Top

Blissful Bluegrass

Lifestyle Blogger from Lexington, KY

/ DIY

How to Build an Outdoor Bar or Kitchen (on a Dock)

My husband and I always wanted a place on the lake and years ago we purchased a home on Lake Herrington near our hometown. We have been slowly adding our little touches to different parts of the home to make it our own. Recently we started finishing our dock and built an outdoor bar. It turned better than we expected and love spending time on it with family and friends.

First we started with the base and frame of the bar. We decided the dimensions we wanted and purchased the metal frame online. We did have to purchase some extra square aluminum tubes to help secure it. And we learned this the hard way, but self-drilling screws are a life saver when working with metal.

Once we had the frame built we added concrete board around the perimeter of the bar. These do not have to be cut perfect, because we will cover them with a faux stone siding. This waterproof panel siding looks so good and is very inexpensive. We used an outdoor waterproof adhesive to apply the panels, and scissors to cut the panels when needed to make the faux stone look as real as possible. This was a very tedious process and lots of cutting, especially along the edges. It was worth the time, because it ended up looking so good.

We are so close to finishing up the island, just have a few more pieces to add, including the drawers, cabinet, trash can and refrigerator.

My husband then framed in the back wall/shed. He used 2×4’s and did a wonderful job. He then followed with concrete board and we added the faux stone siding to match the island.

After the siding was on, we German Schmeared the siding. I love the look it gives and helps make the siding last longer, as mortar is not going anyway. For the German Schmear we used, MAPEI white mortar, a grout bag, grout sponge, trowel, ribbon mixer, a big bucket and water. We mixed the mortar and water in the big bucket, with the ribbon mixer, which attaches to any drill. Once the mixture is a peanut butter consistency you will add it to the grout bag and pipe it in between the stones. You then schmear the mortar across the stones and spread more mortar with the grout sponge. In the link below is a video that shows how we did the German Schmear as well as everything else in more detail.

Now the finishing touches! We added a TV, frame, electricity, sconces, furniture and a marble countertop. Many advised against, however I love marble and knew we would cover the island anytime we weren’t using it.

This was a fun project and a place we will be able to enjoy years to come. Below is a link to a video that shows how we built everything in detail. Enjoy!

/ Family

Christmas Cards, Invites & Thank You Notes with Basic Invite

Creating a custom Christmas Card each year is a tradition our family has done for many years. This year we ordered our Christmas Cards from Basic Invite and we absolutely love them. They have the most unique and adorable designs. One of the neatest custom options they offer is a velvet coated paper that has a soft suede-like texture. We chose to order these in the velvet material and love the uniqueness & wow factor this option adds to our family Christmas Card.

We also chose the raised foil, which is another custom option Basic Invite offers. The raised foil is available in 3 colors and absolutely stunning.

I love Basic Invites because they also offer so many wonderful features, including, an address capturing service that allows customers to share a link on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other social media to request their friends and family’s addresses. The addresses are stored in the customer’s account and can be selected during the design process. Basic Invite offers recipient address printing at no cost on all card orders.

Not only do they have custom photo Christmas cards, but they also offer wedding invites, save the dates, birth announcements, shower/birthday invites, stationary and many free website options. I also love how user friendly the website is.

We are obsessed with this year’s Christmas Cards and can’t wait to send them to family & friends. They are currently offering 30% off all Christmas Cards with code HOLI30.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed Christmas!

@basicinvite Social Sites; Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter

/ DIY, Fashion

How to Paint Cabinets (Kitchen or Bathroom)

Our family purchased a lake home a few years ago and I always knew I wanted my kitchen and bathrooms to have white cabinets. Here I show you how to paint your wood cabinets so that it lasts and does not scratch off.

Items you will need

  1. Drill or Screw Driver
  2. Simple Green
  3. Paper Towels
  4. Sand Paper or Sand Sponge
  5. Foam Paint Roller & Velour Paint Roller
  6. Angled Paint Brush
  7. C2 Paint Cabinet & Trim (Benjamin Moore Simply White)
  8. C2 Paint Hardener
  9. Zinsser BIN Paint Primer

Step 1 (Prep)

Remove all cabinets and drawers with a drill or screw driver. Place them in a spot where you have plenty of room to spread them out and allow them dry. Spray all cabinets and drawers with simple green cleaner and wipe them down. Next rough up all cabinets with steel wool. This is optional, but I also sanded drawers and cabinets with a sand sponge. It helps the paint adhere better. Follow up with a portable vacuum to clean off any dust or debris from the steel wool and sanding. Wipe down one last time with the simple green to make sure cabinets and drawers are clean and ready to be painted. You also want to repeat these steps on the built ins, that are not removable.

