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Posts made in July, 2012
Sugar and Charm has shared the trick to getting vibrantly colored glassware for less in her tutorial for Enamel Painted Vases.
We love the chic and modern look of these colorful, and functional pieces.
Please click here to visit Sugar and Charm and see the instructions that we followed!
Reviewer #1 - Maren
Mission: I really love the look of these vases. I see them all the time on Pinterest, and I just can’t get enough! I am really excited to learn this technique, as I think that it will be a fun way to add pops of color to our home decor.
Details:
- I decided to start on a smaller scale, so I used 2 vintage jars that I [no kidding] dug out of the dirt in the back of our property! The existing home that was torn down was built in 1904, so they had their own little dump in back. We found all sorts of weird shit; bowling balls, rusty bikes, beer cans… and tons of little glass jars!
- Of course, I used Martha Stewart Craft Paint. I love you Martha.
- I didn’t know what the H surface primer was. Is it Gesso
? I also couldn’t find anything called “Surface Primer” at JoAnn… so I skipped it.
Tips & Tricks Learned:
#1 use a craft paint with a thinner consistency. I love you Martha, but the paint was too thick to drip out as I expected. Also, too thick to dry within 15 minutes – when I went to even it out I just picked up the paint that was drying and moved it around 
This was extremely frustrating. Perhaps this was the purpose of the “surface primer”…
After screwing up my previously painted interior several times since the first coat wasn’t totally dry, I decided that I should probably create some type of “Frustration Scale” for you. Example: This project resulted in 3 F Bombs, 2 S.O.B.’s and an undocumented number of “sh*ts.”
I needed to step away… Rosie and I made our Salt Dough Paw Prints.
The only way this was going to work was for each coat to totally dry. I left them sit overnight. The following morning I was a little sad to see that the deep ridges from my thick paint and brush strokes had dried in tact. Whatever, no one will be looking inside. I proceeded to apply 2 more coats, waiting about 12 hours in between each. Yes, this project took me 3 days to complete.
In the end, I LOVE them! They’re great! I know that I’ll do this project again with the lessons learned – use thinner paint, apply a surface primer – I will use Gesso, and chill the hell out.
A total plus to using Martha’s Paint… if I leave them alone and wait 21 days for them to “cure,” they’ll be dishwasher safe!!! WHAT!! See, I knew I loved you, Martha.
Pros:
They look great!
Cons:
Not exactly the most relaxing project on the first go for an OCD wreck like me, but will be much better the next time! I think that I’ll add vodka first… to me.
Conclusion:
Even though I nearly had a nervous breakdown trying to get these to look perfect, I definitely intend on doing this project again. I truly love the end result. Although they might be rough on the inside… they appear perfect on the outside so no need to fret!
I can’t wait to recreate on a larger scale once we decorate our new home!
Reviewer #2 - Kristy
Mission: I was hesitant to do this project but I knew it was one I would enjoy learning! I am redoing my bedroom décor and I know yellow vases would be perfect. I will start small then I may do a few more pieces for my office.
Details:
- I chose a glass container with a lid as it cost me .60 cents helping keep the cost down and I didn’t want to ruin the glass vase I purchased. This was my tester for color and to see the results before continuing on other pieces. I did not purchase any frost or the surface conditioner so I am crossing my fingers that this project turns out.
- For color I chose Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint, in Bright Yellow
, which cost me $1.00.
- To start the project, I cleaned the jar well then squeezed a generous amount of yellow paint into the container.
- I snapped the lid on to more easily swirl the paint around the container. I was extremely generous on the paint, as a result, it was quick and easy to coat. I did not have a small paint brush on hand so I needed the extra squeeze of paint. The edges were more difficult to cover so I simply used my fingers to spread paint to cover the edges. I did notice a couple of tiny bubbles but so small that I don’t think anyone will notice.
- Once painted, I flipped the container over on a stack of paper towels and let the paint drip out to begin the drying process.
- Being the impatient person that I am, I decided to see how much paint had drained out. A TON, so let it sit. Just walk away or you will have a huge mess!
- Get ready for the extra paint; it looks like most of it will drain out while I have it sit out over-night.
- The finished project did not turn out as expected. I guess having the glass sit out in 107 degree weather with humidity was a very bad idea. Sad, all of the paint dripped out.
Tips & Tricks Learned:
Don’t move the vase or container after flipping it, as it makes a huge mess. It’s best just to fold several napkins and set the container directly on top and let it be until it dries.
