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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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    • Featured

August 14, 2013

DIY Mason Jar Dining Caddy and Home Depot Giveaway

*This Giveaway is now closed*

Two giveaways in one week? Why yes!! That’s just how much we love our At the Picket Fence friends!

Do you love to eat outside in the summertime but hate having to go in and out of the house dragging all of the necessary dining essentials with you? This DIY dining caddy with mason jars is the perfect solution!

DIY Mason Jar Dining Caddy with Scotch Blue

We LOVE to have dinner (and lunch and breakfast!) out on our deck all summer long! Here in Oregon we live for these months and I’m determined to make the most of them by enjoying the sunshine as much as possible. But, while I love the relaxed feeling of breaking bread together in the great outdoors, I do not enjoy hauling everything back and forth from the kitchen to the deck. While, on the one hand, I think I get a pretty good workout running in and out of the house, I would much rather spend less time doing that and more time feeling the cool breeze on my face while partaking of one of my hubby’s fabulous grilled creations!
painter's tape, scotchblue painter's tape, tape

This post was brought to you in partnership with The Home Depot and ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape.

I found this old wooden whatchamacallit (What would you call that? A tote?) (Oh, and apparently ‘whatchamacallit’ is an actual word because spell check totally ignored it! Who knew?) and even though it was a little worse for the wear I knew I could give it new life.

wooden_tote_turned_dining_caddy

Now, I have to admit something here. I tend to be more of a “winging it” girl when it comes to paint projects. Oh sure, I use tape when I’m painting rooms but when it comes to crafts I’m usually not overly meticulous. And frankly, it shows. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’m having to go back and do things over and half the time just end up scrapping the whole project. I think it’s like my own weird way of rebelling!

So when I got the chance to test out ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape I decided it was time for my crafting skills to grow-up a bit and not rely on photo editing to cover up my mistakes. 😉

scotch blue tape review
The first thing I did was set up a work space on our deck by laying down the non-slip drop cloth. Let me tell you, this thing DOESN’T SLIP! I will never again buy the horrible thin plastic drop cloths which end up slipping or flying up in the air when even the slightest breeze blows.

Now that I had myself the proper work space, it was time to tackle fixing the wooden whatchamacallit. The bottom was easy to fix by simply hammering back in the nails that had pulled away from the sides. But the crack was another issue. I decided to put the ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape to the test and after applying a thin layer of wood glue I used the tape as a sort of clamp to hold it together while it dried.

using tape as clamp to fix crack I liked the weathered look of the wood but I kind of wanted to brighten it up a bit so I decided to paint the body of the caddy but leave the handle in the original tone. I wrapped the ends of the handle with the ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape with the edge-lock feature.

taped off handle

And obviously I put it to the test right away!

tape protecting from drip

It also came in handy for holding my stencil letters in place.

But no matter how wonderful the tape is it couldn’t keep me from having the “T” not lined up properly and having to repaint it a couple of times. Please tell me I’m not the only one who has trouble getting words stenciled onto things!

tape holding stencil in place

Now, if the whatchamacallit is going to become a dining caddy it has to actually be able to HOLD things inside, right? Enter mason jars! And since I had all of this wonderful tape and some leftover chalkboard paint I decided the jars needed labels. And if tape can stand up to chalkboard paint and come out with beautiful corners like you see below than it is worth it’s weight in gold for sure!

how_to_make_chalkboard_labels_on_mason_jars atthepicketfence.com

I absolutely LOVE how they turned out!

mason_jars_with_chalkboard_labels atthepicketfence.com

And, now, getting ready to enjoy eating outside has become a whole lot easier.

mason_jar_dining_caddy

And frankly, I look much cuter carrying this dining caddy than I did when I was sweating from running back and forth to the kitchen!

dining_caddy_atthepicketfence.com

I mean, that’s what’s really important right?

chalkboard_labels_on_mason_jars atthepicketfence.com

I can’t decide if my favorite part about this dining caddy are the chalkboard labeled mason jars or the fact that it says “Eat” on one side…

stenciled_dining_caddy_with_mason_jars atthepicketfence.com

…and “Drink” on the other!

