Winter

Farmhouse Black and White Striped Home Decor • Winter Decoration Idea

6 · Dec 1, 2017 · Leave a Comment

I love dressing my front porch for the season rather than the holiday most of the time. Less turnover, less expensive & I just love celebrating the seasons. Here is my Fall front porch and I’m still in love with it but, it’s time to turn the season and start working on my winter front porch. One of the elements that I love for winter is a vintage sled that I found at a garage sale. I dressed it up with some greenery and some large bells that I found at Michaels. However, I didn’t want them to just be simple bells. I want them to stand out! I busted out some Americana Decor Satin Enamels and added my own special touch to the bells. Come see how I transformed them just a touch but added some real WOW factor.

+ The post brought to you by DecoArt +

Design Decisions

I’ve been in love with black and white LONG before Joanna Gains hit the scene. That has always been my color profile with a touch of red or green at times. I love that it’s so popular now. Those are two colors (or, non-colors) that are simply timeless and classic. I’ve also been a huge fan of stripes. They also, if done well, have a timeless quality too. They are perfect to add to a metal tray or a wood side table to add that classic farmhouse look to your home.

I wanted to add some timeless elements to this beautiful sled and greenery. When I found the large bells at Michaels, I knew that was the ticket. However, I wanted to put my own stamp on it so that I don’t look like everyone else on the block.

I guess that has always been my MO (method of operation.) I’m totally fine gathering fun things at Michaels, Target or Home Goods lets say, and then putting my own simple touches on them. That’s why I LOVE the Americana Decor collection. For this project I used the Americana Decor Satin Enamels in Pure White and Classic Black. I selected this paint for a few reasons.

I love the smooth satin finish
How easily it adheres to slick surfaces without any priming
This paint acts more like and enamel rather than a paint and I love that look for this application
Smooth brushability
Minimizes grain raising on wood
Non-toxic
Soap and water clean-up

Materials

wood or metal home decor item
DecoArt Americana Decor Satin Enamels in your color choice
sponge brushes in the size of the stripe that you desire
painters tape (optional)

Instructions

This project is crazy simple. It just requires some patients and a slightly steady hand. I don’t have the perfect artist hand and I managed to create these simple stripes just fine. My secret… I use foam brushes instead of your typical bristle brush. This eliminates the bristle spread that you typically get when painting with a traditional brush. I just buy the size foam brush that matches the size of stripe that I am looking for. You may find that you need painters tape and thats totally fine. With my round surface it was almost easier to follow the line on the bells using my brush as the stripe guide than it was to tape it.

It may not look like a perfect stripe here but, after I go around the bell a few more times it looks better. I’m not really wanting a nice crisp line anyway. I like the more rustic imperfect look.

I did layer about 4 coats of the Satin Enamel so that I had solid coverage.

Then, after the white is totally dry, I carefully used a flat brush that was the size of the small stripe that I was looking for to create the small black stripe. This one, you need to be careful and watch for the bristle spread. Again, I wasn’t looking for perfect and I LOVE how they turned out.

Once they were completely dry, I waited overnight, I affixed them to the sled.

First, using floral wire, I wired the greenery onto the sled with some floral wire.

I then made a bow out of some red and black buffalo plaid ribbon that I found at Michaels and wired it to the sled as well.

Then, I hung the bells on the sled with some think rope and wired that onto the sled as well.

Aren’t they fun? What would you like to add a little black and white farmhouse flair to?

By the way… My front door is painted with the Americana Decor Curb Appeal Paint. I LOVE it!! I’ll have to share how I did that soon. You’ll be amazed!

Peppermint Mocha White Chocolate Steamer

11 · Nov 22, 2016 · Leave a Comment

As much as I adore pumpkin, I get even more excited about PEPPERMINT season! I totally remember the first time I had peppermint ice cream as a kid. It was back in the day when peppermint ice cream was only around during the Christmas season. I would save all of the little peppermint pieces in my bowl and savor them for hours after that little bowl of ice cream was long gone. It’s because of that love that I decided to try out a fun new flavor combination for this winter. Peppermint Mocha White Chocolate Steamer… Yep, YUM!

