Category: Crafts/DIY

There’s nothing that a little Hot Glue and Gumption can’t overcome!

Christmas Tree Souvenirs

~ C ~ Leave a comment

Hey There!

It’s that time of the year again! Time to decorate the Christmas tree.

A new tree is something that’s been on my list for a year or two now, and will probably stay on that list for another year or so. Eventually, I’d like a taller tree as the one we have now is pretty short. We have it up on a crate for some height.

What I do love about our tree is the decorations.

It’s something that I borrowed from my mother when The Fellow and I got together – getting ornaments as souvenirs when we travel. Her tree is huge, and now it’s becoming hard to squeeze in any more ornaments!

They’re the perfect way to bring back memories from vacations and not clutter the house.

They’re small, and you can find some really neat ones. Then, once a year, you have this wonderful road map of your lives together.

We have a Canadian flag ornament from when we got engaged, a Guinness cup from our honeymoon, and this year we are also adding a few different ornaments for Little Bit’s first Christmas.

One of my favorite things to do is to get a clear ornament from the Dollar Tree and fill it myself. That way you can make your own keepsakes. For example, one of Little Bit’s ornaments has one of her newborn hats and a hospital band.

I love seeing how far we’ve come, and eventually it will be as full as my parents!

What are your favorite ornaments and the stories that go with them? I’d love to hear about them!

#officewitch

~ C ~ Leave a comment

Hey There!

Mmmmh, y’all. Can’t you just smell Halloween in the air?

My work actually already celebrated Halloween. We always have a big shindig with costume contests, skits, and food.

If you know me in real life, you may have noticed that I twitch my nose when I’m thinking. I do this so often that at work they tease me that I look like Samantha from Bewitched.

I figured that was as good a reason for my costume to be . . . a Pin-Up Witch!

The costume was easy enough. It was all things I had in my closet at home already, but I had a ton of fun customizing the basic witch’s hat I purchased from Target.

We also attended a Halloween party this past weekend which had some funny bits I wanted to share with you.

The hosts of the party created an awesome Carn-Evil-themed escape room in their garage. If you’ve never been in an escape room (which I had not), you solve a series of puzzles until you unlock the way out of the room.

In this case, you had to solve the final lock to retrieve your admission tickets to the carnival.

They truly did a fantastic job with the room and puzzles. It took us nearly a full half hour to solve everything and open that final door.

When we did get it opened, we were in for a fright! They had set up a human-size scary clown right inside the door!

Needless to say, I may’ve jumped just a bit.

Fast forward to later that night – The Fellow and I typically sleep on a camp cot at their place when we go up for parties as it’s a bit of a drive from the house. They set the cot up in the dining area which has a straight line of sight up the hallway to the bathroom door.

In the middle of the night, I heard another party guest (who’d had a biiit much to drink) get up to use the restroom but never heard him come back. When I opened my eyes, I could see him standing in the bathroom doorway, silhouetted in the moonlight, just staring into the bathroom mirror.

Concerned, I called out, “Hey, buddy, you ok?” To my confusion, from behind me on the couch, I was answered, “Yea, all good. Just went to the bathroom.” Well, if he’s right there, then who’s standing in the bathroom doorway . . . because The Fellow was asleep beside me?!

I panicked for a minute. My heart started racing; then I figured it out. IT.WAS.THE.CLOWN. Which didn’t exactly make me feel better about the situation.

In the middle of the night, The Fellow and our friend “K” had gone out to the garage/basement area and retrieved the creepy clown and had set it up at the end of the hallway directly opposite our host’s door so when they woke up and exited their bedroom, they’d be met face-to-face with the clown just like we’d been in the escape room!

I didn’t sleep too soundly after that point.

All of our Hallowen activities this year have been awesome. What awesome Halloween-themed things have you gotten to experience this year?

 

 

Brrr!

~ C ~ 1 Comment

Hey There!

Y’all, it’s cold. It seems like all of the seasons have been so screwed up this year. It’s not looking like we’ll get much of a fall. I’ve decided that I’m not letting Mother Nature win though. I’m sticking to sweater weather and not bringing out my coat just yet. I will have fall, darn it!

As we’re heading into my least favorite time of year, I’ve prepared by stocking up on fleece-lined leggings and more fuzzy socks are in my immediate future.

I’m also taking some time away to just read and do crafts and little things that I’ve missed doing for a while now! I’m cutting myself a little slack on the housework that needs to be done and just doing things that I enjoy!