DIY_dining_caddy_with_mason_jars atthepicketfence.com

Because some of our most favorite moments in the summer are when we are sitting outside on a warm evening with friends, eating really incredible food, sipping really incredible cocktails and listening to the really incredible sound of our kiddos laughing and playing. The sun starts setting, we turn on the lanterns and just sit back and enjoy the moment knowing it will be over all too soon!

But until then, my dining caddy and I say “cheers” to you as you relish these last “lazy days of summer”.

And to really help you celebrate these final days of summer the I’m giving away a $75 Gift Card to The Home Depot

To Enter: Leave a link to your favorite summer DIY or painting project in the comments below (can be a link to your own blog, another website or Pinterest) for your chance to win the $75 The Home Depot gift card. Giveaway ends August 28th at midnight EST. US residents only please.

And if you are looking for some more amazing painting project ideas, check out the all of the incredible inspiration from the other members of the Ready, Set, Paint Blog Hop!

Centsational Girl – Textured Panel Dresser Makeover

Thrifty and Chic Framed Stencil Wall 

The Design Confidential DIY Concrete Color Block Painted Tables 

Sand & Sisal Faux Etched Glass

The Girl Creative Summer Chalkboard

PB & J Stories Dipped Effect Outdoor Bench and Front Patio Makeover

In My Own Style How to Paint Outdoor Furniture

Making this Home Embellish with a Paint Border

Rustic Bench Gets Modern Moroccan-Inspired Makeover

DIY Game Table 

Fun with Fireworks

Charles & Hudson – Wood Block Planter

Love of Family and Home – DIY Striped Curtain

LollyJane – Mailbox Makeover 

Nesting Place – Painting with Chalk

Thistlewood Farms: How to Paint Stripes 

Live Laugh Rowe: DIY Drop Cloth Table Runner 

SawdustGirl – Spray-Painted-Striped Lemonade Stand Canopy

Make It: Painted Horseshoes

DIY Pet Food Station 

This post was brought to you in partnership with The Home Depot and ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape.

painter's tape, scotchblue painter's tape, tape painter's tape, scotchblue painter's tape, tape

 

 

 

Now, go on and show off your own fabulous summer projects by leaving a link here and enter to win the $75 The Home Depot!

1553F4F30A9801A6AFB3E9C624118E7B


86 Comments Filed Under: Crafts, Decorating, Outdoors, Reviews, Sponsored, Tutorials Tagged With: dining caddy, DIY, outdoor dining caddy, summer

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anne@DesignDreams says

    August 14, 2013 at 5:54 AM

    Sooooo pretty! Love this look and thanks for the tip on the tape!

    Reply
  2. Kelly T says

    August 14, 2013 at 6:36 AM

    Great makeover, Vanessa! I also like Thistlewood Farms painted stairs (cuz that’s what I need to do to my basement stairs) and the drop cloth table runner from Live Laugh Rowe. Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  3. Leslie Stewart @ House on the Way says

    August 14, 2013 at 6:45 AM

    What a great project! Love it! I’m sharing my Seahorse Towel Hooks…https://www.houseontheway.com/seahorse-towel-hooks/
    Thanks,
    Leslie

    Reply
  4. Erica E. says

    August 14, 2013 at 6:51 AM

    I love your project! This is one I am in the processes of doing https://pinterest.com/pin/164944405074923154/

    Reply
  5. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    August 14, 2013 at 6:56 AM

    What a fun and useful project! Those ball jars with the chalkboard labels are so creative and fun! I’ll need to do that for my outdoor gatherings.
    Thanks for the chance to win this great giveaway!!!!
    Here is my diy: https://www.stonegableblog.com/2013/07/painted-curtains-dyi.html

    Reply
  6. Suzan says

    August 14, 2013 at 8:21 AM

    My favorite project this summer was the little cabinet I painted in July.

    https://suzanslittlenest.blogspot.com/2013/05/here-it-is.html

    Thanks for such a nice giveaway. Sometimes I feel like I live at Home Depot!

    Reply
  7. Livivua Chandler says

    August 14, 2013 at 8:22 AM

    That was awesome! We are in the process of doing this this week! https://thepursuitofhandyness.com/who-built-a-toy-box/

    Reply
  8. Jen says

    August 14, 2013 at 8:22 AM

    Great caddy! Functional and adorable!

