DIY Fire Pit

How to Make a Dreamcatcher

Baked to Perfection Ziti

Small Raised Paver Patio

Steps to Create the Raised Frame Step 1 I laid out my paver design on a flat surface and then measured the length and width. This gave me my measurements for my frame! 

Pour Painting

Acrylic pouring painting is the art of using fluid acrylics to pour onto a canvas (or other surface) to create unique abstract effects. The actual process of doing pour painting is mesmerizing and quite addicting!  You can use a canvas, rocks or any other firm surface. 

Balsamic Chicken

Quick chicken recipes, whether baked or grilled, are serious hanger lifesavers, and this chicken dinner is one of my absolute summer din din finest.

Four Season Garden

Start a Daily Sketchbook

It's a great way to improve your art skills and see the progress in one place. I remember doing a daily sketchbook practice and loving seeing how my art progressed. 

Moist Carrot Cake

Since I mentioned frosting, this really ‘takes the cake.’ Rich and plentiful, it presents an extra smooth finish because the powdered sugar has been sifted into the mixture. It’s just another reason why this recipe makes an exceptional moist carrot cake that’s bound to become your favorite.

Hopscotch Stepping Stones for the Garden

These hopscotch stepping stones aren’t the traditional children’s hopping game, nor are they typical for a garden pathway. I like these as part of the play garden design. 

Painted Ottoman

Mudd’s Pasta Salad

DIY Fire Pit

Materials:

Planting a Living Memorial

Myself, like many others, have lost more people in this world than we would like. Many people ask what they can do for a loved one. Food is always a go to option, you can send cut flowers or floral arrangements from a florist. If you have any gardening experience you could make a living memorial on your own. This will allow personalized details or color choices. Head to your favorite flower shop that sell indoor plants. You can definitely do an outdoor living memorial as well, just aim for part sun perennial plants. By choosing indoor or perennial plants your loved ones can enjoy this memorial for years to come. 

No Bake Caramel Cookies

Faux Tin Ceiling

I’m going to show you how to install glue-up faux tin ceiling tiles so you can transform your ceilings from so-so to spectacular. Even though it was done in a small room, you can certainly incorporate the same easy steps in a much larger room.

Tie dye!

Supplies 

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Preparing a Walkway for Concrete

Tools Required

Resin 101

I started working with resin over a five years ago, and it has become one of my favorite hobbies! For the longest time I was too intimidated to try it - and chances are that you are, too. Everyone has to start somewhere, and I'm here to help. I want to share a "Resin 101" series to show you just how much fun working with resin can be and give you all of my tips and tricks!

Funfetti Cake

Wainscoting an Island/Wall

Now that we have made sure the wall is not supporting our house, it was a go for demo! I love demo! Best rule of thumb is to go slow and clean up as you go. In this case I followed beside Norm and cleaned up. Carried out drywall and removed cabinets. While stopping here and there to be an apprentice. Be careful to avoid any electrical wires, plumbing and gas lines.  I’m not going to go into too much detail on the wall removal or the build of the new pony wall. Most wainscoting is applied to an existing wall. 

How to Etch Glass

There are so many possibilities of what you can make and these make great gifts.  It doesn’t have to be wine glasses or beer steins you can etch anything glass… mason jars, beer mugs, trifle bowls, candles, etc…  Just follow this etched glass tutorial and then sit back and admire the beautiful etched glass that you made!

Baked Tortellini Casserole

Before the grilling season kicks off, I wanted to make my family a nice comfort food meal. Baked Tortellini is an easy, cheesy baked casserole made with fresh or frozen tortellini and a quick homemade red meat sauce.

Outdoor Side Table

Supplies

How to Make a Rope Coil Basket

Material List: 

French Macarons

Tips:

How to Build a Faux Brick Wall

I was inspired to attempt this faux brick wall after reading a post from Corey at Sawdust2stitches.  She includes a video on how she accomplished the technique of smearing the spackling over the brick panels. I chose the darkest colored brick wall panels for our home. The colors were a perfect fit for our newly sanded oak floors.

String Art!

