My Green(ish) Thumb

What a project!  Yes, I'm speaking this week of the outside of my house!  Something that looks so simple is hard work!  I admire anyone who works a job of manual labor, especially in the summer heat!  This project started a few weeks ago with an exciting trip to the local nursery (that's where you buy plants, not babies!)

I loaded up a few of these beauties!  Aren't they beautiful?  They remind me of hydrangeas, but in a fun pinkish, orange color.  I also bought several vincas (okay 15 of them), some potato vine, some variegated bushes...and then remembered, oh ya...I have to fit these in my car somehow!

Miraculously, I managed to get them into my car (with everyone watching in disbelief) and headed home...unloaded them into the driveway, and there they sat aaallllll day long!  I do this every time I buy plants!  I always buy more than I want to plant, but they call out my name and say "buy me" EVERY time!

I had to clean out the flowerbed around the tree.  Ginger...it's a root and almost impossible to get rid of!
Well, I completed the job today, mulch and all.  Let's look at some pictures!

Before:                                                         

After:

These little flowers make me happy!  I know...I'm a nerd!  I don't particularly like the border, but it's staying for now...till I find a retired gardener looking for something to do!

Next was adding to the bushes already in front of the house.  You can see it in the before picture in the background.  Let's look at the after!

Ta Da!

 And yes...this project was done "centsibly".  The flowers around the tree were $1 each!  

Cheers to another weekend!   

Nikki

Creating Fall

I'm determined to make my house feel like fall even if it's still in the 80's.  While at Michael's today, I noticed that they're artificial flowers were 60% off!  Plus, I had a 20% off coupon...so...another project that was under $10!

These are the supplies I used.  The container I already had so I just started shoving flowers in...literally, shoving.  You can't think about it too much or it will drive you crazy!

And...here is the outcome!  I think it turned out pretty well and I didn't even cover the peep hole!  But, shhh...we can't tell Macho Man that I had to put a nail hole in the door! 

Here's another look...

The best part?  I have leftovers!  So if you're local, come on over and we can make one for you!

Sneak peek of what's next...

Hmmm...any guesses?!?!

I'm turning into a pumpkin!

I am absolutely obsessed with pumpkin anything right now!  I have to let you in on a "centsible" dessert.  I went to a party Saturday night and took pumpkin fluff!  Mmm..mmm...mmm.  YUMMO!

Of course I started the day with an absolutely delicious Pumpkin Coffee from Dunkin' Donuts.  I am in love!  I think I might even like this better than the Pumpkin Spice Latte from that other place!  GASP!!!!  I know....haven't decided for sure yet, but it's up there on the list.  A little bit of Splenda and heaven on a Saturday morning!

  Okay, back to fluff!  I found this recipe on pinterest.  If you haven't become a follower yet, you MUST check it out!  More on that later...Anyway, so simple!  There are only 4 ingredients...

AND..the best part...it cost under $10!!!  INCLUDING THE CUTE LITTLE PUMPKIN!

Here is the recipe:

16 oz. frozen whipped topping (thawed)

1 (5 oz.) package instant vanilla pudding mix

1 (15 oz.) can solid pack pumpkin

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Mix together instant vanilla pudding mix, pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice.  Fold in the thawed frozen whipped topping.  Chill in the refrigerator until serving.   

EASY PEASY!!!

Side note:  I could have stopped here...SERIOUSLY...I could (and maybe did a little) eat this right out of the bowl!  But I kept going :)

Then comes the fun part...

Cut open the top of your little pumpkin, clean out the inside (don't forget to save the seeds)

 And...TA DA!

I served this with cinnamon graham crackers, but also thought about using Ginger Snaps!  How perfect for a fall get-together!  Have you tried any yummy recipes lately?