    Reply
  9. karen says

    August 14, 2013 at 8:24 AM

    This is so adorable! I am not sure what I love more, the little chaklboard on the jars, the handle, or the really crisp lettering. If you get tired of it, you can just ship it my way!

    Reply
  10. VR says

    August 14, 2013 at 8:46 AM

    I love anything pretty and fun to decorate. TY to share. And, ty for home depot give away.

    Reply
  11. Beth N says

    August 14, 2013 at 8:50 AM

    I have been collecting galvanized tubs and bucket of various sizes and this tipsy fountain is the perfect project for them! Mine is still in the planning stages but this is my inspiration!

    https://pinterest.com/pin/184366178468600783/

    Reply
  12. Doreen says

    August 14, 2013 at 8:50 AM

    Absolutely l.o.v.e. your Mason Jar Caddy. Cute idea with the “Eat” and “Drink” stenciling. One of my favorite summer projects I recently transformed is the vintage wood dustpan that I repurposed into a magazine rack. Here is the link:
    https://altered-artworks.blogspot.com/2013/06/alter-vintage-dustpan-into-magazine.html

    Come on by and tell me what you think. Thanks for the giveaway to Home Depot, my favorite go-to “craft” store.

    Reply
  13. Jacqueline says

    August 14, 2013 at 8:57 AM

    I LOVE these bookends and book shelves! Super easy – super fun! https://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/31-insanely-easy-and-clever-diy-projects

    Reply
  14. Natasha says

    August 14, 2013 at 8:59 AM

    This caddy is adorable – I just love it!! One of my favorite painting projects that I spotted on Pinterest was this one: https://pinterest.com/pin/162481499029588836/
    I would love to try that sometime!

    Reply
  15. Danielle says

    August 14, 2013 at 9:21 AM

    Love this adorable little caddy! We eat outside so much and it always seems to take multiple trips and people to get stuff out there! This is currently my favorite DIY project and the next project I plan to tackle when we get a new fridge and the old one gets put in the basement!

    https://pinterest.com/pin/135952482474227755/

    Reply
  16. Rosemary says

    August 14, 2013 at 9:39 AM

    I have a passion for carriers and boxes. So, love this.
    https://www.villabarnes.com/2013/06/box-transformation-ideas-part-ii-open.html

    Reply
  17. Stuff and Nonsense says

    August 14, 2013 at 10:08 AM

    i was just reading
    this tute https://masonjarcraftslove.com/painted-mason-jars-pink-ombre/
    before your mason jar caddy post
    and now i think
    the two were made to be together

    thanks for the chance to win, girls!

    {alison}

    Reply
  18. Sandy says

    August 14, 2013 at 10:58 AM

    Vanessa, I just told my husband to retrieve the three pasta sauce glass jars I was going to paint and use as vases. But now after viewing your DIY utensil holders, I’m copying your inspiration. I think they are adorable and necessary!

    Reply
  19. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    August 14, 2013 at 11:05 AM

    Woo hoo! Thanks for hosting, Vanessa! My favorite project from this summer is my DIY herb markers: https://www.heidimilton.com/diy-paint-stirrer-herb-markers/
    Hope you’re enjoying the last gasps of summer… love your caddy!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  20. Pam Ballard says

    August 14, 2013 at 11:11 AM

    What a great giveaway! For some reason the rafflecopter wouldnt show up on my computer for the last giveaway. So this I can do! I really liked the DYI from this link to help me redo a burlap bag!
    https://uglyducklingtransformations.wordpress.com/2012/01/14/french-market-bag/

    Reply
  21. Marty Walden says

    August 14, 2013 at 11:13 AM

    Love transforming my home decor with paint: https://www.martysmusings.net/2013/07/transform-your-home-decor-with-paint.html

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  22. Jessie C. says

    August 14, 2013 at 11:18 AM

    I like this project.https://pinterest.com/pin/56787645274304342/

    Reply
  23. Heather S says

    August 14, 2013 at 11:32 AM

    I love this project https://pinterest.com/pin/217017275766881814/

    Reply
  24. Susanne says

    August 14, 2013 at 3:38 PM

    I love the ‘whatchamacallit’. I just happened to have bought a similar ‘whatchamacallit’ a few weeks ago and wasn’t sure what I would do with it. Now I know, I’ll make a caddy like you. Thank you for the chance to win.
    Susanne

