From 2 bucks to Too Awesome!

So I was at this yard sale and saw this little piano bench which had seen better days.  But for 2 bucks I couldn't resist.  Of course, I didn't take a 'before' picture because I suck and was just too eager to sand, stain, and reupholster it.

Not too shabby!

In the end, I decided not to keep it and instead gave it to my mother.  I know, I know...I'm such a good daughter.  *Sigh* That's why I'm her favorite (Please don't mention this to my 5 other siblings).  

What to do with an old popcorn tin

So a while back my mother spotted these milk pail shaped popcorn tins at a yard sale.  They had pictures of dairy cows all over them but at a buck a pop I was like what the heck I can probably do something with them. 

Unfortunately I didn't get a 'before' picture, but I did find something similar on Google.

Notice the cows, don't they look happy in the snow?

Here is the 'after'

Some paint and a black pen will work wonders!

 All it took was some spray paint, a little bit of flat paint and a template from the The Graphics Fairy.

First I spray painted over the cow design on the tin with some primer, then I used some leftover flat paint I had lying around, then I traced the printed design onto the can (I went old school and just penciled over the back to create my own 'stencil').  Easy-peasy!

Getting Saucy!

Whilst visiting the parents this Friday, I mentioned to my dad some interest in purchasing apricots.  Patterson being the 'Apricot capital of the world' I knew I could score some pretty good 'cots.  So off we went straight to the source and picked up TWO boxes of delicious Del Puerto Gold Apricots.
                                                 

I am now the proud owner of 48lbs of Apricots.  That's right, 48lbs.  Crazy right?
The good thing is I can give some away to friends and family and still have plenty left over to try my hand at making apricot jam.

24lbs of apricots! 

After numerous internet searches I figured out that I while I didn't have the desire to create a true 'jam', I could easily create a sauce which would totally fullfil my needs.  So I have now turned some of those delicious little fruits into this:

Sweet and Tangy just bursting with Apricot goodness

Making this amazing little sauce was pretty darn easy, but getting the portion of sugar to fruit ratio down took two tries.  The first batch was a bit too sweet, so I made a second batch with a lot less sugar and just mixed in the first and BAM- instant awesome-sauce!  I mean apricot sauce.

Up next- Apricot cobbler, Apricot pockets, and of course just plain old Apricots. 

My first time...

At Paintball!  I was SUPER nervous at first, but soon found I really enjoyed shooting little balls of paint at people. 

I was also very hungry after just two rounds.  Conveniently enough, there was a Famous Dave's very close by.  Sampling the sauces was almost as fun as shooting paintballs.  I couldn't resist taking this picture of Gabe

Blogging aint easy

I gotta say this is tough!  Between work, working out, and just doing my thing I just can't seem to take the time to write a 'decen't post.  

Promise to try and do better next time!

Taking the plunge...

Well I did it.  I started a blog!  Eeek.  I'm not sure what the 'theme' will be (crafting, sewing, painting, gardening, baking, or making) but hopefully whatever this blog becomes it will be fun.