A Quest for a Balanced Life

Yoga is Amazing!

2012-01-09T18:13:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to learn how to do yoga for years but I just didn't know where to begin. I bought a groupon for a month of unlimited yoga and finally started at the end of last year (because I didn't want to not complete that resolution!). I figured I would just learn what I needed to and start doing it at home.. but I am really enjoying the classes.

YOGA is amazing!

I am not a flexible person by any means, so I thought it would be a perfect new challenge for me, and it has proven to be.

I wasn't sure where I would fit it into my schedule. so I found a time I'm usually not even awake...5:30am! I started doing it a few times a week and I can't get over how great it makes me feel.

Yoga makes me feel...
Balanced
Energized
Aligned
Peaceful
Strong
In Control
Independent
Calm

I look forward to every opportunity I get to practice yoga on my pretty mat. Somehow the moments I'm on that mat make every other moment of my life more enjoyable.

If you haven't tried yoga you should... it is truly AMAZING!

New Year's Nails

2011-12-12T19:06:00.000-08:00

I know it's early... but I had my nails done for the new year's celebration. They are shellac so hopefully they will hold through January 1st. If not I'll go get them redone.. because they turned out very festive!!

I found the confetti idea on www.pinterest.com where I spend a lot of my time these days! ;)

Repurposed Furntiture, Antiques and more!

2011-12-04T16:09:00.000-08:00

I went to a sale at Good Ju Ju in Kansas City today and was truly inspired! They had tons of amazing re-purposed furniture, antiques and so much more!

I like the bright fun colors of some of the furniture pieces. Some people are much braver than I!

I also like the decoupage done on some of the furniture. Wallpaper, musical notes...

Some of the items put me in the Christmas spirit!

I like some their display ideas too... Check out this ladder hanging with things hanging off of it.

Or this twig tree with coffee/tea cups for sale..

It was fun to not only shop but be inspired by all of the creativity around!

There was a vender there that makes art from old auto tags.

This idea I love... Chalkboard platter!

There was a lot of old vintage stuff to purchase too.

Here are a few things that caught my eye.
I almost bought this table.. even called my hubbie about it. I decided however that chairs wouldn't be able to be pushed in so I passed. It was beautiful though!

Needless to say, I was in heaven at this sale. However, believe it or not I spent so much of my time looking at everything I hardly purchased anything! I ended up with a jar of buttons, some gift tags for inspiration and a Christmas tree ornament made out of an old water facet handle and buttons.

One of my favorite poems- When I say, "I am a Christian" by Carol Wimmer

2011-11-28T20:54:00.000-08:00

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not shouting, "I've been saved!"
I'm whispering, "I get lost! That's why I chose this way"

When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't speak with human pride
I'm confessing that I stumble-needing God to be my guide

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not trying to be strong
I'm professing that I'm weak and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not bragging of success
I'm admitting that I've failed and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't think I know it all
I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taught

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible but God believes I'm worth it

When I say, "I am a Christian," I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache which is why I seek His name

When I say, "I am a Christian," I do not wish to judge
I have no authority--I only know I'm loved

Want to visit: Cotton Plantation

2011-11-23T06:30:00.000-08:00

I was blog hopping and happened upon Christine's Home and Travel Adventures blog. She wrote about a recent visit to Frogmore Plantation & Gins in Frogmore, LA. I am adding it to my bucket list. I've never been to a cotton plantation and this one seems like it has quite the history. Visit the plantation's website for tour information, Frogmore Plantation.

Odd Shoe Garden

2011-11-22T06:30:00.000-08:00

I found this odd shoe garden in Alamo Square in San Francisco. I snapped some pictures real quick just so I could remember to look it up when I got home. This park Alamo Square is across from the painted ladies (which appeared in the opening credits of "Full House").

I guess the story goes that the gardener for the park always picked up trash and a lot of time found shoes... so rather than throwing them out he started using them to plant with it. It was really a neat thought!

Trip to Napa Valley

2011-11-20T18:32:00.000-08:00

Napa Valley in California is ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL! I witnessed more beauty there on a recent trip then I have seen anywhere else in the States. It is stunning and I can't wait to visit again! My pictures from my little pocket camera do not do this place justice. If you live around this area, I am soooo envious!

Daffodil Bulbs

2011-11-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

I planted myself a spring gift! 50 Daffodil Bulbs... 25 - Ice Folies ; 25 - Tahiti

Oh how I will love myself for doing it come spring!

Planning for Thanksgiving

2011-11-06T14:31:00.000-08:00

We are hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year and I am in the planning process.

We have a specific menu of items with have each and every Thanksgiving. They include:

20 lb Turkey

Stuffing- I started using a friend of mine's recipe in 2009, looking forward to it again this year (thanks Helen!)

Mashed Potatoes

Cheesy Corn Bake- hubby's recipe

Green Bean Casserole- not the usual kind, my sister in-laws recipe

Sweet Potato Casserole- my mother in-law makes this yummy side

Dinner Rolls

Deviled Eggs

Stuffed Celery- mother in-law again

Jellied Cranberry Sauce

Lime/ Pineapple Jello - my Baba's recipe (my Ukrainian grandmother)

Pumpkin Pies- I let the hubby make these

Pecan Pie- hubby again

Am I missing anything?? Just thinking about it all makes me full! And currently I am on a low carb diet so I am wondering how much of it I will even be able to eat come Thanksgiving.

I started doing some more decorating in my dining room for the occasion... One of the things I did was decorate my light fixture. I bought some fall floral picks and dressed it up a bit.

Now I am just wishing my dining room table had more seating around it. Does anyone else wish that around the holidays? The rest of the year I feel like the table is too big. We only have a family of 4 and we eat at the table each and every night. Most of the time I move 2 of the chairs away so we can all sit around the table without any chairs in between any of us. We have a breakfast nook table as well, but I think food tastes better in the dining room! ;) I love to have my extended family all together for meals.

Apples

2011-09-18T10:54:00.000-07:00

Apple Sauce... Apple Cider... Carmel Apples... Apple Pie... Apple Crisp

Those are some of the things I am anticipating baking/ making as soon as I get my hands on some fresh locally grown apples.

I am patiently waiting for a local orchard (only 15 miles away) to announce that their apples are reading for picking! Then my husband and I are going to make an outing of it and come home and bake together.

Does anyone have apple recipe(s) they would like to share?

Motorcycle Day Trip

2011-09-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

We took a motorcycle day trip to Weston, MO. I told you about a trip we took there in April 2010.

This time we meet up with my hubby's best friend and his wife and we all went up there.

We did about the same things as we did last time, visit the winery, shopped for antiques, ate lunch at the Irish restaurant O'Malley's. Only this time we happened upon an auction.. I was soooo bummed our saddle bags were so little! Antiques were practically being given away and I only ended up with one thing! Truth be known if I hadn't been on a motorcycle I would have bid on that stop light you see and this picture.. and what in the world would have have done with it?!

September Hike

2011-09-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy hiking with my hubby and husky. Recently we drove a little over an hour to hike at a state park we had never been to. It was a BEAUTIFUL cool day out and the sun was shining just enough to keep us warm. Here are a few pics from that day.

Decorating for Fall!

2011-09-11T07:36:00.000-07:00

I spent some time this weekend decorating for fall. I know, I know.. fall doesn't officially start until September 23rd this year. We will just say, I'm ready!

I like for my entry way to be inviting. Autumn happens to be one of my favorite seasons!

There is just something so peaceful about this time of year. Summer makes me want to pack bags and run out the door looking for a new adventure. Fall makes me want to cuddle up with my family or a book and stay home and bake.

Harmony, Grace and Abundance are what my baskets read... They remind me to take time to thank God for all that he gives!

Each year when I pull out my fall decor I find this picture of my sons that I just love. My boys are 16 and 13 now, this picture is of them at a pumpkin patch, around the ages 5 and 2. I was fortunate enough to be a stay at home mom with them at that stage in their lives and I loved every minute of it!

In the fall I like to cover my tables with tablecloths and place more rugs on the floor. I like to make our house feel warm and cozy.

I love the burnt oranges and gold colors of fall.

Now that our house is ready for fall I will patiently await God to paint the trees magnificent colors.

How the house painting turned out...

2011-08-30T13:02:00.000-07:00

It was brought to my attention that I never shared how our new house colors turned out. We went with Sherwin Williams 7508 Tavern Taupe for the main color and 7507 Stone Lion for the trim.

I really like how it turned out.

For the door we used Sherwin Williams 6989 Domino (aka Black).. I just put a fall wreath on it.

And of course whenever I am outside our husky Rio wants to be outside too. :)

Here is a reminder of what it looked like before...

New Rose Garden!

2011-08-25T16:39:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! I bought 5 new rose bushes and am going to plant a rose garden this weekend. The roses are not impressive yet.. but I am hopeful for next year and for years to follow!

