Blog Archives
Uh, oh! Police got me!
Haha!! Keep reading. Y’all know I love buying and growing Bonnie Plants. I’ve told you before in my Kitchen Herbs and QRcodes post last year, that I am so pleased with the Bonnie plants I buy every year! Basil, peppers, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and more. Every year! But did you know that Bonnie Plants is a lot of fun on social media too? They are! I highly suggest following them! There are always lots of great photos, tips, and great projects, too!
Here’s what happened, today:
I posted on Instagram. I usually tag @BonniePlants in my vegetable posts, since my plants are all Bonnie, so they’re pretty used to seeing me and my antics on IG. Well, today, I was having a little fun with an iPhone photo editting app called “Halftone” that allows users to create photos that look like comic strips and BonniePlants caught me slipping from my morning duties! So fun! If I lived in Alabama where they’re headquartered, I’d totally apply for employment with Bonnie. It seems like such a fun group, plus they get to be around all the wonderful plants! Yumm! Love it!
So here are my Halftone comic photos and last is the screenshot of Instagram with @BonniePlants:
See, BUSTED! Police got me! Hahahahaaaa!
If I go to veggie jail, I’ll just make a salad and be happy to stay!
Love it!
Your Friend and a total Bonnie Plants fan,
~Amber Hamilton Henson
PS
Go follow Bonnie Plants on social media! Love.
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Ornament Window Valance
Click on photo to enlarge it.
When a window needs to be dressed, it doesn’t have to be fabric, right? Right! . . .and, when you enjoy sparkly, metallic ornaments, you shouldn’t reserve them exclusively for Christmas trees for only a few weeks a year, true? True!
You and I are on the same page. We think hanging a bunch of sparkly ornaments on a curtain rod as a valance in a guest powder is a perfectly dandy form of window treatment! Yes, yes we do!
Which sort of ornaments did I choose for said valance? Well, the most fun and sparkliest ones, of course! Roses, glitter coated birds, bird cages, golden sweet pea pods with pearls of peas, crystal diamonds, and more!
I’ll refrain from showing you photos of my porcelain sink, manufactured marble shower, and toilet in this little powder room, because well, it’s just a bathroom. However, I WILL show you the gilded mirrors on the wall above a lovely pitcher and houseplants and part of my rock and crystal collection and…
Speaking of houseplants, I just love them so much! I have to have at least one in every room, multiples in many rooms, and even artificial ones for high shelves where watering would be difficult.
Do you keep many houseplants? I worry that I may have a few too many at times, particularly when I find myself keeping them in large stainless pots in the kitchen that would otherwise be used to boil a chicken! Haha! With temps consistently over 90*F this time of year, who wants to heat up the kitchen by boiling a whole chicken anyway?! 🙂
Your Friend,
~Amber Hamilton Henson
Love Linking! Check out the parties:
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2014/06/frugal-friday_19.html
ArkansasWomenBloggers ~ Sunday Link Up
SavvySouthernStyle ~ Wow Us Wednesday
EverydayEnchanting ~ Inspiration Link Party
SweetBellaRoos ~ Pin it Thursday
MyRepurposedLife ~ Catch as Catch Can
FunkyJunkInteriors ~ PJ #246
Under the Dome
Click on photo to enlarge it.
Oh, y’all… Oh, y’all! Guess what I did? For the first time ever, I’ve put an arrangement under a glass dome. I can already tell you that I’m so pleased; I envision buying many more to encapsulate my treasures and little dried floral arrangements. Why had I waited so long to embrace the glass dome, when it is obviously capable of instantly elevating any object or arrangement to rare specimen status? Glass dome, y’all. Glass dome. I’m late to the party when it comes to speckling glass domes throughout my decor, but I’m here, now!
Click on photo to enlarge it.
Click on photo to enlarge it.
Hanging on the wall near my new dome is one of my favorite paintings of a barn. It’s a favorite because it reminds me of my Gram, my paternal grandmother. No, she’s never had a barn or lived on a farm, but she loves barn art. For that reason, this painting reminds me of her and I love seeing it in my living room everyday.
