I love the large clear bottle lamps from Pottery Barn, but they're a little pricey for me {$210-$350 each}, so I decided to make my own for a lot less. {$40}

Inspiration Lamps

First find a large wine bottle or jug. I found mine in a basement at an estate sale.

The story: I decided to stop and look around at an estate sale not far from our store after a customer of mine told me they had great things. After walking through the entire house and basement with my hands full from all the great treasures, I found a whole closet full of old wine in these beautiful bright green and clear glass jugs for $3 each. I took advantage of this great find and grabbed 10 or more. People just kept eyeing me and asking me, "Your not going to drink that are you?" I said over and over again, "I'm not; I'm just using the empty bottles." They couldn't see past the nasty old wine in the bottles, all I was thinking was these bottles will make beautiful lamps and vases when I get them cleaned up! You never know what you’ll come across; I’m constantly on a search for great pieces to repurpose.

Next you will need a bottle lamp kit which you can purchase in any craft store or hardware store. You can find a cork in your bottle lamp kit which is to cover the opening of the wine bottle. Bottles in different sizes are also applicable to most bottle lamp kits. If not, have your local lighting or hardware store assist you in the parts you may need. I decided to run the cord from the socket instead of the base of the lamp, so I didn't have to drill a hole in the glass bottle. Finally find or buy a lampshade, harp and finial of your choice to finish off your bottle lamp, now it's ready to shine.

Thanks for stopping by!



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Time goes by so quickly, it seems!  When I as a little girl, time seemed to crawl along so slowly and I couldn't wait to grow up.  Now that I am all grown up, with a family of my own, time flies by way too fast!  I can't believe it is almost December already!

When reflecting on what a busy month was for our family, I happened to stumble upon the following.



Pinned Image
 
  
I am truly blessed to have a fabulous husband and wonderful children, such great family, spiritual family, and friends!  We continue to have many blessing upon us such as health and happiness. 

I will share some of November's happenings with you through a collection of photos.

 Pumpkin Farm


It's really hard to get a good picture with 3 kids!

Duck Races!

They were thrilled!


Not too sticky :-)

Brookfield Zoo


I love is one-eyed smile!
Decorated a Christmas Tree with our Youth Group
My Sister's Wedding


Me and my handsome hubby at the rehearsal


Me        My Sister      My Mom
We had such a fabulous time! My sister was gorgeous and the wedding was perfect! 

Thanksgiving Week/end
Japanese Steakhouse with their "new" Uncle

Everyone do the one-eyed smile!


Sushi


Helping in the kitchen


My Mom brought this, she got it at a craft show.  It's so cute!

My big guy wrote that we is thankful for "family and food and clothes" 



Black Friday

My Mom and me
I do have to write about the above picture.  I was debating about adding because it is not a great shot.  But it was so fun.  This was taken at about 4AM; we were in line at an outdoor mall when a pizza guy came by selling his pizzas.  It will definitely be memorable!  Plus, I won a $250 gift card to the mall.  I was thrilled...I never win anything!

Now on to December, which will also be a very busy month with all of the kid's activities, Christmas parties, crafting, shopping, making cookies, etc.  Much of this I will be sharing here on my blog.

Thanks for stopping by!


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This morning I woke up and realized it is November 30th. That means that exactly two months ago, at this very minute, I was on an operating table, having MAJOR surgery. Half of my knee is now replaced with a prosthetic. I never imagined how hard this journey would be. Thankfully, I am now on the other side (almost) of it.

I woke up that morning, screaming in pain, before I even opened my eyes. All I remember is hearing people hurrying to push drugs into my IV and knock me back out. I don't remember being wheeled to my room, being moved into my bed, none of it. I had opted to not have the spinal numbing meds (which would have made my waking up a LOT easier) because I've had two bad spinal experiences and didn't want to go down THAT road again. I do remember waking up in my room eventually, with my husband watching movies on the hospital tv. I would push the pain pump and go back to sleep. I had heart monitors, oxygen tubes, and pressure cuffs on both legs. I had to take oodles of meds on top of the IV, and the nurse would give me a shot every night to prevent blood clots.

Friends would visit me, and after leaving the hospital I could barely remember WHO came to see me! Yikes! Those drugs seriously mess with your short-term memory. I had five days of great care, through the worst (physically) days of my life. Walking was a different story. The morning after the surgery, they strapped my drain and bucket-o-blood to a walker and got me out of bed. I could only go to the bathroom door and back, it was only a few steps, and I cried the whole way. It was beyond what I could comprehend as pain.

