SUPER HEALTHY MAYONAISE FREE COLORFUL SALADS!!

Hi friends.....

I wanted to quickly share some super tasty, healthy, colorful easy to make salads...just in time for summer...

QUINOA SALAD:
cook quinoa according to directions
add 1 can of each:
chick peas, black beans (rinse and drain)
add chopped scallion, peppers & broccoli
add some frozen corn & peas
mix your favorite italian dressing...I use balsamic
ENJOY!!

TUNA & AVOCADO
drain 1 can of solid white albacore tuna fish
add: avocado
 chopped tomato
chopped onion
salt & pepper
MIX TOGETHER & ENJOY!!
xo, Mariaelena

MY SUPER SIMPLE HYDRANGEA WREATH

Hi Friends....

Needed to fill the space in my "wall frame" for the season...I decided on a simple hydrangea wreath...and I do mean SIMPLE....these photos show the easy tutorial....

A paper plate, hot glue and dried hydrangeas I cut in the fall from our tree!!

Glued into place...

A bit of burlap and VOILA!!!

Have a wonderful day & please stop by again...
xo, Mariaelena

linking up to these party people:
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net
http://diyshowoff.com
http://www.stonegableblog.com
http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com
http://diybydesign.blogspot.com
http://www.commonground-do.com
http://www.remodelaholic.com
http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.com
http://www.vintagecharmrestored.com
http://www.thepinjunkie.com
http://itssoverycheri.com
http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com
http://modvintagelife.blogspot.com
http://www.dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com

A FENCE REVIVED!!

Hi friends...

This is a quick post to show once again the POWER OF PAINT...in this case STAIN.....

Our wood privacy fence was looking just awful and very orange!!....My husband power washed it and after lots of thinking about what type/color of stain we should use, we decided on this:  

 THATCH, BY CABOT....

We love it....now...let's bring on the good weather so we can get out there and pretty up the rest!!

EEK!!!.....THE AWFUL BEFORE!!!

AHHHHH.....THAT'S BETTER!!....

xo, Mariaelena

linking to:

http://www.primpjunktion.com
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com
http://diybydesign.blogspot.com
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net
http://designeddecor.com

NEUTRAL BEAUTY

Hi Friends....

I have always been drawn to a neutral palate in my home decor.  Here is a sampling of how white flowers can be beautiful following the same rules for neutral decorating....Always add texture!!

Never boring, always lovely!!

Twine, burlap, mason jar, white flowers, and hydrangeas....
What else do you need???

My little before and after for this post:
Will you be my Corona & Twine???...
Sorry, I couldn't resist!!

Wishing you all a simply lovely day!

xo, Mariaelena

linking up to these party people:
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net
http://designeddecor.com
http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com

Family Tradition: Making our own Easter Baskets on Easter Eve!!

HAPPY EASTER FRIENDS!!!

I wanted to share a long standing family tradition in our home.....I did this with my siblings during my childhood and have carried it on with our own children....The kids make their own Easter Baskets out of cardboard boxes.....This year because we have been soooo ridiculously busy...(college visits, swim meets, etc)....we had our little one shower, get in her PJS and then we got our craft on!!!...

Our oldest was missing this year as her Spring Break was the week before..:(

Finished basket!!!

And a little note from Hannah Mae with questions to be answered by EB!!!

Happy Easter!!
xo, Mariaelena

Spring Has Sprung in the "Burbs" 2013

Hi friends & Happy Spring!!

Here's a little photo line up of this years Spring/Easter decor at our "Burbs" house.  I've gone with a simple, muted theme... For those who have been following me, some will look familiar from
last year...
Why mess with a good thing, right???

Here's to hoping that some Spring weather shows up to match everyone's lovely Spring decor!!

xo, Mariaelena

linking to:
http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.com

MY OWN FRENCH LINEN PAINTED TABLE

Hi friends...

Here's a coffee table that was originally purchased by my mom from a tag sale.  She painted it multiple times before she gave it to me years ago for our screen porch.  At that time, I painted it white....a few years later, I painted it in a creamy white.  It has since become the coffee table in our family room and I was wanting something more from it....sooooo, here is my take on a "French linen" paint technique!...I'm really happy with the way it turned out and how it contrasts with the otherwise ivory room....take a look...what do you think???

 After

 Before

My version of a French Linen finish...a deep taupe paint, with an ivory glaze. 

After two coats of paint...

After I gave it a coat of ivory glaze...

Once the paint cured for a few days, I sealed it with my favorite product...minwax finishing wax.  I used an old sock to apply...let it dry and harden for about 15 - 20 minutes and then buff away with a clean cloth or sock..(hehe)

I Like!!
Thanks for visiting...please come back again soon...
xo, Mariaelena

linking up to:

http://www.notjustahousewife.net
http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com
http://www.kammyskorner.com
http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com
http://itssoverycheri.com
http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com
http://www.domestically-speaking.com
http://www.designdecortuesday.blogspot.com
http://modvintagelife.blogspot.com
http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com
http://diyhshp.blogspot.com
http://www.cozylittlehouse.com
http://adiamondinthestuff.blogspot.com
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net