    Reply
  25. Olivia Rubin says

    August 14, 2013 at 5:06 PM

    This summer I got into terrariums. I saw the exsorbently priced ones from Twig Terrariums $100 and up for 6inche jars. I looked at their Pinterst page https://pinterest.com/source/twigterrariums.com/ and made my own. I got the jar from HomeGoods for $10 and went onto amazon and purchased Model Train Figurines in HO scale. They are .5″ tall and sell for a couple bucks. How,they charge so much considering I put it together with soil and moss from park for under $20!

    Reply
  26. jessica @fourgenerationsoneroof says

    August 14, 2013 at 5:08 PM

    What a great idea and I’m loving that paint color 🙂 Nicely done!

    Reply
  27. Kelly @ thelilypadcottage says

    August 14, 2013 at 5:28 PM

    Such a cute idea, pinning this one for sure!

    Reply
  28. MDR says

    August 14, 2013 at 7:04 PM

    Sweet! Wish I could join you for dinner. Mom

    Reply
  29. Kelly D says

    August 14, 2013 at 7:58 PM

    I Like this Vertical Garden project
    https://pinterest.com/pin/403142604114382304/

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      August 30, 2013 at 8:18 AM

      Hi Kelly! If you receive this will you please respond back to atthepicketfence@gmail.com? You are the winner of the $75 Home Depot Gift Card!

      Reply
  30. Holly B says

    August 14, 2013 at 8:55 PM

    I’ve been wanting to try this with my scraped up vintage bike:

    https://pinterest.com/pin/246079567111733012/

    Reply
  31. Kim (TheKimSixFix) says

    August 14, 2013 at 9:31 PM

    I am thinking about how I am going to paint my nursery: https://www.thekimsixfix.com/2013/08/fabulous-wall-patterns-plaid-argyle.html Pretty sure I will need 75$ worth of Scotch Painter’s Tape from the Home Depot to be successful!

    Reply
  32. Heather B says

    August 15, 2013 at 2:39 AM

    I have been wanting to do this for my garden for awhile now:
    https://pinterest.com/pin/332914597425326849/

    Reply
  33. ColleenwithJustPaintIt says

    August 15, 2013 at 8:49 AM

    The caddy is SO cute! Such a great idea for outdoor dining.

    I use Scotch Painter’s Tape nearly every day but here’s my most recent project: https://muralmaker1.blogspot.com/2013/08/decorate-dollar-store-jars.html

    Reply
  34. Janice says

    August 15, 2013 at 8:55 AM

    My favorite project this summer is painting the old clapboard on my new/old house. We are just starting and it will take a few months to finish up. I will be using lots of Scotch Painters tape.

    Reply
  35. Kristin @ Yellow Bliss Road says

    August 15, 2013 at 9:23 AM

    Oh what fun! I love painting and this is my favorite project from this summer – https://www.yellowblissroad.com/2013/06/front-porch-piano-bench-makeover-from.html

    I love your caddy and actually just picked up an old tool caddy that I am planning on making over soon!

    Reply
  36. Angelina-JoJo and Eloise says

    August 15, 2013 at 10:19 AM

    So Adorable and FUN!!! Loving the color of the paint!
    xoxo

    Reply
  37. rachel says

    August 15, 2013 at 10:22 AM

    I want to make this: https://simplicitycollective.com/how-to-build-a-cheap-raised-bed

    Reply
  38. Shannon @Fox Hollow Cottage says

    August 15, 2013 at 12:26 PM

    I love the blue stuff 😉 That drop clothe is awesome.
    Oh wait… lol. The project is super cute too. hehe.
    Super love the chalkboard mason jars!!!!