The day after that, I had to walk down the hall, still having the huge drain tube hanging out of the side of my knee, and about a 7 inch incision on the other side. Note to men physical therapists- don't compare anything to childbirth. You haven't done it, and the pain of that didn't come close to this.

A few days into it, the nurse came in my room and told me to push my pain pump (Ha! Like I hadn't been playing jeopardy with it anyway! It was a constant game of push the button and hope you hear the right sound of beep, the one that lets you know it was time, and the meds went through.), that the doctor was next door and he was coming to take out my drain next. Eek! Let's just say there was screaming, crying, and after he took it out, and put in stitches without numbing, he had the nurse turn my continuous dose of IV pain meds back on.

After 5 days of all of this, I finally got to come home. I was SO excited and SO scared. My first day at home brought my first home health visit by my nurse. I had to have her for a month, because that's how long the doctor had me on blood thinners to prevent blood clots. She would draw my blood every few days and call me to tell me what dose the doctor said to take. I also had three weeks of physical therapy at home.

After a few days of being home though, I could no longer take the ITCHING and BURNING happening under my bandage. I wasn't supposed to mess with it until my follow up, but one day I peeked under the wrap to look at the taped up bandage and saw it was green and hard, like a cast. Yuck. I called the nurse line, and they called the doctor and I was given the ok to change the bandage at home. Once I removed it, I'm surprised I didn't pass out at what I saw. I was severely allergic to the adhesive on the steri-strips on my wound. There was a red, blistered, gooey area under and around my steri-strips, that was a couple inches on all sides of the 7 inch incision. Are you doing the math? This is a BIG area. I called the nurse back and she ended up coming out to the house and removing my steri-strips. Another thing I was terrified of, what is this gonna feel like to pull these off of skin that looks like this?

She came out and used saline soaked gauze to soften them, by the time she peeled them back, it all came off in one big piece, my skin and all. I could now actually SEE what was bringing me to tears all these days with itching. Parts of my flesh were actually "burned" off from the adhesive. It was awful. But, the saline felt soooooooo good. I've had bad hives before, but this was a level I'd never imagined. What followed was a round of steroids to help it heal, and thankfully after a couple of weeks it did. It grew all new skin, and all of the damaged stuff flaked off. Now you can only just see the outline and see that the new section of skin is a slightly different color. BUT, because all of the blisters kept popping and rubbing against the bandages when I used the CPM (machine that bends your knee), I wasn't allowed to use it for a week. It sat on the floor, and I was to focus on healing the wound.

Unfortunately this caused my knee to form scar tissue and not allow me to bend it more than 70 degrees no matter how hard I tried. I would cry and cry, and try as hard as I could everyday. It led to painful, disappointing physical therapy visits. There were days when I thought HOW in the world am I ever going to be able to _________________ (walk normal, lift my leg, bend my knee, not use a walker, etc.). I would put my bible app on read aloud mode because I couldn't even see through my tears to read it, but it was the only thing that would calm me down.

In the midst of this, I had noticed while taking the steroids that my mouth was irritated, and my lips started peeling a bit. One day, they started looking big, kind of like Angelina Jolie. My husband loved it. Ha ha. The next morning I woke up and they looked like they were about to explode. We instantly called his mom to watch the kids and he took me to the ER. It was SO embarrassing. Walking with a walker, I couldn't even cover my lips with my hand. I KNOW the people in the waiting room must have thought I had a bad lip enhancement surgery or something.

It was ANOTHER allergic reaction. It was more than I could bear. They gave me a shot of benadryl, and sent me home. I couldn't eat, because my lips were HUGE, and "dead" feeling. Kind of like the numbness from the dentist, but they weren't numb, because if food touched my lips they would feel like a million bee stings, and start getting worse. My friends brought me smoothies, and ensure drinks, to drink out of straws. I ended up being told to go back to the ER again from the home nurse, because they were getting worse and worried about my airway closing up. Walk into a waiting room FULL of people staring at your enormous duck lips- that's a confidence booster...NOT!

