Ballyvaughn Maven

Stationery card

2011-11-28T22:52:00.001-06:00

Newsworthy Girl Birth Announcement

Shutterfly has cute birth announcements and Valentine's cards.

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Fall = Dutch Apple Pie and Caramel Sauce

2010-10-17T14:54:00.002-05:00

This week is my husband's birthday. I asked him what he wanted for a birthday cake. After pondering this question for a few hours he landed on Apple Pie-- my how our taste buds change as we age... last year he wanted a McDonald's Cake. I love a good dutch apple pie. I love the topping and pie crust-- it's like the best of apple pie and apple crisp all in one dessert. My aunt shared a secret to a great apple pie when I was a teenager. She told me she cuts her apples and prepares the filling (with lemon juice so they don't turn brown) the day before she bakes the pie. It really lets all the flavors come together. I try to marinate the apples overnight if I have time. Last night I was putting the apples together... side note: if you don't have an apple peeler/corer you have to get one. It's an amazing invention and saves hours of peeling. It also helps us perfectionists get exactly the apple cut the same thickness. I sell them with Pampered Chef, but before I was a consultant I had a Cuisinart one and the suctioned bottom wouldn't stay in place all the time. Well this is what I made today. Sorry, it's not my photo, I was too lazy to take pictures and the kitchen is a disaster area. We're having the cabinets painted!!! Well back to the story about marinading the apples. When you fill the pie with the apples you notice there is a TON of juice left in the bottom of the bowl. I wanted to use the reserved liquid and quickly thought about a caramel sauce. I scoured the Internet for a recipe I could use to make caramel sauce with the liquid. I think I searched apple caramel sauce... I found something at the Better Homes and Gardens Website. Caramel Sauce

Ingredients

2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup apple cider or apple juice (marinade from apples)
1/4 cup butter
1 egg yolk

Directions

1. For the Caramel Sauce, in a small saucepan combine the brown sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Add 1/4 cup apple cider or apple juice and butter. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Remove from heat. In a small bowl beat 1 egg yolk; gradually stir in 1/2 cup of the hot brown sugar mixture. Add the egg mixture to the saucepan. Cook and stir until bubbly; reduce heat. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Remove from heat; cover and cool. Use 1/2 cup of the Caramel Sauce for the Caramel Cream Filling. If necessary, thin the remaining Caramel Sauce with 1 to 2 teaspoons apple cider or apple juice to make a topping of drizzling consistency. Makes 3/4 cup.

2. For Caramel Cream Filling, in a bowl beat 1, 8-ounce cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in 1/2 cup of the Caramel Sauce.

Did you notice the caramel cream filling... OHHHH YUMMMM!!! I'm gonna have to think of how I can use caramel cream somewhere. I was thinking on pumpkin bars, spice cake or even a chocolate layer cake? Maybe in between 2 oatmeal cookies?? I'm getting a little carried away. I was happy to find a recipe where I could use the reserved liquid from the apples- waste not, want not. Now on to eating the PIE... with caramel drizzled on top :)

Fall Floral

2010-09-21T21:17:00.003-05:00

I was at Hobby Lobby last weekend and found this gorgeous pot. Then I quickly realized that I had nothing to put in it. I thought about a house plant, but I think I might kill it. I have 2 in my office and with as much time as I spend there you would think I could water them... well I forget and someone without fail asks if they can water it for me. Oh well, I think the fake ones are just fine! Of course I got everything for 50% off. One of the stems that is kind of blue berries out the left side was only $1.36. I made this entire arrangement with the pot and filling for $25. Oh, here's a tip: don't buy floral green blocks (I don't know the correct name because I never buy them). I use left over styrofoam from packaging. I just love having a pretty arrangement to look at as I lay on the couch!

Fall Entrance

2010-09-21T21:03:00.004-05:00

This fall I'm going to finish the kitchen so I'm trying to be as thrifty as possible with my projects. I had this plant stand from a 75% off sale at Hobby Lobby for $5.00. I painted it brown to blend in with the brick. I decided to put the mum in something and all I could find for a few dollars was a silver bucket. I decided to keep it silver, but I wanted to put something fall themed on it. Believe it or not this is a logo from a picture frame I bought. I changed the words inside the logo to make it fit for fall, but I just loved the logo and knew I would find a way to use it someday. I free handed the logo on the bucket with a black paint pen. Who knows what color this bucket could be next? I just found some pumpkins to put around the bottom. Happy fall!

Coffee Table to Upholstered Ottoman

2010-09-19T15:23:00.011-05:00

This is another GREAT find at the local thrift store. I found this table around the fourth of July. The special at the thrift store was to pick a star and on the back there was a discount for your entire order. Well I just so happened to pick a 30% off coupon. This table was a whopping $25, so I got it for just over $18 with tax. It had been loved. When I was sanding I found some crayon marks. I'm sure my mom's tables were loved the same way. I sanded the top and legs. My original thought was just paint it black and leave it as a coffee table. Then one night when we were watching a movie in the family room I got the idea that I should make it a big ottoman. Yes, an idea during a movie. I watch movies with him sometimes and sometimes I pretend to watch them just to spend time together. Now I had to figure out how to do it. This is what I came up with and the questions I asked myself:

What color: people are going to put their feet on this, it can't be cream or white... I found the same fabric I made my pillows out of for $6.99/ yard at Hobby Lobby. It was 3 years later and I didn't think I would be lucky and find the same fabric again.
How padded should it be? The upholstering padding is super expensive-- $39/ yard. No way!! I'm using mattress pads from Walmart and my MIL's basement.
How was I going to attach it? Luckily the coffee table has a small lip on the edges and I was able to staple underneath and hid the staples.
I didn't want it to look like a big pillow, so how can I make it tufted? This was a great time... my husband got frustrated and thank goodness my BIL was over. He helped me find just the right length of screw and attach it to the table through the fabric. It was a sight. I was holding the fabric and padding down so it wouldn't tear while he was drilling.
What type of buttons should I use for tufting? I found the type you can customize with your own fabric. I think this was the only full price item I purchased at $4/ pack of three.

You can see here where I stapled around the bottom... The biggest question after I tufted the ottoman was how to attach the buttons.. this picture doesn't show the tufting yet. You'll never guess what I used to attach the button to the screw. BREAD TIES!! I can't believe I make fun of my husband for keeping them, but one Sunday afternoon they came to the rescue when I was desperate to finish this project.

DIY Drapes

2010-05-31T10:27:00.006-05:00

I was originally going to make a slip cover for a chair with this fabric. I found it on a huge discount from Hancock Fabrics. Can I just say, I find the best deals there. The back of the store has remnant pieces. I can usually get 3-6 yard pieces for $3-$7/ yard. These lined drapes cost me only $42.

The fabric was $4/ yard. The lining was $2/ yard at Walmart. The tabs were FREE. I bought some new black pillows and they were sold as a set wrapped in a ribbon. I sewed the ribbons behind the drapes to have a back tab style. You can find them from $50 -$90 per panel as a solid color. I calculate a savings of 50%-72% by making them myself.

Don't worry you can't make drapes. I didn't have a pattern and just took it one step at a time.

Measure your window - take into account how high you want to hang your rod and how thick you want your bottom hem
Cut your fabric into two identical lengths. If you have patterned fabric, make sure the pattern is going the same direction.
Pin the lining inside the back of the fabric- this way you finish the edges of the curtains and line them at the same time.
Only sew the top and sides of the fabric. Allow the bottom to stay unfinished.
Hang the drapes on the rod and hem them to the exact height you want them from the floor. I think this is the easiest because I hate measuring. Seeing it exactly the want I want it confirms the last bit of sewing will be the last bit of sewing. I don't like resewing something to make it longer or shorter.
Hang the FINISHED drapes.

Did you notice this is the same fabric from the lampshade?

A covered lampshade

2010-05-31T10:15:00.006-05:00

Do you have some of these? Do you also have some scraps of fabric? Put them together and see what you get...

Get your white lamp shade
Cut the fabric
Use iron-on hemming tape at the edges
Take a complementary color of bias tape and use the hemming tape again on the top and bottom edges
Don't worry about melting the lamp shade... I thought I ruined it a few times, but it just cools down again and molds back the way it was.

Since this was my first shade I made a few mistakes... I forgot to put the original lamp shade seam in the back with the fabric seam. I also should have thought about how dark the fabric was - blocking the light much. I guess it gives the room more ambiance. You'll see where the rest of this fabric is from in a minute...

Eating just got prettier

2010-05-31T09:52:00.008-05:00

I don't think I've introduced you to my new table... It's half stained and black. The cushions are cream like the old table. We bought 4 more to have a set of 8. We're excited for all of our summer guests. We sold the old table on craigslist in a matter of hours. Two old ladies came by the house the next day with a pick-up truck.

I love it. I hope you can enjoy a meal with us soon :)

Thrift Store Run

2010-03-30T20:15:00.008-05:00

I had taken a break from the thrift store, mainly because they hadn't had many new donations. I have been waiting for the weather to get warm and people to get motivated to donate again. Our local thrift store is directly related to our local hospital-- so I feel pretty good about donating and buying knowing that I am helping a good cause. I save money and donate to charity all at the same time. Don't get your hopes up... I had this shelf, but it needed to be painted white to be hung in the gray bedroom. It was just in the basement for my spray paint party on Sunday. On to what I found at the thrift store... a picture with a frame ($6) and a lamp ($4.50). I forgot to take a picture of the beautiful painting (insert sarcasm) that was in the frame. I have been looking for a large frame to paint white and put a chalkboard inside to mount on the kitchen wall. This project is to be continued... This is the frame... more closeup pictures to come. The lamp... just the height I was looking for, but it needs spray paint. I was just going to do black, but I was out. Can you believe I ran out of black spray paint? I used the bronzed metallic spray I used on the kitchen cabinet knobs. Always remember to tape off the electronics before spraying. What do you think? Pretty good for a $4.50 lamp.

