Monday, October 27, 2014

{ Adding a little Thanksgiving decor to our home.. }

Hey guys, brace yourself ...I DECORATED FOR THANKSGIVING! I know , I'm a bit shocked too!! If you've been following me, or know me personally etc.. you would know that after Halloween I start decorating for Christmas..Yes, Nov. 1st! I just love Christmas & everything the season brings along with the gorgeous & cozy decor ,& gosh knows we have enough { we have 4 trees } & two levels to decorate !  I decorated for Thanksgiving for my first time & I actually like it..even if it's only up for 1 week he-he !  Here are a few vignettes & pics of our simple table-scape & living-room decor ! Enjoy guys & HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Kept the table-scape simple with a vintage farmhouse white table cloth, & some utensils etc..I wanted more of a simple realistic 'unset' table! 



I picked up this little cutting board for $6 @ HomeGoods ,& the chalkboard I made !
Keeping with the simple & natural theme  I used a little bit of everything on the mantel along with my DIY grass bundles !!

I made these signs too! I measured out some  brown paper wrapping paper, & placed it inside the frames & used a black marker & wrote on them!  The frames are from Target on clearance for $8 each !
 

Have a great rest of the week guys! 

Paige.Rose 

 
30 Handmade Days

Upcycled Treasures

Monday, October 20, 2014

{ Living Room Chandelier Update }

Hey guys!! I mentioned a few post back that I wasn't sure if I was going to add some color to the chandelier I made over a  few months back...well I did! I ended up chalk painting them a dark brown creme wax /paint color by Americana Decor & Old Ochre! I wanted to give them some color since the off white { French Silk } wasn't really doing anything for the piece! I decided to paint every other one dark & light, just because I felt that all dark lampshades may be to heavy on the room! I like how the chalk-paint took to the shades as well! It kind of gave the shades a  aged/textured look! I knew if I didn't like them It wouldn't be a big loss as Hobby Lobby sells small lampshades for around $4 a piece, so If the chalk-paint was a no go it was an easy fix! Right now, they're okay..I may paint them all dark brown or just buy some new ones for Christmas who knows!  I was amazed at how many people said they have used chalk-paint on some sort of fabric..always good to know!

Side Note : These pictures were taken at two different times of the day! 
 First coat drying..
More on that updated french country / romantic cottage inspired gallery wall in the back soon..;)

I'd love to hear what you think about the painted shades, new colors or purchasing new ones?! 

