traditionsbytheseasons.com

September 2, 2016

Decorate Your Candle Chandelier For Fall

Hi there! Join me and I’ll show you how I decorated my candle chandelier for Fall.

I found this candle chandelier at Ross for only $13.99. I knew just where I would put it, above my kitchen island.

I dressed the chandelier by looping two different garlands around the bottom of it, and then added candles….simple, simple, simple.

I love the ambiance, so warm and festive.

See…it has that Autumn glow.

Below is a quick video snippet of my chandelier.

Thanks for visiting!
xoxo ~ Liz

August 31, 2016

My Autumn Mantle And Video

Hi Ladies, today I would like to share my family room mantle decorated for Fall.

So, have you all been struck by the *fall* decorating bug yet? I have! 😉

This is my Autumn mantle. It’s messy, imperfect, but I like it that way. I think it adds character, ha!

I used everything I had from previous years, but added the new candle sconces from Ross.

I added pumpkins and acorns.

My everyday greenery was used as my base, and then I began to layer with my fall floral picks and garlands.

I like adding layers because it adds depth and texture.

I added Curly Willow branches for a rustic element.

I used fall arrangements in metal vases on each end of the mantle to add balance in relation to the TV.

I love these candle sconces and they were so cheap. 🙂

The LED lights behind the flat screen (which were off in this photo) cast a beautiful shadowy effect at night onto the fall mix.

I love wooden acorns.

Thanks for visiting and below is a quick video snippet of my fall mantle.

xoxo, ~Liz

(Sorry for the poor video quality)

August 22, 2016

Chalkboards In The Kitchen + Some Fall Inspiration

Happy Monday, everyone! Today, I would like to share three chalkboards I have in the kitchen. The one you see directly below I found at HomeGoods.

This chalkboard was a tiny project. It was actually a picture and I painted the glass with Chalkboard paint, and repurposed it. I hung this chalkboard on my pantry door using Velcro Sticky Back Tape. Let me tell you, this tape holds.

This chalkboard I also found at HomeGoods and it sits on the kitchen island.

Chalkboards are fun to use for decorating because you can change the text and pictures through the seasons.

Now onto some inspiration I found at Pier 1 Imports. I absolutely love their seasonal plates and these Autumn plates are gorgeous.

Another idea is placing mini lights in your lanterns. I did this in my family room lantern, but I added pumpkins and autumn leaves….I like to call it – Fall in a Lantern. I will share this soon.

The pillows are adorable. You don’t need to break the bank adding new fall pillows to your sofas, simply add a fall pillow to the mix, or place on a chair.

Adding dried fall foliage to containers you have at home is a simple way to add those warm autumn colors to any room.

Isn’t this pretty? Decorating with plates, containers, and fall foliage in big containers really brings that warmth to any space.

Well, I hope you gathered a few ideas when you are ready to decorate for Fall. Get those ideas flowing….I did! 😉 Thanks for visiting.

XO ~Liz

August 17, 2016

Suspended Ladder Project

Happy Wednesday! Today, I would like to share my suspended ladder project. Many of you may recall my “white” hanging ladder many years ago. I would decorate the ladder through the seasons. Well, I really miss it, so I decided to make my very own hanging ladder, just in time for fall.

Where did I get my inspiration for a DIY ladder? I will tell you. Suzy from Worthington Court. She explains with pictures how to make this ladder for under $20.00. She did not hang her ladder, but I did. This is my version – in black. You can paint or stain the wood in any color you like, or leave it completely untouched for a rustic touch.

It took me 15 minutes to assemble the ladder including measuring my slats, pre-drilling then adding the screws. I wrote down all the dimensions (per Suzy’s blog post) and went to Lowes and had them make all the cuts for me. Can you say ~ simple?

I did pre-drill the holes because I didn’t want the wood to split or crack.

I put the screws in and was done. Seriously, it was just that simple.

I then painted the wood starting with the brown paint color as I was unsure what color I wanted to go with.

This is the ladder painted brow. I didn’t sand the wood, as I wanted a rustic look.

I decided that I wanted the end look to be black – to match my kitchen table and hutch set.

I pre-drilled and placed this hook on all four sides, so I could attach my chain and hang it from the ceiling.

These are the hooks and chain I purchased.

Adding the chain.

Here is the ladder before adding the hooks and chain. I could have found several uses for it. I could have leaned it up against a wall and used it as a blanket holder, or a towel holder in a bathroom.

Here my ladder is suspended from the ceiling.

I had some glass shelves and placed those on top of the ladder so I could set things up there evenly.

This is the finished look.

Umm, did I forget to mention that I have already started to decorate for fall? *blush*

I got so into the fall decorating that I decided to make my family a fall meal, Butternut-squash soup with crumbled bacon on top and ciabatta bread for dipping. It was delish!

I’ve got a super cool project to share that only cost $40.00 and adds the WOW factor to any kitchen. I will be sharing that next, and lots of Autumn decorating, too!

I’ve got my pumpkin spice candles going and the house is super cozy in Autumn colors, and I’m loving it! Thanks for visiting!

XOXO, ~Liz

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~Throwback Pictures~

(WHITE LADDER/FALL DECORATING)

June 23, 2016

Here are a bunch of house photos, just for you….

Ok, so since I’ve been away for awhile now, I thought it was only fair to share a bunch of pictures for you! 🙂 These pictures are totally random and not at all in sequence, but thats ok, right?

So as you enter through the front door, you see a split staircase.

The foyer area is very roomy and spacious.

The living room and dining room are on one side and the office and hall bathroom are on another.

This table is used to throw are keys on after running kids back and fourth all day, ha!

I found this candle holder at Pier 1 Imports. The candle is peach and smells wonderful.

This is the living room. Traditionally, the living room shouldn’t have a TV, but this works for our family, or this room would barley get used, ha!

Another look into the foyer.

Here is a look into the living room from the dining room.

I love the arches in this house that are trimmed out.

The large arched windows bring lots of light into the space which I love.

Here is the front office.

Office shelves decorated.

This is a window in the dining room.

I’m still into the Tuscan style decor, but slowly incorporating lighter and brighter items.

A look into the dining room.

A closer look…

See all the arches in the house, I love that architectural detail.

The trimmed arches follow the window arches.

I added these faux apples and greenery to this table.

This is the kitchen area.

I love the big island area. Plenty of room for the kids and everyone to sprawl out.

I found the hanging candle chandelier at Ross and added greenery to it.

Here is a pano/photo of the kitchen.

Can you see that sign to the left of the picture? It says….Our Happy Place. I love that sign, I found it at Pier 1 last week.

Another shot.

Lastly, this vignette is in my family room niche, very Tuscan in style.

Well, thanks for stopping by. Now you got to see a portion of the downstairs area. Hopefully, next time I can post the family room, other dining area, and laundry room/mud room.

xoxo, Liz

P.S. Sorry for the dull lighting, it’s a rainy day today.
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Linking up with:
Grace At Home Party

June 21, 2016

Happy Summer

Hi Friends, sorry I’ve been MIA for so long, I’ve been one busy gal this year. I’m not giving up blogging, but will post when I can and more during the holidays, my favorite time to share. 🙂

This past weekend, my husband and I went to a winery and when I saw this arrangement I just had to snap a photo, along with some other ladies who found the arrangement just as enduring as I. What a cute and unique idea, right?

Such a wonderful and picturesque day.

A little wine, some pretty scenery, and a little food…what could be better?

So let’s move on to a little decorating, shall we? I completely rearranged a few of my rooms in the house, for example, I moved the dining room to the family room. In the dining area, I created a computer niche. It’s “practical” vs. pretty, but it works for us.

I definitely like display shelves, so these work for me. I love decorating throughout the seasons, so these shelves create the perfect backdrop to be able to display seasonal items for fall, winter, spring and summer.

I may add some trim at a later date. These are cheap Walmart shelves, $29.00 a piece.

Also, removing the dining room from this area really opened things up, it’s a lot more airy now.

I get bored with my knick-knacks, so I like to go down to my basement storage room and go shopping, and change things up.

I change out my greenery for the seasons, too!

I’m completely obsessed with chicken and rooster decor. I found this at HomeGoods.

I added some sunflowers to my tin flower baskets.

I placed these egg holders in the center of this glass cloche platter.

A few more accessories I found at HomeGoods.

Lastly, this is our newest family member, Ralphie the Yorkie, all of 3 pounds. He is such a sweet and entertaining puppy. We absolutely adore him.

Thanks for visiting, and enjoy the summer!

XOXO ~ Liz

February 27, 2016

Eggless Pancake Batter

Have you ever had a craving for pancakes, but didn’t have eggs, or a store bought mix on hand? Well, today, I’m going to share a tasty pancake batter mix that is eggless and takes just a few seconds to whip up.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 Cup All Purpose Flour

2 Teaspoons Sugar

1/4 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

2 Tablespoons Baking Powder

1 Cup 2% Milk

1Tablespoon Vegetable Oil

1 Tablespoon Water

1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

2 Tablespoon Melted Butter

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I’m not very scientific when I cook, I just throw all the ingredients in together and mix thoroughly until there are no lumps. 😉

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Heat Griddle on Medium-High heat, add a little butter once griddle is hot, pour batter in, and flip pancakes once you see little bubbles beginning to form.

