My Mott-ley Crew

Life's Journey of Faith, Family, and Fun with Tammy Mott !

Outdoor on the Balcony Re-Purposed Pallet September 4, 2012

Filed under: The Garden,The Home — tmott @ 3:54 pm

 

 

A small patio presented itself with a few ideas for the plant lover who wanted to incorporate herbs and flowers into the mix, a re-purposed pallet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pallets are all the rage and plentiful, so find one that is in pretty good shape and wrap along the bottom, back, and sides with landscape fabric.  A basic staple gun will hold the fabric in place well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It takes more dirt and plants than you think, so be ready for a run to the nursery for more if needed. 

Fill the pallet while laid flat with dirt and place plants in between slats.  Pack the dirt around the plants pretty well, because watering will cause the dirt to fall a bit. 

 

 

 

 

We alternated herbs, then small flowering in between the slats.  Water well, and let lay for at least a week before standing.  That will give the plants time to root well, and for the dirt to shift any, so that you can fill in as needed.

It makes a great spring project that will last all summer and provide tasty herbs for all your yummy dishes.

 

Honey Bee Solid Lotion Bar Luncheon September 4, 2012

Filed under: Event Planning Tips,Tablescapes — tmott @ 3:38 pm

 

 

Honey Bee solid hand lotion bars make a great gift for anyone.  The honey smell is neither girl or boy, and everyone needs a little help keeping their hands moisturized. 

Natural beeswax combined with  sunflower butter makes a refreshing, clean, not too greasy solid lotion bar.  Wrap with parchment and string, seal with an embossed sticker,  and it’s ready to give. 

Antique French birdcage made  great centerpieces when filled with greenery and flowers and set atop honey yellow table squares.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The buffet set up is rustic with a garden feel, and all serve ware is white porcelain. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50′s Mother’s Day Breakfast June 15, 2012

Filed under: Event Planning Tips,Food,Recipe,Tablescapes — tmott @ 5:33 pm
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It’s time to go back in time and have a 50′s themed Mother’s Day Breakfast……..Not the poodle skirt and leather jacket kind of 50′s-that’s too easy…….It’s time to bring out June Cleaver and Lucille McGillicuddy Ricardo!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The tables are set, real linens and all……the food is reminiscent of yesteryear, served family style.  Family actually sit around the table and look each other in the eye!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was time to teach the young folk how to use a real napkin, how to hoola hoop in real life-not on an app somewhere in virtual land, and how to say “pass the fruit compote, please”……They were reminded that there was even a time when milk was delivered to the back door!

 

 

 

Enjoy this recipe from days gone by:

Honey Bun Cake

1 Pkg yellow cake mix w/pudding (Pillsbury)

4 eggs

2/3 c oil

1/3 c water

1 8oz carton sour cream

1/2 c brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

2/3 c chopped pecans

 

Combine 1st 5 ingredients. Set aside. Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, pecans. Set aside 

Half batter in 13×9 greased and floured pan. Sprinkle half sugar mix. Repeat. Swirl batter with knife. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes. Drizzle with 1c powdered sugar combined with 1 T plus 1 tsp milk and 1/2 tsp vanilla  

 

DIY Lotion Bars and Dishwashing Biscuits! March 20, 2012

Filed under: Recipe,The Home — tmott @ 8:26 am
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It’s a country in the city life, and making lotion bars has been a recent interest…..and laundry detergent, too!  I love the smell of Diva by Tyler Candles, but don’t want to pay the 84.00 for a gallon of detergent…(can you blame me?)  So, I hatched up this Lucille Ball of an idea to make my own!  It’s still in the works, but the lotion bars are wonderful! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once again, I got on Pinterest and looked through the barrage of DIY materials and what an education I was about to get…..I did find a great place to order bottles and fun packaging from: Specialty Bottle Company.

 

I found a local distributor for bath and body gel and hand lotion bases……I’ve been experimenting with fragrances and it’s not as easy as it smells!!!

 

 

 

 

I did make my own dishwashing biscuits and they are fabulous for a fraction of the cost…..

