wine & redesign -

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This is the candy bar I created at my recent Christmas party. This is a fun, (and inexpensive) way to have a little sweet note at a party. I got these three giant glass jars at Home Goods. Each jar was about $12. I then went to Costco for the fillings! The small jar has Peanut M&Ms, the middle jar had red licorice, (which, surprisingly was very popular), and the largest jar had peppermint-flavored popcorn, (but you can pop your own too). Place some cups on the side, tie ribbons around the spoons, and you’re ready to go for a spectacular candy bar! Cheers!

QUICK TIP: Immortal Plant

The verdict is still out as to whether or not I have a green thumb, but according to my Zanzibar Plant, I can do no wrong. About 6 months ago, I cut two stems from my Zanzibar Plant, (because they looked sad and lopsided), and placed them in an olive oil jar I filled with water. These two CUT stems, are still going strong! Can you believe it?

So, I have decided to dedicate this quick tip to the wonderful Zanzibar, AKA the immortal plant. Here’s a pic of mine in my house:

You can buy this type of plant at Home Depot for fairly cheap. I apologize - I can’t remember the price because it’s been so long … and Zanzibar is still alive! She’s so good to me.

A cool trait about this plant is that sometimes it develops leopard-like spots on the stem.

Here’s a better picture of my minimal arrangement. It’s perfect for a guest bathroom or small table. I put this in the master bath and it feels very spa-like. It’s quite perfect for anyone who may be green-thumb-challenged. Just remember - this plant likes shade. I’ve never put it in full sunlight. Cheers!

QUICK TIP: Flea Market Art

Today I went “flea marketing” looking for some affordable art to adorn my walls. I was hoping for the best but really only expected the typical 80’s beach scene with a mauve mat board and black plastic frame. I was pleasantly surprised. FLEA MARKETS ARE WHERE IT’S AT! The one I visited had multiple original oil paintings in thick wooden frames ranging from $15-$89 depending on the size. Here are some of my favorites:

This oil painting was about 3’ across with a beveled canvas inner frame. Guess how much it was listed … $39! Can you believe it? And that’s not even after bargaining, (always know you can bargain with the seller at a flea market).

This one was my favorite and I’m currently in “negotiations” with the seller. It’s a beautiful original oil painting with an interesting wooden frame that had wavy chunks cut out that mimicked the artist’s brush strokes. It too was about 3’ across. I love the use of green tones. It was priced at $89, but I’m hoping to get it for $60, (wish me luck)!

This painting was beautiful. Once again - an original oil painting with a substantial frame and intricate brush strokes. This was about 3.5’ across - so a very large painting for a home. It’s price was, I believe, around $60. Considering that all these paintings are real and have beautiful frames, (the frames alone at craft stores cost about as much), they’re a steal of a deal!

The verdict is in - I’m hooked on flea market art. If the frame seems outdated, keep in mind you can always jazz it up by masking over the art and painting the frame a different color. Again, the framing alone sometimes can cost as much as $40, so if you like the art, it’s well worth it.

I’m still waiting for that seller to call me back….come on….give a girl a call!

CHEERS!

QUICK TIP: Extended Curtains

One issue I have found with moving is that you always need different lengths of curtains for each new place. The first home my husband and I lived in, the standard 84” length was perfect, so most of my curtains are 84” long. Then I moved to San Antonio. I needed about 100” curtains. Now we are in another home in Colorado and I need anywhere from 100-140”. Crazy! I can’t keep up with it! Then I had an idea …

I pinned two of my 84” curtains together and concealed where I pinned them with a matching tie-back cord. I love how the fabric billows on the floor - very elegant!

Make sure to align the pattern of each panel together when you’re pinning. This plaid was easy to match up. My finger is peeling back the end of one panel in the below picture so you can get a better look:

Safety pinning the curtains together is faster than sewing and you can always take out the pins if you move again and need 84”. Also, stores don’t really sell lengths longer than 120”, (if you’re even lucky enough to find that length in the pattern you want). Furthermore, paying a seamstress to make extended curtains like this would get VERY pricey…let alone the price of the fabric. I purchased the tie-back cords for $3 each at Hobby Lobby and I already had the curtains. Hope this inspires you to take out those “too short” curtains and make them work.

CHEERS!

QUICK TIP: Bath Salts

My husband and I normally have a bag of Epson Salts by our bath tub to soothe minor aches and pains. Usually my husband will pour THE ENTIRE BAG into the bath, (that’s a lot), but recently he did not and I was left with a crummy, half-used plastic bag next to the tub. So, I had a thought …

I went to Marshall’s and picked up this beautiful tall glass jar for … (wait for it) $12.99! Those type of stores, (Marshall’s, Ross, TJ Maxx), are THE BEST for shopping for cheap household accessories.

I purchased the stainless steel scoop from The Container Store for $12.99. I think I could have found a cheaper option, (they had clear plastic scoops for about $2), but my heart was set on this steel one.

I poured the remaining bag and TA-DA!

Now I have an organized way to store my Epson Salt. Oh…and the salt sparkles, (and it’s cheaper than buying fancy bath salts from a spa)! I’m thinking about buying some more cheap glass containers to add things like a bar of soap and some rolled wash cloths. CHEERS!

QUICK TIP: Faux Fur Fix

Brush your faux fur items with a clean pet brush. It separates the fibers and makes your products look brand new.

See the difference:

I used this technique on an old GAP faux fur vest of mine and it looked brand new after I was finished. Here are some examples of what you can do this on:

Images shown include: Crocs Cozcrocs Fuzz Bootie, Calypso St. Barth Faux Fur Throw, Jovve Cotton Faux Fur Coat, and H&M Faux Fur Vest.

CHEERS!