DIY Monogrammed Table Runner

I've been busy doing some house cleaning since my daughter has moved out on her own. I started emptying her room to get it ready for a redo. Then I cleaned the office so it doesn't looked like a junk room anymore. I simply added the junk into the closet and created my own little craft room.


I have not really organized it yet. I just put it in there and will go back and get a little creative with it later. I need to get some more ideas first. If you have any you can share, please do.

While I was in a crafty mood, I decided to make a monogrammed table runner. It only cost $5.00 and its easy enough a child could do it.

 
What you will need:
  • Roll of burlap- I purchased mine at Walmart for 5.00.
  • Black Sharpie
  • Printed Letter to cut out for a stencil.
  • Razor cutter or scissors.
 
Cut the burlap to fit your table leaving enough to hang off each end.
Cut your letter out (card stock is better but I just used regular paper).


Using a sharpie, trace your letter,
 
 
Color it in with your Sharpie.
 

It turned out great and looks just like it's stamped.
 
You can get creative with your stencil and do any letter, wording, or picture. You can also use different colors and create your own work of art.

Now I have to get back to cleaning. I have lots of drawers and more closets to clean out. Its just another sign of my empty nesting.


Ive shared this at:
inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy
amaze-me-monday at dwellings-theheartofyourhome
monday-handmade-linkup-party at judyscardmakingandpapercrafts
tuesday-pinspiration at thestitchinmommy
worthwhile-wednesdays at craftyallieblog
thursday-favorite-things at katherinescorner





Weekend Getaway

My husband and I were able to get away this past weekend. Its been a long summer. A lot has been going on. My work place has been stressing me out. Not the job but the people I work with. My daughter moved out on her own leaving me in an empty nest, and with all the recent world news, we simply just needed a break. Some alone time together. A date.

This was our last beach trip of the year. Yep, its that time of year we go to the beach and winterize the camper and leave it alone until spring. I already cant wait.

The weather was beautiful. It was in the 70s and 80s all weekend with only sunshine and no rain in site. Each morning we would take a stroll on the beach. We saws happy fishermen sit watching their lines while some people were walking their dogs or walking hand in hand with the ones they love. Just enjoying life.


One morning we walked a mile up the beach to visit my brother-in-law and niece. Then we walked around a yard sale and back to our place. Another morning we took a walk the other direction which goes past preserved land. We wanted to see what was on the other side of the dunes. As we approached the top of the dunes we saw benches in the distant.


It was rather weird as there were no trails leading to them. I felt like I found a secret place. I wonder what it was or what it had been. Whatever it was, It looked peaceful.


We sat our chairs out in the afternoons and soaked up the sound of the sea and fresh air. One afternoon we stayed out until sunset.

We went to our favorite places to eat and one night while at a Mexican restaurant, the power went out right after we ordered our food. There were more customers there and no one seem to mind even thought it was dark. You could see the glow of cell phone lights and lighters. Speaking of cell phone lights, I used mine as a lamp so we could see what we were eating.


It was pretty funny. I'm still confused on how they got our order out. I guess they used gas ovens, stoves and grills. Its was delicious all the same. It was was fun and certainly something different.

While packing up to leave on our last day, we got a call from our daughter. Her car battery was dead and didn't know how to get to work. She ended up calling her uncle to pick her up on his way since he worked near her workplace. While it brought on more stress and rushed us back on the road, It also reminded me that it was time to get back to reality and no matter how grown up my child is, she still needs her mom and dad at that makes me feel warm inside. Its also time to get back to work which I dread. But it gets me where I am and what I need. I am thankful for that. So for now, I will just dream of the day we can spend more time at the beach. Hurry up spring.

Pumpkin Spice Biscotti

Ok all you coffee lovers out there. Here is a wonderful recipe for Biscotti with a touch of Autumn, and spice. Perfect dipped in your favorite hot drink.

 
 
This biscotti is not too sweet but just sweet enough to get your day started and Im going to share the recipe with you. But first, make sure you read the baking directions correctly. I thought I was miss Betty Crocker and went ahead of the directions then realized I was doing it all wrong. It was almost a mess but was an easy fix.

 

Pumpkin Spice Biscotti
 
Preheat Oven to 350 degrees
 
Sift together,
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup sugar
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
 
In another bowl whisk together,
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
 
Directions:
  • Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and blend together. (it will be dry and crumbly)
  • Flour your hands and a clean counter top and kneed the dough.
  • Form the dough into a log about 6 inches wide and 1/2 inch high.
  • Place on a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and let cool for about 15 minutes.
  • Cut into 1 inch wide pieces.
  • Turn oven down to 300 degrees and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes .
Makes about 24 pieces.


These turned out a little soft. If you like them more crisp like I do, just bake them a little longer and/or leave out uncovered overnight.


Biscotti also makes great gifts for neighbors, work, or friends.
Store in an airtight container or baggies.
Enjoy.


Ive shared this at:
mix-it-up-monday at flourmewithlove
inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy
amaze-me-monday at dwellings-theheartofyourhome
monday-handmade-linkup at judyscardmakingandpapercrafts
something-fabulous at roubinek
full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage
thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop at katherinescorner

The Corn Starch Experiment

I've always heard that you can use talc powder or cornstarch to remove grease from kitchen walls so when I got some on my practically new leather Toms, I had not choice but to try. Im not real sure how the grease got on my shoes but It was also on my jeans. I washed the jeans and it didn't come out .

After wearing my shoes all day with the stains on them that I tried to get out with water, They made me feel ugly. I was mad that this had happened. I was ready to toss them to the side but not until I at least tried the corn starch thing. The cornstarch is suppose to absorb and pull the grease out. We'll see.

I took pictures incase it worked so I could share it.... and well..... see for yourself.

Here is the greasy spots. Ugly right?


Here they are with the cornstarch on them. I let it sit on there for about an hour.


After about an hour, I used an old toothbrush and scrubbed around on the spots and brushed the leather until the cornstarch was gone...

and so were the spots.


It didn't take the spot out completely but at least they don't look like a giraffe anymore. If I would have left the cornstarch on longer it may have absorbed the spot more.

Pretty neat huh? I think I may go try it on my jeans now.

Ive shared this at:
tuesday-pin-spiration at thestitchinmommy
before-after Wednesday at thededicatedhouse