I bought 1 climbing and 4 knockout roses.

Here is a little sketch of the garden I am going to make at the back of my yard. I plan to plant them in the shape of an S as this garden is going to be in memory of my sister Sarah. She always loved roses!

If you look real hard you will find a few plants that are still in bloom around my house....(It's surprising anything survived through this hot hot summer!)

Happy Gardening everyone!

Mother's Day brooch

2011-06-01T10:58:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I am just getting around to posting the brooch I received from the Mother's Day swap I participated in, better late than never. I'm actually home sick today so have some extra time on my hands.

Thank you Ellen for the beautiful brooch you sent me! It's just perfect!

And a special thank you to Linda at A Swap for All Seasons for hosting yet another great swap!

Picking an exterior house color, after a hail storm

2011-05-01T15:06:00.000-07:00

I think picking the color of the exterior of your house is as hard as picking the right car to purchase. I am going to be 'stuck' with this decision for a few years at least.

One night in April we experienced a horrible hail storm.

From it we ended up with broken windows, a totaled roof, totaled gutters, damage to our fence and our house now needs to be repainted. Thank goodness for insurance.

We have already had our roof and gutters completely replaced. And have decided since we are painting our house we will make a color change (we were never fond of the green when we bought the house).

Picking a house color is so tough. One of my friends had a house that turned PINK after the house was in the sun for a few years. So I want to be sure I pick a color that is going to look good for years to come. I am thinking gray, white trim (and garage doors) and black door and shutters (we don't have shutters now but I think some may help balance our house out)... Suggestions anyone?

Spring Color

2011-05-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

I wanted to bring some spring colors in my house... you should have seen my husbands disbelief with this one! ;0) He was speechless! I told him I am going to continue paining it different colors with the seasons and I think he was relieved that our step stool wouldn't always be this color.

This color reminds me of the sea. I guess you can say I am missing the ocean. I love bright colors and my walls are warm and neutral. I think we all deserve to have some fun with colors every once in a while don't you? Besides I am the one that uses this stool to get up into my top kitchen cabinets.. he is fortunate enough to be super tall!

Here was the stool before...

Our First Anniversary!

2011-04-30T20:37:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe a year ago we were getting married on the beach in Jamaica!

Yes, more amazing flowers were delivered to my work. I just love this combo.. I only wish they weren't quite so fragrant.

As much as I would have enjoyed going back to Jamaica to celebrate we are waiting until our 5 year to do that so this year we celebrated with an amazing local night out.

We went to one of our favorite restaurants, a Brazilian grill where delectable meats and seafood are served on the skewers in a continuous table side service style called "rodizio". Basically you have a coin on your table and you flip it when you want waiters to parade to your table with different various cuts of beef, pork, lamb, and chicken all skewered which were slow roasted over a wood fired grill. They have a huge side bar that you can visit as much as you want for things like the most delicious mashed potatoes you've ever tasted, veggies, salads, Brazilian beans, breads, soups, and on and on. Needless to say we were stuffed when it came time to eat a bite of cake (made by the same person that made our wedding reception cake).

We tried the restaurant piña coladas but they were nothing like the creamy sweet piña coladas we had in Jamaica. So, for or the first time we attempted to make some of our own using the coconut rum we brought back. They ended up great!

What a great day, what a great year! I love my husband more and more with each passing day, he is truly a gift from God.

I'm back!

2011-03-19T09:12:00.000-07:00

I realize that I have been horrible about posting. Just like the rest of you I have just been so busy! Please don't worry I am not gone for good, I've been doing some great projects and hope to share them with them with you soon!

I joined www.myfitnesspal.com this week. If you are anything like me and always struggling to lose or maintain weight it's a very beneficial website. It has the best food tracker that I have every found!

Have a great weekend!

Tuscan Kitchen Decorating

2011-02-12T06:21:00.000-08:00

I took everything down from above my kitchen cabinets and decided to redecorate with a Tuscan look. By that I mean, what you might find in Tuscany, Italy.

This is how far I am with the decorating...

Looking at these photos makes me realize, I should probably paint that vent the color of my walls so it doesn't stand out as much (photos always tell so much).

I keep my kitchen counters pretty bare as I like to have the space clean and ready to cook and bake with. That means the space above my cabinets is my main area in the kitchen to decorate with.

Do you have space above your kitchen cabinets? If so what do you do with it? How often, if ever, do you change it?

F.R.O.G. "Fully Rely On God"

2011-02-11T16:29:00.000-08:00

My mom has told me for years that a FROG should remind me to Fully Rely On God.

Ironically, a friend of mine brought me this frog cupcake to cheer me up after losing my dear friend. Little did she know how much it would mean to me. It was the perfect time for a reminder to fully rely on God.

She also brought me these azaleas to cheer me up. I am so blessed to have such a great friend! She knows how much I am anticipating spring and these azaleas are not only going to look wonderful in my yard, they are going to remind me for years to come of my friend who just passed away.

Stage IV Colon Caner- Schedule a colonoscopy today!

2011-02-05T03:45:00.000-08:00

IF YOU ARE OVER THE AGE OF 50 OR HAVE ANY FAMILY HISTORY OR INCREASED RISKS OF CANCER SCHEDULE A COLONOSCOPY TODAY (TOMORROW MAY BE TOO LATE)!

This is a photo of my dear friend Lisa (on the left) in December. She was healthy, she was happy.

A month or so later (a few weeks into January) Lisa was hospitalized with pneumonia. On January 21st, 2011 the hospital gave Lisa horrible news, she was told she had stage IV colon cancer. For those of you that don't know Stage IV (4) means that the cancer had already spread.

A few facts about my wonderful friend...

Lisa survived cancer in her 20s. She is a strong woman!
Lisa is not yet 50.

Lisa is the most amazing single mother that ever existed (her sons are currently 12 and 13, this photo is outdated).

Lisa has a fascinating southern charm and a beautiful heart and therefore is loved by MANY (to say the least)!

Out of the past 4 weeks, Lisa has been in the hospital 3 weeks and is currently hospitalized.

Today is Saturday, February 5th. Since January 21st (the day Lisa was informed she has colon cancer) we have learned...

The cancer has spread to her liver where she has at least 12 tumors, the longest 14cms in length.
There are tumors on her lymph nodes.
She hasn't stopped running a temperature which could mean more than an infection, it could be bone marrow cancer as well.
Tests on her kidneys show they have issues as well.
Something has begun to obstruct Lisa's colon, possibly one of the tumors. She can't eat because there is no exit for her waste. A surgeon inserted a stint in her colon. A short lived success, the obstruction is still not allowing enough waste to come through. A new surgery is scheduled for Monday, February 7th to cut some of the colon out and fuse it back together.
In the mean time Lisa has started to have difficulty breathing and her stomach is swelling because of the gases that can't exit (the gas build up is partly caused by the pain medication she is on).
Doctors started investigating into what is pressing on Lisa's diaphragm that is making it hard for Lisa to talk. More bad news a possible tumor is close to her lungs, and more fluid is found on the lungs.
Lisa has also began showing signs of heart issues.

Oh how I love my friend Lisa! I pray daily for a miracle!

IF YOU ARE OVER THE AGE OF 50 OR HAVE ANY FAMILY HISTORY OR INCREASED RISKS OF CANCER SCHEDULE A COLONOSCOPY TODAY (TOMORROW MAY BE TOO LATE)!

Update: Lisa went to heaven on February 9th.

Daydreaming about spring planting..

2011-01-23T14:24:00.000-08:00

We currently have a yard covered in snow with a few more inches on the way, sooooo I am daydreaming about spring planting.

Here is a backyard photo, from a good 10 years ago, at a prior house. (Sorry for the poor quality something odd happened when I scanned the print.)

Oh how I wish when I moved I had taken some of my grandma's iris that I transplanted into that yard.

2011 is going to be a big year for landscaping at our house. Our backyard at this house is just so bare. I really don't know where to start. I planted a perennial garden in the far back corner, you can read around it here and I planted a vegetable garden and herb garden that you are read about here and I planted some wildflowers, read about here. What I think I really needs are some shrubs, a few trees, and maybe a rose garden.

Here was a photo taken of our backyard before any of the above... It's really not much more exciting now. We spend this entire last year finishing the basement and making changes to the inside of our home. Now it's time to put some time into the backyard!

Is anyone else thinking about what they are going to plant this spring?

My 10 favorite things this winter

2011-01-17T19:54:00.000-08:00

My ten favorite things this winter...

1. More time with my sons. I love when they are home and inside!

2. Snuggling with my husband, the most amazing man in the world (no joke!)

3. Hot drinks. (Hot Chocolate, hot tea or the occasional white mocha from Starbucks.)

4. Warm meals.

5. Wearing scarves.

6. The snow! We haven't had enough to complain.

7. The extra downtime because it's too cold to be out and about.

8. Having a fire in the fireplace, so romantic and relaxing.

9. Burning candles.

10. Dreaming about the spring flowers that will be here in a few months.

What are your favorite things this winter?

