Thrift Benefit for Sheltered Animals: Animal Lifeline

I so was delighted when I learned talented blogger Jeanette Chaney of Country Design Style was hosting 
Thrift Benefit for Sheltered Animals
again this year. 
Rescue pets have been part of our family for as long as I remember and I was thrilled to support and help bring attention to organizations which benefit this very worthy cause. The fact that the event also includes thrift shopping and crafting made it a 
win-win!

   
The Challenge: 

1) Find a nearby thrift store whose proceeds benefits animals    

 2) Buy an item to redo and/or feature in your blog post 

  3)  Share your post and link up with other participating bloggers on October 14th   

Or   

Inspire others by sharing a story 
about how rescuing a pet has
 impacted your life 
   

    Not familiar with thrift shops benefitting animals in my immediate area, an online search happily led me to Animal Lifeline  

 located in Warrington Pa. Set in a modest suburban shopping plaza, the unassuming storefront belies the amazing scope of work this multifaceted organization does nationwide on behalf of animals in need.

Clockwise from top left: A cheery mural celebrates our furry friends, A four footed coworker on break, Fall and Halloween items welcome shoppers by the front window, china and collectables - including lots of animals of course, much needed Disaster relief

I was delighted to be able to chat with Animal Lifeline's founder Denise Bash who kindly took the time to tell me about some of the history, challenges and goals of this wonderful organization.

Started in 2006 as a garage sale, animal lifeline is now an instrumental resource for animal welfare, partnering with other organizations to help animals who are victims of disasters and abuse as well as raising funds for shelter rebuilds, supplies and much needed spaying and neutering

For more information visit www.animallifelinepa.org

Headlines: responding, rescuing and rebuilding,
stray cat Pele (found trapped in a soccer net) now safe and sound,
a doggy 5k fundraiser, a kitty check-up
photos Animal lifeline site and Pele by Cpaul

The thrift shop itself features 4 rooms brimming with a variety of housewares, clothing, children's items and gifts all delightfully and artfully arranged by theme. (there's even a wedding room) and the helpful cheerful shop staff clearly have a passion for the work they do.

 I found several fabulous treasures.....

 but since Chloe immediately commandeered the footstool, I thought I'd choose it to redo as a fun perch for her and my other finicky feline friends.

I popped off the top of the stool, cutting away the top layer of fabric (there were 3 more layers underneath so this was a re-re-redo) and gave the base a quick spritz using brushed metallic spray paint I had on hand.

I then cut out a layer of 1" foam, adding it for extra "creature" comfort. I tightly covered the top with white canvas fabric, stapling securely to the wood underneath. 

Once taut I began painting using chalk paint and acrylics.

I decided on a regal crowned kitty, stenciling "Le Chat" for some french flair and stamped a border in matte silver. Since the look is a bit shabby chic, I didn't fret over slight dings and drips and smudges.
 A spritz of clear coat added durability and protects against muddy paws. 

Does her majesty approve? We'll have to wait and see.

Love crafting for your critters? 
Visit our previous posts featuring Pennywise Pet Projects

Clockwise from top left

Photo Pet memento from last Years Thrift benefit: Blessing of the animals

Kitty tea party & Upcycled pet bed from a cardboard box from Creature comforts

 Dog biscuits in a jar & Pet silhouettes for the holidays from Not a creature was stirring

Thanks so much for visiting!

 hanging out in the Animal Lifeline office 

Please check out the links below or pop over to Country Design Style for the other bloggers participating in this event and links to touching rescue stories, inspired DIY projects and the various charities serving our furry friends around the country.

La Dolce Vita: Italian cafe ice cream treat

                                                                                                Venice Photos CPaul2013

While it would be delightful to spend those early mild days of Fall savoring coffee laced treats at an elegant Italian cafe, limited time and budget means instead I'll make do enjoying a sweet, caffeinated confection here at home. (insert sigh)

Luckily I recently stumbled upon a deliciously creamy and impossibly simple (no machine needed) espresso ice cream recipe from Nigella Lawson. While perfect on its own, I thought I'd add a few easy touches to create a treat echoing the classic Italian dessert tiramisu. 

