Friday, June 26, 2015

Festive Friday - 4th of July Edition


It's Friday...so we know what that means.  I'm linking up again with all sorts of fun people (AprilKarli AmandaTifAndrea, and Rebecca) for Five on Friday!

This Friday, however, is a little bit different because it is "Festive Friday" and I'm gearing my five items towards all things 4th of July.  I've been in a celebratory mood this week, decorating and planning for a fun 4th here at the farm, and thought I would share some of my decor items as well as some of my inspiration from Pinterest!

ONE 

4th of July Bunting/Banner 
4th of July Bunting/Banner 

I'm really pleased with how everything came together with the mantle.  It has been pretty bare and I love seeing it decorated and getting some love.  Since we moved into our house I've known I wanted to put an old window on the mantle, and nothing gets a person motivated to do something like holiday decorating.  I somehow convinced my sweet Muffin to go into the barn (and I'm not talking the easily accessible barn, but the one way back in the woods) to get this for me.  I mean it is snake season so you know he must really love me!

CLICK HERE to Download the 8x10 Fourth of July Chalkboard Print!

TWO

Wreath

I'm a sucker for a wreath.  I know some people don't like them, but to me a wreath announces that your house is ready for any celebration/holiday/season.  This is the third year I've had this gorgeous wreath and I'm still just as in love with it as the day it arrived in the mail.  I've ordered several wreaths from Robyn at Red Robyn Lane on Etsy and she is really wonderful.   I found her through the magic of pinterest and haven't looked back!


THREE


Burlap Stars
Burlap Stars
I fell in love with these Burlap Stars from Pottery Barn the moment I saw them.  They feel very classic 4th of July to me and spice up my big empty wall (that has absolutely no pictures or decorations on it yet!!!).  I used suction cup hooks (from the dollar tree) to hang the large star in the center of my window and push pins to hang the smaller stars on the side.  They were incredibly easy to hang and I actually bought them last year on clearance (here's a tip from a Pottery Barn junkie--their holiday decor goes on crazy sale at the end of the season.  I usually stock up for the next year during the sale and they often will have the same exact items again the next year with maybe the exception of limited items at Christmas or Halloween!).

FOUR




I was kind of on a roll with my banners and printables after making some for father's day, so I converted them to the 4th of July.  So....that means you get to enjoy them too!  Just download and print for some instant decorations of your own!

To get the Banner Printable CLICK HERE
To Get the 8x10 Barn Wood Quote Print CLICK HERE

FIVE


I couldn't leave my favorite summer room out of the 4th of July fun, but also didn't want to go out and find decorations for my screen porch.  Instead, I decided to make something with items I had on hand.  I knew I had some pallets left over from constructions and paint in my craft box.  This project took about an hour and was really fun (thank you to Pinterest for the inspiration!).  You don't have to be an artist to complete this--you just have to like crafting and have the supplies!

For some more 4th of July Inspiration, follow my Red, White, and Blue Pinterest Board!


Happy Friday!

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Easy White Wine Sangria


One of my Summer Bucket List items was to make White  Wine Sangria at home!  I am pleased to report that I can now check this off of my list and that it was much easier than anticipated.  I scoured the internet for recipes that seemed yummy, but feasible and compiled them all here into one quick and yummy Sangria!  I think it will make a great addition to any 4th of July celebration.  I hope you enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 1 can sprite (I used Sprite Zero)
  • 1 large bottle Pinot Grigio (1.5 L)
  • 1/2 Cup Sugar
  • Juice of 3 Limes
  • 1 Cup of white peach grape juice (you can sub white grape juice)
  • 1/4 cup Brandy
  • Frozen Fruit--I used Blueberries and Peaches

Directions

  • Pour Sprite, Grape Juice, Sugar and Lime Juice into pitcher and stir
  • Add Wine and Brandy
  • Stir until incorporated
  • Top with fruit
  • Let sit in the fridge for at least two hours
  • ENJOY!



This post is linked with Karly and Kristin and Amanda.

Friday, June 19, 2015

Five on Friday, Free Father's Day Printables, and a Flash Sale!


It's Friday...so we know what that means.  I'm linking up again with all sorts of fun people (AprilKarli AmandaTifAndrea, and Rebecca) for Five on Friday!

One



To celebrate Father's Day I have some FREE PRINTABLES for your celebrations.  If you've had a crazy week, you might need some last minute ideas and inspiration!  My Father's day kit includes 2 Cards, 1 Printable Banner, and 1 Coupon book!  
Just CLICK HERE to Download

*to assemble coupon book, cut out and staple along edge like a book.  to assemble banner, cut out and fold over some twine or string, tape or glue together and voila a tie shaped banner for dad!*



Two


Jenni, who blogs at The Beautiful Little Fools asked me to write about some travel tips for a series she is featuring this summer with other bloggers.  I was so excited to write on the topic that I couldn't just stick to one paragraph!  You should go check it out and read about my Travel Bucket List and why I love it so much!


