Tuesday, October 30, 2012

DIY Sunburst Mirror


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I've been looking for a decorative piece to put above our bed for awhile, and after seeing some sunburst mirrors on Pinterest, I decided that I would try making my own!
Surely, it can't be that difficult right?

RIGHT! 
This DIY sunburst mirror project took just a few hours, and a few dollars ($7 to be exact) to make!  I already had the spray paint and wall fasteners.
Definitely a successful project - even for beginners. 

Materials needed:

Round mirror (I got the 7 inch size from Michaels)
Brass ring, optional (Again a 7 inch size from Michaels)
Skewers (I got a set of 100 from Target for $2)
Hot Glue Gun (and glue)
Mounting hook or fasteners
Spray Paint (I had a mini can of gold)
Cardboard 

Directions:

-Arrange skewers in desired pattern on back of mirror.  
You can either trim them to desired lengths, or just place them at varying distances from the center of the mirror. 

-Hot glue the skewers down and let dry.  You can do them all at one time, or a few at a time.  (To help the skewers stay in place while gluing, put magazines on them to hold them down.)

-Once dry, spray pain the front of the skewers (the side that you will see).  Be sure to cover the mirror part with newspaper or cloth.  I just did one coat of paint and let it dry.

-If you want the brass ring look, which makes the mirror have more dimension, attach it to the outside of the mirror with hot glue -it should just squeeze right over the edges of the mirror.

-To mount, cut out a 6 inch circle of cardboard and glue to the back of the mirror/skewers.  
Then attach mounting device (either hooks, poster or mounting strips).  

I should have taken step-by-step photos, but my camera was dead...so all I have is the final product!
Let me know if you have questions!
THIS tutorial was very helpful to me!

XOXO

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Apple Crumb Muffins

After apple-picking at a local orchard recently, I had LOTS of apples, and nothing to do with them!  On a cooler day this week, I decided to try these Apple Crumb Muffins - they were perfect.  Moist and doughy in the middle, with the perfect cinnamon-sugar topping.  The apple taste wasn't overwhelming, so the next time I think I'll substitute some applesauce for the butter in the muffin mix.  But definitely give these a try - they won't disappoint!  The perfect fall treat :)

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Apple Crumb Muffins
Ingredients:
For the muffin:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
pinch of salt
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 large apple, peeled and chopped
2 eggs
1 cup milk
6 tbsp butter, melted and cooled

For the crumb topping:
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
2 1/2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
2 tbsp light brown sugar

Directions:

Crumb Topping: 
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar and cinnamon.  Add the butter and cut it into the mixture until crumbly. 

Muffins: 
Preheat over to 400 degrees.  Line muffin tin with 12 liners or grease and set aside. 
In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and sugar. 
Add the chopped apple to the flour mixture and stir until just combined.
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk and butter.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, and pour in the egg mixture.  Stir gently, and be careful not to overmix. 
Spoon the batter into the muffin tin and top with the crumb topping.  Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.  Let cool in pan for 5 minutes, and then serve or cool on wire rack.

Enjoy!!

Friday, October 26, 2012

Friday's Fancies - Celebrate!

Happy Friday!!  Hope you all had a great week!!
It's been a quiet one here (not complaining), and I've done lots of cooking, baking, reading, and catching up on my some of my favorite shows - Revenge and Revolution!
(And to be honest - a little Real Housewives, eek!)

This week's edition of  Friday's Fancies is all about a party outfit!  I only wish I had somewhere to wear this fancy shmancy look to :)

Night Falling


I love the pops of yellow, the print of this gorgeous Tibi dress (on sale now!), and these heels are amazing!  A chic peplum jacket for when it gets cool, pretty jewelry, and a wine colored nail - and we've got our complete "party" outfit!  I have to be honest - I have kind of surprised myself by the fact that there are no sequins, but I still think its G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S :)
(yes I just sang Fergie's song to make sure I spelled that right)

And a huge congrats to {av} for reaching the 100th Friday's Fancies post!  It's been so much fun!

october 26th - 100!

HAPPY WEEKEND, LOVES!!
We are planning on date night in (pizza and board games) and then a Halloween costume party on Saturday!

XOXO

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Fall Haul

Over the past couple of months, I've picked up some fall items here and there, and I wanted to show you some of my favorite finds!!  I love shopping at TJ Maxx and Marshalls....and right now they have some really cute fall and winter items!  If you have a little patience, I think you can always find something you'll love there!

Take a peek at my Fall Hall Video, and y'all tell me what you think!!



OPI - I Brake for Manicures

*What I'm wearing*
Kohl's Sweater (in yellow)
BaubleBar Necklace (sold out!)
(take $10 off your first BaubleBar purchase with code: 4365900!)

What fall items have you been shopping for?

XOXO