Be prepared, have the paint brush on hand so you won’t have to use quite as much paint or your fingers. I was a little nervous that the brush might make the glass streaky. You would likely use less paint if you could paint the inside with the brush instead of my technique.
Keep the bugs away; I had little bugs join in the paint party as I was completing my project on the ground.
Beware of the temperature, set it inside if it is too hot or too humid outside.
Pros:
It was cheap and makes such an impact of color. This project cost me under $2.00!
Cons:
It’s a little messy and the unknown of how it will turn out.
Conclusion:
This project did not turn out as expected but I will definitely do again! Next time I will be conscious of the weather as that will play a role in this project. There are so many varieties of colors and textures that can be used. I want to try the frosted acrylics and create white vases for my offices. This is a cute idea for gifts, too! It is an easy project to make such an impact on your home décor, I hope next time the heat doesn’t destroy the finished project.
Stay tuned as I will be redoing this project as time permits!
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The Curvy Carrot has shared a delicious recipe for Strawberry Bruschetta that looks as delicious as it is easy on the eyes!
Fresh ingredients like strawberries and basil, paired with rich goat cheese, balsamic vinegar and a crispy baguette! We had to try this one out!
Please click here to visit The Curvy Carrot and see the recipe that we followed!
Reviewer #1 - Amanda
Mission: Create a unique appetizer that is still family friendly.
Details:
- I didn’t have a French baguette so I opted for cutting a couple of Ciabatta Rolls instead.
- I also opted to leave the cracked pepper off in hopes that my family would actually try it. This was a smart move but when I make it again I will add the pepper. It would bring a nice bite to the dish.
Tips & Tricks Learned:
Dice the strawberries small – per the instructions. It makes it easier to eat them. Also, let the balsamic and olive oil sit on the bread, cheese and topping before consuming.
Pros:
Pretty and SO tasty! It is a lovely combination of sweet and savory. Perfect pairing with wine!
Cons:
There really are none. I personally loved this dish and plan to make it again for people who can appreciate it as much as me (my family was as excited as I was about the dish but mainly that was because we had a LOT of food in addition to the appetizers on our table to consume).
Conclusion:
This is a fun way to bring sweet and savory together in one dish. Perfect for a dinner party and ideal for a night of wine and snacks. I will definitely be making this one again!
Reviewer #2 - Sheri
Mission: At first glance on Pinterest these things look delectable. A sweet take on the traditional bruschetta. I clicked on a gorgeous pin that initially to me to a fantastic food blog called Annie’s Eats.
The recipe itself looked simple, but to be honest it didn’t sound as delectable as I originally thought. Black pepper, olive oil, and basil with strawberries!? Let’s just say my husband and parents were giving me strange looks as I was preparing it.
Details:
- First I sliced up a cup of strawberries and coated them with a tablespoon of sugar.
- While I let the strawberries stand in the sugar I sliced the baguette.
- Then it was assembly time. I spread the goat cheese on the baguette and then applied the strawberries and sprinkled them with some fresh ribbon-cut basil.
- Lastly, it was time to drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over them and finish it off with some fresh ground black pepper.
Tips & Tricks Learned:
Tips I am going to use the next time I make these:
a.) Toast the baguettes a little. Spreading the goat cheese on soft bread was tough and I think a little bit of crunch might make them a little better.
b.) Be cautious when “drizzling” the balsamic vinegar. I ended up dousing a few.
Pros:
They’re fast. They’re pretty. They taste surprisingly great.
Cons:
Trying to get someone to try them.
Conclusion:
As previously stated, these little appetizers looked fabulous but after reading the recipe I got a little bit nervous. My husband and parents were good sports and tried them…then we devoured the entire plate. They were fantastic.
The sugary strawberries were paired nicely with the balsamic vinegar, tangy goat cheese, and even the basil and ground black pepper. So yes, they are as good as they look and easy to assembly to boot.
Reviewer #3 – Sarah
Mission: To try out this yummy sounding summer appetizer.
Details:
- Baguette
- Strawberries
- Goat cheese
- Basil
- Olive Oil
- Balsamic
- Salt and pepper
Tips & Tricks Learned:
Pre-mix your olive oil and balsamic and just use a spoon to drizzle it over the strawberries on your bread/goat cheese mix.
Pros:
Easy and delicious.
Great way to use in-season fruits and herbs – I picked the basil fresh from my garden!
Awesome combination of savory and sweet.
Cons:
In my opinion, more of a gals-type appetizer. I don’t foresee many of the guys in my friends circle even giving this one a try.