Three

A photo posted by Katie (@farmtofete) on

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that my statistics class has taken over my life this summer.  
I am happy to report that it is over and Muffin and I celebrated with Margaritas and Mexican Pizza last night!  What a relief!


Four


Please ignore the dirt we have for a yard--I swear I'm trying to grow grass...it just isn't interested in sticking around!
Our sweet foster lab Marlie was adopted last weekend (YAY!!!) so we decided to bring home another one of the precious labs from this litter who was living all alone at the shelter--I mean look at that face!  Meet Memphis--an 8 week old black lab and brother to Monti.  He's so sweet and loves to snuggle.  Monti is also still living with us and the two of them are having a great time playing with our sweet furbabies.  If you, or someone you know, is interested in adopting a lab puppy visit Crossroads Animal Rescue!


Five

I'm in love with flamingos right now!  To buy this sweet flamingo invitation
(that I am happy to customize for a Bridal Shower, Baby Shower, etc.) CLICK HERE!
I've been hard at work this week on some new offerings in my Etsy Shop!  I'm loving the creative outlet and am always thinking of new fun things I want to make.  I'm offering a 50% off Flash Sale until July 1st so be sure to go look around the shop and use coupon code SUMMERFLASH15 when you checkout!

Happy Friday!

Monday, June 15, 2015

Baked Donuts In Less than 20 Minutes!


After missing out on eating a donut on "National Donut Day" a few weeks ago, I had a craving for them.  I decided what better way to enjoy a donut than figure out how to make a non-fried version myself at home?!  I ordered this donut pan on amazon and eagerly awaited its arrival so I could get my Kripsy Kreme on!  I was pleasantly surprised with how quick and easy donuts are to make and they use ingredients that are common in every pantry!  I hope you enjoy!



Ingredients

for the donuts

  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon of butter, softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla

for the glaze

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 3-6 tablespoons milk
  • food coloring of your choice

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Combine dry ingredients
  • Add egg, milk, butter, and vanilla
  • Stir until combined (don't stir too much or it will make the donuts chewy)
  • Place batter in a ziplock bag and cut off the tip to fashion a piping bag.  (I usually put the bag in a glass and scoop the dough in)  
  • Pipe batter into a donut pan that is sprayed with non-stick spray
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes
  • Allow to cool on a baking rack while you prepare frosting
  • To prepare frosting--combine all ingredients in a mixer, whipping until you get a buttercream-like consistency
  • Dip donut in frosting and allow to cool. (The frosting will melt onto your Donut.  Dip multiple times for a thicker glaze).
  • Enjoy!

Don't forget about my Free Donut Printable! It will make the perfect festive addition to your quick and yummy breakfast!
  Just CLICK HERE, download and print!




Linking with BianaKatieLindaErin and Ashley

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Easy Old Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake




I love Strawberry Shortcake.  I'm' not talking about the angel food cake version, or the blasphemous pastries you will find at the grocery store full of sticky syrup.  No, what I love are the tiny sweet biscuit shortcakes like my grandmother used to make.  Over Memorial Day weekend I really wanted to make them, but also didn't have a lot of time to use a "from scratch" recipe, and besides that...who has time to go to the store and get all the ingredients during a holiday weekend?!  Instead, I decided I would use things I have on hand in my kitchen.  I played around with pancake mix as a base and loved the results of the recipe.  I hope you enjoy them as well!

Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh sliced strawberries
  • 2/3 cups sugar
  • 2 1/4 cups buttermilk pancake mix (I used Krusteaz because it's what I had on hand, but you could use any brand). 
  • 2 tablespoons cold butter, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons Crisco
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Whipped Cream

    Directions

    • Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 
    • Combine strawberries and 1/3 cup sugar in a medium bowl.  Set aside so that juice develops.  I substituted Splenda for sugar here because I prefer it!
    • Coat a cookie sheet with non-stick spray
    • Combine pancake mix with remaining 1/3 cup sugar.  Cut in butter and shortening until thoroughly blended.
    • Stir in the milk and vanilla until well blended.  Your batter will be stiff.
    • "Dallop" batter into biscuit shaped circles on cookie sheet.
    • Bake in preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes.  Allow to cool and fill with strawberries and whipped cream.
    • ENJOY!


    This post is linked with What's Cookin' Wednesday at Buns in My Oven!

    Monday, June 8, 2015

    Weekending

    This weekend Muffin and I went on a day trip to our favorite town of Highlands, NC.  It is only 45 minutes away from our house and is at least 10 degrees cooler with about half the humidity of our little foothills town.  Throw in a free wine tasting at our favorite wine shop...and it was the perfect Summer afternoon!