Supplies 

Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Twist

Have some fun with your dessert! Take your favorite cookie recipe and give it a twist! Try making them in to a cookie sandwich. There is nothing more satisfying than a good cookie with a soft, creamy buttercream filling! My favorite Chocolate chip cookie recipe is from Toll House, it’s simply perfect! Feel free to use any recipe you would like. I am sharing my adapted version of my favorite recipe! 

How To: Tile a Backsplash

Supplies: Installation of new tile over drywall. 

The Art of Crafts

The first thing to remember is art is in the eye of the beholder. We have all heard this from time to time. Talking about and creating art for the majority of my life has lead me to so much more than pencils and paper. I now have the ability to see something and make it happen. For example, I wanted to build a front porch on our home. I didn’t hesitate or think to myself “can I do this?” because I already knew I could. I knew because I have the basic mental, math, and creative skills to do it. If a professional builder would come to inspect my deck, they may notice it isn’t the exact way they would have done it. This doesn’t mean what I did was wrong, every person does it differently. I did my research and I made it happen. Art has given me more confidence in everyday life. I want to encourage you to try something new. If someone feels like they can share what they made with you, be kind and honest. Kindness creates a world where more good can happen. 

Granny’s Biscuits and Gravy

“Granny’s Biscuits and Gravy”

Peace for the World

When politics comes down to rigidly opposing views, all of these facts are ignored. Nothing gets resolved so that all sides achieve mutual satisfaction, and therefore grudges simmer, awaiting sudden eruptions and the pot boils over. But the fact that is critical is the first one. You can’t help the cause of peace unless you are peaceful in yourself. This means several things on the personal level: You sympathize with all suffering, no matter which side you take in a conflict. You don't see violence as the solution. You can detach yourself from judgment and blame. You don't give in to us-versus-them thinking.

Worried About Online Shopping Scams? You Should Be

“Online purchase scams were in the top three riskiest scams for the third year in a row," says Trumpower. "When COVID hit, then it became very clear that this was becoming even riskier because people were increasing their online presence.” Each year, her team puts together a report that identifies the riskiest scams for consumers and this year’s report shows buying online continues to be one of the biggest offenders.

A Shortage of This Fruit Could be Coming

Experts started predicting a decline in the number of harvested boxes of oranges back in August. Official end-of-the-year numbers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture published in December confirm their fears: the orange production for the entire country was down 11.8% in 2020. In California, the harvest was down 5.3%. In Texas, it went up 12.3%, but the state only produced 64,000 tons compared to California's 2,020,000. In Florida, orange production was down 16.8%, and it continues to worry experts.

Top Ranked Diets to get Healthy

Mediterranean diet: This heart-healthy, plant-focused eating plan was ranked as the best overall diet. The Mediterranean diet is high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds, and olive oil, according to the Mayo Clinic. Fish, poultry, eggs, and beans are eaten on a weekly basis along with a moderate amount of dairy products, while red meat is limited. Unlike many diets, red wine is also allowed, in moderation.

New Year, Ready for a Better You?

Weight is personal. And that’s exactly why the new myWW+ is so special—it gets to know you, then offers tailored tips that fit your real life. The WW app, with the new myWW+ is a holistic approach that begins with a free personal assessment—a few questions that help tailor the program to your needs; it starts by learning about your day-to-day life. The app also prompts you with questions about your overall well-being in this moment.

Cozy Cotton Masks on Sale with a 5 Star Rating

The Quality Durables 4-Pack Reusable Face Covering comes in two sizes for adults. The cotton masks feature two layers of lightweight jersey, per the CDC’s recommendation, and a 3D shape for a snug but comfortable fit that doesn’t hinder breathing. For those days you’re craving a little bit of pattern, you can opt for the camo versions—they’re cool without being too bold.

Purell is on Sale at Amazon

As you well know, the CDC recommends frequent hand-washing for minimizing the risk of catching COVID. When you can’t get to soap and water, the CDC says to use hand sanitizer that contains up to 60 percent alcohol, like Purell. Purell also meets the CDC guidelines for killing 99.99 percent of common germs and bacteria. And if you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course.

