Escaping the Kitchen

I’ve escaped this

for fun in the kitchen,

helping write last minute letters to Santa

and kissing babies!

It was a great trade! 

 

The Plan: Laundry, Mud, Craft Room

Who knew a laundry room could be so exciting!?

I think it’s fair to say that I’m as excited about the new laundry/mud/craft room as I am about the kitchen.  For nearly 5 years, the laundry has been a chore: storing it on the kitchen floor (YUCK), folding it in the bedroom, hanging it to dry on the breakfast room chairs….chaos, in short.  When BeachBoy suggested working a true home management room into the plan, I was all ears!

The most underutilized room in our house is the room we’ve been planning to turn into a library.  However, with a little craftiness, we have devised a plan that will let us have a library AND a work room. Can I get a WOOHOO, ya’ll?!

The room measures 14’9″ x 7’6″.  Awkward, to say the least.  But, I’m willing to make it work.

Here’s a sneak peek.

View #1: Looking into the room from the office-to-be.   From far to near on the right wall, there will be: washer/dryer, cabinet, sink, cabinet, freezer, broom cabinet.  On the opposite wall, the counter will stretch between the cabinets, allowing me a space for crafting and sewing! (Pinch me; I must be dreaming!!!) Walking into the room, the space on your left will have a shoe drop and coat hooks.  We’ll start using the exterior door in this room as our main entry point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View #2 Looking through the exterior wall from the back yard.  You’ll notice that the cabinet over the washer/dryer is the wrong size.  That will be a combination of cabinetry and open shelves.  A hanging rack will be incorporated on that wall, as well.  The window over the sink will be a leaded or stained glass window to the master bedroom (which is composed of all interior walls, as you may remember) The office/kitchen is through the doorway on the right side of the room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View #3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View #4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now, for the fun part!

Picture this:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I keep our home very neutral, so the project room seemed like the perfect place to bring a little playfulness into our home.  I was smitten when I found this reproduction tile online.  (Let’s see what happens when I request a quote though!)

I’m thinking of going with an aged brass for the hardware (gasp!) and a fun color for the cabinets.  I have decided, however, not to decide on the cabinet color until everything is in the space.  It’s a very small room, and I want to keep the option of leaving them white if need be.  There’s no need to make the room feel even smaller, right!?

 

BeachBoy doesn’t want the space closed off with a door, but I have concerns since guests will walk past the room when we entertain (to get to the back yard).  I’m thinking a fun pocket door might be just the compromise we need.  Perhaps frosted or reeded glass?  Maybe a cute etched phrase?  We’ll see! (I have just the magazine clipping in mind….now, where is my inspiration folder?)

 

So, what do you think?

 

 

Ripping Out Walls: It’s Stress Management

Yesterday, BeachBoy started tearing out the walls.  (Apparently, it’s not a good idea for me to have a sledgehammer, too. Hmmm.)  I think it was good for him because his mood was certainly improved after three hours of slugging away at the walls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’re dealing with three kinds of walls: plaster, drywall, and those which were doubled up with both.  It’s going to be a long process.  But, it will be worth the mess.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, we’ve been refining our plans.  Once we were told that we had to take the space down to the joists and studs, we decided to carry our work into the small, nameless room that’s off the breakfast room.  It has water damage and is certainly in need.  So, it seemed like now was the time. Why weather this storm twice?

We’ve long planned to make that our library, but BeachBoy suggested we use it for a large laundry and mud room instead. What a luxury for a gal who’s been doing laundry out of a closet and folding it on the bed for nearly 5 years!  I’ll be posting plans and the design board ASAP.  :)

 

 

Oh, the Joys of Renovating: from Ikea cabinets to “total gut job”

Yes, that’s right….total gut job.

Here is a photographic summary of our day.

 

First:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you catch that?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ah, yeah.

So, we’re now at “total gut job” status.  As you probably already know, projects have a tendency to spiral out of control.  Ours always do!

 

 

 

 

Ikea Cabinets Have Arrived

It took a full 12 hours, but we bought, loaded, and unloaded the cabinets.  The house now looks like an Ikea warehouse.

Let the building begin!

 

 

A New Kitchen in Our (very near) Future

The bad news?

We have a monster leak in the kitchen….and it’s U.G.L.Y.

 

The good news?

The plan for the new kitchen (since we have to gut) is ready to go!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s a quick look at the current plan.

-Ramsjo Cabinets

-Open shelving for my cookbooks (yay!)

-Wood counters (a nod to our cottage)

- Marble Backsplash

-Farm Sink

-Mixed Hardware Styles

-Sconces to brighten the place up

 

Really, what makes me smile?

1. Getting rid of the water problem, rotten cabinets and all

2. Putting the dishwasher in a location where you can use it and the range (or it and a drawer) at the same time

3. Cabinets that don’t have attack drawers that fall out on your feet!!

4. Hiding the seldom-used microwave

5. FOOD STORAGE (we have none, presently)…oh, let’s just say storage in general while we’re at it  ;)

 

Let the work begin!  Next week will be spent working on the kitchen, if things go as planned (around here, they never do…)

 

Checking In: The Floors

While BeachBoy runs to Lowe’s for an emergency supply, I thought I’d check in.  I’ve been busy, busy, busy sealing the floors in the living room and dining room.

I still need to hang the blinds and curtains back up, replace the floor grates, and purchase the new rug (this one is from our bedroom).   Plus, we’re STILL trying to sell the furniture (no bites yet).  But, the floors are done in here and in the dining room.

As for the master bedroom, well…I haven’t coated those floors yet because it looks like this today:

In OTHER news, we also have THIS surprise project to tend to right away.  What’s new at your house?

 

The State of Affairs

This is life.

Oh, admit it. You know you’re totally jealous that my whole house is crammed into two rooms.  I mean, really, why wouldn’t you be?  ;)

I’ll be back soon with the fun house photos I promised.  Until then, I’ll be sweeping and dusting, and dusting and sweeping, and…

 

Fall Mountain Retreat

BeachBoy and I celebrated our 5th anniversary on September 30th!  What a blessed woman I am.  While I’m quickly outliving my “newlywed” status, I feel just as tickled and glowy as I did on day one.  He’s a keeper for sure!

We’re saving up BeachBoy’s vacation time for Christmas, so we decided to stick close to home instead of taking the “Big Trip” we’d originally been planning for this year.  I planned a last minute surprise getaway weekend instead.

Rather than throw a bunch of words at you, I’ll give you what you really want….PICTURES!!  You are going to drool all over the cottage we rented.  I sure did!  Go grab a towel before you scroll down, sugar.

We started our weekend with a zipline canopy tour and ropes course in South Carolina, which you can read more about here.    The rest of the weekend was spent roaming through the mountains, visiting farms, and exploring the vineyard where our cottage was located.

The Cottage

I decided they designed the garden especially for me.

The first thing BB did was throw open all of the doors. Can you blame him?

The dining room made my heart sing. I loved it that much.

The kitchen was small but mighty. It boasted a copper sink, subzero fridge/freezer drawers, a hidden microwave, a dishwasher drawer, and a viking range. Not bad for a tiny little space, huh!?

Take one more look before we move to the master suite.

That california king bed was quite a treat for us since we're used to a queen.

OK, brace yourself for the bathroom, girls.  No, really.

Why is he smiling? Because at home, we only have one sink. Here, he has his own. Haha!

We stepped this shower off to be at least 6x8. It was incredible, to say the least.

Having 2 sinks made getting ready such a breeze. It's the little things...

This was the crowning jewel. The view from the tub was amazing!

a few more, just for fun…

Breakfast outside...perfection

We didn't want to leave....ever.

The setting was perfect.

Here are a few of the relaxing adventures we shared.

I HIGHLY recommend The Farmhouse at Persimmon Creek. It was incredible.

Those are boiled peanuts….a delicacy I’d never heard of before moving to the south.

Now, I have to tell you something.  Our cottage was not the only one at the vineyard.  In fact, it was the smallest of three stunning cottages.  And, I just so happen to have pictures of the other two.  They are lighter and brighter than our woodsy cottage.  I promise to post them soon, so be sure to keep an eye out.  You DON’T want to miss seeing them.  For me, it was love at first sight.

 

Fall Fixups

Well, it’s official.  I have the bug.  I am itching for cooler weather, fleece pull overs, and cute fall shoes.  I *might* have done a little too much fall shopping yesterday.  You can justify it when you’re wearing a new (smaller, yes!!) size, right?  Riiight.

Because I just couldn’t’ wait any longer, I made some small adjustments to the living room for fall.  I just love the way my new-to-me sampler pulls in fall colors so quietly.

Meanwhile, I can’t wait for October!  Our street goes ALL OUT for Halloween, so I’ll get to switch up the mantle again with some Halloween goodies.  Holidays are so helpful for an ADD decorator like me.

In other Fix-Up news, I’ve started in on the master bedroom project.  It looks a little something like this around here:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nice, right?

Add to that a touch of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s okay though. Everything is totally under control.  I think.  Well, maybe not.  I’m a one woman show here, so it could get hairy.

BUT…. I have a vision, so it will be fine.

Speaking of my vision.  I just might post that for you.

What’s new at your place for fall?

 

Carving Up Some Southern Hospitality

I love to plan parties, but when it comes down to it, I’m quite shy. So, playing the role of hostess can be a challenge.

However, last year was our first fall as residents of our new town, and we decided to make it a home by starting a family tradition.  And so, the annual Pumpkin Carving Party was born. 

Now,  I’m planning the current year’s party, which is just two short weeks away. In only its second year, our annual event has tripled in size.  This presents both planning challenges and the opportunity to try out some new tricks.

Here are some ideas I’ve been pondering.

Every party needs a welcoming entry.  This one is sure to set the mood for our event. 

 

A monogram carved pumpkin lets new guests know they have found the right house.

This year will require many more pumpkins than last and will involve a host of new guests.  To introduce them to the set up and to encourage them to settle in, I’m going to fill a wheel barrow with pumpkins, along with a sign inviting them to select their pumpkin for carving. 

 

The house smells delicious when guests arrive to the scent of mulling cider.  This year, I want to come up with an interesting way to serve the warm treat after dark.

On-the-move treats for the kids are a must.

 

  

I love the idea of pumpkins serving as bowls.

 

A peppery centerpiece greets guests who move inside to escape the chill.

 

Who says pumpkins can’t be elegant?

 

As the yard darkens, candles will light the area.

 

Bags of carving tools (carver, sharpie, candle, matches, personal garbage bag) worked well last year when it came time to begin carving.  Guests simply picked up a bag, grabbed their pumpkin, and went to work.  They will definitely be used again this  year! 

 

Other must haves:

• Wipe-friendly or disposable table cloths (This makes clean up much easier!)
• Increased table space (We bumped elbows last year.)
• Family friendly party music
• Torches (for added light after dark)
• Wipies for sticky fingers
• Large spoons for scooping

 

From the Kitchen: Farewell, Summer!

The time has come to say farewell to Summer.  As Fall finds its way to the South, Beachboy and I are quickly slipping in a few Summer favorite on the fleeting warm nights.

This Summer, we developed a new favorite meal: Greek Pork Chops and Summer Couscous.  They aren’t as authentic as the food at the Greek gryo restaurant down the street from Beachboy’s office, but what man can resist meat straight from the grill? 

As Beachboy cooks, his Wal-Mart grill becomes this. 

I like to make fresh hummus for us to snack on while the meat grills. Here is a great recipe and demonstration for hummus.

This one keep you walking light on your active summer nights or a pleasantly warm Fall evening.

 

 

GREEK PORK CHOPS with CUCUMBER SAUCE & SUMMER COUSCOUS

 

Ingredients:

Pork

• 4 thin-cut boneless pork chops
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4-1/2 c. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

 

CUCUMBER SAUCE:

• 1 small tomato, seeded and chopped
• 2/3 cup  plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup chopped seeded cucumber
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (or more, if desired)
• 1/2-3/4 tsp minced garlic 
• Dash of salt and pepper

Directions: 

In a large  plastic bag or shallow dish, combine the oil, onion, lemon juice, parsley, garlic, thyme and pepper.  Add pork, seal bag, and turn to coat. Refrigerate over night or for several hours.

