An American Flag Pillow

My favorite holiday is the 4th of July.  When I was a kid it used to mean fireworks and free hot dogs at the fire station.  Since then it's become a reminder of the men and women who have served our country.  I have many family members who have served in the military and who are currently serving.  I created this pillow for my friend Stacey, whose husband just returned safely from deployment.

The fabric was ordered from Ebay.

After cutting the flag out, I used hem tape to secure the fabric to the burlap.

A handmade pillow perfect for Memorial Day and July 4th!

I hope you enjoyed the patriotic twist on my burlap pillow.

I am linking this post to: 

Savvy Southern Style

By Stephanie Lynn

Honey Butter Sauce for Chicken and Waffles

 I've never had chicken and waffles in a restaurant although Gladys Knight's is very close by.  My logic: If I can make something at home, I won't order it in a restaurant.

So when my sister visited last summer she requested chicken and waffles.  I happily obliged!  It’s a surprisingly good combination.  The chicken was flavorful and the waffles were light and fluffy on the inside.  I recommend that you drizzle honey butter on top.  It makes them even better!   

Ingredients- Honey Butter Sauce

1/2 cup salted butter

1/3 cup honey

Directions 

Melt butter in small saute pan, and cook until it turns a golden brown.  Drizzle in honey and stir to incorporate.  Serve and enjoy

*If chicken and waffles aren't your thing honey butter goes well with muffins and rolls.  My kids love it on popcorn.

I am linking this post to: 

Weekend Potluck

Cleaning Out the Flower Bed

The front flower bed had become wild looking.

After years of not weeding the plants had become overgrown and unmanageable.  As the spring weather rolled in it was time to tackle more yard work.  So I dug up all the old plants in the flower bed and removed all the weeds. 

Here's what the flower bed looks like now!

 We have lots of shade in the front of the house, so I chose to plant hydrangeas.  I love hydrangeas!  I have 2 small plants on the other side of the yard that I've had success with so adding more was any easy choice.

 Hydrangeas remind my husband of his late Nana.  I planted them with her in mind.

The Endless Summer Hydrangea has repeat blooms from spring through fall.

Mulch adds the finishing touch.

I added few hanging baskets for instant color.

Flowers on the front step make for a pretty entry.

Our old door mat was wearing thin, so I replaced it with this one.

Cleaning up the flower bed truly made a difference.  I enjoy sitting on the porch looking out into the yard much more now.

What have you been up to lately?  Have you planted your flowers yet?

Cocktail Coasters

Summer is all about spending time outdoors and outdoor entertaining is on my mind!  We've been working very hard on our deck to create a casual area for eating and a place to sip a cocktail or two.  And since no one likes water rings left on their furniture, I made a few coasters.

Ceramic tiles are cheap, I bought mine for about .30 each at Home Depot.  Wallpaper samples are free from Serena & Lily and Farrow & Ball. (Thanks again, Caitlin!)

I used a tile as my guide, then traced and cut the paper into 4 squares.

 To adhere the paper to the tiles I used equal parts clear Elmer's glue and water.  After the paper was dry I gave each coaster a few thin coats of Polycrylic.  I allowed them to cure for a few days before using.  The last step is to add felt pads or cork to the bottom of each coaster for surface protection.

They would also make a thoughtful housewarming gift.

Easy and inexpensive!

Cheers to summer!

I am linking this post to:

Summer Celebration Link Party
The SITS girls
Cupcakes and Crinoline
It's Overflowing