Beautiful Ombre Jingle Bells....

I feel in love with these ombre holiday bells when I was scrolling Martha Stewart's website and just had to share these gorgeous creations.   

The easy to make how to instructions can be found by following this link to the fabulous Martha Stewart website, the best resource for holiday decorating, crafts, recipes and more.  


And while my tree is still a work in progress...I'm currently waiting for red bows that I've ordered but thought I'd share some preliminary photos of how it's coming along....

Hope your having a festively fabulous week!

Easy to make Seashell Candles....

Looking for a fun little project for some of your seashells? What better way to use your shells to decorate your summer tablescape than to create colorful little seashell candles.  

From Martha Stewart Living

First, clean the shells in a weak solution of bleach and water, and let dry. Melt paraffin wax or existing candles in the top of a double boiler (use one with a lip, if possible; it will be easier to pour from). We mixed the melted wax of pink, mauve, and yellow candles to create coral tones that complement our shells. 

If a shell has a tendency to wobble, stabilize it by resting it on top of a cup. Cut the wicking to 2 to 3 inches, and attach it to a metal wick holder; set aside. 

Pour the melted wax into the shell, then place the wick and holder in the bottom of the shell, being careful not to burn your fingers. If wick droops, trim slightly. Let cool until hardened, about 30 minutes. 

And be careful: The top layer of the wax hardens first, but the melted wax underneath will spill out if the candle is moved before it has had a chance to cool completely.

Hope you enjoyed this little summer 
project from Martha Stewart.  

I'm gonna try it this weekend...and see how it goes!  

Watermelon Wednesdays #5.... A refreshing gazpacho

Hello Everyone.  I hope you are having a wonderful week so far.  I'm off this morning to NYC for a quick trip...but before I left, I just had to share this yummy recipe for watermelon gazpacho from Martha Stewart. What wonderful and refreshing summer treat. Just yummy.

Ingredients:
5 cups peeled, seeded, and roughly chopped watermelon

• 1/2 cup cranberry juice
• 1 cup peeled, seeded, and diced cucumber
• 1 cup diced celery (about 2 stalks)
• 3/4 cup diced red bell pepper (about 1 pepper)
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
• Juice of 1 lime (about 3 tablespoons)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
• 1 tablespoon jalapeno pepper, minced

Directions:

1. Combine 5 cups watermelon and the cranberry juice in the jar of a blender, and puree until mixture is smooth. Pass through a fine sieve into a large bowl or plastic storage container, discarding pulp. You should have 3 cups strained liquid.
2. Add cucumber, celery, bell pepper, onion, herbs, lime juice, vinegar, jalapeno, and remaining cup chopped melon to watermelon liquid, and stir to combine. Cover with plastic wrap, and place in refrigerator until soup is well chilled, at least 1 hour. Serve, or store in refrigerator up to 1 day.

   
   

   Hope you enjoy this....have a great day!