Piano Wall.

We were recently given a piano.

Given.

As in free.

Now that might scare some people and they may assume it was a really nasty, ugly, giant beast of a piano.

This one is actually a rather nice little spinet.

Owned for 10 years (purchased new) and never played.

When the owner heard Nate and I both play, he insisted we take it at put it to good use.

Such a generous offer and gladly accepted.
That means my piano fund can now go toward something else!

After a tuning session and some tension repairs.

Good as new! 

I am torn on refinishing it or not.

I love the wood's color and there are just a few dings around the bottom and edges, very minor.

Maybe just a bit of dent and ding repair will be enough! 

I bought this collection of mirrors months ago from Joss&Main.
They were all different colors, so some white chalk paint was used to pull them together more.
I love the hint of distressing on each frame.

Lamp $30 at HomeGoods.

A steal at $15 at HomeGoods! $50 on ZGallerie,

Real sheepskin found on Amazon $60.

The babies are sure loving it:

Now I just have to decide what to do with this empty room!I still haven't decided on a light fixture!!!
It is the first room past the foyer, so right now guests are greeted with a hole lot of empty. 

Suggestions?

Summer Activity-DIY glitter tattoos.

GLITTER TATTOOS.
 These tattoos last 3-5 days and are waterproof!

Not to mention, dry instantly!
Oh, and did I mention they sparkle????


So....This is sort of a two in one post!

A fun activity-Glitter Tats
and

A safety guide-Body Art 101

So before going into my tutorial, I'd like to go over a few things to be cautious about with body art at festivals/at home.

*Please at least read the glitter part as it does with the tutorial!*

I have been a professional body artist for 7+ years.

I have worked the festival circuit for over 15 (various things).

Here is what YOU need to know as a parent before diving right into face paint, henna, or glitter tattoos.

1.Not all paint is created equal.     

Paints used in face-painting are specially formulated to be used on the skin.

Paints found at the craft store (even acrylics) should never be used on the skin. Especially the face.

Ask your face painter what they use, safe brands are:

Snazaroo

Silly Farm

TAG

Ben Nye

Kryolan

Wolfe

and Mehron

Also, be sure to check how sanitary the set up is.

Many use sponges, which are fine if they mist with alcohol in between faces.

Brushes being dipped over and over in dirty water, no good.

Use your mommy/daddy/spidey sense on the sanitary!

2.Henna is NOT black

This is my expert field and have fought for years to get this out there.

The FDA has finally made an official statement in regards to henna vs. black henna.

True, natural henna is a dark green (almost black) paste.

When wiped of it starts out pumpkin orange and darkens over 24-36 hours to a deep red/brown color.

 "Black Henna" smells bad, stains black instantly, and is dangerous.

It contains the chemical PPD commonly found in black hair dyes.

It is illegal for use on skin.

Many times, this paste is found in high tourist areas like Mexico, Las Vegas, South Beach, Caribbean, etc. 

       

 Henna itself is low risk for reactions, however, check with the artist and ask what is in their paste.

If they can't answer you, walk away.

Many premixed or ready to go cones of henna found online have "mystery" ingredients or dangerous additives.

The most basic henna (and safest) recipe should contain:

Henna Powder

Lemon juice

Sugar/fructose

Essential oils that are safe: lavender, cajput, eucalyptus, etc

Email me if you'd like a full list!   

The store bought kits are usually a false henna or "neutral" henna meaning they are different plant and stain poorly.

Yes, henna is a plant!

The powder is the dried leaves finely ground.  

Warning:*Henna can have a deadly reaction to those with G6PD.* 

3. Glitter isn't always "just glitter".

Glitter tattoos (like in our tutorial) are great.

Sparkly, waterproof, fast.

However, there are still a couple cautions.

The glue.

A proper glitter tattoo should use an acrylic, water based glue.

Most are medical grade and latex free. (Like Prosaide Cream)

Here are some examples of the glue.

The glitter.

Glitter isn't a multi-purpose item sometimes.

Craft glitter is not suitable for tattoos.

It is too corse and can cause irritation on the skin.

Cosmetic grade glitters are finely cut/ground and are extremely gently.

Mica powder (MAC shadows!) are also great for tattoos.

They come out shimmery and smooth! 

You still may want to avoid around the eyes. 

Glitter in the eyes can cause micro scratches and even imbedding that has to be removed surgically. 

Now that we have covered some safety, on to the fun!

  Click on a supply for example of where to purchase.

    Supplies needed:

Glitter Tattoo Stencil 
*This is specialized tape and vinyl for skin use, not like the average sign/craft vinyl.
Please do not use your at home vinyl cutter without the proper tape and vinyl needed!!!*

Body Art Quality Glue

Cosmetic grade glitter

Small brush (make up brush)

Credit card or "squeegy"

 Alcohol swabs or liquid and cotton balls

Step 1

Thoroughly cleanse skin with alcohol.

Remove all lotions, sunscreens, etc.

 Allow to dry completely.

 Step 2

Prep stencil by gently rubbing down the front with credit card.

Peel off paper backing.

Step 3

Position stencil, hovering over skin.

Gently lay on skin and smooth down.

(If your subject moves it may wrinkle it!)

Step 4 

Carefully peel back tape.

Stretching skin taught and pulling tape flat on itself works best.

Make sure the vinyl is staying on skin.

Step 5

Apply a thin layer of glue all over.

Let dry to clear, yet tacky.

Step 6

Dust or poof with glitter.

