Zenfully Yours

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Cheers to a wonderful new week ahead of us.  I’m excited for two reasons, one – I’m headed to my first bloggers’ conference and two- I’m looking forward to meeting many of my blog-buddies and enjoying all there is to offer and learn.  Before I head off, I wanted to share one of the most fabulous make-overs by a FBF.  Last week while I was in the midst of perusing my Facebook newsfeed I stumbled on a picture of her outdoor zen-spot.  You know me – I’m always enthused to see beautiful Rest-Havens and when I spotted Keisha’s outdoor creation I had to share it with you.. Thank you Keisha for allowing me to share your haven.  Grab you coffee, tea and vittles because you’re gonna want to see all what’s in store and see how she created it.  Let’s look at where she began.

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I know you’re probably excited, like me, to see how she did it all on a budget of $500.00 – Let’s begin where she started.  Keisha cultivated a personal vision for her garden and began to think of ways to incorporate her style while maintaining natural elements for a zen-oasis.  The space was no where near easy to work with, and having a tree in the center was even more challenging, so she decided to make that her focal point and build around it.

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Her desire was to have a warm, welcoming area to enjoy entertaining her family and friends for outdoor festivities.  We all know that pallets are free and there are many, many, many projects you can use them for.  Keisha took full advantage of the freebies and that laid the ground work for her oasis to be created.

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With some help from her father and a friend,  they dis-assembled them and made the floor for her raised deck.

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Lots of sawing, cutting, measuring and patience went into this project, but as you see, it was well worth it.  Here you can get a visual of the framework and how the pallets became the wall around her space

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More pallets are assembled and laid to encompass the tree

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Bricks are lined to design a pattern

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She added flagstone for another natural element in the space

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Filled the area in with small stones and gravel

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This bench was a roadside special.  Luckily she found it and gave it a new life (keyword – BUDGET)

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Old bowling balls spray painted silver are being used as garden art

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She used red mulch around the tree for a pop of color

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She stained the pallets to weatherproof and give them color

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Next up was adding the plants.  She found an old ladder to use as a plant stand and the boarder pallets were used as as planters

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Nestled between these two sunshine yellow adirondack chairs is a table she made from a tree trunk

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Isn’t it gorgeous!!  I love the redwood color and blended with the jewel tone vase was pefect

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What a warm, welcoming environment she created.  By being creative, resourceful, diligent and patient, she was able to achieve her goal and accomplish a zenful retreat for her after work and weekend entertaining.

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Using pallets as the gateway separated the haven area from the garden, while still balancing the artful flow into the  haven.

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Last but not least – it was time to add the cushions and pillows for the seating area.  She covered foam and added an array of brightly colored pillow to finish the space.

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A piece of driftwood is another artistic element added to the area.

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I hope you all stand with me and give Keisha a round of applause for creating such a restful retreat – all on a budget of $500.00!!!

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Meet the beauty behind the brains of this creative garden Zen Oasis..

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And she did it her way…..

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Do you have a project that you’re working on and would like to share with my other readers?  If so, email me and you’ll be my next featured guest.  Also be sure to follow me on the blog, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest

Until next time lovies!!  Remember – it’s not what it costs but it’s how you style it.. Create your own style and design on a dime

Smooches!!

Jamala

Fruit Cocktail Bread Pudding

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Yum
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Fruit Cocktail Bread Pudding w/Frangelico Carmel Glaze

I am excited to share with you that in two weeks I’ll be headed to Atlanta, Ga connecting with other bloggers who share the same passion as me at the Bloggers University Conference.

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This is my first bloggers conference and I’m skipping happy about it.  I started blogging for fun and now it’s turned into my passion.  I’m headed there on a volunteer ticket – but that’s cool because I get to share in on the fun and learn even more about this thing we call “Blog” world.   For my ticket I had to enter the Dixie Crystals Sweet & Southern Recipe Contest (talk about under the gun – I had to do this within 24 hrs – YIKES!!!)   but I’m happy to say I accomplished that goal.. – A girl on a mission..

