Family Times Magazine: Heirloom Brunch

This was one fabulous photo shoot set up that I did for the Family Times Magazine! The photo shoot went so well that I was honored to have TWO full pages for the shoot!!!

I was approached by the magazine to come up with something fun and unique for Mother's Day. With Pinterest being as popular as it is, it seems like every ideas has been pinned by thousands and thousands of people which makes creativity a little bit more challenging!

The idea came to me when I scouted around in my garage and saw a gorgeous antique dairy bucket. I thought to myself, "antiques", "things that have been passed down for many years"... the ideas kept rolling and rolling and it all came together in an Heirloom Brunch.

The idea behind the Heirloom brunch is for sisters, aunts, mothers, grandmothers, cousins and nieces alike to all come together to celebrate the wonderful women in their lives.
It's a celebration to honor the amazing women in their present lives as well as those that have passed and left behind their beloved china sets, silver candlesticks, engraved serving platters, etc.

Each guest is invited to bring their favorite piece or pieces of something passed down; whether it be a passed down secret family recipe or a gorgeous silver sugar bowl.

Special thanks to:
Rose Derkay and the Family Times Magazine
The Appleton Museum of Art
Stuart Pellicier, my wonderful assistant

Enjoy the article!

For more pictures from the photo shoot, click on this link.
Grab your copy at your local Publix today!

Page 16 in the April/May Issue (2013)

 

Page 17 in the April/May Issue (2013)

MG Events: Frame within a Frame Tutorial

For this project, I was really focusing on creating something fabulous for a low dollar.
Sometimes it takes more creativity to come up with a low budget idea than doing the actual project itself!

I headed down to my favorite craft store, Hobby Lobby, where the 40% off coupon is my best friend!

I bought a duo canvas package for roughly $7.00

I scouted around, but couldn't find super affordable frames that would work for a makeover so I headed to our local Goodwill...Low and behold, these two outdated, ugly, inexpensive frames were my only option.

The best thing about making something over is that you don't look at their current color or condition; you look at the shape. You can always change color but you can't necessarily always change shape.
The frames were roughly $3.00 total.

I bought some fun acrylic paints and about a yard or so of burlap.
I made sure that I had some really good glue and I couldn't resist throwing in some thick, bright ribbon!

Step 1: 
Paint your entire canvas with a honey oat acrylic. Set your canvas aside to dry completely.

Step 2:
Get your frame ready. Make sure that it's clean and dry.
Pay attention to its shape... does it have special grooves and contour?

 

Step 3:
Prep your work area.
Paint a base color over your entire frame. Make sure that you get a good base coat. Let your frame dry completely.

Step 4:
Think about your accent color. This is the color that you want to show through all the layers of paint.
I wanted to have a worn, roughly sanded down look.

*** This step is important*** 

I high lighted the areas of my frame where I wanted the accent color to show with VASELINE.
If you look closely at the picture below, you will see goopy bumps all over the frame.... that's the Vaseline.

Step 5:
Paint your second layer of paint over the your entire frame and over the Vaseline.
Once your paint has dried, wipe off the goopy Vaseline layers.... your accent layer should now be visible.

Step 6:
Keep repeating your Vaseline and paint layers until you get your desired look.

Step 7:
Next, paint your glue all over your canvas and lay your burlap over your canvas.
Pull the burlap tight by evenly tugging on each side.
Wait for the canvas to dry completely.

Step 8:
Wrap the corners on your canvas with the burlap as if you were wrapping a present.
Make sure to use an adequate amount of glue to keep the corners down.

Step 9:
Measure your thick ribbon and glue it into the back side of your canvas. Make sure that both ends are even so that your art work isn't going to be hanging lopsided

Step 10: 
Add your artwork to your painted frame. 
Glue your dried frame onto your burlap canvas. 
Hang your fabulous new piece where everyone can see your "hand-i-work!"

Click on this link to see the completed project.

Handiwork... More pictures

Thank you again to Rose and the Family Times Magazine  for this wonderful photo shoot!

Thank you to my little models, Rachel and Garrett!

Click here to read the article from the magazine.
Click here for a complete DIY tutorial on making your own burlap covered frames.
Enjoy the pictures!

 

Hand-i-work: Family Times Magazine

Here is another fabulous project that I did for the Family Times Magazine.

Family Times approached me regarding some fun Mother's Day gift ideas that incorporated hand prints and foot prints.

I'm assuming many of my avid readers are also Pinterest followers and many of you have probably seen the great hand print/foot print art ideas on Pinterest.

I was inspired by this adorable ballerina tutu and this super cute tractor.

I wanted to add something extra to the art work to set it apart and to avoid it from becoming mundane.
I'm sure that there are lots of mommies out there who don't want to add another hand print or foot print to the box underneath their bed!

I decided to hit my favorite craft store and hunt down some fabulous accessories for this project.
I came up with the idea of having two frames.... something along the lines of a frame within a frame.

Since burlap is such a commodity these days, I wanted to incorporate it into this project.

My solution was covering a white canvass with burlap to act as the first frame and adding a second frame on top of the burlap with the art work inside it.
Most projects have a budget so I headed down to Goodwill in search of some cheap frames. I bought two frames for less than $3.00. I added some fun paint to match and glued on thick, colorful ribbon for hanging.

For a complete tutorial on creating your frame within a frame, click here.

Thank you again to Rose, Family Times Magazine , the Appleton Museum , and my little artists for all your help!

For more pictures from our photo shoot, click on this link.  

*click on the picture to enlarge it*

Fun Friday!

