Tute Thursday: Mounted Jar Vases

Have you succumbed to the mason jar craze that has been going around for a few years? I can't help myself, I love them. They are so easy to dress up and give even the hardcore city girl a bit of country without getting hayseed in her hairdo. 

Thanks to Craftster.org I was able to feed my mason jar obsession by creating a tutorial for Mounted Jar Vases. I can not believe how easy these vases are to make. You can add just about anything to them, from herbs to flowers. I have these on our shed outside wall to add a little country to Playa de Pedersen. I think in the winter, I will fill them with herbs and have an indoor herb garden.

Check out this video, as well as other Craftster videos on their Youtube channel. 

I Like Stuff: An Honest Review of Jamberry Nails

I may have a little bit of an obsession with beauty products. I love bubble bath, fingernail polish, eyeshadows...anything that makes me feel sassy and dolled up. I can't help it, I like trying new things. Lucky for you, I can try them out and give you my honest opinion. Today's honest review is for Jamberry Nails. 

If you haven't heard of Jamberry Nails then let me explain them to you. Jamberry nails are basically wraps (stickers)for your nails. They come in a sheet and you get 2 manicures and 2 pedicures for 15.00 a sheet. In order to put them on you heat the wrap up and then place it on your nail. Each wrap will do two nails. After you place the sticker on, you smooth it out and then, with a nail file, file off the excess. They last anywhere from one to two weeks. 

Now that you know what they are, here's the skinny on them from yours truly. 

The Good:

• The nails come in a variety of styles from conservative to funky. I really love all of the designs and options they have.
• No mess. There is no risk of spilling your polish. 
• They last for a decent amount of time. I hand wash dishes every day, garden without gloves and the nails held up. They lasted until I took them off. 
• The rewards from a party: For the party I had I was able to get 1 free sheet, 3 months free shipping, 60.00 in credit and 5 1/2 off items. 
• You can create customized wraps. 
• There are a ton of websites and videos to help you troubleshoot applying the wraps. 

The Bad:

• This isn't really a bad but it did take a few attempts to get my wraps on just right. This could be a problem for certain designs. 
• You must heat the wraps up before applying. The first two times I did it with a hair dryer and it got a little hot. I bought the heater on their site and I strongly recommend it for anyone thinking of using Jamberry Nails. The heater made it so much easier to apply the wraps to my nails. 
• They are only available online or through a party. If you want instant gratification, this isn't it. They do ship fast, but again, be prepared for a wait, so plan ahead if you want to use them for a special event. 
• 15.00 for one sheet can get expensive
• Some of the designs are smaller on the nail then pictured on the website. 

The Bottom Line:

Do I think Jamberry Nails are worth it? Yes, I do. They are fun and quirky and the good outweighs the bad. I love that they are not messy and the rewards make it worth having a party. I had my party online so it was pretty easy. I have had many compliments on them and I do like that they last a decent amount of time and in good shape with all of my abuse to my nails. For the price, I might save them for a more special occasion. They are definitely fun. When I look at my nails and toes, I smile. 

Tie One On Tuesday

Oh yeah baby....Mama needs a cocktail! It's hot, the pool is blown up and my pink float is just waiting for my butt to lay on it and catch some rays. The only thing missing a little drinky drink in my hand. 

Lately I have been on a margarita fix. I think it's the extra hot temps that bring out the need for salt, lime and tequila. I could be sophisticated and say "on the rocks," but please, I am in a blow up pool that is 3 feet deep, listening to 80's pop music and singing "Walking on Sunshine". Does any of that say sophisticated to you? 

Basic Margarita 

1 1/2 ounces tequila 

1 ounce fresh lime juice 

1/2 Triple Sec

Ice

Salt

Mix everything together in a blender and blend until ice is fine. Add salt to the rim of your glass, pour and enjoy.

Some recipes out there call for simple syrup into the mix, and not as much Triple Sec. It makes it a bit sweeter, which is fine if you want something with less of a bite.

If you are a bit on the fancy side, a Cadillac Margarita is just what you need.

Cadillac Margarita 

1 1/2 ounce top shelf tequila 

1 ounce Grand Mariner 

3/4 ounce fresh lime juice

Ice 

Salt

You will prepare the glass the same way as the basic margarita, but will not mix this in the blender. Blend in a shaker with ice and pour into your salted glass. 

I was going to add a few fruit recipes here but really, you can add any fruit or veggies to the basic margarita recipe and thus add more flavor. I have had margaritas with watermelon, pineapple, strawberries and have even seen recipes that include lavender and hot chili peppers. Experiment with flavors to make up your own concoction.

Well cats and kittens, mama's heading off to dip her toes into the deep end and the pups are on blender patrol. Ahhh...summertime! 

This is What Happens...

This is what happens when you get too busy-you get a neglected blog. BOO!!!! I know, I suck! I can't believe I haven't been on the blog since April. Well, let's do a quick recap of what has happened since then:

1-OMP had eye surgery

2-We have 4 dogs and life is full on cray cray!

3-I am looking for a new job (still have the old one but lots of crazy going around here too)

4-I have been writing for Craft Gossip and About.com

5-Still at Craftster

6-Getting back into writing for Feeling Stitchy

Whew! I'm tired just typing that out! Holy macaroni! Did I miss anything? I have managed to get some crafting a stitching done between all of life's little complications. Check out a few of the things that I've been working on. 

There are a lot more and I'm now obsessed with fairy gardens and washi tape, but I will save those for another day. 

What have you been up to in the summer months? Anything new and exciting?