Bird Houses for Relay for Life

2010-03-30T19:57:00.006-05:00

Our Relay for Life team at church is doing an auction of bird houses. I was given a blank slate and a deadline... this is how it was done with things I just had around the house. Leftover wainscoting from the bathroom was added to the roof. The roof was painted white from extra white paint I found in the basement. The house was painted the same color as the new bathroom walls and the base was painted a green color I found in my acrylic paints. I took some dark brown paint to age the paint and bring out the details of the house. I added vines to the sides... I stuffed some extra moss in the holes to appear like their was a nest inside. I can't wait to see how it helps our relay team raise funds for cancer research!

Some Spring Decorations

2010-03-30T19:37:00.007-05:00

The little birdie was only $1.99 from Gordmans. The white container was on clearance for $4. I took styrofoam from my new table and used it instead of buying expensive floral stuffing for the bottom of the container. I added white hydrangeas with white floral buds - about $5 with some moss filler. This little chickie was only $1.99 too. I took a small 99 cent wreath and glued some moss to make a small nest. The eggs were already spring colors, but I "flicked" brown paint on them to distress them slightly. I know "flicked" is a very technical term, but I don't know what else to call taking watery paint and flicking it in the direction of the eggs. What are your favorite new spring decorations?

Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

2010-03-30T19:22:00.004-05:00

This might be my husbands favorite new recipe... to eat. He occasionally asks for rice krispy treats, but they are pretty boring to me. Pampered Chef came through for me again with an awesome recipe!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

¼ cup dry-roasted peanuts 3 cups mini pretzel twists (about 1 2∕3 cups coarsely crushed), divided 3 cups crisp rice cereal ¾ cup butter (1½ sticks), divided 1 bag (10.5 oz) miniature marshmallows ½ cup light corn syrup, divided 1 bag (10 oz) peanut butter morsels 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels

Coarsely chop peanuts using Food Chopper; set aside. Place pretzels into large resealable plastic bag; coarsely crush using flat side of Meat Tenderizer. Set aside ¹∕3 cup of the pretzels. Place remaining pretzels and cereal in Stainless Mixing Bowl.

Place 6 tbsp of the butter in Classic Batter Bowl. Microwave on HIGH 30–45 seconds or until melted. Add marshmallows; microwave on HIGH 45–60 seconds. Stir until marshmallows are completely melted using Mix ‘N Scraper®. Immediately add marshmallow mixture to mixing bowl; mix thoroughly. Spread crust evenly over 9x13 pan; firmly press into pan using waxed paper.

Combine 2 tbsp of the butter and half of the corn syrup in Small Micro-Cooker®. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH 30–45 seconds or until melted. Stir in peanut butter morsels; mix until melted (mixture will be stiff). Spread peanut butter mixture over crust using Small Spreader.

For ganache, place remaining butter and corn syrup in Small Batter Bowl. Microwave on HIGH 30–45 seconds or until melted. Stir in chocolate morsels; mix until smooth. Spread ganache evenly over peanut butter mixture. Sprinkle with peanuts and reserved pretzels. Place in freezer 5–10 minutes or until ganache is set. Cut into 24 squares; cut squares in half.

Earings For My New Bathroom

2010-03-02T20:39:00.006-06:00

Is it silly to think of your wall hangings as your rooms earrings? Just like adding jewelry to your outfit, what you put on your walls takes the room up a notch. The previous post included one of the "earrings". I'm getting so excited to hang this stuff up!

I found this picture in a resale shop in town. Can you guess how much I paid... $5. This piece will help bring out the wall color and introduce the dark brown color I'm thinking of using for the towels.

This hanging vase was a Christmas gift from my grandma. It's very elegant and will help me bring in a natural element to the room. I was thinking of putting small sea shells in the bottom. I'll look for natural colored flowers and a just a few stems for this.

The man is starting to think like me...

2010-03-02T20:31:00.008-06:00

Two become one when you get married... but as the years pass it really happens. My husband has started thinking like me. He suggested this re-purpose project! I'm not sure if he's getting creative or trying to save money on the bathroom.

This black mirror/ picture thing was in our entryway (if that's what you can call it) in our first house. I had a picture of our engagement and wedding. I'm not sure what I'll put in the picture area, but for now it just has some fabric swatches. Since the bathroom has white I just sprayed it white and distressed it. I used the same knobs.

I'm not sure what I'll fill it with, but I'll think of something. Leave a comment if you have an idea.

I'd say he's got some great ideas and I didn't do too bad on actually completing the project.

Almost complete bathroom update

2010-03-02T20:01:00.010-06:00

It's almost done!!! We're missing a working toilet, but it's in the right place. Soon I'll post the finishing touches. The end is my favorite-- not because it's almost complete, but that's where I get to do my work with little touches to bring everything together. The lights are hung...

The trim is on and painted...

The tub is caulked... The mirror and towel bar are hung... The sink and faucet are working...

It's almost a complete bathroom... The curtain is hung to hide the peach tub. We're just missing the toilet seat... and a little toilet paper :)

There's no more mouse in the house

2010-03-02T19:52:00.006-06:00

I knew the day would come when we would get a mouse in the house. We have a large open field across the street and the day finally came. Kolin opened a cabinet and there it was.... mouse poo... For about a week we tried to kill it with the old snap traps, but the peanut butter wasn't cutting it. We just kept finding poo in the empty cabinet, but no mouse. We even found it in the drawer next to the cabinet. I finally bought the glue traps and we got him the first night... in the middle of the counter!!! What would you do if you had a live mouse stuck in super duty glue on your counter? Well my husband decided to put a bowl over it until we were able to dispose of it. Don't worry he didn't use the pampered chef ones :)

Gotcha little mouse!!!

60th Birthday Cupcakes

2010-02-21T22:21:00.003-06:00

We just celebrated my handyman's 60th birthday. For his party I made some special chocolate cupcakes. The recipe was inspired by a recipe in the new Pampered Chef Desserts Cookbook coming out this spring. The cupcakes have a truffle in the center. After you back the chocolate cupcakes, take the kitchen sheers and cut an "X" in the top. Push the truffle in the center so it melts to a gooey center. I topped these with Cream Cheese Icing. I only had 12 truffles, so 12 other cupcakes didn't have a filling.

I used the shaker to sprinkle cocoa on the top of the cupcakes that had a truffle inside.

Many other versions are possible: caramel, rolo, chocolate covered espresso beans, jelly/ jam, etc...

Another Bathroom Update

2010-02-21T21:57:00.007-06:00

Friday night was paint night! There is much more to this story... First I thought about using the FREE Gliddon paint (remember that promotion?), but when I opened both cans they were hard as a rock. Moving on to the backup plan. You guessed it, cheap mistints. I found a can of neutral paint for $6 at Walmart a few weeks ago. I figured I could use it eventually. I'm glad I had it because there is nothing worse than being ready to start a project without the right tools.

What do you think about the color? I think it's better than the gray I was planning on. This blends better with the peachy/ tan bathtub. The tub will be covered anyway... no budget for this one to be repainted now.

This Saturday was a HUGE day in the bathroom. The ceiling was finished... except for 2 tiles. Ooops, we didn't buy enough. That is one disadvantage of living 35 minutes from Home Depot. The tiles will have to wait until the next trip. The ceiling looks beautiful. Did I just say that? Never thought I would say that about a drop ceiling, but it was our only option. I'm glad we replaced instead of repaired or just changed out the tiles.

What do you think about the wainscotting? We have to caulk the seams and paint. I still need to pickout the top molding. We have the baseboard and door trim. That's the next step.

I never finished telling you about the floor. I finished that earlier this week. I finished cutting it and then grouted it. It's much easier dealing with the grout when the bathtub works. Now for cleaning out the sandy grout from the tub - next weekend's project.

Bathroom Update

2010-02-14T22:07:00.008-06:00

I hope you are as excited as I am to get this bathroom finished. Well it's coming along. Here's a little update:

The ceiling is out... but there was even more wallpaper above the drop ceiling. We have to install a new drop ceiling because of the HVAC and plumbing above. You can see the new track along the wall being installed.

I'm keeping this tub the same neutral peach color... I'm cheap and a shower curtain will hide it - I HOPE!!

You can see the lower half of the wall that was damaged pretty badly. We decided to put wainscotting up to hide the imperfections. The picture below is where the toilet and pedastal sink will be installed.

This is the flooring I'm installing. It's the same as the other bathroom, but a different pattern. I'm installing it in a zig-zag, so the seams don't meet.

I hope to have another update once the floor, walls and ceiling are finished. Who knows what color I'll choose!

**I was at Walmart last week and found a mistint that might work. I can't pass up a gallon of good paint for $6.00.

Valentine Hoodie

2010-02-14T21:54:00.003-06:00

What do you get a 1 year old for Valentine's Day? I had no idea either. I found a $4 white hoodie at Target and let my imagination take it from there. When I got home I got out my ribbon box to see what I could put together. This is what I came up with. A thick pink and white ribbon around the hood. A thinner ribbon with smaller polka dots and a white button to hold the ribbon together and to the jacket.

I hope you enjoyed time with someone special today!

Something to ponder...

2010-02-08T21:12:00.001-06:00

Accept you were never in control and experience the serenity that resides...

Chicken & Asparagus (Broccoli) Risotto Skillet

2010-02-02T20:35:00.007-06:00

This is a recipe that will be added to my monthly rotation - YUMMY and EASY!! It's a Pampered Chef Classic.

I wish I would have taken a picture, but honestly we ate it too quickly for me to run to the office to get the camera... oops! Maybe I'll post a picture the next time I make it. This picture is from another blog: http://mrsbowles.wordpress.com/

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/2 tsp salt, divided

1/4 tsp coarsely ground black pepper

1 can condensed cream of chicken soup

1/2 lb fresh asparagus spears, cut into 1 1/2-in. pieces (about 2 cups -- I substitute Broccoli)

2 cups milk

1 cup chopped onion

2 oz grated fresh Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup)

2 garlic cloves, pressed

1 tbsp lemon zest

2 cups uncooked instant white rice

Directions:

1.Heat oil in Skillet over medium-high heat 1-3 minutes or until shimmering. Dice chicken into 1-in. pieces. Combine chicken, 1/4 tsp of the salt and black pepper in large bowl; toss to coat. Cook chicken 4-5 minutes or until no longer pink in center. Remove chicken from Skillet; set aside.

