Refashioning to make it work. Customize!

I love to take something I already have and make it work. Hence, the skort remakes, and all the ruffles I put on daughter's clothes so that she can continue to wear them as she grows taller and taller. My hairstylist in Boston (quite a few years ago) gave this planter to me when her salon was under remodel. I had mentioned to her every time I came in that "I just loved it!" This is what it looked like before (which worked back then). For the life of me I can't find the before pic, but it was concrete color with a hint of grey/blue.

Here's another project that took little time and effort with a big payoff. The wire baskets, with the liners were on DEEP clearance from Michael's. I loved the look, but not the color so I spray painted them flat iron black. The project peeking out of the after pic is my "floral tote" listed on my project list.

Before:

After:

Also, currently working on reupholstering this little number. It'll have a spot in front of the fire place with my other two "refashioned" chairs. I'll have to post an after pic when we're done so it can be fully appreciated!

Look around your home and when you're out and about to refashion and customize items to fit your own style.

Have a lovely day!

Fresh Hummus and freezer lunches

I've wanted to make my own hummus for about 2 years (really!) and I finally did it today so naturally I am pretty excited about it. It was soooo easy and tastes much better than storebought. Extra large handful of garbanzo beans, a dollop of Trader Joe's tahini, drizzle of olive oil and a large slice of roasted red pepper. Whip it all together in a mini cuisinart. Add some garlic salt to your liking and you've got a great healthy snack or instant appetizer with some serious wow appeal.

On another note, I like to freeze most leftovers in little glass 1 or 2 cup containers with lids. The size is perfect for lunch for one, and I have almost eliminated plastic wrap/storage containers from the kitchen. Yeah...that's a healthy, dollar smart and green way to live while having delicious homemade lunches. Here's a picture of a few containers stacked in my freezer. I put little post its on the top to remind me what's inside and when I froze it.

What do you do to make lunch time easier? Hmm, this posting might have been better in the sister blog https://http://aroundthehouseandinthegarden.blogspot.com/, but it's such a fun thing to share that I like it here too.
Do something lovely for yourself today!
x,
Andrea

Art for the wall....finished project!

As I wrote before, daughter had a lovely idea to have an art photo canvas made from a picture she took of Spencer. A photographer friend of mine suggested we use http://www.costco.com/PhotoCenter/PhotoCenter.aspx. (unfortunately, you have to log in and create an account to even see the photo canvas part, but the procedure to create a canvas and place an order is super easy). The finished cost came to around $70.00. A bit pricey, but completely worth it. Spencer smiles down on daughter while she sleeps every night and we get a glimpse of him whenever we walk past her room. The photo doesn't have much color which is perfect for the riot of color everywhere else in her room. As you can see, the birthday bunting never made it outside for a summer garden party, but into her room for more pizazz!

Happy back to school week.

Oh, take a moment to scroll down and see that you can choose to subscribe to Another Lovely Day.

Have a lovely day,

Andrea