Roasting a chicken

2011-01-17T17:00:00.000-08:00

So, the truth of the matter is.. I have always been intimidated to purchase an entire chicken to cook. I am always buying bags of frozen chicken bones or fresh chicken already cut up to meet my recipe's need. This weekend I really stepped out of my comfort zone and purchased a full chicken to roast.. and oh was it worth the trouble, it was delicious!

First I had to remove the neck (um the head is gone, couldn't they have at least removed the rest of the neck??) And I had to remove the gizzards, thankfully they weren't attached to anything. After doing those two things and getting past the pieces of hair still attached to the skin (yuck) I was able to finish the job.

The part that looks burnt is actually just the garlic that I removed after the roasting process. I am only posting photos so I can look back and remind myself that it wasn't that hard. Can you believe for a woman in her 30s that loves to cook that this was a first!? With this one chicken I served my family chicken & mashed potatoes for lunch and chicken nachos for dinner!

Antique Ice Skates

2011-01-16T18:48:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I purchased some really old ice skates that were dirty inside and out. I cleaned them up to hang outside our front door. I am going to paint something on them, possibly our family name.

I figured I better get them out there while we have snow on the ground. I hope to have time to paint them sometime this week but at my current blogging rate you may not see them again until the snow melts (sorry!).

2011 Resolutions

2011-01-02T18:08:00.000-08:00

2011 is finally here!!! I say finally because I have been looking forward to 2011 for years. I really like the number one and I like '11' even better. I was extremely happy on 1-1-11 but can hardly wait for 11-11-11. I know it's silly to be so crazy about numbers but I am telling you now, this is going to be a amazing year!

My 2011 new year resolutions include:

Spend as much time as possible with my sons.
Be the best wife imaginable.
Continue to organize- A place for everything and everything in it's place.
Work out at LEAST three times a week and get fit again.
Cook a new recipe once a week.
Volunteer at least twice a month.
Read at least one book a month.
Do more blog writing.
Send birthday cards in the mail to family and friends.
Write a letter at least once a month to someone I care about.
Buy some new spices and try experimenting with them.
Plant lots of flower seeds in the spring.
Work on backyard landscaping.
Sew a quilt.
Travel outside of the country with my family.

Happy 2011!!

Organizational Tip

2010-12-29T19:30:00.000-08:00

Take some time each day this week to clear out your email in-box before the new year. This week I deleted thousands of emails to clear my in-boxes for the new year. Email can be just as annoying as junk mail when you just ignore it and leave it in your in-box unread. Sometimes I tell myself, I'm not interested but maybe another day I will be interested in checking out the sale or whatever it is. The truth of the matter is if I don't read emails when I get them it's usually too late by the time I do get around to them.

So a new year's resolution of mine is to stay on top of emails. I plan to make it a priority to keep my in-box clean and uncluttered. Care to join me?

Photo Ornaments for less than $1.00 each

2010-12-28T19:15:00.000-08:00

Last year a good friend of mine, (Helen) showed me an ornament that a family member had made and gifted to different members of her family. This year I gave it a try and loved the outcome. It was so easy and inexpensive I figured I would share in case anyone wants to give it a try next year (sorry I am just getting around to it but December is such a busy month!). Total cost was less than $1 an ornament.

First I purchased clear bulbs (50% off at Hobby Lobby for course).

Then I made a pdf with different size round photos. I had to guess on the size that would fit in the different size ornaments I purchased. You can practice but printing on regular paper and cutting and inserting into the glass ornament (use tweezers if you get it stuck).

After that I had the pdf's printed at Office Max on transparency paper. This is a clear paper that usually people use on a projector that displays on the screen when light shines through it. I could get about 6 circle photos on one 8.5x11 sheet and it cost me $0.70 for black and white or $1.40 or so for color. Much better in my opinion than buying the pack of 50 sheets for $50 only to print out home using my ink.. My gosh, that would be 300 ornaments worth and a lot of ink!

When you pick them up after they are printed there is white paper behind them. This makes it easy to see that they printed correctly and in my opinion easier to cut into circles.

After you cut them out you roll them up and insert them into the glass ornaments, they just pop open. You only need one per ornament. Note if you cut too small they will rotate in your ornament, this could be a good thing or a bothersome thing.

Then comes the fun part where you get to tie ribbon on them or put fake snow inside them. Next year I might try some colorful beads at the bottom. This year I just used glitter on a few and fake snow on the rest.

As you can see, when the light shine through the photo is visible from both directions.

Good luck!

Flowers

2010-12-16T06:08:00.000-08:00

Have a mentioned lately what a wonderful husband I have? I came home the other night to these beautiful flowers. No occasion or real reason... just a little note that he loves me. December is a busy month for most everyone, how sweet he was to go out of his way to do something special for me when there is so much stuff going on. I'm so blessed!

Our 2010 Christmas Card- Finally ordered!

2010-12-12T19:32:00.000-08:00

Here is the general idea of our Christmas card photo for our cards this year... I ordered the cards on snapfish for 30%off plus free shipping (1208MERRY, expires today). The card has the decorative border around it and says, "Have a Merry Christmas and a GRAND new year!"

Snapfish- Photobooks 50% off

2010-12-11T07:25:00.000-08:00

Snapfish photobooks are 50% off until December 17th with the coupon code 1211MERRY.

What a steal!

Our 2010 Christmas Card

2010-12-04T13:02:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking really hard for months now about what to do for our Christmas card. I really liked how last year's turned out and I'm running out of time to get this years done and mailed.

Here is 2009 card (children names omitted)...

Today I finally decided what to do for our card! I think it may even top last years. ;) Stay tuned...

Christmas Tree is up!

2010-11-28T19:31:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful weekend with my loving family! I finished a perfect weekend by putting our Christmas tree up with my mom before she headed home. Obviously a few lights are out.. so I will be putting a few new strands on. I will probably spend the next week pondering how I am going to decorate it. This will be the first year that I put up two trees in this house and I'm excited about decorating this tree in a special way. The tree is a lot larger than it looks it's 9 foot and super wide! I will be blog-hopping this week looking for ideas. Please leave me a comment if you have photos of your tree posted!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins Recipe

2010-10-17T18:47:00.000-07:00

Another yummy recipe you should try if you like pumpkin!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins the recipe was found here at 'What's for Dinner?' blog.

I made these last week and my family devoured them in minutes. They have the perfect amount of sweetness and an interesting (in a good way) texture. I will be making these again!

Bathroom Cleaning- Organized Bucket

2010-10-10T13:10:00.000-07:00

With 5 bathrooms to clean now (which include 7 sinks, yikes!) I've decided to get my cleaning supplies a bit more organized.

Now I have all of my bathroom cleaning supplies in one bucket so I can just pick it up on the day I have assigned to clean bathrooms and do my rounds.

I have my bucket clearly labeled so no one decides to dump it and use it for another purpose. I also put a laminated "Bathroom Cleaning Checklist" so if anyone else is assigned bathrooms they will know exactly what needs done.

See below for what I am keeping in my bathroom bucket.

First, toilet bowl cleaner and a brush. I used to have a brush by every toilet but then I decided that was just gross. I never got around to disinfecting them all, the bathroom harbors so many germs and I had to move it to sweep and mop around anyhow. So that is the reason I now use one, I can bleach the one when I finish cleaning all of the bathrooms.

Next is my shower and tub cleaner, sponge and expandable scrubbing tool.

Followed by Windex and a squeegee. I have tried many glass cleaners and have never found one I like as well as Windex. And since I use Windex on the facets I like this multi-surface antibacterial Windex best for the bathrooms.

Usually the boys empty all of the trashes in the house but I do keep a baggie of trash bags in case I need to collect trash from the bathrooms (no reason to make multiple trips out with the trash cans I just dump it in a bag and continue filling up the bag). I included rubber gloves in the bucket as well because you will never see me cleaning without them on!

And the last thing I made to keep in the ziplock bag are some reminders to leave behind in the boys bathrooms that I wrote on index cards. Here are examples of the ones I will be using this week.

So there you have it, my bucket of bathroom supplies.

I sweep and mop the bathroom floors every other time I clean the bathrooms (unless they look like they need it!). So if i need to mop I grab my MOP BUCKET.

In my mop bucket I have an all purpose cleaning solution that I use and my mop. I fill this bucket up with hot water and make the rounds after the bathrooms are clean. Since I actually use the bucket I don't keep anything else in it.

What kind of system do you have for cleaning your bathrooms?

Basement Sneak Preview

2010-10-04T20:06:00.000-07:00

I started a new job today and have just been so busy that I haven't had a chance to do the basement reveal. Actually, I still need to do things like make curtains and decorate but here is a sneak preview of how the Basement bar/ Kitchen turned out!

Keep in mind how it looked a few months ago!

It was my first tiling job ever!

And again... now

I hope everyone is well!

Linking to Metamorphosis Monday.

Dinners for the month of October

2010-09-26T15:25:00.000-07:00

I start a new job in 7 days and I couldn't be more thankful for the opportunity. God is so good! In the meantime I am trying to get my house in order and dinners planned for the next month. Yes, you saw that right for the next month. I'm used to having dinner on the table for my family around 5:30 and starting next week I won't even be home until nearly 6. In order to have dinner ready in a snap I am going to have to plan further out as well as do some of the preparation in advance.

This is what I have on my menu list for the month of October, in no particular order:

Meatloaf

Tacos

Potato Soup

Lasagna

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Sloppy Joes

Chicken Pot Pie

Pizza

Bierocks

Green Bean Chili

Salisbury Steak

Hamburger Chili

Chicken Cheese Enchiladas

Cajun Shrimp and Rice

Taquitos

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Spaghetti Pie

Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Rotisserie Chicken

Chicken Nachos

Tostadas

Chicken Wings

Fried Chicken

Ribs

Steak

Chicken Salad on Croissant

Corn Dogs

Upside down day- Breakfast for dinner (biscuits/gravy and bacon)

Hamburgers

Turkey Club Sandwiches

Now it's time to put them in order and plan the shopping list(s). Wish me luck!

Linking to Organized Junkie's Monday Meal Planning.

Score! my $5 resale find

2010-09-21T18:59:00.000-07:00

I have been on the lookout for some of these! Actually just one.. but I was delighted to find a pair. And $5 for both of them?! A steal!

They need a bit of cleaning, but I can hardly wait to use them in my decor! I really like when I find something I am hunting for!

There are garage sales everywhere right now! My house rule is something has to leave for everything that comes in. I have a box of items in my car waiting to be donated. I take this rule seriously. It's actually easier than you think to abide by this rule, there is always a shirt or SOMETHING that is no longer being used. How do you keep yourself from collecting too much stuff?

Linking to2nd Time Around.

Hubby's salmon dinner

2010-09-14T21:02:00.000-07:00

Our week's menu got switched around when the hubby offered to make dinner for me tonight. Salmon is one of the delicious things he bakes and tonight it was as delicious as always.

His secret ingredient...

If you like salmon and this is not in your spice cabinet, go buy some! You will not be disappointed. Salmon, butter and this seasoning is all you need for some wonderful baked salmon. If you have never baked salmon before you can follow the easy baking instructions on the back of the 'Magic Salmon Seasoning' bottle.

I am so grateful for a hubby that offers to make ME dinner for no reason whatsoever.

Linking to Wednesday Gratitude.

Monday Meal Planning

2010-09-13T17:25:00.000-07:00

Here is our menu for this week!

Monday -- Chicken Nachos
Tuesday --Meatloaf w/ mashed potatoes
Wednesday -- Baked Salmon
Thursday -- Spaghetti w/ garlic bread
Friday -- Bierocks
Saturday -- Another attempt at Butter Chicken w/ this yummy naan
Sunday -- Waffle and Bacon Brunch and "Seek and you shall find" for dinner (aka: left overs)

If you missed my post about the Asian home cooking class I hosted this week, check it out here.

Linking to Organized Junkie's Monday Meal Planning.

Blooming Flowers

2010-09-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

It's fall and my flowers are still in full bloom. I'm not complaining, I'm going to just keep on enjoying these flowers which have been blooming for months. I think I only paid $1.19 for the packet of seeds!

Carmel Apples

2010-09-13T07:10:00.000-07:00

I made the cutest little caramel apple bites that I found on Christy's blog.

I used a melon baller and made little bite size caramel dipped apples just like she instructed.

All went well until..... I put them in the fridge for a while and all of the carmel mixed with the apple's juice and became a big gooey yummy mess. Note to self.. eat bite size caramel apples right away.. DO NOT TELL family that they can't have them until later. Serve as soon as they are finished!

Asian Cuisine- Home Cooking Class

2010-09-12T19:59:00.000-07:00

Last night I hosted a cooking class for some of my friends/family that enjoy cooking. Some of the awesome Hmong gals I work with came over to teach us how to make homemade spring rolls, egg rolls and a peanut sauce. Everything was so delicious! After we all helped prepare we sat down and had a nice dinner together.

If you know someone that likes to cook and has a specialty you should try hosting something similar. It's interesting how much you learn.. and how much fun you will have! Two of us bought the ingredients, mainly because I left the Asian store shopping up to to them, and then we just split the total grocery bills between the 10 of us. $5 a person and that included dinner, a night of entertainment and a cooking class... what a STEAL!!

Homemade Serving Stand- Total cost $.98

2010-09-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

I made a cute little homemade serving stand the other day for a total cost of $.98

First I purchased this blue dish for $.49 at a resale store...

And at the same store, during the same trip, I also purchased a white plate for another $.49. I had some left over red spray paint from recent project (that I will be sharing soon) so I used that and sprayed the blue dish red. I just wanted something red to use this fall and winter, I had nothing against the blue.

Next I simply placed the white plate on top. It fit in a way that it wouldn't slip. I did not attach the two so I could take it apart for easy storage.

Linking to Metamorphosis Monday.

Basement-Still coming along

2010-09-12T18:40:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago my hubby and one of his best buddies installed the basement kitchen cabinets. I snapped a photo because I wanted you to see the first thing to go into my new cabinets... their beers!

Then today my dad helped my hubby install the kitchen sink and garbage disposal! Yea!

It's so wonderful to have a great family that is always willing to lend a helping hand. And while the men were at work I had some quality time with my mom.

Next on the list... finishing up the basement bathroom!

Autumn Welcome

2010-09-06T14:49:00.000-07:00

One of the many things I love about pulling out my fall decor is the smell of cinnamon. I usually close my eyes and take in the scent that I haven't had a whiff of in months. It's funny how the mere smell can make me feel so warm inside. Do you have a different smell that affects you in a similar way?

Today when I experienced that warmth I said a prayer for all of the people and things I am thankful for.

Yes, I know it's not Thanksgiving yet and I will be the last to rush you into a holiday that you are not ready for yet. But shouldn't we give thanks all year long?

I have been blessed beyond comprehension! And by that I mean I do not feel deserving of everyone and everything God has given me. You might think I'm just lucky, but it really has nothing to do with luck. Our God is just so amazing, open your heart and you too will be blessed!

With school underway for the boys and the basement nearly completed (photos to follow soon), it is nice to have some time to myself. One thing I enjoy doing with my alone time is curling up with a good book and appreciating the silence. Off to read I go! Happy Autumn everyone!

31 lbs?!

2010-09-01T16:28:00.000-07:00

This morning when my 10th grade son left for school it was raining and I offered him a small umbrella to take along. He said "Mom, I don't have room for anything else, I'd rather just run through the rain."

This afternoon I picked my 6th grader up from school and he was hunched over all the way to my vehicle, I soon realized it was because of the weight of his backpack.

Tonight both of the boys went to hang out with their friends so I decided to see just how much stuff they had in their backpacks. I could not believe how heavy they seemed, so I decided to weigh them. The 10th grader had a book that didn't fit in his backback, I weighed the book and his bag together... 30 lbs! Are you kidding me!? Then I went on to weigh my 6th grade son's backback, 21 lbs!

How ridiculous is that? They aren't carrying anything in those bags that aren't school related.

Both insisted that they didn't have much in the way of homework before leaving for their friends. When they return, I look forward to hearing why they carried so much stuff home if they don't have much homework! Does anyone else worry about the weight our kids lug around these days?

Time to get ORGANIZED

2010-08-27T17:18:00.000-07:00

Because I don't have a single spot left for an icon on my computer desktop...

Because every time I reach into my purse for something, something else falls out...

Because I have so many stacks of paper around my office, it looks as though I'm about to have a bonfire...

Because my new family school year calendar, doesn't have a single thing written on it...

Because last week I forgot about my son's orthodontist appointment, opps...

Because I'm so much happier when things and people are where they are supposed to be...

I have decided to spend some time getting organized this weekend. Whatever you are doing this weekend please know it is WAY more exciting than what I am doing!

Basement Carpet Installed!

2010-08-22T21:27:00.000-07:00

The basement carpet was installed this past Friday and we couldn't be happier with how things are looking.

The stairs which the hubby built look better than we imagined.

The red poles are the next to go, hubby already started boxing them in this evening.

Below is my new 2nd pantry.. Tonight we installed the shelves but I don't have after pics yet, I was too busy filling them!

Here you can see the status of the kitchen cabinets, they are stained but not hung yet. Ignore the hanging wires, those are for speakers that have also yet to be installed.

If you think the basement is almost complete, think again. As you can see by a glimpse into the bathroom, we haven't even started tiling it yet.

I hope everyone is doing well!

A much needed weekend at the Lake!