In a small bowl, combine the cucumber sauce ingredients. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Serves: 4

 

 Summer Couscous

   Ingredients:

• 2 medium carrots, diced 
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1/4 cup julienned sweet yellow pepper
• 1/4 cup julienned sweet red pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra virgina olive oil
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1/4 cup minced fresh basil or 4 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 tsp. thyme
• Salt, to taste
• Hot Pepper Sauce, to taste
• 1 cup uncooked couscous
• 1-1/2 cups chicken broth

Directions:

In a large skillet, saute the carrots, celery, onion, garlic and peppers in oil for 5-6 minutes or until crisp-tender. If desired, add kosher salt to the veggies while they cook.  Add the seasonings and remaining veggies; mix well. Stir in the couscous. Add broth and bring to a boil. Cover and remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve immediately. Yield: 4 servings.

Drain pork and discard marinade. Place on a preheated grill. Cook until juice run clear, turning only once.

Serve warm with chilled cucumber sauce. 

(Recipes adapted from Taste of Home)

 

Thanksgiving with a Twist

This year, Beachboy and I are giving up on the idea of having everyone over for Thanksgiving.  His 3 brothers are in the habit of being with their in-laws for the holiday, so we just aren’t going to push the envelope. Instead, we’re planning an evening picnic at their favorite park for the day AFTER Thanksgiving.  Since everyone will be traveling, I’ll be stuck making all of the food again this year.  That said, we too will be traveling almost an hour to reach the park.

The challenge? Planning a menu with a Fall flair without screaming of Turkey and stuffing or causing travel challenges. 

Here are some recipes of interest I have found so far.  Do you have any ideas to add to the list?

 

Pumpkin Cheese Ball

 

 

Katie posted this yummy chicken, and Beachboy and I are both smitten with it.  I’m considering traveling with the bag of marinade & meat and throwing on the grill when we get to the park.

 

 

 

I wonder if CLSTAR’s pretty potatoes could be made on the grill instead of in the oven.

The other option is Pioneer Woman’s Crash Potato- an instant hit with Beachboy and a recipe which could be converted to the grill.

 

Martha’s Corn, Bacon, and Scallions looked like a warm but light side dish option.

 

Or, we could do a grilled version of her Zucchini with thyme, grilling them on skewers instead of roasting them.

 

What’s for dessert?  Well, you’ll have to come back for a special recipe which I’ll be posting soon.  Beachboy took me to an orchard this weekend for fresh apples, and I have an apple cake recipe which I can’t wait to try out!

 

Pecan Pumpkin Cookies: A Taste of Home

The gym seems to inspire strange things for me….like thoughts of cookies.  As I was walking out earlier this week, I spotted a pumpkin cookie recipe on the bulletin board and thought I’d give it a try.  It was good, but it was a bit too healthy for everyday use.  So, I set off to come up with a more indulgent cookie.

After pouring through piles of recipes, combining ideas, and a bit of taste testing, I came up with one that reminds me of home yet meets some of Beachboys daily needs: lemon and pecans. 

This is our pecan tree’s nonproducing year, but I have  a freezer filled with nuts from last season, which are deliciously fresh and tender.  It really does make all the difference.

A quick-reference recipe appears below the step-by-step photos. 

 

The Flavors

A few notes:

-I know immitation vanilla is cheaper, and I’m the queen of generic brands.  But, please….please…use real vanilla extract.  It really does improve the taste of your cookies. 

-There is simply no substitute for fresh lemon juice. Trust me.

 

Wet Ingredients:

Cream 1/2 Cup of butter with 1 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.  Slowly beat in 2 eggs. Then, add 1 tsp. of lemon zest and 1-1/2 tsp of fresh lemon juice. 

 

This is my favorite kitchen tool.  Not only is it easier to collect the zest from the zester than a grater, but it’s also great for stripping peels for dressing up your dishes. 

 

In a small sauce pan, cook 1 cup of pumpkin with 2 tsp. of vanilla extract and 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon.   Now, here’s where I have to get honest.  You don’t reallyhave to cook these ingredients before adding them.  In fact, you don’t even have to have the cinnamon.  However, my sister always insists that I leave out special steps when giving her recipes, so I’m sharing this step.  Don’t tell her, but I do this just as much to make my house smell nice as to take the metallic edge off the canned pumpin.  What can I say, I just like the smell of cinnamon and vanilla.  Regardless, be careful not to burn or dry out your pumpkin. 

 

After the pumpkin mix has cooled, you can add it to the sugar blend. 

 

Dry Ingredients:

 

 

Now on to a pet peeve: flour.  I can still remember my home economics teacher insisting that we not level our flour, and to this day, I disagree.  I like to know I have the exact amount, and if I’m risking compacting it, so what! So, get your finger ready to level off 2-1/2 cups (exactly!) of flour.

 

To the flour, add 2 tsp. of baking powder, 1 tsp. of baking soda, and 1 tsp. of salt.  For a bit of flavor, mix in 1-1/2 tsp of pumpkin pie spice (yum!) and 1/4 tsp. of ginger. 

 

Unlike my mother, I insist on mixing my dry ingredients in a separate bowl.  Listen to me carefully: It’s worth washing an extra bowl.  I repeat, it’s worth washing an extra bowl. 

 

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the pumkin-sugar mixture.

 

Finally, add in 1-1/3 cups of chopped pecans. (I strongly recommend the ones from my backyard, but do what you have to do.)

Isn’t that just divine.  I can hear it screaming my name.  Eat me! Eat me!

 

Now, after a quick taste test  greasing your baking sheet, drop the dough on by the heaping teaspoonful.

 

Bake your yummy goodness at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes, and try to pass the time productively with a bowl of ice cream or something, for goodness’ sake.

 

Pull out those bad boys and grab the frosting!

I like to top them with a dollop of homemade butter-cream frosting and a pecan…but that’s just the girl in me.  I can’t resist a cute gooey cookie.  Beachboy prefers his plain so he can savor the pecans.

 I think I’ll go have a cookie in his honor.

 

Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Cream Together:

• 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter
• 1 Cup Brown Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar

Add:

• 2 Eggs
• 1 tsp. Lemon Zest
• 1-1/2 tsp. Fresh Lemon Juice

On the Stove top, Cook:

• 1 Cup of Canned Pumpkin
• 2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon

Let the pumpkin mixture cool, then add it to the sugar mix.

Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix:

• 2-1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour
• 2 tsp. Baking Powder
• 1 tsp. Baking Soda
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 1-1/2 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1/4 tsp. Ginger

Slowly add the dry mix to the pumpkin-sugar blend. 

Stir In:

• 1-1/3 Cups Chopped Fresh Pecans

 

Drop cookies onto a greased baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes.

 

Frosting:

• 1/2 Cup Butter
• 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
• 1-2 tsp. Fresh Lemon Juice (to taste)
• 3 Tb. Milk or Cream
• Small Splash of Vanilla Extract

If you don’t like the texture created by the lemon juice, try extract or zest.

 

Thinking Ahead: Cookie Swap

I’m worse than Walmart.  It’s not even Halloween yet, and I’m already I’m planning for Christmas.

Or, maybe the real problem is that I went shopping for Halloween supplies at Walmart last night and walked through the Christmas section to get to where I had to be.  Yes, that’s probably it… 

Either way, I’m thinking of Christmas.

Christmas is THE holiday for my extended family, particularly for my dad.  So, it comes as no surprise to me that I have an internal need to begin a Christmas tradition now that BeachBoy and I (3 Christmases into our marriage this year) are finally feeling settled in our first real home. 

And then I thought….What better way for a baking maniac to celebrate Christmas than with a cookie exchange! 

So, the planned has kicked off, and I wanted to share with you some things I’ve found along the way.

 

Cookie Exchange Ideas

I have to start with Robin’s Cookie Exchange as her rules made me giggle. 

Does that scare you like it scared me?  There is a lighter version of a planning time line at AllRecipes.

OK, I’ll be honest.  When it comes to planning, I prefer to think of the “cute” side of things instead of the logistic.  So, at the moment, my thoughts are of cookie containers and decorations.  Here are a few ideas.

 

 

These mulling spices would make a great favor.

 

Right now, I’m considering making centering the party around an afternoon tea, since that’s what people who actually have cold weather drink in December. 

I’d love to do an all white event.

More thoughts to come…

 

 

Pumpkin Carving Party Photos

Last night was our 2nd annual pumpkin carving party.  Here are a few pictures I snapped while I prepared everything. 

 

Since we’ve had a house guest for the last week and a half, the day of the party was a busy one.  I completed all of the preparations that day, from the cooking to the cleaning.  (I don’t recommend trying it!)  The kitchen was overflowing with supplies.

But, they were all used by the end of the day. 

Each family gets a carving kit, including a bowl for the seeds, carving tools, wipes, a sharpie, and a candle. 

 

This year we set up one table for the food and another table for appetizers, which we placed near the grill so the chef could mingle, too.  The remaining tables were used for both eating and carving. 

Casual Appetizers: Cayenne Cheese Spread and Crackers, Stuffed Jalapenos, Sausage Mummies, Cheese, Vegetables/Dip. 

 

The pumpkin station included sticky notes so guests could select their pumpkins as they arrived.  The kids loved picking out the pumpkins!

See you next year!

 

From the Orchard: Apple Walnut Cake

Earlier this month, BeachBoy took me to the state Apple Festival.  After I recovered from the discovery that the festival did not include apples, he drove me to the orchard to get my fix.  Two pecks of apples later, we headed home.  I was anxious to start baking, but I managed to save a few apples to make apple-walnut bunt cake for our pumpkin carving party. 

When BeachBoy saw me in the kitchen the morning of the party, he commented, “Are you SURE you want to try out a new recipe today? What if it’s terrible.”  I didn’t dare tell him I hadn’t made a bunt cake before and that it might not only be terrible but also a mess.  Luck was on my side though.  The cake turned out both beautiful and tasty.  It was a hit, and I can’t wait to make it again next fall.

Try the cake and sauce warm for a real treat!

 

Apple Walnut Cake with Homemade Caramel Sauce

Cake Ingredients

• 3 Eggs
• 1 cup of Vegetable Oil
• 1 Tablespoon of Vanilla Extract
• 2 cups of Granny Smith Apples, peeled and shredded
• 2 cups of Sugar
• 3 cups of All-Purpose Flour
• 1 Tablespoon of Ground Cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of Baking Soda
• 1 teaspoon of Salt
• 3/4 teaspoon of Ground Nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon of Baking Powder
• 1 cup of Chopped Walnuts

Beat eggs, oil, and vanilla.  Add apples and sugar, and beat an additional minute.  Combine dry ingredients and add to the apple mixture until well blended.  Stir in walnuts. 

Pour the batter into a greased/floured 10-inch bundt pan and bake at 325 degrees for 50-60 minutes.  Cool for 10 minutes before removing the cake from the pan to a wire rack.

Sauce Ingredients

• 1/2 lb butter
• 1-1/2 cups brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/8 cup milk

Melt butter in a sauce pan over low heat.  Add remaining ingredients, stirring to blend.  Bring to a boil and boil for 2-3 minutes.  Remove from heat. 

Poke holes in the cake, and pour sauce over the surface.  Remaining sauce can be served with individual slices of cake.

 

Thinking Back: Pancake Mornings

 

This week, my elementary school students and I have been writing about small moments we have shared with our grandparents.  My moment, of course, was about food.  I thought I’d share it with you. 

A Golden Feast

 

                Sun beams tickle my nose as they dance through the lace curtains my grandma and I picked out together last summer.  I stretch as I yawn, my toes pressing deeper into the embrace of a homemade quilt.  Morning always comes early at Grandma’s house, but somehow I still wake refreshed.

As I listen, I hear the clamoring of pans in the kitchen, just down the hall.  A sweet smell greets me.  It’s a pancake morning.  Knowing the sound of Grandma’s work well, I recognize her pancake dance is well underway, with her tiny feet fluttering back and forth between the stove and sink. 

            Pushing the satin edge of the blanket down from my face, I slip out of bed and scurry to the kitchen.  Grandma’s famous Texas-sized pancakes glisten like the sun on her blackened griddle.  They call my name with their sizzling hiss. 

            From behind me, I hear Grandpa shout in from the living room, his voice rising above his banjo to let Grandma know she’d better make me two.  Apparently, I look especially hungry.  Sounds of “K-K-K-Katie my pretty lady” float in as he winks at me.