1 Cup Borax

1 Cup Washing Soda

1 Cup Lemishine (on the dishwashing product aisle)

1/2 Cup Kosher Salt

 

Mix all ingredients in a mixing bowl and spritz a few times (I mean a few-maybe 3) and mix with your fingers.  It will make a hissing sound if you listen closely….wait a sec, let the hissing stop and spritz again.  Repeat until the powder is the consistency of wet sand.  (Maybe 15-21 spritzes total!!)  Using a measuring spoon, make 1 Tablespoon scoops and place on cut up coffee filters to harden.  I stack in a used plastic tub and then peel off the paper filter when I”m getting ready to use.  These little biscuits will do a load of dishes fabulously!

The one mistake I did make the first time was to think that I needed to spritz all at one time…I over-spritzed and had a gooey, volcanic mess on my hands!  I mean a VOLCANO of hissing mounds of soap…..

 

Whoopie! A new toy for the kitchen! March 18, 2012

Filed under: Recipe,The Home — tmott @ 5:42 am
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Whoopie Pies, that is….Red Velvet and traditional Devil’s Food Cake.

 

 

 

 

This handy, dandy gadget was found on Pinterest!  It can be ordered from www.freshfinds.com for 14.95!  I also ordered the whoopie pie pans from there as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A beautiful dessert tray !

 

A Colorful February Luncheon March 17, 2012

Filed under: Event Planning Tips,Recipe,Tablescapes — tmott @ 3:56 pm
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All February luncheons don’t have to be red.  Since this month’s luncheon is for men and women, it seemed appropriate to go with some fun color.  There hasn’t been much of a winter, so spring seems  closer than ever!

 

With a giant vintage birdcage as the centerpiece of the buffet, butterflies and tulips were a natural fit.  (A caterpillar here and there added a little fun!)  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The red thermos as a take-away was a homage to the Valentine-esque timing of the event.

 

 

 

 

 

But, the best part was the meal……and who doesn’t like dessert?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Red Velvet White Chocolate Fudge with Pecan Sandy Crust is the latest addition:

 

 

1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk

3 Cups White Chocolate Chips

3 Tablespoons Red Velvet Cake Mix

12 Pecan Sandy Cookies (Keebler)

3 Tablespoons Butter, Melted

 

Over low heat on the stove mix together the condensed milk and white chocolate chips.  About 1/2 way through melting, begin adding the cake mix – 1 T at a time.  Mix in completely.  Crush the pecan sandy cookies and mix with the melted butter.  Press into the bottom of an 8×8 baking dish.  Bake at 350 for 4-5 minutes for a crunchy crust.  Pour the fudge on top of the crust.  Let cool at room temp for a few hours , then cut into squares for serving.

 

A Yummy Dessert Bar! March 17, 2012

Filed under: Event Planning Tips,Tablescapes — tmott @ 8:59 am
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When it comes to dessert styling, I turn to Pinterest!  There are wonderful ideas to explore, but when it really comes down to it- sometimes you have to use what you have on hand to recycle for decor.  I’m a believer in re-purposing decor!

 

At a recent dessert reception, I used centerpieces that I had used before for color, and then re-used wrapped boxes that I had used for the SuperBowl event as lifts for the individual chocolate mousse cups and cupcakes.

 

Chocolate dipped pretzel rods are an easy, colorful addition to any dessert reception!

 

 

St Patrick’s Day Mint Chocolate Milkshake Shooters! March 16, 2012

Filed under: Event Planning Tips,Tablescapes — tmott @ 6:39 am
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The  perfect size for old and young alike, these milkshake shooters are sure to please!  And they are for St. Patrick’s Day!

 

Speaking of the Day of the Irish, a bountiful breakfast all done in green-(minus the green eggs and ham-save that one for the kids!) 

Spinach quiche, an homage to the Irish potato famine with a hash brown casserole, and lucky bundt minis add to the festivities!

 

 

 

 

A poem of the Trinity graced the buffet as a reminder that there are reminders in all of nature to inspire…….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Milkshake shooters can be for breakfast, too! Just use mint chocolate ice cream and top with mint chocolate chips!

 

 

 

 

 

The tablescapes are a reflection in green as well!

 

 

 

 

 

It’s time to Rodeo! March 15, 2012

Filed under: Event Planning Tips,Tablescapes — tmott @ 2:17 pm
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One of the best things about Houston, Texas in March is…….THE RODEO!  There is something for everyone at the largest rodeo in this part of the country.  

Having a bar-b-que fits right in this time of year and serving your beverages in a mason jar will bring back the memories if you are from this part of the world.

