Soups And Sandwiches Series - Summer Chicken and Salad Wraps

I'm so excited to be kicking off our new Soups and Sandwiches series today.

It's nearly Summer here in New Zealand and time for refreshing salads and light meals. Yum! My dear friend was visiting this week and I thought I would treat her to a delicious wrap for lunch...

So easy and you can use any ingredients you like for the filling, I chose fancy lettuce, cheese, carrot, tomato and smoked chicken slice

 Warm the wrap slightly in the microwave and spread a layer of mayonaise over it, layer with the ingredients, season and wrap!

 And serve!

So easy and so delicious! Perfect for a warm day!

Now the Soup.

My favourite go too light meal is Tomato "Cup a Soup" with cheese.

 If the kids and Sean are having something I don't like (cough, cough, mac n cheese, cough) then I'll whip up a cup of soup with boiling water, grate a handful of cheese, add to hot soup and serve with a slice of bread or two.

 I know there's no cooking involved here, but I wanted to pay homage to my favourite student meal that I still love to this day. Great for a quick meal.

Don't forget to join us next week for another tasty recipe..

 

 

Take care

xxx

 

Linking Up To:

http://www.flourmewithlove.com/2013/09/mix-it-up-monday_29.html, http://jembellish.blogspot.co.nz/2013/09/a-round-tuit-173.html, http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/2013/09/motivate-me-monday-193-block-party.html , http://thewinthropchronicles.blogspot.co.nz/2013/10/share-it-link-party-82.html, http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.co.nz/2013/09/make-it-pretty-monday-week-69.html , http://www.apinchofjoy.com/2013/09/busy-monday-82/ , http://www.sewcando.com/2013/09/show-off-your-crafty-creations-at.html 

http://www.alderberryhill.com/make-the-scene-monday-94/ , http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/halloween-projects-monday-funday-link-party-37/, http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.co.nz/2013/09/welcome-to-143rd-masterpiece-monday.html , http://www.watchoutmartha.net/2013/09/martha-mondays-link-up-party-features.html , http://www.makeaheadmealsforbusymoms.com/melt-in-your-mouth-monday-recipe-blog-hop-136/ , http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/tutorials/tutorials-tips-link-party-129.html  

http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/2013/09/block-party_29.html , http://www.skiptomylou.org/2013/09/30/made-by-you-monday-171/ 

http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/2013/09/craft-o-maniac-monday-link-party_29.html , 

http://serendipityandspice.com/2013/09/manic-monday-linky-party-930.html

http://www.watchoutmartha.net/2013/09/martha-mondays-link-up-party-features.html , http://www.nap-timecreations.com/2013/10/tasteful-tuesdays-101.html , http://www.carolynshomework.com/2013/10/the-inspiration-board-creative-party-122.html , 

http://withablast.blogspot.co.nz/2013/10/all-my-bloggy-friends-66.html

http://www.threemangoseeds.blogspot.co.nz/2013/09/features-its-party-time-92913.html

http://ladybug-blessings.com/?p=4037 , http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2013/09/take-look-tuesday_30.html

http://www.blackberryvine.blogspot.co.nz/2013/10/tuesday-to-do-132.html

http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/autumn-abounds-link-party-and-1000-giveaway/

http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.co.nz/2013/09/nifty-thrifty-tuesday-no181.html

http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2013/10/show-me-what-ya-got-140.html

http://thediydreamer.com/from-dream-to-reality/87-show-off-your-projects/

http://diybydesign.blogspot.co.nz/2013/10/fall-into-fall-its-party-137.html

http://www.the36thavenue.com/2013/10/best-diy-projects-26.html 

http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2013/10/wow-us-wednesdays-138.html 

http://www.craftberrybush.com/2013/10/the-inspiration-gallery-56.html   

http://www.artsyfartsymama.com/2013/10/artsy-corner-link-party.html

http://happyhourprojects.com/happy-hour-friday-10-4/

http://www.shakentogetherlife.com/2013/10/whats-shakin-link-party-79-share-inspire.html 

http://www.mellywoodsmansion.com/2013/10/freaking-awesome-fridays-7.html

Fabric Candle Votives - NorthShore Days

 Hi Everyone,

It's Nat from NorthShore Days here, and today I'm going to share an oldie but a real goodie...