    Reply
  39. Destiny says

    August 15, 2013 at 12:28 PM

    I love this faux wainscoting!
    https://manditremayne.blogspot.com/2010/04/you-can-do-this-homeslice.html

    Reply
  40. ellen casper says

    August 15, 2013 at 1:41 PM

    https://tatertotsandjello.com/2013/06/red-and-white-summer-party-scotch-blue-painters-tape-painted-party.html

    Reply
  41. Becca says

    August 15, 2013 at 3:47 PM

    Awesome project, Vanessa … thanks for sharing such a great tutorial! I know how much you all enjoy your meals out on your deck and savor every second! I just wish I could be there … carrying your fabulous newly painted “whatchamacallit” out to the deck in one hand with one of your “incredible cocktails” in the other! Maybe someday … xoxo

    Reply
  42. Carissa says

    August 15, 2013 at 4:16 PM

    it is so hot this summer, I’d rather paint little things that are manageable inside like this cute frame: https://www.creativegreenliving.com/2013/07/how-to-make-distressed-family-frame.html

    Reply
  43. Melissa@TheHappierHomemaker says

    August 15, 2013 at 6:12 PM

    Great Giveaway! I made some plant markers for my garden this summer and it was a fun and easy DIY! https://www.thehappierhomemaker.com/2013/06/diy-wine-cork-plant-marker.html

    Reply
  44. Jenn/Rook No. 17 says

    August 15, 2013 at 6:15 PM

    This post came to mind since I bought all the materials at Home Depot, which included blue tape: https://www.rookno17.com/2013/06/4th-of-july-diy-star-spangled.html

    Reply
  45. Kenny says

    August 15, 2013 at 6:18 PM

    I like the way the striped wall turned out in the kitchen at https://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/how-to-paint-stripes

    Reply
  46. Johnnie says

    August 15, 2013 at 6:22 PM

    This is fantastic! Mason Jars, chalkboard labels, stenciling… it is all there. Thanks for the great idea!

    Reply
  47. Elena Jones says

    August 15, 2013 at 7:51 PM

    So cute! https://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2013/07/diy-picture-frame-5.html

    Reply
  48. Sheila Vives says

    August 15, 2013 at 8:03 PM

    My favorite DIY was yours. Loved your write-up, you gave this not so talented crafter the courage to be brave. https://www.atthepicketfence.com/2013/08/diy-stenciled-dining-caddy-with-mason-jars.html

    Reply
  49. Maryann @ Domestically Speaking says

    August 15, 2013 at 8:32 PM

    My most fave recent DIY project was painting and adding hardware to our master bath cabinets: https://www.domestically-speaking.com/2013/08/builder-boring-to-gorgeous-gray-cabinets.html

    Reply
  50. Jo @ Let's Face the Music says

    August 16, 2013 at 6:46 AM

    My favorite painting project this summer was an old, homemade TV cabinet repainted to use in the garden. https://charlieandjo.wordpress.com/2013/06/21/garden-cabinet/ Jo @ Let’s Face the Music

    Reply
  51. Ashley C says

    August 16, 2013 at 7:12 AM

    I really want to do this DIY fire pit project by the end of the summer:

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/cgrantham/2863500609/in/photostream/

    demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  52. Laura / The Shed blog by Pet Scribbles says

    August 16, 2013 at 7:41 AM

    I love the way your Dining Caddy turned out! I’m also a fan of the ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape – it rocks, especially with stencils! Here’s one of my favorite painting projects that I created: https://pinterest.com/pin/185984659581947295/

    Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

    Reply
  53. Amy Orvin says

    August 16, 2013 at 8:21 AM

    I like this one: https://www.atthepicketfence.com/2013/08/how-to-make-framed-fabric-wall-art.html

    Reply
  54. mymosk says

    August 16, 2013 at 8:43 AM

    I would love to do this project: https://www.thriftyandchic.com/2010/04/hanging-mason-jars-from-pb.html. Thank you!

    Reply
  55. Erin says

    August 16, 2013 at 8:45 AM

    I just bought a house so I’m painting up a storm!! I actually do have a wooden crate like that, that I garbage picked from my neighbor. I need to paint it as well!