2.Return Skillet to heat; add soup, asparagus, milk, onion, cheese, garlic, zest and remaining 1/4 tsp salt. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 3 minutes. Stir in rice and chicken. Cover; let stand 5 minutes. Yield: 6 servings

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Love... the day is coming soon!

2010-02-02T20:07:00.007-06:00

Now that I'm married I love Valentine's Day even more. Could it be because I can count on having an amazing Valentine each year? I hope you have a wonderful Valentine in your life.

My MIL sent me a link to a very cute blog focused on Love. You can visit it to get some great ideas: http://www.loveactually-blog.blogspot.com/

There is a t-shirt that I think is pretty cute!

Another other idea I want to pass on is from a friend of a friend of a friend. It's a pretty simple and cheap idea. The hard part for me will be remembering. The idea is to begin writing love letters to your husband for a year in a journal. Then at Christmas giving the journal to them. I think you could put a spin on this - do it for a month and give it to them for a special anniversary, the day you had your first date or the day you got engaged.

There is only one happiness in life -- to love and to be loved. --George Sand

Bathroom Destruction

2010-01-24T14:42:00.008-06:00

It has to get worse before it can get better, right? Well this is not the picture of my bathroom. The pictures following are. I found this picture to serve as a sort of inspiration right now. I think this is the direction I am heading for this room. I want to make sure we have a somewhat "manly bathroom" in the house. What better place than the downstairs bathroom by the most manly symbol- The Big Screen? I have to warn you... it won't be very manly, but will incorporate brown or gray or blue when it's all said and done.

I really like this dark brown, but I'm not sure since there is no window in the bathroom... humm... what do you think? We will have a pedestal sink - no more plastic cabinet!

My handyman "Stan" came over and got sucked into one of my projects. We took out the sink, toilet and 2 layers of vinyl flooring. I'm still removing a few more pieces of wallpaper and sanding the walls.

We still have the following tasks before we can put the finishing touches on the bathroom:

Refinish the walls, trim and paint (maybe put up wainscoting??)
Install the laminate tile floor with grout. I think I'm going to stagger the tile this time - sort of a brick pattern
Install ceiling tiles

I have wall sconces to replace these hanging from the wall. I probably would not have chosen them, but since the electrical was there I'm going with it.

See that pesky wallpaper where the toilet tank was... why did they wallpaper behind the toilet?? My handyman used a plastic cup instead of a rag in the toilet hole (is that the technical term for it??). The white on the floor is the glue and backing of the floor... how will I get that off?

I think that is a pretty nasty toilet... black mold growing inside it... Let's all make a point never to let our toilets get that nasty.

And again you see more traces of that pesky wallpaper. There are some places where the wallpaper took off the drywall. I guess we're going to be "muddin" and sanding some walls.

The floor was great - 2 layers of vinyl stuck to cement floor.

I guess I'd better get back to getting the last of the wallpaper off so we can start on fixing the walls. The projects just never end. I'm in the middle of painting some dressers for another project.

Make me an offer... bench

2010-01-10T21:22:00.011-06:00

This poor bench was in the garbage pile at a make and offer sale. The same day I got a chest of drawers and this bench. I hope to have the chest done soon, but this project was much quicker for this weekend. I got both for $7, so I guess maybe I paid a dollar for this bench? It had a caned top, but it was broken so I took it out. I had my handyman cut a piece of wood to fit in the hole so I could upholster the seat. I sanded and then painted the wood with black spray paint leftover from another project. Instead of buying an expensive piece of foam for the seat I used some quilt batting to form a cushion. I splurged on this fabric - $5 for a half yard. I cut the fabric and folded the batting in multiple layers. Pulled the fabric around each side and used the staple gun to secure it. Make sure to pay special attention to the corners. Here it is! It's slightly more puffy than I thought it would be, but still pretty cute for less than $10. It also provided me something to do on a Saturday night. I'm going to use it in the entry way to sit on when we put on shoes... so we don't have to site on the stairs. What have I inspired you to do? I wish I could find something to inspire me to finish taking down the bathroom wallpaper... I guess I might have to wait until all the furniture in the basement is refinished - either way it all has to get done! :)

Pork Loin in the Microwave

2010-01-07T20:16:00.004-06:00

Pork loin in the microwave, how can this be? Well would you say the same thing to a whole chicken in the microwave for 30 minutes? I can tell you I was skeptical at first as well. Now microwave chicken is one of my favorite things-- cheap too! I can get a whole chicken for about $4.50. I can make it for dinner and have leftovers for quesadillas, pizza, salad topping or soup. Tonight I finally tried my hand at the 10-12 minute pork loin. You would think it might be rubbery and dry, but oh quite the opposite. This is what I did:

Use your favorite rub/ seasoning with a little oil and season it generously
Place it in your DEEP COVERED BAKER
Microwave with the lid on for 10-12 minutes
Check the temperature with your digital thermometer - should read at least 160
Let it sit on the counter for 10 minutes with the lid on again
Slice and serve

I'm planning on making my husband barbecue pork sandwiches for lunch tomorrow... maybe he'll make them for himself since he has a snow day! I made noodles, fresh bread and broccoli to go with it. Dinner took only about 25 minutes! There are so many great recipes to make in your deep covered baker, what are you favorites?

Butterfinger Brownies

2010-01-07T19:59:00.003-06:00

Looking for a twist to a normal box of brownies? Add a Butterfinger (or any other candy) to the batter. I used my all encompassing CHOPPER. If you don't have one - you have to get one soon. Here are some of the ways I use mine to chop the following fast:

Leftover meat for soups, quiches, pot pie, dips
Chocolate chips or candy bars
Vegetables (onion, peppers, celery, carrots, etc...)
Nuts
Homemade bread crumbs
Oreos/ graham crackers - for crust

The list goes on... I used to think that you just use it with the small bottom it comes with, but now I know I can chop away on my cutting board as shown above. It's important to use a pampered chef cutting board and not a glass cutting board. If you use a surface other than plastic it dulls the blade of the chopper. How do you use your chopper?

Spinach Carbonara Pizza

2010-01-06T20:46:00.002-06:00

Spinach Carbonara Pizza

1 pkg (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza crust
6 slices bacon, divided
1 pkg (6 oz) fresh baby spinach leaves (about 8 cups)
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1 oz grated fresh Parmesan cheese (about 1/4 cup packed)
1 cup jarred Alfredo pasta sauce
1/4 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
2 cups (8 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Additional coarsely ground black pepper (optional)

Preheat oven to 450°F. Unroll dough over bottom of lightly greased Large Bar Pan. Gently stretch and press dough to cover bottom of bar pan. Bake 10-12 minutes or until crust begins to brown; remove pan from oven to Stackable Cooling Rack.

Meanwhile, slice bacon into 1/4-in. pieces; cook in (8-in.) Sauté Pan over medium heat 5-6 minutes or until crisp. Remove bacon from pan; drain on paper towels.

Place spinach and garlic pressed with Garlic Press into Classic Batter Bowl. Cover batter bowl; microwave on HIGH 2-3 minutes or until spinach is wilted. Carefully remove lid; press spinach to side of batter bowl using Small Mix ‘N Scraper®. Dab excess moisture with paper towels and set aside.

Grate Parmesan cheese using Microplane® Adjustable Grater; set aside. Finely chop half of the bacon using Food Chopper. Measure Alfredo sauce in (2-cup) Easy Read Measuring Cup. Add chopped bacon and black pepper to Alfredo sauce; mix well.

To assemble pizza, spread sauce to edges of crust. Top sauce completely with 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, spinach mixture and remaining bacon. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese and additional black pepper, if desired.

Bake 7-10 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden brown. Remove from oven to cooling rack. Cut pizza into squares using Pizza Cutter. Serve using Mini-Serving Spatula.

I LOVE this pizza!! I even made a version of this with pasta instead of pizza crust because I was in a time crunch.

Pampered Chef - January Specials and Shows

2010-01-06T18:57:00.007-06:00

As many of you know I love Pampered Chef so much-- I sell it!! I love that this is my hobby. I love cooking, baking and helping families and friends come together with great food. I'm going to start showcasing new Pampered Chef recipes - maybe even show pictures of when I make them.

I'd love to cook for you at your very own cooking show. If you're not interested in having a cooking show we can also get you some great tools by just having a catalog show (taking your catalog along to friends and family). Many of my friends and family have been cooking much more than ever because they have the right tools in the kitchen.

I am going to be placing an outlet order this weekend. You can view special outlet items by following these steps to my website:

Go to www.pamperedchef.biz/bridothager and follow these steps:

1. Click "SHOP ONLINE" (top right hand corner)

2. Select "PLACE AN ORDER"

3. Click "OUTLET SPECIALS"

If you'd like to host a show in January here's what you get - if you ask me it's one of the BEST months!

50% more FREE product - my average host gets $140 FREE so how does $210 FREE sound??
Up to 2 Bamboo items for 60% off
Up to 4 items of your choice for 50% off
Any items you don't get are eligable for 15%-30%

AND you get 10% off any order you place for the rest of the year!! AND if someone books a party from your show you can get the host special the month they have a party. Really the rewards are amazing. I'd love to help you grow your kitchen and enjoy cooking more. Don't feel intimidated with cooking anymore.

Contact me to schedule your show or place an order - no matter how far away you are!

Do you like my blog?

2010-01-06T18:44:00.003-06:00

I'm so glad you have stopped by my blog and enjoyed seeing what I've been up to. I am often asked what my blog site is. I want to help those of you that are interested in keeping tabs on what I'm up to. You can see I have "followers" on the right side of my blog. Here's how you can follow me and visit my blog easily:

What is Following? Do you have a favorite blog and want to let the author and readers know that you are a fan? Well now you can do that and more with the Blogger Following feature! You can even keep track of the blogs you follow via your Reading list on the Blogger dashboard.

How do I become a Follower of a blog?

There are several ways to become a follower of a blog. One of the easiest ways is to visit a blog that has added the Following widget and (1) click on the "Follow" button under the "Followers" widget.

You'll then see a (2) popup window with the options to either follow publicly or privately.

(3) Select how you'd like to follow the blog, then click the "Follow this blog" button. It is that simple, you are now a follower of the blog!

When you become a follower of a blog, the blog will also be added to your reading list on your Blogger dashboard.

You can just record my website on your list of favorites.

Thank you all for following me or visiting!

**Also, I love to get comments - click on the "comment" label at the end of each post and let me know what you think.

New Years Resolution

2010-01-03T16:24:00.006-06:00

Putting a New Years resolution in writing is scary. Mostly because you are reading this and when I slip up and turn back to my normal tendencies...

My resolution for 2010 is Love.

It sounds so simple and maybe to some of you a little hokey. Well it is simple, but don't we sometimes forget to do some of the most simple things in life sometimes?

We have been discussing many topics in our Sunday School class this past year. Each time a new topic is brought up I'm constantly drawn to think about the situation if more love were present.

We've discussed bitterness... judgementalness... anger...homelessness...complacency. How many of our circumstances/ issues/ daily life could be slightly different if there we responded with love?

Mark 29-31: Jesus said, "The first in importance is, 'Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.' And here is the second: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' There is no other commandment that ranks with these."

I love this song "Give Me Your Eyes" by Brandon Heath

My prayer this year:

Give me your eyes for just one second

Give me your eyes so I can see

Everything that I keep missing

Give me your love for humanity

Give me your arms for the broken hearted

Ones that are far beyond my reach.

Give me your heart for the ones forgotten

Give me your eyes so I can see

I'd love to hear what your resolution is.

A New Year - A New Room!

2010-01-03T15:59:00.007-06:00

I know how the slogan goes... a new year a new YOU. I like a new ROOM much better, don't you? Enjoy the pictures below of my newly arranged living room. Can you guess what's different?

New

Old

You guessed right! I have a new chair. We went into a new furniture store after lunch today and it was one of the first I saw... loved... but really didn't need. It was a great price and just the right size and color for the front room. I had to rearrange the room. Don't you feel such a sense of newness when you just change a room around? My husband loves that it's free decorating... unless you count his back pain the next day.

The picture doesn't show the two buttons on the backrest of the chair. How cute!!! The color matches the armless chair perfectly. I love that it's both a neutral and interesting chair.

I would encourage all of you to take a room you are all too familiar with and try something new. Who knows... it might just feel like a new room!

The Tipping Box

2010-01-03T14:53:00.013-06:00

Hummm what could the tipping box be? Is it about tipping people around the holidays? Not at our house. The tipping box is something we got on Christmas Eve on our long drive home from Aurora. This is how it goes...

We're driving down our street around 12:30am Christmas Eve night... early morning. As we pulled into the driveway I noticed I didn't see the mailbox. I turned around after waking from my 4 hour nap while Kolin drove home. What did I see.... the mailbox was flat on its side in the front lawn. I quickly jumped to conclusions... while we were away some kids must have had batting practise with our mailbox. I was totally irritated and just went into the house.

Kolin went outside to examine the damage while I went through the wet mail on the kitchen counter. He came inside to tell me that it was probably the way he installed the mailbox. See he didn't use any concrete. Maybe I should back-up even further... we moved to this house without a mailbox. The lack of a mailbox didn't even cross our mind until the Monday evening after moving day when neither of us got the mail. Anyway, the mailbox was a shotty installation and it needs to be reinstalled. That's not all the laughs that came with the tipping box.

The next day at Kolin's parents for Christmas we learned about their encounter with the mailbox. Kolin's dad had been bringing in the mail for us while we were away. One day as they were driving by then noticed that a man was pulled into our driveway. They drove to the house to see what he needed. The man was looking for the pastor that used to live in our home... this isn't the first time as another man woke us up on Thanksgiving morning with a pie for the pastor. My in-laws gave the gentleman directions to the preachers house and he was on his way. Then they proceeded to drive home. Just before the man turned onto the next street he made a U-turn back to our house. He stuck his head out the window and exclaimed that he did not run over our mailbox, but it was down when he arrived.

The day after Christmas Kolin went outside to try and get the mailbox up again. He jumped all over that dumb thing to get it standing in the ground again. I used my new iPod to take a video of him trying to get it standing again. I would share it, but it captures me laughing throughout most of it.

I hope you had a laugh at our tipping box- we sure did!

Christmas Stockings

2009-12-07T20:49:00.005-06:00

Now the mantle is complete! My mom came down this weekend and inspired me to finish them. She helped me figure out how to sew the top of the stockings... just like you would a sleeve. I bought the supplies on Black Friday at JoAnn. The felt was $1.50/ yard. I had most of the ribbon.

The top of the green ones have an embossed red felt. I found the cutest RicRac on Black Friday... it's much larger than normal. Kolin seems to think the stockings are giant, but I think they are just right... more for him to fill up! ;)

These two are my favorites because of the toes. The ornaments on the red one were fun to make. I found my inspiration from a pampered chef flyer and a site on etsy. If you ever have a creative block - go to etsy and you will have more ideas than you ever imagine.

Merry Christmas!!

Our home is ready for Christmas!

2009-12-02T08:46:00.009-06:00

The presents are wrapped... The tree is lit... The nativity is out... FaLaLaLa... isn't that cute? The door is ready for guests... The candles can't wait to be burned... The stockings just need to be hung... Coming soon - I'm making our Christmas Stockings! Santa can't come without them. Merry Christmas!!

A Christmas Mantel

2009-11-28T20:42:00.003-06:00

I just added two trees to the hearth - more pictures coming soon!

Semi - Homemade Ornaments

2009-11-22T16:47:00.007-06:00

The ornaments below were store bought... pack of 18 for $2.5o. I saw others in the aisle that had many different embellishments. Instead of paying more for them, I strolled over to the craft aisle and spotted a silver paint pen. I was tempted to get a glitter pen, but wasn't sure if it would stick. I also considered tacky glue and glitter, but a paint pen is much less mess. I tried to do stripes, but it's hard because they are round... I found that it was easiest to decorate them in the package instead of trying to hold them. I hope you enjoy the idea. You will see them in my next post!

A Taggie you're it!

2009-11-22T16:26:00.007-06:00

I tried my first attempt at a Taggie (Small Blanket for a baby with ribbons along the edges). After a long day at Church decorating for Christmas I was in a crafting mood. When I got home I learned that our niece Grace wasn't feeling well... perfect time to make her a taggie. I started going through the remnant pieces of fabric and ribbon. I decided on the ribbon and material and lined it up in order with 4 pieces for each side. I think the blanket is 20'' x 14''... but I never measure anything... I turned the fabric inside out like you would sew a pillow. Then added the ribbon inside every few inches. You can see this step above This is a picture to illustrate the ribbon being inserted before sewing that side shut. I sewed almost all 4 sides, but left 2 ribbons out as I turned it the right way. Then I turned the last edge in and added the last 2 ribbons with a small straight stitch. Grace loved it! The bright pink fleece and pink and white polka dot were just what the doctor ordered :)

A Polka Dot Pumpkin Project

2009-11-12T20:18:00.004-06:00

1. Get a pumpkin and something under it... 2. Cut out circles of contact paper. Stick the dots all over the pumpkin... 3. Spray paint the pumpkin... and wait till it's dry to remove them... 4. Voila.. a polka dot pumpkin!

New Shades

2009-11-12T18:13:00.003-06:00

I have had these shades for months. I found them on sale at JCPenney on their daily deals - it's a different extreme value each day. I was able to get these roman shades for $14.99/ each. I got the white panels for $9.99 each. They are thermal backed too!

Why have all the projects & posts gone away?

2009-11-12T17:58:00.007-06:00

See how the wall is coming with the paper... eeehhhh!!!!!! Doesn't that look like a torture device... not a toilet paper holder? One of the many layers of wallpaper... That is a great question... I'm in over my HEAD!!! This disastrous bathroom has really got me down. I just keep the door closed... it's gross and I'm so frustrated with getting the wallpaper off. Here are some pictures of my worst project yet... I've used scorching hot water with fabric softener, but when the original owners never primed or sized the walls before applying paper it doesn't matter - the drywall comes off!!! I'm going to have to sand, fill and sand, then prime, then paint these wall. Well I hope I don't have to do it all myself... hint hint Kolin :) We hope to have this project finished around Thanksgiving. We have everything bought for it. I need to decide on the wall color - what will match the peach?? I think I'm just going to continue to cover the bathtub with a curtain. No one will ever really use that bathroom shower anyway. Any color ideas please pass them on. Our To Do List:

Remove wallpaper and treat and paint walls
Install new floating ceiling
Install new floor (same as upstairs bathroom)
New trim - baseboard and door
Install new toilet and pedestal sink
Install new light fixture
Hang mirror and towel bars
DONE!

The Bedroom Door Headboard is FINISHED!!

2009-10-24T21:57:00.005-05:00

The euro shams don't hide it... Do you think I should put something on the top? The headboard is installed! I think it looks wonderful - who will be our next guest to enjoy this room?

The start of an old BEDroom DOOR

2009-10-15T20:14:00.006-05:00

This is the start of a beautiful new headboard. I'm thinking the price tag will come in around $8!!! I know isn't that amazing. The door was free from a friend who found it in her house when she first moved in. The top shelf and 2x4's were free... my father-in-law supposedly picks up scrap wood-thanks!!! The only piece I had to buy was the crown molding and a few screws to attach it to the bed. I helped putty the joints and fill in holes.

I sanded it and primed it.

This is a picture of the detail shelf on top

This is the primed headboard. Now I just need to paint it white and attach it to the guest bed.

I hope you've been inspired!!

Don't throw away the Pumpkin Seeds!!

2009-10-15T19:46:00.008-05:00

One of my favorite things is pumpkin seeds. This is another food that I have swayed Kolin to eat... now he really likes them. I make my own. Take a pumpkin... Cut it open... pull out the seeds and clean the stringy pumpkin (I know very technical) from the seeds. I toast mine in the skillet on the stove to get the water off and melt the butter with them.

Put them in the oven on foil for about 350 for 15-20 minutes. About half way through I try to flip them around so they get crispy on both sides.

Enjoy!

One pot penne

2009-10-05T21:51:00.002-05:00

This hit the spot tonight. I think I'm really loving tomatoes this time of year! This is a quick one pot recipe: (with hardly any guidelines)

Penne pasta (1/2 box)
1 can diced tomatoes or 2 fresh
As much spinach as you can handle
2 cups of chicken broth
2 cloves of garlic
2 tbsp Olive oil
crushed red pepper to taste (I like spicy)
I threw in some extra sausage that I already had cooked
Parmesan cheese

Directions... or what I did

Heat a skillet and saute garlic and olive oil for about 2 minutes. Add the red pepper flakes at the end.
Add 2 cups broth and bring it to a quick boil
Toss in the tomatoes and pasta
Cover and let simmer for 10 minutes or until the noodles are just right for you
Add all the spinach and cover again for another minute (add cooked sausage here)
Remove from the heat and top with cheese

Enjoy - I can't wait for leftovers for lunch!

Now that's a deep dish!

2009-10-05T21:44:00.004-05:00

I typically make pizza every Friday night, but just as every routine in our lives… it gets old. I was craving some Geno’s East, but realized that I was 5 hours away! I’ll research how to make Chicago style backwards pizza at home. I had a good idea of how to do it, but didn’t know how much corn meal to put in the crust. This is what I found:

Chicago Style Deep Dish

Deep Dish Dough

1 cup warm water
1 package yeast
2 1/2-3 cups bread flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp salt

Pizza

1 deep dish dough
1 lb hot Italian sausage (cooked)
1 can diced tomatoes
1/2lb mozzarella cheese slices/ shredded
Italian Seasoning
2-4 cloves garlic
1/4 grated Parmesan cheese

Step 1 – the dough Pour the water, yeast and 1/2 cup of the flour into a bowl. Let a sponge form, about 5 minutes. Then add 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup cornmeal, salt and 1/2 cup vegetable oil. Mix by hand or in a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment. Once everything starts to incorporate, slowly add another 1/2 cup of flour. Continue doing this until the dough pulls away from the edge of the bowl and does not absorb any more flour. Then roll it out onto a hard floured surface and knead until smooth. Let it rise until doubled.

Step 2 - the sauce Drain the can of tomatoes. Next place them in a food processor with salt, pepper, the seasoning and the garlic. Pulse the tomatoes to make the sauce.

Step 3 - form the dough Find your 12in spring form pan. It works great, has high edges and the pizza always slides right out. Now that you have the perfect pan, grease it with vegetable oil. Next place the dough in the center of the pan and push down the middle working it toward the edges. Bring it up the sides about 2-3 inches.

Step 4- fill it Start with the cheese so that it doesn’t burn during the long cook time. Next add the pepperoni/ sausage mixture. Now cover the pizza with the sauce. Finally dust the top with the Parmesan cheese.

Step 5 – cook it Place into a preheated 500 degree oven for 10-15 minutes. When the time is up turn it to 400 and bake for another 20-30 minutes. The longer you cook it the better…

A Few Pictures of Aggie's House

2009-10-05T21:11:00.015-05:00

Those who know me know who Aggie is. She's my grandma for those of you just passing by. This year we will both be the same age... 26 (well that's at least what her license plate says). She's not your traditional grandma and when I reveal the following pictures of her house you will not believe she just had her 70th birthday. Entry

Hallway

Dressing Room

Bedroom sitting area - she has a thing for stripes you will see

Bathroom

Other side of the bathroom

Guest Bathroom

Living room

Dining Room

Porch

A view from outside. I hoped you enjoyed this! I've always enjoyed going to grandma's house!

Help Whip Cancer

2009-10-01T19:49:00.003-05:00

Make a difference today! Every time you purchase our limited-edition pink products in October,The Pampered Chef® donates $1 to the American Cancer Society®. Pink products are only available online, only in October, and while supplies last. My goal is to donate $100 from my sales. You can visit my personal Pampered Chef website and place an online order. If you want to combine your order with mine closer to the end of the month just contact me directly. http://www.pamperedchef.biz/bridothager

It's Fall... 3 ingredient apple crisp

2009-10-01T19:23:00.003-05:00

It's been a few days since I've posted... boy has the weather changed here! I love FALL!! I think it's for these reasons:

My birthday is in the fall
I love going back to school (I'm a dork I know)
Sweatshirts and socks are even better while watching new fall shows

I also love fall because they accompany some of my favorite recipes:

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Spice Tea
Apple anything!

One of the recipes I'm going to share comes right from Pampered Chef. I've had my 4th party! You can get as creative as you want with this recipe - add more cinnamon, add pecans, use fresh apples with sugar & cinnamon instead of apple pie filling...

Apple Crisp

2 cans of apple pie filling
1 box of yellow cake mix (don't make, use the dry mix)
1 1/2 sticks of butter (melted)

Preheat 350 and plan to bake for 35-40 minutes. Just take your deep covered baker (spray if fairly new). Pour both cans of filling in the bottom, then sprinkle cake mix on top, then pour the melted butter on top. BAKE and ENJOY with some ice cream!

That's a spicy meatball!! Not really...but they are good!

2009-09-22T20:56:00.004-05:00

So this past weekend I was home visiting family and having a pampered chef party for a friend in Forest Park. One of the ideas I picked up along the way was a new twist on meatballs. I got the idea from my grandma. She has tea with some older ladies from church at a retirement home. This is no ordinary retirement community - it's pretty nice. Anyway, there's always a different array of food. One of the selections that stood out to my grandma was spinach stuffed meatballs (they served them with a side of alfredo sauce).

I don't profess to be an amazing cook, but I'll try anything at least once. Since I didn't have a recipe I used what I had at home and came up with the most delicious meatballs.

1 lb of Italian Sausage

1 egg

1/3 cup bread crumbs

1 clove of garlic

1/3 cup of ricotta cheese

Parmesan cheese

Italian seasoning

Mush all the ingredients above together. Then take fresh spinach and roll into small balls. Just pack the sausage around it. The meatballs come out quite large. I think it only made 7-8 meatballs. I put them in the skillet to brown them on all sides and then put them in the oven for about 10 minutes at 400 degrees.

They were delicious!! The spinach was cooked just right and it had some great flavor from the fat in the sausage!! I served them over just plain old spaghetti. I'm not a leftover lover, but I was good with having these two nights in a row.

Now I need to make a bunch and freeze them so I can take a few out at a time to use in spaghetti. I have also used cooked meatballs in lasagna... well broken them up and crumbled them as a layer. Oh the possibilities!

The Kitchen - Before and After

2009-09-17T21:09:00.009-05:00

I realized that I started this blog after we did most of the rejuvenation to our home - it was in desperate shape to say the least! I'm going to do my best to take you through one room at a time. I hope you enjoy the pictures of the kitchen/ dining room! Yes, the island is moving... and it is 5'' shorter than the other counters. Yes, the first things I did in the kitchen was remove wallpaper and brass knobs from the cabinets. I think my MIL bet someone that the wallpaper would be down within 2 hours of closing on the house - she was right! I spray painted all 40 knobs a bronzed metal color to match the new light fixtures throughout the kitchen.

I try my best to reuse... so we reused the carpet in the "dining" area for the gray bedroom. We cleaned it after it was relocated. It was in good condition, so the green carpet got the boot - no where to reuse that carpet, but at the dump!

Kolin tried his best to get this crazy drapery pole down... it resulted in 4 huge holes in the wall. It's a good thing we ended up having to texture all the walls so we can no longer see the holes! Also, the sea foam green curtain is one of my favorite drop cloths.

The first thing that was installed at the house was DISH (see TV on the counter). I think the installation guys called us while we were still at the closing, Kolin might have to go to TV rehab someday.

This is the dining room after we did the following:

Installed a darker wide plank laminate floor
New crisp white trim
Textured the walls
Painted
New light fixture/ reused the others and just painted them with the same spray paint as the knobs.
The buffet was a find at the thrift store - $60 and a little black paint
The other furniture is from our old house. I'm still thinking of getting a rectangular table for more seating.

This is the kitchen finished. New knobs, floor, trim, appliances. It's just crazy to me that this is the same kitchen. I think the flooring is really what changed the look. I was hoping for more of a contrast in the wood floor and cabinets, but maybe I'll paint the cabinets someday.

I'm still planning on replacing the countertops and possibly extending the island. I am thinking of ordering the countertop longer than it needs to be and possibly build a small shelf underneath for support, while still allowing room for 3-4 bar stools. We have the room, but I still need to think through how this will work... and save for the countertops. Also, what material?? So many more decisions and so many more ideas!!

A few more fall decorations

2009-09-15T19:37:00.003-05:00

Fabric for the rosey velvet chair

2009-09-15T19:30:00.003-05:00

So I took a drive Sunday and wound up at the fabric store... how did that happen?? Well I saw the sign at Hancock Fabric - 52nd Anniversary Sale. I knew it was going to be a good one. I started in the back of the store where the clearance is - then I saw it! A neutral damask print and she was even on clearance! Originally $30 a yard... marked down to $15!!

I knew I needed about 5 yards to cover the chair and the price tag was still a bit high. I took it to the counter to see how much was really on the roll. I asked them to check the price as well. To my luck another discount... she was marked down to $7.20/ yd!!! I can handle that!

So 5 yards later and $36 dollars invested I'm on my way to recovering my first chair!

Make an offer!

2009-09-15T19:07:00.004-05:00

That's what the sign said... So I made one - $5 for the 3 drawer dresser, he said $10, I said $7 and he took it. Then I saw this beaten up bench and remembered a fellow blogger's post about a bench she'd recently transformed. I had to have it. I asked $10 for everything and he took it.

I'm thinking of making a cushion for the top since I don't know how to cane. I'm leaning toward putting this in the kitchen! Wait and see!

I'm going to be busy the next few weekends so I'm sure these will be collecting dust, but I promise they will turn into something beautiful.

Saturday Brunch

2009-09-12T10:54:00.004-05:00

It's basketball season... that means 8am practice every Saturday morning till around Christmas. It also means I'm home along on Saturday morning. Since I didn't make the usual pizza last night, I had leftover sausage to use. I decided on another quiche. This quiche recipe is made with a pastry crust. I used sausage, cheese, onion and broccoli.