The days are growing shorter and there is a definite chill in the air - yup Winter is on its way and I'm not a happy Winter person.

The other day it was dark and dreary and I needed to cheer myself up a bit so I made these cute little candle votives. Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures while I was creating them but they are so simple to make.

I used some baby food jars that I found in the back of my cupboard, double sided craft tape and fabric... I also added a button threaded onto memory wire to add an extra fun element.....

 Doesn't this fabric make you happy?  

I love it - and will be making a table runner out of it soonish...

So literally all I did.... cut out a piece of fabric, add tape to the back and stick onto the jar. Thread a button onto wire and wrap around..... How simple was that??? 

And look how fab they are.....

Pop in a tea light candle and they are gorgeous, lit up at night......

 They make me smile, sitting up on the kitchen window sill....

And they definitely did a great job of cheering me up on that dreary Autumn day. 

 

Take Care

 xxx

 

 

Simple Wire Wrapped Pendant

 Hey Everyone,

Another necklace I hear you ask? I know, I know, I'm more of a bracelet person myself, but for some reason I'm rocking the necklaces lately.

And this one is just so easy, its a great beginner's project and can be whipped up super quick as an accessory to match your new outfit or

as a last minute gift for a special occasion.

 

 What you need for 1 pendant:

A bead (tear drop is preferable but not necessary), 1 headpin, a length of 20 gauge jewelry wire, a jump ring, pliers and a chain

How to:

1. Thread the bead onto the headpin.

2. Bend the headpin at a 90 degree angle

3. Using round nosed jewelry pliers bend the headpin back around to form a loop. (note - you don't need round nose pliers, if all you have are the standard pliers - those work just fine too)

4. Cut off excess wire

5. Attach the jewelry wire onto the loop and secure (ignore the jump ring in this pic)

6 - 8. Wrap... it does not need to be neat - in fact its supposed to be random and fun. Tuck in the end of the wire and add the jump ring

9. Cute pendant! Now add the chain!

 I loved this one so much I made a whole bunch of them!!!

I attached 3 to a larger jump ring to make a small cluster pendant of sorts.

These little pendants are simple and striking enough to be worn on their own. 

I love this turquoise one - love it!!!

Once you start making these, you wont be able to stop. 

Be warned - they are addictive!  

If you have more beads of the same colour, this technique would look stunning if you were to make earrings!

I really hope I've inspired you all today.... 

Take care and have a great week, don't forget to follow us on Facebook,
 

 xxx

 

Inspiration Cafe is looking for guest posters. If you would like to guest please let us know, we would love to have you. If you would prefer a feature instead, feel free to drop us a line. New or old posts welcome.

Linking Up to Some or All of these Fabulous Parties

and:

http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/monday-funday-link-party-1/ 

http://www.watchoutmartha.net/2013/01/martha-mondays-link-up-party-features.html

http://sarahdawndesigns.blogspot.co.nz/2013/01/pintastic-monday-link-party-22.html#more

 http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/tutorials/tutorials-tips-link-party-92.html

http://www.brassyapple.com/2013/01/linky-party-i-spy-refashion.html

http://myfavefinds.com/pinworthy-projects-party/

http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.co.nz/2013/01/make-it-pretty-monday-week-32.html

http://www.skiptomylou.org/2013/01/14/made-by-you-monday-and-build-your-blog-conference-giveaway/

http://www.craftytexasgirls.com/2013/01/cowgirl-up-49.html#more

http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/tuesdays-treasures-119/ 

