REPURPOSE IT!

A planter base finds new use as an umbrella stand.

Since I love finding new ways to use old items, I thought I'd share another one of my "repurpose it" ideas.

I bought this random, cast concrete planter base from a high-end nursery years ago.  It was quite a deal because the upper portion apparently went missing or had broken.  I used it for awhile as its intended purpose but never loved the look since the replacement planter I found didn't quite match as I wanted it to.  So, I finally found a new use for it.  An umbrella base.  Yes, I didn't want one of those plain, plastic bases filled with sand that are rather dismal looking unless hidden beneath a table.  And some of the cool wrought iron bases, although heavy, are so low to the ground that they still may flip over when a strong wind gust comes along, unless supported by a table.  Since this umbrella is free standing (no added table), I needed something with a bit of heft and height (more than the flat wrought iron bases could afford).  So, "Viola", an instant umbrella base!

  

This thing is HEAVY.  To minimize the bottom of the umbrella pole from sliding around within the planter base, I took a plastic storage container (for food), about the size of a coffee can, cut a hole into its bottom the diameter of the umbrella pole and wedged it upside-down inside the bottom of the concrete base.  (whew, did you get all of that?)  The umbrella pole now passes through the planter AND a plastic inner container that is the same diameter which gives added stability and will help keep the umbrella upright during large wind gusts.  For some added support, I wedged random pieces of field stone down into the base around the pole.  This has been up since Spring and the umbrella, although typically closed during storms, has been left up a few times by accident with no issues.  

So, if you see something laying around your property not being used, imagine ways you can REPURPOSE IT to give it some new "life".

Refreshing Brunch Beverage - The "FOMOSA" . . . aka Faux Mimosa

The Refreshing FoMosa

Are you getting ready to have a fun-time brunch or get- together with friends and family?  Will children be present or guests who do not "drink"?  Consider the FoMosa (or Faux Mimosa).  I had some mandarin orange sparkling water and decided to top off a glass of orange juice with it.  The result was a refreshing drink reminiscent of the actual Mimosa cocktail  (minus the champagne of course).

To make the FoMosa . . . 

Enjoy with a glass 1/2 filled with chopped or crushed ice.

Fill your glass 3/4 with OJ and 1/4 with Mandarin Orange Sparkling Water (or you can mix it in equal parts for more "ZIP"!)

Stir and garnish with an orange slice or twist

Enjoy!

For the REAL Mimosa Cocktail . . .

Add equal parts of chilled OJ and Champagne (or other sparkling white wine, although champagne is best)

in a tall champagne flute.  Stir, do not shake.  Garnished with raspberries or cherries although I like sticking with the "orange" theme personally.

This easy FoMosa recipe is sure to be a hit.  Enjoy it with breakfast or when you are craving a refreshing beverage on a hot Summer day.  

Note: Do not use Mandarin Seltzer Water.  The flavor is much different due to the "bite" of the seltzer.  For best results choose a Sparkling Water beverage.  Since Frugal Design is all about being "frugal" I've switched from Florida's Natural Orange Juice to the more economical Walmart "Great Value" brand.  Sure it tasted a bit "watered down" to me at first but now it tastes just fine or I wouldn't recommend it.  Like anything else, you get used to it.  Put that $1.00 savings toward your bottle of sparkling water for the above treat!

A nice spot to CHILL-OUT with a COOL drink!