Hi everyone!!!  I just got back from a super fun, super exhausting ragnar relay race down in Arizona.  If you enjoy running, you have GOT to run one of these relays!  Ok, sorry, I’m just still on a running high I guess:)

Back to the tutorial.  Awhile back, I bought some plates on clearance at Pier 1, and thought they had silhouette written all over them!!  I busted out my handy dandy machine yet again, and spiced up some boring ol plates.  Then I thought, why not create a tiered platter!

Here’s what you need…

Supplies:

• 3 different sized plates

• 2 sundae dishes, candlesticks, or cups

• E3000 or another strong adhesive

Step1: 

If you would like to embellish your plates, do this first.  I used my silhouette to cut out 3 different doily patterns out of black vinyl, then stuck them on each plate.

Step 2:

Apply the adhesive to the bottom rim of the glass or dish you’re using.  Stick it to the center of the largest plate.  (I totally eye-balled this one)  Hold firmly for about 1 minute.

Step 3:

Apply adhesive to the top rim of your glass or dish.  Press the bottom of the next largest plate, lining it up the best you can so everything is centered.

Step 4: 

Finally, repeat these steps to stack your final tier on top.  Just make sure everything is centered before you leave it to dry.  Allow to dry for a good 24 hours before using.

That’s it!!! 

Sooo easy huh… 

Now you have a fancy little serving platter for all your entertaining needs:)

Linking up HERE this week:)

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We can’t get enough chocolate around here!!  Can you tell:)

This recipe comes to us from the kitchen of Sister’s Cafe once again, and it’s a keeper!  It’s soooo easy, but you won’t believe how delicious, and the frosting…

Oh the frosting, let me just say I have some in a tupperware in my fridge that I eat out of on a daily basis every once in awhile:)

Best Chocolate Bunt Cake

Ingredients:

1 devils food cake mix (Dry–don’t make it according to directions on the box)
1 -4 serving instant chocolate pudding mix
4 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
½ cup warm water
½ cup vegetable oil
1 ½ cups semi sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Place all ingredients except chocolate chips, in a large mixing bowl. Blend with electric mixer 1 minute.
Stir down sides. Continue to mix on medium speed for 2-3 minutes. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared bundt pan.
Bake 45-50 minutes at 350. Cool 20 minutes. Invert onto serving platter.

Frosting:

8 Tbsp butter (not margarine)
4 Tbsp cocoa powder
1/3 cup evaporated milk (I used 2%-it worked great)
4 cups sifted powdered sugar

Melt butter in medium saucepan over low heat. Whisk in cocoa and milk. Bring mixture just barely to boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Beat in 2 or 3 cups of powdered sugar with electric mixer until smooth. Add more a little at a time until thickened and a good ‘pourable’ consistency. Pour warm frosting over warm cake. This recipe makes a lot of frosting.  Pack it up to eat with a spoon later on:)

I’m a big fan of up-cycling… (It must be the pack rat inside of me).  I’ve been inspired by some projects I’ve seen lately re-using simple everyday things!  Creativity at its finest…

Ok, I think this is so great for kids!!  Turn a men’s shirt, to a gathered ruffle shirt for your little girl!  Check out this idea from Me Sew Crazy… 

How about a nice pair of shoes from Anthropologie goodwill!!  I LOVE how Bubbly Nature Creations up-cycled these shoes!!   

Find a use for your old baby food jars, look how Increasingly Domestic turned them into tealights!!  So cute!

Fabulous ideas ladies!!  Who knew you could be stylish AND frugal:)  Grab a featured button if you’d like!!

Ok, so this is my random thought…

Valentines Day is over, but you don’t need a holiday to celebrate “love” do you?  It’s all around us all the time, right… 

So question for ya, I whipped up a few of these Ruffled T-shirts for our Etsy Shop, following my T-Shirt Refashion tutorial found HERE.. 

What do you think?  Are they holiday specific?  Do they work for everyday play?

 Be honest, I can take it:)

Ok, I know I’m totally on a decor ball kick lately (and don’t you worry, I still have more where this all came from) HAHA!!

I don’t know what it is, I just think there are so many looks you can create with a styrofoam ball, ya know!

So… I tried it with felt this time.  And I feel so bad, I saw a similar technique on someone’s blog (to the one I’m using today), only on the blog, the person  made hair flowers.  I don’t remember where!!  Help me out if you know, so I can give credit where it’s due!

Supplies:

• Stryrofoam balls (the size depends on the look you’re going for), I used a 5 in floral foam ball.

• about 3/4 yard felt (for one ball)

• straight pins

• cutting mat and rotary cutter or scissors

• Circle template or a glass

• fabric pencil

• a roll of tape

Step 1:

Trace your template onto the felt. 

Cut around the circle.  I kept one circle free, and used it over and over to cut lots and lots of circles. 

Fold up your felt a couple of times to cut more and save time.  I wish I had counted all the circles, I’m guessing around 80 or so…

Step 2:  Next you will fold your circle in half. 

Then in half again.

Step 3:  Take a straight pin and insert it in the bottom of the fold holding it all together. 

Then using the same pin, poke it securely into the stryrofoam ball, at an angle so it will stand up.  Place the ball on a roll of tape to keep it from rolling all around.

I had a little helper doing this part for me, while I continued to cut the circles.  (This is such an easy fun craft to do with your kids!)

Continue with all your circles, filling in the gaps with more folded circles. 

That’s it!!

I can’t wait to make some more in spring colors!!  Or maybe I just can’t wait for spring:)

Linking up HERE this week!!

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Happy Valentines Day!!!  I hope it’s a great one for you all!!!  Need a yummy treat to share with your loved ones…

This cake is seriously sooo moist and rich and yummy.  It’s an old Kraft recipe that I pull out fairly often.  It’s super easy, quick, and DELISH!!

You gotta try it!

Ingredients: