Favorite Song Friday - Mercy

Love, Love, Love me some Duffy!



Happy Friday Blogland!

*Tiffany

No Regrets by Janey Cutler

What an INCREDIBLE reminder, that we are never to old to do that which we love!

This is a MUST watch!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SrZJexfl94&feature=PlayList&p=9B3A76BFC255A1E2&index=0&playnext=1

**Click on the link... Could not embed into my blog**

*tiffany

Hammered Jewelry

Hammered Jewelry is the latest craze in jewelry and I am LOVING it... Possibly obssessed with it! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE jewelry and I always have! It makes me SO happy!

Hammered Jewelry is meaningful, unique and perfect for everyday. You can create custome pieces a meaningful phrases or dates, to wear near your heart.

What a great gift this would make! I am all about the thoughtful, personalized gifts.

http://www.etsy.com/people/anniereh

http://www.etsy.com/people/JLynnCreations

http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/

These are just a very FEW of the piece that I've found. If you search "hammered jewelry" on Etsy, you can find MUCH, MUCH more!

Catalog Living

I know that today is Tiffany's Tuesday Tip, but I am loving this website and HAD to share it!

So, my tip for today is... Laugh often! "The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." ~e.e. cummings

I just cannot get enough of Catalog Living ... It's HYSTERICAL!! I've had these exact same thoughts when looking through the pages of the Pottery Barn, Ballard Design & West Elm Catalogs!! I LOVE, LOVE Home Decor catalogs & I think their stagers have incredible ideas, but never seem to be practical for our "real life" homes.

The author, Molly Erdman, created fictional characters Gary & Elaine who live the Catalog Living lifestyle. BTW - Molly Erdman is the Mom in the Sonic Commercials, which I happen to think are equally hysterical!


Elaine finally found a place where Gary wouldn’t find her prized albino apples.

Gary got the idea from a parking lot in New York. Sure the kids get rope burns climbing into bed, but their upper-body strength is amazing.

Gary, I just can’t believe that after months of research that’s the chair you chose.

Gary hung the chandelier for me as a surprise. Why heavens no, I’ve never raised my head enough to see what it’s hanging from. Let’s just enjoy our limes under glass.

If you are one of the few that haven't checked out Catalog Living, it's a MUST!

*tiffany

Top 10

Right this very minute, I couldn't live without:
1. My morning "wake up" text from Big D
2. Mindless Reading
3. Tidbit's Laugh
4. My BiG comfy bed
5. Air conditioning
(It's HOT, HOT, HOT in Texas!)
6. My Camera
7. Great Girlfriends
8. Trash to Treasure Projects
9. Cupcakes
10. Internet

But, I could live without:
1. All of the dust created from the "project of the century"
(I've dusted twice & I am STILL finding it places)
2. Monday Mornings
3. Snoring Dog
4. HUMIDITY
5. The Today Show
(Please don't tell Matt Lauer!)
6. Dishes in the sink when I wake up
(How did I even fall asleep with them in there?)
7. Daily HOT flashes
(I am TOO young for this!)
8. BUGS
9. Curly Hair
10. My insane schedule
(The word "No" is obviously not in my vocabulary)

Margarita Cupcakes

Margarita Cupcakes
(Shortcut Version, because I'm nice like that!)

INGREDIENTS
Cupcakes:1 box white cake mix
8 oz margarita mix (liquid)
2 oz tequila
1 oz Orange Liquor
(I used Grand Marnier, but Cruzan Orange Rum works great too!)
3 egg whites
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 Tbsp grated lime zest

Lime Icing:
8 Tbsp butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp lime juice (I used keylimes)
1 Tbsp margarita mix
1 tsp lime zest
5 cups powdered sugar
Fresh limes (for garnish)

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350º and prepare muffin pans.
2. Combine margarita mix, tequila, and Grand Marnier in a large glass and stir well.
3. In large bowl, combine cake mix, egg whites, lime zest, vegetable oil, and margarita mixture from step one. Stir ingredients together, then beat with an electric mixer on low to medium speed for approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Spoon the batter into prepared muffin pans. Fill each cup/liner about 2/3 full.
5. Bake at recommended temperature on cake mix box (usually 325º – 350º) for 20 – 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

Icing:
1. In a large bowl, combine butter, cream cheese, lime juice, margarita mix, and lime zest. Beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.**
2. Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue beating until smooth. If icing is too thin, add more powdered sugar, a couple tablespoons at a time.
3. Spread icing generously on each cooled cupcake or use a pastry bag to frost.
**Add 2 drops of green food coloring to icing if desired.

TIP: Sprinkle cane sugar around the edges of the cupcake for a “salt rimmed” look and garnish with lime wheels & wedges.

Happy Anniversary Big D!!

Today is our eleven/one year anniversary!!

11 years ago this month, I began dating the Man of My Dreams & one year ago today, I FiNALLY married him! I fell in Love with Big D the moment that I met him and I haven't stopped falling since that day.



I will say, in honor of 11 years of dating and 1 year of marriage to my incredible husband (who knew I'd ever say that?), there is no one else on this planet I would rather be negotiating the twists and turns of this life with. NO ONE. We fully get how intense this past year was and we most certainly have patted ourselves on the back for surviving. However, the reality is that we have chosen, together, to live our lives with our eyes constantly on the One who holds all the answers.

We have learned, that this is the only way to survive!!

Big D has always reminded me to put God first and that life isn't always easy or fair, but that HE is still in control and we'll trust Him no matter what!

I am certain that a happy marriage is the best gift we could give each other. I have learned a lot about myself and Big D in these last 11 years and I look forward to the many, many years we have ahead of us.



Big D, I'm so glad you picked me to go through life with!

I love you for all that you are!
I love you with my whole entire heart. You love life and hold nothing back.
I love that you are so kind to everyone you come into contact with.
I love that you get emotional when I talk about my feelings for you.
I love how social you are and that you are always the life of the party.
I love how you tuck me back into bed every morning as you are leaving and kiss my forehead.
I love how you hear a song on the radio that reminds you of me and you text me the lyrics.
I love that you sing every song on the radio and if you don't know the words, you make up your own.
I love that you never get tired of kissing me.
I love how I fit so perfectly in your arms.
I love how you pray.
I love how intently you look into my eyes when I'm telling you something important.
I love that I get to be a part of your every day.
I love that I get to spend my forever with YOU!
I love that you are still the Man of My Dreams!

I love you Big D!! You will always have my heart!

Wordless Wednesday

Yes, I've started the project of the Century!

Tiffany's Tuesday Tip #6 - Fast Fragrance

From Dining to Drapes

Are you looking for an easy DIY project?!

I have JUST the one for you to try!

From Dining to Drapes

Here's what you'll need:

* Table Cloth
* Heat n Bond or Stitch Witchery
(I've tried both and do not prefer one over the other)
* Iron



I found this tablecloth at Target on the Clearnace rack for $11.47!! I'll let you figure out the "with tax" total. Either way, I SCORED & it's in the colors that I'm needing for the guest room makeover!



Cut the tablecloth into panels that will fit the dimensions you need. I purchased a tablecloth that is 60" x 84", so I had one simple cut up the middle.

Fold over a portion of the panel to create a curtain rod pocket. Place the fusible web between the fabric and follow the package directions. Typically, you will place the fusible web between the fabric layers and cover with a damp cloth. Set iron on "wool" settings and press for about 20 seconds.

Repeat on the second panel.

Let the panels cool down, hang and Viola!



*Tiffany

Happy Thursday!

There is something about this picture that I love.

Something so peaceful, Something so calming, Something so comforting.


Today, "Count your Blessings. Once you realize how valuable you are and how much you have going for you, the smiles will return, the sun will break out, the music will play, and you will finally be able to move forward the life that God intended for you with Grace, Strength, Courage, and Confidence!" ~ Og Mandino

Wordless Wednesday - Saturday Mornings

My Saturday Mornings...

Tiffany's Tuesday Tip #5 - GROW GREEN

I happen to think this is a great tip & hope you do too!

Let's all GROW GREEN... Onions!


(Click on photo to enlarge!)

*Tiffany

Brownie Bites.... SUPER Sinful

(Singing Loudly) "I know what boys like..."

Well, I know what MY boys like and they like brownies, chocolate & peanut butter. SO combining them in a dessert is a given!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Bites

Ingredients:
1 brownie mix
2 Cups semi sweet chocolate chips
1/4 Cup peanut butter (I used Honey Roasted... It's my FAVE!)

Directions:
1. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions. Bake until toothpick comes out nearly clean from center but still slightly undercooked. Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes. When you are able to touch brownies comfortably, scoop brownies with a medium cookie scoop, roll tightly into a ball and place onto a wax paper lined baking sheet. (Let the kiddos help you with this part!)Continue rolling until brownies are gone. Freeze brownies until very firm, a couple hours or overnight. No worries if your brownie balls aren’t perfect, once frozen reshape them. They are easier to handle when chilled.

2. Place chocolate chips over a double broiler (or heat in microwave until smooth) to melt, then stir in peanut butter until creamy smooth. Roll each frozen brownie ball into chocolate and place onto wax paper to dry.

Enjoy room temperature or chilled.

*Tiffany

Thanks again Jenny for your creativity and your inspiration!

Festive 4th Fruit Trifle

Festive 4th Fruit Trifle

Ingredients:
1 pkg. (1.5 oz.) JELL-O Vanilla (Cheesecake JELL-O is great too!)Flavor Fat Free Sugar Free Instant Pudding
2 cups cold milk
1 pkg. (10 oz.) prepared fat-free pound cake, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Sugar Free Whipped Topping, thawed

Directions:
BEAT pudding mix and milk with whisk 2 minutes
PLACE half the cake in 3-qt. bowl; top with half each of the fruits.
Spread pudding mixture over fruit. Repeat layers of cake and fruit. Top with COOL WHIP.



REFRIGERATE 1 hour. Refrigerate leftovers.



Enjoy!

Happy 4th of July BlogLand!

*Tiffany

Favorite Song Friday - Set the World on Fire

I've always love this song! She has such a powerful voice.

Set the World on Fire

Britt Nicole

Red, White and Blue Strawberries

Strawberries are my FAVE!!

i LoVe them! i LoVe recipes that use them! i LoVe them by themselves! They are just FAB!!!!

Check out this FuN idea for your 4th of July parties from Oopsey Daisy by clicking on the link under the pic!

For EASY Colored Sugar directions, click HERE

Red, White and Blue Strawberries @ Oopsey Daisy

Simple, Striped Cabana Pillows

Here's a smart, simple way to jazz up your yard furniture for the 4th of July BBQs that I know you will be having!! ;-)

Stephanie Lynn (I happen to LOVE her name... My name is Tiffany Lynn!) uses Stitch Witchery to make these pillows. It can't get more simple than that!! Stitch Witchery is an awesome product and I actually used it this weekend to turn a tablecloth into drapes.

Check back after the 4th for the tutorials of my latest projects!

No Sew Cabana Striped Pillows @ Under the Table and Dreaming