    Reply
  56. Kadie says

    August 16, 2013 at 8:46 AM

    I LOVE the way this turned out! I’ll admit I’m terriable for trying to do things like this without tape. I love how this turned out though so I guess I better get some. 😉

    Reply
  57. kristin says

    August 16, 2013 at 8:57 AM

    Those are so cute!!! I have to tape everything when painting, let’s just say I don’t have a very sturdy hand 🙂 xxoo
    https://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/how-to-easily-age-terra-cotta-pots/

    Reply
  58. Tiffany | offbeat + inspired says

    August 16, 2013 at 9:09 AM

    Oh my. I LOVE this project! I love the look of this and how convenient it is. I’ll use it just to tote snacks up and down the stairs and food props to and from the dining room table! 😀 LOVE. I did these painted pots + succulents and I have to say I’m loving them! https://offbeatandinspired.com/2013/05/30/painted-pots-succulents/

    Reply
  59. Sarah | offbeat + inspired says

    August 16, 2013 at 11:18 AM

    I LOVE this! I’ve got lots of jars kicking around my house that were just waiting for this inspiration. 🙂 One of my summer projects I have yet to do is this front porch makeover – My concrete steps definitely need this! https://www.eastcoastcreativeblog.com/2013/06/summer-porch-makeover.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheRealHousewivesOfBucksCounty+%28The+Real+Housewives+of+Bucks+County%29

    Reply
  60. Jennifer @ Celebrating Everyday Life says

    August 16, 2013 at 12:20 PM

    Ah! A cute & handy way to corral all my mason jars! LOVE IT!! Thanks for the inspiration, as always!!

    Reply
  61. Mary says

    August 16, 2013 at 12:31 PM

    I’d love to do this – build my own chicken coop!
    https://ext.homedepot.com/community/blog/building-your-own-backyard-chicken-coop/

    Reply
  62. lizzy says

    August 16, 2013 at 8:08 PM

    I am looking forward to combining my two sons and painting their room like this one: https://www.homestoriesatoz.com/boys-room/boys-bedroom-reveal.html Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  63. Marina says

    August 16, 2013 at 9:35 PM

    Great projects, and as summer winds down, still enough time to get a few done! I like the painting patio furniture tutorial, as I have a set of patio furniture that has been screaming at me to get it painted and brought back to life. I just might tackle this before fall hits…
    https://inmyownstyle.com/2013/06/how-to-paint-outdoor-furniture.html

    Reply
  64. Paula@SweetPea says

    August 17, 2013 at 1:39 PM

    Great project. My favorite paint project of the summer is a chair makeover.
    https://www.virginiasweetpea.com/2013/07/yard-sale-chair-makeover.html

    Reply
  65. Carolsue says

    August 17, 2013 at 4:39 PM

    Here’s a really cute painting project that I can’t wait to try! It’s my new favorite!
    Painted Straw Totes
    https://pinterest.com/pin/184155072236224060/

    Reply
  66. malia says

    August 18, 2013 at 7:59 AM

    Love this project from Cupcakes and Crinoline: https://cupcakesandcrinoline.com/2013/08/my-trash-to-treasure-outdoor-garden-bench/

    Reply
  67. kathy says

    August 18, 2013 at 8:48 PM

    this planked wall idea….debating for the staircase
    https://pinterest.com/pin/280700989247817880/

    Reply
  68. Shannon says

    August 19, 2013 at 12:21 PM

    Want to paint my front door!

    https://pinterest.com/pin/286611963759151515/

    Reply
  69. Wehaf says

    August 20, 2013 at 9:15 AM

    I am in love with this porch swing from Ana White and Shanty2Chic:
    https://ana-white.com/2013/06/plans/shanty2chic-porch-swing

    Reply
  70. Richelle says

    August 20, 2013 at 10:00 AM

    I love this 4th of July mantle. Plus it has a template for the cute pennant 🙂 https://www.landeeseelandeedo.com/2012/06/4th-of-july-mantel.html

    Reply
  71. karin says

    August 20, 2013 at 11:05 AM

    I am sharing my “milk and cream” table…It was destroyed and I brought it back with paint and love..:)
    (https://arttisbeauty.blogspot.com/2013/07/rescued-table-and-chairs-turned-vintage.html
    Karin

    Reply
  72. Lisa Brown says

    August 20, 2013 at 1:03 PM

    Making fun cushions for an outdoor swing bench – https://pinterest.com/pin/277675133248304682/
    jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com