Paige.Rose 





Wednesday, October 15, 2014

{ My Recipe Card Ideas }




Creamy &  Comforting  Almond Cake


Betty Crocker Cake Mix { Extra Moist}
Mix Ingredients in Bowl
Add 3-4 tbsp of Almond Extract to dry ingredients
Add 2 tbsp Vanilla Extract to dry ingredients
 Pour into two round baking pans
Bake 350 until slighting under cooked
~~~~~~~~~~~
( Other Ingredients)
2 containers Vanilla Frosting ( Whipped or your Choice}
1 can Almond Pastry filling

{Step 1}
          
*Stack first layer of Cake. Spread the Almond Pastry filling on first ,using the whole can.

{Step 2}

Attach second layer of cake. Then begin to frost top layer.

 *Make sure the Cake is completely cool, if it's not the cake will slide & the frosting will slide off the cake! Also don't worry about any 'cracks' you'll be frosting over them ,just make sure the pieces are intact .

{Step 3}

Add Almond pieces & garnish!
Side Note: I paired  a small slice with some 1/2 the fat Vanilla Churned Ice Cream per my hubbies request. Balances the richness & was quite refreshing!



Indoor BBQ!

{Fresh Green Beans}
Large pan with a lid for Fresh Green Beans
Spices- Onion Flakes,Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper & Garlic Powder
Half a stick of butter for a Large bag of Greens
Use a dash of Olive Oil
 **Wash Green Beans in luke warm water & strain. Add to warm pan with melted Butter & Olive Oil. Make sure the beans have enough room to evenly spread out! After they become warm & coated in the Butter & Olive Oil, add spices. I use about a Tbsp of each ingredient except Salt & Red Pepper, in which I use a few pinches. You can adjust to your taste!! Cook on Low-Medium with lid on ,or until beans become soft,but not mushy.
Note: I also used 4 small red peppers for color mixed in with the Green Beans.
{Yellow Skin Mashed Potatoes}
1 Bag Small Golden Potatoes { Found  where the fresh spices & salads are}
Boil on Medium-High for 20 minutes
Drain & Leave Skin intact !
Add Half of Cup Chicken Stock
4-6 Tbsp Butter
Salt { 4 dashes}
Pepper
Splash of Milk
Mash & keep Warm!
{Honey BBQ Chicken}
3 Boneless Breast
Cut into Squares or Strips or leave full
Add to a warm pan
Add Half Cup Honey 
1 Cup of BBQ Sauce of choice
Add Salt & good amount of Pepper
Pinch of Garlic{ or any other spice}
Mix together in pan, or you could do this in a separate mixing bowl
Cook in pan on Medium -High until Chicken is coated & Sauce is thick
Enjoy!!!
Note: I used Open Pit Sauce !

Note: I added a big ole fresh pitcher of Kool-Aid not only for the ambiance & fun ,but who doesn't like some cold Kool-Aid with some BBQ { He-He} !


Fresh Veggie Pizza

1 Puff Pastry
1 Bundle of fresh Asparagus
1 large Tomato
Olive Oil
Spray Nonstick Butter
Salt & Pepper/Italian spices
1 large bag Mozzarella Cheese

Get a large cookie or pizza sheet & stretch puff pastry out { Spray sheet with non-stick butter first}.  Wash Tomato & Asparagus - cut to fit half & half on sheet.  After the puff pastry is stretched on baking sheet add half asparagus to one side & tomato slices to the other. Drizzle both sides with olive oil enough to give some color. Take Salt/Pepper { I used onion flakes & garlic flakes too} & sprinkle over both sides generously. After you do that add the mozzarella cheese. Bake on 375 for 10-15 minutes. Pair with a glass of wine & there you have it a simple & semi healthy homemade dinner .
Enjoy!!

{Before Cheese}

Note: I used Skim Low Fat Cheese & I baked mine a bit longer { Husbands likes his  well done}.

Stuffed Mozzarella Peppers

1 Bag small assorted Peppers
1 can Spray Butter
Salt & Pepper
Olive Oil
1  12Pack Skim String Cheese
Wash the peppers in a large bowl under warm water. Spread the peppers out over a large area. Use a knife to slit the peppers { not all the way} ,and open up the pepper half way. After you have done this with the whole bag,using spray butter spray peppers heavily{ & pan} & squirt with olive oil. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. While they are sitting and soaking in the olive oil & spray butter open the string cheese & align in a roll & cut in three pieces. Take the little pieces of string cheese & stuff in the peppers. After you have done this -spray peppers again & olive oil if you think they need more. Then right before you're done sprinkle heavily with salt & pepper or to your taste. Place in oven at 350 for 10-15 minutes or until the peppers are soft & cheese is still formed, but melted down soft. Let the peppers sit for few a minutes & enjoy these sweet & healthy little buggers.


 Cinnabon Casserole Dish

3-4 cans of Cinnabon Rolls. {Original}
2 cups Heavy Cream
1cup Maple Syrup
1 small package chopped Pecans
1 small package Almonds
1 tsp Sugar
2Tblsp Cinnamon or more
4 Eggs 
4 tbsp Almond Extract
3 tsp Vanilla Extract
Pop open cans of cinnabons. Spray pan with butter{ or melt 3 tbsp}. Pull apart and place in glass 13 inch baking pan. Combine all liquid ingredients ,except maple syrup & icing from cinnabon roll packages. After you pour liquid mix all over buns, sprinkle nuts over. Place in oven for 15-20 minutes on 325-350. Take out & garnish with frosting & maple syrup. Pour yourself a glass of cold milk & ENJOY!


Holiday OR Monthly Cleanse

Pitcher {1 Liter}
2 - 3 Tbsp of Cinnamon
2-3 Fresh warm Lemons
2-3 Cap fulls of Apple Cider Vinegar
4-5 Tbsp of Honey
Fill rest of Pitcher with cold water to store
Serve Warm or Hot.
Side Note: Cinnamon is a natural blood  thinner. In large doses it can be harmful to the liver.I made a big pitcher & just keep it in the fridge. I usually drink the mix twice a day for about a week once a month. Do Not heat pitcher. Use a separate cup. Enjoy!!

Homemade {French Onion}

5 Large white onions diced.
2 Tbsp Salt
2 Tbsp Pepper
3 Bay Leafs
1 pinch Parsley
1 pinch Garlic Powder
1 pinch Basil
3 tbsp White dry Wine.
4 cups water.
1 bag seasoned croutons
2 Tbsp Butter
Top with a fresh Mozzarella or Provolone.
{ adjust salt & pepper to taste}
