5 DIY (easy) projects

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DIY websites can be really fun and inspiring and some can be very… intimidating.  I love DIY but am not an expert DIYer.  I stick with the easier projects that are for amateurs.  I have found a few projects that I find to be very “doable” for any level of DIY!

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{spray paint folded chairs to coordinate colors for your next party}

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{this looks like a project I would hand over to my mom or aunts but I had to share!  It is such a great idea}

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{duct tape bow.. adorable!}

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{Take a large picture frame, put scrapbooking paper or fabric under the glass and add drawer pulls to each end. Makes a beautiful tray!}

(wine cork coasters.. such a great gift if you save the special corks!}

Nude & Neon

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Neon is popping up everywhere and as a child of the ninenties, it definitely sparks my inner fabulous 10-year-old persona.  I was obsessed with neon from snap bracelets to glittery neon jelly shoes… remember those?  Although I love the daring look of media, I wanted to wear it to work so I found this lovely top at H&M and muted the neon with an H&M nude skirt & shoes.  Perfect work outfit with a pop of fun.

{skirt & top: H&M, Bangles: Charming Charlie, neon belt: J. Crew}

Outdoor Ambiance

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Since we moved into a house from a condo, we truly appreciate having our own outdoor space now.  We are able to have people over & light a fire, play some music, and just relax outside.  Late summer/early fall is the perfect time to throw an outdoor get together because it is a little cooler, less humid, and there are less bugs out.

To decorate an outdoor area, a little effort goes a long way.  I took plain old white Christmas lights and white lanterns that I found at a dollar store to make my deck look just a little more inviting. I also added IKEA lanterns to hang from the gazebo which were less than $5 each!

Blueberry Cutie Pies

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Easy as Pie, right?  This recipe is! 🙂  These adorable mini pies are the perfect snack to watch your portion control and are much more fun to eat, getting the delicious crust ends in every bite!

(recipe from marthastewart.com)

Ingredients

  • 20 ounces (5 cups) blueberries
  • 3/4 cup sugar, plus more for sprinkling
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • All-purpose flour, for surface
  • Pate Brisee
  • 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream
  • Whipped Cream, for serving

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Gently toss blueberries with sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a large bowl.
  2. On a floured surface, roll 1 disk of pate brisee to 1/8-inch thickness. Using a 5 1/2-inch biscuit cutter, cut out 6 rounds. Drape each round over a 4-inch fluted tart pan with a removable bottom, and press dough into bottom and up sides of pan. Edges will be flush with rims. Roll remaining disk of dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out 6 more 5 1/2-inch rounds.
  3. Fill each tart pan (or you can use a muffin pan) with 3/4 cup blackberry mixture, mounding berries in the center. Dot berries with butter. Center 1 of the remaining dough rounds on top of 1 tart pan. Gently press top and bottom edges of dough together to seal, and then pinch sealed edges. Repeat with remaining rounds. Transfer pies to a rimmed baking sheet, and freeze or refrigerate until firm, 15 to 20 minutes.
  4. Lightly whisk yolk and heavy cream in a small bowl. Brush the top of each pie with egg wash, and sprinkle with sugar. Cut 4 vent holes in the top of each with a paring knife.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes. Rotate baking sheet, and reduce heat to 375 degrees. Bake until berries are bubbling and crust is deep golden brown, about 30 minutes. Let pies cool in pans on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Unmold, and let pies cool completely on wire rack. Serve with whipped cream.

Striped Maxi

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As the last weekend before August, I am trying to cherish the last few days of the hot days and flowy clothing before fall comes.  This week, I rocked a diagonally striped tangerine maxi with nude wedges and a straw beach bag along with Burberry sunglasses. I found the fedora at Target for only $11.  My puppy Zoey of course wore her white rhinestone collar.