Easy Espresso Ice Cream

I was delighted by the smooth creamy texture of this ice cream and had expected a more grainy result which sometimes occurs when freezing other dairy recipes. A friend mentioned the  alchohol in the liquor might be credited with the smooth finish. I don't know but it certainly tastes wonderful.

You'll Need
1 1/4 cups Heavy cream

2/3 Condensed milk

2 tbsp. Instant Espresso powder 

( I found it at Wegman's supermarket)*

2 tbsp Favorite Coffee liquor 

(I used espresso flavored vodka I had gotten as a gift)

*dark instant coffee can be substituted for espresso powder but the amount might need to be increased for a similar flavor

Whisk ingredients thoroughly until blended and mixture is a light coffee color (I had lugged out the kitchenaid mixer but found using a simple kitchen whisk by hand worked in no time at all)

Cover and freeze 6 hours or overnight

Mascarpone Whipped Cream

I found many tempting recipes online with varying amounts of ingredients but liked the simplicity of this one from delightful blog chewing the fat., using heavy cream, mascarpone, vanilla and sugar. I halved the amounts for smaller servings.

You can Scoop the ice cream into elegant glasses or for a fun twist, I put a snack size scoop in mini espresso cups. 

Top with marscapone cream and sprinkle with a dusting of cocoa and chopped nuts if desired. Serve with lady fingers or biscotti. (My store was out of both so Stella D'Oro subbed in)

Props and souvenirs add a bit of Venetian romance

relax and enjoy

A painting inspired by Venetian Cats in my etsy shop le beau chaton

Pennywise in Paris 2: la fin de l'été

 With the warm days of summer coming to an end far too soon, my husband and I, rather impulsively, decided to make the most of the last of the fair weather (and the last of our saved travel points!) to return to one of our very favorite cities. 

We had visited Paris last Fall and were completely enchanted by its history, art, and architecture: not to mention it's magnifique macarons(!) and although many feel August isn't an optimal time to visit, (many Parisians leave for the countryside and some businesses close) we found summer in this most magical of cities a true delight!

   

Of course we enjoyed many of the same classic, and "pennywise" summer pleasures we might at home: overindulging in ice cream, spending afternoons in the park and browsing flea markets, but all with a charming, and decidedly french twist. 

  

With no budget for a vintage Chanel bag or silk Hermes scarf, I returned home instead with happy memories, a handful of postcards and my camera brimming with photos as my souvenirs. Armed with advice and tips from far more seasoned Paris travelers we thoroughly enjoyed navigating the ins and outs of this fascinating city and thought I'd share a few highlights as a relative newbie to this marvelous city.     

*For more of my PennyWise Parisian favorites from a previous trip, visit 
Pennywise in Paris

Afternoon in the Park

Delights for young and old at the Jardin des Tuileries

  

Being such a densely populated city, Paris wisely offers relief from the crowds with many beautifully manicured open public (and child friendly) spaces, including the famed Jardin des Tuileries.

carousel:Fontainebleu square

Ice Cream and Sweet Treats

Site seeing can be hard work and of course ice cream and sweets become necessary to keep energy levels high. Shop windows laden with artful eats, all impeccably displayed, are almost impossible to resist. One afternoon, I popped into the wildly popular Laduree, and although I could easily have spent a small fortune on their exquisite creations, for just few euros, I was able to sample a few delectable macarons and get a glimpse of this gilded confectioner heaven.

ice cream stand Laduree Champs Elysees, A serious sweet shop: Laduree interior

yummy souvenirs

Browsing the Markets

Brocante

Paris boasts some of the worlds oldest and most established flea markets....

 but we also discovered smaller, yet just as delightful versions which pop up about the city and neighboring towns

trinkets & treasures

A Drive in the Country

Visiting Fontainebleau

While there are endless things to do in the city, we decided to venture out one day to visit the lovely Fontainebleau in the Barbizon forest. A manageable hour or so drive outside Paris, we found the small town and it's namesake chateau enchanting. 