2010-08-22T21:11:00.000-07:00

After many weeks working on the basement we took a weekend to head to the cabin and relax lake side. We all had a great time and now I feel so recharged!

Junior High and High School- they are growing up way too fast!

2010-08-20T15:52:00.000-07:00

It's a big year at our house! Our sons are now in junior high and in high school. And watch out.. another teen driver on the road. Just kidding, our teen is an EXCELLENT driver! I am so proud of both of my sons, they are just amazing! Welcome to a new school year for all of you that have kids, and the return of all those flashing school zone lights for all of you that don't. :)

More Basement Progress- Stairs and Appliances

2010-08-11T17:17:00.000-07:00

I know it may be hard to see, or at least it is for me since we have so much to still do, but we are making progress on the basement.

Hubby has taken on the stairs all by himself and is doing a great job (remember we are not carpenters, just attempting to be DYIers).

Don't worry when then are completely done I will be posting more pics (the carpet hasn't come in yet, which is a good thing because the stairs have to be ready for the carpet to be installed!)

Today the fridge and dishwasher were delivered.. **Please note the finished tile on the floor!**

Only I'm not quite ready for them...

I spent the day sanding and conditioning the cabinets. Have I ever mentioned how I dislike sanding?? Thankfully an awesome friend came over to assist and promised she would be back later tonight to help stain them (the hubby will be busy finishing the stairs!)

I hope to return with another update real soon!

My first attempt at Tiling- basement kitchen

2010-08-05T06:17:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I haven't been blogging as much, the basement is really taking up my time these days. I started tiling the kitchen area down there. It's coming along really well.

I will say it's the first thing I've done down there that is really taxing on my body. Do you know how just scrubbing the floor on your hands and knees is tiring?? This is very similar but takes a lot longer. Just this first half of the kitchen area took me 6 hours! It's a very slow process, especially if you are particular like me and want it done perfect. In case you are wondering.. I do have help, my hubby is in charge of cutting the tiles with the wet saw outside and bringing them to me. But fortunately for him we planned it out in a way that we have to cut very few tiles (he has only had to cut 8 so far!)

And this is just the step that you mortar it to the ground.. Next I have to go back and grout it all!

Soon I will take a basement break and visit some of your blogs, I promise! Our new fridge and dishwasher are being delivered next week as well as carpet installed (we are not installing the carpet, we do draw a line somewhere), so we're sort of in a time crunch to finish the tiling.

20 Gallons of paint + 2 days = Painted Basement

2010-08-02T14:58:00.000-07:00

We spent the weekend painting the basement! It took 20 gallons of primer/ paint to get it all covered. We carried the neutral color from our first floor down there. We are trying to flow straight into the basement for the consistency.

We are delighted with out well the knock down ceiling turned out.

Next up, the engineering and building of our stairs (since we took out the wall and made a new landing we now need to decide whether we are going to have a step in both directions from the landing and what kind of spindles/ handrail we want. The steps that are currently there are just plywood for temp steps, not carpet ready by any means.

We are also going to start the tiling on the kitchen and bathroom floors this week, hang 4 new doors and wrap the metal poles from the support beams. The cabinets are in our garage calling my name but the staining will have to wait until next week (sure would like to get them up though so I don't have to look at all of these cutouts on the wall).

Linking to Metamorphosis Monday

Basement Progress

2010-07-27T20:30:00.000-07:00

Our basement is now now mudded and tapped. Next step.. lots of primer and paint.

To be followed by doors, tile, carpet, trim, cabinetry, furniture and on and on... We are so excited for the end result and the added 1,100 sq feet of living space!

And just in case anyone is wondering.. yes we are going to box in the red support poles. That will happen when we get to the trim and detail.

When I need reminding how far we have already come, I look at the BEFORE pics...

Indian Naan- a keeper recipe!

2010-07-26T17:45:00.000-07:00

If you have never tried Indian Naan (pronounced 'non') you are missing out! Make it and try it today.

I am most often a fan of any bread that is fresh and warm and naan is just that. It's a type of flatbread, which is usually cooked on a grill or oven baked but I cooked mine right on a skillet and it was wonderful! I've made two batches of it already, it's been approved by every member of our household. Even with just four of us, that is a rare accomplishment.

So here is the recipe which I think is even better than the Indian restaurant I frequent.

Naan

Ingredients:

1 pouch of active dry yeast (.25 ounce)

1 cup warm water, not too warm, don't want to kill the yeast

1/4 cup white sugar

3 T of milk

1 egg, slightly beaten

2 tsp salt

4+ cups of bread flour

2 cloves worth of minced garlic (optional)

1/4 cup butter, melted

2 tsps olive oil, if you are cooking on a skillet like I did.

Directions: In a large bowl dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand about 10 minutes. Stir in sugar, milk, egg, salt and majority of flour. Knead for 6-8 minutes on a slightly floured surface, just until smooth. Place the dough in a slightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth and set aside to rise. Let it rise for 1 hour until the dough is larger in volume.

Punch down the dough and knead in the garlic. Pinch off small handfuls of dough, about the size of an egg. Roll into balls and place on a tray. Cover with a towel and allow to rise for about 30 minutes.

Prepare your skillet with olive oil and bring to medium-high heat. Next to your skillet roll out one ball of dough into a thin circle. Place dough in skillet, cook for 2-3 minutes or until puffy and lightly browned (think of a pancake). Brush the uncooked side with the melted butter and flip over. Brush the cooked side with butter and cook until browned, another 2-3 minutes. Remove from the skillet and continue the process until all the naan is prepared. Keep what you have cooked somewhere warm (I stick on a plate in microwave and add to the plate as I go.) Serve warm!!

Monday Meal Planning

2010-07-26T05:33:00.000-07:00

Last week's meals were yummy.. and it's Monday Meal planning time again. Can I just repeat last week's menu?

We had this yummy Chinese Salad..

Delicious Ham fried rice..

A few very sweet desserts.

I made a trip to the Indian grocery store and attempted to make butter chicken. I say attempted because although it was Indian butter chicken that is served at some restaurants, it was NOT the butter chicken I love at my favorite local restaurant. I am in search for a better recipe.

However, I will say the Naan that I made for the first time turned out awesome! I would be happy to share that recipe it anyone is interested. It's an Indian bread that you eat while warm.

Okay, here goes... This weeks menu:

Monday- Steamed crab legs served with potatoes.

Tuesday- Homemade Mac and Cheese (we had the best mac and cheese at a reception over the weekend and I'm going to try to recreate it).

Wednesday- Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Corn

Thursday- Leftovers

Friday- Date night (aka eating out)

Saturday- BBQ Ribs (since we didn't get to it today)

Sunday- Homemade Pizzas

Linking to Menu Plan Monday

Gap Creek by Robert Morgan

2010-07-21T18:46:00.000-07:00

I started a new book this week, so far it's good and I'm hooked. Has anyone read it, Gap Creek by Robert Morgan?

Does anyone else out there in blogland have reading habits like me?

When I go to bed I don't just take one book I take at least 3. I guess I just can't make my mind up on what I want to read or maybe I just want to read it all! What I do is flip through a few gardening books, a magazine or something, read a few pages of a novel or Simple Abundance and get too tired to keep my eyes open.

And next to my bed is my end table which often gets stacked with books that over flow to a stack on the floor. I think a need to stop reading in bed and designate a reading chair so I can actually stay awake and get some reading done for a change.

Meal Planning Monday- Again, trying out some new recipes

2010-07-19T05:19:00.000-07:00

Monday- Basil Cream Spaghetti and meatballs. This is very easy, it just consists of cooking your spaghetti sauce with a 1/2 of block of cream cheese and some fresh basil. Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles and meatballs.

Meat Balls (tried and true): Ingredients- 1 lb lean ground beef, 1 egg, 1/2 cup crumbled bread

(I use whatever bread I have on hand), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic salt

Preheat over to 350, combine all, except meat in large bowl. Add meat and mush with your fingers to combine. Form into 1" meatballs, place on a broiler pan (so oil drips away from balls) in oven. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes until meat is no longer pink in middle. Cool and freeze if you want to save for another day, or serve.

Tuesday- Chinese Cabbage Salad and Chicken Fried Rice.

Someone brought this salad to work last week and it was so good, I decided I will make some for the family.

Chinese Cabbage Salad: Ingredients- 5 green onions, chopped*; 1/4 cup margarine*, 1/2 cup sunflower seeds*, 1 small bag of sliced almonds*, 2 pkgs crushed ramen noodles*. (*you will saute these first ingredients until light brown). Then you will mix 1 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup white wine vinegar, 1 cup sugar, 2 tsp soy sauce. (Shake these last 4 ingredients before serving). Serve both the first ingredients and the dressing over 1 Full Head of Chinese cabbage, chopped.

Wednesday- I will be out of the house this evening and also fasting for appointment the following morning so the hubby will probably make his specialty, omelets for him and the boys.

Thursday- I will be attempting to make for the first time every my favorite dish, Indian Butter Chicken. YUM, YUM, YUM. I sure hope it turns out! I will be serving it over rice along with homemade Naan which I am also attempting to make for the first time.

Friday- Hamburger and Bratwurst on the grill served with a Strawberry Spinach Salad.

Saturday- Leftovers for lunch and we have a wedding reception to attend in the evening.

Sunday- Hubby's melt in your mouth smoked BBQ ribs, weather permitting!

I also have a few desserts on my wish list to make this week, my Aunt Mary's Kolache Cookies, Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, and Strawberry Cream Pie. I prefer baking over cooking any day of the week, if only we could live on sugar and flour (I know, I know, that's a horrible idea)..

Oh and P.S. I started drinking coke again. :( Do you see how sneaky I was getting that out there! It is just so addictive!

Check out Menu Plan Monday at Organized Junkie for a BUNCH of menu plans!

New Inexpensive Perennial Garden

2010-07-18T11:06:00.000-07:00

My new perennial garden (photo taken in harsh sun, but I was excited to show you)..

If you keep your eyes open a lot of stores are starting to close out their flowers and not just annuals, perennials too. The perennials they are closing out really need to get in the ground and may not have the best show this year.. but next year.. and the year after... and years to come, they will be beautiful!

A friend of mine ran across a huge variety marked down to $1 each! I'm not sure if she was just thinking about me or overwhelmed by the 40+ plants that she had in her garage that needed to get in the ground, but she shared! ;)

I had a corner of my backyard that was boring and needing some attention. Okay, yes most of my backyard is boring, but we've gone over that before. We bought the house 1 year ago and we can't do EVERYTHING at once.

So after shopping in my friends garage, (which I have done many times) I ended up with a great variety of perennials. Tickseed, catmint, speedwell, cooky, jacobs ladder, salvia, columbine, etc

I thought I better add a shrub in the mix so I picked up a beautiful hibiscus (our Home Depot has all shrubs 50% off), for $7.50.

It turned out very nice, but I want to fast forward to next year and see them all in bloom.

I moved my angel from my wild flower garden because those flowers grew so tall they were hiding it.

Happy Gardening!

Mexican Meat Loaf- I suggest you try it!

2010-07-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

We tried a new recipe this weekend, orginally cut out of a magazine (I think the March issue of BH&G). It turned out very good, so good that I didn't get a chance to take photos. I changed a few things to cater to our family, so if you want the original recipe which included onions check out the magazine.

Ingredients:
3 eggs
1 can (12 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup crushed tortilla chips
3 cloves of garlic
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp. chili powder
dash of salt and black pepper
1 lb. ground beef
1 lb. ground pork
1 cup frozen whole kernel corn
3/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeno peppers, shredded

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In large bowl combine lightly beaten eggs, crushed tomatoes, and tortilla chips.
Stir in garlic, cumin, chili powder and dash of salt and dash of pepper. Add beef, pork and corn; mix well. Shape into a loaf and bake at 350 degrees F for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. Sprinkle with cheese and let melt in over before removing. I served it with tortilla chips, sliced alvocado and salsa.

Pizza on a Stick

2010-07-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

I just adore Christy over at From Glitter to Gumdrops, when I need something fun to make I head straight to her blog. I saw her Pizza on a Stick a while back and I knew I'd give them a try when the right time arose. Well, I finally have a good occasion to share them so tonight I tried them out.

Check out her recipe and DON'T cook them on foil like I did. Foil and cheese are like glue and paper.

They make for a pretty good snack food. And they are very unique! Thanks for sharing Christy!

My newest find- $15 at an estate sale

2010-07-15T16:14:00.000-07:00

I meant to share this with you last week. I picked this baby up at an estate sale for $15. Isn't he cute?? He is going to be getting a makeover soon. Stay tuned.

Linking to Thrifty Thursday.

A Sneak Preview- Our messiest home improvement project yet!

2010-07-08T16:35:00.000-07:00

We are in the process of finishing our basement where we will have 1,100 new square feet of living space. The space is to include: full bathroom, full kitchen/ bar, media/theater room, gym, a second pantry and some storage space.

We never expected to go from this..

To this (what a mess)...

But eventually we got to this...

We all know, not all things go as planned. We learned when you buy a house with a basement plumbed for a bathroom, you should ask some questions about what exactly that means.

My favorite part so far has been when my hubby took down the wall along the stairs and made a new landing to open it all up. Unfortunately, I have a tacky before photo because that is where I stacked up some of the stuff we were storing in the basement when we started the project. However, here is before...

And after...

As you can see we are currently in the drywall phase and have a ways to go to completion.

We have also made a lot of progress from where we began.

Below may not look like much to you but it is where our future downstairs kitchen will be.

I hope to have some finished photos to share with you soon, stay tuned! If you have a finished basement and have suggestions, please comment! Or comment if you just want to say hello.

Linking to Strut your Stuff Thursday, Transformation Thursday, Show off your Stuff Party, Home and Family Friday.

Antique dresser refinshed!

2010-07-06T19:26:00.000-07:00

Do you remember back in January when I told you that we were gifted a dresser that once belonged to my husband's great grandmother? The one that looked like this BEFORE I began to work on it...

I am happy to report, after stripping it, sanding, sanding, sanding it, staining it, not liking it, staining it, still not liking it, priming it and painting, painting, painting it... It's finally done!

Benjamin Moore black paint in eggshell finish is my new best friend.

Linking to Metamorphosis Monday
and DIY Project Parade

Meal Planning Monday- Some New Recipes

2010-07-05T17:12:00.000-07:00

This is my first week joining Organizing Junkie for her Meal Planning Monday.

Here is my meal plan for the week..

Monday- Tacos

Tuesday- Bierocks

Wednesday- Sloppy Joes

Thursday- Leftovers

Friday- friend's wedding rehearsal dinner

Saturday -friend's wedding

Sunday- Shrimp Alfredo

Is it obvious hamburger meat is on sale in our area?

And now for some keeper new recipes I've recently tried.

Mango Pico de Gallo

Ingredients:

3 cups small mango cubes

2 large jalapeno peppers, chopped (seeds removed)

1/2-3/4 cup chopped cilantro

1 med size red onion, chopped

juice of 2 limes

Just mix the ingredients and store in the fridge in a jar overnight before serving with tortilla chips. My hubby hates onions and somehow really likes this recipe a lot.

Corned Beef Cream Cheese Spread

Ingredients:

2 - 8 oz. softened cream cheese

1 1/2 package- Buddig Corned Beef, chopped

1 tsp onion powder (recipe called for 1/2 of a onion chopped, by the hubby hates onions)

1/2 cup chopped green olives (more or less depending on the taste you want)

2 Tbsp Miracle Whip or Mayo

Mix it all together and refrigerate before serving. This is a recipe from a lady at my work and I think it is just delicious! Great served with Ritz Crackers or bread.

Moink Balls

I found this recipe in my local newspaper, it's a keeper. It said it is from "BBQ Makes Everything Better". I tripled the recipe when I made it and cooked half in the oven and half on the grill (grill was better!)

Ingredients

12 precooked italian-style meatballs (I made mine from scratch, I'll share that recipe on another day)

6 strips bacon, cut in half

1 Tbsp brown sugar

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 cup barbecue sauce

1/2 cup grape jelly

Wrap each meatball with a half strip of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Combine the brown sugar and cayenne pepper and sprinkle over the bacon-wrapped meatballs. Smoke over indirect heat at 250 degrees for about 1 hour until the bacon is done to your liking (you can also use direct heat on a grill for 10-15 minutes but this method requires close attention (this is what I did with half, the other half I cooked in the oven at 350 until the bacon was crispy.) Bacon grease is highly flammable, so you will need to rotate the meatballs constantly to prevent scorching. While the Moink balls are cooking, combine the barbecue sauce and the grape jelly in a saucepan and heat until blended. (opps I missed that heat stage, I just whisked them together.) Five minutes before removing the balls from the smoker, baste them with the glaze. Serve immediately. (or eat them later straight from the fridge, that is how my mom liked them best!)

Watermelon Sugar cookies

I can't remember where I found this recipe originally (one of the blogs I follow but for the life of me I couldn't figure out which). So... I had to google for it and found a the recipe here.

The sugar cookie ingredients from this link made a pretty good dough, I'm going to use it again for just plain iced sugar cookies. I've been hunting for a fluffy sugar cookie recipe for years. 3/4 cups all purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup butter or margarine, softened, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs, 2 tsp vanilla extract. Refriderate dough for 2 hours before rolling.

My 5 nieces ages 9 and under really enjoyed these watermelon cookies and they were very fitting for the 4th of July. For some reason my mom didn't believe me when I told her I made them (really not sure why.. she knows I love baking!)

Chocolate Chip Icing (sorry no picture)
I always hate when I am out of a tub of chocolate icing and can't make a chocolate cake or cupcakes because of it. I finally found a good alternative since I do usually have chocolate chips on hand.
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup milk
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (about a half of bag)

Directions:

Combine all ingredients except chocolate in saucepan over medium high heat. Stir constantly until melted. Bring to a boil for 1 minute, still stirring. Remove from heat. Add in chips and stir until completely melted. Spread on cooled cake.

Happy cooking/baking!

Today's Resale Finds = $20.00

2010-06-30T20:34:00.000-07:00

My favorite is this lamp that I scored for $4.99 It's has this neat glass ball in the middle and is pretty unique. It even has another glass ball to hold the shade on.

This frame is already sitting on my counter with a coat of primer. Next week it will be hosting a new family portrait. This weekend we are scheduled with a dear friend, for family portraits with my parents and my brother's family.

Once upon a time I really liked gold, not so much anymore.

I've already worked this birdhouse into my decor. Things have to blend in before the hubby gets home you know! I will show you were I put it on another day.

I thought these plates would make for some good chargers in an upcoming tablescape. I just am loving how versatile white dishes are!

My hubby thinks this lamp is the ugliest thing that ever existed, and you might agree if you don't have 'transformation eyes' like I do. Just you wait! In the next few weeks I will have a post about this lamps rebirth!

For $1.99 each I just couldn't pass these large tins up. Do you see, the top one even says 'cold drinks' on it? They are in perfect condition!

What a steal, all of that for $20.00!

Linking up to Thrifty Thursday, Show your Stuff off Party

Garden themed Bridal shower a success

2010-06-28T15:48:00.000-07:00

My balloon lady/ friend taught me how to make these balloon flowers. Aren't they just adorable? They take about 5 minutes each to do but they were very fitting for a garden themed bridal shower.

I put some on the front porch right before the guests arrived. I also decorated with fresh flowers throughout the house (just didn't seem to get pictures of them).

I used my friend's chocolate fountain again, I think at this point I have used it more than she has! I just love the thing, probably because I like chocolate so much.

We played a few games including splitting up into groups and designing wedding dresses out of paper towels, toliet paper and tape with a 10 minute time limit. This is what our brides looked like. Trashy eh?

Another fun thing that we did was wrote down phrases the bride said while she was opening her presents without her knowing and after she was all done we passed around the list and each person read one of her phrases after saying.. "This is what Nida will say on her wedding night..." It was VERY funny taking what she said out of context. Here is the soon to be bride listening and highly embarrassed. ;)

Check out what I put my gift in. I found this at Home Goods and it's made out of recycled magazines. My friend (the soon to be bride) is big into making things out of other things so I thought she would like this. It even had the little chalk board tag already on it.

To drink I served lemonade, fruit punch, bottled water and June Bugs (recipe here).

To eat I served crackers and cheese, fresh veggies with ranch dipping sauce, the chocolate fountain with lots of dipping items including fresh fruit and for her cake I made Banana Split Cake, which was perfect for a steamy hot day! Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture before it was half way eaten, sorry!

Here is the recipe if you want to give it a try...

Banana Split Cake
serves 15

Ingredients:
2 cups crushed graham crackers
1 stick margarine
2-8 oz. pkgs of cream cheese (softened)
1- 1lb box powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
5 bananas
1- 20oz crushed pineapple
8oz cool whip
optional 1 cups chopped pecans for topping
optional 1 small far mar cherries for topping

Instructions: Combine melted margarine and graham cracker crumbs. Press into bottom of 9x13 pan/ dish. Combine softened cream cheese, powered sugar and vanilla. Blend until smooth; spread over crust. Slice bananas over cream cheese mixture, then spoon pineapple over bananas. Spread Cool Whip over all and top with pecans and halved cherries if desired. Refrigerate overnight before serving.

Garden Update- Wild flowers & red tomatoes

2010-06-22T16:55:00.000-07:00

It's always fun when you throw wild flower seeds down to see what comes up. To me when it's bloom time it's like opening present after present.

My wild flowers are just starting to bloom.

I find this orange one to be very pretty. I'm intrigued by the tiny looking flowers on the inside.

This pink one is just opening up, interesting.

This blue one looks like a little firework (fitting for the approaching 4th of July).

These very tiny white ones look like little butterflies.

And this one looks like a little orchid.

I challenge you to look closer at your wild flowers and really examine them. There is so much beauty in those little buds.

The vegetable garden is coming right along, it is nice to finally see some red tomatoes.

My pear shaped cherry tomatoes are coming right along as well.

I had to remind myself what they were after they started forming.

I recently planted three .60 azaleas. Yes, you saw that right. I bought three 2.5 gallon azaleas at Lowe's for .60 each. I have no idea what color they will be, but in the very back corner of our property they will be perfect no matter the color. And I noticed while I was out there that we need to weedeat around the border of this bed. I also bought another plant for .60 but I have no idea what it is. It just says 'accent plant' on the tag and it has the most amazing peach flowers (only problem is they last for exactly 1 day and then fall off), and today there were not any completely open blooms to show you a picture off.

I planted some additional flowers in my hubbies new front flower bed. I figured it could use some more color until it starts filling in some more. The shrub next to his stone is a weigela and will eventually be 5 feet x 5 feet.

I'm linking to An Oregon Cottage's Tuesday Garden Party, and Shabby Nest

The real reason...

2010-06-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

Here is the real reason for the new front flower bed, a father's day gift for my husband. Yes, what other than something KU! My husband is a wonderful father to my two sons and we couldn't be more lucky then to have him in our lives. Happy Father's Day cupcake.

I didn't get to spend Father's Day with my dad today because we live a few hours apart but I get to spend a few days with him real soon (and am looking forward to it). Happy Father's Day to the best dad a girl can have! I love you dad!

My new Chandelier -for a whopping $10!

2010-06-20T10:59:00.000-07:00

Remember when I told you back in January that I dream of having a crystal chandelier? (http://creativeinkansas.blogspot.com/2010/01/i-want-crystal-chandelier.html) I didn't get a crystal one.. (some day!) However, I did get a new chandelier for my dining room and it cost me a whopping $10 at a yard sale!

I had already taken the light fiture that came with the house down and painted it black. Which means the light fixture in this room has come down twice in the past year. My hubby said this one has to stay for a while.. I guess i will just have to figure out how to add some crystals to it! ;)

Here is the old one, not bad, but not as formal looking as the new one.

What do you think of my switcheroo?

P.s. Day 6 without diet coke, starting to crave it less.

New Front Garden

2010-06-19T16:28:00.000-07:00

I added a new flower garden in the front of our house today. It's a lot larger then it looks in the photo. It's raised so it's hard to see the island shape of it.

I was attempting to tie the tree on the front corner of our lot, and add a place for some daylillies and a father's day gift for my hubby from my sons (I'll post soon about that).

Also note the new birdbath closer to the house.

I really hate pulling up healthy grass but at the same time I really like flowers! ;) P.S. This is day 5 without diet coke, amazingly not a single headache (of course this is the first day I felt like doing something other than sleep!)

I said goodbye on Monday to my biggest vice...

2010-06-16T17:40:00.000-07:00

Vice: –noun

a fault, defect, or shortcoming

You might think it's not a big deal, but to me it is. I drank on AVERAGE over 2 liters a day. Yes, I said on average, some days I drank a whole lot more than that!

Years ago I drank regular coke and the day I switched to diet I almost could feel the weight fall off me. What was I thinking drinking all those calories?!

Well, now I find myself in my 30s questioning how good these artificial sweetners and all of these chemicals are for me. Remember, I am trying to live a balanced life here. Something is not right when the first thing that pops in my head in the morning is having a diet coke. It is seriously what motivates myself to roll out of bed in the morning for.

Here is what I spend on average for my diet coke each day...
$1.08 morning stop at McDonalds for a 32 oz. diet coke
$1.25 mid morning bottle of diet coke from machine at the office
$1.50 avg cost of diet coke for lunch
$.75 1/2 of a 2 litter of diet coke at home in the evening
Daily average= $4.58
Yearly= $1,672 (Wow, what will I do with that extra money!?! Spend it on something else I'm sure.)

Today is the end of my 2nd day without diet coke. I am soooooo tired! But other than that am doing remarkably well. I've been drinking water at the times I usually drink coke (not quite as motivating to wake up to the in the morning!)

Anyone else out there addicted to diet coke??

One Million Pillowcase Challenge- Join me?

2010-06-09T20:28:00.000-07:00

Remember this material I bought back in February without a purpose?

It now has a purpose! I am going to be part of the "One Million Pillowcase Challenge". Basically you make pillowcases and donate them to local charities. Who doesn't want to sleep on a clean new pillow case of their own? I think I will donate the ones I make to a womens shelter.