This week I’ve been working on my Halloween costume which I’ll be excited to share with you next week.

I won’t spoil the surprise, but let’s just say it’s going to be magical!

What are you planning on being for Halloween?

 

 

 

Vintage Dresses!

~ C ~ Leave a comment

Hey There!

Guys, I’m so excited! Joann’s is in the middle of their coupon commotion, and I went into the store with one goal in mind – patterns.

The Fellow has hooked me up with both a new sewing machine and serger, and I’m excited to tackle a few sewing projects that have been hanging around (new bedroom curtains, anyone?).

I figured that since I finally have a machine that I can work, it might be a good time to start stretching my skills.

I’ve been ogling several vintage dresses on sites like Unique Vintage, Pinup Couture, Tatyana, and Trashy Diva and just never can quite stomach the $60-$100 price tags. My bargain hunter instinct kicks in, and I just can’t click “buy.”

What I could stomach was a 3 for $5 pattern sale! I bought 5 vintage/pin-up style patterns, and now I’m on the hunt for the perfect fabrics!

I will let you know when I undertake this project and the results!

Moonshine in a Teacup| Vintage Dresses

Vintage Travel Trailer Remodel: Part 1

~ C ~ 6 Comments

Hey There!

A year or so ago my father sent me a text message with pictures of this adorable, vintage 1964  Arrow Little Chief travel trailer he’d discovered.

Moonshine in a Teacup| Camper

I knew that I wanted it immediately, and when the lady asked for a ridiculously low price, Daddy hauled it down off the mountain and home to my parent’s garage for me where it’s sat ever since.

I was so busy with the house and the wedding the last year I wasn’t really able to get down to work on it. Last weekend though, The Fellow and I spent the better part of Saturday starting to clean, disassemble, and work on what I’m calling Rosie Lee. (For those who don’t know, Rosie Lee is rhyming slang for a cup of tea.)

Moonshine in a Teacup| Camper
While cleaning, we found an old paper wasp hive.

We swept out the camper and pulled out the old propane stove which Daddy will try to restore for me. I’m looking into re-porcelain or enameling options as I really would like blue appliances.

Moonshine in a Teacup| Camper
The original icebox and propane cooktop

Next, we’ll take out the wooden boxes that form the seats/bed and rebuild them for better stability. I want to build up a toilet box in the little bathroom that will house a (Number 1 only) camp toilet. Our plan is to stay in campgrounds with facilities so the camper toilet would be for emergencies only.

We most likely won’t bother with a shower, but Daddy keeps talking about an outdoor showerhead which we may do just so we have the option of a shower if we really need one.

My goal is to make this project as low-cost as I can. We obviously could replace absolutely everything and make it pristine, but for now, I want to just go with functional. A lot of our friends have big fancy RVs and campers, and it would be fun to join in on the camping trips!

The hardest part has been deciding if I want to keep the original wood paneling or paint it. There are so many adorable travel trailers all over Pinterest which are white with teal or pink that I love. However, Daddy always leans towards original, and I think he may be right. Once you change something, it’s hard to go back.

Moonshine in a Teacup| Camper
Gutted kitchen area

One big area of concern is that a center section of roof paneling needs to be replaced, and I’m concerned with getting it to match.

The other tricky part is the flooring. We want to go with a vinyl flooring which most readily comes in a hardwood or stone look. With the original paneling, that’s a lot of wood in a small, round space.

Moonshine in a Teacup| Camper

I think I’ve almost landed at a decision, and I want your thoughts on it.

What I think I’ll do is replace the damaged roof section with additional paneling and maybe a patterned paper or paint in that section if I can’t get a true match. I’m leaning towards a white subway tile flooring to brighten it up, and then paint just the cabinets in the kitchen area to help tie it all together.

What do you think? I need some help!

4th of July and My First Attempt at a Victoria Sponge

~ C ~ Leave a comment

Hey There!

I hope that you all had a wonderful Fourth of July!

The fellow and I  went down to my folks’ house for a picnic, and it just poured the entire afternoon.

The weather station said it was supposed to be a pretty, clear, albeit hot day. Thankfully, my dad had hurried out and put tarps over the picnic tables as soon as he saw storm clouds rolling in.

When we got there, The Fellow helped my father pull the tables into the garage, and we just moved the whole shindig inside. Despite it being a wet afternoon, we had fun.

Moonshine in a Teacup

All of the neighbors came over and brought a dish to share. My father made some of his famous homemade ice cream (strawberry this time), and Mama asked that I bring something to complement it.

