Dangle that Bangle

Yesterday, I turned a bunch of bangles into a necklace.

Today, I'll turn them into earrings.

Yes folks it's possible!

blah: faux gold bangles

Bangles + Big, bright earrings bought in Brazil

{make your own by winding crochet thread in a

circle; seal with all purpose glue & allow to dry}

TADA!

Combining two blah elements and adding these

gold pendants produces an accessory

with lots of impact.

Go ahead, rummage through your jewelry stash

and see what wonderful combinations you can

come up with. New looks for very little money!

Have an easy-breezy weekend!

Big and Bold

The quest is on to transform these

neglected bangles from blah to TADA!

blah: bangles that need to step out

of the house more often

blah: scraps of colorful ribbon

Link the bangles together with the ribbon...

TADA!

A statement neckpiece that turns those

jeans & t-shirt days from blah to TADA!

A Crafty Spin

Many bangles means many options.

You see, I've got quite a number of these bangles.

Given that it's Wednesday, I'm still turning

the same thing from blah to TADA!

And you guessed right: there's thread involved.

But don't worry, no beads this time!

I cut a super long piece & secured it to the two bangles

with a double loop. Then I made a mock-knit stitch with

my fingers, making sure the bangles were covered.

TADA! I made something new from something old!

{And quite fashionable if you're into the color-blocking trend!}

Golden Girl

I have these faux gold bangles that are looking

a little blah:

Who says you can't accessorize your

accessories?

Gold beads + gold thread...

...Equals a whole new look.

TADA!

A fun addition to my summer wardrobe!

And I can wear them together with the bangles

I re-fashioned yesterday!

The Bangles

Happy Monday!

I've been organizing my bedside table and in one

of the drawers, I keep my everyday jewelry.

Nothing expensive or precious but each one marking an

exciting trip or an instant-smile-on-my-face memory.

These wanna-be gold bangles remind me

of a merry wedding evening in Seville.

Sheesh, I haven't put them on in a long time!

And that's a blah.

I guess this calls for a make-over.

So I pulled out some matching thread

and some beads from my sewing kit.

TADA! A new look for my bangles!

I "sewed on" a blanket stitch using my fingers and

inserted the beads in an alternating pattern.

I started and ended with multiple loops

so the thread won't unravel.

These remind me of what ladies in India might wear.

And while I've never been to India,

I can always pretend.

Have a wonderful week and to everyone

in the U.S., Happy Memorial Day!

Picnics, Potlucks, Parties

Happy Friday girls & boys!

The warm weather has arrived and that means lots of

time outdoors -- on the deck, in the park, at the beach.

As you and I prepare for all this fun, let me give you a

run down of some of my past blah to TADA! projects.

I'm pretty sure these will come in handy.

blah: a bottle carrier made of cardboard

TADA!: a caddy to organize utensils,

napkins & drinking straws

blah: empty mint dispensers

TADA!: instant salt & pepper shakers

blah: old jam jars

TADA!: dessert in a jar {add a napkin & fork;

secure these to the jar with a rubber band}.

blah: plastic containers to keep the shape of apples or

pears {a common packaging option of warehouse clubs}

TADA!: a cupcake or muffin carrier

{put the cupcakes in the grooves and cover

with a second container; secure with tape}

blah: a plastic egg container

TADA!: a great way to transport deviled eggs!

I wish you all a very awesome weekend!

Shaken not Stirred

This week, I've been busting out the pans & spatulas.

I know, this isn't a food blog but if you think of it,

a lot of recycling really begins in the kitchen.

I love me some apple juice and I consume

copious amounts, leaving me with

plastic bottles like this one.

Blah indeed.

Well, good thing it's picnic season.

Good thing too that I've been trying

some of Gwyneth's recipes:

Yeah, Gwyneth. We're on a first name basis now

that I've taken a peek into her domestic life as

an avid cook and mom through this cookbook.

I just made her Balsamic & Lime Vinaigrette.

It's simple to assemble:

In a bowl, place 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar,

2 tablespoons light agave nectar or honey and

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice. Whisk together.

Slowly whisk in 1/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons olive oil.

Season with salt & pepper.

Or just put everything in the plastic bottle

{now cleaned, dried & labels stripped off }

and shake until well-combined.

Take it to your next picnic to brighten up

salad greens or grilled vegetables.

Salad dressing that's homemade, packed

in a spill-proof, unbreakable & light bottle...

that's what I call TADA!