Best Cake EVER!!!!!

This cake takes me back to my childhood and reminds me of some of my fondest memories of my grandma. Everytime I make it I think of her. It is without a doubt my favorite cake ever. And...I know if you make it you will love it too.

Coconut Cake
Yellow or White Cake Mix
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Cream of Coconut
Cool Whip
Shredded Coconut

1. Prepare cake according to instructions on the box.
2. While cake is baking, mix together sweetened condensed milk and crem of coconut.
3. Once cake is removed from oven, poke holes in the cake and pour mixture over it. It might seem like too much, but go ahead and use it all...it will be worth it.
4. Once cake has cooled completely top with cool whip and sprinkle coconut on top. There is no measurement for the amount of coconut, you can use as much or as little as you like.
5. Enjoy!

I want you to know I had the best intentions to take a picture of the completed cake, but forgot. And then when I did remember most of the cake was gone, and it is not a cake that really photographs well. It falls aparts and gets gooey.....but that really is the best part.

Now go make some cake.......

Where I am partying......
Homework
Project Queen
Coastal Charm
Vintage Wannabee
Sugarbee Crafts
A Diamond in the Stuff
Not Just a Housewife
Funky Polka Dot Giraffe
Home Stories A to Z
Todays Creative Blog
The Trendy Treehouse
aka Design

Some updates and organizing

When I decided to start this blog, I really wanted it to have great content, and be consistent. I haven't really been consistent at all. So I am working on a plan/schedule that will keep posts more regular and full of variety. I know I want to share recipes, furniture projects, house updates and simple and quick projects. So, soon I will share some ideas and new themes with everyone.

I am also considering changing the name of my blog. From the Ground Up completely describes that process we are going through with building our house but doesn't really work for all the content that I want to be able to share. If you have any suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated.

Stay tuned........

a month of thanksgiving.....

Today I am so grateful for my husbands job. He is a fireman and works 24 hours and then has 48 hours off. It give us time together that we wouldn't normally have if he worked an 8-5 job.

a month of thanksgiving.......

Feeling so blessed today to have my children. It is unbelievable how much fun they are. Love them both so much!

a month of thanksgiving...

Today I am so grateful for God's creation. I see so much beauty in nature and in the people around me that it is impossible not to give Him all the glory and praise.

a month of thanksgiving......

Today I am thankful for having plenty. It is so easy to forget how blessed I am. But, I truly am thankful to have enough, and not just enough but extra. We have all we need and then some. Thank you Lord, for all you have given us.

Restored Card Catalog

I cannot take any credit for this project at all, but I had to share it. My husband spent so much time and energy tuning this into something worth displaying. The results are incredible!
Here is the before

He had already started working on it before I had a chance to take a complete before. But you get the idea. The drawers were cracked. There was a lot of sun damage.

This is after most of the sanding was finished.

And the after......

Amazing, huh! I love it!


Linking up to these parties:
Funky Junk Interiors
Between Naps on the Porch
Boogie Board Cottage
Making the World Cuter
The DIY Showoff
Under the Table and Dreaming
Home Stories A to Z
Not just a Housewife
A Diamond in the Stuff
Vintage Wannabee
Homework
Blue Cricket Design
Creations by Kara
Handy Man Crafty Woman
Savvy Southern Style
Southern Lovely
2805
504 Main
Simply Designing
Keeping it Simple
Sumo's Sweet Stuff
Project Queen
Coastal Charm
Sugarbee Crafts
Funky Polkadot Giraffe
Todays Creative Blog
The Trendy Treehouse
The Inspired Collection
aka Design

a month of thanksgiving....

Today I feel so blessed and thankful for my home. We live in a small 2 bedroom 85 year old house that we just love. It is cozy and so cute. I am so grateful to have a place to call home.

a month of thanksgiving...

Today I am thankful for my project list and a creativity. I love having projects to work on, just wish I had more time to get them done.

a month of thanksgiving....

I completely forgot to post what I am grateful for yesterday, but it was definitely patience that I did not have under my own strength. God gives me so much patience and peace in times that I would be falling apart.

a month of thanksgiving....

Today I am so thankful for motivation and amazing parents who are always willing to babysit.

a month of thanksgiving...

I am so thankful today for a lazy afternoon and coffee.

a month of thanksgiving.....

Today I am so thankful for my marriage.

a month of thanksgiving...

I am beyond words grateful for all the men and women who have given their time, loyalty, and many of them their lives, so that I would be able to enjoy the great freedoms of this country. Thank you to all who serve in the military.

a month of thanksgiving...

Today I am thankful for answered prayers.

a month of thanksgiving...

