DIY Neon Necklace

I haven't had a "tutorial trial" on here for a while. But when I saw a brand new, super easy, yet impressive tutorial on Little Pink Monster, I knew I had to give it a shot. Besides, it involved the use of very bright nail polishes, that I have indulged myself with this summer. So, why not put them to another use? This one is super easy. Buy a chessy, rhinestoney necklace. (I happened to buy this one at JC Penney, it was the cheapest one I could find.) Carefully blot on nail polish. (I had a qtip near by to clean up little mistakes, becuse these "stones" were placed so closely together.) Do a top coat, just like you would with your nails. That's it!

Artscape 2011

I've lived here in Baltimore for 5 years and before this weekend, never had attended Artscape. Which I am told is the largest free art fair in the US. I finally went this weekend. I went early and didn't really stay that long. But I enjoyed it. I had intended to take lots of pictures while I was there, but I was completely distracted by the art (imagine that, at an art fair) and forgot to take one picture! I mostly walked around the "artist's village" where local artists sold their wares. They had pottery, hand printed knits, jewelry, handbags, stationary, paintings, sculptures, you name it! I bought a couple of things.

I bought this really cute goldfish print from Fuzzy Mug, a local artist, who will also do a custom portrait of your pet. It's an 8x10 print and I found the perfect frame at Target. I'm hanging it up in my bedroom shortly.

The other thing I bought was this grab bag of fun little items, for only $2, about a 1/4 yard of this fun Fiat fabric, along with 5 random zippers and two widths of bias tape. I plan on using all of it to make a wristlet. Now to only find fabric to coordinate with it...

Sunday Outing: PYO (Pick Your Own) Flowers

On a whim today, I decided to visit the Outlet Mall in Hagerstown. On the long way home (on I-70), I saw a sign for Larriland Farm and decided to check it out. They had a pick your own flower garden. Despite the blazing temperature, I decided to give it a go. They give you a big plastic cup and pair of clippers and tell you to have at it. There was also a pick your own blueberry patch, which I didn't try as well as a little open air store where you can buy produce. I was so happy I stopped! (The bottom two pics are of the flower "arrangements" I made, the smaller one will be coming to work with me tomorrow.)

Belleville Corn & Avocado Salsa

While visiting my sister and her family over the 4th of July, we went to a little neighborhood barbeque. All the food was delicious, but this particular salsa has been haunting me a bit. I'm kicking myself for not asking for the recipe. I decided that I had to give it a shot! Here's my version:

Belleville Corn & Avocado Salsa

14 oz can of corn, drained

15 1/2 oz can of diced tomotoes with chiles, drained

15 1/2 oz can of black beans, drained & rinsed

red bell pepper, diced

2 tbsp (small handful) cilantro, chopped

1 clove of garlic, minced

1 avocado, diced (squeeze lime over cut avocado)

2 tbsp olive oil (more to taste)

2 tbsp lime juice, with zest

1 tbsp salt

Mix together, chill for 3 minutes before serving.

(Her version had red onions in it, if you happen to like onions, add them!)

Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles

You just never know where you're going to find inspiration. I was looking high and low in every kitchen cabinet for my plastic pitcher today, and finally spied it way in the back of my fridge. Filled with Crystal Light that's who-knows-how-old, completely frozen. Which of course made me think of Popsicles. I immediately made a new, fresh batch of Crystal Light Lemonade, broke out the Popsicle mold, added a few strawberries and made: Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles! Delicious and refreshing! (A few weeks ago, I had over bought strawberries. I had one small container that I just couldn't eat, and I knew that if I let them sit even another day, they would go bad, so I just threw them in the freezer. They had already been washed and sliced and were perfect for this!)

Wish Big!

As a Make A Wish, Wish Granter, I was so excited to run across these gift bags at Big Lots. We always bring an "ice breaker" gift to the initial meeting. These couldn't be more perfect! I only bought 3 of them and used one this week. Think I'll go back and get more next weekend.

Ring A Ding Ding

If you know me at all, you know that I never wear rings. Never ever. I have incredibly sensitive skin and rarely even wear earrings, so I always figured that rings would be itchy and uncomfortable. But then I saw this tutorial...on Smashed Peas and Carrots. And thought I'd make one. Maybe I could wear one from time to time. It was more difficult than I would have expected to find the "adjustable ring blank with pad", I couldn't find them at Michael's or Joann's, but then found one at Hobby Lobby. I ended up using a ribbon that I had saved from a shopping bag handle, so I didn't bother getting a glaze. And I figured that I probably wouldn't wear it too often. This was a very quick project, probably took 5 minutes to put together. The most difficult part for me was finding my glue gun! Sadly, maybe the ribbon wasn't the best choice (perhaps a little thick), it didn't turn out perfectly, but still a fun thing to wear for the summer! I also think it would be fun to make a ring from an old brooch or an old ornate button. I think there might be some antiquing my my future!