DIY Milk Can Lid Pendant

As you probably saw on my earlier post for my DIY Mason Jar Chandelier, I needed a light that had the same feel for over my kitchen sink. You could also do this with a mason jar, metal colander, even a wire basket; the possibilities are endless!!

What you'll need:

Item for your pendant shade, I used the metal lid from an old milk can.

Like I said, you could use a mason jar, colander, anything you can cut/drill a hole into.

Pendant Kit

I got mine at Lowe's for about $20.

You could also wire this from scratch using 18-2 lamping wire (or a lamp kit which can be found at any hardware store), a keyless socket (get which size you want for the type of bulb you want to use & make sure it is an exposed socket where you can see the threading around it, not smooth), wire nuts, canopy, & mounting bracket. You can follow my steps on the wiring in my Mason Jar Chandelier how-to.

Socket ring (if you didn't get a kit. This is what will hold your item.)

Drill

Tin Snips

Marker

Light bulb!

I used a vintage bulb that I got at Home Depot for about $9.

Flag cake

So, I hope that everyone had a great 4th of July weekend. I know I did, minus the work...
I had been dying to make this cake for the 4th and finally had a chance to for a BBQ. It is fairly simple, but does require a bit of patience. I got the original recipe here.
So here are your yummy ingredients:
Red Cake Layers
1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® white cake mix
1 pint (2 cups) strawberries, stems removed, (I used frozen for mine) pureed in blender or food processor to about 1 1/4 cups
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 egg whites
1 Tsp red paste food color (you must use a paste not liquid or it will be pastel)
Blue Cake Layer
1/2 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® white cake mix (about 1 2/3 cups dry mix)
1/2 cup blueberries, (I used frozen for mine) pureed in blender or food  processor
3 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 whole eggs
1/2 Tsp blue paste food color (you must use a paste not liquid or it will be pastel)
3 Tbsp Betty Crocker® white star-shaped candy sprinkles or nonpareils
White Cake Layer
1/2 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® white cake mix (about 1 2/3 cups dry mix)
1/2 cup water
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 egg whites
Frosting and Sprinkles
3 containers Betty Crocker® Whipped fluffy white frosting
2 containers of Cool Whip (this I added from the original recipe)
Betty Crocker® red, white and blue sprinkles, as desired

DIY Mason Jar Chandelier

So, after I had purchased my new house I went to work on replacing all the light fixtures in the house. I couldn't live around that horrid polished brass, you all know what I'm talking about. When it came down to the kitchen though, I decided I want something quirky and different from your typical breakfast light. You see, I work in a lighting store so I stare at those fixtures all day everyday.

When I finally decided I wanted a mason jar chandelier, I went on the hunt to find some inspiration. I didn't want to buy one for $400 when I know that I was fully capable to make one on my own. I came across a DIY that gave you step by step instructions at Kara Paslay Design. This is truly the best one I found. Now I made a few changes to my design which I'll tell you below, but feel free to use her site as well.

Disclaimer:

Before we start, I am not an electrician and don't assume responsibility if your house burns down using my instructions. If you are not comfortable, HIRE AN ELECTRICIAN!!

What you'll need: 

Lets Raise a Little Awareness Today

So, this year will be my second year in doing the Relay for Life OKC. It is such an amazing thing to be a part of and also a lot of fun, with a lot of walking. I know, you're thinking that's way too tiring for me to do...walking ALL NIGHT LONG! You would truly be amazed, when you know you are doing something for such an amazing cause! Yes, by the end your feet hurt and you are worn out from being up all night long, but you are making such a difference. I actually believe its tougher then running a 5K because by then end of the night you have walked much further and for a lot longer.

There is such an amazing sense of community and friendship and fighting for something so amazing, more birthdays and no more cancer. CANCER SUCKS!!

Everyone on my team and at the relay has their own reasons for walking. It me be for a friend, family member, or even themselves. I walk for my Papa & Uncle who are both still fighting and my Grandmother who is no longer with us but beat her cancer TWICE! They are all truly amazing people.

So I challenge you readers out there to get up and take a stand. Make a donation to our team or join our team or another Relay in your area! Everyone is touched by cancer in some way unfortunately, so do this to help the fight!

Why I Relay

I am participating in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life
because I want to make a meaningful difference in the fight against
cancer.

Cancer has been a plague on both sides of my family for as long as
most of us can remember. All different kinds to so many amazing
people.

Currently my Papa is battling lung cancer. He has done 2 rounds of
radiation, chemo and a pill therapy and can do nothing more since he is also battling COPD. The lung cancer is a result of Agent Orange and I'm sure working in
maintenance in the public school in Lawton OK in the 70's. He is such an amazing man and so strong. He strives to keep going even though we lost our Nana (his wife) a year ago so suddenly. So many times, I can't believe he hasn't just given up so he can be with her. I can only guess that he knows we need him too.