What sounds like fun to do over the weekend?
How about trying out a fabulous new recipe? Something easy and yummy with a little bit of zest!

Since the weather should be nice over the weekend, call a few friends for a laid back BBQ.
Grab a few ingredients from the grocery store and try out that Pinterest Sangria recipe to go along with your Honey-Lime Chicken Skewers!

*I've made this recipe several times and it's fabulous! Don't be shy about the cilantro! Make some extra to freeze. Take them out for dinner and bake them in the oven when you've had a crazy day at work!





                                              

Honey Lime Chicken Skewers

If you're using bamboo skewers, soak your sticks in water for at least 5 minutes. Cut chicken into large chunks, and skewer. Allow to marinate for at least 1 hour.

*Marinading for one hour isn't necessary but it makes your chicken extra yummy and juicy with amazing flavor* 

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• juice of one lime
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-2 teaspoon Tabasco 
• red pepper flakes, to taste
• 2 tablespoon cilantro
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine your ingredients, through the cilantro. Mix thoroughly.
2. Pour marinade over chicken breasts and turn to coat. Cover and allow to marinate for at least 1 hour.
3. Grill on medium high heat for 6 to 8 minutes per side, until juices run clear.

"Mompreneur": By Rose Derkay, Family Times Magazine

I am so honored to have been asked to be part of this wonderful article in the Family Times Magazine. 

Rose Derkay, Owner and Editor of the magazine contacted me and asked me to be part their April/May issue. She was looking for "mompreneur's."
Rose wanted to celebrate moms for this upcoming Mother's Day and she wanted to feature moms that have successful businesses from home.

I was so thrilled that she asked me to be a part of this photo shoot and I was also privileged to have met four other amazing, talented and successful women!
 
Take a peak at the article below.
*Click on the picture to zoom for a bigger view*

Thank you again, Rose!

*Pick up your copy of the Family Times Magazine at your local Publix supermarket*

High Top Tables Inspiration

I hope that everyone had a blessed and happy Easter this past weekend!

I know that we loved spending some quality time with our twin girls and with our families. The weather was gorgeous and it was a blast to see our 14 month old girls running around, looking for their Easter Eggs.

It's April!
That means that the Cattle Barons' Ball that I'm working on is only 12 days away!
Learn more about the event at Ocala Cattle Barons' Ball 

I'm planning on having some high top tables outside for our guests. It's always nice to be able to put your drink down for a second while talking to fellow guests or grabbing a business card out of your pocket/purse.
High top tables can look very misplaced if their layout isn't positioned correctly with the rest of the decor.

I have some inspiration below on how to place the high top tables at this event.



I love how these tables are grouped in three's. It makes the tables look like an elegant ensemble instead of something that is just taking up space.
This idea will be perfect in front of the two separate bar areas at the event.

I will place them off center from the bar so that people can be close enough to the bar area without interfering with traffic flow.

I will be keeping the white tablecloths but will replace the fuchsia bow with the rustic chic burlap color scheme that we are going for. I will also add a small runner on top of the table to mimic the big, round dinner tables. For a finishing touch, I'll add a miniature arrangement to compliment the rest of the event decor.

Happy Monday ya'll!!!
Melissa  

MG Events: Cattle Barons' Ball Sponsor!!!

I am just thrilled to be part of this amazing event! 

I am even more THRILLED to see my company featured as an event sponsor among all these other amazing sponsors! 

Thank you, Cattle Barons' Ball and the American Cancer Society for the recognition.  

I am honored to be featured on your website and at your event.

MG Events: Successful Bridal Show

Good morning everyone!
Happy Monday! I feel like I need another weekend! This past weekend was jam-packed with activities!

The most exciting activity was the Best Little Bridal Show!  It was held at the Seven Sisters Inn here in Ocala, FL. I was honored to have been part of such a great event!

Thank you to ALL the wonderful brides for stopping in! I loved talking to all of you! I am looking forward to assisting you on your planning journey!

Congrats to my new bride for winning your FREE bridal shower or bridesmaid luncheon planning package! It's a value of $325.00! I am looking forward to working with you! 

Thank you to the Best Little Bridal Show for hosting such a fabulous event. Thank you to all of the vendors below for your amazing support! 

Below are some pictures of my little booth. Take a look and leave a comment!

Xoxo,
Melissa

Southern Peach Bridal Shower Brunch 

White plate atop a beautiful bronze charger. Peach colored daisies. 

 

Beautiful Southern Peach cake by the talented Shelly with Betty Cakes,

 

Gorgeous little DIY favor bag. 

Brown paper bag with a 9inch round doilie. 

Stencil your favorite "Thank You" saying or initial for an extra touch.

Babies Breath with a white satin ribbon for an elegant touch.

Close up of the gorgeous peach colored daisies. 

DIY vase that I found at Goodwill for $1.00 which I spray painted to the bronze color. 

 

Close up: White porcelain plate with an elegant touch of babies breath and satin ribbon. 

Display boards of a few of my projects that I've done. 

Fun Friday!

It's Friday! I need something fun to do today! This week has been a little hectic and I need something fun to take my mind off of things!

I am so excited about Easter this year! I have all my goodies ready to make our twin girls Easter baskets! Chocolate and more chocolate is this years theme!

We are celebrating Easter with my family and my husbands family, all in one. I've been asked to make my super special cheesecake! I'll post the recipe after a few years, once they get sick of it; but for now, I'll keep it secret! However, I did find this really cute little appetizer idea to take along as well.

I think these are adorable!  This would be so cute with a little personalized label at each place setting. 

Remember to get your free Easter Printables here.