DIY Mackenzie Child inspired half planters!

 

Yes, the MC obsession continues !!! lol

This is a quick and simple project that you can design to your own colors and decor, which are not only great for decor purposes but can also be functional and very handy !!

I made 4 total, 3 of which you see are on my cabinets above, and 1, I added magnets to and put on my refrigerator to hold pens & pencils! 

 

To get started, I use 2 of these .99 cent plastic planters.  These, I believe I got at Wal-Mart, but I think you can find them fairly easily at most home improvement stores, or even Dollar General!  I used 2, which when cut in half, gave me 4 halves total.  I used regular kitchen scissors to cut them, and they really cut quite easily!

Once they were cut in half, I gave each 2 coats of Kilz Chalk paint.  The chalk paint went on the plastic well, and I used 2 coats just for maximum coverage.  I did not worry about painting the inside, since I knew it wouldn't show.  The top band I painted a solid gold, using Folkart Metallic Pure Gold.  On the lower section, I then freehanded lines, and then alternated the black and white also with Folkart acrylic paints.  I then used the following colors to dry brush some streaks.

Colors used ( all Folkart/Americana brand acrylics):

Yellow Ochre
Hauser Medium Green
White
Black

The only different brand was the red, which was Waverly brand chalk paint in Crimson.
Once dry, I sealed them with 2 coats of Modge Podge.

After they were all dry, I traced and cut out the shape from cardboard.

After my cardboard was all cut out, I just hot glued them to the inside edge of the planter.

The ones which hang on the cabinets all have command strips so that they can be removed when I change my mind, which will happen! hahaha 

I'm always changing things up, so everything in my house is easily "undone" so to speak! 

The one which is on the refrigerator I just hot glued a magnet strip to, and voila!  

All done !!

As you can see, I put some greenery in the cabinet ones, and it's just some lamb's ear for a soft touch!

I'm pretty sure my husband is hoping my MC obsession will end soon, buuuuut.......it isn't looking good for that to happen !!! hahaha

These went together really quick and easy, and minus the drying time, probably only took an hour or so! If you decide to make some, please come back and show me what you've made!  I can't wait to see!!

Until next time,

Keep creating!

Love,

Gina

Mackenzie Child inspired 
Snowman candlesticks! 

I can't even stand the cuteness here !! hahaha

My hardcore Mackenzie Child crush continues! 

So, I found these wooden spindles at a thrift store for .50 each!

I loved them, but I've had them a while because I couldn't figure out what to do with them until now! I also had these terracotta dishes in my stash, and decided they would become the base for the candlesticks!

I gave the spindles and the dishes a coat of basic black acrylic paint. I tend to use Folkart brand acrylic paints, simply because I love their color selection, the richness of the colors the coverage, and the affordability! 

They're just great, and no, they don't pay me to say that! hahaha 

Next, they got their stripes, checks and polka dots.

Once they were dried, I hot glued them together!

I also used the styrofoam balls as the heads, but I shaved a little off the top so that the hat (an ornament from Dollar Tree) would sit flat on top, and then I shave just a tiny bit off the bottom so they would sit nicely on the spindle.

Then, I just started gluing things on !!

The hats are ornaments from the Dollar Tree.

The bows on the hats are ribbon from my stash.

Their noses and the little bobbles hanging down are mini ornaments

 also from the Dollar Tree.

Lastly, I painted on the eyes, and I did them square so they look a little more like coal.

I hope you enjoy them and that you'll be inspired to make some too!

Keep creating!

With my heart,

Gina

"Mack" the Snowman

 "Mack" my Mackenzie Child inspired Snowman!

Oh, my new favorite little guy!

Again, inspired by the brilliance of Mackenzie Childs, and all that which I can't afford...hahaha

So, this little guy I, unfortunately, cannot tell you where to purchase.  See, I found him at a thrift store! He was .35 cents and is paper mache.  The top half of him lifts off because he is a box !

Now, I'm sure you could find any snowman, paper mache or otherwise to paint, again, my posts are just here to give you ideas and to encourage you to just go for it !!

First, I gave him a coat of Kilz Chalk paint, and drew out his checkers. 