Start with the cups of water..add salt & other spices , then combine onions & butter & let simmer for 3 hrs or until onions are soft. Add croutons after scooping broth & onions in kettle dishes, garnish with cheese  & bake for 15 mins with lid on. 

Homemade{ Semi} Puff Pastry Artichoke/Spinach Pizza

1 can Puff Pastry or Pizza Dough.
2 cans soaked Artichokes Hearts
1 small can Spinach of choice, I used fresh.
Two bags Mozzarella Cheese.
Spread the dough on a baking sheet greased with a spray butter. Spray dough with a spray butter & add ingredients. Layer with cheese & bake @ 350 until desired crunchiness.I added some garlic & onion powder as well.

{Homemade Fall Spice Parfait
6 Layers}
1 Pie Crust crumbled up -1st layer.
2 cans Vanilla Pudding-2snd layer
1 can Pumpkin- 3rd layer
Second can Vanilla Pudding- 4th Layer
1 box Spice Cake cooked round- 5th layer
Cool Whip-6th layer
The only thing that is cooked in this parfait is the spice cake. You can really add just about any fall spice ingredients & layer them. I also topped mine with cinnamon.


Paige.Rose

Thursday, October 9, 2014

{ Rustic Corner Cabinet Makeover }

It's almost Friday so that means sharing a piece of furniture that got added to our house with a makeover!  A few months back we found a nice wood corner cabinet that was perfect for our basement dining area. It was much more petite then our white corner cabinet in the upstairs dining  , & with the lower ceiling it would work perfect for the basement! The wood on the cabinet was in pretty decent condition,but the shelves & back panel need some TLC !! I decided to go with some chalk paint in Old Ochre & some Americana Decor dark antique wax! I wanted something simple without a huge difference,because after all it was going to be in the 'Man Cave'/moose-lodge themed basement!! I trimmed the gorgeous scalloped detail in the front, painted the shelves,& distressed some areas on the bottom door ! I love the way it turned out! It's perfect for our little dining space, & holds my vintage plaid  dishes !! :) 



Still deciding if I will add a knob ,or not..I haven't found one I like just yet ;)
Note: I used a staple gun to put the other backboard up!

If you know me, you know I'm plaid obsessed! These vintage dishes my dear husband came across for free { garbage find} !


I love how the dark antique wax over the Old Ochre almost looks like wood grain :)! 

** I do realize this little beauty has a plate rail ,but honestly I didn't like the plates up-rite ,however I pry will move them for the millionth time again...Stay tuned in for the full updated basement reveal , & the dining space featuring this little cabinet !!!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend !!



TheGoldenSycamore.com
Paige.Rose





Tuesday, October 7, 2014

{ Our Vintage Clothespin Painted Scale }

Hey, all! I shared with you guys a few weeks ago about a little vintage scale my dear mum picked up for me while thrifting up north, well it's finally done!!! I ended up just rubbing some cream chalk paint over some spots that I wanted to highlight!  The scale is completely rusted out, at that's the farmhouse charm right?! Although, I don't mind the rustic & vintage appeal I did despise those sloppy cream numbers that someone quickly marked on. I decided to lightly go over the front with cream chalk paint using a sponge brush to make it appear somewhat rustic ,yet clean looking. I also marked over the dial with some fresh black ink, & some new numbers. It's not perfect & that's the charm. It goes wonderfully in our farmhouse/cottage/glam 'inspired' kitchen if you will he-he! Enjoy guys!

..Before.. 

 
Some simple yet effective materials.

I had to get 'creative' & mark the numbers somehow , so I spotted these for $3 { mini clothespins} at Michaels, so I decided to use them as space markers for the numbers while I painted!

..After..


I rubbed a few places with some dark antique wax lightly too..

The numbers were quite the task! I tried to distress a few here & there for aging !!

Paige.Rose




Monday, October 6, 2014

{ Our Affordable Farmhouse Inspired Kitchen Revamp }

Ever feel like you need a change to  fulfill your current style in your home? Ya, I did too, so we updated our kitchen with some semi budget friendly ideas! I wanted a more glam farmhouse feeling in the kitchen so we added new knobs,faucet, hinges & some little decor touches { Stay tuned on another post for these }! This revamp wasn't in dire need ,but was worth it! 
  
  Little background on the kitchen space-->When we moved in over two years ago we painted the cabinets crisp Behr white & left the silver handles that the previous owners had & the brushed nickel faucet. Fast forward to the present, it was time to get rid of the brushed nickel { I love brushed nickel } ,but was going for a different look. When the faucet broke last Thursday it was the perfect sign it was time to update :) !  We headed to Home Depot & Menards  looking for a new faucet, hinges { our old ones were painted white } &new knobs! We found a great pull-down faucet by Pfister ! It was everything I  was looking for, dark oil bronzed with a copper undertone & a curved pull-down! Although the faucet was $160 It was well worth it. We ended up skipping the knobs at Home Depot & buying ours { Same finish as the faucet} from Target in a 6 pack. We saved over 7 dollars per packet buying them in the packs instead of buying them in singles !  We then went on our 'search' for the same hinges but in a different finish...what a nightmare!! We stopped & thought after the third place, we would just use mineral spirits & soak them & then spray paint! Come to find out we didn't even need to spray paint,just strip & rinse!  They came out a dark bronze color that pulled from our granite counters specs &  new knobs & faucet! This whole revamp cost about $300 & was so worth it for resale in the near future ;) & the fresh new look! 

[ BEFORE ]


[ AFTER ]













I hope this inspires you to revamp your kitchen with some semi affordable DIY updates !

Paige.Rose


TDC Before and After