    We rounded out our day date with dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in town.  I'm so glad we decided to stick around for dinner because the chef made his famous caramel cake earlier that day.  He rarely makes it because it is so hard, but it so worth it when he does!




    In other news, Monti and Marlie our foster labs are growing up so much!  They absolutely love to play and think they are grown dogs!  They discovered bones this weekend and stole my heart by sharing a bully stick--each one picking an end to chew.  It was completely adorable!


    Sunday morning I discovered that our bananas were ripening much more quickly than anticipated.  With Muffin traveling so much for work lately, there was no way I was going to be able to eat them before they were bad.  I decided that some homemade banana bread was just the remedy for my conundrum!  Thank goodness for my trusty bread machine--just throw in the ingredients and forget about it and a few hours later you have some amazing banana bread!


    As you can see, we had a very low key weekend.  There was some DVR and Netflix watching thrown in there and I really enjoyed the down time.  I took a 4 hour statistics exam on Friday night (seriously, someone remind me why I decided I wanted to get my Master's) and really needed some time to relax.  I can't get too cozy though because the next exam is coming up soon!  After a lovely weekend, it's back to reality!





    Linking with BianaKatie, Linda, Erin and Ashley

    Friday, June 5, 2015

    Five on Friday


    It's Friday...so we know what that means.  I'm linking up again with all sorts of fun people (AprilKarli AmandaTifAndrea, and Rebecca) for Five on Friday!

    One


    I gave up Diet Coke last week and it has seriously been ROUGH.  I'm talking photosensitivity, blinding headaches, and nausea.  How ridiculous is it that a diet soda makes a person feel like this?!  The good news is that I'm on the road to recovery and I might be over the hump!  I've been drinking green tea as a replacement beverage and want to test out this Iced Green Tea Lemonade recipe since the Starbucks version is so yummy.


    Two

    Today is National Donut Day!  To celebrate, I'm offering a FREE 8x10 printable!  Just CLICK HERE, download and print!  Voila! You have a fun and festive Donut art print!  I mean who doesn't love Donuts (or Sticky Bagels as my sister Georgia called them when she was little)?!


    Three


    I know Muffin and I are seriously late to the party, but we just started How I Met Your Mother this week and are ADDICTED.  Thank you Netflix for allowing me to catch up on some quality television!


    Four

    via

    We've been grilling almost every meal lately and I've had an desire to try a grilled dessert...particularly grilled angel food cake.  I keep hearing it is delicious and I really want to try it out.  I scoured Pinterest for a recipe that looks simple and yummy and found this one.  Here's to hoping it works out!


    Five

    Don't forget to enter in the $140 paypal cash giveaway!  There are only 2 days left!






    Happy Friday!

    Tuesday, June 2, 2015

    #BreakYouMake with Chobani

    Did you know that National Break You Make Day is June 3rd?  Well, it is! I am joining in with Chobani's #breakyoumake campaign to celebrate the fact that everyone could use a break every now and then...especially the moms of the world!

    Today I want to introduce you to one of those moms who definitely deserves a break:  my own!

    Meet Marjorie, a loving, hardworking mother of 3.  As I mentioned last week, I have some long-term health issues and I honestly don't know where I would be today without my mom's fierce love and care.  She has been by my side (literally taking care of me) my entire life and deserves a national day dedicated specifically to taking a break!  I know my sisters would agree when I say that she is the most caring human being we've ever met!



    In addition to her care for my sisters and me, she has a serious affection for animals.  You will be hard pressed to find a dog that doesn't like my mom--I'm serious.  There is something about her gentle spirit that dogs can't resist.  I often joke that my own dogs like her better than me!



    There's also not a project on this earth that my mother cannot conquer.  She can literally do anything.  She can paint walls, build decks, garden, craft, cook, clean, and create memories all in a day's work.
      My mother is a super hero.


    More than anything, however,  she and my dad have built an amazing family for us and for that I will always be grateful.  My mom works so hard to love and care for all of us and one day for a break is not enough to show her our gratitude!



     Who do you know that deserves a break?


    Monday, June 1, 2015

    Happy Monday and a Giveaway!

    Hello world, it's Monday again!

    I spent most of this weekend on my Screen porch and it was glorious!  After surgery, some relaxation time was what I needed (plus, I didn't feel up to much else).






    But now the weekend is over and it's time to get back to work and the real world--boo!  To get the week started off right, I'm joining up with some fun ladies to give away $140 in PayPal cash.  I mean, who doesn't want the chance to win $140?!  Just join in on the giveaway through the rafflecopter link below!


    amy | kristina | tiara | michelle
    karli | danielle
    ashley | katie
    jill | lindsay | sophi | gabrielle | vicki



    While you are all busy joining the giveaway, It's back to work and the real world for me!

    May the odds be ever in your favor :)