Step 2 (Prime & Paint)

Use Zinsser BIN Primer to prime the cabinets and drawers. I used a velour or foam cabinet roller and an angled paint brush to get the spots the roller couldn’t reach. After the Zinsser primer dries we are ready to paint the cabinets with our C2 Cabinet & Trim Paint. We need to mix our C2 Cabinet & Trim Paint with the C2 Paint Hardener (follow directions on the can). Mix really well and allow the paint and hardener to set up for around 15 minutes. Apply the first coat to all cabinets, drawers and built ins with the roller as well as angled brush to get spots the roller cannot reach. Once the first coat completely dries I went in with a second coat of paint.

Step 3 (Re-install and add hardware)

Once cabinets are fully painted and dried, it’s time to reinstall cabinets and drawers. I switched out the old exterior hinges to hidden soft close hinges. I also switched up the handles to match our updated bathrooms and kitchens.

I have also included a video at the bottom of the page, which shows step by step and helps explain in more detail.

Before

After (C2 Paint, Benjamin Moore Simply White)

After (C2 Paint, Benjamin Moore Simply White)

How to Paint Cabinets (Kitchen or Bathroom)

/ Fashion

Georgia & Lake Oconee (Ritz Carlton)

Our time together and family vacations mean more than ever as the kids are growing so fast. Georgia & Lake Oconee at the Ritz Carlton are absolutely amazing and the perfect getaway. If you are looking for a vacation that’s not the beach or mountains with a relaxing vibe, this is the place for you.

The beginning of the trip Michael had a board meeting in Atlanta/Buckhead. We went to a nice dinner at Canoe and hit Six Flags “White Water” Waterpark, which the kids loved!

After a couple days in Atlanta we were off to one of the serene places I have ever been, Lake Oconee Ritz Carlton. As soon as we arrived there was a feeling of calmness and peace. Our room was gorgeous and the view of the lake was unbelievable.

There are two pools. An adult pool and a kiddie pool. Both were gorgeous and fun. There is also a Ritz Kids Club, where they usually organizing games or activities for the kids on certain days. Always make sure you ask the concierge what they have planned. They also had swings throughout the property, a playground and small arcade room. At night the Ritz provided complimentary s’mores by the fire. The kids made sure we did not miss a night. There are some good restaurant options on the property. A piece of advice make reservations ahead of time or you may be eating at 9PM, like us one night.

Below are a few pictures of the trip, for a more in depth, detail view of our trip, please see the link to a video at the bottom of the page.

Dinner at Canoe, Atlanta Georgia
Six Flags Georgia Waterpark
Element Hotel, Buckhead (Atlanta) GA
Lake Oconee, GA
Splash Shack, Lake Oconee Ritz Carlton
Cotton Candy, Linger Longer Steakhouse
Lake Oconee Infinity Edge Pool – Ritz Carlton

Enjoy & Lots of Love! Holly Jo

/ Fashion

How to Decorate your Christmas Tree “Winter Wonderland Theme”

Growing up Christmas was always a big deal. My parents went above and beyond to make the holidays magical & I love to do the same for my family. It all starts with the Christmas trees at our house. They are fun, over the top, New York Style Christmas Trees.

Let’s get started. This year I chose to have three trees to really make our living room at the lake feel like a winter wonderland.

First, if your trees are not pre-lit add some soft white Christmas Tree lights.

Second, go in with mesh ribbon. Do not pre-cut the ribbon. Leave it on the roll and cut it once you get to the bottom of the tree. Start at the top of the tree and bunch it into the branches every 1-2 feet. Cut the ribbon once you get to the bottom of the tree and roll the ribbon under the bottom branch. (***All of this can be seen by video on my YouTube channel)

I also added this wide mesh ribbon to the right side, left side and back side, if needed, with the same width ribbon alternating colors (gold & silver).

Third, I added a smaller width ribbon (12″) to all four wide mesh and cascade them down the tree next to the first four ribbons. Therefore you will have eight total ribbons cascading down in bunches of two. Mix your colors to go with the theme of your Christmas tree or room. Burlap also looks good as the second accent ribbon.

Fourth, I used some more ribbon and created diagonal movements in between the cascading ribbon. This gives more movement and depth to the tree. (***Easier to understand if you watch the video linked.)

