Which glue do I use???

Sometimes when I’m crafting, and I reach for the glue, I hesitate, wondering if I’m using the correct kind for my project. This used to happen to me, a lot. I’d try to remember if hot glue was ideal to use on moss and wood, or if I should be using wood glue instead. In case you’re wondering the answer to that- yes, hot glue is one of several that can be used on moss and other organic material, but use wood glue on wood items. Of course there are other circumstances to consider, such as: how heavy is the material; does it need to be supported, or will it be free-standing; is it an indoor or outdoor item; will it melt; will the glue react with my material; what type of ventilation is available, etc.???

It seems like it would be simple enough, but when you’re in the middle of a project, why bother trying to remember? Though most projects you find online usually list all the materials you need, including what type of glue, sometimes they just list it as “glue.” That doesn’t really help, if you only have one or two types on hand, and you’re starting on a specific complex project. I used to get frustrated. Now, I always use this little chart. (See below.) It takes the guesswork out of it, and when I look ahead of time, I know exactly what type of glue (or glues) to have on hand for my crafts. Is one interchangeable if I don’t have another on hand? My chart tells me. Some types of glue can be used on multiple materials, and that can save you from having to make an unplanned trip to the store. And there’s nothing I dislike more than being all set to start a project, and not having everything I need. That’s time wasted.

 

Feel free to “share” this little chart on your social media, so that others will have my little glue sheet, too! That’s what we’re all about- sharing ideas and shortcuts to make life easier! Think of me as your online friend with free tips and how-to’s, and please tell your girlfriends what you learn. I like helping everybody’s life go a little easier.

Tami Loves…the glue that holds us together as friends!!

 

Would you like to write a blog or start interacting more on Facebook?

Do you struggle with what to say and how to say it?

Do you worry that you’ll use the wrong words or the wrong grammar?

Well, I don’t worry about those things! I just go for it. I talk from my heart. I say what’s on my mind, and I say it exactly like I’m talking to you. I’ve always been that way. Whether it is letter writing, blog writing, or posting things on my Facebook page, I say it like I am talking to you in person. When I write newsletters, I feel like it’s more relatable, as if we were chatting.

 

I was called out once on poor grammar, and here’s how the story goes:

I met with a client (hopefully, by now, you know I do interior painting and decorating for clients). I measured the rooms we were going to be painting in. We figured out the treatments we were going to do and the colors we were going to do them in.

I went home and figured up her prices, typed up an estimate, explained some of the process of what we would be doing, and included a little thank you for inviting me into her home.

We got the job and it was wonderful!! Actually, they did much more than what we originally discussed. At one point, my client said “We got the biggest kick out of your estimate! Your grammar was hysterical! We kept it so we could read it again someday.”

I am who I am, and I guess it is what it is. She did however, totally ruin my day and make me paranoid every single time I write a quote. And that was 18 years ago. I’ve never forgotten it. And I never quit writing estimates the way I do. I still break everything down- room for room, for every single customer, and explain the process. Hopefully, not everybody is finding it funny when I don’t really intend it to be funny. But if they do, they haven’t said anything to me, and I’m glad.

The reason I’m telling you all this is to emphasize that you have to be who you are, and if other people find it funny, then that’s ok. I’m glad I put a laugh in their heart. I can’t stop being who I am. I’m 56 years old- I don’t think things are going to be changing anytime soon.  I think if you’re too formal and stuffy-improper, you might make people uncomfortable. And if you take too long to write it, trying to make it perfect, you won’t do it as often, and you need to blog often!

I write my blogs as if I’m talking to you. I write everything as if I’m talking to that person. Is there a more professional way to do it?  Of course. Is there a much worse way to do it? Of course. As long as I fall in the middle somewhere, I’m perfectly fine with that.