Next, I painted all of this checks, his hat and his scarf. I used a sponge dobber from Dollar Tree to do his gold polka dots.  His nose, I used a tiny styrofoam ball, and shaved down the sides to give it a gumdrop shape.  I then painted it orange, and dipped it in epsom salt (because I ran out of glitter...lol), but I wanted it to have that sugary look.  And, gave him a good coat of Modge Podge to seal him ! 

Then, I started gluing on the "bits & bobs" !

That part is always my favorite !! 

Completed Mack is ready to go !

Again, just use what you see to create your own! 

Your colors, your favorite little addons, and whatever else makes you happy !

Remember, it isn't so much "what" you create, but "THAT" you create !!

With my heart,

Gina

 Mackenzie Child inspired Truck and Snowman !

I love all things Mackenzie Child! 

I might actually need an intervention ! haha

However, sadly their amaaaazing craftsmanship and beautiful creations are beyond the reach of my wallet!  So, I let them inspire me in my own creations!

Below, in the first image, are the snowman and truck hangars from the Dollar Tree!

I removed their tags and jute ties.

In the next picture, you'll see they have their white basecoat of Kilz chalkpaint.

Unfortunately, (and I promise to do better with future projects, I forgot to take more pics.  

I got way too wrapped up in painting them, and truly, just forgot!

So, let me walk you through it !

After their basecoat, I drew the boxes on both the truck and the snowman's hat.

Then, I lined the snowman's scarf and hat trim.

The red on both pieces are done with Waverly Chalk paint in Crimson.

The gold outlines you see are actually Tulip brand dimensional fabric paint - 

The rest are just "bits & bobs" that I had lying around and hot glued on.

Although, after the truck was done, I decided it needed a "bed rail".  I cut down and stained popsicle sticks and then just lined them up and hot glued them to the tree. 

Guys, you don't have to do all that I did !  I post just so you can maybe get an idea!

Do you !!!  Paint them whatever color YOU love!

Do what makes you smile !!

It isn't so much important "what" you do, just "THAT" you do !!!

With my heart,

Gina

REAL FOOD: Quick & Easy Focaccia Bread

REAL FOOD:  QUICK & EASY FOCACCIA BREAD

INGREDIENTS:

3 & 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour

1 envelope rapid rise yeast

1 tbsp. sugar

1 tsp. salt

2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

1 & 2/3 cups very warm water (120-130 degrees)

2 tbsp. of grated parmesan

1 tbsp. Italian Seasoning

Ok, a couple of things before we get started....first off, the water temp for the yeast.  Yes, you need it between 120 & 130 degrees....however, if you don't have a thermometer handy, don't panic, and don't not try to make this bread !! Just make sure that your water is VERY WARM....not so hot that you can't put your hand in it, but warm enough enough that when you do touch it, you know it has some heat to it.  If it will burn your hand, then it will burn the yeast....at the same time, if there isn't enough heat, the yeast won't activate.  Just go for it !! ;)

Second, this bread can be whatever you want as far as toppings go !!!  I use the cheese & seasoning, however, you can pretty much put anything on it ! Sliced tomatoes....fresh basil....sky's the limit, so see what makes you smile !! ;)

Mix the 1st 4 ingredients in a bowl.  Add the water and the 2 tbsp. of olive oil.  Mix well.

Put in greased cookie pan.  Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes or till doubled in size.

Make dimples (with your finger....just randomly poke your finger in the dough all over the surface), drizzle more olive oil on top, sprinkle with seasoning and lots of lovely cheese !!

Cover and let rise again for 15 min.

Bake at 375 for 30-35 minutes or till golden brown !!

You can either slice this into "bread sticks" for dipping in your favorite marinara or "gravy"....you can cut it in squares to then open up for sandwiches (I love doing this !!), or you can just rip into that bad boy, and have a blast !!!!

Give it a try, and see what you think !!! Let me know how it turns out for ya !! ;)

Mangia, Mangia !!!

~ Ciao,

Mamma Gigi   ;)

____________________________________________________________

REAL FOOD: Torta Rustica

First entry for Cooking/Recipes !!!  