Even better, the cost of admission to the castle was included in our must-have museum pass.

playful monkeys, detail wall ornamentation, Throne room, Library

Home to centuries of royalty and celebs of the day (Josephine Bonaparte and Leonardo's Mona Lisa resided here at one time) the castle reflects a fascinating mix of eras and varying design and architectural styles.

the "more is more" approach to decorating 

fewer crowds than Versailles makes for a relaxing visit

lovely grounds to stroll

a quick bite at a cafe and back to Paris

sunflowers at full speed

Bon Nuit!

Merci for visiting!

A Mad Tea Party

Just as Alice found herself tumbling into the rabbit hole, I recently serendipitously stumbled onto the most enchanting blog called A Fanciful Twist.
 I was delighted to read about an upcoming (and wonderfully mad) tea party. Being smitten with all things tea and also a fan of Lewis Carroll's classic story, I knew I'd want to take part. So with some whimsical DIY projects and tea time accents, I thought I'd add a little wonder to my afternoon.

Faux Box Cake

Of course every tea party needs cake, and although I'd never turn down the real thing, I thought it would be fun to make a surprise fool the eye "faux" version which could double as storage for stowing other sweet treats.

I had seen lifelike faux cakes and sweets in a kitchen in charity designer show house and although fabulous, the $60 price tag had me wondering if  I could whip up a similar version at home for pennies on the dollar.

You'll need 

Round cardboard box with lid

Joint compound I had this leftover from my DIY Kitty House

Assorted acrylics and puffy paints

Large round beads
red nail polish

Clear glitter

throwaway icing kit

With pencil trace around lid on box. This will insure the top will fit well and open easily after Compound is applied. "Frost" box with joint compound staying below pencil line. Frost top separately  and let dry.

I colored some compound pink using craft paint and with a dollar store icing kit piped around edge and added quick rosettes.

 I brushed cake with a quick coat of Madge lodge for added sheen. I then sprinkled with some clear glitter and also used puffy paint for some quick embellishments around the rim.

Unable to find faux cherries I gave some large plastic pearl beads a coat of red nail polish and let dry.

 After drizzling some more polish to simulate syrup, I hot glued them on.

Staying true to the story, I added an "Eat Me" sign 

A drink me" bottle with an elixir of water and food coloring

Croquet anyone?

Who can forget the fantastical croquet game from Alice in wonderland. While I have no flamingos on hand, I did have a dusty croquet set in our garage (they can often also be found at yard sales) which I decided to make over for the occasion.

To my surprise, an online search yielded dozens of fabulous flamingo croquet sets for sale as well as plenty of fun DIY ideas for making your own: from basic paint re-dos, to amazing creations using power tools and store bought birds. 

I chose to keep mine fairly simple with some spray paint, fun foam and feather accents.

Though perhaps not the most durable, for serious play, they are fine for an afternoon on the lawn and to add feathered fun to the theme.

You'll need

croquet set

Spray paint

Pink fun foam

Assorted craft paint

Feathers and accents 

Trim

Hot glue

Playing cards

I sprayed my mallets a soft pink color, taping off part of handle area to leave identifying colors.

I cut flamingo heads from fun foam and painted quick eyes and accents

Once dry, I hot glued onto mallet, adding a fringe of feathers and some sparkle

I glued cards back to back, added some flair and slid over wickets 

The croquet balls get a quick hedgehog makeover with multi-surface craft paint
I hope the Queen of hearts would be pleased!

vintage image from the Graphics Fairy

In the interest of thrift and repurposing, I "shopped" my house (and storage bins) for decor and tea time accents without spending a dime. 

My mismatched flea market tea cups are perfectly imperfect for a "mad" tea

A clock and mini teacup under glass marks tea time

An old yard sale moss teapot which I knew I'd use "for something someday" adds whimsy 

A moss bunny from my Easter decor perches on a  DIY "tea chest" fashioned from yard sale jewelry box and featured on my Downton Abbey Tea Post

A mini $5.00 chandelier from a previous party adds ambiance

And of course the all important Mad Hatter's topper
on loan courtesy of my mother's fabulous hat collection

 We had a surprise visit from the Cheshire cat, although he didn't' stay for tea

Thanks so much for stopping by.

 For a link to other bloggers participating in this wonderful event and for more tea time ideas and inspiration, pop over to

 A Fanciful Twist