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We are so excited about the launch of our brand new TV Show, Howse to House. Thank you for the enthusiastic support for this new adventure, it truly has been quite overwhelming. Friends from all over the world have sent notes, texts, and messages of encouragement that we treasure and appreciate so much! So blessed to have so many of you excited to follow us as we start this new adventure.
After each Howse to House TV show goes live, we will be posting a corresponding blog that includes all of the details from the show –– the recipes, links, and instructions necessary to recreate what we do in your own home. Below you will find all the details from Show #1. Have you seen it yet? You can click here to view, or go to the TV Show tab on the menu right here on our website! Thanks for watching!
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Giving Life to Tired Furniture
I have always had a love for reviving old pieces of furniture, giving them another shot at life. Thrift stores, garage sales, even free pieces on the side of the road are my main spots for finding potential items to transform. Once refinished, I usually sell them on an app called "Nextdoor," and have made some great money doing so! This is so easy that even your kids can help you earn some extra money!
On the show, I talked about re-doing this brown side table –– giving it a new white makeover. Here are some instructions, along with links to the products I used, so you can start creating something special out of someone else's old, tired, and discarded furniture:
• Find a sturdy piece of furniture, or even a lamp, for your project.
• Remove the hardware; use spray paint to give the hardware a new look -– (I like black); or you can find a great selection of beautiful new hardware at stores like Hobby Lobby.
• Remove all dirt, then use sandpaper to rub off any imperfections.
• No need for primer when using any of these paints:
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (used in this project)
• Gently and carefully glide your brush following the wood grain, using long strokes.
• After covering the entire piece, allow to dry; it's best to let dry overnight between coats. Repeat one or two more times.
• Depending on your taste, you can use sand paper to distress the piece once it is fully dry; replace the hardware & you're done!
The above brown table was purchased for about $12 at a thrift store, and I will be selling it for about $60. I enjoy projects like this, as they are both relaxing to me, and also rewarding.
Drying Hydrangeas for Decor
One of my very favorite flowers is the hydrangea, and thankfully, we have plenty of them in our yard. Hydrangeas are so simple to dry, which makes them perfect to use in any decor, but especially for your fall decorations. Here are some instructions:
• Carefully look at each stem before cutting to make sure there are no brown spots. There is just a small window for the most beautiful bloom-- so don't miss the prime time to cut them!
• Cut stems at an angle, measuring how long you want them according to the vase, jar, or wooden box you'll be eventually putting them in. It's always best to think ahead before you cut. Ask me, I know! 😊
• Remove all the leaves and submerge the stems in water, about halfway up the stem, and let them sit for about three weeks. How in the world does letting them sit in water help them dry out? It's kind of odd, but the water actually helps preserve the color. This is the main reason. Allow the water to evaporate over time –– do not add water. And please make sure they have enough air circulation around each bloom.
• Remove and place them in your empty vase, box, or jar when the petals are stiff and you find the stems are dry and easy to snap. They will be delicate, so be careful.
• At this point, I use any type of aerosol hairspray, and spray each bloom three times –– about a few minutes apart. This helps preserve them.
Hydrangeas look so beautiful in any decor. I use them on my dining room table, on our breakfast room table, and even on the mantle mixed with candles. Such a gorgeous, easy, and inexpensive way to decorate your home, bringing God's beauty inside. 💜
How fun it is for me to share this family recipe with you! I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts and reviews. This recipe has been in my family for well over thirty years, and has been a favorite of Brannon's for almost as long. This is a different recipe, as it uses a variety of flavors all stacked on top of each other that you would not normally use together, so give it a try before you form an opinion! 😊 Here are some of my tips:
• To make this more healthy, I use brown rice instead of white, and use the gluten free gravy (recipe below). But my all-American husband, Brannon, loves the white rice with turkey gravy.
• You can use a rotisserie chicken to save time, or cook the chicken yourself; many love to use an Instapot for quick cooking (easy to do –– place boneless/skinless breasts in pot with 1/4 cup water and cook for about 15 minutes); or, you can bake the breasts in the oven.
• I prefer to grate the cheese myself, as our family likes the fresh taste better. We use medium cheddar, but you can use sharp cheese for a stronger flavor.
• This is a great recipe to use for a casual buffet, as guests can just walk through and create their own "Staki-Upi" plate. 💜
We sure hope you enjoyed our first TV show and our notes here on the blog. Thank you for watching and sharing with your friends. Please send in your reviews and we'll post them on social media! I sure do appreciate the opportunity to give you a sneak peek into our home.
Looking forward to many more fun episodes.... Big surprises are coming in the next episode! Can't wait to share with you! 💜
For Howse to House-
I was able to watch the show today! Really enjoyed the show. You did well, Melissa! Thank you for sharing you talents and experience. Looking forward to more to come! Blessings to you and yours!