Picnic Love .... Bringing it to you!

Where there's a will there's a way. If you can't go to the picnic, I'll bring it to you!

I could not resist. I saw this on Design Sponge. This little picnic craft is so intelligent and unique that I have to share. It involves an old briefcase and someone who loves the romance of a picnic. Who can forget the shirtless William Holden in the famous movice "Picnic?" or, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward in "The Long Hot Summer." The idea of a picnic is far better than the actual picnic, but us romantics love to dream. Check out "The Green Space Travel Case" for your indoor/outdoor picnic park needs. : )

If you know someone who either doesn't have the time or take the time to become "one" with nature, this is perfect surprise lunch kit. No one will say it is practical, but it is a great conversation piece and will definitely bring a smile to his or her face.

What you need: (I took these directions directly from the site so I don't get it wrong)

1. An old briefcase or any kind of case really, preferably one that’s molded plastic so you don’t have to worry about lining it for watering the grass
2. piece of turf cut to size
3. spray adhesive
4. thin ice pack
5. wild life scene printed out to size, or you could also find a little painting that fits
6. cutlery (either standard stainless, fancy silver, or something biodegradable like these WüN guys by Aspenware)
7. a napkin
8. a traditional picnic style plate for nostalgia’s sake and some yummy food bits

How to do:

1. Once you’ve found a case you want to use (I recommend finding one WITH a handle. I didn’t, and it was kind of a pain to work out), get the dimensions of the inside bottom where the grass will go.

2. Call a local supplier of turf and see if they will sell you just that tiny amount. I ended up paying $3 for mine which I think is a pretty good deal.

3. Then set the turf outside on a plastic bag and give it a drink of water. You also might want to run your fingers through it to get the blades standing up again after being flattened by the roll.

4. Next, measure the inside of the case’s lid to get the dimensions for the piece of bristol board or foam core you”ll need to mount your nature scene on. My studio assistant (aka my mom) cut this one and did such a good job that it was a perfect press fit into the lid. That’s ideal because then you don’t have to mess around with trying to make it stay another way. Thanks Mom!

5. Use your spray adhesive to mount your nature scene onto the board.

6. Now you’re ready to green up that case. Take your turf and place it in the bottom space. Voila, instant outdoors.

7. When the time has come to pack your lunch up, take the ice sheet out of the freezer and slide it either behind the pockets (as pictured below) or into the largest pocket, if it will fit. This ice, combined with the cooling / insulating powers of the grass, should keep your lunch fresh. (Although I wouldn’t recommend risking sashimi…)
8. Take your nature scene and press it into place.

9. Build lunch display however you’d like (avoiding runny foods or sauces) and wrap your finished food landscape in plastic wrap. Now you’re all set to go!
I found this Crafty little idea on Design Sponge (great craft site) and at the bottom the credit goes to: PaigeRussell.com who has another site as well PaigeandModern.com.

Trust me. If you make this for someone, you won't be getting it back : )

Top Pool Pickup Lines .... : )

This is not my post... but I saw it and it made me smile all day... You gotta love the beach when spring break hits.... from the beginning of mankind there has always been a "pick up line" So without further adieu (from "Oh My Apartment") these are classic : )

It’s almost that time of the year again… getting in shape, working on that tan, and dusting off your repertoire of fail safe pick up lines! Here are a few funny pick up lines to refresh your memory if last summer seems just too long ago.

1. Can I see your tan lines?

• Who said tan lines were a bad thing? Strike up a conversation poolside about what kinds of sunscreens give you that golden tropical tan. Maybe your prospective sun bather will invite you to help them reapply.

2. Oh no I’m drowning… I need mouth to mouth quick!

• Who knows, maybe that cute guy over there is a former lifeguard… it can’t hurt to try. The damsel in distress act is a sure fire way to catch the eye of a poolside lounger. He’ll feel like a hero, and you’ll have to take him to dinner in order to repay his favor. Everyone wins!

3.So… did you hear how I saved that little girl from drowning last month? Awww what a guy!

• Women love men with big hearts – and muscles – so letting your poolside crush in on your lifesaving stories is a good way to break the ice. So what if the ‘little girl’ was actually the little girl’s toy doll. It’s the thought that counts, right?

4. Let’s go back to my place and get out of these wet clothes.

• What a thoughtful gesture. No one’s comfortable in a soaking wet bathing suit. You might also mention your recent purchase of luxury spa bath robes… who can resist wrapping up after a refreshing dip in the pool?

5. I must be lost… I thought paradise was further south.

• Regardless of whether your pool really is a luxurious haven, or a trashy college hangout, it’s the clientele that make the place. Let your fellow apartment residents know that their bikini clad bodies are other worldly.

6. Do you know karate? Cause your body’s kickin! Cheesy?

• Yes. But behind this pick up line there’s a guaranteed laugh. Let your prospective hottie know that those hours sweating away at the gym have really paid off.

7. Wanna come jump in the pool with me? Cause you just caught me on fire.

• Not only is this a flattering statement, it invites your poolside crush to spend some time with you in the pool. Show off your backstroke, splash around, and flirt like there’s no tomorrow.

8. All those curves, and me with no brakes.

• This line is no longer reserved for guys with slicked back hair and short leather jackets. Just make sure you’re not too serious when you say it. You’re trying to flirt, not frighten. Use with caution.

9. Is it hot out here, or is it just you?

• Well, we all know it really is just hot. But this line is a little more flirty than ‘So… what about this weather?’ Talking about the weather like that is reserved for retirement communities and awkward conversations with your great aunt Gertrude.

10. I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to leave… you’re making the other guys/girls look really bad.

• Hopefully you’re not insulting all of your crush’s friends by dropping this line. But seriously… who doesn’t like to hear that they’re the cutest one in their group?

11. Hey, you were great on Baywatch last night!

• Baywatch, the epitome of beauty on the beach. Therefore, the ultimate complement.

12. Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by again?

• Confidence is attractive, so go out on a limb and drop this line on the nearest hottie. If you’re turned down, at least you’ll get some exercise from all that walking around.

13. You look like you could use some help rubbing in that tanning oil.

• What’s more sensual then a soothing massage? Perhaps you could mention the fact that they feel a little tense, and ask them up to your apartment for a beer.

14. Is your name Summer? Cause you are hot!

• Alright, alright… this line might be close to exceeding the cheeseball limit. But hey, at least you’ll get some points for humor, right? Let’s just hope her name isn’t really Summer, cause that could be awkward.

15. I’m new at the complex… can I have directions to your apartment?

• Play up that vulnerable, innocent ‘new guy’ persona, and maybe she’ll take you under her wing.

If any of you beach lovers out there here some new ones, please, please, please, leave a comment. A) To help someone out who needs a line, and B) so the rest of us can chuckle!