I have to get started on posting these things for my girls Liz & Jackie !!! ;)

love you guys !!!  ;)

Next time I make one, I'll take a picture to place here !!! ;)

In the meantime....make it !! You can trust Mamma !!! ;)

TORTA RUSTICA

Preheat oven to 450 before you start assembling the ingredients !!  

You can either make your pie crust, or go the store bought route....whichever you choose is fine...store bought is great !! ;)  Have done it a dozen times !

Place one pie crust, in 9in. pie plate....it will overhang, and that's ok !

Whisk one egg, and lightly brush ONLY the bottom... set aside

INGREDIENTS:

1 pkg. refrigerated pie crust (duuh...lol)

4 large eggs

1 lb. whole milk ricotta

1 cup Pepato or Asiago cheese grated

1/2 cup Parmesan grated

1 - 10oz, pkg frozen spinach ~ chopped, drained & squeezed

1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes - coarsely chopped (drained if from jar)

1 tsp. dried basil

1 lb. italian sausage ~ mild or hot, you choose !  If links, remove casing.  Break up and saute.

Since you used one egg to whisk for the 'washing', take the remaining 3 eggs, place in bowl along with ricotta, other cheeses, basil & cooled sausage meat.  Blend thoroughly.

Fold in the spinach, tomatoes & breadcrumbs.

Scrape mixture into readied pie crust.  Smooth top.

Place 2nd crust on top, and flute the edges to seal. 

Brush with remaining egg wash.

Bake Torta for 15 minutes.

Reduce temp to 375 and lay a piece of foil loosely over the pie - continue baking for 35-30 minutes or til golden in color.

VERY IMPORTANT:  allow to cool/rest for at least 15 minutes before you cut it !!

It needs this time to firm up, and quite truthfully it's better at room temp !! ;)

I hope you'll give this one a try...if you do, come back and post on how it came out !!!

Mangia !!  ~ Ciao, Mamma Gigi

Sub Roll tutorial

Sub roll tutorial !! ;)

Ok, this is super quick and easy !!

Grab one piece of a dark brown felt, and one piece of ivory felt.

Taking the ivory sheet, fold it in half lengthwise, and crease it.  Reopen to lay flat, and from where the fold line is, sketch out the shape of a sub roll.

be sure to only go to the crease, and leave 3-4 inches in the center as shown.  Obviously, here, I'm showing you how it looks with the half cut out already !  Now, you'll want to fold that half over onto the other half, and use it as a template to cut the other half (we need uniformity ! :)

Cut that out, and you'll use this completed piece to lay on top of the darker brown full sheet, so that you can use this as the template for the outside of the bread.

Now that you have the two pieces cut out, grab the darker brown piece, and using scraps from the ivory felt, cut out some shapes (almost "crescent" like) to use for the top of the roll.  Don't worry about a template or anything...no two loaves of bread "split" open the same way as they bake, so whatever you come up with will work !!

I used a dab of glue to hold those puppies in place until I could whip stitch them to the bread !! ;)

Moving on....with right sides together, blanket stitch all the around, leaving about 2 inches open.

See in the pic above how it's coming to a "V" ??  Leave that "V" as your opening.  About 2 inches open to the point of the "V", and then 2 more inches coming back out from the "V"

Go ahead and turn right side out.....

Bend the loaf in half BACKWARDS, and blanket stitch across the "connecting area"...we're trying to separate the two sections, so that when we stuff, the stuffing will stay in the half where we put it !

In the pic below, is the separating "line" we just created.

LIGHTLY stuff your two halves (you're going to notice, that I put waaaaay too much stuffing in my top half, and it puffs up a lot....lesson learned !! ;)

Once you've stuffed it, close up your openings, and you're done !

Ta Daaa !!! A sub roll which opens for making a sandwich !! ;)

 from the back (above)

 from the front (above)...see ?? Too much stuffing !! lol

Couldn't resist...made a salami and cheese sandwich !! ;)

Let me know if you have questions, and if you make one, come back and post a picture so I can see how awesome you did !!!

Mangia !! ~ Mamma Gigi