http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.co.nz/2013/01/nifty-thrifty-tuesday-no146.html

http://www.nap-timecreations.com/2013/01/roasted-garlic-and-taseful-tuesday-party.html

http://diycraftyprojects.com/2013/01/whatcha-work-up-wednesday-15.html 

http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2013/01/wow-us-wednesdays-101.html

http://igottacreate.blogspot.co.nz/2013/01/wildly-original-link-party-35.html#more

http://bloomdesignsonline.blogspot.co.nz/2013/01/link-party_16.html

http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2013/01/16/hookin-up-with-hoh-131/#more-13231 

http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2013/01/transformation-thursday-no-187.html#more 

http://www.sweetbellaroos.com/2013/01/17/pin-it-thursday-18/ 

http://www.theartsygirlconnection.com/2013/01/pininspirational-thursday-revamping.html 

http://www.stonegableblog.com/2013/01/tutorials-tips-and-tidbits-31.html#more 

http://thefrugalgirls.com/2013/01/food-link-party.html 

http://staceyembracingchange.blogspot.co.nz/2013/01/creative-inspirations-linky-party_16.html?spref=fb 

http://www.504main.com/2013/01/tickled-pink-129.html 

http://shabbynest.blogspot.co.nz/2013/01/frugal-friday_17.html#more 

http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.co.nz/2013/01/flaunt-it-friday-136-and-winner.html 
http://myfavefinds.com/pinworthy-projects-party-6/ 
http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2013/01/sns-171-link-up-your-charming.html#more 
Bowdabra Blog 

Sweet Snowman Pendant Necklace

 

Hey Everyone,

Here in New Zealand we have a Summer Christmas, so..... no snow!

But our warm Kiwi Christmas' are pretty awesome too...

One year, Sean and I were in England and we got to experience a white Christmas...and I even got to build my very own snowman.

So, today I have a cute, easy and fun holiday inspired pendant tutorial for you. 

  What you need:

2 large beads, seed beads, 1 headpin, a length of jewelry wire, a chain and pliers.

Following the steps laid out in the pictures, so easy!

Thread the 2 large beads onto the headpin,

Bend back to 90 degrees, loop back around with the pliers

and wrap the end of the headpin around and secure it with a gentle squeeze with the pliers.

Thread the seed beads onto the jewelry wire and secure the ends, I just looped the wire back into the last bead on each end.

Mould the scarf around your finger then wrap it around the snowman's neck and press into place.

Add a chain...

 

And there you have a really cute little snowman necklace...

These would make awesome hand made gifts or even Christmas ornaments for a little tree.

I really hope you are inspired to give this tutorial a go.... 

Are you giving handmade gifts this year?

If so, we would love to hear your ideas and what you're making.

 

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook,

Take care and have a great week

 xxx

 

Linking Up to Some or All of these Fabulous Parties

and:

http://www.sewcando.com/2012/12/craftastic-monday-link-party-giveaway.html 

http://becolorful.typepad.com/becolorful/2012/12/motivated-monday-december-10th.html

http://www.watchoutmartha.net/2012/12/martha-mondays-link-up-party-features_9.html

http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/12/10/made-by-you-monday-131/

http://www.craftytexasgirls.com/2012/12/cowgirl-up-45-link-party.html

http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/tutorials/tutorials-tips-link-party-89-haven-conference-announcement.html 

http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.co.nz/2012/12/nifty-thrifty-tuesday-no143.html

http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/tuesdays-treasures-115/ 

http://www.nap-timecreations.com/2012/12/b-inspired-mama-guest-post-delightful.html

http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2012/12/wow-us-wednesdays-96.html