Today I am thankful for my Mema. She passed away a year ago and is greatly missed. But I am so grateful for the time that I go to spend with her. She was an amazing woman who is dearly missed.

a month of thanksgiving....

I am so thankful today for my parents. They ahve always been so wonderful to me and taught me so much. There is no way I could ever thank them or repay them for all they have done, but I am beyond grateful for their influence and love in my life.

Bubble Magnets Tutorial

I want to share a super simple tutorial with you today. I wanted to make some really cute magnets for my kids.

Here is final product:

So here is what you will need to make some of these for yourself or for your little ones:
~scrap book paper or cardstock
~glass beads with a flat bottom
~hot glue gun
~any craft glue that dries clear

There is a few different ways that you can do these. I used a printer so that all of my letters would be the same style and much cuter than my own handwriting.

Just figure out what font you would like to use and test print so that you make sure you are happy with the size. Then trace and cut out your letters. Cut slightly smaller than your trace line so there is no overhang on you bead.

This step is tedious, unfortunately there is no way to avoid it.

Next you will just paint glue on the side of the paper you want to show, then stick it to your bead. Make sure to get it straight and get any bubbles out of the glue.

Lastly, you will hot glue your magnets onto the back of the bead. It is best to let the craft glue dry completely before hot glueing. I used ceramic magnets with a strong hold. The other option is to buy magnetic sheets and cut it to size. I didn't like that option as much because the sheets don't have as strong of a magnetic hold and I wanted magnets that really are very funtional as well as attractive.

The end results are so fun and the possibilties are endless. I made a few memory verses for my kids also, using larger glass beads.

These would make great stocking stuffers, teachers gifts....just think of the possibilties. Now, go get busy and make something cute.

Come party with me here:
Making the World Cuter
Between Naps on the Porch
Keeping it Simple
Sumo's Sweet Stuff
Dittle Dattle
Todays Creative Blog
Home Stories A to Z

a month of thanksgiving...

Today I am thankful to our new home. We are so blessed with the opportunity to build our new home. The process is starting and we are overwhelmed with gratefulness at what a blessing this opportunity is for us.

a month of thanksgiving......

Today I am thankful for my church family. There is so much love and fellowship together that it really is a second family for me. I love serving our Lord with them.

Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats

I have become quite addicted to pinterest, who isn't? Browsing through recipes I found a new version of rice krispie treats, to say the least I was intrigued. Seriously, rice krispie treats with the added flavor of cake.....delicious!

With the help of my son, we made these...

Trust me, you are going to want to make a batch. So here it is:

Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats
3T of butter
10oz mini marshmallows
1/3 cup of yellow cake mix (unprepared)
6 cups of rice cereal
Sprinkles

Melt together the butter and marshmallows. One they have begun to melt slowly add in the cake mix.
Then the sprinkles (I think we used 3T).
Mix in the cereal, and transfer to 9x13 pan. Top with even more sprinkles.

Enjoy!!!


Parties I am linking to:
Funky Junk Interiors
My Simple Home Life
Stuff and Nonsense
The Shabby Nest
Dittle Dattle
Making the World Cuter

a month of thanksgiving....

Today I am thankful for rest.

a month of thanksgiving.......

Today I am thankful for freedom. I am so grateful to the men and women who have give their lives and time to protect the freedoms that we often take for granted. I am also so grateful for the freedom I have in Christ Jesus.

a month of thanksgiving..........

Day 3
Today I am thankful for my husband. He is so hardworking and dedicated. I am beyond blessed to have a man that is so kind and wonderful to me.

a month of thanksgiving....

Day 2
I am so thankful for forgiveness and love. Everyday God makes it more and more obvious to me how much I need Him and how deeply He loves me. Thank you Lord!

a month of thanksgiving..........

Day 1
Today I am so thankful for the time I am blessed to spend with my family.

Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these stars. The One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; because of thegreatness of His might and the strength of His power. Not one of them is missing.
Isaiah 40:26 (NASB)

Words of Encouragement

I am a Christian. My faith lies soley in my God, Jesus Christ. My goal is to live my life daily in service to Him. I hope that when the day comes He can look at me and say "well done, my good and faithful servant."

There are passages in The Bible that truly lift my head and spirit, and I hope that they will bring encouragement to you also.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.
Psalms 139:14 (NKJV)

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV)

Mason Jar Dispensers

I have officially jumped on the mason jar band wagon. I am in love and have a few other projects to show you with mason jars. But, today it is dispensers.

This is the easiest project ever, and can add so much personality to a kitchen or bathroom.
I bought some soap pumps here
that were much nicer than what I could find at Hobby Lobby. With a little help from oil-rubbed bronze spray paint, the lids were almost the same color as the pumps.
Here is a great picture tutorial for you. I would suggest buying the pumps the color you want them to be and then painting the lids to match, to avoid the paint scraping off.