Conclusion:
This appetizer was AMAZING! I was hosting for my book club (consisting of 10 gals) and made this as the appetizer and there were rave reviews! It was an easy one to prep and a delicious one to eat! And, on top of that – it is just beautiful to look at…great colors!
I’m pretty sure everyone at the book club requested this recipe. I will be adding this one to my recipe box 
Reviewer #4 – Mandy
Mission: Find a unique twist on my usual garlic/tomato/basil bruschetta that I love to serve. It’s my “go-to” app.
Details:
- I followed the recipe as written. It was super easy to follow and turned out fabulous!
- I made the bruschetta again at a later date and forgot to drizzle the bruschetta with balsamic. It was good, but not as full-flavored as the first go-around.
Tips & Tricks Learned:
Don’t skip or forget any of the ingredients as I explained above.
It helps to “fan” the strawberry slices on the bread. Helps with the messy eating.
Pros:
Pretty easy. As long as you have access to the ingredients, you’ll be fine. I was in my hometown (a smaller town) and it took a little bit of digging to find goat cheese. It’s Wisconsin… land of cow cheese, I guess.
So, so yummy!! Everyone that I had try it (even the picky eaters) loved it.
It’s also a little unique. People would typically think of a bruschetta to include tomatoes, basil, etc. This is a unique spin on it that is really good!
Cons:
There aren’t many… maybe it can get a little messy? Probably not a passed-type of appetizer.
Also, so good that you can’t stop eating… goat cheese calories galore!!
Conclusion:
Yum. Yum. Yum. I think this is such a great, easy appetizer that is unique and delicious.
Reviewer #5 - Maren
Mission: Try out a new twist on my favorite hors d’oeuvre!
Details:
I followed The Curvy Carrot’s recipe to a T! I didn’t forget anything or screw anything up! So proud.
Tips & Tricks Learned:
My baguettes were pretty dinky; a little tough to fit the strawberries on. However, they were the perfect size to shove in your mouth. Next time I think I’ll get the standard two-biter size.
I mixed my balsamic vinegar and olive oil together first, then spooned over the strawberry topping. I felt like a genius.
I found that the vinegar made the bruschetta slices a little soggy, so next time, I would either bake the slices to make them crispier, or use a balsamic reduction… leaning towards the reduction option because I LOVE balsamic vinegar!
Lastly, don’t go too thin on the goat cheese. It really adds to the flavor! My mom agreed. In reference to a few that were a little light on the cheese she said, “Well, they’re not knocking my socks off, but that doesn’t mean that I won’t keep shoving them in my face.” Haaha!
Pros:
Totally amazing! Such a unique and yummy combination of flavors.
Easy to make + easy on the eyes!
This recipe is easy enough to make any night of the week, guests or not!
Cons:
None – seriously, these were great.
Conclusion:
They are so pretty and easy to prepare - I cannot wait to make this the next time we have guests! My mom, husband and I couldn’t eat enough of these suckers! We practically licked the plate. I will recommend this tasty dish for years to come.
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Who hasn’t drooled over this gorgeous treat? Fresh ingredients like strawberries and basil, paired with rich goat cheese, balsamic vinegar and a crispy baguette! We had to try this one out!
Join us tomorrow for our review of Strawberry Bruschetta from The Curvy Carrot!
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We loved the simple and charming look of these living crafts, so the gals of The Crafty Collaborative just had to try this project out for ourselves!
Please click here to visit More Design Please and see the instructions that we followed!
Reviewer #1 - Amanda
Mission: Create planters out of tea cups to brighten my office space.
Details:
I opted for rocks found in my landscaping instead of purchasing pebbles.
I also used some tea cups I had purchased (cheaply) at a second hand store for a tea party I threw for my daughter. I actually spray painted them because they were definitely old but not in a good way!
I ordered my succulents from this lovely Etsy shop at a steal ($10 for 10!) Bkyard Paradise
Tips & Tricks Learned:
Trying to get all of my little succulents into the tea cups was hard with just two hands. It would have been helpful to have another set handy. Maybe next time I will let my kids help!?
Pros:
This is a great way to re-use and an even better way to brighten up a space.
Cons:
I am not totally sure that the succulents will handle the cup size well and actually survive but that is more my mistake than anything written in the original posting for this DIY.
Conclusion:
I have to admit I am in love with my new little buddies. They actually bring a smile to my face and would make a great get well gift or really for any occasion.
Reviewer #2 - Maren
Mission: To make a sweet little gift for myself!
Details:
- Succulent from the grocery store (I grabbed the smallest one they had and it still seemed huge!)