Here's the recipe:

3/4 lb. pork sausage
1/2 c. onion, chopped
1/2 c. broccoli, chopped
1 1/2 c. Cheddar cheese, grated
1 tbsp. flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 c. milk
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. garlic
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 deep dish pie crust

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake crust while preparing quiche. Brown sausage and drain. Saute onion and broccoli and mix in sausage. Combine cheese and flour; stir in sausage, onion and broccoli. Spread on crust. Mix remaining ingredients (eggs, milk spice) and pour over sausage mixture. Bake 35-40 minutes. Let cool about 10 minutes before slicing.

Free Chair

2009-09-12T10:43:00.004-05:00

So last week I got a phone call from a friend in town. She recently purchased some new bedroom furniture and didn't have room for the chair anymore. She thought of me and I gladly accepted this chair:

As you can see the chair is a dusty rose velvet. She was just going to take it to the thrift store, but we removed the middle man (aka thrift store) and I took it. It's in great shape, rocks and swivels. Now the real challenge comes...RECOVERING.

I've started some research at apartmenttherapy. What do you think? I'm not sure where I'm going to put it or what pattern of fabric I'll use. I think I'm going to try to enlist my grandma as she used to upholster furniture with a friend - I know you're reading this Aggie... when are you coming to help?? :)

I can't wait to post the recovered chair!

Date Night

2009-09-12T09:11:00.003-05:00

As you all know, I have a great husband. He emailed me earlier this week asking to take me on a date of my choice - super sweet. We decided to go to Red Robin for dinner because I love their "freckled lemonade" really I just like to eat the strawberries out of it.

Then we decided to go to the movies, but there's really not much to choose from... it was between Time Travelers Wife and Julie & Julie. We heard not so good things about TTW and I hadn't read the book. So Kolin allowed me to see my "chick flick of the year". Every good husband goes with his wife once a year... more than that he'll spontaneously combust or use it against you when he wants his way... He'll pull out the "remember when we saw that awful movie... well now you have to see Rambo #48 with me.."

I know he'll never admit it, but I think he secretly related to Julie's husband. The movie was funny at times as well. It has me curious about making beef bourguignon. Here is a link to the original recipe: http://knopfdoubleday.com/marketing/cooking/BoeufBourguignon.pdf

Entryway for around $50

2009-09-12T09:00:00.003-05:00

This is our entry way...

A few things to point out:

The Bookcase was purchased in the Outlet section of "Home Decorators Collection" - it was listed in the outlet for $69 with shipping, but once it arrived it was missing the track for the bottom drawer. We called to see if they could ship the parts to us, but they said it was the last one. The did a price adjustment and we got the bookcase for $39-- I can deal without the track for that price.
The mirror was a freebie from my mom. It was gold, but I painted it a pearl white and then used a stencil brush to lightly bring the details out with black paint
The lamp was another steal from OTP for $12- Lamp and Shade
I had to buy the plate holder, but my SIL bought the plate for me last Christmas. It's a white and off white damask print - so cute!

It's still a work in progress, but I'm definitely staying on budget!

All under $5

2009-09-12T08:45:00.005-05:00

You may remember this little piece... it was under $2 at the thrift store. I sprayed it black and filled it with fake fruit.

This is one of my entertaining pieces. I usually just have apples and pears on it, but I found a package of assorted fall items. All for $5 at Walmart. I even used the raffia ribbon on the top. I live the berries and pine cones.

This is an existing lamp, but I found the shade for $3 at OTP. I think it's a great way to change the look of the room from just a bland white shade.

This little grouping sits above my TV Armoire. My MIL found the Armoire ($70) for me at a local second hand store. I painted it from an antique white to black. To top the area I used an existing frame Kolin had and added a piece of scrap booking paper. I found each of the candle holders for $2-3 at OTP and painted them various colors of black, champagne and bronze. I topped them with off white candles around the house.

I hope this inspires you to make small inexpensive changes around your house.

Homemade Burpies

2009-09-12T08:23:00.004-05:00

I'm always looking for a quick homemade project. This past January I went a little crazy and made over a dozen burpies for our new niece. I took store-bought cloth diapers and added fabrics and ribbon to customize them. Grace had one to match each outfit. It was also a good thing because she was a... "happy spitter" as her mum mum says - she threw up constantly!

Now that more of our friends are expecting or recently had kids I thought I'd better start my supply again. This was the first time I've had my sewing machine out in the new house. As I browsed through the ribbon and fabric I had on hand I noticed a package of white handkerchiefs. Oh... the ideas... how about smaller versions of my custom burpies. I remember thinking the regular size ones were practically a blanket when Grace was a newborn. Here's what I did:

Steps:

Iron and fold the hankies in 3
Sew the sides together so they don't come apart - 2 quick seams on each side
Select the ribbon/ fabric and sew it on both sides or just one. Make sure to sew along all the sides.

I've tried this with iron on hemming tape, but if you wash and dry them more than a few times it comes off in the dryer... Maybe I should iron it on first so it's in place, then sew it... OH I'm good!!! That's what I battle most in sewing these... they don't stay in place.

My grandma has an embroidery machine... if she was closer I would have her add initials or other embelishments.

I also found this idea for a fabric basket I want to try: http://perpetualplum.wordpress.com/2008/02/16/building-a-basket-using-vintage-fabrics-and-grommets/

Good luck making some for the new additions in your life!

Small Town Living

2009-09-10T20:39:00.006-05:00

Some of you know that I am truly a suburban girl, but the man of my dreams convinced me to move to a "rural" location. This transition has taken some time and continues to test my adaptability. I will tell you there are some great benefits of living in a small town:

It has taught me to control my road rage... otherwise I will see that person at church on Sunday
I now know that the corn is not dying, but is feed corn and it has to dry out/ die before it is harvested... or something like that.
We only have one neighbor
When I was younger I would just throw anything on (Pajama Pants..eekk) to run to the store. My mother would of course yell about it but... now if I do that it will be in the newspaper. Delivered twice a week :)
I have been taught to wave at everyone when driving... even the police officer
The graphic designer at work also doubles as a beef and chicken farmer

We recently started purchasing local meat. First we started with part of a cow that is certified Humane and essentially organic, then we bought 1/2 a pig and now I'm buying fresh organic brown eggs. I have to tell you there is a difference!

Some great deals!! not from the thrift store...

2009-09-09T19:29:00.002-05:00

Can you believe it... I have some deals from real stores... We've been in need for a new vacuum for a while now and with 3 sets of stairs I wanted a lightweight vacuum. We decided on an Oreck - the 8lb wonder. Kolin researched a teacher discount for $100 off if we turn in our old vacuum. Then my mom said she wanted to contribute to our vacuum fund for both of our birthdays. That did it - the search was on!

I have found that JCPenney runs a "daily deal" each day on their website. It is an exceptional deal 60-80% off some days on a select item. I got my bedroom curtains and roman shades on this deal. Now I'm addicted to see what deal is available everyday. Yet, I did not find my vacuum on the daily deal. I found it in the Outlet Section.

I was able to get the extended life Oreck AND canister attachment AND cordless iron... all for $179.00 (Original Price:$399). I just checked the website again and can't find the deal on their outlet anymore.

My other great deal was 60% off because I hosted a Pampered Chef party in July. These stainless steal mixing bowls with lids (no more saran rap) are originally $74.50, but I got them for only $29.80. They are dishwasher, fridge and freezer safe. They also have a rubber bottom so they don't move around on the counter. Can you tell I'm excited about them!!!

Good luck finding your deals!!

All things handmade... ETSY

2009-09-07T19:44:00.006-05:00

Most of you probably know about ETSY, but for those of you that don't I'd love to introduce you. The website http://www.etsy.com/ is a site for all of us crazy about crafts and home decor to buy AND sell. If first heard about ETSY because a dear friend of mine sold cards on the site.

There are great search features, just type a few key words to get started. Once you find something you like make sure to view all the other items the seller has - I bet you'll like those too! You can even buy supplies like fabric, ribbon, buttons, etc... I get so excited thinking about it!!!

This is definitely a place I go for inspiration and for things I can't figure out how to make... I hope you enjoy this site as much as me :)

I never have buttermilk... Banana Bread

2009-09-07T09:17:00.003-05:00

I always have bananas around the kitchen. If they just so happen to be "rotten" on the weekend they usually get turned into banana pancakes (if I just have one) or banana bread/ muffins if I have 2+. Kolin would rather I make banana cake...

This weekend I was ready to make banana bread. I got out my trusted Betty Crocker cookbook and quickly scrolled down the ingredient list... buttermilk... who has buttermilk?? I know you can make buttermilk by adding lemon juice or white vinegar... but I thought this is a great time to get creative. I have an extra carton of blueberry yogurt! These could be banana blueberry!!

They worked out great!

Summer's Almost Gone... Strawberry Poke Cake

2009-09-06T20:44:00.005-05:00

Step 1: 1 White Cake Mix - make as directed on box, allow to cool. Step 2: Poke holes in the cake Step 3: Take a 3oz box of jello, mix 1 cup boiling water and 1/2 cup cold water. Allow to cool a few minutes in the fridge. Step 4: Pour Jello over the cake Step 5: Top with whip topping and fresh strawberries and cool in the fridge for 3-4 hours before serving.

Hearty Breakfast Cookie

2009-09-06T20:38:00.002-05:00

1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional) 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 3 cups Cheerios 1 cups rolled oats 1 cup chocolate chips

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl beat butter and peanut butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, cinnamon (if using), baking soda, and salt. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flours as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour. Stir in rolled oats, chocolate chips, and Cheerios.

2. Drop dough by 1/4 cup mounds 3 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten mounds to about 1/2-inch thick. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes or until edges are lightly browned and centers are set. Cool on cookie sheet 2 minutes. Transfer to wire racks and let cool.

Some new deals and presents from Mom!

2009-08-30T21:17:00.008-05:00

Here's the bathroom accessorized. Mom brought me the letters spelling "RELAX". The picture above the toilet was $5 at OTP. The new teal towels are also from OTP - wash cloths $1.29, hand towels $3.99, white bath towels $4.99. I used the silver tin bowl from the thrift store and filled it with extra towels. The picture frame above the towel rack was $.50 at the thrift store. I spray painted it white and used the gray ribbon from the pillow I made in the guest bedroom. I tied a bow and hung it on the wall with just a nail. I would love to do this with old door knobs, but I have to find them first.