Now, I’ve been re-watching Downton Abbey lately, and I always keep an eye out for what Mrs. Patmore is putting onto those trays she sends upstairs. One thing I’ve noticed as a reoccurring treat are these sweet little layer cakes topped with powdered sugar. From where I’m sitting, it looks like a Victoria Sponge Cake

After watching the Great British Baking Show, I figured, why not? I would swap out the raspberry jam for strawberry, and it should go together nicely. I didn’t quite put together that I was making a British classic for our 4th of July celebration until it was too late (oops!).

Victoria Sponge | Moonshine in a Teacup

Sticking with the BBC theme, I went off of Paul Hollywood’s recipe which had been converted into U.S. measurements.

This was my first experience with a Victoria Sponge, and I’m not sure if it’s the way the cake is intended to be or if it was the conversions or maybe the temperature of my butter may have had a bit to do with it,  but my cake was more the consistency of a crumbly shortcake than a sponge.

I had way too much whipped cream left over after filling the two layers, so I went big and frosted the top and piled it with strawberries for decoration.

Overall, the recipe was still a success. It was a yummy summer dessert, if not what I was expecting. I think I may want to play around with this cake some. I’ll probably end up making a few versions before I settle on one I like.

Can anyone out there confirm the texture/consistency this should be? What are your favorite shortcake or Victoria Sponge recipes?!

4th of July

~ C ~ Leave a comment

Hey There!

Happy 4th of July, y’all!

I love the 4th of July because it’s such a low-key holiday. We’re heading down to my folks for some delicious picnic food and to catch up with the neighbors.

MiaT will resume normal posting on Friday. In the meantime, I hope that you all have a fun, safe holiday!

What are your 4th of July plans? Let me know in the comments!

 

The Year Daddy Buried the Easter Eggs

~ C ~ Leave a comment

Hey There!

How was your Easter? I hope it was fantastic!

On Easter morning, we picked up Grammy and headed over the mountain to my parents’ house for our traditional ham dinner and Easter egg hunt.

This year my mother was excited about my brother and I taking on making the deviled and pickled eggs. After much debate among the family as to the best way to make deviled eggs (My brother’s vote for hot sauce in the yolk mixture did not win), I brought these lovely pastel eggs.

Pastel Deviled Easter Eggs Moonshine In A Teacup

I love how my  mother decorates her table for each holiday, and this year we used the DIY Easter Napkin Ties from last week’s post.

After dinner, we had our annual Easter egg hunt. Yes, we’re nearly 30 and married and that Easter egg hunt is going nowhere. My folks love it.

Every year, my father gets trickier with his egg hiding. Remember that episode of Gilmore Girls when Taylor lets Kirk hide all the eggs for the Stars Hollow Easter egg hunt, and he doesn’t make a map? That’s what it’s like. Every year. We always end up looking for those last three eggs.

Now, since we do this every year, and the egg hunt area is relatively small, I have a pretty good idea where the eggs tend to wind up. This year though Daddy went into full-on stealth mode. I actually took pity on the Fellow’s sad 6 eggs and showed him the correct way to look for the invisible eggs.

My father had buried some of the eggs along the base of the trees covered in fallen pine needles or leaves.

Buried Easter Eggs| Moonshine In A Teacup
Can you find the Easter egg?

After we located all of the eggs, we regrouped on the deck to do a final tally and open our winnings.

Super Hidden Easter Egg| Moonshine In A Teacup

Then we went back inside to warm up, drink a little coffee, and enjoy some family time before heading back home.

What are your favorite Easter traditions and Easter egg hiding spots? Tell me in the comments!

DIY Easter Napkin Ties (with Free Printable)

~ C ~ 1 Comment

Hey There!

The Easter Bunny is hopping our way. Sunday is Easter, and I’m excited to share with you these adorable DIY Easter Bunny napkin ties (with Free printable) which will be gracing our table. The best part? They cost only $2.50 to make!

I figured after last year’s Surprise Easter Bunny Cake fiasco (which admittedly turned out fine, just not as planned), I would stick to something safer this year and make crafts and my deviled eggs.

My mother is one of those homemakers with a set of “good” dishes. Every holiday my entire life, I have eaten off of that set of Pfaltzgraff Remembrance dishes. From an early age, I have appreciated an artfully folded napkin. One restaurant we used to frequent, when we lived in Pennsylvania, had especially fancy folded napkins. I deconstructed that fold, so that I could recreate it at home. From that point on, napkins were my task along with setting the table. I thought I’d do a throwback to my old job and get a little creative with these Easter Bunny napkin ties.