            Within moments, we sit shoulder to shoulder at the table, Grandma and Grandpa on their pink-padded chairs, me teetering on the coveted painted-spattered stool.  My pancakes’ otter-like flippers dangle over the edges of my enormous plate, daring me to devour them. 

            Grandpa smiles knowingly as he sips his coffee.  He doesn’t need a plate of pancakes, for while I can confidently smear pounds of butter and drizzle oceans of hot syrup over the steaming cakes, I can never finish Grandma’s golden feast.  The reward of placing the order will soon be his.

 

Join the Challenge!

The Ultimate Fall Cleaning Challenge has started! 

 

Ultimate Cleaning Challege: Day 1

The Hyper Homemaker posted this to-do list for today’s portion of the Ultimate Cleaning Challenge.  Luck was on my side, though, because it turned out that I started reorganizing all of my kitchen cabinets last night.  Here is what I’ve already finished due to my Friday-night cleaning.  Having a jump start will leave me time to do some extra projects I have planned (below). 

Day 1 – Conquering the Kitchen

Make sure daily is done:
- Clear off all counter tops
- Load dishwasher
- Handwash any dishes needed
- Wipe down sink
- Wipe down stovetop
- Wipe down all the counters
- Swiffer the floor

Pantry
- Take everything out of the pantry.
- Wipe down shelves.
- Toss old items and donate unused good items.
- Repackage all messy items into nice containers. (STARTED)
- Place all items back into the pantry in an organized fashion. (STARTED)

Fridge
- Take everything out of the fridge and freezer (placing items in a cooler with all the remaining ice.
- Scrub down the inside and outside of the fridge, shelves, doors, ice maker and freezer.
- Replace water filter if you have one.
- Clean fridge condenser coil.
- Toss old or useless food.
- Place everything back into fridge in an organized fashion.

Cabinets
- Take ALLL your items out of all your cabinets and drawers. Yes… ALL! (HALF DONE)
- Wipe down the inside of all cabinets and drawers.
- Wipe down the inside of all containers such as utensil holders.
- Store items not used in over 6 months, or summer seasonal items. (Started)
- Thinking logically (ie – potholders next to stove, towels next to sink), try to put everything back in a more useful and purposeful place, and in an organized fashion.
- Scrub down the cupboard exteriors, from to of the kitchen to bottom.

 

Since BeachBoy and my father-in-law are out of the town this weekend, I have the house to myself.  So, I should have the time and space to be productive.  Adding to the list above, here is my dream list for Saturday:

• Purchase/Hang new shelf in laundry closet/pantry.
• Purchase containers for baking products, fill, and mark.
• Reorganize laundry closet/pantry
• Purchase/fill/label containers for seasonal/party items
• Drive unused items to Goodwill
• Finish sewing kitchen curtains/rehang
• Dust items on exposed shelf

The boys made quite a mess in the kitchen before leaving, so I have my work cut out for me!

 

Husbandless Project: Building a Pantry

Day 1: Ultimate Fall Cleaning Challenge

 

The only non-bedroom closet in our home besides our linen closet is the laundry closet, located in the breakfast room.  For some time, I’ve been asking BeachBoy to stack the washer and dryer to allow for shelving.  But, my personal motto with home projects is: when at first you don’t succeed (with asking)…do it yourself. 

So, today I tackled the laundry closet, installing two additional shelves and completing the task of organizing everything. 

Now two weeks into having BeachBoy’s father living with us, and after the resulting choas of a party, our laundry space looked like this when I started this morning:

Without a doubt, it was a disaster.  But, I couldn’t help but see the potential of the unused space.  So, I started the task of taking EVERYTHING out (thus destroying my kitchen).

Then, I hung two more shelves, which I purchased at Lowes and had cut to size.

BeachBoy would tell you I simply wanted an excuse to use the drill again since I’m rather addicted to it.  But, really, what house doesn’t need more shelves?

These Anchor-Hocking jars were next on my list.  I filled t hem with all of my baking supplies and marked them accordingly.  I can’t help it.  I hate the look of packaged food. 

Then it was on to the cleaning supplies.

Finally, some plastic bins from my morning trip to Walmart topped of the closet, holding picnic, party, and seasonal supplies. 

The result…a refreshingly organized space that holds nearly 3 times what it originally did. 

I can’t wait for BeachBoy to get home now! He’s going to love it!

What’s next on my list?  Painting this space!

 

Ultimate Cleaning Challenge: Calling in Sick

The end of the first day of Katie’s Ultimate Cleanihng Challenge found me more organized and sick…with the flu.  After two days in bed, I’m starting to feel a bit more alive, and I’ve had plenty of time to consider what I could clean while still sick.  Rachel’s post about organizing gave me the perfect idea!  From the couch, I can shred papers, cleaning out the 2 filing cabinets BeachBoy has nearly filled.

So, I’ve made myself a cup of hot tea with honey, have pulled up the shredder, and am set to get back in the game…from the bench.

 

A “Chili” Fall Day

 

 

I love chili.  I love spicy chili.  I love making chili from scratch.  BeachBoy?  Well, he likes soup, but only when it’s cold.  And, tomatoes and spicy foods both give him heartburn.  So, chili is a rare treat.

However, earlier this year, I was given a chili kit by our school’s parents’ club.  With a rainy forecast looming, I thought this would be just the week to try it out. 

 

They had packaged it in a cute little bag with a note that it was “great for gift giving.”  With the holidays drawing near, I thought I would share their tasty idea with you.

Here is the ‘gift giving’ version of the recipe, as it was printed on the bag.

Taco Chili Mix

• 1 cup of dried kidney beans
• 1/2 cup of dried pinto beans
• 1 (1.5 oz) package of taco seasoning mix
• 1 (1 oz) package of buttermilk salad dressing mix
• 3 Tablespoons of dried minced onion
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 1/2 cups tortilla chips

Directions for assembling gift bags:

In a 1 qt. jar (or bag), layer kidney and pinto beans.  In a small bowl, combine spices.  Place seasoning mix in a plastic bag or wrap in plastic wrap.  Add the enclosed mix to the jar (or bag).  Put chips on top.  Cover the lid of the jar with fabric and ribbon.  Don’t forget to include the recipe.

 

Directions for making taco chili:

Ingredients

• Bean mix
• Spice Packet
• 3 cups water
• 1 (14.5 ox) can diced tomatoes and green chilies
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained

Directions:

Cover beans with water and soak for 8 hours or overnight.  Drain and add to a dutch oven or pan.  Add remaining ingredients.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 2 hours or until beans are tender.  Serve with tortilla chips, grated cheese, and a dallop of sour cream. 

 Chili: It’s not pretty, but it’s good!

 

The Once a Year Potato Soup

I call it that, but I must confess: I’ve made it twice this year, and it’s only November. In my defense, I gave 3/4 of the first batch away.  But still….

All year I wait for cold weather to arrive so I have an excuse to my “soup is for cold weather” believing BeachBoy.  I suppose Floridians don’t eat much soup, then.

However, I reserve this to a once-a-year recipe since it is so very unhealthy…but oh so good.

I must warn you though.  Since this is my recipe, the measurements are quite, um, loose.  Just ask my sister. 

This week, my humble potato soup got the coveted Southern nod of approval: from a ten year old….but still.

Once a Year Potato Soup

• Roughly three pounds of chopped potatoes (I usually use the better part of a bag.), cooked until soft in heavily salted water, along with black pepper
• 1 package of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 4 green onions, chopped, in their entirety
• 1 1/2 packs shredded colby/monterary jack cheese blend
• 3 cans cream of potato soup
• 1 quart of half and half  (a sad attempt to ‘lighten’ this up)
• 1 pint of heavy cream
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Up to 1 tsp. Tabasco, to taste
• 1/2-1 tsp white pepper
• Roughly 3/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1 – 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 Tablespoon dried parsley

 

Cook bacon and potatoes and set aside. I like to cut my bacon in half before cooking it. 

Heat the soup and creams, whisking until smooth.  Stir in spices, salt and Tabasco.  Melt butter and combine with flour.  Whisk the flour mixture into the cream base and continue to heat while the soup thickens.  Add cheese to melt.  Stir in bacon, potatoes, onions, and parsley.  Simmer until heated through.  Serve with additional cheese, sour cream, bacon, and chives, as your BeachBoy desires.  Or, eat it plain and claim to be eating light. 

This makes a great dipping soup, if you are looking to add some bread to your meal for extra carbs.  I know those are popular these days.  Lucky for you carb-cravers, this recipe makes a large batch.

 

Almond Chream Cheese Bundt: Now that’s a Saturday morning

Earlier this month, I had the chance to attend the Taste of Home Cooking School  when it held a show in our town.  The first recipe they demonstrated smelled so good that I had to try it.  It’s a quick, easy fix, which is great for those busy house guest filled mornings that happen so often this time of year.  A twist on Monkey Bread, it’s a crowd pleaser, for sure!

Almond Cream Cheese Bundt

• 1 cup sliced almonds, divided
• 1 package cream cheese (chill in freezer)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 24 frozen dinner rolls, thawed but cold
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup packed brown sugar

Glaze

• 1 Tablespoon butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 Tablespoons water
• 1/2 tsp. almond extract

Directions:

Coat a 10-in bundt pan with cooking spray.  Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of almonds and set aside.  Cut cream cheese into 24 equal cubes. In a small bowl, mix the sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon.  Roll cream cheese cubes in the sugar mix to coat completely.  Wrap a roll around each cream cheese cube to enclose.  Then, coat the rolls in the sugar mixture until coated. 

Place 12 of the rolls in the bundt pan and sprinkle with an additional 1/4 cup of almonds.  Combine the butter and brown sugar and microwave until the sugar is dissolved.  Pour half of the sugar mix over the rolls in the pan.  Then, layer the remaining rolls over the sugar mix.  Sprinkle with remaining nuts and any remaining spice or sugar mixes.

Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until the rolls reach the top of the pan.  Remove wrap and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. When rolls reach the desired color, cover with foil for the remainder of the cooking time. 

Immediately invert the bundt pan onto a serving dish. 

On the stovetop, combine the butter, sugar, water, and extract to create the glaze.  Stir until melted.  Then, drizzle the glaze over the warm bread.  Serve warm immediately or let rest to serve cool.

Yield: 12-14 sticky servings

 

When in doubt, go southern…

Thanksgiving was, well, an adventure.  Beachboy and I had a house filled beyond capacity as 13 of us piled inside for 4 days.  That’s a lot of mouths to feed, especially when you’re making all the food alone. 

((We had planned Thanksgiving as a day-after celebration to be held at a local park, but the weather had other ideas– namely rain.  Nonetheless, we needed a picnic menu to feed a crowd))

What does one make for a southern style holiday the day after said holiday?  Needing a hearty side, I dug through my recipe pile and pulled out a simply written recipe I’d snagged from a Georgia Peach in 2001 while she was a host-family for my church’s inner-city ministry project. 

It was a hit, just as I remember it being at the Peach’s house, so I’m passing it along to you.  Enjoy the simplicity of her ‘from memory’ recipe. It will be typed as written.  (Trust me, you can’t mess this up.)

Potato Salad

• 4 lbs. New Potatoes
• 4 Ribs of Celery
• 1 Small Red Onion
• 1 1/4 tsp Lowery’s Season Salt
• 2 tsp. Salt
• 1 tsp. Coarsely Ground Pepper
• 1 1/4 cup Sour Cream
• 1/2 cup Mayo
• 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar

Use new potatoes–do not overcook.  Chop celery and onion.  Mix all ingredients–best if it sits overnight.

 

Needed: Cheap Christmas Centerpiece

I’m always looking for ways to show Beachboy that I actually use all of the dishes I have in boxes.  This year, he was sweet enough to let me “adopt” a table for our church’s Christmas party.  I’ve no doubt that he knew all along that it would be both messy and time consuming (as I tend to do a lot of thinking out loud…in his ear).  Nonetheless, he said, “Sure, honey.  Just don’t buy anything.” 

Right.

That would be great except all of our Christmas dishes are gold, along with NOTHING else we own.  That makes finding a centerpiece a bit of a challenge.  I scavenged through old boxes of decorations and found that, we did, in fact, only have blue and silver decorations. 

So, I called upon my teacher-brain for a cheap backup plan and headed to the backyard armed and dangerous.

Our scrubby tree needed trimming, so I thought, why not?

 

Trees…trees….think…

“…and a partridge in a pear tree!”

Maybe my habit of randomingly singing songs with words I hear isn’t so bad afterall. (Well, OK, it is, but still.)

I decided to make a pear tree for the table, but really, the scrubby tree was quite ugly.  Since the problem was that nothing matched the dishes, I figured a cheap can of spray paint would do the trick. 

  

So, I set to work spraying the branches while my fingers shook from the cold air. 

 

For good measure, I sprayed a few branches I had stripped, as well as a few still clad in leaves and berries. 

(Now, this is the part where I cross my fingers and hope the leaves don’t wither up and fall off before the party since I can’t exactly stick them in water.)

A few old Christmas bulbs from my college years later, and…

 

 

The decorations on the light fixture look like they are in the branches, but you get the idea.

After packing up all of the Christmas dishes, I rushed off to the church only to realize that the tables weren’t wide enough for centerpieces.  What? !

I ended up offsetting the vase so it would fit and everyone could still talk.  Then, it was time to hang the pears and the partridge. 

 

Done. 

Gold may not be my favorite, but it worked out in the end. 

 

Going Bananas

BeachBoy was out of town this weekend, and that always drives me to cook. 

I’ve been patiently waiting for the bananas on our counter to ripen for use in muffins.  Well, I’ve been somewhat patiently waiting.  I ate two of them.  While BeachBoy was out of town this weekend, I thought I’d make a yummy breakfast muffin for us to eat in the car on Sunday morning.  In our haste to make it to the nursing home before church services, there is never time to eat.  So, I’m constantly on the lookout for ‘on the run’ recipes. 

The recipe below is an adaptation of this banana muffin recipe.

Since I don’t have anyone to eat dinner with tonight, I think I’ll boil a pot of tea, squeeze in some lemon, and grab a warm muffin. Mmmmm…

Banana Muffins

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 green bananas, mashed (unless you’re more patient than I am or prefer them ripe)
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. backing powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3/4 cup all purpose flour
• 3.4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries (sliced)

Mix together the bananas, sugar, butter, and egg.  Stir together the flours, soda, powder, and salt.  Combine.  Stir in nuts and berries.  Pour mix into a greased muffin tin and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.  Makes 12 muffins.

 

Fruited Salad: Will he dare?

Beachboy loves salad.   Well, he loves salad if it is comprised only of vegetables, that is.  By vegetables, I mean the ordinary ones.  Even the lettuce has to be simple. 

In an effort to be more reasonable about what we eat, I’ve been trying to cook more nourishing foods instead of just stuff that sounds good to us. 

That’s how all of the spinach ended up in the fridge.  Beachboy doesn’t eat spinach, but he did last night.  As he took his last bite of the salad, he said, “That was a very pleasant surprise!”  I wish you the same luck with your eaters.

Fruited Spinach Salad for Two

• 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast– coat, dredge, and saute
• Roughly 1/2 cup salsa (marinate chicken overnight and mix remaining salsa with honey for coating chicken)
• Roughly 2 Tb. honey, divided
• Plain bread crumbs (for coating chicken before sauteeing)
• Fresh baby spinach
• 1 small sweet onion (or red)
• 1/2 Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced and cut into bite size rectangles
• 1 handful of fresh pecans, toasted (to be served warm)
• Crumbled Feta cheese with Cranberries (You can get this at Kroger)
• Brianna’s Blush Wine Vinegerette

 

Southern Charmer

Yesterday, one of my students asked me whether I like the north or the south better.  I diplomatically explained that I like each for different reasons.  He stared at me for a moment, then with a look of determination said,

“Well, I know could NEVER live in the north.  They don’t have fried food up there!”

 

I had to chuckle, for just last week, BeachBoy ordered a meal at a local, family owned restaurant, and it came with fried green beans!  I’d never heard of such a thing!

 

Confessions of a Non-Vegetable Eater

I must admit, with somewhat pink cheeks, that there were MANY vegetables I hadn’t heard of prior to moving here.  

Today, while visiting with my brother who was in town for a flight layover, I , I laughed at the fact that he, too, was a bit of a vegetable virgin.  As he asked what several of the vegetables on the menu actually were, I started to wonder how many I discovered during my first months here.

First, there are the beans…or peas.  I had NO idea there were so many kids.

-Black-eyed

-Pinto

-Butter

-Lima and baby lima

-Purple Hull

-Black

-Red

Kidney

The list seems endless around here.  I always thought there were two kinds: baked and soup.  At least, those were the only two kinds served in our house!   I’m still trying to recover from the fact that they eat them with RICE around here.  There is something very strange about that.

“What are those?” he asked as a waitress walked by.  Ahhhh, how could I leave out the greens.  I never realized people ate these, and I certainly hadn’t heard of them.  The only place I’d seen spinach was on old episodes of PopEye!

-Collards

-Turnip

-Mustard

 

Then, there are all of the other random veggie friends.

-Turnips

-Rutabagas

-Squash in so many forms and so often casserole

-Tomatoes, just sliced and sitting on your plate

 

 

So, how is it that I managed to escape the plight of vegetable consumption as a child?  My mother only made two kinds, as my brother and I laughed today: corn and green beans.  On occasion, she made a third, hominy, but as he said at lunch, “It’s really just another type of corn!”

This is the advantage of being raised by someone who doesn’t like veggies!   Thanks, Mom!

 

Everything’s Coming Up Roses

Well, it’s official.  BeachBoy told me I could plant a rose garden.  Better yet, he has agreed to help!

Now, if it would just stop raining…

Since we moved into our cottage nearly 2 years ago, I’ve been dreaming of planting a rose garden, and little by little, I’ve snuck rose bushes into the back yard to help satisfy my longings.  Now that I have official permission, I’ve set my sights on planning a beautiful space with all the charm of the rose garden of the 100+ year old home across the street.  

I’ve already hit the web in search of ideas, flowers, and plans.  I want to incorporate the fence as well as plan for a future arbor.  I recently spent time exploring the David Austin site and fell in love with several of the “Old Roses” featured.  They would work beautifully in our backyard as our cottage is nestled into the historic district.  Perhaps it’s backward, but I’d like to pick out several of the roses before drawing up the plans.  I’m contemplating incorporating my beloved peonies as well. 

Here are a few of last year’s blooms…

 

Cleaning Up Our Act

There’s something about warm weather that makes me crave fresh fruit and veggies. 

I spent a large part of the evening filling my shopping cart with produce tonight and standing over the counter cutting it up for the week ahead.

Over the next two weeks, I’m ridding our home of all prepackaged or otherwise unheathly food.  (much to BeachBoy’s dismay, no doubt…)  We don’t keep much prepackaged food around, so the switch over will be quick.  I’ve declared this week and next week “Green” weeks in our house, where we will eat only fresh fruits and veggies, rice, and homemade bread products. 

I just couldn’t resist.  It feels so good.

Trust me.  Try it.

 

Crushin’ on the Squash

For two and a half years now, BeachBoy has been asking for squash casserole. 

“What?” was my initial response.  For some time, he insisted that it did, in fact, exist.  After living in the south for a while, I was finally introduced to it, and much to my surprise, it was fantastic. 

This particular recipe was a part of the mini recipe book we get following the end of the school year banquet at work.  (That is always a treat by the way, since all the southern mamas make the food!)

I usually halve it for the two of us, and BeachBoy likes it with extra crackers as he is a crunchaholic.

We love that it’s fast, and I love the subtle sweetness that comes out when the squash is cooked.  Squash casserole- who knew!?

 

Yellow Squash Casserole

• 4 cups yellow squash, sliced
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped

Combine the squash and onion in a large skillet.  Add a small amount of water, cover, and cook on medium heat until tender.  Remove from heat when finished, drain, and pour into a 9 x 13 baking dish.

Meanwhile combine in a small bowl:

• 35 round buttery crackers
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I love sharp cheddar.)

Stir half of this mixture in with the squash and onions.  Then, in a second bowl, combine:

• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp salt
• Ground black pepper to taste (I use about 1/2 tsp)

Mix the above mixture in with the squash, cracker, and cheese mix.  Then, stir in:

• 1/4 cup melted butter

Top the dish with the remaining cheese and cracker mix.  Cube

• 2 Tablespoons butter

and dot the top of the dish. 

 

Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for about 25 minutes or until lightly golden.

 

Beefing Up Our Burgers

BeachBoy doesn’t buy ground beef; he buys ground sirloin.  So, I took a huge leap of faith when I decided to try a new turkey burger recipe this weekend. 

I found this basic burger recipe online and added a few extras to keep it moist and convince BeachBoy that turkey can be even better than beef.

The recipe, created to be used for Weight Watchers users, called for topping it with only tomato and lettuce.  Blah! 

 

Turkey Burgers

• 3/4 lb. ground white turkey (breast meat)
• 1/3 cup shredded pepper  jack cheese (The real recipe calls for plain Monterrey jack….but pepper jack is SO good.)
• 2 green onions/scallions, chopped
• 1 Tablespoon ketchup
• 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper (I accidentally left this out.  Oops!  They were still yummy.)

Combine all ingredients except the cheese.  Mix thoroughly.  Then, blend in the cheese.  Form the mixture into patties (about 4).  Grill to yummy goodness!

Extra Ingredients

• Good buns, lightly grilled (They make or break the burger.)
• 1 Tomato, thinly sliced
• Romain Lettuce
• Maple Bacon (2 half length pieces per burger)
• Sliced Pineapple (Grilled and served warm)
• Any remaining shredded cheese (because I just love it that much)
• Special sauce

I wasn’t convinced that Beachboy would like the burger as it was prepared in the original recipe, so I added the above items.  For the sauce, I blended mayo, sour cream, green/red bell peppers, and a bit of pineapple juice.  The mayo and sour cream were about a two to one ratio, with mayo being the heavier amount.  I tossed in a handful of diced peppers and a bit of juice to thin it out. (simply because I knew we’d use less of the unhealthy sauce if it was nice and thin)  Together, all the extras added up to one REALLY juicy burger.

Please pass the napkins!

If BeachBoy, lover of all things beef, says it’s good, it must be!

 

An attempt at fitting in…well, sort of…

Around here, baby showers seem to provide only two options:

1. show up with a gorgeous outfit from an expensive baby boutique

2. make a fabulous smocked or knitted outfit that looks like option 1

www.oneofakindkid.com

www.ziaandtia.com

 

 

Well, let’s just say that I learned the hard way.  As a result, for two years now, I’ve dreamed of learning to smock.  I’ve even had motivation- I’m gaining a neice in just 4 short weeks.  Alas, it’s not something you learn from a book.  The pictures don’t help enough, and they all assume you know certain key steps.

Sooooo….for the two upcoming babies in my piece of the world, I’m turning to Simplicity (in more ways than one!).  If you can’t make something southern, make something vintage!

 

I’ve also been wanting to make baby booties, since happening upon this pattern last year.  So, I’ll be adapting a 3rd Simplicity pattern using some of Heather’s darling ideas. Check out this Flickr group for more cute shoes than you can imagine!

I’ll be sure to post the finished dresses and shoes soon!

 

Summer is here!

At last, summer break is here!  To me, that means one thing: the gift of time.  Time to be a wife again. Time to be home. Time to get things accomplished.  Time to cook.

The great challenge we’ve discovered since moving here is avoiding the “Southern Comfort Food” trap, and boy is that tough! When you add that to the fact that life here moves at a slower pace, we’ve found ourselves expanding.

BeachBoy and I love to meal plan, but during the school year meals have to be fast.  It’s unusual for me to get home before 6:30, and when I do finally make it home, we’re both starving.  So, summer break is a long-awaited time of rest for us.  It affords us the chance to enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. 

Since I’ve been hitting the gym with a friend for the past few months and I’m trying to help BeachBoy along, too, my goal for the summer is to keep our meals light and healthy.  Heavy foods keep us from running in the evenings, which is not good!

