Fun website for word collages for your Blog

I found this fun website where you can create word collages using your Blog, Facebook Page, Twitter or Website.  All you have to do is type in your link and it searches that link for fun words you have used   So very cool!
Thought it would be fun for you blogger's out there to try! 
It allows you to create different shapes too!
Hope this year brings many blessings to you and your family.
I'm excited about this year!
I've got my new Furniture and Accessories coming out soon! 
 Visit my Facebook page One by One to see my new postings in a few weeks! 
I plan to:
Be Realistic in my goals
Focus on my Niche
Gather an encouraging support system
Use accessible tools for my success
Get more sleep
and finally....Take One Day at a Time!
  Visit my website at DecRenew.com to see my Design Portfolio.

Pecan Bars and The Military Diet

 
Today I'm in the kitchen making these delicious bites!
 
 
My husband loves turtles (above) but I'm getting sick of making those each year and decided to try something new.  Shhh, he doesn't know that yet.
 
  I found this recipe and thought I'd try it.  Doesn't it look delicious?

Ingredients

3 Cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter
4 eggs
1/2 cups light corn syrup
1 1/2 cups white sugar
3 tablespoons butter melted
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 9X13 pan WELL!

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, 1/2 cup of sugar and salt.  Cut in 1 cup of butter until mixture resembles course crumbs.  Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the prepared pan and press in firmly.

Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.

While the crust is baking, prepare the filling.  In a large bowl mix together the eggs, corn syrup, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 3 tablespoons butter and vanilla until smooth.  Stir in the chopped pecans.  Spread the filing evenly over the crust as soon as it comes out of the oven.

Bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven, or until set.  Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into bars.

 
 
I'm hoping they taste as good as they smell in the oven.
 
*********************************************
 
I started something that I've never done this week! 
 
 
I've been on the 3 day diet for the past 2 days. It's called "The Military Diet"
 Visit this link for the details.
 

Not such a good idea when I'm having to do all this baking for Christmas.  However, my husband and I both decided to do it to get our Thanksgiving weight off before we go into Christmas.  It took some convincing for him to do it especially since he has never dieted before. 
 
 
 
We weigh in tomorrow so that should be interesting.  I'll let you know how we did.  It's been pretty brutal but we have managed.  I keep telling myself it will be worth it.  He keeps telling me that I tricked him into it, ha ha.  No caffeine for 2 days has been the brutal part.  HOWEVER....get this....you get a cup of vanilla ice cream each night.  Woo Hoo!

 

I've also been busy making some changes to my website and blog.  You will notice my new "follow me" buttons to the right.  Aren't they cute?   I'd love for you to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.  It's a great way to see what I'm working on daily as well as a way for you to be inspired for your home with DIY projects, ideas, etc.  
 Just click them and they will take you to each site, so easy!

 

 
I'm taking a few weeks off to be with family over the holidays.  Thank you for following me this year on my blog.  I sure appreciate all of you that comment and all that I bump into that say they follow my blog religiously.  It means so much to me to have this support and I appreciate YOU so much.
 
 
 
Visit my website DecRenew Interiors to see before and after pictures and my Design Portfolio.
 
 P.S.  12/20/12 - We both lost 5 POUNDS on the MILITARY DIET! 

Christmas Column & Holiday Decor Inspiration

 
This year I decided to decorate my column for Christmas.  It sits in my foyer and I have always loved it.  It's incredibly special to me because my husband made it for me one Christmas.  I still have memories of him carrying it down the hall on Christmas morning with my then 4 and 5 year  old piggy tail girlie's.  They helped him paint it and sand it! 
 
 
He was so clever.  To embellish the column at the top he used drapery hardware and filled in the holes on the sides and it worked perfectly.
 
Our Christmas tree usually goes where the column is each year but I decided to mix it up this year.
 
I made this arrangement about 6 years ago and love the concrete urn it's in.  The antlers were added last year.  Hanging a little "Rejoice" to it has made it have a special touch of Christmas and it is a time to Rejoice!
 