- The biggest mug that I could find, for $3 at Marshalls
- Tiny river pebbles from the JoAnn
Tips & Tricks Learned:
Do this outside. If you do it inside, like I did… and near the sink… like I did… you may end up with little rocks in your garbage disposal. Shit.
There was a ton of dirt in the little pot that my plant came in – so I didn’t get any extra.
Don’t water these suckers until they’re bone dry. I am a [unintentional] plant murderer; but I have learned that I can handle a succulent. They love neglect! Seriously! I once tried to be better about watering the one I had at my office… dead. Now I just accept that they’re perfect for me, and do what I do best, forget about taking care of them.
Also – succulents seem to do better when their roots are a little crowded. I think that this cup should be a good size for now, but my plant will have to get an upgrade as it gets bigger.
Pros:
Quick! This project only took about 5 minutes to actually complete and I am in LOVE with the result! What a little cutie!
I think that this is a nice way to get smaller succulents started. You can enjoy them on a table or shelf while they’re little, and then replant them somewhere else when they get bigger.
Cons:
None, unless you’re me and you like to put rocks down your drain.
Conclusion:
This project is totally easy, and would make a great gift! I think that they have a lot more character and charm when in a cute cup, than the plastic pot they come in from the store.
Succulents are my favorite, and they seem to be pretty popular these days, too! I will definitely do this project again – so I’ll be on the lookout for those lonely cups at the thrift store!
Reviewer #3 - Kristy
Mission: I was not born with a green thumb, everything I touch dies within 2 weeks. Case in point, my formerly green and beautiful basil and chives plants… dead after two weeks. This is why I chose this project, as I figured succulents are hard to kill so maybe I could actually keep a plant alive. Let’s hope!
Details:
- Two beautiful succulents that I picked up at Home Depot. I am hoping they remain this beautiful.
- This was simple. There was enough potting soil from the plant to replant. I simply flipped over the plant and the dirt stayed intact by the roots. Placed it in a tea cup (ok, coffee mug) and it looked perfect.
- I really wanted to reuse my pots from my old dead plants so instead of keeping my succulent in the coffee mug I used an old pot. When transferring to these new pots, I needed more soil so I used a portion of the soil from the old pot at the bottom then added the new plant with soil intact.
- Once inside the pot, I placed more soil from the old pot around the edges to stabilize the plant.
Tips & Tricks Learned:
Use what you like and if the finished project isn’t exactly what you like then modify and make it your own.
Pros:
Easy, the small plant chosen was perfect for the small teacup or coffee cup. No additional soil needed. This would be a cute idea for an office plant! Cheap décor!
Cons:
Dirty nails and a little messy!
Conclusion:
Don’t be afraid to have real plants, just find one that can keep up with your lifestyle. If you have a busy lifestyle then a succulent could be the best for you! Lol, it sounds like I am referring to a pet!
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We sure loved these DIY: Succulent Tea Cups by More Design Please!
Check in tomorrow for our group review of these sweet living gems!
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Posted by TheCraftyCollab on Jul 20, 2012 in Uncategorized | Comments Off
Please bear with us as we have some site maintenance done.
Thanks!
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Intrigued by the allure of a personal and thrifty gift, the girls of The Crafty Collaborative rolled up their sleeves and dove in!
Please click here to visit The Imagination Tree and the instructions that we followed!
Reviewer #1 – Mandy
Mission: Bond with my nephews and make a cute (and cheap) keepsake that they can give to mom, dad, grandma and grandpa!
Details:
- I followed the recipe as written except for being strict on the time. Well, actually used Kosher salt as that’s what I had available.
Tips & Tricks Learned:
I used more water than the recipe called for so make sure you plan accordingly.
Mine didn’t look as smooth as the photos in the original recipe did. Maybe it was the Kosher salt?? It is a bit grittier than normal table salt.
Pros:
Easy and kid-friendly! Plus, when I put my pup’s (Ruthie) paw in it, she totally didn’t mind as I think it tasted good to her when she got to lick it.
Cons:
Takes awhile to cook. Make sure you are not in a rush and can be at home while it’s cooking. Also, don’t forget about it like I did.
With such a long cooking time, I totally spaced on watching the time! Whoops.
Conclusion:
When I finally remembered to take the creations out (which I still think ended up being around 3 hours later), they cooked up just fine and didn’t burn at all. They could have maybe even gone longer as the centers were still a little moist. Definitely will make these again with my nephews for fun, affordable gifts for the fam!