If your batter is too thick, just add a bit more milk and re-mix.

Here is how the batter looks in the pan.

My children wanted Bananas, so I sliced Bananas and added some powdered sugar, and maple syrup. You can get creative, add chocolate chips to the batter, or top with blueberries, or strawberries.

I have to say, for not having egg in the mix….they weren’t bad, actually quite good!

The pancakes themself weren’t as fluffy as batter with egg, but still VERY good!

So, if you have a craving for pancakes but don’t have the mix, or eggs on hand, don’t stress – try this recipe, I think you will be pleased! 🙂

Have a great weekend!!

XO,

~Liz~

February 25, 2016

Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing With Blackened Chicken

Are you ready for your mouth to water, because it surely will when you make this dressing!

This recipe is so basic, but full of so much flavor. Here you go…

FOR THE CAESAR DRESSING:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice (1/2 a large lemon)

2 Cloves Grated Garlic

1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Salt and fresh black pepper, to taste!

I double the recipe for my family and I also add a little lemon zest, and add a squeeze or two more lemon juice.

This chicken is the BOMB, let me tell you! So incredibly juicy, tender, and flavorful. If you don’t have a cast iron pan, you need to get one, you’ll never cook your chicken in anything else. You can buy one at Walmart/Target, or any kitchen store.

FOR THE CHICKEN:

Wash and pat chicken completely dry. Add the following:

Sprinkle over chicken, front and back.

Cajun’s Choice Creole Seasoning

Garlic Powder

Herbs de Provence

Salt

Pork Rub

Black Pepper

Get your cast iron pan nice and hot. I put it on medium heat for 5 minutes prior to searing the chicken. Place a few tablespoons of vegetable oil in the pan right before you place the chicken in. Place chicken down and cook for 5-7 minutes a side, DON’T TOUCH THE CHICKEN, let it get a good sear on both sides….this holds in all the tasty juice, trust me! 😉 Now place it in the oven at 350 degrees for 15 minutes….you’re house will smell like a restaurant.

This is how it looks when it’s all sliced up, tender and juicy.

FOR THE SALAD:

3 Romaine Hearts, wash, and slice into bite size peices.

Cucumbers sliced

Organic Cherry Tomatoes: sprinkle sea salt, garlic powder, and black pepper on them.

Toss Salad

You can make homemade croutons or get store bought.

Sprinkle with fresh grated Parmasan and black pepper.

I purchased some store bought dinner rolls. When they came out of the oven I brushed the tops with a butter, garlic powder, and Herbs de Provence mixture. So, yummy!

I hope you will try this, it is SUPER good, promise! 😉

XO,

~Liz~

February 24, 2016

Adding An iPad To Your Kitchen ~ With Food Photography

Hi there, friends! I hope you’re all doing well. I’m back to share a little idea I had for the kitchen. I LOVE to cook and was tired of always scrambling for my iPhone and then looking for recipes so tiny I that could barely read them. So, I added an iPad to my backsplash.

I picked up some industrial double sided Velcro Tape. You can find it at Walmart, or any home improvement store. Clean your backspash well, making sure it’s completely dry, cut a strip for the top off the iPad and one for the bottom of the iPad, and press and smooth it right onto the back of it.

Cut two more velcro/tape strips and place them where you want the iPad on the backsplash….then take your iPad and press it firmly against the two strips. The tape and velcro hold the iPad on perfectly. Next, I purchased a cheap picture frame from Walmart and just took the glass and matting off. All you have to do is slip the frame around the iPad, and you have rotating photography in your kitchen.

Place your iPad near an outlet so you can keep it charged when needed. Using the velcro allows you the versatility of being able to take the iPad on/off the backsplash when needed, or leave it there permanently, I do!

If you want to conceal where the outlet is, just add some greenery.

You can add photos of food, your family, scenic photos, etc…

I love it so much, I’m going to add another one to the other side of my kitchen.

I keep the iPad on 24-7 on rotating pictures…..love, love, love!

People love the look of this when they come over. I’m sure you will love and enjoy it as much as I do. It’s fun and it’s different, try it! Now I can look up a recipe, check the weather, or email, right from my kitchen.