DIY Easter Bunny Napkin Tie Moonshine In A Teacup

Now let’s hop to it!

For this project you will need:

  • The free printable Easter Bunny template which you can Download Here
  • Craft felt sheet. I used tan and white ($0.24)
  • Small white pompoms ($0.97)
  • Ribbon ($0.97)
  • Hot glue gun (I’m going to assume you have a hot glue gun and glue on hand.)

1. First things first. Plug in the glue gun and cut out the Easter Bunny template you downloaded.

It looks a little silly with the neck being so skinny, but when you trace the pattern, the lines tend to thicken up and it doesn’t look as silly. The thin point in the neck is where you will tie your ribbon. If the neck were thicker, when you pulled the ribbon tight, it would scrunch up the fabric and make the bunny’s body pucker.

2. Trace around the Easter Bunny onto the felt.

Be sure to trace as many Easter Bunnies as you have guests! I used a regular pen and made the side with the pen marks the back of the Easter Bunny.

Easter Bunny Napkin Tie Moonshine In A Teacup

3. Cut out your bunnies.

If you’re anything like me, you can’t cut a straight line to save your life. It’s ok. These are forgiving bunnies. Just do your best and no one will notice if one side of Flopsie’s ear is thicker than the other.

Easter Bunny Napkin Ties Moonshine In A Teacup2

4. Glue on the tail.

Use a bit of hot glue and press down the pompom. As always, be careful! My worst burns have been from distracted or quick crafting with a hot glue gun.

Easter Bunny Napkin Tie Moonshine In A Teacup

5. Cut your lengths of ribbon.

I have a confession. I’m a ribbon overdose-er. I’m bad for always cutting more ribbon than needed and trimming off the excess. For this project, I used ribbons cut to around 15″ in length.

6. Fold the napkin.

Lay your napkin out turned at an angle, so it looks like a diamond with your flatware in the center.Easter Bunny Napkin Tie Moonshine In A Teacup 4

Pull the bottom corner up over the flatware and meet the other corner covering the utensils, then bring the outer two corners up to meet the first two and hold tightly.

Easter Bunny Napkin Tie Moonshine In A Teacup 5

7. Tie the ribbon.

Tie the ribbon around the napkin/flatware once, and then place the Easter Bunny over the first tie.

Easter Bunny Napkin Tie Moonshine In A Teacup 7

Tie your Bunny’s bow and trim any excess ribbon.

Easter Bunny Napkin Tie Moonshine In A Teacup 8

8. Enjoy your Easter meal! 

20 Gaelic Words and Phrases for Your St. Patrick’s Day Meal

~ C ~ 1 Comment

Hey there everyone, I can’t believe that it’s almost St. Patrick’s Day! What a perfect time to be finishing up the rest of our Ireland adventures. I have the last part of that series heading out your way Friday, wait until you see those photos!  Today I wanted to share with you a neat fact about St. Patrick’s Day.

(Read this next sentence in your best, cheesy game show host voice.) Did you know? The week leading up to St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in Ireland as Irish Language Week! We heard a bit of Irish (Gaelic) on our trip but we didn’t try to speak it ourselves. We may just have to change that this St. Patrick’s Day.

St. Patrick's Day Moonshine in a Teacup

Since we all celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (Irish or not), I’ve made a list of some key Gaelic words and phrases so you can take your St. Patrick’s Day dinner to the next level! Things always sound better in another language, don’t you agree?

(Click here  to download this free printable sheet for your dinner guests.)

  • salann – salt
  • piobar – pepper
  • aran – bread
  • càise – cheese
  • feòil – meat
  • buntàta – potato
  • tì – tea
  • cofaidh – coffee
  • cèic – cake
  • An bhfuil ocras ort? – Are you hungry?
  • Cha toigh leam – I don’t like
  • Is maith liom – I like
  • An mbeidh níos mó agam? – May I have some more?
  • tá – yes
  • uimh – no
  • Is féidir liom Guinness a fháil? – May I please have a Guinness?
  • Bhí an dinnéar go maith. – Dinner was good.
  • Tá sé go maith. – It’s good.
  • Go raibh maith agat. – Thank you.
  • Tá fáilte romhat – You’re welcome.

Do you have big plans for St. Patrick’s Day? What about a special meal you always prepare? I’d love to try your favorites! Let me know if you use the above phrases and how they work out. Share the story in the comments!