It’s not really a full hot chocolate, it’s more of a steamer (flavored hot milk) with a little bit of white chocolate. Yep, once again… YUM!

I used my favorite International Delight Peppermint Mocha Creamer for this steamer, but you can also create a scrumptious Sugar Cookie steamer with the International Delight Sugar Cookie Creamer. Another perfect pairing with some warm milk!

For the peppermint mocha white chocolate steamer, I placed a few pieces of white chocolate in the bottom of my mug…

I just happened to find some white chocolate with some peppermint in it, so that was perfect. I added the milk and let the chocolate melt a little bit before I added the creamer.

Then I added a splash of the creamer and stirred it with a peppermint stick or peppermint lolly.

The peppermint melts in the the hot milk and creates a scrumptious holiday treat! Your family and friends are going to LOVE it, it’s like Christmas in a cup!

Looking for more ways to create special holiday memories with International Delight? You can sign-up for their newsletter for great tips, recipes and I’m sure a coupon or two! You can also follow ID on Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of International Delight. The opinions and text are all mine.

5 Holiday Tips + Every Meal Matters

0 · Oct 29, 2014 · Leave a Comment

+ This 5 Holiday Tips post sponsored by the J. M. Smucker Company +

We’re almost there… The Holidays!

It’s my favorite time of the year. Time to slow down and just enjoy being together.

Yes, it can be hectic. Yes, it can be stressful. However… If you can manage to find some balance, they can turn into some of your most magical memories.

They are work, but the kind of work that is so rewarding. Some of my favorite childhood memories are from those simple Holiday experiences with my family. Sitting down to a special meal together, baking Christmas cookies, playing games, door-bell-ditching your neighbors with special treats.

This is when we teach our kiddos the true meaning of sharing and caring for those who are in need. Finding ways to share some of our bounty with those who have hit hard times. Sometimes it’s sharing a simple, yet special meal.

Before I share my Five Holiday Tips, I am honored to share about a special program from the J.M. Smucker Company starting this week.

This campaign is near and dear to my heart.

When I was five years old I had a rather profound experience in my life. My Father had lost his job, I was still so young and naive I didn’t really know what that meant. I had no idea the heartache that my Parents were experiencing as the Holidays were approaching. I can’t even imagine the cloud that was in their hearts knowing that they would not be able to provide a magical Christmas for their young family.

As the Holidays approached, for several nights we would receive a knock at the door.

Each night when we would open the door, all that was there was a bag or box full of something special.

Some nights it was much needed groceries, other nights it would be special little trinkets for my little sister and I.

They even gifted us with our full Holiday meals.

No one was ever on our door step!

We had a special angel.

Someone who took the time out of their busy Holiday schedule to share a bit of themselves, and their Holiday purse with our little family.

I was FIVE, I don’t remember much from that time of life, but I remember that Christmas!

I remember those special nights when our Angel visited.

So many people are in need these days.

The folks at the J.M. Smucker Company (whom I have come to love,) are heading up a fantastic campaign to help Share the Goodness this Season.

They have been working this year to help bring families back to the table, because EVERY MEAL MATTERS! They understand the power of a family meal. No matter if it’s a standard Monday night or Thanksgiving… Every meal matters and we need to make sure they are special. We need to be the angels to help those in need and we need to let our own families know how much we care for them.

Did you know that On November 2 (this Sunday), there will be coupons in participating newspapers for Crisco and Pillsbury products that help you share the goodness this season and make every meal matter.

For each coupon redeemed, the J.M. Smucker Company will donate the equivalent of THREE meals to Feeding America®.

They have committed to providing 6 MILLION meals this Holiday Season to Feeding America®. Every $1 helps provide 10 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local member food banks.

The J.M. Smucker Company will make a minimum donation of 4.5 million meals (a $450,000 donation) and a maximum donation of 6 million meals ( a $600,000 donation) to Feeding America.