Reviewer #2 – Sarah
Mission: To create a keepsake of my children’s footprints with salt dough.
Details:
- Salt
- Flour
- Water
- Darling kiddos!
- Acrylic paint
Tips & Tricks Learned:
You have to push the kids hand or foot into the salt dough a bit firmer than you may think to make a good impression of their print.
Pros:
SUPER easy to do and we had all of the materials on-hand.
Awesome keepsake for yourself or a gift for a loved one.
Cons:
My kids are a bit young to really understand the acrylic painting technique – but it all turned out great.
This project is somewhat time consuming – due to the bake time and then paint and dry time. We did the project over the course of two days.
Conclusion:
The kids and I had a great time making the salt dough forms – they turned out really cute too!
This is a sweet family project that you can cherish for years to come – and you could even do this as a yearly project. It would be a great project to do as a new mom with your infant as a keepsake of those cute tiny hands and feet
Reviewer #3 - Amanda
Mission: To turn dough into art! I am creating shapes for my kids to paint on a rainy day.
Details:
- I went into this craft knowing there would be some things I would change and may do differently.
- I decided that I would use my KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Mixer
instead of doing the work manually. At first this seemed like a great idea but then I could tell that no amount of mixing, adding flour and water was going to make it smooth. So I opted to take the dough out of the bowl and knead it like bread dough. This was the trick!
- I lightly floured the counter and kneaded for about a minute and then used the roller to make it smooth and about 1/4 inch thick so I could cut out shapes.
- I used small cookie cutter in various shapes. 3 of each to keep it fair with my kids of course!
- I also used Kosher salt since the recipe didn’t call for specifics. I wonder if that may make a slight difference in texture.
Tips & Tricks Learned:
Hand kneading is key and adding just a little water and just a little flour at a time is best. I only ended up adding about 1 tablespoon of water and about 2 tablespoons of flour to get the desired texture.
Pros:
This recipe requires cheap ingredients in small amounts so it is extremely economical and fairly readily available if you need a rainy day project.
Cons:
It is clear that you need to perfect the amounts and your kneading technique to make this a “quick” project.
Plus the amount of time it has to bake might make the waiting unbearable for little ones.
Conclusion:
I still think this will be a fun project to surprise my kids with and I KNOW they will love decorating them. I even cut out some small shapes that we could add magnets to.
I will definitely try this again but may try heating the water and salt together to make the dough smoother. Much like you would with a playdough recipe.
Reviewer #4 - Maren
Mission: The second I saw this project there was just one thing was one my mind. Pawprints! I couldn’t wait to stick my pup’s paw in some dough!
Details:
Tips & Tricks Learned:
I don’t think that there really is an exact recipe to make this stuff. Having said that, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out how to make it work. You just have to wing it. I tried to keep track, but in the end, I have no idea how much salt, water or flour was in the bowl. I did use warmer water though, in hopes that it would help the salt dissolve.
After over-thinking everything, I finally just approached the dough as if I were making cookies. I floured my work surface, and rolled the dough out to an even thickness.
Make sure that you wipe your pups paw off after pressing into the dough. I think that Rosie’s paw was like a mini salt-lick in the end.
My paw print ornaments were not more than 1/4″ – 1/2″ thick, however they felt moist and soft in the center of the underside after baking for 3 hours. I decided to bake for another hour, and then leave in the oven overnight. The following morning they still felt damp on the underside’s center (I wonder if it’s because I used parchment paper?). Since the top part was totally dried out, I flipped them upside down and baked them for another hour at 200 degrees. Wa-lah! Perfect!
When they were done baking, the ornaments looked like they were a little grainy, but they were totally smooth to the touch.
Upon painting my little paw prints, I noticed the dough sucking the paint into tiny air holes, the surface was pretty porous in some areas. Lightbulb! A porous surface should be sealed first with gesso! After this brilliant idea, and after trying one with and one without… it was determined that they looked almost exactly the same in the end. Damn it.
In terms of these bad boys being kid-friendly – it should be noted that I dropped one of mine [unpainted] onto the granite countertop from about 2 feet above, and another one [painted] from my hands onto the wood floor and neither one of them broke. Yay!
Pros:
Totally easy. Super cute!
My doggie was a good sport. We were both happy about this being a pet-safe activity.
Cons:
There was a lot of guesswork in the bake time, but since it was such a low heat – it wasn’t a scary thing.
Conclusion:
This was an easy, fun project! I am happy with how my puppy keepsake turned out, too! I am already thinking of other things that I can make with this quick and easy dough! I think that I might have to steal my nephew’s hand or foot to make a keepsake like The Imagination Tree’s!