Here is how mine turned out

So that is boring, I must fill 'em up and put 'em to good use.

I love this one in the full of lotion in the bathroom.

These two are on the ledge in from of my kitchen sink with dish soap and hand soap. I love the color and they are so much cuter than a plain soap bottle.

Now go find yourself some mason jars and add a little vintage style to your home.



Partying here:
Vintage Wanna Bee
Today's Creative Blog
Home Stories A to Z
Funky Polka Dot Giraffe
A Diamond In the Stuff
Not just a Housewife
Homework
Blue Cricket Designs
Eisy Morgan
Handy Man Crafty Woman
2805
Funky Junk Interiors
Under the Table and Dreaming

Tiered Dessert Stand

My project folder has been growing daily, and now that I joined the Pinterest movement it is a little out of control. One of the project I finally got to is a tiered stand. I have seen so many tutorials on how to make these and finally found one I had to copy.

All I needed was a clearance melamine plates from Target, a brass candlestick from a 2nd hand shop( just make sure it unscrews in at least one place), and an adorable knob from Hobby Lobby and my tiered stand took shape.

Here is the final result....

I think the owl approves

Linking up here:
Between Naps on the Porch
Making the World Cuter
Sumo's Sweet Stuff
Under the Table and Dreaming
Vintage Wanna Bee
Not Just a Housewife
Homework
Blue Cricket Design
Eisy Morgan
Handy Man Crafty Woman
2805

Barn Light Electric Giveaway

I absolutely love Barn Light Electric. They have some very unique and beautiful fixtures. They are perfect for any style and a great addition to any room to add personality and character. LOVE 'EM!
Here are some of the pieces I am hoping to have in my new home:

Barn Light Electric is doing a fabulous giveaway! They’re giving away one $1,000 Grand Prize and one $500 2nd Place Prize to two lucky winners who enter their homes. The two winners will each receive a Barn Light Electric Gift Certificate to purchase new lighting for their homes or to finish off that lingering renovation project.

Are you kidding me?! Talk about a kid in a candy store!

If you’d like to enter, here’s how:

1.Look around online at Barn Light Electric and pick lights you’d love to win.
2.Share your picks on your blog and link to the lights if you can.
3.Copy and paste these rules at the bottom of your blog post.
4.Once your post is up, you must email your blog link to: contest@barnlightelectric.com to be qualified to win. The contest ends October 12th, 2011.

Someone gave me an award......seriously

Sharon at From Rags to Rainbows awarded me with The Versatile Blogger Award. I was am completely shocked and so flattered.

Thank you so much Sharon for thinking of me.
Make sure you check her out at From Rags to RainbowsI have no doubt you will be inspired by her incredible talents and amazing pieces.

As a recipient of The Versatile Blogger Award, there are 3 rules to follow...

1. Thank the person who awarded you.
2. Tell 7 things about yourself that your readers may not know.
3. Award 7 other bloggers with this award.

Once again, thank you so much Sharon. I am so honored that you thought of me and my tiny but growing blog.

7 Things you don't know about me:
1. I do not sew, and it is unlikely that I will ever learn.
2. I have 2 kids, Maddox is 4 and Amaya is 2.
3. My parents own a pecan orchard, which has given me a love for trees. I am sure you will start to see that as I share more projects.
4. I love to run and would really like to run a marathon....or maybe just a half marathon.
5. We have lived in a tiny 2 bedroom house for 5 years, had 2 kids here and tons of memories. Even though we are about to start building a new home I am going to be very sad to leave our historical home.
6. Aside from my years in college, I have lived in New Mexico my entire life.
7. I am completely awful at making decisions.

Now for the really fun part, I get to choose 7 more amazing bloggers to award. These are some women who have great ideas and are so inspiring to me.
Ethereal Plus what I Love
Reno and Reorganization
Homemade Lovely
A Mom not a Professional...
The Small Things Blog
The Gathering Place Design
The Cellar Door

All of these womens blogs have truly inspired me in so many ways. Please take the time to visit them, and let them know I sent you.

Killer Peanut Butter Bars

These are without a doubt the most delicious peanut butter dessert I have ever eaten. And so easy to make too. Get ready to get baking because I promise you will love this treat. It is 2 mouthwatering layers of peanut butter topped with heavenly chocolate.