Mom gave me this octagon mirror. The frame was oak, but I spray painted it white and just have it leaning against the wall. I should hang it, but just didn't have time. Mom also brought me the crystal lamp. It's very different, but I'm going to spray paint the bottom silver since I'm not a gold fan. It gives off the prettiest light. I got the oval frame for $2 at OTP - that's how Kolin refers to Old Time Pottery.

Here are the pictures hung.

This is a picture of another set of letters mom brought me "DREAM". I have it on the ledge in the front window.

Monkey Bread with the family... how fitting

2009-08-30T20:44:00.006-05:00

This weekend my mom visited for the first time at our new house... a great excuse to cook all weekend. I didn't get the camera out for all the food, but I remembered to take a picture of the monkey bread this morning.

One of my favorite breakfast recipes is Monkey Bread. It makes a bunch so I only make it when we have guests over.

Monkey Bread:

4 cans of small biscuits cut in 4 pieces each
2/3 cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon

Mix together so all pieces of biscuit are covered with the mixture. Spoon the pieces into a greased fluted pan. I love my stoneware fluted pan ($29)

1 stick butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

In a sauce pan over the stove combine the ingredients above and bring to a boil. Pour the mixture over the biscuits in the pan. (Add pecans to the top - you can add them whole or chopped)

Bake in the oven 40-50 minutes.

Here's the empty pan... Kolin loved doing dishes all weekend.

Here's a list of the other meals we had:

Thursday Dinner - 30 minute chicken in pampered chef deep covered baker, risotto, broccoli, salad and french baguette. Brownies too!
Friday Lunch - Lemon Chicken Risotto soup (made with the leftovers)
Friday Dinner - Homemade Pizza with garlic and herb crust. 1- Sausage and Pepperoni and 2- Sausage, Chicken and Spinach
Saturday Breakfast - Cinnamon Banana Pancakes, Bacon and Fruit
Saturday Dessert - Homemade M&M cookie and ice cream sandwiches
Sunday Breakfast - Monkey Bread
Sunday Lunch - Cookout with brats, pork chops, corn on the cob, mac 'n cheese and salad

I think everyone had a great weekend... and a few extra pounds :)

Mini Muffin Brownies... with peanut butter filling!

2009-08-25T21:19:00.004-05:00

You will soon learn that I have a weakness for chocolate and chocolate and peanut butter... and chocolate and caramel... and well you get the point. I was trying to think of more ways to use my Pampered Chef mini muffin tin ($16) because bite size snacks and desserts are always a hit. Well I was watching some cooking show and they made brownies in real cupcake tins... Oh I can do that in a mini! Of course I have to use my small scoop (12.50) to curtail the mess of getting them into the tin.

Moving on... I was craving more than just a brownie. I remembered that all my girlfriends had me make peanut butter frosting for brownies the last time we were together. Light Bulb: make a peanut butter filling to put inside. So this is what I did:

Brownies:

Make the brownie mix just as it says on the box
Spray the mini muffin tin
Use a the small scoop for the brownie batter

Peanut Butter Filling (I just eyeball):

1/4 to 1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup of powdered sugar
pinch of salt
pinch of vanilla
3 Tbsp of milk (more or less depending on the consistency)

So you just take the filling, put it in a ziplock bag and cut the tip. Just pipe it into the middle of the brownie.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 9-10 minutes. Let them sit on the counter to cool a few minutes before trying to get them out. They are just perfect because they are a little chewy around the edges, but perfect in the middle with the peanut butter.

I hope you like these as much as I do!

Guest Bathroom... Remodel

2009-08-25T20:51:00.007-05:00

Here’s the before of this outdated blue and plastic (the vanity was plastic) bathroom… don't you love the ballerina border and the striped wallpaper. I actually thought about doing subtle stripes on the finished walls to keep at least one element from the room the same. I'm still debating... always something I can add later.

Do you see that the blue tub and surround match the toilet and the swirled seashell sink. One of a kind. It's especially cute to have a room where there are both ballerinas and safari animals.

Here it is ripped apart… but still blue and the inside of the mirror was OLIVE!!! Here it is today… More pictures to follow once I start putting the finishing touches on it. I can't wait for my towel holders, shower curtain and pictures to be hung. I also calculated the remodeling cost. This bathroom was done with NEW EVERYTHING (but the tub) for about $750. The refinishing of the tub ($550) is what put us at about $1,250 for the entire room. I still think that's a deal. Here's a breakdown of what we did:

New Vinyl flooring - I installed it with a grout line ($40)
New Trim
New Vanity ($199) and Sink ($130) and Faucet ($55)
Refinished Tub ($550)
Toilet
Mirror ($20) - got it on the clearance aisle at Home Depot
Paint - already had it from the old house bathroom - FREE
Light Fixture and bulbs
Hardware for the door, towel rods and toilet paper holder
Shower Curtain rod, rings and curtain
Reusing some towels from other bathrooms
I'm going to use the silver bowl I found at the thrift store for the back of the toilet I think!

Much more to come. I can't wait to post pictures of the room with clothes on. I thought you would all still appreciate the new clean look of the bathroom with the dirty work done. Thank you everyone who pitched in and helped or had ideas!

Pot Pie Dinner and Power Outage

2009-08-19T21:40:00.005-05:00

I had a craving for a homemade (semi-homemade) pot pie. A friend of mine used to make them for me, but now she lives in Iowa and I don't think they'll mail well. I had to do some research earlier this week to figure it out on my own. I was able to make one tonight before the power went out. I think it turned out pretty well (I combined a bunch of different recipes).

This is what I did:

1. Store bought pie crust (who has time for homemade on a weeknight?) Baked the bottom crust for 10 minutes before filling.

2. Cooked 2 chicken breasts in 1/2 onion and clove of garlic and used the "mix 'n chop" from pampered chef. If you don't have one you need to order one :)

3. Melted a half stick of butter and whisked in 1/2 cup of flour with salt and pepper. It turned into a thick paste. To thin it out I used a cup of fat free half and half. Then I added a can of reduced fat cream of chicken.

4. I steamed broccoli (I don't really like peas) and carrots in my "Large Steamer" also a favorite of mine. I put chicken seasoning over them when they steamed for more flavor.

5. I combined the chicken/ gravy mixture and veggies (I also added some left over risotto) and poured it into the crust. Topped it with the remaining crust and baked it for 20 minutes.

Like I said, the power went out, but only after I enjoyed my semi-homemade pot pie!

I inherited my creativity

2009-08-19T21:33:00.003-05:00

You have to see the photo my grandma sent me today. This is of the wall right over her washer and dryer. I thought it was a decal she found and applied to the wall. I asked her about it and this was her response, “I painted it, I looked at the big picture I have on my dining room wall. It was a little difficult because I had to sit on the washer or kneel.” I think she did a great job – kudos Aggie! (I don’t call her grandma ‘cause she’s just too young still). My mom has some ideas of her own. We were talking on the phone last night and she was telling me about all the great finds at a recent garage sale. A new bedroom set and a crystal lamp for the guest bedroom. She’s coming in just a few weeks, so I’m doing my best to get the bathroom upstairs ready for guests.

A 50% off sale at the Thrift Store!

2009-08-15T21:00:00.006-05:00

The Saturday morning tradition continued after breakfast "Blueberry Coffee Loaf". Kolin stayed at home to install doors, but I couldn't resist. I was just going to run to the hardware store, but the 50% off sign was calling me. Here's what I found... I got the following for 50% off:

Caned Chair - $5
Set of Pictures - $2.50 (I just wanted them for their frames)
Silver/ Tin bowl - $1.50
Wooden Pedestal - $1.50
Brass/ Wood Candle Holders - .50

I've already spray painted the pedestal black, the candle holders silver and the picture frames a white wash. I'm not really sure what I'm going to do with the chair yet, but i have seen some really cute ideas on other blogs lately. Stay tuned to see some of this stuff in future pictures.

Total cost of my visit- $11 and many hours of fun!

$9 Fireplace Mantel

2009-08-15T20:39:00.006-05:00

As you will can see my fireplace needs some help... I like to say it has a railroad tie bolted on the front.

It will eventually get it's much needed makeover, but here's what I came up with to get by... Mirror ($2) and group of picture frames different sizes and colors ($5)-- all from the Thrift Store. Spray Paint ($2) and "Live, Laugh, Love" I already had.

I'd love to hear your ideas for it's formal makeover. I can't wait for Christmas - Santa will finally have a chimney after all these years!

Blueberry Coffee Loaf

2009-08-15T08:08:00.006-05:00

Blueberry Coffee Loaf Recipe:

1/2 c. sugar
1/4 c. oil
1 egg white
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 c. milk
1 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. blueberries (If frozen, don't thaw)

Combine all ingredients together except topping, folding blueberries in last. Pour into well greased Pampered Chef Stone Loaf Pan.

TOPPING:

1/4 c. sugar
3 Tbsps flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
3 Tbsps oil

Mix topping together and sprinkle over top. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

I'm a Pampered Chef!

2009-08-14T19:03:00.003-05:00

I had my first Pampered Chef party about 2 years ago. It was a blast and I got a bunch of free and discounted products for just having a party. It was a great night with family and friends. My party was a chocolate theme – Double Chocolate Nutty Brownies and Chocolate Fondue. I remember thinking that night how much fun it would be to host the cooking shows and help others upgrade their kitchen products and share great recipes.

Now 2 years later with school finished and a larger kitchen, I signed up! I’m now a Pampered Chef Consultant. I had my first open house party July 29th. I made all the food ahead of time so everyone could converse and see the new house. We had the following:

Salsa Bites
Pecan Tassies
Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cake
Fresh Salsa
Fruit Salad in the Trifle Dish

I had about 16 guests and everyone found something they had to have. I took orders outside the party as well. The show sales were over $1,000!! Because July's host special was additional $$ I was able to get $315 in free products, (4) 50% off items and the Stainless Steel Bowls for 60% off. I ended up getting over $500.00 worth of product for about $100.00 – I love a deal!

My start-up kit for Pampered Chef was $155 and I got over $500 of products and party supplies.