So if you’re trying to write a letter to a friend or an estimate to a client, just write it. Be yourself, let the words flow, and it’s almost like journaling- you feel better. Someone might call you out on it someday, but you know what? In 23 years of painting, and writing several estimates a week, no one has ever called me out on bad grammar since. And you know what else? I tend to think people are more concerned with my math skills than my writing ability! And for that, I have a calculator! 😉

The moral of my little story is this- if you’ve ever been inclined to write a blog but you feel like you can’t, just pretend you’re writing to me. Tell me what’s on your mind, tell me what you’re thinking, tell me what you’re dreaming of, tell me what you did today, I would love to hear. Like two friends chatting over coffee!

There are so many blog topics. If you’re writing a personal blog, just think about what happens to you every day. You’ll find so many things to write about in your own life. That’s real, that’s raw, that’s what people can relate to, and that’s what you should write about every chance you get.

Tami loves…when a person is true to themselves, despite what others may think. 

 

Colors: How do they make you feel?

Have you ever noticed how women and men perceive colors differently? Ask a man to tell you what color you have on and he’ll probably say “Blue.” Ask a woman the same question and she’ll say you’re wearing cobalt, sapphire, navy, baby, sky, robin’s egg, or perhaps periwinkle blue. Most men just don’t get caught up in the whole hue, shade, tonal thing when it comes to colors. These are the creatures who wear plain white shirts to work, all year, only changing their tie colors.

Soft pink reminds us of baby girls, and sky blue reminds us of baby boys. But hot pink reminds us of teenage girls, lipstick, and nail polish. To a lot of guys, pink is just pink.

But colors can remind us of certain times in our lives, and change our moods. Colors make us feel. For example, whenever my friend sees the color green, she thinks it’s calming. It could be hunter green, sage green, or moss green- they are calming and peaceful to her, reminding her of her home.

When you see the color red, does it excite you? Red makes me feel bold and energetic. I like red as an accent color. A big splash of red says, “See me!” I recently posted a picture of a wall I painted red, framed in white, with a beautiful painting in the middle. It was eye-catching to say the least, and I love the color it gave to the area. Red is vibrant, red is life!!

What do you feel when you see bright yellow? Does it make you look away because it’s too much color, or does it make you feel like a child, opening that new box of crayons? Is it warming and soothing like sitting in a stream of sunshine, or perhaps it makes you thirsty for lemonade. Yellow seems to be a color you either love or hate.

Blue can make us feel tranquil, and peaceful. It can also make us feel sad. It depends upon your mood at the time. Every time a friend of mine sees turquoise blue it makes her happy thinking about a trip she made to Arizona. There’s a lot of turquoise in the west. Blue is universal. It’s a safe color.

Gray is such a trendy color now. It used to make people feel drab, or plain. But now gray really is the new beige. It’s beautifully neutral, and peaceful; understated so you can accent it with nearly every color! I love grays accented with teal, purple or orange. Bright colors pop with gray. Gray makes me feel grounded and a little mischievous- you never know what color I’ll put with it!! Experiment!

Remember how orange used to be not-so-popular? Now suddenly, car makers are producing orange cars like crazy! Clothing offers more orange than I’ve seen in a long time, and the shades are gorgeous!

If you want to make a bold statement, do it with orange! It’s not just for October and November anymore!

When choosing colors for your home, take a moment to see how a color makes you feel. Don’t rule out anything based on assumption. Experiment. Nothing is more wonderful than coming home to your color, and feeling safe, and at ease. And don’t be afraid to change if you’re tired of it, or just not sure it’s for you.

Tami Loves…helping you feel at home with color.

 

 

Does your favorite restaurant depend on the atmosphere or just the food?

The other evening my husband surprised me by taking me out to eat at one of our favorite restaurants. While we sat and talked over our drinks, waiting on the appetizers, I looked around the room, I mean really looked at it and wondered why I enjoyed coming there so much. The food was great, the service was always top-notch, but it was more than that. I loved the rich, dark, wood of the walls and floors, and the big open windows that let in light to make it bright. I loved the hominess of the décor, the soft-lighting, and the candles on the white tablecloths. There was a warmth, that was so appealing, it was almost like being at a good friend’s home for dinner. My husband asked me why I was looking all around, and I told him my thoughts. He agreed with me. It wasn’t just about the food, this place meant we could relax and talk, like we do at home in our own kitchen, except there was no cooking, or dirty dishes to do. He said, “I feel good coming here.”