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I’m sharing my version of one of the oldest southern classic recipes that will satisfy the after dinner sweet tooth for everyone.  Thanks to Dixie Crystal for having this contest where I’ll be competing nationwide with other bloggers submitting their Sweet & Southern Desserts.

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For the recipe of this delicious bread pudding you’ll need:

  • 1 loaf of white bread (I used Sunbeam giant loaf)
  • 5 oz evaporated milk
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 large can of fruit cocktail (in heavy syrup)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 3/4  cup Dixie Crystal pure sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp lemon flavor
  • 1 1/2 stick of butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.   In a 9×13 glass baking dish melt butter (do not let it burn).  Tear bread apart and put in large bowl

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Pour both milks on top of bread and let it soak in.   Stir in fruit cocktail (with the syrup), egg, sugar, extracts and cinnamon.  Give a good stir.. I know.. (looks like lumpy oatmeal.. )

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Add melted butter and give a good stir.  Pour batter into dish (you melted the butter in) sprinkle top with a little cinnamon

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Bake for 30-40 minutes..     Let rest approximately 10 mins before cutting.  Drizzle with Frangelico Carmel Glaze (optional)

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Frangelico liqueur is a is a pale gold colored liqueur made of Tonda Gentile hazelnuts. It is distilled in the Piedmont region of northern Italy from an alcohol and water infusion of the nuts. Natural flavoring extracts such as cocoa and vanilla are added before blending with alcohol, sugar and water to meet the bottle strength.

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The glaze adds a bit of a nutty flavor to blend with the fruity flavor without having something crunchy in the pudding.  But for those who prefer your pudding plain, its just as yummy.

 

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For the glaze:

  • 4 tblspns butter
  • 1 cup light Dixie Crystal light brown sugar
  • 3 tblspn Frangelico liqueur
  • 3/4 cups half&half

In a small saucepan melt butter, add brown sugar, liquer and half&half.  Whisk until smooth  – drizzle warm glaze over warm bread pudding and enjoy

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As always – cooking is easy with “TLC”  Enjoy!!

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Thrifty Thursday

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Forgive me guys, I know I’m suppose to continue the Victorian Charm home tour, but I wanted to interrupt it with a quick post of thrifty Thursday.. I have to say one thing for sure …. it’s been a freaking thrifters’ paradise out here.   I can envision us (fellow thrifters) sitting in the anonymous cyber circle and admitting to our guilty pleasure of being a “thrifterholic”, meanwhile showcasing our fancy finds,  giving the reason behind the addiction.  So with that being said.. My name is Jamala and I’m a “thrifterholic”.   Anyone else ready to step inside the cyberbox and confess with me?  Don’t be afraid..there’s a lot of love in this group… chuckles…. we’re birds of a feather that flock together… 🙂

Okay.. now that’s over and done with.. let’s jump to all the goodies that were found!

I heard about a new Goodwill that opened in Lancaster and decided to take a visit.  Glad I did, because I found this loveseat for $50.00.  Excellent condition – no stains, smells or damages.  So this came home with me for my son’s house.  He just purchased his first “starter” home and he’s pretty excited.  Woohooo to him!!  This will be perfect for his living room.

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I’m no wine specialist or sommelier but when we popped into another off the beaten path thrift store, I stumbled upon what looked like swizzle stick with a cork thingy..and did a quick research and found out it was a Winecicle.  They sell for in the range from $8.00 (without an Aerator) to $50.00 (with an Aerator).  If you’re like me and hadn’t heard of them, you simply freeze it approximately one hour before using your wine.  Once frozen, place the icicle in the bottle to keep your wine perfectly chilled  Wait for 10 mins and it is ready to pour at right temp.  They’re easy to wash and clean and it’s dishwasher safe.