Some of the donation suggestions for the challenge include:

•Operation Support for Deployed Military

•Department of Human Services

•Child Welfare Services

•Nursing homes

•Oncology units

•Women’s shelters

•Youth shelters

•Runaway shelters

•Hospice centers

•YMCA’s

•YWCA’s

•Red Cross

•United Way

•Ronald McDonald House

•Veteran’s clinics/hospitals

•Missions

•Transitional Residences

•Victims of fires

•Victims of hurricanes

•Victims of floods

•Church World Service

•Lutheran Refugee Services

•Catholic Charities

•Pediatric Surgery Centers of local hospitals

Check out this girl who is going to hand out these 47 pillowcases at her upcoming 1 month hospital stay...

More details here..

Or these ladies who made 64 pillowcases to donate to a nursing home...

More details here...

Care to join me? Read all about the challenge here: http://allpeoplequilt.com/millionpillowcases

There are even free fun patterns on their website.

Wednesday Gratitude & White Wednesday

2010-06-09T05:50:00.000-07:00

My grandmother "Baba" turned 80 last weekend and this was one of the beautiful arrangments that arrived at her house.

How grateful I am to still have my grandmother at her age. She is an amazing woman and the glue to our family. We all sat around and told stories about how she influenced each of our lives.

It was also my brother's birthday weekend. He received a different kind of flower arrangement (which I think is great!) It is carnations in a mug full of yellow glass stones, water, and a little foam looking stuff at the top (meant to resemble a beer or a float).

Linking up to Wednesday Gratitude and White Wednesday.

Organizing Restaurant Coupons

2010-06-08T15:06:00.000-07:00

First just let me say, I HATE eating out without a coupon. That is why it's important to me to keep our restaurant coupons organized, so it's easy to find one when we need one. To keep track of these coupons our family keeps a notebook (with clear protectant pages) to store them in.

This is not the three ring binder type. It's just one solid notebook with the pages built in (portfolio style)

The notebook also houses all of the menus of places that we enjoy eating at (but does not store any other type of coupons). If we have a coupon for that restaurant it sits in front of the menu. As we get new coupons in the mail I just swap out the old for the new.

When we are having dinner out we can flip through the book and decide on what makes our tummies sing the most. And this style of notebook makes it easy for use to grab if we are headed to a movie and aren't sure where we will eat afterwards (nothing falls out!).

At the back of the notebook we keep the stray coupons, of places that we would like to try sometime. Rule #1 for this book is we never put a coupon in that we have no interest in using. Just because it's a restaurant coupon, does not mean it's going to make it in our book. I always keep a few choice coupons in my wallet too, just in case! I told you I hate to eat out without a coupon right?!

How do you keep your restaurant coupons organized?

Linking to: Lucky Linky Tuesday, Take a Look Tuesday, Lettting the Creative Tuesday Juices Flow, and Toot your Horn Tuesday,

First salad from the garden!

2010-06-07T19:04:00.000-07:00

Tonight we enjoyed our first salad from our home garden. The tomatoes aren't ripe yet, so it consisted of a few types of lettuce, some homemade croutons and some chicken tenderloins hot off the grill. How nice it is to snip off just how much lettuce we need for dinner and not be wasteful!

Remember, this is coming from that 4x4 foot garden I planted new this year. It's just so easy to mantain.

Linking to DIY project parade, Mad Skills Monday.

Birthday Gift- 4 1/2 hour assembly time?!

2010-06-03T06:08:00.000-07:00

Today is my son's 12th birthday, and for his gift we purchased him a basketball goal.

Last night we thought we would sneak out and put it together real quick so it would be all ready for him to find this morning. Well, real quick turned into 4 1/2 hours! Try sneaking outside for that long! I put my 15 year old in charge of entertaining him! He said it was a very hard task, because not only were we taking a long time, we were also making a lot of noise!

Who would have guessed something that looks so simple would take soooo long to put together. We didn't even have any issues. Well, except those 5 times when we thought they had forgotten to put such a vital part in the box. "How could they do that?! We NEED that part, if we don't have that part we can't put it together. Oh, how disappointing, why can't they just get everything in the box! Rrr, there aren't even any more at the store, nothing we can do... OH, THERE THE PART IS!" The first part we couldn't find, the hubby ended up finding at the bottom of the driveway where it had rolled, the other 4.. just highly disquised. ;)

It's possible I am just pessimetic. Anytime I ever had put something together I've always worried that something would be missing. Does anyone else do that?

'June Bug'- a cold yummy southern drink

2010-06-01T18:12:00.000-07:00

At the pool this afternoon I was flipping through one of my favorite magazines, Better Homes and Gardens. In this June issue, I ran across this yummy southern drink called 'June Bug'. I figured if nothing else my family would enjoy the name, so I fixed us each a glass tonight. It turned out good enough to share the recipe.

Here is what you need for 4 servings:
3 cups giner ale
4 Tbsp. grenadine
4 Tbsp. orange juice
3 scoops orange sherbert
(for alcohol version add 1/2 cup white rum)

The boys had virgin drinks, the hubby and I had the rum in ours. It's good both ways. You just blend it all together and pour into ice-filled cocktail glasses. I suggest you give it a try!

As promised- Before and After Kitchen Hardware

2010-05-31T13:19:00.000-07:00

I showed you last week how I spray painted all my kitchen hardware and promised some before and after photos after they were all hung back up.

My hardware once was white and brass as in these first few photos.

Now my hardware is a textured brown.

The inspiration for my hardware color came from my granite and backsplash.

What an easy and inexpensive update. The photos really don't give this change justice! I am currently attempting to darken my cabinet color. The first process and product I tried didn't work out. But there is hope! Yesterday, I found a blogger who had a similar color in her bathroom and darkened the color without much sanding. Check out her post here, Budget Bathroom Makeover.

Linking to: Metamorphis Monday, DIY Project Parade, and Mad Skills Monday

Inexpensive Kitchen Update

2010-05-25T15:20:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to replace my kitchen hardware since we moved in. We have beautiful granite countertops, an amazing backsplash and sadly, builders grade brass and white hardware that don't match at all.

I found knobs but I just could not find pulls that went well with the knobs and for a $300+ investment, I wanted to find the perfect hardware. Well, in the mean time I got really tired of looking at the old hardware so I decided to spray paint them. To my delight they turned out great! After they are all dry and I'm done with a new finish on the wood in my kitchen I will show you them up and how well they coordinate with everything! I like them so much I may just stop my search for new hardware. What a great deal for less than $10 in paint and they have some wonderful texture and up close do not in any way just look like I spray painted them!

Linking to Motivate me Monday, Lucky Linky Tuesday, Take a Look Tuesday, Letting Creative Juices Flow Linky Party, Toot your Horn Tuesday, Anything Related Tuesday, DYI Project Parade, Mad Skills Monday, Boardwalk Bragfest

A photo story of our weekend camping trip

2010-05-24T05:51:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Kahlua Cake

2010-05-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

If you like chocolate like I do, this is a great recipe! A friend gave it to me about 10 years ago.

Chocolate Kahlua Cake

1 package devil's food cake mix
1 1/2 cups sour cream

3/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup Kahlua (the alcohol will cook out and the flavor will stay)

2 eggs

1 (3.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix

powdered sugar for dusting on finished cake
or a tub of chocolate icing

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Spray pam in a 12 cup bundt pan.
Combine all cake ingredients in a large bowl.
Beat with mixer about 2-3 minutes. (it's very thick!)
Spoon into bundt pan.
Bake about 45 minutes or until tester comes out clean.
Cool 15 minutes.
Remove from pan.
When cool, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle chocolate icing over it.

Refrigerate for best flavor (Kahlua flavor gets stronger the longer it sits).

Candy Buffet Anyone?

2010-05-21T13:27:00.000-07:00

I've been putting the finishing touches on the candy buffet for my son's candy themed party. I have some games planned and the kids will earn play money to use at the 'candy store' before they leave for home.

The garden is coming to life

2010-05-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

The garden is coming to life, even with the lack of sun.

I ended up with the following in it:

3 varieties of tomatoes,

2 varieties of bell peppers

5 varieties of lettuce,

cabbage,

cauliflower,

lots of strawberries,

garlic,

rosemary, thyme, parsley, oregano, basil, and sage.

Take a guess who the first one in the pool was?!

2010-05-21T12:57:00.000-07:00

Yep, my son was the first one at our neighborhood pool when it opened today. He had no concerns that the sun had not been out in over a week and that the water temperature was timid (to say the least). He happily jumped right in!

Set for two..

2010-05-19T18:33:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else just love when peonies are in bloom?! I used some of the glass bottles I've started to collect and a few handpicked peonies to create a simple but elegant centerpiece for our table.With the flower centerpiece I figured it was a good time to pull out my feminine china which has some pretty pink flowers of it's own.

I'm linking up to Between Naps on the Porch - Tablescape Thursday, where I am constantly amazed by the beautiful tablescapes. There are so many creative people, including the host, that really inspire and motivate me!