So…here is the menu for the week, beginning on Thursday due to my shopping schedule:

• Thursday- Spianch and herb salad tossed with strawberries, pepper jack cheese, and herb grilled chicken; half a baked potato each; squash casserole (because the one lonely squash was near death. ha!)
• Friday- Tilapia with lemon parsley sauce over whole grain rice blend; italian style green beans
• Saturday- Fiesta party with friends from church!
• Sunday- Parsley chicken, fresh fruit, garden salad
• Monday- Grilled pork loin with mango salsa; garden salad; sauteed zuchinni
• Tuesday- Greek salad; mini grilled pitas with tomato and olive pate
• Wednesday (meatless day)- 5 bean soup (crock pot day since I’m headed to work); french bread

(I suppose I should note that when we have chicken, BeachBoy and I split a breast.  On pork nights, we have one thin-cut boneless chop each or one thin slice of loin.  As for fish, we eat one filet each.  Limiting meats to decent portions is tough!)

Lu

 

When You Can’t Flaunt It, Fake It!

BeachBoy and I live in the historic district, so we are surrounded by gorgeous homes.  For example…

Or, for those who prefer the haunted look…

 

Meanwhile, our house (while old) was built around 1940.  So, compared to the beautiful giants, our cottage is rather….bland.  Among it’s many misfortunes is a 7 x 14 room at the rear of the house which was once a porch. 

Since we moved in 2 years ago, it has been a storage space (while unpacking), a project room (while painting), an office for BeachBoy (set up at least 3 different ways over time), and a den for evening TV sessions. 

Currently, the TV is gone, but it still houses the couch, ottoman, side table, and entry table.  It’s what I like to call a PROJECT. 

So, I’ve decided to turn our little mess into a gem of a library.  Yeah, the location is odd, but it has a large window overlooking the backyard.  And, if I get my wish, it will soon have a new door (french) to let in even more light. 

As wonderful as BeachBoy is, building cabinets and shelving is not on his to-do list…ever.  So, I’m going to have to fake the built in library.

Enter IKEA.

I’m convinced that with a few Billy bookcases, some creativity, and a lot of patience, I can fake a lovely little library, even if I do have to work around the couch for a few more months. 

OK, so a real Georgian would hire out some fancy carpenter to build replicas of the shelves in the other rooms of the house.  But, I’m not from here.  Plus, I’m on a budget.  We’ll see what happens…

 

A Fence in Need

One side of our yard is bordered with the back of a white wooden fence.  It’s hideous, really.  So, I’ve been trying to come up with ideas for improving it’s appearance (with the neighbor’s permission, of course). 

 

We tried planting my cutting garden along the fence in an effort to hide at least the lower portion, but several vines and plants from the other side kept finding their way over, killing out my flowers.  So, it’s time to give up.  I’m going to be moving my cutting garden so we can at least mow the vines that sneak through the fence.  Now, the question remains: how do we make it pretty?

 

Hey, Ya’ll!

Where the heck has she been for a WHOLE year, right?

Well, let me tell you!

BeachBoy and I turned off our internet connection and cable tv last year.  Yes, you heard me correctly.  We went a whole year without access to the outside world.  (Sure, we could’ve turned on a radio, but we don’t own one.)  I found it refreshing.  BeachBoy, a computer programmer, found it difficult. *Ahem* Care to guess which of us came up with the grand idea of doing without?

Fast foward a year…he got the gift of TV/Internet for his birthday.  How generous of me, right?   

Anyway, here is our year in review. With the demolition and rebuilding of a (still unfinished) bathroom, a new roof which resulted in a fallen ceiling, repainting the exterior of the house, lots of trips, and  fun projects with my sister, it was a great year.  Gee, if we’d had the Net, I would’ve blogged about it! I guess I have some catching up to do!

 

 

Finding Home

Since we moved into our cottage, it has been a mess work in progress. The bathroom has been almost 3 years in the making.  The boxes have been unpacked, only to be repacked for our goal of listing the house.  In fact, many things never had a chance to be unpacked. (Personally, I think that means they should be taken immediately to GoodWill.)  We’ve been ridden with tools, boxes, and demolition debris.  Frankly, we’re exhausted.

My most nagging frustration is the living room.  It has had multiple (ugly) personalities since we moved in, a direct result of our not purchasing furniture specifically for the space since we knew we’d be moving. 

Here are just a few of those personalities.

from: house to home

After all those photos, it’s hard to believe so many phases, including our current one, have been left out. Whew! Just looking at it makes me tired!

You see, we purchased our current living room furniture when our local Norwalk closed.  BeachBoy picked it out, and how could I tell him no? Nevertheless, it’s too formal, too froo froo, and too blue. And, it’s nothing at all like the living room I dream of creating in our home. 

from: house to home

I know what you’re thinking. That looks NOTHING like her living room. You’re right.  I should’ve spoken up while we were looking at furniture, but I didn’t.  However, as a huge fan of slipcovers, I think I can salvage the room with a temporary fix.

I’ve decided the chairs can’t be saved, though I can modify them enough for a short term fix.  BUT, the Candice Olsen sofa really does have good lines.  Plus, it’s comfortable. As much as I’d love a more relaxed shape, I’m willing to make it worth.

BeachBoy has already agreed to inherit the chairs when he gets an office in the new house.  At that point, maybe we will get the chairs I love and will use them with our sofa. Until then, I’ll need three slipcovers.  Here is the long-term plan:

For reference, this is the plan for the dining room.  In the house plan we are considering building, the two rooms are open in one large space.

In imagining the shell, think large wall of windows, french doors, a stone fireplace with white cabinetry, aged pine floors finished with tung oil, and rough cut beams overhead.

It sounds nothing like our current house, right? Haha! Perhaps that’s why I love it. Really, though, it has taken 4 years to pin down something that combines BeachBoy’s many (varied)  design loves in a way that I, too, can love.

Step one: Start small

My big project in the month ahead will be to sew the slipcovers.  I think I’m going to start with the couch, not because it’s the largest (HA!) but because it has nice straight lines.  Then, I’ll move on to the chairs.  The hunt for the perfect fabric begins next weekend.

My big debate at the moment? Piping or no piping. In my inspiration picture, there is piping on only a few of the pillows.  However, they are throw pillow in style, whereas mine are not.  All the slipped couches I’ve ever seen, however, having piping.  Currently, our sofa does not have a piped edge.  I know.  This should not be a big deal.  But, as you’ve probably already discovered, I have trouble with commitment. Perhaps that’s because I’ve never attempted to do what I really want.

 

The Grand Old South

Grand. Gracious. Stately.  Regal.

One of our lovely neighbors

In the South, everything lives big. From homes, to hair, to feelings about football, there is no shortage of “large.”  Perhaps that is why our 1740 sqft 1940 cottage looks so clearly out of place on a street of Southern mansions.  And, yet, that is why I feel in love with it.

Our cottage as it appeared when we first met it.

We first put a contract on  a newer, larger cottage.  After sitting it alone for four hours while the inspection took place, I realized it was not the place for us.  It was homey yet too large.  (Luckily, the inspection turned up a major issue that put us back on the hunt for a house.) So, it was no surprise that when we started our search again, the next set of houses I selected to view were small and  thus well under what we had planned to spend.  One was even a 2 bedroom one bath cottage, which left my realtor saying, “Are you SURE you want to see that?  Do you really want to share a bathroom?” We may have settled on our current 3 bedroom two bath cottage, but with our main bath under renovations for almost 2 years, we’ve been sharing a 4 x 6 bathroom for most of our time in this home.  Go figure. 

The larger, "almost" cottage. We walked away due to an issue with the HVAC unit.

We love the size of our cottage.  What we don’t like is the lack of practical storage.  That is ultimately what has left us house hunting once again, this time with the hope of building from a personalized plan.  Of course, plans for small homes with big storage are hard to find!

This morning, we visted one of our favorite places for a demonstration on solar power.  Serenbe Farms has a new section called The Nest, and it is comprised of small homes designed by Lew Oliver.  At just under 1100 sqft, the model  operates for a utility cost of less than 200 dollars per year. 

Serenbe's model for The Nest

 I must admit something.  BeachBoy and I pay more than that per month for one utility bill alone. The thought is sickening.  I dare not calculate what we would save in an entire year. 

The bright plan feels anything but small.

As much as we love the idea of our little cottage, there are some major flaws we cannot change.  One is the cost of the utilities.  Our old home is well built but poorly insulated.  So, as our hunt continues, solar power and geothermal heating and cooling are added to the list.  They were surprisingly affordable. 

Cozy master retreat in the model

But, that’s besides the point today.  What I wish to convey is that while the Southerners have lovely homes, they are missiny g out on some of the finer things in life: a small cozy space that forces simplicity and invites beauty and peace.  Our cottage will never be the home people stop in front of to admire while taking the walking tour through our historic district, but it offers something very special inside. And, when my utilities make me doubt that it’s special, I just remind myself that my neighbor in his grand estate is paying 1200/mo for heat in the winter. 

Serenbe has a farmers' market each Saturday

 

What Makes Us Tick? (and twitch)

This weekend, BeachBoy and I were lucky enough to meet two new friends. They are terribly sweet and sincere, and I feel lucky to have met such great Christian people.

 Over dinner, they shared of their time spent living in another country, where because of the dirt streets and running a business in their home while working full time, they hired a maid.  It was a necessity to keep the dirt out of the public business as the patrons drug it in on their shoes.  And, it kept the husband fed while the wife worked and he tended to customers.   Having a housekeeper was the norm in their country.  Nevertheless, being born and raised in the states ( a southern state, at that), she found it difficult to have someone else maintain the home. 

I found this very interesting.   What makes us, as women, feel the way we do about our homes?

I completely understood how she must’ve felt. The men, of course, thought we were crazy.  Why WOULDN’T you want a housekeeper?

Well, sure, that’s easy enough for them to say.  But, really, I wouldn’t.  Yes,  there are days when I”m tired and wish for a laundry-folding fairy-godmother after being on my feet at work for 12 hours, but I really wouldn’t feel right hiring someone to help around the house  (despite the fact that I work full time plus after hours.)

I can’t explain it really, but it would make me twitch.  Perhaps I would feel BeachBoy would see me as less capable.  Or maybe I just can’t give in to the fact that you  can’t do everything in life without help.  But, I’ve always said, “If you need a maid, one of three things has happened.  (Physical prblems aside) You are either overbooking your life, living in a larger house than you can manage, or too lazy to tend to it.”  I need to be careful of all three. 

Really.  There’s laundry in the front bedroom waiting to be folded.

 

Sneak Peek

Here’s a sneak peek at what we’ve been working on.  As you can see, we have a long way to go!

Wait! That’s doesn’t look like WORK! 

You know how they always say, “slow and steady wins the race?”  Well, let’s be honest.  Many of us are slow and unsteady.  Above are two such turtles. Let’s just say that our breaks and our work sessions are somewhat unbalanced.  Sure, we could’ve finished the bathroom over my fall break, but the beach was much more fun!

(I should dig up a before picture.  Perhaps then my excitement over an unfinished bathroom would make sense.)

The window box sat in my living room for quite some time before I convinced BeachBoy to help me hang it, along with the shutters I painted over the summer.  (Note how late at night we finished the project….as I said before, we are SLOW….to start, that is.)

 

Reality Check

Last summer, I spent some time planning our soon-to-be library.  I’ve always dreamed of having a home library, nothing big, just a little nook carved out as a cozy place to relish a good book. 

Then, a roofer stepped through the ceiling, and we got a bit of a reality check.  The budget shifted from shelves to new drywall and flooring for the room. 

Then, we got another surprise.  Someone started smuggling lawn equipment out of our (doorless) out building. 

Brace yourself. This…well, this is my dream-in-waiting today:

The closest thing  to a book in my now future library turned garden shed is a set of directions that came with our new vessel sink.

Ah, but someday…

Someday there will be room to read, a cozy chair, a writing desk.  Someday there will be a wall of books, standing ready.  And, until then, I will continue planning the dream.

(Coastal Living)

While browsing Ballard Designs a few weeks ago, their new shoe storage units caught my eye.  I have officially found the design inspiration for the book cases in the library!  How fabulous!

(BeachBoy called it a “shoe shrine” when I shared the picture with him.  But, I know he would be secretly thrilled if our shoes were organized in something so lovely.  I don’t have to wonder.  I know.  I know because our house was built in 1940 and is nearly closetless. As for our books, well, a shelf is a shelf to him.)

 

Master Bathroom Dreams

As we prepare to list the house for sale, BeachBoy and I are considering a remodel of the master bathroom.  A previous owner updated it very poorly.  With it being such a tiny space, it seems important that it shine. I’d like it to be consistent with the bathroom we’re currently working on, yet a step above it in terms of polish. 

