9.27.2013

Paint Party

We have had one giant paint party around our house lately.  There are so many furniture pieces around our house that have been needing a facelift.  In efforts to convince our neighbors that we aren't hoarders I have made a commitment to not buy anything new, and only paint what we have.  So far it is working and things are slowly cleaning up around here.  Today I wanted to share 2 different projects...

First we have a tired dresser that needed a pick me up.  The dresser was originally white-ish, so I painted it Cece Caldwell's Nantucket Spray, distressed it with sandpaper and used CCCP Satin Finish to seal it.  Can't you tell I love this color?  It is the perfect "beachy" color.  When I sanded it, a deeper turquoise also came through.
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{after...how cute are those towels?}
{and that amazing resin octopus sold in just a few days...almost identical to the one featured in Guliana Rancic's nursery for Duke}

Next, I have a set of bar stools that looked as if someone tried to paint them, but failed miserably.  I painted them in CCCP Seattle Mist, dry brushed them with Dover White and sealed them with CCCP Satin Finish.  These bar stools have great classic lines, and are the perfect size for a small area.
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{one last picture of the finished products before being taken to the booth}
 If you are interested in either of these pieces they are available at the J. Kelly booth at the Antique Market of San Jose.  5107 San Jose Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32207.

Have a Great Weekend!! 


Linked to:
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Miss Mustard Seed



9.24.2013

Sweet Potato Obsession

I have always loved sweet potatoes, but I never realized how much I loved them until I was able to spit out four to five different recipes that I loved without even thinking twice.  I eat sweet potatoes year round, but they are especially good when fall and cooler weather begins (not that we are experiencing that in Florida yet.)  I wanted to share two of my favorite recipes that have become staples in our home; they are SO easy and delicious!
 

SWEET POTATO ROUNDS:
This summer I found that one sweet potato peeled and sliced into thin circles was the perfect amount to complement chicken or fish on the grill.  There are 2 ways to prepare them-- sweet or savory. 
  • Sweet: Lightly coat sweet potatoes in coconut oil and sprinkle cinnamon on top.   
  • Savory: Lightly coat sweet potatoes in extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle freshly chopped rosemary and sea salt on top.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Spread out sweet potatoes on a cookie sheet and place in oven for 20-40 minutes depending on thickness.  Turn sweet potatoes 1 or 2 times while cooking.  I think they are best when the edges are a little crispy and the middles are soft.  

MEXICAN SWEET POTATOES:
You are probably thinking that Mexican food and sweet potatoes don't belong in the same sentence, but if you try this recipe you will soon realize that you are very, very wrong.  I make this recipe at least once a month(sometimes more) because it is easy, filling, healthy and husband approved.  This recipe is from the Citron Limette Blog, but I make one change and add ground turkey. 

{Image via Citron Limette Blog}

Ingredients:
  • 4 Sweet potatoes
  • 3/4 - 1lb ground turkey
  • Cooking spray
  • 1 small chopped onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added black beans (such as Eden Organic), rinsed and drained
  • 1½ cups frozen whole-kernel corn
  • 1½ cups fresh salsa
  • ¼ cup (1 ounce) reduced-fat shredded cheddar-Jack cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
  1. I prefer to bake my sweet potatoes in the oven but for a faster option you can use the microwave...Pierce potatoes with a fork; arrange in a circle on paper towels in microwave oven. Microwave at HIGH 10 minutes, turning and rearranging potatoes after 5 minutes.
  2. While potatoes cook, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add ground turkey, onion and next 3 ingredients; sauté until meat is cooked. Reduce heat to low. Add beans, corn, and salsa; cook 4 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
  3. Split potatoes lengthwise, cutting to, but not through, other side. Fluff with a fork. Spoon about 1 cup bean mixture over each potato. Top each serving evenly with cheese and cilantro.

9.23.2013

Pretty Paper Please

I was going through pictures on my phone over the weekend and realized I have done quite a few custom banners this summer for birthday parties, baby showers, engagement parties and so on.  They are such a fun and inexpensive way to create a personalized focal point at any event.

{"Chiefs Treats" was used at a fire chief's retirement party}
{One of the first banners I ever made.  Still one of my favorites}
{A preview of banner for a beach themed engagement party.}
{I loved this simple request for a birthday banner.  Not pictured is an add on of pennants with multi-color ice cream cones.}
{This cute cake topper is perfect of the ice-cream lover and mimicked the ice-cream that attached to the banner above}



(This mini banner hung on the high chair while a cute little girl enjoyed her first birthday cake}

Do you have a party coming up that needs a little something special?  Email me at julianne@juliannekelly.com, and I would be happy to create something unique for you. 

In efforts of "Keeping it Real Mondays" I thought I would share how much my sweet puppy loves paper.  Either she was mad at us for leaving her all day, or she really doesn't like Ballard Designs...

9.03.2013

Africa T-Shirts

It has been so so long since I last blogged.  Things have been busy in a good way, but I am hoping to find more time to blog now that things are slowing down.  As I mentioned previously Michael and I are going to Africa in October.  We only have a 6 days left to raise the remainder of our $10,000.  In efforts to raise money I designed a t-shirt that we are selling; all proceeds will go towards our trip. 


Here is the important info...
  • September 8th is the last day to order
  • The shirt is a gray Comfort Colors t-shirt (my FAVORITE) with white printing
  • Please mark your size in the "notes to seller" section when purchasing.  Available in sizes S-XL
  • Shirts are $22 each
  • Shipping is an additional $5 and up to 3 shirts can be shipped together.  (NOTE: If you are shipping more than one shirt add a shirt with shipping included to your shopping cart and then add your additional 1 or 2 shirts with local pick-up so that you are not charged shipping multiple times)
  • Shirts will be for sale until September 8th, and then they will be printed and shipped.  They will arrive before we leave for Africa.
We would LOVE for you to wear your shirt at some point while we are gone (October 9-19th) as a reminder to pray for us and our team.  Thank you in advance for your support! We greatly appreciate it. 

CLICK HERE to purchase