The Canopy

Remember these pails that I picked up for $1.50

And I turned them into umbrella stands

I finally got around to finishing the canopy. I bought a painters cloth from Home Depot. They come in several sizes. So you can choose the size that is right for your space. Just put some grommets in each of the four corners. A bit of a warning when picking out a grommet maker. They can be hard to place depending on the size of grommet and brand you us..  I had attached eye hooks into the top of these poles and used S hooks to attach the canopy to the poles. Here is the finished product.

I admit the poles where a little to tall for the weight of the canopy...notice the snagging... but it did the trick. We had just the right amount of shade. Next year I might switch out the PVC poles for the galvanized pipe or even copper pipe. Hmmm imagine the patina on that over time. And you don't even have to use the pipe. You can tie the canopy to  trees if you're lucky to have some in the back yard.

So for under $50.00 I got a canopy that gives some shade and adds a little character to the yard.

A special thanks goes out to Daniel who helped with his man power and did the grommet work for me. He was even kind enough to hang the canopy up as well. We wouldn't have had the shade without you.  Thanks

It's awesome you stopped by....
XOXO
Esther

Photo submission

This is the photo I sent in to Somerset Life. Let's see if it gets published. I can use all the finger crossing I can get. LOL

 

On another note I Downloaded this program called Picasa and was playing with some of the effects. Isn't this cool??? I just love the effect. I see another project developing out of this.

It's a free program that you can download from the internet. It really does some really cool things. What I love about it is that you can add a watermark to your photos before posting them to the web. This way no one can take credit for your photos.

It's awesome you stopped by!! .....Thanks
XOXO
Esther

Views From My Garden

 Hi everyone, It can't believe it's been a month since my last post. It's been a busy and fun summer. Here are a few pictures of my garden. Enjoy

Which are your favorites? I'm planning to submit some of these to get published. Let you if I do.

It's awesome you stopped by!!... Thanks
XOXO
Esther

Wine of the Moment

The wine I'm current drinking is Bacaro Pinot Grigo Blush.

It has Raspberry notes, and a crisp clean taste that was very refreshing on this hot summer night. It was very light on the tongue. This bottle is actually been in my collection for a year so if you can find it. I suggest you get it. It was quite delicious.

It's awesome you stopped by!!!....Thanks
XOXO
E

Chutney Masala

Last week we went to  Chutney Masala http://chutneymasalabistro.com/ The place is off the beaten path. In a really adorable building. The restaurant is decorated in a vintage industrial way with a hint of Indian flair. The aroma was delicious. The waiter ask us the right questions to  suggest the right dishes for us when we asked for his help. We had Potato Samosa and Hara Bhara Kebab to start and

Chicken Biryani it was full of flavor with just a hint of heat and

And Goan Shrimp was creamy with a hint a coconut and

Bhuna Shrimp was a curry and delicious.
I would highly recommend this place and look forward to coming back
It will surprise and delight you.

It's awesome you stopped by!!...Thanks
XOXO
E

Clipboard Art

I worked on these clipboards this past week.

I added this wine labels

and with my trusty Mod Podge glued the wine labels to the clipboards and coated it several times

 Wet sanded the edges, distressed the edge with some brown ink to give it a slightly aged look.

Now I have some every cool looking clipboards. Aren't they just so cute!!!  You can do this with any thing. Keep posted and you see what else me and Mod Podge are up to.

It's awesome you stopped by!!!.....Thanks
XOXO
E

Farmer Market Yummies

Lovely Summer brings with it Farmers Markets. You can get some very fresh veggies and fruit. Here in Peekskill we also have a small Market every Saturday. But most of the times I head to the 14 Street market in the city. I go there mostly to get the veggies I can't get at my market or the supermarket like these Garlic Scapes.

These are the curly tops of garlic plants. The farmers cut them off so the plant grows a bigger bulb. And they are very yummy. The way I cook  them is just chop them up and saute in olive oil. To me they taste like green beans with garlic.

So very yummy. So the next time your at the market pick up something strange you just might like it.

It's awesome you stopped by!!....Thanks
XOXO
E