Reviewer #5 - Sheri
Mission: Okay here’s that word that I’m not too comfortable with… “Dough.”
Dough needs the right flour to water ratio to work right. Dough gets sticky. You add more flour and then dough get crumbly. I often have a problem with dough. This project should be interesting…especially seeing the boys will be helping me.
Details:
- After reading the instructions I was a little more at ease. 1 cup salt, 1 cup of flour, and half a cup of water. Easy. I let the boys help. They were super excited.
- You simply combine the three ingredients and form a ball of dough.
- The boys flattened their dough and of course wanted to make dinosaurs instead of handprint keepsakes.
- We put them in the oven at 200°F for two and a half hours.
- Logan decided to get creative and make a dinosaur egg fossil. Seeing he put plastic bones in it we couldn’t put it in the oven. I think it’s going to take weeks to dry.
- The following day, they painted.
Tips & Tricks Learned:
I found that the dough was a little too sticky. The predicament I hate to be in. I added a quarter cup of flour and the consistency was much better.
Also, don’t use your kids tempera paints…you really should use acrylic.
Pros:
First and foremost the kids had fun. Clean-up was easy. Only 3 ingredients!
Cons:
Kids asking if they’re ready yet 50 times over a span of 2.5 hours.
Conclusion:
I have to admit it was a really easy dough to make. They boys had fun. Big bonus was that the clean-up was easy. I’m already thinking of things we can make with the stuff as gifts.
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Coming up for Thursday the 19th - The Imagination Tree’s: Salt Dough Footprint Keepsakes.
Tune in to see how we rated this kid friendly project!
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Kokocooks has shared her recipe for Strawberry Mojitos that are as beautiful as they are fresh!
The gals of The Crafty Collaborative are always up for trying out our bartending skills; so this perfect-for-summer drink was right up our alley!
Please click here to visit Kokocooks to see the recipe that we followed!
Reviewer #1 - Amanda
Mission: To create a drink worth drinking (can you tell I am not big on rum? More of a wine lady here).
Details:
- I used Bacardi Rum and felt it was fine. Moderately priced. Really the fruit is the star here anyway.
- The strawberries used were actually sliced because we were having company over and I had already done so.
- Also, I didn’t use crushed ice but would definitely suggest it. I had to work for these drinks. Trying to crush whole cubes is not ideal so follow the tips from the orginal post.
- I had never made simple syrup before but found it to be very easy and worth the effort. It made the drink sweet without being grainy with sugar.
Tips & Tricks Learned:
Definitely used a tall glass. I chose a skinny mason jar (it was decorative and pretty – just the way I like things). It was difficult to muddle the ingredients together in such a small glass.
Pros:
This time of year you should be able to get beautiful strawberries with lots of flavor and if you are a gardener fresh mint from a pot outside is a bonus.
Cons:
This drink is a little fussy for me but that is mainly because I prefer to open a bottle and pour – no effort made there!
Conclusion:
This beverage is not only pretty but a nice touch to a dinner party. Really adds visual appeal and the taste was fabulous! It would be perfect for a night of girl talk and appetizers.
Reviewer #2 - Maren
Mission: A refreshing and sweet treat for the hot days of summer? Where do I sign up!
Details:
- I used Bacardi Rum, because I love it.
- I didn’t have a muddler, so I used a flat-end wooden spoon which worked like a charm!
Tips & Tricks Learned:
Making simple syrup is super easy – I made mine in the microwave!
Just dump your 1/2 & 1/2 in a microwave safe dish, nuke for a minute or so, and stir gently with a flat bottom whisk until dissolved and let cool!
Neither my mom [my official mojito tasting partner] nor I are fans of super sweet drinks, but after tasting mine, my mom replied with an enthusiastic, “Sure! I’ll have one of those!” I thought that it was pretty sweet but also pretty tasty! I was also happy that I could still taste the rum! I do think that when making these cocktails in the future, I would prefer cutting back on the simple syrup since it got really sweet towards the end of the drink.
Pros:
Although this drink required a few more ingredients than the average cocktail, it was easy to make since all you had to do is mash them together and pour in the booze!
Cons:
I wish I would have known just what size glass or amounts of soda that Kokocooks used, because I don’t like guessing when it’s my first time making something.
Conclusion:
Sweet and delish! If you love fresh strawberries, mint and rum – this is the drink for you! It’s surprisingly easy to make and hits the spot for refreshment. It was over 100 degrees out when we made these cocktails and they delivered!
