Mantels are the NEW headboard

As we all know I love AN AFFAIR OF THE HEART. Foe those of who do not know what it is... it is 7 buildings at our local fairgrounds packed full of arts, crafts, floral arrangements, jewelry, clothes and items from market. If you can dream it, it it exists at AAOTH.

Well 2 years ago my mom bought a gorgeous metal mantel for our lake house. I never gave it any more thought until now. Tanner and I were given a new king size bed (thanks Burt Palu and Serta) for a wedding gift. Well, needless to say, we have no frame yet. We use a Hollywood frame. Why have we waited for 18 months? King size bed frames as SUPER expensive, especially the Maitland Smith ones I keep eyeing! Mr. T has said no to all my picks. Can't blame him $4000.00 is a tad much!

So, this past AAOTH, I went and bought us a mantel to hang as a headboard. I thought it was the BEST idea ever! I only spent $80.00 and I am happier than ever! Then 2 days later I received my Better Home and Gardens magazine and low and behold... An entire article on using MANTELS AS HEADBOARDS!!!! I am too smart for my own good!! I always tell Mr.T "I could decorate professionally", and this time, he actually thought I was onto something!

I decided to post some pics of my mantel...err I mean headboard. Also I included some links for you too enjoy.

Our headboard:









After I saw the newest issue of BHG, I decided to post to show you other mantels as headboards. I love the shabby chic look, so this was the perfect solutions for me. Here are some favorites that I came across. Enjoy and hopefully I have inspired you to buy a vintage mantle at the next flea market, or a metal headboard at your local craft fair!

KING CRAB LEGS

Wow! I came home to Tanner cooking 4 pounds of crab legs! Who wouldn't be thrilled? We all know how much I LOVE crab legs, but 4 pounds? I didn't think we could do it, but we (OK Tanner had most of them) finished all but 2 legs!!! Here are the super easy directions:

1. Allow them to thaw in the bag for 20-30 minutes.




2. Light candle and melt 2-3 teaspoons of butter over a flame.

3. Bring a large stock pot 2/3 full of water to a rapid boil. We added 2 tablespoons of sea salt to taste.

4. Boil 7 minutes



5. Place on a large serving platter and DIG IN!!!



After 25 minutes of chowing down we had accomplished out goal! Well, almost all of it. Time to toss out the shells and take out the trash, no one likes a fishy and stinky kitchen!!





I want to give a special thanks you to Rod, Kim and Conner Morrissey. They are Tanner's Uncle, Aunt and Cousin who live in Las Vegas. They gave us this awesome wedding gift so we could enjoy crab legs at home. The platter, strainers, butter melter, and cocktail forks are one of the BEST and useful gifts ever!! THANK YOU!!!