How To: Make a Homemade Christmas Tree

As a college student during Christmas time it can be difficult to afford a Christmas tree, especially when you share an apartment with a roommate and don't want to have split the cost at first and then later decide who gets the tree. 

So, I made my own Christmas tree out of 2 1/2 yards of green felt from Hobby Lobby. 

Draw a Christmas tree template onto the felt to be cut out, this tree is about 6 ft. tall by 3 ft. My roommate and I kept it up on the wall using a stapler and then strung a string of christmas lights to really sparkle, also using a stapler. 

Then we joined the lights with some garland that we had from last year's Christmas decorations that we bought at a nearby dollar store, not too shabby huh? 

Then we topped it with a felt star using the excess green felt that I just painted with gold glitter paint and, of course, stapled at the top of the tree separately. 

In total, this project cost about $10! 

This is perfect for a couple of college students who just want to decorate their apartment for the festivities. 

How To: Make Caramel Apple Kabobs

Need a party treat for your guests or a dish to impress your friends at a potluck?

These Caramel Apple Kabobs are easy, fun and inexpensive, especially for a college student.

Peel four big and juicy Granny Smith apples completely. 

Take any size melon baller, I used a 1 inch melon baller, and create balls of apple. After you have successfully melon balled the apple, throw them into a dish full of lemon juice; no measurement needed, just use common sense. 

Allow for the balls to soak in the lemon juice for about 10-15 minutes.

Skew the balls of apple through the middle, I put three apple balls onto mine; and then pat dry with a paper towel to soak up the excess lemon juice.

Now for the best part, the caramel! You can use whichever caramel, but I used the already made caramel in the produce section. 

I hope these are a hit at your party or get together like these were at my party!

Congratulations Class of 2013!

The venue was at a local "Villagio" apartment complex in San Marcos, Texas where I helped decorate my friend's college graduation party. This bar was the buffet area where the food provided by the graduate's mother was prepared and served to their guests.

What's a party without a little bubbly?!?

Instead of covering this beautiful table (which has the Texas State University school colors) with a table cloth or cover, embrace it by decorating creatively with plates, napkins and cups! This is a simple pattern and easy to maneauver and it will capture the attention of your guestsand with all those napkins, you might as well get some good use out of them.  

The tables to eat our meal was covered with a graduation table cloth, assorted napkins to create a clean line down the table with just a sprinkle of confetti for some shine :) This allows guests to admire the school spirit and to not have to leave the table to get another napkin.

The beverage table was covered with a gold table cloth and the remaining of this banner that I and another fellow decorator wrapped along the front of the table to give it that "oomph" effect. Behind the table on opposite sides is our graduate's senior pictures to balance out the scenery.

The entrance to this shindig was draped with a Congratulations banner with an extra special message for the graduate with an opposing profile picture.

How great is this clubhouse! And for only $75 no less, obviosly whoever gave her that price was clearly "new", what a steal!

There's yours truly with the graduate herself. Of course, I am in the school color maroon to support our school. Love ya girl!

I couldn't of decorated the party without this other beautiful lady right here!



Simply Made in Matrimony

The venue was at the Flying T Ranch in Austin, Texas on April 27th and it was beautifully set for the ceremony for the bride & groom to be made in matrimony.

Looking off from the wooden deck to the bridge that led the wedding guests to the beautiful wedding ceremony area

I teamed up with the wedding coordinators from Brass Tacks Events and volunteered to set up the ceremony and reception areas. These bows were all tied individually by yours truly, with some help ;) Tying these gorgeous bright green ribbons were a chore at first, but after some technique it became super easy and very cute! 

Thank the good lord for these! While guests are waiting for the bride to walk down the aisle, there were these cute wedding programs made into a fan for us to waft ourselves. Such a good idea for outdoor weddings and gave us all something to entertain ourselves.

The reception area took place on the wood deck of the ranch set with 12 tables for the estimated 95 guests. The royal purple and bright green wedding colors looked so simple and elegant with a country twist.

The hand cut center pieces, compliments to the father of the bride, with mis-matched china plates and mason jars complete this rustic elegant theme.

The tables numbered with framed wooden numbers gives your guests guidance in a neat and organized way while sticking to the theme.

 

Congratulations to my dear friends Jeff & Alex and good luck to them on their journey through life together as a married couple.

4 Steps to Healthy Chicken Vermicelli

After my crazy, busy back to back task filled day of college classes and studying, I came home tonight around 11 pm and I was in need of some dinner and needing something fast! Knowing that I didn't want anything from a drive-thru joint or the yucky, old pizza that has been in my fridge for god knows how long; I realized that I had groceries! But who wants to cook at 11 pm???
After quickly looking at what I had in my fridge; I put together something deliciously fast and even semi-healthy.

All I needed was:
- one thawed chicken breast
- a box dinner of Pasta Roni's "Olive Oil Vermicelli"
- a handful of cherry tomatoes

- a handful of fresh spinach out of the bag
- any of Mrs. Dash seasoning salt-free
- olive oil
- frying pan
- small pot

Allow 15 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes to cook:

1. As the swig of olive oil simmers in the small pot, I cut the cherry tomatoes into halves and throw them into the small pot over medium- low heat along with the fresh spinach and then sprinkle a dash of Mrs. Dash. Let it simmer.

2. Cut the chicken breast into bite-size pieces or strips and lay in the skillet in a swig of olive oil. Let it brown into something juicy for a few minutes.

3. After the chicken has reached the perfect golden brown color, add-in your Pasta Roni's Vermicelli box dinner (directions for use is on the back). Don't forget about your tomato and spinach in the small pot! Let about 8-10 minutes for the pasta to thicken.

4. Now that the pasta has thickened, add-in the tomato and spinach mixture and toss it with another couple of "dashes" of seasoning. PRESTO! It's done, now make it a meal with some homemade garlic bread :)

This box dinner creation should be perfect for about two servings, in other words, don't be like me and eat this wonderfully delicious meal by yourself...but if you ARE like me then you can eat half tonight and save the other half for another night!