I think that the Strawberry Mojito would be a great addition to any summer get together, whether it’s a girls night or a block party!
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Make sure to join us tomorrow when we share our review of this gorgeous cocktail by Kokocooks!
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52 Projects has shown us the magic of spray paint!
Simple glass vases are easily transformed into lovely Striped Vases, perfect for a glowing tea light candle.
Rachel, of 52 Projects, was inspired to create these beauties after seeing a charming upcycled centerpiece created by Mark Montano.
Please click here to visit 52 Projects and see the instructions that we followed!
Reviewer #1 - Sheri
Mission: When I first saw this project I thought it was a cute way to vamp up your décor. It would also make a great centerpiece of a bridal shower or something similar. An easy way to incorporate your wedding colors.
Our pin brought me to 52 Projects, which then led me to Mike Montano’s Big-Ass Blog. Mike used yarn and Rachel of 52 Projects used twine. Either way, I think this one will be easy enough to pull off.
Details:
- I used twine like Rachel did because that was what I had on hand. I taped one end of the twine to the inside of the vase and then wrapped it all the way down the vase and taped the end to the bottom.
- Then I brought it outside (we finally had a night without crazy winds) and used Krylon spray-paint. I picked a metallic caramel color. Loved it! A great thing about the Krylon paint is that it only takes 10 minutes to dry.
- After the paint dried I removed the twine (see tips).
- A little tea light and voila!
Tips & Tricks Learned:
A little tip – DON’T use twine. The twine completely ruined the project. Little pieces are stuck in the paint. I have a feeling that yarn would do something similar. Try cooking string.
Pros:
It is really an easy and quick project to do.
Cons:
The smell of the Krylon paint. Definitely make sure you do it outdoors.
Conclusion:
I’m really disappointed that this didn’t come out how I envisioned it. That damn twine! It would have come out beautiful if I had used something else.
I loved the Krylon paint. It was super easy to use and comes in a great variety of colors which would be great for this project. Get some orange paint and really brighten up a room with some new/recycled décor.
This project seriously took me 15 minutes to do. You could definitely bang a bunch of them out for a party very quickly.
Reviewer #2 – Mandy
Mission: Make some cute new vases or “junk holders” without spending a ton of money.
Details:
- I found a cute shaped vase for $3 at the grocery store and took a cheap champagne glass I had in my cupboard.
- I used spray paint I had around but think it would be fun to get “wild” with bright, fun, trendy colors!
- I also tried to get creative and spray with two different colors on one vase. Fun idea, but read below for tips!
Tips & Tricks Learned:
Don’t overspray. I tend to go overboard with painting and started getting crazy.
On the vase I tried to spray with two colors, I started spraying too much, then had to fix (aka. Spray more of the other color) it. I went downstairs the following day to check out my creations and the vase was totally all chipped and the paint had fallen off.
Pros:
A cheap and easy way to use up those old, boring vases laying around and add a bit of color to your décor.
Cons:
Drippy paint that falls/chips off right away. Also, once you remove the rubber bands, the lines weren’t as clean as I had anticipated.
Conclusion:
Not for me. I love the idea, but it just didn’t work out the way I thought it would. I ended up with two things I’m not sure to do with… maybe it will wash off and I can try another craft. (Yay!)
Reviewer #3 – Sarah
Mission: To utilize clear glass votives and make them even cuter.
Details:
- Glass votives (in place of vases)
- Twine
- Spray paint
- Surface/environment for spray painting
- Patience
Tips & Tricks Learned:
Make sure the link you go to has the full directions and follow them!
Pros:
My completed painted striped votives are pretty cute in their own right, even though they don’t look as intended…they do give off a darling glow
Cons:
I did not follow directions.
The smell of spray paint is never fun…especially when pregnant.
Conclusion:
Well, first of all – I did these ALL WRONG!!! I’m usually a good follower of directions, but with this project I had major issues! I believe I was supposed to paint the vases on the inside and use another type of spray paint on the outside (a frost), which is not at all what I did. I instead wrapped the outside with twine and then painted them with white spray paint on the outside. The end result was a similar effect, but definitely not as crisp and pretty.
Was super pumped for these as I was doing the project, then once I determined I did them all wrong, was a bit disappointed. The end result was a reflection of my poor direction following 
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We KNOW that you’ve seen these adorable candle holders from 52 Projects.
The gals of The Crafty Collaborative tested this project out!
See how we fared in tomorrow’s post!
