My first project was a beautiful holiday wreath. Many stores are selling lavish wreaths with large Christmas bulbs and ribbon threaded through. They are incredibly beautiful, but also very expensive. To create a similar look, I visited my local dollar store and also the thrift store. I found an old wreath at the thrift store for $1.00. It wasn’t the most fashionable, but provided a great base for what I wanted to do. I purchased Christmas ribbon and beautiful round ornaments at the local dollar store. Once I got them home, I simply wrapped the purchased ribbon around the wreath and attached the bulbs with hot glue. Once all of the bulbs had been attached, I wound the ribbon through them and secured with hot glue. The wreath turned out beautifully and cost less than $10.00.

Although I have been decorating on a budget, we have been able to have a beautiful home that provides the true spirit of the season. There is no reason to spend a lot of money on expensive decorations, when you can create memories with your family making duplicates much cheaper.

Paint a Wall

This is an inexpensive do-it-yourself project that does not require much skill or effort. Every fall many people repaint their homes. This autumn also try painting an accent wall with a vibrant color such as lime green, red, sky blue or yellow. Vibrant colors are in this season. Grab a paintbrush and maybe even some friends and paint a wall. Your mood will be lifted by the vibrant colors. 

Add Plants

Nothing adds life to a room faster than houseplants. The plants help us breathe cleaner air, and the plants help to improve the mood of people in the room. The project is simple for those who want to add hanging plants to the home. Many do-it-yourselfers will paint ceramic or decoupage plastic containers to hold the plants. Depending on the number you complete and the complexity, a single project would take one day.

Reupholster Your Couch

If you want a new look, try reupholstering the couch. Bright and bold solid colors or prints are also popular this season. Try integrating this trend on the couch. It is a great way to update something old and make it new again. The material will be much cheaper than buying a new couch. Reupholstering is recommended only if the basic construction of the couch is still intact. Consider this simple DIY project to give the room a makeover.

DIY This Weekend

If you have nothing better to do, try a DIY project this weekend and then, host some friends for a small gathering. The new update may make the room better for entertaining guests and also make the room feel more festive. Have some fun and try a new project this weekend.

Instagram

Allowing you to share all of your smartphone photos with family and friends via Facebook and Twitter with just a touch of a button. Use one or more of the app’s numerous filters to alter your photos before you share them with the world. Make sure to share only your best vacation photos and to scatter them throughout each day so your followers keep paying attention to your posts. Get even more out of the app by following and interacting with fellow Instagram users.

Tout

This app features the ability to make 15-second video status updates. This may seem like a very short period of time, but it is not so different from the 140 character limit on Twitter. Similar to Instagram, you can create the video right on your phone and then share it on Facebook and Twitter with a simple button click. While you’re traveling, it can be fun to view videos from other users who have posted from the same locations.

Foursquare

This app gives you the tools to locate numerous things to do in many locations throughout the world. “Check in” at various venues to get “badges” through the app. Many companies provide special offers when customers use check ins, such as a free coffee the first time you check in with them. Don’t forget to use the Explore option, which has categories such as Food, Top Picks, and Nightlife. Make sure to leave feedback about your experiences at various venues to assist further Foursquare users. Similar to Foursquare, Yelp provides reviews and tips for a wide variety of businesses. However, it offers more information in greater detail than Foursquare. Browse categories and recent activity for your current location. Join the Yelp community by contributing your own reviews and ratings for the places that you visit.

Hope you enjoy what I have to share!!

Style

Brooklyn’s style is casual-chic. Many people wear trendy sneakers as they walk through the up and coming neighborhoods. People are, for the most part, friendly and promote a communal atmosphere.

Many people prefer shopping in Brooklyn because it is different from Madison Avenue or Soho in Manhattan. Many people living in Brooklyn enjoy shopping in Williamsburg, Carroll Gardens, Fort Greene, Cobble Hill, Park Slope and Prospect Heights. Williamsburg is known for its vintage shopping. Many people enjoy the flea markets in Brooklyn, but these flea markets are atypical. The markets carry authentic vintage and high quality goods. Many people flock to the Brooklyn Flea for this reason.

Brooklyn does not have several antiques stores, but there are numerous furniture stores with modern pieces featured at affordable prices. IKEA is another popular store in the area. Fifth Avenue is one of the more popular shopping venues. The neighborhoods are highly walkable, and stores can be reached easily.

People need sneakers to walk the area in comfort. To find trendy sneakers, try Fulton Mall.