I bet if you think about the places you like to eat at, you’ll discover there’s more to them than just the food. Of course, we have to take our mood into consideration, and whom we’re dining with, too. Sometimes a restaurant is appealing because of its liveliness, vibrant colors, welcoming ambiance, and vibes that say, “Come on in and party with us!” When I’m out with my good friends and we’re celebrating something, that’s the type of place we go to. There’s a great little spot on a lake not far from my home, that is just plain simple as far as décor goes. There’s a bar-like atmosphere, picnic tables on the dock-side, and paper cups and napkins, but it’s a place that just oozes “relaxation” and good times with friends. Sometimes there’s a live band and that makes the time even more special. I love being on the water, and it reminds me of boating.

I have a friend who told me her favorite restaurant is one that is an old Victorian home, turned into a sweet little place for steak or fettuccini, with a great wine list, and awesome Bloody Mary’s. She enjoys the small tables for two, and the big high ceilings covered in tin. She said there are mirrors that make the room feel wider than it is, but she likes knowing she’s really eating in someone’s parlor from the early 1900’s. The décor is clean with linen-covered tables, and ladder-back chairs, but the colors of the home remain completely Victorian, and she especially likes the china cabinet in the corner of the room displaying rose-covered dishes. “Sometimes I feel as if I’ve gone back in time when we go there,” she told me. “It’s just a warm little restaurant, with lots of charm, and character.” I told her it sounds like a great place to have lunch the next time I come and visit!

The next time you go out to one of your favorite places, really look at the décor, and see why it has a certain appeal to you. Is there something about it that you’d like to copy in your own home? Does it relax you after a long day? Do the colors energize you or remind you of another place? Perhaps you go to a seafood restaurant not only because you love seafood, but also because it reminds you of the beach vacations you enjoy so much. Or maybe your favorite spot is woodsy, with a big fireplace, and lodge-like. It takes you back to those ski trips you took in the mountains. When you go there, you enjoy the warmth and smells because they remind you of another time in your life. Just think about it the next time you go out for a bite to eat. Why are you drawn to that place? I would be very interested to hear your thoughts, and find out what keeps you going to a certain place.

In the meantime, “Bon-appetite!”

Tami Loves…anywhere that friends gather to share a meal.

One of my favorite sayings that I strive to live by, is from Benjamin Franklin:

“Well done is better than well said.”

Now, I’m not saying everything I do, is necessarily well done, but I strive to make it so. No, what I’m saying is that talking about something is one thing, but actually DOING it is quite another. Those of you who know me, know that I am essentially a chatterbox. I will explain something until I’m blue in the face, or go on and on about how I love something- hey, I AM Tami Loves, after all, and you may think that I’m just a lot of talk. But if you really, really, know me, you know that I put a lot of walk behind that talk. If I say I’m going to start a project, and plan it all out, you can bet that I am certain to do it.

You get an idea, surmise, estimate, guesstimate, anticipate, and investigate, but if you don’t ever put those plans into motion, what good is all that talk? It sounds really good when you talk about it to people, or put it down in writing, but if there’s no action behind the words, what do you have? Nothing.

Another way of saying this would be “actions speak louder than words,” or “put your money where your mouth is.” You get the idea. Wouldn’t it be great if every politician practiced these simple but effective clichés?

I try to lead by example, bring out the best in others, encourage people, and be a good friend. Sometimes it’s hard to actually DO since it takes a lot more effort than saying, because we are all so busy. It’s always something I need to work on, and continually improve.