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The one I found has an Aerator and it was $4.00.  A perfect accessory for the bar cart

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If you’re following me on Instagram, I posted this gorgeous crystal cut pitcher that was another thrifted find for $2.00  –  They make my fresh cut hydrangeas look so beautiful

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another look… because they’re just so darn beautiful… (I loooooves me some hydrangeas!!!)

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insert another smile   🙂

I got an email from the Goodwill Blog letting us know of another Goodwill grand-opening in West Columbia. Me and my musketeers got up early and headed there and boy are we glad we did.  I found this set of Threshold gold flatware for $10.50.  They had 6 boxes  – so needless to say… you know what I used my contest giftcards on (yippppeeeee !!)

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A thrifting diva Toni found this snazzy club chair for $12.46.  I can’t wait to see what she does with it.. High-5 Toni!

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and fellow Instagrammer Marla found this fabulous pair of metal & lucite lamps at a local thrift store.. (She really peeped these bad-boys out!!) she spent a whopping $6.00 on them..lol..  High-5 and a hip bump to you girlfriend!)

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and last but not least – Up next – is one of the grandest mirrors found by another thrifting diva Shelly and it was “THEEEE best” $45.00 spent.  You know my mouth dropped open and eyes got big as pool balls.. lol… She gets 2 high-5’s, a hip bump and a heel kick on this score.

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She’s using it in her boutique and as you see, it adds the perfect chic-ness for her decor- WAY TO GO Shelly!!!

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Now you see why I was soooooo excited to post a Thrifty Thursday???  It’s really fantastic seeing all the gorgeous finds out here and how everyone is thrifting their house into a home.  As always, it’s not what it costs, but how you style it.   Happy Hunting and have a wonderful weekend!  (up next is the Victorian Charm home tour continuation 🙂

Smooches!!

Jamala

 

 

 

 

Victorian Charm

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I’ve always been smitten with Victorian Homes and their grandeur.  From the high ceilings, wide verandas, to the ornate details, these homes always seem to capture my attention.  It was after watching Gone with the Wind for the first time, is when I encountered my first fantasy of living in an old Victorian home.  South Carolina has many quaint towns and  in them is where you’ll find some of the Victorian-era homes nestled in the neighborhoods.  As you travel through them, you tend to get mesmerized by the charming looks of these southern comfort homes.  Such is the historic town of Chester.  Chester is where my dear friend Elizabeth, Inn Keeper of the Inn Upon Moon River Bed&Breakfast resides and it is through Elizabeth that I was fortunate enough to meet another wonderful new friend name Jan, and she and her husband Terry are added to my list of the sweetest people I’ve met since living in the south.  Their friendly personalities blended with their zest for life really makes being in their presence so pleasurable. They welcomed me into their lovely Victorian home with open arms and a glass of Prosecco.  After having a few glasses, talking and laughing – it was like we were long time friends.  After several visits to their lovely home, I decided to ask “can I share your home with my readers” and when she said “Sure” I got excited, grabbed my camera and began my story.  So, grab your tea and croissant, and come join me because I’d like to invite you into their exquisite “painted Lady” Victorian Home.

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As you enter through the grand foyer you’re stunned with this beautifully designed Living Room

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Jan is the master-crafter behind the lovely decor and she reupholstered every item in this room and created all the custom draperies

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Each piece she placed in the home adds to the victorian charm of the beautiful home

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The border trimming the walls was all hand-painted using a stencil.  Adorning the fireplace is her collection of USA Roseville Pottery and the most gorgeous tiffany firescreen

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As your eyes wander the room you’ll find all the details and everything is meticulously place.

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The antique light fixture is another attention grabber.

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Opposite the Living Room is where you enter the grand Dining Room with vibrant cherry red walls.

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The first stunning  sight is the most beautiful crystal laden chandelier mounted against her metallic gold ceiling.  This is her crown jewel of the home – which has been with her in every home she’s lived (and I see why!!!)