Food

The food in Brooklyn varies. Popular food choices allow a wide variety and include Cuban, Mexican, Spanish or Tapas Style, Japanese and American Fare. Whichever you may desire can be found in the Brooklyn area. Some of the best restaurants in Brooklyn include:  Le Bernadin, Per Se, Dressler, Bozu, El Almacen, Zenkichi and Five Leaves.

Atlantic Avenue at Clinton Street is known for ethnic food such as Middle Eastern and Russian. Brooklyn is also known for its Italian food, Irish food, Pakistani food, Norwegian food, African food, Caribbean fare and halal stores. Chocolate lovers and pastry lovers will find treats in Williamsburg, Park Slope, DUMBO, Gowanus and Red Hook. Polish kielbasa and breads can be found on Manhattan Avenue.

Home Design

Some of the most impressive interior designs in Brooklyn are based upon art deco and minimalist principles. The lines of furniture featured in Brooklyn apartments are clean and sharp and give the edgy town credit to the artistic reputation it holds. The spaces are open and wide to complement these pieces.

Activities in Brooklyn

Living in Brooklyn gives residents the opportunity to engage in theater, film, dance and music activities. The Brooklyn Book Festival always seems to attract numerous supporters for Brooklyn’s writers. Many residents also enjoy the annual art shows at Brooklyn’s Waterfront Coalition. The Brooklyn Academy of Music features the BAM Dance Africa to attract people who love dance and the arts.

Williamsburg, NY

Words on Canvas

With this latest design trend, homeowners can reveal their inner Picasso by painting a few words on canvases. The project is easy to complete and adds considerable flair to any room. Many minimalist designers love this idea because not only are the canvases visually appealing, but also inspiring. The quotes or one-word statements can be written in standard free-hand or stencil.

The design choice and colors will depend on the homeowners’ preferences. Creating wall hangings will allow homeowners to save money.To create the wall hangings, many homeowners use inspiration from magazines. Alternatively, allowing them to come up with statements without inspiration.

The wall hangings require a blank canvas, paint, paintbrush and creativity. The blank canvas can be obtained from an art supply store or a store such as Michael’s. The background can be painted first and should dry overnight. Some people may choose to decoupage newspaper on the canvas.  The lettering can be added on the next day. To add the lettering, many people will use stencils or free-hand sketches. Many people use lead or charcoal for the outline and paint within the lines onto the canvas. After the words are complete, the masterpiece should be allowed to dry. When the canvas is dry, it can be hung in any room of the home.

Many people enjoy using three or four consecutive wall hangings in a row to add artistic flair. “Words on Canvas” is a unique and cost-effective way to decorate homes, and it is a new trend in the New York and Brooklyn areas. Since the designer is you, you can save $6,500 on interior decorator fees. However, if an interior decorator is needed for the other aspects of your home décor, he or she can guide you in this phase of the project. Simply convey your idea to the interior decorator and he or she can recommend the best colors or approach for the project.

Consider Words on Canvas for Your Next Interior Design Project

Getting involved in your home decorating projects is not a bad idea. It can save money, and it can be therapeutic. Many people would enjoy this type of project from a hobby perspective. Consider Words on Canvas for your next project and watch the room transform.

qThis chocolate cake was probably one of the BEST chocolate cakes I have ever had. I’m not a hugee chocolate fan either. The frosting was thick and creamy and the tartness of the strawberry brought out some of the sweet flavors in the chocolate cake itself. I just HAD to look up a recipe so I can indulge in this as much as I want. I found the recipe on Pinterest (of course) so hopefully you guys enjoy this link!

xx AJ

Hopefully this weekend was just as beautiful most places as it was for me in upstate New York. I wanted to share with you my trip to Alexandria Bay in the 1000 Islands! This trip was absolutely beautiful and there was so much I brought back to blog about!!

Spending time on the water, anywhere, is really one of my most favorite things. I just love the peacefulness it brings. Even when the water is rough, it still allows for a soft landing, and a beautiful view no matter what.

So here’s the deal, I’m going to break down my weekend in a few different post’s. One relating to some of the amazing property in the 1000 Islands and how “Millionaires Row” is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from a camping village stuffed with RV’s. Another pertaining to some of the great food I enjoyed. Sometimes, saying “yes” to dessert is allowed. Finally, discussing what is essential to pack for a weekend getaway when you aren’t quite sure what you may doing, what type of dress code there may be and more.

