Waste Not, Want Not...

One of my favorite lines is, "Waste not, want not." My husband is forever making fun of me for saying it. 

The reason I love it is because I hate throwing things away. I hate when food goes bad. I really just hate waste. Recycling, reducing & reusing are concepts that make me smile.
BUT, I also love stylish, new, pretty things. 

That is why I fell in love with this portable composter. Beauty meets function.   

When I was growing up, we used to save fruit & vegetable peels and other food waste. Several times a week, one of the 5 of us kids would get the job of taking the food to the compost pile by the raspberry bushes.

I want to carry on that tradition with my family and I am excited to do it in style!  Check out cooking.com to order yours for only $39.95.

Lovely Letter Project

This is a simple project that ANY glamorous (or not-so-glamorous) girl can do.  It is easy & will be impressive.  

1.  Buy a frame at a flea market or garage sale or reuse one from your home.  (This one is recycled from a previous project.)  Sand the edges if you want a shabby chic look. 

2. Buy several different types of paper from a craft or fancy paper store.  

3.  On your computer, print off a large letter in the font of your choice. Use the letter as a pattern for what will be "center stage" in your finished product.  

4.  Cut the largest piece to fit in the frame.  

5.  Cut another piece that is about 1 1/2-2 inches smaller around each edge.  Glue on top of the largest piece of paper.  

6.  Take your final piece of paper & trace the letter that you printed off of your computer.  Glue this to the other two pieces of paper. 

7.  Insert into frame and you are ready to hang your masterpiece!  

This can be hung as a single work of art OR you repeat the project to spell initials, or a name completely, and make a series.   It would look smashing in your own home and it would be a thoughtful gift for a loved one.   

Flea market finds

A trip to a summer flea market is one of life's little adventures. You never quite know what you will find digging through chaotic piles, overflowing bins, and rows of eclectic collections. Some things are new, some are old and some just make you laugh out loud as you stumble upon items that don't seem to make any sense at all.

image above: accessories from designer Rachel Ashwell represent the flea market, shabby chic style

Recently, I went with my mom and sister on our annual journey to a flea market near the town where I grew up. We set out early--portable coffee cups in hand and a wallet full of cash tucked in our big straw bags--anticipating what this summer's collection of flea market finds would bring.

As we drove through the winding, tree-lined roads of Amish country, by-passing buggies and bikes along the way, I marvelled at how interesting this familiar experience really is--especially for those who drive from all over the country to see the Amish in their natural environment, as well as attend the flea market.

The flea market rows continue forever. We walked through row after un-shaded row, being careful not to miss a thing. Tucked between the stalls of tacky t-shirts and packs of batteries or magic markers, you can find antique accessories, handmade wooden furniture of exceptional quality, beautiful stone fountains, and Alpalca wool sweaters. The digging--and the discovery--is what makes this activity so rewarding. One thing is for sure, we never leave empty-handed.

My list of favorite flea market finds and other Amish-country treats this year:

"Language art" by Greg and Dilynn Puckett sold at The Village Trading Post

Language art uses black and white photography to capture every day items, using them as "letters" to create words. The result is an artistic approach to the beauty that surrounds us, yet often goes unnoticed. These can be custom made and are great for gifts with a special message.

http://www.languageartonline.com/

The Village Trading Post

205 E. Main Street

Shipshewana, IN 46565

Lanterns of all shapes and sizes

A great addition to an outdoor lounging area, pathway or indoor tables and shelves. You can fill with small pots of roses, a grouping of candles or a sculpted piece of art. However you decide to use them, they add interest and draw attention to objects placed inside, cast a romantic glow when holding lighted candles, or add architectural detail if hung from a window or ceiling.

you can find lanterns like the ones to the left at http://www.potterybarn.com/

Stone birdbaths and fountains
Use the birdbath as a planter or to hold soaps and hand towels in a "shabby chic" bathroom-- or place them in the garden the traditional way. The fountains are classic and European in style--some are a bit more whimsical, others take on a simple modern shape that fit any style of decor.

Wooden plaque art with inspirational verses and phrases

http://www.pgrahamdunn.com/

If you venture to this part of the country, be sure not to miss:
Sweet Annie's store on Historic Morton Street for home and garden decor 260.768.7370

A slice of homemade pie (Dutch apple is my personal favorite)

The strong work ethic and quality craftsmenship displayed in everything the Amish create

For inspiration on how to decorate with flea market finds, check out Rachel Ashwell’s website and books on shabby chic style:

http://www.shabbychic.com/

For more information on visiting Shipshewana, Indiana go to:
http://www.shipshewana.com/

Must-Have Monogrammed Mementos

I am giving my secret away! I love monogrammed gifts for every occasion...new baby, wedding, new house, Christmas, birthday or thank you. A few of my favorite gifts...

1. Ballard Basic Pillow from ballarddesigns.com

The key to this gift is ordering the COVER only.  (Twill covers are $12.  Velvet covers are $15.95.)  Monogramming is FREE with the purchase of pillow cover. 

Then go to your local craft/fabric store and buy an affordable (about $4-5) 18" square pillowform to insert inside the cover. 

Tie a beautiful bow around the pillow & wow your family & friends!

2. Ballard Tote Bags from ballarddesigns.com

This bag comes in Petite, Medium & Large.  The price ranges from $19.95-$25.95.  Again, Monogramming is FREE!  

This is a great gift for a Glamorous Girlfriend, Aunt, Mom, Mother-in-Law, Teacher, Babysitter or Hair Stylist.  It comes in Lime Green, Navy, Aqua, White, Pink, Sand, Brown, Black or Red with either Cream or Brown Monogram thread.  

When buying one for a gift...don't forget to order one for yourself!  This bag will make your closet look extremely chic!

3. L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Bag  from llbean.com

This is my mom's signature gift!  This bag comes in MANY colors and sizes.  You can buy it with an open top or zip-top.  (I prefer the zip-top.)  The prices are anywhere from $17-$37.  Monogramming is only $6.00!

A GREAT gift for men, women, college students, athletes...basically ANYONE!  My mom got one for each of my brothers and me for Christmas one year.  It is always fun to get together as a family & see all of our matching bags.  

OTHER MONOGRAM IDEAS:  

• Go to TJ Maxx or Marshalls & find a fabulous throw pillow, some luxurious linens or fluffy towels, then head to a local embroidery shop & have them monogram your item for a small fee.  (Anywhere between $5-25 dollars per item.)  

Fabulous Magazine

If you don't already, you HAVE to get a subscription to Domino Magazine. It is one of my favorites. Go to www.dominomag.com/go/subscribe. For only $10, you can get Domino at HOME for a year!

Things We LOVE

What Glamorous Girlfriend doesn't love to shop, decorate, EAT, entertain, plan parties, garden & cook? 

This site is dedicated to all those things...and more! Anything that we can find that is interesting, fun, pretty, lovely, smart, thrifty, unique, girlie, etc. will be on this site.