#HHH - Homemade Headboard Hunt

My parents recently purchased a new bed.

It's a California King... and doesn't fit inside their old Queen sized frame.

Which means... their old headboard doesn't fit either!

Instead of spending money on a new headboard - my mom wants to MAKE one.

Right now, she's leaning towards a DIY padded headboard.

(Here's a great tutorial on how to make a padded headboard.)

Even though the "padded" route is the way we'll probably go...

I fell in love with LOTS of DIY headboard ideas. 

I'm a big, big fan of using rustic wood pieces. 

(Attaching a few candles.)

The ol' rustic door trick.

Have a few sticks in the backyard?

Love the pop of color too.

Maybe an oar or two?

This would be cool for a guest room.

Adorable idea for a teenager's room.

Painted pieces of rustic wood.

Use chair backs!

Attach old books to a large piece of plywood.

LOVE this idea.

Spread some chalkboard paint on the wall.

Draw your own headboard!

Old window shutters.

Find some great fabric, and pad the insides.

Remove the glass from picture frames - and place fabric inside.

Easy!

Padded headboard with crown molding.

Love this one.

Shelving.

Looks great - and useful too!

Rustic wood - from head to toe.

Paint stripes on a piece of plywood.

Padded headboard overload.

This project will take a LONG time - but pay off in the end!

So cool.

CURTAINS!!!!!

Find a few room dividers - and line them up behind the bed.

This looks so elegant.

Finally, just IMAGINE a bed in front of this.

I love the idea of combining the doors... and rustic wood.

I want this in my bedroom!

Will keep you posted on the progress of the headboard!

Need to find some fabulous fabric first.

#FFF

Marshmallow Dip

Thanksgiving and Christmas have come and gone.

There are many things I miss about the holidays - family, decorations, gifts and FOOD.

Especially sweet potatoes with marshmallow topping!

But, luckily - I've found a way to enjoy the delicious holiday treat... ALL YEAR LONG.

I was introduced to "marshmallow dip" on a recent visit to Des Moines to see my friend Danielle. 

We had lunch at a funky little spot called Mullet's. 

They served the most AMAZING sweet potato tater tots and marshmallow dip.

So, I decided to put my own "twist" on this remarkable treat. 

What you'll need:

 - 1 bag of frozen sweet potato fries or sweet potato tots

- 1 cup marshmallow creme

- 1/4 cup sour cream

- 1/2 stick of unsalted butter (melted)

- 2 Tablespoons of sugar

- 1/2 Tablespoon of cinnamon

First...

Put the frozen fries or tots in the oven - follow cooking directions on the bag. 

Next up...

Mix 1 cup of marshmallow creme and 1/4 cup sour cream together.

(It's best to use a whisk to mix.)

Melt 1/2 stick of butter on the stove (or in the microwave.)

Add the melted butter to the marshmallow creme/sour cream mixture.

Mix together with the whisk. 

In another bowl...

Combine 2 Tablespoons of sugar with 1/2 Tablespoon of cinnamon.

Once the fries (or tots) are done in the oven, sprinkle the cinnamon/sugar mixture on top!

The fries (or tots) are delicious with a light coating.

Then... serve!

The marshmallow dip is light, creamy and sweet.

Delicious.

A perfect substitution to the traditional Thanksgiving treat.

Bacon, Artichoke & Tomato Pasta

If you only have 15 minutes to make dinner... MAKE THIS DISH!

It's so easy... and so delicious.

It combines three of my favorite ingredients: 

Bacon

Artichokes

Tomatoes

This recipe feeds FOUR people, so double if needed.

What you'll need:

- 6 pieces of bacon (chopped up)

- 1 (small) can of artichoke hearts (chopped up)

- 1/2 can of diced tomatoes

- 1/2 cup of onion (chopped up)

- 3 garlic cloves (chopped up)

- 3 Tablespoons of olive oil

- 1/2 cup of white wine

- 1 cup of chicken stock

- Salt/pepper

- 1/2 box of angel hair pasta

First...

Add 3 Tablespoons of olive oil to a hot pan.

Fry your bacon in the pan. (About 3 minutes on each side.)

Take the bacon out, and let cool.

In the SAME OIL as the bacon...

Add your chopped garlic and onion.

Cook for about 3-5 minutes.

(By the way, an AMAZING smell will fill your kitchen at this moment!)

To the SAME pan...

Add the:

- White wine

- Chicken stock

- Artichoke hearts (chopped up)

- Cooked bacon pieces

- 1/2 can of diced tomatoes

- Sprinkle of salt/pepper

Let this cook on Medium Low heat for 5 minutes.

In a SEPARATE POT...

You'll want to bring water to a boil, and cook your angel hair pasta for about 4 minutes.

(1/2 a box of pasta will feed 4-5 people.)

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it.

Then, add the cooked pasta to your OTHER pan... (the one filled with bacon, tomatoes, artichokes.)

Toss it around! Coat nicely. 

Sprinkle some parmesan cheese and parsley on top!

You're done!

Enjoy.

Seriously, this recipe takes 15 minutes.

But, your guests will think it took you an hour :)

Mouthfuls of delicious bacon, artichokes, tomatoes, pasta... yummmmmmmmmmm.