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The way it glistens in the light and the faceted colors that are reflected makes it so glamorous.  Reminds me of something you’d see in “Gone With the Wind”

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The custom gold drapery adds to the charm of the room blending the gold, red and blue decor

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And here again – is her hand painted stencil.  (it’s all in the details)

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Victorian brass wall sconces adorn the fireplace

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while crystal lanterns and decanter drink set adorns the buffet

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As you see, this lovely home was decorated to reflect the natural charm and keeping with the grandeur of the home.  I’m sure this is making you want to see more, and there is plenty more to see.

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So to give you an eye candy break from this overdose of sweetness, I’ll be sharing the rest of the tour in three different posts.  I can’t wait to show you more of the details and love they put into restoring and decorating their home.   They scoured several thrift stores, antique shops, estate sales and auctions to find the right pieces to accent the home.   Looking at all the beautiful furniture, art work, collectibles and accent pieces, one would think it’s been handed down to them in the family.

Next up will be the kitchen, parlor and study… so tune in for the next episode of the charming Victorian treat.

Until next time – enjoy thrifting your house into a home.

Jamala

 

Like New Again

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Every Spring I get excited about sitting in my “She-Rest Haven” and love finding little items to decorate with.  I try to change a few items every year just for a bit of a new look.  This year instead of focusing on the small items to place around – I became inspired by a shower curtain I picked up from HomeGoods a few months back.  It was in the clearance aisle marked down to $10.00.  The beautiful bold print caught my eye and I thought it would be great in the gazebo with the nice subtle tones of the greens and blues.

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I figured the bold paisley fabric would make perfect pillow cushions for the Better Homes & Garden outdoor set I purchased a few years ago on sale at Walmart.  The set is still in great condition, however, the seat cushions show wear and are not firm anymore, not to mention the fabric has seen better days.  Two years ago I recovered the back cushions made some floral throw pillows from scrap fabric.

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It held up pretty well, but the seat cushions just bothered me.  I saw how another blogger buddy, Brandi, painted  her cushions because the color had faded and they looked really good.  I thought about doing the same, but mine were just a bit too flimsy and needed stiffening.

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So I bit the bullet and made the decision that it was time to really kick it up and get the cushions reupholstered professionally.   I found the perfect outdoor fabric that complimented the shower curtain fabric and headed to the upholsterer’s home to get started.  A few days later I was picking them up and they look fantastic!

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In fact – I think they look even better than when I first purchased them (especially as for the color scheme of them), here’s the original fabric (booooooring)

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I know…..not that exciting… but hey – I got the set at a fantastic price and it was sturdy.

You feel me?..  besides…. the fun part is always changing it to reflect your style.

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The two colors were blended perfect and I love the new look.   It actually looks and feel like I have a new set.  Ta-daaaahhhhh!!!

 

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So much prettier …..  I wanted to add another twist of color and saw a delicious orange/pink fabic (with these little fish pattern) and thought that would be a fun pop of color.  A bit of tropical blue mixed with some orange crush made a nice contrast for the pillows and kinda reminds me of rainbow sherbert.

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I’m so thrilled about the new look.

Found these dainty tealight chandys at Ross’s Dress for Less for &6.99 ea

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I couldn’t resist the yoga cat I found at AtHome store

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This flower pot was a thrifted item for $1.50

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The little vintage tin I picked up from Goodwill for $1.00 holds decorative napkins.  Mixing old and new items gives a space a bit more character

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I kinda have a secret fettish for collecting these type tins.  They’re so useful in so many different ways and they add a decorative touch around your space.   Here are more of my At Home goodies… (I think I’m about to get hooked on that store)

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and at night it looks even more enchanting..

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Recovering the cushions saved money and I’ll have this set a few more years.  I can’t wait to hang out in here with my besties – just us girls listening to some music, having some sips and dips and simply “chillaxing”.  How’s your  “get ready for Summer” going?  You’ll see me post more about my “Rest Haven” this summer, but in the meantime – as always – “Happy hunting while Thrifting your house into a home!”

Smooches!!

Jamala