Category Archives: Just For Fun

Feature Friday

It must be Feature Friday around here, because this little blog is being featured on two fabulous networks today!

First, I’m very excited to be featured on the new NC Blogger Network today! This group of ladies is so talented and I’m glad to have found this local online community.  If you’re a blogger in NC and are interested in joining the group, just click here.

702 profile pic

I’m also featured over at The SITS Girls today.  These girls have been making blogging easier for us since 2008 with their tips, guidance, and sense of community.  You can join The SITS Girls to — just click here!

So hop on over to learn a little bit more about me and why I blog. You just might learn something new! ;)

CraftFail Book Review + A Giveaway! {ENDED}

We’ve all been there.  You find the cutest idea on Pinterest…a jack-o-lantern brownie recipe, a glitter high heel DIY, a peppermint wreath tutorial. You can do this, they said.  It will be easy, they said.  A few hours and maybe some tears later, all you’re left with is a big fat FAIL.

  Craft Fail

Well now you don’t have to feel alone, because founder and “chief executive failer” of CraftFail.com, Heather Mann, has just released her fun and awkwardly uplifting book, CraftFail.  In her witty introduction, Heather writes, “CraftFail is a celebration of the creative process, but unlike those perfect magazine shots and idealized online inspiration boards, we showcase the gruesome underbelly of the creative process…I do not want anyone to be discouraged from trying, but instead to be encouraged by the society of creative failers who are brave enough to share their craft blunders.”

If you haven’t picked up a copy yet, you really should. This book is sure to provide hours of entertainment, and there’s even a quiz to help you get started: Are you an all star CraftFailer?

Here are just a few of my favorites from the book…

The Union Jack Knit Cap Fail

  books_004

The Hard Boiled Chicks Fail

  books_004

The Caped Crusader Fail

  books_006

And because Heather and I don’t want you to suffer alone, we’re giving away a copy of her hilarious book to one lucky reader!

Official rules: Simply follow the instructions below to enter. This giveaway will run until next Monday, November 3 at 10 pm.  The winner will be announced Tuesday, November 4. Free product shipping is included in prize. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Happy Failing!

Disclaimer: I did receive a free copy of this book, but all reviews and opinions are my own.

100 Years of History

Last Friday, I was honored to host the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) at our house.  I’m not a member, but this chapter was started right here in our foyer exactly 100 years ago, in 1914.  So when the club asked if they could hold the October meeting here, I was all for it!

If you’ve followed for a while or read our story, you may know that our house is historically registered as the Taylor-Gaylor house.  It was built by Charles Taylor in 1902 for his private residence, and in 1939, my husband’s grandfather, Charles Gaylor, bought the house with his wife, Mildred. Anyway, Charles Taylor’s wife, Emma, started the local DAR chapter.

Somehow we acquired the architectural inventory book for our town, which was published in 1987.  Our house is in the book, and the DAR was important enough to make it into the blurb!

IMG_6020 IMG_6021

So, back to the party.  I wish I had better photos, but I was trying to snap a few quick ones while playing hostess.  But there were just a few things I wanted to share with you.

The flowers were absolutely stunning.  Seriously, jaw dropping.  One of the very talented members does floral arrangements using blooms she’s planted in her own yard.  She had no idea my dining room was purple, but the flowers could not have been more perfect for the space.

IMG_6022 IMG_6023 IMG_6029 IMG_6030

The meeting was at 4:00 pm and consisted of “high tea.”  I served each cup, which was a lot of fun, and allowed me to meet almost all of the 50+ women there.  They were so cute in their fancy hats and gloves!

IMG_6033 IMG_6031

The ladies brought lots of information on the history of the club, as well as the house, which we displayed on the piano.

IMG_6027 IMG_6028

I enjoyed learning the history of the family that built our house, but perhaps the best part of the whole day was meeting the nieces of Mr. Taylor.  They came to the event and were thrilled to see the house now, as they had spent some time here as small children.  In their words, it looks “incredibly different, and incredibly beautiful.”  I’ll take that as a compliment! :)

Fall Favorites: Cocktails

It’s Friday, y’all!  And you know what that means…it’s drinking time! :)

This weekend, cozy up with a tasty fall cocktail.  Here are my favorites!

702parkproject - 8 favorite fall cocktails

1. Autumn Manhattan

702parkproject - autumn manhattan cocktail

Is there anything better than Manhattan in the fall?  Probably not, but this cocktail comes really close.  Take a regularly delicious Manhattan and add champagne and maple syrup? Um…yes please!

2.  Pilgrim Punch

702parkproject - LC cocktail

Mix this super simple punch up for a crowd and it’s sure to go fast! (This is also very easy to make virgin…if you’re into that kind of thing.)

3.  Cider Jack

FNM100111_131 Food Network

You can’t have fall without cider, and this is a good way to do it. Also, I want to start putting cinnamon sticks in all my fall cocktails!

4.  Pear Ginger Bellini

702parkproject - pear ginger bellini

This cocktail will satisfy both your sweet and spicy cravings.  Plus, it only takes a minute to make!

5.  Cider Sangria

702parkproject - cider sangria

Let’s face it. Martha knows what’s up. This fruit-filled apple sangria looks amazing!

6.  Honey Fig Sour

702parkproject - Mr Mixologist cocktail

So they are advertising this as a spring cocktail, but honey and figs just seem so much more like fall to me. I’m a sucker for a genuine sour made with egg whites. If you haven’t tried it, get to your nearest bar or liquor cabinet now!

7.  Kahlua Pumpkin Spice Latte

702parkproject - CIS cocktail

Just when you thought a Pumpkin Spice Latte couldn’t get any better.  Feeling lazy?  Go the Starbucks route and add your own Kahlua!

8.  Spiked Cider

702parkproject - SFP cocktail

Classic apple cider and spiced rum. Serve it hot or cold.

Alright friends, that wraps up Fall Favorites week.  I hope you enjoyed it and got some fun ideas for this fall! Don’t forget to check out fall porch ideas, place settings, wreaths, and no-carve pumpkins too!

See you here next week with more updates on the house. Happy weekend! :)

I’m Alive!

Hi folks…just wanted to check in really quick and let you know I’m still here.  First of all, THANK YOU all so much for your words of encouragement, support, prayers, and vibes.  I appreciate it more than you know.  I feel so blessed to have found this online community of friends!

The surgery went great and we’re optimistic for positive results in the coming weeks, but the recovery has been a little more intense than I expected.  So bear with me and I’ll be back next week with lots of goodness for you!

In the meantime, here’s what you may have missed from some fabulous ladies while I’ve been away…

702PP - Guest Blogger Collage

See you next week! :)