Hope you all enjoy my posts. Again, Please feel free to comment anytime.

xx AJ

The summertime offers a lovely vacation from the conventional and seasonal recipes we’ve come to master. It’s all about eating light, healthy, and colorful dishes that are simultaneously fun and relaxing. Whether you’re dining in your kitchen with your family, on your deck with your friends, or even in your vacation home with your significant other, the following simple yet superb recipes will keep your stomach and heart satisfied in the summertime.

Appetizer: Grilled Watermelon Salad

The grilled watermelon salad is a unique and delicious appetizer; perfect for a beautiful summer afternoon.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup fresh, chopped mint

Cayenne pepper to taste

Salt to taste

3 tbsp lime juice

1/2 cup shredded feta cheese

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 3-4lb miniature watermelon

The juice of 1 naval orange

Steps:

1) Preheat your grill.

2) Lengthwise, cut your watermelon. Cut those halves in half. Then cut those halves in half! Using a seasoning brush, lightly coat your watermelon slices with olive oil; set aside.

3) Mix your lime juice with the orange juice. If too tart, mix in more orange juice. You’re going to want a taste similar to a sour orange flavor. Then, mix in cayenne and salt; whisk together as you add a bit of olive oil, until mixture is thick. Add your chopped mint.

4) Grill watermelon until noticeably grilled and marked by grate. You want the watermelon to be crunchy, but not overdone. Grill each side for about 2 or 3 minutes.

5) Cut watermelon into smaller chunks, and then place them into a bowl. Add dressing, toss, and then add your shredded feta. Add more salt or cayenne for taste and healthy appearance.

Main Dish: Classic Roasted Veggies

The classic roasted veggies are not only a healthy and beautiful main dish, but also packed full of flavor.

Ingredients:

Juice from 1 lemon

1 tbsp salt

1/2 cup EVOO

2 bulbs fennel

1 tbsp ground pepper

7 roma tomatoes

2 zucchinis

2 yellow squash

2 packages of buttom mushrooms

7 thyme stems

3 tbsp garlic (minced)

Steps:

1) Preheat your oven to 450.

2) Slice your vegetables, place them in a large bowl. Add your thyme.

3) Take EVOO, salt, garlic, lemon juice, and pepper; whisk them all together.

4) Add your whisked mixture to your vegetables, toss.

5) Apply aluminum foil to a baking dish, then place your vegetables on the dish. Place in the oven for 20 minutes, monitoring the vegetables all the while to ensure no burning accidents.

6) After your 20 minutes is up, turn on broiler for about 10 minutes.

7) You can choose to eat only the vegetables for a light main dish. If you’re wanting something a little more filling, you can add pasta or rice as well.

Desert: Blueberry Tart

Blueberry tarts will add an exquisite and also simple country-home-feeling to your wonderful summer experience. Not to mention, they’re absolutely yummy.

Ingredients:

For The Crust

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for dusting

1/3 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For The Filling

6 cups (six 1/2-pint containers) fresh blueberries, rinsed and dried

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest

3 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

2/3 cup sugar

Pinch of salt

Steps:

1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, salt, and butter; process until large moist crumbs form (dough should hold together when squeezed).

2) Transfer dough to a 9-inch round tart pan with a removable bottom; with floured fingers, press evenly into bottom and up sides. Freeze until firm, about 15 minutes; prick bottom of dough all over with a fork. Bake until golden, 20 to 25 minutes; cool completely.

3) Meanwhile, reserve 1 cup of the prettiest berries for topping. In a medium saucepan, bring 1/4 cup water and 1 1/2 cups berries to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat; simmer, stirring occasionally, until berries begin to break down, 3 to 4 minutes.

4) In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water; stir into berries in pan. Add lemon zest and juice, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, stirring, just until mixture begins to thicken, 30 to 60 seconds. Remove from heat. Stir in remaining 3 1/2 cups fresh berries. Immediately pour hot berry mixture into cooled tart shell, and smooth with a spatula.

5) Scatter reserved berries on top, pressing down lightly to help them adhere. Refrigerate until cool, about 30 minutes and up to overnight.

Eat up and enjoy!!

LIVE – LAUGH – LOVE – TRAVEL   AND EAT!!!!!!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!! xoxoxo AJ

Live – Laugh – Love – Travel

It’s time for me, my family and my friends to celebrate our Independence!

So excited to spend it on the lake…. then back to the grind on Monday!

xx AJ