A versatile July 4th wreath

Each time I walk into a fabric store and saw that mesh fabric, it drew me in. Then I saw a beautiful one, made by my mother in law,  that inspired me to try.  After she showed me how, I continued. By switching out the flowers, etc the wreath can change. Choose fabric color to go with several holidays. For example a red mesh can double for Valentines Day, Christmas, Fourth of July, etc.altho the differences are subtle,  I made this one for Memorial Day, then switched the "doo dads" for July 4th.

You can find the how tos on you tube. It took one roll of mesh fabric, one metal 16" wreath , pipe cleaners to match the fabric, and fillers like flags, ribbon, pin wheels ...try it! 

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father’s Day!

To my Husband, Brothers, Dad- in- Law, Friends, Uncles, and those who went before us. You have helped guide our children, provide for others, protect us: Thank you! You are our Heroes!

Brunch with Friends

Inviting friends over for Brunch is just what we needed and admittedly,  I love to do it. Over the years we morphed from a book club to the group we seem to be now, "the Spa Girls"  We try to get together every 4-6 weeks for giggles and sometimes tears. Often the good local spots are crowded, making conversation a challenge, or  wait to get a seat or are hustled out once the fork hits the table. Home entertaining is perfect.

I chose Blue settings for sense of peace the color emotes, since it was close to Memorial Day, a splash of red
with Poppies, and the cute pinwheels are just fun,

We celebrated one friend's birthday and another who had accepted a new, important position.The frame was a present for her new job.

 

The menu: mini artichoke quiche, with field greens, fillo filled tastings, yogurt with granola and raspberries 

Making lists, prepping, and mis en place makes for a hassle free time for the hostess.

Below fillo cups filled with: 1) chicken salad, 2)hazelnut cream cheese topped with apricot jam, and 3) blackberries atop a dollop of light whipped topping.

Mini pancakes inspired by Pinterest

Artichoke and spinach quiche can be purchased at Panera Bread!

Small tastings has become so popular. These glasses, a gift from my my mother in law are filled with low fat yogurt , granola, and a raspberry sauce.

A gift to each guest has a relaxation theme. Tiny foot spa, summer scented waxes, antibacs, and a clever pillow toss for their desks.

Mason Jars

     Reaching for the cinnamon to sprinkle on Sunday's French Toast gave me the idea to share some ideas on using Mason Jars.  Over the years we've stored buttons, matches, tacks, seeds, sewing needles, and even a fallen baby tooth patiently waited for the tooth fairy to arrive.  We 've hung them in the backyard tree , along with babyfood jars, with a votive inside to gently add a little light while we swung under them. Do you remember catching fireflies in them?

    Mason Jars are timeless, treasures that hold little stories all of their own.  Fun fact: They were invented in 1858 by John Landis Mason. While he didn't invent the glass canning jar, he did improve upon it by designing the jar and lid with threads, eliminating the need to seal preserved foods in wax. Thus his jar became known as the Mason jar.

Gifts for the girls : homemade , homegrown lavender bath salts.

Cranberry Basil Jelly, made from cranberry juice and fresh basil leaves were gifts I took to my High School Reunion last summer. The jars were covered in gingham checks, raffia, and old buttons.

Strawberry Jam decorated in the same manner..yellow gingham checks and dots, tied with bakery cord. 

Sliced and ready to eat strawberries. Food prepping made easy and attractive.

Low cal. Vanilla pudding cups topped with blueberries are covered and ready for a gathering. They are great for fridge stacking and travel well to the lake for a picnic. Above the same dessert, lid removed and topper added.

Chai mixes for the college gang's late nite study sessions.

July 4th Family outing, the jam was a hit.