{ Our 2014 Holiday Home Tour }

http://www.jenniferrizzo.com

 

Welcome to the holidays guys! Aren't you all excited about the cozy throws,creamy hot chocolate ,& festive music & decor? We've been working on the indoor & outdoor decor since the beginning of November, & have been enjoying it & the holiday hustle & bustle ! I hope you  all enjoy our Christmas Home Tour , gather some inspiration, and have a safe & happy holiday season! 

 . Family Room . 
 

I'm so pleased with how this space turned out! It's everything I was thinking I wanted our family room to be this year, a rustic & glistening Christmas wonderland!

The stars were my lovely sisters idea after I mentioned I wanted to put a star on each side of the 'Wish' sign. The stars were purchased at Dollar Tree , the mini trees at Michaels, & the wreath I made for under $10!

 

The tree was a gift, the glittered eggs were dollar days at Michaels , the snowflake reindeer is from Kohls { last year }  & the chalkboard saying I made!!

 This area is a  cozy little magazine / catalog nook ,so I added a cute rustic  tree { free garbage find } & placed it in a Traverse City crate that was a thrift find!

. Kitchen & Dining .

 

 

Informal ,but classy & neat!

  

The trees are from Michaels & the wreath is from Dollar Tree { I added the plaid bow}. The bottles are vintage garbage finds!

 

The crate is a piece I recycled from a gift & the reindeer is from Kohls { last year } !

 

This set was purchased from a vendor @ Town Peddler { last year }!

 

The cutting board {recipe stand} is from HomeGoods  ,& the chalkboard I made from a dollar mirror!

I wanted to keep it simple & uniformed this year with some different pieces ! 

 Bedroom .

 

My favorite room on our Holiday Tour! Welcome to our cozy & sparkly winter  wonderland!!

 

The comforter is Better Homes & Gardens $30!  With the smell of vanilla soy , the cool soft sheets & throw..I could stay here all winter!

 

The throw is from Sears last year..& the matching pillow is from Target I believe..

 

The deer pillow is from Hobby Lobby $10 !

  

The presents were a DIY last year ,made from old boxes !

 

The gold charger is from Dollar Tree & the wreath was a DIY from Dollar Tree.

 

. Living Room .

 

Our lodge inspired lower level! I love cuddling down here with  some raspberry hot chocolate & my hubby! Now this is the man cave,but for Christmas I'm allowed in hehe.

 

 

  

The skies are a vintage garbage find!

 

The 'Merry Christmas' stick on are from Michaels dollar days! 

The red burlap wrapped pillows are from HomeGoods $25 each!

 

I had some leftover chalkboard tags from Michaels dollar days so I decided to add them to the non faux packages ;) !

 

 

The wrapping paper is from Michaels as the ribbon! I love this tan & white checkered ribbon..if you've noticed I used it in three rooms ;)!!

  

The oh so soft throw is from IKEA ,the Christmas card is from Michaels ,two tone basket was a gift & the flowers & vase are from Dollar Tree!

. Outside . 

 I'm a bit obsessed with this charmer of a Christmas display. The toboggan was a free find & I added the red ribbon & joy moose. The wagon was a garbage find &  I just added some garland & fresh wood logs tied with my favorite ribbon & a red bow! The lantern I had ,the sign I made out of a pitched piece of wood & the galvanized colored burlap tree was a thrifty find ..

  

  

I hope you've been inspired & have a splendid holiday season!!!

http://www.iheartnaptime.net/link-party-palooza-69/

http://www.notjustahousewife.net 

 http://theblissfulbee.com/

Paige.Rose

{ 20 year old toboggan revamp }

Happy Cyber Monday guys!! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving & long weekend filled with family, friends & delicious food!  Today I'm sharing a quick little DIY project- Yay!!! My lovely husband garbage picked this 1994 toboggan & of course I was thrilled!! I knew I wanted it for our front patio Christmas display,but first it needed some TLC..

 

The yellow rope & faded red plastic had to go..

 

The Ribbon is a silky bright Christmas red that was purchased at Michales for $4, I got two wheels !

 

The burlap Christmas fabric was purchased at Michaels & I got about 3 yards { I had a surplus } !  I used large safety pins & just tightly wrapped the fabric around the yellow plastic seat cushion !!

 

I removed the yellow rope & replaced it with the red ribbon!

 

Here is the finished project!! I ended up not using the fabric cushion because I loved how the natural wood looked after it was cleaned up!! I ended up adding a little 'joy' moose decor & love it!! 