It reminds me of a guy I knew a few years ago who had this great idea to create a spectacular perennial garden in his front yard. Every time I saw him in town, I’d ask how it was coming along. “Oh it’s all in the works,” he’d say with a laugh. Months went by, and then a couple of years, and as I’d drive by his house I noticed there was still no garden. I wondered why he never got the garden done because he was always so animated talking about it. One day, I saw him in the post office. He came up to me and was as jovial as ever. I asked him if he was still planning that garden. “Oh sure!” he said enthusiastically. “I keep getting new ideas for what plants to use, and now my wife has decided she’d rather have a rose garden there, so we’ll see what we can come up with! It’s all in the works!” I left feeling slightly sad for him. It seemed he’d never get from the planning stage to the growing stage. Sometimes people just enjoy planning something. It gives them hope, whether they put their plans to fruition or not. In this case I think there was a bit of that, but also some lack of motivation on the man’s part to actually do the work.

While it might not matter to anyone but you whether you accomplish and complete your personal tasks, it does matter to other people at some point if it’s part of your job. Setting goals, developing ideas, coming up with a course of action, and seeing it through is important to your growth as a person. Lead by example. Show your kids how to make those dreams come true. Put those words into action. You’ll feel better when you see your accomplishments, and they will inspire you to do more.

Tami Loves…projects that are completed, and work that inspires the drive in others.

 

Is everyone getting ready for fall?

It’s here!! Okay, so maybe it isn’t here weather-wise, but according to the calendar, it is. Fall is one of my absolute favorite times of the year! I love all the beautiful colors it brings- the golds, oranges, and reds. Driving out into the fall countryside is something that lifts my spirits. How can you be down when you’re surrounded by the beauty of the countryside, draped in her fall attire? Every bend in road presents an even more extraordinary view, than the previous. I can’t help but feel energized and inspired! Fall inspires me to create, make, and bake!! Truly!

The smells I associate with fall, like fresh apples, cinnamon potpourri, pumpkin spice, or that deep, woodsy, campfire smell with roasting marshmallow, and spiced rum, remind me to get in my kitchen and bake up some wonderful homemade goodies. Fall means good food, and that usually means desserts!! Who can resist a homemade treat from a kitchen that smells like fall spices have exploded in it? That sweet spicy aroma permeates our noses and make our mouths water for its sumptuous taste!

But I am going on about food too much- fall inspires me to create more than appetizing cuisine! When the weather turns cooler, and the air is crisp, I want to decorate with all the color and warmth I can find. I race to get out my favorite autumn wreath to hang on my front door. Or perhaps I’ll see a new one on Pinterest, and decide to make a new one! Fall moves me to be creative with the things I already have, or to use them to create new and different designs. I long to decorate my customers’ homes in the warm hues of gold, and the splashes of orange and red, that delight the eyes with their inviting, vibrant highlights! Whether I’ve created an arrangement, or a vignette, I take great satisfaction in setting the stage for fall and all her glory in every home I enter! There are so many ways to create autumn’s brilliance. For some, it means bringing nature inside, like collecting leaves, wood, mums, gourds and pumpkins, or cornstalks. For others, it includes silk garlands of colored leaves, ceramic decorations, and candles. Whatever fall inspires in you, set it free and experiment!

Don’t forget about Halloween and Thanksgiving, too! Fall also gives us the opportunity to exercise our whimsical “spirits” with fun, and scary decorations like wicked witches, ghosts and the occasional skeleton. You can incorporate these, right into your fall décor, and then remove them once Halloween is over. Next, add in a cornucopia and some Pilgrims for your Thanksgiving table. You really can use the same base colors and items for a solid three months. All it takes is some basic anchor items, whether they be natural or artificial, and add your color here and there. Don’t overpower your whole house, because a little goes a long way, but it’s all up to you. The possibilities are endless! And… how about a little chalk-design sign by the front door welcoming guests to the clam-bake, trick-or-treaters to the candy, or individual name chalk slates for the big Thanksgiving dinner? Ask me how!

Need help deciding how to decorate for fall, Halloween, or Thanksgiving? Message or call me. I’m here to help you love the home you create! I have a ton of ideas!

Tami Loves…being inspired by fall to create a little magic!