  
 I created and embellished the garland as I went along and unpacked all my Christmas items. 
 
 
 Added this blue bird and some fun feathers that a client gave me.  The red ribbon is so gorgeous in person.
 
 Something sparkly and colorful always makes me happy and mixes it up a little.
 
 
My dining room chandelier was embellished with some garland and a crystal snowflake.
 
 
I have slowly added to my "large ornament" collection.  The blown glass ones are my favorite placed in my large green bowl that I keep out all year.  What I love about this centerpiece is that it doesn't have to be moved when we use the table because guests can still see each other. 
 
 
I find that when decorating for Christmas, it's always better to use LARGE scale items instead of a lot of little items.
 
 
I added this little holly wreath to the top of my armoire.  Hung it on my candelabra.  It seems happy there with the my collection of old stair banisters.
 
 My bust got put on top of my large candlestick this year.   He watches over me while I work in my office.  You can see a peek into it to the right. 
 
 
The tapestry that hangs in my entry is from the Paris Flea Market (they use to hang in a castle).  I bought 2 and one of them is getting made into a bench as we speak.  Will be a collection from my new One by One collection, coming soon!
 
 
I adorned his head with a holly wreath :)  He always wears my wooden necklaces and I think it makes him look really cool.
 
 
HO HO HO
 
 
 I bought a poinsettia and placed the stems in different vases around the house.  I got this idea from Lauren Liess at Pure Style Home  last year.  Filed it away in my "Christmas" file in my brain last year and pulled it out this year.
 
 
I added this garland to my wall sconces in my living room.  Layered different kind of garland to give it a nice fresh "real" look.  Again, a little sparkle and fruit  goes a long way.
 
 
Some more of my large ornaments on my mantel.
 
Decided not to do the traditional garland this year.  Wanted something with less fuss.  I'm trying to "simplify" this year so there isn't such a huge put away day! 
 
The garland on my wall sconces is plenty!
 
  
I did add a little greenery to my bookshelf .
 
 
My front door swag got some extra berries and pointsetta's this year. 
 
I also added this little elf boot to the bottom and it's adorable.
 
 
My entry planters got a large red bow and a red berry wreath.  I have one on each side of my entry so they really look great.  Especially when they are all lit up at night!  I put lights in the fur trees and around the wreaths.
 
 
My pansies are doing well this year even though it's been so warm!
 
 
My large glass vase is filled with driftwood I've collected from all over.  I placed berries on the candlesticks and hung a little pine cone and greenery on the lip of the vase.
 
These metal trees I found at an estate sale and stenciled them to make them look more sophisticated.  They are now on top of my refrigerator with the driftwood my husband found for me on one of our beach trips :)
 
 
Hope this post inspired you to mix it up this year.  I love making each year different and maybe you will do the same!
 
 
Visit my website DecRenew Interiors to see my Design Gallery!
Follow me on Pinterest and be inspired this Holiday Season!
 
 

Kitchen remodel just in time for Grandbaby!

6 weeks later and we are done with this kitchen remodel.  Haven't placed any accessories yet but my client had a grand baby yesterday!!!!  Whew we made it just in time!!!
 
This couple wanted a classy, clean and fresh look with little fuss.  They have raised their kids in this home, paid for graduations, college and weddings, etc. etc.  It was now time for them to get the kitchen they so desperately wanted. 
 
BEFORE
(sorry for the fuzzy photo but I really wanted you to get the idea of the horrible before)
 
AFTER
 
 
Took the cabinets to the ceiling, added crown molding and painted them a soft gray!
The stacked stone was the one thing that they were really scared about.  It's now their FAVORITE thing about their kitchen.
 
 The black ceramic back splash is out of this world.  Pictures don't do it justice.
 
AFTER
 
The granite and stacked stone are the shining stars in this kitchen!
 
My client started off very scared of change but moved forward trusting me each step of the way as we followed the design I put together, just for them. I was so proud of her! She says she was stretched way beyond what she thought she could do and she is incredibly glad she took those risks.  She LOVES everything now and so does her husband.
 
