New stuff from Old things

Recently we started painting to update our humble dwelling.  We are going from Americana to more muted shades of patina blue, brick red and mustard gold.  Changing the colors up means all the little embellishments need some updating.  I got ready with some scrapbook paper and Mod Podge...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I first covered the old pieces with a quick coat of off white paint then got to work covering up the old stripes and stars with new paper.

Finally the finished products hanging from the shelf pegs....

The wall color looks very blue in these pictures but it is more like the patina on old copper.  It sure was more fun to make something old into something new...plus it was very easy with Mod Podge!

Time to Get Blogging

Life has gotten so busy that I haven't blog since February!!!  I need to remedy that situation.  I am off to download some photos and get blogging again.  I hope to start posting on a regular basis again.  I am gathering my thoughts and hope to come up with some subjects you will find interesting!  Stop by later for a post or two!

I Love Mod Podge

I absolutely love Mod Podge!!!  It is easy to work with and very versatile.  I would like to show you what I have been working on.  I had a jewelry box circa. 1973 that was pretty drab.  Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture before I started to work on it.  I knew it had potential to be recycled into something else.  Here is what I have done so far....

I am still trying to figure out what to do with the inside.  I want to use it to store some smaller craft items.  Maybe stamping stuff or just miscellaneous tools and things.  Somehow it will be utilized in my craft room.  I like some of the things I did on this and learned what not to do too!  I will post when I finally get it finished!

Milk. Bread and Eggs

Ah, Indianapolis is under a Snow Warning for the second time in five days.  Each time snow is predicted the store shelves are emptied of bread, milk and eggs as Hoosiers prepare to hunker down for the storm.  I could never figure out why bread, milk and eggs?  French Toast!!!  

Today, the snow is here and the office was closed...what to make for breakfast?  FRENCH TOAST!  with a twist, of course!  I created Snow Day French Toast Casserole.  

I didn't think to take pictures as I mix things up so here is the rundown on this yummy concoction!

Preheat oven 350

Tear up about five pieces of bread...I just tore up enough to fill the dish.

In a separate bowl, beat 4 eggs...more if you are making a bigger batch.  This dish is 6 x 6 x 1.5.   Add milk (again, I didn't measure, just enough to make it milky)

Add sweetner - I lightened it by using Splenda adding enough to make it slightly sweet.

Add about a teaspoon of vanilla, spices ( I used pumpkin pie spice with some extra cinnamon but be creative!  I was wishing for some fresh orange peel but had none on hand)

Blend well then dump the bread into the egg mixture.  Mush it all up together so the bread absorbs the egg mixture.  It should be almost like batter with only a little excess liquid.  Add a little more milk or bread if need.  

At this point, I tossed in a handful of walnuts for some crunch...pecans would add some yumminess too!  Mix them in.  

Spray the dish with some non-stick spray. 

Cover the bottom with half the bread mixture.  

Sprinkle a generous layer of brown sugar (I had some Sugar Twin Brown Sugar in the pantry to help keep down the calories)

Top with remaining mixture and sprinkle with more brown sugar.  I topped it off with some pats of butter and into the oven.  I checked after 30 minutes and there was still some liquid when I checked the center so I popped it back in for another 15 minutes.

When completely baked through remove from oven and let stand for five minutes.  Scoop out a serving and top with some warm syrup.  Enjoy!

I have already thought of a few more variations with added fruit or other flavorings.  It is real comforting on snowy morning...thank goodness we had milk, bread and eggs.  

GO COLTS!!!!!!

The Week Begins Again!

Call me crazy but I like Mondays!  A new start to a new week...filled with plans and promise.  It is like a blank page ready to be filled with whatever comes your way.  

This week I plan on lots and lots of rehearsal for Jerry's Girls at Footlite Musicals in Indianapolis.  I am both excited and terrified at the prospect of opening night!  It is a cabaret setting so the audience is right there in front of you.  With this being the final rehearsal week, there won't be much time for anything else...until maybe Saturday.  So it is work and rehearse to fill my days!

How about your week?  What do you have planned to fill it up? 

 

The Furkids

At the end of October we were adopted by this sweet little guy.