 

Let’s talk today about chalkboards…
Have you ever walked into a store or restaurant and seen a little chalkboard by the door, with a list of the day’s specials? Perhaps you even have a chalkboard in your kitchen where you list your kids’ chores, calendar, or jot down a grocery list. Lately, chalkboards are all the rage at wedding receptions, for seating lists, or table numbers. They’re really quite useful, and popular. Sometimes, you’ll see them with a little personal message tucked inside a bouquet of flowers, or an arrangement on a table. They may grace a front door with a welcome message, or hang on a front porch displaying a house number. Chalkboards are everywhere, but until now, they’ve all been pretty standard.

Well, welcome to a whole new world of chalkboards from Chalk Couture!! I’m so excited about the unlimited possibilities of these products! No more plain black chalkboards! Now you can turn anything into a beautiful chalkboard masterpiece! There are a variety of paints and transfers to help you create beautiful gifts and decorations. And, the best part…you don’t have to be artistic or crafty to use these products!! I can show you how!

Now, chalkboards go from strictly functional to dazzling works of art. It’s all in the paint, and the transfers, and it’s a fun, easy process that you’ll use again and again. Your kids will want to get in on the action, too. And how about hosting a girls’ night with your friends, where you can make and take a project?

Chalk Couture came to be when a gal out west created and decorated a magnetic chalkboard to use as a sign in selling her artwork. When the chalkboard sign generated more interest than her artwork, she knew she had something special. Voila! And who said “necessity is the mother of invention?” Inspiration and creativity are right up there, too!

I’d love to show you all my Chalk Couture products. Email me or inbox me if you’re interested in learning more. Or follow the link on my site that says “Chalk Couture.”

Tami Loves…when a lady with an idea, inspires a whole following of chalkboard artists!!

Since I’ve been posting about summer, and all it’s wonders, I thought how fun it would be to see if you, my friends, would like to post your favorite recipe of summer, and share with all my readers! I know this is the time of year, similar to Christmas, when we all have a special dish or treat we love to make and take to gatherings. Summer means so many invitations, and events, there’s always the need to add some new recipe to our ever-growing compilation.

 

I have some really great ones that my daughters and I enjoy making, but I’m going to save mine to see what you guys share first. I mentioned this idea to my friend and she enthusiastically gave me this one to start our Summer Recipe Share off!! She found the recipe on Pinterest a couple of years ago, and has received raved reviews! I’ve tasted it, and have to agree it’s wonderfully refreshing!!

 

Blueberry-Zucchini Cake with Lemon Buttercream Frosting

Pamela Beach

 

Ingredients:

3 large eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

1 Tbsp vanilla extract

2 1/4 cups sugar

2 cups shredded zucchini

3 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1 pint blueberries (tossed in 1 tsp flour)

 

Lemon buttercream frosting:

1 cup butter, (2 sticks, 8 ounces) at room temperature

4 cups confectioners’ sugar

Juice of one lemon

 

Instructions:

 

Pre-heat oven to 350F

Lightly grease and flour a 9×13 baking pan.

Beat the eggs, oil, vanilla and sugar until well blended. Fold in the zucchini.

Whisk the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda to combine. Slowly add it to the wet mixture, mixing just enough to blend.

Fold in the blueberries, and pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for about 50 minutes, just until the top is turning golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out without wet batter clinging to it. Cool on a rack.

To make the frosting, put the softened butter into a large bowl.  Add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating with a hand mixer till smooth after each addition. After the second cup of sugar add in the lemon juice. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Adjust the texture by adding a little more lemon or a little more sugar.

Frost the cooled cake and store in the refrigerator.***Pam’s note- Store the cake in the fridge, but take it out about 30 minutes prior to serving so the frosting isn’t too hard. Cover tightly and store in the fridge between servings.

 

If you make it let me know!

 

Now it’s your turn!  Share a recipe with us that we’ll all be using the rest of the summer!!

 

Tami Loves…sharing good finds with good friends!