 
BEFORE
 
 
AFTER
We made the island round to give them more space and add some shape and interest.
 
BEFORE/AFTER
 
 
AFTER
 
 
The gold door handles will be changed soon to brushed bronze by the homeowner.
 
 
See what I mean about the stacked stone? It's like art!
 
AFTER
 
All of her items she only uses once a year are stored up in the new cabinets.
 
AFTER
 
Recessed lighting and pendants make everything feel up to date.
 
  Ruthie Tip:  Don't overdo the recessed lighting, it can make a kitchen feel busy! 
 
 
 
Such a great little work space!  This backsplash makes my heart stop every time I see it!
 
 
 
BEFORE
 
 
AFTER
 
Good bye old lighting!
 
 
These wall sconces really add some beauty and character to the eating area and can be dimmed as needed for ambiance.
 
BEFORE
 
 
AFTER
 
 
Furniture shopping is next.
 
BEFORE/AFTER
 
 
We modified the mantel some by taking away the "fussy" molding.  We painted the fireplace insert with heat resistant black paint.  We didn't like the pink brick so we had it painted a similar color to the kitchen cabinets and then sanded them down.  Instant change with paint!  Dramatic don't you think?  Amazing how much bigger the space feels now!
 
BEFORE
 
Yikes!
 
AFTER 
 
 
We adjusted the entertainment center to house a bigger TV. Painted and added new hardware. 
It will look amazing when it's all accessorized.
 
 
Don't skimp on your hardware! 
 
The laundry room and pantry got some extra attention too.  Painted this wonderful color blue called "under the sea" by Sherwin Williams.  This color is also in their pantry and behind their bookshelves.   A mini bar will be installed underneath the counter.
 
 
The hardware matches the color of the walls in the kitchen which is right off the laundry room.  Great way to bring the rooms together!
 
 
 Great colorful pantry!
 
 
Their dining room got a transformation too!  Gone with the old floral wallpaper and in with a powerful red that makes a statement when you walk in.  Hardwood floors were installed throughout the entire home all the way into the master bedroom! 
 
Hope you enjoyed the tour!
 
Next, we are on to a big install this Friday.  Installing brand new drapes, furniture and accessories for another wonderful client.  Her entire downstairs will be transformed!  I'm so excited and feeling blessed that I get to do what I absolutely love!
 


See more before and after photo's on my website DecRenew Interiors. 
Follow me on Facebook here
  

Colorado; A Place of Rest and Beauty

We just returned home after being in beautiful Colorado for our family vacation. It's been so HOT here in Texas that it was so nice to be in cooler temperatures!
The above photo was one of our camping spots at 30 mile campground!  It was absolutely beautiful!
Total rest for our souls!  Camping (in our RV) gives me such rejuvenation and total "chill out" time.
There is where I sat each morning and had my coffee! On our camping spot!  Incredible!
It was good to see the kids relaxing too!  Taking time to read and spend time with their cousins and grandparents.  We had great big fires in the evenings and sat around eating smores and laughing about the days events, which included four wheeling, bike riding, hiking, etc.
Even Ava loved the cool weather!
Surrounded by beauty, I couldn't help myself and created a centerpiece for our table "using what we had" in the RV and a few clippings from a tree.    Nature always inspires!  Simple. yet created a wonderful feel for our table.
I did find out that chipmunks liked my tea lights and ran off with them. Oops!
I loved driving into Telluride on the back of my hubby's bike! 
Such a great little town to shop!
Driving our truck down the mountain while a family crew rode mountain bikes down was such a good memory too!
We had no Internet or phone service for a week and it was divine!
However, when I returned I was able to read the article in the "Providence Journal" regarding RV Decorating.  Some of my tips and ideas are featured which is fun!
Back to reality but excited about lots of great things that are happening here!
Visit my website  DecRenew Interiors to see my before and after photo's.