My inspiration is a long-time favorite of mine from Brooke at Velvet and Linen.  The layout is very similar to our own bathroom, and the materials are in line with what I’ve been considering. You can see her gorgeous creation here.

I love the look of marble wainscoting.  Here are a few more inspiration shots.

from GardenWeb

from Decor Pad

I would like to wrap the room, shower included, with marble subway tile.  The walls above that would be painted white to match the white tile I’d use for the top portion of the shower.  I’d love to use this tile from Mission Stone and Tile.

Perhaps arabesque seems like an unlikely selection.  My reasoning is twofold.  First, I fell in love with this tile a year or so ago and have been dreaming of using it somewhere. Secondly, when we demolished the main bathroom, we discovered that the original floor tile was arabesque (yellow and white speckled, damaged beyond salvaging). I’d like to pay tribute to that somehow.

Where I’m torn is the floor.  I think the shower and floor should have the same tile because the space is so small.  However, I’m worried that the small tile necessary for a nonslip shower would make our tiny bathroom appear even smaller.

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

 

Let the Games Begin!

Southerners' concepts of "snow days" always make me smile.

This weekend, I enjoyed a relaxing trip to the north Georgia mountains with several other ladies from church.  We were blessed with a dusting of snow flakes on Saturday morning which left me longing for a cozy home and my sewing machine.  So, tonight I saddled up to it and got to work on the slipcovers.

 After much debate and several trips to the fabric store, I settled on canvas drop cloths for the slipcovers.  To achieve the color and texture I desire, I’m bleaching the fabric. I think the fabric will achieve the lived-in, relaxed feeling I’m looking for in our home.  Plus, it reminds me a bit of my grandpa’s old canvas tent.

 

 

Imagine my delight when I happened upon a sale, snagging packs of 2 for $9.97 each!

 

 

To maximize my time and energy, IO’m utilizing the hems of the cloth for my slip covers.  Tonight, I started making the pleats.  Two full lengths of the cloth nearly covers the base of one chair.  All in all, I estimate it will take 1.5- 2 dropcloths per chair.  That’s a great price for a “new” chair!

The current debate: how high off the floor do I want the herm.  Currently, our chairs are open underneath, and it makes the room feel more spacious.  However, I don’t want the skirt to have a high-water look.  I’m torn.

 

Inspiration: Fall and Christmas Decorations

I’m in the mood for all things cozy and holiday.  Here are a few pictures I enjoyed while browsing Google images last night.

 

Homegrown Cottage Christmas

I’ve complained mentioned once or twice many times before that most of our home is currently in storage.  If you visit our storage unit and take everything out, youwill find our Christmas decorations in the very back.  Poor planning? Welll….you see, BeachBoy insisted we’d only be using the unit for the summer.  *Ahem* Summer, fall, winter…maybe he meant until the next summer.  Anyway,all of our Christmas supplies are in storage. 

So, this year, we decided to make (yes, make) all of our ornaments for the tree. 

Our inspiration came in the form of a pre-Thanksgiving trip to the lovely Sanibel Island in Florida. 

Apparently, when BeachBoy is at the beach, he’ll agree to anything, no matter how crazy it is.  So, when I told him I thought we should make all of our ornaments from shells, he pronounced it a great idea and began collecting bags of shells.  It was rather adorable, actually.

Three bags of shells, some bleach, and several bottles of glitter later, we had a tree.  Guess who did most of the glittering? My sweet Beachboy.  I’d share a picture, but I’ll save his pride as thanks for his hard work.

 

Now, I must confess something (southernistas, close your ears).  I wanted to use the drop cloths I’ve been bleaching to make rag garland for the tree, but I just didn’t have time.  So, to save BeachBoy from having to make quite so many shells, we put ribbon on the tree.  It’s not my thing, but I’ll survive.  Meanwhile, there is a  drop cloth skirt at the base which does not match the ribbon.  Oh, the social outcast of the south I am!

You’re right.  I didn’t make the birds.  They were a find from Michaels earlier this week.  Since they were the exact color of one of the glitters BeachBoy used on the shells, I couldn’t walk out without them. (excuses, excuses!)

In a recent post, sweet, sweet Suzanne of Our Southern Nest shared her tip for gathering free greenery.  I must say, I was skeptical.  You see, Suzanne is a true southern cutie and also quite charming.  You just can’t help but love her. I was convinced the Home Depot guys just couldn’t resist giving her the clippings.  But, as it turns out, they’ll apparently give them to windswept teachers covered in paint, too, or at least the ones at Lowe’s will! 

So, I went to work.

I have always had an aversion to fake flowers and greenery, so free Christmas tree clippings make me very happy.  It’s a chance to fill my home with things which would never be there otherwise.

I’ve been eyeing these baskets at TJMaxx for a while now.  What a lovely excuse the little red clearance sticker makes! I bought two.  Someday maybe they’ll grace a lovely front porch.

It’s a shame, for this purpose, that the mirrors are kept off-center.  But, an unbalanced garland will have to do for now.  The lovely smell makes up for it quite a bit. 

Tomorrow, I’m stopping by Home Depot so I can pick up more greens and do the outside of the house.  It’s amazing, really, how excited free greens can make me!

Ho, ho, ho, ya’ll!

 

Taking the Plunge: Our “Guest” Room

Some guests just never leave.

You know the type.  It’s why you just looked over your shoulder to see if your spouse heard your “Amen!”

Well, at our house, we have two particularly pesky guests who just refuse to move out of the guest room.  And, I must admit, I like them too much to ask them to leave.

Yes, we moved into our very own guest room.  When guests come to stay, we move out.  Sure, it sounds crazy, but I can explain.  In our cottage, the master bedroom is composed entirely of interior walls.  Yup, that’s right, it has NO natural light.  It’s a great size with an attached 3/4 bath, but BeachBoy just couldn’t take another day of a windowless room.  So, a few years ago, we moved into the guest room.

Shortly after we moved into our cottage, my parents drove down (10 hours) to visit.  BeachBoy INSISTED that we buy a bed.  I should note that he and I still don’t have a bed.  Of course, how could I say no to his request to buy a bed specifically for my parents’ first visit?

Now, when I tell you this next part, I need you to remember one thing: When we bought the bed, we’d been married only a matter of months.

I let him pick out the bed alone.  I smiled when he picked one I didn’t like. Then, I helped him load it in the car, not mentioning the fact that finding bedding for an olive green bed was going to be nearly impossible.  In fact, finding bedding for an olive green bed in less than a week was going to push me to the brink.

I cheerfully helped him set it up and spent days visiting every store in our town.  In the end, I bought the ONLY bedding I could find.  It sort of matched. 

Of course, when my parents came, they promptly reprimanded me for buying a bed/mattress/bedding just for a visit. 

Since that week, and even since these photos were taken a year ago, the room has evolved. I stitched curtains to hide the poorly designed shelving unit that lines one wall of the room, and we’ve collected, purged, and repeated numerous times in regard to the room’s content.

When we decided we were nearing time to list the house for sale, I moved the massive guest bed into the still-bedless master bedroom.  Our guest room now houses just a box spring and mattress set.

Well, let me clarify.  It houses a box spring and mattress set behind which stands a huge piece of leftover MDF that kept falling down when I stored it in other places.  With its odd collection of cast-offs and a Goodwill dresser that I’ve yet to paint, It’s a sorry excuse for a bedroom. 

So, of course I found myself in the market for a makeover.

Here is an idea BeachBoy nixed.

When at first he turns you down, try, try again. 

When you still don’t succeed, stop asking for input, and just get it done.

This weekend, I will pick up the following items (ordered through JCPenney):

 As much as I’d like to have a complete “bed,” I decided to be frugal and buy just the headboard.  It’s a horrible brushed brass color, so I’ll be painting it this color:

(I should stop looking at this picture. It makes me want a footboard.)

I also purchased to pine (yes, I just said pine) night stands.

Why? The price was right and the shape is tolerable.  They’ll be painted, as well.  Once everything (bed, night stands, dresser) is painted, BeachBoy will see it as a set, which he likes.  Plus, I’ll know it’s not, which I like.

So, I’m dreaming up a room. Country Living is always ready with pictures of iron beds.

Meanwhile, I’m in the market for some cute pulls for the night stands and the dresser.  January will have to include a trip to Scott’s antique market!

 

Bring a Finger Food…Again

Tis the season to be asked to “bring a finger food.”  I have a love-hate relationship with these types of parties. I love the concept of sharing in the preparation. I love to cook.  I hate that I stress over it. 

BeachBoy’s favorite carry-to-a-party item is bacon chicken wraps, but I’m not a fan of taking the same thing to every party.  I’ve tried to explain it to him, but he insisted they’re too good not to take. 

Long story short, I actually found myself buying a magazine called, of all things, “Southern Lady.”  Yes, you heard me right.  I was standing in line at THE grocery store of the south (Publix), when I noticed a magazine featuring appetizers.   As I flipped through and saw a few that looked good, I caved and paid the ridiculous price charged by the grocery store. 

This weekend, we have to parties requiring a finger food, so tonight I’m getting everything ready. 

The first recipe I tried was good, cheap, and couldn’t be faster, so I thought I’d pass it along. 

Cranberry Cheese Log with Rosemary and Toasted Walnuts

• 1 pack softened cream cheese
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack
•  2 cups chopped dried cranberries (This came out to be just shy of a 6 oz pack. You could make it even easier and just round up.)
• 2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary (My bush recently died, so I used dried.  Sorry, I didn’t measure.  I just eyeballed it as usual.)
• 1 cup chopped toasted walnuts

Mix all bu the nuts.  Chill the mixture.  Form a log and roll in the nuts.

 

This made me wonder:  What if I used fresh cranberries and candied walnuts?  Hmmm….

 

Cabin Fever: Dining Room Changes

BeachBoy has the flu, so I have spent the last three days of vacation stuck in the house.  And, everytime I’m stuck in the house, I start sketching ideas for how I’d rather it look.

Today’s victim? The dining room.

For several years, I’ve longed for a dining room with big, cozy seating.  I love the look of a table with a settee or two big wing chairs.

Home and Harmony

 

Taken during KB-Martha Stewart Home tour

 

We’ve never had real dining room furniture.  Our current table was picked up at a flea market.  After months of scraping off layers and layers of sticky white paint, we were left with a decent–yet wobbly–table for four.

BeachBoy helped whenever my frustration set in.

 There is no reason for the chairs other than the fact that, at the time, they were the cheapest thing I could find to get us by.

Our dining room has two, and only two, things going for it.  First, it has two corner built in units.  They aren’t fancy, but they are something.   Second, it has windows on two walls.  The other two walls are completely enclosed, except for two standard sized doors, making the windows very important.

Because of the location of the shelves, I’d like to put a settee under this window. It is also the window you see when entering the room, from the living room/front of the house. 

(Have I mentioned that you must walk through the dining room to get to the kitchen in our cottage?)

Today, I found this one online at a reasonable price.  I also learned that settees are hard to find!

It’s not exactly what I had in mind, but it looks very workable. Plus, the low arms will allow it to slide under the table if needed.

Here is one of my inspiration pictures, from the very talented Miss Mustard Seed.

Miss Mustard Seed's Settee

 

The one I found lacks the solid back I was hoping for.  But the ability to cover and wash the pillows should make up for it.  The colors of the settee I found will have to go.  I’m tempted to rub some paint over the wood frame, too. For now, I’ll padd and cover our existing chairs to match the settee’s slip. Oh for new chairs!

As much as I’d like to hang sconces on either side of the window, there is no electical outlet on that wall.  So, I’ll probably go with lanterns. Hopefully, I can find some to match the ones in the living room.

As you can see in the background, the dining room doubles as my sewing space and triples as BeachBoy’s office.  So, a little comfortable seating should go a long way.  Having the set moved to a wall will free up some work space in the room, too.

 

Christmas Cookie for the Faint of Focus

I’ve been craving cranberry bread for weeks, so when I came across this orange-cranberry cookie from Technicolor Kitchen, I knew I had to try it. 

Let’s just say that it’s pretty foolproof.  For instance, if you are talking on the phone to your husband while cooking, and you happen to…I don’t know…say…leave out the vanilla until the dough is already mixed and add a whole egg instead of a yolk, it will still come out great.  That’s just a wild guess, of course.