 

 

 

 

Using an old tractor seat, geraniums, and bales of hay make the perfect centerpiece for a buffet that is long on charm, but easy to set up and break down.  Perfect for those chuck-wagons on the move!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Fun is in the Details! February 10, 2012

Filed under: Event Planning Tips,Tablescapes — tmott @ 10:06 am
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 It’s Super Bowl time and there’s nothing better than a big crowd that likes to eat!  The “Pilin’ On” Nacho Bar is a hit!

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

The “Touchdown Treats” are individually prepared seven layer dips and fresh veggie dips, along with giant pretzels!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even a Super Bowl needs fresh veggies!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For dessert  (“Scrimmage Sweets”), there are quarterback cupcakes, chain-gang chocolate mousse, and referee stripes!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Giant “mums” adorn for that final detail that adds to the fun!

 

Burlap and Blue January 23, 2012

Filed under: Event Planning Tips,Tablescapes — tmott @ 5:20 pm
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Just returned from market in Dallas and Burlap is featured everywhere!  It’s covering every  surface imaginable.  Furniture, decor embellishments, ribbon of every width, even bedding (although it’s more of a linen feel!)  It’s been great fun to see what’s coming…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

Burlap paired with a light sage blue was unveiled at a recent event with beautiful results…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paper lanterns hanging with coordinating ribbon finished off the buffet table!

 

 

 

 

 

Table markers added a little something special !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dessert is always a favorite!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A specialty beverage dispenser to be used in a multiple of ways…….This event had strawberries and blackberries infused water.

 

Are You Ready for Some Football? January 16, 2012

Filed under: Event Planning Tips — tmott @ 2:35 pm
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A great invitation can be the start to a great event…...

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Textured paper that feels like pigskin adds realism. 3-d embellishments and stickers make a personal invite to remember.

 

 

 

 

With the Super Bowl coming, plans are under way for a memorable event that the whole family can enjoy….inflatables, blimp races, food, and of course, the big game.  Go Team!

 

 

 

 

Burlap – The New Satin – Not Too Shabby and Definitely Chic! January 9, 2012

Filed under: Event Planning Tips,Tablescapes,The Home — tmott @ 11:53 am
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Burlap is the fabric of choice this spring, a definite new addition to tablescapes and decor!  Not too shabby and definitely chic!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first tablescape of the year is in homage to the potato sack of yesteryear……..a whitewashed lantern with green and white florals and layers of burlap for the bows.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Burlap is easy to work with, and is an endless source for texture.  Add to bulletin boards, make accent pillows, use for table runners, chair cushions and curtains.

 

Organize! The Kitchen Calls…. December 26, 2011

Filed under: The Home — tmott @ 6:36 pm
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In the kitchen, pots and pans are a difficult part of the organizational plan…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What to do without adding a 300.00 pullout drawer?  Add a shelf in the back (mason jars prop up an extra shelf nicely), store least used items under the shelf, and store lids separately-stacked on the side…….

 

 

 

A Pretty Package! December 22, 2011

Filed under: Event Planning Tips — tmott @ 4:56 pm
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Make a statement with your wrap!  With today’s giftcard and tissue bag giving style, a prettily wrapped package is a personal touch for a special someone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Little embellishments, like glitter letters made with card stock, help identify the gift when giving in multiples.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Start with a collection of leftover ribbons, scrapbooking tools, and embellishments. And voila, 5 hours later…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall, Fall December 15, 2011

Filed under: Event Planning Tips,Recipe,The Garden — tmott @ 12:38 pm

 

 

 

 

We acted like it was fall here in Texas at Thanksgiving, even if it really wasn’t.  Leaves hadn’t changed colors (here they go from green to brown!) and the garden was so empty, the scarecrow didn’t have a thing to do but pose for pictures!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Burlap was the fabric of choice and a fun addition it made to all the decor and tables!  I can forsee the use of the burlap ribbon in upcoming projects!

 

 

 

 

 

A new twist to a family favorite!  Mason jars serve as the container for individual pecan pie……A delicious dessert and just enough for the sweet tooth, thanks to the creative matriarch-Grandma!