http://diybydesign.blogspot.co.nz/2012/12/fall-into-fall-its-party-95.html 

http://lilluna.com/lil-luna-link-party-107/ 

http://igottacreate.blogspot.co.nz/2012/12/wildly-original-link-party-30.html 

 http://www.stonegableblog.com/2012/12/tutorials-tips-and-tidbits-26.html#more 

http://bloomdesignsonline.blogspot.co.nz/2012/12/link-party_12.html

http://www.chasethestar.net/2012/12/keep-calmv-link-up-18-features.html

http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2012/12/transformation-thursday-no-182.html

http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2012/12/12/hookin-up-with-hoh-128/

http://www.504main.com/2012/12/tickled-pink-no-126.html

http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/12/inspiration-friday-no-93-welcome.html

http://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.co.nz/2012/12/its-hodgepodge-friday48.html

http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/giveaway-and-the-humble-brag-link-party-11/

http://tatertotsandjello.com/2012/12/weekend-wrap-up-party-and-caravan-giveaway.html 

http://www.itsoverflowing.com/2012/12/overflowing-with-creativity-52/ 

http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2012/12/sns-166-christmas-junk-decor.html 

http://mellywoods5.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/co-hosting-raising-imperfection.html 

http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2012/12/the-sunday-showcase-no-131.html 

http://accidentallywonderful.blogspot.co.nz/2012/12/its-beginning-to-feel-more-more-like.html 

http://www.pincushioncreations.com/2012/12/homemade-by-you-42.html

Christmas Inspiration ~ Affordable Christmas Decorating

Ornaments

These paper tree ornaments can be found at Alderberry Hill.    Sarah shows you how easy it is to make these out of double-sided scrapbook paper and a few well placed embellishments.
(I've got plenty of both hanging around here already!)

These are perfect for adding some color and sparkle to the Christmas tree this year.

Speaking of having supplies you need...who doesn't have some spare toilet paper rolls?

Natalie @ NorthShore Days created these sparkly flowers out of them!  And if it seems a little funny to decorate your Christmas tree with...mm hmm...flowers ~ Christmas is in the summertime in New Zealand.  Ever thought about having a BBQ for Christmas dinner???

 Aren't these Silhouette Christmas Tree Ornaments darling?   This project was so simple and turned out so beautiful.  I probably would have been sitting with my scissors cutting out silhouettes for hours!!!  It's a good thing Andrea shows us how to make these the easy way.  Go visit Andrea @ Willow Wisp Cottage to see how it's done.

Decor

Danni @ Silo Hill Farm has created this beautiful Framed Christmas Art.  This would look great in a Christmas vignette on a mantle, a shelf, or a counter top.  It's so nice to add little touches of Christmas all over the house! 

Danni's not the only one making Christmas Art!

Mary of Sweet Little Bluebird crafted up some elegant Christmas frames last season.  (And she doesn't think she's crafty!)  It's amazing how Pinterest can inspire us.

And while we're talking about frames for Christmas decorations, you should definitely check out this mini frame wreath from KariAnne of Thistlewood.  KariAnne always has such compelling stories she shares with her projects...it's such a treat to visit Thistlewood Farm and get inspired by her! 

I saw a ton of frames similar to these at the Dollar Tree recently too.  I wish I would have known then what pretty wreaths they would make!!!  I would have bought a whole bunch.  What a wonderful gift this would be for grandparents too.  Stunning.

What about offering your guests a treat when they visit? Like this hot chocolate station found at Pondered Primed Perfected last Christmas.   Using a tray made from a cabinet door, a few Christmas accessories, and all the makings for hot chocolate we had a warm way to welcome guests for the season.

Tray tutorial

I love this Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Bar from Jenn at Clean and Scentsible.  It has such a rustic, inviting charm about it, don't you think?  Jenn provides a link so you can print your own tags if you're interested in making something similar.
.

Have fun decorating and enjoy the festive season!

Thanks for visiting the Cafe.  We would love to hear how you make your Christmas season special.  Leave us a comment or send us a link to your Christmas projects.

Sherry ~ Contributor at Inspiration Cafe
Author at Pondered Primed Perfected