More shots at the ER. The lips lasted 5 days. I took the maximum dose of benadryl every six hours for each of those 5 days. It slightly helped with the itching and burning. I had to set my alarm in the middle of the night, so that I wouldn't miss a dose. What does benadryl do? It dries it. So now I had SUPER sandpaper lips that I couldn't put ANYTHING on. Anything I tried to put on them I had to immediately wash off because they would swell up again. Finally on day 5, after they were normal size, I bought plain old chap stick. It worked.

I'm still afraid to put anything else on them now.

Back to the knee. Is 70 degrees all I will EVER bend it again? I'm only 29. The doctor said I had a "stuck knee" and asked me if I wanted him to bend it for me. Say what?! It's called a manipulation procedure, and they put you to sleep and bend it to break the scar tissue, which is what is preventing you from bending it. I said yes, but I was terrified. The last thing I wanted was to experience what I felt when I woke up from anesthesia last time. For days leading up to the procedure, I would wake up at night and try to bend my knee in bed. I thought I was waking up from anesthesia, that's how much it was on my mind.

The day came, and it all felt too familiar. Only 6 weeks before, I had done the same exact things. Been driven to the hospital in the dark of morning, check in, surgery prep with the same nurses, IV, nausea patch behind the ear, etc. I couldn't keep some tears from falling in pre-op. I. WAS. SCARED.

I prayed and prayed, but I was SCARED.

When I woke up, I had an oxygen mask on and the anesthesiologist was standing next to me, writing in a chart on the rolling stand next to my bed. I instantly moved the blankets off of my leg and bent it as far as I could. His eyebrows raised and he stopped what he was doing. I started crying happy tears and saying "thank you Jesus" over and over and over again into my oxygen mask. The doctor looked at me like something was wrong and asked if everything was ok. He couldn't hear what I was saying, so they moved my mask and I told him, "I said THANK YOU JESUS, I can bend it!!" He started laughing and went back to writing in his chart. I have never in my life felt more relief than that moment. I never want to forget that day, that even though it was a bit painful, it was one of the best days of my life.

My trial made me stronger. One of the verses that got me through those weeks was Hebrews 12:11 "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
BUT what really got me, was what happened to be the next 2 verses... "Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed."

I feel like it was put there for me. For such a time as this.

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I know I should be working on Christmas projects but I am in full swing with this Teen Lounge.  The room is surprising coming together quickly (at least by my standards).  And I have to admit, it’s a pretty cool space to hang out in.   I just finished up a few large painting projects and hope to get on to my Christmas decorations later today.

clip-art

A few weeks back I posted a gallery wall collage of some ideas that I came up with in Photoshop.  I invited you to “LIKE” your favorite and leave a comment.  Thank you to everyone that voted and shared your ideas!  I really appreciate you taking the time out of your day.

I was thrilled that #6 was the most “LIKE”ed option!  Why?  because it was my favorite too!!  That really shows me that the readers of Dittle Dattle get me!  ha ha     I guess us like-minded people gravitate to one another.

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Teen-Lounge-DIY-Wall-Frames

But Wait!!!!

So why did I choose #4?

Well, I have a couple of reasons. 

  • First my teenage son thought the room was getting too “busy” looking.
  • Secondly, I have a little something up my sleeve for the adjacent wall and if he thinks it busy now he might be completely overwhelmed if I over do the gallery wall.
  • Thirdly, my kids liked #4 the best and ultimately it is their room. 

 

Custom-Frames--Dittle-Dattle

 

Teen-Lounge-DIY-Frames--Dittle-Dattle-blogspot

I purchased a whole group of frames at Ikea.  you know the ones?? basic black with white mats.  As I was laying them out on the floor it just seemed boooooorrrrrring!  With the oversized clock in black,  those black frames weren’t working for me. 

Well, I remembered seeing some really awesome frames in a boutique during our summer vacation in Upstate NY, and then I also remember I bought a quart of ASCP (Annie Sloan Chalk Paint)  in Providence that I hadn’t even popped the lid to yet.  So before I knew it, I had a project in the making.

DIY-Photo-Frames--Dittle-Dattle

Just using scrap wood, glass, and paint, I have four amazing frames for FREE!  yeah!

Custom-DIY-frames--Dittle-Dattle  

The glass and photographs are held by simple square nuts and screws.  Look closely…… my glass cutting is not square!  LOL  That just adds to the charm!

The ASCP Providence was a bit bright for me at first so on the second coat I mixed in a little ASCP Old White.  With the sanding and distressing it really gives the frame another dimension. 

