Easy Fabric Magnets

A few months ago I ordered a set of really cute fabric magnets and pushpins from etsy for the office. I can't really remember, but I guess I probably paid around $10 for the set. With the new house, and a few in-progress projects, I had a bunch of fabric swatches left over and thought I would try to make my own magnets for the fridge. Well...check it out, here is my handmade version! Now if I only had more cards to hang on the fridge...send me mail friends!!

Putting the magnets together was really easy, and probably only took about 15 minutes to do all eight of them (I wish I had bought more supplies!). To start, you will need a set of small disc-shaped magnets, set of fabric button maker kit and some fabric scraps. First step is to use pliers to remove the back of the button, so you have a flat back. Next, assemble your button using the plastic pieces included in the kit. 

(on a side note: I definitely recommend the plastic kit. Back when I did the fabric headboard project, I used a metal button making kit and it took me FOREVER to make each button!! Using the plastic kit though, couldn't be any easier!) 

The last step is just to glue one of your magnets onto the back of your button and you are done! So Easy!

First DIY In The New House!

A few weeks ago I moved into a fantastic new place and I cannot even explain how nice it is to have an entire house. The neighborhood is perfect for us, walking distance to a bunch of restaurants, shops and a grocery store and also pretty close to the office. As opposed to my last place, which was all brand new, I'm loving craftsman style of this new place. Everything is so unique and quirky....perfect for a few diy projects! The first super easy project that I tackled was to re-line the kitchen cabinets. 

Below is a picture of the disgusting cabinets before. The liners were seriously gross. As you can see, they were stained and discolored and just a terrible, terrible pattern. 

The first step was to just rip up the old liners and wash out the drawers. When I say that these were gross, I really mean that they were terrible....I couldn't imagine putting silverware and kitchen utensils in them! 

For my new liners I used wrapping paper that I picked up at World Market for about $4 per role. The original plan was to use contact paper or mod podge to secure the paper to the cabinets...but after cutting it to size and setting up the drawers, I realized I really didn't need anything other than some packing tape. I just secured the paper to the bottom of the cabinets with the tape and here you have it... beautiful cabinets! I just love them and they were such an easy way to spruce up the kitchen. 

Whirlwind Of A Weekend

This past weekend I flew to Philly for a jam-packed trip including some family and best friend time. First up, my entire extended family (dad's side) was in town. It was great to catch up with cousins who I only get to see every few years. 

A little family reunion

Next up was Becky's Bridal Shower and Bachelorette Party (like I said...this what seriously a whirlwind). More pictures will be added as soon as I have them, but everything went really well. Becky had a great time at her Paris-themed shower and below is a sneak peak into the Bachelorette Party!

Love Park in Philly

Other weekend events included hosting a Bridal Brunch, seeing baby Emily for the first time, a night at PJ's and finally taking a drive up to Point Pleasant to see Ali and her new house! I need a vacation from my vacation!

Welcome to the World!

Congrats to Katie and Rob...and welcome to the world little Emily Alexandra Weber! Born March 11, 2011 at 4:25,  6lbs 5oz, 19". 

Hibernating Through Winter

Let's just say that I've been hibernating through the winter and that is the reason for no blog posts since December 20th....really, I've actually done a lot of really fun things and kind of wish that I had taken the time to take more pictures along the way. In an effort to make up for the past two months, I put together this collage of my winter.

Some of my favorite things were: 

• Learning to eat seafood and actually enjoy it! We started with oysters and have now progressed to almost everything...shrimp, clams, mussels (just tried yesterday!!), mahi mahi, tilapia and halibut. That might not sound so cool, but promise me, this was a MAJOR step for me!
• In January, Becky and I made the trip to Atlanta to visit Katie and to go to her baby shower. Again, I wish I had taken more pictures, but it was great to see the girls and to finally meet Rob!
• For Colin's birthday I bought tickets to a fundraiser where Bobby Cox would be speaking. We had a blast and actually got to meet him after the event. 

Now that it is finally springtime (at least for those of us down South) I'm really going to try harder to update this blog on a regular basis... lets see how I do!

Really, South Carolina?

The picture below was my view driving to work today.....are you serious?!?!!! 

Bring back the 60 degree weather!

I had to get out my ice scraper.....yes, the one that is still in my trunk from my Philly days

Philly Pretzels!!!!

I know...I know.... it's been a while since my last post. Tonight I made homemade soft pretzels and two words...SO GOOD. I just finished them about an hour ago, and we are already through half of the pretzels. Looks like from now on I'll be doubling this recipe! I have to give credit to Annie's Eats, a blog I'm currently obsessed with! Below I've listed Annie's recipe with my pictures: 

Ingredients:

For the dough:
1½ cups warm water (110-115° F)
1 tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. kosher salt
2¼ tsp. instant yeast
22 oz. all-purpose flour (about 4½ cups)
4 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
Vegetable oil, for greasing the bowl

For finishing:
Cooking spray
10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda
1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tbsp. water
Pretzel (or kosher) salt

Directions:
To make the dough, combine the water, sugar, salt and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.  Mix on low speed to dissolve the yeast.  Add in the flour and melted butter and mix just until the dough comes together.  Switch to the dough hook and knead on medium speed until the dough is smooth and clears the sides of the bowl, about 5 minutes.  Transfer the dough to a bowl lightly greased with vegetable oil, turning once to coat.  Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place, about 50-55 minutes or until doubled in bulk.

Preheat the oven to 450° F.  Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray.  Bring the water and baking soda to a boil in a large saucepan or stockpot. In the meantime, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Working with one piece at a time, roll a segment out into a 24-inch long rope. Twist the pretzel into the traditional pretzel shape and place onto your baking sheet. 

Place the pretzels into the boiling water, 1 or 2 at a time, for 30 seconds.  Remove from the water with a slotted skimmer and return to the baking sheet.  

Once all the pretzels have been boiled, brush the tops with the egg wash and sprinkle lightly with salt.  Bake in the preheated oven until dark golden brown, about 12-14 minutes.  Transfer to a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Finished Product!

These pretzels were seriously so good! Go ahead and make them right now!