Plant-Based Product Labels are Ruled Potentially Misleading

The law in question requires that vegan meat products display the plant-based disclaimer on their packaging as largely and prominently as the brand's name. Upton's Naturals products already feature the word "vegan" on the front of all packaging. But Judge Stephen Friot didn't seem to find the labeling sufficient and he refused to block the law by claiming the labeling of plant-based products is still confusing to the average customer.

Worst Way Stress Affects Your Health

When you're feeling heightened levels of stress, your body responds by releasing the stress hormones cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine into your bloodstream. Your heart starts racing, pumping more blood, and your metabolism actually kicks into high gear. This is all very normal if it occurs sporadically. When you are suffering from chronic stress things start going terribly wrong with your body and studies show chronic stress is a big factor in heart disease, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and depression.

Pet Owners Need This on Sale Vacuum

A powerful vacuum can be the best sidekick you have in ridding your home of all your pet’s wayward fur. Case in point: The Bissell Powergroom, which, like the name suggests, is literally designed to keep your home fur-free. The powerhouse is on sale for just $99 right now at HSN, down from $150. In a hurry to be fur-free? The vac ships free in time for Christmas, just mke sure to order soon. You can also opt to pay in three interest-free payments of $33, thanks to FlexPay.

Slow computer? Tips to Speed it Up

An abundance of unnecessary startup programs is one of the most common reasons your computer is so slow, and can tack on up to 10 minutes of boot-up time from the moment you switch on your device and as those programs run in the background, they further impede your computer’s speed. Edit down your default startup programs by first trashing unnecessary desktop icons, then organizing the rest in desktop folders. 

Oreo is Doing This for the First Time Ever

The pink and green Oreos are named after the Grammy Award–winning artist's sixth studio album Chromatica, which was released in May of this year. Besides the colorful update, the cookies will also be etched with brand-new designs reminiscent of the album's cover art—all in the service of transporting fans to "the world of Chromatica, where kindness rules all things," according to Gaga herself. 

The Daily Habit Sabotaging Your Weight Loss Goals

Antidepressants: Many people who take these medications complain of weight gain, and Seltzer says the mechanism isn't completely understood, but some experts have suggested there may be a change in metabolism that causes the body to burn calories at a slower rate. Beta blockers: Used for heart conditions, these medications may also contribute to a change in metabolism, according to Seltzer. Some people on beta blockers also experience fatigue more easily, which could lead to less activity and, subsequently, weight gain.

Gifts Ideas Delivered Before the Holiday Rush

Give someone the gift of relaxation this holiday season. Golde, most known for their superfood lattes, has combined their bestsellers for a wellness gift like no other. Featuring three Superfood Latte Blends, the Original Turmeric Latte Blend, Cacao Turmeric Latte Blend, and the Matcha Turmeric Latte Blend and two Superfood Face Masks, these are not likely to stay in stock due to overwhelming popularity. Everyone is needing a bit extra R&R this season.

An Expert Tip for Healthier Meals

Protein helps you burn fat in three ways. First, it's the building block of muscle, and muscle burns fat. Second, the very act of eating protein actually burns calories just by digesting the protein itself. And third, protein keeps you fuller longer because that digestive process means your body feels satiated. 

This Popular Crock-Pot is Being Recalled

The recall notice advises consumers to stop using the Crock-Pot in pressure cooker mode to reduce the risk of an injury. Slow cooking and sautéing are fine and shouldn't pose any risks. "Consumers should contact Crock-Pot immediately to obtain a free replacement lid," the CPSC's recall announcement says. "Consumers who continue using the multi-cooker in pressure cooker mode while waiting for the replacement lid should be certain the lid is securely turned to the fully locked position by aligning the arrow on the lid with the lock symbol on the base."

These Four Words Could Save Your Life

The pandemic response has been somewhat confusing, since the CDC and WHO agreed too late that people should wear masks to help prevent transmission of the deadly virus. When infected, patients see a wide variety of symptoms, and there are multiple reports that they can linger for months, known as Post-COVID Syndrome. So, it is different than the flu and the common cold. The fall and winter season has also brought seasonal influenza—and a major COVID surge. You don't want to be sharing your air with anyone else but those in your household.