Teen-Lounge-Custom-Frames

Don’t you just love them?

Would you like a tutorial?

Honestly they were easy to make and I’m sure I will be making more.

Teen-Lounge-gallery-wall--Dittle-Dattle

I still may do idea #6 but I’m waiting to see how the other wall comes out first. 

Teen Lounge Updates

And one last update I wanted to show you… the new rug.  I showed you an Ikea one that I purchased a month ago that was made of natural fibers, but that had to be returned!  You could not walk across it with out it feeling like thousands of needles were poking your feet! ouch!!  I have seen the same rug all over the internet and NO ONE mentioned how uncomfortable it was.  That’s not me.  That’s not this blog.  I will always give you my honest opinion.  And I always have an opinion!!! he he

While browsing around Ikea, again, I spotted this colorful one, and with my mother’s confidence, I brought it home and was completely delighted!  The kids like too, which is also a bonus.  The coffee table is something that the Hubs and I had in one of our first apartments.  It was actually sitting at the backdoor waiting to go to Goodwill when I thought….. “what if….. I sprayed it black?”  It’s not the look I’m going for but it will do for now.Carrie

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I have some really great ladies guest posting today.  I first heard of their blog via Ucreate when they shared their Jersey Bracelets.  You may remember my post where I made one!  They have such a fun blog! Here they are!


We are jujuB! Just two friends and neighbors who LOVE to craft. Okay, we don't just love to craft, we are kind of obsessed with it. We get together just to craft at least once a week. Truthfully, since we started jujuB we do it way more than that, but I don't want to sound so obsessed that you think we are crazy. :) Ok, I, Becky, am a little crazy, and Juliana is what keeps us all together. That's why we are such a great team! Check out our blog at jujuBstash.blogspot.com to see what we are up to--and we are always up to something!


We are so excited to share some of our awesome fall projects with you. 









We also have lots of fun items available in our Etsy shop. Come shop for Christmas presents and check back to see our Christmas collection debuting soon!!!!


They have lots of great projects, so go visit their blog and look around!

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Hey friends!  It has been quite a long time since I last posted!  I could go on and on with a list of excuses why I haven't been on here, but truthfully, I have enjoyed the time off.  It has given me lots of time to think about I am so happy to be posting today though!  

My sister is getting married soon and my sisters and I threw her a bridal shower this month.  I made some caramel apple dip and I wanted to share the recipe with you.  It took me three attempts, but the third time was definitely the charm!  It is absolutely delicious!

caramel apple dip

All you need as far as ingredients are sugar, water, butter, and sweetened condensed milk.  Here is a link to the recipe.  You have to caramelize the sugar.  This was my first time every doing this, and it was a little difficult until I found this link, which saved the recipe!  Good luck and Happy Holidays!

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Just something I made Great round labels.
I love graphic design and creating blogs, postcards, posters, flyers, business cards and more. Not that I have any proper Photoshop or Illustrator skills, but by keeping things simple and using good quality images and type fonts I seem to get away with a lot! ;-)

Lately I have come across some absolutely gorgeous free downloadable images and photoshop textures, which I didn't want to keep to myself. I mean, what better finishing touch than a customised, vintage label to go with your hand-made gift?

So. Here we go! Have fun and do share links to your websites if you've created anything with them!

Fuzzimo
A great site with lots of vintage downloadable images including postcards, stamps and envelopes as well as polaroid frames, canvas textures and old sticky tape. Yum!





I-Do-It-Yourself
Wonderful website with lots of ideas and inspiration for weddings - but of course these great labels can be used for your homemade Christmas gifts too. Worth a look.





Demilked
I found a great selection of free downloadable Retro type fonts on this website, ready to be used on all your labels, cards and other creations...



Shadowhouse creations
More yummy type fonts! Which one to choose???




World Label
Heaps of great vintage labels to stick on jars, bottles, boxes, gifts, anything!



Miss Cutiepie goes 80s
Lots of free printable vintage Christmas labels and tags...





DigitalCollageImages (via Flickr)
Some more lovely vintage Christmas tags. Oh my - are those gifts going to look good this year or what.!



Lilybox Designs
Cover some tin cans in these vintage wrappers. You may want to keep some yourself as a home for your pencils, scissors and other bits and bobs too!



Maybemej
Great collection of printable paper scraps, including old maps, flower patterns and labels:





Hope this list has given you some ideas and inspiration! Enjoy!



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