    Reply
  73. Meghan Finley says

    August 20, 2013 at 1:31 PM

    https://blog.cuttingedgestencils.com/painting-ideas-with-stencils-diy-paisley-tabletop.html is something I’ve been wanting to tackle

    Reply
  74. Barb Swartz says

    August 20, 2013 at 2:18 PM

    Here is a makeover I did to a FREE wicker dresser

    https://summerscottage.wordpress.com/2013/07/23/extreme-makeover-dresser-edition/

    Reply
  75. Katie Contests says

    August 20, 2013 at 4:37 PM

    I love this breadbox-turned-docking station! https://pinterest.com/pin/164662930098839880/

    Reply
  76. Gail Marshall says

    August 21, 2013 at 11:02 AM

    Could really use that giftcard updating my kitchen. Every little bit helps

    Reply
  77. christy says

    August 21, 2013 at 11:16 PM

    That looks so good!

    P.s. this was so yummy… I even added some vodka 🙂
    https://bishopsfamilysite.blogspot.com/2013/07/watermelon-slush.html

    Reply
  78. tammigirl says

    August 25, 2013 at 8:05 AM

    Here is my favorite, the one I want to do this summer: https://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/08/diy-wood-planked-wall.html

    Except I want to do it in my laundry room and/or my entry way. And I want to use a gray stain. Plus, I wouldn’t do it all the way to the ceiling. Just as high as I would do a beadboard treatment.

    Reply
  79. cleaners services says

    October 29, 2013 at 4:28 AM

    You’ve provided some interesting tips there, thank you for taking the effort to do this.
    I work as a commercial cleaner and find this kind of post an interesting read.

    Reply
  80. office cleaning Perth says

    January 14, 2014 at 5:37 AM

    This website was… how do you say it? Relevant!!

    Finally I have found something which helped me.
    Many thanks!

    Reply

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This is one of my most favorite projects from my b This is one of my most favorite projects from my book Life in Season! 

Because, if heaven has a fragrance, I’m fairly certain it smells like lilacs.

I think that somewhere along the way the verse in the Bible that said, ‘heaven will smell like lilacs’ just got lost in translation. But it HAD to have been in there at some point, right?

When I bury my head in the blossoms (which I absolutely MUST do every single time I walk past them), I immediately feel a stirring in my soul.

It seems like I wait forever for my lilac tree to bloom. Every year I anxiously watch as the buds begin to form on the branches and then when the blossoms finally burst forth I begin that agonizing process of deciding the absolute perfect moment to snip them and bring them inside.

And then, after all of that waiting and watching it’s just over…done. Because, unlike heaven, lilacs don’t last for an eternity. So, making my own lilac room spray seemed like the perfect way to enjoy their fragrance long after the blossoms have faded.

Here’s how to make it! Ingredients: Water, Vodka, Lilac fragrance oil. Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka. Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

Once you’ve made this lilac scented room spray you will be very tempted to spray it in every room in your house. And someone may want to use it in the bathroom to cover up other less…ummmm….pleasing aromas.

But, do not, I repeat do NOT, let them.

You’ve captured the fragrance of heaven in a bottle and you wouldn’t want to go and tarnish it now would you? 😉
We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most we’ve had in a LONG time) and now we are back to pouring rain. This has officially confirmed what I’ve know to be true for awhile now.

I’m a MUCH better version of myself when the sun is shining! 🤪 So I’ll just be over here today plotting and planning how my husband and I can be snowbirds someday when the kids are out of the house.

If you could spend your winters (and apparently most of spring too!) in any part of the country, where would it be?
Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of rain lately (which is saying something when you live in Oregon) and I’ll admit that it’s affecting my moods a bit. I feel like I’m dragging and struggling to find the energy to get stuff done. So don’t mind me if I’m over here looking at photos of my garden in the summertime and finding that it keeps me hopeful about those days to come. They will come, right?! 🤪. 

What are your favorite plants that you look forward to seeing in the summer?
We’re going to be giving our laundry room a make We’re going to be giving our laundry room a makeover soon. It’s LONG overdue! In fact, the folks from the counter company were just here taking measurements. While we have made some simple, inexpensive updates over the years, it still has many of the original elements from when the house was built in 1992.