Click on photo to enlarge it.
Click on photo to enlarge it.
I adore that my floral arrangement is still fully visible, yet there is this protective shield that has the added bonus of being able to reflect the light in a pillar along a curving side and a bright glint as the dome nears it’s peak while keeping cute (but often sticky) toddler fingers away from delicate foliage!
(Speaking of toddlers, I’ve never shown my youngest daughters’ rooms on this blog. This week, I’m working on a fun project of draping strings of l.e.d. lights, strands of pennant banner bunting, and garlands of yarn Pom-Pom balls all across my youngest daughter’s yellow bedroom. Details and photos in a week or so, assuming I finish the sewing and the rest of the l.e.d. strands arrive in the mail!)
Click on photo to enlarge it.
Do you use glass domes to enshrine items? Have ideas for what else belongs under a dome? If so, what? I’d love to hear!
Your Friend,
~Amber Hamilton Henson
PS
Check out these two free images I found via TheGraphicsFairy, free for my/your personal use: click to enlarge or visit her site for full size versions and lots of other cool graphics! 😉
What should I do with these images that I’ve fallen in love with? I may just print one and put it in a small frame near my dome or perhaps use one as an image transfer for a pillow?…We’ll see…
PPS
I love linking with blog parties! Its a great way to connect with other bloggers with similar interests! I’ll update this post each day as I link with parties! Check them out:
MyRepuposedLife ~ Catch as Catch Can #168
ReDouxInteriors ~ Best DIY linky #158
ShabbyNest ~ Frugal Friday
Arkansas Women Bloggers ~ Sunday Link Up
Upcycled Tobasco NeckTie Upholstery!
Click on photo to enlarge it.
More often than not, I buy something with plans to change it, but often I have to think about it for awhile before actually initiating change. Usually, it’s just a matter days to finalize my concept for what I want to do, and then I begin procuring supplies to do the task.
Today is different! Today, I bought a piece, knew immediately, and transformed it immediately!
We went to an estate sale this morning and I spotted this ornate, brass vanity stool, and I just had to have it! The manufacturer’s label says it’s made in Italy. I have no idea how old/new it is, but I’d guess 1970s or ’80s. Rather than using it for a vanity stool, I wanted to use it for a foot rest/small ottoman in the living room. It was obvious it needed reupholstery, because I don’t “do” white in my house except for sheets, towels, and candles. Furthermore, it was stained. However, the frame is all heavy metal construction! Heavy, and 18″ tall.
Click on photo to enlarge it.
My husband Mitch suggested we sew together neckties to recover it, since he knows I’ve been diligently waiting to use neckties in a project! (Necktie window valance? Necktie lampshade? Necktie etc?)
So, that’s what happened!
Image Sources used for collage:
1, 2, 3,
The neckties are all sewn together. Then, it wraps around the cushion and is stapled on the underside. Last, it’s just screwed into the frame from the underside!
Click on photo to enlarge it.
I used a fun mix of traditional and whimsical neckties! Some are paisley, one has playing cards, one has hot peppers, and one is a Tobasco brand advertising necktie! Really! How fun is that?! I love it! I may even share this post on their Facebook page. I bet they usually only see recipe posts using their product on their page! Well, today they get to see their Tobasco necktie upcycled! Fun!
Click on photo to enlarge it.
Click on photo to enlarge it.
Click on photo to enlarge it.
I’ve got my sandals off and my feet propped up on it right now as I’m writing!
So, even though this was a fast turn around time for me, I’m really pleased!
Maybe even EXTRA pleased!
What do you think of my results from today’s project? I love comments!
Your Friend,
~Amber Hamilton Henson
PS
This post was Featured! Click on the square image (USSCrafty) to be redirected to the post and to link up your project this week:
I’m linking with some great blog parties! Check them out! (I’m updating this post as I link each day this week!)