If you want to see all of their products visit http://www.pamperedchef.com/. These are some of my favorite items:

Deep Covered Baker # 1352 - 30 minute chicken (MICROWAVE) - no need to heat the oven for this recipe
Large Micro Cooker # 2778 - Steams vegetables in 3-4 minutes (MICROWAVE)
Stoneware Fluted Pan # 1440 - Makes the best cakes even peanut butter chocolate cake recipe (Oven or MICROWAVE)

Are you noticing a trend that I like to use the microwave in the summer? There's also a great Grilling Basket # 2707 for grilling veggies outside. The fall items are coming out soon as well.

I’m sure I’ll feature some items and recipes in the future. Let me know if you would like to host a cooking or catalog show soon!

Summer's almost over...

2009-08-14T18:49:00.003-05:00

It hit me this morning that summer is coming to an end… Kolin had to get up for work this morning (he’s a teacher). The summer recipe I’m about to share has now become one of my favorites. I’m not typically a lemon dessert person, but this is a refreshing and sweet treat on a hot summer day.

Lemonade Cake

Cake Mix: 1 white cake mix as directed on the box - add juice of 1/2 lemon and lemon zest - Bake as directed - Cool to room temperature.

Lemonade Glaze:

6 oz. Lemonade Concentrate (thawed)
3/4 cup powdered sugar
Yellow food color as desired

Mix together until smooth, poke holes in the cake and pour glaze over the top. Top with icing or whip cream and a slice of Lemon! YUM!!!

**I have to try this with Pink Lemonade too!

Laundry Room

2009-08-14T18:46:00.007-05:00

The before picture of the laundry...

Oh I’ve always dreamed of having a large laundry room… now I have one. Let me tell you the project is just in the beginning stages. I’d love to do much more with it, but it’s a work in progress – like everything else.

I was able to get 2 different colors of blue paint and mixed them together for this custom color – FREE paint! I still need to paint out the window white and decide on some curtains. I’m thinking white curtains with blue accents (Ribbons, buttons, fabric paint… ) We hung the rack last week so I can finally hang clothes in the Laundry room… now I need more hangers! I want to paint something on the wall – I think I’ll need to do it in white or maybe a darker blue?

I’m debating on some of the sayings:

It will all come out in the wash
Laundry Room – Drop your drawers
Laundry Room – Sorting it out one load at a time
Soak, Wash, Rinse, Dry, Fluff, Iron, Fold (All over the walls in different places in different fonts?)

I’d love a new white cabinet and farm house sink with shelves and cabinets above a new set of front load washer/ dryer set. A girl can dream, can’t she??

This was my quick project this Sunday afternoon. I had to make a couple new curtains for Kolin's classroom so I picked up some extra $2/ yard white seersucker fabric and ribbon for my Laundry room curtain. The best part was I never got my sewing machine out... I'm loving iron on tape!

Quick Quiche

2009-08-10T19:19:00.005-05:00

Tonight we tried something new - quiche. I like quiche when I'm out, but I've never really made it at home. I just got a set of new tart pans from my Pampered Chef party, but of course I don't have any pie crust on hand (I'm not attempting that at dinner time either) so I decided to google a quick quiche with bisquick thinking that would be the crust. The recipe that I found had everything mixed together, so it's really not a real quiche. I will try to make a real quiche when I have more time. I used broccoli, onion and mushroom for the filling and Monterrey jack cheese for the shredded cheese. It was pretty good - Kolin like it more before he found the mushroom. I thought I chopped them up enough in my chopper, but he found one! He still had 2 slices. Recipe: 1-2 c. fillings of your choice (example broccoli, mushrooms, etc.) 1 c. shredded cheese 1/4 c. chopped onion 2 c. milk 1 c. Bisquick 4 eggs 1/4 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. pepper 1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. 2. Grease 10" pie plate or 8" square. 3. Sprinkle fillings, onions and cheese in plate. 4. Beat remaining ingredients until smooth and pour into plate. 5. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until a knife inserted halfway between edge and center comes out clean. 6. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. **I sauteed the broccoli, mushroom and onion in a skillet with butter before I put it in the pie pan. I wanted to make sure the onions were cooked.

Guest Bedroom Update

2009-08-10T19:00:00.007-05:00

The guest bedroom (gray bedroom we like to call it) continues to change. We had a white dresser (paint was coming off in places) with gold handles. Instead of repainting it I decided to just distress it and spray paint the handles in silver. What do you think? I need to figure out what to put on it.

Also, The bedding for this bed is a little of this and a little of that. The comforter was one I found before we got married. The bed skirt and white shams came with our down comforter, I found the Euro Shams this weekend. The quilt was from my mom and the pillow I made.

Speaking of Euro Shams - I was so scared of getting them because one - they are pricey and two I don't want to try and find euro pillows. Well after some digging at the mall I found some at Dillards for $10/ each sham. I think that's a pretty good price compared to some that were $40-$60/ EACH!! Then my next mission was to find the pillows. My MIL suggested just putting 2 standard pillows together. What a great idea. I had just seen pillows at Target for $2/ piece. So my euro shams and filling was just $28.

My mom gave me these pictures out of her house. I think they are going to go great in this room! Now I just have to wait for my antique door headboard to be constructed.

Inspirational Sayings

2009-08-10T18:30:00.006-05:00

One of the ways I customized our old how was by finding a saying/ verse that I really liked... then put it on the wall. Now I know there are many companies and sites that offer vinyl lettering, but I'm impatient and can't wait for the mail. When I have something I want to do, I want to do it instantly.

I just paint it on with a paint pen. These pens are easy to find at the hardware or craft store. They also come in lots of colors. I've only used black and gold... so far :)

You must be thinking that I've got amazing handwriting, but wait I don't. Therefore, I turn to my husband's profession - TEACHING. Most of us remember the overhead projector. I use an overhead to project the image on the wall. Follow these steps:

1. Find the font you want to use. You might have to install it on your computer

2. Type the saying in word

3. Select the words and change the font to outline

4. Make the font as large as possible-- so it will fit on a page

5. Print the image on a piece of transparency paper (be careful when taking it off as the ink will smudge)

6. Put the transparency on the overhead and line it up the way you want on the wall. At this point you can adjust the size and placement. This is what I like about it - choose the size and arrangement you want.

7. I trace the image on the wall in pencil - just in case the projector gets bumped

8. Fill in what you traced with the paint pen color of your choice. I haven't tried using white yet, so let me know if anyone tries it.

This is the saying I painted in our foyer:

This is the "welcome" I painted on our front door. There are many places online that sell this for about $15, but all mine took was a $3 paint pen (didn't even use it all) and about 30 minutes. My grandma visited a few weeks ago and she liked it so much that she went online to order one.

My mother-in-law had me paint her house numbers on her freshly painted black door. She bought the gold paint pen so it would match the kick plate and hardware on her door. It looks pretty cute!

Rocking Chair for the Guest Bedroom - $13

2009-08-06T21:36:00.006-05:00

Yet another thrift store find. Can you remember seeing this in your grandma's house... it smelled like it was there too! Nothing a little febreeze can't fix.

Anyway, I was looking for a small chair for the guest bedroom we just painted a dark gray. Kolin picked out the paint color in the clearance section of paint at Lowe's. Someone had returnd it because it wasn't the right color.

What do you think about the wall color? We painted it late last friday night and it almost looked like a chalkboard. Oh, and I made the curtains out of thrift store fabric (washed first). I didn't want to get our my sewing machine so I just used the iron hemming tape. I'll explain in another post.

Getting back to the chair I decided to paint it white and cover the cushion with yet another piece of fabric from the thrift store. This one was an interesting piece of light gray.

So I primed and spray painted the chair. Took off the cover and stapled new fabric to it. I think it turned out pretty good for a $13 rocking chair.

Well I can't just leave the extra fabric sitting their.... I have to make an accent pillow for the bed. So I got some ribbon and buttons and here it is...

I'm so excited to finish this room. We just visited a friend's house that has an old door as a headboard. I can't wait to start working on that project. Most of all I can't wait for visitors!!

$2 Bench... well okay $7

2009-08-05T22:03:00.002-05:00

Another adjective for me is Thrifty. I have somehow convinced my husband to go to the thrift store on Saturday mornings to scope out deals. I think he does this for 2 reasons:

He gets a big breakfast on Saturday morning so he's up already

He's cheap like me: he would rather I spend $16 at the thrift store and keep me busy working on the project all day then let me go to the mall all day!

This is a picture of the $2 bench I found a few weeks ago. I of course painted it black, but I was also able to cover it with extra fabric I had from pillows I made a few years ago for the living room. I went to Walmart to find a cushion for it, but the foam cushion was $15, so I just went to the fabric section and bought quilt batting for $4 and folded it thick enough for the cushion.

I should also start buying spray paint in bulk - $.88/ can, but lately I've been going through 5 cans a week!

I think we can all love a $7 bench!

Wednesday Cookies - Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip

2009-08-05T21:45:00.004-05:00

You will quickly learn that I love using cake mix to bake. Tonight after Kolin hinted that he would like some sweets (mind you he just had a piece of strawberry pie... I should share that recipe too - it's his mom's recipe) I decided to make the quick and easy option - turn to my cake mix cookbook!

Tonight I made the Peanut Butter-Kiss Cookies. I didn't have any kisses so I just mixed in Chocolate Chips. Yumm! We had some friends stop by and see the house - their daughter kept sneaking away to get more.

I would highly recommend getting this cookbook. It's a great gift for newlyweds or college kids. My mom got it for me in college and I'm still using it.

My boss even asked me about some cookie bars I brought into the office last week. That weekend she ordered the cookbook. I feel like I should be getting some sort of commission for pushing this book.

Even if you don't buy it I'm sure I'll post more recipes.

Welcome to Ballyvaughn

2009-08-01T16:35:00.000-05:00

I've always wanted a blog, but never thought I had much to say or share. I've been so busy lately and thought... now is the time to share in all the fun things I've been up to. The name of the blog comes from our new street- Ballyvaughn. We moved this summer!

Now it's my mission to transform my new house into a home. I hope you get some great ideas and share your ideas with me. You will notice very quickly that I am a bit... for a lack of a better word - cheap. I do what I can to find a clearance or see potential in a thrift store find. Oh and I also LOVE to cook and bake so I hope you can try some of the recipes I plan to post.