Fifth, I added some faux flowers. I love the sparkly poinsettias. They look gorgeous and remind me of the holidays. I usually purchase them in bunches and the flowers pop right off the stem. Push them right into the branches and no ornament hangers are needed.

Sixth, I used oversized ball ornaments in different shapes, sizes, and textures to add definition to the tree. Choose colors that go with your tree theme.

Seventh, I add two more skinny slightly shorter Christmas trees on either side of our large tree in the middle. If they are not pre-lit add warm white Christmas lights.

Eighth, I add more large ball ornaments to the two smaller trees. The bigger the better!

Ninth, and probably my favorite decoration we used on these trees, is the tinsel. My Grandmother always uses tinsel icicles on her Christmas Trees as did my Dad. It’s very nastolgic and brings back wonderful memories.

Lastly, I add the tree toppers. For the middle tree I added a vintage Angel that came with our lake home when we purchased it. And for the smaller trees I added a reindeer antler to the top of each one.

My family is enjoying the Winter Wonderland Christmas Tree Theme at our lake this year. Hope you all enjoy as well!

Christmas at the Johnson’s

/ Fashion, Style

Fall & Winter Fashion Trends 2022

Fall and Winter is finally here! I absolutely love these two seasons and all the fashion that comes along with it. Warm cozy sweaters and sparkles for the holidays.

Below are a few of my favorite trends this season and how to achieve them by recycling pieces of clothing you already have.

Colors of the Season (Hot Pink & Green)

Hot pink and green are going to be the trendy colors this season. I love both of these colors and I’m sure you can find items of clothing in your closet with pink or green in them. Below is a gorgeous dress I plan to wear to a beach destination wedding in Cabo this winter.

Colors of the Season (Hot Pink & Green)

Head to Toe Denim

I feel like denim never goes out of style. The way we wear denim may change from season to season, but will always be here. This season you will be seeing head to toe denim. I love a pair of overalls or similar to the picture below a cute denim jacket with a pair of jeans.

Head to Toe Denim

Cowboy Hat

Cowboy Hats are in! I love this, because I am from Kentucky and travel to Nashville often, which you will see cowboy hats everywhere. Surprisingly, I do no have a cowboy hat. However, I wore a hat resembling this trend all summer in the picture below. I have also included a picture of a cowboy hat I love.

Cowboy Hat

Color-Blocking

Color-Blocking is a fun trend this season. One of the most gorgeous cardigans I have ever seen is from Farm Rio and has all different kinds of patterns and colors. This is a perfect example of color blocking.

Farm Rio Cardigan

Hot Pink Coats

A pink coat might be something you don’t have in your closet. If you are in the market for a new coat this winter, maybe look into a pink colored one. I have this adorable Elizabeth Wilson Peplum jacket I plan to bring out this fall and will hit the trend perfectly.

Elizabeth Wilson Coat

Mini Skirts

I love a cute mini skirt with an oversized sweater. I don’t have any pictures to show you here, but I have included a cute leopard mini skirt with an oversized white sweater example on the YouTube channel. Link is at the bottom of this post and here.

Volume

You will be seeing volume in clothing. For example large sleeves. Puff sleeves, lantern sleeves and balloon sleeves. I love them all and wonder if shoulder pads will ever come back.

Sleeves with Volume

The White Tee or Tank

This is my favorite trend of the season. Probably because I am a stay at home mom and I am wearing a t-shirt most days. It is also nostalgic to me, because my Grandma (Grand M) wears a t-shirt with a pair of Gap jeans almost everyday. CLASSIC! I have more examples of a white tee on the YouTube channel in the link at the end.

Corsets

I feel like corsets is a harder trend to pull off. What you can do to hit this trend is wear a long flowy dress or sweater and cinch it at the waist with a belt. I show examples in the video below.

Leather

Always love a good piece of clothing that is leather. I invested in a black leather jacket (show on the YouTube channel) a few years ago and pull it out every Fall season. I also wear my faux leather Spanx all winter long. They look great dressed up with a tall pair of boots or a cute pair of mid-star Golden Goose shoes.

Statement Coats

Any type of over the top, fuzzy or animal print coat would be perfect for this season. On the channel I give a few examples of some statement coats.

Oversized Suits

You will be seeing oversized suits this season. I love the look of a blazer with a pair jeans or over a black. This would be perfect for a brunch with the girls or date night with your husband or boyfriend.

These are some of the fashion trends you will be seeing this season. Lots of love!

@blissfulbluegrass

[instagram-feed]