 
We decided to name him Jasper...he has been so much fun for us....but not for Max, our 11 year-old dog.  Jasper has tried and tried but Max just wasn't having anything to do with a cat.  That was until this evening...I couldn't believe it!  Finally Jasper was able to share the couch with his big brother!!!  At first, Max growled a little. 

And, for maybe a total of five minutes, there was a truce!  I think Jasper might be winning him over!!

A Website for Wednesday

Ah...New Year and new beginnings!  Maybe this year you have resolved to get you blog looking better.  Well, do I have the website for you!  I am not sure how I found this site but I am sure glad I did.  I got my 3-column layout and it was soooo easy.  Please check out LeelouBlogs!!!

There are so many beautiful and FREE layouts and if you don't find something to your liking you can get something custom made for your needs!  And another cool thing...each month there is a FREE desktop theme.  I love the January one!   

So check out LeeLouBlogs and let me know what you think!

Tuesday and Ten Days to Go

Christmas is coming whether we are ready or not...I am more on the not side...Yikes!  This weekend it looks like I am going to be at the mall with all the other crazy last minute shoppers...and I will be in my craft room as much as possible finishing up some handmade gifts for friends and loved ones.  So much to do and not enough hours in the day!!

While we go about doing the last bit of shopping, just remember THE Reason for this Season!  God bless!!

 

Some Bloggy Goodness ~ Check It Out!!

I found the most wonderful page of  FREE blog templates with the all important 3 column set-up.

  It is LeeLou Blogs!!

If I knew what I was doing I could post a screen shot...but I don't so you will have to head on over and check it out.  My layout is called Long Johns...I just followed the easy steps on the the blog and I was able to spruce up my little space online!  I think it goes well with my logo and it has the all important (to me at least) 3 column design.  This is the first time ever I was able to use a template and actually get it to work!!!  Kudos to LeeLou Blogs...I will be heading back to see what other goodies are for free!!!

PS - you can download a cute desktop too!!

 

Get This Free Friday!!

Please visit Lucky Ladybug Designs and purchase this item....

Lil' Ditty Bag

and get a mini key fob FREE!!! (13 are currently listed)*

 *Key fob price will be refunded via Paypal....offer good until Midnight December 11, 2009!!!

  

This soft and warm Fun Fur Hat and Scarf set was just relisted...what a great set to give this holiday season!!!

Pretty Posh Bowtique

Through Facebook I have reconnected with a friend from a couple of jobs ago.  Her name is Rachael and she makes beautiful bows and more.  Her shop is Pretty Posh Bowtique and here is a sample of her gorgeous work!

Headbands for only $6.00

 

Isn't this set adorable for the holidays? Reasonably priced at $20!!

 

This is her little girl...looks like a super model in the making!!

 

 Storybook Photography By Shelly took this picture of Eden. Her website is www.storybookphotographybyshelly.com

Stop by her shop and tell her that you found her by way of Lucky Ladybug Designs!!!

Cooking Up Some Christmas Gifts

I love making handmade/homemade gifts.  One of the easiest and most appreciated gifts around the holiday is food!  I am always looking for new ideas to give away to friends and co-workers.  So many people do cookies and candy that I like to find something different.  In my search for new ideas, I came across this fabulous website. 

http://www.ourbestbites.com/

I have only just begun to explore the possibilities.  My head is swimming with ideas for food gifts! I think some of these suggestions are relatively inexpensive and fairly easy.  I invite you to check out this site and find some great ideas beyond cookies and fudge for holiday giving!

Introducing...

Jasper...the lovely little cat that adopted us! Here he is at the vet. We found out he is about a year old. He is typically a calm kitty. He has his playful and silly moments too.

He doesn't mind being held and has been known to eat a dog biscuit or two when Max isn't looking.

The dog and cat are getting along. We are amazed at how well Max has handled this addition. We would have never thought in a million years that we would add a cat to our home but Jasper picked us and he is a keeper!!

My Wednesday WIP

Do you have many WIPs? WIP = Work In Progress. I have a few I am working on. I put most aside to create some Christmas items. This is one that I came up with by myself.

