Matchbook Magazine

 Have you seen the new online read, Matchbook Magazine, yet? It just launched this month and it's lovely! I've already read through once and I'm working on my second glance.  I love the interviews, tid-bits, photos and ideas.  Mmmm...eye candy. 

Here's what they say...

"Launched in January 2011, Matchbook is an online lifestyle publication celebrating classics - shaken and stirred. Our monthly issues cover past and present fashion, decor, the arts, travel and culture. Brimming with intriguing interviews, stately homes, captivating memoirs and swoon-worthy fashion spreads, matchbook seeks to inspire women around the globe to design a life they adore. From lipstick to letterpress, gelato to grosgrain, and Paris to Peru, consider us your field guide to a charmed life."

There is a great article with on the talent behind Marais shoes.  I love Haley Boyd's style and mindset behind her business. 

Now, go kill some time and check it out!

P.S. If you need some more online magazines to read, check out this post.

Tortellini Soup

 It's been soup season here at Maison 30girl.

This is definitely one of my top 5 favorite soups.  It's belly-warming, satisfying, yet light.  Plus, it's quick and easy to make.  Here's my recipe.

Tortellini Soup

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1/2lb-1lb Italian Chicken Sausage (amount depends on your meat preference....I use about 3/4lb), de-cased

1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes

5 c chicken broth

1/2 tsp dried oregano and basil

1/4 tsp powdered garlic

salt and pepper to taste

1 16 oz bag cheese tortellini

1/2 bag fresh spinach 

freshly grated Parmesan

1. Saute onion and sausage in 1tssp extra virgin olive oil on medium heat.  When meet is thoroughly browned, add garlic and saute one minute more. 

2. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth and spices, bring to boil. 

3. Add tortellini and cook according to package directions. 

4. Reduce heat to low, stir in spinach until wilted.

6. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan and crusty bread.

Mmm...good.

Sharing with...

Take a Look Tuesday at Sugar Bee-Craft Edition 

Tasty Tuesdays at 33 Shades of Green

A Birdhouse for Grandma

 What do you do with your toddler when it snows?  First play in the snow like crazy. Then, paint rocks, make a paint chip wreath, have dance parties and paint a bird house for Grandma.  Although we had approximately 10" of snow last night, the kiddo and I made this birdhouse in a previous mere 4" snowfall.  

We took a trip to the local Joann and I gave the kiddo free reign to pick out one $1 wooden "figure" to paint and decoupage for Grandma.  He picked the heart birdhouse...little does he know that Grandma does not like birds.  

We took it home and mixed some red and pearlized white paint to make a nice deep fuchsia.  Then, my little guy got right to town painting his bird house.  Honestly, I only pitched in to cover the "missed spots", but he tried to be very thorough.  After it dried, he picked out the striped paper for the roof and we used a little Mod Podge.  Then, he helped me trace the stencils for the XOXO (notice the pencil lines).  I ended up painting the letters; since, we have quite reached the ability to "stay inside the lines". 

  I'm so proud of my little crafter and his thoughtfulness. 

What do you do with the kiddos when the weather is less than stellar?

Great Day St. Louis: Paint Chip Wreaths and Sweater Bottle Cozies

Tomorrow morning I will be back on Great Day St. Louis (and if you are visiting from Great Day, "Welcome!") sharing the "how-to" for making this paint chip wreath and these wine bottle sweater covers.  These two crafts are quick, easy, cute and virtually free! They're perfect for Valentine's Day decor or for anytime of the year! 

If you're local, tune in to KMOV at 10am or check it out online! 

P.S. Tomorrow is my official 1-year anniversary on Great Day!!! Thanks to all the wonderful people at GDSTL for keeping as a regular guest and making my segments something I look forward to each month!

A Wine Bottle Sweater Cozy

 I believe I saw this idea in a winter 2010 issue of Country Living if my memory serves me right.  During a recent trip to Good Will in search of a variety of non-essential things, I stumbled upon some sale sweaters for $1.50.  When I discovered this pretty pink one, I immediately thought of the sweater cozy idea as a quick and inexpensive way to make a little "Valentine" mantel decor.  You could, of course, use a sweater of any color that suites your fancy.  I think these covered bottles would look great in a vignette of different shapes, sizes and with sweaters in similar colorways.  I think I need to get to work on that. 

Here's a brief tutorial for making a Wine Bottle Sweater Cozy. 

1. First you need a empty and clean wine bottle.  For this project, you wouldn't even need to remove the label since it is covered up!

2. Pull one sleeve of your sweater over the top of the wine bottle.

3. Then, cut off the sleeve at the top of the bottle.

4 and 5. Next, you need to gather the sweater at the top of the bottle and cut the extra material.  Pull the extra material into a triangle and cut along side the bottle. When the fabric is removed, you will have a V-shaped gap. 

6. Stitch the gap together so that the cover fits snugly around the curves of the bottle. Don't worry about making perfect stitches as you can see mine are haphazardly placed...I just put that side toward the wall!

That's it.  Quick. Easy. Cheap and Cute.

P.S. Here's another way I dress up wine bottles.

Sharing with...
Get Your Craft On at Today's Creative Blog
Trash to Treasure at Sassy Sites
Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts
Penny Pinching at The Thrifty Home