 

Time vs Temperature October 4, 2011

Filed under: The Garden — tmott @ 10:23 am
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The Farmer’s Almanac has for generations been the go to book for gardening/planting schedules and information….As of late, it has been truly tested.  Yes, Zone 9 – according to time – is on schedule for fall planting….but the temperature just won’t cooperate!  The idea that the south could have an after spring, but before fall mid season garden was a fun idea, but not much of a success for us.  An example of such is the beans that were planted but never sprouted because it was too hot.  As were the sunburned tomato plants!  A variety of yellow squash took off fabulously, and there are little baby squash on the flowering vines, so not all is a loss.  The eggplants are still huge producers, as is the okra (the plants themselves are over 6-7 feet tall!)

 

 

 

 

 

There are also 3 more watermelons to be harvested and this one was soooooo sweet and delicious!  A wonderful end of summer treat!  I do look forward to cabbage, carrots, and even a few turnips!  So, in the time vs temperature debate….we are sticking to somewhat of a middle of the road approach, with a leaning towards the temperature being the guide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A recent conversation with a master gardener gave hope, though!  When the night temperature falls below 72 for a 2 week stretch, we can fall plant.  That means soon!  This week has been a success and next will be promising…..so the beds are being made ready, the hand shovels and garden shoes are by the door, and the minute the word is go………a fall garden will be in!  Excitement is building and it is so hard to be patient………..

 

We have an upcoming event that will surely get everyone in the mood for fall.  This is a sample of the buffet centerpiece that will be used.  Pottery, live fall plants, and baby pumpkins will set the stage to welcome the cooler weather!

 

Start with an Herb Garden! September 19, 2011

Filed under: Recipe,The Garden — tmott @ 9:05 am
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                So, you are thinking that a full scale garden is an overwhelming task?  Start with a herb garden! 

 

It is wonderfully refreshing to head outdoors with a pair of snips and trim a few things for seasoning in the kitchen!  It’s that Urban Pioneer feeling at it’s best!

 

Start off with a container, maybe a flowerbed spot by the front or back door, or even a windowbox that gets sunshine!

 

 

Add mint to a fresh fruit salad for a pick me up, add dill to potatoes (either hot or cold), basil is yummy when added to fresh tomatoes and mozzarella slices,and oregano is a staple in most Italian dishes!  Bon Appetit!

 

Fresh Basil Pesto Recipe

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano or Romano cheese
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts
  • 3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method

1 Combine the basil in with the pine nuts, pulse a few times in a food processor.  Add the garlic, pulse a few times more.

2 Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is on. Stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula. Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

This makes a wonderful Pasta Pesto Salad, or spread over toasted baguette slices.

Yield: Makes 1 cup.

 

 

 

Keeping Nature Natural! September 16, 2011

Filed under: The Garden — tmott @ 3:47 pm
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                     Now that we  have a season or two of gardening under our belts, it has been decided to keep nature natural! 

 

 

What that means is out with the metal tomato cages and wired supports and up with the more organic products like bamboo, rope, wood.   This is an example of a support grouping that will help the climbing beans as they look for something to attach to.

 


 

 

 

 

 

Here is another example of climbing support for beans as well.  Easy and inexpensive to make, the bamboo was purchased at Caldwell’s Nursery in Rosenberg, Texas where they specialize in bamboo plants of all sizes!  (A great place to visit for all your gardening needs, too!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s Mid-Season Garden Time! August 25, 2011

Filed under: Recipe,The Garden — tmott @ 11:03 am

 

 

With 100 degree temps outside, it’s hard to believe planting time is here.  Fall gardens go in soon, but it’s been heard (through the tomato vines!) that it is possible to have a mid season harvest.  Here in the south, the winter temps don’t really arrive until the holidays, so we are trying it out!  New bean poles have been put up, crops have been rotated, and new tomato plants have been put in.  Cucumbers,  squash and zucchini have been re-planted and are actually making an appearance through the hot soil……

 

 

 

 


 

 

Okra is just now getting to the point where it should be blooming, but it’s not!  New bell peppers have been planted, so hopes are high!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is a summer recipe for Pimento Cheese that can be used as a spread for crackers, or a sandwich:

 

8 oz sharp cheddar finely grated

8oz sharp cheddar coarsely grated

1/4 tsp red pepper

1 tsp finely grated onion

1 tsp lea and perrin

4 oz diced pimento

1 1/2 Cup Mayo (add in to your desired consistency, you may prefer a little less mayo)