ArkansasWomenBloggers ~ Sunday LinkUp
TwiggStudios ~ Sunday Best
USSCrafty – Submarine Sunday #87
BoogieBoardCottage ~ Masterpiece Monday #179
ElizabethAndCo ~ Be inspired #122
ConfessionsOfAPlateAddict ~ the Scoop #122
KammysKorner ~ Trash 2 Treasure
SavvySouthernStyle ~ Wow Us Wednesdays #173
FromMyFrontPorchToYours ~ Treasure Hunt Thursday #159
MyRepuposedLife ~ Catch as Catch Can #168
MissMustardSeed ~ Furniture Feature Friday
ReDouxInteriors ~ Best DIY linky #158
ShabbyNest ~ Frugal Friday
Funky Junk Interiors ~ Upcycled Side Tables
St. Patrick’s Day Fun!
We used a cookie cutter as template/border for pouring our sprinkles onto our St. Patrick’s Day pie! It’s a Jello brand no bake cheesecake that we tinted green with food coloring! Yummy!
My nails are also painted sparkly green for the occasion! Haha! Can’t pinch me!!
I may update this post with a few more pics, tomorrow!
We hope you enjoy your St. Patrick’s Day, too!!
Your Friend,
~Amber Hamilton Henson
Real Butterfly Necklace!
Real Butterfly Necklace!
Here is my new butterfly necklace that I assembled this week … just in time for Spring!
I am so pleased with how it came together!
It is assembled using silver chain, real butterfly wings encased in resin, little stainless steel butterfly charms, lots of jump rings and a lobster clasp.
I’ve taken photos in various light to try to showcase the depth and variation of color of these beautiful butterfly and moth wings. It’s amazing to me how different the wings appear depending upon whether they’re in natural sunlight, indirect light, or under a lamp!
The details: (click on photos to enlarge into a new window)
If you’re interested in seeing more of the jewelry I create, you might like these links of mine:
I Make Bracelets
I Make Necklaces, too
You can also find thumbnail links to many of my other unique craft projects, here:
Amber’s Decor & Craft Tutorials
What do you think of my real butterfly necklace creation?
Please, feel free to be social and share this post via Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter or other!
🙂
Your Friend,
~Amber Hamilton Henson
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
I LOVE It!! Really, really loved it!! It is by far, my favorite new soup discovery!!
Adapted from AllRecipes
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups chopped onions
1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 teaspoons dried dill weed
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
ground black pepper to taste
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup sour cream
DIRECTIONS: (makes 6 servings)
1) Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Saute the onions in the butter for 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and saute for 5 more minutes. Stir in the dill, paprika, soy sauce and broth. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
2) In a separate small bowl, whisk the milk and flour together. Pour this into the soup and stir well to blend. Cover and simmer for 15 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
3) Finally, stir in the salt, ground black pepper, lemon juice, parsley and sour cream. Mix together and allow to heat through over low heat, about 3 to 5 minutes. Do not boil. Serve immediately.
Last night, I’d originally planned to make Sriracha Fig Jam Chicken Wings, but then I remembered that my daughter was cheering at her middle school home basketball game, so I wouldn’t be home to cook. (Stay tuned for the Wings, they’re happening soon, though.) Hubby to the rescue! He offered to cook!! I thought a soup might be a good idea, since its hard to predict exactly when daughter and I would be home… He made mushroom soup for me, and it was AMAZING! Not only was the soup amazingly yummy, it was pretty cool that he found the recipe and made it just for me and daughter, because we LOVE mushrooms. He doesn’t eat them! As a matter of fact, he avoids them at all costs, the same way I avoid all seafood and fish!! Yet, he made mushroom soup for me!! Is there anything hotter than a hot guy in the kitchen? No, there’s not! 🙂 Lucky girls we are!! We loved the “Hungarian Mushroom Soup!!” Thanks, Mitch! We give you 5 of 5 stars!!
~Amber
PS
Want to see what else is cooked in this house? Check my recipes page or find me on Pinterest.
