Shanterest: Designing 800

Day 17: Design

As a profession, I'm a graphic designer.  No, I don't like my job. I do, however, like design. I appreciate good design.  I like getting ideas and inspiration from Pinterest.  I like finding awesome pieces and creating them myself.

Here are a couple of design ideas that I fell in love with:

Source: etsy.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: eighteen25.blogspot.com via Shannon on Pinterest

I had fun recreating these pieces for myself.  I am not going to give them to you or sell them in my Etsy store because, well, I pretty much copied them spot on.  I'm pretty good at that because, well, that's what I do... design, not copy.

BUT, inspired my the idea of using lyrics in design, I did make my own, using my favorite line from my favorite song.

I am listing this print in my Etsy store.  Because this very post happens to be my 800th post, I'm offering all of my blog readers 50% off anything in my Etsy store for the remainder of the month!  Enter the coupon code: FALL50 at checkout for the discount!  Not valid on private listings, sorry.

Thanks in advance and HAPPY 800 DAY :o)

Shanterest: Wooden Spoon Trick

Day 16: The Wooden Spoon Trick
Using the same pin as yesterday, I tried out the wooden spoon over a boiling pot of water trick.  Dad always said, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."  Well, this trick proves that theory.  The only reason the water didn't boil over was because I lifted to pot away from the heat. 

Pinterest FAIL.

Shanterest: Frozen Grapes and Lots 'O Wine

Day 15: Frozen Grapes and Lots 'O Wine

Source: repinly.com via Shannon on Pinterest

This may be the most informative pin ever... Obviously I tried out the frozen grapes in the wine trick.  I do not like warm wine at all. In fact, I put ice in it more often than not. I tried out the grape trick because 1) I always have grapes in my freezer for a quick snack, and 2) I have three open bottles of wine in my fridge.



It worked! It was ice cold and delish :o)  In case you were wondering, I am enjoying Simply Naked's Unoaked Moscato.

NOTE: The grapes kind of soak in some of the wine and are pretty strong when the wine is gone... Just sayin'.

Shanterest: Boots and Stripes and Scarves, Oh my!

Day 14: Boots and Stripes and Scarves, Oh my!

Woops! I missed a day... almost missed two days!  I was busy scrapbooking one of the best nights of my 30 living years, also know as THE TRAIN CONCERT!  Yes, I'll blog about it someday :o)  At least during my busy weekend, I looked good!  I don't know about you all, but I can NOT get enough of the boots and scarves this season.  Love 'em!  I liked the mix of color and pattern with the stripes in this pin:

 

 

 

Source: via Shannon on Pinterest

Because I don't have a fun, bold printed scarf as pictured, I decided to layer my scarves instead.  The yellow pops against the black and white stripe and the black crocheted scarf is a nice contrast in pattern.  Typically, I would have worn a skinny jean and black boot, but because of this pin, I decided to go with the brown boots.  I also wore a boot cut jean, tucked in.  I loved the idea of the socks showing through the holes in my knees, but the dumb things kept on falling.  Whatever... Happy fall!

Shirt: Old Navy; Jeans: Maurices; Boots; Old Navy; Yellow Scarf: Glitter;
Black Scarf: no clue; Socks: Forever21; Necklace: H&M

Follow my "Fashion" board on Pinterest!

Shanterest: Pumpkin Muffins

Day 12: Pumpkin Muffins with Crumble Topping

Ready to be really jealous??  I'm taking part in a weekend full of scrapbooking! I went last night, am going back all day today, and then again tomorrow morning!  I can't wait to show-and-tell :o)

During this event, meals are provided.  I signed up for Saturday morning breakfast.  I thought that pumpkin muffins would be a great idea!  I found many recipes on Pinterest, but this one looked super easy. 

Source: tasteofhome.com via Shannon on Pinterest

I love baking from scratch.  Box mixes are great for some things, but when it comes to muffins, no mixes allowed!  This recipe turned out great!

One problem... As I was measuring out the flour:
Jaden: "Mom.  Mommy."
Mike: "Jaden, she can't talk. She's counting."
Jaden: "1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11....."
Me: "JADEN! Stop!"

aaannnnnndddd... the first batch aren't as puffy as the second batch.  Oh well.  I tested them and they are delish!

Shanterest: Teal and Gray

Day 11: Teal and Gray

Source: fashionworship.com via Shannon on Pinterest

I love the color combo in this outfit!  Teal is really popular right now.  I also like the chunky sweater.  Fall is definitely here!

Here's how I re-created this comfy ensemble:

Sweater: Maurices; Shirt: Old Navy; Jeans: Maurices; Shoes: Minnetonka;
Jewelry: garage sales , craft fairs, and  hand-me-downs

Happy Friday!!

Shanterest: Happiness is...

Day 10: Happiness is...

Source: bookriot.tumblr.com via Shannon on Pinterest

I love this quote! I thought it would be perfect on a coffee mug painted at Bisque It!



Love it :o)

Shanterest: Cupcake Wrapper Storage

Day 9: Cupcake Wrapper Storage

How genius is this?!

Source: toriejayne.blogspot.com via Shannon on Pinterest

I have a bunch of random cupcake wrappers. Some were garage sale steals and others are random left-overs from parties and holidays. Either way, they were taking up space that could be used for other things.

Shanterest: Buttermilk Biscuits FREE Today!

Day 8: Cheddar Bay Biscuits and Octo-dogs!



Source: saltnturmeric.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Mmmm.... I LOVE the Cheddar Bay Biscuits at Red Lobster! I could eat dozens and dozens of those things (NO, I'm NOT getting fat on purpose)! When I saw this pin, I got so excited :o)  First of all, let it be known that I get nervous when I'm trying new recipes because I don't know how long they will take, if they will turn our right, or if my family will even like the new creation.  This recipe made me especially nervous because I love the originals so much!

Ingredients:
1 pack buttermilk biscuit mix
1-1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp oregano (you can omit or use less... I used a pinch)
3/4 tsp garlic salt

 They were SO good!  They had a different flavor than Red Lobster's, but still so good... and SO EASY!  Next time, I think I will use 1/4 tsp garlic salt and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. I liked the garlic flavor, but they were a tad too salty.  But, the whole fam liked them, so I consider it a success!

Mike and I had these with chili. Perfect for a cold fall day :o)  The girls had OCTOPUS!

Source: andeverythingsweet.blogspot.com via Shannon on Pinterest

This pin is actually linked to a super cute beach theamed birthday party, but the hot dog idea was pretty fun :o)

I swear this is not becoming a food blog :o)  I have just been getting a lot of dinner ideas from Pinterest lately! Check out my "Food to Try" board!

Shanterest: DIY Fruit and Veggie Wash

Day 7: DIY Fruit and Veggie Wash

Source: aprettylifeinthesuburbs.com via Shannon on Pinterest

So, I came across this pin and thought it was definitely in need of a re-pin.  I super simple way to clean fruit and veggies, not to mention a way of getting rid of that ugly white wax look.  I eat fruit daily and so I thought I'd give it a shot!

The fruit still had the wax look to it.  I was pretty bummed because this process was so easy! Oh well :o)  You win some, you lose some!

I'm needing some more ideas! Let me know if you are on Pinterest so I can follow your boards.  If there is one pin that you have been wanting to try but haven't, let me know!  I'll be your guinea pig :o)