Orange-Cranberry Slice and Bake Cookies

 

So, as the holiday nears, if you find your focus wearing thin, try this recipe.  It will cover your mistakes.  I love that the longer they sit, the better they taste.

 

Sneak Peek: Vintage-Look Sewing Project

Since I stumbled upon these dish towels at TJ Maxx, I’ve been dying to get started on a sewing project they inspired. 

For now, I’ll keep a lid on what I’m making since it’s a gift, but here’s a preview of what’s happening at my house.

And while we’re talking about stitches, here’s a look at a project I did today.  My sewing travel basket was in need of some personality.  Plus, I grew tired of chasing pieces around the car when they snuck out the bottom of the basket.  Solution: basket liner.

The basket was a cheapie ($3) from Walmart, and  I picked up the fabric from the remnant section (2 dollars for 1 and 3/4 yd). The bow is a stand in until I decide what I really want on the side.  I’m thinking something metal… perhaps some sort of tag…

 

Slipcover Update

Why is it than when you are waist deep in a project, you suddenly start to think perhaps you should just quit?

My sewing machine is finally up and running again, so yesterday I started to actually work on the slipcovers for our living room chairs.  The first one isn’t done yet, but I look at it and think, “How ugly. I should quit.”  And, then I think, “No, I should have done THIS instead.  Then again, do I hate it because it’s in that unfinished ugly-duckling stage, because I’m not in the mood to finish today, because my house is covered in scraps and lint, because I haven’t tidied up the seams yet, or because I could really just use some lunch.  Who knows?

mess in progress

Regardless, I stopped for a break.

Of course, first I tossed some pillows on it to try to convince myself that I only hate it because it’s not finished. 

 

That didn’t work.

 One thing is for certain, though.  I’ve never liked these round chairs, and now I hate their curves even more.

When all else fails: go hang some curtains.

 

The Hope of Progress

What an exciting weekend it was at our little cottage! 

On Saturday, we met with a contractor in order to obtain estimates for the many to-do’s on our list. For once, it looks as if our dollars will stretch farther than we had anticipated.  What a lovely feeling that is!  As a result, we’re now considering a kitchen remodel. 

I’ve been playing around with Ikea’s wonderful kitchen design program.  We are considering using their cabinets as a starting place for the kitchen and having a few custom sizes made to match, in order to best utilize our space. 

 Here is an overview of one of the plans I’m considering.

Also on the project list?

• Finishing work in the main bathroom
• Remodling the petite master bath (I have my eyes set on honed marble.)
• New walls, floors, and a raised ceiling in the library (bookshelves, too!)
• Adding a set of interior french doors between the master bedroom and the library
• Closing off an existing doorway between the master bedroom and kitchen
• Refinishing all of the hardwood floors

Here are a few inspiration pictures.

AJC- Heinz Properties

Doors between the master bedroom and library

 

Kitchen Sink Cabinetry. I’d also like to mimic this detail on the shelving in the library. I hope to find some old windows to incorportate into the bookcases, as well.

Ikea Fans (brickmanhouse)

Ikea Cabinetry

GardenWeb

Blogspot

Full wall of tile around the kitchen window

Newlyweddiaries

Hutch-styled cabinetry in the kitchen

This weekend, I found a great table on Craigslist.  It’s actually a coffee table, but the size is just right for a kitchen island.  I’ll be taking it off of the low base and putting it on a new one, turning it into an island.  What a steal this will be!

Craigslist Find: This $85 coffee table is about to become my new kitchen island.

 

It Flows Like a Leaky Faucet

Due to its age, our house has a choppy layout.  The rooms are separated not with large casings but with narrow doorways, complete with doors that no longer fit closed.  We suspect the master bedroom was once a den, and we know that the library was once a back porch. 

I recently threw some lines on the tax record sketch our county has on file, a poor attempt to help myself find other ways to make our home work more efficiently for us.  Perhaps it will also help you have a sense of what’s what when looking at the photos I post from time to time. 

Will seeing it on paper again suddently solve the many problems we face?  Absolutely not.  However, tonight, I’m arming myself with my sketchpad and the words of Melanie over at Humble Pie. 

“My sister taught me something that has helped me with making this 60s split a beautiful, inviting home for my family. She taught me that you can live in the most meager of houses but if it’s decorated cute then no one will notice.  So I’ve worked to decorate it really cute.

I also read on a blog recently (I have no idea where but it stuck with me) about a girl who wanted to simplify her life, pare down her belongings and move. But she found that as she simplified and pared down she didn’t have to move after all. That she could make her house exactly how she wanted.”

Perhaps I should also dig out my copy of The Little Engine that Could. 

Here is a space which inspired me today. I’ve been dreaming of a double desk in the library.

 

Did She Say WALLPAPER?

A year or two ago, BeachBoy and I toured Southern Living’s Georgia Idea House.  We were both quite surprised to find that we liked the designer’s subtle use of wallpaper. 

Southern Living

So, fast forward to the call I made to my mother following the trip.

ST: Oh, the house was lovely.  Beachboy wants to use the same blue woven wallpaper in our bedroom some day. It reminded us of our trip to Savannah.

Mom: Are you crazy?! NEVER put wallpaper in your house! You will live to regret it.

 

These, of course, were words of wisdom spoken by the same woman I watched hang and tear down 4 different of patterns of wallpaper in one kitchen during my childhood.  She hated every one of them, ducks, flowers, and all.  And, I must admit, I hated them too.

 

HOWEVER, I do have an interest  in subtler, woven papers.  So, imagine my curiosity when I noticed One Kings Lane’s latest email in my inbox, tempting me with Kenneth James’ wallpaper.  I had to open it.

I then HAD to buy a roll…

or 2.

I’ve been hard at work on a design for the library (which I’ll get around to posting soon), and this paper seemed like the perfect fit.  It actually begged me to buy it.  I heard it.

Now, don’t panic.  I’m not planning to paper the entire room….but I’ll let you in on the paper plan later.  For now, I just need to basque in the excitement of my first purchase for the space.  *sigh*

 

Oh My!

 

Thanks to Sugar and Spice for the Stylish Blogger Award! What a surprise that was!

Once the award is given, the recipient shares their favorite recently discovered blogs and 7 personal facts…so….here goes!

1. Just this evening, I posted about 1/2 of our furniture on Craigslist. NO KIDDING!

2.I only get my hair cut once a year.  After years of searching, I finally found a stylist skilled at cutting my curly hair, but she’s expensive!  Yeah, I’m cheap.  I tell BeachBoy I cut it infrequently for him.  He likes it long, and I like it short.

3. BeachBoy and I became engaged a month after we started dating, and we married 4 months after that. He was worth keeping, for sure!

4. I recently ordered The Bread Bible and Beard on Bread and plan to learn to make breads that I can someday sell at our local market.

5. At the end of April, BeachBoy and I are running a 10 mile race in Big Sur, and I haven’t started training yet.  OK, to be fair, I probably never will start training.  I’m really in it for the cute cottages.

6. We live life without TV, and I LOVE it!

7.  We’ve gone local! BeachBoy and I have signed up to purchase all of our Spring and Summer produce from local farmers. (More news on that later)

Now, for the interesting part! Here are some of my recent finds.  (I’m slow, so they may not be new to you.)

House and Home Blogs

1. Nesting Place

2. Jones Design Company

3. The Tuckers Take Tennessee

4.  The Inspired Room

5. Converting an 1825 Federal

6. The Impatient Gardener

7. Gus + Lula

Enjoy!

 

Only in the South

 

Much to my dismay, BeachBoy was very excited, and exclaimed he need the same bumper sticker. 

You see, we have this little problem when we travel…

I’m pretty sure I was left with whiplash due to the quick turn this little stand caused during our recent trip to Alabama.

 

In the Kitchen: Cookbook Love

I have a very difficult time walking out of a bookstore without a cookbook.  Just yesterday, I had to leave two at the store, and it nearly broke my heart.  I was without a pen to jot down the names of them, and I was certain I’d never locate them a second time.  But, three new books have found their way into my kitchen in the last week, so I’m all smiles tonight.

I’ve fallen in love with the earthiness of Harvest. Sure, many of the recipes are ones I’d list as “common sense,” but others are a fun combination of flavors.  Besides, for me, the draw of a book is as much the inspiration it creates as it is the actual recipes.  And, this book is full of inspiration.  The photography is gorgeous, and as soon as I opened the cover, I felt at home in this family’s kitchen.  My favorite line of the book is “Give the bird a good whacking.”  How can I resist someone so charming? 

Tonight, I tried out the tomato and brie tart recipe in order to use up some overripe friends in my fridge.  And, I promise you, if you can mash butter with your hands

and slice a few tomatoes, you can cook from this book. 

It’s charming, really.  You should look it up the next time you’re in the bookstore.  For me, it was just the dose of pickmeup I needed to start the new year.

 

In the Garden: Herbs

It’s only February, and already I’m dreaming of this year’s herb garden.  When we moved into our cottage, the very first thing I planted was a small herb garden.  But, over the last few years, I’ve outgrown it.  Between cuttings for the house and for cooking, I need more than it’s producing.  With the food changes we are making this year (more on that later), I know I’m going to need much more space for my garden.  So, I’ve been hunting for inspiration!

I LOVE the baskets in this photo from Dotcomwomen!

 

I dream of a large, lush garden like this one from Eden's Path.

 

I'm a huge fan of garden "rooms," but that's probably not in this year's forecast.

 

I have two large containers like this that I picked up from the paint department last year. Maybe they'll make their way into the herb garden this spring.

 

Herb Garden Passion

 

Herbs make me smile.  Nothing beats the scent they leave around your house or the taste fresh cuttings add to your dishes.  But, equally important to me is how cute the garden is as I sit and enjoy it from the window.  I can’t wait to plan a new marking system for this year’s crop!  It’s a great way to add a touch of whimsy to the space each year. 

 For fun markers for your herb garden, look here, here, and here.

 

Paint Colors: So Many Choices

Well, I’m finally taking time to post the painted headboard and the new night stands in our not-so-guest room.  The headboard was a breeze to paint.  Goodbye fake speckled brass, hello coziness!

Committing with the bed color was a no brainer.  The night stands, however, are still in need of paint and hardware.  Badly in need, that is.  However, I just can’t decide which way to go.  I want something neutral enough that it will work when the bedding changes (which is frequent around here), but I also want the surface to be safe for daily use.  (BeachBoy WILL put a coasterless cup on his stand.)I’ve even considered painting the base and leaving the wood finish on the top, for practicality.  But…I’m more inclined to form over function.    So, I’m stuck.

As you can tell, I also haven't hung the overhead light yet. I won't tell you how long it's been in the box. Ahem.

This room also happens to be the only room in the house which doesn’t have freshly painted walls and trim.  I’ve tackled every other room since we moved in, but because this room has a wall of built in bookshelves, I kept pushing it down on the to do list.  Oh, the hassle! 

Are they in need of a facelift or what?

Soon, the walls will be Nantucket Dune (Sherwain WIlliams).

What to do, what to do….

 

Kitchen Dreams

I have the kitchen on my brain, and I just can’t shake it.  For a few years now, I’ve been dreaming of this range:

I visit it online often.  So, imagine my dismay when I realized today that the ivory version now comes with chrome accents instead of brass. It threw my whole plan for a loop.  To make matters worse, the lovely clock is now an ugly digital version.  Really, what WERE they thinking?

Apparently, the hammered black version still comes with brass accents, but it’s not my first true love.  Nevertheless, I built a little dream board around it tonight.  Someday soon, I hope to have a real kitchen to go with my collection of pictures.

 

Well, bless her heart

Southerners.

They say it when someone has had a rough day.

They say it when they’d love to say something rude instead.

They say it when talking about someone who’s just a plain mess.

They say it when they don’t know what else to say.

Down here, they just say it.  And, boy, does it catch on!  I found myself letting a “Well, bless her heart” slip all too soon after my arrival in the South. 

Let’s just say that “Well, bless her heart” was NOT what Beachboy said when he walked into our living room today and found me with a nail gun in my hand. 

Maybe he just doesn’t know that’s what people say down here, bless his heart. 

Nevertheless, he’s going to love it.  AND, I can’t wait to share the finished product.