They need our help!

Let’s help the folks at the J.M. Smucker company become Angels for millions in need.

You can find more information at The Power of Family Meals or on Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest.

Who’s Ready for Some Holiday Tips?

The holidays are a special time of year. It’s time to make the magical memories that your kiddos will remember forever. You don’t need to create an over the top experience that exhausts you and is totally unnoticed by your family, but do try and go the extra mile.

Several years ago when my kiddos were little we had moved far away from our families and were on our own for the first time. I set-out to create my first stand alone holiday meal and was saddened to realize that my Mom wasn’t going to be there to create the magic… The magic was all up to me.

We didn’t really know anyone in the area quite yet, and family members couldn’t travel so we were on our own. I was feeling some serious pressure. I cooked a great meal and made sure to create a beautiful table setting for the celebration. I pulled out the good china, used cloth napkins and created a fun centerpiece. It wasn’t over the top, but it was just enough to make the day special.

Many times, especially around the holidays, you are gathered with a bunch of strangers. This could be strangers from your husband’s office or even family members that you haven’t connected with for awhile. When it comes to family, at times relationships can be strained. Rather than an awkward night, plan for an ice breaker activity to level the playing field, break-down barriers and get the fun flowing.

The ice breaker can be a silly game or a staged event that gets people talking. Ina Garten from the Food Network in one of her first cookbooks, Barefoot Contessa Parties tells of a party that was turning into a real dud. She scrambled and called in reinforcements. Her neighbor was Paul Neuman and she stealthily called her friend to come help the sinking ship. Within minutes, he walked right into the house in is racing gear, walked up to a woman, planted a shocking kiss right on her lips, turned and walked right out. Needless to say… The icy party had been shattered. All of those walls that were preventing people from connecting has been demolished.

Think outside the box to create a fun experience for all.

So many times we plan our celebrations and events around the people over 5 feet. We tend to forget the kiddos. Make sure when you are planning your gathering, create a kiddo safe zone. A space with simple activities for the little ones that is child proof and ready for the under 5 foot crowd to have a special space of their own. You may even want to go the extra mile and hire a teen in your neighborhood to help supervise and run activities. That way, everyone can have fun!

Farm out the cooking responsibilities. If you want a specific spread. Handout recipes to family members so you can have a controlled meal. If you have guests coming from out of town who can’t cook. Put them to work in the kitchen. No need to be a one woman show. Enjoy that time in the kitchen together!

Foster fun memories by creating some quirky traditions. Ugly sweater contests, Go Fish marathons, Door-bell-ditch your neighbors with scrumptious Holiday treats together. Do something out of the norm to create those lasting memories.

Disclaimer // This post is sponsored by the J.M. Smucker Company.

Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

2 · Nov 21, 2012 · 5 Comments

Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie // I didn’t grow up eating Shepherd’s pie, not sure why… It just wasn’t in my Mom’s repertoire which kind of surprises me. Now that I am master of my own kitchen, I pull out this humble show stopper every once in a while and I LOVE it! I went a little crazy this time and created a sinfully fabulous Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie rather than the traditional potato Shepherd’s Pie or Cottage Pie as it is known in other circles…

Traditionally Shepherd’s Pie is made when you have some leftover meat and you toss it together with some veggies and add a topping of mashed potatoes. I’ve had good and bad renditions of this casserole type dish and so far this one is hand’s down my favorite! It took a little time to think about all of the different layers and I played around until I came up with the perfect combination, but now I think I have a fabulous recipe that is perfect for these chilly fall and winter evenings. Just remember to season every layer in order for it to turn out aaaamazing!

Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Sweet Potato Topping:

2 lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into large cubes

1 stick butter

8 oz. pumpkin cream cheese (if pumpkin isn’t available just use regular cream cheese and add 1 T sugar, 1/2 t. cinnamon. 1/8 t. nutmeg)

Salt & Pepper to taste

Meat Filling:

2 T olive oil

1 1/2 –2 medium onions, diced

1 c red wine

2 lbs. ground beef

2 T flour

1 c beef broth

2 T tomato paste

1 T Worcestershire Sauce

4 c frozen peas and carrots

1-2 parsnips, peeled and diced

Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions

Sweet Potatoes

In large pot, place the cubed sweet potatoes and cover with water. Let pot come to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. Place potatoes into a mixing bowl with the butter, cream cheese, salt & pepper. Mash & whip the potatoes until light and fluffy. Taste to make sure they are seasoned well. Add more seasoning if needed.

Meet Filling

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a large skillet, heat oil and then add onions to caramelize, this will take 15- 20 minutes over medium heat. Once the onions are caramelized remove them from the pan and set aside. Put a skillet over high to medium high heat and brown the ground beef. Season the ground beef with salt & pepper. Once the ground beef has browned sprinkle the flour over the meet and cook for 1 minute before you add the red wine, stock, tomato paste & Worcestershire Sauce. Let mixture simmer for 5 minutes then add the vegetables and simmer for 15 minutes or until the sauce has reduced and thickened. Check the seasoning level and add salt & pepper as needed.

Place the meat mixture into a 9×13 baking dish (or,12 individual baking dishes) and cover with sweet potato mixture. Sprinkle with paprika and place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the potatoes start to brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for 15-20. Garnish with chopped green onion.

Serves 12-14 people \\ This is a large recipe, cut in half for a smaller gathering.

Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

Save Print

Prep time

50 mins

Cook time

25 mins

Total time

1 hour 15 mins

Your family will love this scrumptious meat pie topped with luscious whipped sweet potatoes!

Author: Heather Thoming // WhipperBerry

Recipe type: Main Dish

Cuisine: English

Serves: 12-14

Ingredients

Sweet Potato Topping:
2 lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into large cubes
1 stick butter
8 oz. pumpkin cream cheese (if pumpkin isn’t available just use regular cream cheese and add 1 T sugar, ½ t. cinnamon. ⅛ t. nutmeg)
Salt & Pepper to taste
Meat Filling:
2 T olive oil
1½ –2 medium onions, diced
1 c red wine
2 lbs. ground beef
2 T flour
1 c beef broth
2 T tomato paste
1 T Worcestershire Sauce
4 c frozen peas and carrots
1-2 parsnips, peeled and diced
Salt & Pepper to taste

Instructions

Sweet Potatoes
In large pot, place the cubed sweet potatoes and cover with water. Let pot come to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. Place potatoes into a mixing bowl with the butter, cream cheese, salt & pepper. Mash & whip the potatoes until light and fluffy. Taste to make sure they are seasoned well. Add more seasoning if needed.
Meet Filling
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a large skillet, heat oil and then add onions to caramelize, this will take 15- 20 minutes over medium heat. Once the onions are caramelized remove them from the pan and set aside. Put a skillet over high to medium high heat and brown the ground beef. Season the ground beef with salt & pepper. Once the ground beef has browned sprinkle the flour over the meet and cook for 1 minute before you add the red wine, stock, tomato paste & Worcestershire Sauce. Let mixture simmer for 5 minutes then add the vegetables and simmer for 15 minutes or until the sauce has reduced and thickened. Check the seasoning level and add salt & pepper as needed.
Place the meat mixture into a 9x13 baking dish (or,12 individual baking dishes) and cover with sweet potato mixture. Sprinkle with paprika and place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the potatoes start to brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for 15-20. Garnish with chopped green onion.
Serves 12-14 people \\ This is a large recipe, cut in half for a smaller gathering.

Let me know what you think. Do you have other sweet potato recipes that you just adore. Let me know, I would love to try them!

Winter

Design Decisions

Materials

Instructions

Who’s Ready for Some Holiday Tips?

Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Sweet Potato Topping:

2 lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into large cubes

Meat Filling:

Directions

Sweet Potatoes

Meet Filling

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