Layered Peanut Butter Bars

Cookie Base
1 pouch of peanut butter cookie mix
3 T vegetable oil
1 T water
1 egg

Filling
1/2 cup butter, sofented
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp milk

Frosting
1 cup semisweet choc. chips
1/4 cup butter

1. Heat oven to 350. Grease a 9x13 pan

2. In a large bowl stir together all cookie base ingredients until a soft dough forms. Press dough into the bottom of the pan. Bake 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely, about 1 hour.

3. In a small bowl beat all filling ingredients on medium speed until smooth. Spread evenly over cookie base.

4. In a microwaveable bowl, combine butter and chocolate chips. Heat on hig about 30seconds, stir until smooth. Be cautious not to overcook. Let cool about 10 minutes then spread over filling.

5. Refridgerate 30 minutes, or until set.

Enjoy!!!


Partying here:
Eisy Morgan
Handy Man, Crafty Woman
Savvy Southern Style
Southern Lovely
Gluesticks
Thrify Decorating
Thrifty 101
Fireflies and Jellybeans
Fabulously Flawed
Beyond the Picket Fence
Delightful Order
Simple Home Life
Stuff and Nonsense
Designer Garden
2805
Funky Junk Interiors

Link Parties I Love

Great parties for ideas and inspiration

Monday
Between Naps on the Porch
Boogieboard Cottage
Dittle Dattle
Keeping It Simple
Making the World Cuter
Sumo's Sweet Stuff
The DIY Showoff
Thrifty Decor Chick

Tuesday
Get your Craft on
Home Stories A2Z
Funky Polka Dot Giraffe
Not just a Housewife
A Diamond in the Stuff
Sugar bee Crafts
Vintage Wanna Bee
Coastal Charm
Night Owl Crafting
Trendy Treehouse
The Project Queen
Homework
The Inspired Collection


Wednesday
Blue Cricket Design
Creations By Kara
Eisy Morgan
Handy Man Crafty Woman
Savvy Southern Style
Southern Lovely
aka Design

Thursday
Thrifty Decorating
Thrifty 101
Gluesticks
Fireflies and Jellybeans
Fabulously Flawed
Beyond the Picket Fence
Delightful Order

Friday
2805
504 Main
At the Picket Fence
Chic on a Shoestring
Common Ground
Designer Garden
Simply Designing
Redoux
The Shabby Nest
Stuff and Nonsense
Simple Home Life

Weekends
Funky Junk Interiors
Be Different Act Normal
Under the Table and Dreaming

The $25 ugly desk

Just a few months back I went to my very first estate sale....seriously! I completely shocked Jared (my husband) when I picked out a desk. He thought it was so ugly, and did not want me to buy it. However, I had a vision for it. It was marked $50, which was higher than I was willing to spend. But they let me take it for half, so I snacthed it up.
Here it is, in all its ugly glory



I know, I know......it was pretty bad!
Surprisingly, Jared actually let me do the work on it myself. So, I sanded it, primed it and painted it. And here it is now, lovely and bright.



The sad thing is, the desk is just sitting in storage now until we actually have our new home finished. Then her home will be in my daughter Amayas' room. I am working on a moodboard for her room and will have it done soon and will share it with you.


Parties I am linking up to:
Get your Craft on
Home Stories A2Z
Funky Polka Dot Giraffe
Not just a Housewife
A Diamond in the Stuff
All Things Related
Sugar bee Crafts
Vintage Wanna Bee
Coastal Charm
Night Owl Crafting
Trendy Treehouse

Blue Cricket Design
Creations By Kara
Eisy Morgan
Handy Man Crafty Woman
Savvy Southern Style
Southern Lovely

Thrifty Decorating
Thrifty 101
Gluesticks
Fireflies and Jellybeans
Fabulously Flawed
Beyond the Picket Fence
A Glimpse Inside

2805
504 Main
At the Picket Fence
Chic on a Shoestring
Common Ground
Designer Garden
Simply Designing
Redoux
The Shabby Nest
Stuff and Nonsense
Simple Home Life

Funky Junk Interiors

Be Different Act Normal
Under the Table and Dreaming

Here's the story.....

Let me be honest.....I am not creative, and I do not consider myself very crafty either. However, about 18 months ago I started getting the urge to DIY things I would never have considered before. And now I have a growing project folder that just baffles me. I have heard from my family on numerous occasions how they never expected me to do all the things I have been trying.

My husband and I are about to begin a journey that is HUGE! We are going to build a home. We have been working with someone on our floorplans for about 6 months now and they are just nearly complete. Our well has been started...finally! And I am desperately trying to figure out how I am supposed to decorate an entire home when I can barely make decisions like paint color. This should be interesting.

Here is a peek at our lot, and the site of our future home. It is 5 acres with an amazing view.




Now just picture a beautiful home with a wrap-around porch and eventually that will be reality.