Two of our bathrooms are also in need of major makeovers. And we’ve saved up enough money over the years to tackle those projects. But, for the most part, we made the decision to use the bulk of that money in another way. While we knew that it was financially wise to invest in our house, we also knew that the greatest investment we could make was in our children. 

I’ll admit, there are times where I see other people doing massive overhauls of their entire home in a matter of months and I feel a prick of envy. But, we decided that if our choice was between waiting a bit longer to enjoy a renovated bathroom or going on adventures as a family, we would choose adventures every time. And we don’t regret that decision for a single second. It’s not that we haven’t tackled home projects (we’ve done a lot!). It’s just that it’s been a slow and steady process. 

Most recently, we let our son pick where we would travel for spring break since this is his senior year of high school and we are trying to make up for lost time. With so much of life ‘paused’ for two years, we have appreciated these moments more than ever. And, since he’ll be heading to college in the fall, we are very aware of how important it is to spend this time together while we still have a modicum of control over everyone’s schedules.

We have many years left to remodel our home but only so much time left to make memories with our children.

And, while I’m always happy to look around my home and see rooms that are updated and more reflecting of our style, it doesn’t compare to the joy I feel when I look around my home and see the people I love the most who have been shaped by the many adventures we’ve experienced together.
Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and h Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and hail and snow) we are finally getting some sunshine and warmer temperatures. I’ll be honest, it’s really affected my spirits having one gloomy day after the next. So this is a much needed reprieve. Our cherry trees are showing off outside my kitchen window and we plan to get outside and make the most of these days while we have them.

What’s the weather like where you are?
“The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and “The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and boast, the pangs of life will sting for a while longer, but don’t worry; the forces of evil are breathing their last. Not to worry…HE’S RISEN!” (Charles R. Swindoll).

Happy Easter! He is risen indeed!
Who has believed our message? And to whom has the Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

For he grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of parched ground; he has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to him.

He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, he was despised, and we did not esteem him. Surely our griefs he himself bore, and our sorrows he carried; yet we ourselves esteemed him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 

But he was pierced through for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon him, and by his scourging we are healed.

All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on him. (Isaiah 53)
I try to always remember to put a water bottle in I try to always remember to put a water bottle in my car before I go to pick up my daughter from school. She didn't ask me to do this, but a few months ago I began to notice that she was often thirsty when she would get in the car. Her water bottle filled up at the beginning of the day was empty by the time school got out and she would ask if she could have some water from my hydroflask. So I make sure to have one waiting for her. It's just a simple thing, really. But, I want her to know that I'm paying attention, that I see her.

Isn't it amazing how small gestures can make us feel less invisible? Knowing that someone is thinking of us and takes the time to meet a need that we might not have even realized we had? These little acts can have big impacts. What is something that someone has done for you recently that made you feel valued and seen?

What have you done for someone else to remind them that you are paying attention to their needs?

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
― Charles Dickens
“The next day the large crowd that had come to t “The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’ – John 12:9-19
#palmsunday
When the Lord blesses you with a glimpse of the pa When the Lord blesses you with a glimpse of the payoff of your investment in your children, it is truly one of the greatest gifts. We had that experience twice this week with our 18 year old son and were overwhelmed by this opportunity we had to watch as he handled two very different situations (one personal and one professional) with grace, maturity, integrity and courage. Those of you mamas of little ones, don't ever minimize the job you are doing in raising this next generation. 

Every story read at bedtime
Every correction made to strengthen character
Every outdoor exploration
Every nose wiped
Every bandaid applied
Every time you say no when the world says yes
Every night of helping with homework
Every difficult conversation
Every prayer uttered

The final pieces of the puzzle of his childhood are falling into place and the picture revealed is one that is more wonderful than we could have imagined. And we know that it is only by God's grace on us as we sought His wisdom and guidance that we have come to this point. We have been FAR from perfect parents, but one of my most sincere prayers for the past 18 years was that the Lord would stand in the gaps that were surely to be revealed by our imperfections. And He has answered those prayers again and again. He's taken my humble petitions and most sincere intentions and knocked our socks off with the young man we are so privileged to call our son. And we can’t wait to watch as his future unfolds!
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