My DIY Coral Project

Ever since I decided to decorate our master bath with a ocean/sea theme, I have been looking for coral decorations to use. I found some at Hobby Lobby, but I wasn't going to pay $20.00 for one. Also, I could never find it on sale or in a color that would go well with my bathroom colors. I also looked at other stores, but to no avail. So while I was perusing Pinterest one day, I came across a DYI pin for making you own coral decorations using spray paint and a piece of coral bought from Walmart's aquarium section. I thought this was doable and I knew I was getting some money for Christmas so I could make my own. 

I ended up buying mine at Pet Smart. I just couldn't seem to find what I wanted at Walmart. I paid a little more than I would have at Walmart, but that is okay. I bought 4 pieces; 2 of these pieces and 2 of pieces similar to this one. (I can't find the actual ones I bought.) I then bought 3 cans of spray paint all in satin; Ivory Silk, Green Apple, and Eden at Walmart. I want to create an ombre effect. 

I started out with the Ivory Silk. I had to spray on several coats to cover the bright yellow/orange and bright pink. However, I didn't mind if small sections of those colors still shined through. 

The next step was to spray on the lightest green which was green apple. I started at the bottom and went about 3/4's of the way up on the pieces. 

Next came the darker green ~ Eden. I started at the bottom and sprayed about 1/2 way up. 

 

Pleased with the final product, I moved them to their home on the edge of our tub. I paired them with 2 white seahorses I found on sell at Hobby Lobby and candles I already had from Walmart.

I know I spent a little more than I wanted and only saved a little money, but I did get the sizes I wanted and was able to tailor the colors to our bathroom. I would call that a win! Besides DIY coral decorations is simply a good thing! 

Dyeing Easter Eggs Rubber Band Style

DD and I love to dye eggs for Easter. As a matter of fact, we spent this past Sunday afternoon dyeing them. It is a fun way for us to spend time together and talk. We have long past gave up on the Paas Easter egg dye and found other ways to dye eggs using food coloring that are a lot more creative, fun, and messy. So, I thought I would share 3 ways we really like to dye eggs with you. 

The first way involves rubber bands. By putting rubber bands of various sizes around the eggs then dipping them into the dye, you get all different patterns on the eggs. You also can put them into another dye to color the white space left by the rubber bands. I save the rubber bands off of the vegetables I buy at the grocery store, so I don't have to buy any. 

On "A Life Lived Simply" facebook page last year, I put up a photo album with step by step instructions on how to dye eggs rubber band style included in the pictures. The results are pretty and making them can get your kids creative juices flowing. Go and check it out! 

Dyeing Easter eggs is simply one of those simple pleasures in life! Get to dyeing to today and have some fun! 

Decorating For Easter

If you have followed this blog or its FB page, then you know how much I love to decorate for the holidays and for the seasons. After I take down all of the Valentine's Day decorations and snowmen decorations, I am ready to put out all of my Spring and Easter decorations. They seem to help chase away the gloom of the winter days. They especially brightened our home during our long hard winter. All of the bunnies put a smile on my face and the bright pastels make my heart sing. Here is a glimpse at our Spring/Easter decorations. 

 

Welcome to our home!

On the kitchen window sill...

a family of bunnies are hard at work...

decorating eggs.

A family of bunnies hiding among the plants in the corner of the kitchen.

I made this banner this year. You can see it from the laundry room as you walk in the door. It makes me smile!

During this Easter season, I can never forget the sacrifice my Lord and Saviour Jesus made for all of us. 

"The grass is a greenin'. The birds are a singin'. The sun is a shingin'. That must mean Spring is a springin'!" Tafy Sills

Happy Spring, everyone! I pray that you all have a simply blessed Easter season! 

Snapshots: Part 6

Life around here lately:  

Miss Copper surviving the land.

DH went to a tree farm in our lovely NC mountains to cut down our tree.

It is DD's job to put the angel on the tree. This tree was one of the prettiest ones we have ever had.

Wrapping presents is ...

...a messy endeavor,

...but I love the outcome.

We have had a few cold days and this is how Miss Oakley spent most of them.

DH and I spent those cold days snuggling under our warm fleece blankets catching up on "The Game Of Thrones."

I spent a lot of time during the holiday season baking.

I loved how these cupcakes turned.

I enjoy fixing big Sunday morning breakfasts for my loved ones. For this one, we had livermush sandwiches, potato pancakes, and fresh pineapple.

I got to do one of my favorite activities to make a Christmas present for my MIL ~ color!

One of my favorite ways to destress during the holiday season.

A Christmas ornament from our sweet step-niece and her husband that live in Alaska. Now we will always have a part of them in our home for the holidays.

Taking down the Christmas decorations is an even a bigger messy endeavor than wrapping presents.

Fixed a hot chocolate bar to celebrate New Year's Eve.

My hot chocolate concoction.

It snowed about 6 inches on January 7th.

We don't mind the snow as a matter of fact, we love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maybe this snowflake that is part of a project I am working on helped to inspire the snow.

It was a heavy one.

Miss Oakley is on strict kennel rest to help heal up her two herniated discs in her back. She has been an excellent patient so far.

Miss Oakley had a birthday on Jan. 9th. I went to Pet Smart to get her some special treats. 

My snowflake project. It is part of the decorating I did for winter and Valentine's Day.

Living a simple life and simply loving it!