Note : Stay tuned to see what I use the fabric cushion seat for... ;) . I hope you enjoyed this festive little DIY !

Have a great week everyone!!

 http://theblissfulbee.com/

 

Paige.Rose

{ Warm your belly up with some spicy Jambalaya }

Happy Friday guys! I thought this was the perfect time to post about this spicy & hearty Chicken & Shrimp Jambalaya after our mini snowflake storm yesterday! Nothing better then  a winter weekend with some hot & spicy Jambalaya while snuggled up!! Here's the recipe ,I hope you enjoy it as much as we did !!

-Spicy Chicken & Shrimp Jambalaya-

• 2  large cans white shredded chicken
• 1 can corn & pepper mixture
• 1 large red bell-pepper
• 1 cup celery chopped
• 1/2 cup onions chopped
• 1 tablespoon garlic
• 1 tablespoon red pepper
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1 cup water
• few splashes of Red-Hot hot sauce
• 3/4 box chicken broth
• splash of Worcestershire sauce
• 25 medium shrimp
• 1 bay leaf
• half stick butter

Combine all the ingredients into the crock-pot on high for 2-3 hours or until thick & flavors have emerged ! While letting the Jambalaya cool, combine 2-3 packages Uncle Ben's plain white rice . Take a rounded scoop of rice & place in a bowl & top with 2-3 scoops of Jambalaya & sauce!

Paige.Rose

{ Making your own custom DIY Holiday sign }

Happy weekend guys! It's been one heck of a last three days being sick & what not...One thing that always gets me feeling better is crafting & DIY projects especially if they have to do with Christmas!! I mentioned on a few social media sites that I was working on some whimsical & country wood signs for both inside the house and outside,well they're complete & I'm ready to share{ indoor sign } this practical DIY with you!!!

 Start with a rectangular piece of rustic wood  { Ours was a free garbage find}  & be sure to dust off any debris with a clean dry cloth! 

 You'll need a few household supplies & some paint from Hobby Lobby ,or your local craft supply store. I picked up this white  Basic Brand paint at Hobby Lobby! I liked the bright white & thickness of the paint along with it being water resistant too!  Then grab some chalk for outlining your letters first, a Brillo pad for indoor distressing & a sponge brush ! 

 

Use the chalk to outline your letters then go over them with the sponge brush with minimal paint on the brush. I like using this type of brush, because it's great for catching on the wood to give it that vintage or rustic appeal. I kinda dab the paint on & maneuver it around curves & corners , almost like spreading the paint ,but with very little on the sponge.

After the paint dries { 45 minutes } use the Brillo pad & lightly go over the areas where the paint is thick or bright & go back & forth with the Brillo pad with light force. After you're done distressing wipe with a dry cloth & stage!!

 

I ended up adding some simple cinnamon stick { Dollar Tree } with a plain red ribbon as an accent! 

  

I love the way it fits perfectly in the window & is simple & festive with the other holiday decor! Hope you all enjoyed & be sure to stick around for the outdoor display with the larger holiday sign reveal coming soon :) !!!

Have a great rest of the weekend guys!!

Paige.Rose

{ DIY Christmas Chalkboard Print Tutorial }

Hey guys!! I'm here sharing an easy DIY Christmas chalkboard - How to - with a few easy steps for a cute & custom chalkboard print .  In the last few years chalkboard prints & boards have become increasingly popular ,but can cost a mini fortune, create chalk mess & be hard to DIY... That surely won't be an issue after this post!!! 

1.) Pick a frame, grab a pair of scissors & possibly a ruler { I have a simpler way } keep reading..

2. ) Pick up a Paper Pack book @ your local Hobby Lobby or craft store. Mine is from the lovely Hobby Lobby & was 40% off of $17 !! These books come in many different season prints etc..The chalkboard book happened to catch my eye!

3. ) Pick a page from the Paper Pack book & tear it out! Turn the paper to  backside & place the  back of the frame in a corner or center making sure the print is even { not all pages will be perfectly even } & then trace the frame & cut!

4.) Place the cut paper in the frame & display your lovely chalkboard print!

  

I hope you all enjoyed this cute & simple holiday DIY! I love using these books actually for any occasion. They provide  great quality paper , cute prints /sayings for cheap & easier then constantly printing off your home computer . 

Happy Holiday crafting guys! 

http://www.iheartnaptime.net/ 

Paige.Rose

{ 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 

 

{ 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 

 http://theblissfulbee.com/work-it-wednesday-no-70/

{ 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

{ 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 !!

Paige.Rose