I prefer dropping a small amount on the center and pushing it around with my finger.

Use small brush to push glitter around and fill in little gaps. 

Step 7

Peel off stencil!

Ta-da!

  So sparkly. So fun.

I hope you get some of these babies cranked out and add a little more sparkle and shine to your summer! 
~Christine~
         

           

Tiny Gardens and Cottage For Our Tiny Gardeners

I'm going to give you a sneak peek at a big project.

Well, it is in reality little, but creating it is big.

My husband and I have been building our little ones a cottage.

All their own, all miniature, all lovely.

It still has a few things left before a final reveal:

The awning, porch rails, door knob, rug, and veggie garden box.

But for the most part, it is finished and played in daily:

Our 3 year old, Afton, picked out the color scheme.

She was thrilled with her yellow door!!!!!

And she insisted the window boxes be blue.
The coral and blue fabric for the curtains match the awning.

 Here she is lovingly caring for her window boxes.

She has really done well as a tiny gardener.

Those succulents were tiny when planted 3 weeks ago!

She also helps take care of momma's new plants!

And Evelynn's Fairy Garden is doing well.

I found a new fairy while in Vermont and we added a door. 

In the next three weeks, our BIG PROJECT will have some work done!

We are putting in the retaining wall (finally)

Laying cobblestones.

And planting 12 lavender plants, my Mother's Day present!

Grass will go in at the end of the summer.

I'll be in Utah for 6 weeks and it is just too hot in July!

Monsoon season hits in August, so we plan on laying sod then.

So many things to do! 

I'm getting quite the tan with all this outdoor work!

~Christine~

MIA!

Ever feel like you have so many unfinished projects it isn't fair?

Yup.
Someday I will actually finish one and then move on to another.
Ok, that was a lie.

I have so much I'm ready to share, but they aren't finished.

So I can't share.

So I'm boring at the moment.

Sorry.

Soon my friends! Soon!

In the meantime, enjoy this adorable chubby baby that was born into our extended family yesterday.
I was able to go see her this morning and get a quick cuddle in!

Weighing in at 9 lbs 11 oz.

Ouch.  

Stuffed and Roasted Artichoke

Beyond the artichoke and spinach dip!

 The leaves are (almost completely) as edible as the hearts.

Ingredients/Items needed:
Artichoke
Olive Oil
Breadcrumbs
Lemon Juice
Minced garlic
Red Pepper Flakes
Crushed Bay Leaves (2)
Minced Shallots
Aluminum Foil
Small roast pan or loaf pan

Preheat your oven to 425.
Prep your artichoke as follows:

 Cut off stems. (Pic is before)

 You also want to cut 1-1.5 inches off the top.

 See those evil little thorns????
Cut them off!

Cut below thorn 1/4 inch.
Be sure to get every leaf!

Rinse thoroughly and slightly pull leaves open.

Mix your stuffing as follows per artichoke:
1 cup bread crumbs
4-6 tbsp minced garlic
1 small shallot, minced
2 crushed bay leaves
dash of red pepper flakes
Stir together.
Add lemon juice a little at a time until stuffing is moist.

STUFF THAT ARTICHOKE!

Using a dessert spoon, gently pull back leaves and stuff away.
You can also carve a hole in the top to stuff.

Drizzle all over with olive oil and wrap securely in aluminum foil.
Stand upright in loaf pan or small roast pan.

Roast 1 hr 15 min.

Unwrap and let stand 5 minutes before serving.

So. 
Now that it is done.
How the heck do you eat it?
 Allow my daughter to demonstrate:

Pull leaf. They just slide out!
Place between teeth and "scrape" out flesh and filling.
You do that over and over until you see this ugly thing:

That my friends, is the ugly fuzzy choke.
Underneath it is the heart.
Oh, and those purple tips have thorns.
Simple scoop out the fuzziness and the heart is exposed.
Chop it up and enjoy!

And just how yummy are these?
I made 2 last night.
Only 1 actually made it to the table.
My husband and 9 year old (above) lovingly "tested" the first over and over and over again.

Happy Eating!
~Christine~

Baked Brie Bites

So easy. So yummy.

SO ADDICTIVE.

Seriously, I've been making these 3-5 times a week for lunch

Or a snack.

Or with dinner.

Ingredients needed:
Puff Pastry sheets (thawed)
Artichoke hearts, chopped
Pesto
Sun Dried Tomatoes, chopped
Brie

And here is the annoying thing about me.
I eyeball everything.
SO.....
All I can tell you is I do equal parts Pesto and Sundried toms.
1 part each of those and 2 parts Artichoke Hearts.
Does that make any sense?
I sure hope so.
For 9 bites (or 1 sheet of puff pastry) you need about 1 full cup of the filling. 

Most frozen puff pastry sheets are divided in thirds.
So cut each of those into equal thirds.
9 squares.

Place a small cube of Brie in the center of each.
Spoon in some fillin', about 1 tablespoon.
Fold corners in toward center.
Place each in a greased muffin tin.

 Pretend my muffin tin isn't scary looking.

I think we all have one pan or cookie sheet we are ashamed of...
I have like 3. 

Preheat oven to 450.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
The dough will puff up so nicely!

Cool on wire rack (in tin) for 5 minutes.
Serve warm.

Crunchy, puffy, savory, creamy perfection!

Yes, yes I know.
Brie on a Camembert plate.
My cheese plate selection is limited.
Although I did see a cute Brie crock at Target yesterday......

Happy Eating!