving experimenting with refreshing drinks this Summer, I’m also loving coming up with drink names. Doesn’t Colada Grape Fizz sound delicious? I really like tart flavors but my family really likes sweet, so this one is sweeter than the others. My kids love this one! If you like pina colada (and getting caught in the rain) you will love it too.
Ingredients:
1 can frozen pina colada concentrate (thawed)
1 can frozen white grape juice concentrate (thawed)
3 cups cold water
6 cups lemon-lime soda
lemon and lime slices for garnish
In a large pitcher mix pina colada and grape juice concentrates. Stir in water.
Just before serving add lemon-lime soda. Serve over crushed ice. Garnish with lemon and lime slices.
Summer is in full swing and that means it’s time to get our outdoor spaces organized so we can fully enjoy the season. I have asked a few of my favorite organizing bloggers to share some outdoor organizing ideas to give you ideas and get you motivated to get your outdoor spaces ready for all the fun.
I have a confession to make, my family could eat frozen treats every night, especially during the Summer. It gets dreadfully hot here and keeping cool is a must. I like to experiment with food, especially desserts and the Fruttare Fruit and Juice Bars were the perfect start to a new frozen treat recipe that I’m calling, Creamy Fruit Freeze.
Ingredients:
Fruttare Fruit & Juice Bars – 1 bar
Vanilla Ice Cream – 1 cup
Whipped Topping – 1/2 cup
Set the ice cream and the fruit bars on the kitchen counter to soften for about 10 minutes. We chose 4 different flavors: Banana & Milk, Strawberry & Milk, Coconut & Milk, Mango. Can you believe there’s even more flavors? How about 10 all together? Peach & Milk, Strawberry & Milk + Mixed Berry & Milk, Strawberry, Lime, Black Cherry, and Pineapple. I can’t wait to try the other flavors.
Once the ingredients have thawed for about 10 minutes, combine one Fruttare bar, 1 cup ice cream, and 1/2 cup whipped topping. Mix well.
Transfer to dessert cup and place back in freezer, 30 minutes for soft serve and a couple hours for a firmer fruit freeze. Each Fruttare Fruit & Juice Bar makes one dessert. If you’re making desserts using the same flavor you can combine them all in one bowl at the same time. I had to make mine individually since we all chose different flavors, except for the 2 coconut desserts.
Take from freezer and top with more whipped topping. Then it’s time for the add-ins. The cookie crumbs were a big hit with the kids and hubby liked the shaved chocolate the best.
I added shaved chocolate and nuts to my Coconut Cream Fruit Freeze. It is delicious!
This dessert looks and tastes like you spent a lot of time in the kitchen but it only takes 10 minutes prep time. Since the bars are so flavorful the dessert still has plenty of fruit flavor mixed with the ice cream.
What’s more Summer than enjoying a delicious fruit bar on the back patio on a Summer evening? It’s one of our favorite places to sit and relax in the evening as a family, especially with a special treat.
We love taking little adventures as a family. Some of our favorite things to do is going camping and visiting national parks. I had the opportunity to take my family to any KOA for a few days, so since we’ve been wanting to visit Yosemite we chose to stay at Yosemite South KOA in Coarsegold, Ca. Have you ever wanted to know What’s Behind The Yellow Sign? Let me take you on a little tour of our experience.
We left after work and it’s about a 7 hour drive so we got there very late after the office had closed. They had a map of the campground with directions to our cabin waiting for us. They had turned the porch light on, turned on the air conditioner, and had the linens laid out for the beds. It was so nice to bring our things in and be able to crash for the night. I don’t mind tent camping but if I have the option of a cabin I’m going to take it.
I like the options available in camping experiences. Our cabin was fully equipped: bathroom, small kitchen with everything included, bedroom, and futon in the living area for another bed. It even has a covered porch where we were able to sit and watch the kids play. The trailer sites are all tree lined giving plenty of shaded spots. I hope we will be able to use those spaces soon, once our RV is finished being renovated, but that’s another story. And then there’s tent camping. I actually don’t mind tent camping as long as I have access to showers and a restroom (I also need to have a big blow up mattress, I’m getting old). Well, you’re in luck if you’re a tent camper, all of those things are close by and even a laundromat is available. All campsites have picnic tables, small firepits, and some have barbecue grills.
There’s just something wonderful that happens when you’re in nature. I feel I can breathe easier, take life slower, and enjoy my surroundings. Enjoying Yosemite together was a wonderful experience and then being able to come back to the cabin and continue to enjoy nature was exactly what my heart and mind needed. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a real Manzanita tree. This beautiful tree was right outside our cabin.
After a long day of hiking and driving through Yosemite a relaxing swim was in order. We came back to the KOA early one day to be able to enjoy the campground facilities. We went for a swim at about 3pm and had the pool almost to ourselves. Ammon was so hot and ready for a swim that he jumped right in.
After the swim, the kids were rejuvenated and ready for more fun. Luckily there were more activities available. We played shuffleboard, which I have never played before. It was really fun! I love the top picture where hubby and Ammon are surveying the game. The boys climbed on the tread wall, then Ammon jumped in the jump house for a bit. The boys played horseshoes a few times while we were there, the pit was close to our cabin so they would sneak off and play a game or two in the morning and afternoon. There was also basketball available but we didn’t get around to playing.
