happenstance home

Hello!

It's hard to believe another week has slipped by.

I went to a nice BBQ at my neighbors last week.  His name is Hans and he makes the BEST ribs ever.  He really needs to open up The Swedish Ribshack.  He uses a dry rub, and they are amazing.  His youngest lives in Sweden and was home for a visit - he shared with me photos from his trip to South Africa.  He worked at a wildlife park for 2 weeks so lots of Cheetah pics.  They were stunning photos. 

Saturday I went with my sister to a beer festival in Ypsilanti.  So much fun.  You receive tokens, and trade them in for tastes.  I'm no beer expert, but I always like the beers from Dark Horse Brewing Company in Marshall MI. They had 99 different beers to choose from.  I had all my tastes except one from there.  I got the lone other taste from Bells - it was Bell's Blacknote.

The Dark Horse beer names I tried (they are fun names so why not share) :
Whatsupwiththemonkey Blueberry Ale
Perkulator coffee Dopplebock - Oh so good!
The Mighty Peach Basil Ale
Where The Wild Things Macerate Raspberries Sour Ale
Bourbon Barrel Plead The Fifth Imperial Stout - LOVED! Had 2.

Last year they had one named What's Up Doc - It was a carrot cake beer - it was my favorite last year.

On to more dog things ... 

As you might know our dog is pretty special around here.

I just got her a new ID tag, and it's cute enough to share.


Rockin' Doggie - I'm loving their alphabet tags - 3 sizes - many colors - solid or glitter.  We went with the purple glitter in the medium size.  Noah picked out her polka dot collar at the local pet store.


Closer view.  With my love of letters I'm finding it perfect.


While looking up the tags I ran across another collar I really like, and some neat hooks you can use on your collar so you can switch your tag easily from one collar to the next.  I'm thinking if I was going to buy more tags I would buy them at this website - http://www.shopmimigreen.com/

Here are a few reasons -





Rubits tag holders - clip them to your dogs collar  - slip on their tag - then it's really easy to change their ID from one collar to another.  I know I always have the hardest time sliding GG's tag onto that holder on her collar.  I'm really liking this idea.


Lastly, really nice leashes.

So many happy prints to choose from.

Yesterday I had lunch with one of my friends.  Went shopping at the GAP which I haven't done in ages.  Bought some funky pants.  Why not!





Today is more shuttling N to basketball camp, and later dinner with more of my friends.  FUN!

Hope all is well.

I just might have a problem.

:)

I like things to look good to my eyes, and sometimes when you want pretty you just have to create it yourself.   My Whippet, Guinness, likes to be comfy so I wanted to add some extra cushion to her kennel.  I always find it surprising when you go into one of the pet supply stores how very unappealing their pet beds are.  Do people really want to put this stuff into their homes?  I think we can often just settle with what is there, and figure that is what it is supposed to look like.   For me, I just can't do it.   When you see the before of the bed hopefully you will really like the after.  Now I'm thinking - why not spray paint the kennel itself.  That black metal isn't very exciting either.    

I caved and bought an orthopedic type cushion for the bottom of the kennel.  Nothing pretty about it. 

It's dimensions:  35L 22 w 2.5 deep

Then went around my house to see what fabrics I could use to disguise it.

I used some feedsack material from a Decor Sales sale.  (See previous post)

I also used some floral material, and a velvety stripe that I bought on clearance years ago.

So, I made this up by the seat of my pants.  Here are my main measurements ...

I cut 2 main pieces out of the the feedsack fabric 37 by 26 1/2 inches.  I cut everything so it would be roomy, and even though I pre-washed the fabric I figure there may still be some shrinking in the future.

I cut my side pieces 4" deep.  I used feedsack on 3 sides, and the stripe on one.  I like to mix up colors when I wear clothes and accessories so why not on the bed too!

I cut pieces out of the floral fabric to make some flange welting - I cut those pieces 3" wide.

Last time Decor Steals had this feedsack fabric I was quick to make a purchase.  The fabric does not disappoint.  It's soft, but heavy.   I purchased A, C, and E.  Love A and C.  E is more of a burgundy stripe in real life, but I actually just finished making a dog bed cover using it - it looks really nice, and will be one of the next projects I will share here on the blog.  I will show you a sneak peek at the end of this post.



 Here are all of the colors.

Visit decorsteals.com to purchase.  It sells out fast!  $37.50 for 3 yards.

And here is the sneak peek at my project - 



 Happy Weekend!

It has been so difficult to get down here and write :)

Another Fourth of July - another S'mores  bar.  I wanted to switch up the look this year so yesterday morning this is what I came up with.  I will call it Vintage-Picnic.


I visited Jo-Ann's on Wednesday and found the stars - thought they would be really fun for a new look.


I quickly made a flower out of nut cups, cupcake lines, and paper doilies.  Then I just draped ribbon across the table front.  The Detroit ribbon in blue worked for me as far as the 4th goes. 


Hope everyone had a safe and happy Fourth.

At the end of our night we make a bonfire - relax - and do midnight grilling.  I was on the back deck and spotted a fire.  We called 911.  My one friend was saying that it looked like it was a mile away. I thought it was from the neighborhood just next to ours, and headed out to the court with all of the teen boys quickly following.  Sadly we ended the evening helplessly watching someones home burn.  I get chills just thinking about it.  The family got out safe with their dog - there were 7 firetrucks - it took a half hour from our call for the first water droplet to finally hit the house.  So very sad - please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

Joined the party at:
Jen Rizzo - Fabulously Creative Friday Linky Party
Shabby Art Boutique
My Uncommon Slice Of Suburbia - Tuesday's Treasures

Hello again!  It's been awhile.  I do have some new things to share soon so that is a good thing.  Right now I'm busy getting ready for our annual Fourth of July party, and came up with something new for dessert.

The fun fortune cookie!  My son Noah doesn't really like the cookie itself, but he enjoys seeing what words await him inside.  I think I may even find him snacking on this new version.


This cookie is my favorite as far as pretty goes.

Making the cookies is very simple.  I purchased a large box of fortune cookies from our local Asian market.



I gathered all of my colored sprinkles and sugars in Fourth of July colors.  From the cake supply store I purchased little blue and white sugar flowers.

Last year, when I had to start watching my salt intake, I had a worried moment while reading the labels on the taco seasoning packets at the grocery store.   I realized that I could never use the pre-made packages again.  So loaded with sodium.  That led me to an internet search where I found Rachel Ray's recipe for taco seasoning.  I made it minus the salt, and it is delicious!  I would never even think of going back to the store bought seasoning.   I like to make a double or triple batch so it is ready to use when I need it.  I just whipped up a double batch this morning because tonight is going to be taco night.  Taco night is great because the boys can make taco's, and I make taco salad using my power greens.