This recipe will link to other blogs and will be updated with those links at the bottom of the post:
Herbal Tea!
Herb Tea in a Brandy Glass? Yep. Why not? Yep; hold it by the stem while the tea is really hot, then move upward when comfortable. Cold hands = not fun. Warm hands? Yes, please!!
Hey! It’s freezing here. Literally. With lows in the 20s, here in Arkansas. Brrrrr, RABBIT!
How do you keep warm when it is this cold outside (or colder)?
Me? Hot Tea! Love it!!
I make my own peppermint tea, usually. It is just dried mint leaves (sweet mint, orange mint, and peppermint) that I grew this summer. The plants are pretty dormant with minimal green leaves, right now, but they’ll be back this coming Spring! This fall, I harvested lots of leaves and flowers, let them dry on a screen, and now I’m using them for tea all winter. Love.
As much as I love my homegrown mint tea, it is awesome to have variety!
On that note, today my daughters and I went downtown to visit a new store downtown, Dandelion Tea & Spice Company. Find them, here. It is a GREAT little shop that is stocked floor to ceiling with teas, spices, & medicinal concoctions. The proprietor tells me that soon they’re going to stock essential oils, too! Yay!
We bought 3 neat tea blends and a crystal / ammo casing necklace from the neighboring shop, Freckled Frog.
The 3 tea blends that I bought from Dandelion:
“Mad Hatter”: sarsaparilla root, cinnamon, orange peel, ginger root, licorice root, cloves
“Hibiscus Heaven”: Hibiscus, Rosehips, orange peel, lemon peel, lemon grass, lemon oil
“Blueberry Green Kukicha”:
Pics: click on photos to enlarge
I’ll be here trying to be warm during the middle of winter. Herbal tea. 😉
Your Friend,
~Amber Hamilton Henson
Trifle
Some of y’all sure make pretty trifles! This isn’t so pretty, but it was certainly a yummy enough dessert for my daughters’ New Year Eve sleepover party last night, apparently, since it is all gone now! Every bit! Love.
Large glass bowl.
Layer of Crumbled brownies.
Layer of Jello Chocolate Pudding.
Layer of Cool Whip.
Layer of Heath brand toffee bits.
Repeat layers. Refrigerate. 🙂
Happy New Year, today!
I’ve got black eyed peas for good luck in the new year cooking on the stove, right now! See my recipe for annual Black Eyed Peas, here and on my recipes page!
🙂
~Amber Hamilton Henson
Sriracha Brussel Sprouts!
So, I found this amazing recipe. Rather, it’s creator found this blog via WordPress. I, then, found the Nerdsteak.com site and this recipe for Sriracha Brussel Sprouts. Readers, I don’t know if you know or not, but WordPress is its own neat community these days! When I first started blogging a year and a half ago, I always felt like I was talking to myself, but finding other blogs to read and realizing that others find this blog is pretty cool, now!
As soon as I saw his recipe, I knew I had to make it! I couldn’t find the exact spice blend that he uses at my local grocery store (I’ll look into buying it online; it looks like a cool brand of spice products), so I used what we, in this house, refer to as “Rooster Sauce.” It is the Huy Fong Foods SRIRACHA. The results were incredible!! AND, it was super easy to make!!
Directions:
Cut Brussel sprouts into halves or quarters
Coat in olive oil, tossing in a bowl
Drizzle and coat in Sriracha in the same bowl (1/2 cup or so)
Spread onto baking sheet and add s&p, to taste
Bake at 350F for about 20 minutes
Stir in more Sriracha and coconut (1/2 cup or so) and almond slivers (1/2 cup)
Return to oven for an additional 5-8 minutes!
Sooooo good!
Pics: (click on photos to enlarge)
I served lamb meatballs with these Sriracha Brussel Sprouts tonight and LOVED it!
Thanks, Nerdsteak.com!
Your Friend,
~Amber Hamilton Henson
PS
This post will link! Please, visit the links at your leisure:
arkansaswomenbloggers’ sunday-link-up
what AMBER loves 