I remember the Christmas wreath pins I had when I was younger. They were crocheted and embellished. Every December it would be pinned to my "good coat" that I wore to church on Sundays. Feeling a bit nostalgic, I came up with a pattern that gives you the same idea.

The first thing I did was buy some of my new favorite yarn. It is called Loops & Threads Impeccable worsted. It is only available at Michael's. It has the same feel as Vanna's Choice but you get more in a skein for about the same money.

I started with an H hook but switched to a G hook and it looks better to me. Here are the instructions.

Lucky Ladybug's Christmas Wreath*

• a small amount of Loops & Threads Impeccable in Kelly Green


• G hook


• Embellishments

1. Ch. 10 and slp st in first ch to form ring


2. Chain 5 and slp st at the bottom of the first chain 6. There should be a total of 15 loops.


3. Weave in ends and embellish as desired.

I took a picture with my cell phone so you could see my WIP. They only take about ten minutes start to finish.

There are a number of things you can use these little wreaths for besides making pins. I thought about sewing them together to make a garland. Using them as ornaments or as a tie on to special gifts. The wreaths could even be used to embellish other Christmas crafts. Just use your imagination!!

*This pattern is for your personal use only. Please do not sell items or duplicate the pattern for sale without the permission of Lucky Ladybug Designs!

Dusting Off the Cobwebs!!

Dusting off the cobwebs is appropriate for this time of year. I have not blogged in ages! As you can see from my last post, I was involved in show. Then, once it closes, it is time to catch up on everything I couldn't do during the run. I now finally feel rested and caught up and ready to once again start posting.

It is time to get ready for the season of holidays that begins with Halloween...

by IMCreations

and ends at New Year's Day...

by Letterhappy

In the middle of all that is Thanksgiving...

by Holiday Designs

and Hanukkah...

by Tamerhammer

and of course, Christmas!

by Studio JK

Three months of celebrations!!! I hope you are ready...there are only 73 shopping days until Christmas!

My Fair Lady ~ Opening Weekend!

What a weekend! I haven't posted in quite awhile because I have been busy with rehearsals for "My Fair Lady" at Footlite Musicals in Indianapolis. The week before the show opens equals long rehearsals and total exhaustion. Once you step on to the stage in front of an audience the hard work is worth it. I am lucky to be sharing the stage with my daughter again! Here is a picture of us and members of the cockney ensemble.

The lovely thing about this show is we also get to dress-up as proper upper-crust ladies for another scene! I'd say, we clean up rather well!

Community theater is so much fun and filled with so many talented and dedicated people. We are enjoying ourselves and will get to perform for two more weekends so if you are in Indy...come by Footlite Musicals and enjoy our show!! Check out this blog for a review of the show!

Green the Color of Money

Wow ~ another FFEST Treasury! Check it out and make a comment! Thank you AngelqueCreations for including my Pretty Pincushion!!

Blog Carnival ~ What Am I Proud Of?

There are many ways to answer this question but I will try and focus on just a few. The first thing that comes to mind is I am proud that I am a strong person. Fifteen years ago I don't think I could have made that statement. But, through a divorce and the aftermath, I believe I have become a much stronger person. Details aren't important and there is no need to rehash the past. I have adopted the attitude of "look at it, learn from it and move on."

I am proud that I dug up enough courage to step back on the stage again after many, many years. Through community theater I have been blessed with so many good friends. After high school and college, I didn't even consider that there might be another opportunity to be a part of a theatrical production again. I am grateful that I have been allowed more than opportunity and I plan to make the most of it.

Through it all, I am proud that I work to maintain a healthy positive outlook. One must have an attitude of gratitude. Have that and it seems that everything else will fall into place. I hope that you will find that attitude and it brings you peace!

Got Me a Laptop!!

I am so excited. I finally got a laptop!!! I had some issues with a wireless connection but after trying and failing with an aircard, I opted for a wireless router and I am free to sit on the couch and surf the net.

I am pretty darn proud of myself! I managed to get the router hooked up, password protected and working as I type! I hope that in the next few weeks this will help me keep up with this blog.

I am off to catch up on all my bloggy friends!!