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Please click here to visit Skinnytaste.com to see the recipe that we followed!
Reviewer #1 – Sarah
Mission: Make a healthy, delicious dinner for my family.
Details:
- Flank steak
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Basil
- Olive Oil
- Balsamic
- Salt and pepper
Tips & Tricks Learned:
A little side of homemade mashed potatoes and some grilled baguette bread are great additions!
Pros:
Easy preparation!
Looks gourmet and tasted like something you would order at a restaurant.
Cons:
I honestly don’t have any cons for this dish. It was truly great!
Conclusion:
This was such an easy dinner to prepare, it looked gourmet and tasted AMAZING! Plus, the cost for this meal was very doable for our family of four. It was right around $20. And I even got to use some goodies from our vegetable garden, which is a win-win!
I will definitely be making this again – it has been added to the recipe box and my husband enjoyed it I would highly recommend this for anyone!!
Reviewer #2 - Kristy
Mission: I knew Mike and I would love this meal…grilling is one of our favorite methods of cooking. I must be honest I am not the griller but for this recipe I decided to learn! Since we have an electric grill, it was easy to get fired up and ready for grilling.
Easy enough to get started and very few ingredients equals perfect recipe for me.
Details:
- The ingredients, all fresh which is the best way to cook! I have learned its best to have everything you need ready to go for efficiency and to not forget ingredients. It was also time to fire up the grill at this time.
- Instead of flank steak, I substituted with a skirt steak. I couldn’t find the flank steak in the beef section. Piercing the steak with the fork was an easy task. I seasoned first and I am thinking you should potentially do the piercing first so the seasoning can seep into the meat.
- Next, I headed to the grill. I fear eating meat that is still alive so I was hoping when I took it off it was going to be cooked and not still mooing. Once I took the steak off the grill, the bloody juices ran across my white platter so I made a judgment call to put the steak back on the grill for a few more minutes.
- The tomato salsa needs to be made prior to the grilling so you give it time to marinate. It’s simple with just chopping, pouring and mixing.
- After letting the steak rest, just dump the salsa on top and viola! Looks tasty and smells great! (Notice, my picture was taken after I started eating…I almost forget to take a picture! It was that good that you would have done the same!)
Tips & Tricks Learned:
Let the meat rest, holds in the juices! Simple and fresh ingredients can make some of the best dishes.
Save one day a week for chopping so when you are rushed for time, you can quickly put together dishes such as this on even the busiest of days. Sundays or Mondays are my chosen days.
Pros:
It was simple to follow and allowed me to learn to grill! I started making the tomato salsa as my lunch salads for the week.
Cons:
None!
Conclusion:
I can’t wait to make it again. I love to eat fresh ingrediants and have easy meals to put together. This recipe is for keeps!
Reviewer #3 - Maren
Mission: To grill up a delicious and healthy dinner that shouldn’t wipe me out before even getting to eat it!
Details:
- I always forget something! This time it was the red onion, so I substituted for some diced shallots that I had in the freezer – they worked perfectly!
- Our local butcher was out of flank steak, and we had also planned on halving the recipe – so we used two small tenderloins instead.
Tips & Tricks Learned:
We experienced a torrential down pour with about 5 minutes left to go on the grill! The steaks were way too rare, so I wrapped the plate in foil for the 5 minutes and they turned out perfectly!
The tomato topping is exactly what you would pair with a bruschetta! Since we halved the steak part, and then forgot to halve the tomato part, we ate up the remaining topping on some sliced baguettes – delish!
Pros:
This was a super easy dinner to make – even weeknight worthy!
Cons:
My mom and husband were in LOVE with the tenderloin that we got – my husband almost fell out of his chair when I said that I had only seasoned it with garlic salt, salt & pepper. They both felt like the tomatoes overpowered the flavor of the meat. I however, am not as big of a meat fan as they are and felt like the tomatoes were the perfect match for our steak!
Conclusion:
We really enjoyed this easy meal! My husband and I also really enjoyed the tomatoes on their own, and with a bit of bruschetta! This is great any night of the week, and also for summer, when you can grow the produce right in your garden or pick up at the farmers market!
It was so quick and versatile that I will most definitely put it on our list of recipes to make when we not only have company, but entertain lots of friends!
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We KNOW that you’ve seen this yummy looking steak on Pinterest!
Well we tried it!
Tune in on Tuesday the 10th for our group review of the Grilled Flank Steak With Tomatoes, Red Onion and Balsamic | Skinnytaste!
We can’t wait to tell you all about it!
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