I made a Nature Scavenger Hunt and Camping Fun List before we went camping. The kids spent at least an hour exploring the area and checking things off the list. It was the perfect time for me and hubby to sit on the porch and just relax. Any weekend where the kids enjoy themselves fully and I get to relax a bit is a win in my book.
Up by the pool is the clubhouse. Hubby taught the kids how to play pool. Um, it was pretty hilarious watching them the first few times. Emilee plays very dainty. The clubhouse also had boardgames, crafts for kids, and 2 large TV’s in a lounge area. On Friday and Saturday nights they serve dessert in the clubhouse. We had rootbeer floats Friday night and sundaes Saturday night, for a small fee.
Once it got dark there was still plenty to do. There is a firepit for s’mores and it’s big enough for a large group. There’s something so fun about watching a movie outdoors. I love that they have an outdoor theater where they show movies Friday and Saturday night. We always seem to stay up late when we’re camping so we went back to the cabin and had some more fun. Ammon had made a game earlier in the week and brought it on our trip. Oh the games that come out of a 10 year old mind! Think Legos, mindcraft, and marvel heros all in one. It was quite interesting. Of course we couldn’t go to bed without telling ghost stories. It was more funny that scary. Apparently none of us are good at telling ghost stories.
I can’t believe it’s already July. Where did June go? I’m happy Melissa is here again this week sharing another one of her delicious recipes. You’re going to want to run to the store for the ingredients for this delicious dinner. Here’s Melissa!
Hi! It’s Melissa from MyMommyStyle.com again to share another family favorite recipe with you. This is a delicious dinner that my whole family loved. It is also quick and easy to make. You can lighten it up by replacing the cream with half-and-half and using turkey bacon. I hope you enjoy this!
Chicken and Shrimp Fettuccine
8 oz. uncooked whole grain fettuccine
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes with garlic and onion, drained
2 cups fresh baby spinach, coarsely chopped
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon dried sage leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
3/4 lb peeled and deveined cooked medium shrimp
4 bacon strips, chopped
1. Cook fettuccine according to package directions.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and saute until completely cooked. Remove and keep warm.
3. Add the tomatoes, spinach, cream, sage and 1/4 cup cheese to the skillet; cook and stir over medium heat until slightly thickened and spinach is wilted. Drain the fettuccine and add to the skillet. Stir in chicken, shrimp, and bacon; heat through. Remove from the heat Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and serve.
Thank you for another quick and easy family meal, Melissa. And don’t forget to visit Melissa at My Mommy Style where she blogs regularly.
Slaw reminds me of Summer barbecues at my Mamaw and Papaw’s house in Indiana. There were a few things that were always included in those Summer meals and slaw made with MIRACLE WHIP Dressing was one of them. I was raised on MIRACLE WHIP #ProudOfIt. In my eyes there was not much that could be done to improve on my Mamaw’s coleslaw, but then again she never thought of putting it on top of the burgers.
While hubby was out grilling the burgers I was preparing the slaw.
Here’s what you need:
2 lb. lean ground beef
2 tsp. garlic powder
3/4 cup MIRACLE WHIP Dressing
1 pkg. (14 oz) cabbage slaw blend
1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
2 tsp. Sriracha sauce (hot chili sauce)
8 hamburger buns
Heat grill to medium heat. Mix meat, garlic powder, and 1/4 cup dressing until blended; shape into 8 (1/2 inch thick patties). Grill until done (160 degrees F). Combine remaining dressing with all remaining ingredients, except buns. Fill buns with burgers and coleslaw.
Eating outdoors also means the chances of bugs and critters getting into your food. A few years ago I started packing picnics using canning jars. There are a few things I love about using jars. One: you can see the food, two: portion control, three: convenient, four: protection, and five: it’s just cute.
I place the coleslaw in serving size jars which makes them easy to grab and place on your plate. Canning jars are also perfect for serving fruits, veggies, salads, side dishes and even desserts at picnics and barbecues. I like not having to worry about getting leftover food home, you just tighten the jar lid and you’re good to go. You never have to worry about the contents spilling out.
You need to try this slaw burger recipe. The patties are delicious and the slaw has the perfect amount of kick to it. Makes 8 servings!
Have you tried Dump Cake? Not an appealing name, but the taste makes up for it. I love Dump Cake but haven’t eaten it for a few years because of having Celiacs. I decided it was time I tried making a gluten-free version. I’m always a little hesitant adapting recipes to make them gluten-free because they don’t always turn out. I’m happy to say this one did!
Ingredients:
1 large can crushed pineapple (including juice)
1 large can Wilderness Blueberry pie filling
1 box gluten-free yellow cake mix (keep dry)
1 stick of butter or margarine
Optional:
1 cup chopped nuts
1 cup coconut
In an ungreased 9″x13″ pan, layer ingredients in order. Do not mix the ingredients together, just dump them on top of each other (hence the name). Instead of placing pats of butter on top, I melt mine so I can pour it on and cover the whole top of the dry cake mix. If you’d like, add optional ingredients at this time.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Let cool for 10 minutes then serve. It’s delicious with ice cream or whipped topping.
You can substitute blueberry for your favorite pie filling flavor.