 

An Inspired Kitchen

Since we moved into our cottage, I’ve poured through countless books, magazines, and websites, looking for the one kitchen that embodies my vision. 

This week, I found it.

May I introduce you to Joan’s kitchen at ”For the Love of a House.” 

 

Thank you, Joan, for making my dreams come true!

 

Neighborhood Stroll: Cottage Details

Today was a gorgeous day, so I enjoyed a walk through our neighborhood.  Here are a few details I captured along the way. 

This cottage warms my small-home-loving heart.

The home above/below has been completely transformed since we moved to town four years ago.  I remember when it looked as if it would soon be condemned.  THe roof had fallen in in places, and the home was in a state of total disprepair.  I’m so glad a loving owner have taken it into her heart.

Since moving to town, I”ve dreamed of restoring this little white cottage.

This darling home was for sale when we bought our cottage, and everytime I walk past it, my heart still hurts a little bit.

The owners of this blue cedar cottagae invited us to tour their yard one night when we were out walking.  The back is a lovely, enchanted garden.

This stately white cottage is BeachBoy’s favorite.

It’s hard to look good when you live next door to a house this cute!

My nextdoor neighbor has a stunning hard.  Here’s a little peek through the fence.

Living just off the square is both charming and convenient.  There were more houses to photograph than I had the battery power for today.  I’m sure I’ll be making another round in a few weeks when the gardens begin to bloom.

 

Gift of Spring

Our first Spring in our cottage brought us a lovely surprise.  Our shady back yard had plagued us with weeds and dead patches all year long.  And, then, one day we woke up to this:

Spring at Squirrel Cottage

Every year since we’ve looked forward to these most welcomed Sprinbg guests.

This  year, I cut some to carry inside.  I simply couldn’t resist.

 

Spring Bridal Shower

Spring is here, and it’s raining love! 

 Last weekend, I traveled to West Virginia to throw a bridal shower for my little brother and my sister-in-law-to-be.  It was a lovely day filled with even lovelier people, and I wanted to share a few pictures with you. 

Clearly, the bride is the glowing woman second from the left.

The two love birds are to be wed on a WV ranch this June, so we designed the shower with their wedding concept in mind.

As an extra gift to the bride, we had each guest address an envelop for personalized thank you notes we’d purchased for our bride. When you’re planning a wedding, there’s nothing like the gift of time!

It was a casual come-and-go-freely shower, so we kept food handy at the tables.  We were pleased to find that guests actually ate more this way.  Since threats of rain forced us indoors, it also helped with space.

Wreaths at the base of each cake plate held moss, river rocks, daffodils, daisies, button mums, hydrangeas, carnations, and alstromeria.  Each had a little star fish tucked in to represent the honeymoon to the Virgin Islands, as well.

I caught my parents watching happily from the kitchen.   Let’s just say they are thrilled with their son’s choice.

The lucky groom is the man in blue. He made us all very proud when he asked this wonderful young woman to be his wife.

I know their lifelong marriage will be a happy one.

 

Our New Garden

One of my life goals is to feed my family from a backyard garden.  I spent the winter months dreaming and scheming, ordering books and flipping through magazines.  I am thrilled to announce that this is the year I’m taking my first (baby) step in that direction by starting Phase 1 of my potager.

I haven’t finished the project yet, but we’re off to a running start. In an effort to get everything into the ground on schedule, we did some of this project out of order.

First, I built myself a set of raised boxes using 2×12 pine boards cut to length.  (Lowes and HomeDepot will cut them for you, which is great if you don’t have a truck.) Then, I predrilled holes into each board for easy assembly.  A screw in each predrilled hole quickly transformed them into boxes.  For added support, I put a brace in each inner corner.

For a step-by-step look at building raised beds, check out All New Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew. It has great photos.  The boxes were then filled with Mel’s Mix.

Then, I filled my boxes with seeds and seedlings based on what we like to eat.  Fast forward a month or so, and we have a backyard that looks like this:

phase 1 of the potager

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My work is not complete, but we’ve been enjoying a steady harvest of goodies.  The next step is replacing the grass between the boxes with rock walkways.  Now THAT is going to be a hot job!

 

California Dreams

Last weekend, Beachboy and I enjoyed an impromptu trip to California.  It was a refreshing getaway from work and a wonderful chance to give each other our undivided attention.

Now, I know most people go to the coast to see the ocean.  But this girl goes to the beach to see the COTTAGES! I simply adore beach cottages, no matter the size or style.  I’d inhabit one if I could, but the “tear down” cottage we saw while there was listed at $7.8 million. So, there won’t be a waterfront cottage in my future anytime soon!

What really struck me about the California coast was the lack of salty air.  You couldn’t smell the ocean.  Instead, you smelled the roses.  Everyone there had roses, and the scent drifted all around you.  It was absolutely divine. 

This is a street of dreams!

One thing is for sure, these cottages are begging me to return when I have time to explore with more leisure.

 

Waging a War Against Boxes

Boxes. For four and a half years, I’ve been trying to out run and out smart our boxes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Every time we move (we’ve been in three places in four and a half years), I sort through everything we have and purge.  I cart things to Goodwill by the carload. I throw things in the trash.

How is it then, that we still have a storage room full of boxes?

This weekend, while most people enjoyed picnics and parades in honor of the holiday, BeachBoy and I packed boxes.  You see, the building I teach in is being remodeled this summer, and we are required to pack up everything, down to the stubbiest pencil, and move it out in boxes.  What a daunting task that is for a teacher who has spent years building an expansive classroom library.  It’s worse still when you are told the very limited time frame in which you have to complete this great task. We had two choices: give up the next two weekends or miss the deadline.

After day two of packing in the classroom, we took our first load to storage.  What a site it was when we opened the door to the storage room!  As I squeezed the new boxes into the space and sifted through the old ones in search of our summer clothes (they don’t fit in our TINY closet), I came to a decision.  After all the work I’ve put into cleaning up my health and my habits, shouldn’t I also clean up my boxes? YES! How else can I really lighten up my life?

I’m going to commit to selling no less than 90% of what is in boxes.  The remaining portion will be books (awaiting shelves in our library-in-progress) and a few seasonal items.

This summer will be the Great Clean Out of 2011. We will be done with boxes once and for all.  Won’t you join me and kick your boxes for good, too?

 

 

 

Live and Let Grow

I found that the more I let go in life, the more I grow.  The more I grow, the more alive I feel.

Today was a big day for me.  It was my final day as a teacher.

My whole life, I longed to teach.  And, for 6 years, I loved my job.  But, I found that it was time for me to let go and grow.  It was time for me to reconcile my priorities.  And, right under “1. God” on my priority list is “2. Family.”  It’s a funny thing though, how being a devoted teacher can push things out of whack.

You see, I am the type of teacher who cares for every child like my own.  I’m the teacher who is in the classroom 12 months a year, often as many as 12 hours a day.  I am the teacher who can’t fall asleep at night because I’m thinking about a struggling student.  I’m the type of teacher who takes every grumpy parent’s comments to heart because I just want what’s best for “my” child.  I’m the type of teacher who can’t say, “Well, I’ve tried hard enough.  There’s nothing else I can do.” Imagine, then, how that emotional roller coaster adds up when you have not a house filled with kids but a whole classroom full!

Yes, it was certainly time for me to reconcile my priorities with my energy and emotional expenditures.  So, today, I held my chin up and said goodbye to a classroom of students for the last time.  In so doing, I closed the door on my life-long dream and prepared for a fresh start.

I thought I would be sad today, but instead I found myself excited. It was a pleasant surprise.

You see, these past months, I’ve been studying and preparing to begin a new career.  I will be working from my favorite place (home!) as a holistic health counselor.  I am so excited about my new adventure and the prospect of devoting my energy toward my loving husband that I didn’t even think to be sad today.  And, I think that’s a good sign.  It reminds me that I’m on the right path. So, I’ll continue praying and walking.

I cherish my years of teaching and the ways in which they have prepared me for this new journey.  Now, I look forward to beginning my work with growing families and to helping them discover their own best health and happiness.

In just a few more days, my business website will be up and running, and I can’t wait to share it with you!  I’ve been so busy growing that I haven’t had much time to write lately, and now I will be helping others grow, too!

 

Garden Fresh “Take Out”

A few nights ago, we had dinner straight from the garden.  What a treat that was!

When BeachBoy got home from work, I snagged my harvesting basket and we headed to the backyard to decide what to have for dinner.  It was like ordering take-out, only better!

(Of course, SOME people couldn’t wait and dug right in before we finished making our selections.)

We settled on squash and beans, and I picked some herbs for our meal plus some extras to make a bit of salsa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was something amazingly satisfying about creating a meal from the backyard.  It was comforting to know exactly how and where it was grown and that it was safe and chemical free.  It just felt good.

We cooked up the veggies, and I tossed in some leftover pasta and homemade pesto to help clear out the fridge.  Fast. Easy. Satisfying.

It’s amazing, really, how growing your own food transforms the entire cooking and eating experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Library: drawing board

Do you remember this room?

OH, the cords!!!

Last year, things got crazy when a roofer stepped through the ceiling.  And, life has been messy ever since.

This room had already been on our “to do” list.  However, when the roofer came crashing through it, we were in the middle of remodeling the bathroom.  It was not a time to drop everything and remodel the space as we’d intended.  So, it has been turned into a storage space for tools and construction supplies since that fateful day last June.

Now that the bathroom is finished (well, with the exception of having the tub reglazed), it’s time to get to work on this space.  I couldn’t be more excited!

This space will be doubling as a library and my home office.  I know it will get lots of use in the evenings too, since BeachBoy often puts in extra hours in the evening.

The long interior wall in this space adjoins the master bedroom.  Yes, that’s right, the master bedroom is made up entirely of INTERIOR wall.  We’ve spent 4 years trying to solve that puzzle.

So, we’ll be making a large openin in the wall. Along the short back wall, we’ll be adding shelving.  The small doorway to the ktichen will be enlarged, and the windows will be traded for french doors.

The Plan

What I’m most excited about is the ceiling.  The contractor has assured me that it can be raised.  Which makes me just a little thankful that the roofer came crashing through.  Had he not ruined my ceiling, I never would’ve known it had a double set of rafters.

So, the lower (unnecessary) ones will be coming out, giving this small space another foot of height.  I, for one, can’t wait.

For now, I’m on the prowl for the perfect doors to use in the opening between the library and the master bedroom and a beautiful old window to set above them as a transom.

As for BeachBoy, he’s still trying to recover from the sticker shock over the cost of the remodel.  Boy, life is so much better when you’re just a woman picking out lovely sconces.

 

Guest Room Update

Boy, oh boy have we been busy over here!

This week, I met with the contractor for a final estimate on the library (which has morphed into a master bedroom redo as well…but more on that later).  We also had a great camping trip and finished up repainting the guest room in the midst of my deciding to refinish 6 pieces of furniture.  (Yes, 6.) And the garden?  Well, it has kept me hopping! Let’s just say it was a crazy mess around here for a few days.

MONTHS ago, I started purchasing things for our guest room.  Then, progress stopped when work grew busy and zapped my creative energy.  Now that summer is in full swing, I’m back to my scheming.

So, guest room is nearly done, and I thought I’d show you the progress we’ve made.  It’s not grand, but it is much better than its orange-walled former self.  (Really, who picked the colors in this house?)

Come on in, ya'll!

The nightstands are waiting on me to swap out the top knobs again. I don't like the small ones and plan to fit them with oversized ones like I put on the dresser.

My favorite thing in the new room is the dresser.  I picked up the dresser/mirror set at Goodwill for $40 last year.  One drawer front had fallen off  and the others were loose.  But, after some quick repairs and my beloved chalk paint (love you, Annie Sloan!) it’s as good as new.  I adore it, and I love that it was so cheap.

I'm planning to put a leaning mirror to the left of the closet, but I just haven't been able to find one I love. Wouldn't it be nice to have a full view of yourself before leaving your guest room in the morning?

So, what’s on my to do list? Well, I’ll be messing with arranging the shelves from now until forever.  But, besides that and putting the larger knobs on the nightstands, I also need to find my dream leaning mirror and build doors for the bottom portion of the cabinets.  I want closed storage down there, for sure.  I have most of my supplies gathered for that project and can’t wait to start!  Really, though, what I most long for is to refinish the floors.  But that’s certainly a project for later.